Recent Posts

1101

Living Room / Re: Any long-time DC members near a MicroCenter?

« Last post by Innuendo on March 25, 2010, 01:20 PM »

Well, I'll let you know if I'm headed down there. Keep an eye out for some more convenient deals though.

-JavaJones (March 25, 2010, 01:03 PM)

Believe me, I have, but in the case of the i7 930, for example, the cheapest I can find other than Micro Center is $285.

1102

Living Room / Re: Any long-time DC members near a MicroCenter?

« Last post by Innuendo on March 24, 2010, 09:19 PM »

I am near-ish, but "near" in this case is about a 45 minute drive, hehe. If I happen to be going down there for some other reason in the very near future I'd be happy to pick one up. What's your time frame?

-JavaJones (March 24, 2010, 01:14 PM)

With computer parts and me the time frame is always as soon as possible. 

Seriously, I don't have any particular time frame. Soon-ish is all I've narrowed it down to so far.

1103

General Software Discussion / Re: Agent Ransack 2010 freeware lightweight - Desktop Search

« Last post by Innuendo on March 24, 2010, 08:27 AM »

This has always been a very solid application, but updates have always been few and far between.

Thanks to the OP for bringing the new update to our attention! I'll have to check it out on my next day off.

1104

Living Room / Re: Any long-time DC members near a MicroCenter?

« Last post by Innuendo on March 24, 2010, 08:25 AM »

Deozaan, MicroCenter is an Intel launch partner & if you happen to be lucky enough to live near one you can take advantage of these in-store-only specials:

i7 920 - $179.99

i7 930 - $199.99

i7 860 - $199.99

As you can see, substantial savings over buying anywhere else.

1105

Living Room / Any long-time DC members near a MicroCenter? - RESOLVED!

« Last post by Innuendo on March 23, 2010, 10:11 PM »

I'd really like to get my hands on one of those i7 920 or 930 processors that MicroCenter has on sale right now at ridiculous prices, but alas there's no location near me.

Is there any long-time, respected member willing to arrange with me to purchase & ship me one on my behalf? Method of payment is flexible.

Thanks!

1106

Living Room / Re: Fabricated virus warnings.

« Last post by Innuendo on March 22, 2010, 08:50 PM »

I tried to rally autohotkey to more aggressively confront the antivirus companies and try to get them to stop.. but it just didn't take.

-mouser (March 22, 2010, 10:43 AM)

IMHO, one shouldn't be trying to rally the autohotkey users. One should be rallying the users of AV products that flag things like this with false positives & convince them to use an AV product that doesn't.

Last time I used NOD32 it didn't have this problem. Outpost Security Suite doesn't have this problem. I'm sure there are others.

Educating the AV users is the key & punishing the lazy AV companies right where they live: their bottom lines.

1107

Found Deals and Discounts / Re: Windows 7

« Last post by Innuendo on March 22, 2010, 08:33 PM »

If that's true then why bother paying for it at all? It's not that hard to find a keygen or a crack for just about any major software out there.

-Deozaan (March 21, 2010, 07:56 PM)

True, but there are those who don't have the skills to find such things. There's also a group of people who are capable, but they'd rather spend a little money to be assured of having a genuine key that will stay validated through any changes in protection (constant WGA updates, for example.).

1108

Found Deals and Discounts / Re: Windows 7

« Last post by Innuendo on March 21, 2010, 07:47 PM »

It's true that an activable product key is not always legal - my experience with Norton Internet Security tells me that.

-BCHOWDHURY (March 20, 2010, 09:43 PM)

Not picking on you, BCHOWDHURY, but your statement is the one I picked out to make my point, which is....

People who patronize sites like these don't care if the key is 100% legal. They don't care about supporting Microsoft, taking the pride in doing the right thing, or anything like that. All these people care about is a key that will get them past the security & DRM checks. As long as it works they're happy.

1109

General Software Discussion / Re: Dell: No refunds for Linux users who reject Microsoft's OS EULA

« Last post by Innuendo on March 21, 2010, 07:37 PM »

I think the real point here is that the wording of the agreement itself makes the issue crystal clear:

By using the software, you accept these terms. If you do not accept them, do not use the software. Instead, return it to the retailer for a refund or credit.

Whether the software has a value of a hundred bucks or two cents makes NO difference.
The man's point is that whatever costs are involved, the terms of his purchase clearly state that he is entitled to a reimbursement of that cost if he disagrees with the license of the software in question.
Period.

-Edvard (March 21, 2010, 11:06 AM)

I agree. Not too long ago a major American car manufacturer had a nationwide advertising campaign that stated in their commercials that if you did not like a car you bought you could return it within 30 days.

What Dell is pulling is something akin to if someone tried to return the car to the dealer & being denied return privileges, IMHO.

1110

Living Room / Re: Yay, Upgrade time! - Inspire me with hardware I can buy =-D

« Last post by Innuendo on March 20, 2010, 03:29 PM »

Yeah, but I've had a bad experience with stock fans/pads... so I'm waffling on which to use.

-wraith808 (March 18, 2010, 08:22 PM)

I think what I usually use is Ceramique. It's got none of the electrically conducive properties that AS has that f0dder described & yet it does have superior cooling properties. My friend was amazed when I took some over for his last computer build. He looked at me like I had two heads when I explained the instructions specifically stated that after applying the compound to wipe it off with a paper towel. (Yeah, that's right...there's only supposed to be enough of this stuff applied to fill the pits & grooves on the top of the processor). He was amazed when the PC was powered up & it stayed just as cool or cooler than anything else he had used.

Yeah...you can use the stock stuff & it's good enough for regular use, but if you are going to overclock I say spending the $5-9 on a tube of premium compound is cheap insurance to protect a $200+ CPU.

1111

General Software Discussion / Re: Undelete utilities?

« Last post by Innuendo on March 20, 2010, 03:23 PM »

The flash drive on which I installed it wasn't plugged in when I tried to install the program on my hard drive.  I assume that the Setup program recognized simply that it had already been run once.

-cyberdiva (March 19, 2010, 10:08 PM)

I meant when the installer asked "Do you want to uninstall and install somewhere else?" without the flash drive plugged in I wonder what would have happened if you said "Yes, I do want to uninstall and install elsewhere."

But....I'm curious like that & it often gets me into trouble.

1112

General Software Discussion / Re: Undelete utilities?

« Last post by Innuendo on March 19, 2010, 09:31 PM »

It told me I had already installed it, and did I want to uninstall it from where I had it.  I decided to leave well enough alone. 

-cyberdiva (March 18, 2010, 03:31 PM)

Wonder what would have happened if you had answered yes to that question while the flash drive was not plugged in...

1113

Living Room / Re: Return of the Commodore computer name?

« Last post by Innuendo on March 19, 2010, 09:29 PM »

Yes, I am not sure how much of a pull the brand name is anymore, it's hayday was what, 10-15 yrs ago?

-higherstate (March 18, 2010, 09:48 PM)

The Commodore brand name (leaving Amiga aside) had its hey-day over 20 years ago. I seem to recall it peaking right around '87-'88 or so.

1114

General Software Discussion / Re: save ebay auctions webpages

« Last post by Innuendo on March 18, 2010, 07:24 PM »

I'd think that saving into an MHT file would be more effective than saving as PDF.

-CWuestefeld (March 18, 2010, 04:25 PM)

Or if you are using Firefox, save them as a MAFF file.

1115

What's the Best? / Re: Best file archiver/compresser

« Last post by Innuendo on March 18, 2010, 07:23 PM »

Looking at some of the newer features in PowerArchiver, a lot. I mean, it's slowly becoming Nero. Literally

-Lashiec (March 18, 2010, 06:46 PM)

I thought so at first, too, but I really use a lot of those features. Of course, if you don't need all the Pro features you can always use the Standard version.

1116

General Software Discussion / Re: Undelete utilities?

« Last post by Innuendo on March 18, 2010, 03:08 PM »

Speaking of Easeus Data Recovery Wizard.
3 day give away.

-cmpm (March 16, 2010, 02:04 AM)

Thank you! Downloaded & installed for evaluation!

1117

General Software Discussion / Re: Undelete utilities?

« Last post by Innuendo on March 18, 2010, 03:07 PM »

I think everyone is making the warning harder to understand than it is.

Simple explanation: If you are installing the data recovery program *after* there have been files deleted that you wish to recover then do NOT install the recovery program to the drive with those files as there is a good chance those files will be overwritten by the installation of the data recovery program.

Even simpler explanation: Once you delete a file *NEVER* write to that hard drive again as chances are any data written will overwrite the file you wish to recover.

1118

What's the Best? / Re: Best file archiver/compresser

« Last post by Innuendo on March 18, 2010, 02:53 PM »

I've used Winrar for ages, and not just because of compression ratios. I just like Winrar's interface and configurable context menu. I also like the multiple formats it handles. With a lifetime license, I see no need to change.

-edbro (March 18, 2010, 10:32 AM)

I won a free license for WinRAR here on DC (I think everyone else that month were gunning for the glamorous, glitzy programs) & while that's a lifetime license I still opened my wallet and paid for PowerArchiver Pro. With the Windows 7 integration, modern ribbon GUI interface, quick file preview, etc. it just makes every other archiver on the market seem primitive by comparison.

(Of course it didn't hurt that I bought PA Pro on sale, either, and the PA licenses are lifetime as well.)

1119

Living Room / Re: First compelling reason to switch to Windows 7

« Last post by Innuendo on March 18, 2010, 02:48 PM »

Is this the picture you found? Because I can see the appeal...

http://img.tomshardw...ilverstone-model.jpg

-JavaJones (March 18, 2010, 12:03 PM)

No, that wasn't the pic I found & I have a feeling that if J-Mac had gotten that computer case bundle he wouldn't be wasting his time on DC with us schmoes.

1120

Living Room / Re: Return of the Commodore computer name?

« Last post by Innuendo on March 18, 2010, 02:45 PM »

Actually, the return of an all-in-one keyboard form factor would be a major plus for somebody like me who does support for corporate networks. That's an idea form for internal kiosk use.

-40hz (March 18, 2010, 12:30 PM)

I understand how an all-in-one keyboard form factor would be beneficial to a lot of market segments. However, those market segments who would bu this don't care if the Commodore brand name is on there or not. Furthermore, IMHO, the crowd that the Commodore brand name would attract aren't going to be interested in this.

1121

Living Room / Re: Anyone playing Mass Effect 2 game yet?

« Last post by Innuendo on March 18, 2010, 10:23 AM »

I've noticed over the years that I don't get much enjoyment out of playing computer games.. but I still love reading video game reviews, and vicariously enjoying the magic ability of a video game to transport you into a imaginary world.

-mouser (February 09, 2010, 01:35 AM)

I have found as I have gotten older that I love playing games just as much as I used to, if not more, but my free time to do so has dwindled to such a small amount that I don't have nearly the time to play every title that catches my eye.

What may be the factor that explains our different opinions on games may be the different genres of games we play. I prefer games with strong RPG influences like Fallout 3, Oblivion, Diablo (I and II), and Sacred 2.

(Side note to f0dder: If RPGs fit anywhere into your bag of interests give Sacred 2 a try if you want to see the good/evil campaign choices done right.)

I've never been into the MMO thing, either. The under-18 crowd are a bunch of game enjoyment-killing ass-hats & the over-18 crowd is predominantly unemployed people living in their mother's basement who do weird things like to get 'online married' on a mountaintop in the middle of a raid in World of Warcraft & other socially deviant things like that.

1122

Living Room / Re: Return of the Commodore computer name?

« Last post by Innuendo on March 18, 2010, 10:08 AM »

I actually think it will be a flop anyway. Commodore is a feeling, not just a name.

-Tuxman (March 17, 2010, 08:13 PM)

That's probably a safe bet. Many companies have tried to bring back either the Commodore and/or Amiga brand names and all have failed. I think these companies don't see what made these brands great & unfortunately, what did make them great isn't something that's going to be able to be repeated.

Take this guy/company in the OP, for example. Judging from the pic accompanying the article it looks like what he thinks made Commodore great was the computer's form factor. He must have forgotten that every computer that wasn't an IBM PC back then had that form factor. :: shakes head ::

1123

Living Room / Re: First compelling reason to switch to Windows 7

« Last post by Innuendo on March 18, 2010, 10:04 AM »

The case is a Silverstone Icon Aluminum with a large side window and interior lighting, 24" deep, 20" high, and 8 " wide - I think I could crawl into it and hide if needed!

-J-Mac (March 17, 2010, 02:01 PM)

I just googled that case & that's a pretty sharp looking enclosure you've got there, J-Mac! That should last you through your next two or three builds. I've always liked the look of Silverstone's cases, but they are a little expensive.

1124

What's the Best? / Re: Best file archiver/compresser

« Last post by Innuendo on March 18, 2010, 09:35 AM »

I was unaware of this... I wonder why?

-Darwin (March 17, 2010, 11:20 PM)

You haven't heard? WinRAR really whips the llama's ass.

No, but seriously...RAR became the standard way back in the day before everyone had a high-speed internet connection. Having a high-speed connection in your home was unheard of. That is, if you had even heard of the internet at all. High-speed connections were reserved for business or, if you were lucky, you were a college student who had access to the university's connection.

Back then ZIP and RAR were roughly equivalent, but where RAR pulled ahead by a large margin was error recovery. When you were on dial-up and and downloading that hot state-of-the art game (that shipped on 6 floppy disks! ) the game was always broke down into multi-archives with one part comprising each disk. With ZIP if one of those parts were compromised during the download due to transmission errors you were stuck re-downloading the entire part again which took a long time. The key feature that ensured RAR's success with the pirate crowd was the recovery records feature. RAR could almost always repair the files saving a lengthy repeat download.

1125

Living Room / Re: Yay, Upgrade time! - Inspire me with hardware I can buy =-D

« Last post by Innuendo on March 18, 2010, 09:14 AM »

I don't see the difference... I would go with the cheaper one, but I wanted to make sure I didn't miss anything...

-wraith808 (March 17, 2010, 08:22 PM)

Looks like the only difference I can see from a quick glance is that the P5G41T-M LE has 8 channel audio. The other only has 6 channel audio.

Will the Dual Core be worth the $20 diff over the Celeron?  Is it something that she'd notice?  For video she'll have an x800 that I have laying around... AGP 256MB.

For the difference in price go for the the E5400. The E3300 would most likely suit her needs, but the beefier processor may come in handy when she starts playing Sims 4...and you just *KNOW* there's going to be a Sims 4.  

Besides, down the line if that motherboard & CPU get re-purposed for something else (whether you give/sell it or just maybe make a cheap media center with it) the superior CPU might make it more appealing for its intended target.