The advertising today is as bad on the internet as it is on television. With all the commercials that are on television and the advertisements that are on the internet, it seems that not using either are more and more eminent.
On the television, we have sports channels, and infomercial channels, both of which have been created and designated for the two categories. So why is the advertising and sports on television ruining the shows that we’re intending to watch?
When I turn on the television to watch the 5 o’clock news, I want to watch the 5 o’clock news, and not a game. This is why there are sports channels, put the games on those channels. Who wants to see commercials about erectile dysfunctional issues? I don’t. If I had a problem getting one, I would go see the doctor. Otherwise, deal with it, the reason why you’re having it is because you have a problem.
This type of advertising is a waste of air-waves, when it could be used for AMBER ALERTS or something more important. If you cannot sleep, go see your doctor, it don’t need to be advertised on television. After all, you have your own channels to advertise on. As I said about the 5 o’clock news, the same goes for when I want to watch C.S.I, or another show, I could care less about otherwise, if I wanted to watch sports, I would turn on the sports channel, the same with politics, the same for buying a grill that can cut down 99.9% fats; which by the way, none of them work.
And I will tell you why none of them work. Because if one actually did work, there would only be that one, and none others. Although, some do come quite close, but still. Take a look at Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, and oh my God, I do not believe I am going to bring his name up, Richard Simons, among a few to start with. You know why all three exist? None of them worked! I’ve known so many to have been on them, and hardly lost anything, except money out of their wallets and purses.
The only time a show should be interrupted, if any time, is by either the President, an AMBER ALERT or a WEATHER WARNING, otherwise the shows should continue. And if you think about it, what happened to the expression, “The show must go on.” Now here is an idea, instead of putting “paid programming” which I and many others don’t pay for, and could care less for, on in the morning, put them on their so-called designated channels, and put reruns of shows from the day-time, so night-owls have something more interesting to do, instead of going nuts.
It’s bad enough that they took off two of my favorite shows, CHARMED and THIRD WATCH; and now I know those two shows were very popular, and everyone was screwed on them. CHARMED should of, could have, and you’d think it would have kept going, but nope. THIRD WATCH, that one had a better chance of going, but that one got shafted, and left everyone hanging. Kind of like the SOPRANOS, now that was a waste of an ending. What was the guy thinking leaving the show hang like that? Now the stools and all where the guys sat on, hung out, the dance poles, etc., being auctioned off. I guess the show is done, without a “restart” if one existed. And going from HBO to A&E, and A&E plastering it like it was a “new” thing, yeah, right! Another favorite show of mine that was on HBO was Oz, and that one got ripped off, and I don’t remember them ever saying it was over. Talk about a rip off. HBO, supposedly Home Box Office, should change their name to something else more fitting. It seems they’re dumping all of their good shows and putting ones worse on the air. Granted, not all of the new ones are bad, but not many good ones.
If I had the time to sit here and complain about the sports over taking “regular scheduled” programming, I would sit here and right out who would win, loose, and win the super bowl, the Stanley cup, etc., but I can tell you the future of the future; all will loose, one will win the prize. OK, now put the sports on the sports channel and stop screwing with our shows. Think about it, would you rather see what the weather will be in the winter (e.g. slick and slippery roads on your way to work, or who crashed in NASCAR, who hit the grand slam, or scored a 97 yard touch down?) I prefer the weather, because it’s my life, and perhaps the life of others!
As far as the erectile dysfunctional issues, menopause, birth control, etc., everyone and their unborn knows about this already and have they don’t, this is why doctors and hospitals exist. You have your own channels, spam the hell out of those channels and leave us to our regular scheduled programming that we once had. Give us our channels back!
FCC (Federal Communications Commission,) must be working on Commission, and not getting paid enough? No offense, but what happened to regulation on these commercials, and advertisements? And it’s just as bad with the internet; except with the internet, people’s computers are being damaged, harmed, infected, etc., by viruses, spyware, etc. And the last time I looked, it’s illegal to install something without the consent of the user, and to “spy” on someone is illegal unless ordered by court; well with what the President signed recently, who knows who can spy on who anymore.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Friday, May 11, 2007
Various Gripes.
EverQuest
A game that at one point in time used to be the most popular game to play, and almost everyone was playing it at one time, has become a major annoyance. It seems now, that you are paying more for the downtime and problems that are accompanying the game and service.
You pay for the service; you think you’d be able to play it, right? Yeah, I thought so. I refused to pay for the last expansion, for a long period of time because there is guaranteed (though Sony Online Entertainment does not say it,) downtime to follow with it.
The downtime could be anywhere from 15 minutes, to 4 hours, to 8 hours, even 12 and rarely 24 hours, but the sad part is, they cannot “estimate” time properly, much less count the time right. It seems that 15 minutes is more around 6-8 minutes, roughly 1 minute is 30 seconds apart. Now I know I am not perfect, but 1 minute is 60 seconds and not 30 seconds? Ok, it seems they are counting too quickly.
To make matters worse, Sony Online Entertainment does not reimburse you for time lost, even the time you have paid for. This means, you pay for 1 month or 3 months, 6 or 12, and there is 1 month down, 3 down, 6 down, or 12 down, you’re screwed – you won’t get your money back. This is one reason why I left EverQuest, almost indefinitely. I still login to talk to friends, or talk trash but lately, hardly either.
A new thing that has started recently, “EverQuest prohibits the purchase of platinum for money,” yet it seems that there are tons of people appearing all over selling platinum for money – and it seems that nothing is being done about it. OK, now here goes World of Warcraft now.
World of Warcraft
Whether you’re using World of Warcraft, or World of Warcraft: Burning Crusades, you are being spammed by messages saying they’re glad to have met you, (“Hello, like I know you? Get lost!”) or other messages saying they’re happy to have known you, etc., visit “insert web site here” for 1000 gold for $79.95 (act now, and get a 10% bonus on your purchase) or whatever gimmick they have to offer to try and get you.
OK, for all my fellow World of Warcraft players, here are two links that you may be interested in, the first one is the right address to go to, but if you’re unsure, check it out:
1. http://ui.worldofwar.net/ui.php?id=3451
2. http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=SpamSentry
3. http://www.google.com/
The first address as shown came from Google, and it does help quite a bit. The second address is to show you my results (which show address 1,) and if you want to search for yourself, choose number 3. It appears to me, that advertising, even with politics are taking over the world.
What are the paying consumers (You know, for “Cable Television, Satellite Television, AM Radio, FM Radio, along with the internet, and others,”) to do, since it’s being taken over with advertisements and spam? OK, you might say, “That is what sponsors are for.” So if that be the case, why are we being shut out? Hell, 10 and 20 years ago, there has been a huge increase with commercials and advertising – and I’ve written about that on my blog.
Red Faction
This game was one of my most favorite games, despite Red Faction II that did not have multiple player interaction, was completely dead, it was a dud. Hell, Halo kicked the crap out of Red Faction, even Halo II and Halo III would dominate Red Faction I and II. OK, I will admit, I never played Halo II or Halo III, but from what I seen, Red Faction has absolutely no chance – considering it’s already dead these days.
EverQuest: Lords of EverQuest
No comment. It’s dead, it did not last too long (had fun with it with my girlfriend before she passed away) which I should mention was my fiancée.
Dungeon Siege
This is a game my fiancée and I had fun with, even though she bought Dungeon Siege II but we never got the chance to enjoy. Ok, 2 games I died with. Then there is Diablo that I started to enjoy again; comments for those two coming…
Diablo
I really started to get back in to this game duo to my fiancée but then lost interest after Diablo II, and Diablo II: Lord of Destruction. I don’t think I need to use any more categories beyond this point from this game.
Command and Conqueror
This is a game she could not really get interested in, although she’s smash me most of the time inside of EverQuest: Lords of EverQuest. Strange a bit, don’t you think? Think about it, both games are almost the same, with similar concepts I guess playing this after months on end with EverQuest: Lords of EverQuest can kill other games quickly (especially after a game based on the same style of game-play.)
What is wrong with Microsoft/others
You have your 32 bit systems (i386/i486/i586/i686) and such, that are known as 386, 486, Pentium, then you have your PentiumPro, Pentium II, Pentium III, Pentium IV, systems, then you have the this type of system “Macintosh PowerPC G3” that is a 64-bit system, the others are only 32-bit systems, now they are becoming a 64-bit system (not all, some but not all,) yet the new “64 bit systems” are being sent with “32 bit platforms” when they should be shipped with both platforms. It does not seem fair or right, regardless of price; granted Windows XP 64/Vista64 costs more, but is it really necessary considering the fact that most companies are not supporting the hardware? Duh.
It seems that most of your Linux and UNIX systems (and your wannabe UNIX systems are aiming towards x86, x64, PowerPC, etc.) structures. And yet, Microsoft is still slacking behind – OK, I know I give them credit but discredit them, but they need to pick up the pace. Hell, what is their excuse? To “perfect” the product those have? Come on! Granted, Apple, Inc. has used FreeBSD as the core to Mac OS X, who is stopping Microsoft from doing the same? Yet people yell Microsoft is stealing from Apple, Inc. Hmm, I see cry babies. Hell, I own a Mac, and several PC systems; and by the way Apple, Inc., get a clue, you are posting commercials bashing a PC yet you signed up with Intel to make a “Mac Intel” to run Windows and Mac, get a freaking clue you retards.
OK, end of my gripe, I love both platforms, but I hate the bashes between Mac and Windows – remember, FreeBSD runs on PC (so you can’t say PC sucks, Mac is not superior or a God. Both systems are great for what they’re designed for – combine your technologies and you may have a God; till someone comes along and smashes you in to the ground. Ok, can see a “recycle” in the future? I bet.
SOME ODD HUMOR
The PowerPC Macintosh G3 does not see hard drives above 126 gigabytes. OK, yet “where is the Power” I hear about. OK, it beats having 2-10GB drives I had initially, and was still a good system. But going from Mac OS X 10.2 to Mac OS X 10.4 really crushed the space and forced me to go out and buy a 250 GB drive, that I can only use and still, am using 126 GB of that drive (so you figure, how much am I really missing. Some “PowerPC (“Power PC”) that Macintosh produced” at the time. But I cannot say wrong, they did have a “64 bit processor” before PC did. Oh wait, “PowerPC” hmm…
Windows Vista
I am transferring over 21.2 GB of data right now to a storage share, which I initially had 72 GB of data to send, had to restart 2 times (not sure if it was because I am not connected from a wire) but what the hell. Another commercial about Mac said something about USB, Wireless, and something else – I am sorry, but Microsoft made it a lot easier initially – but Mac OS X 5 does (from what I hear,) have its advantages coming, but at least wait till Mac OS X 5 is being shipped before talking trash. Needless to say, I have about 2 hours and 15 minutes left out of all this transfer, not including the 2 hours on top of that (including the cancel, restart, reset, etc.) some nice TCP/IP stacks, and UDP included in Windows, UNIX, and the firewall based on UNIX. DUH!
Friday, April 27, 2007
AMD Turion64 X2 Mobile Technology TL-52 1.6 GHz Notebook PC.
I know this is something that I should of posted a while ago, but there was a problem with the Intel Duo Core Centrino Laptop that I purchased a while ago. The laptop I cleaned on a daily basis, or every other day and kept it in top shape.
However, there was a small accident that I had with it when I was cleaning it one day. When I was cleaning the laptop, the cloth caught the tab key, completely damaging the key from the laptop, rendering switching between windows painful and annoying. After trying to get the key placed back on to the laptop, I had decided to let Staples be responsible for sending the laptop away, to Hewlett-Packard to be repaired. All is well, so far.... but....
Hewlett-Packard after almost one month, contacted Staples telling them that they needed to send out a package, which I then would have to put my laptop in to, and send to HP. OK, does anyone here see something funny? Here is a recap:
- I gave my Intel Duo Core Centrino (dv2000 / dv2037us) laptop to Staples, to have them send to Hewlett-Packard for repair.
- Staples then generated documentation stating that I released my laptop to them to be sent in for repairs, and stating that Staples accepted the laptop to be sent in for repairs.
- Hewlett-Packard accepted the repair order, and recieved the laptop after quite a long time.
- Hewlett-Packard calls Staples up stating that I would have to send them a laptop, from packaging that Hewlett-Packard would send me. I would need proof of purchase, warranty information, including but not limited to extended plans for service, etc.
Well, I gave Staples a lot of hell, and I even threatened to sue them, and was considering even doing that to Hewlett-Packard, specially after I told Staples that they can have the laptop, to keep, sell or do whatever with; but they would have a lawsuit following shortly after.
The irony is, that very same call after almost a month, turned in to the manager of Staples saying that I could come in with the:
- proof of purchase of the Hewlett-Packard Intel Duo Core Centrino Laptop;
- the extended service plans, packaging, and other shipped content and materials;
- the Windows Vista Home Premium Upgrade I had purchased a couple months later
And all the money that was given at the time of purchase between the Intel Duo Core Centrino, and the Windows Vista Home Premium Upgrade was returned in a Staples Cash Card, inlcuding the $159.95 (not including tax) for the Windows Vista Home Premium upgrade. In addition, the manager even said I had a choice of any laptop (or laptops,) as long as it did not exceed the full price I paid for the laptop I returned; or a desktop (or desktops,) as long as it did not exceed the price I paid for the laptop I returned.
All I must say is, "WOW". Now here is even more good news. The new laptop that I have is the Hewlett-Packard (HP) dv9000 (dv9310us) laptop, with the following specifications:
- Windows Vista Home Premium (32 bit version though, bleh)
- AMD Turion64x2 1.6 GHz (CPU1: 1.6 GHz / CPU2: 1.6 GHz)
- 1024 MB (1 GB) memory
- 32/64/128 shared video (appears to have it's own dedicated too)
- 120 GB SATA hard disk
- DVD (+/-) CDR/RW
- 17" LCD Wide-Screen (HD)
- Full size keyboard / Touchpad
- HD audio sound system
And one of the best things I like, despite rumors from other web sites saying that Hewlett-Packard has discontinued providing discs for their laptops, the HP dv9000 (dv9310us) does in fact include the Windows Vista DVD (including; Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, and the Ultimate, including the "N" releases of Vista) on one single DVD.
I really cannot complain about the copy of Windows Vista DVD and the recovery partition, or the Recovery Discs that I had to create being 32 bit -- there is a lot you cannot do on the x64 version of Windows, which I will not go in to detail. I am however trying to get a USB 2.0 case, which would allow me to use an external drive to mess around with other platforms without actually causing any regrettable harm to the partitions of my HP; which I doubt but there is always the possibitility lurking around. This is one reason I love building my own systems, but laptops I don't think I will ever build my own.
Below is the link to my laptop that I am now running:
Monday, April 09, 2007
Some very annoying things.
This is a bunch of things that have been bugging the hell of me, and I know it is bugging the hell out of many others -- and what I find funny, it seems the people behind it could care less yet they want to make an attempt to "better the world," in most cases and in other, "get in to it for themselves".
COMMERCIALS.
Last night I was watching "Death Warrant" on USA, and switching between that to another show that was on another channel to avoid the COMMERCIALS that seem to be growing every day. However, "Death Warrant" was scheduled to end at 04:00 AM EST, and guess what? The movie was cut off at 03:00 AM EST (no where near the end of the movie,) for INFOMERCIALS.
What the hell is that all about? So, I turned off USA and switched back to TBS and the same thing happened on TBS that happened on USA. Now, here is the funny thing. I was talking to my mom about it and she was laughing and said, "Now you know how I felt when I was watching a movie on TNT the other night!".
OK, now here is where something has got to be done! All the channels have commercials that at one point used to be anywhere between 3-4 commercials every 5 minutes or so; now it seems it has grown to 5-8 commercials every 3-4 minutes; sometimes there are more commercials then there is the actual movie.
20 years ago, I could say there was no commercials that had to do with erectial disfunctions, or yeast infections, although there were commercials for P.M.S, and you also have commercials for just about every damn thing known to man and woman; allergies, infections, flu, cold, diseases, along with other things -- and you all know the problems that can result:
- may cause sinus infections, bleeding from [insert body parts here], inability to sleep or stay awake, may cause vomiting, [add about 1000 other problems] as a result of using [product]. Contact your doctor if any of these problems occur or occur for more than [#] of days.
I am sorry, but half of those problems would prevent me from even touching the damn drug in the first place. Needless to say, does anyone know where or when they will have a drug that will take care of the commercials and infomercials? Hell, I wouldn't care if it caused me to not be able to walk anymore, or talk, as long as I can watch a movie without it being interrupted, especially so damn rudely like the other night.
The ELECTIONS for Mayor or President this time around has been at an all-time-worst in history, according to the news and I agree completely. Certain channels, specially the important ones, you see something that has to do with with someone not doing what they say, not doing their job or how they're going to correct this, etc. It is all just a scheme to blow smoke up everyone's rear end and say, "I won!" at the end. Although there have been quite a few in history that have done more then the other, and have done almost everything they said, but you know politics are like humans, far from perfect. And there is a commercial just about every other commercial and almost instantly the very first commercial to start, related to elections and who is putting who down, who is winning, or has done what, etc.
ONLINE ADVERTISING.
This is almost the same as the advertising you see on television, except, it's non-stop and very much more constant then on television. Take a look at MySpace as an example, advertising is all over the place, the same with Yahoo!, America Online, and millions of other services.
Granted, they help keep the services free, and allow the services to remain free -- but has anyone ever heard of "excessive" or "excessiveness"? I surf the web all day and all night (practically as long as I am awake,) and I see the Google AdSense, and other advertising schemes.
And now the adware/spyware authors are implementing their unwanted software by using this type of method, besides installing it on to your system with or without your consent. Now I must say, and there are several others who agree, that the use of adware/spyware should be illegal and as such, should be prosecuted to the maximum extent by law. I mean, if you think about it, if any person attacks your computer, breaks in to your computer, your network, or otherwise, the person in question can go directly to jail for computer theft, possibly damaging property, etc.
This is the same if someone broke in to your house, but they'd be charged with Breaking and Entering ("B&E",) and it seems the charges for one is more harsh then the other. Just recently, on Craig's List someone had posted an ad, saying "help yourself" somewhere in the message, that the person was moving or something (this is something I heard on the news the other day,) and well, the house was cleaned out and it was not the person who placed the ad.
Anyway, back to the online advertising. Do we really need to be bombarded with 100,000,000,000 or more advertisements while we're surfing a site? I do not think we do, and infact, a lot of people refuse to return to the site after an excessive amount unless the service is really damn good. But that is my opinion; I know I actually became a member of America Online again since they went "free", but guess what -- I hardly use America Online due to all the advertising, the lack of the services they used to offer as a paid service, all of the "requirements" now in order to obtain a service such as the Chat Rooms, you need a valid credit card to confirm you're 18 years of age or older (or where you live, "legal age",) and such. I will be 30 very soon, and I refuse to use a CC with America Online to confirm my age, I was a member there a couple of times, but usually left them because of one thing or another -- and the America Online client has become bloated; the amount of stuff America Online installs is insane.
The AOL installation should be more custom to the "advanced" users who do not wish to install a load of software when they may already have protection, a secure network, a secure system, etc. Plus, AOL has loads of advertisements all over the place, and no matter where you go, you are bombared with advertisements.
There is however a couple tricks that you could apply to bypass the advertisements online, but it requires a lot of updating on your end; which I will not go in to details with. Here is a question, but not a serious question: Are computers and the internet really becoming faster, or are they becoming slower?
Think about these; (i) The internet is infact becoming faster, and more and more people are going broadband and highspeed; and as a result it seems more advertising is coming as a result. (ii) The computers are becoming faster and faster every day, and as a result more and more viruses are being created, to turn your "innocent system" in to a "zombie", a "server" or something where you may be sending files to other individual(s) without knowing it, and could be sued for it. (iii) The adware and spyware scene is growing, and this as well as viruses can slow your system down; so you think about those. (I recommend having good anti-adware/spy applications installed, keep your system up to date, a good anti-virus scanner installed, and from time to time even use the online anti-virus scanners.
PEDOPHILES.
There are laws that protect people from being stalked by another individual, or a group of individuals, and these laws apply to online as well.
There are laws that protect people from being abused by another individual, or a group of individuals who physically and verbally abuse them, and these laws apply online as well.
There are laws that protect people from sexual abuse, sexual harassment, exposing themselves in a manner considered inappropiate, especially if it is a child or a group of children.
My question here is, when an adult who is sexually attracted to young children gets in to trouble with the law, and becomes a criminal and therefore has a criminal record against them, and labeled as a pedophile, the rights that the adult has become very restricted and limited. These include, but are not limited to the following:
(i). being limited and prohibited from entering play grounds and other areas nearby a playground, including environments where children might be such as McDonalds, Burger King, Pizza Hut, and other places.
(ii). not being allowed or prohibited from teaching classes, or to perform other educational classes that may have children around.
(iii). limited, restricted or prohibited from living in a neighborhood where children might be living, playing around, etc.
(iv). limited, restricted or prohibited from accessing the internet where children might be located. This includes Internet Relay Chat ("IRC,") Paltalk, Yahoo!, Microsoft Messenger, America Online Instant Messenger ("AIM,") as well as MySpace, and others.
Now, how can a pedophile or a possible pedophile get away with putting up a web site containing information on how not to get caught, providing pictures and other content for both existing and new pedophiles, get away with it? OK, you might wonder and ask yourself, "How can they get away with that?!?!" it's quite simple. According to the POLICE, the person in question does not have a criminal record.
But yet, if you are attempting to lure children from where they may, to your house for sexual activities, and you get caught, you're automatically in trouble. Do you see where I am going with this? I hope so, because it is one disgusting subject, and I cannot believe that this actually exists.
COMMERCIALS.
Last night I was watching "Death Warrant" on USA, and switching between that to another show that was on another channel to avoid the COMMERCIALS that seem to be growing every day. However, "Death Warrant" was scheduled to end at 04:00 AM EST, and guess what? The movie was cut off at 03:00 AM EST (no where near the end of the movie,) for INFOMERCIALS.
What the hell is that all about? So, I turned off USA and switched back to TBS and the same thing happened on TBS that happened on USA. Now, here is the funny thing. I was talking to my mom about it and she was laughing and said, "Now you know how I felt when I was watching a movie on TNT the other night!".
OK, now here is where something has got to be done! All the channels have commercials that at one point used to be anywhere between 3-4 commercials every 5 minutes or so; now it seems it has grown to 5-8 commercials every 3-4 minutes; sometimes there are more commercials then there is the actual movie.
20 years ago, I could say there was no commercials that had to do with erectial disfunctions, or yeast infections, although there were commercials for P.M.S, and you also have commercials for just about every damn thing known to man and woman; allergies, infections, flu, cold, diseases, along with other things -- and you all know the problems that can result:
- may cause sinus infections, bleeding from [insert body parts here], inability to sleep or stay awake, may cause vomiting, [add about 1000 other problems] as a result of using [product]. Contact your doctor if any of these problems occur or occur for more than [#] of days.
I am sorry, but half of those problems would prevent me from even touching the damn drug in the first place. Needless to say, does anyone know where or when they will have a drug that will take care of the commercials and infomercials? Hell, I wouldn't care if it caused me to not be able to walk anymore, or talk, as long as I can watch a movie without it being interrupted, especially so damn rudely like the other night.
The ELECTIONS for Mayor or President this time around has been at an all-time-worst in history, according to the news and I agree completely. Certain channels, specially the important ones, you see something that has to do with with someone not doing what they say, not doing their job or how they're going to correct this, etc. It is all just a scheme to blow smoke up everyone's rear end and say, "I won!" at the end. Although there have been quite a few in history that have done more then the other, and have done almost everything they said, but you know politics are like humans, far from perfect. And there is a commercial just about every other commercial and almost instantly the very first commercial to start, related to elections and who is putting who down, who is winning, or has done what, etc.
ONLINE ADVERTISING.
This is almost the same as the advertising you see on television, except, it's non-stop and very much more constant then on television. Take a look at MySpace as an example, advertising is all over the place, the same with Yahoo!, America Online, and millions of other services.
Granted, they help keep the services free, and allow the services to remain free -- but has anyone ever heard of "excessive" or "excessiveness"? I surf the web all day and all night (practically as long as I am awake,) and I see the Google AdSense, and other advertising schemes.
And now the adware/spyware authors are implementing their unwanted software by using this type of method, besides installing it on to your system with or without your consent. Now I must say, and there are several others who agree, that the use of adware/spyware should be illegal and as such, should be prosecuted to the maximum extent by law. I mean, if you think about it, if any person attacks your computer, breaks in to your computer, your network, or otherwise, the person in question can go directly to jail for computer theft, possibly damaging property, etc.
This is the same if someone broke in to your house, but they'd be charged with Breaking and Entering ("B&E",) and it seems the charges for one is more harsh then the other. Just recently, on Craig's List someone had posted an ad, saying "help yourself" somewhere in the message, that the person was moving or something (this is something I heard on the news the other day,) and well, the house was cleaned out and it was not the person who placed the ad.
Anyway, back to the online advertising. Do we really need to be bombarded with 100,000,000,000 or more advertisements while we're surfing a site? I do not think we do, and infact, a lot of people refuse to return to the site after an excessive amount unless the service is really damn good. But that is my opinion; I know I actually became a member of America Online again since they went "free", but guess what -- I hardly use America Online due to all the advertising, the lack of the services they used to offer as a paid service, all of the "requirements" now in order to obtain a service such as the Chat Rooms, you need a valid credit card to confirm you're 18 years of age or older (or where you live, "legal age",) and such. I will be 30 very soon, and I refuse to use a CC with America Online to confirm my age, I was a member there a couple of times, but usually left them because of one thing or another -- and the America Online client has become bloated; the amount of stuff America Online installs is insane.
The AOL installation should be more custom to the "advanced" users who do not wish to install a load of software when they may already have protection, a secure network, a secure system, etc. Plus, AOL has loads of advertisements all over the place, and no matter where you go, you are bombared with advertisements.
There is however a couple tricks that you could apply to bypass the advertisements online, but it requires a lot of updating on your end; which I will not go in to details with. Here is a question, but not a serious question: Are computers and the internet really becoming faster, or are they becoming slower?
Think about these; (i) The internet is infact becoming faster, and more and more people are going broadband and highspeed; and as a result it seems more advertising is coming as a result. (ii) The computers are becoming faster and faster every day, and as a result more and more viruses are being created, to turn your "innocent system" in to a "zombie", a "server" or something where you may be sending files to other individual(s) without knowing it, and could be sued for it. (iii) The adware and spyware scene is growing, and this as well as viruses can slow your system down; so you think about those. (I recommend having good anti-adware/spy applications installed, keep your system up to date, a good anti-virus scanner installed, and from time to time even use the online anti-virus scanners.
PEDOPHILES.
There are laws that protect people from being stalked by another individual, or a group of individuals, and these laws apply to online as well.
There are laws that protect people from being abused by another individual, or a group of individuals who physically and verbally abuse them, and these laws apply online as well.
There are laws that protect people from sexual abuse, sexual harassment, exposing themselves in a manner considered inappropiate, especially if it is a child or a group of children.
My question here is, when an adult who is sexually attracted to young children gets in to trouble with the law, and becomes a criminal and therefore has a criminal record against them, and labeled as a pedophile, the rights that the adult has become very restricted and limited. These include, but are not limited to the following:
(i). being limited and prohibited from entering play grounds and other areas nearby a playground, including environments where children might be such as McDonalds, Burger King, Pizza Hut, and other places.
(ii). not being allowed or prohibited from teaching classes, or to perform other educational classes that may have children around.
(iii). limited, restricted or prohibited from living in a neighborhood where children might be living, playing around, etc.
(iv). limited, restricted or prohibited from accessing the internet where children might be located. This includes Internet Relay Chat ("IRC,") Paltalk, Yahoo!, Microsoft Messenger, America Online Instant Messenger ("AIM,") as well as MySpace, and others.
Now, how can a pedophile or a possible pedophile get away with putting up a web site containing information on how not to get caught, providing pictures and other content for both existing and new pedophiles, get away with it? OK, you might wonder and ask yourself, "How can they get away with that?!?!" it's quite simple. According to the POLICE, the person in question does not have a criminal record.
But yet, if you are attempting to lure children from where they may, to your house for sexual activities, and you get caught, you're automatically in trouble. Do you see where I am going with this? I hope so, because it is one disgusting subject, and I cannot believe that this actually exists.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
What the...
I say, "What the..." for several reasons. One of them being is that my laptop (the "Centrino") is in the shop, and has been since over a week and a half now almost. The reason why it is in the shop, I kept that damn thing clean on a daily basis, if not, every other day -- and the tab key broke. So I put it in the shop for repair, no way I was going to walk around or use it looking like it was hit by a car bomb; or it looking ghetto.
The second thing is, I finally got Mac OS X 10.4 (upgraded to Mac OS X 10.4.9) and the thought of it taking up a trillion gigabytes is insane. OK, it don't take up that much, but seeing Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X 10.2, then Mac OS X 10.4 (10.4 is insane in space usage) to be honest. I am going out to get a brand new 200-300 GB hard drive, but I do not know if I am putting the 160 from my AMD Duron on this system and the 200-300 on the Duron, or the 200-300 on this. I do not know, the "stability, security, and reliability" of Mac, I probably should place the bigger on the Mac, if I do use it as a "file share" or something like I do the other system.
Another thing today, I got tired of squinting at a 14-15" monitor with Mac, and it is not just Mac, it is also Linux and FreeBSD (which I know Mac is based off, the BSD part,) and the GUI is not all that bad, but the text part is horrid in the GUI portion. Windows is better viewable, but hell, Apple was fast to attack Windows Vista; HELLO Apple, you do the same crap as Windows Vista does. (to a degree).
OK, here are a few things I am going to bitch about Mac (Apple, Inc.) and Windows (Microsoft Corporation.)
I do in fact have a few PC boxes I could blow up, but I won't do it, due to legal issues with the law enforcement in my township. And I do not want to take any chances, and I don't want to ask them if it is OK, because if someone whines in the neighborhood, I don't want to go to jail/prison for fun.
I was going to say, "does anyone have anything to donate" as far as computers goes; I could always use computer parts. But, I don't want to get greedy. There are others who can use it a lot more than I can. There are some parts I could use, but there is a site I am a member of, you're more than welcome to check out (http://www.freecycle.org/) and it is a large group.
There are several cities and states covered by http://www.freecycle.org/ but if not, you can request to become a leader; if I remember right. It's been a while because it's been quite in my area. I've been meaning to put some stuff on it (around the Upper Darby/Philadelphia, PA,) area, but I've been too busy with other things.
There is one thing I must ask about the Mac vs. PC argument real fast; why does it seem that Windows updates faster than Mac? Apple has the software already compiled (as far as I know,) and they know what system you're running, so they know what to send you -- same with Windows. Hmm... UNIX/Linux is supposed to have better TCP/IP connections, as well as TCP/UDP, etc., anyway, up to a lot of you to think and research. ( I know the answer, sort of, but something for you to mess with. )
I am guessing, as much as I am loving Mac, I am hating it the same (same with Windows). I do not really care, because both systems are great; one better then the other for several things, as the other is for the other. Mac IS NOT BETTER then Windows, and Windows is NOT BETTER then Mac.
I am going to take a small break, and publish something later on, I need to start getting ready to get the hard drive for the Mac or PC and swap the PC's drive into this one (probably going to give the Mac a gift, and install the new one in it.) But I don't know yet. In fact, I am going to call the store and see what they'd recommend. (few people I know say, "new one in the Mac, you already setup the 160, and unless you want downtime, don't swap them.") so go figure.
There should be a update or a new message in a bit today. Take it easy everyone, and do not be afraid to write/reply/comment or whatever.
The second thing is, I finally got Mac OS X 10.4 (upgraded to Mac OS X 10.4.9) and the thought of it taking up a trillion gigabytes is insane. OK, it don't take up that much, but seeing Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X 10.2, then Mac OS X 10.4 (10.4 is insane in space usage) to be honest. I am going out to get a brand new 200-300 GB hard drive, but I do not know if I am putting the 160 from my AMD Duron on this system and the 200-300 on the Duron, or the 200-300 on this. I do not know, the "stability, security, and reliability" of Mac, I probably should place the bigger on the Mac, if I do use it as a "file share" or something like I do the other system.
Another thing today, I got tired of squinting at a 14-15" monitor with Mac, and it is not just Mac, it is also Linux and FreeBSD (which I know Mac is based off, the BSD part,) and the GUI is not all that bad, but the text part is horrid in the GUI portion. Windows is better viewable, but hell, Apple was fast to attack Windows Vista; HELLO Apple, you do the same crap as Windows Vista does. (to a degree).
OK, here are a few things I am going to bitch about Mac (Apple, Inc.) and Windows (Microsoft Corporation.)
- When installing a program under Microsoft Windows Vista, you are prompted and asked for administration access to continue. Apple was fast to complain and attack this, when in fact that Mac OS X does the very same thing -- sometimes even more.
* This is a security feature, and for our protection; stop bashing Microsoft when you are making yourselves look as stupid. - The Mac OS is supposed to be based off BSD, which it is, but why was /usr/ports taken away from the platform? This is one of the greatest features of BSD; sure there is the DarwinPorts and Fink, but those two programs are in my opinion, not as good.
* Example: There is no (as far as I am aware of,) "make search name=[string]" without the brackets. Fink don't have it, never tried DarwinPorts yet. Plus, I am very limited on space with Mac OS X 10.4, unlike Mac OS X 10.2 where I would of have had 5 GB space just on this drive, when I only have maybe 4-5% of that space left. Yeah, I am watching what I do till I get off my rear and go out and buy that 200-300 GB HD and reinstall the Mac OS X 10.4 system, and install the updates again. Otherwise, Mac OS X 10.4 has been a great install, and I must say it is better than 10.2 if you can run it. - Mac OS X 10.2 and Mac OS X 10.4 are NOT better looking than Windows XP or Vista; I agree with this completely. If you want "eye candy" Mac OS X does not offer much of it. Stability is a different story, but Windows Vista does ask your permission before doing a lot. (Mac OS X does too,) and even if you do allow it under Windows Vista, Vista tends to prevent it in several ways.
- A PowerPC G3 350 MHz with 448 MB RAM (PC-133) with Mac OS X 10.2/10.2.8 can be as slow as Windows XP on a Pentium II 500. I will not go in to details on this, but it does seem to be that way very easily -- could it be that the "PowerPC" is a stronger system by hardware? (like I said, I won't get in to details.) HOWEVER. I must ask, why the hell do Mac users say, a "Mac is a MAC, a PC is a "PC", yet, where the hell did PowerPC come from? .... I guess that is a problem or a issue -- Apple, time to execute a patch. ;)
- Microsoft is always claiming "bugs, problems, glitches" and sometimes "issues" or "problems." Apple is hardly ever uses those terms, but commonly uses "issues" and "problems". Now that I think about it, the few times I did see comments by Steve Jobs, I never heard or seen him go, "Oops. Sometimes that happens." remember "Windows 95, with Bill Gates"? Can't say anything more here, but that was funny with Bill Gates.
I do in fact have a few PC boxes I could blow up, but I won't do it, due to legal issues with the law enforcement in my township. And I do not want to take any chances, and I don't want to ask them if it is OK, because if someone whines in the neighborhood, I don't want to go to jail/prison for fun.
I was going to say, "does anyone have anything to donate" as far as computers goes; I could always use computer parts. But, I don't want to get greedy. There are others who can use it a lot more than I can. There are some parts I could use, but there is a site I am a member of, you're more than welcome to check out (http://www.freecycle.org/) and it is a large group.
There are several cities and states covered by http://www.freecycle.org/ but if not, you can request to become a leader; if I remember right. It's been a while because it's been quite in my area. I've been meaning to put some stuff on it (around the Upper Darby/Philadelphia, PA,) area, but I've been too busy with other things.
There is one thing I must ask about the Mac vs. PC argument real fast; why does it seem that Windows updates faster than Mac? Apple has the software already compiled (as far as I know,) and they know what system you're running, so they know what to send you -- same with Windows. Hmm... UNIX/Linux is supposed to have better TCP/IP connections, as well as TCP/UDP, etc., anyway, up to a lot of you to think and research. ( I know the answer, sort of, but something for you to mess with. )
I am guessing, as much as I am loving Mac, I am hating it the same (same with Windows). I do not really care, because both systems are great; one better then the other for several things, as the other is for the other. Mac IS NOT BETTER then Windows, and Windows is NOT BETTER then Mac.
I am going to take a small break, and publish something later on, I need to start getting ready to get the hard drive for the Mac or PC and swap the PC's drive into this one (probably going to give the Mac a gift, and install the new one in it.) But I don't know yet. In fact, I am going to call the store and see what they'd recommend. (few people I know say, "new one in the Mac, you already setup the 160, and unless you want downtime, don't swap them.") so go figure.
There should be a update or a new message in a bit today. Take it easy everyone, and do not be afraid to write/reply/comment or whatever.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
To keep your system running smoothly.
In order to keep your system running smoothly, you should keep the following installed at all times:
- Firewall
- Anti-Virus
- Anti-Spyware, Adware, Malware
Symantec is a product YOU DO NOT WANT TO INSTALL, it uses too many resources, and it can cause too many problems on most machines; from my experiences, and by what others do say on a daily basis.
NOTES: Do not accept or download files from strangers, or people you do not trust. And even if you do trust them, scan them by multiple scanners (online scanners, and scanners otherwise,) if you want to take time.
Do NOT download illegal software, content, products, source code, applications or otherwise, and do not download unlawful content, products, source code, applications or otherwise, including any unofficial content and material. This is a major reason why you can become infected by a virus.
** A note to the above, if you do not surf the internet out of ignorance, or carelessness, you will most likely not become infected. I am just telling you, I know otherwise, so I am not sharing all of my experiences, knowledge, or otherwise. (just trust your gutt.)
For good and free protection, try the following products out:
- http://www.avast.com/ (avast! Home (free) or Professional (fee)) can scan your computer of viruses, malware, and other malicious programs, applications and software, and in real-time.
- http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/ (http://www.comodo.com/) for a free firewall of professional quality. It can be annoying at first, but you can stop it from "learning" what you do. It's worth a try, I used it and loved it, now I am using Vista's firewall (blocks incoming and outgoing, and still unsure of Vista's firewall, dunnot what I may use.)
- http://www.lavasoft.com/ and http://spybot.safer-networking.de/spybot/en/index.html.) - look at http://spybot.safer-networking.de/ (may not be there for much longer.)
HOWEVER, I RECOMMEND that YOU do the FOLLOWING on a daily, or a every other day basis:
- DEFRAG your drivers; Do this always, even if your system is used a bit -- do it when your systems are not being used period. (Trust me, it can never hurt.)
- CHKSDK (SCANDISK) your drives too, because any errors that are found, can sometimes be corrected; therefore saving you in the end. (You can also purchase a program that fixes bad sectors, that a lot of stores do NOT want you to know about *cough* SpinRite as an example.
- Registry Defrag can also help you too, as it can speed your system up similar to DEFRAGing your drives.
- Try NOT to fill up, and try NOT to keep your drives filled. The more files you have on your system, and the more software you have installed, the slower your system can become.
The bottom line is, check your system on a daily basis and perform maintainence or do it every other day, and keep a backup, and do it frequently.
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition [Upgrade] DVD.
Hello, everyone.
As most of you already may know, Microsoft Corporation has had some information leaked out again. This is not something I want to post on my site, so consider this a easter egg. You can go purchase Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (not sure of others,) and get all the other versions right at your finger tips.
And as most of you already know, I use a HP Pavilion dv2000 (dv2037us) laptop, that came with Windows XP Home Edition SP2 pre-installed with a ****load of software that nobody will ever use, or most will never use, or hardly ever use. I have other computers too, and I must say, I love building my own systems but laptops are a pain in the *** to build when compared to desktops. But Windows XP Vista Home Premium has been great, except for the "Paltalk" problem, which I think this article will clear up some. (wasn't my fault, mostly, and was not the drivers either, it was "Paltalk").
However, there is a small drawback. The Product ID that you get, is only valid for the copy you purchase. So if you purchase, say what I did, Windows Vista Home Premium, it will not work for the other copies that are on the DVD. Additionally, if you purchase the UPGRADE, it cannot be used for the FULL install and vice-versa.
On my Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition DVD [UPGRADE], the following are already on it, including a couple others not mentioned; too lazy to type them:
1. Vista Business Edition
2. Vista Home Basic Edition
3. Vista Home Premium Edition
4. Vista Starter Edition
5. Vista Ultimate Edition
Now since I only have a valid license for #3 [upgrade], I cannot perform a full install -- but there is apparently a trick (I have yet to figure it out, to get a full install, only did it twice.) and I don't plan on trying it to figure it out.
I do not support software piracy, illegal and unlawful actions, these are (as far as I am aware of,) legal; as long as you have a valid license for such and do not abuse it. Follow these steps:
1. Insert your Windows Vista DVD.
When your system says, "Press any key to boot from CD-ROM/DVD-ROM...." or whatever it is that will be shown to boot from CD/DVD, press it.
2. Continue as you normally would, but when you're asked to enter your Product ID, do NOT enter your Product ID, click NEXT and follow the instructions. You can sample all the versions of Windows Vista and ones that are not mentioned for (30 days, usually, my copy you can.)
3. If you do have valid Product ID (valid as in, YOU OWN THAT PRODUCT LICENSE) you can run from there safely.
* When I say, if you have a VALID Product ID, if you purchased Ultimate and the DVD for the Ultimate became damaged, and a friend has Windows Vista Home Premium Upgrade or FULL, a legal disc, you could install that on to your system using YOUR Product ID.
-----------------------------------------
I am assuming, which I hate to, go on a limb, but I read this from somewhere else, and earlier today I was screwing around with my system -- installed Windows XP Home Edition 3x, Windows Vista 3x, and other operating systems because I was bored - now I am back on Vista; because "Paltalk" was pissing me off, I couldn't talk to anyone on it, because it was Vista.
I will admit, I did forget myself for a while there, Windows Vista is fairly new to consumers, and that being said, a lot of companies and others are playing "catch up," so software and products are still not compatible. You'd think after all the years that Vista has been in development, the companies (hardware and software) would of already been ready. Yeah right!
-----------------------------------------
If you use Paltalk (http://www.paltalk.com/) I would suggest that you download, install and use the Paltalk 9.1 Beta software if you're using Microsoft Windows Vista, especially if you use the same laptop that I use. The reason why I am saying this is, because I have been at it for quite a long time, trying to get my microphone to work with Paltalk, only to find out it was not me, that it was Paltalk software itself; and after screwing around all day long hacking, messing with, and screwing with, as well as tweaking Windows Vista.
I know that as soon as Windows Vista has a service pack, I am going to slipstream my copy of Windows Vista Home Premium and putting the original away, because a lot is bound to change over time. Knowing my luck, Microsoft will change things around and prevent slipstreaming.
So, I will recommend to you, as Microsoft and others do, UPGRADE your drivers (audio, memory, sound, video, etc.) before you upgrade to Windows Vista; this includes patches, security updates, patches, fixes, and such. Then, if you feel safe and comfortable, install Vista. And from my experience, you cannot dual-boot Windows Vista UPGRADe with Windows XP. :(
Windows Vista Ultimate is NICE, although I believe and feel strong that the ENCRYPTION offered in Ultimate should be available in BUSINESS and HOME PREMIUM (They're talking about security on laptops, and Home Premium is a recomendtation to laptops,) you'd think that BitLocker would of been included. Can we say, "Nice move Microsoft".
Oh, one other thing -- Why the hell can you FTP to your own IIS7 server in Ultimate but not Home Premium, and yet, Visual Studio 200* can FTP *ASP*, of course, copy local drive, ugh, I am not going to gripe anymore. Microsoft did good with Vista, but screwed up again. Hell, Mac is good but they have quite a few bugs, OOOPS, "issues" or "problems".
Take a look at http://www.apple.com/ and you will never see (or almost never) see them call it a "bug", they call it a problem or a issue. (I forget where I seen that at, but I read it, and it does seem to be that way, and I own a Mac, so it makes me feel special -- NOT. LOL.
As most of you already may know, Microsoft Corporation has had some information leaked out again. This is not something I want to post on my site, so consider this a easter egg. You can go purchase Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (not sure of others,) and get all the other versions right at your finger tips.
And as most of you already know, I use a HP Pavilion dv2000 (dv2037us) laptop, that came with Windows XP Home Edition SP2 pre-installed with a ****load of software that nobody will ever use, or most will never use, or hardly ever use. I have other computers too, and I must say, I love building my own systems but laptops are a pain in the *** to build when compared to desktops. But Windows XP Vista Home Premium has been great, except for the "Paltalk" problem, which I think this article will clear up some. (wasn't my fault, mostly, and was not the drivers either, it was "Paltalk").
However, there is a small drawback. The Product ID that you get, is only valid for the copy you purchase. So if you purchase, say what I did, Windows Vista Home Premium, it will not work for the other copies that are on the DVD. Additionally, if you purchase the UPGRADE, it cannot be used for the FULL install and vice-versa.
On my Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition DVD [UPGRADE], the following are already on it, including a couple others not mentioned; too lazy to type them:
1. Vista Business Edition
2. Vista Home Basic Edition
3. Vista Home Premium Edition
4. Vista Starter Edition
5. Vista Ultimate Edition
Now since I only have a valid license for #3 [upgrade], I cannot perform a full install -- but there is apparently a trick (I have yet to figure it out, to get a full install, only did it twice.) and I don't plan on trying it to figure it out.
I do not support software piracy, illegal and unlawful actions, these are (as far as I am aware of,) legal; as long as you have a valid license for such and do not abuse it. Follow these steps:
1. Insert your Windows Vista DVD.
When your system says, "Press any key to boot from CD-ROM/DVD-ROM...." or whatever it is that will be shown to boot from CD/DVD, press it.
2. Continue as you normally would, but when you're asked to enter your Product ID, do NOT enter your Product ID, click NEXT and follow the instructions. You can sample all the versions of Windows Vista and ones that are not mentioned for (30 days, usually, my copy you can.)
3. If you do have valid Product ID (valid as in, YOU OWN THAT PRODUCT LICENSE) you can run from there safely.
* When I say, if you have a VALID Product ID, if you purchased Ultimate and the DVD for the Ultimate became damaged, and a friend has Windows Vista Home Premium Upgrade or FULL, a legal disc, you could install that on to your system using YOUR Product ID.
-----------------------------------------
I am assuming, which I hate to, go on a limb, but I read this from somewhere else, and earlier today I was screwing around with my system -- installed Windows XP Home Edition 3x, Windows Vista 3x, and other operating systems because I was bored - now I am back on Vista; because "Paltalk" was pissing me off, I couldn't talk to anyone on it, because it was Vista.
I will admit, I did forget myself for a while there, Windows Vista is fairly new to consumers, and that being said, a lot of companies and others are playing "catch up," so software and products are still not compatible. You'd think after all the years that Vista has been in development, the companies (hardware and software) would of already been ready. Yeah right!
-----------------------------------------
If you use Paltalk (http://www.paltalk.com/) I would suggest that you download, install and use the Paltalk 9.1 Beta software if you're using Microsoft Windows Vista, especially if you use the same laptop that I use. The reason why I am saying this is, because I have been at it for quite a long time, trying to get my microphone to work with Paltalk, only to find out it was not me, that it was Paltalk software itself; and after screwing around all day long hacking, messing with, and screwing with, as well as tweaking Windows Vista.
I know that as soon as Windows Vista has a service pack, I am going to slipstream my copy of Windows Vista Home Premium and putting the original away, because a lot is bound to change over time. Knowing my luck, Microsoft will change things around and prevent slipstreaming.
So, I will recommend to you, as Microsoft and others do, UPGRADE your drivers (audio, memory, sound, video, etc.) before you upgrade to Windows Vista; this includes patches, security updates, patches, fixes, and such. Then, if you feel safe and comfortable, install Vista. And from my experience, you cannot dual-boot Windows Vista UPGRADe with Windows XP. :(
Windows Vista Ultimate is NICE, although I believe and feel strong that the ENCRYPTION offered in Ultimate should be available in BUSINESS and HOME PREMIUM (They're talking about security on laptops, and Home Premium is a recomendtation to laptops,) you'd think that BitLocker would of been included. Can we say, "Nice move Microsoft".
Oh, one other thing -- Why the hell can you FTP to your own IIS7 server in Ultimate but not Home Premium, and yet, Visual Studio 200* can FTP *ASP*, of course, copy local drive, ugh, I am not going to gripe anymore. Microsoft did good with Vista, but screwed up again. Hell, Mac is good but they have quite a few bugs, OOOPS, "issues" or "problems".
Take a look at http://www.apple.com/ and you will never see (or almost never) see them call it a "bug", they call it a problem or a issue. (I forget where I seen that at, but I read it, and it does seem to be that way, and I own a Mac, so it makes me feel special -- NOT. LOL.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Oh my god! No, not Vista, but Vista.
Windows Vista has actually installed, successfully, and is working without any problems at all. There are some random pauses, from anywhere between 2 seconds, around 2 minutes -- but I think that is merely because of the amount of memory installed on this system. The system with the installation working is a:
* AMD Duron processor (1.8 GHz)
* 768 MB DDR PC-2700 memory
* 160 GB HD with 16 MB cache
* GeForce 6200 NVIDIA (PNY)
* Memorex DVD +/- DVD-R/RW
* Creative PC-DVD 5X (DVD-ROM)
The strange thing is, I got so annoyed and fustrated after having to wait for the system to stop freezing, hanging up, even crashing, that instead of smashing it, I got up, left the room and figured it would do it on it's own. Instead, somehow, it started working instead.
So, to my previous posting,
Purchase it, but purchase it expecting to have possible problems (more or less then what I have had, or what http://blog.gamecraft.org/2007/01/windows-vista-ultimate-installed had, among several other Vista users.
* AMD Duron processor (1.8 GHz)
* 768 MB DDR PC-2700 memory
* 160 GB HD with 16 MB cache
* GeForce 6200 NVIDIA (PNY)
* Memorex DVD +/- DVD-R/RW
* Creative PC-DVD 5X (DVD-ROM)
The strange thing is, I got so annoyed and fustrated after having to wait for the system to stop freezing, hanging up, even crashing, that instead of smashing it, I got up, left the room and figured it would do it on it's own. Instead, somehow, it started working instead.
So, to my previous posting,
The bottom line to this entire article is: DO NOT PURCHASE A COPY OF MICROSOFT WINDOWS VISTA (any version,) UNLESS YOU HAVE THE ABSOLUTE TIME ON YOUR HANDS TO SCREW YOUR SYSTEM UP, OR TO TAKE CHANGES THAT IT MAY OR MAY NOT WORK ON YOUR SYSTEM. FOR ALL THE TROUBLES, THE PROBLEMS, AGRIVATION, AND OTHER CRAP, MICROSOFT SHOULD OF PAID ME TO PICK UP A COPY, OR BETTER YET, HAVE GIVEN ME A FREAKING COPY.
Purchase it, but purchase it expecting to have possible problems (more or less then what I have had, or what http://blog.gamecraft.org/2007/01/windows-vista-ultimate-installed had, among several other Vista users.
Windows Vista Conclusion.
I have officially drawn my conclusion about Windows Vista Home Premium by Microsoft. This conclusion is also regarding other versions of Windows Vista; Home Basic, Business, Ultimate. (And Microsoft said there is also a “Windows Vista Enterprise”, but I’ve never seen it.
Below, I have actually taken the time out to touch the worthless box that Windows Vista has come in, to show you the specifications Windows Vista Home Premium says it needs in order to operate. And before anything is said, I have used the Vista Upgrade Advisor and it says that the system it is installed on now, is fully compatible (coughbullcacacough).
My laptop is supposed to be fully compatible with Windows Vista, another load of crap (except that one is being fed by HP themselves, and according to the hardware; so where are all of the drivers for Windows Vista HP? I love how you can get a “free copy of Windows Vista”, based on the Windows XP installation that comes with select desktops, and notebooks, but the sad thing is, I purchased my laptop not long before October 26, 2006 and they said I am not eligible. I personally do not think that is fair, and others agree too, specially for the amount of money that laptops cost.
Recommended system requirements
1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64 bit (x64) processor
1 GB of system memory
40 GB hard drive space with at least 15 GB of available space
Support for DirectX 9 graphics with
- WDDM Driver
- 128 MB of graphics memory (minimum)
- Pixel Shader 2.0 in hardware
- 32 bits per pixel
DVD-ROM drive
Audio output
Internet access (fees may apply)
Additional Requirements to use certain features
TV tuner card required for TV functionality (compatible remote control optional)
Windows Tablet and Touch Technology requires a Table PC or a touch screen.
Actual requirements and product functionality may vary based on your system configuration. Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor can help you determine which features and edition of Windows Vista will run on your computer; visit www.windowsvista.com/upgradeadvisor. For complete Windows Vista requirements, visit www.windowsvista.com/systemrequirements.
System requirements continue on bottom panel.
Minimum supported requirements
Certain product features are not available with minimum supported requirements.
800 MHZ processor and 512 MB of system memory
20 GB hard drive space with at least 15 GB of available space
Support for Super VGA graphics
CD-ROM drive
My DESKTOP
My Desktop PC is a AMD Duron 1.8 GHz processor with 768 MB DDR PC-2700 RAM, with a 160 GB hard drive. DVD-ROM, and a DVD+/-R/RW DL 16x burner. The video card that was in the Duron 1.8 GHz was also a 128 MB ATI RADEON 9200, but has been upgraded to a NVIDIA 256 MB GeForce 6200; and Vista still does not operate -- even though the Vista Upgrade Advisor says my system is compatible and will operate fine; and there is NO PROBLEMS with the hardware, I’ve checked.
My LAPTOP
My laptop as stated before is a Intel Centrino Duo Core Mobile Technology featuring an Intel Core Duo Processor T2050 (1.6 GHz, 2MB L2 cache, 533 MHz FSB), 1024 (1GB) system memory, 100 GB (5400) SATA hard drive, LightScribe Super Multi 8X DVD+/-R/RW drive with Double Layer Support.
If my other machines were able to use Vista, I would probably waste 4-8 hours for a freaking upgrade that probably won’t work. All the other systems here with the exception of my mom’s PC I built for her a long while back, are 350 MHz or slower. Then, there is my MAC, which is only a G3 350 MHz with four memory sticks (128MB, 128MB, 128MB, 64MB installed).
The bottom line to this entire article is: DO NOT PURCHASE A COPY OF MICROSOFT WINDOWS VISTA (any version,) UNLESS YOU HAVE THE ABSOLUTE TIME ON YOUR HANDS TO SCREW YOUR SYSTEM UP, OR TO TAKE CHANGES THAT IT MAY OR MAY NOT WORK ON YOUR SYSTEM. FOR ALL THE TROUBLES, THE PROBLEMS, AGRIVATION, AND OTHER CRAP, MICROSOFT SHOULD OF PAID ME TO PICK UP A COPY, OR BETTER YET, HAVE GIVEN ME A FREAKING COPY.
Don’t get me wrong, Windows Vista does install on my desktop and laptop, it just does not work right on the desktop (while all the hardware, drivers, etc., are fully compatible and up to date,) and the laptop (hah despite the “Designed for Windows XP; Windows Vista Compatible” bull-crap,) it ran fine, except for the serious lack of drivers. I might post the hardware reports from both my desktop and laptop later on.
I wonder what Windows Vista would say if I tried to install it on a Pentium II 350 with 256 MB of RAM, or one with 368 RAM. Probably something like, “Windows Vista does not support cheap customers who cannot upgrade their hardware. Oh wait, this is another error message that is generated by Windows, it is not Microsoft’s fault. And oh, you purchased Windows Vista, didn’t you?”
Anyway, I am probably now the proud owner of a new $159.99 coffee coaster because Staples will probably not take a refund -- wait till they see the crap I start with them if they don’t -- good money wasted but that is Microsoft’s fault, including HP - can we say FALSE ADVERTISING on both companies?
Below, I have actually taken the time out to touch the worthless box that Windows Vista has come in, to show you the specifications Windows Vista Home Premium says it needs in order to operate. And before anything is said, I have used the Vista Upgrade Advisor and it says that the system it is installed on now, is fully compatible (coughbullcacacough).
My laptop is supposed to be fully compatible with Windows Vista, another load of crap (except that one is being fed by HP themselves, and according to the hardware; so where are all of the drivers for Windows Vista HP? I love how you can get a “free copy of Windows Vista”, based on the Windows XP installation that comes with select desktops, and notebooks, but the sad thing is, I purchased my laptop not long before October 26, 2006 and they said I am not eligible. I personally do not think that is fair, and others agree too, specially for the amount of money that laptops cost.
Recommended system requirements
1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64 bit (x64) processor
1 GB of system memory
40 GB hard drive space with at least 15 GB of available space
Support for DirectX 9 graphics with
- WDDM Driver
- 128 MB of graphics memory (minimum)
- Pixel Shader 2.0 in hardware
- 32 bits per pixel
DVD-ROM drive
Audio output
Internet access (fees may apply)
Additional Requirements to use certain features
TV tuner card required for TV functionality (compatible remote control optional)
Windows Tablet and Touch Technology requires a Table PC or a touch screen.
Actual requirements and product functionality may vary based on your system configuration. Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor can help you determine which features and edition of Windows Vista will run on your computer; visit www.windowsvista.com/upgradeadvisor. For complete Windows Vista requirements, visit www.windowsvista.com/systemrequirements.
System requirements continue on bottom panel.
Minimum supported requirements
Certain product features are not available with minimum supported requirements.
800 MHZ processor and 512 MB of system memory
20 GB hard drive space with at least 15 GB of available space
Support for Super VGA graphics
CD-ROM drive
My DESKTOP
My Desktop PC is a AMD Duron 1.8 GHz processor with 768 MB DDR PC-2700 RAM, with a 160 GB hard drive. DVD-ROM, and a DVD+/-R/RW DL 16x burner. The video card that was in the Duron 1.8 GHz was also a 128 MB ATI RADEON 9200, but has been upgraded to a NVIDIA 256 MB GeForce 6200; and Vista still does not operate -- even though the Vista Upgrade Advisor says my system is compatible and will operate fine; and there is NO PROBLEMS with the hardware, I’ve checked.
My LAPTOP
My laptop as stated before is a Intel Centrino Duo Core Mobile Technology featuring an Intel Core Duo Processor T2050 (1.6 GHz, 2MB L2 cache, 533 MHz FSB), 1024 (1GB) system memory, 100 GB (5400) SATA hard drive, LightScribe Super Multi 8X DVD+/-R/RW drive with Double Layer Support.
If my other machines were able to use Vista, I would probably waste 4-8 hours for a freaking upgrade that probably won’t work. All the other systems here with the exception of my mom’s PC I built for her a long while back, are 350 MHz or slower. Then, there is my MAC, which is only a G3 350 MHz with four memory sticks (128MB, 128MB, 128MB, 64MB installed).
The bottom line to this entire article is: DO NOT PURCHASE A COPY OF MICROSOFT WINDOWS VISTA (any version,) UNLESS YOU HAVE THE ABSOLUTE TIME ON YOUR HANDS TO SCREW YOUR SYSTEM UP, OR TO TAKE CHANGES THAT IT MAY OR MAY NOT WORK ON YOUR SYSTEM. FOR ALL THE TROUBLES, THE PROBLEMS, AGRIVATION, AND OTHER CRAP, MICROSOFT SHOULD OF PAID ME TO PICK UP A COPY, OR BETTER YET, HAVE GIVEN ME A FREAKING COPY.
Don’t get me wrong, Windows Vista does install on my desktop and laptop, it just does not work right on the desktop (while all the hardware, drivers, etc., are fully compatible and up to date,) and the laptop (hah despite the “Designed for Windows XP; Windows Vista Compatible” bull-crap,) it ran fine, except for the serious lack of drivers. I might post the hardware reports from both my desktop and laptop later on.
I wonder what Windows Vista would say if I tried to install it on a Pentium II 350 with 256 MB of RAM, or one with 368 RAM. Probably something like, “Windows Vista does not support cheap customers who cannot upgrade their hardware. Oh wait, this is another error message that is generated by Windows, it is not Microsoft’s fault. And oh, you purchased Windows Vista, didn’t you?”
Anyway, I am probably now the proud owner of a new $159.99 coffee coaster because Staples will probably not take a refund -- wait till they see the crap I start with them if they don’t -- good money wasted but that is Microsoft’s fault, including HP - can we say FALSE ADVERTISING on both companies?
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Windows Vista...
Today I purchased Microsoft Windows Vista® and I must say I am unsure if I am either more disappointed or satisfied. I will explain to you some of the problems I had while installing it, please note the hardware:
Now this system says “Designed for Windows® XP”, and it works great with Windows® XP, and it also says, “Windows Vista® Compatible.” So here are my problems now…
After purchasing Microsoft Windows Vista®, it took around 4 hours to upgrade it, then about 1 hour (give or take 30 minutes,) to force the “Windows Vista® drivers” into the system, then after about a total of 6 hours, weighing in that Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition is a complete waste of money, there is only one problem I am actively trying to resolve, and that is the sound on the system. But otherwise, everything is running smoothly.
WATCH IT, it may be one thing very simple that I have over looked, and forgot all about, which I hope it is – if push comes to shove, I will just put Windows Vista® on to another system (been looking for an excuse to rebuild it, plus, it has a TV Capture card, too!) which may prove to be very beneficial.
Besides me knocking the hell out of Windows Vista®, I must say that I like the new interface; except the CTRL+ALT+DELETE, you have to go through all that NTish crap again (scrolling around to lock the computer, switch user, change password, etc., just to get to the Task Manager – What the **** Microsoft!?!?! It is quite funny how Microsoft enjoys changing the interface from ancient techniques and styles to new ones and right back to the old styles.
I will admit, I like the security features and approach that Microsoft has taken with Windows Vista, although it is still not the “most” secure and greatest way, but it is better then before (for the most part,).
Finding documents, programs, and other stuff, is looking a bit too MACish, can we say “bite off” somewhere there, maybe in hidden code: x9#$2bi;/te@1o@fkf – OK, I am just kidding, but Microsoft is seriously yanking ideas from Apple, too much now.
The “Windows Aero” is a very nice improvement, if you like “eye-candy”; I am enjoying it – just wish I could get my sound to actually work with the system – but won’t happen soon since I am writing this article (rant).
While it may be a “great” choice for laptops, I am not seeing very much difference from Windows XP, but then again I have not tried the wireless side just yet, but hopefully I can later. (note: can)
I can’t say anything about “Windows Meeting Space”, haven’t tried it yet – not sure what it’s about, but Microsoft has been having a ball changing the name on a lot of what they’re doing... hmmm.
Changes in photos and entertainment? I can’t say much about entertainment; again I have no sound right now – as far as photos, goofed off with it for one second, and was not really impressed.
Windows Media Center (see my rant with audio,) Jesus Microsoft…
And the other features available in other versions (Business, and Ultimate), the BitLocker® Drive Encryption should have been implemented in Home Basic, Home Premium, Business (ESPECIALLY BUSINESS, duh,) and not just Ultimate.
Personally, I would love to know how Microsoft gets away with charging $159.99 for a Windows Vista® Home Premium Upgrade, and nearly double that (if not double, or more,) for the “Full Version”. After-all, there is virtually no difference between the two except one can upgrade an existing platform when compared to the other. So basically, the price sucks otherwise I would of purchased the full version – who the hell really wants to sit there for hours to upgrade their platform, specially for the “business” users that need to be on right away to continue business as usual. Yes, I know there is a thing as “backup servers”, etc., and then manually implement the data on to the live system when it is there, or automatically (if you have a program written to take care of it, etc.) but still.
But over-all, despite my problems and lack of sound on this system, I am enjoying Vista; though it could have been a hell-of-a-lot better. The installation I enjoyed, I actually went to bed for about an hour, and well, (giggles) go figure, the installation was done. I of course, did have to select my time zone, and a few small things, but the system was up and running right away (with the 6 problems that I am down to 1 now with.)
I will rate Windows Vista® Home Premium a 4 out of 5 – but that’s my opinion. The reason for the 4 out of 5 rating is a result of the lack of support for hardware. Now if Microsoft had of made Windows Vista® support the hardware right out of the box, it would have gotten a 5 out of a 5 maybe.
- Intel® Centrino® Duo Mobile Technology (T2050 (1.6 GHz, 2 MB L2 Cache, 533 MHz FSB)
- 1024 MB DDR-2 system memory, 100 GB (5400 RPM) hard drive, Integrated Web Cam
- Integrated Microphones (2), Integrated 5-in-1 Digital Card Reader, HP QuickPlay (music, movies, etc.)
- LightScribe Super Multi 8X DVD+R/DVD-R RW drive with DL support (CDR, CDRW, etc.)
HP Pavilion dv2000 (dv2000us/dv2037us Entertainment Notebook), the following specifications are as follows:
Now this system says “Designed for Windows® XP”, and it works great with Windows® XP, and it also says, “Windows Vista® Compatible.” So here are my problems now…
After purchasing Microsoft Windows Vista®, it took around 4 hours to upgrade it, then about 1 hour (give or take 30 minutes,) to force the “Windows Vista® drivers” into the system, then after about a total of 6 hours, weighing in that Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition is a complete waste of money, there is only one problem I am actively trying to resolve, and that is the sound on the system. But otherwise, everything is running smoothly.
WATCH IT, it may be one thing very simple that I have over looked, and forgot all about, which I hope it is – if push comes to shove, I will just put Windows Vista® on to another system (been looking for an excuse to rebuild it, plus, it has a TV Capture card, too!) which may prove to be very beneficial.
Besides me knocking the hell out of Windows Vista®, I must say that I like the new interface; except the CTRL+ALT+DELETE, you have to go through all that NTish crap again (scrolling around to lock the computer, switch user, change password, etc., just to get to the Task Manager – What the **** Microsoft!?!?! It is quite funny how Microsoft enjoys changing the interface from ancient techniques and styles to new ones and right back to the old styles.
I will admit, I like the security features and approach that Microsoft has taken with Windows Vista, although it is still not the “most” secure and greatest way, but it is better then before (for the most part,).
Finding documents, programs, and other stuff, is looking a bit too MACish, can we say “bite off” somewhere there, maybe in hidden code: x9#$2bi;/te@1o@fkf – OK, I am just kidding, but Microsoft is seriously yanking ideas from Apple, too much now.
The “Windows Aero” is a very nice improvement, if you like “eye-candy”; I am enjoying it – just wish I could get my sound to actually work with the system – but won’t happen soon since I am writing this article (rant).
While it may be a “great” choice for laptops, I am not seeing very much difference from Windows XP, but then again I have not tried the wireless side just yet, but hopefully I can later. (note: can)
I can’t say anything about “Windows Meeting Space”, haven’t tried it yet – not sure what it’s about, but Microsoft has been having a ball changing the name on a lot of what they’re doing... hmmm.
Changes in photos and entertainment? I can’t say much about entertainment; again I have no sound right now – as far as photos, goofed off with it for one second, and was not really impressed.
Windows Media Center (see my rant with audio,) Jesus Microsoft…
And the other features available in other versions (Business, and Ultimate), the BitLocker® Drive Encryption should have been implemented in Home Basic, Home Premium, Business (ESPECIALLY BUSINESS, duh,) and not just Ultimate.
Personally, I would love to know how Microsoft gets away with charging $159.99 for a Windows Vista® Home Premium Upgrade, and nearly double that (if not double, or more,) for the “Full Version”. After-all, there is virtually no difference between the two except one can upgrade an existing platform when compared to the other. So basically, the price sucks otherwise I would of purchased the full version – who the hell really wants to sit there for hours to upgrade their platform, specially for the “business” users that need to be on right away to continue business as usual. Yes, I know there is a thing as “backup servers”, etc., and then manually implement the data on to the live system when it is there, or automatically (if you have a program written to take care of it, etc.) but still.
But over-all, despite my problems and lack of sound on this system, I am enjoying Vista; though it could have been a hell-of-a-lot better. The installation I enjoyed, I actually went to bed for about an hour, and well, (giggles) go figure, the installation was done. I of course, did have to select my time zone, and a few small things, but the system was up and running right away (with the 6 problems that I am down to 1 now with.)
I will rate Windows Vista® Home Premium a 4 out of 5 – but that’s my opinion. The reason for the 4 out of 5 rating is a result of the lack of support for hardware. Now if Microsoft had of made Windows Vista® support the hardware right out of the box, it would have gotten a 5 out of a 5 maybe.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Software Developers (All Levels)
I have written computer programs over the years for various platforms such as DOS, Windows, Linux, UNIX, and now that I own a MAC that will probably be added to the list of platforms. There are times that I will make use of components, products, and software that has been developed by third-parties, and there are times I just cannot help myself, but use a third-party product because it saves time, specially when it comes to down to deployment. This message really is really for software developers, or even people who write programs and would like to save time when it comes around the time to deploy your product; most of what is being posted is completely free and open source, or completely free and closed source.
Instyler Update-Notify
(http://www.instyler.com/products/lun.asp)
The Instyler Update-Notify application lets users of your product know when there is an update to your product available. There is a small application that creates a file containing the actual information about your product, and there is another file that contains information about the update that is available. The file that contains update information can be uploaded and accessed by WWW and FTP locations, and only is used to determine if the copy on the users’ machine is the latest version or a older version of your product, and if older, the user will be prompted to check for updates. The source code to this product is not available.
Inno Setup
(http://www.innosetup.com/)
Inno Setup is developed and published by Jordan Russell, and is an open source product that may be used for both commercial and personal purposes. The Inno Setup software allows you to create your own professional installation programs for your products that run on Microsoft Windows 95, 98, Me, NT, 2000, XP, 2003 and Vista. You may also download older versions of Inno Setup that support Windows 3 series, too. The source code to this product is available, and is written in Delphi 2.0-5.0 according to Jordan Russell’s site.
Nullsoft Scriptable Install System
(http://nsis.sourceforge.net/)
NSIS (Nullsoft Scriptable Install System) is a professional open source system to create Windows installers. It is designed to be as small and flexible as possible and is therefore very suitable for internet distribution. Being a user's first experience with your product, a stable and reliable installer is an important component of successful software. With NSIS you can create such installers that are capable of doing everything that is needed to setup your software. NSIS is script-based and allows you to create the logic to handle even the most complex installation tasks. Many plug-ins and scripts are already available: you can create web installers, communicate with Windows and other software components, install or update shared components and more. (This description was taken directly from the NSIS site.)
vbAdvance
(http://www.vbadvance.com/)
The vbAdvance site offers two components for Visual Basic 6 developers; one being a Console Support Code (“CSC”) which allows you to write console applications using Visual Basic. The other one allows you to embed Windows XP Theme support into your application, to write Terminal Server Aware (“TSA”) applications, Console Applications, and more. However, the vbAdvance product appears to no longer be sold, but you can still download a 30 day trial and when it expires, you can use only the CSC part.
Visual Studio .NET 2005 Express
http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/default.aspx)
You can download the Microsoft Visual Studio .NET Express Editions completely free of charge, and write your own programs for Microsoft Windows. If you are new to writing computer programs, these will also be a good source for writing code for Microsoft Windows. You may also purchase the Standard Edition, Professional Edition and others that may be available directly from this site – the Express versions are free, and stripped down versions of the actual Visual Studio .NET suite.
There are also sources all over the internet that contain source code for various languages, and too many too really list, but there are several I visit frequently, or once in a while. For your viewing pleasure, I have put together a very small list of web sites that contain source code (again, various languages):
The reason I posted this is because I was asked questions about programming, and how to compile the source code from human readable format into machine readable code. So I figured I would write this in to the blog, after all, as the blog says, “The useful and useless content for the public.” I hope that you have enjoyed the little bit that I wrote tonight, I may pot more again later, give or take a few hours.
Friday, February 02, 2007
MyGeez – I couldn’t find a better name.
I have been sitting here for quite a while debating on whether or not to create a blog or just leave the entire idea alone. Tonight, I decided to create a blog just for the fun of it. I will not go in to details on how “MyGeez” was created, other then two thoughts I had run through my mind when I couldn’t use any of the names I originally had wanted, and the feature that “suggests” a name for you was just not right at all.
While I am sitting here typing out this message, I am doing several things at the moment. One of the things that I am doing is playing EverQuest on the PC, listening to iTunes on the MAC, randomly looking at weather updates on another system, and surfing the web on any of the systems, and debating on getting my laptop and having some fun with that system.
The Belkin Wireless-G Desktop Adapter was the only product I was able to purchase, and it does not seem to be a bad deal for the price it was being sold for. I must admit, I was disappointed slightly when I seen the packaging saying “up to 400ft”, and Staples saying “up to 1800ft”, and her system getting 44-48 MB when my laptop was getting up to and around 52-54 MB.
You can also see what type of Wireless Access Point (“WAP”) I am running by looking at the address I’ve provided below:
Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition (my mom’s PC) sees the following (and others if I remember correctly on the Belkin Wireless-G Desktop Adapter):
- Open
- Shared
- WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy)
- WPA_PSK (TKIP)
- WPA-PSK (TKIP)
- WPA2-PSK (AES)
I will write something else soon, in a couple hours, tomorrow, or soon, but hopefully what I posted is not totally useless. Have a good day, night or a good time where-ever you are at, and happy blogging!
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