Just Got My Studio XPS 16...Some Questions

1. What is the benefit of the 64 bit OS? Home Premium 64bit came installed but I have Ultimate 32bit available that I might install. Which would be better for me?
2. I heard McAfee is crap. What antivirus program SHOULD I install?
3. I love the screen but the fonts are TINY! Is there a way to make fonts bigger without lowering screen resolution?

Thanks!

 

I will give you the answer to #2

Remove McAfee...And go with Avira AV...it's a great program and it's free.

Here is the link for Avira AV:
http://download.cnet.com/Avira-Anti...l-10322935&subj=dl&tag=button&cdlPid=11012914

If you want to do it directly.

If you want to check the site out:
http://www.free-av.com/en/index.html

Other misc links:
The best free security software
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=190538

The Ever-Growing Free Windows Software List
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=337890

Dell Vista Laptop Reformat and Bloatware Removal Guide
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=157838

NBR Vista Tips and Tweaks Guide
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=166532

Hope that helps!

Cin

 

with regard to x64 vs x86, how much RAM do you have?

 

4GB but in Vista Ultimate (32bit) it's only showing 3GB. I heard this is normal though.

 

exactly! 32bit OSes can only use 3.2GB of RAM.... The extra 0.8GB is wasted

 

Thanks. Also, my scrolling isnt working! I tried scrolling using the right of the touchpad but i see the arrows up and down but the window doesn't scroll!! Any ideas?

Edit: It's actually just not working in Firefox...any thoughts?

 

Definitely get rid of McAfee, and also do not use Norton.

What you want is AV that runs as a service and does not tank system performance. While I know nothing of Avira, I do know that Windows Live OneCare does not slag system speed. I am sure there are others.

 

Avast also works very well.

 

I second that

 

IF you're willing to pay for a great AV, pick up NIS 2009. I've seen it ridiculously cheap at frys.com. It's so lightweight, I never even notice it running and it catches everything

 

Anyone have any tips for font size (other than adjusting resolution)? I changed the DPI settings but the font in web browsers is still extremely small!

 

Regarding NIS 2009, that is what mine had on it when it arrived. It completely slagged system performance, and when I removed it the performance jump was massive (it's in my review post).

 

Press and hold CTRL and press + or -. That will zoom up or down the webpage in both IE and FF. FF will even remember your zoom level for a particular site.

Most webdesigners, especially designers for commercial websites and artsy fartsy websites, are stuck in 1998 with regards to screen resolution and as a result, they design websites best viewed at 800x600 or 1024x768, resulting in way too small fonts when viewed at modern screen resolutions.

 

Why not also check out the The Best Free Software Security Link I attached above...there are some awesome choices of freeware app's to choose from to help protect your lappy, (besides Avira)

Here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=190538


Cin

 

1. Take a look at the applications you are using or likely to use. If all of them are compatible with a 64-bit OS like Vista 64, then go ahead with Vista x64.

2. I'm using the free Avast antivirus software. It's pretty lightweight on resources, and gets updated daily. It's highly recommended by other users in this thread too.

3. Increase the screen font size. Look for it under Control Panel > Personalize (or, right click Desktop then select Personalize... look at the left side menu)

 

I did this but it doesn't change the font sizes within the browser!

 

It's because every browser has its own text resize/zoom option. Which browser are you using?

EDIT: hjorte above mentioned the usual keyboard shortcut for this function: "Press and hold CTRL and press + or -"

 

I'll second Avira.

Mcfee is horrible.

 

regarding changing font size on full hd screens:
it has been asked many times on this forum, you dont change dpi setting.
even with 125 dpi, fonts are still too small on a 16" 1900x1080 res screen.
open-ie-tools--drop down bottom internet options--general--bottom acesibility--check ignore font size on webpages. finally apply ok.
then go to page--text size--largest.

 

Thanks! Is there a way to do this in Firefox or Chrome?

 

firefox yes, i dont use chrome so i dont know.
you can go to firefox font advanced option, set minimum font size to 18, 24whatever suits you.