Computers

[pony_trekker]

Originally posted by robustpuppy
1. My recent laptop trouble resulted in the loss of my iTunes library -- but only on the laptop. All my music was backed up to my external drive. However, I can't figure out how to reconstruct the library in iTunes. The only thing I can figure out how to do is import each song one by one, and even though my library is not extensive, this is not really feasible. Does anyone have any experience with this and can you give me a quick tutorial?

Two ways: I think you can add multiple files to the itunes library. Also, you can download software that lets you transfer songs from an ipod to a computer. I cannot remember the name of the
software.

2. Can anyone tell me what I need to do to transfer video from an old skool 8 mm video camera to my laptop for purposes of emailing short video files or burning the videos to DVD? What software would I need, and what cable? My video camera obviously has RCA cable thingies and an S Video thingie -- the multi pronged input for use with, if I recall correctly, an old style computer cable. But my laptop doesn't appear to have a corresonding connection -- are there cables out there with an S video end and a firewire end?

Yes. Best way is to buy a digital video camera and plug the 8m into the digital video camera. There are, alternatively, boxes for $150 or so that connect between 'puter and 8 mm.

[Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)]

Originally posted by pony_trekker

Yes. Best way is to buy a digital video camera and plug the 8m into the digital video camera. There are, alternatively, boxes for $150 or so that connect between 'puter and 8 mm.

2. You have to have firewire at both ends of the cable, because it's digital, whereas S-video is analog, and, well, just 'cuz. You'll need a converter. As pony sez, the most cost-effective converter may be a new miniDV camcorder (don't get anything other than miniDV, btw).

Dunno about software because I use a mac, and it comes included. Roxio may have something.

[baltassoc]

Originally posted by Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)
Try doing "add to library" in the file menu. Then, select/highlight all the songs in the backup location. I think that should import them. If not that, do Import from the file menu. You should be able to select them all either way.

Then again, I haven't tried this, and it's on the Mac version so YMMV.

You don't even have to highlight all the songs. Just choose a folder (even a folder of folders) and it will bring in everything on it. However, that only makes iTunes recognize the files, not copy them. If you want them in a different location you need to copy them first.

ETA: Like Burger, this is for the Mac version, but I think the PC version is the same.

[Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)]

Originally posted by baltassoc
You don't even have to highlight all the songs. Just choose a folder (even a folder of folders) and it will bring in everything on it. However, that only makes iTunes recognize the files, not copy them. If you want them in a different location you need to copy them first.

ETA: Like Burger, this is for the Mac version, but I think the PC version is the same.

Also, there's an option (on the mac at least) to "consolidate library". That should find all songs anywhere (on your computer and hard drive) and move them into your itunes music folder.

[robustpuppy]

Originally posted by Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)
2. You have to have firewire at both ends of the cable, because it's digital, whereas S-video is analog, and, well, just 'cuz. You'll need a converter. As pony sez, the most cost-effective converter may be a new miniDV camcorder (don't get anything other than miniDV, btw).

Dunno about software because I use a mac, and it comes included. Roxio may have something.

Interesting. So you're saying I NEED a digital camcorder. Cool!

[Captain]

Originally posted by robustpuppy
Interesting. So you're saying I NEED a digital camcorder. Cool!

Of course you do. You have a child.

Be careful, though, as I'm sure this is not the only thing that you now "need."

[robustpuppy]

Originally posted by pony_trekker
Two ways: I think you can add multiple files to the itunes library. Also, you can download software that lets you transfer songs from an ipod to a computer. I cannot remember the name of the
software.

This? http://www.findleydesigns.com/ipodaccess/indexWin.html

Anybody ever use it? My BIL lost his iTunes library due to computer failure - he had no backup -- and if this works, I may get it for him for Christmas.

[Replaced_Texan]

Originally posted by robustpuppy
This? http://www.findleydesigns.com/ipodaccess/indexWin.html

Anybody ever use it? My BIL lost his iTunes library due to computer failure - he had no backup -- and if this works, I may get it for him for Christmas.

I've used a similar program, but it's not that one. I'll have to look it up when I get home, but it worked fine. Something like PodUtil.

I'm slowly trying to rip the entire music collection into digital format, and it'll eventually go onto an external harddrive that will function as a music server that's hooked up to whatever sound system is used. The ultimate goal is to have CDs work as backups.

[robustpuppy]

Originally posted by Replaced_Texan
I've used a similar program, but it's not that one. I'll have to look it up when I get home, but it worked fine. Something like PodUtil.

I'm slowly trying to rip the entire music collection into digital format, and it'll eventually go onto an external harddrive that will function as a music server that's hooked up to whatever sound system is used. The ultimate goal is to have CDs work as backups.

Ok. I bought the iPod access for myself and it worked like a charm. 5 minutes of effort, $15, and I've got my library back.

Thanks, pony and RT.

[pony_trekker]

I opted for the mac mini because it was cheaper and because I can always swap out the monitor or take over the puter if my son gets a laptop.

First of all, it found the airport and bluetooth keyboard and mouse within 1 minute. Setup was complete within 5 minutes.

I can't believe how easy it was to network the mac mini with my powerbook. If my office used macs we could send the tech support people back to where they came from.

[ltl/fb]

I have a Dell laptop (now off limited warranty) with Windows XP. I have DSL, and I connect to it using a wireless router I bought from Dell when I got the computer (but I don't recall the brand; it may be Dell) and a thingy that goes between the phone line/wall and the wireless router (modem?) that I got from the DSL provider.

Periodicially, but irregularly, the link between the wireless thingy and the computer breaks (i.e., I suddenly can't access the internet etc. and the little symbols about wireless connection strength and the blinky computer symbol that shows connected/not connected go to not connected/no wireless signal). The only way I am able to get the signal back is to turn off both the wireless router and the modem thingy, leave them off for at least a minute or two, and turn them back on. Which entails getting off my couch-potato ass, and I hate that. I have tried just disconnecting (on the computer) from the wireless router and then reconnecting, but it does not restore the DSL -- I think it makes the wireless connection all green again, but I don't get internet access.

WTF? It's happening more lately. I live in an apt bldg, but alas all the other wireless networks are secured so I can't just hop to a different one (this would work -- there's one that sometimes shows as available that is unsecured that I have connected to, but even when it shows it has a faint signal and connecting to it isn't worth it because it's too far away).

I don't even know where to look to find a forum where people discuss this stuff.

[taxwonk]

Originally posted by ltl/fb
I have a Dell laptop (now off limited warranty) with Windows XP. I have DSL, and I connect to it using a wireless router I bought from Dell when I got the computer (but I don't recall the brand; it may be Dell) and a thingy that goes between the phone line/wall and the wireless router (modem?) that I got from the DSL provider.

Periodicially, but irregularly, the link between the wireless thingy and the computer breaks (i.e., I suddenly can't access the internet etc. and the little symbols about wireless connection strength and the blinky computer symbol that shows connected/not connected go to not connected/no wireless signal). The only way I am able to get the signal back is to turn off both the wireless router and the modem thingy, leave them off for at least a minute or two, and turn them back on. Which entails getting off my couch-potato ass, and I hate that. I have tried just disconnecting (on the computer) from the wireless router and then reconnecting, but it does not restore the DSL -- I think it makes the wireless connection all green again, but I don't get internet access.

WTF? It's happening more lately. I live in an apt bldg, but alas all the other wireless networks are secured so I can't just hop to a different one (this would work -- there's one that sometimes shows as available that is unsecured that I have connected to, but even when it shows it has a faint signal and connecting to it isn't worth it because it's too far away).

I don't even know where to look to find a forum where people discuss this stuff.

I have the same problem with our cable broadband. I have deduced (I say deduced because I have no fucking idea if I'm right or not) that it's because of heavy traffic on the same ips's servers, probably using the same bandwidth that you (and in my case I) are using.

I blame it on the fact that there are too many people in the middle class, and the libraries and schools all having computers and internet connections. If more people were living hand-to-mouth and couldn't afford the internet, there would be no problem.

Therefore, like Sebby, I have decided to become a Republican.

[Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)]

Originally posted by ltl/fb

I don't even know where to look to find a forum where people discuss this stuff.

Have you tried customer service?

Probably the DSL is dropping every so often. And for whatever reason, it's screwing up the wireless connection. In theory that shouldn't happen. Have you lost the wireless connection while the DSL stays fine? If so, then you may have two problems, if not, probably just the DSL.

I kept losing my (cable modem) connection. They came out, tightened some wires and checked the signal strength. No problems since then. Sure, DSL is different, but there's probably a set of tweaks they have.

[ltl/fb]

Originally posted by Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)
Have you tried customer service?

Probably the DSL is dropping every so often. And for whatever reason, it's screwing up the wireless connection. In theory that shouldn't happen. Have you lost the wireless connection while the DSL stays fine? If so, then you may have two problems, if not, probably just the DSL.

I kept losing my (cable modem) connection. They came out, tightened some wires and checked the signal strength. No problems since then. Sure, DSL is different, but there's probably a set of tweaks they have.

I have even changed where I plug it in. I guess I could request a new modem.

Which customer service? I'm out of the warranty period with Dell, so I think I have to pay for customer service. The DSL provider (SWB, or whatever they are called now) customer service has, in my limited experience, been stupid. I thought it might be a common problem that would be discussed on some kind of board somewhere, but didn't know where to find such a board.

[Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)]

Originally posted by ltl/fb
I have even changed where I plug it in. I guess I could request a new modem.

Which customer service? I'm out of the warranty period with Dell, so I think I have to pay for customer service. The DSL provider (SWB, or whatever they are called now) customer service has, in my limited experience, been stupid. I thought it might be a common problem that would be discussed on some kind of board somewhere, but didn't know where to find such a board.

Doesn't SBC provide you with a modem? It's probably not a hardware problem anyway, it's a signal strength issue.

Try here. I doubt they're as snarky. But less sex.

http://www.dslreports.com/forums/all