Getting a new computer

**Bob S.** · #1 07-18-2008, 02:11 PM

I recently inadvertently downloaded a virus that is messing up my computer (Instead of deleting it, I managed to run it instead

). My computer is old so I just feel like starting anew.

The thing is that no new computers come with 3.5 floppy drives anymore. I have a number of things still on floppies and am having to move things onto a flash drive (I can't seem to get my writable CD drive to work

I don't know if it because of the virus or if it just never worked--I've never use it before now).

My computer still works fine, I just can't use IE (a very old version) or easily access some files (I can't click too many times in the folders).

Hopefully, I can get everything I want to save within a few weeks.

Bob S.

brzl66 · #2 07-18-2008, 06:22 PM

Have you looked at any of the independent online retailers? There are a couple I use (I build my own) who offer reasonably-priced custom-built machines.

**Sandman** · #3 07-18-2008, 06:30 PM

Check out www.oakhurstcomputers.com and www.remoterepair.net brought to you by the same folks that bring you CFI. You can get quality repair services over your high speed Internet connection. We also have great deals on new PC's. We can ship anywhere. I just got this one for myself: http://www.oakhurstcomputers.com/desktop.html and am very happy with it.

nuovonudo · #4 07-18-2008, 06:51 PM

that sucks about the virus, bob; it still amazes me that there exist people malicious enough to spend their time and talent creating those things.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob S.

The thing is that no new computers come with 3.5 floppy drives anymore.

i wonder if someone manufactures a separate 3.5 floppy drive that you could plug in to the new computer; i know they used to make cd drives like that.

NudeWil · #5 07-18-2008, 06:59 PM

You can get an external 3.5" floppy drive that connects with a USB cable for under $20.00. You can use it with just about any computers manufactured in the past few years.

Do a Google search using the keywords:

usb floppy drive

Regards,
NudeWil

**Bob S.** · #6 07-19-2008, 07:45 PM

I will probably end up using the external 3.5 floppy drive for most of the info on my 3.5s. I got my past computer at Best Buy. I've been looking there again, but will be looking elsewhere to compare. Maybe I'll also look at the online retailers, but I much prefer to shop at the main retailers.

Bob S.

luvnaturism · #7 07-19-2008, 08:32 PM

I've been using Apple computers since 1982, and through much of that time we have had three of them operating. I have NEVER had a virus. For most of that time I haven't even had virus software installed (though the need for that may be changing). During that period I've also had 3 Windows computers. They always did have virus software running, but I still couldn't keep them clean. Arrrgh. Hours and hours of problems.

It's been at least ten years since I've taken one of our Apples in for repair, and that was for damage caused by my own carelessness (word to the wise: don't try to install memory when you haven't grounded yourself and the computer against static electricity).

If you need Windows, Macs run it as well as any other PC. However, then you're back into the virus thing.

When you walk into an Apple store, you get to talk to someone who actually knows computers. If you have a technical issue, you can make an appointment at the Genius Bar with a genuine expert. It's a novel way of doing business.

Just a thought.

1Ace · #8 07-19-2008, 10:08 PM

Worst case you could reformat the drive, I have done this with my kids computers but you will lose all your data and have to start over. Linux is also a very good OS without to many virus problems, just got my wife an Asus EEE running on Linux...

**Bob S.** · #9 07-23-2008, 07:30 PM

luv, I do not like Macs. One of the reasons why they don't make viruses for Macs is that not many people use them.

1Ace:" Worst case you could reformat the drive"

I actually had to have that done when my computer was acting up a few years before (not a virus). I discovered too late that when they returned my computer, they did not return my reformatting CDs as well.

Bob S.

Agde · #10 07-23-2008, 10:31 PM

My dad recently had a similar problem situation. After looking around with us, he got a new Acer laptop with antivirus and a Linksys router, plugged the old and new computers into the router so he had access to his old files and floppy drives, and he has been a happy camper ever since. We tricked him into getting a wireless router, and he eventually discovered that he could use his new laptop (and still have access to the old machine) without the wires. He now sends emails from the patio, and I hear the old computer is rarely turned on.