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The Most Trivial Question...
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justjudi
Newbie
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10. February 2006 @ 22:18 |
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...from the least knowledgable person ever to register for this site.
I know I am out of my element on this site and after you read this question, you will know it too, but, here goes.....
I have an HP Media Center Edition computer.
It has to capacity to create DVDs from TV programs that you can receive on the computer (just watching TV on the computer is an option I have never used and don't really intend to).
Instead all I want to know is this:
I have one (1) 256k wmv file (43 minutes long) saved on my computer that I want to transfer to a DVD+R.
I need advice about an inexpensive, uncomplicated program that will accomplish this mundane task without screwing up my computer and which can be used by a dummy, but that actually works. Many of the programs that promise this small task, that I see reviewed, actually don't seem to work and are very clumsy to use, slow down your computer, contain spyware, ads, etc. etc.
Maybe this is too simple for you guys...if so, sorry to take up the space, but you are the experts...I am the novice...and I thought maybe you might remember when you didn't know what you know now (though you probably learned in before you went to the first grade)....and you might take pity on me.
Please?
Thanks,
justjudi
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Senior Member
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10. February 2006 @ 22:42 |
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This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 10. February 2006 @ 22:43
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justjudi
Newbie
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10. February 2006 @ 22:49 |
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Thanks, I'll check these links/items out.
I saw the MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 encoding (AVI to DVD) forum here, but I thought it seemed a little advanced for my simple question and that maybe people would be more patient with someone admitting to being both dense and NEW.
Thanks!
Justjudi
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justjudi
Newbie
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10. February 2006 @ 23:12 |
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this looks like it would work:
http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/300319
based on the info - but I am a little nervous about running something like this on my computer.
How would I know if it was going to do what it said it would and not something destructive.
Sorry for being so dense...
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brobear
Suspended permanently
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11. February 2006 @ 04:18 |
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Nero Vision 4 in the Nero 7 will do what you want. It has a wizard like setup that will lead you through the process step by step with instruction windows. You can get the download from Nero.com as mentioned. ConvertXtoDVD is the update of DivXtoDVD from VSO. It's good but not as simple as Nero Vision 4. I've used both and not sure which I prefer yet. Both do a good job. These are both retail apps and won't damage your system. Nero has a full function trial. The ConvertX trial leaves a logo on the video output. So, you can use the Nero trial to do the job and not have to buy Nero unless you want to for some reason.
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Senior Member
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11. February 2006 @ 07:54 |
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brobear
Suspended permanently
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12. February 2006 @ 02:07 |
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That's a nice guide, but Nero Vision 4 has wizard type info windows that lead a beginner through the program.
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justjudi
Newbie
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12. February 2006 @ 03:12 |
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I can't think you all enough for helping me out with the information I asked for.
But, remember that I am a novice, not just on this subject, but on computers in general.
I checked this software' reviews on amazon.com and very few users had anything positive to say about it. Since I am wanting just a 'small task', I think you are probably correct; it would do the job. But reading about the havoc it can wreak on your computer's programs, I am not certain I could deal with the 'side effects' and I certainly don't have near enough knowledge to straightening my computer out in the end.
My livelihood depends on my computer and its speed. I use it 9 hours a day five-to-six days aweek. I am going to have to weigh whether getting this short video program on a DVD is worth what might happen to my computer just because I understand so little about how to help it recover.
Thank you all,
Justjudi
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AfterDawn Addict
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12. February 2006 @ 03:42 |
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Nero wouldn't wreck havic on your computer...... many people use it and it's fine! Brobear wouldn't steer you wrong! His replies you can take to the bank! I use my computer for work, too, but not 9 hours of work! Putting in a known software suite wouldn't wreck your computer. If you don't know how to keep up with your computer I suggest you start to learn. Windows has a way of building up unneeded files and eventually turns your computer sluggish! You should know that you have to defrag, clean unwanted or unneeded files to keep your computer flying high, clean your cookies out, speed up your internet and .......... wait........ here's a great program for you...... get System Mechanic Pofessional 6! It keeps your computer up to par and speeds it up and you'll never have to worry about adding programs to your computer and how it will affect your computer!~ I have it and it's great! My computer stays like brand new and it monitors it automatically and makes it's own adjustments and keeps my computer healthy and fast!
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justjudi
Newbie
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12. February 2006 @ 07:36 |
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Thanks for the great advice.
I do know about defrag, cleaning out my cookies, cleaning up internet history, etc. etc.
It is the registry that scares, baffles me, and which I never want to get into.
And things like if a new programs over-rides your preferences for using certain files, being able to go in and return them to the original preferences is out of my range of ability.
From what I read on the amazon.reviews, Nero 7 when installed sets itself up to be the default on certain programs. That might not be a problem to somewhat who can reverse those things, but for me, it would be. The most frightening reviews tho were about users who had their computers crash after installing Nero. I work on a government contract that is 'time sensitive'. There are a lot of programs here on my computer that I have to retrieve from California based contractors if I ever have to reformat my entire computer. Since they are three hours behind us and I have a four hour turn around time, I could be in trouble since I start at 7 and they wouldn't be available until 11 my time at the earliest. In any event, I try to keep it running fast and smooth and I guess one of the ways I have accomplished that so far is by being overly sensitive and careful about what I use it for and what I install. Just call me a wuss if you want, that's OK with me. But thanks again for the advice, it all sounds right.
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AfterDawn Addict
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12. February 2006 @ 07:44 |
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well...... registry preferences are not to hard to reverse! I still use System Mechanic Professional 6 to do that, and I also use RegSupreme Pro to clean the registry. Both do great jobs. But I can understand your dilemma on what to do! if uncertain then leave things alone.... get another computer to do your burning!
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brobear
Suspended permanently
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12. February 2006 @ 08:28 |
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I'm amazed that someone using a computer so much knows so little about one. Registry Mechanic is about the most non-invasive registry tool I'm aware of. It does a lot without user input other than clicking the Scan Registry and Repair after the scan. It's so soft that when I use another tool behind it, I find it hasn't made some of the harder decisions. You even have a registry back up feature where you can put back the previous settings. Enough on Reg Cleaners. Ihoe and I both gave you good suggestions on those.
As for the reviews you read, obviously the reviewers didn't learn much about the Nero 7 program. Nero just happens to be one of the best selling recording suites on the market and one of the forum favorites here at AD. I've used Nero and VSO's CopyToDVD and have suffered no problems from either. The default setting is for Nero to have priority on all media files that the program can support. That doesn't mean you have to let it. In the setup you have the option to uncheck all the boxes. In fact I unchecked everything except letting Nero put an icon on my desktop. So, Nero only opens when I want it to and has no priority on any programs. Even if allowed to, I see no great issue on how it effects the system. A system might crash with Nero, but that system is either very low on resources or it was about to go down and the additional load helped it on its way. A person shouldn't be putting anything on a system in poor condition or with low resources.
If you're afraid to do anything other than add one program, use VSO's ConvertXtoDVD. If you're afraid to buy that, then don't do anything and go back to just using your PC for work.
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justjudi
Newbie
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12. February 2006 @ 11:33 |
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Well, if you are amazed at my lack of knowledge, you would be confounded, astounded, and struck dumb at how many individuals I know who can barely do more than send an e-mail and only that without attachments.
I read a statistic yesterday where 33% of homes in the US still don't own computers, much less know how to use them.
But, I agree, I could know more and probably should know more. Then on the other hand, there are probably tons of things I know a great deal about that you are less than totally familar with. Hopefully, if there are such things, you will be lucky enough to locate a website where people-in-the-know will be willing and able to help you out - like I did on this subject.
Thanks,
justjudi
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brobear
Suspended permanently
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12. February 2006 @ 12:06 |
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Yes, you'd be amazed at the things I don't know. It's been a long wasted life. LOL Obviously you like reading reviews and studying statistical data. Since you like reading, my advice is to go to the bookstore and buy a few texts on PCs. Believe it or not, the "Dummies" books are good learning texts if you're familiar with them. "PCs for Dummies" and "XP for Dummies" are a good starting point. If not XP, get the one for your operating system. They put things in language that's easy for the beginner. Dan Gookin used to author some good books as well. Mark Minasi authored a good in depth text on XP Pro. That one I use more as a reference for when I occasionally run into the unexpected. More of those horrible things I don't know. ;)
As for the Nero, from your spin on the reviews, it sounds as though you were mislead. I explained that it won't in itself cause a system to crash unless there is a flaw and the program shouldn't be installed. Also, you have the user preference of letting Nero have priority with certian file types or not. That is a user option that didn't seem to come through from those reviews as well. You can take the word of people here at AD or take the word of some people who do software reviews without being familiar or being honest in the evaluations. There is a section here at AD devoted to Nero in which you can place inquiries.
Nero Vision 4 just happens to be the easiest solution for the task you wanted to do. As I mentioned ConvertXtoDVD is also good and not overly complicated. Plus, it's a dedicated program without the extra apps that Nero has in the suite.
One thing we didn't discuss was your system specifications. Hopefully they're up to par. Good luck and I hope you get things worked out to your satisfaction.
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 12. February 2006 @ 12:08
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