Recent Posts

801

General Software Discussion / Re: Google Drive launched

« Last post by Carol Haynes on April 29, 2012, 06:27 AM »

Doesn't seem to be the same in the UK.

802

DC Gamer Club / Re: Humble Botanicula Debut

« Last post by Carol Haynes on April 28, 2012, 05:15 PM »

GOG did give The Witcher 2 Enchanced Edition to all Botanicula pre-orders, but it doesn't look a good match to me. A lot of people who would love the game they ordered are unlikely to want Witcher 2!

803

General Software Discussion / Re: free antivirus

« Last post by Carol Haynes on April 28, 2012, 02:49 PM »

Have you never opened the AVG window? Usually adverts there.

I also hate AVGs regular scans that seem to grind your system to a complete standstill.

-Carol Haynes (April 28, 2012, 11:45 AM)

No ads in the main window, and all my scans are set to "User Aware" which means it only uses minimal resources so I've never noticed lag

-Stephen66515 (April 28, 2012, 11:55 AM)

Strange every version of AVG Free I have seen has had ads in it, and popups at the most annoying moments. Are you running some sort of OS level ad blocker (like AdMuncher) ?

804

General Software Discussion / Re: Google Drive launched

« Last post by Carol Haynes on April 28, 2012, 02:47 PM »

Though highly unlikely, anyone ever found google customer service? I mean support via email or ticket? I have seen all their paid and free services are usually supported under one of their crappy interface forums.

-mahesh2k (April 28, 2012, 03:39 AM)

Just like Microsoft then

-Carol Haynes (April 28, 2012, 10:47 AM)

I've actually talked directly with MS reps over the phone for support, not to mention email, ticket, and other means.  So, no, not really.

-wraith808 (April 28, 2012, 12:28 PM)

Well I stand corrected - and equally amazed. My experience with MS is rather less encouraging!

805

General Software Discussion / Re: free antivirus

« Last post by Carol Haynes on April 28, 2012, 11:45 AM »

Have you never opened the AVG window? Usually adverts there.

I also hate AVGs regular scans that seem to grind your system to a complete standstill.

806

General Software Discussion / Re: Google Drive launched

« Last post by Carol Haynes on April 28, 2012, 10:47 AM »

Though highly unlikely, anyone ever found google customer service? I mean support via email or ticket? I have seen all their paid and free services are usually supported under one of their crappy interface forums.

-mahesh2k (April 28, 2012, 03:39 AM)

Just like Microsoft then

807

General Software Discussion / Re: free antivirus

« Last post by Carol Haynes on April 28, 2012, 10:42 AM »

Comodo is the only antivirus provider with the confidence to give you a $500 Virus-Free Guarantee: If your PC gets infected by a virus after Comodo Antivirus software is properly installed and registered, Comodo support technicians will restore it to working condition, or Comodo will cover up to $500 in repair costs.

(see attachment in previous post)

Comodo Internet Security Pro 2012
Includes award-winning Firewall, Antivirus and "GeekBuddy Support" for 1 PC, 1 Year: $ 4.99
http://antivirus.com...tivirus-advanced.php

-Curt (April 28, 2012, 10:18 AM)

Sounds a little like Belkin's outlandish claims for surge protection compensation - has anyone ever made a successful claim ?

808

General Software Discussion / Re: free antivirus

« Last post by Carol Haynes on April 28, 2012, 10:41 AM »

Free antivirus applications get less signature updates and (mostly) lack good heuristics. The first point is the worse.

-Tuxman (April 28, 2012, 10:07 AM)

In that case I am glad I never purchased Avast as it must have been downloading updates constantly. It was not uncommon for the free version to download 3 or 4 signature updates a day.

IMHO all AV solutions are pretty crap as they are either too aggressive or rely on user common sense - neither of which leads to a good outcome - and I have yet to find any AV solution that stops everything ... that solution just doesn't exist.

I have certainly found more infected computers WITH paid for solutions than the free solutions - especially the big names who really don't seem to do that well, as far as I can see, stopping common webpage based attacks.

The reasons I now use MSE are:

1) It is free.
2) No advertising - quiet in use unless there is something that needs to be reported.
3) At least as good as any of the alternatives (paid or free) - and better at some of the webpage based crap ware that works its way onto systems than most of the others.
4) You can do manual; scans or schedule scans daily or weekly and limit system impact during those scans.

The only piece of software I think is even more snake-oily than AV is third party firewalls. If you are a techy kind of person they can be useful but for most people they are significantly worse than useless - which is why I advise anyone who has to ask the question to stick with Windows Firewall and a NAT router.

809

General Software Discussion / Re: free antivirus

« Last post by Carol Haynes on April 28, 2012, 09:14 AM »

Unfortunately AVG and Avira advertise heavily in their free offerings, Avast used to be better but that has started advertising too now, though I don't think it is as in your face as AVG and Avira.

Avast does require annual registration for the free version.

810

Mini-Reviews by Members / Re: AdBlock for Chrome

« Last post by Carol Haynes on April 27, 2012, 07:41 PM »

Been using AdBlock plus in Chrome for ages without any issues that I have noticed. Usually have a minimum of 6 tabs open.

811

General Software Discussion / Re: windows xp sound device problems

« Last post by Carol Haynes on April 27, 2012, 04:04 PM »

Can you see the sound device in the device manager?

If it is a separate sound card try reseating it in its slot - it may have a poor connection or dust in the socket.

812

General Software Discussion / Re: Windows 8 to offer nine versions for sale

« Last post by Carol Haynes on April 27, 2012, 11:45 AM »

I know many people on diaspora using windows only for steam

-mahesh2k (April 27, 2012, 11:27 AM)

You are probably correct.

The big problem is not porting Steam but porting the games people want to play!

There are oodles of games for Windows on Steam and they have done a pretty good job with most getting them to be compatible with Windows XP through to 7 x64, but the choice for Mac is much smaller and I can't imagine that any time soon a huge library of Linux games will appear.

There is also the real problem distro differences to deal with - unless they abstract that - and then it would be good if graphics and sound card manufacturers actually started to produce any drivers for Linux at all.

Not an easy task for Steam to convince the developers who have to see dollar signs (or pound signs, or whatever) before committing themselves to a very expensive project.

813

General Software Discussion / Re: windows xp sound device problems

« Last post by Carol Haynes on April 27, 2012, 08:53 AM »

Have you checked the mixer (right click on the speaker). Make sure the speakers are enabled and that the correct sound device is selected in the Control Panel sounds section.

Do you have an HDMI cable to your monitor - sometimes this throws systems into digital only mode and the sound stops working.

814

General Software Discussion / Re: Windows 8 to offer nine versions for sale

« Last post by Carol Haynes on April 27, 2012, 05:17 AM »

LOL !!

Not sure I would take Gabe seriously - they may want to expand into Linux (which would be great) but I can't seem them abandoning Windows any time soon - not matter how much he hates Windows 8.

Don't forget the article is written by people with a vested interest in Linux!

The image is hosted on free image hosting so they are likely to have bandwidth limitation. It doesn't load sometimes.

-mahesh2k (April 27, 2012, 03:14 AM)

Doesn't display in thread for me at all, ever - displays fine if I right click on the placeholder and say show in new tab.

815

General Software Discussion / Re: Windows 8 to offer nine versions for sale

« Last post by Carol Haynes on April 27, 2012, 03:06 AM »

The link isn't broken - right click and show it in another window. Must have leech protect or similar applied to it. Perhaps you couple save the file and add it as an attachment!

816

Living Room / Re: OK - lets get to know each other... who are you, what do you do, where from?

« Last post by Carol Haynes on April 27, 2012, 03:04 AM »

Probably Living Room (if it is of a general nature) or if it relates to software from this website on the named board.

Just don't post to "My personal area" as no one else will see it ;-)

Welcome!

817

DC Gamer Club / Re: Humble Botanicula Debut

« Last post by Carol Haynes on April 26, 2012, 03:17 PM »

Botanicular bundle now has a bonus pack added:

All Humble Botanicula Debut customers can now download a behind-the-scenes Botanicula art book & map collection, a pack of behind-the-scenes photographs & concept art for the feature film Kooky, the experimental interactive music project Osada, and bonus albums from both Floex and DVA, the musicians behind some of Amanita Design's most evocative soundtracks.

If you pay more than the average price, you now have the additional option of streaming the film Kooky from Redux! Due to popular demand, we've also posted an extra high-quality version of the film. Check out your download page for details.

818

Living Room / Re: Team Time management/recording software

« Last post by Carol Haynes on April 26, 2012, 12:42 PM »

Thanks for the suggestions - I think for the time being they are going to try the free Toggl.

I haven't written programs for a lot of years but this looks like a possible good project to try ... don't hold your breath though my intentions are always better than my actions

819

General Software Discussion / Re: Microsoft takes on Dropbox with major SkyDrive update

« Last post by Carol Haynes on April 25, 2012, 07:01 PM »

I have had two BSOD 0x1e errors since I installed the desktop SkyDrive app on Windows 7 x64, uninstalled and haven't had one since. Think I will give it a miss.

820

General Software Discussion / Re: Microsoft takes on Dropbox with major SkyDrive update

« Last post by Carol Haynes on April 25, 2012, 03:25 PM »

From what I read (sorry can't remember where) the desktop app is not XP compatible.

821

Living Room / Re: Desktop items text visibility (Win 7)

« Last post by Carol Haynes on April 25, 2012, 01:22 PM »

Thanks - ctrl scroll is useful (something I hadn't noticed).

Also the article you pointed to linked to another article which got me to look at the visual performance applet in control panel - I had that set for performance (basically all options off) changing it to quality has made a big improvement.

See Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Performance Information and Tools

and click Adjust Visual Effects on the left.

Cheers

822

General Software Discussion / Re: Microsoft takes on Dropbox with major SkyDrive update

« Last post by Carol Haynes on April 25, 2012, 03:44 AM »

more of that here. apparently there is a "second factor of authentication".

-lanux128 (April 25, 2012, 01:21 AM)

When I set up the desktop app I had to enter a code received by text.

Not a terribly convincing form of security, especially as I have never seen second factor authentication via a browser.

What is the point of this code when anyone hacking your email account (and I have seen this happen many times in recent months) can access all you files.

823

General Software Discussion / Re: Microsoft takes on Dropbox with major SkyDrive update

« Last post by Carol Haynes on April 24, 2012, 05:56 PM »

Question - I have installed the SkyDrive app for windows 7 - fine.

How do I sign out of it and login with a different hotmail account?

In fact short of uninstalling it I can't see how to logout or change user credentials???

824

Living Room / Desktop items text visibility (Win 7)

« Last post by Carol Haynes on April 24, 2012, 04:49 PM »

Anyone found a solution to make desktop icons more readable in Windows 7.

In earlier versions you could apply a background colour to the text but it doesn't seem to be possible in Win 7.

I find the only way I can often read titles is to highlight them - which is annoying. Even then if the text is white the selection highlight washes the text out.

The only other solution is to restrict wallpapers and slideshows to exculsively dark or light images and then set the desktop colour to an opposite setting.

Its really frustrating!

825

DC Gamer Club / Re: Humble Botanicula Debut

« Last post by Carol Haynes on April 24, 2012, 04:44 PM »

Watched Kooky: Overall it is a little disappointing - the story is pretty weak and the acting not great

-Ampa (April 24, 2012, 04:12 PM)

That's probably because it isn't the original actors - the original film has be redubbed into English.

If you check out their website you will find the trailer to the film which is voiced over by Jeremy Irons!