Messages

126

General Software Discussion / Re: Brave: A new browser with built-in adblock and payment solutions

« on: June 16, 2019, 12:41 PM »

Okay, new subtopic; if I go to liveleak and click on any sublink, such as 'Must See', an image of a spider appears. I hate spiders. In TOR browser I can right-click and choose 'block element' and it vanishes. If I refresh, it reappears. If I can't make it stop appearing, it's going to give me a case of nerves, and I'll have to abandon liveleak. Suggestions anyone?

127

General Software Discussion / Re: Brave: A new browser with built-in adblock and payment solutions

« on: June 14, 2019, 07:54 AM »

In TOR Brave, I see no way to access bookmarks. Or what settings to use to set up non-TOR Brave -which has bookmarks- with TOR.

128

General Software Discussion / Re: Brave: A new browser with built-in adblock and payment solutions

« on: June 13, 2019, 09:25 PM »

How do I set up Brave to work with TOR; I tried to duplicate the LAN settings but it's not connecting.

-holt (June 13, 2019, 08:59 PM)

Brave has Tor built-in.

[ Invalid Attachment ]

-Deozaan (June 13, 2019, 09:14 PM)

Nice. How do I get bookmarks to work in it?

129

General Software Discussion / Re: Brave: A new browser with built-in adblock and payment solutions

« on: June 13, 2019, 08:59 PM »

How do I set up Brave to work with TOR; I tried to duplicate the LAN settings but it's not connecting.

130

Living Room / Re: grabby mouse pad

« on: June 10, 2019, 08:35 PM »

You mean from the ones at your link?  Or just in general (just trying to relate the link to the question)

-wraith808 (June 10, 2019, 06:33 PM)

I guess I kind of really meant just in general, with no more than a $50 limit. I'm not really keen on Logitech though; way too much PUP over-programming, difficult to clean uninstall (especially if all I want is to reinstall clean), and so flimsy I actually killed a mouse by dropping it only one foot onto padded carpet.

131

Living Room / Re: grabby mouse pad

« on: June 10, 2019, 04:30 PM »

Which wireless headphone would you choose? It would need to have a USB connector for use with a laptop. Also to charge faster and have longer battery playback time.

132

Living Room / Re: Why do I need a router?

« on: June 08, 2019, 02:10 PM »

But you really should limit accessing the Internet without the router device

-Shades (June 07, 2019, 08:41 PM)

I think I've shut off Public & Private, but you say 'But you really should limit accessing the Internet without the router device...' I'm not sure if or how to do that, as I saw no option for it. Otherwise, it's smooth sailing so far.

Years ago I trialled a firewall - "BlackHawk" or something I think it was called - that was not only good at being a firewall, but also monitored and logged all the attack pings received and sent back a query to each one requesting further IP address information (I forget what exactly). In other words, it started probing the attackers.
I thought it was a novel idea, but ultimately unproductive, so I disabled that bit, though it did waste attackers' time/resources, which seemed fair.
It was surprising to see in real time how rapidly the attack pings started to roll in when one started up a connection. The logs could become huge. One of the downsides of computerised automation, I suppose.

-IainB (June 07, 2019, 11:08 PM)

Yes, it's a bit like the films Cujo or Old Yeller where the rabid dog is clawing at the shaking barrier and trying to get at you. My explanations to my wife seemed a bit dull, until I explained 'zero day viruses' and that some viruses are like mice or rats while others are like a Velociraptor or Tyrannosaurus Rex; although even a 'rat'' can spoil your whole day.
edit: Zer0Day (2016) and book; Countdown To Zero Day.

133

Living Room / Re: Why do I need a router?

« on: June 07, 2019, 06:14 PM »

I was asked if I wanted my laptop to be 'seen' by 'other PCs on this network' (my home), with a recommendation to choose 'Yes', so I did.
But I don't really have a 'network', just my laptop. Should I reset this 'local network' to 'no'? If so, how do I access it to do this?

134

Living Room / Re: Why do I need a router?

« on: June 07, 2019, 09:46 AM »

Wow, looks like I asked the right question; many thanks, and sorry about the 'duh' factor. I have an old -as in about 10 or 15 years- "Intellinet wireless LAN router with 4 port and 10/100 switch". I once had it hooked up but somehow over time it ended up back in its box neglected on a shelf. So I plugged in power, input, and output cables and plugged the output into my new laptop--and it works! No setup or anything, just pure plug & play. The ISP tech guy came and picked up the old leased dead router; he said my Intellinet router's 10/100 speed matches up with my ISP connection speed. I don't know about if it's 'connected directly' or otherwise, but I seem to remember the sales guy telling me when I originally bought it, all about the extra layer of protection which the router provided; it sounded similar to what you people are telling me now.

135

Living Room / Why do I need a router?

« on: June 06, 2019, 10:15 PM »

When I got my new laptop, I unthinkingly connected it to the Internet via my old router which my old PC needed.
Today my old router died, then revived, then died again.
I called our ISP Help Desk, and tomorrow their service rep is coming to bring a new router and $9.99/mo 2/yr service contract for me to sign.
But...I just unplugged my Internet cable from the dead router and plugged it directly into the new laptop.
I was asked if I wanted my laptop to be 'seen' by 'other PCs on this network' (my home), with a recommendation to choose 'Yes', so I did.
So now I'm getting on the Internet just fine.
So...why do I need a router?

136

Living Room / TWA Flight 800 Remastered Re-creation

« on: June 05, 2019, 07:52 AM »

TWA 800 Animations

TWA Flight 800 Remastered Re-creation
Combination of light-hearted student passengers and dreadful 'impending disaster' music.
(edit: This is a seriously disturbing video. In case you are not prepared, I'll post here a repeat of a few viewers' comments:
quote:
-Mostly just upsetting.  Recommend do not watch.  God rest their souls.
-This has to be the scariest way for anyone to die...
-That may be one of the most horrifying things i have ever watched....I think i need a tranquilizer.
-Horrible...absolutely horrible to go this way...Poor souls RIP ..
-I wished I wouldn't have watched this. My stomach has been in a knot ever since. My prayers to all affected by this tragic loss of life.
-No one deserves to die this way. It is so sad to see what they had to experience. May God bless them and those who suffer in the aftermath of this tragedy.
-I can’t believe they actually used Final Destination. I mean we all know the movie based it on the crash, but come on.
-This is about as bad as it gets.....what a horrific way to die.
end quote
Please note: the music and part of the TWA Flight 800 Remastered Re-creation vid is a rip (not by me) from Final Destination, but proper credit is given and it really fits.

137

Living Room / Re: Movies you've seen lately

« on: May 30, 2019, 11:21 PM »

Unbroken (2014)
Opens with very realistic B-24 WWII bombing run, and fairly decent treatment, nicely lacking in the usual Hollywood war flick absurdities.
Directed by Angelina Jolie.

Marnie (1964) with a cameo appearance at the beginning by Alfred Hitchcock, who Produced it.
An awesome psychological thriller starring Tippi Hedren and Sean Connery.

Ghost Recon Alpha - Official HD Film
Intense 23:57 of live action game play or game intro (like continuous cutscenes w/o actual hands-on game play).

138

Living Room / Re: What books are you reading?

« on: May 26, 2019, 08:43 PM »

Thunderhead by Keith Laumer

To navigate the page; scroll 'up' to upper right corner gives Back, Next, and Table of Contents; scroll 'down' to lower right corner gives Back, Next, and Framed (which I got lost clicking on and had to click on browser 'back' to get back where I knew where I was). The story consists of 35 one-page 'chapters'. 

139

Living Room / Re: grabby mouse pad

« on: May 26, 2019, 05:37 PM »

Good wireless mouses can become expensive quickly. Logitech has a very good new model, which reacts excellently (practically as good as a wired decent gaming mouse) and has excellent battery-life. But at more than 150 USD it sure has to be.

If (cheaper) wireless mouses are just as good as their keyboard counterparts, you will be hating them more quickly than you would think.

Perhaps a small explanation is in order: It is hard to get off-the-shelf English layout keyboards here in Paraguay. So imagine my happiness when I did find one, a wireless one with 84-key layout. It was almost 50 USD, the keys feel good to the touch, the device as a whole feels solid and it doesn't consume much battery. But I also needed to add bluetooth functionality to my desktop, so I had to spend almost 45 USD on a bluetooth dongle as well. Sounds all reasonably ok, right?

I hate that wireless keyboard! For some reason it turns itself into battery save mode or something like that. It just gets unresponsive at random intervals. Even bought another, even more expensive, bluetooth dongle to see if that made a difference, but alas. This whole wireless keyboard thingie set me back close to 150 USD and I still need to continue working with a Logitech (wired) keyboard that has a Spanish layout. And I seriously dislike any keyboard that does not have a US layout.

The cheap bluetooth devices are mostly promise, but more often than not fail to deliver and then you'll regret the purchase quickly. Bluetooth is in my experience a very poor substitute for anything wired, be it keyboards, mouses or audio. The slowness in pairing bluetooth devices is just adding insult to injury, in my opinion.

-Shades (May 26, 2019, 04:52 PM)

I see what you mean. I've had bad experiences with Logitech; too flimsy, and way too much unnecessary PUP type programming that is near impossible to clean uninstall. I've had one go permanently bonkers after dropping it a mere handspan onto thick carpeting. Never tried bluetooth; prices scared me off, so thanks for the headsup. 

I think if I added an extra-short USB cable to the mouse cable, between the laptop port and mouse cable, it could pop apart at any angle more easily and help prevent damage. Here is a one foot (one-third meter) cable; shorter would be even better if anyone can send a link.

140

Living Room / wireless self-charging mouse?

« on: May 26, 2019, 03:08 PM »

I have tripped over my wired mouse cable - again. My foot-propelled laptop almost became airborne. No harm done this time, but I need a good wireless mouse with a new-type self-charging base. I have Windows 10 with an HP laptop that rests on the coffee table in front of me, but I like to lean back on the couch, and run the mouse back and forth on the couch cushion beside me where I sit. Do I have to always use a charging pad? Any suggestions up to about $35 would be most greatly appreciated.

141

General Software Discussion / Re: youtube downloader?

« on: May 26, 2019, 02:24 PM »

I've recently discovered 4K Video Downloader, which isn't a browser add-on, but it seems a decent and simple downloader app:

https://www.4kdownload.com/

-Deozaan (March 17, 2019, 09:32 PM)

I've used it for a while but got annoyed by the ads trying to get me to buy the full version.

Then I discovered Free Download Manager which has no ads and mostly does the job (though it seems to be limited to 1080p even when a 1440p version of the video is available).

It also allows you to change the bandwidth it uses for downloading on the fly, which may be useful if you have somewhat slow Internet access and decide you'd want to watch some streaming while you've already started a download.

Now since then I got fibre optics internet access at home, and don't need to limit my bandwidth usage any more, I've mostly switched to Youtube-DLG (a minimalistic GUI for youtube-dl), which doesn't seem to allow changing the bandwidth on the fly, but does download 1440p videos when available.

-ConstanceJill (March 18, 2019, 07:23 AM)

Free Download Manager works with youtube, but I do not know how to use it with other.

142

Living Room / Re: silly humor - post 'em here! [warning some NSFW and adult content]

« on: May 20, 2019, 12:53 PM »

Did you hear about the air-dropped cow that it's parachute failed to open?
It was a meatier meteor. 

PS - For any whimpering cow-huggers, it's a joke already! I trust we may safely assume that no real cows are actually hurt in actual air-drops.

143

Living Room / Re: Movies you've seen lately

« on: May 18, 2019, 07:19 PM »

Bastille Day (2016)

144

Living Room / Re: grabby mouse pad - some alternative suggestions for fixing.

« on: May 14, 2019, 11:50 AM »

I suspect this mousepad (or maybe it's the mouse?) can't be fixed easily.
There's a similar problem I've noticed in some 15 year-old (or so) European cars like BMW or VW - which have always tended to use a lot of synthetic plastics (as opposed to say, ordinary rubber) on the outer coating of some rubber/plastic-coated controls/knobs in the passenger compartment. What seems to happen with them is that the outer coating (goodness knows what it is made of) of the control/knob starts to chemically break down. First it becomes slightly tacky to the touch, and then it becomes progressively more tacky to the point where some of the surface material sticks to your skin when you touch it, and it sort of spreads around. It can be removed from the fingers with white spirit, but if you try white spirit on the actual knob/control, then it seems to make the problem even worse for a while until the white spirit has evaporated and the whole substrate melts a bit and becomes gooey.
I've tried all sorts - e.g., including plastic/vinyl cleaner (is usually silicone-based), soap and water, hydrogen peroxide, salt solution, sodium bicarbonate (the main ingredient of baking soda) solution, white spirit, methylated spirit, isopropyl alcohol, gasoline (petroleum) - and they variously have either no effect or make matters worse. I have not yet found anything that sets the tacky surface hard(er)/less tacky.
The only solution so far is thus to replace the part, or (say) apply talcum powder to the the surface of the part. Yes, the latter is a kludge, but it reduces the tackiness and could be a useful temporary workaround - works on babies' bottoms too! 

Actually, thinking of babies' bottoms, I haven't tried paraffin oil on these knobs/controls, but that might make the surface smoother/slicker. On the other hand, paraffin (kerosine) is a petroleum product, so it might make it tackier. Either way, paraffinum liquidum (paraffin oil) is non-toxic/harmless (non-allergenic) - it's a tried-and-tested main ingredient in baby oil and is safe for use on babies bottoms (e.g., where there may be nappy rash) and is apparently a main ingredient in many commercially available skin cremes/oils and vaginal/anal lubricants also (it doesn't harm sensitive mucous membranes).
I hasten to add that my only experience with its use is as a generic baby oil and in the form of a herbal skin oil recommended by a doctor, and which bears the brand name Bio Oil:

Bio Oil: Looks like the base is liquid paraffin, which has been safely used for donkey's years. Manufacturer is Union Swiss (Pty) Ltd. (South Africa). Contents of Bio Oil: * Paraffinum Liquidum, * Triisononanoin, * Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, * Isopropyl Myristate, * Retinyl Palmitate, * Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, * Tocopheryl Acetate, * Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, * Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, * Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, * Calendula Officinalis Extract, * Glycine Soja Oil, * BHT, * Bisabolol, Parfum, * Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, * Amyl Cinnamal, * Benzyl Salicylate, * Citronellol, Coumarin, * Eugenol, * Farnesol, * Geraniol, * Hydroxycitronellal, * Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, * Limonene, * Linalool, * CI 26100 _________ Per: https://www.ocado.co...duct/BioOil/69172011 _________ See also: https://en.m.wikiped...iquid_paraffin_(drug)

-IainB (May 14, 2019, 02:58 AM)

I found this (and it looks like it is safer to replace than to attempt to restore): Conservation and restoration of plastic objects

145

Living Room / Re: grabby mouse pad

« on: May 13, 2019, 03:09 PM »

I'm not sure about it but it might be caused due to the dust beneath the mouse.
As for the mousepads, its layers peel off so there won't be any options for restoring them.

-Swift_Man (May 13, 2019, 02:24 PM)

Thank you Swift Man. I found mention of safe food grade silicon, but I've reacted so badly to so much 'safe' stuff, I ordered a new pad; blue raindrops, my fav.

146

Living Room / grabby mouse pad

« on: May 13, 2019, 01:00 PM »

My mouse pad is getting older and grabby. What if I spray it with -say- silicon spray?

147

Living Room / Re: silly humor - post 'em here! [warning some NSFW and adult content]

« on: May 13, 2019, 12:32 PM »

[ Invalid Attachment ]

 

This is where we're going, eh?

-wraith808 (May 13, 2019, 09:34 AM)

Nah; stick to Roman Numerals. Who needs the 'zero' anyways? Zeros are for losers.  

148

Living Room / Re: Movies you've seen lately

« on: May 13, 2019, 12:27 PM »

Is Paris Burning? (1966) Book and movie. Hitler ordered Paris to be burned, and the top German general had an inner battle with his own conscience whether to follow orders or not. Some rare actual war footage skillfully blended into this historic extra-long movie.

149

Living Room / Re: silly humor - post 'em here! [warning some NSFW and adult content]

« on: May 08, 2019, 09:28 AM »

Instead of saying, "Would you like to have an avocado?", you can say -which sounds deliciously almost the same- "Would you like to avocado?"

150

Living Room / Flight attendant dies trying to save passengers

« on: May 07, 2019, 06:08 PM »

Flight attendant dies trying to save passengers in plane fire at Moscow airport  More: http://tass.com/emergencies/1057052

Flight attendant Maksim Moiseev - brief bio & news report