So I got a new computer. (Question)

[ErikaFuzzbottom]

Yup, came in a couple days ago. I'll show off the exact specs if I ever remember to, but here's what I know. One nice thing was that it has DVD playback, so I was finally able to watch that imported Robin Hood: Men in Tights DVD that I got for my birthday (June 10). It's powerful enough to run RMXP, WoW, and Roller Coaster 3 (which is how I had it customized; to be able to run that stuff). It came with Windows XP, and some anti-virus and firewall program (not sure exactly what brand). It has a 17" screen, and goes up to a pretty nice screen resolution. Not sure what the highest resolution is exactly, but it's better than the 1024 x 768 resolution that this 15" screen that I've been using before can go up to (I bet those who think that resolution isn't small are using a bigger screen).

Anyway, all that's left is getting an internet connection. I know who to get, but before I do that, I want to get a router, and that's where I need some information. I want to be able to plug in my computer and PS2, along with my DS, along with whatever next-gen console I get. Which of course means I'll need a router that has standard connection and wireless. Any recommendations? Preferrably nothing over $100 if possible.

[Smurf Taco]

Re: So I got a new computer. (Question)

You can get top brand Wireles G routers for about $20 these days, just look in the Sunday ads. I'd go Linksys or Netgear.

[ErikaFuzzbottom]

Re: So I got a new computer. (Question)

Ooh, LinkSys and Netgear. I remember choosing between those when I was looking for a router a couple years ago. I think I was told to get LinkSys over Netgear.

[Manyak]

Re: So I got a new computer. (Question)

It's a ***** to open/forward ports on my Linksys router, I never tried a Netgear one, so I don't know how good/bad they are.

[MasterSlowPoke]

Re: So I got a new computer. (Question)

It might be hard to do port forwarding if you don't know what you're doing. It's very simple on Linksys routers, don't worry.

I'm using a D-Link router now because I needed wireless. It was basicly free, that's why I went with the cheap brand. It sounds like you're going to need a wireless router with at least 4 ports in the back. I don't think it should be more than 30.

[Manyak]

Re: So I got a new computer. (Question)

No, I know exactly what I'm doing.

The problem I have is that it totally disregards my changes every so often.

[Jeroak Nelave]

Re: So I got a new computer. (Question)

Get Netgear, I hate Linksys, and they always do bad stuff and dont want to work right. We have a netgear router here at my place, with wireless. In fact, i'm posting from MY new laptop that i just picked up tonight, over the wireless connection, which was SUPER easy to configure.

I have an HP Pavilion ZV6130US laptop, and i love it already!

[DK]

Re: So I got a new computer. (Question)

Don't get Belkin either.

[ErikaFuzzbottom]

Re: So I got a new computer. (Question)

I hope I get internet soon. I seriously need this thing updated. It has a tendancy of doing an illegal reboot on its own from time to time, and tries to mess up when it runs anything more complex than Wordpad. I can't even play my new copy of Roller Coaster 3 for five minutes before it kicks me out of the game in one way or another.

So Netgear, huh? I don't remember seeing a Netgear router at Walmart last night. I'll probably have to get it from a more computer-focused store. I'm going to need to get a controller anyway. Really don't like playing games with the keyboard.

EDIT: Oh yeah, I forgot to mention one big con. No Japanese text. I still can't see the blasted text in any of the RPGTXP games! Please tell me the Windows XP update will include Japanese text support!

[MasterSlowPoke]

Re: So I got a new computer. (Question)

Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Region and Language Settings -> Asian Text Support

[archerarmored]

Re: So I got a new computer. (Question)

Belkin routers are excellent, as are netgear routers. Don't bother with linksys although, when you have those other two options.

If you want to pay more monthly though, you should consider a wireless hub instead, that way you can host games.

[ErikaFuzzbottom]

Re: So I got a new computer. (Question)

You know you have a faulty computer when you try plugging it into a back-up battery and the computer still reboots itself, three times in the first ten minutes. So, it's not a problem with my power outlet, it's the computer. Either that or there's some very bad glitch in Windows XP before it gets its first update. Like the glitch that boots me out of programs like Final Fantasy 7 on PC.

Yeah, it's really sucky. The glitch will hopefully be fixed when I download an update in the next few days, but I may have to send my computer back to Belka to get it fixed.

[Manyak]

Re: So I got a new computer. (Question)

If I remember correctly FF7 on PC was hella buggy.

Although I probably don't remember correctly.

[Valkysas]

Re: So I got a new computer. (Question)

there's a mod that replaces all the FF7 PC character models with the battle models. I've never used it (dont have FF7 for the PC), but I imagine it looks pretty stupid with cloud and his crew looking normal, encountering the same old deformed NPCs in towns.