Just a couple of months ago had a wireless network added to our house.  This
computer has the modem and router etc.  I fear this computer is dying a slow
death.  (Numerous strange noises etc) Any suggestions since I had the
wireless network by someone else I'm not sure I can set up a new computer
without having lots of problems.

Thanks for any suggestions.

David

news:cPA1e.2260$Qz.1676@okepread05:

Read the manual : )

And then post and questions you have here.

On Sun, 27 Mar 2005 17:47:31 GMT, Lucas Tam <REMOVEn***@rogers.com>
wrote:

No, no, no.  Never read the manual until AFTER you've made a mess,
screwed everything up, and trashed the system.  Manuals are included
in the box to deliver legal terminology, disclaimer, warranty, and
wholesale repudiation of responsibility documents.  Most manuals
include very little useful information other than "insert disk and
follow instructions".  Since the manuals are now apparently written by
the legal department, I would not expect much. 

The technical issues have been moved to the "read me first" document,
which was formerly an afterthought to avoid common screwups (such as
plugging in the card before or after the software).  However, these
days, I'm finding more than one "read me first" document in the box,
making me wonder about the quality of the product.

I also consider it personally demeaning to admit that I need to read
the manual to install a product.  Never let the customer see you
reading the manual or they may wonder if you know what you're doing.
Questions like "have you ever installed one of these before" are
epidemic.  I have a reputation of expertise and infallibility to
maintain and admitting that I have to read the manual before
proceeding is a sure sign of weakness.

Think if it this way.  How would you approach doing something complex
and unfamiliar, such as brain surgery?  Would you just dive in and
muddle around?  Would you read "Brain Surgery for the Complete Idiot"
and then dive in and muddle around?  Would your read the instructions
that came with the scalpel and saw?  Would you ask questions in a
newsgroup and receive incomprehensible advice?  Probably not.  You
would probably hire a professional brain surgeon and get it done
correctly.  Perhaps he would be good enough to explain what he was
doing so that you might understand the general concepts.

Anyway, I never read the manual or follow instructions.  Well, I've
been known to write the manuals and give instruction, but only if
adequately bribed.

On Sun, 27 Mar 2005 10:03:20 -0600, "David Lawson"
<davidlaw***@cox.net> wrote:

Open computer.  Remove dust with an air hose.  About 50psi max.  Make
sure the air hose does not blow oil, water, or rust.   I have a small
compressor in my shop and air tank on my truck for the purpose.

Remove fans.  Clean with stiff paint brush.  If noisy, unscrew the
fans from the heat sink.  Peel off the paper label.  Remove rubber
plug.  Add 2 drops of good oil.  "Pump" the fan blade in an out to
scrape off the crud from the shaft.  Replace plug and paper label.
Spin fan blade with air hose until loose.  Re-assemble.  Do the same
with the power supply fan.  If the noises persist, replace the fans.
They're cheap.

Suggestion for what?  A new computah? 

This week, I like most Dell computers.  There's nothing unique about
the computer that would involve the wireless.  The computer has an
ethernet port that plugs into the wireless router.  Literally any
computah that you buy these days comes with an ethernet port.  Older
machines can have an ethernet card added for about $15.  What
determines the type of computer is cost and applications, neither of
which you've identified.

Alternatives to Netstumbler ?
D Link wireless security setup?
high powered marauder in area
WinXP SP2 "pick strongest signal"?
Belkin Pre-N Report
Problems with WEP, Netgear WG511 and WG602
Is it possible to lock speed for a wireless connection?
Help! -- how can i use a remote desktop with win xp home edition
Cellphone & wireless router combo
Boingo-like program for Linux?