Hi guys. I'm pretty much at my wits end. I got this refurbished Gateway computer a few months ago, and right away it had issues. For one thing, it would not turn on AT ALL..and I couldn't figure out why. Until I reinstalled the RAM. Then things were fine until recently.

Question/Problem:
The first few months were great..like any PC/human relationship, but then things went south. Now it shuts itself off automatically without warning. And I don't mean shutting down or giving me the BSOD. I could be doing anything really. It mostly happens when I'm surfing the web on Firefox. But when it's idle it doesn't shut off much.

Operating System, Version and Service Pack:
Windows XP Professional Service pack 2.
Intel
Pentium 4 CPU 2.80GHz
2.79 GHz, 1.98 GB RAM

Web Browser and Version:
Firefox 18..although I don't think this matters

Your level of experience:
between seasoned and expert

When did the problem start? Has it been going on constantly since then?
A few months ago. It's getting more frequent. At least 5 times per day. My computer can't be on for more than 3 hours until it shuts off..unless it's idle

Any steps you've taken to troubleshoot?
Yes, lots. virus scanning..turned up nothing. "last known good configuration"..nada. system restore..didn't do squat. reinstalled the RAM..nothing. letting it cool down..nope! updated the display driver..negative. i'm not sure what else i can do. i don't think reinstalling windows would do it.

If you are receiving an error message, please include the entire text of the message.: n/a

please...i beg of you..HELP!! :(

Question/Problem: I used to have a Lenovo R60 that I got through my university, but it was "used irresponsibly" by a roommate and got all sorts of viruses and was never the same. I decided to get a new computer (HP g60) a few days ago after the backlight burnt out. There are a few features that I am missing on this new computer that I found convenient on the Lenovo.

Is there a way to get a "chime" to sound when the AC cord is plugged/unplugged? I.e., when I pull the power dealie out of the jack, or the cat knocks the cable out of the power strip, a little chime sounds to let me know this... and the same for when you plug it back in.

Also, is there a way to get an on-screen display to show the brightness level, volume, etc? When using the keyboard shortcuts on the Lenovo, these little icons would pop up and show the volume or LCD brightness, etc.

Operating System, Version and Service Pack: Vista Home Premium SP1

Your level of experience (we simplify or explain instructions based on how you answer): Experienced? I'm not a super-geek, but I'm by no means helpless.

Any steps you've taken to troubleshoot? I've tried the Help & Support and Googling, but I can't manage to figure out keywords that lead me to anything other than forum posts telling me to use the sound icon in the taskbar.  I'm open to solutions within the system itself or small, free utilities from the web.

Help me, Livejournal, you're my only hope.

I'm sorry I feel like this is a stupid question but I'm so confused. I tried checking the tags, but I might have missed something.

Question/Problem: I just got a new computer and when I try to download anything (for example - off of mediafire) the download eventually times out. It will let me download smaller files like a single song, but anything that takes up more file space it won't download. I know its not an issue with space on the computer because I have an external harddrive I was trying to download them to. Everywhere else has told me to hit the orange restart button but it doesn't do anything.

Operating System and VERSION: (Examples: Windows 95, Windows XP, Mac OS X, Ubuntu Linux) Mac OS X

Web Browser and VERSION: (Example: Internet Explorer 7, FireFox 2.0.0.9 {You can find this in the HELP -> ABOUT section of your browser}) Safari, and it says Version 3.1.2. I tried downloading firefox to see if it was just safari, but that doesn't work either

Your level of experience: (Beginner, Intermediate, Seasoned, Expert, God) beginner

Duration of problem: since I've gotten the computer, so about a month

Any steps you've taken to troubleshoot? No I have no idea what to do.

thank you!

I have a Macbook and I really want to play iSketch, but anytime I open the page it says I'm missing a plug-in. So I've downloaded the plug-in, but it still refuses to work on Firefox and Safari. What am I doing wrong?

I apologize if this is already in the memories or the tags. I wasn't really sure how to search for it here. I did do google search but I'm still rather confused.

I am getting conflicting info as to whether it's good to turn off the computer at night (in order to save on electricity) or to leave it running so as to not cause "wear and tear" on it.

One person that I know says it's bad to keep turning them on and off.

I do want to save on electricity, now that energy cost are going up and up and up but I don't want to have to replace my computer any sooner than I have to either.

HELP please! I'M SO CONFUSED!! Many, many, many thanks!!!


If this is not the correct place to post this, again I apologize. Please re-direct me to the right place. Thanks

www.ubuntu.com 8.04 is out!

I will be testing it out later today I think.

This is the first distribution of Ubuntu to officially support Wubi (http://wubi-installer.org/).
Wubi is an easy to use 1 click install from Windows Ubuntu installer.

Ever wanted to try it out? Check out Wubi, it will install it as a virtual machine and you can take it for a test drive. No burning CDs. No changing your computer. Just playing with an easy to use linux distro.


Warning: Wubi may be very slow to download today as it is release day and everything is slammed. Be patient.