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    Q. My self-build PC isn't working. What tests can I run?

    I left my recently completed self‑build PC running overnight to run a soak test. During the night it switched itself off, but...

    Sound Advice Apr 2011
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    Q. What does the 'virtualization' PC BIOS setting do?

    I was recently adjusting the BIOS settings on my PC, hoping to improve performance, and noticed the following option: '...

    Sound Advice Feb 2011
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    Q. What's the best way to back up my data?

    I have a PC running Windows XP, and currently back up my data regularly using copy and paste onto an external hard drive. The...

    Sound Advice Dec 2010
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    Q. Can I use a Mac Mini for music?

    I always hear people saying that the Mac Pro is the Mac of choice for musicians but, as a hobbyist, I simply can't justify the...

    Sound Advice Nov 2010
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    Q. Should I use faster RAM, or more RAM?

    Is it better to buy fewer gigabytes of faster RAM, or more gigabytes of slightly slower RAM; for example, 6GB of 1066MHz...

    Sound Advice Jul 2010
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    Q. Should I upgrade to a Mac Pro for more Firewire ports?

    My Macbook Pro has run out of grunt for what I'm doing, so I am considering upgrading to the iMac i7. However, I have a ...

    Sound Advice Jun 2010
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    Q. Is it safe to over-clock my PC?

    I always understood that over‑clocking your computer's CPU could make it unstable and meant you needed noisy fans to cool it...

    Sound Advice Apr 2010
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    Q. Which CPU meter should I believe?

    I have a PC with a Q6600 quad‑core processor running Cubase 4, and despite clicking on the Cubase 'Multi Processing' switch,...

    Sound Advice Oct 2009
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    Q. How do I interpret software system requirements?

    My PC is a few years old now, but I'm keen to try out some recent soft synths and other audio applications. However, I'm not...

    Sound Advice Jan 2009
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    Alter Vista

    Tweaking Windows Vista For Music

    If you've switched to Vista, or are about to take the plunge, check out our guide to the Vista audio tweaks that work — and those that don't.

    Sound Advice Nov 2008
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    Choosing An Audio Interface

    The SOS Buying Guide

    The vast majority of computer-based musicians will need an audio interface, but with so many on the market, it can feel like an impossible task to decide which to buy. You can narrow down the choices significantly with the help of our essential guide.

    Sound Advice Sep 2008
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    Buying A Budget PC For Music

    PC Musician

    Very low-cost PCs with apparently good spec are not hard to come by these days — you can even pick one up at the local supermarket. But not all computers will work well for music and audio, so how do you avoid making a big mistake?

    Sound Advice Aug 2008
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    Q. Is Firewire 800 backwards compatible?

    I have three Firewire 400 devices, which all run simultaneously, but I only have one Firewire 400 port, so using them all...

    Sound Advice Feb 2008
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    Multi-core Processors For Musicians

    PC Musician

    Some music applications will completely fail to take advantage of the multiple cores of a modern CPU — but which ones, and why? We find out, and advise on how you can make best use of however many cores your PC has.

    Sound Advice Jan 2008
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    PC Freeware Sequencers & Editors

    PC Musician

    Not only are these applications easier to use than commercial packages that can be confusingly feature heavy, they're also extremely easy on the wallet...

    Sound Advice Sep 2007
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    Rackmounting Your PC

    PC Musician

    Putting your PC in a rack has a number of advantages. Apart from getting the machine out from under your feet, and making it easier to take on the road in a flightcase, there are security benefits too. Here's how to perform the conversion, and potentially make your PC quieter at the same time.

    Sound Advice Aug 2007
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    Vista For Musicians: Part 2: What The Developers Think

    PC Musician

    If the transition to Windows Vista is a matter of concern for PC-based musicians, imagine how serious it must be to music hardware and software developers. Our Round Table gives some of them the chance to air their views about the new OS and the problems and opportunities it presents.

    Sound Advice Jul 2007
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    Q. What is Microsoft Sound Mapper?

    I use Sound Forge to record on to my laptop, and until very recently it's been working fine — until an...

    Sound Advice Jul 2007
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    Q. Should I use my spare PC as a remote workstation?

    My friend has just built a control room at the rear of his house, and he would like to set up a networked remote...

    Sound Advice Jul 2007
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    Q. What's the best way to transfer software to my new PC?

    I have just ordered a new PC, which I am turning into a music-only machine, using software from my old workhorse computer....

    Sound Advice Jun 2007
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    PC Spring Cleaning

    PC Musician

    Your PC may well be the nerve-centre of your studio, so keeping it in top condition is worth a bit of effort. Read on for the SOS guide to inner and outer PC cleanliness.

    Sound Advice May 2007

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