It's early. Dogs barking, trains rolling, an aching back and a server that needs finishing have all combined to keep me up. There is an unusual amount of traffic on the rails this morning. Probably why the dogs are barking, they don't like the noise either. Actually the nights have been cool and the window fan is running on low. This could be the reason the noise level is up. Duh!
Microsoft has delayed the intro date of Office 2007. Gee, guess Mr. Ballmer and company needed the coders from that division to help write WGA spyware. You can read more about the Office 2007 delay at ArsTechnica. Ken Fisher has the details.
Thr 4th is Tuesday. Love Independence Day. The grill, she will be smokin'. If you have the wonderful pleasure of an extended weekend my hat's off to you. If driving, please be careful.
"You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism."
-Erma Bombeck
Ramblings, opinions, and general meanderings from the Deep South
Friday, June 30, 2006
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Privacy, It's a Good Thing
Microsoft is being sued due to installing spyware on Windows computers. This is a step in the right direction. IMHO, everyone that works for Claria, 180Solutions, PSGuard, CoolWebSearch, Incredifind, Look2Me, etc., should be rounded up, put on a delapidated shuttle and then launched into the Sun. Please don't give me that garbage about adware, spyware, malware, or whateverware - it's all the same. Don't put ANYTHING on my computer unless you have consent. It has enough problems distributing resources for the operating system and certainly doesn't need more clutter, especially clutter NOT requested. Read more at SeattlePI.com and Groklaw (love the name). Thanks goes out to Cowboy Neal at Slashdot for an important heads up.
"Be as beneficent as the sun or the sea, but if your rights as a rational being are trenched on, die on the first inch of your territory."
-Emerson
"Be as beneficent as the sun or the sea, but if your rights as a rational being are trenched on, die on the first inch of your territory."
-Emerson
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Zboard Rocks!
It's good to be back. Many things needed attention over the past two days so my ability to post was limited. Seems to be early morning or late evening are the best times to sit down for a few minutes and collect thoughts. Life can be overwhelming for all of us. Schedules went out the window Monday.
New hardware has been added to the beach house network. This machine now has a zboard. This is a standard keyboard with a set of left-concentric controls that can be programmed for various tasks with a special accent on gaming. This is the MERC model and different keysets can be downloaded from their site. The touch is soft and it has a very good feel. Of course this one is running a GuildWars theme. The left keypad is ergonomic and it will take some time to realize my left hand can stay on the left side of the keyboard. After just a few days everything is positive. No, it's not wireless, but a good addition anyway.
Back to the grind. Everyone enjoy the fact that the weekend is only a few days away. Thanks goes to Ashby Rhett Culpepper, III, Esq., for the tip about zboards.
"Experience is not what happens to a man. It is what a man does with what happens to him."
-Huxley
New hardware has been added to the beach house network. This machine now has a zboard. This is a standard keyboard with a set of left-concentric controls that can be programmed for various tasks with a special accent on gaming. This is the MERC model and different keysets can be downloaded from their site. The touch is soft and it has a very good feel. Of course this one is running a GuildWars theme. The left keypad is ergonomic and it will take some time to realize my left hand can stay on the left side of the keyboard. After just a few days everything is positive. No, it's not wireless, but a good addition anyway.
Back to the grind. Everyone enjoy the fact that the weekend is only a few days away. Thanks goes to Ashby Rhett Culpepper, III, Esq., for the tip about zboards.
"Experience is not what happens to a man. It is what a man does with what happens to him."
-Huxley
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Aftermath
Sorry about launching yesterday's post late. It was overlooked. My friends arrived after taking a brief tour of the New Orleans area. Their concern and pictures show an area still devastated from hurricane Katrina. It is sad this is happening. It is sad that Nagan was re-elected. Anyone that goes on national TV and takes the Lord's name in vain should NOT be elected to any official post. He shows no sign of being able to constrain himself in the wake of disaster. Now all you Nazi-Democrats can rage against the beach house. I don't care. We could not stop talking about this horrible tragedy. I love this city and its people. Nagan, quit mouthing and get out there and do something besides Bush bashing. George W. did not rain down this storm.
It's late, my latest server project is being difficult (W2K server is not happy with the SCSI CD-ROM), and Monday seems to always start early. Stay casual everyone and please pray for the well being of people in the NOLA area.
"Money doesn't talk, it swears."
-Bob Dylan
It's late, my latest server project is being difficult (W2K server is not happy with the SCSI CD-ROM), and Monday seems to always start early. Stay casual everyone and please pray for the well being of people in the NOLA area.
"Money doesn't talk, it swears."
-Bob Dylan
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Night Munchies
Just as I decide to build an AMD PC they cancel the 939 motherboard. Of course this is the one included in the list of specs for a new, sleek, fast PC dedicated to run the already notorious Windows Vista (it won't debut until next year) here at the beach house. You can read about it at ArsTechnica. May be this will end up being a good buy and still incorporated. Another wait and see.
Have friends arriving late. They have been to New Orleans on a new Harley-Davidson Heritage and will get landing clearance in a few hours. Chicken is about to go on the grill and Emeril's etouffee, version 2 with rice, will be the side dish. Aunt Tense's cornbread is filling the house with a wonderful aroma. Later.
"People that put sugar in their cornbread just ain't right with the Lord."
-Ludlow Porch
Have friends arriving late. They have been to New Orleans on a new Harley-Davidson Heritage and will get landing clearance in a few hours. Chicken is about to go on the grill and Emeril's etouffee, version 2 with rice, will be the side dish. Aunt Tense's cornbread is filling the house with a wonderful aroma. Later.
"People that put sugar in their cornbread just ain't right with the Lord."
-Ludlow Porch
Friday, June 23, 2006
Winding Down, Unlike a Particular Rabbit
TV is amazing. Who decided a talking, computer animated lizard was a good medium with which to sell insurance? GEICO will NEVER see any of my money. I turn the channel when that thing comes on to irritate millions. And can someone explain to me why it has a British accent? Another gripe, will someone please shoot that damn battery rabbit?!? How wearisome. If he shows up at the beach house that drum will become an uncomfortable garment.
On the other hand the new Diet Mountain Dew commercial with the dude bronco busting the shark makes me LOL. Funny stuff. Snoop Dog's Orbit commercial is kewl too. Okay, easily entertained here. And tired. Long day tomorrow. BTW, I bought Snoop's gum and it ain't bad. Hey, if this is all that can be found while whining, things are really NOT too tough! LOL! Everyone rest easy this weekend.
"Enjoy when you can, and endure when you must."
-Goethe
On the other hand the new Diet Mountain Dew commercial with the dude bronco busting the shark makes me LOL. Funny stuff. Snoop Dog's Orbit commercial is kewl too. Okay, easily entertained here. And tired. Long day tomorrow. BTW, I bought Snoop's gum and it ain't bad. Hey, if this is all that can be found while whining, things are really NOT too tough! LOL! Everyone rest easy this weekend.
"Enjoy when you can, and endure when you must."
-Goethe
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Operating Systems and zzzzzz
Found this during my meandering while awaiting the results of a repair effort on a computer that has been difficult: Software Wars Map. Not entirely accurate, but still a funny premise on the latest in the computing front. The ratios seem about right.
Installing Linux Ubuntu on a 400mhz celeron machine. It's simple so far and they are kewl+ due to the invitation to copy and distribute the software printed on the disc container. Planning a near future FreeBSD installation with a fellow tech that is interested. Due to our time schedules it's still a few weeks off, but nice to have two people working on the same goal. Ashby, most likely we will need your help and expertise.
Sleep is on me heavy. Later.
"It is a common experience that a problem difficult at night is resolved in the morning after the committee of sleep has worked on it."
-Steinbeck
Installing Linux Ubuntu on a 400mhz celeron machine. It's simple so far and they are kewl+ due to the invitation to copy and distribute the software printed on the disc container. Planning a near future FreeBSD installation with a fellow tech that is interested. Due to our time schedules it's still a few weeks off, but nice to have two people working on the same goal. Ashby, most likely we will need your help and expertise.
Sleep is on me heavy. Later.
"It is a common experience that a problem difficult at night is resolved in the morning after the committee of sleep has worked on it."
-Steinbeck
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Just Googlin' Along
You gotta love this - most search requests that come out of Microsoft are through Google. How about 64% of Yahoo searches are done with Google!?!? The employees at Google are rock solid at 100%. You can read about it at the Inquirer.
"Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time."
-Steven Wright
"Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time."
-Steven Wright
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
The Server Groans
This is interesting:
"Windows Live is a huge growth opportunity for Microsoft," Taylor said. As such, the company plans to dedicate $1.1 billion of the company's $6.2 billion 2007 research budget to Windows Live services. "This doesn't mean that Microsoft is backing away from our other core businesses," he added.
Why don't they just cruise on over to Google, see how this is done and use that 1.1 billion in software development? Seriously, they are just imitating Google and it's a bit late. Wouldn't Microsoft be better off concentrating on operating systems and office suites? Greed is a terrible, terrible thing. So is world conquest and domination. You can read the rest of the article at BetaNews.
For years Microsoft has been favored at the beach house primarily due to their Windows operating systems. You know, 'better a Windows world than an Apple world.' Never have liked their instant messenger or Hotmail. They have not been perfect by any means. Remember Windows ME? How about WGA spyware? Recently, I changed the update policy on all Windows machines at the beach house. They are all supposed to let me know when such updates are needed. One machine sat there staring at me during shutdown late last night and informed me that it would install updates upon cessation and reactivation of the machine. Hmmmmm... thought I told it not to do that.
It's my belief that since there are a lot of different PCs attached to this network throughout the week (for repairs) they have associated an illegal copy of XP on one of those PCs with this address. Research furthers thinking in this direction. My changing to a Linux or FreeBSD server platform has been escalated. Several tech friends have jumped to non-Windows platforms and are all pumped up about making the break with Windows. Well, I just can't do that. The need to know Windows is important if you are in the computer-help business. At the same time, changing the server software is a step in the right direction.
Let's face it. It's a Windows world out there. My passion for GuildWars is even tied to Microsoft. It only runs on Windows machines. Ashby Rhett Culpepper, III, ESQ., is looking into running it with FreeBSD. There are emulators out there. I use Teamspeak on my server and have found that it will perform nicely on a Debian based flavor of Linux. Since Linux SUSE is exactly that and I OWN a copy, this transition can happen in a day's time. Awaiting a copy of Linux Ubuntu for review and possible implementation n that is the only reason such a transition has not taken place. Hopefully, the server will see new software before the week ends!
Wow, did I just ramble on about all this for several paragraphs? Gotta go. Have a casual Tuesday.
"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."
-Emerson
"Windows Live is a huge growth opportunity for Microsoft," Taylor said. As such, the company plans to dedicate $1.1 billion of the company's $6.2 billion 2007 research budget to Windows Live services. "This doesn't mean that Microsoft is backing away from our other core businesses," he added.
Why don't they just cruise on over to Google, see how this is done and use that 1.1 billion in software development? Seriously, they are just imitating Google and it's a bit late. Wouldn't Microsoft be better off concentrating on operating systems and office suites? Greed is a terrible, terrible thing. So is world conquest and domination. You can read the rest of the article at BetaNews.
For years Microsoft has been favored at the beach house primarily due to their Windows operating systems. You know, 'better a Windows world than an Apple world.' Never have liked their instant messenger or Hotmail. They have not been perfect by any means. Remember Windows ME? How about WGA spyware? Recently, I changed the update policy on all Windows machines at the beach house. They are all supposed to let me know when such updates are needed. One machine sat there staring at me during shutdown late last night and informed me that it would install updates upon cessation and reactivation of the machine. Hmmmmm... thought I told it not to do that.
It's my belief that since there are a lot of different PCs attached to this network throughout the week (for repairs) they have associated an illegal copy of XP on one of those PCs with this address. Research furthers thinking in this direction. My changing to a Linux or FreeBSD server platform has been escalated. Several tech friends have jumped to non-Windows platforms and are all pumped up about making the break with Windows. Well, I just can't do that. The need to know Windows is important if you are in the computer-help business. At the same time, changing the server software is a step in the right direction.
Let's face it. It's a Windows world out there. My passion for GuildWars is even tied to Microsoft. It only runs on Windows machines. Ashby Rhett Culpepper, III, ESQ., is looking into running it with FreeBSD. There are emulators out there. I use Teamspeak on my server and have found that it will perform nicely on a Debian based flavor of Linux. Since Linux SUSE is exactly that and I OWN a copy, this transition can happen in a day's time. Awaiting a copy of Linux Ubuntu for review and possible implementation n that is the only reason such a transition has not taken place. Hopefully, the server will see new software before the week ends!
Wow, did I just ramble on about all this for several paragraphs? Gotta go. Have a casual Tuesday.
"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."
-Emerson
Monday, June 19, 2006
Hardware
In the market to build a PC? There is a world of information about how to/what to, just surf the web. You might start at Ars System Guide. Good guide that has a nice breakdown of component parts involved in the building of three different levels of computers.
Another way to do this is to use the configurator found on a major manufacturer's site. HP and Dell both offer this service. It's a good idea to read review sites such as Tom's Hardware. He's been around since 1996 and does a good job. Again, many sites exist that offer opinions about hardware trends.
Posting late due to Monday being a Monday. Later.
"Drag your thoughts away from your troubles... by the ears, by the heels, or any other way you can manage it."
-Mark Twain
Another way to do this is to use the configurator found on a major manufacturer's site. HP and Dell both offer this service. It's a good idea to read review sites such as Tom's Hardware. He's been around since 1996 and does a good job. Again, many sites exist that offer opinions about hardware trends.
Posting late due to Monday being a Monday. Later.
"Drag your thoughts away from your troubles... by the ears, by the heels, or any other way you can manage it."
-Mark Twain
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Sir Paul and Sir Bill
Last night Paul McCartney was mentioned. He is 64 today. It was late and weariness from hardware abuse had me down. It is very refreshing to know Sir Paul has made it to an age that he memorialized in tune when only 16 years old. He's on the news shows this morning and is most impressive in attitude and alertness. He just doesn't seem to have aged that much. What a bright fellow.
Growing up, Ed Sullivan was a Sunday night staple. Well, most Sunday nights our family was in church, but we did stay home for some events. Elvis comes to mind as does the Beatles. Remember? Back before VCRs? Back when only a few TV sets were in color? Back when you didn't lock your car when it was in your driveway? Wow, even back then you didn't have to worry about evilness invading Halloween and kids were free to roam the neighborhood. Yes, boys and girls, the world was definitely a kinder, gentler place at one time. I digress.
When the Beatles hit America via the Ed Sullivan Show, the world changed forever. They were received with open arms and took advantage of many of the venues pioneered by Elvis. The girls absolutely adored all of them. Boys emulated them. The hair issues became prevelant and those boots with the high heels and zippers up the side were all the rage. Each album was anticipated and they seemed to always wow us with new, exciting music. They were not perfect (who can forget John's remark about Jesus?), but 3 of the 4 seemed to have stayed within the accepted bounds of positive media which has ALWAYS been a hard criteria.
Dad had problems with long hair, but he did like their music. He was not happy with Sgt. Pepper's at first, but warmed up after hearing When I'm 64. He also liked the White Album a lot. My brother and I were blessed with music during our formative years. Our Dad loved Jazz, the Blues, Big Band, Rock, Classical and we were encouraged to pursue things melodius. During my several attempts to finish college playing in a rock band was part of my income. My brother has been a darn good professional musician all his adult life and is now a member of the praise band at church. Church, study, baseball, and music were promoted. Still like all these things. What a great childhood.
Dad passed away in 1998. I remember the last thing that he said to me. It was right after Christmas holidays and the call was to check and see if he was okay. His doctor had told me, just a few nights before Christmas as he released him from the hospital, "Mike, he won't survive another heart attack." He didn't. But, a wonderful thing happened in this phone call. The last thing my Father told me was, "I love you, son." That's right, the last words spoken to me by Dad were "I love you, son." Yes, tears ARE streaming down my face. I do miss him. He was such a great, wonderful, larger than life influence in my life.
If you can't visit at least call. It is Father's Day. It won't hurt to call Mom either. My life has been truly blessed in many ways. Thank You, God.
"Sherman made the terrible discovery that men make about their fathers sooner or later... that the man before him was not an aging father but a boy, a boy much like himself, a boy who grew up and had a child of his own and, as best he could, out of a sense of duty and, perhaps love, adopted a role called Being a Father so that his child would have something mythical and infinitely important: a Protector, who would keep a lid on all the chaotic and catastrophic possibilities of life."
-Tom Wolfe, The Bonfire of the Vanities (this applies to daughters too, just shift gender in the appropriate places)
Growing up, Ed Sullivan was a Sunday night staple. Well, most Sunday nights our family was in church, but we did stay home for some events. Elvis comes to mind as does the Beatles. Remember? Back before VCRs? Back when only a few TV sets were in color? Back when you didn't lock your car when it was in your driveway? Wow, even back then you didn't have to worry about evilness invading Halloween and kids were free to roam the neighborhood. Yes, boys and girls, the world was definitely a kinder, gentler place at one time. I digress.
When the Beatles hit America via the Ed Sullivan Show, the world changed forever. They were received with open arms and took advantage of many of the venues pioneered by Elvis. The girls absolutely adored all of them. Boys emulated them. The hair issues became prevelant and those boots with the high heels and zippers up the side were all the rage. Each album was anticipated and they seemed to always wow us with new, exciting music. They were not perfect (who can forget John's remark about Jesus?), but 3 of the 4 seemed to have stayed within the accepted bounds of positive media which has ALWAYS been a hard criteria.
Dad had problems with long hair, but he did like their music. He was not happy with Sgt. Pepper's at first, but warmed up after hearing When I'm 64. He also liked the White Album a lot. My brother and I were blessed with music during our formative years. Our Dad loved Jazz, the Blues, Big Band, Rock, Classical and we were encouraged to pursue things melodius. During my several attempts to finish college playing in a rock band was part of my income. My brother has been a darn good professional musician all his adult life and is now a member of the praise band at church. Church, study, baseball, and music were promoted. Still like all these things. What a great childhood.
Dad passed away in 1998. I remember the last thing that he said to me. It was right after Christmas holidays and the call was to check and see if he was okay. His doctor had told me, just a few nights before Christmas as he released him from the hospital, "Mike, he won't survive another heart attack." He didn't. But, a wonderful thing happened in this phone call. The last thing my Father told me was, "I love you, son." That's right, the last words spoken to me by Dad were "I love you, son." Yes, tears ARE streaming down my face. I do miss him. He was such a great, wonderful, larger than life influence in my life.
If you can't visit at least call. It is Father's Day. It won't hurt to call Mom either. My life has been truly blessed in many ways. Thank You, God.
"Sherman made the terrible discovery that men make about their fathers sooner or later... that the man before him was not an aging father but a boy, a boy much like himself, a boy who grew up and had a child of his own and, as best he could, out of a sense of duty and, perhaps love, adopted a role called Being a Father so that his child would have something mythical and infinitely important: a Protector, who would keep a lid on all the chaotic and catastrophic possibilities of life."
-Tom Wolfe, The Bonfire of the Vanities (this applies to daughters too, just shift gender in the appropriate places)
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Cottage on the Isle of Wight?
A long day with another change in meds, but the doctor's appointment was good. Blood pressure is going down. It's probably not for Paul McCartney, who will turn 64 years old tomorrow. Dude is being hammered in the media about his failed relationship with the soon to be ex. Hey at 64, he can weather the storm. Read about it over at Reuters.com. BTW, thanks Sir Paul for all the wonderful songs and glad tidings on your tuneful birthday.
It's late, I am tired from battling a laptop that will be my LAST laptop to ever work on, and sleepiness is overwhelming. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
"For I don't care too much for money,
For money can't buy me love."
-Lennon & McCartney
It's late, I am tired from battling a laptop that will be my LAST laptop to ever work on, and sleepiness is overwhelming. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
"For I don't care too much for money,
For money can't buy me love."
-Lennon & McCartney
Friday, June 16, 2006
Quick, and a Funny
In the middle of downloading 60 or so megs of printer drivers I have been surfing the net. Congrats out to Bill Gates for his semi-retirement from Microsoft. Good that he is staying on to some degree and even better that he is going to concentrate on his work with charities. Nice to see someone do the right thing. Now please remove the spyware from our computers.
Need a good laugh? Go to SouthernPhried, read yesterday's Grasshoppa post and click on the word Link. Still laughing here. Very funny!
"From those who are given great resources, great things are expected."
-Mary Gates (told to her son Bill at his wedding)
Need a good laugh? Go to SouthernPhried, read yesterday's Grasshoppa post and click on the word Link. Still laughing here. Very funny!
"From those who are given great resources, great things are expected."
-Mary Gates (told to her son Bill at his wedding)
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Two Questions Answered
First question: Can I run Apple's OSX operating system on a Windows machine?
Yes. There are several good sites about this process. I like the OSx86 Project. Here's another article from 2004 that takes different utilities, incorporates them into XP and makes it look like OSX; Turn your PC into a Mac. You may want to look around this site. The homepage is Engadget. Pretty kewl site that uses the blog format, much like Slashdot. The reason I write about Apple's OSX operating system is because I like it. It started life as a worked over version of FreeBSD. I don't like Apple hardware. It's too pricy and overated, but at least they now use Intel processors. You can definitely run Windows on an Apple machine too. My preference is still Windows. The recent Microsoft admission of using spyware to make your computer report in is VERY disgusting. Hope this helps.
Second question: Are you okay?
Yes, or as well as can be expected for an old fat guy. Last week brought a change in medications and two of the blood pressure meds were increased 100%. The ability to remain upright is now better. Work has continued and coming home to drop has been the latest routine. People wondering why I haven't been active in GuildWars the last few days now know. If I have missed a phone call please forgive me. They are usually returned as soon as I check the phone. Have another doctor's appointment in just a few days n then one next month. There will probably be tests. Folks, bear with me. This is to inform not glean sympathy. The recovery from truck and tools being stolen is also nearing completion, at least, financially. Still love to get my hands on the sorry SOB that committed this crime. Then...there is the sanity question.
"They claim red meat is bad for you. But I never saw a sick-looking tiger."
-Chi Chi Rodriguez
Yes. There are several good sites about this process. I like the OSx86 Project. Here's another article from 2004 that takes different utilities, incorporates them into XP and makes it look like OSX; Turn your PC into a Mac. You may want to look around this site. The homepage is Engadget. Pretty kewl site that uses the blog format, much like Slashdot. The reason I write about Apple's OSX operating system is because I like it. It started life as a worked over version of FreeBSD. I don't like Apple hardware. It's too pricy and overated, but at least they now use Intel processors. You can definitely run Windows on an Apple machine too. My preference is still Windows. The recent Microsoft admission of using spyware to make your computer report in is VERY disgusting. Hope this helps.
Second question: Are you okay?
Yes, or as well as can be expected for an old fat guy. Last week brought a change in medications and two of the blood pressure meds were increased 100%. The ability to remain upright is now better. Work has continued and coming home to drop has been the latest routine. People wondering why I haven't been active in GuildWars the last few days now know. If I have missed a phone call please forgive me. They are usually returned as soon as I check the phone. Have another doctor's appointment in just a few days n then one next month. There will probably be tests. Folks, bear with me. This is to inform not glean sympathy. The recovery from truck and tools being stolen is also nearing completion, at least, financially. Still love to get my hands on the sorry SOB that committed this crime. Then...there is the sanity question.
"They claim red meat is bad for you. But I never saw a sick-looking tiger."
-Chi Chi Rodriguez
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
From Above and Below
Just downloaded the newest version of Google Earth. This is the free version and I am impressed. Buildings are no longer a blurred figure on the screen in many areas. You can almost read the road signs in downtown Saltillo, MS. Not all the map has great detail, but it is still fascinating to see the roofs of all my friends' haciendas. Download at your own risk. It has been a breeze at the beach house.
Still using Yahoo email? You need to read this: Yahoo Mail Worm Harvesting Addresses. Not only do they indulge in malware/adware/garbageware or whatever it's called today, it seems their email is not secure. Please take the time to read this very informative article from InformationWeek. First Claria and 180Solutions clutter and now another way to invade privacy. Brings to mind an old movie line...
"Things have got to change. But first, you've gotta get mad!... You've got to say, 'I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!"
Peter Finch as Howard Beale from the 1976 movie Network
Still using Yahoo email? You need to read this: Yahoo Mail Worm Harvesting Addresses. Not only do they indulge in malware/adware/garbageware or whatever it's called today, it seems their email is not secure. Please take the time to read this very informative article from InformationWeek. First Claria and 180Solutions clutter and now another way to invade privacy. Brings to mind an old movie line...
"Things have got to change. But first, you've gotta get mad!... You've got to say, 'I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!"
Peter Finch as Howard Beale from the 1976 movie Network
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Summertime and Window Washing
Even though the solstice is still a few days away let me tell you, brothers and sisters, it is summertime in the Deep South. The humidity is so high you cannot look up for fear of drowning. The 20th century saw many marvels and wonderful technical improvements. I still vote air conditioning as the number 1 invention of that century.
No doubt I will have to buy the new operating system from Microsoft. It is an essential part of the job to know about such things. I'll only buy 1 copy and not like it due to Microsoft's current attitude towards paying customers. We are treated as pirates , spied upon, given faulty software that literally has to have hundreds of patches, and they just keep raking in the money. Damn it all Bill Gates, quit spending money to spy on people and use that revenue to IMPROVE your software!!!
Eventually, this network will come down to two machines running Windows products, one tower and a laptop. The laptop will not be upgraded and continue to run XP and Linux SUSE. Have the software to convert my server to FreeBSD or Linux and regret spending a large chunk of change for Windows Server. Down through the years the beach house has pushed Windows in a positive manner. My attitude is changing and it seems to be a change that is being embraced by many others. Check out this article at WindowsITPro.
"In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock."
-Thomas Jefferson
No doubt I will have to buy the new operating system from Microsoft. It is an essential part of the job to know about such things. I'll only buy 1 copy and not like it due to Microsoft's current attitude towards paying customers. We are treated as pirates , spied upon, given faulty software that literally has to have hundreds of patches, and they just keep raking in the money. Damn it all Bill Gates, quit spending money to spy on people and use that revenue to IMPROVE your software!!!
Eventually, this network will come down to two machines running Windows products, one tower and a laptop. The laptop will not be upgraded and continue to run XP and Linux SUSE. Have the software to convert my server to FreeBSD or Linux and regret spending a large chunk of change for Windows Server. Down through the years the beach house has pushed Windows in a positive manner. My attitude is changing and it seems to be a change that is being embraced by many others. Check out this article at WindowsITPro.
"In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock."
-Thomas Jefferson
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Ahhh the Game
Hey hey hey! Yard is mowed and I can play Guild Wars while working on a laptop tonight. It's a slow day for tech news. My ego begs your forgiveness, but please indulge me and a reader. Here is a picture of the character I use to roleplay in Guild Wars:
His name is Maskull Tor, ascended Necromancer/Monk level 20. He is also a minion master, especially fond of creating level 22 Flesh Golems. There are 8 different professions (characters) in the game and you choose a second profession as well as a first. It is much like going to another world and great fun! If anyone has screen captures of their characters please email and I'll post them here or at SouthernPhried. Our guild, the Kudzu Dragons, will have a web page eventually.
Enjoy the weekend!
"Video games are bad for you? That's what they said about rock-n-roll."
-Shigeru Miyamoto (electronic game designer extraordinaire!)
His name is Maskull Tor, ascended Necromancer/Monk level 20. He is also a minion master, especially fond of creating level 22 Flesh Golems. There are 8 different professions (characters) in the game and you choose a second profession as well as a first. It is much like going to another world and great fun! If anyone has screen captures of their characters please email and I'll post them here or at SouthernPhried. Our guild, the Kudzu Dragons, will have a web page eventually.
Enjoy the weekend!
"Video games are bad for you? That's what they said about rock-n-roll."
-Shigeru Miyamoto (electronic game designer extraordinaire!)
Friday, June 09, 2006
Is Orwellian a Word?
The post yesterday about Windows making your computer report to the "Master" was intended to inform folks. One email wondered why your IP is important to Windows. This is from the linked article in yesterday's post:
Regardless, the company does receive a user's IP address and a timestamp, Weinstein said in his blog posting.
Here's further fuel for this fire: Disable and Remove Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications Nag Screen. You download and install at your own disgression and risk. I am not encouraging ANYONE to do this, but was asked how and there it is literally in black and white. If your copy of Windows is legitimate and you don't mind them nosing around in your computer don't worry about. It's really not a big deal. You just have to question the motives of someone wanting to know your business. George Orwell wrote a book about this titled 1984. Haven't read it? You should. It's frightening.
In all fairness it should be mentioned that I like Windows, even with all its faults. Better to have a Bill Gates computer scenario than a Steve Jobs Apple-ized world! Gates helped make PCs available at a decent price which in turn placed computers all around the world and made him a wheelbarrow full of moola. Let me close by saying that the Apple Nazis should be careful about using profanity in the comments.
“There is a sacred realm of privacy for every man and woman where he makes his choices and decisions-a realm of his own essential rights and liberties into which the law, generally speaking, must not intrude.”
-Fisher
Regardless, the company does receive a user's IP address and a timestamp, Weinstein said in his blog posting.
Here's further fuel for this fire: Disable and Remove Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications Nag Screen. You download and install at your own disgression and risk. I am not encouraging ANYONE to do this, but was asked how and there it is literally in black and white. If your copy of Windows is legitimate and you don't mind them nosing around in your computer don't worry about. It's really not a big deal. You just have to question the motives of someone wanting to know your business. George Orwell wrote a book about this titled 1984. Haven't read it? You should. It's frightening.
In all fairness it should be mentioned that I like Windows, even with all its faults. Better to have a Bill Gates computer scenario than a Steve Jobs Apple-ized world! Gates helped make PCs available at a decent price which in turn placed computers all around the world and made him a wheelbarrow full of moola. Let me close by saying that the Apple Nazis should be careful about using profanity in the comments.
“There is a sacred realm of privacy for every man and woman where he makes his choices and decisions-a realm of his own essential rights and liberties into which the law, generally speaking, must not intrude.”
-Fisher
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Microsoft is Using Spyware?
Google Spreadsheet has been downloaded and it looks good. I briefly checked it out and will report more at a later date after some trial use. After surfing the web it seems everyone thinks this will be a handy tool, but will not replace Microsoft Excel.
Speaking of Microsoft, your computer has spyware on it. Yep, if you run Windows it reports into Microsoft on a daily basis. Read all about it at ZDNet. It is in the EULA (End User License Agreement) that you agree to let them spy on you. It's in the Office agreement too.
It's real simple, you don't own Windows. You rent it, conditionally. Sorry Bill, your company sucks because of this invasion of privacy and you need a stiff dose of competition. Windows Nazis please refrain from profane language in the comments.
"If you want to know what God thinks of money, just look at the people he gave it to."
-Dorothy Parker
Speaking of Microsoft, your computer has spyware on it. Yep, if you run Windows it reports into Microsoft on a daily basis. Read all about it at ZDNet. It is in the EULA (End User License Agreement) that you agree to let them spy on you. It's in the Office agreement too.
It's real simple, you don't own Windows. You rent it, conditionally. Sorry Bill, your company sucks because of this invasion of privacy and you need a stiff dose of competition. Windows Nazis please refrain from profane language in the comments.
"If you want to know what God thinks of money, just look at the people he gave it to."
-Dorothy Parker
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Online Spreadsheet by Google
Just checked and even though Google Spreadsheet will debut today it is not available for download at this hour. Those West Coasters, give 'em a few hours and it will be available. This will be exciting on several levels. Microsoft has to be wary, but this may boost the sales of Excel (like they really need it). It'll be interesting to see how accounting types take to this and if they will find the ads intrusive.
Google Adshare runs here and I only check it to make sure some liberal weenie type stuff doesn't show up. Google is turning our PCs into NetPCs. Is this good? Asking here and value your opinion. What Microsoft has tried to do for years Google is running rampant and giving us all these wonderful tools. Good? Bad? Let me know.
"Who covets more, is evermore a slave."
-Herrick
Google Adshare runs here and I only check it to make sure some liberal weenie type stuff doesn't show up. Google is turning our PCs into NetPCs. Is this good? Asking here and value your opinion. What Microsoft has tried to do for years Google is running rampant and giving us all these wonderful tools. Good? Bad? Let me know.
"Who covets more, is evermore a slave."
-Herrick
Monday, June 05, 2006
Dreaming
The time has come to replace this PC and let it finish life as a server. I've been reading all about Scalable Link Interface (SLI) which was originally thought to be Scan Line Interleave. This is a tekkie way of saying two video cards for one monitor. Yes, TWO video cards. Hey, if your gonna' dream...and since this machine will be used primarily for gaming (My name is Dock and I am a GuildWars addict) SLI seems to be the latest greatest in the way of speed demon machines.
Down through the years I have always opted for Intel processors. There was an AMD K6-2 machine on my network many years ago and it never had any problems other than user. After much research, this time it looks like an AMD 64 (Winchester .90mm) due to the glowing reviews and the cost. Intel is just too expensive. They scream and are dependable, but building this PC will take many months of piggy banking and I wish I had it now. This decision is not final and will happen when money is in hand, but so far it looks like the AMD processor and a 939 motherboard.
Since I have a 160 SCSI card and some 10,000 spin drives they may be utilized. Memory has to be at least a gig and Mudslingr's clear glowing case is a definite. May make the cables red instead of green, give it an Ole Miss look. A new monitor will have to accompany the purchase so the DVI connection can be utilized. Now we are well into a grand, maybe two. Hmmmm, perhaps Christmas next year?
Have to stop dreaming and get to work! Have a joyous Monday!
"Cherish your vision and your dreams as they are the children of your soul; the blueprints of your ultimate achievements."
-Hill
Down through the years I have always opted for Intel processors. There was an AMD K6-2 machine on my network many years ago and it never had any problems other than user. After much research, this time it looks like an AMD 64 (Winchester .90mm) due to the glowing reviews and the cost. Intel is just too expensive. They scream and are dependable, but building this PC will take many months of piggy banking and I wish I had it now. This decision is not final and will happen when money is in hand, but so far it looks like the AMD processor and a 939 motherboard.
Since I have a 160 SCSI card and some 10,000 spin drives they may be utilized. Memory has to be at least a gig and Mudslingr's clear glowing case is a definite. May make the cables red instead of green, give it an Ole Miss look. A new monitor will have to accompany the purchase so the DVI connection can be utilized. Now we are well into a grand, maybe two. Hmmmm, perhaps Christmas next year?
Have to stop dreaming and get to work! Have a joyous Monday!
"Cherish your vision and your dreams as they are the children of your soul; the blueprints of your ultimate achievements."
-Hill
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Kryptonite n Pieces of Eight
I like Superman. The early DC comics gave me an appetite to explore science fact and fiction. There is a new movie, Superman Returns that will be out the 28th of this month. This looks like one that needs to be seen in the theater. I absolutely do NOT agree with Kevin Spacey's politics, but he is a good actor. His portayal of Lex Luthor, Superman's arch rival, looks promising. The trailer leads one to believe an insightful look into this fictional hero of generations is there for an eye feast. Check it out.
Next month we get to see Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. Yes, I know this is based on a ride at Disney World. The first movie was awesome and the lead actors reprise their roles with some neat additions. Being a parrothead, pirate movies are naturally attractive. Mr. Buffett and I were born 200 years too late. Wait, they didn't have air conditioning back then. Nevermind. I still occasionally watch the first movie and this will have to be a real turkey if it doesn't end up likewise.
Enjoy Sunday afternoon. Local weather is really nice. The grill and lawnmower are calling me. Later.
"Never interrupt an enemy when he is making a mistake."
-Napoleon
Next month we get to see Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. Yes, I know this is based on a ride at Disney World. The first movie was awesome and the lead actors reprise their roles with some neat additions. Being a parrothead, pirate movies are naturally attractive. Mr. Buffett and I were born 200 years too late. Wait, they didn't have air conditioning back then. Nevermind. I still occasionally watch the first movie and this will have to be a real turkey if it doesn't end up likewise.
Enjoy Sunday afternoon. Local weather is really nice. The grill and lawnmower are calling me. Later.
"Never interrupt an enemy when he is making a mistake."
-Napoleon
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Morning ramble
A good night's sleep can do wonders. It was cool enough last night to sleep with the fan on and the windows open. That is always a plus when it comes to needed rest. Thank the good Lord for air conditioning though. It is the most wonderful invention of the 20th century. No more hot, sticky, muggy, buggy nights of misery. Last night though was really good for sleeping. I don't think the dogs even barked.
There is so much to do it's hard to start. Yardwork and housework are on todays's agenda. A friend of mine advised earlier this week just to pay someone to do yardwork instead of fighting it all the time. That is an alternative. Whine mode would be less prevelant for sure. Five or six years ago I could use a push mower stopping only for a gas-up. That won't happen today! Now I actually have to stop several times while doing the floors with the broom! Wait a minute, maybe the riding mower is the ....nah, nevermind, it's air conditioning.
Okay, negative thinking is trying to start so I'm outta here and headed for the coffee and vacuum cleaner. Enjoy this beautiful day!
"I'm not going to vacuum until Sears makes one you can ride on."
-Roseanne Barr
There is so much to do it's hard to start. Yardwork and housework are on todays's agenda. A friend of mine advised earlier this week just to pay someone to do yardwork instead of fighting it all the time. That is an alternative. Whine mode would be less prevelant for sure. Five or six years ago I could use a push mower stopping only for a gas-up. That won't happen today! Now I actually have to stop several times while doing the floors with the broom! Wait a minute, maybe the riding mower is the ....nah, nevermind, it's air conditioning.
Okay, negative thinking is trying to start so I'm outta here and headed for the coffee and vacuum cleaner. Enjoy this beautiful day!
"I'm not going to vacuum until Sears makes one you can ride on."
-Roseanne Barr
Friday, June 02, 2006
Zzzzzzz
There's another seurity hole in the Windows XP family. You can read about it at Secunia. Will this ever stop? Well, no. Evil exists in the world and creeps like to mess innocent people up. It's that simple.
It's late, my back needs rest and the bed is calling. The phone battery died, but I am sure the voice mail will be full in the morning. Later.
"Talk low, talk slow, and don't talk too much."
-John Wayne
It's late, my back needs rest and the bed is calling. The phone battery died, but I am sure the voice mail will be full in the morning. Later.
"Talk low, talk slow, and don't talk too much."
-John Wayne
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Vista and Dapper
There is a review of Windows Vista at TomsHardware.com. This is an older site known for giving indepth reviews. This one is 40 pages long. There are many screen shots. After clicking 11 or 12 times, it was decided this was not early morning reading. Here's an excerpt:
In less than a year - assuming that the dates slip no further - Microsoft will release a new operating system under the thrilling name of "Windows Vista." Internally, Windows Vista is identified as Windows version number 6.0. Thus, we're dealing with an entirely new version here, in contrast to Windows XP, which really only represented an update to Windows 2000.
This is probably good review, but the size is a bit much. I want to know if they think this new operating system is stable, easy to use and priced right. There is little doubt they get to all those issues eventually. This site has been a favorite for years and it's nice to see someone take the time (500 hours!) to do a good review, but 40 pages are just too much for an early morning 'no coffee yet' read. More later.
Here's another interesting review of an operating system that is available today, Ubuntu Dapper. Lunapark6 does a good job and has my interest in trying this distribution of Linux. The review is concise, has screen shots and lets me know in the first paragraph that this is a very positive review. After FreeBSD is installed on a beach house machine this version of Linux may be next.
Thanks goes out to Slashdot for the review links!
"The question of whether computers can think is just like the question of whether submarines can swim."
-Dijkstra
In less than a year - assuming that the dates slip no further - Microsoft will release a new operating system under the thrilling name of "Windows Vista." Internally, Windows Vista is identified as Windows version number 6.0. Thus, we're dealing with an entirely new version here, in contrast to Windows XP, which really only represented an update to Windows 2000.
This is probably good review, but the size is a bit much. I want to know if they think this new operating system is stable, easy to use and priced right. There is little doubt they get to all those issues eventually. This site has been a favorite for years and it's nice to see someone take the time (500 hours!) to do a good review, but 40 pages are just too much for an early morning 'no coffee yet' read. More later.
Here's another interesting review of an operating system that is available today, Ubuntu Dapper. Lunapark6 does a good job and has my interest in trying this distribution of Linux. The review is concise, has screen shots and lets me know in the first paragraph that this is a very positive review. After FreeBSD is installed on a beach house machine this version of Linux may be next.
Thanks goes out to Slashdot for the review links!
"The question of whether computers can think is just like the question of whether submarines can swim."
-Dijkstra
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