SC

If you want a cheap workstation, have a look at the HP ML110G5 It's about the same price as the Acer and I know it's a server and a bit bigger but you would have a far more capable machine.

I have the aspire 1 with WIN XP. On a recent business trip I had to read a lot of docs on it and my eyes struggled big time. Previously only used it for EMail and internet.

Yes that could be a problem.

Most of the time I use mine at home plugged into a 22 inch monitor.

Size is a bit of an issue, but I very much like the look of that HP machine. Presumably the fact that's it's a server doesn't mean you can't run XP pro on it and connect it into a network as a workstation.

If the answer is yes, that's OK, I'll just get that one, and bung a bit more memory in. I might even make it our "server" (we use a normal desktop workstation as a nominal "server" but it's old and runs a 5400 rpm IDE HD). In fact, I might get a couple more at that price.

Thanks for all the info guys, it's a great help.

SC,

I think I suggested to Klal on the Traders' Thread a couple of weeks ago about the HP ProLiant servers as I've bought one recently myself. Although they're termed a "server", they're basically a bog-standard PC with a souped-up PSU but minus a sound card and minus an OS. Yes, you can stick XP Pro on there (that's what we've done) without a problem but, because they use the dual core processors, the 64-bit version XP would give it a bit more va-va-voom.

BT now own Dabs.com, so you could also look on their website for current offers. I think you can now get a ML115 for the same price (219 incl. from memory) as I paid for a ML110 a month or so back.

Edit, following Opti's next post: The graphics adapter is OK, but it took us a while to suss out where to download a driver for it from. The standard driver wouldn't support anything more than a low resolution 4/3 monitor. We found the driver we needed for a 1600 x 900 px monitor by searching the HP website.

SC

So far as I know, it won't have any problem running XP.

The only downside that I could see is that the disk is only SATA-150 and the video RAM is only 32 MB which is less than many workstations but should be fine for business use.

Just add processor and memory.

Try this

http://www.epcbuyer.com/product/Asus-V3-P5G31-Barebones-System,-Socket-775_6644.html

and

http://www.epcbuyer.com/dept/Barebones_91.html

Thanks folks. I saw you mention that one Hils, and wondered about it. Looks very good, so I've found an HP ML115 with 2Gb memory for 199 + VAT, so really can't think I'll do much better. Will order that one.

HP ML 115

edit: have actually ordered this one:

HPML 115 from BT direct

My PC was set up with the hard disk partitioned to form a "backup" drive. (H)

I want to bring this space into regular use. How do I (safely) remove the virtual
drive?

Alan

There are loads of ways.

It depends whether or not you want to keep the bckup data then you need to copy it to another disk.

I suggest that you get hold of a copy of Paragon Partition Manager which can handle backing up the disk image, deleting it and resizing the C Drive.

If you're using Vista or above you can delete and resize partitions in Administrative Tools/Computer Management/Disk Management but PPM is easier and you should be able to gwt a free copy.

Thanks Optomist. I'll give PPM a try.

I've locked up a computer.
It is an old but very stable comp on win 2k.
Went to use the floppy and discovered the data cable was not connected.
Connected what was obviously the wrong plug on the cable, as on powerup
got the message "Disk boot failure,insert system disc and press enter"
Disconnect floppy. Same result.
Connect correct cable. Ditto.
Tried win2k cd and rescue foppy on powerup.
Does not read either.
Can load Partition Magic from floppy which takes me to
a DOS prompt for the A drive, but I dont know what command to
enter (or if I can recover this way)
Any help much appreciated.
Tks.

tyketto

I've not used Partition Manager from a boot floppy so you will have to dig out the help files but my guess is that you have three basic options. Copy the entire disk to backup, check and repair the disk and repair the boot sector.

It's a good bet that all you have to do is repair the boot sector, but if there is anything important on the disc then you need to do the first two first.

The easiest way is to remove the disc from the machine and mount it on another computer. It will then be easy to copy the entire disc and running "chkdsk /f" will probably fix it.

Edit

Have you checked that the book sequence in the BIOS is set for Hard Disk 1st?

Thanks Opto.
I cannot access the computer at all, except via the flopy.
Am a complete dumbo so do not want to crash this comp.
I am waiting for another computer to arrive, so I'll wait for
it before I start messing with this one.This one is
on XP. If I add the Win2k disk to this machine will it give me
an option of OS when I boot up?
I thnk it was HD,CD, A.
Tks
mac.

tyketto

Dual booting is possible but can be interesting to set up. In any case, the disk from your Win2K machine needs to be fixed before it will boot and W2K would most likely have to be reinstalled in order to run on the new machine. The old disk is almost certain to be significantly slower and potentially damaged.

Assuming that you have plenty of disk space on the new machine, just copy all of your data from the old disk. If you need the W2K OS then try installing it in a diffferent directory and dual boot or download Microsoft Virtual PC and install Win2K on a virtual machine.

Anyone got a recommendation for a wireless keyboard?

What I'm looking for is a layout exactly the same as a standard UK keyboard - iefull size function keys in groups of 4standard 6 movement keys above the cursor cluster, in the same order: insert/home/pg up and del/end/pg dn. Not 2 columns, not a giant delete key, just the normal layoutDecent sizes legs at the back to adjust the tilt. Not piddly little legs, not no legs at all, but normal 10mm-ish legsMust work with a Logitech MX revolution mouseMust not break after 1 week of use (I'm looking at you, shitty pcline keyboard - nice layout, but utter rubbish)must have proper key-travel, not tiny little laptop keytops with 0.1mm travelmust not be some gigantic monstrosity designed to appeal to brain-dead teenagersDoes this product actually exist? I've looked at all the Logitech models (all fail for one reason or another, mostly layout and appearange), the Microsoft ones (mostly fail for layout), and some others (fail for various reasons - size, tilt-legs, being utterly rubbish).

Any ideas? What I want is basically a wireless version of the MS Keyboard 500, but all their wireless ones have layout flaws - piddly little function keys, buggered-around movement key layout.

Help?

The Logitech Cordless 110 that came with my Computer Doctor PC seems to fit your qualifications. Whether it is still on the market I cannot say. I bought mine just over a year ago.

TP

I echo the comments about Logitech wireless keyboards & mice. I have one that's a couple of years old, and it's a really nice bit of kit.


Optimist

Got that HP server with an Opteron processor. My PC man who's doing the XP install for me is complaining like mad about the fact that I bought a server - but he's a bit full of himself usually - is he clucking unnecessarily? He's got XP installed OK, and is just updating before I get the machine installed on the network.

SC

I doubt that you will have any problems. The biggest difference between a server and a workstation is in the OS and Win XP is a workstation.

Bottom end servers are basically workstations with cheaper graphics and sound capability which most people you don't need. If you do then you can always add a couple of expansion cards.

Bottom end servers are basically workstations

You suggesting I'm a cheapskate? I've never been so insulted!!!

;-)

Thanks Opti, that's what I thought. He was clucking on about it being Opteron and was 64 bit whereas XP is 32 bit, and I wouldn't be able to add any more hard drives. I told him that I had absolutely no intention of adding hard drives, and I was happy with the spec, but he does like to complain about how difficult I've made it for him ;-)