9 replies to this topic

[frazzm737]

Now that we will be shopping for daughter's Windows (gasp) machine, I will be way out on a limb. She needs a very basic machine for Email, web browsing, word processing and photo organizing. We will want to have Windows 7. Any ideas on brands that are good or should be avoided would be appreciated.
We also need help with the transfer of files from the old machine. She wants to transfer her documents and photos, but it seems that the disc drive on the old machine has failed. Can we accomplish this task using cables and which cable would be used?
She will have very little time nor inclination to do scans etc. So I am thinking that a Security Suite would be the best bet. She had been using Norton 360. Any ideas on a good one and suggestions for free security programs we should add.
I dread all this, but with her new DSL connection, I won't have to hear the dreaded busy signal every time I try to phone her.

[Broni]

Fran
As long, as you avoid eMachines, any known brand will work, Dell, HP, Compaq.
As for data...I assume, you're talking about her CD drive not working?
If she doesn't have much data to move, but USB flash drive and you can copy all data to that drive and move it to a new computer.
Alternatively, buy USB hard drive enclosure (~$20), remove the drive from old computer, put it into USB hard drive enclosure (trust me, you can do all this by yourself), plug it into a new computer and it'll show as an extra drive. Then, simple copy/paste will move any data you want.

As for security program, something will come preinstalled. Most likely, Norton, or McAfee. I don't like either one, but it's up to you and your daughter.
If you want to go with something else, just ask :)

[frazzm737]

Thanks, Broni! This will be a challenge since I haven't used Windows in over 5 years. Yes, CD-DVD drive appears to be dead. Even brand new discs won't work. I like the idea of flash drive, as I doubt she has much to move--a few photos and the great American novel. She started using that Norton crap a couple of years ago and all the free programs I had put on conflicted and had to be removed. She seems to like it, so I'll probably let her continue to use it. I'll try de-crapifier to remove the extras.
Won't it seem like 'old times' with Fran struggling with Windows issues!

[Broni]

We'll be here :)

[Audrey]

Good luck Fran.
P.S Don't forget to clean the cache.....LOL LOL
I know you understand......lol

[Smokey]

frazzm737, on 28 March 2010 - 12:35 AM, said:

Thanks, Broni! This will be a challenge since I haven't used Windows in over 5 years. Yes, CD-DVD drive appears to be dead. Even brand new discs won't work. I like the idea of flash drive, as I doubt she has much to move--a few photos and the great American novel. She started using that Norton crap a couple of years ago and all the free programs I had put on conflicted and had to be removed. She seems to like it, so I'll probably let her continue to use it. I'll try de-crapifier to remove the extras.
Won't it seem like 'old times' with Fran struggling with Windows issues!

Hello Fran, It's been a while. I have a little something to add to Broni's suggestion that may help you and your daughter out.

It's a good choice going with Broni's suggestion about the flash drive.

Windows has a tool that you can use in conjunction with the flash drive. It's called "Windows Easy Transfer". It will not only transfer your pictures, music and documents it will also transfer all your (microsoft programs) settings and favorites in IE. It can be found in your Vista/Windows7 start menu >> All Programs >> Accessories >> System Tools

Note: If your daughters computer has xp on it you will need to download and install Windows Easy Transfer from HERE Windows Easy Transfer is included with Windows Vista and Windows 7.

[frazzm737]

Thanks so much Smokey! I'll print out all your fine instructions. We have the new computer-- A Dell with Intel Pentium chip, 640 GB hard drive and 6 GB Ram. We'll go up this weekend and get it installed. She finally is getting DSL, so downloads won't take a week and a half. Since I'm not using Windows, I won't be able to give her much help. I'll try to get her to join this or other Windows forums where she can get help if she needs it. But I'm sure she will consider a forum her Mother belongs to to be just a bunch of old folks!

[Broni]

Quote

I'll try to get her to join this or other Windows forums

What do you mean by "or other"?

[frazzm737]

I have quite a complete list of all the forums where you hang out, Broni. You'll probably recognize her--probably problems with deleting the wrong thing! She is her Mother's daughter. LOL!

[Broni]

Hehehehe....