Recent Posts

3426

General Software Discussion / Re: What do you use to warn you of disk limits being reached?

« Last post by superboyac on September 23, 2010, 03:34 PM »

MemoryWatch is a small open source app which will do exactly what you want. It provides memory usage and disk space usage, allowing you to set a warning level %.

Runs very light, neat little app--I'm keeping it even though I don't really "need" it.

Spotted today at Addictive Tips btw.

-sajman99 (September 23, 2010, 03:26 PM)

Very nice, great suggestion! I like this one: nice, simple, informative.  Here's a screenshot since there's not any on the website:

3427

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: crack tracker

« Last post by superboyac on September 23, 2010, 12:40 PM »

umeca74,
I think this is a fantastic idea.  I love it.  I'm very interested in this and will be following very closely.  I'll send you suggestions as i come up with them.  Thank you for this very great effort.

I hope this can be extended from software to ebooks, videos, audio, etc.

3428

General Software Discussion / Re: MeediOS: A promising HTPC frontend.

« Last post by superboyac on September 22, 2010, 07:57 PM »

I have no idea. People have been complaining about that since WXP MCE 2005. There is no way to disable it and the permissions settings displayed on many google search results have hit or miss results. In fact, those permissions can screw up many systems and configurations.

-Josh (September 22, 2010, 07:40 PM)

Man, drop that MCE stuff.  Just use regular Windows.  My goodness.  I have to assume its some stupid way of dealing with copyright issues or something along those lines.  For this reason alone, I will never ever consider MCE for anything.

3429

General Software Discussion / Re: MeediOS: A promising HTPC frontend.

« Last post by superboyac on September 22, 2010, 07:37 PM »

I am also looking for a front end for a media center PC I have. WMC would be great but it gives the option at the end of playback to DELETE the file with no way to disable it. Why this would be added after playback by default is beyond me, but anyways. I am looking for a front-end which supports hulu.

-Josh (September 22, 2010, 06:10 PM)

What?!  Excuse my language, but why in the F-CK would anyone want to delete a video after playing as  DEFAULT, undisableable option???  What could possibly be the reasoning for that kind of dangerous, destructive behavior??

3430

General Software Discussion / MeediOS: A promising HTPC frontend.

« Last post by superboyac on September 22, 2010, 05:38 PM »

I've been secretly planning to upgrade my living room setup for a while now.  I plan to do a makeover in 2011.  One of the things I need is a good frontend for using my TV connected to my computer: this is called HTPC (Home Theater PC) for those who don't know.  Now, as usual, there's a whole lot of confusing talk going on about this kind of thing, but I'll try to keep it simple.  Obviously, I don't really need any special software to use my computer with a TV.  I can just plug it in and use my TV as a big monitor and everything functions the way we're used to.  The ONLY things I need that is HTPC-specific are font-size and navigation issues.

Basically, on a TV, the font needs to be pretty big to be able to read from afar.  So all those HTPC jargon you hear about is pretty much BS.  You can use any OS and any software you want, you just want the text to be bigger than you would need if it wasn't a TV.  That's it.  There really is no other issue.  And navigation.  Depending on what you use to navigate (remote, mouse, airmouse, etc.) then navigation may be an issue also.  Right now, I use a logitech airmouse, which is great because I don't have any htpc-specific software currently and I just use the computer like normal.  yes, it's hard to read things, but I'll fix that next year.  My ideal solution is going to be a nintendo wii remote on a Windows 7 setup.  Why?  because it can do everything a regular airmouse can do PLUS it has those navigation keys on top (up down left right).  Those navigation keys will be important to using HTPC type of software.  Just think about your DVD player: the heart of the remote is the navigation pad.  So the wii remote is perfect...it has a navigation pad AND normal mouse function.  There's nothing more you need.

I know J.River Media Center is an excellent solution for this.  You put it on theater view, and that's it.  It's pretty perfect.  However, in my case, I use many different software for music, video, images.  I want to keep using those softwares because they're my favorite, but I want just a frontend to navigate more easily and legibly.  That's where MeediOS may come in.  I just discovered it so I'm not sure if all the media must be played inside of it, or if it can be used as a launcher like I'm describing.  if it can be used like a launcher, that would be awesome.

So that's what this thread is for.  Let's talk about MeediOS, HTPC's, and all that stuff.

3431

General Software Discussion / Re: Another reason to drop Kaspersky?

« Last post by superboyac on September 22, 2010, 04:44 PM »

I would be VERY interested in a discussion about how to specifically configure our programs to work in a way where we are still protected essentially, but also not sacrificing in speed or performance, AND no annoying nuisances like what tranglos has experienced here.

For example:  I use kaspersky.  I'd like to know which modules I can disable without being a big deal.  I've disabled the anti-spam because I use another program for that, and the same goes for the anti-banner component (I use ad muncher).  But how about the firewall?  how necessary is that?  How about the live monitoring?  Do I need that?  Should I set it up to just scan the folder I download files to?  I mean, it doesn't have to scan everything all the time, does it?  how much risk would I be taking if I do that?  Do I even need a scanner?  What if I scan just in the evenings after I sleep?  Etc. etc.

I think it would be beneficial to discuss how to configure our pc's in this way.  Because these AV companies are ALL going the bloat route, and its the kind of software that most definitely affects your computer's performance.

Also, I am NOT interested in solutions that are like, "be more careful in the way you use your computer."  that doesn't help anything.  Let's operate under the assumption that we are horrible computer users and we come across shady sites on a daily basis.  I want my mind free of those concerns.

3432

General Software Discussion / Re: what's wrong with my PC? (it's often soooo slow)

« Last post by superboyac on September 22, 2010, 04:38 PM »

When I've experienced this, it was usually due to some kind of security software that has to constantly monitor your pc.  If you search the forums, I had one issue where everything would pause every 7 seconds or so.  It ended up being some antispyware program that I had recently installed.  i removed it and everything was back to normal.  So I'd check all the security type kind of software installed on your pc.

3433

Living Room / Re: Should I buy a tablet pc, ipad, netbook, or other?

« Last post by superboyac on September 22, 2010, 12:55 PM »

Are you ready for the BlackPad?

-Darwin (September 22, 2010, 11:04 AM)

not unless it can run Windows 7.

3434

Living Room / Re: Recommend an alarm clock mp3 features.

« Last post by superboyac on September 22, 2010, 12:53 PM »

Well if you're getting a netbook ... T-Clock 2010 has configurable alarms, runs on Windows, and plays MP3s.

-Stoic Joker (September 22, 2010, 11:10 AM)

T-Clock is the one then!  Thanks.  I've always liked T-Clock, but never used it.

3435

Living Room / Re: Recommend an alarm clock mp3 features.

« Last post by superboyac on September 22, 2010, 09:57 AM »

I almost posted this EXACT same thing.. you would think it would be easy to find a simple alarm clock with a $5 mp3 player chip grafted into it. But what they're selling is alarm clocks with a stupid port for an iPod, which look ridiculous jutting out from an alarm clock and which is rubbish. For the price of an iPod, it should have an alarm built in as well.

-daddydave (September 22, 2010, 09:55 AM)

No kidding.  I keep finding myself in this exact situation.  Whenever I want a device to do exactly what I want, i always end up going back to windows.  So I'm sure people will think it's weird that I bought a netbook just to be an alarm clock, but I see no flaw in my reasoning.

3436

Living Room / Re: Recommend an alarm clock mp3 features.

« Last post by superboyac on September 22, 2010, 09:40 AM »

Or, or....now I'm going to get really crazy here...
An mp3 player (itouch, zune, etc.) is going to run about $200.  A docking station can be up to $100.  That's just about the price of a netbook.  Why not use a netbook??  Then i get everything I want.  All the alarm software I can handle, maximum flexibility.  That's it.  I'm going to use a netbook as an alarm clock.  woo!

3437

Living Room / Re: Recommend an alarm clock mp3 features.

« Last post by superboyac on September 22, 2010, 09:30 AM »

Actually, even better would be a Zune + speaker docking station.  I'm sure there are several choices for Zune docs, and I'd be able to use the better device.

3438

Living Room / Re: Recommend an alarm clock mp3 features.

« Last post by superboyac on September 22, 2010, 09:10 AM »

Maybe the best solution is an ipod-touch with a speaker docking station.

3439

Living Room / Re: Recommend an alarm clock mp3 features.

« Last post by superboyac on September 22, 2010, 09:03 AM »

Sony Dash is out.  No internal memory.  I have to be connected wifi.  Typical Sony.  That's why Sony will never be Apple.  Bullshit stupid things like this.

3440

Living Room / Recommend an alarm clock mp3 features.

« Last post by superboyac on September 22, 2010, 08:56 AM »

I woke up this morning and I knew that I was done waking up to buzzing or the radio.  I want to wake up to music that I want.  So now I'm looking for a new alarm clock.  Here are my requirements:
1) It needs to have multiple alarms (daily, weekend, or just the ability to have several alarms).
2) It needs to be able to play mp3's.  Not through an auxiliary cable, but in the thing itself.  I should be able to load it in with my computer, usb, camera flash cards, something like that.  But it needs to be able to store some mp3 files (4gb minimum)
3) It needs to automatically adjust for daylight savings.

There.  I don't know what's out there, but most alarm clocks are pretty lame in functionality.  My carpool-mate suggested I just use my cell phone.  It's a good idea, but I want something to be permanently at my bedside.  The idea of an unlocked cell phone, with no service, simply being used as an alarm clock came up.  But unlocked phones with nice features cost quite a bit.  If we're going to go to the $100+ price range, I may just be looking at the Sony Dash.  The Dash is a very weird ipad-like device Sony developed recently.  Everyone was like, "What's the point of this thing."  However, it's often been called a really expensive alarm clock.  So maybe I'll just get that, it does fit all my requirements, I believe.

It's sad that most cell phones have better alarm clock features than actual, dedicated alarm clocks.  In this day and age.  I don't think alarm clocks have changed much in the last 50 years.

3441

Living Room / Re: Nokia CEO admits that the cell phone industry is a gimmick.

« Last post by superboyac on September 22, 2010, 08:47 AM »

It would be very nice to see total decoupling, as THAT would make the market truly competitive. i.e. Decouple everything so you buy 3 things:

• Phone - the device
• OS - e.g. Android, Windows Mobile
• Service - i.e. the carrier

-Renegade (September 22, 2010, 02:31 AM)

Hell yeah!

3442

Living Room / Re: Does anyone actually use the Scroll Lock key?

« Last post by superboyac on September 21, 2010, 01:00 PM »

I love this discussion.

3443

Living Room / Re: Nokia CEO admits that the cell phone industry is a gimmick.

« Last post by superboyac on September 21, 2010, 10:47 AM »

Actually in Europe, where Nokia are based of course, cellphones aren't tied to network. Though it usually cost more because no one is subsiding the cost of the phone. Also most networks carry all the popular phones so you have choice when looking for a subsidized one too.

-Eóin (September 21, 2010, 09:37 AM)

This is what I always hear about as the "unlocked" phones, right?  i wonder why they are more flexible about it in Europe?  Also, the listed price of unlocked phones are ridiculous.  That's also a gimmick.  They make that price artificially so high just to force you to buy it through your carrier.  None of these phones are worth more than $200-300.  No more than the price of a netbook.

3444

Living Room / Nokia CEO admits that the cell phone industry is a gimmick.

« Last post by superboyac on September 21, 2010, 09:13 AM »

OK, he didn't say that literally, but that's what he meant.  Read:

some analysts agree with Anssi that relying on Android as the universal OS may lead to "permanently low profitability" with users failing to distinguish between different brands if they all offer the same experience.

I don't know about you, but this goes back to all the things I've been bitching about lately.  Why do phones have to be tied to carriers?  Why can't I just get whatever phone I want, and then choose whatever carrier I want?  What Anssi is admitting is that their actual cell phone services are so lame that the only thing distinguishing the phones is the "look" on the screen...the wallpaper, essentially.  Not the service quality, not the hardware, not the functionality.  Look, Anssi, Nokia makes cell phones.  If you want to compete, focus on making a bad-ass cell phone.  If your cell phone is bad ass, it won't matter what operating system is on it.  Actually, you want to be distinguishable?  Why don't you make the very first cell phone that is not only bad-ass, but completely open for all carriers.  Ah, business...don't you just love it?



http://www.engadget....-android-is-like-pe/

3445

General Software Discussion / Re: MS Office: No customizable keyboard shortcuts? Really?

« Last post by superboyac on September 20, 2010, 05:39 PM »

I know 2010 can do it.  But it sure took them long enough.

3446

General Software Discussion / MS Office: No customizable keyboard shortcuts? Really?

« Last post by superboyac on September 20, 2010, 05:17 PM »

How does a suite like MS Office not have any customizable keyboard shortcuts?  It's pretty disgusting.  Is it not the most widely used software in history?  The world is using it every day for everything, and it has never added this feature in 15 years of development??  It makes me sick.  I can't use keyboard shortcuts to use the format painter in Excel 2007 without programming a macro.  Wow.  What the heck are they working on in all these versions?  Ribbons?  At least it seems like they've added it for 2010.

3447

Living Room / Re: Does anyone actually use the Scroll Lock key?

« Last post by superboyac on September 20, 2010, 10:00 AM »

re:scroll lock key- i use it as a soft key to toggle my kvm switch.

re:being weird - true. but not for that reason :-))

-Gwen7 (September 20, 2010, 09:55 AM)

Using it for an unintended purpose is not weird.  using it for its intended purpose is weird.  hench, you are not weird.

3448

Living Room / Does anyone actually use the Scroll Lock key?

« Last post by superboyac on September 20, 2010, 09:37 AM »

If you do...then you are weird.

3449

General Software Discussion / Re: Another reason to drop Kaspersky?

« Last post by superboyac on September 20, 2010, 09:10 AM »

Years ago I understood what viruses did - from writing messages to screen to clobbering the MBR. I knew the difference between viruses, worms and trojans.

-tranglos (September 20, 2010, 09:03 AM)

Yeah, that's a good point.  I don't know.
Around 2000, the lab I was working in got a virus on one of the computers.  I noticed it because the computer had a bunch of mp3 files, and each mp3 file all of a sudden had a duplicate file with some other weird extension.  I checked it out with an AV, and it was a virus sure enough.  It got cleaned and that was that.  But it had spread throughout the entire drive--every mp3 file was duplicated.

Around the same time, I got a pretty nasty virus on my home pc.  My technogeek roommate was able to fix it using some dos methods, which was really amazing to me at the time.  It was a bad virus--I couldn't even start up my computer...probably an MBR virus?

But now, they don't really do that.  My sister and mom got a virus, and it was from facebook.  I don't really know what it did, but it prevented programs from running, lots of popups.  The bad thing was you couldn't run any exe files, the task manager was disabled.

3450

General Software Discussion / Re: Another reason to drop Kaspersky?

« Last post by superboyac on September 20, 2010, 08:47 AM »

Yes, I'm interested in all of this also.  I'd love to get rid of Kaspersky if I could find a good way to do it.  My computer runs significantly faster without it.  But what is the solution?  It catches things often enough where I would be uncomfortable having no AV program at all.  I've even thought about just disabling everything and only running a scan once a night, after I go to bed.  I don't see too many problems with that, but it won't stop a "live" virus.  I don't know.  I would love to hear about AV software alternatives.  And, no, I don't mean things like "I am so careful and knowledgeable that I don't even need an AV.  I just never put myself in that position."

No, I want solutions for normal people.  We are going to do bad things and get viruses.  What is the best way to deal with it?  What's the alternative to having an AV program running constantly?