How do I use all this stuff?

Question

Hey everyone,

I looked up some of this stuff in the forum advanced search, but to no avail. I just got a Dim 4600 and it has all kinds of software installed on it. The problem is, I don't know how to use any of it! (example: dell jukebox, musicmatch...) I've been to the website and all but I am wondering simple things about these programs, like do I have to subscribe to musicmatch to download tracks and then burn them? Or is that something that dell jukebox includes already? I have so many software programs, I just don't know what to do with all of them, nor do I know if I will ever use them, but obviously they come preinstalled by dell. Another example is the 6 month earthlink/aol thing... I already have an ISP, so can i just delete all this aol and eathlink stuff? or is there a reason i should keep it? Hopefully someone can help me work through some of this software stuff that I have. Of course there are no guides or anything to go by. The main reason I'm asking is because on my old junkbox computer, i DL so many software programs and they took up so much space on my computer... i just don't want use up space with useless software. Thanks in advance for any responses.

msil217 · Answer

My advice is go to Start--- Control Panel--Add/Remove Programs to remove the software you don't use.

Be careful what you remove.

I don't use MusicMatch, so I cannot tell you hoew to use it.

To learn how to use a program, at the top of the program, click "help".

Just don't uninstall your Antivirus (Norton, McAfee, etc.) or Windows Service packs.
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Some in this forum reformat their hard drives when they buy a new pc, to remove all the extra junk, and install just the stuff they want.

But you will lose some things that are not on any of the CD's.
But if the music and User and Systems Guides do not matter, then it's OK.

I just back up the stuff I don't want to lose on CD.

msgale · Answer

I suggest you remove nothing.  I am sure at this point that disk space is not a problem, so in practical terms you gain nothing.  If you don't know what a program is for or how it works, I contend that you can not make a rational about removing it.  Most programs have a help function which could be your learning starting point.

Denny Denham · Answer

kitten0509,

It is safe to remove the six-month offers from Earthlink and AOL, you will not need them. I have not purchased a new Dell for several years, so I don't know whether or not they are listed in Add/Remove Programs but if they are that is where you should remove them. Don't delete anything. As far as MusicMatch goes, go to Help|Tutorial and a Flash tutorial will demonstrated some of its features. You can also learn more about the program (or later versions of it) by browsing the Web site here.

zool · Answer

kitten0509,

I agree with Denny Denham and msgale: do not delete anything exept the AOL and Earthlink...for awhile.

Whenever you want to find out what a program does, open it up and look for the "preferences", or "options". Inside there, by unchecking undesirable elements, you can control most of a program's activity . Then, find the "help" button and browse a program's Index; merely reading will enable you to better understand the good from the bad.

Within time, you will be able to decide easily what stays, what goes.

A more important issue should be What do I download, and what do I do with it before it becomes a nightmare?

Research.

zool

kitten0509 · Answer

ok, thanks everyone for your help.  AOL and earthlink are successfully gone.  another question relating to these software programs is they're now all upgradable... it seems like everything that came preinstalled needs upgrades.... seems crazy to have a new computer and operating system and have to upgrade it as soon as i turn the computer on!  oh well, technology is flying.  Thanks again everyone

Denny Denham · Answer

kitten0509,

The only upgrades you should be concerned about at this stage are Critical Updates to Windows which you can get by opening Internet Explorer and going to Tools|Windows Update. They are necessary for security reasons (and if you are on a broadband connection and are able to install SP2 to Windows XP you will be nearly completely up to date on them). Many of the programs that you received preinstalled from Dell are trial or limited versions of the retail versions. Use what you have for a while and see if you like it. If so, you can then invest in upgrading to a full version. If you don't like it you can let it expire or uninstall it.

kitten0509 · Answer

I have another question that is quite unrelated... but if I decide to use something like WinMX instead of Musicmatch, is this illegal p2p software like kazaa is? Because obviously I'd rather pay for my music than pay $5000 fines, but with a burner and everything, it just seems pointless to buy cd's when I can burn music.  I was kind of naive I guess in thinking that software like Musicmatch or Win media player allows p2p sharing.

kitten0509 · Answer

Denny,

Thanks for mentioning that about the windows update, i was reading your website for new computers and I saw that on there and checked it out. When I first logged onto my computer, I registered for .NET and now windows update has told me there is an update for that. the thing is... I don't really know what .NET is. If you have time (not crucial) but maybe you could explain that to me a bit. What I gather about it is that it is something that could help me with transferring files via the internet for business applications. Am I even close to the purpose? And should I DL the update... I am assuming that the express install is only going to search for critical updates. There was also an update for the XP family: GDI detector? I need a computer whiz to sit next to me every time I access the internet!

And thanks again for everyone's help!

Denny Denham · Answer

kitten0509,

You can learn more about .NET than you ever wanted to know here. You may need it to access applications and services built with it. The only thing that uses in on a normal Dell setup is Dell Support, which is pretty well useless. I don't have .NET Framework on my computer for there is nothing I need it for at the present time. You should download all Critical Updates, the others depend on whether they support the way you use your computer (and I don't recommend downloading driver updates from the Windows Update site, they are better obtained from the Web site of the manufacturer of the hardware they support).

msgale · Answer

Let me respond this way, as current copyright law is interperted, what you are considering is stealing, and you are betting that you won't be caught, which is probably true. Many believe that the copyright rules are bad, and for all intent unenforceable, that also may be true. Others claim that the copyright holders have made too much money from the copyrights already, that too may be true. Their are claims that paying for a album to get one song is unreasonable. The U. S. Constitution established copyrights and patends in Artile I, Â§8, clause 8, which says in part: Congress shall have Power ... o promote the Progress of Science ... by securing [to Authors] for limited Times ... the exclusive Right to their ... Writings.â€� But unles and until the laws are changed, what you are suggesting it is illegal. I do resent those who do it, not because I hold any copyrights or I some how make money from copyrights, but becaused I have paid for every song I have downloaded and listened to and resent those who do not. Further I believe that if everyone paid my cost would be lower, since I would not have to carry thedead beats.

Message Edited by msgale on 09-24-2004 03:40 AM

msil217 · Answer

msgale, I agree. If the music is free, it likely is illegal. Best to pay for it. Songs usually run 79-99 cents each.

Disabled · Answer

Believe me, you don't want to use the Winmx and other P2P sharing programs.  These programs are infested with many many viruses and trojans.  If you do, be very careful......

scoobydooby · Answer

Message Edited by scoobydooby on 09-24-2004 12:19 PM

Windows General

How do I use all this stuff?

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