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I have bit the bullet and purchased a new desktop after the Athlon 64 XP pro box just seems to be seriously slow these days.
On my Win7 64 Home Premium lappy, running MS Security Essentials in concert with Avast Free, seems to keep things running smooth.
Any advice as to a better combination? The ONLY bloatware on the new PC I purchased is a trial version of ESET Antivirus.
For those interested, I bought the PC from MicroCenter in Denver where they do sell a store-branded fully assembled line of desktop/tower PCs called PowerSpec. This is not that far off from an assemble it yourself solution with open drive bays, expansion slots, etc. except you don't have to assemble it yourself.
So, looking for advice on whether or not this combo, which I am familiar with, has a better alternative or if I should supplement it in any way.
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You are running two anti malware programs at the same time, which might cause problems including slowing down your system. I use just MSE but supplement it with regular scans by Malwarebytes.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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I concur with Matt. I run MSE only on my Win 7 DAW and Avast! on everything else.
Hard to go wrong with Micro Center. I do a great deal of business with their Marietta store here in Georgia.
R.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
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I run both, same as Rockstart-not. However, recently having issues with the "free" Avast. Not so free when they continue to pester you to upgrade and then try to trick you with your update virus info, by trying to install the full version which is "free" for 30 days. Just becoming of a nuisance.
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
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Thanks for the tips. This is the first desktop computer I have purchased outright since about 1995 or so. I've spec'ed out and purchased components and assembled my other two boxes and so forth.
I just had a look inside the box. While there are a bunch of open drive bays and spare PS connections for drives, the MOBO doesn't have but two SATA connections from what I can gather.
Someone told me the MOBO is ASUS, but I see no markings indicating that. It sure is small!
There is one somewhat familiar looking expansion slot, and then one that's pretty tiny. I don't plan on using either anytime soon.
I did find it interesting that the MOBO just has a VGA and an HDMI connection and no DVI - is that now passé?
-Scott
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2 SATA connections would be rare (and an issue here). A drive and a DVD and you are done?? Double check this; They are small .. you sure there aren't 2 stacked on top of 2? The board I bought recently has 3 columns and 2 per column. All 6 connections take up a very small amount of space (but also makes connecting things a bit of a challenge due to proximity). Every MB I've purchased recently has HDMI(s) and a VGA with no DVI. For DVI needs I've either purchased a video card or an adapter. Do the slots look like any of the ones below? (This is the board for the system I'm typing on now) 
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Looks like there may be a block of 2 SATA3 connectors - the actual approach angle of them is 90 degrees off compared to the two drives that are plugged in to the other block. I guess I expected all of the SATA connectors to use the same connector block on the MOBO like in your photo. With the open 2 at 90 degrees, it is hard to see the connectors, but here is where my iPhone camera came in handy - sure enough that's what they are and the screen printing on the MOBO has miniscule text next to this which says SATA3. Approach angle for the cables looks to be in-plane with the MOBO. I have one open PCI Express x1 per your photo and a PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot The box came with a wireless card w/antennae in the other PCI Express x1 slot - which I think I have no need for since this will plug directly into the router. No FDD or IDE connectors - which is o.k. with me. Edit - just realized that Microcenter's specs were pretty detailed when I looked at them. Here's the machine: http://www.microcenter.com/product/423409/B332_Desktop_ComputerHere's the MOBO and sure enough, 4 SATA connections: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813135360
Last edited by rockstar_not; 04/12/14 05:57 PM.
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I’d like to once again point out that you can get a wide range of MOBO’s and components by going to a “game” PC builder like www.iBuypower.comand selecting each and every component to suit your needs. Don’t let the home page fool you. It’s the most carefully built and packaged PC I’ve ever purchased. I’m running an iBuypower system and the next time I want another desktop I’ll go back to them. I’m not affiliated, etc, etc, etc.
Last edited by bobcflatpicker; 04/12/14 07:09 PM.
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Bob, I think that's where my workplace is buying our desktops from.
This was a relatively local purchase
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Bob, I think that's where my workplace is buying our desktops from.
This was a relatively local purchase They're good people to work with. Fast, efficient and reliable. The customization is perfect for a PC geek who realizes he/she can buy a custom PC cheaper than they can build one because the OEM's get a MUCH cheaper price on components and software. They also do a 24 hour "run in" before any PC is shipped.
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I run both, same as Rockstart-not. However, recently having issues with the "free" Avast. Not so free when they continue to pester you to upgrade and then try to trick you with your update virus info, by trying to install the full version which is "free" for 30 days. Just becoming of a nuisance. All you have to do is register and they leave you alone for 12-14 months at a time. I have been using Avast! Free for several years on several machines with none of what you are describing. R.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
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RSN and BobC:
My DAW is built from parts I got at Micro Center, but is VERY closely based on Bob's iBuy jobbie. Next time I'll just go there. I think they actually burn them in for 72 hours, and also offer a 3-year warranty. Try to find that anywhere else.
R.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
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Richard,
You're right, ... it is a 72 hour burn in.
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Back on topic, I remember about 3 years ago the same question came up and at that time the feeling was MSE and Avast or AVG did similar but different things. All I can say is I've been running AVG and MSE all that time with no issues at all. Things change fast in the computer world so maybe that's not such a good idea now?
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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Journeyman
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It is never a good idea to run two anti virus programs, it should only ever be one.
They may well seem to be getting on with each other, however, if a real virus does get anywhere near, the two together will both try to block the virus at once, resulting in a clash or conflict, which at its worst could actually let the virus in.
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
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Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
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Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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