Solved Best business desktop?

barman58 · Dec 5, 2021

No, that convertor is not needed, the "Phono" plugs The (larger socket on your link) are only used to connect the speakers to the Woofer and are already present and correct.

If you wish to use the headphone and Microphone on the control unit you will need an adaptor to connect the dual use socket on the New case to the extension cables - These are shown in the link in my previous post. If you do not need to use the headphone and Mic options on the control unit you will not need anything.

One thing you will need is a suitable cable to connect the Green socket on the back of the new case to the pale blue input socket on the rear of the control unit. This is a standard cable and the one you used with the old case should be fine

This is a range of lengths just get one to suit your layout, if you do not have one available

https://www.amazon.co.uk/CSL-Sheath-Compatible-Smartphones-Players-Black/dp/B0943Y2CJY/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=pc+to+speaker+audio+cable+1.5M&qid=1638738926&sr=8-4

hdmi · Dec 5, 2021

barman58 said:
They are always a single for each in my recollection, [of course the connectors were slightly different as the Headphones supported Left, Right, and return connections whereas the Mic only supported the signal and return], this system with the Dell tower is a specific issue due to Dell using a multi function port, [As used in Cell phones and games consoles], with these ports you have both Mic and Headphones in the same universal socket that needs a plug to have Left, Right, Mic Signal, and a return - There should be adaptors to convert this plug to the two older style sockets needed by the speaker system port extensions

EDIT - There are adaptors available

3.5mm Audio Jack to Headphone and Microphone U Splitter Converter Adaptor : Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

Shop for Aulola PC products at the Amazon.co.uk Electronics & Photo store.

www.amazon.co.uk

The adapter piece that you linked is not what I would recommend, though. I mean, if you have to plug/unplug the microphone and/or headphone, then the adapter piece will wiggle a tiny little bit, thereby causing unnecessary wear and tear on the jack that's at the front of the computer. So, that's why something like this would be much better IMO:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Splitter-POSUGEAR-Headphone-Microphone-Compatible-Black/dp/B079PJL14Y

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Syncwire-Nylon-Braided-Microphone-Compatible-Controller/dp/B08P2PS9NV

Winuser · Dec 6, 2021

marne said:
Would this be the one for me then?

https://www.amazon.com/CERRXIAN-LEMENG-2-Pack-Adapter-Splitter/dp/B018V7GTNK/ref=sr_1_4?adgrpid=1342504300679195&hvadid=83906731249542&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=93203&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvtargid=kwd-83906908733228%3Aloc-190&hydadcr=17977_13444561&keywords=rca+to+3.5mm+adapter&qid=1638571619&sr=8-4

You would only need that if you were plugging just the speakers into the computer. Can you send us a picture of the plug that goes into the computer?

orlbuckeye · Dec 7, 2021

marne said:
I just ordered the Dell windows 10 Pro Vostro 5890 with SSD 512 for 2 reasons mostly.
1st: Windows 10 Pro is a safer choice when it comes to protecting your PC and securing your information.
I am using an Acer Windows 7 that I love but, it being my main computer where I do my private business on, having to rely on it, figured to be safe, time to get something new.
2nd: I always wanted SSD since I experienced what it is like.
Dislike Windows 10 too much so stayed with 7, but----
Now, our hands are tied with the having to have a Microsoft account before we can set it up. I do not have nor want one.
I read that by purchasing Windows 11Pro, you do not have to sign in with the Microsoft account?
I do not want Windows 11, hoping works the same for Windows 10Pro in not having a Microsoft account in order to set up the new computer from out of the box when I get it.?
Also, read the Pro is not loaded with as much useless bloat.
Any step by step help on how to get the new computer up and running, is deeply appreciated.

Well using your MS account makes moving to a new PC SOOOOOO much easier plus It helps for Windows activation. The other thing is if you have Windows Pro I'm not sure if you will find your Bitlocker key and someday might be locked out of your data.

marne · Dec 7, 2021

orlbuckeye said:
Well using your MS account makes moving to a new PC SOOOOOO much easier plus It helps for Windows activation. The other thing is if you have Windows Pro I'm not sure if you will find your Bitlocker key and someday might be locked out of your data.

You are scaring me cause I have no idea of what that is and how it works? Is bitlocker automatically activated when set up?
Without me knowing, could I get locked out? Where and what is Bitlocker key. THANKS for the warning.

Haydon · Dec 7, 2021

marne said:
You are scaring me cause I have no idea of what that is and how it works? Is bitlocker automatically activated when set up?
Without me knowing, could I get locked out? Where and what is Bitlocker key. THANKS for the warning.

There is the (simplified) device encryption and the standard BitLocker encryption, ~~neither is turned on by default.~~
Edit: Standard BitLocker encryption is for sure not turned on by default, because it requires very careful key management. But after looking at some security sites, I am not sure about the (simplified) device encryption. MS may have turned it on by default if the W10 device supports it, but if so, MS must have done it without the key management requirement. In any case, the link below shows you how to turn off the (simplified) device encryption if you don't like it.

Device encryption in Windows - Microsoft Support

Learn about BitLocker and your encryption options for Windows.

support.microsoft.com

BTW, like you, I have one of those boring officy desktop computers that is important to me. If I may, here is a couple of things that I do for my peace of mind. email phishing has become so sophisticated that I turn on full display of email addresses, that immediately stops some 90% of those emails complete with logos of my bank etc but come from a different domain. I also use a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) complete with lightning protection and USB connection to monitor power status, alarms, etc. I trust that you have a backup system that gives you peace of mind

marne · Dec 8, 2021

Haydon said:
There is the (simplified) device encryption and the standard BitLocker encryption, ~~neither is turned on by default.~~
Edit: Standard BitLocker encryption is for sure not turned on by default, because it requires very careful key management. But after looking at some security sites, I am not sure about the (simplified) device encryption. MS may have turned it on by default if the W10 device supports it, but if so, MS must have done it without the key management requirement. In any case, the link below shows you how to turn off the (simplified) device encryption if you don't like it.

Device encryption in Windows - Microsoft Support

Learn about BitLocker and your encryption options for Windows.

support.microsoft.com

BTW, like you, I have one of those boring officy desktop computers that is important to me. If I may, here is a couple of things that I do for my peace of mind. email phishing has become so sophisticated that I turn on full display of email addresses, that immediately stops some 90% of those emails complete with logos of my bank etc but come from a different domain. I also use a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) complete with lightning protection and USB connection to monitor power status, alarms, etc. I trust that you have a backup system that gives you peace of mind

THANK YOU SO MUCH for the SUPERB help in giving me such valuable information I needed to read up on. You are a Jewel!

Haydon · Dec 8, 2021

Glad you like it! The bottom line is that there is nothing to worry about, nobody can be expected to do BitLocker key management without warning, that's completely unreasonable.

If you want to know more specifically about your own W10 computer, run the control panel 'System Information' as an administrator. Towards the bottom, you see the line 'Device Encryption Support'. There you see whether your device supports it, whether it is turned on or not, etc.

If you use your device as I think you do, just leave it alone, it won't make much difference either way, good luck!

marne · Dec 8, 2021

Haydon said:
Glad you like it! The bottom line is that there is nothing to worry about, nobody can be expected to do BitLocker key management without warning, that's completely unreasonable. If you want to know more specifically about your own W10 computer, run the control panel 'System Information' as an administrator. Towards the bottom, you see the line 'Device Encryption Support'. There you see whether your device supports it, whether it is turned on or not, etc.
If you use your device as I think you do, just leave it alone, it won't make much difference either way, good luck!

AGAIN, How can I ever THANK you enough for this info which I value and appreciate SO MUCH!
I have to hook that Dell back up to check this all out. I only had it on once to set it up and was so disappointed to where I had to decide if I wanted to keep it or not, because after 5 days of receiving it, I saw the price dropped a couple hundred dollars. That hurt.
Now, I see it went up a hundred. Sending it back would be a hassle.
THEN when I read the post about being locked out, THAT shook me up.
Now with your help here, putting me at ease, and my needing a new computer, I guess I should keep it and play around with it "Before I move in". "LOL" KUDOS to you!
I can make up a blue ribbon especially for you if allowed to do so on this forum?

orlbuckeye · Dec 9, 2021

marne said:
You are scaring me cause I have no idea of what that is and how it works? Is bitlocker automatically activated when set up?
Without me knowing, could I get locked out? Where and what is Bitlocker key. THANKS for the warning.

Well i just purchased a HP Envy 32 All-In One and it can with Windows 10 Home which most new systems do now. I purchased the upgrade in the MS store to go to Pro. Well first after installing it told me I was on Enterprise and it could activate. I had to call MS and they gave me a generic key and he said it would link my digital footprint on the MS Server to my MS account and recognize Windows 10 Pro (which it did and i was activated). Then I shutdown and when I tried to boot again I was asked to enter my Bitlocker key. Bitlocker is only in Windows 10 Pro so i was able to go to my MS account on another PC and got my Bitlocker key and the machine booted up. Bitlocker is a security thing that encrypts you hard drive. It helps if you PC is stolen the drive can't be read without the key.

Haydon · Dec 9, 2021

W10 Pro can activate the (simplified) device encryption or activate the standard BitLocker encryption or activate none. MS automatic activation can be erratic occasionally.

marne was able to boot up without BitLocker incident, hence I suggested to leave it alone, regardless of whatever it is that is activated or whether it is not activated at all.

marne · Dec 9, 2021

Haydon said:
W10 Pro can activate the (simplified) device encryption or activate the standard BitLocker encryption or activate none. MS automatic activation can be erratic occasionally.
marne was able to boot up without BitLocker incident, hence I suggested to leave it alone, regardless of whatever it is that is activated or whether it is not activated at all.

My Dell is the Windows 10 Pro.
I set it up without the MS account by not having my Router on, and when finished, tried it out by opening websites I frequent and a few other things briefly. Then being I had business to take care of on my regular computer, I had to hook back up and did not go back to the Dell since, because of other things I had to take care of, and my trying to decide if I should return it or not from what else I found out.
Hard decision to make so I had to unwind a bit. Then I thought, well it's here, and I should try it again and if still disappointed, try to sell it even if at a loss.

orlbuckeye

I appreciate your trying to help with your input here, but lets hope it won't affect me. IF I can boot up?
Later I will connect back up to the Dell and check out the info Haydon has given me.

Haydon · Dec 9, 2021

I understood you correctly, marne, your machine is a W10 Pro. You were able to boot up the machine normally and visit websites. In particular, you did NOT have to enter a BitLocker key, which is a really, really, really long password.

Sometimes, MS makes a mistake, and then you hear about the MS mistake from people like the other poster.

In your case, MS did NOT make a mistake.

Just leave BitLocker alone, do nothing about it!

Just use your new machine normally (for visiting websites, doing your email, watching videos, listening to music, and all the other things that you need your machine for. Do all that like you did it with your old machine.

Maybe you don't like the new machine for other reasons, that's a different issue.

marne · Dec 9, 2021

Haydon, THANK you again for your patience and understanding me so well!
That what you said, is exactly the way I would use it.
I really do not like windows 10 from windows 7, but, a person has to buy what is being sold nowadays whether they like it or not when they need a new computer.
One thing I worried about was, when I was hooked up before, that computer would not open links I have from MSWord doc of importance, saved on my thumb drive.
Now I am worried about what I have on my portable SSD Samsung I recently bought and 2 other 500GB drives I bought years ago that plug into USB ports. Lots to worry about until tried.

Dru2 · Dec 9, 2021

Haydon said:
Glad you like it! The bottom line is that there is nothing to worry about, nobody can be expected to do BitLocker key management without warning, that's completely unreasonable.

FYI, those BitLocker keys are randomly generated by the system so there's nothing to manage on your own.

Anyway, in doing some research I found some PC vendors (example HP) enable BitLocker by default on PC's that support Modern Standby. whether Windows 10 or 11. Didn't know this before (only buy laptops, build my own desktops), but it's not surprising, especially with Windows 11.

Haydon · Dec 9, 2021

Dru2 said:
FYI, those BitLocker keys are randomly generated by the system so there's nothing to manage on your own.

Well, that's not quite accurate. The user does need to do key management for Standard BitLocker encryption, e.g. being able to store and retrieve the BitLocker key, at the very least. The (simplified) device encryption uses the auto-unlock feature of BitLocker and hence hides key management from the user.

Anyway, I don't want to confuse poor marne.

marne: Just do nothing with BitLocker!

Haydon · Dec 9, 2021

marne said:
Haydon, THANK you again for your patience and understanding me so well!
That what you said, is exactly the way I would use it.
I really do not like windows 10 from windows 7, but, a person has to buy what is being sold nowadays whether they like it or not when they need a new computer.
One thing I worried about was, when I was hooked up before, that computer would not open links I have from MSWord doc of importance, saved on my thumb drive.
Now I am worried about what I have on my portable SSD Samsung I recently bought and 2 other 500GB drives I bought years ago that plug into USB ports. Lots to worry about until tried.

Work with MS Word on your new machine in the same way as you did on your old machine. If you have only 1 license for MS Word, you can:

1) Keep the 1 license for the old machine and work with the free web version of MS Word on the new machine.

2) Use the 1 license for the new machine (de-activate the license on the old machine first) and work with the free web version of MS Word on the old machine. Use MalwareBytes or some other good anti-malware protection if you have to connect the old machine to the Internet after the old machine no longer receives security updates.

The 1 license may be old, but it works without Internet connection. The free web version is up to date which may be important if you have to exchange MS Word documents with others.

Use document version control, e.g. for the first 3 versions of a document done today:

FileName9December202101
FileName9December202102
FileName9December202103

Consolidate (keep only the most important) document versions on a weekly or monthly basis, e.g. 'December 2021', 'January 2021', ... consistent with how you have structured your backups and archives. Keep your archives disconnected from your machine if not in use and connect your archives to your machine only if your machine is disconnected from the Internet. Regularly scan your system (machine, backups, archives) for malware.

Good luck!

marne · Dec 9, 2021

THANK you Haydon.
I will see what happens when I finally hook it up again tomorrow. I got most of my business taken care of now.

I did pick up on this, from Dru2's second link, which I took it to mean I have to be the one to enable it to work.
I didn't use any account during set up. It just went through with no password, me just typing my name, then hit enter to keep going.
QUOTE:

If you sign in using a local account on a device running a business edition of Windows 10, you need to use the BitLocker Management tools to enable encryption on available drives.

Dru2 · Dec 9, 2021

Haydon said:
Well, that's not quite accurate. The user does need to do key management for Standard BitLocker encryption, e.g. being able to store and retrieve the BitLocker key, at the very least. The (simplified) device encryption uses the auto-unlock feature of BitLocker and hence hides key management from the user.

Anyway, I don't want to confuse poor marne.

marne: Just do nothing with BitLocker!

What keys would those be? And where are they found? Additionally, when's the last time "you" used BitLocker?

You talk about not confusing anyone, yet your post is anything but clear. And trust me, I'm far more familiar with BitLocker then you might think :wink:

marne · Dec 9, 2021

Everything is OK here. Thank you all for your help. I appreciated it very much.
Now, I have to hook the Dell back up, and poke around to familiar myself with it.
I have enough information here to give me a start to see where things are and what.

Thanks again.