Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,079
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,079
Hey Guys, I would like to take my computer tower offline and keep the programs I have now and continue to use it - it's win 10, yes, it's old and going to lose support but nothing wrong with it and I really don't want to upgrade all my programs.) Instead I thought maybe I could buy a new laptop for online use and transfer finished stuff from the old tower onto it to post. Is this easy to do? I'm not sure how? Please forgive if it's an ignorant question.... As many of you know I'm just coming out of two years of grief hell and trying to save money and still enjoy making music and video editing once again. Your thoughts and advice????

BTW, When I moved back to metro Nashville I no longer have a music room, so I was going to just quit but when it comes to me and music to sort of quote a song - I got it too deep inside. smile I've actually started playing my guitar again...and getting my voice back. Not that I'd let anyone hear me right now I'm just soothing my soul - but that's for another thread.

Thanks in advance y'all.

Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,495
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,495
Josie,

There are several ways to transfer files between computers. One of the cheapest and easiest ways is to use USB flash memory sticks.

Plug a USB flash memory stick into a USB port and Windows 10 and higher recognizes the memory stick as temporary memory complete with a drive letter.
Copy files from your computer onto the temporary memory drive letter.
Right click on the drive letter and select "Eject" from the right click menu.
Unplug the USB flash memory stick from your computer USB port.
Plug the USB flash memory stick into a USB port of the second computer.
Copy files from the temporary memory drive letter.

BestBuy, WalMart, Staples and Office Depot are four brick and mortar stores that sell USB flash memory sticks. +++ BestBuy +++ has a three pack of 32 GB memory sticks for $10.99.


Jim Fogle - 2025 BiaB (1124) RB (1) Ultra+ PAK
DAWs: Cakewalk by BandLab (CbB) - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8
Laptop: i3 Win 10, 8GB ram 500GB HDD
Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD
Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,079
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,079
Jim, Thank You! That sounds easy enough.

Now most of these programs "call home" for lack of better words for example do you think I'll be able to use BIAB/RB or Izotope, etc... and how would I get the product updates if there are any. I suppose I could update everything right before the win support stops but will I be able to use the programs offline ya think?

Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 22,001
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 22,001
Sundance I had the same problem. That is a music computer that I want off-line and an internet computer. What I have done is purchase a KVM switch, that is a Keyboard, Video, Mouse switch:
https://kceve.com/product/2x1-usb-3-0-kvm-switch/

This allows one keyboard and one mouse control two computers. I picked the above KVM switch as it also allows me to content a printer and a USB flash memory stick also, i.e. that eliminates the plugging and unplugging of the memory stick.

I keep the Ethernet card disabled on my music computer; you do this via the device manager. When I need to update a program I activate then immediately after disable it again.

FYI - I am also looking for a Win 11 internet computer. I am leaning towards a micro computer. You can get a some for under $400. You might want to check them out also.


Unclear if the pianist is a total beginner or a professional jazz player?

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,053
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,053
you can downoad the update files and use aa USB stick to transfer them in the same way. then just run them from the usb stick and you can update. that's for patches and so on. but for program upgrades and other larger downloads just get them from PG on a stick in the first place.

Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,226
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,226
Hi, Josie.

The only thing that losing Windows support means is that you won't get Windows updates from Microsoft. But anti-malware programs should still be keeping current for older machines, so (in theory) you can still run your current computer online with about the same level of risk as you currently are if you switch to an anti-malware program that continues to support Windows 10.

But minimizing the time that you are offline will help reduce that risk even more.

As Mario also suggested, you always have the option of temporarily putting your current computer back online, just for when you want to perform updates.

As to moving files, I agree with what others have said - just transfer the files between the two computers using a USB key. Or if you got one of the USB drives for your BiaB, you can use that and save yourself some money.

If you're considering going the KVM route that Mario suggested, you might have a look at getting an inexpensive mini PC. They're basically laptop computers in a very small box. You have to supply the keyboard, mouse and screen (which is why they're cheaper than laptops), but with an KVM switch, you can toggle between the two computers with the touch of a button.


-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,965
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,965
Surprised nobody brought this one up ..
Since both computers can join the same home network when online, I'd just transfer what I want over the network vs running back and forth with a USB stick.

There are a couple steps, the computers have to be discoverable while on the network, then you can just share the folders you want to move.
Copy what you want

Afterwards take it offline and it is no longer discoverable.
Just another way to go.

I have a shared folder on a computer, anything I want to copy to another machine in the house goes in that folder (whether another computer of mine, the wife's or daughter's) I just put it in that folder and the other machine can grab it.
If the shared machine is offline nobody can see it.
Gotta admit though, everybody knows how to do the USB route ... so likely easier


I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,959
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,959
Originally Posted by dcuny
Hi, Josie.

The only thing that losing Windows support means is that you won't get Windows updates from Microsoft...

This is very useful info, THANKS, David! Bought a dedicated DAW about seven years ago, and it's still performing GREAT at my level of usage. Unfortunately it just missed the cut off for Windows 11 processor support. Hate to retire it if all I need to do is subscribe to malware prevention...

Last edited by DC Ron; 12/05/24 03:09 PM.

DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
StudioCat DAW dual screen
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,257
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,257
Originally Posted by DC Ron
Hate to retire it if all I need to do is subscribe to malware prevention...
You definitely don't need to retire it. Until quite recently a small laptop of mine was running Win8.1. The only reason it doesn't still is that an update to Win8.1 broke the dual-boot into Linux and, as I no longer have to test sowtware compatibilty with older Windows versions, I just blew away Win8.1 and installed a new Linux on the whole drive.

I still have a Win2K laptop here for an old probram that won't run on later Wins. It was working fine last time I checked, but the battery is now really strugling and the display hinges are cracked.

If you have a broadband router, it probably has a firewall, so another option is to use that to block access to/from the Internet.

I think Microsoft is trying to frighten/bully people into getting more recent versions and that's becoming a significant issue now they're tieing OS versions to CPU versions.


A little bit of Linux advocacy. All but one of my PCs run Linux, only a few have Windows. For most everyday stull Linux is excellent, though one typically uses platform agnostic applications, rather than Windows or Mac targetted applications. Firefox/Chrom*/Opera/etc., Thunderbird, LibreOffice, etc., all of which are mature and stable. It doesn't work out so well with BiaB, but a number of DAWs are available (Ardour, Reaper, BitWig, Mixbus,). Liunux doesn't require us to download drivers and most hardware 'just works'.

If/when a PC ever seems to no longer allow Windows, consider the switch. There are a number of very user-friendy Linux distributions out there ... Mint, Arch, Ubuntu,...).


An against: Older machines do typically use more power per performance than newer machines. Doing the power-cost calculations makes keeping old machines look less attractive.


Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2024 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
.
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,153
J
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
J
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,153
Sundance

hope this helps a tad.

ive always used 2 pc's. one...sandboxed for music production and tother for the net.
thanks to gordon scott over the past year i got heavily into small hold in your hand pc's which now have 'processing power' instead.
i underestimated them.

so currently i use a ryzen mini for music production.
(400 bucks.)
and a cute fanless pc (only 140 bucks) for net i'm typing this on.
both boot darn fast.

but a caveat...i wouldnt use the fanless for doing heavy duty music production. with power hungry plugins. for light duty ok.

if you do anticipate getting another pc to save me oodles of typing please read my tips in the pg tips forum re optimising a current pc or buying a new one.

https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=795663#Post795663

merry xmas.

om

.

Last edited by justanoldmuso; 12/06/24 04:24 AM.

my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..)
https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs
(90 songs created useing bb/rb.)
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,959
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,959
Originally Posted by Gordon Scott
Originally Posted by DC Ron
Hate to retire it if all I need to do is subscribe to malware prevention...
You definitely don't need to retire it...

Thanks, Gordon!


DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
StudioCat DAW dual screen
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,079
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,079
Y'all have helped me feel so much better! Glad I'm not the only one DC Ron. Lots of info here to consider. I have antimalware bytes already I can use again so that's great to know David. I share a wireless network with a neighbor so the stick like Jim said is probably my easiest route rharv and Bob. I've never even thought of a mini so I will check that out for sure Mario and OM. I was thinking of getting a laptop so I won't be tied to the desk all the time. In the summer the a/c in here sounds like a wind tunnel on the tarmac at the airport with a jet taking off - it's really loud. I've never owned a laptop but the portability sounds nice. Gordon, that is interesting. Mine is an 8.1 that was upgraded to win 10.
All you guys are so helpful. Thank you.

Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,153
J
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
J
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,153
Sundance.

re a new pc. ...

the internal latency of any new pc is very important.
a good one should have very low microsecond latency.
for example some laptops have very high microsecond latency compared to others...
thus there is potential for problems down the road.

in my tips in the tips forum are links eg latency mon re low latency and a web site that tests latency of loads of different pc's.
what i do is get a 30 day return on a new pc so i can do various tests and assess internal pc microsecond latency.
my new ryzen mini has one of the lowest internal microsecond latencies.

in summary 'correct pc selection' is important re music production.

merry x.

om

Last edited by justanoldmuso; 12/07/24 03:17 AM.

my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..)
https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs
(90 songs created useing bb/rb.)
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,079
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,079
Thanks OM!

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Moderated by  Andrew - PG Music, PeterGannon 

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.

ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.

PG Music News
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows® Today!

If you’ve already purchased Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows®, great news—a new update is now available! This update introduces a handy new feature: a vertical cursor in the Tracks window that shows the current location across all tracks, and more.

Discover everything included in this free update and download it now at https://www.pgmusic.com/support_windowsupdates.htm#1124

Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows®: Boot Camp: The AI Lyrics Generator

With Band-in-a-Box 2025® for Windows®, we've introduced an exciting new feature: the AI Lyrics Generator! In this video, Tobin guides you step-by-step on how to make the most of this new tool.

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows®: Boot Camp: The AI Lyrics Generator video.

Check out the forum post for more information.

Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows®: Using VST3 Plugins

Band-in-a-Box 2025® for Windows® now includes support for VST3 plugins, bringing even more creative possibilities to your music production. Join Simon as he guides you through the process in this easy-to-follow demonstration!

Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows®: Using VST3 Plugins

Join the conversation on our forum.

Video: Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Windows: Using The BB Stem Splitter!

In this video, Tobin provides a crash course on using the new BB Stem Splitter feature included in Band-in-a-Box 2025® for Windows®. During this process he also uses the Audio Chord Wizard (ACW) and the new Equalize Tempo feature.

Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows®: Using the BB Stem Splitter

Check out the forum post for some optional Tips & Tricks!

Congrats to Misha (Rustyspoon)…downloaded/installed a full Audiophile 2025!

Breaking News!

We’re thrilled to announce that Rustyspoon has made PG history as the very first person to successfully complete the download and install of the full Band-in-a-Box 2025 Windows Audiophile Edition (with FLAC files)—a whopping 610GB of data!

A big shoutout to Rustyspoon for stepping up to be our test "elf!"

Thank you for your support, Rustyspoon!

Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Windows Videos

With the launch of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows, we're adding new videos to our YouTube channel. We'll also share them here once they are published so you can easily find all the Band-in-a-Box® 2025 and new Add-on videos in one place!

Whether it's a summary of the new features, demonstrations of the 202 new RealTracks, new XPro Styles PAK 8, or Xtra Styles PAKs 18, information on the 2025 49-PAK, or detailed tutorials for other Band-in-a-Box® 2025 features, we have you covered!

Reference this forum post for One-Stop Shopping of our Band-in-a-Box® 2025 Videos - we will be updating this post as more videos are added!

Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Windows is Here!

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows is here, packed with major new features and an incredible collection of available new content! This includes 202 RealTracks (in Sets 449-467), plus 20 bonus Unreleased RealTracks in the 2025 49-PAK. There are new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 4, two new sets of “RealDrums Stems,” XPro Styles PAK 8, Xtra Styles PAK 19, and more!

Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 with savings of up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special—available until December 31, 2024! Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.

2025 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
We've packed our Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK
with some incredible Add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is automatically included with most Band-in-a-Box® for Windows 2025 packages, but for even more Add-ons (including 20 Unreleased RealTracks!) upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for only $49. You can see the full lists of items in each package, and listen to demos here.

If you have any questions, feel free to connect with us directly—we’re here to help!

Forum Statistics
Forums65
Topics83,518
Posts758,788
Members39,140
Most Online3,932
Nov 19th, 2024
Newest Members
easonlee, Guutaa, sadsad12, JulioSax, mmoalem
39,140 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
jpettit 192
Noel96 141
musocity 135
MarioD 131
Jim Fogle 127
DC Ron 122
Rob Helms 119
Today's Birthdays
alabastrino, gabrielbadillog, LoBo
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5