Recent Posts

1901

Living Room / Re: Hey Mouser... you still drowning in student loan debt?

« Last post by 40hz on May 12, 2014, 02:44 PM »

Have you thought about working for a non profit? You can get paid and at same time get loan forgiveness. Same with a govt job.

-nickodemos (May 11, 2014, 06:44 PM)

@Miles

Non-profits don't pay all that much where I am. But government jobs do pay quite well, offer very good benefits (especially medical and retirement), and have union protection. Many of the positions have some flex in the requirements to apply - and degrees aren't required for every position. Those that do have firm degree requirements often offer a "career trainee" track that can get you in at a junior level and allow you to apply for the "real" position after a year or two of on-the-job experience.

Time was when government jobs paid less but offered better security. Not any more. It's almost impossible to get laid off or fired from a regular government job in my state. And CT state jobs pay as well (and often much better) than private sector jobs with similar entry requirements.

My GF works for the state. She said the only downside is that you occasionally end up having to work with some totally useless people that cannot be fired - and will never leave government employment. Primarily because there's no place else they can get a job that pays $50K+ per year and only requires a high school diploma.

Seriously - do yourself a favor and go look at your state's website employment pages. Also be aware of the many "target candidate" considerations that can tilt the table in your favor when applying for a position. Affirmative action may be slowly disappearing. But it's not gone yet. And most government employment makes at least a token effort to maintain some level of diversity in their workforce. So if there's anything you can use to get in (age/race/gender/veteran status/disability/special hardship/etc.) - use it. Because it can work for you.

Maybe it's not the ideal way to go about securing employment - but "What price dignity when a stomach is empty?" as my grandfather used to say. I've been there - so I know.

Luck!

1902

Developer's Corner / Re: TextAdept: Lua-extensible Editor

« Last post by 40hz on May 12, 2014, 02:20 PM »

Maybe we need a text-editors-only sub-forum

-phitsc (May 12, 2014, 01:25 AM)

Subforum? You could do up an entire community website plus a forum on that topic.

1903

General Software Discussion / Re: Are Recovery Disks Brand Specific?

« Last post by 40hz on May 12, 2014, 01:59 PM »

But this would have been handy to know back before the deadline so a few things could have been saved while still accessible.

...Then again I could have just missed it.

-Stoic Joker (May 12, 2014, 01:48 PM)

I doubt it. They seemed to be trying to keep it off the radar as much as possible without being too obvious about it. I do read most of the HP propaganda and I don't recall seeing it talked up in any of the normal pubic announcements. They probably only really gave it significant mention in the partner channel communiques. (And I don't get those any more.)

I do have a tendency to reflexively gloss past certain - draconian corporate - terms that conflict with my definition of fair use...

-Stoic Joker (May 12, 2014, 01:48 PM)

Yup. And I'm sure they're hoping most people will continue to do just that...

Because the devil is in the details. And the rabbit punches and "liver jabs" are often found in the fine print. Usually somewhere halfway down on page 88 of 173.

1904

General Software Discussion / Re: Are Recovery Disks Brand Specific?

« Last post by 40hz on May 12, 2014, 01:51 PM »

Note: the license for that OEM copy of Windows that ships with a PC is not transferable and is legally for use only on the machine it originally shipped with. That's why it cost much less than the full retail version Microsoft would be happy to sell you. Not to say an OEM licensed copy of Windows can't be physically installed and validated on another machine. But it is a EULA violation to do do.

Just sayin'  

-40hz (May 12, 2014, 08:28 AM)

For the record - this is not fully true in Germany:
from an(y) ebay.de reseller of OEM Windows 7 -

Lizenzbestimmung: Durch das Urteil des Bundesgerichtshofs wurde der Verkauf von OEM-Versionen und DSP-Versionen ohne zugehörige Hardware erlaubt. Daher dürfen Sie diese Lizenz auf jedem xbeliebigem Rechner einsetzen. Dies ist im Bundesgerichtshof Urteil vom 06.07.2000 - I ZR 244/97 auch eindeutig dokumentiert.

-
roughly: the courts ruled that OEM versions may be sold without related hardware.

FWIW, they usually resell Dell OEM's

-tomos (May 12, 2014, 10:03 AM)

Most interesting! More on that here.

Glad to see the EU courts aren't falling for the arguments used in the US to abrogate a buyer's 'first sale' rights.

Thx for sharing that.

1905

Living Room / Re: Valley of Dolls - remote village of Nagoro, Japan populated by dolls

« Last post by 40hz on May 12, 2014, 01:29 PM »

Beautifully done! Speaks volumes about the human psyche and how it deals with separation and loss.

1906

General Software Discussion / Re: Are Recovery Disks Brand Specific?

« Last post by 40hz on May 12, 2014, 12:13 PM »

did you read something else that said they were instating a policy shift? Dumping driver download onto the support staff sounds like a great way to inspire a revolt to me.

I'm just curious, because I've heard nothing about this ... And you'd think that kind of think would get mentioned in the news letter...Ya know?

-Stoic Joker (May 12, 2014, 11:46 AM)

Per PC World:

HP starts charging for server firmware updates

PC owners probably don’t give firmware updates much thought and rarely, if ever, seek them out directly. Enthusiasts and small businesses running low-end servers, on the other hand, have a keener interest in firmware since sometimes skipping an update can be fatal for their investment.

But getting those firmware updates for Hewlett-Packard’s servers are about to get a little more difficult. HP says that beginning next Wednesday, February 19, it will effectively start charging for access to firmware updates through the company’s support center. Only customers with an active warranty, an HP Care Pack subscription, or support agreement will be able to download the updates directly from HP.

Previously, HP firmware updates were freely available.

“This decision reinforces our goal to provide access to the latest HP firmware, which is valuable intellectual property, for our customers who have chosen to maximize and protect their IT investments,” HP’s Mary McCoy vice president for technology services said in a blog post.

Here's McCoy's blog post mentioned in the above article.

And here's the official FAQ.

Apparently "safety & security" related patches will still be made freely available. At least for the time being according to the FAQ. But everything else (performance/enhanced features/etc.) is pay to play.

The official response from HP is:

“These changes will provide our customers with a consistent experience for downloading ProLiant firmware and SPP based on product level entitlement.”

Interesting that "based on  product level entitlement" part. Guess HP figured they were leaving money on the table and decided to protect their authorized support partner channel members with that one. Looks like they feel too many non-authorized (and more cost effective) support orgs are poaching on their "rightful" turf.

It's been all over the web AFAICT:

Spoiler

   HP Restricting Access to Server Firmware Updates | LINDSAY HILL

    Feb 9, 2014 ... HP Restricting Access to Server Firmware Updates ... So now when we go to download updates we are going to have to ensure that those ...

    www.lkhill.com/hp-restricting-access-to-server-firmware-updates/ - View by Ixquick Proxy - Highlight
    HP clampdown on 'unauthorised' server fixing to start in January ...

    Dec 23, 2013 ... Exclusive Hewlett-Packard will start restricting who is allowed to fix its ... and Service Pack for ProLiant (SPP) access for ProLiant Servers that will protect ... will see HP "create a consistent customer experience for downloading ...

    www.theregister.co.uk/2013/12/23/hewlett_packard_support_clampdown/ - View by Ixquick Proxy - Highlight
    HP starts charging for server firmware updates | PCWorld

    Feb 10, 2014 ... Hewlett-Packard says its firware updates for servers are valuable ... or support agreement will be able to download the updates directly from HP. ... It's not clear if HP will restrict access to critical firmware updates that are ...

    www.pcworld.com/ article/ 2095434/ hp-starts-charging-for-server-firmware-updates.html - View by Ixquick Proxy - Highlight
    HP Proliant Servers - Solutions to Common Download Problems

    To access download files availabel on the HP Business Support Center web site, you .... See "What do I do if my company firewall restricts access to ftp" below.

    h20564.www2.hp.com/ portal/ site/ hpsc/ template.PUBLIC_SP4TS_REDIRECTOR/ bizsupport/ TechSupport/ Document.jsp?objectID=c01844814 - View by Ixquick Proxy - Highlight
    HP to begin charging for firmware updates and service packs - ZDNet

    Feb 8, 2014 ... Beginning this month, HP is restricting access to firmware updates and .... But downloads for Cisco servers (the Cisco Unified Computing ...

    www.zdnet.com/ hp-to-begin-charging-for-firmware-updates-and-service-packs-for-serve rs-7000026110/ - View by Ixquick Proxy - Highlight
    HP to restrict access to ProLiant service packs and firmware updates ...

    Feb 10, 2014 ... HP server customers will need an active warranty, HP Care Pack or ... is required to access the latest firmware updates and SPP downloads.

    www.v3.co.uk/ v3-uk/ news/ 2327963/ hp-to-restrict-access-to-proliant-service-packs-and-firmware-updates - View by Ixquick Proxy - Highlight
    HP Adds Restrictions to Server Patching - Tom's IT Pro

    Dec 26, 2013 ... HP plans to stamp out the under-cutting support services allowing only ... Service Pack for ProLiant (SPP) access for ProLiant Servers that will protect ... will see HP "create a consistent customer experience for downloading ...

    www.tomsitpro.com/ articles/ hp-service-updates-proliant-servers, 1-1508.html - View by Ixquick Proxy - Highlight
    hardware - HP plan to restrict access to ProLiant server firmware ...

    Essentially, you must have active warranty and support on your servers in order to access firmware downloads (and presumably, the HP Service Pack for ...

    www.serverfault.com/ questions/ 571933/ hp-plan-to-restrict-access-to-proliant-server-firmware-consequences - View by Ixquick Proxy - Highlight
    HP Restricts ProLiant Firmware Updates to Warranty Customers ...

    Feb 12, 2014 ... HP is restricting access to firmware and service pack upgrades for its ... HP's Mary McCoy says ProLiant server BIOS and other firmware updates are ... easily accessible way for our customers to download firmware updates.

    www.thevarguy.com/ computer-technology-hardware-solutions-and-news/ 021214/ hp-restricts-proliant-firmware-updates-warranty-cust - View by Ixquick Proxy - Highlight
    iTWire - Hewlett-Packard to restrict ProLiant firmware and driver ...

    Feb 5, 2014 ... If your business is running HP ProLiant servers you'll know that HP makes ... To use these drivers you could either download stand-alone drivers or, ... Select server firmware and SPP on these products will only be accessed ...

    www.itwire.com/ opinion-and-analysis/ the-wired-cio/ 63021-hewlett-packard-to-restrict-proliant-firmware-and-driver-update s - View by Ixquick Proxy - Highlight

 

Addendum: If I go to the support download page based on the p/n you gave, I see "Entitlement Required" for Smart Update, the Service Pack (SPP), the Maintenance Bundle for SPP, and BIOS. Most seem to still be capable of being downloaded however. (AFAIK the Smart-stuff always required a subscription, so that's no surprise.)

They do, however, have this language on some of the download pages:

These downloads are available for customers according to the terms in the HP Software License Agreement. Certain software may require a valid warranty, current support contract with HP, or a license fee.

I wonder if maybe they've backed off on some of this in practice - even though not officially?

1907

Non-Windows Software / Re: Recommend Debian based image for VMWare Player on W8?

« Last post by 40hz on May 12, 2014, 11:58 AM »

To me W8 is negligible except for the imperative to keep up for support work purposes.

Edit:  W8 I guess is at least a learning vehicle for GPT and EUFI stuff.  Other than that I hate it.

-MilesAhead (May 11, 2014, 07:10 PM)

I have less issues with Win8 than I did originally. But I still very much dislike it in its current incarnation. And I completely despise Microsoft's implementations (reinterpretations?) of GPT/UEFI. And I also don't much care for the Metro-like interface they slapped on top of Windows Server 2012 - although (with tolerance born of necessity) I'm getting used to it.

Other than that, Microsoft Rocks! (not)

1908

General Software Discussion / Re: Are Recovery Disks Brand Specific?

« Last post by 40hz on May 12, 2014, 09:42 AM »

I'm guessing they'll probably work with almost anything.

You might want to hold onto them in case you ever need an "emergency copy" of XP. <wink-wink> 

1909

General Software Discussion / Re: 4 (Maybe more) Absolute top go-to programs

« Last post by 40hz on May 12, 2014, 09:11 AM »

^I ran into some stability issues with Claws under Windows when I tried it. But that was some time ago so I'm guessing it was either me - or they fixed it?

1910

Developer's Corner / Re: You have ruined Javascript... Rob Ashton on AngularJS

« Last post by 40hz on May 12, 2014, 09:04 AM »

Finally got around to reading that.

Bloody!

Here I thought things were about as ugly as you could get design and syntax-wise with pHp. Then along comes something "new" that makes even Ada look sleek and elegant by comparison. 

1911

General Software Discussion / Re: Are Recovery Disks Brand Specific?

« Last post by 40hz on May 12, 2014, 08:28 AM »

It depends. Quickest way to find out is to try. General rule of thumb: look at the disk directory. If it looks like a regular Windows CD, it will probably work. If you just see a few setup type executables plus long list of cryptically named files (like DM1134.MM or IMGSET.001...002...003 etc.) it probably won't work.

Older recovery disks from many vendors (like Dell) would usually work on any PC. That's because they were standard Windows disks tricked out with an installer shell and manufacturer specific driver sets, utility programs, and (later) crapware they were being paid to load on a fresh installation.

Newer disks, and most from Sony and HP, can be very brand (and in some cases model) specific. Not hard to do since a query to the BIOS will usually reveal make/model/ serial# info - all of which could be keyed to the supplied (or user created) recovery disk set.

The real tech hassle using another maker's recovery disks is that you'll need to obtain hardware drivers specific to your machine. A minor niggle. But one to be aware of.  And there's also a new issue that may become problematic down the road. HP has started a new policy of restricting free and open access to driver and BIOS updates for their servers. If you don't have a support subscription - no driver downloads for you! It will be interesting to see if other manufacturers follow suit - or if the practice spreads to desk and laptop models.

Note: the license for that OEM copy of Windows that ships with a PC is not transferable and is legally for use only on the machine it originally shipped with. That's why it cost much less than the full retail version Microsoft would be happy to sell you. Not to say an OEM licensed copy of Windows can't be physically installed and validated on another machine. But it is a EULA violation to do do.

Just sayin'  

1912

Non-Windows Software / Re: Recommend Debian based image for VMWare Player on W8?

« Last post by 40hz on May 11, 2014, 06:57 PM »

The Mint is still pretty sluggish.

-MilesAhead (May 11, 2014, 06:35 PM)

That's likely because of the virtualization. That's why I think it's better to just run Linux live and off a USB key if you're not gonna install it for real. VMs are ok for occasional use. But for any sort of real day to day productivity, unless your machine has serious kahunas, the results are often disappointing running virtual under a Type-2 hypervisor (i.e. OS-level rather than baremetal) - which to me is more a glorified sandbox than a true virtual environment. (That's purely my opinion BTW. There are many who will strongly disagree with me on that point.  )

But FWIW, I've got Mint 16 installed baremetal on a couple of older Core 2 Duo laptops with 4Gb RAM (and those slow laptop drives) and the response is very crisp. On my i5-powered box with 8Gb RAM, Mint flies.

 

1913

Living Room / Re: Bye-bye Wi-Fi?

« Last post by 40hz on May 11, 2014, 06:38 PM »

Now of course I know nothing about the type of regulation on this but if it works along the same lines as a wireless home phone seems like there is little the FCC could do.

-nickodemos (May 11, 2014, 05:46 PM)

There may or may not be little that can be done under current rules and laws.

But governments can always grant themselves additional or new powers. See tha Patriot Act for some examples.

Fifty years ago, the idea of the US government operating an incarceration and interrogation center like that found in Guantanamo Bay would have not only been unthinkable, it would have also been seen as unequivocally illegal and an unconstitutional abuse of Executive power.

But under the last two presidents, the Executive branch and Justice Department have not only argued that it is legal - but also beyond the authority of the US Supreme Court (which according to the US Constitution is the supreme and final legal authority in the United States) to intervene in any manner - or rule on its continued existence.

So please don't say there's nothing the government can do. Governments can do pretty much whatever they want when they feel the need. And they usually do. Most times with minimal resistance from the people under their rule.

All it takes is one little signature on a piece of paper and the rules have been changed.

1914

Non-Windows Software / Re: Recommend Debian based image for VMWare Player on W8?

« Last post by 40hz on May 11, 2014, 01:46 PM »

^I track so many NIX/FOSS resources that I can easily wear out my welcome.

And I try not to data dump (too much) - so let me know if you want/need more.

Cheers!

1915

Non-Windows Software / Re: Recommend Debian based image for VMWare Player on W8?

« Last post by 40hz on May 11, 2014, 01:40 PM »

40hz once linked to a website/blog from a guy who reviews distro's, but I didn't find the link anymore. That blog is gold if you are looking for a distro that is "just you".

-Shades (May 11, 2014, 11:23 AM)

Two good desktop distro review site links:


Desktop Linux Reviews (da name sez it all!)

Dedoimedo (not just reviews of distros - most of what's here is solid gold too)

also check out:


How To Forge (more sysadmin and project oriented - but also good how-tos on setting up what they consider "the perfect desktop" under various flavors of Linux. Highly recommended.)

Gnomefiles (sorta like Snapfiles is for Windows, except for Gnome and related desktop users)

Linux Foundation Videos (for those times when a quick "show me" is worth more than an hour long explanation or a 300 page manual read)

FLOSS Manuals (repository of texts for those times when there's no way to not RTFM)


We see you're new around here...

Also don't neglect some of the communities when you decide on a distro. Not all (e.g. ArchLinux) are newbie friendly. But many others (Mint, CrunchBang, etc.)
most certainly are. If you find yourself bunking in one of those camps, don't be a stranger.

1916

Non-Windows Software / Re: Recommend Debian based image for VMWare Player on W8?

« Last post by 40hz on May 11, 2014, 08:23 AM »

^Most excellent! Keep us posted. I'm very interested in how it works out for you. Luck!

1917

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: Podcasts One - Free Windows Podcast Client

« Last post by 40hz on May 11, 2014, 07:22 AM »

Should this thread be locked or trashed since the websites for downloading are no longer active?

-nickodemos (May 11, 2014, 06:34 AM)

@nickodemos - Try sending a PM to Mouser and mention links no longer work.

1918

Living Room / Happy Mother's Day!

« Last post by 40hz on May 11, 2014, 07:15 AM »

I just wanted to extend best wishes to those in our community who share the place of honor on this day.

Happy Mother's Day!

1919

Non-Windows Software / Re: Recommend Debian based image for VMWare Player on W8?

« Last post by 40hz on May 10, 2014, 10:52 PM »

If you're just getting back into the swing of things you might be better off to try installing to a bootable USB key - or just running off a live CD of debian - possibly with provisions made for persistence. VMs introduce a few oddball things to the mix that can trip you up and/or cause confusion if you're new to Linux.

AFAIK there are no official pre-built virtual images for Debian. If you want Wheezy, you'll need to do a regular install as a guest OS in VMWare last I heard,

1920

General Software Discussion / Re: 4 (Maybe more) Absolute top go-to programs

« Last post by 40hz on May 10, 2014, 10:14 PM »

Anyway, I've never found a good client option.  I hate Outlook.  i don't much like thunderbird. What else is there?  the other options seem to either be really old and unsupported or too new and overly simple.

-superboyac (May 10, 2014, 03:01 PM)

I'll agree. I never found an e-mail client I've much cared for either. And I've tried at least a dozen (or more) over the years. Closest I ever came to one I respected was Eudora when it still used the mbox data structure. And that was ages ago.

Outlook is what it is. And unless it's wedded to an Exchange server back end, most of it's real usefulness is absent and it's just 10 lbs of 'stuff' crammed into a 5 lb. bag. With the advent of Office365, access to an Exchange server is now affordable and doable even for an individual. But Outlook is still more geared towards use by workgroups and organizations than it is for individuals because its collaborative features are really what it's all about rather than its being just an e-mail client/PIM.

Scary thing is, Outlook may be as good as it gets right now. (And I don't like Outlook at all.)

1921

General Software Discussion / Re: 4 (Maybe more) Absolute top go-to programs

« Last post by 40hz on May 10, 2014, 02:31 PM »

• Website Watcher

• TheBat

[/b]

• VmWare
• My own apps

-mouser (May 10, 2014, 01:27 PM)

I used to use TheBat ages ago. It was ok. But I never developed the degree of reverence some users seem to have for it. Has it since gotten that much better than all the other email clients out there?

1922

Mini-Reviews by Members / Re: Atom - A new editor is born

« Last post by 40hz on May 09, 2014, 07:11 PM »

"... After struggling to build Atom on windows, I've finally managed to make a redistributable package for it. Unfortunately there's no official release for Windows yet, so I had to take matters into my own hands ...":
http://blog.someguy1...-builds-for-windows/

-panzer (May 09, 2014, 03:17 AM)

275MB installed?!?  That seems like a lot... but I'm still trying it.

-wraith808 (May 09, 2014, 05:06 PM)

Lordy! The entire Puppy Linux live distro is only 162MBs in it's latest edition! 

1923

Living Room / Re: Recommend some music videos to me!

« Last post by 40hz on May 09, 2014, 02:39 PM »

@tomos - Nice! Some older influences to be sure. And all the better for it I think. Refreshingly honest and real performance for a change. (No twerking dancers or other distractions either!) 

1924

Mini-Reviews by Members / Re: Atom - A new editor is born

« Last post by 40hz on May 09, 2014, 10:19 AM »

"... After struggling to build Atom on windows, I've finally managed to make a redistributable package for it. Unfortunately there's no official release for Windows yet, so I had to take matters into my own hands ...":
http://blog.someguy1...-builds-for-windows/

-panzer (May 09, 2014, 03:17 AM)

And for some of the people in the Linux camp, there's an unofficial ppa available for 64-bit only Ubu 12.04/13.10/14.04 and derivative distros (Mint, etc.) now available courtesy of "Andrew" over at Webupd8.org

Info and instructions can be found here.

FWIW, I installed it this way on Mint 16. It loaded-in without any problems, opened up quickly from the menu, and appears to be stable. . I'll have to give it a real tryout this weekend if I get some time.
 

1925

Found Deals and Discounts / Re: GS-Calc (spreadsheet, 32- & 64-bit) 50% off till May 14.

« Last post by 40hz on May 09, 2014, 09:59 AM »

Very nice discount offer. Thx!