Is there a way to play DVD's on my computer?

Heath said:
It says Compact Disc Re-Writeable Ultra Speed ? It is some kind of symbol on it with a plus on it beside the Ultra Speed + like this.

I am not sure what that is but I can pop in some DVD and it will play and some won't play on DVD ???? but for some CD's I can read things on it but can't copy anything on it.
Click to expand...

Then what you have is a CD burner.

It will not play DVDs.

I mainly use my cd burner to backup all of my data and pics. I think, if you are having trouble burning your data or whatever to CD's, that you need Nero. It is a CD burning software, easy to use. I have it myself.
 
LuciaDisturbed said:
Then what you have is a CD burner.

It will not play DVDs.

I mainly use my cd burner to backup all of my data and pics. I think, if you are having trouble burning your data or whatever to CD's, that you need Nero. It is a CD burning software, easy to use. I have it myself.
Click to expand...

Is this what you are talking about ?

http://ww2.nero.com/enu/index.html
 
Yep, you got it right. I have Nero Express and PowerDVD -- it works well.
 
Heath said:
It says Compact Disc Re-Writeable Ultra Speed ? It is some kind of symbol on it with a plus on it beside the Ultra Speed + like this.

I am not sure what that is but I can pop in some DVD and it will play and some won't play on DVD ???? but for some CD's I can read things on it but can't copy anything on it.
Click to expand...
Some DVD's require that you install the player that comes on the DVD in order to play that particular DVD. I think they do this to defeat illegal copying of the DVD.

But.......... if you are deciding to upgrade, here are some things to consider

What will I use the computer for?
For most, the answer will be to surf the web, email, office applications (word processing, spreadsheets, database), music and video playback. If you fall into this catagory then starting with a base system (by today's standards) will be a good start. That is assuming the base system includes a CD/DVD R-w drive. If not then you would need to have that included. If you are going to be using the system for video gaming, audio or video recording or engineering applications such as CAD/CAMM, you will need to upgrade from the base system or perhaps start with high end systems.

How much do I have to spend?
Set your budjet and then go shopping. Pick the package that gives you the most bang for your buck. When selecting a system the thiings I would consider are; processor speed, storage capacity, random access memory (RAM), and I/O interface types. If you are not using this as a gaming system then the standard video card that comes on newer systems will suffice. I/O interface types includeRS-232, USB, Firewire, network, etc. Most new systems come with firewire but if it's an upgrade and you don't need it, then don't pay for the upgrade.

Which brand should I choose?
I would stick with a known name brand that has a good support structure and good reputation. Personally, I think that Dell is not a bad system. They are easy to work on and Dell''s support is pretty good. Compaq was bought out by HP and I have never liked the Compaq becuase of it's propriatary nature. Example: you need to upgrade RAM. You have to purchase Compaq's RAM and they charge you double or triple of third party OEM's. I have had pretty good luck in the past with Gateway as well. I was always pleased with their customer support but I haven't used them for several years now. There will always be somone out there that has had a bad experience with any vendor but that doesn't mean they are bad. My experience with Sony was bad but that doesn't mean they make a bad system and that doesn't mean you will have a bad experience with them. The thing I would do is stay away from those systems that you purchase from TV. I believe that is where you got your current system. The problem with those is support. Just my opinions and I hope this helps. Here are some links to a couple of offerings out there right now. Good luck and let me know if you have any questions.

Dell

Gateway

Sony

HP
 
Or go for Mac Mini or iMac it comes with DVD burner and DVD Player plus awesome iChat AV ! up to you
http://www.apple.com/hardware/ under "New Macs (Intel)"

with Mini Mac you can keep your existing keyboard, mouse, monitor.

iMac comes with keyoard/mouse the display is awesome.

Mac Book and Mac Book Pro has built in iSight (webcam)

Look at the link first before you shoot (*&^(*^)*^ at me or at Apple.
 
Since I assume that you're in a budget and you're looking into getting a new computer, I might recommend you build your own computer.

If you want a full-tower case, I recommend you buy:

Aerocool Masstige Case - Black for $94.99
ULTRA X-Connect 400 Watt Modular Power Supply - Titanium for $59.99
BIOSTAR TFORCE4 AM2 Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce4 ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail for $74.99
AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Orleans 2000MHz HT 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 Processor for $135.00
Crucial Technology Ballistix 512MB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM Unbuffered DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) System Memory for $89.00
ASUS EN7600GS SILENT/HTD/512M Geforce 7600GS 512MB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 Video Card for $146.99
PLEXTOR Black 16X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 16X DVD-R 4X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2M Cache IDE 16X DVD±R DVD Burner with 20pk TDK 8x dvd-r media for $79.99
Seagate Barracuda 7200.9 ST3808110AS 80GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic 7.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Interface Sound Card - Retail for $121.99
Microsoft Windows XP Home with SP2 - Retail for $199.99

Plus a little more left over to buy a keyboard and mouse, but you can use the one from your eMachine. These, above, are my recommendations. You might want to look around in NewEgg.com to find a processor/motherboard you'd want, but they must be compatible to each other. For example, an AM2 processor only works in a motherboard equipped with an AM2 socket. Another example is a motherboard can only support DDR2 240-pin memory modules.


I recommend you read PCWorld's Build Your Own PC.

The advantage of buildinga computer is you have a choice to choose without limiting yourself to a computer manufacturer who build their computer to their liking and attact customers to their computers. With the modular power supply, you have greater flexibility on cable management and better airflow. Standard power supplies with standard wires just tend to reduce the airflow and can be a mess managine cables from the back of the power supply. Second is pre-installed software. When you buy a pre-built computer from a manufacturer like Dell or HP, you will get pre-installed software put into a hard drive. Plus, there can be junk stuff that will slow down your computer, like when you browse the web or such...

But if you don't want to build your own computer but buy a pre-built PC from a manufacturer, consider reading PCWorld's "Gunk Busters!"! :) Page 2 shows you how to clean off your computer via Add/Remove programs, but it may be better if you use Microsoft Update first before you start cleaning off your computer. Even if you uninstall Norton or McAfee, either of the two programs may leave a left-over files and registry entries in your hard drive. If a PC vendor provides a Windows-reinstaller disc with your PC, reinstallation of Windows will be the best case of action.

Head over to PCWorld's Blocker Madness and read up on security tools once you build or buy a new PC.

I hope I can be of any help! :)
 
GraysonPeddie said:
Since I assume that you're in a budget and you're looking into getting a new computer, I might recommend you build your own computer.

If you want a full-tower case, I recommend you buy:

Aerocool Masstige Case - Black for $94.99
ULTRA X-Connect 400 Watt Modular Power Supply - Titanium for $59.99
BIOSTAR TFORCE4 AM2 Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce4 ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail for $74.99
AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Orleans 2000MHz HT 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 Processor for $135.00
Crucial Technology Ballistix 512MB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM Unbuffered DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) System Memory for $89.00
ASUS EN7600GS SILENT/HTD/512M Geforce 7600GS 512MB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 Video Card for $146.99
PLEXTOR Black 16X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 16X DVD-R 4X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2M Cache IDE 16X DVD±R DVD Burner with 20pk TDK 8x dvd-r media for $79.99
Seagate Barracuda 7200.9 ST3808110AS 80GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic 7.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Interface Sound Card - Retail for $121.99
Microsoft Windows XP Home with SP2 - Retail for $199.99

Plus a little more left over to buy a keyboard and mouse, but you can use the one from your eMachine. These, above, are my recommendations. You might want to look around in NewEgg.com to find a processor/motherboard you'd want, but they must be compatible to each other. For example, an AM2 processor only works in a motherboard equipped with an AM2 socket. Another example is a motherboard can only support DDR2 240-pin memory modules.


I recommend you read PCWorld's Build Your Own PC.

The advantage of buildinga computer is you have a choice to choose without limiting yourself to a computer manufacturer who build their computer to their liking and attact customers to their computers. With the modular power supply, you have greater flexibility on cable management and better airflow. Standard power supplies with standard wires just tend to reduce the airflow and can be a mess managine cables from the back of the power supply. Second is pre-installed software. When you buy a pre-built computer from a manufacturer like Dell or HP, you will get pre-installed software put into a hard drive. Plus, there can be junk stuff that will slow down your computer, like when you browse the web or such...

But if you don't want to build your own computer but buy a pre-built PC from a manufacturer, consider reading PCWorld's "Gunk Busters!"! :) Page 2 shows you how to clean off your computer via Add/Remove programs, but it may be better if you use Microsoft Update first before you start cleaning off your computer. Even if you uninstall Norton or McAfee, either of the two programs may leave a left-over files and registry entries in your hard drive. If a PC vendor provides a Windows-reinstaller disc with your PC, reinstallation of Windows will be the best case of action.

Head over to PCWorld's Blocker Madness and read up on security tools once you build or buy a new PC.

I hope I can be of any help! :)
Click to expand...

Thank you Graysonpeddie, There were many times, I thought of going into the computer repair business and become certified to fix computers, I could save alots of money plus build my own computer. I could go to NTID to become a computer technian but I was told it was alittle more harder than fixing your car or truck or to re-build your car or truck because computers are becoming more and more complex, more powerful. I won't know until I go to college to fix computers which is something I would enjoy doing. I also would have to go back to college more often to keep up with computer training classes which also means on my time off then there will be alots of Deaf social time with friends. I have not seen something as detailed like this before. Thank you and God Bless !!!!! :angel:
 
Thank you everybody for the comments and the suggestions. Keep them coming. I have seen people with 2 CD players on their tower and they can copy things then give me a CD that I can keep. What is this called and I was told it is about $35. to $50. to put an additional CD player that pops in CD's to be copied because there are some things I would like to copy and pass onto my family and friends. Thank you and God Bless ..... :angel:
 
No problem. Are you considering building a custom PC or buying a pre-built PC from a vendor like HP or Gateway? I'd stay away from Dell if I were you as they only make computers with Intel processors. I'm a fan of AMD but I don't like calling myself an "AMD fanboy" and I may not know when Intel will build processors that will exceed the performance that of AMD's processors since AMD's Opteron processors had a reputition of becaming a performance leader over Intel as server customers switched from Intel to AMD for their needs like performance (but not all of the business have switched to AMD), but Intel might be shipping better processors sometime during Fall 2006 but can't be sure.
 
Heath said:
Thank you Graysonpeddie, There were many times, I thought of going into the computer repair business and become certified to fix computers, I could save alots of money plus build my own computer. I could go to NTID to become a computer technian but I was told it was alittle more harder than fixing your car or truck or to re-build your car or truck because computers are becoming more and more complex, more powerful. I won't know until I go to college to fix computers which is something I would enjoy doing. I also would have to go back to college more often to keep up with computer training classes which also means on my time off then there will be alots of Deaf social time with friends. I have not seen something as detailed like this before. Thank you and God Bless !!!!! :angel:
Click to expand...

Not really. I learn how to built the computer myself when I was 16 in 1997. I don't learn anything from school. Just read a book. Simple.
 
Neo said:
Not really. I learn how to built the computer myself when I was 16 in 1997. I don't learn anything from school. Just read a book. Simple.
Click to expand...

Right .... Yes, read the book and follow the instructions as a hobby then become very skilled at fixing computers but I will need a certificate to open a real computer business.
 
I suggest you to buy HP or MAC kind of Computers or maybe DELL... DONT BUY GATEWAY because it's horrible, I used to have one of Gateway computer, it been BROKE down few times in less than a year because Gateway's Parts in Tower isn't good quality. My parents fed up and bought HP and it's running fine, but it does have A LITTLE problem that's all because of Virus, my parents are looking for Virus Blocker that will be match in HP's Tower then it will be fine for sure...
 
rockdrummer said:
Some DVD's require that you install the player that comes on the DVD in order to play that particular DVD. I think they do this to defeat illegal copying of the DVD.

But.......... if you are deciding to upgrade, here are some things to consider

What will I use the computer for?
For most, the answer will be to surf the web, email, office applications (word processing, spreadsheets, database), music and video playback. If you fall into this catagory then starting with a base system (by today's standards) will be a good start. That is assuming the base system includes a CD/DVD R-w drive. If not then you would need to have that included. If you are going to be using the system for video gaming, audio or video recording or engineering applications such as CAD/CAMM, you will need to upgrade from the base system or perhaps start with high end systems.

How much do I have to spend?
Set your budjet and then go shopping. Pick the package that gives you the most bang for your buck. When selecting a system the thiings I would consider are; processor speed, storage capacity, random access memory (RAM), and I/O interface types. If you are not using this as a gaming system then the standard video card that comes on newer systems will suffice. I/O interface types includeRS-232, USB, Firewire, network, etc. Most new systems come with firewire but if it's an upgrade and you don't need it, then don't pay for the upgrade.

Which brand should I choose?
I would stick with a known name brand that has a good support structure and good reputation. Personally, I think that Dell is not a bad system. They are easy to work on and Dell''s support is pretty good. Compaq was bought out by HP and I have never liked the Compaq becuase of it's propriatary nature. Example: you need to upgrade RAM. You have to purchase Compaq's RAM and they charge you double or triple of third party OEM's. I have had pretty good luck in the past with Gateway as well. I was always pleased with their customer support but I haven't used them for several years now. There will always be somone out there that has had a bad experience with any vendor but that doesn't mean they are bad. My experience with Sony was bad but that doesn't mean they make a bad system and that doesn't mean you will have a bad experience with them. The thing I would do is stay away from those systems that you purchase from TV. I believe that is where you got your current system. The problem with those is support. Just my opinions and I hope this helps. Here are some links to a couple of offerings out there right now. Good luck and let me know if you have any questions.

Dell

Gateway

Sony

HP
Click to expand...


Why you pick bad company? Dell, Gateway and Sony are ever not great too.

Why Dell alway come with AOL 90 free software inside? It's annoying. Did you ever call Dell before?
 
Sweetheart said:
I suggest you to buy HP or MAC kind of Computers or maybe DELL... DONT BUY GATEWAY because it's horrible, I used to have one of Gateway computer, it been BROKE down few times in less than a year because Gateway's Parts in Tower isn't good quality. My parents fed up and bought HP and it's running fine, but it does have A LITTLE problem that's all because of Virus, my parents are looking for Virus Blocker that will be match in HP's Tower then it will be fine for sure...
Click to expand...


:werd: No more Gateways of Hell for me too! I had a Gateway with such a crappy DVD player in 1999 and it was up to no good. So it was back to Packard pooters for me lol (a Packard-Bell and Hewlett-Packard (HP) )
 
Sweetheart said:
I suggest you to buy HP or MAC kind of Computers or maybe DELL... DONT BUY GATEWAY because it's horrible, I used to have one of Gateway computer, it been BROKE down few times in less than a year because Gateway's Parts in Tower isn't good quality. My parents fed up and bought HP and it's running fine, but it does have A LITTLE problem that's all because of Virus, my parents are looking for Virus Blocker that will be match in HP's Tower then it will be fine for sure...
Click to expand...


Nah. Better let Heath buy MAC from http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APP...6344001/wo/cL1qhVsM5mLa29sI0f7DgfPw5bg/1.?p=0

He dont need to worry about virus, spyware, hacker, bug, etc.
 
GraysonPeddie said:
No problem. Are you considering building a custom PC or buying a pre-built PC from a vendor like HP or Gateway? I'd stay away from Dell if I were you as they only make computers with Intel processors. I'm a fan of AMD but I don't like calling myself an "AMD fanboy" and I may not know when Intel will build processors that will exceed the performance that of AMD's processors since AMD's Opteron processors had a reputition of becaming a performance leader over Intel as server customers switched from Intel to AMD for their needs like performance (but not all of the business have switched to AMD), but Intel might be shipping better processors sometime during Fall 2006 but can't be sure.
Click to expand...

Nothing to wrong with Amd fan.

AMD64 beat Intel for gamer, graphic designer, Edit video,etc. AMD64 is low price than Intel. AMD64 is great desktop.

Intel is great for laptop like battery life, keep temp cool, great chipset, etc.

Believe or not. Intel M 1.8 Ghz is faster than Intel P4 3.2Ghz for any software.

That's good thing my laptop is Intel M 1.6ghz and battery life almost 6 hours.
Boot-up in 10 sec. Stand by in 2 sec. Very great for photoshop, edit movie, etc. I alway turn my laptop in underclock to 800mhz for internet, IM, and dvd movie. Everything run smooth.

I order many many hardwares parts from newegg.com and built for someone who want a computer.

I have AMD64bit 3800+ for my desktop.
 
gnulinuxman said:
AMEN! :applause: I am sick and tired of problems with my fiancee's Dell, but her parents wouldn't let her get any brand except that. :(
Click to expand...


Then install linux in her computer.
 
GraysonPeddie said:
Since I assume that you're in a budget and you're looking into getting a new computer, I might recommend you build your own computer.

If you want a full-tower case, I recommend you buy:

Aerocool Masstige Case - Black for $94.99
ULTRA X-Connect 400 Watt Modular Power Supply - Titanium for $59.99
BIOSTAR TFORCE4 AM2 Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce4 ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail for $74.99
AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Orleans 2000MHz HT 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 Processor for $135.00
Crucial Technology Ballistix 512MB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM Unbuffered DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) System Memory for $89.00
ASUS EN7600GS SILENT/HTD/512M Geforce 7600GS 512MB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 Video Card for $146.99
PLEXTOR Black 16X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 16X DVD-R 4X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2M Cache IDE 16X DVD±R DVD Burner with 20pk TDK 8x dvd-r media for $79.99
Seagate Barracuda 7200.9 ST3808110AS 80GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic 7.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Interface Sound Card - Retail for $121.99
Microsoft Windows XP Home with SP2 - Retail for $199.99

Plus a little more left over to buy a keyboard and mouse, but you can use the one from your eMachine. These, above, are my recommendations. You might want to look around in NewEgg.com to find a processor/motherboard you'd want, but they must be compatible to each other. For example, an AM2 processor only works in a motherboard equipped with an AM2 socket. Another example is a motherboard can only support DDR2 240-pin memory modules.


I recommend you read PCWorld's Build Your Own PC.

The advantage of buildinga computer is you have a choice to choose without limiting yourself to a computer manufacturer who build their computer to their liking and attact customers to their computers. With the modular power supply, you have greater flexibility on cable management and better airflow. Standard power supplies with standard wires just tend to reduce the airflow and can be a mess managine cables from the back of the power supply. Second is pre-installed software. When you buy a pre-built computer from a manufacturer like Dell or HP, you will get pre-installed software put into a hard drive. Plus, there can be junk stuff that will slow down your computer, like when you browse the web or such...

But if you don't want to build your own computer but buy a pre-built PC from a manufacturer, consider reading PCWorld's "Gunk Busters!"! :) Page 2 shows you how to clean off your computer via Add/Remove programs, but it may be better if you use Microsoft Update first before you start cleaning off your computer. Even if you uninstall Norton or McAfee, either of the two programs may leave a left-over files and registry entries in your hard drive. If a PC vendor provides a Windows-reinstaller disc with your PC, reinstallation of Windows will be the best case of action.

Head over to PCWorld's Blocker Madness and read up on security tools once you build or buy a new PC.

I hope I can be of any help! :)
Click to expand...



http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829102188
Dont need best sound card like 7.1. He is deaf. So 2.1 or 5.1 are good enough.


I dont like single core anymore. Dual-cores is great for multitask.


AM2.. DDR2 and DDR are almost same speed but DDR2 800 little faster than ddr400 because DDR2's CAS latency is very high as 4.0 and DDR's CAS latency is 2.0.

Lower CAS latency is better.

DONT BUY ULTRA POWER SUPPLY! IT IS VERY BAD. My coworker's friend have one and it kill his hdd and dvd burner. He is very pissed off. I read review and lot people complain about that.

I went to tigerdirect shop and I see TOO many Ultra PSU return and try to re-sale for used. Almost over 100 of units. That's why newegg.com and tigerdirect stop to sell them anymore.
 
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