Hazel M

Thank you, Ed Earl. And my apologies to all for that post appearing five times. It never did show that it was posting but apparently it was and I'd hit it several time. Didn't realize that another post about the ad was a no-no. When I post one letter, I should stop for a while? All right. And I do know now when it appears. Don't know why but do know when. I cam avoid that.

Not only is that ad back but I just tried to post a message and it would not post. Let's see if this short one will. Hazel

I know. That title doesn't make a lot of sense. Maybe I can explain. Many of you will not be familiar with this but some will. A couple of decades back, maybe more, they brought out a small electronic device that sent and received email. That's all. It had no hard drive and, therefore no internet. All it was good for was exchanging e-mails. It does have some memory storage capacity, an address book, just a few basic conveniences.

It must not have sold well since they didn't make it long and today are no longer supporting the few that are still being used. I have one of those. When it dies, it is long dead but it's come in quite handy when my computer had problems or my server was down. I could turn to the email machine. And it was quite inexpensive. Still is as I pay Earth Link $12.95 a month to do emails.

My question - after all that. Do the companies that make computers make anything as simple as that? Maybe a bit more complicated as they'd probably have a hard drive. The email machine has no hard drive; therefore, no viruses. What is the simplest machine that computer manufacturers make and which would do email exchanges if nothing else?

Does anyone know anything about such? Or does such exist today?

Thanks.

Thanks. Once I choose the proper download, does it do everything else without asking me where to put "this" and what to do with "that"? Is it for the entire computer, not just one web page?

Full of questions, aren't I?

Oh, all right. Not politics anyway? Yes, I should have asked in Computer Help. Missed that. As far as the OP is concerned, that is ended. I've decided to stick with a desk top. The rest is a new topic, isn't it? Good one, too, with good points. Thanks for making it right.

Hazel, your thread should be in politics or in the lounge, like this one here.

 

http://forum.allaboutcircuits.com/showthread.php?t=95669&page=18

 

When I was young, one of the legacies of Birmingham being the (metal)workshop of the world was that if you needed a piece (or a thousand pieces) of any type metal in any shape of form, there would be a dozen back steet companies who could supply off the shelf or make cheaply to order. Small companies that had grown up supplying to the big ones. which supplied to the world.

Similarly in London, where I lived, there was a place where you could obtain nuts and bolts for any thread ever made. The owner made his fortune out of this simple supply.

 

Nowadays the the West has handed manufacturing on to others, these paragons have all gone and obtaining even simple things is difficult. Sales clerks these days usually don't even know what you are asking for at component level.

 

go well

 

I'm sorry. You've lost me. What thread? This thread? Why would a thread about computers and their care be in politics? I agree that it has gone off-topic a bit. We were talking about the negatives of laptops. Now we are talking about the negatives of computers in general. Is that politics? The lounge I do not know. I'll check it out.

All right. Call it built-in obsolescence. It still amounts to being left without support. I'll try a simple example. Say a woman is using a simple computer to keep files of recipes and other household information. What she does requires no updates to "bigger and better". Or a man is writing his biography for his family. Same story. His simple computer is large enough and works fine. Then, one morning one of them wakes up to see a problem. No idea what it is or how serious it is. Shouldn't this person be able to telephone the company that sold him the computer or the company that made the computer and not hear "sorry, we no longer support that version"? Not even a willingness to listen to the customer's problem and make a suggestion as to what it is going wrong?

No, you can tell me a lot about progress in computers and I'll believe it all - or most of it. But when personal service depends on how up-to-date your computer or other electronic device is, that is not right. Nothing will convince me it is. How much effort does it take to listen to a customer and try to help him at least find out what's going on? Someone on this thread wants a part for his old laptop. Someone on this thread just told him where to look. Now please tell me why the company he took the computer to was not able to do that same thing - tell him how to search for a part?

How you treat a customer in need may determine whether you'll have a customer in the future. It's that simple. Of course, we are talking about two different things here - built-in obsolescence (still don't like it <g>) and customer service. But both are important.

The old operating systems have no functionality with a lot of newer software and hardware. I loved Windows XP when compared to the alternatives at the time, but Windows 7 is even better, imo. Windows 8 seems to support more touchscreen features that I'm not using atm.

 

If we kept the old and just kept adding to it to make it work with the new, we'd end up with some pretty unmanageable systems. If you had told me when I was running Windows 95 that soon I'd be able to have my phone and my laptop working together in a cloud environment, I'm not sure I could have waited. Remember, back in the old Win95 days, your hard drive had 4 gigabytes of space if you were lucky. Now we have that much available in RAM!

I can't give a good answer because I really do not understand computers. I only know that this planned obsolescence - and the refusal to support the old - is into everything.

I can say this. There can be a few who just want to use an old computer for the same old that they were using it for. But, everyone pitches in and makes that impossible. And not just for spare parts. Virus protection is a good example. As soon as the next version comes out, the anti-virus people stop supporting the old versions.

You may be right about the "necessary" but I'm not sure. I am out of my element there. But the changes are too fast and too often. I suspect the purpose is to keep us buying. What I do know is that a one-year-old computer, like any one-year old appliance or device should not be costing an arm and a leg to keep it in working order. On that I think I am right.

It is called "planned obsolescence". Long ago, for a while, I worked as a bookkeeper for a Ford dealer. We had a speaker down from Detroit to talk of many things. One thing he introduced us to was what he called "planned obsolescence". Manufacturers were realizing that they could make more money if they didn't make their products so well that they lasted for years. He said cars were then being built to run beautifully the first year, have minor problems the second and break down badly enough to need replacing the third. I don't know how long cars last but I see this planned obsolescence in everything. I can't believe it isn't as true of computers as anything. And, even if they are running fine, the powers-that-be force you onto a new one. See how often you have to move from Win 95 to Vista to XP to win 7, 8 and onward. Always, to get to the programs you need to use, you have to keep updating. Of course, the "experts" explain and explain tediously that such is necessary to "keep up". Maybe but does that mean they have to kill the old? I still say my Windows 95 was the most stable OS I ever had but it was forced into obsolescence because the company didn't want to continue to support it.

Just my thoughts. If something is still running well, as were both my Win 95 and XP, why can't the manufacturer continue to support it? I know everyone could name a lot of other appliances and tools that suffered the same fate. This could generate a lot of pros and cons which is why I said it probably needed a thread of its own. But we got here and here we are.

For the record, I don't think repair problems with laptops are due to lack of spare hardware, at least not in my experience. What usually makes laptops harder to fix is that it costs more in labor because you have to pull so much out to get to anything. If you bought your laptop for under $500, you may be reluctant to spend more than $100 to fix it, especially if it's a year or two old already.

I am beginning to think that is true of desk tops but that's another topic deserving of a separate thread when I get time.

If you want to magnify text in web browser press ctrl +

It works with Firefox & Chrome, not sure about others.

Yes, I do that often. Fast and easy. By the way, can you get all these different choices of programs like which email to use on laptops?

Windows has lots of options to help make life easier.

 

Look at the accessibility options in the XP control panel

 

Also look at the magnifier

 

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows-xp/help/turn-on-magnifier

You are right. Then there's the magnifier that I hold in my hand. Have you noticed that the smaller the print, the lighter in gray it is? Put a magnifier over it and it not only enlarges, it darkens.

On the other hand working on a laptop can be worse for your health, so much so that there is a (much ignored) EU health & safety directive that requires workers to be provided with separate screen and keyboard to avoid RSI and eye problems.

This sells me on desk top. I have enough trouble reading this screen. So, thank you all. I'll struggle on.

If screen size is important, desk top can handle much larger screens.

Print size certainly is. Is print size on laptops adjustable to large?

We have advertisements provided by Google. (That's how we fund the operation of SFN.) Usually they filter out the obvious scams, but it looks like this one slipped through.

 

You'll get emails from us if you have a new message, and imatfaal's post (#9) shows the real indicator that means you have a PM.

Thank you. And thank you all who helped me run it down as fake. I am glad I asked. I get really rattled with such things - well, with computers, period.

I still have that "Download Now" bar up there. I'm ignoring it. Maybe it will die a natural death eventually.

Have a good, not too hot, day.

 

If you are able to, I recommend installing an adblocker.

That's it exactly. Thanks. Where do they come from? Dumb question?

I'll talk to the person who takes care of my computer. He can do that.

I've been reading some interesting things lately that set me to wondering. It would make an interesting thread but probably belongs elsewhere.

I've seen that one a few times. Since I am familiar with where the personal messages are accessed, when I saw the announcement that I had new ones, I went directly to the appropriate SFN button. Of course, I discovered zero messages and realised the announcement was some form of ad. It is, however, annoying. Some members, with arguable justification, will blame SFN for having been misled and may leave as a consequence. (Small, but finite risk.)

I've seen that one a few times. Since I am familiar with where the personal messages are accessed, when I saw the announcement that I had new ones, I went directly to the appropriate SFN button. Of course, I discovered zero messages and realised the announcement was some form of ad. It is, however, annoying. Some members, with arguable justification, will blame SFN for having been misled and may leave as a consequence. (Small, but finite risk.)

Now that relieves my mind - knowing someone else has seen that. I did finally realize that, if SF works like any other forum, I'll get an email announcement anyway if someone sends a private message.

Where is the appropriate SFN button for private messages?

I reflect on the likely situation in X decades time when a teenager might run across this thread and, in bewilderment, ask "Did they really have discrete computers then? I mean wasn't everything just sort of wired into the cloud through the access chip in your skull?"

 

History never seems quaint while you are living in it.

I reflect on the likely situation in X decades time when a teenager might run across this thread and, in bewilderment, ask "Did they really have discrete computers then? I mean wasn't everything just sort of wired into the cloud through the access chip in your skull?"

 

History never seems quaint while you are living in it.

True but no one is going to be messing with my skull.

Thanks all. Since I only use it at home, it seems a desk top wins. I do appreciate your replies. Just what I needed.

Hazel

 

this is what I see when I get a new message on SF.net

 

messages.jpg

 

That's the top right corner of my browser window. I wonder if you are seeing a message where I have an advert for Istanbul - if you are seeing something there it is merely an advert you can ignore.

 

Hazel

 

this is what I see when I get a new message on SF.net

 

messages.jpg

 

That's the top right corner of my browser window. I wonder if you are seeing a message where I have an advert for Istanbul - if you are seeing something there it is merely an advert you can ignore.

 

No, nothing up there except my name and "Sign out". However, where I was getting that bar with the envelope there is a different bar now. A green bar saying "Download". Something is definitely going on. I shan't touch it.

Are you seeing "View New Messages" in the space where the advertisement (for nanotechnology products) is here?

 

Screen Shot 2014-06-29 at 12.28.19 PM.png

 

That's a screenshot of the top of this thread. If you're seeing it there, it's an advertisement -- a scammy one.

 

The link you provided certainly is not part of SFN. It's a third party trying to trick you. Don't download or install the software, whatever it is.

That's it. Thanks. I'll ignore it hereafter. Thanks much.

Hazel

 

You definitely do not need a special tool to get private messages on this site. I will send you one is a second or two and you can see how easy that is. If you do not we may have to ask some of the more compu-savvy members what is going on.

 

Up at the top of the screen on the right hand side of the black banner you should see a grey envelope with a red 1 against it. It is right at the very top of the screen. That should be my test message.

I am not seeing it but that's my fault. When I clicked the notification email, it took me straight to the message. So, that will be gone by now. But I'll know what to look for hereafter.

Hazel

 

You definitely do not need a special tool to get private messages on this site. I will send you one is a second or two and you can see how easy that is. If you do not we may have to ask some of the more compu-savvy members what is going on.

 

Up at the top of the screen on the right hand side of the black banner you should see a grey envelope with a red 1 against it. It is right at the very top of the screen. That should be my test message.

Whoa! Back up. I went back to the top. It isn't what you described but is probably what you meant. What I have now is a gray envelope with a large blue bar next to it saying View New Messages. There is not red number after it. There is some wording. "Inbox" is in red. then, there are three letters in black but I cannot read them.

OK. The difference between what I just described and what I've been getting is that, always before, the envelope was while with a red dot atop it. No number, just a plain red dot.

In terms of bang for buck last time I looked desktops were much better value.

 

Your children, spouse, parents, best friend etc won't ask to borrow it, take it home, leave it on bus, etc

 

If you knock a can of coke over the keyboard it costs about 20 quid to fix.

 

You won't be tempted to "work" in front of TV - cos we all know that work does not happen when the goggle-box is demanding your attention.

Thanks to you, also. Worth thinking about. A smile on the last. I have no TV in my home and almost wish I had no computer. But, yes, the rest fits. Good. I've changed my mind.

If you're considering a laptop for its portability, know that it's not a good idea to move around with a laptop while it's running. Hard drives like stability.

 

Battery power is usually a big consideration, so you should think about how you want to use a laptop. Are you using it in places where you have no plug-in, so battery is more important? A bigger battery may be necessary, it may change how the laptop sits, it will definitely change the weight.

 

I have a standard battery, gives me 3-4 hours, but I don't need that part so much. I tend to haul my laptop in a backpack around the city, find a wi-fi hotspot, plug in my laptop, plug my phone and bluetooth headset into my laptop, and can now office from any decent coffee shop.

 

I know that I give up a lot of computing power, longevity, and monitor benefits with a laptop, but I really have no choice. Desktop hasn't been practical for me for years.

1) if laptop is damaged, you cannot fix it usually. Most likely you won't find any electronic shop willing to fix it. They don't have spare hardware.

 

2) laptop can easily overheat. It has no good circulation of air inside. I had laptop couple years ago that was shutting down in summer time while playing Counter-Strike: Source for a while. And it killed it permanently (gfx card broken, and couldn't get replacement).

 

3) if you plan to crunch a lot of data by applications, doing calcs, it's not good choice (see above)

 

4) limited hardware extending. You can just add memory and replace hard disk.

Thank you so very much. Your #1 surprises me. My main reason for considering a laptop was ease of taking it in for repairs. With my desktop I have to beg (and usually fail to get) someone to come to my home. I have no way to take it to a shop.

I think you just changed my mind. Surely do appreciate your reply.