Recent Posts

2001

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

« Last post by 40hz on April 15, 2014, 06:53 PM »

Do you already know the Salut Salon?

-Giampy (April 14, 2014, 03:09 PM)

Awesome! And nice LBDs too!

2002

General Software Discussion / Re: Microsoft dropping support for Windows 8.1

« Last post by 40hz on April 15, 2014, 06:47 PM »

So patches D and above are dependent on the preexistence of patch C... *Shrug* ...Like that's never happened before?? I really don't see any cause for excitement here.

-Stoic Joker (April 15, 2014, 11:31 AM)

I'm gonna have to agree with SJ here. It's happened before. So why is this considered news? Required prior update dependencies are a fact of life with software upgrades. Even in Linux. Some stuff just needs to be there before something else can be added or updated. True, the announcement was somewhat tortuously worded. But it was no big deal about what was being said. And hardly cause for it to be as broadly (mis?)interpreted as it was.

2003

General Software Discussion / Re: Microsoft open-sources the .NET compiler

« Last post by 40hz on April 15, 2014, 03:10 PM »

It won't be as open as FOSS wants it to be to be 'open'.  It won't be as closed as it was before.  It might be good- but those two things won't make anyone satisfied, no matter how good 'good' is.

-wraith808 (April 15, 2014, 10:13 AM)

To me it's not so much that as I always worry about some little tricks others have tried before. Like release the libraries but not the APIs. Or open the libraries but not the language syntax or compilers, etc etc. etc.

Whatever Microsoft means by "open" I don't think anybody expects .NET to suddenly just be fully open (in the traditional sense) without some restriction or gotcha.

I personally think they're doing it to set the stage for claiming some sort of IP infringement somewhere. Because if source was made open, it only stands to reason (in Microsoft's mind) that anything remotely resembling a part they didn't release MUST have been stolen from them - or be infringing on a related patent.

Maybe they're getting ready to lower the boom on Mono (and by extension Linux) - as many of us have been expecting them to do.

Ballmer may be gone. But a company doesn't change it's mindset overnight.

So like I said, I'll reserve any judgment for now.
Beware of geeks bearing gifts.

2004

General Software Discussion / Re: Microsoft open-sources the .NET compiler

« Last post by 40hz on April 15, 2014, 05:55 AM »

Until we see the actual license it's released under - and precisely what code is being released - I'm going to reserve judgement.

There's open, and there's "open" when it comes to software licensing. Just take a look at Java, the "open standard" that was neither because Sun Microsystems (like Frodo) couldn't bear to part with it (despite promises made) once the time came to really do it.

Maybe I'm cynical. But experience has taught me to always be on the lookout for the inevitable sucker punch any time Microsoft starts acting like a team player.
   

2005

Living Room / Re: Whats on your desktop?

« Last post by 40hz on April 12, 2014, 04:42 PM »

Right now there's a half a cup of coffee (Gevalia) and a laptop (about to be closed) on it. It is Saturday after all. 

2006

General Software Discussion / Re: Create Local & Cloud copy of the same files on multiple computers & stay synced

« Last post by 40hz on April 11, 2014, 06:21 PM »

Ok...from SJ's comment above maybe I didn't miss something?

Is it really possible for your ISP to block a port inside a VPN connection? This is a Micosoft to Microsoft VPN connection with no 3rd party involved - so the ISP shouldn't be able to see into it at all. That's the whole point of that "P" in VPN.

If they can, that's a new one for me.  

This sounds more like a policy or firewall issue on the server side.

2007

General Software Discussion / Re: Create Local & Cloud copy of the same files on multiple computers & stay synced

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

If you have a Windows server and Windows clients, why aren't they simply establishing a VPN connection into it? Then a nice simple batch file (example: net use E: "\\server_name\share_name" /persistent:no) or powershell script that maps the drive(s) can be invoked by the user and all should be well.

Or am I just tired and missing something obvious...

---------------------

ADDENUM: I did miss it. Right on the OP. Sorry!

2008

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

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

@tomos - re: Nouvelle Vague. 

2009

General Software Discussion / Re: Internet Explorer Front End

« Last post by 40hz on April 10, 2014, 09:47 PM »

+1! Words of wisdom.

-40hz (April 10, 2014, 01:53 PM)

And I only had to learn the hard way once. In my defense, I was teaching myself group policy while setting up my first Server 2003 AD domain on a tight deadline and as a 1 man IT shop. And this was in a test environment I setup to learn on. Thank God for O'Reilly books.

Also, my friend the Exchange Server guru.

-Vurbal (April 10, 2014, 07:57 PM)

Muy macho! I like!

No need to defend yourself. On the server/enterprise level you're expected to create and/or make changes to the default GPOs. And you're given the tools and docs to do so.

On the desktop level, unless you're messing with policies to block some annoying program from doing something - or curing some truly oddball thing from happening - it's generally best to leave the default GPOs alone. And the simple fact that Microsoft doesn't provide the necessary tools for messing with policies on the home version of Windows sends a pretty clear message you're better off leaving well enough alone in that environment.

Or so I think anyway.

----------------------------

And +1 on the O'Reilly books, along with most of the Microsoft Press Inside Out titles - and anything server that's written by Mark Minasi and his cohorts over at Sybex. When it comes to Microsoft technologies, these guys are champs.

For Linux it's a lot easier. Almost everything you'll ever need can be learned using only three books. This, this, and this.

2010

Living Room / Re: Anyone here using a standing desk?

« Last post by 40hz on April 10, 2014, 05:33 PM »

@paulobrabo - ^Well...I guess it's a good thing I said "most of the people" and not "all of the people" huh?

2011

General Software Discussion / Re: Internet Explorer Front End

« Last post by 40hz on April 10, 2014, 02:30 PM »

since I've been steered to an alternative approach by tomos that works without risking anything, I'll take the safe way out and leave well enough alone.

-BearPup7 (April 10, 2014, 02:11 PM)

That proves you're smarter than most people!

Good luck!

2012

Living Room / Re: Anyone here using a standing desk?

« Last post by 40hz on April 10, 2014, 02:26 PM »

Hmm...now that I think about it, my monitor is elevated and angled downward when I do that. I'll also keep a small wireless keyboard/trackpad combo (or rigid backed 1/4" graph paper pad) in my lap most times too. I also frequently use Dragon-NS with a headset in combination with the above.
 

2013

General Software Discussion / Re: Internet Explorer Front End

« Last post by 40hz on April 10, 2014, 01:53 PM »

@MilesAhead:  I tried to install the Maxthon 2 browser (went fine), but when I tried to run it I was blocked with an error message saying I was blocked because the program (Maxthon) was violating the Group Policy Editor. ASs I'm running Home Premium, I don't have access to the GPE. Any ideas?

@tomos:  Thank you for replying. I'm off to try out your suggestion.

-BearPup7 (April 10, 2014, 10:58 AM)

Any chance of providing us with the exact wording or a screenshot of the error message? That's a strange one. And before you go messing with GPOs it's a really good idea to determine what the actual problem is that's causing a message like that before you go changing anything.  

I would also recommend not doing anything via Group Policy except as a last resort. And whatever you do, make sure to keep good notes on any changes you make. Group Policy is really just a frontend for a wide variety of Windows settings, many in the registry. Reversing policy settings typically isn't as simple as returning to the defaults.

Many of the defaults really equate to "change nothing." In many cases they are a sort of 3 way switch and the choices will be No Change, On, and Off. In those cases you can at least look at what you've set (either On or Off) and select the opposite to reverse it. I can't really provide any more specific advice since I'm not sure what policy is responsible here.

-Vurbal (April 10, 2014, 01:25 PM)

+1! Words of wisdom.

2014

Living Room / Re: Robotic Ball Controlled by Anroid/iPhone/iPad

« Last post by 40hz on April 10, 2014, 01:42 PM »

without running the risk of getting any exorcise.

-Stoic Joker (April 10, 2014, 11:22 AM)

@SJ - I take it that's something your "little devils" need to watch out for?

2015

Living Room / Re: Robotic Ball Controlled by Anroid/iPhone/iPad

« Last post by 40hz on April 10, 2014, 01:39 PM »

I like how they always report things like this as if the Android (or iPhone or whatever) is doing the actual magic.

What's really doing it is the capability engineered into the device that's being controlled. Once you've got that set up you can use anything you want to control it.

The fact it uses an Android/iPhone/iPad is almost incidental.

2016

Living Room / Re: Anyone here using a standing desk?

« Last post by 40hz on April 10, 2014, 01:14 PM »

Although I haven't tried a standing desk, I know enough about such ideas to know this would be my experience:
http://thenextweb.co...illed-standing-desk/

-mouser (April 10, 2014, 06:15 AM)

Funny...but the picture of him sitting slightly back with legs elevated is the way I've been sitting when I'm at a desk for most of my life. And that's despite regularly being told it was "healthier" to "sit up straight and keep both feet planted squarely on the floor." Slouching back (as I call it) seemed to be my preferred posture for anything requiring long periods of concentration or brainwork. The body just seems to disappear and the mind go into "the zone" whenever I'm seated like that. (Although after all these years of repetition, I may have just conditioned myself to focus whenever I'm in that position.) I've discovered I can remain standing to draw, build, or do something active. But I can't remain constantly standing and truly and deeply concentrate on something. I will get up and pace around - or stare out a window every so often while working on a 'mind project.' But my best 'thinking position' is definitely seated and fairly stationary. And I don't think I'm all that unique in that regard.

Most of the people who I've heard advocate for standing desks are noticeably athletic younger people with no disabilities or old injuries to deal with. They're like those trainers you occasionally run into at fitness centers who've been decidedly fit and healthy their entire lives and simply can't comprehend anyone being any different.

Like her:



You know the type. 

2017

Living Room / Re: WinXP is officially dead!

« Last post by 40hz on April 10, 2014, 05:57 AM »

Why does this sound familiar? Oh yeah.  

-app103 (April 09, 2014, 10:13 PM)

And also because it should by now be obvious what the larger strategies are for people like Microsoft and the government.

The massively empowering personal computing phenomena is too "disruptive" to the powers that be and those who would profit by serving them.



"So the time has come," the Walrus said, "to make it all go away."

After seeing the emergence of a technology that arguably had the single most profound effect on human society since the invention of gunpowder, there's a feeling in high places that it may be just a little too empowering to let it remain unchecked, or be left completely in the hands of the masses.

Hence regulated and heavily monitored "clouds" will replace the open internet; patents will continue to be used to stifle innovation and restrict future developmental efforts to approved and "trusted" business partners; and most importantly - the personal computer must be replaced by a locked-down computing "appliance" that gets it's software from a capriciously regulated company store.

And one way to accomplish that is to take away the ability to load your own software. Or posess your own copies. Both goals can readily be accomplished by simply taking hard media (like DVDs) out of the equation.

Adobe has already done that with their family of products. Microsoft is well on it's way to doing that for their entire ecosystem. And where the big devs go, the smaller will of necessity follow.

It won't stop the techno-hacker community from working to get around it. But it will be used to marginalize them. And if eventually made illegal, will also up the stakes drastically for those who continue to refuse to play the hand big business and Uncle Sam deals them.

It's the same old story. Those in power have no problem sharing power with those they hold it over. Unless those they empower decide to actually try and use some of it...

A computer is only as good as the software that runs on it. Without software a PC is just an inert box of electronic components. And the easiest way to regulate and control it is to restrict access to the software that runs on it. App stores and closed platforms are the first step in a larger transitional strategy. Moving everything up to the cloud is the next. Because once the capability to store your data locally is eliminated (or made illegal) you live inside a surveillance system that Big Brother himself would have envied.

Eventually the PC will go the way of the dodo unless this trend is reversed. Figure within 25 years or less at the rate things are moving.

Have a nice day!

2018

Living Room / Re: WinXP is officially dead!

« Last post by 40hz on April 09, 2014, 09:01 PM »

I actually think Win 8 will be the last (ok maybe second to last) "for sale" as opposed to "for lease" OS Microsoft will do.

The whole point of their cloud initiative is to gain a steady and predictable stream of revenue. That is what O365 is primarily about. Any benefits realized by the customer (and there are in fact several benefits) are purely incidental to that goal. And getting people to regularly upgrade to the newest version of Windows or Office just isn't going to happen - as the long life of XP has clearly shown.

Microsoft can't afford, nor can it allow that state of affairs to continue.

I strongly believe that Microsoft will (at the very least) require the purchase of a software maintenance agreement in order to get Windows and MS Office updates after the first year of ownership. I also think they'll soon allow you to subscribe to Windows much like you can with Office.

Sometime around (or shortly after) the release of Windows 9, the era of being able to "buy" a boxed version of a Microsoft OS (or probably any other MS software product) will come to a close.



Brave new world folks! Brave new world...

2019

Living Room / Re: WinXP is officially dead!

« Last post by 40hz on April 09, 2014, 05:55 PM »

^ *For some people.

-wraith808 (April 09, 2014, 05:48 PM)

Yup. Agree. But less so in my case when I bit the bullet and jumped ship when it looked like Win 7 threatened to become another train wreck like Vista was...

MS pulled that one out of the fire rather nicely. I don't know what they were thinking when they did Win 8 and squandered all the goodwill and credibility W7 earned them.

Sad  too. Because stripped of all the BS Sinofsky and his team burdened it with, Win 8 is actually a very nice desktop OS. Probably the best MS ever developed.

2020

Living Room / Re: WinXP is officially dead!

« Last post by 40hz on April 09, 2014, 11:15 AM »

I don't know if Heise's WSUS offline updater can still access Windows XP updates, but if it can it's probably worth installing a copy and downloading all those files to your own repository before they vanish from Redmond's servers.

The CT4Updater program  can be downloaded from here.

If anybody doesn't know what this extremely useful tool does for all current versions of Windows and MS Office, you can read about it here.

Here's a screenshot from an older version (the newest has the 2012 products) that pretty much explains what it does:



Click to enlarge.

I'm guessing once the updates are no longer available, Heise will remove the XP selection as they did Windows 2000 previously.

2021

General Software Discussion / Re: Help! USB 3 has left the building — I want it back.

« Last post by 40hz on April 08, 2014, 09:09 PM »

Ok...it was worth a try at least.

Take a look at this link and give the suggestions a try. I've had USB quit working on some PC's and the "reset the USB controllers" process outlined in the responses worked wonders. (Basically you go to the device manager (devmgmt.msc), remove all the USB controllers, reboot, and then let 'plug&pray' reinstall them.)

Luck!

2022

Living Room / Re: WinXP is officially dead!

« Last post by 40hz on April 08, 2014, 05:13 PM »

Microsoft has basically adopted the ransomware model widely used by criminal hacking groups and increasingly popular with some allegedly legitimate cloud storage firms.

Microsoft will continue to provide support for governments and large institutions willing to pay huge sums to keep large numbers of XP systems safe for the next few years.  

-xtabber (April 08, 2014, 03:11 PM)

It may really more like:

Microsoft will continue to provide support for governments and large institutions to keep large numbers of XP systems safe from being reformatted and having Linux installed on them for the next few years until it gets its head out of its butt and makes Windows 8 look and work just like Windows 7 does.

2023

General Software Discussion / Re: Help! USB 3 has left the building — I want it back.

« Last post by 40hz on April 08, 2014, 01:25 PM »

If the driver has recently updated you could try rolling it back to the previous version as a first step.

2024

Living Room / Re: WinXP is officially dead!

« Last post by 40hz on April 08, 2014, 12:30 PM »

@Tao - I tend to avoid suites and just install what I need. That said I've used BitDefender AV and found it to be a very capable. YMMV. However, I have several clients with organization-wide deployments of BD that feel the same way about it.  And they all have sufficient budgets that cost wasn't a significant factor in making their final selection.

2025

Found Deals and Discounts / Re: Logitech Revolution MX Mouse - Spring Cleaning

« Last post by 40hz on April 08, 2014, 11:13 AM »

I just miss having a good ergonomic Logitech mouse. For me the first test for a mouse is whether I can just drop my hand on it and everything is in the right place. Logitech's ergonomic designs are the only ones that ever seem to pass that test.

-Vurbal (April 08, 2014, 10:29 AM)

In that case you should be very happy with this rodent. One of the best Logitech ever made IMO. And they've had a lot of good models over the years.