dman3
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posted on July 23, 2001 06:42:41 PM new
capotasto
WOW you have a touch tone phone your soooooo
lucky WE still have a cranck type rotory service still not avalable in our service area.
call out services are only avalable from 8 Am to 4 Pm now due to cut backs because of the economy slow down.
http://www.Dman-N-Company.com
Email [email protected]
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Libra63
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posted on July 23, 2001 09:03:40 PM new
mballai - Thanks for starting this thread. I have found out more about this computer from all of the smart posters than I have from my ISP. Now all I have to do is order my memory and find someone to install it or maybe I can do it myself. If I must say so myself I am pretty handy. I'll try first and then if I can't do it call for help, but not from my DH because he doesn't even know how to turn a screw (no pun intended) Thanks again everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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mrpotatoheadd
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posted on July 23, 2001 09:21:46 PM new
You should now install your memory modules, better known as SIMMs or DIMMs. You probably already took care of all this, but you need to make sure you have the right kind of memory for your motherboard.
Also, make sure the banks are full on your board. On a Pentium system, 72-pin SIMMs must be installed in pairs. DIMMs can be installed alone. On 486 class machines, 72-pin SIMMs can be installed alone while 30-pin SIMMs must be installed in groups of four.
Most systems uses 168-pin SDRAM, which are DIMMs. Therefore, they can be installed in just about any combination and are easy to get working.
Let's get on with it:
Decide which slots you are going to use and orient the SIMM over it. The SIMM is keyed so that it will only go in the right way. Study the SIMM and you will see what I mean, and obviously, if it won't work, turn it around.
Install the Module. With SIMMs, you need to stick it in at an angle, about 45 degrees. With DIMMs, they go straight in.
Lock the module in place. Obviously, SIMMs don't sit in the motherboard at a 45 degree angle. Rotate it to the vertical position. This may require a bit of muscle, but do not force it. If it is too hard, it is probably installed backwards. When it is vertical, you should see the little plastic or metal clips snap into place, thereby holding the SIMM in place. With DIMMs, all you have to do is close the levers on either side of the DIMM. If they do not close, it is because the DIMM is not inserted all the way into the slot. A lot of times, you can just keep pushing the DIMM into the slot and the levers will close automatically.
Done. Now just repeat these steps for each of your memory modules. When you are done, double-check your work.
http://www.pcmech.com/byopc/step/8/
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mballai
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posted on July 23, 2001 09:30:46 PM new
One of the reasons for the RAM jam when you don't have enough memory is that the computer "swaps" memory or uses virtual memory to extend what you have. Neither of these can ever really substitute for the real thing.
I was gratified to see a local PC clone builder offering machines with 256mb as standard on their entire line.
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Libra63
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posted on July 23, 2001 09:39:18 PM new
mballai - mrpotatohead, do you live anywhere near S.E.Wisconsin? Now if you could say all that in laymens terms I just might understand it. Will I get those pictures when I send for the memory? For 10 years I worked on the largest and most expensive computer made but luckily I didn't have to service it. (CT Scanner)... Thanks again everyone now maybe my computer will run better...
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mballai
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posted on July 24, 2001 04:07:19 AM new
libra63
Assuming you have the right memory board, all you have to do is, shut the machine off (shut the monitor and printer off too), disconnect all the cables (except the AC power cord), take the cover off--that's where you use the screwdriver, and THEN disconnect the power cord. Depending on your machine, you need to find the slot in which the RAM memory goes. Sometimes you have clear access to it and sometimes you need to remove the drive or other component to get at it.
Most of the RAM cards are held in place by two clips that lift up and out to accept the card. You pull them up on the free slot, push the card in, and snap them down to secure it. On the RAM card is a row of gold connectors that mates up with the row of connectors in the free RAM slot you put the RAM into (the patterns will match up: x number of connectors on both, space, y number of connectors on both, another space, etc. ). If you put it in right, one card connector will be meeting one slot connector. Then lock the clips down to secure the card and reassemble the computer and hook up everything again.
If you did it right, you will notice the new count of RAM in the System control panel when you look after you power up. And the machine will run better.
[ edited by mballai on Jul 24, 2001 04:16 AM ]
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Libra63
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posted on July 24, 2001 08:24:24 AM new
mballai - Thanks a lot. I printed the information. As I said before this was a great thread.
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arttsupplies
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posted on July 24, 2001 08:49:58 AM new
If you want a real revelation move to Linux. I run RedHat 7 and haven't had a crash yet.... Or the MacOS. ...
Woo Hoo! ...after my own heart.
I built a Debian box about six months ago and haven't had a problem yet! Yesterday I got the nerve to upgrade online...
apt-get update (to sync with the new files on the website)
apt-get upgrade (for all the packages on my machine)
apt-get install kernel-image-2.2.19 (The kernel)
upgraded flawlessly with Debian's .deb packaging system. (Similar to Red Hat's RPM)
As for the Mac OS, I'm waiting to buy a new computer before I go with OSX. I've got the lowest of the low G3 233 Desktop at home.
Yes, As everybody is saying...
RAM is Manna from Heaven. As much as your machine will hold. From the research I did,
www.mushkin.com
Is right up there with the other companies mentioned. i went with them for some technical reasons when building the Debian GNU/Linux box I'm so happy about.
arttsupplies (webmaster)
[ edited by arttsupplies on Jul 24, 2001 08:52 AM ]
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adone36
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posted on July 24, 2001 09:03:32 AM new
All of our vital company functions run on SCO Unix. The machine screams with dozens of users on it. Every 6 months or so we shut it down to vaccuum under it. But the BIG THING??? If it should explode, I can take a boot floppy and a master back-up and in 15min be back where I left off with all configs, users, etc restored!
Mac - Whassat??? Are they still in business???
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llama_lady
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posted on July 24, 2001 11:00:15 AM new
I have about 183MG ram, 999 MHZ, 40 gig hard drive, etc. etc.and the darn thing still freezes up. The problem, I think is the MS program. I have MS ME (short for mellinium) and I think that is the problem. Then again for downloading, even though I have a 56+ modem, my ISP doesn't have DSL or anything like it and it is sooooooo slow. (I think they are still working on 28K) Drat I think technology has made me jaded. I remember being excited over a 286!
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arttsupplies
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posted on July 24, 2001 11:13:51 AM new
Mac - Whassat???
The peoples that wised up  and built their new OS on a Unix base!
Are they still in business???
forevermore...
arttsupplies (webmaster)
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adone36
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posted on July 24, 2001 11:34:50 AM new
llama
ME is the biggest dog since 95-1. If you are talking about lock-ups while online, it may just be that $19 Connextant chipset modem that most PC's have. Replace it with a USR PCI or better yet external modem. If it is locking up all the time, upgrade to W2k prof. The Microsoft stuff should upgrade. You may have to uninstall and re-install other software pkgs though. The install wizard will even tell you to some degree what is not compatible.
arttsupplies
Mushkin is very high priced, I use them for CAS2 ATHLON memory. For most of the planet crucial is a better deal. Memory is like gasoline octane: if your car doesn't require premium, your wasting your money in buying it!
Tony
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mballai
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posted on July 24, 2001 11:51:52 AM new
ME is really WIN 98 SE with a few minor pluses and some big compatibility minuses. if you need to go with Win 2000 you may have some driver issues. You ahould be able to install Win 98 se on any machine that is running ME: it's not great but at least it's easy to get up and running.
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arttsupplies
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posted on July 24, 2001 12:08:09 PM new
Mushkin is very high priced...
I bought these because of this to go with this (900Mhz) while sitting in this.
You get what you pay for, and I think this machine will last a while 
arttsupplies (webmaster)
edited to make the links look prettier.
[ edited by arttsupplies on Jul 24, 2001 12:10 PM ]
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deco100
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posted on July 26, 2001 02:10:01 AM new
Ok, before all the computer whizzes get away, can a computer illiterate ask some dumb questions?
When my Compaq went down for the 3rd time I bought an emachines and it says 32MB Sync DRAM/128KB La Cache Intel 366 MHz processor. So this means I have only 32 MB ram and thats what is slowing me down ? not the 366 MHZ processor? I barely use any of the 4.4GB.
Also we have changed ISP's and finally hooked up to AOL which is no better, all get us on at about 28,000 tho our modem is 56. My daughter finally found out they are all using the same line out of this small town. So whats to do? Get your own cable connection? Thru the telephone company or?
When I was in Indiana we had to go thru the telephone company and we were at the end of the line so lucky to get on at 18,000. So I'm not impressed with telephone companies. What do those of you who are in the middle of nowhere do?
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adone36
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posted on July 26, 2001 02:48:44 AM new
deco
Add another 128meg ($35-40)
As to the internet connection investigate.
1) Cable modem (nothing can touch it)
2) DSL (go to www.dslreports.com to see if you can connect and if you can research who offers what and how well their service is rated. You only need ADSL, the higher speed the better depending on your budget)
3) If you must use a dial-up and are in a "poor connect" situation, junk the $15 modem that came with the computer. These "winmodems" require heavy use of the CPU to maintain connection. Get a US RObotics internal or better yet external modem. Avoid the USR low line winmodems ($50). The upper models go $100 for the internals.
Tony
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mballai
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posted on July 26, 2001 04:07:58 AM new
I have a Lucent internal LT Win Modem and it actually works well despite many of its detractors (Every techie I ever spoke to has not a kind word for them). The trick is to get an updated driver off the web and install it. Not a single techie ever mentioned the driver for some reason....
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gravid
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posted on July 26, 2001 04:40:15 AM new
I also have a older machine with only 64 meg of RAM and I was unable to print a lot of graphics. I just bought two pieces of 128meg memory from surplus sales but I find I can only install one of them. Two will not work but One and the original 64 will go OK. If I try to put in two it boots up but goes into sleep mode on the monitor right away and won't come out.
Be aware some old machines won't hold much. Maybe if you updated the bios but I hate to do that.
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iowaantiques
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posted on July 26, 2001 05:13:15 AM new
deco100
I live in a small town also and the telco lines are the bottleneck for my connection. I tried switching from an internal USR Winmodem to a USR External 5686 and my connection and throughput speeds gained 5%-10%, not enough to feel. I'm too distant for DSL and although my town is wired for cable I suspect it will be years before I can get a cable connection.
A long shot would be for you to complain to your telco that your telephone lines are noisy. Don't mention that you have a slow modem connection! Just complain that when you call your dear sainted mother you can't understand what she is saying because of the hissing and crackling on your line. If they perform some neglected maintenance there is a possiblity that your speeds will improve.
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capotasto
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posted on August 3, 2001 08:13:38 AM new
Okay, I received my 32K DIMM from Crucial last week and set aside this AM to install it in my IBM aptiva.
The Aptive has two slots, it came with one 32K DIMM in one slot. The Aptiva opens without a screwdriver. I had to release the power supply (again, no screwdriver needed) and move it our of the way. Then I plugged in the new DIMM.
Before I could move the power supply I saw a thin (audio) cable running from the CD drive to the motherboard over the supply wires. I finally unplugged that from the CD drive so I could move the power supply. Thinking about doing that took me the most time!
From open to close took me about 15 minutes, including disconnecting and reconnecting the cables. I didn't have to change any settings, the computer immediately recognized 64K. It's running faster now... or is that my imagination? (Placebo effect...)
If you do it yourself, get rid of static electricity by touching the metal frame of the computer after you open it, and before you ever touch the memory module. I used a wrist ground clip during the job.
Vinnie
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mballai
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posted on August 3, 2001 10:33:51 AM new
It ain't your imagination. More memory=more speed. It may not be a whole order of magnitude, but it should be noticeable.
For me, it's like driving a BMW instead of a Yugo.
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arttsupplies
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posted on August 3, 2001 11:11:43 AM new
It ain't your imagination. More memory=more speed.
Up to a point. What makes it faster is that the application can use and do the computation in RAM (electronic memory) rather than swap it to/read from the hard drive which is magnetic (?) memory.
You can still fill up your RAM and a Gig or so (Or however much space is left on your HD) of "Scratch disk" with a 30mg image file in PhotoShop if you've got enough going on in the "History". I've found this out the hard way when trying to save a large file.
Purging > Histories
Purging > All
still doesn't help 
But still !!! The more RAM the better !!!
arttsupplies (webmaster)
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larrydude
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posted on August 3, 2001 12:08:28 PM new
I just got 256megs of Kingston dram from Dell for $22.50! They were running a free shipping deal when I ordered, so it took a few weeks. I've got a PIII 750Mhz and now 512 megs of dram and I feel the difference. I have to agree w/everyone else that buying more memory is the best upgrade you can do. I install my own upgrades and I'm no whiz, but you can't do it unless you try! I do have techtv on our local cable system and have learned tons of stuff there.
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dacreson
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posted on August 3, 2001 12:53:25 PM new
I also bought 128 MB if Dimms. I installed it myself. Was easy. Computer loaded it just fine. I left the original 64 Dimm in. Results. Nothing spectacular but better.
As to computer grounding when your unit is ready to work on insure surge protector is turned off and plug in the power cord to the computer. That will insure your computer is grounded. You of course should of long ago insured you had a grounded circuit to your unit and a good surge protector. Very old houses are usually NOT grounded. If you want help on that email me I am a 45-year electrician and will walk you through it. (Or if there is any interest I will post a thread)
Regards Dave ([email protected])
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adone36
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posted on August 3, 2001 01:21:20 PM new
Capotasto mentioned a wrist grounding strap. I've seen these packaged in a little plastic bag with instructions in broken English telling you to attach the other end to a water pipe.
NEVER GROUND YOURSELF TO AN EARTH GROUND.
If you contact live voltage you'll light up like a Xmas tree. You only have to protect from STATIC and even attaching to the computer case's plastic will do that.
Tony
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mballai
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posted on August 3, 2001 01:58:01 PM new
I would say the speed of doing most of my tasks doubled or tripled. I think the operating system needs most all of the 64mb to keep everything up, and the rest it swaps which is slow. That's why a lot of the computing now seems so much faster becasue all of the rest has 128mb to play with now.
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