[at-l] Off topic computer update

[bullard@northnet.org (James Bullard)]

At 11:36 AM 4/14/01 -0500, kahley7 wrote:
>Well I have swapped cables, reloaded drivers and tried the printer on another
>computer with no progress.
>My question now seems to be is there something that could go wrong with a
>computer that could "toast"  scanners and printers?  Two printers and a 
>scanner
>in four months is making me suspicious.   Or maybe I just want an excuse 
>to buy a new puter <g>
>Seriously.....can a glitchey computer destroy peripherals?

I doubt it. Have you tried connecting them to a different PC to see if they 
work?

>And I could use some guidance if I shop for a new computer.  This time I 
>want to buy smart.
>I want something that can handle a lot of graphics programs so I can get 
>back to AT-O
>without crashing every hour.  What features would i look for in a system 
>to allow such
>use?  I understand processor speed and HD size and RAM but get lost in 
>buses except
>I think that is the weak link or the narrow place in the pipeline to speed?

RAM is the real key when you are doing graphics. If you are swapping to a 
cache file then access time for your Hard Drive is important too.

>Do any of the manufacturers really offer good tech support or would I be 
>better off
>going with one of those custom jobbies that are sooooo cheap on ebay?

Dell offers very good support, but my view of Dell comes from their 
terrific response to me as a LAN Admin for the State who pays them big 
bucks for an ongoing service contract. I don't know if they are as 
solicitous to the average consumer.


>And I've heard that while ME has some advantages, that is also pretty glitchy.
>I have soooo had it with glitchy.  Would i be better off with 98 or 98NE
>
>And if a puter doesn't come with a zip drive can one be installed?  Or 
>would it be
>better to get a CD writer and use that for back up?.

Zip drives can be installed either internally or externally after the 
original purchase. An internal Zip drive is nearly as fast as a hard drive 
but the Zip disks are a bit pricey. An external can allow you to use it 
with more than one PC. That can be handy. A CD writer is cool if you get a 
good program for writing CDs (not the lame one that comes with the unit). 
Roxio's EZ CD Creator is good. The blank CDs are about 30 cents each if you 
buy them in bulk at BJ's Wholesale or a similar place. The decision may 
come down to what kind of drives do the people you are swapping files with 
use. If no one, I'd go with the CD drive as the best choice for long term 
storage.

Saunterer