Some computer help needed

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ClaretTony
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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by ClaretTony » Tue Jun 15, 2021 3:48 pm

aggi wrote:
Mon May 17, 2021 3:35 pm
Other people will have their own suggestions but I'd suggest that as a minimum you want to look at a 10th generation Intel processor (eg. one that starts I3-10XXX or I5-10XXX, preferably I5), 16GB RAM, HD (1920x1080 minimum) screen and 500GB+ SSD.
aggi wrote:
Tue May 18, 2021 2:20 pm
If you're only planning to use it on one machine you can get Office for about £40 a year https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Microsoft-Of ... B00JLPEL2I Regardless you can generally pick it up cheaper than buying direct from MS.

It's a very good price if you use the cloud storage (it doesn't have to be only used for Office stuff, it can be used for pictures, backups, etc)
I'm back for some more advice.

Still looking at laptops but asking about the 16GB RAM. My current desktop has 4GB and I've seen a couple of laptops with 8GB. Is the 16GB a minimum I should be looking at?

aggi provided the link for Microsoft 365 which has gone up a few quid today to £45. I'm a bit confused with this. If I bought this and used it on this desktop does that mean I couldn't also use it on a new laptop?

Hipper
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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by Hipper » Tue Jun 15, 2021 4:18 pm

As I understand it you are wanting to use a laptop because it will give you more flexibility as to where in your house you can use it.

If you haven't already, I suggest you use one first to see if you can get on with it.

I have an offline laptop but I don't like using it. It's the touch pad I can't get used to. Instead I attach a mouse which means you need a table to work it. There are alternatives to a mouse like this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/YUMQUA-Portabl ... rs&sr=1-24

but they're not as precise as a mouse either in my experience.

There are also laptops with a touch screen but again you need to know if you can work with them.

ClaretDiver
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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by ClaretDiver » Tue Jun 15, 2021 4:20 pm

ClaretTony wrote:
Tue Jun 15, 2021 3:48 pm
I'm back for some more advice.

Still looking at laptops but asking about the 16GB RAM. My current desktop has 4GB and I've seen a couple of laptops with 8GB. Is the 16GB a minimum I should be looking at?

aggi provided the link for Microsoft 365 which has gone up a few quid today to £45. I'm a bit confused with this. If I bought this and used it on this desktop does that mean I couldn't also use it on a new laptop?
Tony, people will say go for as much RAM as you can but 8GB would be sufficient, with regards to 365, usually you can use it on multiple deivces depending on the subscription type

Leon_C
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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by Leon_C » Tue Jun 15, 2021 4:26 pm

8gb is satisfactory for most people, using Office and a few browser windows. It would be fine.
16gb is great (necessary) if you're a 100 browser window user! Once you have Google Maps open, Gmail, etc, etc, then each of these windows/tabs has a significant "memory footprint" (ie it uses a load of memory!)

-

On desktop v laptop...
If you like the keyboard/display of a desktop machine, but want to be able to move around the house (or take your machine out, occasionally) - then the solution is a docking station. (I dislike using a laptop keyboard for an extended period, much preferring a 'proper' keyboard.)
With this, you plug all of the peripherals (keyboard, mouse, display, external storage, etc) into a brick that stays put on the desk. Your laptop has ONE cable that attaches to this, and makes everything else work. It's a little bit of additional expense, but you get the benefit of a fixed terminal (like a desktop) and flexibility to move around.

Example: https://www.dell.com/en-uk/work/shop/de ... ccessories - about £150.

Hipper
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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by Hipper » Tue Jun 15, 2021 4:30 pm

ClaretTony wrote:
Tue Jun 15, 2021 3:48 pm
I'm back for some more advice.

Still looking at laptops but asking about the 16GB RAM. My current desktop has 4GB and I've seen a couple of laptops with 8GB. Is the 16GB a minimum I should be looking at?

aggi provided the link for Microsoft 365 which has gone up a few quid today to £45. I'm a bit confused with this. If I bought this and used it on this desktop does that mean I couldn't also use it on a new laptop?
I looked at the Microsoft 365 page and it says you can use it on five devices:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/microso ... verviewtab

For requirements it says it will work with Windows 10 and 8.1 (presumably therefore not Windows 7):

https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/microso ... rementstab

I'm old school. Whilst I have Windows 10 I'm still using Microsoft Works 9.0 from 2007! Hey, it works for me.

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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by Chobulous » Tue Jun 15, 2021 6:00 pm

You seriously do not need the desktop if you have a laptop. Just buy a wireless keyboard and mouse set (£15-20) and a monitor. Make sure the monitor has a hdmi connection as your new laptop will have this. You can get a vga / hdmi connector but you may find problems on sound for Skype and zoom meetings so it essential that the monitor has an hdmi connection.
8Gb RAM is more than enough for office work.

IanMcL
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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by IanMcL » Tue Jun 15, 2021 6:47 pm

If you are used to using a laptop, fine.

If not....be careful for what you wish.

Try one.

I use a laptop but dislike it. For 'working, there is nothing like sitting at a workstation with a desktop keyboard and monitor of a really good size!

Everyone to their own, of course.

aggi
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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by aggi » Wed Jun 16, 2021 12:08 am

ClaretTony wrote:
Tue Jun 15, 2021 3:48 pm
I'm back for some more advice.

Still looking at laptops but asking about the 16GB RAM. My current desktop has 4GB and I've seen a couple of laptops with 8GB. Is the 16GB a minimum I should be looking at?

aggi provided the link for Microsoft 365 which has gone up a few quid today to £45. I'm a bit confused with this. If I bought this and used it on this desktop does that mean I couldn't also use it on a new laptop?
The 16GB was in part because you mentioned wanting to future proof it. 8GB is ok at the moment (although not great depending what you're doing) but I'd have concerns about it being enough 5 or 10 years down the line.

There are two office subscriptions, the cheaper is just for one machine (although you should be able to move it to a different machine). The more expensive can be on up to 5 machines simultaneously.

I don't see any point in using your desktop if you get a new laptop. A good laptop will be more powerful than your old desktop. Just plug it into a monitor, keyboard and mouse if that's how you prefer it.

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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by superdimitri » Wed Jun 16, 2021 2:21 am

I posted a while back about it, but I'd definitely not buy a laptop with only 8gb. Memory actually isn't that expensive though, so provided you have two slots you can always upgrade it in the future.

If you are like most people and keep the PC for some time, going 16gb is definitely recommended. Some people are even starting to go with 32gb to future proof.

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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by Hipper » Wed Jun 16, 2021 7:38 am

Interesting question about future proofing computers.

I roughly allow for ten years between changing PCs but the main reason for that is the operating system and support it gets. For Windows 7 Microsoft no longer support it meaning presumably it becomes more at risk for security and more modern software may not work. Will all this be true for Windows 10?

At one point I thought I'd keep my Windows 7 desktop and all its software which still worked well but only use it offline whilst using a less powerful Mini PC with Windows 10 just for online use. I used this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01 ... UTF8&psc=1

to connect all the shared hardware (keyboard, mouse, HD, speakers) and to different monitor connections so I was able to switch between two PCs. This concept worked well but in the end I bought a more up to date desktop and a new monitor (monitor technology seems to have moved on a lot in ten years).

aggi
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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by aggi » Wed Jun 16, 2021 12:04 pm

Windows 10 support will be ending in 2025. Upgrading has been relatively painless though.

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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by ClaretTony » Wed Jun 16, 2021 3:22 pm

aggi wrote:
Wed Jun 16, 2021 12:04 pm
Windows 10 support will be ending in 2025. Upgrading has been relatively painless though.
I’m on Windows 10, at least I’m up to date with something.

Zlatan
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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by Zlatan » Wed Jun 16, 2021 9:33 pm

ClaretTony wrote:
Wed Jun 16, 2021 3:22 pm
I’m on Windows 10, at least I’m up to date with something.
Don’t be so sure… there’s many variants on Windows 10 CT, the latest being Windows 10 21H1

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/window ... nformation

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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by ClaretTony » Wed Jun 16, 2021 9:35 pm

Zlatan wrote:
Wed Jun 16, 2021 9:33 pm
Don’t be so sure… there’s many variants on Windows 10 CT, the latest being Windows 10 21H1

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/window ... nformation
I worry when I see the word variant. No idea which Windows 10 I’m on then.

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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by Zlatan » Wed Jun 16, 2021 9:38 pm

ClaretTony wrote:
Wed Jun 16, 2021 9:35 pm
I worry when I see the word variant. No idea which Windows 10 I’m on then.
Don’t worry CT, essentially the same core tech, but new “features” get release along with security updates every 6 months or so.

Windows 11 leaks today have got people all upset, because it’s starting to look like Mac OSX

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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by CaymanClaret » Wed Jun 16, 2021 10:06 pm

On the storage, I'd certainly suggest using Office 365.

I'm not sure on the status of the Trust and whether you are invobved, but Microsoft provide MASSIVE discounts for charity and not-for-profit organisations if you were able to procure using the Trust's name. Visit Techsoup.org for more info.

OneDrive is the cloud storage for Office365 and it can be set up to appear as though it's just another drive on your machine.

I'm all for laptops, but one caveat I'd say - you'll need to replace a laptop in a shorter timeframe than a desktop PC. Normally, laptops need to be refreshed more often as the components don't last as long.

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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by ClaretTony » Tue Jun 22, 2021 2:22 pm

Steps forward from my last post.

1) Laptop ordered and arriving tomorrow and it is 16GB with 500GM SSD
2) Microsoft 365 purchased

I will now be able to have all my important files etc. backed up via OneDrive and my plan was to install the 365 on the new laptop. Next question is what is best method now for getting all the files I have on the hard drive on this computer transferred across to the laptop and on to OneDrive.

DCWat
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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by DCWat » Tue Jun 22, 2021 2:45 pm

ClaretTony wrote:
Tue Jun 22, 2021 2:22 pm
Steps forward from my last post.

1) Laptop ordered and arriving tomorrow and it is 16GB with 500GM SSD
2) Microsoft 365 purchased

I will now be able to have all my important files etc. backed up via OneDrive and my plan was to install the 365 on the new laptop. Next question is what is best method now for getting all the files I have on the hard drive on this computer transferred across to the laptop and on to OneDrive.
You should be able to access one drive on your old laptop, once you’ve set it up.

From there, you can simply copy files to your OneDrive and they’ll be accessible on your new laptop / other devices (you can have once drive on your phone, for example).

ClaretTony
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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by ClaretTony » Tue Jun 22, 2021 2:48 pm

DCWat wrote:
Tue Jun 22, 2021 2:45 pm
You should be able to access one drive on your old laptop, once you’ve set it up.

From there, you can simply copy files to your OneDrive and they’ll be accessible on your new laptop / other devices (you can have once drive on your phone, for example).
So basically install Microsoft 365 on new laptop then go onto old desktop to access OneDrive and copy everything into there. I was hoping it would allow that.

aggi
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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by aggi » Tue Jun 22, 2021 3:24 pm

If you have a OneDrive account then you can install it on as many devices (laptop, desktop, mobile, etc) as you want.

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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by Wokingclaret » Tue Jun 22, 2021 3:25 pm

Windows 11 next...... :D

ClaretTony
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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by ClaretTony » Tue Jun 22, 2021 3:27 pm

aggi wrote:
Tue Jun 22, 2021 3:24 pm
If you have a OneDrive account then you can install it on as many devices (laptop, desktop, mobile, etc) as you want.
That's brilliant - just get 365 installed on the new one and then use OneDrive to get access to everything.

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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by DCWat » Tue Jun 22, 2021 4:06 pm

ClaretTony wrote:
Tue Jun 22, 2021 3:27 pm
That's brilliant - just get 365 installed on the new one and then use OneDrive to get access to everything.
Exactly that, Tony.

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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by IanMcL » Tue Jun 22, 2021 7:18 pm

Wokingclaret wrote:
Tue Jun 22, 2021 3:25 pm
Windows 11 next...... :D
Windows 12 for sure!

ClaretTony
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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by ClaretTony » Wed Jun 23, 2021 4:03 pm

UPDATE:

New laptop up and running - posting from it now. Microsoft 365 installed.
These 3 users liked this post: DCWat Zlatan lesxdp

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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by ClaretTony » Thu Jun 24, 2021 9:28 am

I knew I'd have more problems - well not problems, just not knowing what to do.

I've got Microsoft 365 installed on my new laptop and am now back at the old desktop wanting to back everything up onto OneDrive so I can transfer to using the laptop. I've been able to login to OneDrive but not sure what I have to do.

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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by ewanrob » Thu Jun 24, 2021 11:16 am

How to back up files to OneDrive on Windows 10
1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Update & Security.
3. Click on Backup.
4. Under the "Back up files to OneDrive" section, click the Back up files option. Source: Windows Central.
5. (Optional) Click to clear the folder that you don't want to backup in the cloud.
6. Click the Start backup button.


Transfer Here's how.
1. Right click the OneDrive taskbar icon and select Settings.
2. Click the Unlink OneDrive button under the Account tab. ...
3. Launch File Explorer.
4. Navigate to and select the OneDrive folder. ...
5. Click the Move to button on the Home tab.
6. Select Choose location.
7. Select the new location and click Move.

ClaretTony
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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by ClaretTony » Thu Jun 24, 2021 12:34 pm

I go through 1-3 but Back up files to OneDrive is not an option.

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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by Chobulous » Thu Jun 24, 2021 1:22 pm

Just select the files you want and copy and paste them into OneDrive or copy the files onto a memory stick and then copy them onto OneDrive using your laptop

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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by ewanrob » Thu Jun 24, 2021 1:27 pm

ClaretTony wrote:
Thu Jun 24, 2021 12:34 pm
I go through 1-3 but Back up files to OneDrive is not an option.
https://www.cbackup.com/articles/onedri ... ssing.html


This might help

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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by ClaretTony » Thu Jun 24, 2021 1:28 pm

Chobulous wrote:
Thu Jun 24, 2021 1:22 pm
Just select the files you want and copy and paste them into OneDrive or copy the files onto a memory stick and then copy them onto OneDrive using your laptop
I don't know how - that's the problem and now I've got all sorts of pop ups appearing for something called Belarc.

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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by claretonthecoast1882 » Thu Jun 24, 2021 1:29 pm

ClaretTony wrote:
Thu Jun 24, 2021 1:28 pm
I don't know how - that's the problem and now I've got all sorts of pop ups appearing for something called Belarc.

Belarc is probably pre installed on your system

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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by ClaretTony » Thu Jun 24, 2021 1:30 pm

claretonthecoast1882 wrote:
Thu Jun 24, 2021 1:29 pm
Belarc is probably pre installed on your system
Never heard of it and never seen it before on this computer until I went into settings and tried to find how to use the OneDrive.

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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by ClaretTony » Thu Jun 24, 2021 2:30 pm

Thanks for the offers of help but none of this works I'm afraid - no idea what to try now but basically I can't use OneDrive on here so can't get my files etc. in there to use on the new laptop.

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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by Chobulous » Thu Jun 24, 2021 3:51 pm

If your old desktop has a USB port plug a memory stick into it. The memory stick will appear as a new drive probably e: or maybe f: Select the files that you want to copy, then click on the file menu. Select copy. Then click on the new drive (e: or f:) and on the file menu click paste. This will copy the files to the memory stick. Unplug the memory stick from your desktop and plug it into your laptop.
The memory stick will appear on your laptop as e: or f:
Click on this and select the files and select copy from the file menu. Open the OneDrive icon which will appear a a cloud icon and click on paste.

aggi
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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by aggi » Thu Jun 24, 2021 10:04 pm

What are you actually trying to copy from your old computer? Just files or programs too?

On a separate note on your new laptop I'd go on to add/remove programs and see what's on there that you don't recognise or need. New laptops often have extra bloat installed on them that you can safely remove.

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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by ClaretTony » Fri Jun 25, 2021 9:23 am

aggi wrote:
Thu Jun 24, 2021 10:04 pm
What are you actually trying to copy from your old computer? Just files or programs too?

On a separate note on your new laptop I'd go on to add/remove programs and see what's on there that you don't recognise or need. New laptops often have extra bloat installed on them that you can safely remove.
I'm trying to set up OneDrive on the old desktop that would then allow me to work on the lap top with everything. I thought, incorrectly it seems, that I'd be able to do this which would then enable to update on either computer which I'd then be able to pick up on the other. It seems, if I could ever get it to work, that I can do no more than just back things up.

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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by uni_queue » Fri Jun 25, 2021 10:32 am

What is the operating system on your desktop Tony?- might be an issue installing the one drive synchronisation?

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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by Zlatan » Fri Jun 25, 2021 10:42 am

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/off ... tems...%20

shamelessly stolen from one of our IT support docs at work...
OneDrive Sync status icons.JPG
OneDrive Sync status icons.JPG (94.31 KiB) Viewed 1439 times

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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by ClaretTony » Fri Jun 25, 2021 10:46 am

Zlatan wrote:
Fri Jun 25, 2021 10:42 am
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/off ... tems...%20

shamelessly stolen from one of our IT support docs at work...
OneDrive Sync status icons.JPG
Beyond me I'm afraid.

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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by Chobulous » Fri Jun 25, 2021 4:51 pm

The only other thing I can recommend is to kidnap. 5year old to sort it out for you 😄

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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by yTib » Fri Jun 25, 2021 5:35 pm

i'm looking at replacing the 1tb hdd in my hp notebook with the equivalent ssd. i've heard that having an ssd drive dramatically improves the speed of a computer.

i've seen them at around £65.

is it worth doing and more importantly will it work?
Last edited by yTib on Fri Jun 25, 2021 7:18 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by Rileybobs » Fri Jun 25, 2021 5:55 pm

ClaretTony wrote:
Fri Jun 25, 2021 9:23 am
I'm trying to set up OneDrive on the old desktop that would then allow me to work on the lap top with everything. I thought, incorrectly it seems, that I'd be able to do this which would then enable to update on either computer which I'd then be able to pick up on the other. It seems, if I could ever get it to work, that I can do no more than just back things up.
I’m no IT expert, Tony, but what you want to be able to achieve you should be able to with relative simplicity. Although appreciate getting your head around the ‘cloud’ in the first instance can be complicated.

It sounds like you need to copy all of your files onto the One Drive. This will mean they are stored in the cloud, which is basically a remote server. You can then access those files from any device that is compatible, which is practically any laptop, desktop, phone or tablet. When you update said document and save it, the file is saved back to the cloud and when opened on another device will be the updated file.

Obviously you will need the same software on each device, for example you will need MS word on both the desktop and laptop to open the file in the same format.

What is the exact issue you are facing? Once one drive is installed you should be able to see it within my computer in the same way that a disc would be shown. You then click inside that, create a new folder and copy all of your documents into that.

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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by lakedistrictclaret » Fri Jun 25, 2021 6:55 pm

ClaretTony wrote:
Fri Jun 25, 2021 10:46 am
Beyond me I'm afraid.
Do what I do, Tony, and get a man in.

Hipper
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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by Hipper » Fri Jun 25, 2021 10:23 pm

yTib wrote:
Fri Jun 25, 2021 5:35 pm
i'm looking at replacing the 1tb hdd in my hp notebook with the equivalent ssd. i've heard that having an ssd drive dramatically improves the speed of a computer.

i've seen them at around £65.

is it worth doing and more importantly will it work?
The general idea is to use an SSD for your Operating System and programmes and an ordinary HDD for storing data, photos etc., at least in a PC. SSDs do give faster times for working with the software. It will also depend on your OS. 'Dramatically improves' - it will speed things up some. If your laptop is particularly slow you might look at how full your HDD is, have you defragged it recently, and whether you've got lots of stuff on you laptop that you don't need:

https://www.comparitech.com/utilities/s ... 10-8-or-7/

For a laptop you have to be careful to get a suitable SSD. I found this which make sense to me:

https://www.wikihow.com/Install-an-SSD-in-Your-Laptop
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yTib
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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by yTib » Fri Jun 25, 2021 10:30 pm

thanks hipper.

i defrag my computer at least every two months and run regular virus/malware scans. it has 211gb free.

it is just painfully slow sometimes especially when updating which seems to be all the bloody time.

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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by aggi » Fri Jun 25, 2021 11:15 pm

ClaretTony wrote:
Fri Jun 25, 2021 9:23 am
I'm trying to set up OneDrive on the old desktop that would then allow me to work on the lap top with everything. I thought, incorrectly it seems, that I'd be able to do this which would then enable to update on either computer which I'd then be able to pick up on the other. It seems, if I could ever get it to work, that I can do no more than just back things up.
Just to copy things once or to permanently work on both machines?

If it's just to copy once I'd probably just use a flash drive (although you can use OneDrive).

Basically when you install OneDrive it will create a OneDrive folder. Stick everything you want to transfer in there and it will sync it between all machines.

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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by aggi » Fri Jun 25, 2021 11:18 pm

yTib wrote:
Fri Jun 25, 2021 5:35 pm
i'm looking at replacing the 1tb hdd in my hp notebook with the equivalent ssd. i've heard that having an ssd drive dramatically improves the speed of a computer.

i've seen them at around £65.

is it worth doing and more importantly will it work?
If it's not really old (or even if it's pretty old but was powerful) then it will probably benefit.

Look at the exact specs for your machine to see what you need (I'm sure someone on here can point you in the right direction).

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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by yTib » Fri Jun 25, 2021 11:56 pm

aggi wrote:
Fri Jun 25, 2021 11:18 pm
If it's not really old (or even if it's pretty old but was powerful) then it will probably benefit.

Look at the exact specs for your machine to see what you need (I'm sure someone on here can point you in the right direction).
it's only 3 and a half years old. not powerful by any stretch (it's got 8gb of ram). i'm pretty sure i can fit it because i've watched a few vids on youtube and have done much more technical feckling but i was really wondering if it was going to significantly improve the performance.

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Re: Some computer help needed

Post by yTib » Mon Jun 28, 2021 12:14 am

decided to go for it and ordered an ssd. got one for £57 so not too bad if it doesn't work.

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