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    Build or Buy?

    If you do want to build go for a barebones case like these: http://www.asus.com/products.aspx?l1=1&l2=1 The V3-P5G43 would be ideal. Barebones have the motherboard and PSU already wired in. All you need to do is plug in a CPU (Quad Core Q6600 or a Core2Duo) a couple of 2Gb sticks of DDR2...
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    Help finding a new computer tower

    Only two things matter, for ordinary trading use. First get a 'Core2Duo' processor. Second, get at least 2Gb of memory. You will be forced to use Vista (but get XP if you can) and anything less than this will be sluggish. Any machine these days will give you more disk space than you will...
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    Virus Killed My Harddrive-reformatted 3x+still Bad.

    Here's a few of the most likely possibilities: 1) The problem is heat and the other matters are coincidence. Keep the chassis earthed by switching off at power but leaving power cable connected. Open side and check fans and behind fans for dust, use a brush or vacuum pipe. 2) Faulty power...
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    How to get rid of spyware/viruses

    I haven't checked back at this thread for a while, seems it has taken off.... It's true that a lot of people have a lot of problems with Windows, but it is possible to run an XP computer problem free for years. I have nine computers networked in my large household and they are mostly trouble...
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    How to get rid of spyware/viruses

    Even if you untick everything using HiJackThis you don't need to be concerned it won't spoil any essential services, you might have to reinstall a printer or something. I spent weeks going through loads of Linux distributions, the best one for ordinary users I found was 'DreamLinux' My wife...
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    64-bit vs 32-bit

    There is an easy option for those not experienced who want to build their own - buy a 'barebones'. It's a case, motherboard and PSU already combined with most of the wiring and fitting done for you. All you have to do is plug in your choice of processor, memory, hard drive and a DVD drive...
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    How to get rid of spyware/viruses

    A few threads have mentioned the current plague of 'antivirus popups' and also loss of desktop settings tab and other problems. A customer had one of those this afternoon and I've had a half dozen or more in the last two or three weeks. I do it manually, which also speeds the whole system...
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    To all Vista users out there...

    I just got through this week removing 64 bit Vista (4Gb) on a RAID array, putting a standard SATA drive in and installing XP 32 bit. The RAID is now for data only. The XP showed about 3 Gb and went like a rocket in comparison. The 4 Gb will be unused anyway with the software you have mentioned...
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    It's Official: Microsoft Vista Sucks. Just ask Microsoft Execs.

    bighog, I spend 6 days a week fixing broken home and small business computers - yet I agree with you. Your chances of getting a virus or spyware if you stick to trading are close to nil. Not only that, if you have a router you don't need a special firewall either - the router itself is a...
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    Missing Desktop From Display Properties

    You've got spyware. Download and run smitfraudfix here: http://siri.geekstogo.com/SmitfraudFix.php Even if it's not smitfraud you've got I think it should reset the problems with the desktop tab not appearing. Choose option 2 after running. Also, check out my post here and follow the...
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    Wireless 54 Mbps vs Wired 100Mbps

    Hogging of bandwidth by someone else would slow things down with unencrypted wireless, basically it depends where you are as to whether it's likely - if you are isolated or have a bit of space around you, no problem. You can immediately tell if that is happening anyway by checking the activity...
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    Wireless 54 Mbps vs Wired 100Mbps

    I often set up wireless for customers, or solve wireless problems but yes, wired is much more robust. However if you have to or really want to use wireless here's the important points for those interested: Netgear, Linksys, Zyxel, Buffalo and Speedtouch are generally good routers...
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    my system (upgrade) feedback appreciated

    Gnome's comments seem about right. Xp window decorations shouldn't be significant with graphic cards like that though. Looking at the processes also, there doesn't seem to be a lot of junk running either. Certain things might cause slowness such as windows updates or a virus scan...
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    Economist article on fingerprint technology for online banking

    No good - fingerprints are so easy to copy, or fake using a bit of new skin (wait till tacky, then roll over a toe and you have placed your toeprint onto your finger) or a laser printer on to a transparency can create a mould from a print on a glass. It's all out there on the net. Also, you'd...
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    Freeware Disk Cloning Utility?

    If by any chance you are using Seagate drives, the free seagate disk utility will do it.
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    Hard Drive Failing, need to transfer data urgent!

    If the hard drive is physically failing, then make sure you backup the most essential stuff first to a usb drive or burn to CD/DVD. If you do something intensive like clone the whole lot, it would be more likely to die completely part way through. Unless you have put things in odd places, all...
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    Security software?

    Glad it's working better CPTrader. Your new laptop - did you manage to get XP or is it Vista? Vista is slowest but there are some tweaks that help. Either way, new laptops are often slow due to loads of subscription rubbish, non-standard manufacturers 'helpers' etc. on top of preinstalled...
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    Security software?

    Glad to help CPTrader. Once you install Avira, you don't have to think about it, it updates and scans everything itself. If you have a router and have checked on the control panel that the Windows firewall is turned on, you don't need to think about that either. The only thing you would...
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    Which countries have low taxes and have balanced budgets?

    OK, I think some of the info may be listed here: http://www.heritage.org/research/features/index/countries.cfm I think the relevant figures are listed under 'Fiscal Freedom' and 'Freedom from Government' If so, then Canada doesn't have a balanced budget. Click on it and you will see...
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    Security software?

    Right on about AVG new version 8. For years, up until a couple of months ago I gave out AVG to every customer. Then they moved to version 8 and it's philosophy that your system resources are theirs to use. While still not as bad as Norton or Macafee, they will not listen to knowledgeable...
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