|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
Now you've defined what works for you. Groovy. If I had a laptop or a handheld, perhaps I could do those things too. Still prefer paper, myself. Getting whiteout off a lappy screen is a b*tch.
lolz
r.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,199
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,199 |
Rys, I'm really going to go where I know I shouldn't. You might consider replacing the computer. http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.asp...671&topnav=That's a Dell system available at Costco. http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.asp...671&topnav=This is a ZT system from Costco. http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.asp...671&topnav=This is another ZT system from Costco http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.asp...671&topnav=This is from iBuyPower, and may actually be your best bet. It has an Asus mobo (which I use in my computers), a bigger power supply, only a dual core processor, but you really don't need anything else. All of these run 64 bit OS's, and as long as you can get drivers, you should be fine. Lots of companies offer 64 bit drivers for products now. In any of these choices, you can move the 160 gig hard drive from your old computer, and you'll have to use the monitor you have now. I wouldn't trust to update the BIOS in your old computer, I'm sorry to say. You could, easily, leave yourself in a situation where you'll not be able to use the computer at all until you physically replace the CMOS chips. I don't trust ECS/PCChips at all, I've known too many people who have had issues with them. It is even possible that the 80 gig is still good, and you may be able to save that, as well. I trust Steve Gibson, but if you have a BIOS issue, then Spinrite can get screwed up. My opinion is that a newer computer will save you a lot of hassles. I know, I'm sure, that price is an issue, but it's the best solution I have right now. I went out to iBuyPower's website, and they also have Weekly specials, like this one: http://www.ibuypower.com/ibp/store/configurator.aspx?mid=69Plus, you have the ability to custom configure the system. The only things I would do to this system would be to be to put a 500 watt power supply in it for $30, spend an extra $50 to install a second 320GB hard drive, and if you wanted a 20" widescreen monitor, spend $170 more for that. Without the monitor, you're still under $600. Gary
Last edited by Gary Curran; 05/06/09 01:02 PM.
I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
Gary, I really appreciate the advice. I do. It's not that you shouldn't go there, it's just that I can't. I've nickel and dimed myself on this one, but the 500 Gb WD Caviar drive is it, todo, all there is. In the meantime I am getting useful work out of it, and I think the new drive will make the audio run seamlessly. I don't regret the nickels and dimes, either, because I've learned all along. Even though I've been frustrated along the way, it has led me to where I am now, with a dated but functional DAW. "Everything I know about computers, I learned in self defense."(c)
I've heard comments on Maxtor reliability, mostly from Lawrie as I recall. I lost an unbacked-up Maxtor 60 Gb main drive in my last move; it worked when I packed the machine, didn't when I unpacked it, and I'm the one who moved it. This drive is at least five years old, came out of a SOHO network server, and has half the throughput of my present main drive, so when the WD arrives I pull everything off and build a pr0n cruisin' virus catcher with the old drive, lol. I don't trust it for NOTHIN'.
R.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,199
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,199 |
And I figured as much, Rys. Still, computer prices are coming down, so at some point in the future, it may be possible to do something. But, let's concentrate on now. http://www.pcchips.com.tw/PCCWebSite/Pro...D=1&LanID=0This is the BIOS flash page, but you need to have version 5.1 motherboard. If you don't, you'll need to see what version of the motherboard you do have, and then get *that* BIOS. There is a link on that page that shows you where to find the version information. At the bottom of the page, there is a BIOS flash utility. You can open that up, load the flash data file, and then click whatever it says to do to flash it. You have to follow the directions exactly though. Failure of a flash will render your computer totally useless. Yes, that's scary, no, I've never had an issue with it...don't do it in a thunderstorm where the power may go out, or where you kitten will sit on your UPS switch and turn everything off (mine does that all the time!) You shouldn't have any issues updating the BIOS, it's not very hard. The thing I like about Steve Gibson is he doesn't give you any B.S. He lays it out and tells you WHY stuff isn't working. Since I've now read the link you posted, you may have the latest BIOS on your computer, if which is the case, then there is no reason to try to update it. As I've said before, I don't trust ESC or PC Chips. You *might* be able to find something compatible with your CPU on ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/GIGABYTE-SOCKET-A-MO...93%3A1|294%3A50Maybe something like that, used, but inexpensive, and I've used Gigabyte in the past (still have one, a 754 socket, runs fine) and have been very happy with it. In fact, my other Gigabyte board now resides in my sister's computer, which is a 939 socket, and that one also continues to work fine. You can also find Asus, MSI, and others that will work well for Socket A for a relatively inexpensive, more nickles and dimes stuff, that would probably serve you better than the PC Chips mainboard you have now. http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-ABIT-KG7A-RAID-S...93%3A1|294%3A50Gary
Last edited by Gary Curran; 05/06/09 05:43 PM.
I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,021
Posts799,028
Members40,011
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean