Eli the Computer Guy

Archive for the ‘Buying Advice’ Category

The last time I looked at putting a server into a datacenter I was saddened to see that I couldn’t build my own 1U server.  You could buy a barebones systems and then add a CPU, RAM and such, but you didn’t have full control to add your own motherboard or power supply.

I am happy to see that now you can build a complete 1U server from scratch. Newegg.com offers every part you need to get the job done.   You need to do a bit of searching to find the right heat sink, but otherwise it’s not more difficult to build a 1U server then it is to put together a desktop computer.

As old clients and colleagues know I used to unleash a torrent of bile whenever someone mentioned Comcast internet service.  To say that I thought it was crap would be far too kind.  But things change, and I should give credit where it is due.

I have had Comcast Business Class Internet for my business for 2 months now and have to say I’m highly impressed.  I notice no speed degradation during the day, and my service has always been available when I go to use it.  I am running a video web server and none of my visitors has complained about connection issues.

Below are four different speed tests that I ran.  Please note these speeds are what I am getting on the $59 per month plan.

I can’t vouch for all areas that have Comcast Internet, but in Baltimore City I think Comcast Business Class is the way to go.  (Please note that there is a difference between Business Class service and Residential Service.  Residential Service may not be as good.)

As I have progressed in my business of making video classes I have decided to upgrade my camcorder to a high definition version.  It’s one of the fancy ones with an internal 120GB hard drive and surround sound microphone.  The camera shoots like a dream.  The videos it captures are crystal clear, and the sound quality from the internal microphone simply sings. The 1920 x 1080 resolution videos will stand the test of time with a clarity that is expected from modern consumers of video.

I was ecstatic to shoot my first video class using the camera.  Everything worked well, and I practically skipped home to plug the camera into my computer to begin editing the footage.  And then… everything went to hell.

My computer chokes, sputters and damn near dies when it tries to process high def video.  I have a decent Core 2 processor and 4 GB of RAM.  It’s not the latest and greatest computer, but I thought at least I could do basic high def video editing.  Apparently I was wrong…

Please keep this in mind if you are thinking about going out and buying a new high definition camcorder.  I never had a single problem with my standard definition camcorder, but like I say the high def footage brings my system to a painful halt.

So when you go out to buy your new camera make sure to factor in the price of a new computer with the package.  I’m not being melodramatic… my wonderful little system that runs Adobe CS3 products and video editing software easily cannot even begin to cope with high def video editing.

Windows 7 is finally out!  Microsoft has finally created a new operating system that is legitimately better then the old one! I’m sure you’ve heard many techno wonks talking about how “old” Windows XP is, and that you have to upgrade to a “modern” operating system.  Some of you might be worried about continuing to use XP now that Windows 7 is out fearing that by somehow using an “old” operating system you will be out of the loop.  Put your mind at rest… If your old computer is working well for you there is no reason to upgrade yet.

Back in the day many of us were taught that major computer upgrades were required every 2-3 years just to keep up with modern living.  First you needed a 286 computer so that you could type reports.  Then you needed a 386 computer so that you could use the new fangled multi media.  Then you needed a 486 so that you could get on the Internet.  Then you needed a Pentium 2 computer because the 486 computers were too slow.  And so every 2-3 years we all diligently went to our local Circuit City and bought the latest and greatest computer. First with DOS, then with Windows 3.0, then Windows 95 and 98, hopefully we missed Windows Me, and finally years ago we settled on Windows XP. Every couple of years we got new hardware with a new operating system.

The thing is that when Microsoft created Windows XP they really did do a good job.  All the previous operating systems had major irresolvable issues the day they were put on the market.  They were the best of what was available, but from day one everyone knew that we needed something better.  Windows XP solved most of the major issues, and the issues that were left most of us have learned to work around.

Currently 80% of all computers in the world run Windows XP.  For most people Windows XP does more then what they need.  Most people have their computers setup the way they like and don’t really want to go through the aggravation of migrating to a new computer, and this is OK.  If your  computer currently does what you need it to do there is no reason to rush out and buy a new system.  Windows 7 is not going to provide you much more in the way of functionality.  It is more secure and stable, but most of benefits you receive are not ones that will really change your life.

Not only that, but you should realize that the software you already own, and the printers and scanners you use may not be compatible with Windows 7.  You may need to buy not just a new computer, but countless pieces of software and peripherals that are Windows 7 compliant.

When your computer dies or no longer lives up to your expectations by all means go out and buy a fancy new computer with Windows 7.  But please realize that for the average user a Windows XP will be more then adequate for at least another few years.