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8476
^What can I say? Your individual performance and mileage may vary.  :)

Got a Northgate 386-20 with a 80Mb drive in it that still boots up WFWG on cue everytime I hit the switch. I've had two server drives go south on me twice (different machines) in the last 6 months. Top quality units too. Both were members of RAID arrays. Both cases encountered a second member drive failure - one during the rebuild (RAID-1); the second (RAID-5) one month and 4 days after the rebuild.

Saw that exact same thing happen once the year before that.

Please underdtand I'm not trying to read too much into it. We all know drives fail all the time. 

But it has made me reassess my opinion of exactly what RAID brings to the table. And also what representations I'm making to my clients about it.
8477
General Software Discussion / Re: Your most used SPECIAL programs
« Last post by 40hz on January 05, 2011, 12:43 PM »
From what I have read (I've not tried it) Outline 4D seems to be aimed at screen writers. I did also note a comment somewhere that it was basically a 2005 program that hadn't been updated since (except for something very marginal) and was freshened up by being given a new name - but still the same program underneath. Not really a problem,, I suppose, if it is already as good as it needs to be.

Well...it is an outliner.

And it is primarily designed for writers,

And screenwriters.

So...I don't know how much more they can do to it function or feature-wise before it morphs into something else.  
 :)
8478
General Software Discussion / Re: Your most used SPECIAL programs
« Last post by 40hz on January 05, 2011, 10:46 AM »

Check this program out. The absolute best freebie for writers: http://www.spacejock.com/yWriter5.html


@sazzen- Great recommendation! 8)

 yWriter has been a perennially popular writer's tool. And with good reason. It's a great piece of software. It was one of the first writing apps I ever tried. It worked well enough that I wound up using it almost exclusively for a couple of years. That's a lot more than I can say about some things I paid beau coup bucks for.

Before I bought anything, I'd follow your recommendation and give yWriter a try first. With a little luck it just might be the only thing like that you'll ever need to install.

 :Thmbsup:
8479
Living Room / Re: Are You Ready to Switch to GNU/Linux?
« Last post by 40hz on January 05, 2011, 09:32 AM »
Re:Focus Writer

Prerty cool! I currently use WriteMonkey, which does much the same thing. But it's a Windows only app. Nice to see something that straddles multiple op systems.

Note: I'll likely switch over to the blank screen editor found in Liquid Story Binder "real soon now."  It's not that I have a problem with WriteMonkey. (I actually prefer it to LSB's version!)  But since I'm spending so much time in LSB, it's just easier to keep everything inside the one app so to speak.

My big goal for this year is to distill my work environment down to it's absolute essence. I feel I'm using far too many software tools to get my work done lately. (But I'd suspect that's  a fairly common 'occupational hazard' for folks like us.)

 :-* Simplify, simplify, simplify... :-*

(Man, I really must be getting old if I'm talking like that...  ;D)
        
8480
@Eóin - you are quite correct. But I wasn't referring so much to the manufacturing batch numbers as I was to them likely all being on the same engineering revision, equally old, and equally (ab)used in whatever environment they're in.

In my experience, its environmental factors and age that have the most bearing on a drive's useful life expectancy. I haven't run into too many manufacturer's defects when it comes to server drives.
8481
IMO, RAID is oversold when it comes to small server deployments.

FWIW I think it's generally a big mistake to try to do RAID on the cheap. Epecially if you're doing RAID-5. I've seen too many bad things happen with inexpensive RAID controllers and consumer grade SATA drives to be very comfortable recommending them.

I believe most people would be far better off with some combination of routine backups, smart folder synchronization, and restoration disk images unless they have the money (and need) to go with "server grade" drives and controller cards.

By all means go with multiple drives inside a small server. Just don't create arrays out of them unless you have a genuine need to do so.

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

(RAID5) Two drives blowing in perfect harmony is excruciatingly unlikely
Yet it does happen - and when it does, it's usually when rebuilding the array, which seems to be more stressful on the disks than the simple procedure of re-duping a mirror to a blank drive. Shit's probably most likely to hit the fan if you've use drives from the same batch when building your raid5, which is a cardinal sin and all that... but with the stories I've heard, I wouldn't put my faith in Raid-5.

+1 on that. I've seldom seen a rebuild go 100% smoothly. Usually all of the drives were purchased at the same time  - and exposed to the same environmental conditions (i.e. heat) during their service period - so the likelihood of a second drive failing during a rebuild is not exactly uncommon.

In a mission critical setting, the only thing RAID really gives you is uninterrupted uptime and the opportunity to get the "most current" backup or image off the array. If the rest of the drives in the array are over a year or two old, you're better off replacing all of them.

If I got $5 for the number of times I've replaced one RAID drive element only to have a second one go within a few weeks...well...maybe I wouldn't be wealthy, but I'd still have a tidy sum tucked  in my pocket.

IMHO the only real advantage hardware raid controllers give you is battery-backed cache.

Plus better reliability and (maybe) some speed gains along with reduced stress on the server. But on a modern server equipped with today's multicore CPUs and RAM configurations, I don't think it's all that big a benefit any more.

And replacements for those cards tend to be pretty expensive, don't they?

Less so than in the past. But they're still pretty pricey. :'(
8482
General Software Discussion / Re: Your most used SPECIAL programs
« Last post by 40hz on January 05, 2011, 06:24 AM »
Kind of insane, I'll agree. But then I have to consider what a lot of people who use this type of software are like. Last time I sat in on a workshop, I think there were maybe three out of 150 who weren't using pirated software. Most seemed to think it funny someone actually paid for their copy of Final Draft.

Sad.
Does anyone here think that those who pirate software would be likely to purchase a copy and then request a refund? I don’t think so. I think that only someone seriously considering the program would shell out that much up front. But then again I am probably way off there. Who knows anymore!

Jim
I definitely wouldn't - but then I definitely wouldn't shell out just to be able to try a program, requesting a refund is too much hassle. So, like Stephen, I'd look around for a pirated copy instead. And that's how I ended up purchasing RegEx Buddy, which has no trial but a 100% refund guarantee :)


Just for the record, Final Draft retails (street) for $185 USD, ships with a 30-day money back guarantee, allows for multiple installs (with 2 copies active at the same time), and has a free full feature demo available.

FYI: There are free and less expensive equivalent products available.  :)

8483
@SB-

A server's primary function is to provide security. It does this by controlling access to resources and data assets stored on a network. Anything else a server does after that is pure gravy.

Some suggestions in no specific order:

- If you don't need much security - and all you want to do is store and share files - a NAS solution is your best bet.

- If you want/need to do more than that (i.e. provide remote access, have user roles, offer additional services such as VMs, HTTP or SFTP) then you will want to get a 'real' server.

-For home or SOHO use, Windows Home Server is all you'll need. It's very easy to work with. And it doesn't take a pilot's license to fly it. At a street price of around $100 (so far) it's also pretty cheap for a product that has full tech support available.

-Don't even bother running print shares off a home or SOHO server. Unless you need to restrict who gets to use the printer (or account for the number of pages coming off it) just go for a printer with network capabilities. Print directly to it over your network and be done with it.

For a business with plans to grow (or just delusions of grandeur) the choices get a little more complicated.

-If you're going to maintain it yourself, it doesn't really matter what you pick. Linux or Windows - either way you've got some work and book time ahead of you.

-If you're hiring, pick whatever the most popular platform in your area is . Because that's what the talent pool you're going to hire from is likely working with - and knows best.

In my neck of the woods, it's Windows Server hands down. Out in sunny Los Angeles or Frisco Bay it's probably more likely to be an even split between BSD and Bill Gates.

-If you want to try a general Linux server solution, and it's your maiden voyage, try one of these first: Zentyal or ClearOS. They're very forgiving since they have a nice GUI to work with until earn your Techno-Wonk Beanie-copter.

140.jpg

(Note: Effective 10/17/1999 - having webbed-feet is no longer a requirement in order to wear a 'B-C.')

Luck! :Thmbsup:


8484
General Software Discussion / Re: Your most used SPECIAL programs
« Last post by 40hz on January 04, 2011, 06:11 PM »
40hz, what's your gut reaction to this question, you don't have to overexplain it:
Outline 4D vs. Liquid Story Binder ?

Getting a little too long-winded for you huh?  (Overexplain? Me?) ;D

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

OK.

If I were buying only one thing:

  • I'd go with Liquid Story Binder if I were a fiction or dramatic writer that needed a central place to store my stuff, and some tools to help me create and keep it all organized.
     
  • I'd go with Outline 4D if I were primarily involved with story development and plot brainstorming - or if I were writing a complex book or TV series (e.g. Harry Potter, Alias, Lost, 24, MI5, etc.) where I needed to stay on top of numerous characters, multiple plots or subplots, and story elements.

So my gut? Most folks should start with LSB.

Does that answer?  :)


8485
General Software Discussion / Re: Your most used SPECIAL programs
« Last post by 40hz on January 04, 2011, 05:27 PM »
@Curt - the Writer's Store (www.writersstore.com) has an easier return policy. Standard 30-day if not satisfied, subject to any restrictions by the software publishers themselves on specific products - which are clearly pointed out on the website. They carry most products.  

Good people to deal with. I shop there regularly and I've been very happy with the prices and their service.

 :)
8486
General Software Discussion / Re: Your most used SPECIAL programs
« Last post by 40hz on January 04, 2011, 04:16 PM »
Be sure you do try it, and really give it a workout before you decide.

I really like the thing. My writing buddy friend (who is a far better writer than me) can't stand working with it. He's strictly an index card type of guy.

I think this is one if those apps you either love or hate. Like DramaticaPro and a many other writer's tools, there doesn't seem to be a middle ground with this stuff.
8487
General Software Discussion / Re: Your most used SPECIAL programs
« Last post by 40hz on January 04, 2011, 03:48 PM »
Just to shift gears a moment: one new "special" app I've been getting a lot of mileage out of over the past year is something called Outline 4D published by Write Brothers Inc.

40hz, is that as it looks, a single-pane outliner?  That now seems rarer than two-pane, but looks to me better for writing documents as opposed to storing information.  From their Web site, it sounds a bit like a subset of ECCO.

Yup. The rarest of rare birds these days. Single pane with hoist and collapse features (guess its called "folding" now) just the way the angels intended it. Haven't seen one of those since the days of MaxThink or Acta, have ya? ;D

I own an old copy of Ecco. Used to be a big fan. 4D's not that much like it IMHO. It reminds me more of Acta than anything else except it has features specifically geared towards fiction writing built into it.
8488
General Software Discussion / Re: Your most used SPECIAL programs
« Last post by 40hz on January 04, 2011, 03:36 PM »
Kind of insane, I'll agree. But then I have to consider what a lot of people who use this type of software are like. Last time I sat in on a workshop, I think there were maybe three out of 150 who weren't using pirated software. Most seemed to think it funny someone actually paid for their copy of Final Draft.

Sad.




8489
Oh. They put a freekin' countdown timer widget on the offer page?

That just lost me. I do not respond well to sales pressure tactics. Even if it will net me a discount.

And yes, I know that's what the de jour part of BdJ is all about. But that whole "cable television" shill approach to selling something is an absolute turn off for me.

Sorry Vince! Better luck next time.  ;)
8490
Funny... I always imagined it would look more like a cross between the "running of the bulls" in Pamplona Spain, and the Emerald City "Hahaha!-Hohoho!" dance number in The Wizard of Oz.
8491
Living Room / Re: RedLetterMedia Reviews Star Wars and more
« Last post by 40hz on January 04, 2011, 09:53 AM »
Nice one , 40.  Pajiba looks nice, I like it.

Glad to hear! :)

It's also a potentially useful source site too. One business acquaintance of mine has garnered a reputation for being one "smart & sassy" conversationalist by making a habit of parroting back phrases and opinions she's obviously picked up from there.

She tends to be a bit full of herself most times...

I'm waiting for the day somebody else figures out her 'source' and calls her on it in something reminiscent of that exchange between Matt Damon and the pseudo intellectual poseur in the film Good Will Hunting.

It's gonna be a painful scene. Hope I'm NOT around to see it happen.
8492
Living Room / Re: complete 180 on mouse preference - what's the best cheap mouse?
« Last post by 40hz on January 04, 2011, 06:09 AM »

(If you never lift the mouse of the pad then I appreciate that a heavy wireless mouse won't be an issue. I seem to constantly lift the mouse with almost every movement.)
 

????

Wow.

Never met anybody who did that.

Forgive my curiosity, but are you feathering your digital brushstrokes or something?  :huh:

8493
Living Room / Re: RedLetterMedia Reviews Star Wars and more
« Last post by 40hz on January 04, 2011, 05:54 AM »
Picked one at random and ended up watching the Nemesis recap.

Sounded pretty spot on to me. And not particularly over the top. I guess he's either toned down the insanity and bathroom 'humor'; or I just happened to catch the one review where there wasn't much. Guess I'll reserve judgment on that part until I watch a few more.

Confession: I was never much of a Star Trek fan. And I've never been overly impressed by the films.

Which is a problem.

Because I watch each installment I get dragged to as a movie. I don't ever experience that ritual bonding 'thing' the Trek diehards seem to get out if it. So having somebody eviscerate a Trek feature film for being a bad movie - and a bad story - is a welcome relief AFAIC. Especially since most reviewers focus on everything BUT how poorly written the storylines are.

I know there is the need to willingly "suspend disbelief" in order to understand and appreciate speculative fiction. But when logical development of a plot gets thrown out the window, or when internal inconsistencies make me stop and say "What???", my paused disbelief gets re-enabled pretty quickly.

About the best thing I can say for the TNG films is that the directors finally gave the Deanna Troi character a decent hairdo.

But maybe that's just me.

BeforeAfter.png

Why don't you be the judge?

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

Addendum: one of my favorite sites for cranky reviews (film/TV/books) is the improbably named Pajiba ("Scathing Reviews, Bitchy People") website. Nice to read something that's snarky and well written. For once.

Excerpt from their About page follows for anyone who may be interested:

Spoiler
Who is Pajiba?

Quite simply, Pajiba is an eclectic set of critics and eloquent readers. Check out the staff page if you simply must know more.


What of Pajiba?

For reasons we’d rather not go into, we can’t actually tell you what Pajiba means but, should Pajiba catch fire and become a national phenomenon, we would like you to know that it is pronounced like a part of the female anatomy, if you have a bit of a cold, which makes it an awfully enjoyable word to say (try it, out loud, in your cubicle). Any other pronunciation makes us bristle, hack, and contort our faces in very unpleasant ways, particularly those pronunciations that involve long e’s. Please do not pronounce it Pajeeba in front of the publisher; he has a felony record.

Based ostensibly in Portland, Maine, Pajiba has offices (and by “offices,” we mean guys and gals writing reviews on kitchenette tables in their overpriced hovels or in their cubicles during office hours) around North America. If you lurk in the comments section for any length of time, you’ll also notice that we have several regular commenters (often referred to as The Eloquents) who make their own valuable contributions to the Pajiba experience. They are scattered across the country, and you can add your place among them, geographically.

Pajiba is a film, book, and television review site, though we used to feature weekly political commentary as well. Unfortunately, our political column was shut down by the Bush Administration through a little-used clause in the Patriot Act. (We still attempt to sneak a few political pieces by Homeland Security, on occasion.) For real, though; in May of 2006, we were temporarily shut down when DHS seized our hard drives.


Note: If their temporary shutdown in May of 2006 by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security piques your curiosity, here's the story on that:

Spoiler
I’ll start, offering up a short explanation for one of the more common questions asked around these parts:

Department of Homeland Security: Cabinet department of the U.S. federal government with the responsibility of protecting the territory of the U.S. from terrorist attacks and responding to natural disasters. In May 2005, under the Bush administration, DHS mysteriously seized the hard drives of the server Pajiba then resided on, offering no explanation nor ever returning hard drive (several other sites also resides on the server). The site was rebuilt from Google caches, and any and all comments prior to May 2005, as well as a handful of comments and our short-lived political section, were forever lost.


Apparently they were yet another innocent bystander victim of a drive-by government cyber-shooting in the War on Terror during the Bush/Chaney Error Era.  ;)
8494
General Software Discussion / Re: How to choose the best Linux distro for laptops
« Last post by 40hz on January 03, 2011, 05:45 PM »
I'll keep building my own little desktops on the cheap.

+1 8)

And all this time I thought I was alone doing that. :Thmbsup: ;D
8495

Let's beat that horse some more...

GO MONO~! :D

Let's beat that horse some more...

Seriously bad idea.  8)

8496
General Software Discussion / Re: Slash your windows boot time
« Last post by 40hz on January 03, 2011, 04:19 PM »
You could also use Revo Uninstaller whenever you decide to remove something. It's very good at sweeping up leftover registry items and folders. I pretty much ignore Windows' built-in add/remove and use Revo to uninstall everything these days.

The free version works just fine so don't bother with the pro edition.

(Note: I sent them a 'contribution' by buying a copy of pro since I felt guilty about having the freebie on every one of my personal machines at home.) :)
8497
Living Room / Re: iPhone Alarms Don't Work
« Last post by 40hz on January 03, 2011, 08:07 AM »
Well..."Time be time - but there be good and bad," as Bob Marley once said.

Wonder how de ganja is holding up over in Cupertino? :P

EDIT: just fixed the name Marley which my iPhone's spell check (which doesn't work that great either btw) flipped to "Market" some time after I typed it. I guess it shouldn't surprise us it's 'pooched' when you consider they can't even get their own alarm clock right.
8498
Site/Forum Features / Re: For what it's worth, DC Homepage is now google PageRank 6
« Last post by 40hz on January 02, 2011, 11:08 PM »
Mea culpa. You did say that didn't you? Sorry if I misunderstood.

In that case +1 w/Renegade. Likely Google feels it needs to be rechecked for some reason. You should see that take place within the next few days.

BTW: Good luck getting a straight answer from Google as why it happened.
8499
Living Room / Re: Anyone want to write an eBook in 2011?
« Last post by 40hz on January 02, 2011, 10:21 PM »
Lemme know if I can contribute in any way.

you could write the book :)

I was wondering how long it was going to take before somebody said that.  ;D

If you ever go to a writer's workshop, you'll hear that said about a dozen times an hour to first time would-be coauthors.

(Please don't ask me how I know that.)  ;)

8500
Living Room / Re: Holy Pirates~! =p
« Last post by 40hz on January 02, 2011, 10:13 PM »
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