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New Member w/ New Laptop

post #1 of 34
5/13/04 at 9:01am
Thread Starter 
I am new to the board but I have been scanning it for a while reading and trying to learn from all the great post on here. I just ordered a Dell 5150 this week with the following specs
P4M 2.66ghz
512mb
40gHD
32mb video
1350 wireles

I do not do any gaming so I didn't need the XPS model and size wasn't really an issue. This is actually my first laptop and I am going to format the Windows Home OS and put on XP Pro. Any tips before I do this?

I was wondering if there was any advice anyone could give me on other things to do or any good software to get for it. I would like to a secure token key for it but those are a little pricey at the moment. Any good security prorams anyone can suggest or any suggestions period would be of help.

Thanks for any responses.
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post #2 of 34
5/13/04 at 9:33am
I would run some burn-in software when the system is still 'as shipped' this will generally bring out any problems before hand. This way your sure it wasn't 'something you did'. Try PassMark BurnIn v 4.0 or Memtest86. When your satisfied that everything is as it should be burn all the drivers you'll need off the net to a cd as this will make reinstalling a lot easier. Then you should really have no issues reinstalling xp.

As far as software goes I'm not sure what you'll be doing with the machine or how you'll be using it but a software firewall and some antivirus is never a bad thing. Zone Alarm is a good free firewall. If you look around you can probobly find a good deal on Norton Internet Security in the <50-60US$ range. This should keep you pretty safe. Also look into some spyware and pop up blockers like Spy Bot and Ad Aware. Registry cleaners like RegScrubXP also help.
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post #3 of 34
5/13/04 at 9:39am
Thread Starter 
Hey thanks alot. I have never heard of the Burn-in-software but I will look into it. Would you suggest I get all the drivers from Dell. How do I know exactly which drivers I will need and does the Dells usuallly come with a driver CD? Should I look at my order spec sheet to get the video card info and other stuff?
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post #4 of 34
5/13/04 at 9:51am
Yeh you should be able to find the drivers through dells tech support downloads section. Searching the web for the specific make/model of the device also works, but is really unnecessary. I would get all the drivers off the net as they are the most current. You could use the cd that ships with your system but the drivers may not be the most up to date.
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post #5 of 34
5/13/04 at 10:03am
Thread Starter 
Cool, I saw the threads on here with the driver updates as well as links to Pieters site for some more drivers. I hope I am happy with this purchase and thanks for your help.

Anywhere to get cool desktop skins?
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post #6 of 34
5/13/04 at 10:05am

knew I forgot something

Also try a good diagnostics program like Sandra. I still need to get over this morning thing.
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post #7 of 34
5/13/04 at 10:18am
Thread Starter 
I know what you mean, Got in at 3:00 last night and had to be in the office at 7:30. thanks for all the info. I tried to talk Dell into throwing in a jump drive but they wouldn't budge so I guess I'll have to look for some 128's with a good rebate.
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post #8 of 34
5/13/04 at 11:36am
memtest86 has issues with the 8600. This was discussed earlier in a previous thread
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post #9 of 34
5/13/04 at 11:40am
Thread Starter 
I have a 5150 so I hope it will be ok.
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post #10 of 34
5/13/04 at 12:08pm
5150s are nice machines they just run hot because they are p4's and they placed the cooling fans on the bottom of the machine so they get blokced easly
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post #11 of 34
5/13/04 at 12:10pm
Thread Starter 
So if I keep the fan uncovered that should help. Any other tips? Who makes some nice slim backpacks for carrying it.
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post #12 of 34
5/13/04 at 1:05pm
Samsonite
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post #13 of 34
5/13/04 at 1:16pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks a lot Dell-Machina and everyone else for the quick replies and helpful links. I have been looking at the wincustomize site and ws wondering are these skins made for XP or only Linux OS? Some look nice but do they affect performance or cause hang ups?
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post #14 of 34
5/13/04 at 1:19pm
they cause minor performance drawbacks but its a small sacrifice for utter beauty in your dull windows shell
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post #15 of 34
5/13/04 at 4:15pm
Thread Starter 
I read a lot about the fangui being added for monitoring. Is this really safe to use on the 5150 and would you suggest using it? what suggestions can you make about keeping my pc cool when it comes?
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post #16 of 34
5/13/04 at 4:40pm
Man everyone here uses it. i use it ust to monitor my temps. what do u want this laptop for anyway. i know u said u dont mind weight and all but was Price a factor in ur desition
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post #17 of 34
5/13/04 at 5:07pm
Thread Starter 
Yes and no as far as price. I put most of my money into my car and I sit at a pc all day so I jsut wanted something to use at home for storing info and playing around while I try to teach myself HTML. i don't do any pc gaming only PS2 games but I would like for this to last as long as possible without dreaded problems. I feel I got a good deal at 1228.00 after rebates.
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post #18 of 34
5/13/04 at 5:11pm
Y didnt u get a I8600. u would have more battery life anything that has a P4 has low battery. but i feel you. most people here got lap that cost as much as a good used card.
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post #19 of 34
5/13/04 at 5:17pm
Thread Starter 
I just went for the better deal and I would have rather put that 1200. into my motor but Maybe I can use it for diagnostics on my car. Battery life may not be an issue since I most likely won't be on it for more that 1 hour at a time and it wil most likely be plugged up. Any suggestions on backpacks to get for it?
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post #20 of 34
5/14/04 at 3:26am
Targus have some good laptop bags. Have a look at their website and find one that you like, then search for it online for a deal.
stu
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