Anne you are going to be so thrilled once you get set up and started and it sounds like things are really working out for you. We have a great computer Forum here at Garden Web and they will be happy to steer you in the right direction for most anything you want. Welcome!!

Oh, yes, the Computer Forum has saved me many times, and they are so considerate. Congratulations on your new step.

I am worried though because I don't have a Security Package yet. I know I can download a free one. I just don't know which one is the best.
That is something you might want to address before even getting 'on line' with it.
You said it was used, so I'm thinking it might already have an antivirus program installed on it. I would search 'Programs' to try and find out.

Having 2 antivirus programs activated at the same time, can cause major problems, something you can likely avoid.
If there is already one on it, and it is free, you might just need to get the updates which are also free.

AVG FREE is a well like antivirus often recommended at Computer Help.

I'm so excited for you getting a computer and high speed. You are going to love it!

Sue

Here is a link that might be useful: Soon you may be here!

I recently signed up for free virus protection...it is Avast...I've been satisfied with it...

It updates nearly everyday .

patti

When my DS gave me a computer for Christmas, I cried after he left. I so loved my WEB TV, but after I got used to the pc, I have learned so much. Would not have web tv back, ever.

I have dialup, it's slow, but then it's for me and I'm happy with it. Have AOL for $11.95 a month.

My virus protection is Trend and it is really good!

I have been visiting the Computer Forum for years even though I didn't have a computer. I have passed along a wealth of information I have learned there to friends and family. I keep telling them to join so they can ask questions themselves but they seem reluctant. I told them they would save time and money by reading what is there.

Accessing the Computer Forum is another reason I am keeping my Webtv connection. This way when my computer goes down I can still ask questions.

I think I am going to ask my boss from the Election to come over and check out the computer and maybe hook up the internet hardware for me. He was an exec at IBM and took an early retirement so he knows all about computers.

Here comes my friend with my computer chair. I am going out to do some shopping for my sister Lizzie. She called me last night and said she has been very sick for a month and hasn't been working. This is my sister who is a nurse and lived in Saudi Arabia and was treated for Stage 4 double breast cancer. I am worried but will think positive. Doctors are doing a lot of tests.

I didn't want to post about my Sister separately and ask for good thoughts because my sister would not like that. I know the power of the KT so I am going to ask anyways. Thanks

Anne

Glenda, my brother says once I get on the internet with the computer I will want to say goodbye to my little black box. I'm not to sure - I'll wait awhile plus I have to get some use out of the new keyboard I just got for my birthday. We paid more for the new keyboard with shipping costs and UPS costs than I did for my Webtv when it was new. LOL

Maybe I will pass my Webtv along to my sister Marjorie. She pays for the service for me anyways in lieu of the newspaper subscription she gave to me for Christmas a few years ago. I told her she could pay the webtv instead of the paper and it would be cheaper than the newspaper. LOL She wanted to get a laptop but I know my sister and she can't even operate her VCR let alone know how to even turn on a computer. Webtv would be easy for her to learn.

Anne

You can change your AOL to Free now. Most everyone has and uses free AOL DS takes care of mine so I don't worry about it.

Anne I hope you get your sister into using the WebTV it is a start. None of my school buddies from my past even have a computer hence a note once a year by snail mail we could be having such good fun.

AVG here too. Had it for years and never a problem one.
And it's free!

Trin

I had a friend come over to put the internet hardware on my computer last night so I would be ready for Tuesday but we had a little setback. The cable that goes from the modem into the CPU doesn't fit because it is a bit too wide.

I called the Bell store today where I picked up the stuff and the female clerk said the cable should fit. When I told her it didn't fit she seemed not to believe me. She told me it fits all computers. LOL Well it didn't fit into mine. She then said she would look around the shop for a USB cord - she said I could use that instead but they didn't have one. My friend said the clerk is crazy and does not know what she is talking about. I don't know either way. LOL So I guess I will call Bell tomorrow and see if they can send me one or if they can solve the problem.

Also we moved the refrigerator to get at my phone jack and we put the filter on and plugged in the cord for the modem. I get up this morning and I couldn't get a dial tone with my cordless phone which is plugged into that jack. I pulled off everything and put the jack back the way it was - with only my phone and I still don't get a dial tone. I can use the phone in my living room and my Webtv so I don't know what is up with that either.

My friend showed me a bunch of stuff on the computer and showed me how to play a CD. She said I have a really expensive set of speakers and a woofer? and the music sounds better than what comes out of my CD player. LOL I changed the screen saver too.

I have so much to learn.

Anne

I have a suggestion that works for me when I do it.

When DS shows me how to do something on the computer or phone etc I write down the How to step by step. I find that way I can follow along without having to remember each thing or call him because I forgot.

Well done, Anne!

Enjoy!

I've been using AVG for quite a long time, and happy with it.

Some say that we need a firewall as well as anti-virus service and I don't think that such is part of AVG free service, as I understand that it only stops viruses, trojan horses, etc.

ole joyful

Good idea Minnie.

LOL Ed, I don't even really know what a Firewall is but i have heard of it.

My friend came over again tonight and said my phone jack needs to be replaced, the wires were loose which is why I wasn't getting a dial tone. I guess when we moved the fridge back in, we hit the jack.

Donna checked the back of the computer again and said the computer doesn't seem to to have an ethernet (sp) port to plug the modem in.

Anne

Hi Anne!
Glad to see you are getting DSL. We have DSL in Ottawa - you need special phonejack adapters that filter the phone line for you since it is now carrying DSL. The jack plugs into the outlet and you plug your phone into the jack (it has a small converter on it about the size of a bic lighter). I don't know how your WebTV is hooked up but if there is a telephone line running into your box, then that line also requires a converter jack.

I hope this helps you to know what to ask for. I think we got ours from Bell when we got our modem package. Call customer service and ask if they supply them or where you can get them.

******

On a special note - my prayers are with you and your sister right now. Positive thoughts too. Anne you have been there when I needed a kind word and hand to hold. I know you are strong, I just hope I can be there for you too.

LOL
Peggy

Hey, Anne!!!

I saw you signed in on Saturday, but I haven't had time to post. Had some other stuff going on and finally got that taken care of.

You are going to enjoy your PC so much when you get all the kinks worked out. Do go to CompHelp with your Web TV and tell them about your computer, all the stats that you know, such as make, age, operating system, etc., and ask what you should do first and which security programs are best for you. The bad guys can get in the minute you hit the Internet, so you need those securities before that happens.

You are right about the Whole New World! There is no end to what you can do with a PC. And, yes, they can make you want to tear your hair out sometimes, too. Just remember: Google is your friend!

Best wishes to your Sis.

Sue

Cool news...you signed up and I discontinued our service LOL if we got to stay home I would keep it just can't find a real good reason to pay 70 a month for me and the kids to get to use it for 2 weeks out of the month...Stacy