The Computer thread

[spookyturtle 9,465]

Lets talk about computers, laptops, desktops, computer builds, specs, problems, tablets, Macs, Linux etc. Kip and I were discussing pc builds in another thread so I thought we could generate some interest and get others involved. Kip has a boatload of knowledge to offer and perhaps he could re-post a few things here from the other thread.

[Ban Hammer 13,337]

excellent idea for a thread, since we're all on computers.

[spookyturtle 9,465]

excellent idea for a thread, since we're all on computers.

I think so. Lots of people have pc problems too so if we can generate some interest here it may actually help some people out. Plus we can make fun of Mac users. :devil: Just kidding, I'd like to see all types of input. I like to learn. As long as it's not too hard.

[MyLittlePony 340]

I am a proud Mac user.

[mounir412 101]

good idea

thanks !!!

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

This is the recent big news in the laptop and netbook world

http://www.geek.com/articles/chips/intel-announces-14-new-ivy-bridge-processors-20120531/

Intel announces 14 new Ivy Bridge processors

If anyone is unfamiliar with Intel's Ivy Bridge cpu's, it's the first ever 22nm desktop processor and now it's available for laptops, notebooks, etc.. What makes this processor unique other than it's die size is that it utilizes Intel HD 4000 graphics which is excellent btw unless your into hard core gaming or programs such as Auto Cad that require a high end dedicated gpu. These cpu's are also great on power usage which means you get more battery life.

Edited July 14, 2012 by Bad_Daddy

[spookyturtle 9,465]

I still don't understand the tri-gate transistors. And I still can't comprehend how they get over a billion transistors in something that small. Or maybe I'm just dumb?

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

I still don't understand the tri-gate transistors. And I still can't comprehend how they get over a billion transistors in something that small. Or maybe I'm just dumb?

I'm not up on that myself although I know Ivy Bridge has 20% more transistors than Sandy Bridge which is pretty amazing when you think about it seeing how Sandy Bridge is on a 32nm die and Ivy Bridge is on a 22nm die.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multigate_device <----- this gives a brief rundown on it.

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/release-preview

Windows 8 Release Preview

[spookyturtle 9,465]

I've watched a few videos showing how Intel makes chips and it really blows me away how they can do it. There are a few good ones on Youtube. Have you used the Windows 8 preview?

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

I've watched a few videos showing how Intel makes chips and it really blows me away how they can do it. There are a few good ones on Youtube. Have you used the Windows 8 preview?

I haven't myself but I have a few friends using the beta atm. Some like it, some don't. It seems like people complain about every new OS that comes out. Vista for example; a lot of people didn't seem to like it, I had no problems with it. Windows 7 is nothing more than a polished version of Vista. Both are good OS's I think and if Windows 8 is anything like XP, Vista, W7 it should be a winner.

[IR5FORMUMSIE 850]

excellent idea for a HYPER-thread, since we're all on computers.

[Penguin_ie 5,993]

Couldn't do without my laptop. I can have it in the playroom while the kids play and in the clinic's waitingroom while my son has therapy! I like using Rockmelt as my browser with the edges, I see right away if I have new emails/ tweets/ my fav blogs get updated.

Recently, I have been unable to shut it down (it stays on the blue swirly screen that says "Shutting Down...." forever, even overnight), so I have to shut down via the power button, which is annoying. Also, sometimes I cannot download photos (neither from an email sent to me nor by right clicking on, say, a FB photo). No other issues, no viruses, no error codes. Thoughts?

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

Couldn't do without my laptop. I can have it in the playroom while the kids play and in the clinic's waitingroom while my son has therapy! I like using Rockmelt as my browser with the edges, I see right away if I have new emails/ tweets/ my fav blogs get updated.

Recently, I have been unable to shut it down (it stays on the blue swirly screen that says "Shutting Down...." forever, even overnight), so I have to shut down via the power button, which is annoying. Also, sometimes I cannot download photos (neither from an email sent to me nor by right clicking on, say, a FB photo). No other issues, no viruses, no error codes. Thoughts?

I had something similar like that happen to me last year and it was my hard drive going on the fritz. What you might try though is moving everything you want to save onto a memory stick or external drive and then reformat your laptop.

[spookyturtle 9,465]

If you want to test your hard drives health, you can download the free version of HD tune here.

http://www.hdtune.com/download.html

It will give you an idea of how your drive is doing.

And as Kip stated, it could be time for a reformat. There may be some corrupt Windows files. I would check it with HD tune and go from there.