stupid vista (vent)

Hi...I just wanted to get out my frustration.

I received a notice that the service pack 1 update for vista was available. So, I updated. Now, my speakers aren't working (well, they are working but not outputting any sound). I did some brief research and I found others complaining of the same thing after installing sp1.

So, I think I can fix the situation by downloading new drivers....but Acer's website is out of commission or being really slow....basically not working.

All I wanted to do was listen to music to de-stress, but nooooooooooooooooo.

So, if you are going to update your vista, beware that there may be problems.

Any computer people know a better site that I can find the drivers I need?

If you still have your original disks, just go back to your original drivers. I had the same problem and that's how I dealt with it. I'm now of the opinion that if drivers ain't broken, then don't fix 'em.

Yeah totally what pOnda says, I have many gripes about vista to the extent that I am thinking of selling my acer (I have 2 the other Dell which has xp) I find vista just so slow.

That sucks. I've heard so many people having problems with Vista. I'm quite content with mine, before the SP1 update my computer kept crashing every time I played a DVD (BSOD!!!) but afterwards everything went fine.

Hope you get to fix it soon!

Original Post by anndjoe:

Yeah totally what pOnda says, I have many gripes about vista to the extent that I am thinking of selling my acer (I have 2 the other Dell which has xp) I find vista just so slow.

You could install xp on it instead, or maybe add another stick of RAM? Laptops need more RAM than desktops I think. I have 2GB RAM and it generally runs fast, I only notice lagging when I open something and already have lots of other stuff going on, or its been on a long time. I'm using Aero which I think uses more juice (you could put it on basic).

Just realized I'm assuming you have laptops :P

If you insist on sticking with a Windows OS, I'd advise a RAM upgrade.  My laptop has 3GB of RAM and Vista will run on it with no issues at all.

What you may want to look into is trying to reduce the amount of bloatware installed in your system.  You'd be surprised how much faster a machine will run when programs that aren't needed are uninstalled or disabled. 

For example, my Acer laptop had a ton of Acer software pre-installed.  All of it was pretty much useless.  After removing it, the performance of my system was noticably better. 

Also, make sure you turn off all the Vista options that eat up RAM...  the sidebar can be turned off without any ill effects..  also be sure to turn your theme to "Windows Classic."

I'd also advise tweaking the Vista services for optimal performance. 

http://www.blackviper.com/ has a great guide for which services can be disabled for optimal performance.  My system is currently set to the template he has labeled as "tweaked" and it runs just as fast as any XP system.

Of course, if you're willing to jump in waist-deep..   www.ubuntu.com is your answer.  It's a freeware Linux system with a nice GUI.  Operation is pretty simple, as the interface looks very similar to Windows, however the OS is worlds more stable and streamlined than anything Microsoft has offered in years.  I'd advise making a boot CD and running the OS from that before actually installing it, just to make sure you'd be comfortable.

Original Post by vicereine:

You could install xp on it instead, or maybe add another stick of RAM? Laptops need more RAM than desktops I think. I have 2GB RAM and it generally runs fast, I only notice lagging when I open something and already have lots of other stuff going on, or its been on a long time. I'm using Aero which I think uses more juice (you could put it on basic).

Just realized I'm assuming you have laptops :P

Ha, laptops in general suck. I used to be a fan but after my Dell laptop kept slowing down and dying on me after only two years (and I didn't really run many things on it), I decided to switch to a (Dell) desktop. I've never looked back.

That said, Microsoft could have waited perhaps another 6 months to a year before releasing Vista. They just wanted to beat Macs to the front line, but I guess they screwed up a little (only a little, I'm not a Mac fan :P)

Original Post by vicereine:

Original Post by anndjoe:

Yeah totally what pOnda says, I have many gripes about vista to the extent that I am thinking of selling my acer (I have 2 the other Dell which has xp) I find vista just so slow.

You could install xp on it instead, or maybe add another stick of RAM? Laptops need more RAM than desktops I think. I have 2GB RAM and it generally runs fast, I only notice lagging when I open something and already have lots of other stuff going on, or its been on a long time. I'm using Aero which I think uses more juice (you could put it on basic).

Just realized I'm assuming you have laptops :P

 Oh, thanks, and yes you are right to assume that it is laptops I have. I'll reply to deathrockets too with this. I am ok with general things, like I can change it to xp, remove programs which I have installed, solve minor running problems, do a full system reboot (only because both laptops have it built in and can be done with the simple touch of 2 buttons), but when it comes to adding extra RAM, removing pre-installed stuff, I wouldn't know how to add the RAM, and I wouldn't know what programmes it would be safe to remove.

I get so frustrated with the vista I end up just putting the lid down on it and coming onto this one......little frustration tantrum thing

I will certainly look into it though and if I feel confident enough I'll have a go.

Original Post by agelades:

Original Post by vicereine:

You could install xp on it instead, or maybe add another stick of RAM? Laptops need more RAM than desktops I think. I have 2GB RAM and it generally runs fast, I only notice lagging when I open something and already have lots of other stuff going on, or its been on a long time. I'm using Aero which I think uses more juice (you could put it on basic).

Just realized I'm assuming you have laptops :P

Ha, laptops in general suck. I used to be a fan but after my Dell laptop kept slowing down and dying on me after only two years (and I didn't really run many things on it), I decided to switch to a (Dell) desktop. I've never looked back.

 

Yeah I have a desktop too, that I plan to replace with a way better one (now that I know more) even though I just bought a laptop. I'd much rather a desktop for everyday use.

Original Post by anndjoe:

but when it comes to adding extra RAM, removing pre-installed stuff, I wouldn't know how to add the RAM, and I wouldn't know what programmes it would be safe to remove.

Actually I'm new to laptops, I've had mine just 2~ months, so I've never attempted to install RAM or know about the inner workings (I've tweaked around in my desktop lots, it's easy lol) - you can probably find instructions online, or maybe take it to a shop to do it for you.

but when it comes to adding extra RAM, removing pre-installed stuff, I wouldn't know how to add the RAM, and I wouldn't know what programmes it would be safe to remove.

 Adding RAM to a laptop is fairly easy.  Most laptops have a panel on the bottom that can be removed, usually by the way of 2-3 screws, and the RAM stick just clicks in the slot. 

If you tell me what brand/model your laptop is, should be available on the bottom, I can probably find the schematic that shows how the RAM is installed and find you a good deal on some RAM.

Oh thanks, it's an acer extensa 4220, model number MS2204. I see the panel you are talking about it has 5 little screws in it.