Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Computing/2013 February 20

= February 20 =

Word Processor that counts syllables as you type
Hello. I was wondering if anyone knew of such a program. It would be nice to type words and have a counter at the bottom keeping track of the syllable count for writing sonnets. Thanks! 129.3.112.64 (talk) 17:17, 20 February 2013 (UTC)


 * I don't think you're going to find that in English, at least, because of linguistic dimorphism. A given word can have multiple distinct pronunciations, which may include different numbers of syllables.  Especially in the context of incomplete or partial words.  Also, I think your sonnets would end up falling a little flat if you were just trying to arbitrarily push the right number of syllables into each line.  Poetry is a particularly hard form to build mechanically.  i kan reed (talk) 19:21, 20 February 2013 (UTC)


 * Yes, for example, I've noticed Southern (US) preachers seem to add an extra syllable to "Jesus". It comes out more like "Gee-ah-zus". StuRat (talk) 22:43, 20 February 2013 (UTC)

Windows 7, VirtualPC, and RAM decisions
I plan on getting a new Windows 7, 64-bit PC. I currently run a 32-bit WinXP installation and I have VirtualPC 2003 on it. I have a good collection of Virtual Machines for my own enjoyment - Windows 1, 2, 3/3.1/3.11, 95, 98/SE, 2000, and ME (yes). I read our article on the supported OSes. Please tell me if I'm reading the article correctly: All of my VMs will still work on 7 x64, Microsoft has just dropped official support for them.

A similar question, if you wouldn't mind: I am looking for new PCs online at Dell's site. I noticed when browsing the various options, some label themselves as "including XP mode", but some don't. Would this just mean that "XP mode" (VirtualPC 2007?) is pre-installed or not, or does it mean that the system is capable of running "XP mode"? If the first, would I just be able to download it from Microsoft's site and it works without any problems?

An unrelated question: Dell's site offers RAM with error correcting code (ECC) and without (non-ECC), ECC being more expensive. Will a decision to go with non-ECC be detrimental to a consumer-grade system, other than the upped chance of crashes?

Thank you so much! -- 143.85.199.242 (talk) 20:29, 20 February 2013 (UTC)


 * The Windows 7 article explains what XP mode is: "Windows XP Mode runs Windows XP in a virtual machine and redirects displayed applications running in Windows XP to the Windows 7 desktop". So it's Virtual PC and an XP licence; I don't know enough about VirtualPC to know if that thing about displaying XP apps on the Win7 desktop is supported otherwise. A crucial part of that is the XP licence; buying a new one by another channel is quite difficult now (but there's so many Microsoft partner packages...). You may be able to reuse your existing XP licence, but that will count as a reinstall on new hardware (whether you do a reinstall or image the disk) and I don't know how you'll fare with licensing and OEM restrictions, or the (retail edition's) install limit. -- Finlay McWalterჷTalk 21:04, 20 February 2013 (UTC)


 * Thanks for your response. I'm sorry for the trouble, but I'm not worried about XP licenses; I'm not planning on using my XP license for XP mode (as far as I know, using an existing XP license for "XP mode" is pointless, since the one included with "XP mode" computers is basically a free XP? Please correct me if I'm wrong). Do you have an idea on my other questions, though? Thank you! -- 143.85.199.241 (talk) 16:24, 21 February 2013 (UTC)


 * If you have Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate, you can download XP Mode freely from Microsoft. (I have done this my self, with my Win 7 Pro.) But not if you have Home or Starter editions. Mitch Ames (talk) 10:58, 24 February 2013 (UTC)


 * I can confirm that you'll be fine with XP Mode licensing. However, for the most bit, you probably won't need it. Also, in regards to the RAM question, there's no reason to go for ECC unless you're running a server, or doing mission-critical tasks on your laptop/desktop. I'd advise to go somewhere other than Dell, as the support there is mediocre, some of the parts are a bit proprietary (even now), and they also cheap out on some parts in lower spec models. Their laptops aren't too bad though - without knowing exactly what you want, I can't help more. Luke no 94  (talk) 11:10, 26 February 2013 (UTC)