poodog4466

poodog4466 · 03-28-2009, 02:17 AM

ok now first i know that the computer is old and need a new one now that is out of the way lets get to the problems

first this is just going to be used to get on line for chatting and it still works good and everything and it is just a start up computer for and older lady to start getting used to using a computer

it is a compac preaseruio ? (spelling is bad) running windows me is there anything that can be done to improve it
tryed to hook up to the internet using a dsl modem and it is through the phone company and they told me that they do not support them any more
if i have missed anything just send me a response and ask what u might need to know and i will try to fill u in one what u need

**OldGrayGary** · 03-30-2009, 01:09 PM

Hi poodog4466

What the DSL provider meant to say was that their software isn't supported in Windows 9x/Me. But often their software isn't necessary. If the DSL device is set up to do the logon/authentication duties, then it really doesn't matter what operating system the computer is running -- the Internet will be available to PCs connected to the DSL device either by ethernet cable or wireless ethernet (or USB cable). The instructions for setting up the DSL devices are usually available on the websites of the DSL providers.

If the computer is a desktop, and the DSL 'modem' is close enough to it, using an ethernet cable is the easiest way to go (rather than wireless). Less configuration, and faster, more consistent connections. Simply connect the ethernet cable from a 'LAN' port on the DSL device to the ethernet connector at the back of the desktop PC. Also, go to Start-Control Panel-Internet Options-Connections-LAN Settings, and select "automatically detect".

Many recent DSL 'modems' include a hardware firewall as one of their features: check if your friend's does, & make sure it's enabled if so. And make sure that an antivirus is installed before connecting to the Internet.
_______________

Another alternative for older machines is to run a "light" version of Linux, such as Xbuntu. It easily detects wired ethernet connections automatically, and is a fairly secure platform for visiting the Internet. OpenOffice runs quite well on nearly any version of Linux. Should Windows be preferred for certain programs, dual-booting is another option.

Best of luck
. . . Gary

03-28-2009, 02:17 AM	#1 (permalink)
poodog4466 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: us-- tn Posts: 1 OS: windows-xp-me-vista	poodog4466 ok now first i know that the computer is old and need a new one now that is out of the way lets get to the problems first this is just going to be used to get on line for chatting and it still works good and everything and it is just a start up computer for and older lady to start getting used to using a computer it is a compac preaseruio ? (spelling is bad) running windows me is there anything that can be done to improve it tryed to hook up to the internet using a dsl modem and it is through the phone company and they told me that they do not support them any more if i have missed anything just send me a response and ask what u might need to know and i will try to fill u in one what u need

03-30-2009, 01:09 PM	#2 (permalink)
OldGrayGary Mentor, Microsoft Support Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Woodland Hills, CA Posts: 2,233 OS: Windows 98se/2000/XP/Vista	Re: poodog4466 Hi poodog4466 What the DSL provider meant to say was that their software isn't supported in Windows 9x/Me. But often their software isn't necessary. If the DSL device is set up to do the logon/authentication duties, then it really doesn't matter what operating system the computer is running -- the Internet will be available to PCs connected to the DSL device either by ethernet cable or wireless ethernet (or USB cable). The instructions for setting up the DSL devices are usually available on the websites of the DSL providers. If the computer is a desktop, and the DSL 'modem' is close enough to it, using an ethernet cable is the easiest way to go (rather than wireless). Less configuration, and faster, more consistent connections. Simply connect the ethernet cable from a 'LAN' port on the DSL device to the ethernet connector at the back of the desktop PC. Also, go to Start-Control Panel-Internet Options-Connections-LAN Settings, and select "automatically detect". Many recent DSL 'modems' include a hardware firewall as one of their features: check if your friend's does, & make sure it's enabled if so. And make sure that an antivirus is installed before connecting to the Internet. _______________ Another alternative for older machines is to run a "light" version of Linux, such as Xbuntu. It easily detects wired ethernet connections automatically, and is a fairly secure platform for visiting the Internet. OpenOffice runs quite well on nearly any version of Linux. Should Windows be preferred for certain programs, dual-booting is another option. Best of luck . . . Gary __________________