Computer Problems and\or Advice 2008 to 2011

[Anthony Darby]

I have had a go with Firefox. Now I can't access YouTube because it won't let me load the latest flashplayer.

[Michael J Campbell]

Anthony,have you all the updates loaded,? I only use Firefox and have no problem with Youtube

[Michael J Campbell]

Anthony,are you using Vista or XP?

[Anthony Darby]

I won't allow me to. Says "The following applications need to be closed before the Adobe® Flash® Player Plugin can be installed" "Firefox" and that's with nothing open! I'm using XP.

[Michael J Campbell]

It usually works when you close all the applications,but the latest version is more for Vista than XP. Try restarting the computer and try and load it before you open any programs.

[Maggi Young]

And Credit cards ,Maggi

Oh, yes, Michael, I do have one of those! Not that the company has ever made a penny on interest from me, they have to make do with the cut they take from the retailers...... that's another flippin' fiddle!

[Maggi Young]

I have had a go with Firefox. Now I can't access YouTube because it won't let me load the latest flashplayer

I have heard that to load the latest Flashplayer using some systems, you must first un-install the previous version.

[Gerry Webster]

Maggi - that animation on your post 65 is truly horrible. I anticipate nightmares!.

[Maggi Young]

Maggi - that animation on your post 65 is truly horrible. I anticipate nightmares!.

Really, Gerry? I could post a pic of me, that would really keep you awake!
Have a stiff gin,  my little Aardvark will soon be forgotten!

[Maggi Young]

Maggi - that animation on your post 65 is truly horrible. I anticipate nightmares!.

Really, Gerry? I could post a pic of me, that would really keep you awake!
Have a stiff gin,  my little Aardvark will soon be forgotten!

I've decided to take pity on you, Gerry, is this better?

[Darren]

Hi everyone and Happy New Year,

Maggi - even if Gerry doesn't appreciate the wink, I do.

We have decided it is time we had internet access from home so we can finally participate properly in the forum. This will also entail buying a new computer. I confess to being somewhat bewildered by the options available and wondered if any of you had views on the following:

1)   One of those ‘free’ laptop mobile broadband deals. BIG pro for me is that I can get one from the shop ready-to-go with no installation etc to worry about. Cons are manifold, firstly I’m told it is an expensive option (though over the two year contract it seems to work out about the same as buying a separate laptop and getting a broadband contract in addition), secondly the one I have tried has a very small screen which I may find frustrating when looking at pictures, thirdly I worry that it may not be powerful enough for using Photoshop etc – my old laptop crashes if I try to do much digital image work on it, and that’s with my little 3.2 MP compact camera.
2)   As above but buy a laptop to my own spec and get a separate mobile broadband deal.
3)   Get a desktop PC OR a laptop and have broadband installed in the house, possibly with a wireless router.

Luddite of  Lancashire

p.s. I’m not going to ask advice about my first digital SLR camera because the camera thread really hurt my head when I read it earlier…. Therefore I intend to go for a Canon Eos model simply because my existing lenses and accessories (from my 35mm) will be compatible.

[maggiepie]

Hi Darren,

I can't give you any advice on the broadband part of your question, but if you are doing lots of graphic work and want to use photoshop on your new computer, I suggest you should start looking at laptops with Intel Core 2 Duo Processor ( or the AMD equivalent) , and at least 3 gig of memory, plus expansion slots so you can add more later if needed.
I would also look at some with a 17 inch monitor, you will enjoy it so much more.
Or, you could get a small screen laptop that can be plugged into an LCD monitor and use that when at home.
Acer make some very nice laptops for very good prices, you could look at some of those to start with, and it is a great time for buying as far as prices go.
If you are looking at an apple then I can't offer an opinion there.

[David Shaw]

Hi, fellow Luddite
I approve of the suggestion by Helen of buying an Acer laptop and an extra large screen.
I have a 14" Acer and a much larger screen to plug in on my desktop. But beware! Plug in appliances require a specific screen resolution to give an accurate interpretation of your computer screen. No problem you think, just go into the screen resolution option in the Control Panel and move the slider along a little way. No. On my Acer I move the resolution slider and find that the resolution jumps in predetermined steps, none of which exactly match the requirement of the screen. This is something that I did not anticipate when I bought the screen and so I have found a compromise position for screen resolution for the large screen which is Ok but not perfect. I suppose that I am lucky that the projector makes a perfect match.
Darren, there is nothing easy about either computers or cameras and life is too short to get bogged down by them

[Darren]

Thank you both for your helpful advice - I will look at Acer laptops later and get some info. Your advice about memory is very sound and tempts me away from the 'package' laptop/broadband deals.

I laughed when I read your last comment David, I have gotten completely bogged down and can't see the wood for the trees any longer! Ironically I spend my working day using highly complex computer driven instruments but when I get home I just can't be bothered with technology(hence my wish for an easy way). I spent much of the Christmas holiday sitting in front of our wood stove and reading. Hardly used the TV (thinking hard about whether we want to bother going digital at all - just use the thing for watching DVDs anyway). Played the guitar a bit - acoustic. I couldn't cope without something to play CDs on though.

Cheers, D.

[Maggi Young]

I couldn't cope without something to play CDs on though.

Cor, Darrren, does this mean you've abandoned vinyl ?