When do I go shopping for a new computer?

greenspun.com : LUSENET : TimeBomb 2000 (Y2000) : One Thread

My computer has been "dying from a thousand cuts" for the past six months. I am just barely limping along here figuring on Jan 1st the whole thing will go into the trash can. It all started when the head remediator at one of our large hospitals checked it for compliance. Said it was fine. Problem was that even tho its a late 1997 Compaq says its NOT compliant. Being so computer illiterate plus visually impaired, I am unable to follow Compaqs directions (why can't they just tell you what buttons to push and when.. instead of all the bull sh-- and abbreviations?), plus the fact that I have windows 95. So...its trash as far as I am concerned. I am seriously thinking of going with iMac and ducking the windows situation altogether. My question is this: AFTER I see that the internet is going to stay up, do I rush right out and buy a new 'puter or are prices going to go through the roof immediately post New Years? Or will so many people be scrambling for the basics, like cash to buy food, etc., that the prices will be dirt cheap? I would appreciate any advice here. Thanks...

Taz

-- Taz (Tassi123@aol.com), December 25, 1999

Answers

I'd wait til the grid melts down and there's no electricity. Electric computers are gonna be real cheap at that point....

-- Downstreamer (downstream@bigfoot.com), December 25, 1999.

LOL Downstreamer!

Seriously Taz, I'm not a techie, so FWIW, I'd wait a few months. Those PC's in the store today don't have the latest patches loaded. I suspect some still have embeddeds, though this belief admittedly is based on my generalizing technical incompetence re: y2k to the tech field at large. The techs here are I suspect the exception.

Also, new kicks a$$, but if funds are limited then there will be sh% tloads of used systems, imacs included, sold for a song by the companies that are gonna go belly up.

-- Hokie (nn@va.com), December 25, 1999.


Merry Christmas, Taz,

If you intend to mainly use your computer for Internet and some word processing, seriously consider Linux as your operating system.

If your current machine is above a 100 pentium with 32 megs or more of ram, you can convert it to run Linux quite inexpensively.

If your hardware (bios, RTC, etc) passes the date check ok, you are good to go. You may have to hire a local Geek to do it for you, but I'll bet you can get it done for several puonds of Beans.

Linux is available FREE, no licensing fees, no EULA's, etc. I usually buy a CD (rather than a day long download) for about $5.

Most of the "features" you see in microsoft products are stolen (copied?) from the UNIX/LINUX world.

Good Luck

-- Tryntohelp (alreadydone@that.com), December 25, 1999.


Try paper pads and a Y2K compliant pencil for a month or so, then see.

;-D

Diane

(My next Mac... will be another Mac! Love this 'puter even though my modem went out on Thursday. Have a faster one now... JIT for the rollover!)

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), December 25, 1999.


I have a 486 computer and I will sent me year to 1974. The days on the calendar are exactly the same.

-- ron (rrest@hotmail.com), December 25, 1999.


Taz:

How has your computer been dying? What are the symptoms? I may be able to give you simple directions for your problems (which might be "buy a new computer", depending).

-- Flint (flintc@mindspring.com), December 25, 1999.


Taz, if flint fixes your computer, you won't need my advice, which is: WAIT. First, everybody will want to lynch Bill Gates when "Y2k capable with minor exceptions" (paraphrased) will hit reality, and such definition becomes either outlawed or commercially UNACCEPTABLE.

No one will buy in 2000 a computer that does not have a WARRANTEE against Y2k ISSUES, hardware or software (who wants to sort that out anyway? "dying from a thousand cuts" is SOFTWARE!)

Sometime in 2000 the idea WILL end that a Pentium III is a Pentiuum III, is a Pentium III (i.e. a commodity definable by ONE of its features.)

Probably when LINUX begins seriously to compete with WINDOWS, will we finally get STABLE software into home PCs. (There is still hope!)

A late '1997' should be Y2k salvageable, but then what do I know about Compaq.

I am bringing two (stone age)IBM PS/2 s *remediated* into 2000, even though IBM says they are not compliant, and they will not support them. There was a solution for those, so maybe there is one for your Compaq. If flint fixes... etc., back to top.

-- W (me@home.now), December 25, 1999.


Flint...the thing that bugs me the most is that I cannot open files after I have downloaded. when I go to open it will say that Amer.exe program is not available. Well...I went to AOL who said, yes, they used to provide that program but don't do that now. That I needed to contact MS. I contacted MS and they said its AOL's problem. 2. Every now and then my cursor takes off and flies around the screen opening and closing windows I have never seen before. My hand won't even be on the mouse.

3. AOL is IN MY FACE CONSTANTLY. Everytime I click on the mouse the AOL cover sheet comes up in my face. When I hit refresh to go back to the main menu of TB2000 I get AOL first.

4. Somedays, not everyday, the refresh button on TB2000 refreshed to about two days before. Usually if I reboot this will take care of it.

5. Strange windows open up all of the time. This morning while updating my Norton Virus protector I got a windwo telling me to back up everything. Sounded good to me, but when I tried it it said that I didn't have the program to do this.

6. Somedays when I open my mail there will be mail from two weeks ago that I have already read.

7. Evverything I do now goes to an Icon on the face of the computer. I wrote a Christmas letter and it has its own Icon. I wrote instructions for husband while I was off trotting around the Caribbean this fall. Those instructions have their own icon. I have no room left for icons and can no longer find the thingey for deleting icons. AOL is absolutely useless for help. They have grown to large and their system is so screwed up. I used to LOVE AOL but I now tell everyone to make another choice if possible. Unfortunately, I don't have a lot of choice where I live. But I did not renew my annual subscription with AOL in December. I wish I could be more explicit re my problems, but really don't know what I am talking about.

Every day is a new trip down the rabbit hole. I have to say that I think AOL is a big part of the problem. But it did start with the geek who was to remediate my computer. I paid several hundred dollars for two trips out here. I have the insurance that even pays for Compaq to come out to the house. But will not pay for any y2k work. I did have the Compaq guy out here, but nothing was acting up while he was here. He thought I was nuts and I was really pissed! I am very reluctant to have this thing worked on as my previous experience was so bad. And a major part of my problem is my own inability to understand computer language, ie directions for patches. Damn...I wish you were close to me so I could have you work on this thing. It seems a shame to just trash it. I have a restore disk and I used that. It wiped everything clean and I have left all of the programs off that I had installed. It did not fix my opening of files problem.

Taz

-- Taz (Tassi123@aol.com), December 25, 1999.


The basic idea is, if the problem lies in the hardware or firmware, fixing or replacing the computer may be called for. If the problem is in the operating system or applications, replacing the computer isn't the answer. Y2K problems are found mostly in OS and applications, but a lot can go wrong with the hardware as well (I just had to replace my CPU fan because the bearings went bad).

-- Flint (flintc@mindspring.com), December 25, 1999.

when the geek worked on my PC, I asked him if he could remove a bunch of stuff that came with the PC already loaded. He then commenced to do this. Later, I was told by someone that some programs shared differnt files, directorys, etc and when you removed a program, you then axed whatever else was shareing with it. I thought that restore would take care of that problem, but it doesn't. If it is all soft ware couldn't I buy a program to sweep the whole thing clean and then go and get Lunix, or whatever, and install? With regards to the hardware, Compaq has the fix on the net for this system. I just can't get beyond step two. When they start giving you choices, I am up the proverbial creek. And if the hardware (bios??) is damaged, what then? How far away are you Flint? I can box this sucker up and ship.....if Fed Ex is running.

Taz

-- Taz (Tassi123@aol.com), December 25, 1999.



Flint. Here is the Compaq URL for the 'fix'. My model is the Presario 4770 and the serial# is A652BMX2L505. Hope this helps. I do have two phone lines and am available most of the time including the middle of the night if necessary. Taz

-- Taz (Tassi123@aol.com), December 25, 1999.

Taz:

Hardware cannot be fixed with a software patch. What Compaq is probably doing is providing a BIOS image for you to flash, but I'm guessing since you don't say. However, that's about all they could provide -- they don't own the OS or applications.

As a suggestion for BIOS issues, check the date as soon as possible after rollover (the next morning is fine). If it's not 2000, set the date to 2000 and shut down Windows from the shutdown menu. Then turn the computer off and back on, and check the date again. If the correct date took, you're fine. Otherwise, you can set the date correctly each time you reboot. It will be OK so long as the computer stays on. There are some software patches you can install that will do this for you automatically, saving you the trouble.

Yes, you can reformat your hard drive and install Linux. However, Linux must get the date from the BIOS just like any other OS, so it doesn't buy you much. And then you must buy Linux software (where available) that meets your needs, and relearn a new system.

The problems you face are directly related to the applications you use. For example, older versions of Quicken screw up badly. If you don't use your computer for business, you shouldn't expect serious problems. Accounting packages and applications (like spreadsheets) that use a lot of dates are of most concern, and even starting from scratch won't help unless you purchase compliant versions of all needed software.

-- Flint (flintc@mindspring.com), December 25, 1999.


---Hiya Taz! Here's my recommendation. Look for a used MAC laptop. Forget wintell platform machines, wondows is way too buggy, it's not y2k compliant without a lot of tweaking, and the hardware itself could be improved on any of those pentium style machines. the qual;ity has dropped way off, I used to build clones, you hardly never got bummer new parts, sometimes now it's over 10% of new parts are useless crap.. A nice mac G3 Powerbook is a great machine, and being a laptop, and a Mac, holds it's resale value about the highest of any machine on the market on a consumer level(check this yourself in any used computer sale sheet anywhere), you can run them off of car batteries and a little inverter for an amzing long time, then work really well, it's much more intuitive and a lot less clicking to do actual work, and little glitches are much easier to find and fix than Windows, and once you switch over to the mac operating system you'll wonder why you didn't do it earlier. I currently own 5 puters (yes, one PC, too), got rid of four before I moved, and my only regret is that I got a desktop Mac instead of a Powerbook.

zog

p.s. if you get used, be relentless in trashing microsoft software or Quicken that may have been installed on the machine. Earlier versions of internet explorer aren't compliant, and quicken until just the latest version isn't.

-- zog (zzoggy@yahoo.com), December 25, 1999.


Our weary eyes cannot believe this ... Microsucks just released a sorta maybe compliant version of IE & OE for the Mac ... better go download ... they're just getting around to it ...

Is this Procrastinator Nation or what? ????!!!

-- Ashton & Leska in Cascadia (allaha@earthlink.net), December 25, 1999.


Taz, baby,

Don't you and Chubby Hubby toss the 'Death of a Thousand Cuts' Presario in the trash before checking out the CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT on behalf of people who bought Presarios in 1996- 1997. Keep the machine and the documentation, and DO contact the Law Firm.

Taz, go to Yahoo, enter the word compaq. It is the 40th entry in the list. Not an official lawsuit site, but the links will get you there. The law firm is Hagens Berman out of Seattle (www.hagens-berman.com...sorry, HTML impared)

Who knows, the settlement down the road may belatedly help pay for the computer and some of your preps!

P.S. One thing I really miss about Compaq is the Quick Restore disk...never thought I would say that...but, I now have a Gateway that is SO Reliable that I have never had to resort to a complete reinstallation of the original software suite. I have put it off as long as possible, but tomorrow, as part of my Y2K efforts I will do that for the Gateway, namely to correct several fried DLLs I destroyed this last year. Gateway's method for wiping the hard drive and total reinstallation is more tedious. I would like the convenience of the Quick Restore for perhaps one or two clean reinstallations a year, not the 70 or 80 times I had to do it with Compaq's flaky motherboard!

Once again, check out the Compaq class action suit.



-- K. Stevens (kstevens@ It's ALL going away in six days.com), December 25, 1999.



Taz:

Sorry we're crossing posts here. From your description, it sounds like at least one program has become hosed, or you may have a virus or two. Sounds like your AOL software needs to be removed (if possible) and reinstalled. But I'd do a complete virus scan first. And that requires the latest updates, since new viruses show up at the rate of a hundred a day or so!

Worst case, you should back up any essential data, wipe the disk and start from scratch. However, it doesn't sound like any problem with either the hardware or the BIOS. And it doesn't sound like any date bug either.

-- Flint (flintc@mindspring.com), December 25, 1999.


Get a Mac. They already have Windows 89 installed and no Y2K date problem!

-- .... (....@...com), December 25, 1999.

I remember seeing a fairly long list of Mac applications with y2k bugs in them. Unfortunately, it's all too easy to write a y2k bug in any language, for any OS or hardware platform.

-- Flint (flintc@mindspring.com), December 25, 1999.

OK...hate to show everyone how stupid that I am but:

1. Do I buy a CD that wipes everything off the computer?

2. If I wipe it, what do I put back on it? Lunix? And if so, WHERE do I get that CD?

3. And the most humiliating question of all....how do I change the date? Its about the only thing that works right all of the time. Today's trip down the rabbit hole is that I can have two or three lines typed before they come up on the screen. Sigh!

4. Do I turn this thing off for roll over, then turn it on check date, change date and turn off and then back on? Is that the scenario?

Taz

-- Taz (Tassi123@aol.com), December 25, 1999.


Hi Taz,

I'm afraid Flint may be correct, it does sound like you have a virus, and some serious configuration problems. It may be time to bite the bullet, and reinstall. I would try this first, since you're willing to trash the machine anyway. You may be able to save it.

Remember to save any personal data that you may want to keep. You'll need it wheather you reinstall, or buy a new machine. Get a full backup of your existing hard drive, if you can. Then you can "pick off" any files that you may have forgotten to save. Better safe than sorry...

Merry Christmas! Tick... Tock... <:00=

-- Sysman (y2kboard@yahoo.com), December 25, 1999.


Taz, baby,

I didn't mean to confuse. And if I were to do it over, probably it would be a MAC type product. Jim Lord thinks that Microsoft is a whole year behind in releasing the necessary compliant software.

To get back to topic. The QuickRestore disk I am referring to is one that came with the Presario, and you may be able to get another one from Compaq's service department. To use it, you insert it into the CD-ROM drive and reboot. Several warning screens appear, and when you finally authorize it, the program starts by formatting the hard drive, and ends by taking you through the Windows 95 setup. It saves the Print drivers, and automatically reinstalls the rest.

Once you have a clean machine with Win 95, the next sep is to download the Y2K fix Service Pack from Microsoft website (Win 98 users can get a rush Win 98 Service Pack CD sent within a week for $5 S & H). Follow instructions for installing the download.

Then, to finish the project off, I plan to run Intellifix2000 by Intelliquis to hunt down the remaining Microsoft date bugs and automatically fix them.

Taz, good luck, and if you bought that Compaq in 1996 or 1997 (or even perhaps early 1998) contact the above referenced law firm...the Class of Disappointed Presario Owners is forming NOW!! And give my regards to Chubby Hubby. See ya after the Roll.



-- K. Stevens (kstevens@ It's ALL going away in just six days.com), December 25, 1999.


Imac's are new for $899 (the 333mhz version)...plug it in, turn it on, run netscape, (buy back office if you must bet a microsoft product) & you are all set. 2 or 3 1/2 hour clean installs a year & a paperclip to restart once in awile, it's EASY!, remember---windows is a "copy" of the Mac OS...

-- INever fail to be amused at the wintel herd (inevercheckmy@onebox.com), December 25, 1999.

Taz,

If I were you I'd order one now to lock in a good price. Tell them you only want to put down the minimum deposit on your CREDIT CARD, and that you do not want it shipped until mid-January (tell them you will be out of town). This way you'll be able to confirm that it will be compliant before you take delivery, and see what happens to the prices. I think they are more likely to go up than down, but if they go down you can cancel and order a different one. Credit card companies will back you up to get your deposit back, just tell them you heard it might not be compliant and you decided you didn't want to buy it. By using this strategy you'll be sure to get the best system for your bucks.

-- Hawk (flyin@high.again), December 25, 1999.


Ron:

"I have a 486 computer and I will sent me year to 1974. The days on the calendar are exactly the same."

First, you should check your calendar. If you are running Windows, you can't do that; at least not on my machines.

I agree with Flint and Sysman; sounds like some kind of alien code.

Warning: before you add alien code from MS to your applications, make sure that the solved Y2K problem is relevant to your use. While not a virus [as suggested by the use of alien code in the Flint, Sysman statement], all of these patches may introduce new problems. Be conservative.

Best wishes,,

-- Z1X4Y7 (Z1X4Y7@aol.com), December 25, 1999.


Sysman,

You may be right about the virus. I am merely pointing out that if Taz has a Compaq Presario manufactured in 1996 or 1997, there is a very high probability that the Motherboard has a Design Flaw that is the subject of an ongoing active Class Action lawsuit being heard in the Carolinas. Plaintiffs cause has survived Compaq's motion to dismiss.



-- K. Stevens (kstevens@ It's ALL going away in just six days.com), December 25, 1999.


Just missed your last post Taz.

Linux is a fine operating system, and I would like to see more people using it. But if you already have the 95 CD, I think a virgin install will fix most of your problems.

You already have everything that you need to erase your disk. BUT BE CAREFUL! Remember, once you do, you're on your own. You won't be able to get any help from us, or anyone else on the net, until you have at least reinstalled an operating system, and AOL. You need to be sure that some basic things work before you start this, like your CD drive. Many new computers use ATAPI to talk to the CD, and it is detected when the machine boots. But some require a driver, that must be loaded from a "boot diskette" before you can see the CD drive. I'm not sure about yours.

As for the date, you need to get into the SETUP program. I think it's the F10 key on most Compaqs. Does the cursor move to the top right of the screen when you first turn it on? If so, hit F10 then. If that doesn't work, watch for a message when you first turn it on, or check your manual. Or maybe someone here knows...

I'ld be happy to tell you how to kill your computer Taz. But once you do, you're on your own, at least for a while. <:)=

-- Sysman (y2kboard@yahoo.com), December 25, 1999.


Sounds like K. Stevens has the idea. I'ld pay attention, since he's another Compaq user, and I'm more of a mixed-bag user. I haven't used the QuickRestore CD, but it sounds like it's just what you need.

Just remember to get a copy of your personal, important files before you use it. If you have any, you know, things like "instructions for husband" ...

And once again, Happy holidays! <:)=

-- Sysman (y2kboard@yahoo.com), December 25, 1999.


Taz, I would also vote for a clean re-install. Boot with the Restore CD hat came with your PC, as it will install the CD driver (which must work outside Windows under certain conditions, like this very boot). Most likely, the restore CD will format your HD, then put the OS back and all prograns, vintage 1997. Then you install the WIN98 upgrade, then AOL or something better (do not use the AOL that may appear installed from the restore CD, as it is vintage 1997 also.) Then install an anti virus program or better, a good housekeeping program like Norton System Works2000 which contains Norton Anti Virus.

Now you are faced with the problem that you have lost data, addresses, mail. And that your PC has all of its old software levels in it, which need personalization. BUT,

You have to do that in order to find out if you have a hardware problem! If your cursor still flies around, and windows pop up when you don't want them, YOU HAVE indeed A HARDWARE PROBLEM.

If so, forget reviving your PC and buy a MAC or some other PC of your choice. Join the class action guys if you think that is worthwhile under Y2k conditions!!!

(I once had L2cache go bad, and I swore that I had a virus as my PC gradually went bonkers. There was no help from any help desk, but they wanted ME to find if it was hardware or software. You are in that same fix! Well, I did, with the process outlined above. Even then they said I probably had a scatched installation disk.)

Net: you are on your own finding out if your hardware is defective (then you need a new computer or part), or if your software went insane. You need to know, so you can follow the "replace-PC" or the "restore"/ "clean install" advise.

It may hurt to realize that with software a flaky as yours at this moment, the chances for making *good* backups are slim also.

The timing for installation of Norton may be controversial. Pro: You need it's virus scanner, you will appreciate its housekeeping functions. Together with an ISP-of-your-choice program, you can go to the internet and update old programs without being afraid of viruses (update Norton FIRST,as it updates the virus definitions.) It will also help you to search for hardware and software problems! Con: It is work to personalize it. If you have a hardware problem and then decide to buy a MAC, then NortonSysWorks2000 for Windows is just a nice present for someone else. Good luck!

-- W (me@home.now), December 25, 1999.


Wow! You guys really come through in a pinch. Thanks!

1. I have Norton on here and I keep it updated.

2I HAVE USED THE Restore CD that came with this... twice... and it does not put back the programs needed for opening files. It doesn't seem to do anything except wipe everything else off. The guy at Stapels, where I bought the unit, says it should put it back to factory level. Well....it doesn't!

3. Other than a few URLs and my address book, there is nothing on here that I need to save. I don't know how to back stuff up and what little I have I can back up with a pencil and paper.

4. I am definately going to look into this class action suit, as a matter of principal if nothing else.

5. Norton says I have no viruses on board. And I would be surprised if I did since I can't open any files even if I wanted to.

6. Its very frustrating. I know that most of you could problably take care of the problems here in about 15 minutes. I really am not this stupid about other subjects and in fact received a $550,000 reserach grant in 1989. So I USED to have some gray matter. Sigh....losing a good mind is REALLY tough! When you have had a reputation all your life of being very bright and then suddenly you have a hard time remembering how to spell a word...or leaving blanks in your typing while you go on and wait for the word to "arrive" in your head.

Taz

-- Taz (Tassi123@aol.com), December 26, 1999.


Taz, baby,

Stop running yourself down like that. It's easy to think that "It is you" in that no corporation would release a truly defective Motherboard and refuse to take responsibility. Compaq did exactly that. I bought the computer from CompUSA, and even purchased a three year extended warranty from them.

I became aware of the problem when a computer magazine (sorry, I don't remember which one) was reviewing a different Compaq machine and alluded to the "troubled 4000 series Presario line." Mine was a 4850. I brought this up in conversation with friends in the industry and they had heard this to. Well, I packed the machine up and returned to CompUSA.

What happened next was a shock. Not only wouldn't CompUSA take it back ( I was looking for an in store credit so I could get a less powerful, but more reliable system ), but CompUSA wouldn't even honor the extended warranty they had sold me. They blamed the problem on any non Compaq supplied software loaded on the machine. Well, on several occasions the machine fatally crashed with ONLY Windows 95 in it. Next, they refused to "look at the computer" unless I signed a form essentially releasing them (CompUSA) from their obligations under the Extended Warranty. I refused and stormed out. Something about their behavior didn't seem quite right...I suspected they were in CYA mode.

I got home, set up the Compaq, went on line, went to Yahoo, typed in "Compaq" and it was a revelation. At that time, this past January, the Class Action site was # 11 on the list (Now #40). Much to my horror, the lawsuit had been filed in the Spring of 1997, and I had bought the computer in January 1998. CompUSA had sold me the machine, and the EXTENDED WARRANTY (which they refused to honor) some nine months after the suit was filed.

Just to keep my sanity at that point I called Gateway and asked where the nearest store was. I drove there that night and bought a Gateway mousepad as a little "ritual object" to calm me down. The following month, I bought our current system from Gateway.

If I sound like a promoter of Gateway, it is only because they sold me a machine that WORKS! At this point, knowing what I now know about just how far behind the "8 Ball" Microsoft is ( they run 90% of the world's PC's...just visualize that Y2K Necktie Party! ) if I were to buy new, I would probably take Ed's advice and buy a Mac.

So Taz, give Chubby Hubby a real deep hug and kiss...if your experience has been anywhere as nightmarish as mine, there is probably some relationship repair in order!

With just 5 days left, good luck, and see ya both on the other side of Midnight!



-- K. Stevens (kstevens@ It's ALL going away in just 131 HOURS!.com), December 26, 1999.


It is difficult to understand why anybody, ESPECIALLY AT THIS POINT, would consider buying anything except a Macintosh!

Oh well, live and learn, in 6 days ...

-- MS not compliant (PCs@don't.work), December 26, 1999.


Taz; Systems do not just run amok with your mouse running all over the screen and opening and closing windows with no human intervention. That sounds very much like a security problem commonly called 'Back Orifice' and indicates the presence of an intelligence behind the mouse. It is very bad. There is no virus of which I have ever heard that does what you have described... There are a number of folks on this board who can scan your ports for you. Have them look for an open port at 1234. That is the one that 'Back Orifice' uses. IF that port is open there is a HIGH probability that your system has been totally compromised and what you have been observing is the activity of a hacker on your machine. At that point you might contact the FBI, they MIGHT be willing to help but then again they might not have the expertise in house and available to work the problem.

While I am on that topic once someone has managed to install 'Back Orifice' on someone's PC's they are able to do anything that you can do at the keyboard and ofcourse it will be traced back to you.

Ain't technology grand?

-- (...@.......), December 26, 1999.


MS Not Complient; I have to disagree. I feel it is difficult to understand how anyone at this point would install anything but a totally free operating system such as Linux or FreeBSD. I can't for the life of me understand why people insist on sticking with products that come from vendors when there are BETTER products available at no cost. Did I say BETTER... you darn right BETTER products are not available than FreeBSD and Linux. Not at ANY price and not from any proprietary vendor that wants to make BIG bucks selling you things you no longer need to purchase. www.debian.com... Hook into the Linux community, we help each other.

-- (...@.......), December 26, 1999.

Taz; One last point... But it did start with the geek who was to remediate my computer.

-- (...@.......), December 26, 1999.

A few weeks ago I ran that test for ports etc. I was clean and the report said that my machine was "EXTREMELY" tight and unable for anyone to enter. So, scratch that! Norton says I have no viruses and I keep that updated. In the next day or so, I am going to do the restore AGAIN. I will then reinstall Norton and AOL. That is all that is on here now. After I have done those things, I will see if I can figure out the bios thingey from Compaq. Then I will go looking for linux CD. and go from there. I have printed out all the stuff that you all have offered here so that I can study it while I go. So you may find me missing for awhile at roll over, BUT IF THE INTERNET STAYS UP, I WILL BE UP TOO. Either with a remediated system or a new one. Thanks again...Taz

-- Taz (Tassi123@aol.com), December 26, 1999.

Good Luck, Taz... Merry (Late) Christmas. -m-

-- (...@.......), December 26, 1999.

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