Keeping iTunes Desktop conflicts to a minimum – Series 1(Reposting # 2) Fir

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Note: If you don’t take the time from your busy schedule to address these suggestions being provided in this and future upcoming series, then by all mean continue with what you were doing before and continue to experience the frustrations and problems. The series is not meant to be a cure-all for the problems you are having. But the information will go a long way to correcting and improving a lot of issues that you may be having with your system. Think About It !!!!!!!!!!
In reviewing this forum I see a lot of folks here are having difficulties with running iTunes on the desktop and using the features available within the program. As far as information is concerned relating to iTunes conflicts, “the possible basic root causes” that can contribute to the conflicts are lacking in the discussions. The conflict discussion that I am presenting here in this first series that have been discussed many times before in various forums boards elsewhere. But for some reason it dos not seem to be sticking well in people’s minds when dealing with computers at this point in time. Therefore, I thought this would be a good opportunity to start running a series of articles here to help those who are interested in cutting the problems down to a minimum and to try and help you understand why the conflicts are occurring. If you are like me you want to enjoy your music without having to go through a lot of hassle to reach that enjoyment. But if you want to correct the problem you are having I will need to guide you through a little bit of hassle to improve your performance. These articles will be primarily directed to the learning advanced users and to those who have a complete set of available Recovery and Applications/Drivers CD’s that was provided with your system. The following is critical. If your system just came with one instillation disk I strongly advise against using some of this information. IF YOU DO, proceed at your own risk especially if you have an OEM system. If you are NOT an advanced user you can still learn from this material.
My objective in this opening series as I stated in my opening remarks is to address the possible root causes that can and will interfere with programs and iTunes. Before I go any further let me provide a summary of my upcoming series objectives:
1) Conflicts – Current series
2) HDD Formatting – “Main key to reducing conflicts”
3) Security
4) iTunes Setup and Firewall configuration
All four of the above categories will play a vital role in reducing the conflicts. Now lets begin the series for those who are interested in learning.
1)Open Ports – WARNING!!!! OPEN PORTS ARE A SURE FIRE INVITATION TO PROBLEMS. Also, it is a “potential security hazard” to the local machine in question. Therefore I strongly suggest visiting one of the following links for a free online Port Scan. www.broadbandreports.com when you reach the site look for the Tools tab. www.sygate.com There are many other places you can visit but I would use caution because of the hidden dangers that could be involved if you don’t know a whole lot about the scan provider. I would stick to the most popular scan sites if possible. I suggest also going to www.microsoft.com and typing in the following search term: “Ports”. The search results will yield you a wide verity of information relating to port issues. Or, use your favorite search engine to research the issue. The bottom line is this, it is very important and relevant to understand the importance of protecting yourself in this area for it can and will at times have a system wide impact on the local machine. So now is a good time to start learning how to lock your system up to the outside world as much as you can if you have not already done so. Question? You would not leave your home without locking it up first, Right? Get my point? Throughout my series I will be revisiting this subject and discuss other aspects relating to ports issues.
2)Virus/Spyware Programs - Unfortunately we live in a world today where people have hidden motives and agendas. Others are just out to cause trouble for others. The reason that I am bringing up these two programs is because they are well known programs to cause conflicts. Even though both of these programs is a necessity in our every day tasks lets break each one down and briefly discuss what we can do to reduce the conflicts. Virus Programs: I know you may have heard it before but I am going to reiterate it again that it is imperative that you keep this program up to date. This will be just one part of your front line defense in protecting your computer. Virus Programs/Firewalls: The virus programs coming out today are multi-functional packages now. Example: Spyware programs included, etc. But lets focus our attention at the firewall level for just a minute. When I run my virus program I usually do the following, I will disengage the Spyware portion of the program. I will discuss a little bit more about Spyware programs soon. The point that I am trying to make is “Configuration”. In order to reduce the conflicts it is important that you understand the program that you are running. At times you may have to go back and configure your firewall in order for the program to properly work as well. Therefore, check with your program vender as well as your firewall vender to ensure that you are properly configured. And finally, Spyware programs. As I just stated, I usually disengage the Spyware portion when I setup my virus program. I do it for a specific reason(s). 1) I run my own independent program and, 2) I have found that the Spyware programs that are included in the multi-functional packages are just not effective. I am currently running Ad-Aware SE Plus. 3) Running two Spyware programs can and will cause conflicts.
3)Firewalls - Firewalls can be and often is a source of conflicts as I had briefly mentioned in the Virus program section. This will be another important aspect of your defense measures. You may ask, “What does this have to do with iTunes?” Well my friend it is important for configuration purposes again as I stated in the virus program section. When you listen to the radio or purchase music from the store you are dealing with what is called a live stream. To ensure the integrity of the live stream “Proper Firewall Configuration” is the key to maintaining that integrity. During my iTunes Setup and Firewall Configuration Series I will go into further details on this subject matter. If you are running the Windows Firewall and another firewall in one of the multi- functional packages that I spoke off, disengage it now. The probability of conflicts occurring will be high for sure.
4)Screen Savers and Tray Programs – Screen Savers is another well-known source of conflicts. If you are going to use a Screen Saver, then I suggest doing the following: 1) If you are going to spend a period of time at your PC, disengage the Screen Saver, and 2) If you are going to leave your PC running while you go to lunch or what ever, create a short cut from the Control Panel to the Desktop so that you can engage or disengage the Screen Saver at will. You will be better off in the end. Tray Programs If you are running iTunes products it is also a good ideal to shut down any programs that are not necessary to keep the conflicts to a minimum. Especially if you going to copy music to your iPod or iTunes player.
5)Internet Connection – In this last subject of this opening series I would like to briefly touch upon your actual Internet Connection. This can also be a source of conflict. If you are a Bell South user and have inside line filters on your phone lines as well as fax lines I suggest you consider getting rid of them. Then contact Bell South and have them come out to your home and install a line splitter on your line at the point of entry into your home. There is no charge for doing this. Fax Machines: If you have one and it is sharing your phone line I recommend considering putting it on a dedicated line, if you can afford it. Bellsouth will work with you in spreading out your payments on your phone bill. Once you have done this you will notice an immediate improvement in your connect.
In closing, everything that has been presented here for your consideration I have personally gone through. To date, as a result of my efforts I rarely have any problems. I am currently running the new update 7.0 When I do have a problem I can quickly pin point the problem and resolve the issue. Also, everything that has been presented here can cause a conflict by either direct or indirect means. Example of how a conflict can affect iTunes products: lets take the iPod for example, either one of the above can cause a conflict in such a way as to keep you from properly transferring your songs from the iTunes player to the iPod itself. This is why you don’t want to miss my next upcoming series.
In my HDD Formatting Series, I will show you how to properly lay out a hard drive in a way that will cut down the conflicts. Because of the amount of information that I will be providing, I may have to break it into two to three series on the subject. I can guarantee you though if you follow my suggestions in the series you will notice an improvement in your system. The principles of this information can be applied to all connections. Print these series off and save them as a reference points for yourself or others. I look forward to seeing you in my next series.
Jblittlejohn
Toshiba Satellite 1135/S155 Laptop
Windows XP Home SP2
Build 2600
DSL Lite – 2Wire

Answer 1

Drowning, welcome to the forum.
This is an extensive list of requirements.  What is your maximum budget?  This will make it much easier to give you  a realistic choice of computers.  There is a great gaming computer for $999.  I know that you said slight gaming, but the other tasks can still use some power.  Once I know your budget, I will help you more.
As you can see from my signature below, I have an 810qe model.  It has all of the power that I could possibly need.
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