FAQS! FACTS! FAX! 053 (22/04/97)

UPGRADE UNCERTAINTY

I have a 486 computer with a 33MHz processor. Could I upgrade this with an Intel Pentium P133 processor? What speed would it run at? Can you give me Intel’s address, and could you suggest a book on PC upgrades?

Paul McDonald, Hayes. Middlesex.

A

You can’t simply plug a Pentium processor into a 486 motherboard, it doesn’t work like that. There are several DIY upgrade options, that can dramatically increase the speed of your PC, assuming the motherboard is a standard design. Intel produce a range of Pentium OverDrive chips, that either replace your existing CPU, or plug into the spare OverDrive socket, (if fitted). There’s also selection of replacement Pentium-class processors from various other manufacturers, that claim operating speeds of up to 133MHz. Prices start at around £100 for products like the Evergreen 586/133; Intel OverDrive upgrades cost between £110 to £140. Whilst these chips will enable Windows 95 to run at a respectable pace, and speed up some applications, they cannot replicate the full performance of a Pentium processor; at best they’re only a stop-gap solution. It may be cheaper in the long run to upgrade to a Pentium motherboard and processor, it doesn’t cost much more. Mail order specialists, like Memax sell Intel P133 and motherboard combinations for just £175; boards fitted with AMP K5-P133 processors cost only £135. ‘Idiots’ and ‘Dummies’ guide books will help you through the basics, for a more detailed insight into the workings of a PC try ‘Upgrading and Maintaining Your PC, from Abacus Books. 

Memax Computers, telephone 01246) 455277

Intel Corporation UK Ltd., Opus Way, Swindon Wilts SN3 1RJ. Telephone (01793) 403000

TIME FOR A CHANGE?

I read with interest the article ‘VCR Manufacturers Must Try Harder’ in Connected (27/3/97). I am aware many computers will face problems with the year 2000 date change. Will VCRs suffer a similar fate?

W.K.Taylor, Leavenheath, Colchester

A

Hopefully no. The majority of VCR made prior to 1995 had relatively simple 31-day timers, which means the clocks on many older machines do not need or use date information. A few models were fitted with 365-day timers, but as far as we’re aware they all had a built-in calendars, programmed for the year 2000 and beyond. Most new video recorders now have Video Plus+ timers, linked with programme delivery control (PDC) systems. PDC constantly checks time and date information, derived from teletext signals. (PDC is used, in conjunction with control signals sent by broadcasters, to automatically correct for late programme changes, for time-shifted recordings). PDC data is also used by VCRs with auto installation systems, to set the VCRs clock and date display, when it is used for the first time. This is subsequently re-checked, usually once a day. You can easily tell if you have one of these machines as it will automatically correct for summer and winter time changes. If you’re in any doubt you can try a Year 2000 changeover test, by setting the VCRs clock to a few minutes before midnight on December 31st, 1999, and see what happens.

SLIPPED DISC

My Mac Performa 6300 is now refusing to read discs that it has formatted, it has only happened recently, is there a simple cure?

Colin Hindley, Sawbridgeworth, Herts

A

It would have been helpful to know if it was reading discs formatted on other machines, but assuming it doesn’t, and otherwise the drive appears to be functioning normally, then the most likely causes are contamination on the drive’s read/write heads, or head misalignment. The former you may be able to cure yourself, by using a good quality disc drive cleaning kit. Follow the instructions carefully, over-use or mis-use can be harmful. Head misalignment, caused by damaged discs, poking foreign objects into the drive slot, or physical shock, is a job for an engineer.

SHINING EXAMPLES?

Can anyone think of a use for my growing collection of freebie CD ROMs given away on computer magazines? I must have at least dozen ‘free trial’ discs for various internet services. I can recycle 3.5 inch cover diskettes, but apart from drinks coasters -- and not very good ones at that --  I haven’t found an alternative use for CD ROMs, and I’m reluctant to throw them away. 

Keith Livingstone, Sutton, Surrey

A

Collect them for posterity; rare ones might be worth a small fortune one day. They make good indoor Frisbees. You could make a shiny mobile. Under three’s find them endlessly fascinating, and they can’t be swallowed. Maybe they have some value to charities, if so will they let us know and we’ll pass it on.