Memory question

[Dymphna]

Ok computer peeps, I know but I won't know unless I ask...

So, my cheap, crappy old laptop that was obtained second (or third) hand to support certain charitable endeavors got dropped. The AC adapter got damaged and after getting it replaced, we tried rebooting the computer to no avail. The error message indicated the problem was with a memory card, not the hard drive.

I removed the affected memory card (there were 2 and only one is affected) and computer rebooted.

Now, I don't know a RAM from a ROM, but am I correct in my assessment that removing this card doesn't affect anything stored on the computer, but only affects the speed of accessing files and the ability of the computer to have multiple programs running at the same time? The thing was slow as molasses before and seems to be running at half that speed now but I can get over that until I can replace the card. I just don't want to have to worry about missing data because most of it isn't mine.

 

[GWguy]

You're not missing data, that's stored on the hard drive, not the memory card. The computer will just run slowly, and you may experience low memory warning messages. Probably not cost effective to buy a new chip, maybe you can find one used or scrapped someplace.

Regardless, while you still can, backup all your data to another source, a CD, memory stick, etc......

 

[Dymphna]

You're not missing data, that's stored on the hard drive, not the memory card. The computer will just run slowly, and you may experience low memory warning messages. Probably not cost effective to buy a new chip, maybe you can find one used or scrapped someplace.

Regardless, while you still can, backup all your data to another source, a CD, memory stick, etc......

Thanks, that what I thought, but I figured I'd make sure. I think anything that was really important has been backed up, but as I say, it's not my stuff but the computer was in my possession when it got damaged.

I mostly only use it to access data from an ftp site when I'm away from home. When I know I'm going to be away from internet access, I can download the database from the ftp site and lock the site, make changes on the laptop and when I get back into internet range upload the changes. The database was locked when the computer got damaged.

 

[glhs837]

I happened to have stripped out a 5 year old Compaq V5000 memory and Wifi card last week. Since its used for a charitable cause, if it fits, I would give you the memory out of it. its 1.5 gig, as I recall.

 

[Dymphna]

I happened to have stripped out a 5 year old Compaq V5000 memory and Wifi card last week. Since its used for a charitable cause, if it fits, I would give you the memory out of it. its 1.5 gig, as I recall.

Thanks, turns out hubby has a spare card here.

 

[glhs837]

Packrats GO!!!!!!

 

[RPMDAD]

Packrats GO!!!!!!

Correction, Computer Packrats RULE

 

[Dymphna]

Packrats GO!!!!!!

Well, he tells me that the spare memory cards he has here are the original ones for the computer at 256mb and that a 1.5 gig wouldn't work because the computer is too old to handle it.

I DID mention that it is an old, crappy computer, didn't I?

 

[BOP]

Well, he tells me that the spare memory cards he has here are the original ones for the computer at 256mb and that a 1.5 gig wouldn't work because the computer is too old to handle it.

I DID mention that it is an old, crappy computer, didn't I?

I don't know how some guys do it, because in my house, wife don't get no old, crappy computer if I have a new one. That schnit don't fly.

 

[Dymphna]

I don't know how some guys do it, because in my house, wife don't get no old, crappy computer if I have a new one. That schnit don't fly.

I use the desktop most of the time. I rarely have need for a laptop. The laptop he uses is also a charity donation one, is only a little newer and he uses it much more then I do. Technically, they are both his and both given to him for charity use. When he started doing more and more of that work away from home. He does more of that sort of work while out and about, while I do most of mine from home.

 

[DoWhat]

Being cheap (frugal) doesn't always save you money.

 

[huntr1]

Being cheap (frugal) doesn't always save you money.

This is not about being cheap. It's about using what you have to do what you need.

"A Scout is Thrifty". The laptops were free. They are used for scouts. No, they are not the best/fastest/newest but they DO suffice for what we need them for. Eventually I will get a better computer for her to use, but it will be no great leap forward in quality. It doesn't need to be. They are used for primarilly for paperwork and email with a little surfing for info and that's about it. No gaming. Mine is used once or twice a year to play a DVD. Thus, neither one of us have need for a much better computer.

If we DO ever need a better laptop, then we will go and buy one. For now, we'll stick with what we have.

 

[huntr1]

I don't know how some guys do it, because in my house, wife don't get no old, crappy computer if I have a new one. That schnit don't fly.

It's simple. I upgraded to a newer laptop because I needed a 2.0 USB for data transfer to do a specific job in Scouts. The older laptop is not much slower than the one I use.

She uses the old one just for Scouts. One specific job in Scouts. Data entry at troop meetings. Then she comes home and transfers the info to the online storage site and doesn't use the laptop again until the next troop meeting.

I have need for a more powerful, more capable computer than she does. Thus I have the marginally better computer. Both are laughably slow and old computers, but both suit our needs for now.

 

[EmptyTimCup]

I still have several working Commodore's


64 and an SX 64 (portable)
128 D lost s of spare drives and cables ..