Hardware

Flaky Dial-up Connection Using Agere Soft Modem
Flaky Dial-up Connection Using Agere Soft Modem I recently switched from an 'old' (Windows Vista) computer to a 'new' (Windows XP) computer. Both computers use the same modem: Agere Systems PCI-SV92PP Soft Modem. The dial-up connection on the old computer was stable at 49.2 Kbps. However, the initial connecti... 18 Jun 2010 17:57

Computer crash
Hi Experts, Yesterday was a bad one for me. I added a plug from a second computer to a robust Trip Lite Super 10 strip and a computer that was already attached to that strip, and running, suddenly stopped working. I tried it in another socket but still no start. The power supply for this apparently-dead comp... 28 Jun 2010 16:07

SSD questions
I'm confused about terminology used for SSD devices and would appreciate clearing up what I'm overlooking. If a SSD has no moving parts, then why does the literature reference head seek times and estimate the number of head seeks before the device would fail. It seems contradictory to me because I keep thinking ... 18 Jun 2010 11:17

Microsoft Fix It
2 system updates are offered for installation repeatedly, as if not installed properly. Running the subject utility cures the problem for the remainder of the day, BUT the problem returns after one day, with the yellow shield perpetually offering to install the same damn two updates, until I run the utility again, ... 18 Jun 2010 11:17

Core i3 thermals...
The core i3 chips have graphics chips built into the package now. If a PC has an external graphics card, I presume it is possible to switch off the internal GPU, but what does this do to the heat output? For example, the i3 530 is rated at 73w, but with the GPU turned off??? ... 1 Jul 2010 01:16

Computer boots after power supply restarts twice
My computer boots after the power supply restarts twice. It seems that I have to unplug it for a while before restarting again. I tried replacing the power supply. Some of the wires from my old power supply to the motherboard were discolored. It was a 4-pin connector. Any ideas? W. Pooh (AKA Winnie P... 18 Jun 2010 14:37

Something special for a weekend
http://www.workstationspecialist.com/ I have no affiliation with this company but noticed their add in my CAD mag and thought you guys often ask about specialist builders. I doubt they are cheap mind. ... 16 Jun 2010 14:20

DELL Dimension 4600 setup disk NEVER MIND
I figured it out Thanks Duke On Wed, 16 Jun 2010 09:00:56 -0400, jw(a)eldorado.com wrote: On Sun, 13 Jun 2010 13:19:15 -0400, Pen <nospam(a)spam.none> wrote: Go to Dell's web site. All the drivers are there. http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/driverslist.aspx?c=us&cs=22&l=en&s=dfh&os=W764&osl... 17 Jun 2010 04:35

CD-ROM/HD conflict
Hello, a friend of mine has a Gateway PC with Windows XP on it. When he connects his backup external HD (USB), after some time the CD drive (D) stops working and disappears from "my computer".Checking the Device Manager, we see that both items appear under CD drives, each with a yellow exclamation mark. Appar... 16 Jun 2010 08:49

Peltier Questions
I'm trying to figure out how much power I could generate from a peltier device from a given temperature difference. With water as the medium on each side of the peltier, what temperature difference would I need to have to power a small water pump to circulate the water round my CPU cooler block? In other words... 17 Jun 2010 05:40