Computer Speed

[starrymarkb]

I feel old.

Is that a Laser Disc? I've heard about them but never seen one! (they didn't really take off - LP size CD's were not very portable!

 

[yorkie]

For PC newbies I would recommend Ubuntu Linux - just get some help installing it (though it's actually very easy).

I know someone who really knows nothing about computers and is very happy to use Ubuntu Linux.

For techies, Linux is fine of course as they'll learn how to use it quickly.

The problem is for people who want to tinker with settings and do some advanced stuff but are not really good with computers - they may prefer to stick with Windows as it's what they know.

Bootup times of about 5-10 seconds are possible, reliability is improved, costs are reduced and the chances of getting malware are massively reduced (especially if you also use Noscript for FireFox and only allow scripts to run on sites you trust).

 

[wintonian]

Is that a Laser Disc? I've heard about them but never seen one! (they didn't really take off - LP size CD's were not very portable!

Ah most likely I just assumed it was an early CD (which the laser disk kind of was)

I have never seen one in the flesh either they were sort of mythical a bit like mini disks - you were told they existed but you were never quite sure.

For PC newbies I would recommend Ubuntu Linux - just get some help installing it (though it's actually very easy).

I know someone who really knows nothing about computers and is very happy to use Ubuntu Linux.

Personally I found it much easier to migrate from Window to a KDE enviroment (Kubuntu) plus I had all sorts of issues getting Ubuntu 11.10 (specifically Gnome/ Unity & X) to work with my hardware so gave up in the end and went Kubuntu.

But it is a bit tomato/ tomato in that wars have almost broken out over Gnome/ Unity vs KDE and which is better for this or that. But the beauty of Linux is that you can try each desktop out in a 'live' environment from the DVD/ USB and see which you get on with, without the need to install it and it will be much the same as if you had installed at although much slower.

 

[Butts]

Ah most likely I just assumed it was an early CD (which the laser disk kind of was)

I have never seen one in the flesh either they were sort of mythical a bit like mini disks - you were told they existed but you were never quite sure.



Personally I found it much easier to migrate from Window to a KDE enviroment (Kubuntu) plus I had all sorts of issues getting Ubuntu 11.10 (specifically Gnome/ Unity & X) to work with my hardware so gave up in the end and went Kubuntu.

But it is a bit tomato/ tomato in that wars have almost broken out over Gnome/ Unity vs KDE and which is better for this or that. But the beauty of Linux is that you can try each desktop out in a 'live' environment from the DVD/ USB and see which you get on with, without the need to install it and it will be much the same as if you had installed at although much slower.

Phillips had Laser Disc Players - but as you say like mini-discs they never caught on - (Hamster Powered)

Have you heard of "reel to reel" and 8 Track ?

 

[wintonian]

Phillips had Laser Disc Players - but as you say like mini-discs they never caught on - (Hamster Powered)

Have you heard of "reel to reel" and 8 Track ?

Reel to reel? I thought that was a early 90's band that sang I Like to Move It?

 

[Clip]

You can get laserdisc films with added features and footage still not released but christ they're expensive still.

Seen some great djs use reel to reel too!! Its all possible!

Linux is good but I think for butts its probably best to stick with what they know as linux can be a steep learning curve from insatall to useage

 

[yorkie]

For someone who just wants to use email & web, Linux is perfect.

Yes if someone wanted to do stuff that involved using different software, installing Wine, playing computer games that'd be different.

 

[tony_mac]

The problems are a) installing it, and b) fixing it when things go wrong (as in finding somebody who can try and fix it, or finding instructions written in a language you might understand).
I don't think I have ever had Ubuntu work with my wireless card straight away, and trying to fix it without internet access is a nuisance.

However, I do think at least trying it from a USB stick is a sensible thing to do - if that goes smoothly then it might be an option.
And having a bootable USB stick around can be a lifesaver if your computer won't boot from the hard disk or your browser doesn't work.

 

[Butts]

The problems are a) installing it, and b) fixing it when things go wrong (as in finding somebody who can try and fix it, or finding instructions written in a language you might understand).
I don't think I have ever had Ubuntu work with my wireless card straight away, and trying to fix it without internet access is a nuisance.

However, I do think at least trying it from a USB stick is a sensible thing to do - if that goes smoothly then it might be an option.
And having a bootable USB stick around can be a lifesaver if your computer won't boot from the hard disk or your browser doesn't work.

Thanks, if you have a lot of programmes stored from I-player will that make a difference to the running speed ?

 

[tony_mac]

While it is just about possible that it will make a difference, it's really not very likely.
I don't use Vista, but you can probably check your disk usage by finding the C: drive in 'my computer'.

 

[SS4]

I suppose it's technically possible since it has to look through the drive for the various bits (less so if the space was reserved at the start of download) but any effect that has is pretty minimal.

 

[Peter Mugridge]

remember the C3 transport thingy

I think you mean the Sinclair C5?

http://www.google.co.uk/search?num=....3.3.0.62.250.5.5.0...0.0...1ac.1.BBJl9fwgBJg

 

[Butts]

I think you mean the Sinclair C5?

http://www.google.co.uk/search?num=....3.3.0.62.250.5.5.0...0.0...1ac.1.BBJl9fwgBJg

Thats it Portsmouth 1985 they had one in the Electrical Shop opposite the Club I worked at on Fratton road.

I'm getting mixed up with the Citroens

 

[LE Greys]

Oops sorry LE Greys I forgot to mention to bookmark any history you want saving first as CCleaner gets rid of it all.

Never mind, I found it again.

Would you advise me to delete MS Security Essentials? I've already got rid of my old anti-spyware programme.

 

[wintonian]

Thats it Portsmouth 1985 they had one in the Electrical Shop opposite the Club I worked at on Fratton road.

I'm getting mixed up with the Citroens

That remind me of the time I caught Lembit Öpik traveling round Bournemouth on one of these.

and here he is saying the Segway PT will revolutionise personal transport - bless you Lembit.

 

[Clip]

Never mind, I found it again.

Would you advise me to delete MS Security Essentials? I've already got rid of my old anti-spyware programme.

If you are happy with MSE then keep it, for sure..

 

[Butts]

Have just had notification from Virgin that the cost of my package is going up £3.50 from January I assume.

If I defected to BT and got the infinity service is that as quick as the speeds I am currently getting from Virgin.

 

[michael769]

If I defected to BT and got the infinity service is that as quick as the speeds I am currently getting from Virgin.

Depends what speed are you paying Virgin for?

 

[Butts]

Depends what speed are you paying Virgin for?

Lowest - 10-20 mbps at the moment !!

NB my current package is £48.90
Basic TV, Internet, HD Fee, Landline and Rental - with unlimited calls anytime of any day.

 

[maniacmartin]

For what you claim to use your computer for, I don't think you'll notice any difference between BT Infinity and Virgin 10-20Mbps +. Some of us only dream of such speeds.In fact I'm surprised you're on such a high package in the first place.

 

[Butts]

For what you claim to use your computer for, I don't think you'll notice any difference between BT Infinity and Virgin 10-20Mbps +. Some of us only dream of such speeds.In fact I'm surprised you're on such a high package in the first place.

Well it is just the basic computer package but they doubled the speed for free recently - it was up to 10mbps prevously.

Why is yours so slow ?

 

[maniacmartin]

Its all down to geography - how far you live from the phone exchange (or Virgin Media equivalent) which will determine the length of the cable, and also the age/composition of the cable. Long distances and rubbish cable quality mean more signal loss and thus slower speeds.

Also, different providers and different exchanges may have different levels of congestion

(Above explanation is simplified somewhat)

 

[Butts]

Its all down to geography - how far you live from the phone exchange (or Virgin Media equivalent) which will determine the length of the cable, and also the age/composition of the cable. Long distances and rubbish cable quality mean more signal loss and thus slower speeds.

Also, different providers and different exchanges may have different levels of congestion

I'm suprised to hear that is the case as you appear to live in London.

 

[maniacmartin]

Don't underestimate BT's ability to find crummy old lines under the street and reuse them. Its cheaper than digging up the street to lay more

 

[LE Greys]

Its all down to geography - how far you live from the phone exchange (or Virgin Media equivalent) which will determine the length of the cable, and also the age/composition of the cable. Long distances and rubbish cable quality mean more signal loss and thus slower speeds.

Also, different providers and different exchanges may have different levels of congestion

(Above explanation is simplified somewhat)

As I well know.

<EDIT> BT are giving me 2.3Mb and they advertise 20 for Stevenage! :x </EDIT>

 

[michael769]

Lowest - 10-20 mbps at the moment !!

To be honest with FTTC (fibre to the cabinet the up to 38mbs product) it would not be guaranteed to get even that fast - you would have to be very close the the local cabinet and have a good quality line. FTTP (the up to 160mbs product) would beat it bit is expensive and available only in a few limited locations.

Generally cable broadband is more consistent in terms of top speeds - as long as your usage patterns do not trigger their rather aggressive traffic management policy, or you live in one of the areas with congested backhaul.

Personally I'd stay with cable if I was you - I'd switch back to them if VM stopped refusing to supply my current home.

 

[SS4]

As I well know.

I can second it, nobody is willing to lay fibre either so it's not going to get any better

 

[Butts]

I can second it, nobody is willing to lay fibre either so it's not going to get any better

With 4G arriving for phones is it possible one day computers will download information in this manner at much higher speeds.

 

[GB]

I don't think 4G can match Fibres speed and I reckon 4G will be disproportionately expensive anyway.

There is a national roll out of FTTC over the coming years so most households in built up areas should eventually get access to fibre optic broadband.

Our exchange has been done, now just waiting for the street cabinet to get updated.

 

[SS4]

I don't think 4G can match Fibres speed and I reckon 4G will be disproportionately expensive anyway.

There is a national roll out of FTTC over the coming years so most households in built up areas should eventually get access to fibre optic broadband.

Our exchange has been done, now just waiting for the street cabinet to get updated.

Is there anywhere I can check the progress of FTTC rollout?