Acquired new computer; help please?

carrie483

Hi,

I have just been given a computer because my one got infected with trojans and other cr*p.

Can someone please tell me which one has better specs because obviously (if possible) i would like to keep the best of both computers without infecting the new one.

The old one specs are:

Intel Celeron Processer
18.99 GB Local Disk
384 MB Ram
XP Home Edition

The new one:

AMD Athlon Processer
9.32 GB Local Disk (is there a way to add the old one in the new?)
256 MB Ram (again is there a way to add old one?)
XP Pro Edition

How do i check what sound cards/video cards and other stuff like that are installed?

Also do you think i am taking a bit too much on? And best left to the pros?

Thanks.

Carrie.

Joe_Bloggs

Some say prevention is better than cure. Where did the infections come from ? What would you do to make sure that they did not happen again ? Have you an application that you wish to run more than most. If yes then benchmark the two systems with it ! Say what processor speeds are involed, maybe others can relate to what you have got.
J_B.
DXdiag is a very basic test that gives lots of driver information. Stay of the net if you can't protect yourself with a firewall.

carrie483

The infections came from when i thought we had a firewall running and there wasn't. We have a firewall now and a good virus scan so hopefully it won't happen again.

Processor speeds are:

Old one: 400 MHz

New one: 1009 MHz

I assume that means the new one is better?

carrie483

Can someone please tell me which Sound card is better,

Old one: Trident 4D wave PCI audio (WDM)

New one: Creative Sound Blaster PCI

Thanks.

Joe_Bloggs

The latter seems great. A quick and regular scan with anti-spyware stuff is recommended eg ad-aware or spybot search and destroy. There are others of similar reputation. they can work together.
Check out Shields UP !
J_B.

carrie483

Cheers J_B.

T4i

The creative soundblaster will be the best.

carrie483

Thank you T4i.

Someone told me the best thing to do is make a list of programs that i will want to put on the new computer and obviously make sure i still have the installation disks etc.

Does anyone have any more pointers?

Thanks.

T4i

Thats good advice. Try and find out ALL the cards/hardware going into your machine before you start.

Visit each website for your hardware and download the drivers/software for each item. Save to ISO CD and keep handy.

When your new copmputer is up and running install your operating system. Patch it with all the updates.

Install Motherboard Chipset Drivers (optional)
Install Graphics Driver
Install Sound Driver

etc etc etc........

carrie483

Thank you so much

carrie483

Ok, came up with a little problem, i installed NTL and Photoshop on the new computer and everything was fine but now the cd rom won't load anything. I am trying to load Mcafee and it just doesn't do anything All i get is the cursor gets a disk next to it, it flashes a few times then nothing.

I have checked the device manager and it doesn't detect any problems with it.

Is it possible that a wire has come loose inside? Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Carrie.