Computer hardware help

Mentallic

Just recently I was clicking through my itunes list and then my computer started going really slow and the music stopped. When I would switch to another window some random music started playing out of my list, then I'd switch back and it would stop again. I noticed that songs were being chosen down the list really quickly and this is what slowed my computer and wouldn't let any songs play. I couldn't click on one song without it jumping to the next and so forth.
I would restart my computer and then it would be fixed for a bit, but after having the computer on for an hour or so, it would happen again and I couldn't fix it without restarting. So I started pulling out plugs to pinpoint what hardware device is causing the issue, and it turns out that it's my keyboard. About a week ago my mate accidentally stepped on the end of the plug and squeezed the metal at the end of the usb drive so I couldn't fit my keyboard into a slot. I fixed it so it would fit again but it still looks bumpy in places.

What could be the problem and how could I fix it? Should I just replace my keyboard?

Thanks.

diazona

It sounds like a software problem, actually. In your situation I would have been suspicious about iTunes itself, or perhaps some other program. Did you install or update anything recently? (Any chance you might have a virus?)

But anyway, I'd definitely suggest trying a new keyboard, or at least replacing the USB plug on your existing keyboard. It's just a good idea in general to have plugs that fit properly. If that fixes it, great. If not, maybe ask here.

Alienjoey

iTunes is a bit of a resource hog as it is, and it can slow down your computer a lot, but if the keyboard is clearly giving you problems, it can't hurt to get a new keyboard as well.

Mentallic

I thought about that too but since when I unplug the keyboard everything seems to work fine, so that idea was scrapped. I tested it with another keyboard and all is good, so it is that keyboard that is faulty. Anyway could I replace the usb end without having to replace the entire keyboard? Because I'm fairly sure that is what caused the trouble.

And yes I've realized itunes is a huge resource hog, I really hate it, but I don't know what other music player to use...

diazona

I'm sure it's possible, but depending on what kind of keyboard it is, you may have to open it up and connect some wires yourself. (The alternative is that the cord may be unpluggable from the keyboard itself, but I don't think there are many keyboards like that) If you're not comfortable with rewiring the thing, it'll probably be cheapest to get a new one, and see if you can donate the old one to some electronics recycling center (basically anywhere where they have people with the technical expertise to fix it)

As far as music players go, iTunes certainly has some nice attributes but if you want to consider other options:
VLC
Winamp
AmaroK
Of course there are many many others, those are just the "big names" I can think of off the top of my head.

Mentallic

If it was as easy as red wire to red slot, I'd be in luck, but I doubt it

I guess I'll go replace it then, thanks for the advice!

By the way, I never really use itunes' extra features other than shuffling through my list of music. I hope the other music players can handle this monstrous task

diazona

Yeah, usually once you have to unscrew things, the wires aren't so neatly color coded.

And I think it might be time for you to start seeing other music players VLC might be nice, actually - it doesn't try to manage your music library or anything, it just plays.

Mentallic

Can't believe I never thought about using another music player. I hate itunes enough since it has all these playlists options that I don't need, it takes forever to start up (I'd rather exaggerate here than say a more reasonable 20 seconds) and I can't play a game that is also a resource hog and listen to music at the same time without something giving way...

I'll check them out tomorrow once my internet renews itself because downloading with dialup speed can be a *****.

Pattonias

A great way to speed up Itunes is to remove all the info options that you don't need. I only use Song Title, Album, and length. Turn off all the others. Turning off music genius really helps too. I have a extreme pc, but that pc even has trouble running that poorly written program. These tweaks really helped out though in the lagging.