The Official Computer Tech Support Thread

FETCHER. · 09-10-2009, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freebase Dali

So... that's a yes to 64bit then

yeah.. what does that even mean?

Freebase Dali · 09-10-2009, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kayleigh.

yeah.. what does that even mean?

XXbit basically refers to the way your specific operating system works with the computer processor and vice versa. Without getting too deep with it, Vista 64bit is capable of handling a lot more than 32bit versions, but it's pretty exclusive when it comes to which 32 bit programs are capable of being run in a 64bit environment.
That means that most of the software you put on your computer will have to be 64bit compatible. It will say that on the computer requirements when you buy the software or download it.

Just try to remember that part and you'll be alright.

Freebase Dali · 09-10-2009, 05:24 PM

Boring Info for the Post!
We usually never had a problem with running 16bit software (software made for like, windows 95 etc..) in a 32bit OS like XP because of backward compatibility. It's not really feasible though, because the processor has to make two passes for every one line of 16bit code, effectively slowing the processing speed down by half its ability.
Now Vista is basically cutting out backward compatibility in that sense, eliminating compatibility with 16bit all together, and providing virtual environments for running legacy programs.

Freebase Dali · 09-10-2009, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kayleigh.

im having a similar problem to Btown when i start up the laptop screen goes off for a second, then back on n doesnt do it again or sometimes it goes off twice when i first start up

any ideas ?

Most computers do that during startup. It's not a problem unless everything is completely loaded up and running and you're getting blackouts, like Btown. His is actually a problem.

right-track · 09-10-2009, 05:36 PM

Anyone have any thoughts/info/experience with the new OS Windows 7?

Freebase Dali · 09-10-2009, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by right-track

Anyone have any thoughts/info/experience with the new OS Windows 7?

I've just only heard about it being on the way. Not much else.
Word is, it's supposed to be the antithesis of how poorly designed Vista was in regards to compatibility and core functionality.
At this point, I would be happy without additional bells and whistles just to see the advantage of an operating system that's capable of meeting any demand and also being structurally sound and compatible with at least a majority of what us consumers have come to trust.

Vista was a rushed, poorly constructed marketing strategy that failed, and Windows 7 is supposed to be the rectifying solution. As far as I'm concerned, I'm sticking with XP until W7 proves to be what it should be.

Sparky · 09-10-2009, 06:32 PM

you wouldn't know anything about ubuntu would you? D:

Specifically how to get Wine to work

Freebase Dali · 09-10-2009, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matious

you wouldn't know anything about ubuntu would you? D:

Specifically how to get Wine to work

I don't have much personal experience in Linux beyond basic operation, but using something like Wine as a software solution to be a compatibility layer is bound to be a little tricky when it comes to the way windows-based programs are coded with OS specifics in mind, and trying to translate those programs to operate in a non-native environment.
It might be hit or miss with some programs, depending, but I think you may be at the mercy of the functionality of such an interpreting/processing proxy like Wine as to what it's capable of delivering in terms of operable ability.

You have to realize that there are certain aspects of OS-based programs that are completely dependent on the resources and interactions provided by the OS it was made for, so short of rewriting the program itself, sometimes it's just not possible for the interpreting layer (ie., Wine) to provide the kind of environment a program needs.

Sparky · 09-10-2009, 07:06 PM

I just wanna play starcraft

Freebase Dali · 09-10-2009, 07:21 PM

You try looking around on the web to see if there were any specific solutions?

See if you can't search around and look for "windows starcraft on ubuntu".
Might find what you need.

09-10-2009, 05:24 PM	#13 (permalink)
Freebase Dali Partying on the inside Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 5,584	Boring Info for the Post! We usually never had a problem with running 16bit software (software made for like, windows 95 etc..) in a 32bit OS like XP because of backward compatibility. It's not really feasible though, because the processor has to make two passes for every one line of 16bit code, effectively slowing the processing speed down by half its ability. Now Vista is basically cutting out backward compatibility in that sense, eliminating compatibility with 16bit all together, and providing virtual environments for running legacy programs. __________________

09-10-2009, 07:21 PM	#20 (permalink)
Freebase Dali Partying on the inside Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 5,584	You try looking around on the web to see if there were any specific solutions? See if you can't search around and look for "windows starcraft on ubuntu". Might find what you need. __________________

09-10-2009, 05:36 PM	#15 (permalink)
right-track Atchin' Akai Join Date: May 2005 Location: Unamerica Posts: 8,723	Anyone have any thoughts/info/experience with the new OS Windows 7?

09-10-2009, 06:32 PM	#17 (permalink)
Sparky not really Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 5,223	you wouldn't know anything about ubuntu would you? D: Specifically how to get Wine to work

09-10-2009, 07:06 PM	#19 (permalink)
Sparky not really Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 5,223	I just wanna play starcraft