Need some computer help

[Sparrow]

Try to identify the program which causes the cpu usage spikes, if it is a software problem.
Open the task manager, switch to the processes tab and sort by cpu utilization.

Virus scanners can sometimes cause spikes, but should be less of an issue on more powerful machines.

[darthtrader]

Reinstalling is probly the best idea.
If that works you should consider Norton Ghost. Basically you would reinstall all your apps, get your machine setup perfect then take a snapshot of the harddrive with ghost. Then if you have problems you can just blow away the drive and Ghost will put the drive back to the way it was when you Ghost it the first time.
I always do these tweaks from the audio recording world too for better performance when I first install.
http://www.pcmus.com/TweakXP.htm
I dont bother with Enable APM or Disable Write behind Caching, not sure why though.

If its still a hardware issue you really should consider trying to build your own system.You will laugh at how easy it is when your done, its only scary the first time

[brownsfan019]

	Quote:	darthtrader
	Reinstalling is probly the best idea. If that works you should consider Norton Ghost. Basically you would reinstall all your apps, get your machine setup perfect then take a snapshot of the harddrive with ghost. Then if you have problems you can just blow away the drive and Ghost will put the drive back to the way it was when you Ghost it the first time. I always do these tweaks from the audio recording world too for better performance when I first install. http://www.pcmus.com/TweakXP.htm I dont bother with Enable APM or Disable Write behind Caching, not sure why though. If its still a hardware issue you really should consider trying to build your own system.You will laugh at how easy it is when your done, its only scary the first time

Good idea with Ghost Darth. I never thought of using it like that - get it perfect - windows updates, etc. - and then use Ghost. I guess that would make reformatting a tad easier.

I would like to learn how to build my own to be honest. The local college has a beginner class, so maybe one day I'll do it. I HATE being reliant on others for stuff like this but unless I do it initially, I am stuck at times. And it's not even about money, I just like knowing that if my stuff takes a crap on Sat night that I can spend Sun getting it ready.

[darthtrader]

I wouldn't waste your time with a class. Like I said once you decide to do it you will laugh at how easy it is. Even calling it "building" a computer is probly insulting to people who really build stuff. I'm not even sure what they would teach at a class, the biggest part is how to use a screw driver.
Basically you snap the CPU, RAM, video card, audio card into the motherboard, screw the board into the case. screw the hard drive, dvd drive into the case, plug them into the board and install...
If you buy the top quality parts there isn't much that can go wrong and it will be a much better computer since makers are going to skimp on the quality of parts they can't market. You can also salvage parts too if the system dies or you upgrade. I think my power supply is 7 years old now.

[brownsfan019]

Thanks darth, I appreciate the advice. The Ghost thing is brilliant since I've never thought of that before! Instead of doing a hard reformat that can take hours with windows updates and stuff, just do it once! I love it!

[AbeSmith]

Darth has some great advice Brownsfan. I would only add that you probably should do some reasearch before building your system. There should be websites about this, and also there may be magazines at Barnes and Nobles that are specifically about building your own system. You might also want to check with a technical support forum, like MajorGeeks for example, and ask them what kind of hardware setup they recommend for your requirements. You might be able to use some of your old parts, like graphic cards, ram, and power supply. Just makes sure your power supply is high wattage to be able to handle multiple cards. Your motherboard's manual should also tell you what amount of power is recommended. Let us know how it progresses.

[brownsfan019]

Thanks for the suggestions Abe.

When the time comes, I'll let you guys know how the building of the computer goes. I'm tempted to do a cheap one just to try it out. I get some email ads from TigerDirect that occasionally are about building a system from the ground up.

Here's a question - how hard/easy is to build a laptop? I don't see much about that, so is that just a completely different animal that is not advisable for the do-it-yourselfer?

[MC]

	Quote:	brownsfan019
	Thanks for the suggestions Abe. When the time comes, I'll let you guys know how the building of the computer goes. I'm tempted to do a cheap one just to try it out. I get some email ads from TigerDirect that occasionally are about building a system from the ground up. Here's a question - how hard/easy is to build a laptop? I don't see much about that, so is that just a completely different animal that is not advisable for the do-it-yourselfer?

Laptops are a pain in the a$$ IMO. There are some barebones laptop kits but I wouldn't bother. I used to service computers and have been in many name brand model laptops. They are made quite well and with the screw layouts and space to work with in there I would just leave that to the pros. I put a dvd burner in my Apple powerbook g4 with the 12" screen...What a nightmare. They make those things bulletproof, all the cables taped down and so snug. UGGG

A desktop is really not hard at all. The worst part is usually getting the front panel connectors to match up if they are not labeled well. Other than that its nothing to "build a pc".

[darthtrader]

I don't think its really possible to build a laptop. im not really sure why, I dont know if it has to do with the keyboard/mouse or whatever.

if you really wanted to practice before building you could probly go to a computer shop and get some old celeron based machine for 20 bucks, take it apart and put it back togather.

even memory now is so cheap I see you don't have to worry about skimping. I always get crucial memory and its 100 bucks for 2 gigs.

Just looking quick on new egg its still about 600 bucks to build a sick machine(that price seems constant, just the specs get better over time), then depends what you want to spend on a case. The only thing is i think i might wait until the 3.0ghz duo 2s come down to the less than 200 range. 180-200 always seems to be the deal area for bang for the buck cpu wise. duo core 2 3ghz has to be absurdly fast.

the most important thing is to get a cool case

[darthtrader]

ahh, this is what my next computer will look like. its like its a brain/alive.