Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Computing/2009 December 26

= December 26 =

Computer, mini computer, and etc
Whats the similarities and differences both of them? Is it worth it or if not what?

Have been wondering about this ever since first Apple Mini came out. As for me I have recently broke my computer and it isn't first time that I done it. At the moment unsure if it can be fixed, but going try again when I get back the disc that has everything that I need to try to fix it. The computer itself is working, but not the connection. Messed stuff as well on it as well. If that doesn't work I'm out of luck with getting a new computer. Since in the past I always got my way with getting a new computer. At the same time unsure if I want new one since I still live with my parents. Can easily use the main computer (my dad's work computer as well) and my iPhone as well. Also, I'm not the only one in my family whom has broken a computer and my dad did more then once as well. Anyway, my dad has totally switched from Microsoft Windows to Apple Mac. Somewhat don't understand why my dad in the family whom has already made switched isn't allowing me to. That also goes for my mom and twin sister as well.

Believe this is it for now. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Jessicaabruno (talk • contribs) 01:31, 26 December 2009 (UTC)


 * A bit unsure about exactly what your question/s are here. Seems your internet "connection" is down? Try Personal computer for general info on computer types. Don't use dads work computer! He may not be happy if you stuff it up, though perhaps less likely to if it's a Mac. But not worth the risk! ps. If the PC is broken, this is a good time to learn how to fix it. Wikibooks may help more than Wikipedia. If you can be more specific about "broken"?--220.101.28.25 (talk) 04:49, 26 December 2009 (UTC)


 * I haven't heard anything bad about the Mac Mini's hardware. By the way, in the old days, there were (in order of size) supercomputers, mainframes, and minicomputers (small mainframes). That's what I've always thought minicomputers were. Sorry if that was off topic.--Drknkn (talk) 05:00, 26 December 2009 (UTC)
 * I agree - the term "minicomputer" is a sort of out-dated terminology for machines from the late 1970s, like the PDP-8 and its successors. According to this nomenclature, almost everything we use today is a microcomputer; but as technology and markets have evolved, almost everybody refers to today's machines simply as computers.  The Mac Mini throws a wrench into the works, because its description is comparative to other desktop systems (which are, technically, microcomputers); this is just a description and a brand/trademark, it has no real specific technical meaning. Nimur (talk) 11:42, 26 December 2009 (UTC)
 * Little computers like the Mac Mini generally have less memory, smaller hard disks, less powerful CPUs, and less powerful video cards than larger desktop computers. You know, your computer is probably fine, and when you reinstall Windows from scratch, you'll probably be able to get it running.  When a person says "I broke my computer" they are almost always overstating the problem.  Usually, in my experience, the problem is just a software configuration problem, relatively simple compared to the user's fear of a computer that has somehow been entirely broken.  Comet Tuttle (talk) 05:51, 26 December 2009 (UTC)

Thanx for all your responses to my question. For the first responder its not just his, but he allows others to use it as well. Thinking about donating it and his old one then having spend money on Microsoft Windows. Had it up to here with Microsoft Windows and prefer to have Apple now.

Believe this is for now.-- —Preceding unsigned comment added by Jessicaabruno (talk • contribs) 15:30, 26 December 2009 (UTC)


 * All of this nomenclature is really ancient history. But basically, all desktop and laptop computers are "microcomputers".  Anything from about the size of a microwave oven to a large refrigerator is a "minicomputer" and anything that's from the size of a couple of refrigerators to a roomful of stuff is a "mainframe".  But the terms have changed meaning slowly over time and using any of them with confidence over the last 20 or so years has become difficult. SteveBaker (talk) 19:16, 27 December 2009 (UTC)


 * Good point. If we consider it in terms of computing 'power' then Supercomputer says "Moore's Law and economies of scale are the dominant factors in supercomputer design: a single modern desktop PC is now more powerful than a ten-year-old supercomputer". From that point of view we all have "supercomputers"! --220.101.28.25 (talk) 03:00, 29 December 2009 (UTC)

Side-by-side config screwup
OK, so I performed a repair install on my Windows 7 system. After that I noticed that my Google Sketchup no longer works and is nagging me regarding my SxS configuration. The same goes for a Nokia PC Suite component. Tried installing the needed runtimes a dozen times (i.e. Visual C++ 2005, the SP1 revisions, etc.), but still they won't run at all! Any workarounds to this problem? Blake Gripling (talk) 03:36, 26 December 2009 (UTC)


 * Dare I suggest re-installing any software that is now not working? Or (shudder) a full re-install of the Operating system (drastic!). Try everything else before doing this, but it was very frequently suggested to me by others for 'weird' problems. Do you have a full backup that you could 'roll back' to. Did you try Restore first?. Q, Why did you need to do a "repair install" --220.101.28.25 (talk) 04:57, 26 December 2009 (UTC)
 * Reinstalling did the trick. Although that means I have to reconfig all them apps. Blake Gripling (talk) 07:57, 27 December 2009 (UTC)


 * Well I'm glad you're happy. I must admit I'm still using XP, so I'm not up on the differences in the 'restore' set-up on Vista and Win' 7. I'd suggest that when you have everthing up and running to your satisfaction, create a restore point, or if possible make a full backup of your "system" files at least. Good idea to make a restore point before software upgrades, hardware/driver installs, or similar. If anything 'breaks' then you should be able to "roll back" to before the change and get your PC running again. --220.101.28.25 (talk) 12:01, 27 December 2009 (UTC)

iPhone tethering situation Germany
Hi, can u pls give me a Brief summary of the official and de facto iPhone tethering situation in Germany: do you have to pay extra per month to officially enable it, what happens if u use a jailbroken device and just tether with moderate data usage without paying, etc. Thanks! 92.230.66.35 (talk) 11:44, 26 December 2009 (UTC)


 * Hi! Welcome to Wikipedia. The official provider of iPhone in Germany - T-Mobile claims they do not officially support tethering, although Apple claims they do. You will need to talk to your carrier about how to go about official tethering. If you use a jailbroken device to tether, they may have systems to detect this or they may not. Usually the carrier is more likely to detect this from the User agent and access point name in use at the time of the connection - not just the amount of data. Cheers, &mdash; Deontalk 16:37, 26 December 2009 (UTC)

Keep Laptop Plugged After Charging?
In order to maximize battery life, should one unplug a laptop once the battery has been recharged when not in use? Acceptable (talk) 14:35, 26 December 2009 (UTC)


 * I'd have to know what model laptop (and therefore what kind of battery) is in use, but it's safe to assume that it'll make no difference. Almost all devices have a cut-off switch that will divert power away from the battery and to the actual unit (so the battery is not being used at all) when the battery is full. This goes for iPods and mobile phones as well. &mdash; Deontalk 16:39, 26 December 2009 (UTC)


 * Yes, but what about the heat of the laptop harming the battery? I suspect it has an effect on some types of battery.--88.1.118.193 (talk) 18:00, 26 December 2009 (UTC)


 * Most batteries are happier warm than cold (though not too hot). A battery will be harmed and will get too hot if it is being over-charged, but if the cut-off circuitry is working correctly, then little harm will be done, and very little heat will be generated in leaving the laptop connected.  The instructions for my (Acer) laptop advise that the power should not be left connected permanently for best battery life. I have ignored this advice for over two years and my battery life is now much shorter, but this might have happened without leaving it connected.  It would be interesting (but expensive) to undertake a comparative trial.  Presumably Acer have done this and found a slight difference in battery life, but it is probably small.  Has anyone used a laptop for two years (with the battery permanently installed and occasional discharge) without a deterioration in battery life?    D b f i r s   19:25, 27 December 2009 (UTC)

HUAWEI
i remember sometimes back i posted my imei number on this page and it was later deleted. What damage can someone do remotely with my imei number, it was for my E160 modem or is it that it's just a rule. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 212.49.88.34 (talk) 14:53, 26 December 2009 (UTC)


 * I am guessing that no one can ascertain whether you actually own the modem. 67.243.1.21 (talk) 15:59, 26 December 2009 (UTC)


 * Pretty much nil. In fact in most online transactions, such as eBay listings, you are generally required to include an IMEI. Most countries allow the public to enter an IMEI to check if it might be in the database of stolen phones. &mdash; Deontalk 16:29, 26 December 2009 (UTC)


 * If I recall correctly it was me who removed the IMEI number. I think I was under the assumption that your IMEI number could be "spoofed" on another device by someone with ill intent. I vaguely recalled something about SIM card spoofing and may have gotten the two confused. Let's see if this link is blue, it is a SIM that you can use whereby you can use the network provider and are basically untraceable and do not get billed: ghost SIM card. At least, that's how I half-remember it being explained to me. Zunaid 16:40, 26 December 2009 (UTC)


 * A while ago there was a bit of a scare about IMEIs being cloned, but the expertise/time required pretty much makes it a thing of the past. Having ones ICCID would also be required for SIM cloning, I assume. &mdash; Deontalk 11:47, 27 December 2009 (UTC)

Should I turn off the monitor before turning off the surge protector?
The only other device connected to the strip is the netbook. Thanks. 67.243.1.21 (talk) 15:29, 26 December 2009 (UTC)
 * It probably makes no difference, but if the monitor power-down sequence does anything other than just shutting off power (i.e. saving your monitor's internal firmware settings), it may not trigger the shutoff sequence properly unless you use the main power button interface. Nimur (talk) 21:36, 26 December 2009 (UTC)
 * Well, this is a decade-old CRT that's probably going out soon, if that helps. Imagine Reason (talk) 12:36, 27 December 2009 (UTC)
 * I don't know what is the correct answer, but personally I always turn off my surge protector instead of turning off the monitor and surge protector. Save time turning it back on.  Never had any monitor-related problems I am aware of.  S m a u g  05:46, 27 December 2009 (UTC)

Reducing picture size in e-mail?
Please could someone help me? I recently accepted an offer from AOL to have my AOL Broadband service upgraded to include my telephone service at a single all-inclusive monthly charge and so far, I am very happy with both aspects. But the AOL service (called Platinum 2) changed the way my screen works and I have lost a lot of the options I used to have with AOL when sending e-mail. I find that I cannot make any pictures I attach to my e-mails "Fit to Window" as previously. And I cannot reduce any that I receive so that I can see the whole picture on screen. I also used to be able to "frame" each picture and add sub-text to them but no longer. AOL have been unable to help and so I am hoping someone here will be able to help. Thanks in anticipation. 92.30.88.20 (talk) 15:36, 26 December 2009 (UTC)


 * Cross posted and answered to the OP's satisfaction in Miscellaneous ref desk. Astronaut (talk) 00:54, 29 December 2009 (UTC)