Random Question Thread: Tech

**Zeith** · 2011-03-01 09:33

I've used Mint in the past. It's very informative if you take the time to go through and categorize all your purchases, set up budgets to use, etc. As I recall, you can set it up to do nice things like text you if you're close to your budget for restaurants. I stopped using it because I found that if you don't use your card for everything, you end up spending enough time splitting and categorizing ATM withdrawals that it makes as much sense to just use an excel spreadsheet and not rely on an online service.

**Ardrial** · 2011-03-01 09:42

Figure I can post this here. Hopefully someone knowledgeable will check it out. Buddy of mine gave me his computer to see what I can figure out. The monitor is receiving no signal from the computer. When i plug everything in and turn on PC, the screen stays black. If i try to force the monitor on, it says "no input signal. monitor going to sleep."

I have tried using his DVI (which is on a video card) and his VGA slots (which is built in on the motherboard). The monitor works fine, as it has been tested with an xbox 360.

I opened it up and made sure everything (video card, ram, cables) were all securely fastened. He says he thinks he got a virus but I've never heard of a virus blocking video output to a monitor.

Does anybody have any suggestions?

**Ratatapa** · 2011-03-01 09:50

Originally Posted by Zeith

I've used Mint in the past. It's very informative if you take the time to go through and categorize all your purchases, set up budgets to use, etc. As I recall, you can set it up to do nice things like text you if you're close to your budget for restaurants. I stopped using it because I found that if you don't use your card for everything, you end up spending enough time splitting and categorizing ATM withdrawals that it makes as much sense to just use an excel spreadsheet and not rely on an online service.

And you never had problem with giving them you bank info or cc info?

They never took you money or what so ever?

**Silenka** · 2011-03-01 09:55

Trying out opera on my netbook, so far I really like the browser itself buuut I'm having trouble finding/configuring extensions like adblock (the noscript+adblock combo for it doesnt seem to work for me, even the 'fixed' one). I don't use chrome for the sole reason that there isn't (or is there now?) a noscript for it - blocking all javascript is not a good option, having to unblock it all to get one thing is not good either XD Basically I want the noscript and adblock to work just like it does on firefox/palemoon, if that's even possible..

So for people who use opera and know how to configure it with extensions and stuff, what do you recommend?

**Chun Liroy** · 2011-03-01 10:05

Guess I'll post this here. Recently started FFXI again (lol), but for some reason the numpad on my laptop won't accept more than 1 key command at a time. Thus I can't run diagonally, for example, among other things. I'm not sure if this is a problem with a keyboard itself or if it has a problem in the game itself. Anyone heard of this or a way to fix it? Quite annoying.

**Isiolia** · 2011-03-01 10:39

Originally Posted by Silentleroy

Guess I'll post this here. Recently started FFXI again (lol), but for some reason the numpad on my laptop won't accept more than 1 key command at a time. Thus I can't run diagonally, for example, among other things. I'm not sure if this is a problem with a keyboard itself or if it has a problem in the game itself. Anyone heard of this or a way to fix it? Quite annoying.

It's likely an issue with the keyboard. Have you tried plugging in a USB one to see if it persists? Tried using Compact Keyboard layout?

Most keyboards have a maximum number of keys they can register at a time. Usually it's enough that you don't notice it outside of specialty use. I can only recall one keyboard that I had where I actually ran into problems with it (old Power Computing ADB model). Still, a numpad on a laptop isn't the most common thing, so maybe they cut some corners on the design.

**Chun Liroy** · 2011-03-01 10:47

Well, it only happens on the numpad side. For example, I can hold 8 to move forward and at the same time hit tab or hit enter (the one on the actual keyboard, not the numpad enter) and it will register both. I can move the camera and move at the same time, I can't hit */- + enter and the numbers keys at the same time. It is weird though because if I hit the right arrow then the up arrow, it will go diagonal--sometimes. Other times it will continue going right. Anyway I can test on some application if it's actually registering at the same time? Switching to compact mode and using WASD works fine but I just don't like the positioning of my hands while moving.

**sruon** · 2011-03-01 11:26

Originally Posted by Ardrial

Figure I can post this here. Hopefully someone knowledgeable will check it out. Buddy of mine gave me his computer to see what I can figure out. The monitor is receiving no signal from the computer. When i plug everything in and turn on PC, the screen stays black. If i try to force the monitor on, it says "no input signal. monitor going to sleep."

I have tried using his DVI (which is on a video card) and his VGA slots (which is built in on the motherboard). The monitor works fine, as it has been tested with an xbox 360.

I opened it up and made sure everything (video card, ram, cables) were all securely fastened. He says he thinks he got a virus but I've never heard of a virus blocking video output to a monitor.

Does anybody have any suggestions?

Clear CMOS and try reseating everything again (especially the RAM), try different RAM slots, any beep or anything?

**Purrrfect** · 2011-03-01 12:41

Originally Posted by Ardrial

Figure I can post this here. Hopefully someone knowledgeable will check it out. Buddy of mine gave me his computer to see what I can figure out. The monitor is receiving no signal from the computer. When i plug everything in and turn on PC, the screen stays black. If i try to force the monitor on, it says "no input signal. monitor going to sleep."

I have tried using his DVI (which is on a video card) and his VGA slots (which is built in on the motherboard). The monitor works fine, as it has been tested with an xbox 360.

I opened it up and made sure everything (video card, ram, cables) were all securely fastened. He says he thinks he got a virus but I've never heard of a virus blocking video output to a monitor.

Does anybody have any suggestions?

If the card has dvi+vga, be sure to try the vga on it also, I've read about cases where the vga port on a card was the only one sending a signal. Also might try a dvi-vga adapter. And be sure to also make a try using the onboard with the physical card removed. Look for a jumper on the mobo that may enable or disable the onboard and/or pcie slot.

**bori** · 2011-03-02 12:35

So I'm looking to upgrade my computer. My current build is:

Intel Core 2 q6600 @ 2.4 Ghz
4 GB DDR2 1066 Ram
ATI Radeon 5850
Running 2 HDD 5400 RPM
Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128345 (Old)
650W PSU

I'm wanting to buy:
Processor - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115211
Mobo - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131614
Memory - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231335

Couple Questions: Any suggestions on the new setup? Should I go triple or dual channel for memory? Also, is my 650W PSU going to be able to handle these new parts along with the HDD and video card?

Thanks.

**chiyio** · 2011-03-02 14:10

for that processor you can do tripple channel for memory. That mobo is good, I believe I have the exact same one. 650w *should* handle everything, if you aren't doing sli/crossfire. I'd also upgrade your harddrives to 7200 or ssd drives.

**Cephius** · 2011-03-02 15:36

Sandy Bridge is here, most of the 1155 chipset motherboards should be back in stock this week. They seem to run much cooler and be more OC-friendly if you wish to spend a few extra bucks.

**Isiolia** · 2011-03-02 15:42

Couple Questions: Any suggestions on the new setup? Should I go triple or dual channel for memory? Also, is my 650W PSU going to be able to handle these new parts along with the HDD and video card?

You should really consider going with a Sandy Bridge setup. I have an i7 950 as well, but the new stuff is just better bang for the buck.

If you use the 950, you should use triple channel.

Also, second that you should upgrade your boot drive to something faster. What is it that you aren't satisfied with in your current setup? It's possible that your slow HDDs are at the root of it.

**bori** · 2011-03-02 17:41

It's probably the hard drives, but wouldnt the RAM also be a cause of it?

**Arximiro** · 2011-03-02 23:04

What is the coolest looking external HD 1tb+ I can buy? I got a 3tb WD my book essentials the other day, brought it home, then discovered it had a bright white led, wtf. I wish it had said on the packaging that it contains one blinding LED. I ended up just taking it back. I'd like to find one that looks cool and has blue leds, green would be ok too if there's no good blue ones. Maybe I'm being too much of a douche, but if I'm going to have one that's external and always connected I want it to look nice.

Thanks

Edit: Kind of liking this one not so much for the size but the look.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...847&CatId=4226

**Caiyuo** · 2011-03-03 00:03

Not sure of a specific but you could always find an enclosure you like and just use whatever hard drive+size you want with it

**Xajii** · 2011-03-03 00:20

Looking for a good, free way to convert FLAC to mp3. Is there a reliable program or hurr durr? Basically I just want these damn albums on my iTunes

**Caiyuo** · 2011-03-03 00:56

Originally Posted by Xajii

Looking for a good, free way to convert FLAC to mp3. Is there a reliable program or hurr durr? Basically I just want these damn albums on my iTunes

http://lame.sourceforge.net/links.php#Windows

or

http://audacity.sourceforge.net/help...&item=lame-mp3

both use the LAME MP3 encoder, or if you use foobar2000 you can convert using LAME with that as well.

**Arximiro** · 2011-03-03 01:35

Another random question. What are the actual transfer rates of the following:

USB 2.0
USB 3.0
E-Sata
Sata 3.0GBPS

Thanks ^^ Just curious how fast E-sata is in comparison to USB3 mainly but I would like to know them all tbh.

**Kerberoz** · 2011-03-03 02:27

There aren't any drives that can cap out SATA or USB3, afaik.

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