14 Replies
Last post:
Jul 22, 2007 10:14 AM by
smax013
Kooler's New Machine
I heartily agree with buying MS Office on your own. Prowl the Newegg website, I have found them very reliable and some of the lowest prices around.
After you get your new machine intiallized, you will probably be prompted to burn a set of recovery DVD's, please do so. While there is probably a recovery partition on the HD, if you lose the HD, you lose everything. The recovery DVD's will also permit you to return the PC to its "as shipped" state if you desire.
When you get ready to transfer your data, it will probably be best to invest in either an external enclosure (Newegg has many) for a 2.5" IDE notebook drive. I seem to recall that your current notebook has an IDE drive (its easy to tell, look at the one end, and if it has 40+ pins for the connectors stickout out, its IDE).
After you get your new machine intiallized, you will probably be prompted to burn a set of recovery DVD's, please do so. While there is probably a recovery partition on the HD, if you lose the HD, you lose everything. The recovery DVD's will also permit you to return the PC to its "as shipped" state if you desire.
When you get ready to transfer your data, it will probably be best to invest in either an external enclosure (Newegg has many) for a 2.5" IDE notebook drive. I seem to recall that your current notebook has an IDE drive (its easy to tell, look at the one end, and if it has 40+ pins for the connectors stickout out, its IDE).
New laptop
Ok, lets see if we can get a few thing prepped before the new machine arrives. Anytime someone gets a new computer, it's a little like Christmas, and we are eager to open our present (from ourselves) and play with it.
The very first thing you will need to do is turn on the new PC and go through the initial setup. Somewhere toward the end of that process you will be prompted to burn recovery DVD's. (Unless you ordered XP in which case it may be recovery CD's). Data DVD's look just like CD's except they hold a lot more data.
The item I think I can remember is the IDE hard drive. The hard drive is where the operating system, programs and data are stored. For example if you use Microsoft Office and use Word to write letters and proposals, the Programs is MS Word, the data is the actual letters and proposals.
I am assuming that you have the original installation disc for any programs that you use, because it is all but impossible to transfer a windows program from one machine to another. They do this to prevent blatant copying of programs. If you download programs, its always best to set up a directory on the hard drive to store the downloads, and then install the program from there. Some will download and directly install and there is no backup copy. In those cases, when you lose the drive, you lose the programs. I also maintain a file with all the access codes. All my data is under a main directory heading called data, and I just point my backups to that main directory heading.
Here is an example of what a 2.5" IDE hard drive looks like. Please note all the pins on the end.
http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/impactcomputersmiami_1957_2331077112
If you will give me the Gateway model number, I will see if I can locate the documentation that tells where the access to the HD is. Many laptops now have access panels on the bottom to get to and replace the HD. Many early laptops required the keyboard to be removed and that is the job of a technician, I won't even try it.
As to Newegg, I can order items from them at prices at or near the bottom and get the item in about two days via UPS. (They only guarantee 3, but it usually makes it in 2). They confirm the order, notify you when the charge clears your credit card, notify you when the item ships with the tracking code, and e-mails you the invoice. They also have photos of the items from different angles and have photos of all the cables, connectors and discs that are in the box. What's not to like.
Here is a link to an article detailing Newegg's operation:
http://www.anandtech.com/IT/showdoc.aspx?i=2694
I was at first skeptical when some friends told me about them, but I have yet to be disappointed much less stiffed. One item I got - ironically a type item you will need - a 2.5" IDE external enclosure was DOA. I contacted the manufacturer who gave me an RMA number, I returned the item and the sent me a new item one day after receiving the bad one. Cooler Master earned high marks from me for that, for any manufacturer can have problems, I judge them by how they respond.
Here is an inexpensive external enclosure:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817334008
I wouldn't normally point out the cheapest item, but it has pretty good reviews. I shows in the pictures a 3.5" diskette for drivers, but with either XP or Vista no driver should be needed. The 3.5" driver diskette makes sense if someone is using Win98 however.
The very first thing you will need to do is turn on the new PC and go through the initial setup. Somewhere toward the end of that process you will be prompted to burn recovery DVD's. (Unless you ordered XP in which case it may be recovery CD's). Data DVD's look just like CD's except they hold a lot more data.
The item I think I can remember is the IDE hard drive. The hard drive is where the operating system, programs and data are stored. For example if you use Microsoft Office and use Word to write letters and proposals, the Programs is MS Word, the data is the actual letters and proposals.
I am assuming that you have the original installation disc for any programs that you use, because it is all but impossible to transfer a windows program from one machine to another. They do this to prevent blatant copying of programs. If you download programs, its always best to set up a directory on the hard drive to store the downloads, and then install the program from there. Some will download and directly install and there is no backup copy. In those cases, when you lose the drive, you lose the programs. I also maintain a file with all the access codes. All my data is under a main directory heading called data, and I just point my backups to that main directory heading.
Here is an example of what a 2.5" IDE hard drive looks like. Please note all the pins on the end.
http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/impactcomputersmiami_1957_2331077112
If you will give me the Gateway model number, I will see if I can locate the documentation that tells where the access to the HD is. Many laptops now have access panels on the bottom to get to and replace the HD. Many early laptops required the keyboard to be removed and that is the job of a technician, I won't even try it.
As to Newegg, I can order items from them at prices at or near the bottom and get the item in about two days via UPS. (They only guarantee 3, but it usually makes it in 2). They confirm the order, notify you when the charge clears your credit card, notify you when the item ships with the tracking code, and e-mails you the invoice. They also have photos of the items from different angles and have photos of all the cables, connectors and discs that are in the box. What's not to like.
Here is a link to an article detailing Newegg's operation:
http://www.anandtech.com/IT/showdoc.aspx?i=2694
I was at first skeptical when some friends told me about them, but I have yet to be disappointed much less stiffed. One item I got - ironically a type item you will need - a 2.5" IDE external enclosure was DOA. I contacted the manufacturer who gave me an RMA number, I returned the item and the sent me a new item one day after receiving the bad one. Cooler Master earned high marks from me for that, for any manufacturer can have problems, I judge them by how they respond.
Here is an inexpensive external enclosure:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817334008
I wouldn't normally point out the cheapest item, but it has pretty good reviews. I shows in the pictures a 3.5" diskette for drivers, but with either XP or Vista no driver should be needed. The 3.5" driver diskette makes sense if someone is using Win98 however.
wow, there is a lot there I do not know
I better get the notebook I just purchased and the old Gateway along with an internet connection and see what it is you are telling me. it reads like a foreign language right now.
Since I canceled the high speed internet, I guess I need another internet connection, right? the computer I am using now is at my business and is a desktop. I remember when I got the new Sony but sent it back. I plugged it in and so many things were trying to take over at once. i finally did get to the set-up but it was very short and said nothing about back up. I will have to see what happens to the Lenovo when I plug it in.
I will ask you this. I remember when I got the Sony that I sent back because it started to smoke. I had never gone wireless so I was anxious to see that. I clicked an icon that said "WiFi" when I hovered the pointer over it. it was near the clock, I guess it is called the Task bar. I double clicked on that icon and it opened a screen that had 4 names and some other information about their connection. i thought, my heck, this computer is picking up people's wireless connection. I have no idea if I could have or if I was on the internet just like that but that was very strange to me. I thought, I never want someone to be able to see my screen name or my connection.
So, as far as an internet connection now, is that something a person still needs these days if they just go wireless? Also, if someone has the ability to go wireless, would they still want a high speed Ethernet connection? From what I have experienced with the Sony about 2 months ago, I would still only want a high speed internet connection. Anyway, I hope this makes some sense.
I thought you were asking about a connection or a port of some kind when you mentioned holes or pins or whatever it was you mentioned earlier. I guess I could hit the back arrow but I might lose this so I will not in hopes you are following me.
I would not have a problem with Newegg. I see them advertised a lot and I have not heard anything bad about them. they must be doing something right if they can advertise on all the forums i have searched out.
I did even look for a notebook. I was hesitant to get a notebook from a site other then the company's actual website. Just my odd way. I was too nervous that there would be problems with the warranty. it is probably inaccurate thinking and may be the other way around but when you are inexperienced and super cautious like me, I guess it is the best way to go.
As far as installing Office when I do get it, are there any recommendations you have?
In regards to what you were mentioning about the data and programs, I understand but that was actually not my concern. my concern is that the specific data I entered into the fitness and nutrition programs is lost and not able to be retrieved. when I did something with a clients file within those programs, I always clicked "Save" before I exited the program. I do have the DVDs. Actually for the fitness program the company just sent me a new DVD because somehow the notebook lost all the pictures of the exercises my trainers use to make programs for clients with. so the company just send me the newest version and told me how to install just the pictures. They also said, if I do get a new notebook and it is Vista, I will need the DVD they sent me to install or allow the program to be used with Vista.
The nutrition programs another story. Every time you install it you have to have a code and every time you use that code and install the program that code can never be used again. that company sold the nutrition program part of their business to another company. they wanted $400/year for tech support, every year and I could not afford it. so, hopefully they will provide a code for me to install the program on to Vista but they might say I need to pay for tech support since it is probably a new DVD install now with Vista. I will have to see. one thing at a time.
I am still hoping I can just copy the entire HD onto the new notebook. is that not something I should try to do? The computer I am using now has 4 hard drives in it. Every time I go to the local place that put it together and update things, they just add all the old hard drives into the big tower.
I do know that there is the ability to remove a lot from the underside of the Gateway. I did add some RAM many years ago and it was very straight forward. I think I know which screws open up the area where the HD is. The computer is still on Gateway's website. At least it was about a year ago. I found it when I was trying to locate the manual online. it had all the pictures of all sides and what was what from the exact notebook that died on me.
Anyway, I will just stay focused on getting the notebook Monday morning, turning it on (although it will probably say to charge something first like the Sony did. However, the Sony went right on when I plugged it in).. I will hope it will ask me to back up and then I will have to get some disks. so those are the steps I will focus on. if it does not ask me to back up like the Sony did not, what should I do.
Oh, in the post I initially posted, lists everything the notebook is coming with. I appreciate your help and that might be helpful in the future since you seem to be in this for the long-haul. hehe (relax, just jiving with ya.)I almost got Vista business but I did not. so far that is the only thing I wish I would have done--and even before I have the machine am I wishing this.
Take Care
Since I canceled the high speed internet, I guess I need another internet connection, right? the computer I am using now is at my business and is a desktop. I remember when I got the new Sony but sent it back. I plugged it in and so many things were trying to take over at once. i finally did get to the set-up but it was very short and said nothing about back up. I will have to see what happens to the Lenovo when I plug it in.
I will ask you this. I remember when I got the Sony that I sent back because it started to smoke. I had never gone wireless so I was anxious to see that. I clicked an icon that said "WiFi" when I hovered the pointer over it. it was near the clock, I guess it is called the Task bar. I double clicked on that icon and it opened a screen that had 4 names and some other information about their connection. i thought, my heck, this computer is picking up people's wireless connection. I have no idea if I could have or if I was on the internet just like that but that was very strange to me. I thought, I never want someone to be able to see my screen name or my connection.
So, as far as an internet connection now, is that something a person still needs these days if they just go wireless? Also, if someone has the ability to go wireless, would they still want a high speed Ethernet connection? From what I have experienced with the Sony about 2 months ago, I would still only want a high speed internet connection. Anyway, I hope this makes some sense.
I thought you were asking about a connection or a port of some kind when you mentioned holes or pins or whatever it was you mentioned earlier. I guess I could hit the back arrow but I might lose this so I will not in hopes you are following me.
I would not have a problem with Newegg. I see them advertised a lot and I have not heard anything bad about them. they must be doing something right if they can advertise on all the forums i have searched out.
I did even look for a notebook. I was hesitant to get a notebook from a site other then the company's actual website. Just my odd way. I was too nervous that there would be problems with the warranty. it is probably inaccurate thinking and may be the other way around but when you are inexperienced and super cautious like me, I guess it is the best way to go.
As far as installing Office when I do get it, are there any recommendations you have?
In regards to what you were mentioning about the data and programs, I understand but that was actually not my concern. my concern is that the specific data I entered into the fitness and nutrition programs is lost and not able to be retrieved. when I did something with a clients file within those programs, I always clicked "Save" before I exited the program. I do have the DVDs. Actually for the fitness program the company just sent me a new DVD because somehow the notebook lost all the pictures of the exercises my trainers use to make programs for clients with. so the company just send me the newest version and told me how to install just the pictures. They also said, if I do get a new notebook and it is Vista, I will need the DVD they sent me to install or allow the program to be used with Vista.
The nutrition programs another story. Every time you install it you have to have a code and every time you use that code and install the program that code can never be used again. that company sold the nutrition program part of their business to another company. they wanted $400/year for tech support, every year and I could not afford it. so, hopefully they will provide a code for me to install the program on to Vista but they might say I need to pay for tech support since it is probably a new DVD install now with Vista. I will have to see. one thing at a time.
I am still hoping I can just copy the entire HD onto the new notebook. is that not something I should try to do? The computer I am using now has 4 hard drives in it. Every time I go to the local place that put it together and update things, they just add all the old hard drives into the big tower.
I do know that there is the ability to remove a lot from the underside of the Gateway. I did add some RAM many years ago and it was very straight forward. I think I know which screws open up the area where the HD is. The computer is still on Gateway's website. At least it was about a year ago. I found it when I was trying to locate the manual online. it had all the pictures of all sides and what was what from the exact notebook that died on me.
Anyway, I will just stay focused on getting the notebook Monday morning, turning it on (although it will probably say to charge something first like the Sony did. However, the Sony went right on when I plugged it in).. I will hope it will ask me to back up and then I will have to get some disks. so those are the steps I will focus on. if it does not ask me to back up like the Sony did not, what should I do.
Oh, in the post I initially posted, lists everything the notebook is coming with. I appreciate your help and that might be helpful in the future since you seem to be in this for the long-haul. hehe (relax, just jiving with ya.)I almost got Vista business but I did not. so far that is the only thing I wish I would have done--and even before I have the machine am I wishing this.
Take Care
Internet Connection
There are but three ways to legally connect to the internet. Your dial-up connection if any. Your high-speed broadband connection. A Public wireless network. You will need one of the above to properly use the computer.
You can set up a private network on your own by connecting a wireless router to your broadband connection to enable you to connect without having to drag a wire around with you.
As smax has said, the fact that others have failed to protect their network does not authorize you to use their network, and if you depend on it you could be in for a surprise if they come home and either protect it or turn it off. You have no control over their network.
You can set up a private network on your own by connecting a wireless router to your broadband connection to enable you to connect without having to drag a wire around with you.
As smax has said, the fact that others have failed to protect their network does not authorize you to use their network, and if you depend on it you could be in for a surprise if they come home and either protect it or turn it off. You have no control over their network.
Public Wireless Networks
The wireless networks in a hotel are Public. Some are free, some require a daily fee. I usually opt out of the daily fee ones. I stayed at an Omni Hotel in Austin, Texas for 2 nights that advertised wireless internet. After charging $169 an night for the room, they wanted another $15 for 24 hours in internect connection. I declined.