Sorry your browser is not supported!

You are using an outdated browser that does not support modern web technologies, in order to use this site please update to a new browser.

Browsers supported include Chrome, FireFox, Safari, Opera, Internet Explorer 10+ or Microsoft Edge.

Geek Culture / Computer Illiterate Parents...

Author
Message
AndrewT
18
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 11th Feb 2007
Location: MI, USA
Posted: 5th Jan 2009 00:18 Edited at: 5th Jan 2009 00:19
Link
My computer is overheating because my dad doesn't believe that thermal grease/adhesive exists...

Anyone else here have parents that don't know what they're talking about when it comes to computers?


Back to top
Profile PM
bitJericho
22
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 9th Oct 2002
Location: United States
Posted: 5th Jan 2009 00:22 Edited at: 5th Jan 2009 00:22
Link
Quote: "My computer is overheating because my dad doesn't believe that thermal grease/adhesive exists..."


If your father installed a processor without using thermal grease, you can expect your computer to be toast soon.

If he installed the standard Intel heatsink, though, it's got a heatpad, so unless that was removed, you're fine.

Anyway, as for your question, my mom doesn't work on my computer. I work on hers

"I acctually quite like this site. And noone will know because this is a secret..." - Anonymous
Shhdb.com
Back to top
Profile PM Email Website
Yodaman Jer
User Banned
Posted: 5th Jan 2009 00:28
Link
Quote: "Anyone else here have parents that don't know what they're talking about when it comes to computers?"



Yeah. My dad likes to think he knows a lot about computers, but the truth is, he doesn't.

He can't figure out how to open separate we pages in IE or Mozilla, and he nearly always asks for help concerning typing in a web address. He also has no idea about how software works or anything like that. And every time you try to explain how it works to him he ends up getting frustrated and mad. It seems that if he doesn't understand how something works it therefore doesn't work and his way of trying to makeit work is automatically the winner.
He also complains about how slow it runs and thinks that dust in the CPU has something to do with it...and every time the CD drive starts spinning or working he thinks it's the Hard Drive dying...*sigh*.

So yes, AndrewT, I know EXACTLY how you feel.


http://forum.thegamecreators.com/?m=forum_view&t=138753&b=19
Back to top
Profile
AndrewT
18
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 11th Feb 2007
Location: MI, USA
Posted: 5th Jan 2009 00:29 Edited at: 5th Jan 2009 00:29
Link
Quote: "If your father installed a processor without using thermal grease, you can expect your computer to be toast soon.

If he installed the standard Intel heatsink, though, it's got a heatpad, so unless that was removed, you're fine."


Well I took the heatsink and fan off to get to the processor. When I put those back on am I supposed to re-apply thermal grease? My dad didn't think it existed and told me to put it back on without it, and now when I turn it on it reaches 115C degrees then shuts off, so I kind of assumed I was supposed to reapply thermal grease. Is that right?

Quote: "Yeah. My dad likes to think he knows a lot about computers, but the truth is, he doesn't."


My dads the exact same way.


Back to top
Profile PM
Yodaman Jer
User Banned
Posted: 5th Jan 2009 00:31
Link
Quote: "now when I turn it on it reaches 115C degrees then shuts off, so I kind of assumed I was supposed to reapply thermal grease. Is that right?"


Yeah. Get the grease. And quickly!


http://forum.thegamecreators.com/?m=forum_view&t=138753&b=19
Back to top
Profile
Jimmy
21
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 20th Aug 2003
Location: Back in the USA
Posted: 5th Jan 2009 00:38
Link
That's what she said.


Back to top
Profile PM Website
Grandma
19
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 26th Dec 2005
Location: Norway, Guiding the New World Order
Posted: 5th Jan 2009 00:51
Link
Quote: "That's what she said."



Anyway, old people and computers don't often go along. Though I am as big of an exception there could possibly be.

My mom that has worked with computers for many years now still types full URL adresses in search engines instead of the adress bar. Always ignoring me if I say how unnecessary that is. Also, she deletes shortcuts from the desktop and expects the programs to vanish that way.

This message was brought to you by Grandma industries.

Making yesterdays games, today!
Back to top
Profile PM Email
bitJericho
22
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 9th Oct 2002
Location: United States
Posted: 5th Jan 2009 00:59 Edited at: 5th Jan 2009 01:00
Link
Quote: "Well I took the heatsink and fan off to get to the processor. When I put those back on am I supposed to re-apply thermal grease? My dad didn't think it existed and told me to put it back on without it, and now when I turn it on it reaches 115C degrees then shuts off, so I kind of assumed I was supposed to reapply thermal grease. Is that right?"


Yes!!!! AND FOR GOSH SAKE DON'T RUN IT ANYMORE UNTIL YOU DO!!! And once you fix it and temps remain stable, run prime95 for a few hours to make sure there's no permanent damage.

PS, you should never have to remove the heatsink unless you're replacing it/the processor. You can clean the heatsink without removing it :/

"I acctually quite like this site. And noone will know because this is a secret..." - Anonymous
Shhdb.com
Back to top
Profile PM Email Website
Grandma
19
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 26th Dec 2005
Location: Norway, Guiding the New World Order
Posted: 5th Jan 2009 01:05 Edited at: 5th Jan 2009 01:06
Link
Quote: "PS, you should never have to remove the heatsink unless you're replacing it/the processor. You can clean the heatsink without removing it :/"

Are you sure? I had to remove mine...

This message was brought to you by Grandma industries.

Making yesterdays games, today!

Attachments

Login to view attachments
Back to top
Profile PM Email
Lazlazlaz 1
19
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 18th Sep 2005
Location: England
Posted: 5th Jan 2009 01:11
Link
that's an insane amount of dust, where do you keep it, inside a hoover?

As with most people I jump around which projects I work on and which I drop for a while.
Currently I'm back working on Sioux, a Hollywood Western RTS.
Back to top
Profile PM
Jimmy
21
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 20th Aug 2003
Location: Back in the USA
Posted: 5th Jan 2009 01:13
Link
@Grandma:

Do you live in an ice-fishing shack?


Back to top
Profile PM Website
bitJericho
22
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 9th Oct 2002
Location: United States
Posted: 5th Jan 2009 01:13
Link
Quote: "Are you sure? I had to remove mine..."


:/ I can't think of a reason. The grease might need replacing once or twice every decade, and you'd only need to do it if your processor was overheating after you cleaned the heatsink.

You can clean the heatsink with a can of air and a pick.

"I acctually quite like this site. And noone will know because this is a secret..." - Anonymous
Shhdb.com
Back to top
Profile PM Email Website
bitJericho
22
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 9th Oct 2002
Location: United States
Posted: 5th Jan 2009 01:15 Edited at: 5th Jan 2009 01:15
Link
Lol, that image is awesome ^.^ But yes, you could have cleaned it with a pick and a can of air. Of course, I just personally hate cleaning grease up, so I never ever lift the heatsink unless I absolutely have to

(sorry for the double post)

"I acctually quite like this site. And noone will know because this is a secret..." - Anonymous
Shhdb.com
Back to top
Profile PM Email Website
Grandma
19
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 26th Dec 2005
Location: Norway, Guiding the New World Order
Posted: 5th Jan 2009 01:25
Link
Quote: "that's an insane amount of dust, where do you keep it, inside a hoover?"

That's usually where I keep my stuff, why? Oh, I see... good point.
Quote: "Do you live in an ice-fishing shack?"

I might. You'll find out next week on adventures of Grandma. Only on BBC.
Quote: "You can clean the heatsink with a can of air and a pick."

Well yes, but with that amount of dust, it just become easier to remove the damn thing.

This message was brought to you by Grandma industries.

Making yesterdays games, today!
Back to top
Profile PM Email
Toasty Fresh
17
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 10th Jun 2007
Location: In my office, making poly-eating models.
Posted: 5th Jan 2009 01:25
Link
Quote: "If your father installed a processor without using thermal grease, you can expect your computer to be toast soon."


GAH! DAMN!

...Was what I said until I read further down...

My dad actually knows a fair bit about computers. He did a computer building course at one stage.

Quote: "My mom that has worked with computers for many years now still types full URL adresses in search engines instead of the adress bar."


And even though my dad knows how to build comps, he still does that....


http://gunn3rgames.net/forum/index.php?referredby=19
Back to top
Profile PM Email
tha_rami
19
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 25th Mar 2006
Location: Netherlands
Posted: 5th Jan 2009 02:03
Link
Today, I had a customer who was trying to build a wifi network. Spanning 3.5 miles. For less than $39,95.

Then got angry for me not telling him the hardware he needed.

Parents, not a problem, but customers... pfft.


A mod has been erased by your signature because it was larger than 600x120
Back to top
Profile PM Email Website
bitJericho
22
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 9th Oct 2002
Location: United States
Posted: 5th Jan 2009 02:08 Edited at: 5th Jan 2009 02:09
Link
Lol. He might be able to do it with a cantenna!

Although I've never heard of one being used at 3.5 miles! It might be possible if he has a clear line of site, and uses a high powered laser for aiming.

But uh, that's only for direct connection. If he wants a signal throughout 3.5 miles for 40 bucks, he's out of his mind!

"I acctually quite like this site. And noone will know because this is a secret..." - Anonymous
Shhdb.com
Back to top
Profile PM Email Website
Satchmo
20
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 29th May 2005
Location:
Posted: 5th Jan 2009 03:57
Link
What about WiMax?

Back to top
Profile PM
soapyfish
21
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 24th Oct 2003
Location: Yorkshire, England
Posted: 5th Jan 2009 05:02 Edited at: 5th Jan 2009 05:06
Link
My mum's not too good with computers but I'm not too good at being my mum, it's all give and take.

I'm glad I became interested in computers when I did and have spent my time learning about them, there are always going to be people who need help with them and I'll be able to charge ridiculous amounts of money for that help.

Then when I need help with something I'm no good at I can spend ridiculous amounts of money getting that help.

It must get a bit frustrating at times though, imagine having to depend on someone else to help you out every single time you wanted to check this forum.


Back to top
Profile PM Email Website
Neuro Fuzzy
17
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 11th Jun 2007
Location:
Posted: 5th Jan 2009 08:26 Edited at: 5th Jan 2009 08:26
Link
huh... that'd be pretty awesome having a 3.5 mile wireless connection. i'd probably race go-carts while playing wow on my laptop, if i had go carts, a laptop, wow, or wifi...
:*(
and andrewT hasn't posted in about 8 hours... that's not a good sign.
Back to top
Profile PM Email
zenassem
22
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 10th Mar 2003
Location: Long Island, NY
Posted: 5th Jan 2009 08:53
Link
My parents have come a long way with computers, and have generally impressed me with the amount of things they actually use the computer for, and new things they are willing and eager to learn.

But I find that there is huge gap between them understanding the use of apps and their fundamental understanding of how a computer and the OS works. So when something doesn't work as it was suppose to, they don't have an idea of how to fix it or a troubleshooting process to break the problem down.

They tend to learn by taking notes or by repitition, and then they rely heavily on those notes or their memory; as opposed to understanding principles and building up their blocks of knowledge and then being to apply that knowledge across a wider range. Ironically when they do try to apply their knowledge, it winds up being a time where apps, or the OS itself isn't uniform/consistant.

Back to top
Profile PM Email
Green Gandalf
VIP Member
20
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 3rd Jan 2005
Playing: Malevolence:Sword of Ahkranox, Skyrim, Civ6.
Posted: 5th Jan 2009 12:32
Link
Quote: "that's an insane amount of dust, where do you keep it, inside a hoover?"


I daren't look inside mine - or the printer. I've had the printer for over ten years now and the cats regularly sleep on it. They also walk all over the PC which is 6 or 7 years old. Should I be concerned?
Back to top
Profile PM Email
AndrewT
18
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 11th Feb 2007
Location: MI, USA
Posted: 5th Jan 2009 12:33
Link
Quote: "andrewT hasn't posted in about 8 hours... that's not a good sign. "


My dad is going to buy this "supposed thermal grease" (as he put it) today. He's still not convinced he's going to find it, but I guess that's parents for ya.


Back to top
Profile PM
El Goorf
18
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 17th Sep 2006
Location: Uni: Manchester, Home: Dunstable
Posted: 5th Jan 2009 12:42
Link
the other night my mom and stepdad were having a domestic as they BOTH paid for the renewal of norton antivirus, i had the urge to walk in the room, smash their laptop to little pieces and show the awesomeness of AVG.

http://notmybase.com
All my base are not belong to anyone.
Back to top
Profile PM Website
Yodaman Jer
User Banned
Posted: 5th Jan 2009 17:05
Link
Quote: "My dad is going to buy this "supposed thermal grease" (as he put it) today. He's still not convinced he's going to find it, but I guess that's parents for ya."


Well, when he does find it (because it does exist, but I'm not sure where one buys it) he can apologize to you and admit that you do, in fact, know more about computers than he does and that your hypothesis to any problem that may arise from said computer is most likely right, and he will most likely leave you alone about computers from now on. And in 5 years after Windows 7 has been out for a while, he'll beg you for help about setting up a darned user account.

Such is life. Glad to see you are still living. Hope you get the grease soon!


http://forum.thegamecreators.com/?m=forum_view&t=138753&b=19
Back to top
Profile
bitJericho
22
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 9th Oct 2002
Location: United States
Posted: 5th Jan 2009 17:07
Link
Quote: "Well, when he does find it (because it does exist, but I'm not sure where one buys it) he can apologize to you and admit that you do, in fact, know more about computers than he does and that your hypothesis to any problem that may arise from said computer is most likely right, and he will most likely leave you alone about computers from now on. And in 5 years after Windows 7 has been out for a while, he'll beg you for help about setting up a darned user account."


My bet is he looks at Walmart or bestbuy, doesn't find any, comes home and calls you a liar

But you can get it at any small computer parts shop.

"I acctually quite like this site. And noone will know because this is a secret..." - Anonymous
Shhdb.com
Back to top
Profile PM Email Website
Benjamin
22
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 24th Nov 2002
Location: France
Posted: 5th Jan 2009 19:27
Link
Quote: "the other night my mom and stepdad were having a domestic"

Domestic what, cat?

Multisync - TCP Server/Client Multiplayer Plugin (DBP/DBCe)
Back to top
Profile PM Email
Yodaman Jer
User Banned
Posted: 5th Jan 2009 19:32
Link
Quote: "My bet is he looks at Walmart or bestbuy, doesn't find any, comes home and calls you a liar"


Ooh, yeah, that's true. AndrewT, find a website that sells the thermal paste/grease and show it to your dad. He'll HAVE to believe you then.


http://forum.thegamecreators.com/?m=forum_view&t=138753&b=19
Back to top
Profile
El Goorf
18
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 17th Sep 2006
Location: Uni: Manchester, Home: Dunstable
Posted: 5th Jan 2009 20:35
Link
Quote: "Quote: "the other night my mom and stepdad were having a domestic"
Domestic what, cat?"


where i come from a domstic means arguement

http://notmybase.com
All my base are not belong to anyone.
Back to top
Profile PM Website
Green Gandalf
VIP Member
20
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 3rd Jan 2005
Playing: Malevolence:Sword of Ahkranox, Skyrim, Civ6.
Posted: 5th Jan 2009 21:18
Link
Quote: "where i come from a domstic means arguement "


Does that mean that a "domestic cat" is an argumentative cat where you come from?

Or is it a misspelling of "domestic spat"?
Back to top
Profile PM Email
AndrewT
18
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 11th Feb 2007
Location: MI, USA
Posted: 6th Jan 2009 00:56
Link
Woohoo! Problem solved! The CPU is now operating at ~29C rather than >90C before.


Back to top
Profile PM
bitJericho
22
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 9th Oct 2002
Location: United States
Posted: 6th Jan 2009 01:01
Link
That's good

"I acctually quite like this site. And noone will know because this is a secret..." - Anonymous
Shhdb.com
Back to top
Profile PM Email Website
Neuro Fuzzy
17
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 11th Jun 2007
Location:
Posted: 7th Jan 2009 01:38
Link
*clap clap clap*
Back to top
Profile PM Email
Quantum Fusion
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 1st Aug 2008
Location: The Great White North
Posted: 7th Jan 2009 01:42
Link
Go to YouTube, and find videos about what happens to chips without thermal grease.

And show it to your dad.

Dual-Core Pentium D @ 3.00GHz, 1.0 GB nVidia GeForce 8500 GT, 20" Wide screen LCD @ 10,000:1 Contrast, 4.0 GB DDR2 SDRAM, Triple-boot: 32-bit Windows XP MCE, 64-bit Vista, 64-bit Linux Ubuntu
Back to top
Profile PM
Yodaman Jer
User Banned
Posted: 7th Jan 2009 02:27
Link
Quote: "Go to YouTube, and find videos about what happens to chips without thermal grease.

And show it to your dad."



Good idea! I wholeheartedly agree with that.


http://forum.thegamecreators.com/?m=forum_view&t=138753&b=19
Leave comments/feedback!
Back to top
Profile
Back to top

Login to post a reply

Server time is: 2025-06-08 00:07:13
Your offset time is: 2025-06-08 00:07:13