The Problem May Be Located

[calliopes_pen]

The problem with the computer may be that we're running out of RAM. We've had this computer for years, and it apparently doesn't have enough memory anymore.

That, and too many programs running and scanning for viruses at the same time. McAfee, and Webroot and Spyware Doctor. Turned two out of three of those off, and currently it's running perfectly. (Cross your fingers!)

Despite that, Dad's going to check around for someplace that still sells computers with Windows XP on them, since I don't want one with Vista. I've heard too many bad things about it.

Dad says has a strange coupon for Best Buy, where you can go there two hours after they close and shop as much as you wish to. Sounds weird to me, but he'll do that on Sunday night.

Comments

[quiet--tiger.livejournal.com]

That, and too many programs running and scanning for viruses at the same time.

Irony!

Hopefully it's okay, but good luck on the search!

(I've heard bad things about Vista, too, but I think my dad runs it on his desktop and I haven't heard complaints of that sort, and I've never done much on it)

[kiramowett.livejournal.com]

Vista is improving. My sister's computer has it, and she says it's running perfectly. The bugs are being worked out.

You can still get Windows XP from some places. My dad just bought a laptop online with XP.

[calliopes_pen]

Good to know, since so far all of Dad's searches have mostly turned up Vista. We're still trying for XP, though.

Plus, something with more memory.

[newnumber6.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I've heard multiple virus protection programs can lead to memory problems - maybe it's something to do with each worrying that the other might be altering a file and so they keep scanning things repeatedly just to be sure.

[calliopes_pen]

Yes, I think that's definitely it. One turns on to check for updates while another is doing the same thing, while I'm trying to go to another site. The computer finally couldn't handle the stress, I guess.

[kallie-kat.livejournal.com]

Running conflicting virus / spyware programs can often cause problems. But if your computer is more than a couple of years old, it might be a good idea to upgrade.

If you already have an installation disk for XP, you can buy a computer wherever, wipe it, and then reinstall the operating system from the disk. Otherwise, good luck! I don't think any of the big retailers sell computers without Vista anymore.

I'm curious to hear how the thing at Best Buy works out. You're right, it sounds very strange.

[calliopes_pen]

It's probably 3 or 4 years old. Dad can't remember exactly how long we've had it.

He's still looking for the installation disk, since it's been a while.

I'll let you know when he goes to check it out tomorrow. I think he said it was for something like 8 PM.

[joyeuxnoel.livejournal.com]

I assume you're paying for your McAfee subscription otherwise I'd recommend uninstalling them all and going for AVG. It's free and in my experience operates less sluggish than McAfee or Norton. (It still has the drain on resources but most anti virus programs do.)

Vista's gotten a lot better with Service Pack 1 that got rid of a lot of issues. If you do end up going for Vista whether because of price or lack of options, I definitely recommend getting at least 2GB of RAM. 3GB if you can afford it.

I just switched from XP to Vista and I've only had one issue that took all of two minutes to resolve. (And hey, you could always go for OSX or Linxu if you wanted. :D )

[calliopes_pen]

Yes, we're paying for McAfee. That, and Spyware Doctor. I'll have to ask if we're paying for Webroot, too, but I think we are.

Windows tends to be easier for us. I've never used OSX or Linux, but I was taught everything in college using only Windows.

Good to know--kiramowett also said Vista was getting better. We're hoping to get around 3 GB, since this computer apparently has much less than that now.

[sherlock2040.livejournal.com]

I'm running Vista and have absolutely no problems with. You're likely to encounter problems if you update because your hardware won't be able to keep up with the software, but buying a computer that was made to run Vista - no problems.