Monday, July 12, 2004
Monday, July 05, 2004
The Floppy and the Floppy Drive Are Dead! Long Live the Floppy!
I spent a bit of time running back and forth between two machines, this last week, updating drivers on one with files downloaded from the Internet to another. I used floppy disks and it went very well, thank you.
There is still no handy medium for such transfers that can replace the humble floppy disk, in my opinion. CD's won't do it. There is too much time involved in making one for a small and simple transfer. Zip drives are out because almost no one ever had one and those that did have long since discarded them.
The relentless downward price pressure on builders of computers has driven them to remove floppy drives from machines. The advent of bootable CDs has long ago made this possible and the builders of systems are simply bowing to price pressure by taking them out. It's worth noting, though, that the most requested upgrade to new PCs I encounter is to add a floppy drive. Many new mainboards don't have a floppy controller built in, so this is sometimes a challenge and I have yet to find a truly satisfying solution for those machines. However, the users have spoken and the floppy lives!
Jack
There is still no handy medium for such transfers that can replace the humble floppy disk, in my opinion. CD's won't do it. There is too much time involved in making one for a small and simple transfer. Zip drives are out because almost no one ever had one and those that did have long since discarded them.
The relentless downward price pressure on builders of computers has driven them to remove floppy drives from machines. The advent of bootable CDs has long ago made this possible and the builders of systems are simply bowing to price pressure by taking them out. It's worth noting, though, that the most requested upgrade to new PCs I encounter is to add a floppy drive. Many new mainboards don't have a floppy controller built in, so this is sometimes a challenge and I have yet to find a truly satisfying solution for those machines. However, the users have spoken and the floppy lives!
Jack
Saturday, July 03, 2004
Microsoft half fixes serious IE vuln | The Register
Microsoft half fixes serious IE vuln | The Register
I've patched. Have you?
If you are using Windows, patch!!!!
Okay so you aren't using IE as your browser. Good for you. Patch anyway. IE is intertwined throughout the OS and many programs use IE even when you haven't individually invoked it.
The good news is that whan you select Windows Update from the Start Menu it will invoke IE -- that's right -- you have to use IE in order to use Windows Update.
I've patched. Have you?
If you are using Windows, patch!!!!
Okay so you aren't using IE as your browser. Good for you. Patch anyway. IE is intertwined throughout the OS and many programs use IE even when you haven't individually invoked it.
The good news is that whan you select Windows Update from the Start Menu it will invoke IE -- that's right -- you have to use IE in order to use Windows Update.
Friday, July 02, 2004
UN-Cast News Wire
UN-Cast News Wire
And after all that, here's what CERT said in their own words. I don't really think it has been misreported since many of the articles I've read talk about the work-arounds. So you have to figure out which is more effective -- hobbling IE and sitll having serious vunerablilites or switching browsers. For me the scale finally tilted to switching.
And after all that, here's what CERT said in their own words. I don't really think it has been misreported since many of the articles I've read talk about the work-arounds. So you have to figure out which is more effective -- hobbling IE and sitll having serious vunerablilites or switching browsers. For me the scale finally tilted to switching.
Yahoo! News - U.S. Steers Consumers Away From IE
Yahoo! News - U.S. Steers Consumers Away From IE
I've been working with Mozilla Firefox all week. Now that I've added the "Blog This!" button to my "Bookmarks Toolbar" (available at blogger.com) there is nothing I had with IE that I haven't been able to duplicate using Firefox.
I'll be covering this as it develops on this week's tip's segment.
I've been working with Mozilla Firefox all week. Now that I've added the "Blog This!" button to my "Bookmarks Toolbar" (available at blogger.com) there is nothing I had with IE that I haven't been able to duplicate using Firefox.
I'll be covering this as it develops on this week's tip's segment.
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
A Switch to Firefox
After CERT issued a warning recommending that users stop using Internet Explorer for security reasons
CERT Recommends Mozilla, Firefox
AND a new version of Firefox was released, I did the smart thing and made the switch.
Firefox - The Browser, Reloaded
For the most part it is going well, but there are some things that just don't work -- like some parts of the Blogger editor. Of course I may just have something configured wrong. It will take a while to learn to work without a few IE oriented tools I usually use, but the sacrifice is worth the security. Firefox is very slick. Try it -- you might like it.
CERT Recommends Mozilla, Firefox
AND a new version of Firefox was released, I did the smart thing and made the switch.
Firefox - The Browser, Reloaded
For the most part it is going well, but there are some things that just don't work -- like some parts of the Blogger editor. Of course I may just have something configured wrong. It will take a while to learn to work without a few IE oriented tools I usually use, but the sacrifice is worth the security. Firefox is very slick. Try it -- you might like it.
Thursday, June 24, 2004
Slide Show for album :: SpaceShipOne, Burt Rutan's entry for the X-Prize
Slide Show for album :: SpaceShipOne, Burt Rutan's entry for the X-Prize
More SpaceShipOne -- this slideshow even works on dial-up :-)
More SpaceShipOne -- this slideshow even works on dial-up :-)
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
Tablet PCs
A quick wobble around the web will find no shortage of (supposedly knowledgeable) pundits willing to pronounce, if not the failure of the Tablet PC form factor, then it's moribund state. Our friend Terri Stratton (pepsi in the chat) has produced an article to the contrary, pronouncing both the health and the growth of the form. Find it here.
It seems to me that the real "problem" with the Tablet PC form factor is that it's usefulness is not immediately apparent to those who would benefit from it. Refinements on technologies are very often perceived as less beneficial less quickly than more radical moves ahead. Ask a Tablet PC user and you'll almost certainly find a rabid fan of the form. Our own Aaron Kahn is a good example and he's about the least rabid person I know when it comes to new technologies, being something of a "wait and see" sort of guy. The early adopters have had their shot and pronounced the Tablet PC more than acceptable. It's not worth the extra outlay to many of us, but for others, it would be indispensable if they took the time to integrate it into their lives.
Jack
It seems to me that the real "problem" with the Tablet PC form factor is that it's usefulness is not immediately apparent to those who would benefit from it. Refinements on technologies are very often perceived as less beneficial less quickly than more radical moves ahead. Ask a Tablet PC user and you'll almost certainly find a rabid fan of the form. Our own Aaron Kahn is a good example and he's about the least rabid person I know when it comes to new technologies, being something of a "wait and see" sort of guy. The early adopters have had their shot and pronounced the Tablet PC more than acceptable. It's not worth the extra outlay to many of us, but for others, it would be indispensable if they took the time to integrate it into their lives.
Jack
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
Scary Moments for SpaceShipOne
New Scientist
As I said yesterday, this first privatly funded manned spaceflight was not a cakewalk even though they made it look easy. Now we know just how serious some of the problems could have been. That's why they call Mike Melvill a "test pilot" and that's why this important first was a step towards the X-Prize -- one of the continuum of test flights. In spite of some scary moments, I'm glad Mike still had time to enjoy the view.
When their flying days are over, I hope to see SpaceShipOne and White Knight take their rightful places at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. I'm guessing that would be at Udvar-Hazy.
As I said yesterday, this first privatly funded manned spaceflight was not a cakewalk even though they made it look easy. Now we know just how serious some of the problems could have been. That's why they call Mike Melvill a "test pilot" and that's why this important first was a step towards the X-Prize -- one of the continuum of test flights. In spite of some scary moments, I'm glad Mike still had time to enjoy the view.
When their flying days are over, I hope to see SpaceShipOne and White Knight take their rightful places at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. I'm guessing that would be at Udvar-Hazy.
Monday, June 21, 2004
They Did It!
SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Science -- Rocket plane reaches Earth's atmosphere in private space flight
Congratulations to the entire SpaceShipOne team, and especially "Rocket Man" Mike Melvill on reaching and returning safely from sub-orbital space.
Yesterday, I didn't let on how truly daring and dangerous I knew this mission was. It was the skill and planning of the team and Mike that made it look easy. While the folks at Scaled Composites are cautious and test carefully, things can go wrong. Don't underestimate the significance of this achievement -- this is truly a great spaceflight milestone.
Congratulations to the entire SpaceShipOne team, and especially "Rocket Man" Mike Melvill on reaching and returning safely from sub-orbital space.
Yesterday, I didn't let on how truly daring and dangerous I knew this mission was. It was the skill and planning of the team and Mike that made it look easy. While the folks at Scaled Composites are cautious and test carefully, things can go wrong. Don't underestimate the significance of this achievement -- this is truly a great spaceflight milestone.
Saturday, June 19, 2004
Flexbeta Tests Anti-Spyware Applications
Just because I've been ill and not available doesn't mean I've stopped reading. I found this after reading a story on a news site.
The folks over at Flexbeta, a site to which I've recently become addicted, have tested spyware detection/removal tools. It's a very good read, not too long, and as informative as it gets. It's in plain english for the non-geek, too.
Their testing pretty much confirms what Joe and Gail have been telling us all along about spyware removal; that it takes more than one application run to ensure a clean machine. That's okay, not least because they found the leading free applications for the task among the very best. Those are Ad Aware and Spybot.
Read it Here
The folks over at Flexbeta, a site to which I've recently become addicted, have tested spyware detection/removal tools. It's a very good read, not too long, and as informative as it gets. It's in plain english for the non-geek, too.
Their testing pretty much confirms what Joe and Gail have been telling us all along about spyware removal; that it takes more than one application run to ensure a clean machine. That's okay, not least because they found the leading free applications for the task among the very best. Those are Ad Aware and Spybot.
Read it Here
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
Can't stop the pop-ups | CNET News.com
I had read this article when it was first published but hadn't really experienced the full force of the new Pop-ups until this evening.
The offending advertiser was Best Buy. The offending ad server was serving-sys.com. The offending method was a "floating" Flash "pop-up". The offending Web Page was slate.msn.com.
I blocked serving-sys. Needless to say I'm not too happy with Best Buy over this. Conventional ads are fair -- everybody has to make a living. In your face floaters are not! I may just turn Flash off entirely again.
I had read this article when it was first published but hadn't really experienced the full force of the new Pop-ups until this evening.
The offending advertiser was Best Buy. The offending ad server was serving-sys.com. The offending method was a "floating" Flash "pop-up". The offending Web Page was slate.msn.com.
I blocked serving-sys. Needless to say I'm not too happy with Best Buy over this. Conventional ads are fair -- everybody has to make a living. In your face floaters are not! I may just turn Flash off entirely again.
Sunday, June 13, 2004
Ronald Reagan - Condolence Book
I'm sorry I didn't get this posted sooner, but for all of you who would like to send your condolences to Mrs. Reagan. Here's the link. I sent mine several days ago.
I'm sorry I didn't get this posted sooner, but for all of you who would like to send your condolences to Mrs. Reagan. Here's the link. I sent mine several days ago.
Monday, June 07, 2004
LangaList Std Edition 2004-06-07
Well after struggling for several weeks, I too have given up on trying to use Zone Alarm Pro v. 5. For me it caused numerous lock ups that were only resolved by turning off the computer and restarting it. I'm not sure what the folks who had no problem were doing, but that sure was not my experience. I have now gone back to version 4.5 and have no problems.
It is too bad that a great company like Zone Labs shot itself in the foot by releasing something that needs to be in beta a while longer. If you are using ZA 5 and are experiencing any problems at all go back to 4.5. Don't beat your head against a proverbial brick wall like I did.
Well after struggling for several weeks, I too have given up on trying to use Zone Alarm Pro v. 5. For me it caused numerous lock ups that were only resolved by turning off the computer and restarting it. I'm not sure what the folks who had no problem were doing, but that sure was not my experience. I have now gone back to version 4.5 and have no problems.
It is too bad that a great company like Zone Labs shot itself in the foot by releasing something that needs to be in beta a while longer. If you are using ZA 5 and are experiencing any problems at all go back to 4.5. Don't beat your head against a proverbial brick wall like I did.
Thursday, May 13, 2004
PDA Blues
PDAs!
Joe and Gail love theirs. Deepak can't seem to get running on one and I used to express my disdain for them at nearly every turn. My attitude has changed.
I've been dealing with one address book in hard copy and Microsoft Outlook for the rest of things for quite a while now and, frankly, it's not working any more. Too many little slips of paper and hastily scribbled notes of appointments that I can't read when I come back to them. Time for a PDA, me thinks.
Now, I can't spend a fortune on one and I probably don't need to, either. My major requirement is storage and the ability to synch with Outlook AND with Evolution (on my Linux boxen). While I'm sure I would use wireless access for email, on occasion, I don't really need it at all. What I do need is space. I have a LOT of "stuff" I tote around and the PDA will need to hold it all. A top-of-the-line model is overkill, as is a Pocket PC of whatever stripe. The basic Palm, for instance, will nearly do it, but I'll come close to filling it up on day 1, so I'd best go for a higher capacity.
I be shopping now. If you have recommendations, I'd love to hear them. Write me at; jack@oncomputers.info
Jack
Joe and Gail love theirs. Deepak can't seem to get running on one and I used to express my disdain for them at nearly every turn. My attitude has changed.
I've been dealing with one address book in hard copy and Microsoft Outlook for the rest of things for quite a while now and, frankly, it's not working any more. Too many little slips of paper and hastily scribbled notes of appointments that I can't read when I come back to them. Time for a PDA, me thinks.
Now, I can't spend a fortune on one and I probably don't need to, either. My major requirement is storage and the ability to synch with Outlook AND with Evolution (on my Linux boxen). While I'm sure I would use wireless access for email, on occasion, I don't really need it at all. What I do need is space. I have a LOT of "stuff" I tote around and the PDA will need to hold it all. A top-of-the-line model is overkill, as is a Pocket PC of whatever stripe. The basic Palm, for instance, will nearly do it, but I'll come close to filling it up on day 1, so I'd best go for a higher capacity.
I be shopping now. If you have recommendations, I'd love to hear them. Write me at; jack@oncomputers.info
Jack
Tuesday, May 11, 2004
G4TechTV
After a lot of speculation here is the official info.
As a long time TechTV fan I can definitely see the 18 to 34 age morph coming to completion.
Sadly, while this change is not unexpected, "Call for Help" is gone.
A lot of the rest of the remaining TechTV lineup is stuff that the more sophisticated geek sees as so much junk.
At least for now, "The Screen Savers" lives on.
I have not yet seen any of the G4 previews and I don't have access to G4 at this time. I'll try to make an effort to take a look at some of the previews this coming weel
After a lot of speculation here is the official info.
As a long time TechTV fan I can definitely see the 18 to 34 age morph coming to completion.
Sadly, while this change is not unexpected, "Call for Help" is gone.
A lot of the rest of the remaining TechTV lineup is stuff that the more sophisticated geek sees as so much junk.
At least for now, "The Screen Savers" lives on.
I have not yet seen any of the G4 previews and I don't have access to G4 at this time. I'll try to make an effort to take a look at some of the previews this coming weel
Monday, May 10, 2004
Spyware Weekly Newsletter : April 30, 2004
Wow, it's been a while, but this one was too good not to comment on. This analogy really sheds light on the whole adware/spyware issue.
I wish we had the facilty for you to comment on this article, but if you want to let us know what you think send your thoughts to the gail@oncomputers.info.
Wow, it's been a while, but this one was too good not to comment on. This analogy really sheds light on the whole adware/spyware issue.
I wish we had the facilty for you to comment on this article, but if you want to let us know what you think send your thoughts to the gail@oncomputers.info.
Wednesday, May 05, 2004
The Cheap Mouse
Somehow, I can't see spending a fortune on a mouse. My limit is about $10 for one. After that, I feel as if I've committed some unGodly extravagance.
Lately; I have centered my attention on Mitsumi Optical scroll mice. They're between $8 and $9, all over my town, and I find the performance perfectly acceptable. Linux and Windows 2K/XP see them as generic PS/2 devices and have absolutely no problem with them. We've outfitted every box here that has a graphic interface with one and I just bought one as an add-on to the laptop.
These mice are particularly suitable for such travelling usage as an auxilliary device for a laptop gets. They're seemingly impervious to dirt, run well on any surface I've tried them on and are durable. I recommend then highly. And you can save enough in buying one to take your love out to lunch.
Jack
Lately; I have centered my attention on Mitsumi Optical scroll mice. They're between $8 and $9, all over my town, and I find the performance perfectly acceptable. Linux and Windows 2K/XP see them as generic PS/2 devices and have absolutely no problem with them. We've outfitted every box here that has a graphic interface with one and I just bought one as an add-on to the laptop.
These mice are particularly suitable for such travelling usage as an auxilliary device for a laptop gets. They're seemingly impervious to dirt, run well on any surface I've tried them on and are durable. I recommend then highly. And you can save enough in buying one to take your love out to lunch.
Jack
Tuesday, April 13, 2004
Gopher, Anyone?
You have to be something of an old-timer on the Internet or a willing student of net esoterica to know much about Gopher. It's an information distribution and display scheme invented at the University of Minnesota (the golden gopher is their mascot) in the early days of the Internet. Had not the World Wide Web taken over most of it's functions, Gopher would likely be the preeminent protocol for information retrieval today.
Wired News has a nice one page piece about Gopher, here which is still very much alive and included in many Linux distributions. It's also available to Windows and Mac users. I played with it in years past and found it quite useful. You might want to follow some of the links from the Wired News article and check it out yourself.
Jack
Wired News has a nice one page piece about Gopher, here which is still very much alive and included in many Linux distributions. It's also available to Windows and Mac users. I played with it in years past and found it quite useful. You might want to follow some of the links from the Wired News article and check it out yourself.
Jack
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