Apple :: Mac Switchers Guide V2.0 With Illustrations
Jun 24, 2009
Complied By Sam and Xirurg.
______________________________________________________
Last updated: 17 May 2010
This guide is for new switchers and those interested in switching to Mac. The Mac Switcher's Guide covers commonly asked questions by potential Mac users as well as new Mac switchers!
Table of Contents:
Common Switcher Questions
Commonly Asked MacBook vs. MacBook Air vs. MacBook Pro Questions
New Mac Owners
Windows on the Mac
Troubleshooting
I would like to find out if anyone on this forum has switched from a MacBook Pro to a Sony FW or AW laptop. I currently own a 15" MacBook Pro from a year ago. The Sony FW and AW series have a very nice screen especially the Full HD screen. I plan to use the laptop as a desktop replacement mainly for FileMaker Pro database, Photoshop, Microsoft Office, audio, and video. To me the most important features in a desktop replacement are sharp screen, and a cool and quiet CPU. The things I do not like about the MacBook Pro is the overheating issue which causes the spinning beachball, and the noisy fans to kick in. I am leaning more toward the AW series due to the larger screen and TV tuner. I have an opportunity to sell the MacBook Pro and purchase the Sony AW series. I like the Apple OS X but have used Windows XP. I noticed on this forum that there are ways to slim down Windows Vista by removing bloatware. Will this make Vista closer to OS X? Any words of wisdom.
I'm just wondering what you guys have set up for tweaks in Crysis and I'd love some help optimizing my copy. I'm playing under Vista with the 1.1 patch and would enjoy getting a few extra frames/options enabled without the high performance cost.
Written by Richard Hamilton – Thomas Chace-Contributor/Proofreader
Need to recover your Dell, but don’t know where to start? Just Curious? Look no further, as this guide will walk you through the system recovery process. Whether you use XP, Vista, or 7, you’ll be back up and running in no time.
I’ll go over the pro’s and con’s of each recovery method, so you can make an informed decision. Unlike some other computer makers, the recovery method’s Dell has offered has changed over time, hence the need for this guide .....
if any bloatware removal guides exist for Acer machines? IE, which programs can I easily remove. We recently picked up an Acer (desktop) and it came LOADED with bloatware.
I will be adding to this regularly - please message me with anything and everything you would think would be helpful for others
I created this thread to be a one stop source for all the helpful information we have collected in over 500 pages of the owners lounge. Hopefully, I can keep it to one main page.
The order is as follows.
1. Introduction 2. General Information & Hardware Options 3. Operating Systems - XP, Fresh Vista, Windows 7 4. Software 5. Accessories & Recommendations 6. Basic Modifications 7. Advanced Modifications 8. Photo Gallery 9. Misc
The HP Laptop Out-Of-The-Box-Guide Windows 7 Edition
So, you just bought a new HP laptop? Congratulations and here starts your journey of optimization.
1.CREATE HP RECOVERY DISCS, Do not do anything else in this guide without doing this. Creating these discs will allow you to restore your computer to a factory state at any time if you mess up. To create these discs, click the start orb, and type in recovery. Click the program called recovery disc creation, and follow the prompts. IF YOU DO NOT DO THIS, YOU COULD RENDER YOUR SYSTEM INOPERABLE IF YOU MESS UP AND YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO FIX IT WITH A SIMPLE RESTORE. Also, back up your SwSetup folder (C:SwSetup) to a DVD for original software and drivers...............
I have to send back my studio XPS 1645 the thing is I have a Bluray drive in the system but the original configuration is a DVD slot load drive.
I would like to take the bluray drive out and put the original slot load drive back in (a dell tech did this for me last time) I was wondering if anyone knows of a guide or a wants to walk me through the process of doing a drive replacement
on disassembling my Aspire 7740G.I want to find my PLL chip for oc'ing.I guess i would somehow need to remove my keyboard?All attempts on my side failed (I removed all the screws i found still no success)A service manual or some info would be nice.
Guide: Clean installation of Windows 7 on Acer, heavily edited by moderators
This guide explains how to do a clean installation of Windows 7 on an Acer computer that's been licensed to used it. If your system originally came with Windows Vista, you need an Acer Upgrade Kit. If your system originally came with Windows 7, use the key on the bottom of your machine.
The described method will work for ANY edition (Starter/Home/Pro/Ultimate) and for ANY architecture (32/64-bit) and ANY language, but only the version you are licensed for; no free upgrades here.
Step 1: Verify eligibility for Windows 7. CONTENT REMOVED DUE TO PIRACY CONCERNS Either you are licensed for Windows 7 by having a key on the bottom of your machine, or you have an Acer Upgrade kit. If you have neither, then you are not licensed for it, regardless of what's in your BIOS.
Step 2: Back-up factory images and personal files. Since we will be reinstalling Windows you will lose all your files and ability to restore to factory condition, so it would be a wise thing to make back-ups. A. Back-up factory images. If you want to have restore DVDs then it should be a good time to create them now. You can do it via Acer eRecovery program. If you have a built-in or external DVD drive then simply burn them and if you do not then you can save DVD image to your hard drive. Follow these instructions. B. Back-up personal files. If you have files you would like to keep now it is time to save them to either a flash drive or an external hard drive.
Step 3: Preparing Windows 7 installation image. Simply use the content in this topic to download and prepare your Windows 7 DVD or USB key. This will also remove the version restriction so the burned DVD or prepped USB key can be used to install any version of Windows 7 - you'll still need the right license key, of course.
Step 4: Setting up Windows 7 installation media. See above..................................................
I tried to open up my computer today, but couldn't get to the fan. It's overheating, so I want to clean it. I guess the service guide should have instructions on how to do it. how I could get it or how I can get to the fan,
It's a TravelMate 2424... a guide for the 2420 series should do, I think.
I have Vaio VGN-SZ1M (bought in 2006) that I need to take apart. Unfortunately, I can't figure out how to pop out the keyboard. I have removed the "relevant" four screws from the bottom, then figured that the part between keyboard and display doesn't seem to be removable (as it is with my even older, super slow Toshiba Satellite I am relying on right now), and now I am stuck. Does anybody know where to find a disassembly guide? - Preferably a step-by-step guide as I am not only a blonde but also not exactly super computer-savvy (as this thread clearly demonstrates). Or does anybody know how to take this notebook apart?
For some reason the VGN-SZ1M (or VGN-SZ1M/B) has two different model names printed on it, the other one being "PCG-6J2M", but according to the Sony website the "PCG-6..." model number is used "for different purposes" - no idea what that means - and the "real" model number is VGN-SZ1M).
I have spent the past two hours trying to find a disassembly guide online (or just a quick "how to pop out/remove the keyboard" explanation, but haven't been successful. I have also tried to get in touch with Sony's customer service in the U.S., however, they cannot (or won't) help me because the laptop was bought in Germany (where I was living at that time), so the U.S. customer support doesn't feel responsible (or so), and the customer support in German doesn't apply because I am now located in the United States. Talk about being caught between a rock and a hard place. Don't take this as a rant, please, it's not meant as venting. Just trying to explain my level of "stuck-ness".
I recently purchased a refurbished TT Series laptop from SonyStyle. It didn't come with much in way of documentation - I'm still trying to sort out what they gave me.
Is there a write-up anywhere about the TT series computers? For example, something that tells how to adjust the screen brightness? Most new devices come with a booklet that identifies everything on the device, and tells how to use it. I find I still have questions about my TT, and while they may be rather ignorant (I don't know much about the TT), I'm still trying to figure out an answer....
clean Windows 7 (64) installation. My guide is more of a 'bare bones' installation as I only installed what is needed for functionality of the big features. The guide is incomplete. I will continue to update the document as I make more progress. Please feel free to report anything you find that is incorrect etc.
keep in mind this is for a FZ280 E/B, I have no idea if it will work on other FZ models.
I am still having problems with the Bluetooth driver/software and the Wireless Switch Utility (what exactly is this needed for?). I believe the functionality for Bluetooth is dependent on the something to do with the Wireless Switch Utility. However I haven't had any luck installing either option.
There appears to be a problem with the power management. I unplugged the notebook for the first time and the battery went from 95% to 60% within 5 - 10 minutes. Any thoughts will be appreciated. I will be researching for a solution as well.
Below is the attached guide and a link to download the drivers I have used for the installation.
however im having problems taking the screen apart.
i disconnected the video cable that connects to the screen however there is another cable connected on the right side. and i cant seem to find the spot to disconnect it.
Windows XP/Vista Reinstall Guide for Dell 17" Laptops
Specifically made for the XPS M1710 Also works for the Inspiron 9400/E1705, 1720, XPS M1730, Precision M90 and M6300, see *NOTE* below
Guide Version 1.20 (Last Updated: 5-20-2008)
I've gotten probably about 15-20 requests on a guide with the drivers I personally use for my XPS M1710 for reinstalling Windows, since I have both an XP-dedicated M1710 and a Vista-dedicated M1710. So... I finally got around to posting it for everyone to see, and it includes some things that some people don't know about... It was originally going to be just what drivers to use, but instead, I morphed it into a full reinstall guide, as there are some things in here alot of people don't know about.
I'm splitting this guide into two parts. The first being for Windows XP, and the second being for Windows Vista. Both are similar in ways, but its better to do it in 2 different sections, to avoid any confusion. I'm not posting a guide for Windows x64, as I unfortunately do not have a copy of it in either XP or Vista form, and most people on the forums don't use it, so this guide is sticking to the 32-Bit versions of the respective OSes.
*NOTE*Inspiron 9400/E1705 - Exchange the Gigabit Ethernet drivers outlined below for the Broadcom 10/100 drivers on the Dell Downloads site for the Inspiron 9400/E1705.
Inspiron 1720 - Exchange the Gigabit Ethernet drivers outlined below for the Broadcom 10/100 drivers on the Dell Downloads site for the Inspiron 1720. Also, exchange the Modem drivers for the one specifically for your laptop. If you have a Webcam, add that software in as the last "driver" installed before moving to the next step.
XPS M1730 - Exchange the Modem drivers for those specifically for the XPS M1730. If you have a Webcam, add that software, along with the "Logitech GamePanel" software, in as the last "driver" installed before moving to the next step.
Precision M90 - Procedure should be the same as that for the XPS M1710, including all drivers.
Precision M6300 - Exchange the Modem drivers for those specifically for the Precision M6300, and also add in the fingerprint reader software (if wanted/needed) as the last "driver" installed before moving to the next step
For the newer (Inspiron 1720, XPS M1730, Precision M6300) model laptops, you MUST DISABLE AHCI (change the setting from AHCI --> ATA) in the BIOS in order to proceed with installation of the Operating System without issues, otherwise the installation WILL FAIL......................
(Last update: May 27 2010) Change log: Mar 06 2010 - Changed SUS, VES, and VCC versions. Updated Intel 4965 adapter driver. Added Web-cam software. Added instruction for wireless band switching and disabling Bluetooth from device manager.
Mar 26 2010 - Updated Intel SATA/AHCI driver from 8.​9.​0.​1023 --> 9.6.0.1014 Mar 30 2010 - Updated Nvidia driver (laptopvideo2go) from 195.62 --> 197.16 Apr 03 2010 - Updated Nvidia driver (self modded inf) from 195.62 --> 197.16 Apr 22 2010 - Added Nvidia driver 197.45 through Windows Update May 09 2010 - Update to SUS, S-button and additional settings in VCC. May 27 2010 - Added Nvidia 257.15 driver, modded inf, and instructions.
The following steps below include various driver sources and install instructions.
1. Install your edition of Windows 7. I chose to change the UAC setting to never notify. If you leave it in the default setting, various prompts may open when installing the drivers and utilities. Open "Computer", click the "Organize" tab, navigate to "folder and search options", click "View" tab, and uncheck "Hide empty drives in the computer folder".
There will be two exclamation marks for the "Mass storage controller" and "Unknown device" in the device manager. Intel 4965 Wifi, Marvell network controller, and Conexant modem drivers are included in Windows 7. You can update them if necessary
how to guide for dual tri or quad boot linux with xp vista or 7 or all 3
Ubuntu is available as a "live" CD, which means that you can use it directly from the CD without installing it. But running an operating system from a CD is slow, to see what Ubuntu can do running at full speed, you need to install it to your hard disk.
The ideal situation would be to install Ubuntu on it's own separate hard disk, but most people don't have two hard drives in their computer, and most people are not prepared to give up Windows. Therefore they have to install Ubuntu along-side Windows on the same hard disk in a dual-boot configuration.
Configuring a dual-boot system involves partitioning your hard disk to make space for Ubuntu. When your computer first starts, it reads information on the first sector of the hard drive which tells it where to find the "boot loader". The boot loader is a file with information about the installed operating systems and how to start them.
The boot loader for Windows is a file named "boot.ini". The boot loader for a Linux system (like Ubuntu) is GRUB (Grand Unified Boot Loader). When you install Ubuntu in a dual-boot system, it redirects the system to use GRUB. When you first start your system, GRUB presents a list of options, including starting Ubuntu or starting Windows. So you'll still be able to use your Windows operating system.
To install Ubuntu, start it with the live CD. To use the live CD, your computer's BIOS must be configured to boot from the CD drive. It's probably already configured that way, but if not, when your computer first starts watch for a message telling you which key to press to access the BIOS setup. Most computers use the F2, F1, Esc, or Del key.........
I share with You the steps I've made to install a fresh Win 7 on A Vaio VPCF11Z1E (EU model)
1 Before anything else be sure to make Your recovery disks If You haven't already done them. It's very important to actually do them since we'll need them later. You will use them for a future installation of the bundled utilities You may require.....
From browsing the forums, i see that everyone is having trouble updating their drivers. Mobility modder currently does not support the ATI 4 series but there is still a way to install the drivers for us fortunuately . By doing this, you are able to install the display driver v9.6 but no CCC unforunately; however you can still retain the CCC v9.2 from Sony's official drivers.
1> Download the appropriate version OS of the 9.6 driver from [url]
2> Double click the file you just download and click install. It will unzip a folder to C:ATI (default). These are driver files. When the actual installation wizard comes up, cancel it.
3> Browse to C:ATI9-6_beta_win7_64_dd_CC (Driver name, e.g.)PackagesDriversDisplayW7_INF (For 32-bit) OR W76A_INF (for 64-bit)
**Btw, I am doing this example based on the Window 7 Install. (Other versions of the OS should be the same except the INF file name may be different)**
4> I am under 64-bit so I will use W76A_INF as an example for this guide. Double click on the INF file (for W7, it is named C7_81757)
5> Scroll down the file until you see a list like;
"ATI Radeon HD 2400 XT" = ati2mtag_RV610, PCIVEN_1002&DEV_94C1&SUBSYS_0D021002 "ATI Radeon HD 2900 PRO" = ati2mtag_R600, PCIVEN_1002&DEV_9400&SUBSYS_30001002 "ATI Radeon HD 2900 XT" = ati2mtag_R600, PCIVEN_1002&DEV_9400&SUBSYS_25521002
6> Add this anywhere between the entries you see above (does not have to be exact, just place this entry somewhere along the lines of the WHOLE list) "ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4570" = ati2mtag_M9x, PCIVEN_1002&DEV_9553&SUBSYS_9033104D Congratulations, the display driver can now be installed ONLY VIA the HAVE DISK method.
7> Quick review on HAVE DISK method; Device Manager > Right Click ATI 4570 then Update Driver Software > Browse my computer > Let me pick a list of Device drivers... > Have Disk > (Now browse to the INF file you just edited, in this example; the C7_81757 inf file.) Install, voila, DONE.
8> Now, to get the CCC v9.2 (Can't get 9.6 yet), get Sony's ATI drivers, run it and click on CUSTOM install, NOT EXPRESS, install CCC only and anything that is mandatory (DO NOT INSTALL THEIR DISPLAY DRIVERS!!!) .Voila, CCC 9.2 function (which is the same as 9.6 essentially).
I believe this method works for NW series w/ ATI 4570 too.
UPDATED OCTOBER 27 2009 FOR OFFICIAL WINDOWS 7 RELEASE
will benefit many of you upgrading to Microsoft Windows 7 64-bit RTM. This install was done and tested on a Vaio VGN-FW139E/H.
Hardware
While the VGN-FW line shares many components, many models also differ. So, I will first list the hardware that is on the VGN-FW139E and the install was done on.
