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1029usr078198
Forum Admin
USA
333 Posts |
 Posted - September 18 2008 : 07:23:59
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Question: My computer died and I bought another one. I'd like to get the data off it and onto the new computer. How difficult is it to do that?
Answer: It can be easy, or it can be tough. If both computers work, and you have a network, you can connect both computers to the network and just copy files back and forth. If you don't have a network, you can generally get something called a crossover cable to connect two computers together and make a network to copy files across, or you can use an external hard drive. This is probably not possible, because you said one computer died. In a large percentage of cases, the system has died because of something other than physical failure of the hard drive itself. If that's the case, then the drive can be removed from the first computer and connected to the other one some way. If you can't connect it on the inside, then you can get an external enclosure to put the drive in that connects back to the computer by USB and then copy files that way. Now, if the drive has gone bad to the point that after connecting it to the other computer, it either can't see the drive, or it wants to format the drive, then you've got to determine how much that data's worth. There are some services out there, like Ontrack Data Recovery, that can retrieve the data for you, but these services are quite pricey. Send them the drive, they'll give you a quote. If you say OK, then they'll send you a new drive with your recovered data on it.
Cool Site: fueleconomy.gov – These days gas prices are top-of-mind for most folks. This site is run by the EPA and is actually one you suggested. Ever notice on the car commercials the line, “Your mileage may vary”? Of course, it always does. I don't think I've ever gotten the mileage my cars were rated for. You can find where the lowest gas prices are, gas mileage tips, information on hybrid cars, alternative-fuel cars, a fuel-cost calculator, and more.
Eddie: Did you notice they changed the way they rate fuel economy?
David: Well, I couldn't believe they haven't been considering driving with the air conditioner on in their calculations. The new ratings consider colder outside temperatures, air conditioner usage, and faster speeds and acceleration. They say that for most vehicles, the tests in the new ratings lower the MPG estimates for most cars. Seems strange that they'd change to colder outside temperatures if we're worrying about global warming, but what do I know, I'm just a computer guy. At any rate, they've re-estimated all car models from 1985 until 2007 so you can compare.
Cool Gadget: meebo.com – This one's a software gadget. Let's even call it a webware gadget. If you've got kids, you know they like to chat: on the phone, with text messaging, and instant messaging. They've probably got four or five different instant messaging client programs on your computer: AIM (or AOL Instant Messenger), MSN messenger (it comes with Windows), Yahoo! Instant Messenger, Facebook or MySpace IM's, maybe more. Well, all those instant messaging client programs not only take up space on your hard drive, they run all the time. That's how they can tell when someone is online, and how they can begin a chat immediately. Unfortunately, this immediacy comes at a price. Your computer runs much slower because of it. Enter Meebo, a web-based alternative for six different Instant Messenger client programs: AIM, MSN Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, Google Messenger, ICQ, and Jabber. The good thing about this software gadget is that it doesn't require any download; as such it can be used anywhere you can use a web browser. Oh, and did I mention, it's completely free. It even works with the Apple iPhone.
It's All “Geek” To Me: Here's a word you've probably heard before. The word is "alphanumeric". It's actually a combination of two words, “alphabetic” and “numeric”. Data typed into a program can be numeric, in other words, all numbers, alphabetic: letters only, or a combination of both alphabetic and numeric characters. In other words, any characters on the keyboard, whether alphabetic, numeric, or special characters like punctuation marks.
Links
OnTrack Data Recovery:
http://www.ontrackdatarecovery.com/
Ultimate Boot CD for Windows:
http://www.ubcd4win.com/
FuelEconomy.Gov:
http://www.fueleconomy.gov
Meebo:
http://www.meebo.com
Alphanumeric Defined on PC Magazine:
http://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia_term/0,2542,t=alphanumeric&i=37678,00.asp
on Answers.Com:
http://www.answers.com/topic/alphanumeric |
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8/8/2008-Xfer data,fueleconomy,meebo,alphanumeric
