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2876

General Software Discussion / Microsoft updates - annoying folder proliferation

« Last post by Carol Haynes on December 09, 2008, 11:01 AM »

Anyone got any idea at all how to force Microsoft Update to store its temporary folders in one place and preferably allow access to the folders so that you can see what is going on.

I have folders scattered over numerous drives and they all have subfolders which deny me (and administrator) access!

For example on my system I have loads of partitions - on drive "I" I have the following folders in the root directory:

1a772fc8c37fd821426f30
30d8929e48a7b73c47
3a0484dd97c4d735733c0e
4395cc56333a712314fe5492
73cfb0e8090c5d2261c6f95c

By disabling simple file sharing and forcing an ownership change I discovered that the first folder contains and Update.exe which seems to be a  Windows Service Pack.

Talk about an excellent way to obscure files and give malware the ideal opportunity to hide itself.

I did a google search on the folder names and there are no results (and neither does the MS website have any information on these folder names).

This process of bunging update files anywhere Mess Update feels like has always annoyed me - has anyone found a solution?

2877

General Software Discussion / Re: UNISON - Outlook alternative.

« Last post by Carol Haynes on December 09, 2008, 09:52 AM »

The main problem is do you want to trust all you email to UNISON (and why would a corporation want to)?

It all looks impressive but I think if they start getting any sort of build of users they will be a prime target form MS to buy out. They won't want any serious competition for the Exchange cash cow!

2878

General Software Discussion / Re: UNISON - Outlook alternative.

« Last post by Carol Haynes on December 09, 2008, 07:44 AM »

Yes it is a Server based solution with desktop client software (think Exchange/Outlook) and only uses IMAP.

You can virtualize a server though and use Samba on Linux. If you you are feeling really keen you could set up a multiple server box with VMWare ESXi for free!

Looks interesting though but how long will good forum support last - they are selling support at large corporate prices, and if you want it without advertising support it will cost $50 per year per desktop (or $36000 for an unlimited perpetual license).

2879

Living Room / Re: Why Vista's DRM Is Bad For You and other jewels by Bruce Schneier

« Last post by Carol Haynes on December 09, 2008, 06:28 AM »

Quite - which is why DRM is a bad thing. It forces users to circumvent it to make fauir use of the products they purchased. (The legality of doing such things is moot because for 99.99% of people it is unenforceable.)

If MS refused to implement DRM for music publishers and movie studios there would be little point in the entertainment industries implementing all the forms of DRM on their discs.

Surely the lesson that everyone all agrees on is that DRM only actually affects legitimate customers - if nothing else it steals clock cycles constantly (even when you are not using DRM protected data) on Windows Vista, it locks you out of purchased downloadable products when the supplying company stops supporting past purchases and it makes purchased media at best irritating to use and at worst incompatible with systems (and in the past even standalone DVD players caused problems with discs).

The regional encoding system on DVDs (another lame form of DRM) is stupid in the extreme and only breaks world trade agreements and allows for price fixing/market rigging - not only that it is absolutely simple and legal to break - all you have to do is buy an extra DVD drive for your PC and set the region to which ever region you want. With consumer level DVD players/recorders the only thing regional encoding has produced is a market for third parties (found with a few clicks in Google) to produce mini handsets to unlock DVD players so that purchased consumer DVDs can now be fully unlocked for a few pounds - why create that market in the first place? Just give genuine consumers genuine products at reasonable prices.

Just think how much research and development money has gone into DRM by so many companies. Without it they would make more profit and probably be able to halve the price of every product sold. And has any one yet found a DRM system that actually stops, or even slows down, the mass duplication and sale of illegal copies? You only have to go to any car-boot sale or any street market in the UK to find someone selling knocked of DVDs!

2880

Living Room / Re: Why Vista's DRM Is Bad For You and other jewels by Bruce Schneier

« Last post by Carol Haynes on December 09, 2008, 05:44 AM »

To back up your DVDs for personal use, to rip them for use on portable media players & wifi media/network players connected in the home to TVs etc., remove user restrictions (so that you can get straight to a menu rather than sit through 5 minutes of ads and warnings about pirates and terrorism), remove regional encoding so that non-US citizens have access to region 1 DVDs that are not published outside the US etc.

All of these are to me legitimate usage of a purchased product and don't have to be used for sharing or piracy purposes.

2881

Living Room / Re: Why Vista's DRM Is Bad For You and other jewels by Bruce Schneier

« Last post by Carol Haynes on December 09, 2008, 05:38 AM »

Also movie industries can't get you to implicitly agree to wave your right to being able to make a backup copy of your media. They wish they could of course but no amount of terms or conditions that come with a film can revoke that right.

So the DRM to try and prevent you making that copy serves only to negatively affect the user.

-Eóin (December 09, 2008, 05:15 AM)

In practice they cannot enforce such a law on individuals backing up DVDs, CDs, software discs etc. but in some countries it is illegal to do so. As I said above in the UK is a criminal offence now to use any means to circumvent copy protection - even having software with the capacity to circumvent copy protection is deemed proof that you have used it for that purpose. They don't have to prove you did it just that you had the capacity to do it!

So much for democracy and freedom -I despair these days with what we laughingly call a free society!

I was reading a newspaper article the other day which exposed the proposals of the UK government to use lie-detector tests (polygraphs) on people claiming state benefits if they suspect fraud. The result of the test would be used to decide whether to suspend payment of benefits (not a criminal case in court where you have the chance to defend yourself). Add to that the benefits agencies apparently have already been using voice print analysis on telephone calls to determine whether callers are lying ... not that they tell callers that they are doing it - in fact they say calls are recorded for training purposes. Big Brother really is out there now and in the UK he hears you, drags you off the street without warrant and throws you into prison for up to a month (and wants to make it 3 months), wants to use lie detectors (which are proven to be inaccurate) and uses CCTV so that the average UK citizen is apparently filmed up to dozens of times each day! Communist China is beginning to sound less repressive than the UK.

2882

Living Room / Re: Why Vista's DRM Is Bad For You and other jewels by Bruce Schneier

« Last post by Carol Haynes on December 09, 2008, 04:46 AM »

Surely that you need to use AnyDVD to skip the previews is itself a negative effect.

-Eóin (December 09, 2008, 04:12 AM)

Not really - the DVD is designed to be played in a particular way on a standard DVD player. Using AnyDVD is just a method of circumventing user restriction built into the disc. Not actually anything to do with DRM in windows.

Actually manufacturers are starting to force users to watch intro videos - eg. look at "Charlie Wilson's War" and you have to watch a 4 minute video for UNICEF before you can watch the film - and if you press the menu button at the wrong point it starts again! Personally I hate UK DVDs that have an extended (and extremely loud) 'don't be a pirate' video before every disc with no option to bypass it - to me it is justification for cracking DRM just to get a DVD that allows you to watch the film without a legitimate user being treated like a potential criminal. Of course none of the pirated versions need to inflict such rubbish on viewers so who does it inconvenience?

Having said that just having AnyDVD installed in the UK would mean that should your computer ever be examined by the 'authorities' you would be ASSUMED to be using it for breaking DRM. In the UK just having such software installed on your computer is deemed to be proof that you are circumventing copy protection and are there for guilty of an offense. Not sure what the US law says ...

The fact that the law assumes the presence of a certain software title proves your guilt does mean that the impact of DRM on the computer owner is negative.

2883

General Software Discussion / Re: Music files 101

« Last post by Carol Haynes on December 09, 2008, 03:54 AM »

That's called entropy

2884

General Software Discussion / Re: Movie Collector 5 released

« Last post by Carol Haynes on December 09, 2008, 03:02 AM »

Any recommendations, Carol?

Thanks!

Jim

-J-Mac (December 09, 2008, 02:58 AM)

Not at the moment - there were some recommendations in the past for open source programs in these forums but I haven't looked at them recently.


I am also slightly curious about how they maintain their database - all of this artwork (as well as synposes etc) are copyright - how are they getting and paying for permission to use all this information - esp. if it is generated automatically by users? Are the copyright lawyers suddenly going to hit them for a multimillion settlement and wipe them out?

2885

General Software Discussion / Re: Movie Collector 5 released

« Last post by Carol Haynes on December 09, 2008, 02:55 AM »

It is also somewhat ironic that a European company is only going to utilise Amazon for Region 1 titles!

I think there are two main reasons for this (and neither have anything to do with users):

1) They presumably pay licenses to allow people to access multiple data sources and by moving to a single source model they own they will reduce overheads. There may also have been some issues with the data source providers that users aren't aware of - like the growing amount of data exchange that some stores in particular would not be happy with (after all it doesn't generate income for them beyond licenses that Collectorz have been paying).

2) (And this is probably the primary reason) Multiple data sources take a lot of maintenance. During the lifespan of the Collectorz products these source scripts have had to be updated a number of times because they ceased to work. This has forced users to update and upgrade the software multiple times to maintain access to these sources. Now that they are charging customers for upgrades they are probably getting a lot of grief from customers because there is the potential that people will be forced to pay for upgrades just to maintain a working product. I can't see them updating older version scripts to allow multiple data source access indefinitely - in emails they have already suggested that Movie C. will only be supported for 12 months and even then they don't make it clear that the 12 months will include any updates or if it is just customer support. I think the primary reason is to have a data source that they can control so that they don't have maintain the access script library.

The fact that their own data source is woefully inadequate probably doesn't bother them too much - they never have shown much regard for what their customers want and on more than one occasion when many existing customers have screamed in frustration have simply taken the attitude "like it or lump it - it is what we are doing and we have no interest in what existing customers think". If their stated reason (ie. to simplify the user interface for users) was true then it could very easily be solved to everyone's satisfaction - simply have a default standard user interface with an advanced multi source interface for those who want/need to use it.

As it stands it is still good software but I'd guess for the majority of non-US customers we are stuck with using a scanner and keyboards to manually enter the correct data for items - which will doubtlessly be uploaded to their servers and so we become unpaid providers for their database.

Personally I think they should make the software free if this is the model they propose since I don't particularly want to work for a foreign company and pay them for the privilege. I am afraid I am rapidly coming to the conclusion that even with life time free upgrades I am going to uninstall their software and support an open source alternative that has more respect for users.

2886

Living Room / Re: I had the strangest dream last night...

« Last post by Carol Haynes on December 07, 2008, 04:19 PM »

All I dream about these days is getting some sleep (insomnia seems to be kicking in again after a good patch).

2887

Living Room / Re: I had the strangest dream last night...

« Last post by Carol Haynes on December 07, 2008, 06:47 AM »

I think you need a life

2888

General Software Discussion / Re: Music files 101

« Last post by Carol Haynes on December 06, 2008, 04:07 PM »

Oops - ignorance is bliss

2889

General Software Discussion / Re: Music files 101

« Last post by Carol Haynes on December 06, 2008, 03:03 PM »

Eh?

2890

General Software Discussion / Re: Music files 101

« Last post by Carol Haynes on December 06, 2008, 07:32 AM »

On a side note:

While I'm aware that most classical music composers (Bach, Beethoven etc.) are being dead for quite some time now...longer dead than RIAA regulations, so their music is copyright free.

Now I heard something about still living descendants that can claim rights. Is this true?  

-Shades (August 14, 2008, 05:58 PM)

The music may be in the public domain (provided they have been dead from more than 90 years in some cases - so you are effectively 20th century composers and even some 19th century are still in copyright. Copyright may also have been passed to the publisher in which case if the publisher is still in business the music will be in copyright and many German publishers are very old.

Editions of music are also copyright so even if the music is in the public domain editions are not because the editor and publisher hold rights to the edition.

Add to that the music is not protected by copyright on a CD per se but the performance is. If an orchestra performs a Beethoven symphony the actual score they use may be in the public domain but the conductor/orchestra etc. still have copyright protection for the performance.

As an example suppose Hollywood make a film of Shakespeare's Henry V - would the film makers have no rights to the film and the actors not be entitled to any royalties etc. ? Would a DVD of the film not be subject to copyright because the play is in the public domain?

2891

Found Deals and Discounts / Re: ESET NOD32 20% Christmas Discount (Expires 31st Dec 2008)

« Last post by Carol Haynes on December 04, 2008, 03:24 AM »

It doesn't apply to renewals of licenses - which is bizarre because they are now more expensive than buying a new license.

I must admit that even at the reduced prices I think I might change and use AVAST or AntiVir for free - it is all getting quite expensive if you have more than one computer.

Looking at the av-compare reviews AntiVir seems to be significantly better at both heuristic blocking and manual scans than NOD32 - the only downside is a few more false positives.

2892

General Software Discussion / Re: Your fav' audio CD burner?

« Last post by Carol Haynes on December 03, 2008, 04:53 PM »

To be fair Roxio did it before Nero - that is why I swapped to Nero 5 originally.

2893

Found Deals and Discounts / ESET NOD32 20% Christmas Discount (Expires 31st Dec 2008)

« Last post by Carol Haynes on December 03, 2008, 08:23 AM »

Got an email offering a Christmas discount on NOD32. See below. I am not sure if this only applies to UK customers.

The odd thing is that you don't seem to be able to apply the discount to license renewals which is strange because this then make license renewals marginally more expensive than just buying a new license!

I have emailed ESET to ask if this is intentional or accidental - no response so far.

The PDF voucher referred to is attached.

To purchase to www.eset.co.uk/purchase and enter the code XMAS08 during checkout.

2894

General Software Discussion / Re: Gmail: Looking for a desktop version

« Last post by Carol Haynes on December 03, 2008, 04:19 AM »

Sorry for shooting under your wing, wreckedcarzz...but can anybody explain me how it is possible that POP3 messages from Gmail are not downloaded by Thunderbird (version 2.x+)?

-Shades (December 02, 2008, 09:07 PM)

Have you checked you have changed to the right ports and security settings? GMail doesn't send mail to POP3 at the normal ports etc.

See: http://mail.google.c...ail&answer=12103

2895

Living Room / Re: Recommendations on Alternative E-Bay/Auction & Selling Sites

« Last post by Carol Haynes on December 02, 2008, 07:23 PM »

I have used iOffer.com a number of times without problems.

If you want to buy and sell arts and crafts (that you produce yourself) www.etsy.com is nice - and you get a shop front. It is also a lot cheaper than eBay but you can still use PayPal for payments if you wish.

[plug]
If you want to see an ETSY shop I have a friend who recently set up the following shop to sell watercolour and oil paintings and prints:

http://woodhousestudio.etsy.com

He hasn't sold anything yet so if anyone wants a nice Christmas present check out some of his prints of the Yorkshire Dales. (they are very nice quality).
[/plug]

2896

General Software Discussion / Re: Is it time to start a new AntiVirus/Internet Security Suite review thread?

« Last post by Carol Haynes on December 01, 2008, 10:34 AM »

unfortunately they dont seem to have a number in US/Rest of the world and they offer numbers in Germany/Aus/Switzeland @ €1.99 a mimnute and email support is only "for the customers of our business products (AntiVir ProfessionalEdition)"

-tomos (December 01, 2008, 10:07 AM)

Sadly it isn't uncommon - most US companies ONLY have support in the US so everyone else in the world has to make international phone calls to the US for support. Many companies simply don't offer phone support, or extort money (currently MS charge something like $30 just to talk to you per incident unless it is an installation issue), or offer service that is so bad it costs a fortune to get nowhere.

There is no real excuse to not offer email support - even if it is only 30 days to ccover installation issues. If they can't afford to employ enough people they will have to charge more for the product to cover the support costs.

If they really can't supply email support they should at least have a forum that is supported by conscientious staff members quickly and effectively.

If customers can't talk to them how are they supposed to deal with new threats and false positives?

2897

General Software Discussion / Re: Is it time to start a new AntiVirus/Internet Security Suite review thread?

« Last post by Carol Haynes on December 01, 2008, 09:55 AM »

Well I was considering moving to a paid subscription to Avira Premium but that won't be happening now - and I won't be recommending them to any clients in the future. It is fair enough to offer forum support to users of free software but a paid subscription should receive at least email support.

2898

General Software Discussion / Re: Should licensed Vista users get free upgrade to Windows 7?

« Last post by Carol Haynes on November 30, 2008, 03:59 PM »

Rather than wasting time and energy on copy protection and DRM MS should scrap all those technologies and make Windows cheap enough for home use (and license flexible enough in the home) to make it a no brainer to buy a copy. That would put piracy out of business and make the whole thing so much more user friendly.

If the movie studios don't like it tough - they can always try to introduce a cometing operating system with all the DRM crap included and see if anyone wants to buy it.

2899

General Software Discussion / Re: Collectorz.com... again!

« Last post by Carol Haynes on November 30, 2008, 06:45 AM »

It was pretty much my experience with the firm too - 'like it or lump it' on other issues raised during the change of upgrade policy.

For me one of the points of the software was that you collect information from a number of sources.

As it is presumably they are expecting paying customers to populate the database with information that they then charge the paying customers to use!

If this was an open source project it would be OK but they are just in it for money making purposes - and is one of the reasons they sell the same software (basically they are all the same) about 6 times rather than inventing a single 'Entertainment' database system.

Out of curiosity did they ever actually pay companies like Amazon for using their databases or did they just allow customers to leech information? It would explain why regular updates were required when companies changed their backdoor search engine technology. Mybe they have actually been asked by amazon etc. to cease and desist!

2900

General Software Discussion / Re: Should licensed Vista users get free upgrade to Windows 7?

« Last post by Carol Haynes on November 30, 2008, 04:30 AM »

I don't think he is talking about money Zaine - there seems to be no automatic migration method in the beta.

Sorry but after the Vista fiasco (with even MS saying it is OK to stick with XP until 7 is realeased and offering free upgrades to XP with Vista Business) MS would shoot themselves in the foot if there is no financial incentive to upgrade from XP to Windows 7. The sorts of prices they charge for full versions of Windows it simply would not sell to anyone except the OEM market who would be forced adopters. Businesses in particular (that don't use volume licensing) would ignore it completely.

If MS aren't careful they will end up with a customer base still using Windows XP in 2010 and a big reluctance to move at all to a new version of Windows. It won't happen but they should seriously look at Apple's pricing model.

Personally I think there is a lot to be said for releasing version 7 as a major service pack to Vista (rather like XP SP2 was a major update to XP). They are unlikely to do that though because they will want to kill the name Vista as soon as possible. I bet they don't stick to Windows 7 either. How about Windows XP reloaded - might con enough people into thinking it is a better version of XP