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Post by haoareu86 on Mar 10, 2005 0:03:08 GMT 1
what do i do if after windows starts loading (after you put in ur password at the welcome screen) and after the icons and whatnot start appearing the whole screen just goes black. The monitor acts as if the comp has been turned off (the light blips on the power button), but the power is actually still on. Is it a virus?
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Post by Graeme Houston on Mar 13, 2005 8:32:56 GMT 1
Which version of windows do you have?
Second of all, do you know how to get into Safe Mode?
It could be a virus, or it could be some other software problem, or a problem with hardware. I know this doesn't narrow it down too much. Once you get back to me with the version of windows, I will give you instructions on how to enter safe mode. With more instructions on what to look for.
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Post by Graeme Houston on Mar 16, 2005 5:13:45 GMT 1
To elabourate a little, going into safe mode will see if it loads ok using the minimal graphics mode.
Could you also give me an idea of the machines specification along with the Operating System?
Or if you've managed to fix it, please let me know what the problem turned out to be. It could help others who have a similar problem. (since this thread is coming up close to the top, under the search string [ "screen just goes black" after boot ] via Google)
It's not a very common problem, hence a rarity of information about it on the net. But with more information I can speak to some people I know, who work in technical help desks. They are likely to have seen similar probs.
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Post by Martha Birch on Sept 18, 2005 19:22:41 GMT 1
Hi graeme don't have a computer problem as such I'm looking for some advice on buying a laptop computer what would you recommend. I'm at K.C. doing full time H.N.C. S.S. so want a really good one that will last me for a few years. Appreciate any advice.
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Post by Graeme Houston on Sept 20, 2005 6:55:19 GMT 1
Hi Martha, Sorry for the delay, was in Bangkok, Thailand.
Ok, first thing to remember about buying a computer is to make sure it has tons of RAM.
Most people believe that it's the processor that matters and get the fastest one they can, but this is not the case.
You see, the processor rarely has to run flat out. In most cases, to get everything it has to do, done; it will only be running at abour 20 - 30% of what it is capable of. (unless your playing really high end games).
But if you don't have enough memory, then the computer will put what it can't hold in RAM onto the hard disk (in Virtual Memory). When it does that, it doesn't matter how fast your processor is, because the processor will have to wait for the information it needs to come off of the hard disk and back into RAM before it can do anything.
Go for a minimum of 512MB (Megabytes) of RAM. 1GB (Gigabyte) would be ideal.
Processor. Not less that 1.6GHz (Gigahertz). (You don't need the fastests though, lots of memory will help the laptop to run quick and smooth).
Battery life is very important on a laptop. Try to get one that has at least 3 hours or so.
Make sure you get at least a 40GB Hard drive. If you will be using internet, then more would be better to store downloads, music, video, etc.
a built in wifi card could be very usefull as more and more wireless hotspots are appearing.
Anyway if you can tell me exactly what you would be using it for, and roughly what your budget is, I can tell you exactly what you need.
Thanks.
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Post by Graeme Houston on Sept 20, 2005 7:02:43 GMT 1
PS. Another thing to check is the screen. Some have a poor viewing angle which means that if you move your head from side to side the colours change. Try to get one with a good viewing angle which means that the colours wont change much. Also before you buy, check the screen for bad pixels. (annoying pinsized dots on the screen.)
Some bad pixels show up on white, some show up on black. If you have one right in the middle of the screen it can be very annoying. So check the screen first because I think it would have to have more than 5 dodgy pixels before the company would replace it. Obviously just one, right in the middle of the screen would drive you nuts.
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Post by Martha Birch on Sept 20, 2005 7:32:35 GMT 1
Hi again graeme, did think I had to get the fastest processor! I'll be using the laptop for college, Internet and downloading music, that's after I've asked you how to do that as well!! buying an Mp3 or should I buy and Mp4? sorry I'm going on a wee tangent. Want to spend £700 - £ 800 on A Laptop do you think I'll get a decent one for that? Thanks for getting back to me.
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Post by Tuesg on Sept 20, 2005 13:52:35 GMT 1
You will get a decent one for 700-800 don't go over board though, since you won't need a hell of alot of power if your not using it for games of course.
Most Mp3 Players should play any music type barring a few, just depends on what kind you would want how much you want to spend and such.
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Post by M Birch on Sept 21, 2005 14:55:59 GMT 1
Cheers for that wee bit of advice tuesg. Just wondering What's the difference between the Mp3 and Mp4?
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Post by Tuesg on Sept 21, 2005 18:31:15 GMT 1
There just audio files that are encoded differently
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Post by Graeme Houston on Oct 10, 2005 4:36:50 GMT 1
Hi Martha,
Ok, you have a good budget. Try and get the largest size of Hard Disk you possibly can.
Don't skimp on the RAM. Go for 1GB, trust me!
Only if everything else is to your specification, and you have left over budget, then consider going for a faster processor. (Laptop manufacturers will have the same model with a few options regards processor / ram / HD, so if you deal direct you should be able to get something closest to what you need).
I estimate that a 1.6GHz will be good for about 4-5 years at least (given what you will be using it for).
a 2GHz probably 6 years.
why?
Because if your using it for college work, then you will have microsoft office installed. In 2 - 3 years time, they will bring out a new version of office, but you won't neccessarily need to upgrade to the new version, since you don't need cutting edge office tools. Even if you do upgrade, then your computer will still handle it no problem. 2 - 3 years after that they will bring out another one, again, you probably won't need it.
If you stick the the office tools you got with the computer originally, your computer will still be able to run it even in 10 years time and will be just as fast.
However, in six years time the internet will have moved on a lot. There will probably be faster connections, and more advanced use of flash so by then you might find yourself wanting a new computer for that, so it can handle the content.
One more thing, it shoud have a CD burner / DVD player... most laptops these days do.
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Post by M Birch on Oct 22, 2005 21:56:34 GMT 1
God I'm glad you know what your talking about! Right got a new computer! Got 1GB I'M ON TO A WINNER THEN? Got the computer and freaked out... no floppy disk .. so dim that I am... has a flash card.. brill wee thingy... also has a cd burner/dvd player amazing!!!! God what an amazing computer I have now! Thank you so much for all of your advice Graeme you are indeed a wee gem!!!!
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Post by Graeme Houston on Nov 10, 2005 16:18:14 GMT 1
You are more than welcome.
Any questions on anything at all let me know!
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Post by Graeme Houston on Nov 10, 2005 16:20:44 GMT 1
I'm really glad that you are happy with the computer you got
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Post by Graeme Houston on Nov 10, 2005 16:44:16 GMT 1
I don't tend to bother much about audio file formats, but here in Malaysia, everyone is raving about mp4 players... I am told the difference is MP4 players come with a screen and play movie files.
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