Hello, I'm new

Hi everyone,

I am new. I am having a couple of computer problems, but I don't know if I can give enough information to you so that you can help me I have very limited computer knowledge. I did fix my spyware problems last year, or at least they seem fixed, by following the instructions on the majorgeeks site. I guess the first thing I should take care of is the blacboard problem. My son is taking an online class and this is orientation week and so far we have managed to get him into the blackboard/classroom or whatever, but when they had a virtual classroom chat, then it got tricky. We kept getting in and then it would freeze up everything, sometimes the whole computer, sometimes just the browser. Then it seemed to be working, and whenever someone else would join the chat, we would freeze up and have to reload everything. Maybe there is something I should have downloaded to make this work better. We have windows 98, it's a compq presario, and it says this on the outside of my tower Intel Pentium II processor. 512KB L2 Pipeline Burst Cache, New 50% faster 100MHz System Bus, 100MHz SyncDRAM Memory, 2x AGP 3D graphics, 4MB 100MHz SyncGraphics Memory, DVD with MPEG2, expandable and upgradable. Digital flat panel port, ethernet port for home networking and printer sharing, amazing creativity action center (?), aureal A3D 360 degree positional sound, JBL 3D virtual theater, high speed internet access, 56K* ITU V.90 Modem, cable ready modem- 10Mbps ethernet port, quick and simple internet setup wizard, easy access intrenet keyboard(which died, so we have a basic cheap keyboard now). I don't know if any of that is helpful or not.

We usually use netscape 7.2, but sometime use internet explorer, netscape won't download things to my computer, but the other will. We have that java recommended for better prevention of spyware...sun something (I'm helpful huh ) I don't know if we have the macromedia flash program, I did try to download it, but couldn't tell if it did, so it probably didn't.

My other problem is just annoying. My computer won't talkto my printer. Somehow I can't get the old compaq printer stuff out. It did let me install our new lexmark x1100, which was great until one of the kids got ink in it trying to refill cartridges, so I got a lexmark 2300 series. It seemed like that transition should have been easy, but it wasn't, it wanted certain things uninstalled first, then trying to install the new one, there were missing drivers, now it won't install anything for that printer, and it won't uninstall what it did put in, the fax stuff, and it won't let me reinstall the x1100...(it freezes up the whole computer when I try) so I tried to use the original compaq driver disc to fix the driver, but it won't install anymore because the computer was changed to 32 bit? so I don't know what to do.

Anyway it is nice to be here, thanks, Melissa

 

Hi Welcome to Major Geeks, Dont want to make your day but, your pc is so outdated that im really impressed that you can even achieve half of what you are doing, im not saying you wont make it work but youve got your hands full, there are so many good deals going on right now that now is the time to get a new pc. ed

 

Yes I know it is out dated. I would love to get a new computer, I can't afford one right now though. I am a single mom with 4 children. My oldest is 19 and she just enetered college, and we are trying to figure out how to afford to get her a laptop. She has one online class too, but does a lot of her work at the library. My boys are (almost) 16 in 10th grade, 14 in 8th grade, he's the one doing the online class, he got a scolarship for it I am very proud. Anyway, my baby is 6 and he has special needs and is on disability. So, for now we make do. I did figure out the macromedia thing and it is installed. Maybe that will help with the virtual classroom problem. Thanks, Melissa

 

do you know if it would be possible and/or feasible to add more memory and update it? Melissa

 

Pretty awesome footwork, Tim.

I have hundreds of families with kids who need assistance like this. Know of any such generosity in Oregon?

 

Wow, I just read your posts, thank you so much for your concern and help. I will go check out those links right now. I am in Seneca, SC if it matters. Melissa

 

The first link went to an article about an area I have never heard of, I don't think it is close to this part of the state, and it was from 1997 I think. The other one was from salem, SC, which is near here, but I couldn't find a link to talk to anyone or see if the computer program is still going on. I will have to call someone and find out. I don't know if we qualify because we actually already have a computer, old and outdated as it is, and we have internet access, dail-up, but it works. I will keep searching, and thanks again for everything.

Do you have any idea how I can get my computer to talk to my printer again?

Melissa

 

Yup...go for it. This is awesome..thank u!

 

Also, maybe there is a thread somewhere about laptops, but when and if we can get my daughter a laptop, what should I be looking for to make sure it is a good choice, what she will need as a college student. I know I am niave here, but what is the difference between a notebook and a laptop? Melissa