New PC almost especially for BVE

[nutter]

A cable, thats about all I know. It does have an ethernet port free on the back of it, so would an RJ45 cable work?

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/st...sku=733890&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&tabIndex=1

Is that any good. It looks good on paper, although I'm not sure about the graphics card (i've focused on NvIdiA (or whatever) so not sure on ATi's. It's double the RAM, faster processor and a bigger hard-drive (I've made a few more upgrades on the eclipse above) and for £80 cheaper

Any advice will be welcome, as I'm getting excited already, and don't want to make a mistake. If the customer service is the only reason why I shouldn't go to PCworld then I think me and my dad can look after it well enough to avoid them anyway

 

[compsci]

If the cable modem has an ethernet port on the back, use it. Keep as far away from the USB connection as possible. It's inconceivable that a new computer wouldn't come with an ethernet port. Don't install any of the software provided by your ISP when using the ethernet connection, there is no need for it and it tends to do bad things. If you feel the need to add wifi later on this can be done by buying a router and connecting this to the modem using ethernet, and then the computer to the router using another cable or the wifi.

Apart from the customer service, most of the problems with PC World are the quality of their machines. They tend to really push the headline grabbing components, and then skimp on the rest. Crucially they don't state the manufacturer of their components, excepting the CPU which was definitely made by Intel. Everything else will be made by the cheapest manufacturer they could find. In particular the hard disk will be more likely to fail, and your data won't be covered by the warranty. The monitor may even be connected by the old analogue D-SUB connection rather than the newer digital DVI connection, making for lower quality images.

Then there are the less obvious things. For example the internal cabling is likely to be a vipers nest (this is actually bad for cooling), and the case will be as cheap as possible and require removal of many screws to open if you want to do an upgrade, which probably voids the (hideously overpriced extended) warranty. Other things to watch for are the keyboard and mouse (but at least you can test these) and the motherboard, which is the bit which ties all the pieces together. If that's rubbish (which it probably would be) it will hold all the other bits back even if they are good.

 

[nutter]

So your saying stick with the eclipse for the desktop, OK, I shall, it looks better anyway

What kind of cable will I need to connect the ethernet port to the laptop. BTW, the main PC that's been connected to it ever since we've had it is broken beyond repair (it's what happens when a sledge hammer hits the motherboard, the yelling at by my dad was much worse) so I have no 'master' PC. Does this effect it?

 

[compsci]

If you're only connecting one computer you'll need a standard RJ45 ethernet cable. Go into any computer shop and ask for one and they'll know what you mean (and if they don't turn and run).

If you're saying that you'll want to connect more than one computer to the internet at a time (the connection sharing in Windows is the wrong answer) you'll need a router. I have the Netgear WGR614UK (google for it). Connect the cable modem to one port and then you can either connect computers to the ethernet ports (up to 4) or via the wifi (as many as you want, easiest for laptops).

 

[Chris]

I use the usb connection on my modem becuase I have my son's PC network connected by cable through the ethernet with a long crossover cable.

Are you planning on networking nutter?

 

[Tom]

I use the usb connection on my modem becuase I have my son's PC network connected by cable through the ethernet with a long crosover cable.

Are you planning on networking nutter?

This means only max 4Mbit as most USB modems do not support USB2.

 

[Chris]

This means only max 4Mbit as most USB modems do not support USB2.

Don't know about mine, its a Motorola SB4100, http://broadband.motorola.com/noflash/sb4100.html supplied from Telewest. I'm currently on 4Mb with them and can get pretty much full bandwidth. I don't know how high it can go.:dontknow:

 

[nutter]

It's a black one (got it about 3 years ago.)

I will be setting up a network in april, wirelessly. Does the main computer need to be on or can it be done remotly.

Currently, however, I just want to connect the PCworld laptop above with this modem so I can get BVE on my laptop the same day (i'm picking up the laptop on the way home). Would an RJ45 still be going from the modem to the main, unworking, PC? We haven't disconnected as far as I'm aware

http://broadband.motorola.com/catalog/productdetail.asp?ProductID=399 Thats the one

As for networking, i'd like the Eclipse (buying it in april), the main PC (when we get a new one, maybe not for as long as a year) and my laptop, ideally wirelessly as the eclipse is going into my bedroom

 

[compsci]

With a router connected to the modem there is no such thing as a PC managing the network. The router does this and you can connect any combination of PCs, macs, consoles, toasters etc. You can manage the router settings from anything with a web browser.

To get your laptop set up temporarily just connect the RJ45 from the modem straight to the ethernet connector on the laptop. This should just work, with no setting up required. However you'll only have the windows firewall to protect you (assuming the laptop is delivered with service pack 2) and maybe not even that. The first thing you should do is go to windowsupdate.microsoft.com and keep installing updates, checking again after every reboot until there are no more offered.

You can get wireless PCI cards (avoid USB ones) for desktops.

 

[Turbostar]

You need to ask for an RJ45 "Patch" cable, not a "Crossover" cable. Had to get one recently from Maplin to connect new laptop to Telewest broadband modem, & they said I needed a "Patch" version, & it works fine (wouldn't be on here otherwise lol doh!). A "Crossover" version is one to connect pc's by networking I believe.

Mart

 

[Tom]

"Patch" cables also work as Crossover cables now.

 

[nutter]

Cheers guys, thats a great help, I should be playing BVE within 2 weeks again, YAY (and simsig and MSTS, life just gets better), oh, and I've told Jayne to F off. Life really is turning out for the best.

UDATE:
And, the graphics on the PCworld laptop IS shared, but as 512mb already installed. If I can get 10fps out of BVE i'll be happy, 15fps (all settings on full) I'll be VERY happy, 20fps I'll be Extactic

Any one got any estimates for what FPS rate I can expect?

Many thanks
Mark (nutts)