The Digital Diva - Helping Readers Through the Digital Revolution

Editor's Note: Welcome to The Digital Diva - a new computer advice column we are trying out that I believe will have wide appeal to readers and benefit them in addressing technical concerns about their computer systems. It's a technical column, but with an unexpected twist: instead of the traditional geeky looking guy responding to questions, this column features a girl who has a great sense of humor and is very capable in answering computer problems.
 

If you have a question for The Digital Diva, you can contact her at:

questions@thedigitaldiva.net

The other day I was reminiscing about the first computer I ever owned - a 'state of the art' Commodore (note to younger readers: The Commodore was, like, a very popular computer for us kids back in the 80s). I loved that computer, just like my Atari (note to younger readers: Atari, was like, the first home video game back in the 70s). My brother and I were really addicted to Pong. (note to younger readers: Pong, was like, the first video arcade game and originated back in the 60s).

Remember how there were not even hard drives in those? Everything ran off of a floppy disk. Think about the adjustments we have had to make with computers over the years. Think of how much trauma we've endured upgrading and transferring to countless new computers. (Note to younger readers: you have no idea).

I can't even begin to imagine attempting to try to transfer data from a Commodore 64 and have it work on one of my new PC's. Hey, we can still download Pong, though see the link of the week....

Transfer Trauma?

Hi Diva,

I just purchased a new computer system and would like to know how to transfer all my data from my old computer to the new one. Is that possible?
Thanks, Jeff

What's up, Jeff? Some of the newer machines no longer have floppy drives or even standard serial ports. And this depends. How ancient is your computer?

Does it even have a USB port? If you have a writeable CD-ROM you could consider transferring the data that way.

Windows XP, for example, provides a wizard that will transfer your documents and settings. If the necessary hardware is missing, then that problem can be solved in other ways perhaps even email. If both machines have a USB port, you can use a thumb drive or some other external USB storage device.

I want to emphasize that transfer of data is easy, but to transfer Windows programs requires reinstallation.

Trying to move a Windows program manually would be a nightmare, one which you should avoid. Just reinstall the program and get the updates online. Go to Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Files and Settings Transfer. Follow the on-screen prompts to transfer the settings.

Confused with USB?

Diva,

Sometimes my computer tells me that I have a high-speed USB device plugged into a non high-speed port. Aren't all the new computers equipped with all high-speed ports?
Thanks, John G.

There's a new version of USB - USB 2.0, with a robust 480 Mbps data transfer rate, which makes it faster than IEEE 1394 (FireWire), and earning it the nickname Hi-Speed USB. USB devices have always operated at either 12 Mbps (for full-speed devices) or a measly 1.5 Mbps. USB 2.0 lets you use more of those devices at once and also adds the higher speed. Your USB 2.0 mouse is still a low speed device and is probably running at only 1 Mbps, but your USB 2.0 Hi-Speed CD-RW can take advantage of the new USB 2.0 high speeds and burn CDs much faster.

Microsoft and the others who created USB 2.0 didn't leave USB 1.1 folks in the dust. USB 2.0 is fully compatible with USB 1.1 devices. The older devices work with the new bus, and vice versa.

Keep in mind that you can't connect a Hi-Speed USB device to a USB 1.1 controller and expect it to run faster. All the USB 2.0 hubs in the world won't help an old computer system that has built-in USB 1.1 controllers. You would have to add a PC USB 2.0 controller card, or buy a new system. Hi-Speed USB 2.0 devices work fine when they're plugged into an older USB 1.1 controller-but they'll run at only 12 Mbps, instead of 480 Mbps. Which you'll definitely notice! It's a major difference when you upgrade.

If you've frequented your local computer store, you've probably noticed USB 2.0 devices for sale. Manufacturers sell USB 2.0 PCI controller cards for desktop PCs for less than $50. USB 2.0-compatible cables have been around for awhile. USB 2.0 shouldn't require you to buy new cables..

Most manufacturers now sell new PCs with support for USB 2.0 built in. If you want to add USB 2.0 to your computer, you must buy a USB 2.0 controller card and install it. For a desktop computer, this involves opening the case for access to your computer's PCI slots. For a laptop, you can plug in a PC card whenever you want to connect a new Hi-Speed USB device. Microsoft's web site provides a compatibly list for your operating system.

After you've installed your new USB 2.0 controller and devices, connect to the Internet and open Windows Update. Make sure that your new hardware is plugged in and operating. If Windows XP recognizes your new hardware, it offers you the choice to download the new drivers.

Link of the Week

David Winter has been kind enough to take us back in time with Pong. Those of you that are into these state of the art graphics, check out pong! You won't believe this, if you haven't seen it, check it out! (Note to younger readers: you can't play this game on XBOX or PS2).

www.pong-story.com/pcpong.htm