The "Quick Questions That Don't Deserve A Thread"...Thread. v5 - Hardware & Software

[QUOTE=Demache;47215266]1) This is actually a built in Windows option. Right click taskbar, properties, Navigation, "When I sign in or close all apps go to desktop". 2) This is a feature added as of Windows 8. It was a commonly requested thing for Microsoft to implement for at least a decade and they finally bothered to do it. 3) Gonna be honest, no idea.[/QUOTE] Any way to disable this feature for two task bars? Kinda annoying after being used to one taskbar and clear 2nd monitor for past few years. [editline]26th February 2015[/editline] Nvm, thanks.

My flash drive some how got errors on it. Possibly due to the constant power outages here in my dorm. Now whenever my computer tries to scan and fix the errors its just stuck at this part: [IMG]http://puu.sh/gd9Cw/3be49222e1.png[/IMG] Its been a good 15 minutes and nothing has happened. EDIT: Well fuck me, just as I posted this it finished.

Question - When I drag the mouse cursor across the screen on one of my older PCs, its movement is jittery. I'm suspecting a few culprits, which of the following is the most likely? 1. Bad RAM 2. Dying video card 3. Dying HDD

How come Steam hardware survey says that for January, most popular GPU was: Intel HD Graphics 4000. Wtf?

Wouldn't it be because that's an entry level integrated card that would be on most non gaming PCs?

How much speed will 50 metre CAT5E cable affect?

Anyone here happen to own/ever worked with an HP Envy M6-K010DX laptop, and had Avast installed? I've been getting a bunch of BSODs lately, all of which are caused by ndis.sys (one of the laptop's Wifi drivers if my research is correct), and I'm suspecting that Avast might have something to do with what's going on. Either that, or my drivers are creating problems. Just curious to see if anyone else has dealt with something like this before.

[QUOTE=arleitiss;47217542]How much speed will 50 metre CAT5E cable affect?[/QUOTE] Assuming no external interference, Cat5E cables are rated to run at 1Gbps for 100m.

[QUOTE=ToastedNaan;47216471]Question - When I drag the mouse cursor across the screen on one of my older PCs, its movement is jittery. I'm suspecting a few culprits, which of the following is the most likely? 1. Bad RAM 2. Dying video card 3. Dying HDD[/QUOTE] Like it hangs every second or so? That's probably because the CPU is waiting for something. So I would go with Dying HDD being most likely of the three. But it could be a misbehaving driver as well (doesn't necessarily mean its the mouse driver either). Don't rule out a misbehaving mouse either if you haven't swapped it out. Also what OS is it using. WinNT based OS's are better handling those issues than 9x ones.

[QUOTE=BixByte;47217961]Anyone here happen to own/ever worked with an HP Envy M6-K010DX laptop, and had Avast installed? I've been getting a bunch of BSODs lately, all of which are caused by ndis.sys (one of the laptop's Wifi drivers if my research is correct), and I'm suspecting that Avast might have something to do with what's going on. Either that, or my drivers are creating problems. Just curious to see if anyone else has dealt with something like this before.[/QUOTE] I highly doubt avast is the cause but the only way to know for sure is to uninstall it for a few days and see if the BSODs continue

[QUOTE=lavacano;47220609]I highly doubt avast is the cause but the only way to know for sure is to uninstall it for a few days and see if the BSODs continue[/QUOTE] I've had avast cause horrible BSOD issues for systems I've worked on. Up until recently, it's been the only complaint I've had with it for the most part.

I'm looking to upgrade my monitor to a 1080p resolution, but I don't know what specifications to look for. Can anyone help with that or send me some recommendations?

[QUOTE=Hellsing4682;47221163]I'm looking to upgrade my monitor to a 1080p resolution, but I don't know what specifications to look for. Can anyone help with that or send me some recommendations?[/QUOTE] Well what are you looking for in the monitor? Is it for gaming, general purpose or content creation (photo/video editing)? Size requirements? Budget? 1080p monitor is actually pretty vague nowadays as there are literally hundreds of monitors that are 1080p. The things to look for on every monitor are the display inputs, refresh rate, size, and if its glossy/matte (some have a preference), besides resolution of course.

[QUOTE=Demache;47221226]Well what are you looking for in the monitor? Is it for gaming, general purpose or content creation (photo/video editing)? Size requirements? Budget? 1080p monitor is actually pretty vague nowadays as there are literally hundreds of monitors that are 1080p. The things to look for on every monitor are the display inputs, refresh rate, size, and if its glossy/matte (some have a preference), besides resolution of course.[/QUOTE] I do both gaming and content creation, I'm fine with 22-25", and the budget is $150, though I can edge some more funds if it's worth it.

Anyone knows a good software to format a whole pc inclusive c drive? Best thing would be something I can throw on a bootable USB stick.

[QUOTE=Demache;47221226]Well what are you looking for in the monitor? Is it for gaming, general purpose or content creation (photo/video editing)? Size requirements? Budget? 1080p monitor is actually pretty vague nowadays as there are literally hundreds of monitors that are 1080p. The things to look for on every monitor are the display inputs, refresh rate, size, and if its glossy/matte (some have a preference), besides resolution of course.[/QUOTE] Also consider the panel, IPS or TN, for example. TN monitors have less accurate colours and have a much narrower viewing angle, however tend to be far cheaper than IPS monitors. Have a quick skim over the first section of this page: [url]http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/articles/panel_technologies.htm[/url] as it may help you decide what you want.

Is there anything that can cap my download speed on PC? I mean I had 120Mb connection with 12Mb Up. Now yesterday I upgraded to 240Mb connection and I am getting: Still same 120Mb Down and 24Mb Up. So upload gone up while download didn't. Now I am wondering is it ISP lane still in process of upgrading package or is my PC capping DL speed? I have PC connected to modem with 50 Metre CAT5E cable. [editline]27th February 2015[/editline] I have one of these cables from ebay: [url]http://www.ebay.ie/itm/50M-50-METER-CAT5E-ETHERNET-NETWORK-LAN-RJ45-PATCH-LEAD-CABLE-BLACK-ROLL-COLOUR-/171493680292?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_205&hash=item27edd1e4a4[/url]

[QUOTE=arleitiss;47224038]Is there anything that can cap my download speed on PC? I mean I had 120Mb connection with 12Mb Up. Now yesterday I upgraded to 240Mb connection and I am getting: Still same 120Mb Down and 24Mb Up. So upload gone up while download didn't. Now I am wondering is it ISP lane still in process of upgrading package or is my PC capping DL speed? I have PC connected to modem with 50 Metre CAT5E cable. [editline]27th February 2015[/editline] I have one of these cables from ebay: [url]http://www.ebay.ie/itm/50M-50-METER-CAT5E-ETHERNET-NETWORK-LAN-RJ45-PATCH-LEAD-CABLE-BLACK-ROLL-COLOUR-/171493680292?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_205&hash=item27edd1e4a4[/url][/QUOTE] Is your switch or NIC running in 100mbps Ethernet mode, instead of Gigabit Ethernet mode? The cable isn't the only thing that has to support the higher speed, both end devices need to support it as well.

[QUOTE=gman003-main;47224149]Is your switch or NIC running in 100mbps Ethernet mode, instead of Gigabit Ethernet mode? The cable isn't the only thing that has to support the higher speed, both end devices need to support it as well.[/QUOTE] How do I check that? This is mine: [URL]http://wwwch.upc-cablecom.ch/original_thomson_twg870_manual.pdf[/URL] Thomson TWG870UIR Checked 1 Metre cable too, same speed. Calling my ISP, I have suspicion they are supposed to give me new modem with new connection.

[QUOTE=arleitiss;47224162]How do I check that? This is mine: [URL]http://wwwch.upc-cablecom.ch/original_thomson_twg870_manual.pdf[/URL] Thomson TWG870UIR Checked 1 Metre cable too, same speed. Calling my ISP, I have suspicion they are supposed to give me new modem with new connection.[/QUOTE] Assuming you're on Windows, go to the Network and Sharing Center, then click Local Area Connection. There should be a Speed listed there, which will be the actual speed of your computer->router link. If that's bottlenecked at 100Mbps, that would explain why you're not getting faster internet.

[QUOTE=gman003-main;47224276]Assuming you're on Windows, go to the Network and Sharing Center, then click Local Area Connection. There should be a Speed listed there, which will be the actual speed of your computer->router link. If that's bottlenecked at 100Mbps, that would explain why you're not getting faster internet.[/QUOTE] It says: Ethernet Status IPv4 Connectivity: Internet IPv6 Connectivity: No Internet Access Media State: Enabled Speed: 100 Mbps so what does that mean? My motherboard is shit?

[QUOTE=arleitiss;47224318]It says: Ethernet Status IPv4 Connectivity: Internet IPv6 Connectivity: No Internet Access Media State: Enabled Speed: 100 Mbps so what does that mean? My motherboard is shit?[/QUOTE] It means either your PC or your switch isn't able to run at 1Gbps, so the link is limited to 100Mbps. The switch claims to support GbE, so I'd check your PC. You might also need to install the actual NIC drivers to get a full gigabit, if you actually have a GbE port on your motherboard. Worst-case, you can buy a GbE NIC for [url=http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&IsNodeId=1&N=100010064%20600016290]$16[/url], just pop that in a PCIe port and you should be good.

[QUOTE=arleitiss;47224318]It says: Ethernet Status IPv4 Connectivity: Internet IPv6 Connectivity: No Internet Access Media State: Enabled Speed: 100 Mbps so what does that mean? My motherboard is shit?[/QUOTE] Does your motherboard have gigabit ethernet? Most do, but some really cheap ones and older ones do not. If it doesn't, you'll have to buy a gigabit pcie NIC. They are pretty cheap nowadays fortunately. I've seen them as cheap as 10 USD. EDIT: Annd ninja'd.

[QUOTE=gman003-main;47224384]It means either your PC or your switch isn't able to run at 1Gbps, so the link is limited to 100Mbps. The switch claims to support GbE, so I'd check your PC. You might also need to install the actual NIC drivers to get a full gigabit, if you actually have a GbE port on your motherboard. Worst-case, you can buy a GbE NIC for [url=http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&IsNodeId=1&N=100010064%20600016290]$16[/url], just pop that in a PCIe port and you should be good.[/QUOTE] Well, my motherboard is cheap-ass shit. Here are specs: [url]http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/M5A97_R20/specifications/[/url] P.S - I am feeling so dumb for not knowing all this basic networking stuff :L

[QUOTE=arleitiss;47224413]Well, my motherboard is cheap-ass shit. Here are specs: [url]http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/M5A97_R20/specifications/[/url] P.S - I am feeling so dumb for not knowing all this basic networking stuff :L[/QUOTE] Okay, so your motherboard has a gigabit ethernet port, so most likely it's a software or configuration problem, not hardware. Did you install any drivers for the Ethernet port? In my own experience, they sometimes work fine with the default drivers at 100Mbps, but need the actual driver to go above that.

[QUOTE=gman003-main;47224511]Okay, so your motherboard has a gigabit ethernet port, so most likely it's a software or configuration problem, not hardware. Did you install any drivers for the Ethernet port? In my own experience, they sometimes work fine with the default drivers at 100Mbps, but need the actual driver to go above that.[/QUOTE] Just checked my motherboard manual, it has LED's on back of Ethernet port, based on what my LED's show and manual I have incoming connection of 100Mbps, so this prob means 1Gbps doesn't reach my PC, I mean even without drivers it would blink green then? Also I installed all my LAN drivers from mobo website, anything in Modem configs I should check?

[QUOTE=arleitiss;47224739]Just checked my motherboard manual, it has LED's on back of Ethernet port, based on what my LED's show and manual I have incoming connection of 100Mbps, so this prob means 1Gbps doesn't reach my PC, I mean even without drivers it would blink green then? Also I installed all my LAN drivers from mobo website, anything in Modem configs I should check?[/QUOTE] Depends on the chipset. The LED just indicates what speed the NIC is running at. Some will default to 10/100 mbps if the PC is off. I believe it stays that way until the driver can negotiate Gb ethernet when the PC boots. Make sure the speed settings are set to Auto in the ethernet drivers. Its usually the default but you never know.

[QUOTE=arleitiss;47224739]Just checked my motherboard manual, it has LED's on back of Ethernet port, based on what my LED's show and manual I have incoming connection of 100Mbps, so this prob means 1Gbps doesn't reach my PC, I mean even without drivers it would blink green then? Also I installed all my LAN drivers from mobo website, anything in Modem configs I should check?[/QUOTE] The way Ethernet works, when the link is being established, both devices start in 10Mbps mode, then negotiate consecutively higher speeds (100Mbps, 1Gbps, even up to 10Gbps) if they both support it. The two ends can't run at mismatched speeds. The GbE port LED simply means "this link is/is not running at 1Gbps", which means one or both ends is refusing to negotiate up to 1Gbps from 100Mbps. The first thing to do would be to figure out which device it is that's keeping the link speed down. I'm sure Windows has a log somewhere of whether it tried to negotiate the link speed up, but I can't remember where that would be.

I am not gonna call ISP anymore they are fucking useless, called them in morning all they did was hard reset my modem and reset it's settings to default. (Which is kinda scary they can do that, makes me think they have a backdoor via modem straight into my PC or something). And told me to wait 15 minutes which didn't help. [editline]27th February 2015[/editline] [QUOTE=gman003-main;47224807]The way Ethernet works, when the link is being established, both devices start in 10Mbps mode, then negotiate consecutively higher speeds (100Mbps, 1Gbps, even up to 10Gbps) if they both support it. The two ends can't run at mismatched speeds. The GbE port LED simply means "this link is/is not running at 1Gbps", which means one or both ends is refusing to negotiate up to 1Gbps from 100Mbps. The first thing to do would be to figure out which device it is that's keeping the link speed down. I'm sure Windows has a log somewhere of whether it tried to negotiate the link speed up, but I can't remember where that would be.[/QUOTE] Would that be in system logs? When restarting modem this is all I get in logs of modem: [img]http://oi60.tinypic.com/rr124g.jpg[/img]

I have 4 gigs of RAM and I mostly use my PC for gaming. Would it be overkill to upgrade to 16GB RAM? Also, what kind of RAM is the best for gaming?