Tech Thread

[TRF_stormer2010]

This sounds like a job for @TRF_Ezequiel

That's not a bad laptop you got there. You shouldn't have any problem with the downgrade (which IMHO it isn't). I did the same with mine, I absolutely HATE windows 8. And our one program isn't functioning properly on that OS here at the office so we all use windows 7 now.

I was excited when getting it since it's a definate upgrade over what I had ITO spec (mostly just numbers to me though) but I've been very deflated since; havn't even done anything on it I've been so disappointed with Windows 8; it just feels like one big advertisement, I hate the apps and just the general layout of things, it is 100% internet dependant and forces you to basically have 0 privacy and crucially I can't run critical programs on it; again it feels like they are pushing me into just spending more money and I just don't have R130 000 lying around to pick up the newest versions of the programs I use; just not an operating system for anyone in SA since we aren't all millionaires and our internet connections just aren't up to scratch.

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

Stormer! You can format your laptop, no problem. You can even go for dual-boot, but let's not get into that now. That's more for tech guys haha.

To format and re-install, there are a few steps you need to take.


Q. Are drivers available for my laptop?
A. Yes. They are. For Windows 7 64-bit: http://us.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/drivers

Q. Do I want 32-bit or 64-bit?
A. With the specs you have, go for 64-bit. The difference between the 2? If you really want to know, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgiMzKb8dD0

Q. Do I need a license?
A. Yes, if you want to avoid cracked versions of software, I assume you want to do the same regarding your OS. Do you have a Windows 7 license? If so, use it. If not, try to acquire one. Check this: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/get-windows-product-key#get-windows-product-key=windows-7

That's about it. Let me know if you need any help. You have my email address, right?

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

Stormer! You can format your laptop, no problem. You can even go for dual-boot, but let's not get into that now. That's more for tech guys haha.

To format and re-install, there are a few steps you need to take.


Q. Are drivers available for my laptop?
A. Yes. They are. For Windows 7 64-bit: http://us.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/drivers

Q. Do I want 32-bit or 64-bit?
A. With the specs you have, go for 64-bit. The difference between the 2? If you really want to know, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgiMzKb8dD0

Q. Do I need a license?
A. Yes, if you want to avoid cracked versions of software, I assume you want to do the same regarding your OS. Do you have a Windows 7 license? If so, use it. If not, try to acquire one. Check this: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/get-windows-product-key#get-windows-product-key=windows-7

That's about it. Let me know if you need any help. You have my email address, right?

Oh, my knight in shining armor, I really do love you, @TRF_Ezequiel! I do have a legitcopy of windows 7 lying around here somewhere. I installed it on the laptop that got up and done gone.. I'm not sure where I'm going with this. I'll get on it, thank you ever so much!

On another thought-anyone got a Sony Z3? I've had one for about a month now and (I'm only going to be bumming myself out here) frankly.. I'm a bit miffed at myself that I didn't go for the Samsung S5. I had an S3 prior to upgrading and wa happy with it so I have no idea now why I decided to be lured to Sony.. I assumed it''d have great interactivity with a playstation but not really, the water'proof' thing hasn't come in handy at all and the glass on both sides means it's fragile as anything so you're not going to be carrying it around in situations where you might want to make use of underwater photography or whatever; mine is already cracked on both sides and I'm giving it in tomorrow for repairs. Sony is also so poorly supported in SA; part of the reason mineis already cracked is because literally no major retailer are stocking Sony covers and I havn't been able to find the connector for a PS controller. Just simply, I really feel now it's Samsung or Apple if you're not into Android.

 

[Feicarsinn]

Doubled the RAM in my laptop last night. Jesus this is incredible. Planning on throwing a hard drive with another TB of space on it next week and possibly a salavage (superior) graphics card. It's all coming up Milhouse.


I also happened to get a raspberry pi over christmas. Anyone else got one? Knacky little devices, planning on using mine as a retro games console.

 

[goodNumber10]

Are you going for an ssd drive?

I'm just about to up the team on my laptop to 8, and same with my desktop coupled with a new SSD, Already have one in my laptop.

 

[Feicarsinn]

Nah, I already have a hdd lying around from a mate's computer I tried to salvage for him, so I'm just going to use that. I'm also still not entirelly convinced of the rewrite capability of ssd's as OS hard drives, but they're probably fine.

 

[UlsterRugby2012]

Doubled the RAM in my laptop last night. Jesus this is incredible. Planning on throwing a hard drive with another TB of space on it next week and possibly a salavage (superior) graphics card. It's all coming up Milhouse.

I was intending to double mine but decided the hell with it and tripled it from 4 to 12 as there was an offer on. I think my computer starts up in about 1/8 of the time it did beforehand, makes a ridiculous difference!

 

[ruggabee]

Doubled the RAM in my laptop last night. Jesus this is incredible. Planning on throwing a hard drive with another TB of space on it next week and possibly a salavage (superior) graphics card. It's all coming up Milhouse.

I don't believe it's possible to upgrade a graphics card on a laptop? Or are you doing so on a desktop?

I took on the challenge of building my own PC two weeks ago. I was excited when the delivery man arrived at my door with two big boxes, but that excitement turned into nervousness when I unpacked all the components. I hadn't a clue where to start but with the help of YouTube as a guide, it became a lot of fun. I ran into a problem close to the end when I realised I hadn't bought a big enough case (ordered a mini ATX when it shouldn't have been a mini). That was okay though as I left the power supply outside the case for a couple of days until I got a new one. I turned the power on and voila! It worked! I now have my first gaming PC. Great sense of achievement building something like that for the first time. Not only can you pick your own parts (pcpartpicker is a handy site for that), but you save a good amount of money too, especially if you order from Germany. Ireland's expensive when it comes to PC related components.

Are you going for an ssd drive?

I'm just about to up the team on my laptop to 8, and same with my desktop coupled with a new SSD, Already have one in my laptop.

I'm planning on ordering myself a Samsung 840 EVO SSD to run my OS from. Supposed to be a noticeable speed difference and I haven't seen a bad review on that particular brand yet.

 

[Rich Taff]

Are you going for an ssd drive?

I'm just about to up the team on my laptop to 8, and same with my desktop coupled with a new SSD, Already have one in my laptop.

Had heard about SSD's, confused them embarassingly with STD's in Curry's, then had one demonstrated to me by a friend. All I can say is...

SSD = [video=youtube_share;Jl2anwd2TBg]http://youtu.be/Jl2anwd2TBg[/video]