All red screens (???)

[Adela]

[MS WinXP Home 2002 - SP3; OE 6; IE 8; MS Office Pro; Avast Free; Dell
Dimension XPS T448MHz Pentium III; 640 MB RAM; high speed cable; Windows
Media Player; Adobe Reader 9.3.3; Adobe Flash Player 10 Activex..]

Hello, the subject may not be within this category? I don't know...

Yesterday for the first time in my computer life the screens turned all red
in the entire computer! It's hard on the eyes and more difficult to see...

I ruled out an infection as I have a good AV which updates definitions
frequently and catches any infection. A google search indicated that this
is the "cousin" of the Blue Screen of Death only worse! CNET forum gave
this explanation here:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-10784_3-5703006-7.html

but doesn't say why and how to get rid of it.

Anyone experienced this weird new computer infliction that could share with
others please?

Anticipating my big thanks!!! Adela

 

[Richard in AZ]

Try another monitor
Either the monitor has gone bad or the video card is bad.
The referenced "Red Screen of Death" is not applicable.

 

[Adela]

Thank you Richard. I'll have to buy a new desktop computer since it's very
very old. Problem is I don't know which one and how much memory etc. I'll
just have to search... ) Adela

Try another monitor
Either the monitor has gone bad or the video card is bad.
The referenced "Red Screen of Death" is not applicable.

[MS WinXP Home 2002 - SP3; OE 6; IE 8; MS Office Pro; Avast Free; Dell
Dimension XPS T448MHz Pentium III; 640 MB RAM; high speed cable; Windows
Media Player; Adobe Reader 9.3.3; Adobe Flash Player 10 Activex..]

Hello, the subject may not be within this category? I don't know...

Yesterday for the first time in my computer life the screens turned all
red in the entire computer! It's hard on the eyes and more difficult to
see...

I ruled out an infection as I have a good AV which updates definitions
frequently and catches any infection. A google search indicated that
this is the "cousin" of the Blue Screen of Death only worse! CNET forum
gave this explanation here:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-10784_3-5703006-7.html

but doesn't say why and how to get rid of it.

Anyone experienced this weird new computer infliction that could share
with others please?

Anticipating my big thanks!!! Adela

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

As much as you can afford, my dear.

Thank you Richard. I'll have to buy a new desktop computer since it's
very
very old. Problem is I don't know which one and how much memory etc.
I'll
just have to search... ) Adela

Try another monitor
Either the monitor has gone bad or the video card is bad.
The referenced "Red Screen of Death" is not applicable.

[MS WinXP Home 2002 - SP3; OE 6; IE 8; MS Office Pro; Avast Free; Dell
Dimension XPS T448MHz Pentium III; 640 MB RAM; high speed cable; Windows
Media Player; Adobe Reader 9.3.3; Adobe Flash Player 10 Activex..]

Hello, the subject may not be within this category? I don't know...

Yesterday for the first time in my computer life the screens turned all
red in the entire computer! It's hard on the eyes and more difficult to
see...

I ruled out an infection as I have a good AV which updates definitions
frequently and catches any infection. A google search indicated that
this is the "cousin" of the Blue Screen of Death only worse! CNET forum
gave this explanation here:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-10784_3-5703006-7.html

but doesn't say why and how to get rid of it.

Anyone experienced this weird new computer infliction that could share
with others please?

Anticipating my big thanks!!! Adela

 

[Adela]

Hello All, so that you have an answer when someone else asks for help with
"All Red Screen".....someone suggested that I check the monitor cable
connections and, it worked! What a relief to be able to see again clear
text and graphics! While I am slowly looking for a new computer, this
elerly Dell is doing extraordinary good work. Adela

As much as you can afford, my dear.

Thank you Richard. I'll have to buy a new desktop computer since it's
very
very old. Problem is I don't know which one and how much memory etc.
I'll
just have to search... ) Adela

Try another monitor
Either the monitor has gone bad or the video card is bad.
The referenced "Red Screen of Death" is not applicable.

[MS WinXP Home 2002 - SP3; OE 6; IE 8; MS Office Pro; Avast Free; Dell
Dimension XPS T448MHz Pentium III; 640 MB RAM; high speed cable;
Windows
Media Player; Adobe Reader 9.3.3; Adobe Flash Player 10 Activex..]

Hello, the subject may not be within this category? I don't know...

Yesterday for the first time in my computer life the screens turned all
red in the entire computer! It's hard on the eyes and more difficult
to
see...

I ruled out an infection as I have a good AV which updates definitions
frequently and catches any infection. A google search indicated that
this is the "cousin" of the Blue Screen of Death only worse! CNET
forum
gave this explanation here:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-10784_3-5703006-7.html

but doesn't say why and how to get rid of it.

Anyone experienced this weird new computer infliction that could share
with others please?

Anticipating my big thanks!!! Adela

 

[Richard in AZ]

Glad it was as simple as a loose cable.
Maybe this will help in your new computer search.
Windows 7 comes in either the 64 bit version and the 32 bit version. Most of the better computer
makers have 64 bit hardware but may team it up with a 32 bit version of Windows 7.

1. A 64 bit Operating System with a 64 bit compatible computer is the way to go for the future.
However, you can expect to have problems with older printers and scanners
With the 64 bit option, your RAM memory options are greater and software is headed that direction.
4 Gigabytes of RAM should be the minimum that you would want in a 64 bit system.
2. A 32 bit Operating system will be more compatible with older printers, scanners, etc. but it
will not recognize much more that 3+ Gigabytes of RAM, regardless of how much you install.

Hello All, so that you have an answer when someone else asks for help with "All Red
Screen".....someone suggested that I check the monitor cable connections and, it worked! What a
relief to be able to see again clear text and graphics! While I am slowly looking for a new
computer, this elerly Dell is doing extraordinary good work. Adela

As much as you can afford, my dear.

Thank you Richard. I'll have to buy a new desktop computer since it's very
very old. Problem is I don't know which one and how much memory etc. I'll
just have to search... ) Adela


Try another monitor
Either the monitor has gone bad or the video card is bad.
The referenced "Red Screen of Death" is not applicable.

[MS WinXP Home 2002 - SP3; OE 6; IE 8; MS Office Pro; Avast Free; Dell
Dimension XPS T448MHz Pentium III; 640 MB RAM; high speed cable; Windows
Media Player; Adobe Reader 9.3.3; Adobe Flash Player 10 Activex..]

Hello, the subject may not be within this category? I don't know...

Yesterday for the first time in my computer life the screens turned all
red in the entire computer! It's hard on the eyes and more difficult to
see...

I ruled out an infection as I have a good AV which updates definitions
frequently and catches any infection. A google search indicated that
this is the "cousin" of the Blue Screen of Death only worse! CNET forum
gave this explanation here:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-10784_3-5703006-7.html

but doesn't say why and how to get rid of it.

Anyone experienced this weird new computer infliction that could share
with others please?

Anticipating my big thanks!!! Adela

 

[Adela]

Thanks very much for your suggestions on what kind of computer details to
get! It's very helpful to get suggestions as the computors are getting more
and more complex and difficult to buy what's right for the individual.

If you know of more suggestions as to what strengths (for want of a
technical word) for a computer are needed for a person who uses it ONLY for
email, search internet, and send and receive (sometimes) large videos of all
kinds? In such cases, it's illogical to get the absolute latest which would
be wasted and financially draining. What do you think?

Thanks again. Adela

Glad it was as simple as a loose cable.
Maybe this will help in your new computer search.
Windows 7 comes in either the 64 bit version and the 32 bit version. Most
of the better computer makers have 64 bit hardware but may team it up with
a 32 bit version of Windows 7.

1. A 64 bit Operating System with a 64 bit compatible computer is the way
to go for the future.
However, you can expect to have problems with older printers and scanners
With the 64 bit option, your RAM memory options are greater and software
is headed that direction.
4 Gigabytes of RAM should be the minimum that you would want in a 64 bit
system.
2. A 32 bit Operating system will be more compatible with older printers,
scanners, etc. but it will not recognize much more that 3+ Gigabytes of
RAM, regardless of how much you install.

Hello All, so that you have an answer when someone else asks for help
with "All Red Screen".....someone suggested that I check the monitor
cable connections and, it worked! What a relief to be able to see again
clear text and graphics! While I am slowly looking for a new computer,
this elerly Dell is doing extraordinary good work. Adela

As much as you can afford, my dear.

Adela wrote:
Thank you Richard. I'll have to buy a new desktop computer since it's
very
very old. Problem is I don't know which one and how much memory etc.
I'll
just have to search... ) Adela


Try another monitor
Either the monitor has gone bad or the video card is bad.
The referenced "Red Screen of Death" is not applicable.

[MS WinXP Home 2002 - SP3; OE 6; IE 8; MS Office Pro; Avast Free;
Dell
Dimension XPS T448MHz Pentium III; 640 MB RAM; high speed cable;
Windows
Media Player; Adobe Reader 9.3.3; Adobe Flash Player 10 Activex..]

Hello, the subject may not be within this category? I don't know...

Yesterday for the first time in my computer life the screens turned
all
red in the entire computer! It's hard on the eyes and more difficult
to
see...

I ruled out an infection as I have a good AV which updates
definitions
frequently and catches any infection. A google search indicated
that
this is the "cousin" of the Blue Screen of Death only worse! CNET
forum
gave this explanation here:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-10784_3-5703006-7.html

but doesn't say why and how to get rid of it.

Anyone experienced this weird new computer infliction that could
share
with others please?

Anticipating my big thanks!!! Adela

 

[Richard in AZ]

For what you state as your computer needs, then the least expensive one on the store shelf will do.
Of course if you go for a PC, Windows 7 will be included and do not get one with less than 3 GB of
RAM.
Be aware that like a used car, the value of that cheap machine will drop significantly and 5 years
from now, when you use the computer for more than just email and simple web searches you will wish
you had gone for a better machine.

The downloading of large videos requires two things. 1. A very fast broad-band internet connection.
2. A very large hard drive.

A desktop computer will give you the most computer for the $$. But if you go for a laptop (avoid
the Netbooks) then buy the 3 year extended warrantee. Laptops run hotter, get bumped and dropped,
and are very much more expensive to do any form of repair.

Thanks very much for your suggestions on what kind of computer details to get! It's very helpful
to get suggestions as the computors are getting more and more complex and difficult to buy what's
right for the individual.

If you know of more suggestions as to what strengths (for want of a technical word) for a computer
are needed for a person who uses it ONLY for email, search internet, and send and receive
(sometimes) large videos of all kinds? In such cases, it's illogical to get the absolute latest
which would be wasted and financially draining. What do you think?

Thanks again. Adela

Glad it was as simple as a loose cable.
Maybe this will help in your new computer search.
Windows 7 comes in either the 64 bit version and the 32 bit version. Most of the better computer
makers have 64 bit hardware but may team it up with a 32 bit version of Windows 7.

1. A 64 bit Operating System with a 64 bit compatible computer is the way to go for the future.
However, you can expect to have problems with older printers and scanners
With the 64 bit option, your RAM memory options are greater and software is headed that
direction.
4 Gigabytes of RAM should be the minimum that you would want in a 64 bit system.
2. A 32 bit Operating system will be more compatible with older printers, scanners, etc. but it
will not recognize much more that 3+ Gigabytes of RAM, regardless of how much you install.

Hello All, so that you have an answer when someone else asks for help with "All Red
Screen".....someone suggested that I check the monitor cable connections and, it worked! What a
relief to be able to see again clear text and graphics! While I am slowly looking for a new
computer, this elerly Dell is doing extraordinary good work. Adela


As much as you can afford, my dear.

Adela wrote:
Thank you Richard. I'll have to buy a new desktop computer since it's very
very old. Problem is I don't know which one and how much memory etc. I'll
just have to search... ) Adela


Try another monitor
Either the monitor has gone bad or the video card is bad.
The referenced "Red Screen of Death" is not applicable.

[MS WinXP Home 2002 - SP3; OE 6; IE 8; MS Office Pro; Avast Free; Dell
Dimension XPS T448MHz Pentium III; 640 MB RAM; high speed cable; Windows
Media Player; Adobe Reader 9.3.3; Adobe Flash Player 10 Activex..]

Hello, the subject may not be within this category? I don't know...

Yesterday for the first time in my computer life the screens turned all
red in the entire computer! It's hard on the eyes and more difficult to
see...

I ruled out an infection as I have a good AV which updates definitions
frequently and catches any infection. A google search indicated that
this is the "cousin" of the Blue Screen of Death only worse! CNET forum
gave this explanation here:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-10784_3-5703006-7.html

but doesn't say why and how to get rid of it.

Anyone experienced this weird new computer infliction that could share
with others please?

Anticipating my big thanks!!! Adela

 

[BillW50]

In Richard in AZ typed on Sun, 22 Aug 2010 09:11:37 -0700:

A desktop computer will give you the most computer for the $$.

Back in the 80's and 90's this was always true. But in the last 5 or so
years, this isn't necessarily true. In fact a few years ago laptop sells
have out paced desktop sales. And it is looking more and more like
desktops might be obsolete in the near future. I personally stopped
buying desktops since 2002 and I only buy netbooks and laptops since.

But if you go for a laptop (avoid the Netbooks)

It depends! I was going on a trip for two months and I grabbed two
netbooks and that is all I had taken with me. And I wanted to know and
learn if somebody could get by with one netbook alone. And to my
surprise, everything went very well. Only the heavy intensive games
didn't play well, but all of the other tasks were just fine.

then buy the 3 year extended warrantee.

Not me, but I'm an electronic engineer and I repair my own stuff even if
they are still under warrantee. Why? Because I am faster and better
anyway.

Laptops run hotter,

Not all of them. Some of them actually run very cool. This one for
example only draws 20 watts of power (without the battery installed) and
it comes with a 65 watt power supply.

get bumped and dropped,

Boy solid state drives are a life saver here. Rugged little things. Even
NASA uses them on their computers during launching into outer space.

and are very much more expensive to do any form of repair.

Not necessarily. Many of them are easier and cheaper to repair than
desktops. For example, I can swap out this hard drive in 5 seconds. My
EeePCs I can swap out the SSD in 120 seconds. And I can repair any
problem on any of my laptops or netbooks in under 10 minutes. No service
center can ever beat this kind of service.

 

[Richard in AZ]

Bill you are not at the same skill level as the OP and most users.
I work with a large group of senior citizens looking for there first computer.
They have no repair skills and pay a repair shop for all work.
But I will bet even you cannot replace a video card in a laptop in 10 minutes.
And if you only have one computer, a netbook is not the way to go.

 

[BillW50]

In Richard in AZ typed on Sun, 22 Aug 2010 11:34:51 -0700:

Bill you are not at the same skill level as the OP and most users.

Well that is true. But for them desktops would also be hard for them to
repair as well. And they probably would have to find someone to repair
or help them. And I admit, more people could repair desktops than can
laptops.

I work with a large group of senior citizens looking for there first
computer. They have no repair skills and pay a repair shop for all
work.

Oh ok. Good point.

But I will bet even you cannot replace a video card in a laptop in 10
minutes.

Well I cheat and I can pull it off in 10 minutes or less. As I keep
spares and the easiest way for me is to just swap the hard drive with a
spare same model and I'm good to go again. I still have to repair the
original, but I am not in any hurry to do so.

And if you only have one computer, a netbook is not the way to go.

I don't know Richard? I think you would really be surprised how much you
can do with one. For two months I used just one netbook and hoped for
the best. I brought a second netbook along just in case something bad
happened to the first one. I didn't bring an external monitor, keyboard,
mouse. All I brought was an USB hard drive and SDHC cards. And it went
really well IMHO.

Some people can't handle the small screen, keyboard, and lack of a
mouse. Well I sometimes hook up one of my netbooks up in this fashion
with an external monitor, full size keyboard, and mouse and it is really
hard to tell it is a netbook you are running from. I am sure I could
fool many by hidding the netbook and I bet most people wouldn't even
know.

Otherwise, the biggest other complaint is the lack of a DVD drive (or
burner). Although for 50 bucks more you can buy a slimline USB DVD
burner. Most of the time people will need this to install software.
Although I have enough expertise that I think I could get by without
one. But even still, having one makes it so much easier.

Playing DVD movies from an USB DVD drive on a netbook (or anything else
really from USB) is really pushing the limit. As it isn't going to play
real smoothly. But I think for most, it should be playable. Although if
you do this a lot, a netbook probably would be a bad choice. Anything
highly CPU intensive like high powered games and such is also a bad
choice on a netbook.

So I don't know? I think a netbook would be ok for most people in all
seriousness. Although if you need to buy an external monitor, keyboard,
and mouse and an USB DVD drive too, well then maybe not. And if you
never go portable with it then you really probably don't want a netbook
for sure. But otherwise, it isn't that bad really.

 

[Adela]

Thanks SO much Richard for the common sense advice! I'm going to try to buy
a middle of the road desktop to be safe for the future when the requirements
increase. It makes sense since it already happened to me with the present
computer which came with 128MB RAM....(10-1/2 years ago!) LOL! and even
when I added some more memory still was totally inadequate, but by now I
don't wish to put any more money in it and am looking for a new one.

I was told the Asus and some other name I don't recall now, are the best.
I'll have to search some comparisons etc. Because I understand so little it
is that I waited so long to renew my computer as searching without knowing
definitely what one must get....aint' much fun! )

TO: billW50:

Not necessarily. Many of them are easier and cheaper to repair than
desktops. For example, I can swap out this hard drive in 5 seconds. My
EeePCs I can swap out the SSD in 120 seconds. And I can repair any problem
on any of my laptops or netbooks in under 10 minutes. No service center can
ever beat this kind of service.

I appreciate your feedback, Bill, but it's easy for you to say since you are
a computer electronic person, but those of us who depend entirely on paying
these techies, don't think so.

As to desktop vs. laptop, I heard/read that they don't last as long and ARE
more difficult and expensive to repair. And from the personal point of
view, I find the keyboard and screen so little (sure you can enlarge it
with more $), the keys so close to each other, and the funny way the screen
changes light and color when moved (like psychedelic?) irritates me who
are so used to the comfortable touch of a desktop, and now that they are
flat I still have the monster monitor) :^) and hopefully the towers are
smaller and lighter maybe? it could work well with me. The only reason I'd
get a laptop is for saving room in my apt which I sorely need, but that, vs.
competitive/comfortable performance, I'll go with the desktop and Richard
gave me excellent advice for me to start actively searching.

I envy your knowledge of computers. You are very lucky!

Thanks again to both of you! Adela

For what you state as your computer needs, then the least expensive one on
the store shelf will do.
Of course if you go for a PC, Windows 7 will be included and do not get
one with less than 3 GB of RAM.
Be aware that like a used car, the value of that cheap machine will drop
significantly and 5 years from now, when you use the computer for more
than just email and simple web searches you will wish you had gone for a
better machine.

The downloading of large videos requires two things. 1. A very fast
broad-band internet connection. 2. A very large hard drive.

A desktop computer will give you the most computer for the $$. But if
you go for a laptop (avoid the Netbooks) then buy the 3 year extended
warrantee. Laptops run hotter, get bumped and dropped, and are very much
more expensive to do any form of repair.

Thanks very much for your suggestions on what kind of computer details to
get! It's very helpful to get suggestions as the computors are getting
more and more complex and difficult to buy what's right for the
individual.

If you know of more suggestions as to what strengths (for want of a
technical word) for a computer are needed for a person who uses it ONLY
for email, search internet, and send and receive (sometimes) large videos
of all kinds? In such cases, it's illogical to get the absolute latest
which would be wasted and financially draining. What do you think?

Thanks again. Adela

Glad it was as simple as a loose cable.
Maybe this will help in your new computer search.
Windows 7 comes in either the 64 bit version and the 32 bit version.
Most of the better computer makers have 64 bit hardware but may team it
up with a 32 bit version of Windows 7.

1. A 64 bit Operating System with a 64 bit compatible computer is the
way to go for the future.
However, you can expect to have problems with older printers and
scanners
With the 64 bit option, your RAM memory options are greater and software
is headed that direction.
4 Gigabytes of RAM should be the minimum that you would want in a 64 bit
system.
2. A 32 bit Operating system will be more compatible with older
printers, scanners, etc. but it will not recognize much more that 3+
Gigabytes of RAM, regardless of how much you install.

Hello All, so that you have an answer when someone else asks for help
with "All Red Screen".....someone suggested that I check the monitor
cable connections and, it worked! What a relief to be able to see
again clear text and graphics! While I am slowly looking for a new
computer, this elerly Dell is doing extraordinary good work.
Adela


As much as you can afford, my dear.

Adela wrote:
Thank you Richard. I'll have to buy a new desktop computer since
it's very
very old. Problem is I don't know which one and how much memory etc.
I'll
just have to search... ) Adela


Try another monitor
Either the monitor has gone bad or the video card is bad.
The referenced "Red Screen of Death" is not applicable.

[MS WinXP Home 2002 - SP3; OE 6; IE 8; MS Office Pro; Avast Free;
Dell
Dimension XPS T448MHz Pentium III; 640 MB RAM; high speed cable;
Windows
Media Player; Adobe Reader 9.3.3; Adobe Flash Player 10 Activex..]

Hello, the subject may not be within this category? I don't
know...

Yesterday for the first time in my computer life the screens turned
all
red in the entire computer! It's hard on the eyes and more
difficult to
see...

I ruled out an infection as I have a good AV which updates
definitions
frequently and catches any infection. A google search indicated
that
this is the "cousin" of the Blue Screen of Death only worse! CNET
forum
gave this explanation here:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-10784_3-5703006-7.html

but doesn't say why and how to get rid of it.

Anyone experienced this weird new computer infliction that could
share
with others please?

Anticipating my big thanks!!! Adela

 

[smlunatick]

Thanks SO much Richard for the common sense advice!  I'm going to try to buy
a middle of the road desktop to be safe for the future when the requirements
increase.  It makes sense  since it already happened to me with the present
computer which came with 128MB RAM....(10-1/2 years ago!)  LOL!  and even
when I added some more memory still was totally inadequate, but by now I
don't wish to put any more money in it and am looking for a new one.

I was told the Asus and some other name I don't recall now, are the best.
I'll have to search some comparisons etc.  Because I understand so little it
is that I waited so long to renew my computer as searching without knowing
definitely what one must get....aint' much fun!  )

TO: billW50:

Not necessarily. Many of them are easier and cheaper to repair than
desktops. For example, I can swap out this hard drive in 5 seconds. My
EeePCs I can swap out the SSD in 120 seconds. And I can repair any problem
on any of my laptops or netbooks in under 10 minutes. No service center can
ever beat this kind of service.

I appreciate your feedback, Bill, but it's easy for you to say since you are
a computer electronic person, but those of us who depend entirely on paying
these techies, don't think so.

As to desktop vs. laptop, I heard/read that they don't last as long and ARE
more difficult and expensive to repair.  And from the personal point of
view, I find the keyboard and screen so little (sure you can enlarge it
with more $), the keys so close to each other, and the funny way the screen
changes light and color when moved (like psychedelic?)   irritates me who
are so used to the comfortable touch of a desktop, and now that they are
flat I still have the monster monitor)  :^)  and hopefully the towersare
smaller and lighter maybe? it could work well with me.  The only reasonI'd
get a laptop is for saving room in my apt which I sorely need, but that, vs.
competitive/comfortable performance, I'll go with the desktop and Richard
gave me excellent advice for me to start actively searching.

I envy your knowledge of computers.  You are very lucky!

Thanks again to both of you!         Adela

For what you state as your computer needs, then the least expensive oneon
the store shelf will do.
Of course if you go for a PC, Windows 7 will be included and do not get
one with less than 3 GB of RAM.
Be aware that like a used car, the value of that cheap machine will drop
significantly and 5 years from now, when you use the computer for more
than just email and simple web searches you will wish you had gone for a
better machine.

The downloading of large videos requires two things.  1. A very fast
broad-band internet connection. 2. A very large hard drive.

A desktop computer will give you the most computer for the $$.   But if
you go for a laptop (avoid the Netbooks) then buy the 3 year extended
warrantee.  Laptops run hotter, get bumped and dropped, and are very much
more expensive to do any form of repair.

Thanks very much for your suggestions on what kind of computer detailsto
get!  It's very helpful to get suggestions as the computors are getting
more and more complex and difficult to buy what's right for the
individual.
If you know of more suggestions as to what strengths (for want of a
technical word) for a computer are needed for a person who uses it ONLY
for email, search internet, and send and receive (sometimes) large videos
of all kinds?  In such cases, it's illogical to get the absolute latest
which would be wasted and financially draining.   What do you think?
Thanks again.         Adela
Glad it was as simple as a loose cable.
Maybe this will help in your new computer search.
Windows 7 comes in either the 64 bit version and the 32 bit version.
Most of the better computer makers have 64 bit hardware but may team it
up with a 32 bit version of Windows 7.
1.  A 64 bit Operating System with a 64 bit compatible computer is the
way to go for the future.
However, you can expect to have problems with older printers and
scanners
With the 64 bit option, your RAM memory options are greater and software
is headed that direction.
4 Gigabytes of RAM should be the minimum that you would want in a 64 bit
system.
2.  A 32 bit Operating system will be more compatible with older
printers, scanners, etc. but it will not recognize much more that 3+
Gigabytes of RAM, regardless of how much you install.
Hello All, so that you have an answer when someone else asks for help
with "All Red Screen".....someone suggested that I check the monitor
cable connections and, it worked!  What a relief to be able to see
again clear text and graphics!  While I am slowly looking for a new
computer, this elerly Dell is doing extraordinary good work.
Adela
As much as you can afford, my dear.
Adela wrote:
Thank you Richard.  I'll have to buy a new desktop computer since
it's very
very old.  Problem is I don't know which one and how much memoryetc.
I'll
just have to search...  )   Adela
Try another monitor
Either the monitor has gone bad or the video card is bad.
The referenced "Red Screen of Death" is not applicable.
[MS WinXP Home 2002 -  SP3; OE 6; IE 8; MS Office Pro; Avast Free;
Dell
Dimension XPS T448MHz Pentium III; 640 MB RAM; high speed cable;
Windows
Media Player; Adobe Reader 9.3.3; Adobe Flash Player 10 Activex...]
Hello, the subject may not be within this category?  I don't
know...
Yesterday for the first time in my computer life the screens turned
all
red in the entire computer!  It's hard on the eyes and more
difficult to
see...
I ruled out an infection as I have a good AV which updates
definitions
frequently and catches any infection.   A google search indicated
that
this is the "cousin" of the Blue Screen of Death only worse!  CNET
forum
gave this explanation here:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-10784_3-5703006-7.html
but doesn't say why and how to get rid of it.
Anyone experienced this weird new computer infliction that could
share
with others please?
Anticipating my big thanks!!!        Adela

Also, one main advantage of a desktop, to most laptops / netbooks, is
that the desktop would be "less" fragile as the tower would sit on the
floor or in a "desk" slot. Most laptops / netbooks would probably not
survive long after being dropped.

 

[Adela]

smlunatick....if you wrote an answer - I can't find it! ) Adela

Thanks SO much Richard for the common sense advice! I'm going to try to
buy
a middle of the road desktop to be safe for the future when the
requirements
increase. It makes sense since it already happened to me with the present
computer which came with 128MB RAM....(10-1/2 years ago!) LOL! and even
when I added some more memory still was totally inadequate, but by now I
don't wish to put any more money in it and am looking for a new one.

I was told the Asus and some other name I don't recall now, are the best.
I'll have to search some comparisons etc. Because I understand so little
it
is that I waited so long to renew my computer as searching without knowing
definitely what one must get....aint' much fun! )

TO: billW50:

Not necessarily. Many of them are easier and cheaper to repair than
desktops. For example, I can swap out this hard drive in 5 seconds. My
EeePCs I can swap out the SSD in 120 seconds. And I can repair any
problem
on any of my laptops or netbooks in under 10 minutes. No service center
can
ever beat this kind of service.

I appreciate your feedback, Bill, but it's easy for you to say since you
are
a computer electronic person, but those of us who depend entirely on
paying
these techies, don't think so.

As to desktop vs. laptop, I heard/read that they don't last as long and
ARE
more difficult and expensive to repair. And from the personal point of
view, I find the keyboard and screen so little (sure you can enlarge it
with more $), the keys so close to each other, and the funny way the
screen
changes light and color when moved (like psychedelic?) irritates me
who
are so used to the comfortable touch of a desktop, and now that they are
flat I still have the monster monitor) :^) and hopefully the towers are
smaller and lighter maybe? it could work well with me. The only reason I'd
get a laptop is for saving room in my apt which I sorely need, but that,
vs.
competitive/comfortable performance, I'll go with the desktop and Richard
gave me excellent advice for me to start actively searching.

I envy your knowledge of computers. You are very lucky!

Thanks again to both of you! Adela

For what you state as your computer needs, then the least expensive one
on
the store shelf will do.
Of course if you go for a PC, Windows 7 will be included and do not get
one with less than 3 GB of RAM.
Be aware that like a used car, the value of that cheap machine will drop
significantly and 5 years from now, when you use the computer for more
than just email and simple web searches you will wish you had gone for a
better machine.

The downloading of large videos requires two things. 1. A very fast
broad-band internet connection. 2. A very large hard drive.

A desktop computer will give you the most computer for the $$. But if
you go for a laptop (avoid the Netbooks) then buy the 3 year extended
warrantee. Laptops run hotter, get bumped and dropped, and are very much
more expensive to do any form of repair.

Thanks very much for your suggestions on what kind of computer details
to
get! It's very helpful to get suggestions as the computors are getting
more and more complex and difficult to buy what's right for the
individual.
If you know of more suggestions as to what strengths (for want of a
technical word) for a computer are needed for a person who uses it ONLY
for email, search internet, and send and receive (sometimes) large
videos
of all kinds? In such cases, it's illogical to get the absolute latest
which would be wasted and financially draining. What do you think?
Thanks again. Adela
Glad it was as simple as a loose cable.
Maybe this will help in your new computer search.
Windows 7 comes in either the 64 bit version and the 32 bit version.
Most of the better computer makers have 64 bit hardware but may team
it
up with a 32 bit version of Windows 7.
1. A 64 bit Operating System with a 64 bit compatible computer is the
way to go for the future.
However, you can expect to have problems with older printers and
scanners
With the 64 bit option, your RAM memory options are greater and
software
is headed that direction.
4 Gigabytes of RAM should be the minimum that you would want in a 64
bit
system.
2. A 32 bit Operating system will be more compatible with older
printers, scanners, etc. but it will not recognize much more that 3+
Gigabytes of RAM, regardless of how much you install.
Hello All, so that you have an answer when someone else asks for help
with "All Red Screen".....someone suggested that I check the monitor
cable connections and, it worked! What a relief to be able to see
again clear text and graphics! While I am slowly looking for a new
computer, this elerly Dell is doing extraordinary good work.
Adela
As much as you can afford, my dear.
Adela wrote:
Thank you Richard. I'll have to buy a new desktop computer since
it's very
very old. Problem is I don't know which one and how much memory
etc.
I'll
just have to search... ) Adela
Try another monitor
Either the monitor has gone bad or the video card is bad.
The referenced "Red Screen of Death" is not applicable.
[MS WinXP Home 2002 - SP3; OE 6; IE 8; MS Office Pro; Avast Free;
Dell
Dimension XPS T448MHz Pentium III; 640 MB RAM; high speed cable;
Windows
Media Player; Adobe Reader 9.3.3; Adobe Flash Player 10
Activex..]
Hello, the subject may not be within this category? I don't
know...
Yesterday for the first time in my computer life the screens
turned
all
red in the entire computer! It's hard on the eyes and more
difficult to
see...
I ruled out an infection as I have a good AV which updates
definitions
frequently and catches any infection. A google search indicated
that
this is the "cousin" of the Blue Screen of Death only worse! CNET
forum
gave this explanation here:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-10784_3-5703006-7.html
but doesn't say why and how to get rid of it.
Anyone experienced this weird new computer infliction that could
share
with others please?
Anticipating my big thanks!!! Adela

Also, one main advantage of a desktop, to most laptops / netbooks, is
that the desktop would be "less" fragile as the tower would sit on the
floor or in a "desk" slot. Most laptops / netbooks would probably not
survive long after being dropped.