One more Tech question for you Gents.

I was wondering, is it possible to get an image from a DvD and use it as your background scenery? Reason im asking is that I can't get mine changed yet because im apparently low on memory? space and my Comp is running super slow-so I have not been successful at visiting those sites you guys mentioned that had loads of them available.

But after I get the memory (computer-not mine ;-)) problem fixed, I was thinking of toying around with the idea of learning how to play a DvD on my machine, and taking an image from it to use as that background scenery.

Any thoughts on this?

Best regards--C.

 

Hi Carl, I tried some simple things just now (pausing the video and dragging the screen) but failed. I am assuming you have a PC (simply because most people do) but for Mac I know of a very useful application called "Grab" This application allows you to take capture an image of any screen, or selection you wish (it is sort of like a camera within your computer).

After doing a little research on the web I found something that looks very similar for PC. I can't really vouch for whether it will work well or not but anyhow I attached the link to download it below. You might have to wait for your computer to clear up before you download it. If you do download it, feel free to ask any questions about how to use it, it should be pretty similar to the Mac version. Basically what you would do is pause the DVD, and then use the application to selection the screen and simply press capture. You should then be able to save it as your background.

It is a very handy application to have even if you change your mind about the DVD thing, or someone else shows you a quicker way.

http://download.cnet.com/Screen-Grab-Pro/3000-2192_4-10068383.html

 

Jon, I have a similar program on my PC, can't say I've ever tried to capture a frame from a DVD with it so have no idea how or if that would work ??

Carl, if you are struggling to perform simple tasks on your PC then if would be best to address your memory issues first. If you keep getting a message like "System memory low" and the option to "Create more space" then it's your Hard Disk Drive (HDD) an external HDD may be the easiest option. Simply plug one in to a USB port and away you go.

 

Hi Jon, BlackS/ thanks both for your great info. I'd had thought it might have been possible to get an image if you could pause it or long enough to get a good clear frame.

BlackS/ I think you hit the nail on the head with that one. You described almost exactly the trouble im having. I was intending to ask if an external HD would help and your info certainly does. My computer is a PC, and is actually 8 years old but, it's "guts" were greatly updated about 2 or so years ago, and one thing I did find out I had-was a Pentium 4. I don't know if that's good ro bad? as I had previously only heard of a Pentium 3-and that was more than several years ago.

I am assuming external Hard Drives are not super expensive? I guess thta will give me something to start caling around about tomorrow ;-))

Thanks again Gents. Ill try to leave you both points if the computer will allow me?

 

Hey Carl, I just got a lead on a 500Gig external hard drive this morning, and while I don't need it (I've got one at 200GB), you might want to check it out.

Goto:

eCOST.com-Seagate 500GB FreeAgent Desk External USB Hard Drive - ST305004FDA2E1RK - Seagate ST305004FDA2E1RK (External Storage) - eCOST.com - electronics, computers, laptops, mp3 players

I've bought stuff from these guys before, and have had nothing but great results. The one time they sent me a "defective" item, they refunded my money into my PayPal account, and sent me a lable (pre-paid) to send the thing back by FedEx. Price is right, and the Pentium you have is a damned decent CPU. I think they (Intel) introduced them in 2000, but upgraded them through the years and only stopped shipping the Pentium 4 in 2008 or something.

Good luck in you quest to get your unit up and running better, faster, stronger!

 

Always glad to be of assistance Carl. Clint is right, your Pentium 4 CPU is well up to the job. I know that "memory" message well ... Some time ago I was forced (due to a Hard Drive failure) to install a temp HDD of only 6GB (yes 6GB) which is like trying to drive a truck with a beer can for a fuel tank !! External Drives are the easiest and more user friendly option.

As ever ... Good Luck.

 

Thank you very much Clint, BlackS/ That seals it for me and I will invest in one. I have not looked at the link Clint provided yet because the computer is responding even slower-but sometimes speeds up a little later on ;-))

Adn WHEW, I was afrriad I had a way out-dated processor. I know even less on how to change parts out of these things ;-))

On and Clint-I can't remember if I told you or not? but I have something now called: AVG-which has that Norton Anti-virus program on it but im not sure if its working correctly? I keeep getting a little message ssaying that it could not update my system weven though in the window you can see their info on-says it installed correctly and is active-wierd ;-))

I owe both of you a lot of gratitude with your helpful info. If either of you make it here to Houston-or to Corpus Christi for that matter, ill gladly take you Gents to either Fajita Willies, Carabbas-or to Montana Mikes and or Nikos-which is only in Corpus.

Take care--Carl.