I am so sorry for the extreme delay in getting this second review post up, but I have been trying to throw everything I can at cracking Windows 7 and to absolutely no avail. This operating system is built tough enough to handle everything I can hurl at it, and yet, it continues on with no scars to show for all my work, and keep in mind this is on a notebook.
The operating system as we know it has been reinvented, overhauled even. The interface as I said before has taken on a new look and is quite beautiful. The aesthetics while being pleasing are also comfortable, which has been a big grip of mine about Vista since the beginning.
The biggest interfact change thus far is the new uberbar. Uberbar? What's an uberbar, I am sure you are asking. Well, the uberbar is the brainchild of what Apple's dockbar and the original Windows taskbar has become. It is beautiful, but it is also perfectly usable.
First and foremost, when you load into 7 for the first time you will see 3 buttons next to the "Vista" button(now shall be dubbed the "7" button), an Internet Explorer 8 button, a Windows Media Player button, and a Libraries button(more on all three in future posts). The 7 button is almost identical to the original Vista button/Start button. It's virtually organized identically, and still retains the super-useful search feature. The real interface difference is in those other buttons I mentioned.
When you double-click them they open a new window of the respective program. If you right-click, however, they open their own little pop-out menus with some great options for getting stuff done. On top of that, if you single click a button and already have multiple windows open, it will show you with a small preview(yes, a REAL preview) of each window in respect to the button. This feature alone is worth the price of admission. But Microsoft didn't stop there.
When you open up a program that isn't one of the three buttons, you get the EXACT same functionality. For instance, if you open up an instant messenger, you will be able to see not only the messenger list by single clicking the messenger icon, but you will be able to see all open IM windows. Simply click the one you want and it appears for your usefulness.
It is sweet, I tell you. Best integration into an operating system in a long LONG time.
Review part three coming soon.
--Slick Geek
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Windows 7...Part One
Windows 7...
I said in my last post that I was going to give it a whirl and check out what it had to offer. Well, so far I am impressed. It isn't innovative, but it is new. It has changed a lot, but in some ways it's still a bit Vista-like. I do like it, and I am getting used to it.
When I setup the dual-boot it actually hosed my Vista install(sort of). I setup EASE-US Partition Manager to set new partitions, and when it did it crashed my Vista partition(I think it messed with the FAT tables). Oh well. No love lost, for sure. So Windows 7 is now my primary Operating System, and I am not at all taken aback by this. I have found the move from Vista to Windows 7 a little bumpy, with a few aesthetic and interface changes that at first took some serious getting used to and toying with, but overall a pleasant experience.
Enough chatter, now for the unique updates to the Operating System.
First, when you first install Windows 7 and get into the setup process you will find it similar to Vista's in many regards, except one. One big honking one. Windows 7 offers the opportunity to setup a wireless network connection during installation for downloading updates both to the installer and the installation, and I have to tell you this is a HUGE improvement over Vista, XP, and the rest. It is clear from this one change in the setup process that Windows 7 has re-written the book on wireless connections. No longer do they play second fiddle to always-on wired networks. They have taken the forefront, and it's about time.
And once you boot into Windows you will find the seamless integration of wireless networking into the operating system. It is a standard now, and not a luxury piece. It is beautiful, really.
I'll continue with the Windows 7 review tomorrow.
For now, I encourage you to install that download of Windows 7 you have from when I recommended it, and make sure to run the upgrade feature from Vista(not before downloading DriveImage XML and making a drive image onto an external HD for preservation's sake) for totally awesome upgradeness.
--Slick Geek
I said in my last post that I was going to give it a whirl and check out what it had to offer. Well, so far I am impressed. It isn't innovative, but it is new. It has changed a lot, but in some ways it's still a bit Vista-like. I do like it, and I am getting used to it.
When I setup the dual-boot it actually hosed my Vista install(sort of). I setup EASE-US Partition Manager to set new partitions, and when it did it crashed my Vista partition(I think it messed with the FAT tables). Oh well. No love lost, for sure. So Windows 7 is now my primary Operating System, and I am not at all taken aback by this. I have found the move from Vista to Windows 7 a little bumpy, with a few aesthetic and interface changes that at first took some serious getting used to and toying with, but overall a pleasant experience.
Enough chatter, now for the unique updates to the Operating System.
First, when you first install Windows 7 and get into the setup process you will find it similar to Vista's in many regards, except one. One big honking one. Windows 7 offers the opportunity to setup a wireless network connection during installation for downloading updates both to the installer and the installation, and I have to tell you this is a HUGE improvement over Vista, XP, and the rest. It is clear from this one change in the setup process that Windows 7 has re-written the book on wireless connections. No longer do they play second fiddle to always-on wired networks. They have taken the forefront, and it's about time.
And once you boot into Windows you will find the seamless integration of wireless networking into the operating system. It is a standard now, and not a luxury piece. It is beautiful, really.
I'll continue with the Windows 7 review tomorrow.
For now, I encourage you to install that download of Windows 7 you have from when I recommended it, and make sure to run the upgrade feature from Vista(not before downloading DriveImage XML and making a drive image onto an external HD for preservation's sake) for totally awesome upgradeness.
--Slick Geek
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Search the web & get FREE stuff
I'm all about opportunities to earn free stuff while doing things I normally do, and Swagbucks is a great way to do just that. As of today I have over 120 Swagbucks and I've been with the program a little over a month. It's simple. It's easy. And best of all, it's FREE!
Earn SwagBucks for searches you make anyways. Spend SwagBucks in the SwagBucks Store.
Simple. So sign up by clicking the banner above. You will NOT be disappointed!
--Slick Geek
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Giz Explains: The Windows 7 Beta Fine Print
Giz Explains: The Windows 7 Beta Fine Print
The Giz guys take the time to breakdown in simple non-tech terms the legalistics of the User Agreement for the Windows 7 Beta. No surprise for me about anything they've pointed out. Heck, for Microsoft this is pretty laid back legalistics compared to normal, but I suppose having 2.5 million + Beta testers resulted in a dumbed-down version to start with.
Simply put, set-up the dual-boot system like outlined in a previous article link, and you should be fine.
Enjoy!
--Slick Geek
P.S. - I'll be posting my own impressions of it on Saturday!
The Giz guys take the time to breakdown in simple non-tech terms the legalistics of the User Agreement for the Windows 7 Beta. No surprise for me about anything they've pointed out. Heck, for Microsoft this is pretty laid back legalistics compared to normal, but I suppose having 2.5 million + Beta testers resulted in a dumbed-down version to start with.
Simply put, set-up the dual-boot system like outlined in a previous article link, and you should be fine.
Enjoy!
--Slick Geek
P.S. - I'll be posting my own impressions of it on Saturday!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Slow couple of days
I wanted to apologize to everyone for the lack of posts the past couple of days. We've been working on the house a lot more lately, and Monday nights I play volleyball with a bunch of friends. Expect for more normal activity over the next few days, but realize that Mondays will tend to be a slower day.
Thanks for reading!
--Slick Geek
Thanks for reading!
--Slick Geek
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Windows 7: Microsoft Extends Windows 7 Beta Availability Until January 24th
Windows 7: Microsoft Extends Windows 7 Beta Availability Until January 24th
Well, well Mr. Microsoft. We meet again.
It would seem that Microsoft realized how badly they erred in their severe underestimating of the quantity of users wanting to download the Windows 7 Beta, and are actually doing something that shows they aren't all idiots.
So they heard the outcry and are extending the beta for 2 extra weeks. Smart move, Microsoft, smart move.
Grab your license key while you still can, and my recommendation for downloading the Beta is find a torrent release of it, then use your license key to unlock it.
Yes, I'm condoning P2P and Torrents for a change. Purely because this is a totally legal and MUCH faster means of getting the download.
--Slick Geek
Well, well Mr. Microsoft. We meet again.
It would seem that Microsoft realized how badly they erred in their severe underestimating of the quantity of users wanting to download the Windows 7 Beta, and are actually doing something that shows they aren't all idiots.
We have clearly heard that many of you want to check out the Windows 7 Beta and, as a result, we have decided remove the initial 2.5 million limit on the public beta for the next two weeks (thru January 24th). During that time you will have access to the beta even if the download number exceeds the 2.5 million unit limit.
So they heard the outcry and are extending the beta for 2 extra weeks. Smart move, Microsoft, smart move.
Grab your license key while you still can, and my recommendation for downloading the Beta is find a torrent release of it, then use your license key to unlock it.
Yes, I'm condoning P2P and Torrents for a change. Purely because this is a totally legal and MUCH faster means of getting the download.
--Slick Geek
Friday, January 9, 2009
Windows 7: How to Dual Boot Windows 7 with XP or Vista
Windows 7: How to Dual Boot Windows 7 with XP or Vista
And while we have time to read up on things while that beta ISO downloads at an ungodly slow rate of speed, check out the linked article above. Sweet instructions on dual-booting(giving yourself the option to boot to Windows 7 or XP/Vista). SWEET!
--Slick Geek
And while we have time to read up on things while that beta ISO downloads at an ungodly slow rate of speed, check out the linked article above. Sweet instructions on dual-booting(giving yourself the option to boot to Windows 7 or XP/Vista). SWEET!
--Slick Geek
Windows 7: Windows 7 Beta Available Pulled ; "No ETA" on Product Keys
Windows 7: Windows 7 Beta Available Pulled ; "No ETA" on Product Keys
As always with Microsoft, one can expect major letdowns even when they insist that shouldn't be the case. While more than a few million people around the world were anticipating the release of the Windows 7 Beta ISOs and the subsequent Beta User License Keys, Microsoft was off tinkering with their servers to take care of the intensely high demand. In other words they once again failed to realize how many people wanted to check-out the new Microsoft Operating System.
You'd think after this happened with Vista, they would've realized they should ensure they have sufficient bandwidth and server loads for millions of people, but nono that would WAY too efficient and intelligent. Oy. Either way, you can check out the article link above for a download of the 32 bit and 64 bit ISOs that is working, and even without a license key will run fine for 30 days.
If you should need longer, there is a command "slmgr -rearm" that'll increase the usability to 120 days. The only drawback would be potentially no automatic updates. However, if you were smart, you followed my advice and registered for a key immediately when I posted that the betas were originally available. Those who did will still get their keys one way or another.
Anywho.
Test it out and post your thoughts. I know I will!
--Slick Geek
As always with Microsoft, one can expect major letdowns even when they insist that shouldn't be the case. While more than a few million people around the world were anticipating the release of the Windows 7 Beta ISOs and the subsequent Beta User License Keys, Microsoft was off tinkering with their servers to take care of the intensely high demand. In other words they once again failed to realize how many people wanted to check-out the new Microsoft Operating System.
You'd think after this happened with Vista, they would've realized they should ensure they have sufficient bandwidth and server loads for millions of people, but nono that would WAY too efficient and intelligent. Oy. Either way, you can check out the article link above for a download of the 32 bit and 64 bit ISOs that is working, and even without a license key will run fine for 30 days.
If you should need longer, there is a command "slmgr -rearm" that'll increase the usability to 120 days. The only drawback would be potentially no automatic updates. However, if you were smart, you followed my advice and registered for a key immediately when I posted that the betas were originally available. Those who did will still get their keys one way or another.
Anywho.
Test it out and post your thoughts. I know I will!
--Slick Geek
Featured Download: Windows 7 Beta Ready for (Official) Download
Featured Download: Windows 7 Beta Ready for (Official) Download
It appears that Microsoft erred and didn't put the link up like they said they would. However, through my checking around I found the direct link to the download page. As long as you have a Windows Live account you are good to go.
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/dd353205.aspx
Go there. Sign-up. Do so quickly!
--Slick Geek
It appears that Microsoft erred and didn't put the link up like they said they would. However, through my checking around I found the direct link to the download page. As long as you have a Windows Live account you are good to go.
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/dd353205.aspx
Go there. Sign-up. Do so quickly!
--Slick Geek
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Windows 7: How to Get in on the Limited Windows 7 Beta 1 Download
Windows 7: How to Get in on the Limited Windows 7 Beta 1 Download
Ok, so I've hyped Windows 7 enough that you're interested in getting your hands a beta copy to check out just how much better it is, and as always I aim to please. The article linked above is from http://lifehacker.com/ and links to another site that has information on what you need to do and watch for to be one of the 2.5 million downloaders of the Windows 7 Beta 1. Yes, the public beta release is limited to 2.5 million downloads only.
So read the article and watch my blog for a post marking when Microsoft pops up the download/register link.
Also, update, the build version will be 7000(the current beta build floating around out there via torrent and other P2P means). The beta will expire around August, so you'll need to consider buying a copy of the full software or going back to Vista.
The beta supports upgrading directly from Vista SP1(wootness!), so if you don't have SP1 yet, get it from Microsoft now!
--Slick Geek
Ok, so I've hyped Windows 7 enough that you're interested in getting your hands a beta copy to check out just how much better it is, and as always I aim to please. The article linked above is from http://lifehacker.com/ and links to another site that has information on what you need to do and watch for to be one of the 2.5 million downloaders of the Windows 7 Beta 1. Yes, the public beta release is limited to 2.5 million downloads only.
So read the article and watch my blog for a post marking when Microsoft pops up the download/register link.
Also, update, the build version will be 7000(the current beta build floating around out there via torrent and other P2P means). The beta will expire around August, so you'll need to consider buying a copy of the full software or going back to Vista.
The beta supports upgrading directly from Vista SP1(wootness!), so if you don't have SP1 yet, get it from Microsoft now!
--Slick Geek
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Windows 7: PC Buyers May Get Windows 7 Free after July
Windows 7: PC Buyers May Get Windows 7 Free after July
Ahh, what a wonderful follow-up to the previous article on Windows 7 boot-times! It appears via the wire that PC buyers after late July(not a set time-frame yet) will receive a voucher for an upgrade(or full version?) of Windows 7. This is a pretty huge deal considering the quality of Windows 7 even in Beta releases. So for those of you who have been considering getting a new PC with your tax refund this year, hold off until August or so, you won't be disappointed. And for those of you with PCs that are still running Windows 2000 or older, it's time to consider upgrading to a new PC. They are extremely inexpensive now, and if you wait until August you'll have yourself a great deal.
If you do decide to look into purchasing a PC this year, feel free to email me any questions you have: lgconnection@gmail.com
--Slick Geek
Ahh, what a wonderful follow-up to the previous article on Windows 7 boot-times! It appears via the wire that PC buyers after late July(not a set time-frame yet) will receive a voucher for an upgrade(or full version?) of Windows 7. This is a pretty huge deal considering the quality of Windows 7 even in Beta releases. So for those of you who have been considering getting a new PC with your tax refund this year, hold off until August or so, you won't be disappointed. And for those of you with PCs that are still running Windows 2000 or older, it's time to consider upgrading to a new PC. They are extremely inexpensive now, and if you wait until August you'll have yourself a great deal.
If you do decide to look into purchasing a PC this year, feel free to email me any questions you have: lgconnection@gmail.com
--Slick Geek
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Windows Startup Showdown: Windows 7 Beta Boasts Sub-30 Second Boot Time
Windows Startup Showdown: Windows 7 Beta Boasts Sub-30 Second Boot Time
In case you didn't know Microsoft is preparing to release a brand new Windows Operating System...again. For me, Windows 7 in comparison to Windows Vista is virtually the same as Windows XP to Windows ME. Windows XP was a HUGE improvement over Windows ME, and was released only a year and a month or so after Windows ME. Anyone who remembers Windows ME will remember the extremely sluggish operating system as being highly error prone and extremely slow. Well, fast-forward 7 years and a month and we have Windows Vista, followed a mere year and a half later by Windows 7(based upon current publicized release date).
The improvements from Vista to 7 are dramatic, especially the amount of time the system takes to boot up fully. Even the Windows 7 Beta release has shown marked improvements on boot-time! Windows 7 Beta has been clocked at about 30 seconds for faster systems. Consider for the moment that the biggest gripe most people have with computers and Windows in general is the amount of time they take to get up and running, and you now have a product that becomes highly useful.
Now there are the Apple Maccies and the Linuxheads that will say that 30 seconds is normal for them, but the truth is 30 seconds isn't normal by anyone's stretch of imagination except for a few select Linux Operating Systems whose sole purpose is to load quickly and not do much else. So yeah, 30 seconds for Microsoft is impressive, and considering the techworld is experiencing even better than 30 seconds is astonishing.
It would appear Windows 7 may be indeed worth the investment, unlike the soon-to-be outdated Windows Vista.
--Slick Geek
In case you didn't know Microsoft is preparing to release a brand new Windows Operating System...again. For me, Windows 7 in comparison to Windows Vista is virtually the same as Windows XP to Windows ME. Windows XP was a HUGE improvement over Windows ME, and was released only a year and a month or so after Windows ME. Anyone who remembers Windows ME will remember the extremely sluggish operating system as being highly error prone and extremely slow. Well, fast-forward 7 years and a month and we have Windows Vista, followed a mere year and a half later by Windows 7(based upon current publicized release date).
The improvements from Vista to 7 are dramatic, especially the amount of time the system takes to boot up fully. Even the Windows 7 Beta release has shown marked improvements on boot-time! Windows 7 Beta has been clocked at about 30 seconds for faster systems. Consider for the moment that the biggest gripe most people have with computers and Windows in general is the amount of time they take to get up and running, and you now have a product that becomes highly useful.
Now there are the Apple Maccies and the Linuxheads that will say that 30 seconds is normal for them, but the truth is 30 seconds isn't normal by anyone's stretch of imagination except for a few select Linux Operating Systems whose sole purpose is to load quickly and not do much else. So yeah, 30 seconds for Microsoft is impressive, and considering the techworld is experiencing even better than 30 seconds is astonishing.
It would appear Windows 7 may be indeed worth the investment, unlike the soon-to-be outdated Windows Vista.
--Slick Geek
Hack Attack: Turn your $60 router into a $600 router
Hack Attack: Turn your $60 router into a $600 router
My last blog of the evening/early morning, honest. This is an older article from http://lifehacker.com that walks you through changing out your network router's firmware with DD-WRT, an open-source router firmware package. We use DD-WRT at my house and I must say it has improved the wireless experience dramatically, and with very little real work. The biggest thing to know is that this is not a weekend project for the non-techies out there. It requires a bit of tech know-how(or a techy via phone for support) and some forum searching for answers, but the payout is truly priceless.
We've setup our router, a Linksys WRT150N, to block all ads(yes, ALL ads) using DD-WRT and a script posted in the forums. The only drawback is that it killed the web interface, but all is not lost. Also, we increased the power output of the radio antenna, so we now have wireless signal throughout our entire house. It really DOES make a difference. We also tweaked some other things, but for the most part the ad-block script and power increase have really made all the difference in the world.
For anyone who doubts, I can assure you that at it's simplest level, the speed of loading ANY webpage has been decreased exponentially by blocking the ads at the router level. No more ads has also meant a safer web browsing experience. I cannot say enough about DD-WRT and it's capabilities.
--Slick Geek
My last blog of the evening/early morning, honest. This is an older article from http://lifehacker.com that walks you through changing out your network router's firmware with DD-WRT, an open-source router firmware package. We use DD-WRT at my house and I must say it has improved the wireless experience dramatically, and with very little real work. The biggest thing to know is that this is not a weekend project for the non-techies out there. It requires a bit of tech know-how(or a techy via phone for support) and some forum searching for answers, but the payout is truly priceless.
We've setup our router, a Linksys WRT150N, to block all ads(yes, ALL ads) using DD-WRT and a script posted in the forums. The only drawback is that it killed the web interface, but all is not lost. Also, we increased the power output of the radio antenna, so we now have wireless signal throughout our entire house. It really DOES make a difference. We also tweaked some other things, but for the most part the ad-block script and power increase have really made all the difference in the world.
For anyone who doubts, I can assure you that at it's simplest level, the speed of loading ANY webpage has been decreased exponentially by blocking the ads at the router level. No more ads has also meant a safer web browsing experience. I cannot say enough about DD-WRT and it's capabilities.
--Slick Geek
Monday, January 5, 2009
Golden Goaties: Kotaku's 2008 Games of the Year Awards
Golden Goaties: Kotaku's 2008 Games of the Year Awards
If you or someone you know received a game console for Christmas, you need to check out this list and forward it to your friends. This list was compiled by video game blog site http://kotaku.com and is chalked full of great games based on everything from music to art to multiplayer mode and more. The best of the best of 2008 live here! Good place to start a collection.
--Slick Geek
If you or someone you know received a game console for Christmas, you need to check out this list and forward it to your friends. This list was compiled by video game blog site http://kotaku.com and is chalked full of great games based on everything from music to art to multiplayer mode and more. The best of the best of 2008 live here! Good place to start a collection.
--Slick Geek
Streaming Video: Sweet, Sweet Flash Coming to Your HDTV, via Intel
Streaming Video: Sweet, Sweet Flash Coming to Your HDTV, via Intel
Ha. And just as I posted about earlier, the Intel boys are teaming up with Adobe for the very things I discussed in a previous blog post an hour or so ago. Internet video streaming, not to a PC mind you, but STRAIGHT into your TV, and at HD quality. Yeah, it's about time, really. With the price of HDTV sets barrelling well below the $1000 mark, it's no wonder that the idea of streaming internet video(read: free video from the internet) is becoming a hotter concept by the minute. As it is, I setup the Xbox360 to stream HD content from various sites using Windows Media Center and Play-On, which I highly recommend. Play-on for the Hulu capabilities, and Windows Media Center for it's Youtube content among other things.
The only problem is what I alluded to in the earlier blog-post, Comcast(and other ISPs) are beginning to limit users who pull too much of their bandwidth in a given timeframe. It's a shame, really. You are already paying a lot of money for the service, and now they want to limit it. Nice one Comcast. Welcome to my Hate List of 2009. Heck...
Welcome to the TOP of my Hate List for 2009. And so quickly, too. Quite the achievement.
--Slick Geek
Ha. And just as I posted about earlier, the Intel boys are teaming up with Adobe for the very things I discussed in a previous blog post an hour or so ago. Internet video streaming, not to a PC mind you, but STRAIGHT into your TV, and at HD quality. Yeah, it's about time, really. With the price of HDTV sets barrelling well below the $1000 mark, it's no wonder that the idea of streaming internet video(read: free video from the internet) is becoming a hotter concept by the minute. As it is, I setup the Xbox360 to stream HD content from various sites using Windows Media Center and Play-On, which I highly recommend. Play-on for the Hulu capabilities, and Windows Media Center for it's Youtube content among other things.
The only problem is what I alluded to in the earlier blog-post, Comcast(and other ISPs) are beginning to limit users who pull too much of their bandwidth in a given timeframe. It's a shame, really. You are already paying a lot of money for the service, and now they want to limit it. Nice one Comcast. Welcome to my Hate List of 2009. Heck...
Welcome to the TOP of my Hate List for 2009. And so quickly, too. Quite the achievement.
--Slick Geek
HDTV: How to Get the Best Free HDTV Reception
HDTV: How to Get the Best Free HDTV Reception
I don't know how many of you might have picked up one of the HDTVs that were discounted pretty spiffily before and after Christmas, but for those of you that did you should know that you also should consider picking up a HD Antenna from Best Buy. I'm currently using the Terk indoor HD antenna that runs around $75 at Best Buy and it works really well. Yes, I'm plugging something that actually works. Anywho.
For those of you who have an HDTV and have or are getting an HD Antenna, you should check out the site linked in the article. Using your address it will help you figure out how best to aim that antenna to get the strongest signal from the highest number of stations.
--Slick Geek
I don't know how many of you might have picked up one of the HDTVs that were discounted pretty spiffily before and after Christmas, but for those of you that did you should know that you also should consider picking up a HD Antenna from Best Buy. I'm currently using the Terk indoor HD antenna that runs around $75 at Best Buy and it works really well. Yes, I'm plugging something that actually works. Anywho.
For those of you who have an HDTV and have or are getting an HD Antenna, you should check out the site linked in the article. Using your address it will help you figure out how best to aim that antenna to get the strongest signal from the highest number of stations.
--Slick Geek
Comcast: Comcast's Internet Slowdown System Fully Armed and Operational (and Avoidable)
Comcast: Comcast's Internet Slowdown System Fully Armed and Operational (and Avoidable)
Not that I necessarily condone copyright infringements, but let's face it the numbers on internet downloading and P2P sharing don't lie(well, they do, but that is a whole nother article altogether). There is a new system Comcast is using that will probably end up adopted or adapted by all other ISPs around the country to ensure bandwidth is properly shared between everyone. The problem is that those of you who use say YouTube on a daily basis for watching videos online, Netflix to stream HD content to your TV for High-Def watchery, iTunes for downloading(legally) music and podcasts, and the thousands of other(legal) downloading and streaming capabilities the internet has allowed us, are susceptible to being slowed down. The article from http://lifehacker.com explains that Comcast's system will simply mark those who use over 70% of their bandwidth in a given timeframe in a way that will give them a lesser priority for their packets(data downloaded).
The big problem here is that if you are marked, the system is still supposed to let your downloads through, just taking longer timeframes to do so. Essentially, Comcast is neutralizing the supposed threat of P2P and torrents by throttling those who download too much at once. My concern is that it is becoming nearly common place for folks to stream content to their TVs for viewing on a larger screen than their monitor or desktop. Not to mention that there are those families with video gaming kids who play over the internet with their friends.
To me it just seems there are some questionable issues here that don't seem to get addressed by Comcast. It's the same old cookie-cutter approach to internet control that has been called "net neutrality" for years now, and is shunned by the internet community at large. I guess this is the future we're all told is to come, being slowed down because you choose to use the internet for what it's become.
*sigh*
--Slick Geek
Not that I necessarily condone copyright infringements, but let's face it the numbers on internet downloading and P2P sharing don't lie(well, they do, but that is a whole nother article altogether). There is a new system Comcast is using that will probably end up adopted or adapted by all other ISPs around the country to ensure bandwidth is properly shared between everyone. The problem is that those of you who use say YouTube on a daily basis for watching videos online, Netflix to stream HD content to your TV for High-Def watchery, iTunes for downloading(legally) music and podcasts, and the thousands of other(legal) downloading and streaming capabilities the internet has allowed us, are susceptible to being slowed down. The article from http://lifehacker.com explains that Comcast's system will simply mark those who use over 70% of their bandwidth in a given timeframe in a way that will give them a lesser priority for their packets(data downloaded).
The big problem here is that if you are marked, the system is still supposed to let your downloads through, just taking longer timeframes to do so. Essentially, Comcast is neutralizing the supposed threat of P2P and torrents by throttling those who download too much at once. My concern is that it is becoming nearly common place for folks to stream content to their TVs for viewing on a larger screen than their monitor or desktop. Not to mention that there are those families with video gaming kids who play over the internet with their friends.
To me it just seems there are some questionable issues here that don't seem to get addressed by Comcast. It's the same old cookie-cutter approach to internet control that has been called "net neutrality" for years now, and is shunned by the internet community at large. I guess this is the future we're all told is to come, being slowed down because you choose to use the internet for what it's become.
*sigh*
--Slick Geek
Clever Uses: Coke Can Clean Your Toilet in a Pinch
Clever Uses: Coke Can Clean Your Toilet in a Pinch
Yeah, I realize this isn't a tech tip or anything, but let's face it even the techies have to clean the bathroom every once and a while. Well, who would've thought that if you are out of toilet bowl cleaner you could substitute a Coke? And if you can leave it overnight before using the brush to wipe down the bowl, it'll be practically like new. Really. Check out the article and see for yourself!
--Slick Geek
Yeah, I realize this isn't a tech tip or anything, but let's face it even the techies have to clean the bathroom every once and a while. Well, who would've thought that if you are out of toilet bowl cleaner you could substitute a Coke? And if you can leave it overnight before using the brush to wipe down the bowl, it'll be practically like new. Really. Check out the article and see for yourself!
--Slick Geek
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Media Server: VortexBox Turns Your Old Computer into a Music Server
Media Server: VortexBox Turns Your Old Computer into a Music Server
So I've been debating getting a little more techy with the blog, and as of right now I've decided to integrate a mixture of more advanced tech stuff and some less technical posts. This blog post is all about a Linux-based Media Server Operating System. It can be a great weekend project for an old PC and a little bit of techy know-how(or a good techy friend via the phone). Either way, this operating system could be a great way to recycle an old PC and still get something useful out of the deal.
Installation is nice and simple. Just download the .ISO file(this is a standard file type used by CD and DVD recording programs like Nero for burning to CDs and DVDs) and then burn it to a CD. Pop the CD into the PC to be server-ized and follow the onscreen instructions. Easy as that.
If you have any questions or problems, email me at lgconnection@gmail.com.
--Slick Geek
So I've been debating getting a little more techy with the blog, and as of right now I've decided to integrate a mixture of more advanced tech stuff and some less technical posts. This blog post is all about a Linux-based Media Server Operating System. It can be a great weekend project for an old PC and a little bit of techy know-how(or a good techy friend via the phone). Either way, this operating system could be a great way to recycle an old PC and still get something useful out of the deal.
Installation is nice and simple. Just download the .ISO file(this is a standard file type used by CD and DVD recording programs like Nero for burning to CDs and DVDs) and then burn it to a CD. Pop the CD into the PC to be server-ized and follow the onscreen instructions. Easy as that.
If you have any questions or problems, email me at lgconnection@gmail.com.
--Slick Geek
Thursday, January 1, 2009
New Year: Set and Track New Year's Resolutions with Free Software
New Year: Set and Track New Year's Resolutions with Free Software
Once again a post from http://lifehacker.com. This time it's all about the New Year and keeping track of your New Year's Resolutions for free. Check out the post on their site and maybe just maybe this will be the year you go from Resolution Breaker to Resolution Keeper!
Here's to a wonderful '09 for you and yours!
--Slick Geek
Once again a post from http://lifehacker.com. This time it's all about the New Year and keeping track of your New Year's Resolutions for free. Check out the post on their site and maybe just maybe this will be the year you go from Resolution Breaker to Resolution Keeper!
Here's to a wonderful '09 for you and yours!
--Slick Geek
Take control of your contacts with VoxOx
Take control of your contacts with VoxOx
I frequent http://freedownloadaday.com because they offer up a preview of free(read: open-source/freeware) software for everything from Linux to Windows to Mac and everything in between. Not only that they throw out some pretty awesome software from time to time that simply just doesn't have the advertising budgets of some of the other big-name software makers(read: Microsoft). This little open-source program(read: free) is called VoxOx and is the most awesome contact management solution out there. Pull contacts from every instant messenger and screen name, and also from your social networking sites and email accounts, and store them and update them all in one place, together, simultaneously.
This is an awesome utility for those of you with scattered contacts across the interwebs, and even better for those who might try to conduct business across the interwebs. Enjoy!
--Slick Geek
I frequent http://freedownloadaday.com because they offer up a preview of free(read: open-source/freeware) software for everything from Linux to Windows to Mac and everything in between. Not only that they throw out some pretty awesome software from time to time that simply just doesn't have the advertising budgets of some of the other big-name software makers(read: Microsoft). This little open-source program(read: free) is called VoxOx and is the most awesome contact management solution out there. Pull contacts from every instant messenger and screen name, and also from your social networking sites and email accounts, and store them and update them all in one place, together, simultaneously.
This is an awesome utility for those of you with scattered contacts across the interwebs, and even better for those who might try to conduct business across the interwebs. Enjoy!
--Slick Geek
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