The Official Computer Tech Support Thread

Freebase Dali · 03-02-2010, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zevokes

WOW MAN!

i thought this just wasn't gonna happen! thanks so much for typing all this out for me!

AND IT WORKED!

BUT, the internet just randomly started working after a failed attempt to type the default gateway into google chrome's URL browser. when i went to use netscape instead (i figured that because this computer came preloaded with netscape, it might have something to do with provoking the right outcome), i was looking over in the little black box at my default gateway address and came back to type it in and the internet was just on. so whatever that has to do with anything is a mystery to me, but i'm posting this from my PC, and that makes me happy!!!

the problem is, that i don't understand any of this, and fearing loss of a connection, will just have to stay up 24/7 hanging out on MB, guarding my computer from the will of the universe.

regardless, thanks DAL!

Did you go through the TCP/IP settings and refresh your connection first? Just wondering, because if so, that's probably what did it.

btw... pre-loaded with Netscape? That's.... odd. XP comes with Internet Explorer... never heard of it coming with Netscape before.

Anyway, not sure if you have or not, but you should really get some virus protection like pronto. There's a fantastic free antivirus program that's real popular called AVAST and it works great. I've been using it for years and haven't had a single virus since then. Google it and pick up the home version for free.
You may be used to Macs not getting viruses out the ass, but it's a different story with a PC.

Just a heads up.

Thrice · 03-02-2010, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 333

Hah, Freebase. I knew you were going to respond with a book to this one.

First thing I thought as well.

Dali for pres! Solving everyone's problems one thread at a time.

FETCHER. · 03-03-2010, 07:12 AM

I get this annoying thing everysooften and I have to shut down my laptop to overcome it, in the browser if I click a hyperlink it opens the webpage in a whole new window, and in itunes i cant click on a song, it just highlights them all, I dunno about other areas what happens, but it's so annoying, any ideas?

noise · 03-03-2010, 07:26 AM

sounds like your CTRL key is getting stuck...

P A N · 03-03-2010, 03:51 PM

cool. i will get avast. i had norton, but it expired.

i have another question...

our modem has only one ethernet-out jack. this means one computer on the net at a time, which can obviously be rather inconvenient.

so, do i have to buy a new modem? or a router (wireless or otherwise)? or is there an ethernet "splitter" that i can plug into the back of my modem that will make one cable into two?

cheaper is better obviously, but i will obviously do whatever it takes cuz this is about as annoying as not being able to use the net when i need to.

and again, thanks for your help.

Freebase Dali · 03-03-2010, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zevokes

cool. i will get avast. i had norton, but it expired.

i have another question...

our modem has only one ethernet-out jack. this means one computer on the net at a time, which can obviously be rather inconvenient.

so, do i have to buy a new modem? or a router (wireless or otherwise)? or is there an ethernet "splitter" that i can plug into the back of my modem that will make one cable into two?

cheaper is better obviously, but i will obviously do whatever it takes cuz this is about as annoying as not being able to use the net when i need to.

and again, thanks for your help.

You can simply go to any electronics department store (ie. Radioshack) that sells consumer routers and modems, and get a small Switch. A switch is basically a device that allows more than one computer to access a single connection, but does so more intelligently and efficiently than a simple splitter or hub as it manages data flow so there are no collisions and manages bandwidth better.
Here's an example:

$24.99 Available at: http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...dsInSession=1#

On the back, there is an ethernet port for the connection to the modem, and 4 ethernet ports for PC's to connect to. Each computer will need its own straight-through ethernet cable to connect to its own port. You will also need a third cable of the same type for the connection between the modem's output port you're currently using, to the input port of the switch. The maximum cable length between your PC and switch, and switch to modem, can't be more than 328 feet, although I doubt you'll need that much. With the cable you have now, you should be able to get a separate short cable for the connection between the modem and switch, and a longer cable for you or your girlfriend's computer. Cat-5 straight through cables are what you're looking for. You can find them anywhere. Check Amazon for online, or your local electronics provider. I think even Walmart has them. (Switches too, if I'm not mistaken)
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Category 5 cable: (usually sold as UTP-5)

Another option, albeit a more expensive one, is if you both have laptop computers with wireless cards and want more mobility without having to connect with a cable, you can get a wireless router instead of a switch and just connect wirelessly. This is a bit more difficult because you actually have to configure the router for connectivity, and you'll also have to lock it down so other people won't leech off you. Speeds are also slower with wireless by virtue of its collision avoidance method and error detection needs due to the nature of the transmission method and medium (radio waves via air). If you value speed, lower price, and ease of setup over mobility, you should go with the switch.

In either scenario, you won't have to buy a new modem. You simply connect the switch or router to the modem and the switch or router will be your access point.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

stormjh · 03-04-2010, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noise

sounds like your SHIFT key is getting stuck...

Does it type in caps on it's own as well?

Freebase Dali · 03-04-2010, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stormjh

Does it type in caps on it's own as well?

It's not the shift key. Shift only affects capitalization and ordinary keys with another character assigned to them.
CNTRL affects different things, such as link opening, directed navigation, and other things depending on the program it's used in. Shift key is mostly just a typing thing, which doesn't apply to default link behavior unless you have a program to specifically set it that way, which she would have known about.

stormjh · 03-04-2010, 04:38 PM

I don't know if you're using a mac or what, but shift for me has always opened browser links in a new window and ctrl in a new tab, shift clicking anything in windows explorer, itunes, or whatever else selects everything from what you have selected already to what you shift-click on and ctrl click lets you select each thing individually.

P A N · 03-04-2010, 05:56 PM

well thanks!

and i do have more questions... for which i apologize.

i bought a DLink switch. it has 5 ports in the back. one of these ports (it doesn't specify which one, on the switch itself or in the manual) is to be linked to the modem, and the remaining 4 go to computers. the ports are numbered, so i figured the first one takes it from the modem and 2-5 can go to computers.

i have a connection on both my PC and my gf's Mac... but i only get one at a time, which lands me right where i started, shuffling cords and whatnot.

i've tried a multitude of arrangements as far as the ports on the switch go, and it doesn't seem to matter what port is used for what. it also doesn't work unless i turn the modem off and back on, and when all the lights are lit on it i THEN plug the cable into the modem (coming from either computer). i even tried plugging both computers into it simultaneously, but to no avail. i knew going in that that one wasn't gonna work, but i was desperate!

anyway, the models:
router: D-Link DSS-5+ (Express EtherNetwork)
modem: Motorola SB5101 (SurfBoard)

so i guess that's it for now.
again, i'm sorry about all my questions. i kinda feel like a d1ck for getting free advice like this, but it seems if you call the tech lines everyone there has a crazy accent and try as i might, i can't make out too much of what they say and end up hanging up. fer serious. happened twice today.

03-03-2010, 07:26 AM	#324 (permalink)
noise thirsty ears Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Boulder Posts: 742	sounds like your CTRL key is getting stuck... __________________ my flac collection

03-04-2010, 04:38 PM	#329 (permalink)
stormjh Music Addict Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 161	I don't know if you're using a mac or what, but shift for me has always opened browser links in a new window and ctrl in a new tab, shift clicking anything in windows explorer, itunes, or whatever else selects everything from what you have selected already to what you shift-click on and ctrl click lets you select each thing individually. __________________ Sig removed by mod.

03-03-2010, 03:51 PM	#325 (permalink)
P A N DO LIKE YOU. Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 629	cool. i will get avast. i had norton, but it expired. i have another question... our modem has only one ethernet-out jack. this means one computer on the net at a time, which can obviously be rather inconvenient. so, do i have to buy a new modem? or a router (wireless or otherwise)? or is there an ethernet "splitter" that i can plug into the back of my modem that will make one cable into two? cheaper is better obviously, but i will obviously do whatever it takes cuz this is about as annoying as not being able to use the net when i need to. and again, thanks for your help.

03-04-2010, 05:56 PM	#330 (permalink)
P A N DO LIKE YOU. Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 629	well thanks! and i do have more questions... for which i apologize. i bought a DLink switch. it has 5 ports in the back. one of these ports (it doesn't specify which one, on the switch itself or in the manual) is to be linked to the modem, and the remaining 4 go to computers. the ports are numbered, so i figured the first one takes it from the modem and 2-5 can go to computers. i have a connection on both my PC and my gf's Mac... but i only get one at a time, which lands me right where i started, shuffling cords and whatnot. i've tried a multitude of arrangements as far as the ports on the switch go, and it doesn't seem to matter what port is used for what. it also doesn't work unless i turn the modem off and back on, and when all the lights are lit on it i THEN plug the cable into the modem (coming from either computer). i even tried plugging both computers into it simultaneously, but to no avail. i knew going in that that one wasn't gonna work, but i was desperate! anyway, the models: router: D-Link DSS-5+ (Express EtherNetwork) modem: Motorola SB5101 (SurfBoard) so i guess that's it for now. again, i'm sorry about all my questions. i kinda feel like a d1ck for getting free advice like this, but it seems if you call the tech lines everyone there has a crazy accent and try as i might, i can't make out too much of what they say and end up hanging up. fer serious. happened twice today.