Messages

4626

Living Room / Re: Limewire shutdown, permanently

« on: October 28, 2010, 07:13 PM »

I find the situation oddly analogous to guns... I know... Somebody is sighing out there, but just hear it out...

-Renegade (October 28, 2010, 06:38 PM)

Yes, that would be me....

It would have been better if you had based your analogy on the knife - this is much closer to the mark.

A knife is a tool whose use is mostly benign as opposed to a firearm, (not gun, they are a subset of firearms), as you have pointed out, whose purpose isn't.

By making the comparison to a firearm you are immediately saying that the software was created intentionally to be malignant, ie. for pirating.  As such, you should have no problem with it being put down.

4627

Living Room / Re: Limewire shutdown, permanently

« on: October 28, 2010, 04:30 PM »

Just clarify this a bit - Limewire is a P2P program AFAIK, not a network.  It uses the gnutella, (and BitTorrent), network for information dissemination/retrieval.

The gnutella/BitTorrent networks will still continue to be used, there are other P2P programs that use the same networks, (eg. Cabos, FrostWire, Shareaza).

I agree that Lime wire had a lot of viruses, garbage, etc., but with some worthwhile downloads.  I also know that our legal system is based on case law, which gives heavy emphasis on past judicial opinions/rulings.  This is a chilling ruling.

-complearning123 (October 28, 2010, 03:15 PM)

It's already been done before - think Napster.

That to me is tantamount to closing all banks and punishing all customers because some customers are using that institution to illegally launder money from illegal ventures/activities.

No it isn't, the correct analogy would be if they closed all banks in one town, (or even a state), because one bank was laundering money.  Yes, it's inconvenient for the townspeople but it doesn't stop them from getting their money from the banking network.

They made the injunction against Limewire because its use was predominantly synonymous with pirating. As soon as some other program is stupid enough to do the same thing and they're within the grasp of the RIAA/MPAA then it'll happen again.

4628

Living Room / Re: Can I use a remote pc's static ip because I haven't got one?

« on: October 27, 2010, 08:15 PM »

In theory, couldn't your friend run a small port redirection service?  (I remember seeing a simple one in the AutoIt forums some time ago.)  If your friend has a router which is sufficiently intelligent then maybe his computer wouldn't need to be on, just set up a rule within it.  Then again, will the redirected traffic pick up the static IP of the redirector or just forward the IP of the redirectee?

Or a proxy?  (AnalogX Proxy is the one I usually use for a local proxy, it might stretch to what you want.)

Of course, it probably all depends on what protocol is required for access.

4629

Living Room / Re: Laptop choice: better CPU or more RAM ?

« on: October 27, 2010, 08:04 PM »

My vote goes for choice number 2 also.  See if they can toss in an extra 2GB for a reduced price, it doesn't hurt to ask.

Is there any reason for a lean towards Thinkpads, (other than the price), my understanding was that since Lenovo took them over the quality has gone a bit downhill as of late 2009/early 2010 at least.  But hey, that may have been model specific, etc, etc.

4630

General Software Discussion / Re: remove objects from photos

« on: October 27, 2010, 07:44 PM »

Impressive results, but is that a stand alone app, or just a plug-in? ...Or both?

-Stoic Joker (October 27, 2010, 06:54 AM)

Both, you get the .8bf as well as the standalone, (in the Lite version also) - you don't even have to install it.  Just extract the installer with UniExtract and start using.

4631

General Software Discussion / Re: "Search Everything" with saved searches would be cool.

« on: October 26, 2010, 10:21 AM »

apparently Search Everything does not list links (windows hard links), and I see no option to include those files in the search. These are important when searching for files within the windows directory.

-hpearce (October 26, 2010, 07:03 AM)

From the forum here:

"Everything" will also only show physical NTFS files.

With Windows Vista or later there are a few hard links in your system directory which may not be indexed.

and here:

In "Everything" "objects" refer to physical NTFS files and folders.

Other programs may report more items such as shell items and hard links or less items such as hidden NTFS folders.

4632

Living Room / Re: Just when you thought all the good ideas were taken!

« on: October 25, 2010, 05:45 AM »

Ergonomic coffin:

-kyrathaba (October 24, 2010, 08:30 PM)

I'm pretty sure that would only be for our silicon-enhanced friends, (and I'm not talking computer)

I'm still waiting for the reverse-cycle microwave.

4633

General Software Discussion / Re: Best Executable Compressor Programs

« on: October 22, 2010, 06:42 PM »

What's your perceived need of executable compression anyway?

-f0dder (October 22, 2010, 01:30 PM)

The only place I use it is to maximise free space on my "tool" flash drive.

4634

Living Room / Re: "White" Magic

« on: October 22, 2010, 06:39 AM »

Some believe wearing fetishes will turn bullets into water

How do they feel about shelling?

-cranioscopical (October 21, 2010, 09:35 PM)

Turns it into wine.

4635

General Software Discussion / Re: The mysterious case of disappearing scroll wheel functionality...

« on: October 22, 2010, 01:26 AM »

If it's only particular to HTML content then maybe it is content related, eg. script, ActiveX, etc.

Have you tried the browsers in safe mode, (I believe IE8 has one)?

Resetting IE to default settings (Internet Options->Advanced->Reset)?

Disable scripting, Java, etc?

Maybe it's a sneaky way to get you to donate to WizMouse

Maybe do a system backup then try a System Restore to the previous day if a point exists?

4636

Living Room / Re: How to avoid paying taxes and save billions

« on: October 22, 2010, 01:10 AM »

OT: I loathe buying books here. The prices are simply through the roof. I went into a book store the other day and just about choked. $50 book going for $120. (Ok, $49.99 going for $117.99.) I hate feeling like I'm getting fleeced.

-Renegade (October 21, 2010, 10:23 PM)

Still OT: That's why I don't buy books here

The library, AbeBooks, local Probus book swap, op shops, local book fair (this Melbourne Cup Day), CFA jumble sale and library book sales are the only places I get books these days.

4637

General Software Discussion / Re: The mysterious case of disappearing scroll wheel functionality...

« on: October 22, 2010, 12:45 AM »

I get that occasionally, as well as it only scrolling in one direction no matter which way the wheel is moved.  Used to happen on my Logitech MX500, still does on my Coolermaster Storm Sentinel, (which doesn't require any external driver for it's functions).

In all times, (on Win7), if I close DeskAngel the scroll wheel will return to normal function, then I can run DeskAngel again.  So maybe I'm 'resetting' the input handler?

The one direction scroll is a known problem from XP days, (oddly enough MS 5000/6000 are the main ones I've seen during a search), and I read an explanation once of why it happens, usually the only way to fix it was to reboot.

Have you tried exiting Wizmouse and see if it returns to normal operation?

4638

Living Room / Re: What books are you reading?

« on: October 20, 2010, 05:07 PM »

Here are the elements I recall : at the beginning of the story, a mother and her son (or daughter) are living in our world but are in fact of some kind of a royal family from another realm somehow connected to ours, and some people would like them to disappear so that the throne remains theirs.

It would be a "fantasy" novel from DK.

-MerleOne (October 20, 2010, 03:47 PM)

Have you checked the list at his website, maybe one of the titles will jog your memory - there are excerpts from the ones still in print.  Maybe his earlier SciFi stuff, (all out of print)?

Dean Koontz

He has/does write under a few pseudonyms - almost all the books I've read under his name, (and Leigh Nichols), have been Suspense/Thriller with a touch of SciFi, (barring childrens and non-fiction).

4639

Living Room / Re: build/upgrade or buy/build a new one?

« on: October 20, 2010, 04:53 AM »

Was that Windows you picked not a retail with both 32 and 64bit versions?

-Bamse (October 20, 2010, 03:31 AM)

The retail and upgrade versions include both 32bit and 64bit OS DVDs, no need to restrict yourself to 64bit only.

You might find that 32bit is better because you have hardware that has no 64bit drivers, eg. scanner, printer, etc that you can't afford to replace at the moment.  Later when you've updated/replaced them, then you can reinstall with Win7 x64.

@Jammo: What hardware do you have for which no manufacturer provided 64bit drivers exist?

40gb is enough today but what about the future  

-Bamse (October 20, 2010, 04:33 AM)

Why then, SSDs will be much cheaper and you'll be able to afford to have two!  

Personally, I'd still look for a combo deal of Core i5/motherboard/RAM rather than just upgrade your current RAM, (I agree with mouser and bamse), but it comes down to a balancing act of wallet vs need.

Only you can decide.

4640

Living Room / Re: Hidden Taxes... ever considered these?

« on: October 19, 2010, 10:41 PM »

Can you claim the computer, Internet connection, and printer and supplies as a tax deduction? That is, you are forced to print the forms yourself, so you are forced to have a computer, printer and Internet connection, so what's to say that you didn't purchase it all for the express purpose of doing your tax forms? It may seem a bit assanine, but it is perfectly possible. After all, fight fire with fire, right?

-Renegade (October 19, 2010, 09:42 PM)

That's pushing your luck a little far if they decide to audit you, (eg. 'Why do you have so many games installed on your business computer?") 

But you are within your right to claim any usage for your business or on their behalf, (eg. they want you to submit form XYZ obtainable by printing the downloadable version on their website), as a tax deduction.

4641

Living Room / Re: Hidden Taxes... ever considered these?

« on: October 19, 2010, 07:55 PM »

In consideration of this it occurred to me I was subsidizing the government via...

• The use of my computer.
• The use of my paper.
• The use of my printer and ink.
• ... Well, you get the idea....

...

I'm not sure WHAT we can do about any of these types of oppression.

-CodeTRUCKER (October 19, 2010, 12:12 PM)

You claim the costs involved on your Tax Return, that's what I do, so I don't end up paying any more tax than what I should, (of course that's a purely subjective amount ).

If you already do your Tax Return via computer then you should already be claiming some of its cost as a tax deduction - you add a little more.  Same with the printer and its supplies.

About the only thing you can't claim is your time, (in Australia anyway).

4642

Living Room / Re: build/upgrade or buy/build a new one?

« on: October 19, 2010, 07:16 PM »

As recommended, to get the 2x2GB now, so I CAN expand upon it later, should I upgrade to a 64-bit MoBo.

-Jammo the OrganizedFellow (October 19, 2010, 04:37 PM)

You've already got a 64bit capable system:

Core 2 Duo E6550

SPECIFICATIONS
Processor Number   E6550
# of Cores   2
# of Threads   2
Clock Speed   2.33 GHz
L2 Cache   4 MB
Bus/Core Ratio   7
FSB Speed   1333 MHz
FSB Parity   No
Instruction Set   64-bit


You need only install a 64bit OS to use it.

Also, you can save another $2 by getting the Windows 7 Professional Upgrade since you already have XP Professional.  An upgrade of XP requires that the Win7 OS be installed from scratch anyway so you might as well save some money.

You also get XP Mode if you want to play with it, (but not BitLocker).  Here's a version comparison.

4643

Living Room / Re: build/upgrade or buy/build a new one?

« on: October 19, 2010, 04:57 AM »

I came across this Solid State Drive from Intel, it's a 40GB size at $99. http://bit.ly/dwO4Fc

-Jammo the OrganizedFellow (October 18, 2010, 02:21 PM)

Dear God, that is a slow drive - try this one at the same price: Mushkin Enhanced MKNSSDCL40GB-DX

Uses the SandForce 1200 controller which is currently more stable than the newer SandForce 1500 but still blazingly fast compared to the Intel you found.

You can pick up SandForce 1200 powered SSDs at very reasonable prices these days, eg. AU$138 for 50GB A-RAM Ultra-II SSD (VERY reasonable for Australia).

If you wanted to upgrade your system, go for a Core i5/motherboard combo deal and 4GB of DDR3 RAM.  Add a decent size HDD, (1TB), because they are faster than what you have plus the above SSD.

Keep all the other components.

Sell your old DDR2 RAM, motherboard and CPU.

Another thing:

Do you really need BitLocker?  Truecrypt is free.
Do you really need XP Mode?   It's been generally found it's slower than running VirtualBox, VMWare, Parallels or VMLite.

4644

General Software Discussion / Re: Best Executable Compressor Programs

« on: October 17, 2010, 07:52 PM »

Outpost Security Suite reports no virus and doesn't complain when I run it.  Output files are considered clean also.

JottiScan result

4645

General Software Discussion / Re: need to scan a map and then color it

« on: October 16, 2010, 09:38 PM »

Damn!  I knew I should have patented my post

4646

Living Room / Re: Texting on the rise

« on: October 16, 2010, 10:59 AM »

If you phone someone and talk to them, then you KNOW they got the message.

-Renegade (October 16, 2010, 10:36 AM)

You're more likely to go to voicemail and still not know whether they got the message

4647

Living Room / Re: Texting on the rise

« on: October 16, 2010, 07:34 AM »

Wow

My current mobile plan offers me 3000 SMS per month...i usually breach this limit

-Stephen66515 (October 15, 2010, 11:46 PM)

3000?  per month?

Bl**dy 'ell!

If I had 3000 free SMS messages it would take me approximately 250 years to use them all - I'm not kidding, more than 1/month is a veritable indulgence.

My mobile is for mainly two things:
1) to receive calls;
2) it's got an alarm clock.

4648

General Software Discussion / Re: "Search Everything" with saved searches would be cool.

« on: October 14, 2010, 05:21 PM »

We all know and love the Search Everything program.  It's awesome because it's super-fast, not bloated, and does the job well.  The one thing I'm missing from it is the ability to do some kind of saved searches.  For example, I'd like a one-click access to my main categories of files: music, videos, documents, etc.  It would be very beneficial to be able to save searches that are used a lot.

-superboyac (October 14, 2010, 12:40 PM)

Note, this is with Everything 1.2.1.451a.

Everything does have Saved Searches:
1) Type in your search terms and then hit Control+Shift+F.
2) Give it a name and then access it through: Search->Filters->.......

Addendum: Also, you can create a filter that is only a path, eg. ProgramData\, when you select that filter anything you type in the search box will restrict the search to that path.
That also works in reverse, eg. select the Picture filter, (default: Control+7), and then type in a path, eg. winsxs\.

For Everything, i often have to go into the preferences to turn drives on/off when I don't want them to be scanned.  Even though it's fast, it does take a while to index several drives with several terabytes of data.

Everything is always running here, so my database is always up to date - are you saying that you only run the program on demand so that it has to completely rescan all drives for changes?

EDIT: yksyks beat me to it

4649

Living Room / Re: if proxy connection works - who is blocking me: my ISP or the server?

« on: October 13, 2010, 07:19 PM »

I think it's time to get out the incense and candles and I'll start praying to the god of the internet. One day, I know that this connection will work again - I just have to remain faithful and believe the Internet God will show mercy. Join withe me and let's pray together...

-nudone (October 13, 2010, 10:27 AM)

I think it would be more appropriate to intone: "OMMM.........", and then hit yourself in the head with a plank of wood.

4650

General Software Discussion / Re: need to scan a map and then color it

« on: October 13, 2010, 03:04 AM »

I've downloaded some SVG maps from wikipedia - cant remember what I searched for but I suspect they'd be there for the individual States.

-tomos (October 13, 2010, 02:12 AM)

Blank Maps^w ?