Recent Posts

451

General Software Discussion / I gave in: Should I have?

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on October 12, 2008, 11:45 PM »

Alright, I gave in - Avast 4.8 is now running, making its little "VRDB" (Virus Recovery DataBase)

Most of the you here at DC should know that I absolutely hate security software. It rarely stays on my PC for longer than a week - I test what I can for the others in my family (mom, dad, sister) and get the software on all the PCs so that I can keep the whole wheel rolling smoothly.

My security level (minus the newly installed Avast), includes:

DMZ to this PC
Windows Firewall OFF
Windows Defender OFF
Security Center notifications DISABLED
Router firewall ON
100% Windows File Sharing (including Media, Printer, etc) ENABLED
No anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-malware, anti-trojan, firewall, anti-rootkit, or anything like that
Irregular backups of seemingly important data onto failing hard drives

Everyone I talk to about it that asks me "What security do I use?" is always completely dumbfounded by the idea: A Windows user with no security??

So I gave in and gave Avast another shot (It was one of my favorites back during version 3, when I was security-insane). It doesn't seem to use any resources, and it hasn't gotten in my way yet (except one annoying update notification I had to roll over to get rid of).

But I am wondering: Should I keep it, switch it for something better (I am very fond of Spyware Terminator), or ditch it and go back to Russian roulette with the internet?

I am particularly interested in Kingsoft Internet Security, however a fight to keep in the black ($) is pushing my dad from buying ANYTHING for the computers. We currently have a PC Tools Internet Security 2008 subscription that will die out in a couple months, hence my searching for something to replace it that won't break the bank (literally).

Thoughts?

452

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: SnapSuite program family/Free online computer help

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on October 09, 2008, 09:35 PM »

Marking page 23 of this topic, here is the fully working Gecko update. (Not to sound like a download, just news)

Changes:

Fixed loading progress text bug
Added new options
Fixed focus not going to address bar
TONS of code updates
Code organization
Gecko 1.9 takes IE's place as rendering engine

Gecko 1.9 now brings:
More security
Faster loading times
More stability
Possible ability to run on non-Windows machines (with .NET hack)?
Small context menu

There was more changed, but thats off the top of my head. For right now, it is actually really usable. The only downside of going from IE to Gecko is that you need to have the Firefox flash plugin installed to view flash content (and that goes with all special content). Also, no idea how to enable firefox addon functionality, so don't expect that for a LONG time.

Lots more to add and lots of ideas, but so little time and knowledge to add them.

(I plan on putting a separate installer up for MB before SnapSuite 2009 is released, just for testing and to see what everyone thinks of it. Also, XtremeDraw has been dropped from SS09, as I lost the code on a dead hard drive ).

As always, an image of the browser @ YouTube (showing that the flash plugin works). Click for full view (503kb)

453

Living Room / Re: I can haz LOLMouser plz?

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on October 09, 2008, 07:57 PM »

(see attachment in previous post)

-tinjaw (October 09, 2008, 08:01 AM)

ROFLMAO

454

Living Room / Re: Mouser's new book

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on October 09, 2008, 07:07 PM »

LOL!

455

General Software Discussion / Re: Apple Patents the OS X Dock!!!

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on October 09, 2008, 04:50 PM »

Just for show, here is my OD+ config.

Muhahahaha. No, seriously, here it is. Click for full size (600kb).

456

General Software Discussion / Re: Apple Patents the OS X Dock!!!

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on October 09, 2008, 04:27 PM »

That's bullshit, through and through. "OMG WE FOUND ANOTHER LOGO USING AN APPLE, LETS SUE NOW NOW NOW!!!"

That's like Microsoft suing over the Volume Icon in windows being used on OSX and *nix systems, or the US government suing MS for the flag logo. Or NASA suing Apple because OS X 10.5 uses an image of space (real or fake). Its an intimate object, not a damn infringement (on anything). Back the f*** off.

457

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: SnapSuite program family/Free online computer help

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on October 09, 2008, 04:08 PM »

<offtopic>

For some damn strange reason I saw you posting that.. As you said

Walt && Shalena: Your like super dumb. and your gonna lose. <br>[ToW] Wreckedcarzz - Rise Against - Paper Wings: inorite!

-Loki15 (October 08, 2008, 10:38 PM)

Can you say editing? "Your like super dumb. and your gonna lose." was not found in log - I have a 1.94MB log size for a reason (back to Feb)

(10:28:28 PM) Walt && Shalena: need to replace that icon
(10:28:31 PM) Brandon: inorite
(10:28:37 PM) Brandon:

</offtopic>

Anywho, I am having issues getting data to come back from the Gecko control to the form. It doesn't want to read the data until I kick in another event, whereas it should work right where it is now (with some changes from the IE to the Gecko control, of course). Starting to annoy me.

458

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: kingsoft Internet Security 6 months free

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on October 09, 2008, 03:59 PM »

If the executable and/or file is in use, it cannot be replaced until it has been unloaded from memory. Until then it is in a read only state.

-wreckedcarzz (October 08, 2008, 01:58 AM)

I never mentioned anything about an already running process being replaced, you've read too much into my question:

But what happens when your "clean" game exe goes to load an infected dll, (or exe), half way through your game?

That's any dll or exe, it need not have been installed by the game.  Games/programs are allowed to call OS executables aren't they?

After all, that's how they run in the first place by relying on the underlying OS.

The infection doesn't need to target that particular game you're playing, it only needs to reside in a file that is called by another program, it doesn't even have to be called by your game.

But by white-listing the game executable, however, you might possibly have white-listed any process started by it.

PS. Sorry David for hijacking your announcement 

-4wd (October 08, 2008, 04:50 AM)

My mistake

Lack of sleep = lack of brainpower

(Sorry about the hijack also )

459

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: VirtualDub Game Recording Guide

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on October 09, 2008, 03:53 PM »

Xfire's video compresses (I think?) if you choose to upload it to their servers, and leaves both original and compressed files on your hard drive. You can just start the upload and then cancel it after "Encoding" is complete for a small file, then delete the original (or, obviously, let it upload).

I have FPS and Time "pinned" to my game windows (shows up in video, too) and in my performance dives like so (using Xfire):

Halo 1.04: From 60 -> 40FPS @ max
Halo CE 1.04: (same as Halo)
GRID: From 30 FPS -> 8-12 FPS @ medium-high (custom) (viewable here and here)
Crysis: Un-recordable (but that's to be expected on my machine)
COD4: 30-40 -> 10-20 @ medium-high (custom)
NFS Carbon: 30-120 FPS -> 10-30 @ max
NFSMW: 30-50FPS -> 10-20 @ max
Project Torque: 30-75FPS -> 8-15 FPS (viewable here)
Sauerbraten: 30-200FPS -> 6-40 FPS @ max
Test Drive Unlimited: 15-40 FPS -> 10-15 FPS @ max

I play all my games at my LCD's max res, 1280x1024 (I have not recorded in 1080p, yet). Most videos do not get posted because the FPS simply suck, or I forget about them (then wonder where all my HD space went )

To be honest, that [VirtualDub] setup is a bit... daunting. I began reading it last night and just finished about 5 minutes ago (granted sleep and school in-between ), and while it makes complete sense, I'm not sure if video capture is *THAT* important to me.

That probably won't stop me from taking a stab at it, assuming I read it over in steps. I procrastinate a lot

460

General Software Discussion / Re: Use this modified version of Chrome for more privacy

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on October 08, 2008, 07:57 PM »

As an alternative, use Chromium. Latest version found at the top. Doesn't even require installation, can just unzip and run. All of chrome's features present (including gears), except auto-update.

-icekin (October 08, 2008, 07:51 PM)

Fixed link: http://build.chromiu...chromium-rel-xp/?O=D

461

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: VirtualDub Game Recording Guide

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on October 08, 2008, 07:22 PM »

I am sharing it here because there are a number of fellow gamers on the DC boards who might find it useful.

-GeneralAdmission (October 08, 2008, 01:25 PM)

Definitely! Wanted to record a game video yesterday, but was worried about Xfire Video lagging. I'll have to give this a go

462

General Software Discussion / Re: Apple Patents the OS X Dock!!!

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on October 08, 2008, 06:22 PM »

lmao

463

General Software Discussion / Re: Apple Patents the OS X Dock!!!

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on October 08, 2008, 05:48 PM »

Just another reason to hate Apple, and OSX.

*Launches OD Plus, RD, and CD*

Bring it on!

464

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: kingsoft Internet Security 6 months free

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on October 08, 2008, 01:58 AM »

If the executable and/or file is in use, it cannot be replaced until it has been unloaded from memory. Until then it is in a read only state.

On top of that, you would need to be running a virus during the game to have this happen anyway - and it would have to be for a particular game, so it usually ends up being a "target" for someone you P.O.ed. This would take a large amount of chance and skill to pull off. It would also require at least one of the following:

A) Navigation to an infected website to download the virus behind the scenes, prepared to destroy that ONE game
B) Unknowingly allow physical access to the machine to insert said virus
C) You to download a file and run it during the game, acting as a good program, but it is really preparing for a malicious strike

Chances of that are slim to null.

465

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: kingsoft Internet Security 6 months free

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on October 08, 2008, 01:50 AM »

I was talking about automatic detection - I can install and not touch anything and have no issues and the software knows not to do anything until the game executable is no longer running.

466

Living Room / Re: How to enter code???? :)

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on October 08, 2008, 12:54 AM »

I think the far end of the keyboard we use at work is raised almost... 5cm, or so. But it's also arched up towards the middle, as well as being split. Trust me, It's Good For You^TM. Not the same keyboard as the one in 40Hz's post, but more or less same principle (although ours are more flexible).

You do need proper chair and table adjustments and sitting position before it's comfortable to use, though. But you need that anyway, unless you want to trash your body sitting 8+ hours in front of a computer every day. oh, and you need proper arm rest. If you don't have your entire lower arm supported on your desk, then that's not exactly good ergonomics either. You might not feel the effects now, but wouldn't it suck suffering from carpal tunnel and/or discus prolapse (dunno if that's the right English term) when you're 30?

-f0dder (October 07, 2008, 07:38 PM)

It would, but by that time computer's most likely won't use mice or keyboard input anymore.

And LOL @ the rippled page

I have my keyboard's wrist rest thing (that plastic thingamabob), but it doesn't do anything for my wrists - I use it as a finger rest. My wrists/end of arms lay on my computer cabinet's keyboard tray support... beam... thing. Its a big piece of wood painted black and glued to the edge of the kb tray, with the top edges rounded. And this cost like 2 grand. Jeez.

(G11/G15 FTW!)

467

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: kingsoft Internet Security 6 months free

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on October 08, 2008, 12:19 AM »

Kwatch uses alot of Ram mainly because it is checking all processes that are accessing files and checking what they are doing, In this way it can catch and stop unknown malware.

-Davidtheo (October 07, 2008, 08:55 PM)

That's my personal concern: When I am coding or gaming, I need that to take importance over EVERYTHING else. I don't need to run into a good game of COD4/GRAW2/GRID only to have my FPS drop from 40 to 5 because my security software wants to scan the items the game is loading, or because I am running out of system resources (Crysis has this issue).

If it could auto-whitelist a list of applications, or had a simple detection system to specify games from normal/malicious applications, it would be a gamer's dream: security without lag, and no setup required.

I have never seen a system that can do that though, yet...

468

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: SnapSuite program family/Free online computer help

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on October 07, 2008, 11:56 PM »

Some things are too good to give up. Bragging is a prime example.

My update to MiniBrowse brings a new ... component into the (tool)box. You can call it Firefox. Developers call it Gecko 1.9.

I *JUST* pulled it off, but here is the Mozilla Firefox Start Page, the start page for MiniBrowse (until I figure out Gecko home pages), rendered with Gecko 1.9 (Firefox 3's engine), in MiniBrowse.

(9:53:19 PM) Walt: real cute how it loads the firefox start page

As I say: Inorite?

EDIT: For that "polished" effect...

 

469

Living Room / Re: How to enter code???? :)

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on October 07, 2008, 07:27 PM »

It goes up WAYYYYY too far for anything ergonomic.  the thing is almost 1/2 a foot tall! (about 5 inches)

I don't have the best keyboard setup... OK, it sucks, but I don't see how anyone can use that keyboard at all. I'll keep my G11 and 5:1 keyboard to mousepad desk space ratio over that 3:1 mountain any day.

(I spend almost all my time at this PC, typing constantly - IM is the new e-mail - and have never noticed any negative effects of slouching, or using the small inclining feet on my keyboard)

I would say </offtopic>, but I think that ship has sailed

EDIT: Although I guess when you [me] practically live at a computer, you get "used" to it.

470

Living Room / Re: How to enter code???? :)

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on October 07, 2008, 07:01 PM »

LOL!!!!

My friend's mom's computer has that keyboard... most annoying POS ever. It goes up, and while it goes up, it comes at you, then it goes back down. Its like typing on a roller coaster track. And try doing an FPS on it. Be glad if you don't become the First Person in that Shooter and take out the enemy keyboard.

And about the zero: So if I were to enter it [the code] in binary, it would be 1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111?

EDIT: The binary version of the code (real):
0011001101001000010001110011000101010111

471

Living Room / Re: How to enter code???? :)

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on October 07, 2008, 06:52 PM »

rofl

"Yes, the G there is at a 34.56 degree angle, perpendicular to my mouse, yet parallel to my falling books..."

472

Living Room / Re: How to enter code???? :)

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on October 07, 2008, 06:24 PM »

Don't worry about making them curved, just enter them as if they were flat.

That image is known as a captcha. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captcha

EDIT: That code would be "3HG1W" (no quotes)

473

General Software Discussion / Re: The Vista Immersion Experiment

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on October 07, 2008, 06:18 PM »

I have 3 Vista PCs and 2 XP PCs in the house. My computers are the only ones that work correctly (when I say "my", I mean the ones that I actually own - 2 desktops and a laptop). The Vista machine (primary, gamer and handles grueling tasks) has had... 2? (not sure) major problems back last year. I reformatted 2x (first reformat I botched the filesystem, my own fault) and after a reinstall, Vista is perfect. All updates, the Error notification actually helped me fix my hard drive issue (it was intermittent but it tracked the source for me, partially both my and the computer's fault caused the error).

My dad's Vista desktop won't install SP1, and the Realtek drivers (there is a problem there, install new sound card is on the to-do list) keep muting the microphone while he is using Speech Recognition??? Other than that, the machine flies, but it still loses to my single core Vista PC. His laptop is a prime example of why people hate Vista - it was not rated as Vista compatible, but I talked him into getting it on there anyways. It takes about a minute to boot, but you have to close and reopen the lid to get the screen to turn back on (Vista sees it as a REMOVABLE DEVICE, and TURNS IT OFF??? WTF??). Once its up and running, it takes a minute to load large applications like Firefox (with addons, not being sarcastic about "large applications"), but it works well. 1GB RAM... might explain it. He does like both machines, and even though he bashes Vista a lot (partially personal (in)experience, partial "believe the media!" syndrome), he can't deny that he likes it more than XP.


My experiences (see my DC profile for my PC info):

AERO runs like a beauty, even in 1080p (actually, ESPECIALLY in 1080p... talk about the "OOO" effect ). Games run at max detail without problems, with DX9 or 10.1 (but FPS drops like a rock on 10.1, but I don't have the best GPU).

Never had a BSoD, just the rare hard automatic reboot because something BAD happened (un/plugging IDE hard drive power at 2AM, hard drive failure (after 6 1/2 years of loyal service as a great slave IDE drive!) - actually, that one didn't cause an auto reboot, just freaked Vista out. Nothing ran (including shutdown.exe), and the BIOS went loony until I disconnected the drive.

I used to use F3D (Flip3D) on a very common basis, but now I have such a fast mouse (default @ 2k DPI) that I use less energy moving the mouse + clicking rather than hitting Win + Tab.

The volume, network, battery and other Tray Notification Icons ability to change dynamically is freaking awesome. I would have LOVED to have this in XP. When using my XP laptop I always glance down at the volume icon and go "crap, gotta click it...".

I hate IE, but IE7+ in Vista does have its advantages for those that use it. Enhanced security and bla bla... I use Firefox anyways

The Start menu layout owns FARR (IMO), and it is probably my most commonly used accessory of the OS. Start, type to search or run, and click to see all my applications, organized both in alphabetical and personal ordering (with the latter taking priority over the former).

I keep UAC, the Security Center (not the service, though) disabled (the notifications), the Firewall is off, Windows Defender is off, and Windows Updates are all green for downloading ASAP. It keeps me up to date without getting in my way, but I don't go around being an idiot and downloading THE_WORLDS_BIGGEST_PROGRAM_IT_DOES_EVERYTHING.EXE from every place

If I had to go either XP or Ubuntu, I would go Ubuntu. I can't take XP's simplicity and lack of visual data on-demand. Vista has it all there, all the time. It just works. (ZOMG! APPLE TRADEMARK! )

I love Vista, but I never did much like XP (up until 04-05). Professional look (9x) -> "Cartoony" (XP) -> "Homey" (Vista) - XP was the oddball.



-Brandon

474

Living Room / Re: which operating system you like most....

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on October 07, 2008, 05:50 PM »

Why on earth would you want a Vista transformation pack for XP? Getting the useless glitz without the worthwhile kernel improvements? O_o

From what I heard, the MSI Wind computers pack a little more punch than the ASUS EEEs. Guy from school has an EEE, and it's pretty cute... but you don't want to use it for anything heavier than web browsing and some light office tasks. JAVA development, even the simple stuff at school, is a bit of a challenge.

PS: check out if your school is part of the MSDNAA program - that would be a pretty cheap way for you to get a legit Windows license.

-f0dder (October 07, 2008, 03:10 AM)

Lack of money, 512MB RAM, the fact that it makes it act more like the Vista interface that I love...

I want a Mac for development and poking around with OS X. I want an EEE just for the fact that it runs Linux natively and I am now comfortable enough with Ubuntu to have a full on Linux system.

My dad goes to the local college and a Vista Home Premium license (upgrade, but I can bypass that anyways, not that I need to though ) there is available @ the bookstore for $90, but the 2GB RAM I want for my laptop is $94 + tax & shipping...

All want and no have makes wreckedcarzz behind in tech

475

Living Room / Re: One answered question before you died

« Last post by wreckedcarzz on October 07, 2008, 05:40 PM »

During human existence, what will become the extent of technology?

Just because that's me, the ever curious one, I would have to know how far humans would advance in technology before *something* happened. Be that an Earth-covering EMP blast, the Earth exploding, etc. Mostly for kicks, just because I'm waiting for the Intel Core 900 (17.38 Rev 4) Octo Edition with Phase Cooling and Uber-Threading Technology. Can't die until I know of it