Got my first notebook - Compaq presario

[trof]

Best Buy had a deal for $499.99.
Already don't like the keyboard, but maybe I'll get used to it.
Downloading AVG free anti-virus now.
Next I'm gonna try installing tackle Linksys broadband router.
Wish me luck.

[zonkers]

1. Don't worry about the keyboard. I think once you get used to it, you don't notice it.

Good luck.

AVG anti-virus sounds good. What anti-spyware, ad blocker programs are you going to DL? Do you have a carrying case?

[trof]

3. Downloading 'avgas', avg anti-spyware now.

Firefox pretty much wipes out the popups for me.
Just downloaded that too.
Screw IE.
Got a shoulder bag it will fit in, but Miz t. wants to get me a 'proper' case.

[zonkers]

14. I like the shoulderbag route -- along with one of those snug rubberized

shockproof shells that the notebook slides into. Those are cool.

My new version of FF burned me. I lost all my book marks that were not in folders. Its version 2.0.1 or something like that. I always heard of folks losing bookmarks in FF. Never thought I would. I tried to reload them from my profile but no luck, I had some backed up. I may go back to an older version on firefox -- this one does not seem to be smooth. Lots of weirdness, poss. memory leak.

[Bunny]

2. This thread is worthless without pictures!

:D Well, okay. You don't *really* have to post a pic of your new laptop. Congrats on the new machine, you should be able to install the router pretty easily. I did that with mine, and trust me, if I can do it you can do it! ":thumbsup:

[trof]

4. Small 'seen one, seen 'em all' pic:

With Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950, high-speed wireless LAN and 2 USB 2.0 connections, this notebook will handle your computing needs with on-the-go portability.

Intel® Celeron® M processor 420 with 533MHz frontside bus, 1MB L2 cache and 1.6GHz processor speed
512MB DDR2 memory for multitasking power, expandable to 2GB
DVD-ROM/CD-RW combo drive

[Blue-Jay]

5. I've never gotten used to laptop keyboards.

I don't like touchpads either, so I always have a wireless mouse handy.

The linksys router is fairly easy to figure out, and your laptop will detect the signal without any problems. Most people will suggest that you password protect your wireless system to prevent internet hobos from stealing a signal from you. I don't do that though. If my next door neighbor wants to surf the net on my dime, he's welcome to it. None of the neighbors are what you would call "hackers", so I'm not too worried about identity theft.

[Madrone]

6. If your next door neighbor wants to download child porn on your dime -

is he still welcome to it? Anything illegal done using your internet connection will be traced to you, and you will be held responsible for any wrongdoing. Just FYI. It ain't all just about people sucking up your bandwidth.

[Blue-Jay]

7. I trust my neighbors on either side.

Good folks.

[Madrone]

8. How 'bout the guy in his car out front?

:shrug:

[Blue-Jay]

9. You mean the one whacking it?

I just ignore him until I need to get out of the driveway.

[Madrone]

10. lol

Ew.

[Kutjara]

11. The guy I'd be more concerned about...

...is the one uploading kiddie porn to pedophilia websites over my insecure connection. I'd hate to have to explain that one to the cops who came to kick my door down.

There have already been a few cases of people who had their connections used, without their knowledge, to upload pirated files to illegal file-sharing sites. The resulting visits from the Feds and other assorted Stasi thugs were probably pretty unpleasant.

There is a growing body of opinion in favor of holding the owners of wireless networks responsible for the content that travels across them. You'll have to show that you took reasonable steps to secure you network, otherwise the court will not believe you had no idea your network was being used for illegal purposes.

It would be a shame to end up on the sex offenders' register just because you forgot to turn WEP on.

That's why I lock my wireless network down as tight as I can. I'm not naive enough to think no one can break through, but at least I can show I've taken all the precautions I can.

[SoCalDem]

12. Yep.. lock it up.. (give your friends a password)

and let them know that anything THEY download, could be traced though you :)

[trof]

13. It actually 'detected' an existing wireless router network.

Baptist camp/retreat across the bay from us.
Need a code to use it though.
Bet they won't share.
;-)

The guy at Best Buy who recommended this router said there was (or at least had been) a 'problem' with it and the equipment our only available ISP uses. My neighborhood computer geek said he tried for 2 days to install the Linksys to our ISP and finally gave up. The Best Buy geek said they'd come out and hook it up...for a price.

I'm going to give it a go in the morning.
Got it hard wired online to my DSL now, and even THAT was a struggle.
:shrug: