PC_RETRO » admin

Some people really do have too much time on their hands

admin — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 18:30:01 +0000

This enquiry came in through our website. Usually the questions are straight-forward and simple to answer…

rb sent a message using the contact form at http://www.pcretro.com/contact.

a) If one were silly enough to disassemble, clean and reassemble a keyboard, what grease would he use to lubricate the keys?

b) Would you sell me enough of said lube for a full-sized PIANO keyboard?

Thanks,
rb

Maximizing the Use of Your Computer

admin — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 16:40:34 +0000

Human beings survive best with two lungs, two kidneys and two computers (minimum.) You can get buy with one lung, one kidney or one computer — but it can be uncomfortable if that single lung, kidney or computer fails.

That’s why I was so happy to see the $50 Compaq desktop computer being sold by PCRetro. This computer is very functional and affordable enough that a person (or family) could buy one of these and leave it in a closet as a spare. Then again, you might want to spend the same amount of money on an Apple Keyboard, because having a spare fancy keyboard can be useful, you know.

This is what I would do with that lovely Compaq desktop. I would install Ubuntu Linux on it so that I could have the best of both worlds — Windows XP and Ubuntu Linux on the same computer. This can be quite easily done using some free software called WuBi. You will need a high speed Internet connection to do this (DSL, cable modem, or Verizon FIOS.) On my newer Dell desktop computer I was able to install Ubuntu Linux in about an hour using WuBi. On this earlier, slower computer it would probably take about 1.5 hours.

After Ubuntu Linux is installed, you will then have a choice of using Windows XP or Ubuntu every time you boot your computer. The great advantage of this is that if Windows slows down too much — or if you get a virus on Windows, Ubuntu is still fully functional. And Linux almost never gets viruses.

You can get free help with Ubuntu from the local Ubuntu group here in the Washington DC-area. Join their low-volume
email list and send your friendly worded Ubuntu questions to the Ubuntu experts on this list. Many people on this list love answering Ubuntu questions and quite a number of people on this list are computer professionals or are majoring in computer science in college.

Keep in mind, too, that this local email list is completely separate from PCRetro.com. This email list is a free community resource that might provide you the help you need.

Next week I’ll be blogging about some free logic puzzles that run on Ubuntu Linux. These can provide hours of enjoyment for people from 5 to 105. These same logic puzzles also run on Windows and Macintosh computer, so everyone in town can enjoy them.

Phil Shapiro (The author works as the public geek at the Takoma Park Maryland Library and is an adjunct professor of education at American University. He has bought many computers for himself and friends at PCRetro and almost always has had a very positive experience. In his free time, he volunteers delivering donated computers to needy families in Takoma Park. His volunteer work was written up in this Washington Post article from several years ago. You can reach him at
pshapiro@his.com)

new beginnings

admin — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 21:26:14 +0000

In the past I had toyed around with the idea of using Linux on my main computer but never really dedicated the time to learning how to use it and just reverted back to what was familiar. Having just recently had my Windows pc infested with all sorts of rootkits and what not and not being able to eradicate them completely I’ve decided that instead of doing a fresh install of Windows I’m just going to give Linux a serious try. I’ve decided to go with OpenSUSE Linux ver. 11.1. My laptop, a Thinkpad T60, is on the list of compatible units so I’m hoping the install will go smoothly. I’ll post some updates once I get it installed.

E-Waste – Everyone’s problem.

admin — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:01:53 +0000

Here’s a great article on the massive problem that e-waste presents the world and the article specifically discusses the United States involvement.

edit…here’s the link

Customer service

admin — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 21:47:52 +0000

Today I learned that it’s tough to offer exceptional customer service when the customer is swearing at you and then hangs up the phone.

Conficker Virus…warning / reminder

admin — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 21:52:18 +0000

We had a customer drop off a computer recently with the Conficker virus and I just saw this news update on Yahoo about it as well. One of the most devious things about these programs is their ability to re-direct the web browser so if you try to repair a computer that has already been infected you can often be tricked into downloading more malicious software.

Flying by the seat of my pants

admin — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:58:10 +0000

So I thought one thing I could do with this blog is talk about employees that work for us or have worked for us and I thought what better place to start than with the founder of PC Retro who passed away just over 2 years ago, Robert Sargent.

Despite Rob’s vast knowledge of computer equipment you could ask anyone who knew him that he wasn’t the most savvy person when it came to basic computer operations like sending/receiving email, etc.. I can’t imagine explaining this blog to him but I think he would be proud knowing my first post was a sales pitch. ;-)

New inventory..IBM ThinkCentre S50 slim desktop

admin — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:36:45 +0000

First post here and what a better way than to start off with than mentioning a new computer added to our website inventory.

The big selling point of this machine is its slim size (about the size of a yellowpages book) and the tool-free chassis. It has a standard size optical drive, 2 full size PCI slots and you can barely see it in the dark photograph but it has front mounted USB ports as well.

it's tiny!