[Locked] Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Some answers to commonly asked questions.
If you make a thread about a question that is answered in this thread, I will lock it and link you here.





Note: Almost all problems can be fixed by a simple Google search. Only if you have exhausted self-help options should you make a thread. Chances are, we're not intimately familiar with your hardware or software setup, and Google search it anyway. Essentially:

If you do end up creating a thread, try to do so in English that is coherent, spelled correctly, and grammatically sound. Be sure to post any additional relevant information such as computer specifications, error messages, what you were doing when the problem occurred, and if the problem can be replicated via certain steps.


Note to Computers and Technology regulars: If you've written up a thread or two on a topic, it probably does much more justice than the short and sweet I write here. I haven't stickied them because I'm allergic to stickies. However, feel free to draw my attention (PM or otherwise) to the thread so I may add an entry for it here.

[font=Courier New]Section I: General Computer[/font]

[color=red]Q[/color]: IRC is complicated.
[color=green]A[/color]: Yes and no. Here, have a guide.

[color=red]Q[/color]: how do i lernd compooter?
[color=green]A[/color]: Very carefully. Go to school, read a book, use Google. Don't expect someone to sit down and just start telling you, we have better things to do with our time.

[color=red]Q[/color]: Is there a "Show Off Your Computer Thread"?
[color=green]A[/color]: Yes.

[color=red]Q[/color]: Is there a "Show Off Your Desktop Thread"? (Not to be confused with "Show Off Your Computer")
[color=green]A[/color]: Yes.

[color=red]Q[/color]: Is there a guide on how to build a computer?
[color=green]A[/color]: Yes.

[color=red]Q[/color]: But what parts do I pick?!
[color=green]A[/color]: Read.

[color=red][font=Courier New]Section II: Hardware[/font][/color]

[color=red]Q[/color]: My hard drive is making weird clicking noises!
[color=green]A[/color]: Erratic noises emanating from your hard drive is never a good thing. It is quite possible that it may be about to die. I'd suggest you backup all important data.

[color=red]Q[/color]: My computer(s) won't read my hard drive anymore! How do I get my data back?
[color=green]A[/color]: You will probably not be able to get your data back, unless you do find a way to read your hard drive. Aside from that, the only other choice is to pay a recovery company hundreds of dollars to recover your data.

[color=orange][font=Courier New]Section III: Software[/font][/color]

[color=red]Q[/color]: I found a cool program! I want to share!
[color=green]A[/color]: Feel free to.

[color=red]Q[/color]: I have a program but I don't like it! I want a better one!
[color=green]A[/color]: Go here.

[color=olive][font=Courier New]Section IV: Audio/Video[/font][/color]

[color=red]Q[/color]: How do I play .mkv, .avi, .xvid, .ogm, .mp4 files?
[color=green]A[/color]: Get CCCP. If you want an alternative codec pack, look in this thread.

[color=red]Q[/color]: How do I play .rm, rmvb files?
[color=green]A[/color]: Get Real Alternative. If previous link is broken, search Google for it.

[color=red]Q[/color]: How do I play Quicktime and .mov files?
[color=green]A[/color]: Get Quicktime Alternative. If previous link is broken, search Google for it.

[color=red]Q[/color]: The format I downloaded isn't listed! What do?
[color=green]A[/color]: Chances are that CCCP will handle it. If not, feel free to ask.

[color=red]Q[/color]: Video problem not listed above!
[color=green]A[/color]: yepperoni's Video Playback Guide.

[color=red]Q[/color]: Converting to MP4
[color=green]A[/color]: Link..

[color=green][font=Courier New]Section V: Weeaboo Faggotry (Japanese Games, Visual Novels)[/font][/color]

[color=red]Q[/color]: I get all these random boxes and squiggly gibberish when I try to play my game!
[color=green]A[/color]: Have a look at Applocale. Alternatively, you can set your "Display for non-Unicode languages" to "Japanese".

[color=red]Q[/color]: When I try to run the game it gives me an error! I can't even read the error!
[color=green]A[/color]: A lot of Japanese games won't run unless run in Japanese. Try Applocale. Alternatively, you can set your "Display for non-Unicode languages" to "Japanese".

[color=blue][font=Courier New]Section VI: Other Tech[/font][/color]

Coming Soon