Computer Problems

[SunSationAiken]

Ok, Let me see if I can explain my computer problem in a computer literate manner. I have a Compaq(I know 1st mistake) and it has an 8 meg hard drive and guessing about 400-500 megahertz processor. We used our computer from home for a newly opened salon. We opened and immediately began experiencing problems. The most common problem is the computer will shut down, or freeze up during the busiest parts of the day. Sometimes it will never do this and some days it will shut down two or three times. This is very inconvenient for the employee and the consumer. Can some (ANdy) give me any suggestions or solutions to my problms. System Resources at 80% on good days, AMD K6 processor. I am also backing up with an Iomega 100 USB Zip.

[Chippp]

are you doing anything eles with the computer at the same time as running your salon software?

[Andy]

CHIPPP - that question is right on the mark?Secondly, - is it freezing in a consistent point in the program?Thirdly, - do you still have Power Management engaged on the system - if you have power management in Control Panel set to put the "Hard Drive" to sleep (COMPAQ's are bad for this) it could appear that it is frozen when in fact is was asleep and is taking a long time to "wake up" - my suggestion - turn off all power management functions and restart your system.Fourth, - is the operating environment for the system - STATIC FREE - this is a major issue and the source of a large percent of problems with systems "FREEZING". Cleaning the beds or walking on a carpeted area will build up a static charge - touch the computer - ZAP - frozen or worse. If you are getting shocks - get a anti-static mat or somehow "ground" the cashier before touching the computer.Fifth, - are you on the latest and greatest version of Helios 9.2.5Hope this gives you some ideas and help to resolve the problem.Re: COMPAQ - their Server line of equipment is excellent - TOP QUALITY. I will not say the same about there Residential Line of system - I have experienced MANY problems with them - SO MUCH SHAREWARE doing what in the background - that relates to CHIPPP's point and you likely are not even aware of the functions that have been loading into memory (SysTray). Look in the lower right - whole bunch of icons - not sure what they do - could be the source of the problem - something could be conflicting with Helios. One client had 4 of these machines, it took one of my senior tech's HOURS to get rid of all that C..P, and then the machines were stable.Best of LuckSuggestion to all - invest in Business Level Hardware - NO SHAREWARE C..P - for running your BusinessIn doubt - buy your equipment from Helios in the USA and ACT in Canada. self serving plug here !!! [ July 18, 2001: Message edited by: Andy @ ATSO.ca ]

[SunSationAiken]

Chipp, Sometimes i am runnnig the internet with the helios program, but nothing other. Andy, I have not noticed that it is freezing in a consistent point in the program, but seems as though it freezes during the busiest time of the day. I will have to check the power management in the computer. I have not received any complaints from my employees about the computer shocking them and have not had any personal experiences. I had a computer tech come to my store and he was able to clean the computer up a little. He was able to disable some of the icons in the system tray and some other programs that were running in the background. Yes, I am running the latest version of Helios. I just opened my salon 3 months ago, so I assume that is the latest version. I am waiting for the newer version now. I think before the peak season of next year I am going to build my own computer. If you have any suggestions about computers please let me know.

[jboynton]

Andy, I am SunSationAiken's wife, and wanted to add my two cents. The computer usually freezes right when you set the bed or hit enter when selecting a product. Our problems with the system started one day, during a slow point, the only thing up was Helios, the computer screen went black, then blue like it was running a scandisk, then came right back up. I wasn't even standing in front of the computer, much less touching anything. Funny thing is that sometime during this weird moment, the date changed - it moved up a day. This, as I am sure you know, caused A LOT of problems. We have fixed the date errors, but still freeze on a pretty regular basis. I guess we just need to have a commercial unit built.

[Andy]

I will give you a more detailed response tonight here (Scott / Rich go ahead please) - short on time right now.butYes, wife of - Commerical / Business level machine - it MAKES a BIG different - Helios pricing on the HP system is very attractive. Please DO NOT build your own.

[SunSationAiken]

Andy, why not build a computer? I can build a 900mhz processor with a 20-40 gig hard drive(AMD Duron or Athon, or Pentium III) with all the works for about $500 with the monitor. I know a computer guru. What is the price of the hp helios computer.

[Andy]

Of course your choice.I just feel strongly that a Business Computer should be professionally constructed and tested. It is TOO important in my opinion to be concerned about saving a few bucks - may be short term savings for long term pain.This is America - land of the free - do as you see best for you and yours

[SunSationAiken]

Andy,I am not completely opposed to purchasing a great business computer. What recommendations for computers do you have and what does the helios computer have to offer. I was just researching the prices of computers and found that I could have one built with the same components if not better. I want to do what is best. Thanks for your input.

[Andy]

Helios market an HP system - very reliableContact Scott