My Mom passed away

[ktulu]

Maybe the computer geeks here know a good way to combine phone/computer services for a low cost. ;)

Most companies have a bundle package, but I'm not sure if they would do a wireless/wired internet thing. Chances are the house you are moving to may have Internet, which you could probably use. Just ask when you find a place :)

[kurtisnelson]

Virgin Mobile has phones that cost as little as about 10 bucks for phone and needs as little as $20.00 to top up every 3 months or you lose the minutes you have left over. Ralph's has a go- phone that seems to have a similar plan.

Maybe the computer geeks here know a good way to combine phone/computer services for a low cost. ;)

I have one of those V Mobile ones. If you hook to a credit card, its minimum $15.00 every 3 months.
On the geek side, if you only need phone at your house and can get high speed internet, take a look at skype. It's $30 a year for unlimited calling out, and $30 a year for a incoming phone number. You can get a wifi phone that uses it for <$150 or use a microphone plus your computer.

[felinefan]

I don't do credit cards. Last time I did, Providian nailed me and it took me forever to get them off my back. I prefer an ATM/debit card. When I read the Craigslist ads, most say they have wireless internet. I asked my sister about that, and I think she said I need a wireless router. I have a router on this computer, but that's only because my sister got mom a laptop to try to keep her busy--she didn't use it that much anyhow--and it's going to my brother. I saw one offer of free room in exchange for chores, but it was in Santa Monica--too far.

I had my last appointment for the blood pressure study I was in today, and they gave me some samples for my regular medication in order to help me out. They want me to come back in a month for follow-up to see how this medication works. I still need to look it up to see what besides decongestants I can't take with it, as well as if CVS or Walgreens, etc. have it on their list of drugs you can get a 3 month supply for $10. I hope someone answers my Craigslist ad soon, or I hear back from that lady with the $385 a month place--I emailed her my phone number. It's hard to arrange things like mail forwarding when you don't know what your new address is going to be. Mom used to get most of her mail at my sister's, but I don't trust them enough to send them my mail and pick it up there.

[ktulu]

If these places already have wireless internet, then all you need is a wireless card in your computer, either via usb or an internal card. If you are using wireless already then you are good to go.

[felinefan]

Problem is, I have a 6 year old Compaq Presario desktop; I don't know if it has a wireless card or not. I hope to get to a place where I can replace it, but that's not in the cards just yet. I have a $25 Staples gift card I got through MyPoints, and I was planning on using that to get another 512MB memory card; then I discovered I need an antistatic strap so I don't kill my computer trying to put new memory in. I saw one at Radio Shack for about $6, but it said it was online only; I don't have any cards so can't order online. I wonder if RS has it in the store/ Staples doesn't carry them. I just need the time to go and get the memory card, then the strap.

And I told my sister that these places I'm looking at on Craigslist all offer wireless internet, and she said I don't have a wireless router. I presume I could get one, or otherwise dialog with my roomie about getting set up.

[hobie16]

All you need is a wireless card that plugs into a USB port. Get one that meets the 802.11G standard. 11N may be available too.

You don't need wrist strap. Just touch the chassis of the PC and stay in contact with it while handling the memory.

You don't need a wireless router. The place that offers wireless has the router to provide wireless. Just get the wireless card for your PC.

[Shorty82]

then I discovered I need an antistatic strap so I don't kill my computer trying to put new memory in.

Using an antistatic strap is a good idea but as long as you are VERY, VERY, VERY careful they aren't needed. As long as you touch a metal part of the case away from any sensitive parts before touching anything else inside the case or the new RAM chip itself and do so every time you reach away you'll take care of any static built up in your body.

I've installed a number of RAM chips before without a strap and I've never fried anything.

[kurtisnelson]

Using an antistatic strap is a good idea but as long as you are VERY, VERY, VERY careful they aren't needed. As long as you touch a metal part of the case away from any sensitive parts before touching anything else inside the case or the new RAM chip itself and do so every time you reach away you'll take care of any static built up in your body.

I've installed a number of RAM chips before without a strap and I've never fried anything.

I've assembled computers, installed screens, opened macbooks, changed out RAM, etc never with a wrist strap and never with a problem.

[ktulu]

I've assembled computers, installed screens, opened macbooks, changed out RAM, etc never with a wrist strap and never with a problem.

I purchased something that came with a wrist strap. I tossed it along with the manual :D:

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

Where I work, we open and close computers and other electronic devices on a daily basis, mostly to remove the HDD's. We never use a strap. Like a PP stated, just keep touching the frame to ground yourself with the system.

with that precaution, we have yet to have an ESD incident. (knock on wood product!)