Computer People Help Me Out...

[RhymesayersDU]

I just bought a brand new Dell Inspiron 5160 Laptop.

Yet for some reason, it lags a bunch, right out of the box.

Any reason why? Anything I can do?

[Saulbadguy]

They probably loaded it with a bunch of factory-installed software that you don't need. Go to control panel > add/remove programs, and uninstall anything you don't think you need.

Also, how much memory does it have?

[RhymesayersDU]

Memory, it has 256 or some such... It's the step below 512 or whatever.

My roomate said to uninstall stuff I don't want then run a defrag... so I shall start to take things off here.

[Candy Cigarettes]

256 just doesn't cut it anymore. If you have several programs that start up when you turn on your computer, you may be running low on memory right away. I would install Codestuff Starter (http://www.snapfiles.com/get/starter.html). This is a free program that will give you a detailed view of what programs are activated on start-up and give you an option to stop them from loading. Some of today's antivirus and firewall programs really sap your memory. You really shouldn't need a defrag if you just got the computer. You may want to increase the size of your temporary cache.

[Rock Chalk]

256 MB is the bare minimum for Windows XP. You should double up as soon as you can because it wont matter what you do to tweak it, you will still have lag.

[RhymesayersDU]

So, if I wanted to increase the memory (which it's becoming quickly apparent that I should) how do I go about it? I need to take it somewhere to get it serviced, right? Or is this something I can buy at like CompUSA and install myself?

[Bronx33]

MORE RAM! scotty!

[Rock Chalk]

Go to CompUSA or some other such store. Tell them your make and model number of your Laptop and tell them you want 256 more memory to upgrade.

As for putting it in yourself, your a college kid, you should be able to figure it out. There will be one spot for it, it will be able to go in one way, you really cant miss it. Google Dell laptop memory upgrade and you should find something useful to help you.

[Rock Chalk]

http://www.memoryx.net/3112955.html

Thats the memory stick you will need. 50 bucks.

[Candy Cigarettes]

If it's a Dell, just call your support number and they can probably tell you what you've got in there and what is appropriate for your motherboard. It snaps into place. If you aren't comfortable with it though, don't do it...no sense in screwing up your brand new laptop. It won't cost that much to have it installed.

[Rock Chalk]

If it's a Dell, just call your support number and they can probably tell you what you've got in there and what is appropriate for your motherboard. It snaps into place. If you aren't comfortable with it though, don't do it...no sense in screwing up your brand new laptop. It won't cost that much to have it installed.
75 bucks for someone to install it, minimum.

[Candy Cigarettes]

I don't charge $75.00. :)

[Rock Chalk]

Good for you, most businesses charge 75 bucks to even crack open a computer.

I dont charge anything, but then Im not in the business of fixing computers, I just do it for friends. However, if I were in the business I wouldnt even touch a computer without chaging AT LEAST 50 bucks but more likely 75 just to look at it.

If people in this day and age want to remain ignorant about computers and how to work them (not referring to you Rhymes), then I will be happy to overcharge them for simplistic procedures ;)

[RhymesayersDU]

Believe me, I know all about computer charging. My old lap top crapped out on me, and just taking it in to the place cost me 80 bucks, even though I chose not to fix it and get a new one. So it looks like I will do it myself. If it's something I can just insert like my wireless card, I'll do it myself. As long as I don't have to try and take the laptop apart I should be fine, I think.

Edit: I probably should have clicked that link above first. We'll see what I do about this.

Rep to Candy, and Alec I owe you some, I can't rep you yet because I repped the "TJ is a **** **** troll" comment.