FAQS! FACTS! FAX! 049 (01/04/97)

CHIP CHANGE?

I am thinking of upgrading my PC processor, which is currently a P90. I am considering a 166MHz or 200MHz type. I use my PC mainly for word processing, internet access, and games. Which speed and specification would you recommend?

P.G

A

There’s a few points to consider. First, there may still be some useful performance gains to be squeezed out of your current system, that cost a lot less than a new processor. Your machine should have at least 16 megabytes of RAM, if not it is high time it did. It’s worth removing old or unused files and applications. Check the configuration to make sure it is operating at maximum efficiency and run the MS defrag utility, to help speed up hard disc access. After a good Spring clean you may even find a processor upgrade no longer necessary. In any case it’s unlikely you’ll see much increase in speed on word-processing and internet applications. Recent graphics-intensive games should look better though, with smoother, more fluid action.

If you choose to go ahead with an upgrade, you should find out which makes of chip and speeds your PC’s motherboard supports. There is also the question of voltage. A lot of new processor chips require a 3-volt supply, not all Pentium motherboards -- especially older ones -- have this option. This information is normally contained in the manual or motherboard application booklet, that should have been supplied with your PC. Check also that there’s room for a new processor with a cooling fan, if fitted. Another option to consider, is to get a motherboard with a processor already fitted, at least you know they should work together, (make sure it can use your existing RAM memory boards).

RENT PLOYS

A local TV rental shop is selling ‘ex-rental’ multimedia PCs from £500. Does that sound like a good buy? What are the risks in buying this, or any other second-user PC equipment?

A.G.E., Workington

A

Without knowing a lot more about the machines on offer, it’s impossible to say if they’re a good deal or not. However, in general, unless you know what you are doing, buying second-hand computers and peripherals is not a good idea. You have no way of knowing the machine’s history, or what sort of life they’ve lead. The shop is obliged to provide some form of guarantee, and your normal statutory rights are not affected, but it’s unlikely you’ll receive the same kind of service and back-up that’s offered to purchasers of new products. If you’re on a tight budget shop around. Many computer magazines carry adverts from companies offering Pentium-class multimedia PCs for less than £600.

WATER WORKS

A couple of weeks ago, in the answer to a query about waterproof inks, for inkjet printers (‘Wet Set’, FFF 25/02/97), you mentioned a waterproofing spray. I have enquired in my local computer store, arts and craft shops, etc., and non-one has heard of such a product. In desperation I range a manufacturer of inks, they told me it was impossible to waterproof documents using a spray, as this would make the ink run. Can you help?

R.W., Huddersfield

A

Letraset Protective Spray, available in gloss satin or matt finish (product codes 101, 102 and 103) provides a good waterproof barrier suitable for many types of paper and ink. Windsor and Newton manufacture a ‘Fixative Spray’, that can give a limited degree of moisture protection, they tell us it improves with several coats.  Both should be available from good stationers. Spray Fix from 3M does a very good job, though the manufacturers tell us it is not longer being made, and stocks are in very short supply. The Letraset spray works well. We tried it on several grades of 80gsm copier, inkjet paper and envelopes, printed using Canon Bubblejet and HP Inkjet printers. Two coats were enough to protect print from a brief wetting; untreated printing blurred and the inks ran in a matter of seconds.

MODEM MANIA

If I install one of the new 56,000bps modems will it be possible to download from the Internet at this speed immediately, or will I have to wait until the service provider changes their system?

J.W.D.

A

56kbps technology exploits the fact that some -- though not all --  Internet Service Providers (ISP) have a fast, direct digital connection with the main telephone trunk lines, so it is possible to download data at that speed. However it doesn’t necessarily work the other way around. There will normally be an analogue to digital (A/D) conversion process at your local exchange, which slows down the data from your PC, back to the ISP, to a maximum of 33.6kbps. Those kinds of speeds can only be achieved under ideal conditions, in practice data transfer over normal telephone lines will be a lot slower, and that’s without taking into account the effect of internet ‘traffic jams’. If you’re asking, is it worth buying a 56k modem now, then we’d have to say probably not. These modems are still quite expensive, there are a number of technical issues that have to be resolved, and it may be that service providers will settle on another system. The best advice is to wait and see. If high-speed data transfer is an issue then you might want to see what BT’s ISDN service has to offer.