Posted on 05/04/2003 11:51:32 PM PDT by Computer Central
Welcome to FreeRepublic.com's unofficial "Computer Central"!
The main purpose of FreeRepublic.com is to have discussions about government and politics. And culture, science, religion and about any subject in the 'news'. We use computers to access FR and there are articles that discuss computers. And continually, there are vanity threads with technical questions about computer problems. I've noticed that these threads get a good response from FReepers who appear to be knowledgable about computers. There are also threads such as "HTML Bootcamp" and "HTML Sandbox".
I would like to suggest that FR needs a "FR Computer Central". If such a site already exists, please provide a link. If not, this "Computer Central" site can be a start.
I know there are websites that specialize in answering technical questions about computer problems. If someone wants to provide some links, I will post them.
There are individual FReepers who have a lot of knowledge about computers. If they were willing to be available to answer questions, that would be nice. If these FR profile homepages had some interactive features, we could have a way for a FReeper to list their name on 'Computer Central', and then click a box to indicate that they are online, and willing to answer questions about computer problems. Just an idea.
If FR were to develop a first class computer-help, it would be another reason for people to visit FR, and maybe stick around and learn something about FR. Of course, it would also be an additional load on the server and the bandwidth.
Exactly how this Computer Central develops and operates, remains to be seen.
For now, Computer Central will have just a few links, and, some technical questions that I have about computers.
If you're running windows on a desktop look into cygwin sometime, pretty slick (Cygwin is a Linux-like environment for Windows) Lets you do grep/sed/awk/etc and so on (better than using MS's toolkit for unix, on which I have posted articles previously).
There are a zillion things out there, and it is good to see so many people here with varied experience and knowledge. I have a lot of gaps, good to see them filled in! :)
No you don't. You will be back to fighting memory problems and risking lost data. Step up to StarOffice or OpenOffice and save yourself the heartache.
Being that I have a closet-full of one of each (Tandy, 286, 386SX, 486, early Pentiums, laptops [sorry, none HP], monitors, drives, disks, manuals, etc., etc) just collecting dust and taking up space, I'd like to know. Hey, they're good for simple games and the 386 on ups work for light typing and spreadsheet use. I even used to do AutoCad and engineering work on the later models.
FUND-RAISING IDEA: Perhaps we can assemble our own list of old FReeper equipment and sell it for cash - proceeds half to FR and half to charity? We'll need to also put together a volunteer list of aplicable tech skills. LMK,
- Jeff in WV
It costs less than $300 to build a good computer so resale values aren't very good on old ones.
my 2¢
If you want a text based interface, you might get by with PC-DOS, the IBM version of MS-DOS.
There is a Tandy laptop with an LCD display that field researchers love because it survives physical abuse. It still has followers, even though the technology is old.
Good luck!
And as someone else mentioned, look into StarOffice if you don't like Office. I'm sure someone can give you a current link and it's a full-fledged office suite that I've heard is quite stable now.
Pretty cool idea for the Computer Central, BTW. My expertise is a mish-mash. I've written many articles that were published in several of the large computer magazines, I do general consulting, and I'm presently going through a program to become a certified Computer Forensics Examiner. I'll try to keep an eye on these threads and jump in when I can help.
MM
I bookmarked this posting and found it very useful for organizing and managing threads using the sidebar: The Ultimate Sidebar Management Thread
You also probably already know how to modify your subscriptions.
1. + #31 - Anti-Gates Site? + - A meaningful 'Compter Central' would welcome ALL computer users. PC's, Apple/Mac, ...all. There can be a section for anti-Gates/MS info/opinions, but it doesn't need to dominate the site. The mission would be to provide computer discussion & help.
2. + #24 - fighting memory problems and risking lost data.. w./WP5.1 + now, you would have to go and remind me of.... thanks.
AND Thanks to All the other Posts. - Good Info, ideas,
AND generally Supportive to the Idea of having an FR Computer Central.
If people were to support the development of a Computer Central, it can't just 'belong' to me. I don't have the time to monitor it 24/7, & I don't have the expertise that others who have posted here.
Normally, Jim Robinson does not want people sharing PASSWORDS on their account. But, others would be needed to help run a 'FR Computer Central'. I'm open to it, if Jim is. This current name & site belongs to FR, if they want to use it.
In addition to doing all the work on FR, people could provide the links to good computer help sites on the web.
That's all for Tues. am.
Computer Central is a great idea. Keeps it all in "the family" so to speak. Advice from trusted sources is always appreciated.
Since you asked, here's a link to a great site that has helped me countless times. The denizens there are knowledgeable and responses to questions are always swift and plentiful.
What are the caveats and pitfalls?
Are some router companies more reliable than others?
Is it possible to have a wireless LAN/Internet setup?
So many questions... so little time
Wireless claims of range (300 ft., etc.) are bogus. With luck you'll get 75 feet. Encryption shortens the range, and believe it or not, can cause laptop wireless cards to overheat and shut down. If you aren't doing anything illegal, you might skip wireless encryption and set your access points up to talk only to each other. This is done by specifying the MAC addresses they will talk to. This function will probably require searching through all the menu choices during setup, since it is seldom well documented.
I'm sure it would, but given the hits you've had so far I can tell you it would be nothing but...
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