Patty's PC Questions

#101

Firefox ftw.
Oh so media portal plays everything + is it easy to use?

#102

It’s easy to use but it takes a lot of time to set it up. Using it on a desktop computer would be a bit much imo, just easier to use VLC or MPC.

If you want read up about it, I suggest you look at the team mediaportal website.

#103

You could always try any of these alternatives, patty.

WinDVD would be the next one I would try.

Personally I like having one application like VLC to handle everything, the only reason I use PD9 as well is because it is one of the few applications that can handle bluray natively.

#104

Not sure if it’s something you can answer nip, so more a general question to everyone…have never been bothered to find out myself, and cbf googling it, but how does one setup altnerating desktops?

#105

You mean the background pic?

If you’re in windows 7 (pretty sure vista too):
right click on the desktop
> Personalise
> Desktop Background
> Choose the folder you want to use. Setup the timing.

You can’t do dual screen wallpapers this way tho.

#106

I’m not sure if Vista does it tbh, it’s too hard for me to remember. Something is telling me that it was a newly added feature for W7.

If you are using vista and it doesn’t have the functionality, you can use an application like this to get a similar result.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=ce1d596b-6851-4948-ab76-b5ff22d37d69&displayLang=en

That’s a MS version but I’m not sure if it works on Vista.

#107

Yeah just had a look, i can’t set any timings etc., so I’m guessing it’s only a w7 thing. Will have a look at those apps though

#108

That first one works a treat thanks :slight_smile:

Having a bit of a desktop theme moment here, but the best site to get themes for vista?

#109

No idea as I’ve never bothered running a different one, these were the first two links I found. They might be useful.

http://themes4vista.com/
http://vistadesktopthemes.com/

#110

Mmm i had seen them, but didn’t see anything that I liked/suited, which is why i was kinda hoping someone else had a few good sites :stuck_out_tongue:

#111

Did you see these ones yet?

This is also a cool thing that you may like, it’s called RocketDock.

http://rocketdock.com/

#112

Dear Sir,

So I think my soundcard has kicked the bucket. Sound keeps randomly being distorted/softened etc. - All the drivers are up-to-date (hasn’t been a new driver for 6 months or more) and I’ve tried re-seating it, along with obviously turning the pc on & off again :p. Isn’t just doing it for any particular sound device either, same thing happens with headphones & set of speakers. Sooo…any suggestions for a fix short of what I’ve done already? Or, as I suspect, would you agree it sounds like the thing is ****ed?

Kind Regards,
Muyagi San

#113

sounds like its buggered

as for a cheap replacement, http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=211&products_id=14024 doubt you’ll want to spend more

#114

Patty if your willing to pay shipping, I have the exact card caboose linked to sitting on my desk still from when I upgraded if you want it.

If possibile I’d try the card in another computer first though, as it may be other issues. Based on only my limited understanding of sound cards, it may not be getting enough power so the amps in it are fluctuating in their output power.

#115

I actually yearn for one of these - mate has one, is really quite awesome.

Buuut…budget 'n all (want a laptop etc.)…I’d be very tempted by your offer dragon. Will try the card in my bro’s computer tomorrow and let you know.

#116

Use the onboard sound just to see if the problem goes away, easy way to check that the soundcard has carked it.

#117

Yeah meant to mention that I’m doing that now, and yeah works fine (except for the fact nothing sounds as good)

#118

Hmmm so apparently 1 stick of my RAM has died. PC would start properly, blank screen, and giving me 3 short beeps. Removed 1 stick of RAM and has started fine so I’m guessing the RAM was the problem. Just wondering if you think it may be possible that this was/is in some way related to the sound problems I was having? (Even though it came up clean when I ran memtest.

Really need a new system, $$$ though :frowning:

#119

Ive had that problem before Patty. Have you tried both sticks of ram to see if it is fauly. My issue was I had the two sticks in the wrong slots. Well one was in the right slot but the other wasn’t. However i didnt have any sound problems

I

#120

Could be ram or slot issue - best to test both sticks as Chilli said just to confirm what is the issue.

What ram you got btw?