Computer General Discussion Thread

[Radictistan]

I finally got my new card to work. I needed to update my BIOS to get the fans to work. I'm getting only marginally better performance with the new card so I guess it's time to buy a whole new machine.

Current specs?

ASRock Z77 Pro3
i5-3450
8 GB Kingston DDR3
RX 580 8 GB

[Cekoviu]

Current specs?

ASRock Z77 Pro3
i5-3450
8 GB Kingston DDR3
RX 580 8 GB

Well yeah, the reason you're not getting good performance is that you're on a third-generation i5. Just updating the CPU (and therefore motherboard and RAM) is probably enough unless you're trying to like, stream intensive video games. You don't need an entirely new machine.

[Radictistan]

ASRock Z77 Pro3
i5-3450
8 GB Kingston DDR3
RX 580 8 GB

Well yeah, the reason you're not getting good performance is that you're on a third-generation i5. Just updating the CPU (and therefore motherboard and RAM) is probably enough unless you're trying to like, stream intensive video games. You don't need an entirely new machine.

I don't think I trust myself replacing a motherboard, especially installing the CPU.

[Cekoviu]

Well yeah, the reason you're not getting good performance is that you're on a third-generation i5. Just updating the CPU (and therefore motherboard and RAM) is probably enough unless you're trying to like, stream intensive video games. You don't need an entirely new machine.

I don't think I trust myself replacing a motherboard, especially installing the CPU.

How did you originally build it, then?

[Radictistan]

I don't think I trust myself replacing a motherboard, especially installing the CPU.

How did you originally build it, then?

I didn't. I had a local shop build it.

[Minoa]

Windows 10 is considered harmful, and should generally be avoided.

In what way is Windows 10 bad? I mean, I still like Windows 7 more overall. But I have to admit that Windows 10 does some things objectively better. It's become "good enough" for my purposes. Although I'd say that it has flaws that Windows 7 doesn't have.

I figure that if most of the entire world is using Windows 10 in a given year, that people will find or create ways for their applications to work with the new OS better, or devise some workarounds that'll enable legacy stuff to still work perfectly. If it were the case that Windows 10 became the most popular and common OS for a long time. Lately, I'm trying to figure out a way to get certain old PC games (designed for DirectX 1 to 6) to run perfectly without an ugly blue title bar at the top. Windows 7 could, but Windows 10 can't for now. The solution either doesn't exist yet, or I need to configure an emulation hack or program that works in letting it run as its supposed to.

Usually an OS sucks more, before it gets better. Different "builds" of Windows 10 are fundamentally different from one another in terms of features/performance.
1803 for example, is effectively different from 1909.

It just seems that going forward, people will have to go with Windows 10 if they want to stay with Windows, or to switch to Linux if they have a PC.

I think Cisairse has a point to make about the telemetry and bloatware. I would have given up Windows entirely had it not been for NTlite and my knowledge of Windows Firewall With Advanced Security.

[Cekoviu]

How did you originally build it, then?

I didn't. I had a local shop build it.

Oh. Well it's really easy:
1. Screw in the motherboard standoffs, not terribly difficult if you've ever worked with screws
2. Line up the arrow on the CPU with the arrow on the CPU slot and insert, requiring the skill of sight and control over the arms
3, Spreading thermal paste on the CPU (basically the same thing you did in kindergarten with crafts, just higher-stakes) and screw in the cooler
1 could go after 3 or before 2, but anyway.
There are a lot of videos online on how to build a computer that will show you exactly how to do it. It's a little bit daunting on your first try because of how expensive the parts are, but if you're careful and follow the correct procedure, they'll be fine.

[Radictistan]

I didn't. I had a local shop build it.

Oh. Well it's really easy:
1. Screw in the motherboard standoffs, not terribly difficult if you've ever worked with screws
2. Line up the arrow on the CPU with the arrow on the CPU slot and insert, requiring the skill of sight and control over the arms
3, Spreading thermal paste on the CPU (basically the same thing you did in kindergarten with crafts, just higher-stakes) and screw in the cooler
1 could go after 3 or before 2, but anyway.
There are a lot of videos online on how to build a computer that will show you exactly how to do it. It's a little bit daunting on your first try because of how expensive the parts are, but if you're careful and follow the correct procedure, they'll be fine.

Okay. I thought there was soldering involved.

[Cekoviu]

Oh. Well it's really easy:
1. Screw in the motherboard standoffs, not terribly difficult if you've ever worked with screws
2. Line up the arrow on the CPU with the arrow on the CPU slot and insert, requiring the skill of sight and control over the arms
3, Spreading thermal paste on the CPU (basically the same thing you did in kindergarten with crafts, just higher-stakes) and screw in the cooler
1 could go after 3 or before 2, but anyway.
There are a lot of videos online on how to build a computer that will show you exactly how to do it. It's a little bit daunting on your first try because of how expensive the parts are, but if you're careful and follow the correct procedure, they'll be fine.

Okay. I thought there was soldering involved.

No, not at all. That's not even the case with computers from 30+ years ago, much less modern ones. You'll only need to solder something if you massively fuck up the installation.

[Cekoviu]

Finally got around to installing Linux on my laptop, and I chose to go with Debian, as I've heard it performs better on shitty/old hardware. It's worked pretty smoothly thus far, but I'm having trouble getting f.lux on it because there's some weird Python shenanigans with which I'm unfamiliar. Anyone have experience with manually installing it on Linux?

[Corrian]

Got all my computer stuff. I'm excited.

[Cekoviu]

I don't know where else to ask this and I'm not making yet another account on a random forum just for one question, so anyway.
I have this set of Bluetooth headphones (Skullcandy Uproar Wireless) and I constantly switch between three devices to use it: my laptop, my desktop, and my phone (Android 7.0). I obviously need to disconnect it from whatever device it's currently connected to, so I normally hold the main button on the headphones to turn it off and turn it on again because that's easier than opening blueman/opening bluedevil/getting out my phone respectively. The issue is that holding the button calls the contact who was most recently called when it's connected to my phone. Normally that's voicemail and it's a mere nuisance, but I've also accidentally ended up calling humans a couple of times. So it's super obnoxious and I'd like a way to disable that, but I can't find one that works. Any ideas?

[Cisairse]

Finally got around to installing Linux on my laptop, and I chose to go with Debian, as I've heard it performs better on shitty/old hardware. It's worked pretty smoothly thus far, but I'm having trouble getting f.lux on it because there's some weird Python shenanigans with which I'm unfamiliar. Anyone have experience with manually installing it on Linux?

Can't help with the technical issues, but I can offer you this:
https://9to5google.com/2019/12/18/blue- ... one-awake/

[Minoa]

Source: https://dot.kde.org/2020/01/08/plasma-s ... 7-refugees

KDE thinks they have an answer for the Windows 7 resistance, but it is the ability for Linux to run Autodesk, Adobe and Microsoft Office software without major issues that will be the winning move.

I know of Blender, GIMP, LibreOffice and WINE, but those are not really industry-standard.

[Cisairse]

Source: https://dot.kde.org/2020/01/08/plasma-s ... 7-refugees

KDE thinks they have an answer for the Windows 7 resistance, but it is the ability for Linux to run Autodesk, Adobe and Microsoft Office software without major issues that will be the winning move.

I know of Blender, GIMP, LibreOffice and WINE, but those are not really industry-standard.

I really feel like Autodesk and Adobe are not widely used by the 79% of desktop/laptop computers that run Windows. Like, they're definitely popular, but nowhere near ubiquitous.
MS Office is becoming all cloud-based anyway.

[Cekoviu]

Source: https://dot.kde.org/2020/01/08/plasma-s ... 7-refugees

KDE thinks they have an answer for the Windows 7 resistance, but it is the ability for Linux to run Autodesk, Adobe and Microsoft Office software without major issues that will be the winning move.

I know of Blender, GIMP, LibreOffice and WINE, but those are not really industry-standard.

Although I love KDE, I think it's more likely that Windows 7 users would migrate to Mint and stick with Cinnamon - KDE-default distros are few and far between nowadays. Most general-purpose/user-friendly distributions with out-of-the-box KDE support seem to be ones that offer a choice of desktop environment on download (Fedora, Manjaro, Debian, and whatnot), with the only real option for that being Kubuntu. KDE also has a bit of a (undeserved) reputation for being confusing to new users because of the config options.
edit: Just remembered that PCLinuxOS is also KDE-default. Whoopsy.
At one point, you could run some Adobe software with PlayOnLinux. I do really miss Premiere Pro now that I've completely dumped Windows -- OpenShot doesn't really cut it -- but for most other Adobe software (and Office) there is a decent replacement for the end user. Graphics, video, and animation professionals will need to keep Windows, but many of the Windows 7 stragglers aren't professionals and can get by if they take some time to learn how to use free software alternatives.

[Asle Leopolka]

I don't know where else to ask this and I'm not making yet another account on a random forum just for one question, so anyway.
I have this set of Bluetooth headphones (Skullcandy Uproar Wireless) and I constantly switch between three devices to use it: my laptop, my desktop, and my phone (Android 7.0). I obviously need to disconnect it from whatever device it's currently connected to, so I normally hold the main button on the headphones to turn it off and turn it on again because that's easier than opening blueman/opening bluedevil/getting out my phone respectively. The issue is that holding the button calls the contact who was most recently called when it's connected to my phone. Normally that's voicemail and it's a mere nuisance, but I've also accidentally ended up calling humans a couple of times. So it's super obnoxious and I'd like a way to disable that, but I can't find one that works. Any ideas?

Disconnect from the devices rather than the headphones. It's a little less convenient, sure, but it's the only way you can ensure you don't call people. I have the same problem with multiple different pairs of bluetooth buds (including my nice Sony ones; hopefully the Airpod Pros lack this problem).

[Crysuko]

I'll be off my PC, PSU is shot. Can't afford a replacement part for another week. Fails to initialise the graphics card when the OS is loaded. I'm not particularly worried, I can boot into safe mode so I know my files are safe.

[Vassenor]

I'll be off my PC, PSU is shot. Can't afford a replacement part for another week. Fails to initialise the graphics card when the OS is loaded. I'm not particularly worried, I can boot into safe mode so I know my files are safe.

Do you have an integrated graphics option to use in the meantime?

Also got myself a project for tonight.

[Cekoviu]

I don't know where else to ask this and I'm not making yet another account on a random forum just for one question, so anyway.
I have this set of Bluetooth headphones (Skullcandy Uproar Wireless) and I constantly switch between three devices to use it: my laptop, my desktop, and my phone (Android 7.0). I obviously need to disconnect it from whatever device it's currently connected to, so I normally hold the main button on the headphones to turn it off and turn it on again because that's easier than opening blueman/opening bluedevil/getting out my phone respectively. The issue is that holding the button calls the contact who was most recently called when it's connected to my phone. Normally that's voicemail and it's a mere nuisance, but I've also accidentally ended up calling humans a couple of times. So it's super obnoxious and I'd like a way to disable that, but I can't find one that works. Any ideas?

Disconnect from the devices rather than the headphones. It's a little less convenient, sure, but it's the only way you can ensure you don't call people. I have the same problem with multiple different pairs of bluetooth buds (including my nice Sony ones; hopefully the Airpod Pros lack this problem).

Blurg. We sent a man to the moon fifty damn years ago and companies are still making these stupid blunders. Bless the hearts of the people who made the KDE bluetooth applet, they integrate it into the notification area so it's not a pain in the ass.

[Minoa]

Source: https://dot.kde.org/2020/01/08/plasma-s ... 7-refugees

KDE thinks they have an answer for the Windows 7 resistance, but it is the ability for Linux to run Autodesk, Adobe and Microsoft Office software without major issues that will be the winning move.

I know of Blender, GIMP, LibreOffice and WINE, but those are not really industry-standard.

I really feel like Autodesk and Adobe are not widely used by the 79% of desktop/laptop computers that run Windows. Like, they're definitely popular, but nowhere near ubiquitous.
MS Office is becoming all cloud-based anyway.

The only thing keeping me away from LibreOffice on macOS is the fact they use a Works-style launcher instead of individual dock icons.

[ArranVidLand]

Mac on my own laptop, sometimes I use my dad's Windows Acer

[Crysuko]

The thing that bothers me about sites like toms hardware is you'll post the specifics about your problem, every relevant detail and you'll inevitably be told "post full specs". I just post a picture of my glasses, because if you're going to be an unhelpful annoyance then get mirror forced.

[Minoa]

The thing that bothers me about sites like toms hardware is you'll post the specifics about your problem, every relevant detail and you'll inevitably be told "post full specs". I just post a picture of my glasses, because if you're going to be an unhelpful annoyance then get mirror forced.

I get really frustrated by software user help forums (e.g. Apple, Microsoft, etc.), where it seems many users just moan about the software developer and their practices, and not actually try to find a way around the problem.

[Crysuko]

The thing that bothers me about sites like toms hardware is you'll post the specifics about your problem, every relevant detail and you'll inevitably be told "post full specs". I just post a picture of my glasses, because if you're going to be an unhelpful annoyance then get mirror forced.

I get really frustrated by software user help forums (e.g. Apple, Microsoft, etc.), where it seems many users just moan about the software developer and their practices, and not actually try to find a way around the problem.

"I don't want a solution, I want to be angry"