All we can say is: Hang on for dear life. Believe me, it looks like it's gonna be worth it.Don't bother reading this if you DON'T want to know what's going to happen. Spoiler warning!
read more | digg story
Friday, March 30, 2007
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
RUSH - Summer 2007 Tour dates announced
Canada's RUSH are back at it again! New album called Snakes and Arrows - May 1, and a tour to follow.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
10 Steps to a bigger hard drive!
You may have wondered where all that hard drive space has disappeared to. Right out of the box, hard drive space is not what it appears to be. Computers measure space (hard drive and memory space) in binary values, but the operating system converts them to a more friendly decimal value. The difference means that a binary value for a megabyte is 1024, but the decimal value is 1000. Multiply this by several thousand, and you end up losing hard drive space. Add in the fact that the operating system has to format the drive and use some of the space for indexing and file tables, and you lose even more.
1) Look in the control panel for Add remove programs, scroll through the list and uninstall programs that you don’t need.
2) Disable hibernation – control panel, display, screensaver tab, power button, hibernate tab
3) Reduce your recycle bin size – right mouse click on recycle bin, select properties – change the maximum size to 3% to 5%. Also, empty it once in a while – make sure you don’t need anything in it first!
4) Reduce Internet explorer cache – tools, internet options, temporary Internet Files – reduce the cache size to 250Mb.
5) System restore – reduce the size Windows XP reserves for System restoration – right mouse click on My Computer, properties, system restore tab, move the slider to 5%, or for advanced users (that run routine system backups) , disable system restore completely.
6) Delete your internet explorer cache – Tools, internet options, temporary internet files – delete
7) Delete unused profiles – if there are profiles stored on your compiter that you don’t need, or use. You can delete them – right click my computer, p[roperties, advanced, user profiles, settings – delete profiles at your own risk!
8) Clean out temp files – Every user on your pc has a profile, and that profile keeps their internet explorer cache, and temp files stored. Browse to: documents and settings\the user’s name\Local Settings\Temp\ - delete these files, and repeat for each username your find. – be careful with administrator and all users profiles.
If you can’t see these folders, you have to change the view – tools\folder options\view\show hidden files and folders. Change this back after you are done, or leave it be to see all the hidden files and folders.
9) If you use the native Windows XP CD writing software, make sure to select “delete these files after writing” and look in your cdrom drive letter folder for “delete files waiting to be written to disk”
10) Search google or other websites for software that looks for duplicate files, or zero byte files, or backup files. These should be used with caution, as they may delete files that appear to he useless. Your operating system may need them, so check for things like the last time they were used – in which case if they are not used in several months, they most likely are safe to delete.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Blogging toys and treats!
Blogging, and Web 2.0?
Web 2.0 is described as the second generation of websites and services. Essentially, this is just a name, and there are no actual rules or standards, however the title encompasses everything from blogging to youtube. Common examples are social networking sites like digg.com and photo sharing sites such as flickr.
Professional web designers and programmers do like to adhere to a standard practice, and they may argue that there are rules and standards, which I think is great, as they lead the way to cleaner and smoother running websites and services, however as always, the public dictates the norm. For the blogger, this means that there are some great tools and utilities to pretty up your blog, or add functionality like never before. Most of us prefer to simply write and publish to our blogs. Quick and dirty. No programming, no coding just write it and save it to the web. Web 2.0 functionality allows us to add features like photo and video sharing, chat boxes, and social networking features simply by drag and drop.
Google’s blogger (this website actually) for example is arranged by laying out the page into elements or modules. Every portion of the page is edited in pieces. No need for programming. You can add chat modules from 3rd party websites and simply cut and paste the special code into your module.
If you’re looking to spice up your blog, or website, you should look into sites such as g02web20.net, and killerstartups.com. A quick tip to finding some neat things for your blog – search on the tags at the top, and try the blogging tag.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Get your old start menu back!
Get back that familiar Windows look and feel
Windows XP was a welcomed change, as is Windows Vista. The interface has changed over the years but essentially operates the same way. For many, the change is great and they have no problem adapting to the new menus. Locating familiar icons and settings is sort of like a mini treasure hunt, with a surprise at every click. Then there are some that like the way things were. The menus, and control panel settings were all in a place that could be easily be found. You invested the time to learn those things and have now become proficient and comfortable. You don’t want to reinvest the time and relearn and unlearn what you already know.Windows XP changed the start menu drastically, and so has Windows Vista. Well a few simple mouse click can easily restore your familiar Pre Windows XP start menu to its former glory.
If you get into the habit of using your right mouse button, you can open a world of secrets, special options and advanced settings. The right mouse button allows you to select sub menus and options, while the left mouse allows you to activate or invoke those options.
Roll your mouse over the Start Button, right mouse click and select properties with your left button. This will open the Taskbar and Start menu properties. Click the Start menu tab at the top to access the start menu settings. Select the Classic Start menu radio button, and click Apply, and then click OK. After a short delay, you have your familiar start menu back. You can always undo this change by repeating the process, and selecting Start menu radio button.
Friday, March 23, 2007
KISS My Ass! - Gene Simmons and booty galore...
Gene Simmons and his usual stuff :) promoting his 2nd season premiere of family jewels
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Easter Eggs!
Easter eggs!
It’s that time of the year, the infamous chocolate egg laying bunny! Well as far as marketing goes, they would love to have us associate those two things together. This topic however is not about the religious event, or eggs or marketing. It’s about computers and DVD’s and CDROM easter eggs! What are they you ask? Well, they are not actual eggs, but more like hidden secrets, features, treasures and even mistakes in the program or media. Sometimes software developers may intentionally leave these in their programming codes, sometimes they happen out of abnormal program circumstances. More recently, they are included as extra content on DVD’s and movies. They have now come to be expected by the consumer. These are very similar to cheat codes found in many – if not all video games.
In the case of computer easter eggs, they can be uncovered and experimented with using simple commands within programs. A quick example is a way to force a win at solitaire.
Launch solitaire, click on start, then click programs, accessories, and finally games. Play a few hands of solitaire then press Alt + Shift + 2. You win! There are other Windows XP easter eggs which can be found if you google search for them.
In the case of DVD movies, there are countless secrets to be found. These are accessed using your DVD remote control. You must proceed through the codes exactly, otherwise it will not work. This sort makes it a challenge, and therefore a little more rewarding once you find the secret, and actually get it to work.
One example we can use is from Star Wars Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. It’s called - Hip Hop Yoda, and shows a video of Yoda rapping. To access this secret, using your DVD remote; Put disk 1 into your DVD player. Wait for the main menu to load, then select Options. Once the options menu loads, press 1, 1, 3, 8.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Auction Winning Techniques
Auction winning techniques
How many times have you placed a bid on an auction and anxiously awaited the result, only to find out that you lost the auction in the last few seconds? Most likely, the auction was sniped. Sniping an auction, is the term used to describe this. Auction sniping is legal according to ebay policies, as long as you honor the bid.
A snipe is exactly that, somewhere, someone in hiding is ready to pounce on your great deal. This is done either manually, or by using 3rd party software and services. The process involves keeping your absolute maximum bid hidden from the other bidders. In the last dying seconds of the auction deadline, your hidden bid is placed. This leave little time for the other bidders to react to your bid and you win the auction.
The manual process is not as desirable as an automated 3rd party auction sniping service because your system and connection to the internet may not be reliable, or quick enough to get your sniped bid submitted in time. 3rd party companies have faster connections and more reliable servers to handle the process for you.
The difference between sniping a bid and placing a higher proxy bid (placing your maximum bid amount early, in secret) is that other auction bidders can learn your maximum bid simply by placing their bid. If your bid is higher, they will be advised that they have been outbid. This reveals the current bid amount, and often raises the value of the item making less enticing, less of a deal.
Sniping software holds your bid a secret until you say when to place it. This it typically several minutes to several seconds before the auction ends. The sniping software uses the sniping choices and preferences that you have made in advance. You purchase the software or service and enter your account credentials beforehand. Some may argue that this is a security risk they do not wish to make. Essentially, you are handing over your account information to a 3rd party, which is stored on their servers. If there ever was a security breach, your information may be compromised. On the other hand, they may have more secure servers that your home computer, coupled with their reliability and faster internet connection. Using these options means your bid can be placed anywhere, anytime. The snipe will happen automatically, regardless of your monitoring the auction or not.
There are several auction sniping software and services, from bidnip.com – which costs about .25 per successful auction snipe. If you bid too low, or for any reason the bid is not placed due to unforeseen circumstances, you are not charged. Other software packages cost about $9.95, plus 1% auction item value. You may also search google for auction sniping. Try it, you’ll soon understand why it’s so popular.
How many times have you placed a bid on an auction and anxiously awaited the result, only to find out that you lost the auction in the last few seconds? Most likely, the auction was sniped. Sniping an auction, is the term used to describe this. Auction sniping is legal according to ebay policies, as long as you honor the bid.
A snipe is exactly that, somewhere, someone in hiding is ready to pounce on your great deal. This is done either manually, or by using 3rd party software and services. The process involves keeping your absolute maximum bid hidden from the other bidders. In the last dying seconds of the auction deadline, your hidden bid is placed. This leave little time for the other bidders to react to your bid and you win the auction.
The manual process is not as desirable as an automated 3rd party auction sniping service because your system and connection to the internet may not be reliable, or quick enough to get your sniped bid submitted in time. 3rd party companies have faster connections and more reliable servers to handle the process for you.
The difference between sniping a bid and placing a higher proxy bid (placing your maximum bid amount early, in secret) is that other auction bidders can learn your maximum bid simply by placing their bid. If your bid is higher, they will be advised that they have been outbid. This reveals the current bid amount, and often raises the value of the item making less enticing, less of a deal.
Sniping software holds your bid a secret until you say when to place it. This it typically several minutes to several seconds before the auction ends. The sniping software uses the sniping choices and preferences that you have made in advance. You purchase the software or service and enter your account credentials beforehand. Some may argue that this is a security risk they do not wish to make. Essentially, you are handing over your account information to a 3rd party, which is stored on their servers. If there ever was a security breach, your information may be compromised. On the other hand, they may have more secure servers that your home computer, coupled with their reliability and faster internet connection. Using these options means your bid can be placed anywhere, anytime. The snipe will happen automatically, regardless of your monitoring the auction or not.
There are several auction sniping software and services, from bidnip.com – which costs about .25 per successful auction snipe. If you bid too low, or for any reason the bid is not placed due to unforeseen circumstances, you are not charged. Other software packages cost about $9.95, plus 1% auction item value. You may also search google for auction sniping. Try it, you’ll soon understand why it’s so popular.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Microsoft Exec Admits That Company Still Benefits From Piracy
A company executive was quoted as saying, "If you're going to steal software, steal it from us." That pretty much says it all.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Save that Old PC!
Reviving that old PC with no money down!
As we all know, as time goes on, windows ages on your pc. It slows down, thinks about things a little more and responds a bit more slowly than it used to. Does that mean that your PC is no good, should it be retired? NO Way I say!
Follow me to the fountain of youth for your computer! No magic elixir or tonic, just a plain and simple approach. Windows has many enhancements and annoyances, which if properly balanced and adjusted can make a world of difference in your computer's performance.
For starters, lets remove some of the items in your start up folder, or system tray. You can selectively remove the unneeded and non critical applications from stealing valuable resources and memory. The start menu itself can be a tricky place in itself. Personally, I like my system running with the basics. In your control panel is an icon for start menu and taskbar, (its' faster to just right mouse click on the actual start button, and select properties) Select "Classic Start menu" then click the taskbar tab at the top. Remove the checkmarks for "Group similar taskbar buttons, and Hide Inactive Icons" This allows you to see exactly what is running in your system tray, as Windows hides most of these details by default. Next, lower your display colour quality. If you have a dedicated video card with 32 bit color capabilities, you may be able to skip this step, but I would suggest at the very least, lower the colour quality to 16 or 24 bit. To do this, right click any unused area on your desktop, select properties with the left mouse button. Select the settings tab, and finally the color quality slider in the middle right area.
Next, we should change the desktop theme and wallpaper to the absolute minimal - while in the display properties menu, select Theme, and then windows Classic from the drop down menu. Go to the desktop tab, select None from the drop down list, and finally, on the Appearance tab select Windows Classic Style. On that same tab, you can also select the Effects button and remove the checkmarks for transition effects.
One of the most important changes you can make to effect the speed and operation of your computer (other than lots of memory) is to change the performance settings of the pc. Right click my computer, then select properties, Advanced tab, and then the performance button. Change the radio button to Adjust for best performance" You can also disable the error reporting service by selecting the Error Reporting button, and set to that to disable error reporting.
Many of these changes will take the bells and whistles away, leaving you with a boring looking computer and desktop, but the speed and performance gains will be well worth it on your next reboot. Some times a good old stock system is better than an aftermarket system - hands down!
As we all know, as time goes on, windows ages on your pc. It slows down, thinks about things a little more and responds a bit more slowly than it used to. Does that mean that your PC is no good, should it be retired? NO Way I say!
Follow me to the fountain of youth for your computer! No magic elixir or tonic, just a plain and simple approach. Windows has many enhancements and annoyances, which if properly balanced and adjusted can make a world of difference in your computer's performance.
For starters, lets remove some of the items in your start up folder, or system tray. You can selectively remove the unneeded and non critical applications from stealing valuable resources and memory. The start menu itself can be a tricky place in itself. Personally, I like my system running with the basics. In your control panel is an icon for start menu and taskbar, (its' faster to just right mouse click on the actual start button, and select properties) Select "Classic Start menu" then click the taskbar tab at the top. Remove the checkmarks for "Group similar taskbar buttons, and Hide Inactive Icons" This allows you to see exactly what is running in your system tray, as Windows hides most of these details by default. Next, lower your display colour quality. If you have a dedicated video card with 32 bit color capabilities, you may be able to skip this step, but I would suggest at the very least, lower the colour quality to 16 or 24 bit. To do this, right click any unused area on your desktop, select properties with the left mouse button. Select the settings tab, and finally the color quality slider in the middle right area.
Next, we should change the desktop theme and wallpaper to the absolute minimal - while in the display properties menu, select Theme, and then windows Classic from the drop down menu. Go to the desktop tab, select None from the drop down list, and finally, on the Appearance tab select Windows Classic Style. On that same tab, you can also select the Effects button and remove the checkmarks for transition effects.
One of the most important changes you can make to effect the speed and operation of your computer (other than lots of memory) is to change the performance settings of the pc. Right click my computer, then select properties, Advanced tab, and then the performance button. Change the radio button to Adjust for best performance" You can also disable the error reporting service by selecting the Error Reporting button, and set to that to disable error reporting.
Many of these changes will take the bells and whistles away, leaving you with a boring looking computer and desktop, but the speed and performance gains will be well worth it on your next reboot. Some times a good old stock system is better than an aftermarket system - hands down!
Oakley OROKR - review
Oakley O ROKR Bluetooth Eyewear
Blue Tooth eyewear? no it’s not a medical condition. You don’t need to see your optometrist or your dentist. Actually, if you know something about this technology, your doctor might be calling on you for some advice.
Blue Tooth is actually a simple version of a wireless connection between devices such as laptops, cellular phones and headsets. Bluetooth version 2 allows for a wireless range of up to 33 feet (10 meters) in optimal conditions. As the technology becomes a mainstay in our daily lives, more and more gadgets popup with blue tooth capabilities. Enter the Oakley O ROKR Bluetooth Eyewear.
Eyewear that can play music, connect to your cellular phone to allow you to take calls, or anything else that callas for Bluetooth connectivity. These stylish glasses are right out of the Terminator movies!
With the growing concerns of eye protection from harmful sun rays and radiation, these have got you covered. They filter out 100% of harmful Ultra Violet/A/B and C. The lenses are also designed for optimal vision and clarity using something called HD Optics. Designed without a frame, the lenses are also side impact resistant. Ok, now on to the bells and whistles.
Integrated into the sides are the electronics. The most obvious feature is the fully positional ear phones or ear buds in this case. The right side of the O ROKR contains the controls for music, and the left side for communications functions. This means that you can play Mp3’s from your favorite blue tooth enabled device, and use a cellular phone. If your MP3 player supports Blue tooth Stereo Music streaming (A2DP) – which is a Bluetooth specification for transmission high quality audio – you can actually control your Mp3 player using the O ROKR glasses. Also supported in the O ROKR is the ability to control Bluetooth devices (AVRCP) which permits control of your MP3 player’s and cellular phone’s advanced functions, such as on, off, skip, previous, next, mute, volume up and down. Not to worry, all Bluetooth enabled mp3 player and phones will still work, however with only the most basic functions.
In addition to cranking the tunes (watch out for the volume…ear damage you know) you can answer inbound cellular phone calls too. If you happen to be listening to your favorite music, it’s just a matter of pressing the call button on the left side of the glasses to answer that call and mute the music. You can control functions such as mute the microphone, and end the call. The Bluetooth compatibility between your devices is all dependent on what Bluetooth profiles your phone and mp3 player supports. You can also purchase wireless stereo Bluetooth adapters for just about any mp3 player.
Manufacturer: Oakley
Price: $249 US
More Info: http://oakley.com/orokr/
Rating 3/5
Not your everyday eyewear. I don’t envision these being used during sports, but great for its dual purpose music/cellular features.
Blue Tooth eyewear? no it’s not a medical condition. You don’t need to see your optometrist or your dentist. Actually, if you know something about this technology, your doctor might be calling on you for some advice.
Blue Tooth is actually a simple version of a wireless connection between devices such as laptops, cellular phones and headsets. Bluetooth version 2 allows for a wireless range of up to 33 feet (10 meters) in optimal conditions. As the technology becomes a mainstay in our daily lives, more and more gadgets popup with blue tooth capabilities. Enter the Oakley O ROKR Bluetooth Eyewear.
Eyewear that can play music, connect to your cellular phone to allow you to take calls, or anything else that callas for Bluetooth connectivity. These stylish glasses are right out of the Terminator movies!
With the growing concerns of eye protection from harmful sun rays and radiation, these have got you covered. They filter out 100% of harmful Ultra Violet/A/B and C. The lenses are also designed for optimal vision and clarity using something called HD Optics. Designed without a frame, the lenses are also side impact resistant. Ok, now on to the bells and whistles.
Integrated into the sides are the electronics. The most obvious feature is the fully positional ear phones or ear buds in this case. The right side of the O ROKR contains the controls for music, and the left side for communications functions. This means that you can play Mp3’s from your favorite blue tooth enabled device, and use a cellular phone. If your MP3 player supports Blue tooth Stereo Music streaming (A2DP) – which is a Bluetooth specification for transmission high quality audio – you can actually control your Mp3 player using the O ROKR glasses. Also supported in the O ROKR is the ability to control Bluetooth devices (AVRCP) which permits control of your MP3 player’s and cellular phone’s advanced functions, such as on, off, skip, previous, next, mute, volume up and down. Not to worry, all Bluetooth enabled mp3 player and phones will still work, however with only the most basic functions.
In addition to cranking the tunes (watch out for the volume…ear damage you know) you can answer inbound cellular phone calls too. If you happen to be listening to your favorite music, it’s just a matter of pressing the call button on the left side of the glasses to answer that call and mute the music. You can control functions such as mute the microphone, and end the call. The Bluetooth compatibility between your devices is all dependent on what Bluetooth profiles your phone and mp3 player supports. You can also purchase wireless stereo Bluetooth adapters for just about any mp3 player.
Manufacturer: Oakley
Price: $249 US
More Info: http://oakley.com/orokr/
Rating 3/5
Not your everyday eyewear. I don’t envision these being used during sports, but great for its dual purpose music/cellular features.
LCD backlight repair and troubleshooting
How to tell if you’re LCD is dead or just needs a new bulb?
So you’ve had that LCD monitor or laptop for a few years and it has been working like a charm. Great, until one day, you see red. The sky is red, faces are red, you get the picture (or maybe not) Maybe you get no picture at all, or the picture shows up when it feels like it. What to do? Don’t chuck it out - just yet!
The quick and dirty behind LCD panel construction is basically three components. The LCD panel itself, or the glass. The CCFL, or Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp, which is commonly called a backlight, and last, the inverter. The inverter supplies power to the backlight which in turn provides lighting to the lcd glass panel. The lcd and backlight are constructed together and sealed.
When a backlight is about to go, your display will usually have a reddish tinge to it. This is most evident when powering the laptop on. The red tinge may disappear as the backlight warms up and eventually operate normally. This means that one day, you will have no backlight. The image will be very faint on the lcd glass, and under the right lighting, may be slightly visible. To verify this, you will need an external monitor to plug into the laptop. Toggle your display from the laptop to the external by pressing Function key (FN) and either F4, F5, or F7 key, one or two times. Each manufacturer has their own function combination, so please check first. Usually you will see a key on the keyboard, in the function key rows that has a picture or a monitor on it.
Toggling the display to the external monitor will verify that the problem is not with your laptop video card. If the picture is fine, then the problem is either the backlight or the inverter. If you have a full size LCD and wan to verify where the problem, is, you will have to get another monitor.
If an inverter is going to malfunction, it usually goes without warning. If a backlight malfunctions, it typically gives some sort of warning beforehand. Hence the reddish tinge. In any case, replacing a backlight or inverter is not for the beginner. Where laptops are concerned, the inverter is located just below the lcd panel itself, on the actual laptop lid. Inverter’s are fairly inexpensive and can be easily found on ebay. You may search the model of the laptop, or if possible get the part number off the inverter itself, and search that. Expect to pay about $15 – 40 US, plus shipping.
Replacing the backlight is another procedure completely. Unfortunately, determining exactly what parts needs replacing (backlight or inverter) is not an exact science. Backlights are cheaper than inverters, but much harder to replace. Inverters cost more, but can be done in a few minutes. Backlights are not easy to replace by any means, and they are to be dealt with extreme caution. They contain mercury (contact your local authority for proper disposal information) . It requires complete removal and disassembly of the lcd panel. If you manage to gain access to the backlight, you can simply measure its distance from end to end (glass start to glass end) in millimeters, and its relative thickness, again in mm. This can then be used to order a new backlight. Backlights can be ordered from ccfldirect.com and other sources. They run about $9.95 US, plus shipping.
Protecting your identity - Review of the "Gaurd ID"
iD Vault
Identity theft is and internet crime is big business. Not just for hackers, but for the companies developing products to protect us. Protecting our personal information is more important now than ever before. The possibility exists to lose so much, so easily. Everyday there are new methods being devised to steal your information. You’ve heard of them before - phishing, spear-phishing, pharming, spoofing and keystroke-logging.
Guard ID Systems has developed the id Vault. This device is a watchdog that protects you from various types of internet threats. It does this by storing your passwords, trusted websites and login information on a smart card chip. The smart card is the same technology used in identification badges. Think of those police shows on television, when they have to swipe their card to gain access to a secure area. The same technology is being used here. When you visit a website that you have deemed as safe, the iD Vault prompts you to continue using the stored information it is safeguarding. Your first visit to a website that requires a login will cause the iD vault to prompt you to add this site to your secure sites list.
The id vault seems to be a typical USB flash memory device, but it is not. It resembles a padlock, with a metal ring on the top, and a USB connector on the bottom. The pseudo-combination lock on the back has a red button in the center that allows the id vault to extend and retract. When extended, the USB connector is exposed. When retracted, the USB connector is covered, and the metal ring on the top is exposed. This is a great feature because you can put this on a keychain.
Included in the package are the USB id vault, a USB cable, a software cd, a quick start guide and a user’s manual. Installation starts with the software, then the USB device. The software comes into play and prompts you to configure the device. This is done in three steps. You first create your own PIN number, then the system generates a unique serial number, and finally the information is written to the device. When I say written, I mean written - permanently. If you forget your pin, you will have to use the unique serial number. If you are unsuccessful after three attempts, then id vault becomes inoperable. Also note a $19.99 annual subscription fee after the first year.
You can add websites to the id vault when you attempt to log in to one. It asks if you would like to add this site, you then enter your PIN, and voila. Your internet explorer favorites will now include secure favorites and the sites you have added. It also includes a wizard to add your banking institution’s website.
Manufacturer: Guard ID Systems
Price: $49.99 US
More Info: http://www.guardidsystems.com/
Rating 5/5
A portable, durable, and convenient security solution, with some added eye candy for the gadget lover.
Identity theft is and internet crime is big business. Not just for hackers, but for the companies developing products to protect us. Protecting our personal information is more important now than ever before. The possibility exists to lose so much, so easily. Everyday there are new methods being devised to steal your information. You’ve heard of them before - phishing, spear-phishing, pharming, spoofing and keystroke-logging.
Guard ID Systems has developed the id Vault. This device is a watchdog that protects you from various types of internet threats. It does this by storing your passwords, trusted websites and login information on a smart card chip. The smart card is the same technology used in identification badges. Think of those police shows on television, when they have to swipe their card to gain access to a secure area. The same technology is being used here. When you visit a website that you have deemed as safe, the iD Vault prompts you to continue using the stored information it is safeguarding. Your first visit to a website that requires a login will cause the iD vault to prompt you to add this site to your secure sites list.
The id vault seems to be a typical USB flash memory device, but it is not. It resembles a padlock, with a metal ring on the top, and a USB connector on the bottom. The pseudo-combination lock on the back has a red button in the center that allows the id vault to extend and retract. When extended, the USB connector is exposed. When retracted, the USB connector is covered, and the metal ring on the top is exposed. This is a great feature because you can put this on a keychain.
Included in the package are the USB id vault, a USB cable, a software cd, a quick start guide and a user’s manual. Installation starts with the software, then the USB device. The software comes into play and prompts you to configure the device. This is done in three steps. You first create your own PIN number, then the system generates a unique serial number, and finally the information is written to the device. When I say written, I mean written - permanently. If you forget your pin, you will have to use the unique serial number. If you are unsuccessful after three attempts, then id vault becomes inoperable. Also note a $19.99 annual subscription fee after the first year.
You can add websites to the id vault when you attempt to log in to one. It asks if you would like to add this site, you then enter your PIN, and voila. Your internet explorer favorites will now include secure favorites and the sites you have added. It also includes a wizard to add your banking institution’s website.
Manufacturer: Guard ID Systems
Price: $49.99 US
More Info: http://www.guardidsystems.com/
Rating 5/5
A portable, durable, and convenient security solution, with some added eye candy for the gadget lover.
Home Theater Basics
Home Theatre Basics 101
So, had enough of the buzz and the industry telling you that you need to go High-Definition; do the words “Go Big or Go Home” have you spinning your head? That old CRT television just not cutting it anymore?. It was up until a few years ago that High-Definition television was only available overseas; Japan and Europe have had it for quite a long time. Over here across the pond, we were not ready for the switch. It meant spending billions of dollars to change all our broadcasting equipment, having content to play on high definition television, and producers to film in hd. It has finally become a reality, and will be the standard in a few short years. Broadcasters, movie companies, equipment manufacturers and consumers have finally accepted the fact that conventional TV is far too outdated, and has come close to the end of its lifespan.
HDTV, simply put, is like comparing the eight-track tape to a music CD. Like the VCR to the DVD player. The conventional CRT tube was bulky, heavy, expensive to manufacture, very hazardous to the environment and expensive to dispose of. Technologically speaking, it is outdated, with only 480 lines of resolution (480 horizontal lines of which to put an image on), compared to 720 and 1080 for hd.
Screen resolution has also increased and is now an important specification in hd technology. Resolution is measured using the number of vertical and horizontal scan lines o(r pixels) on the screen, and is defined in the method in which it processes the information. The standard television (SDTV) is 525 scan lines. Technically speaking, it is 480 lines used for the image and 45 lines used for behind the scenes information that we never actually see. To make life simple, we call it 480. Which is 480 vertical lines or pixels, and 640 horizontal. The horizontal number of scan lines are not commonly referred to, but do help to illustrate the aspect ratio (The display's width to height ratio)Standard Definition television (SDTV) is 480 x 640, which translates into an aspect ratio of 4:3. Some newer SDTV’s support a 16:9 aspect ratio, which is 480 x 704. A 16:9 aspect ratio is now the common format, and can be described as a widescreen format. You might notice that most new televisions are rectangular shaped versus th
So, had enough of the buzz and the industry telling you that you need to go High-Definition; do the words “Go Big or Go Home” have you spinning your head? That old CRT television just not cutting it anymore?. It was up until a few years ago that High-Definition television was only available overseas; Japan and Europe have had it for quite a long time. Over here across the pond, we were not ready for the switch. It meant spending billions of dollars to change all our broadcasting equipment, having content to play on high definition television, and producers to film in hd. It has finally become a reality, and will be the standard in a few short years. Broadcasters, movie companies, equipment manufacturers and consumers have finally accepted the fact that conventional TV is far too outdated, and has come close to the end of its lifespan.
HDTV, simply put, is like comparing the eight-track tape to a music CD. Like the VCR to the DVD player. The conventional CRT tube was bulky, heavy, expensive to manufacture, very hazardous to the environment and expensive to dispose of. Technologically speaking, it is outdated, with only 480 lines of resolution (480 horizontal lines of which to put an image on), compared to 720 and 1080 for hd.
Screen resolution has also increased and is now an important specification in hd technology. Resolution is measured using the number of vertical and horizontal scan lines o(r pixels) on the screen, and is defined in the method in which it processes the information. The standard television (SDTV) is 525 scan lines. Technically speaking, it is 480 lines used for the image and 45 lines used for behind the scenes information that we never actually see. To make life simple, we call it 480. Which is 480 vertical lines or pixels, and 640 horizontal. The horizontal number of scan lines are not commonly referred to, but do help to illustrate the aspect ratio (The display's width to height ratio)Standard Definition television (SDTV) is 480 x 640, which translates into an aspect ratio of 4:3. Some newer SDTV’s support a 16:9 aspect ratio, which is 480 x 704. A 16:9 aspect ratio is now the common format, and can be described as a widescreen format. You might notice that most new televisions are rectangular shaped versus th
Dual Displays in Windows XP
If you’ve upgraded your computer display to LCD, your old CRT monitor most likely collects dust somewhere. Sending it to the local dump is not so easy. It is a very dangerous item. Its CRT (Cathode Ray Vacuum) tube must be disposed of properly. Usually you can pay a small fee to have the local dump accept it. Can you still use it? With Windows XP you can.
Windows XP supports two physical displays to be used on one computer.
First, you must determine what type of video adapter your computer has, and what physical slot-type your motherboard supports. If your display adapter is an internal integrated (onboard) video adapter, adding another display adapter will not work. It’s either internal or external. If your motherboard has (internal) or integrated video, you’ll have to buy a dual-head video adapter, or two separate display adapters. Dual-head display adapters have two video connector ports. Their drivers support dual display. They do cost quite a bit more, too.
If your computer has an AGP type slot, you can only add a PCI card. AGP slots are built into computer motherboards for the specific purpose of AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) video adapters. Motherboards can only physically support one of these cards. If you want to add another display adapter, it has to be a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) type of slot. Modern motherboards are dropping the AGP slot. Ultimately, there won’t be any support for them. PCI-X express (the next generation of PCI technology) is the standard today. It allows Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) to come of age along with dual core CPU’s, and now dual core GPUs. They can even operate in pairs, called SLI mode - Scalable Link Interface - which is a special technology allowing you to pair up video cards to work in tandem. Imagine also having the ability to have up to four separate video cards in one computer. This is available now, from many of the major motherboard manufacturers.
Adding a second display adapter is not always easy and may not always work. If you are planning on taking this advice, your first step should take your tower to a local computer shop, to test out some of their display adapters. Of if you are the adventurous type, at least keep your sales receipt in case you need to return the item.
To be safe, purchase a PCI display adapter with at least 32Mb of onboard memory. Once installed, plug one monitor into each of the adapters and power them on. Windows XP will boot and ultimately find the new adapter card. Install the drivers (either on CD, or download them) and reboot the PC. Once rebooted, you can now configure and enjoy your new dual display system.
To configure the dual displays, right-mouse-click anywhere on the desktop, select properties.
The last tab is called settings, and you will notice that you have two monitors, labeled respectively.
Identify your favourite monitor by clicking the Identify button. If your favourite monitor is #2, simple drag it to the left to make it #1. You have the option of setting your desktop preferences; to have both monitors act as one; both act independently, as well as different colour quality, and screen resolutions. You may stretch the desktop to fill both monitors by checking Extend My Windows Desktop onto this monitor. Both your monitors should have the same screen size, maybe even think about buying a couple used CRT monitors to have a nice symmetrical look to your workstation.
You can actually have your e-mail open in one display, your icons and Internet browser on another.
Windows XP supports two physical displays to be used on one computer.
First, you must determine what type of video adapter your computer has, and what physical slot-type your motherboard supports. If your display adapter is an internal integrated (onboard) video adapter, adding another display adapter will not work. It’s either internal or external. If your motherboard has (internal) or integrated video, you’ll have to buy a dual-head video adapter, or two separate display adapters. Dual-head display adapters have two video connector ports. Their drivers support dual display. They do cost quite a bit more, too.
If your computer has an AGP type slot, you can only add a PCI card. AGP slots are built into computer motherboards for the specific purpose of AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) video adapters. Motherboards can only physically support one of these cards. If you want to add another display adapter, it has to be a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) type of slot. Modern motherboards are dropping the AGP slot. Ultimately, there won’t be any support for them. PCI-X express (the next generation of PCI technology) is the standard today. It allows Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) to come of age along with dual core CPU’s, and now dual core GPUs. They can even operate in pairs, called SLI mode - Scalable Link Interface - which is a special technology allowing you to pair up video cards to work in tandem. Imagine also having the ability to have up to four separate video cards in one computer. This is available now, from many of the major motherboard manufacturers.
Adding a second display adapter is not always easy and may not always work. If you are planning on taking this advice, your first step should take your tower to a local computer shop, to test out some of their display adapters. Of if you are the adventurous type, at least keep your sales receipt in case you need to return the item.
To be safe, purchase a PCI display adapter with at least 32Mb of onboard memory. Once installed, plug one monitor into each of the adapters and power them on. Windows XP will boot and ultimately find the new adapter card. Install the drivers (either on CD, or download them) and reboot the PC. Once rebooted, you can now configure and enjoy your new dual display system.
To configure the dual displays, right-mouse-click anywhere on the desktop, select properties.
The last tab is called settings, and you will notice that you have two monitors, labeled respectively.
Identify your favourite monitor by clicking the Identify button. If your favourite monitor is #2, simple drag it to the left to make it #1. You have the option of setting your desktop preferences; to have both monitors act as one; both act independently, as well as different colour quality, and screen resolutions. You may stretch the desktop to fill both monitors by checking Extend My Windows Desktop onto this monitor. Both your monitors should have the same screen size, maybe even think about buying a couple used CRT monitors to have a nice symmetrical look to your workstation.
You can actually have your e-mail open in one display, your icons and Internet browser on another.
I am seeing spots, on my LCD display. Can I fix them?
LCD displays can sometimes show small pixel sized spots. These spots are visible as either white, black, red, green or blue dots on your display. The color of the pixel determines the problem or condition itself. Pixels can get (stuck) in a certain state, or become non functional (dead) LCD display panels are manufactured in a process that simulates a sandwich. A LCD glass panel contains millions of transistors, each the size of a pixel which is roughly 1mm square. These are further divided into red, green and blue, subpixels. A chemical compound called liquid crystal is sandwiched between plates of transistors which produce a lighted pixel. Millions of pixels are combined to create the image that you see.
Occasionally, a pixel can stop responding and appear in one of several colors. A black or white colored pixel indicates that the pixel itself is dead. This basically means that the electronic transistors for that particular pixel are not functioning.
Red, green or blue pixels indicate that the pixel is stuck. This also means that that pixel's circuitry is not functioning. A stuck pixel is not as serious as a dead pixel, and can very often be unstuck using various methods.
In the case of PC and laptop LCD's, there are various homebrew software utilities (homebrew is a term used for free software created by individuals for non commercial use) The pixel fixing software rapidly changes all the possible colors of the pixel in a repeating cycle until the pixel responds and becomes unstuck. A similar process also is used for dead pixels, however not as likely to repair the problem.
If you have a LCD TV, you may be able to connect it to your laptop, and utilize the same pixel fixer software. Please - use at your own risk! Some manufacturers include options built into the lcd's menu and setup utilities. Otherwise you may have to contact the manufacturer for assistance.
It is quite common for brand new LCD panels to have one or several pixels stuck or burned out. Of course this is very disappointing and is a cause for concern. Each manufacturer and retailer has different criteria for acknowledging this type of problem and dealing with it. It is not uncommon for a LCD panel to have ten or more dead pixels before the retailer or manufacturer will consider a warranty replacement. Personally, one dead or stuck pixel in a new display is too much. You should check with the retailer before you purchase an LCD panel to understand what their return and replacement policies are in this regard.
Occasionally, a pixel can stop responding and appear in one of several colors. A black or white colored pixel indicates that the pixel itself is dead. This basically means that the electronic transistors for that particular pixel are not functioning.
Red, green or blue pixels indicate that the pixel is stuck. This also means that that pixel's circuitry is not functioning. A stuck pixel is not as serious as a dead pixel, and can very often be unstuck using various methods.
In the case of PC and laptop LCD's, there are various homebrew software utilities (homebrew is a term used for free software created by individuals for non commercial use) The pixel fixing software rapidly changes all the possible colors of the pixel in a repeating cycle until the pixel responds and becomes unstuck. A similar process also is used for dead pixels, however not as likely to repair the problem.
If you have a LCD TV, you may be able to connect it to your laptop, and utilize the same pixel fixer software. Please - use at your own risk! Some manufacturers include options built into the lcd's menu and setup utilities. Otherwise you may have to contact the manufacturer for assistance.
It is quite common for brand new LCD panels to have one or several pixels stuck or burned out. Of course this is very disappointing and is a cause for concern. Each manufacturer and retailer has different criteria for acknowledging this type of problem and dealing with it. It is not uncommon for a LCD panel to have ten or more dead pixels before the retailer or manufacturer will consider a warranty replacement. Personally, one dead or stuck pixel in a new display is too much. You should check with the retailer before you purchase an LCD panel to understand what their return and replacement policies are in this regard.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Your new DVD won't work? Here's some quick tips...
Ok, so I know about codecs and MPG’s, what about DVD Problems in general?
You have just purchased a new dvd movie and want to watch it on the computer. You insert it into the cd rom and nothing happens. What do you do now?
You may not have noticed the Windows Auto Insert box has launched and is sitting behind your open windows. To verify this, click and hold ALT, then press TAB. This opens the task switcher. Hold the ALT key and press TAB again to cycle the open programs. If you don’t like the fact that there are no text descriptions in the tasks, you can download the Microsoft Power Tools replacement called Alt-Tab Replacement.
Once you have located the Auto Insert prompt, you can then select from the various menu options. Of these options, are default associations to programs. One program you may use is a Media Player to play the DVD. One problem, Windows Media Player 6.4 and upwards to 9 do not include a DVD decoder. They cannot play a DVD movie without the help of another DVD decoder program. Most of these are available in a trial mode, and some are included on the DVD itself. Interactual DVD player seems to be included on most retail dvd’s and will attempt to automatically install on your system when you initially insert the dvd. Of the many DVD players, Interactual often causes more problems and requires many updates. Search Google for DVD player software and you will be inundated with choices. Power DVD is one you may investigate.
What happens if the dvd doesn’t play and it just spinning with the read light flashing endlessly? Chances are that you have some fingerprints or dirt on the surface. The best way to clean a cd or dvd is to treat it as you would your eyeglasses. Use a non abrasive cloth and wipe away from the centre in a straight line towards the outside. It’s not recommended to wipe in a circular motion. Repeat the process until the surface is free of any oils or dirt. If that doesn’t work, you can use some water to slightly dampen the cloth. Make sure there is no water or any dampness on the dvd before you try it in your drive.
Codecs that always seem to fix the problem:
Thursday, March 15, 2007
IE7 Runonce Errors - a solution
You’ve Upgraded to IE7, and it will not load the 1st page?
There are numerous suggestions and fixes supposed fixes for this problem. If you think it’s something you can fix within IE7 itself, forget it. The common name for this problem is IE7 Runonce, and it loads blank blue page after your initial upgrade of IE 6. No amount of rebooting seems to fix the problem, and no changes within IE7 allow you to stop this page from loading.
The source of the problem is not malicious or to cause any problems, it is simply a configuration of IE7 settings. Microsoft wants you to select your default search provider, enable the built in Phishing filter and, and use ClearType font smoothing. These are great options, however you will never see them because the page will not load.
To stop this error, you can perform the following steps:
1) Set your favorite home page in Internet Explorer, under Tools\Internet Options
2) Click Start\Run and type gpedit.msc, then press OK
3) Under Local Computer Policy; select Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Internet Explorer
4) Select prevent performance of First Run Customized Settings
5) Enable this setting, and then select Option 1 to go to your default home page, or Option 2 to get the default Internet Explorer welcome page.
Essentially, this edits a policy on the local computer to prevent any changes to the first run settings. By enabling this setting, you can effectively bypass the runonce page from loading.
You can manually change the Phishing filter under Tools\Phishing Filter\Turn on Automatic Website Checking
Cleartype Settings:
Click Start, click Control Panel, click Appearance and Themes, and then click Display.
2. On the Appearance tab, click Effects.
3. Click to select the Use the following method to smooth edges of screen fonts check box, and then click ClearType in the list.
There are numerous suggestions and fixes supposed fixes for this problem. If you think it’s something you can fix within IE7 itself, forget it. The common name for this problem is IE7 Runonce, and it loads blank blue page after your initial upgrade of IE 6. No amount of rebooting seems to fix the problem, and no changes within IE7 allow you to stop this page from loading.
The source of the problem is not malicious or to cause any problems, it is simply a configuration of IE7 settings. Microsoft wants you to select your default search provider, enable the built in Phishing filter and, and use ClearType font smoothing. These are great options, however you will never see them because the page will not load.
To stop this error, you can perform the following steps:
1) Set your favorite home page in Internet Explorer, under Tools\Internet Options
2) Click Start\Run and type gpedit.msc, then press OK
3) Under Local Computer Policy; select Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Internet Explorer
4) Select prevent performance of First Run Customized Settings
5) Enable this setting, and then select Option 1 to go to your default home page, or Option 2 to get the default Internet Explorer welcome page.
Essentially, this edits a policy on the local computer to prevent any changes to the first run settings. By enabling this setting, you can effectively bypass the runonce page from loading.
You can manually change the Phishing filter under Tools\Phishing Filter\Turn on Automatic Website Checking
Cleartype Settings:
Click Start, click Control Panel, click Appearance and Themes, and then click Display.
2. On the Appearance tab, click Effects.
3. Click to select the Use the following method to smooth edges of screen fonts check box, and then click ClearType in the list.
New Toronto Police Cars - crest mobile, while New O.P.P cars kick it!
Crestmobile vs. the terminator? What were they thinking when they chose these rainbow colors for a police car?
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Windows Vista One Click Activator-BIOS Emulation Crack (Paradox and CLoNY)
Finally, a crack that activates Vista! There's been many cracks for Vista which were in the form of TimeStoppers. But this one does the trick. Activates vista without any hassle. Credit to Paradox and CLONY!
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
modchips...what about them?
Modchips, just add salt!
The music and movie industries have always implemented methods to prevent copying and illegal redistribution of their products. Obviously, they do this to create jobs, and make money. Although, some would argue that they do this simply because they can. Unfortunately, these methods of protection limit our free use and often dictate what we can do with items we have purchased. Let’s not get into the legalities here. One side of the argument is the purchase and use of computer software - you do not own it, you are merely licensing it for your use. With music, movies and games, the same thing applies. We are purchasing the right to play and use the product for our personal enjoyment. Not to copy or broadcast. Ok, fine. The consumer’s main argument has always been what right doea a company have to tell you what you can do with something you have purchased – like your car, can you be told where when and how you can use it? In relation to software, what happens if your original media is damaged, can you get a replacement copy without having to purchase the product again? The answer is of course no. Well that just doesn’t sit right for the average consumer. Why can we not copy or backup our purchased products for safekeeping? Well, simply put, because there is no way to legitimize your damaged media claim, and secondly, because they can make more money.
When you tell someone no, and don’t offer a valid reason or justification, you can expect defiance, anger, determination and frustration in their reaction. This drives individuals to resist and find alternatives. Collectively, people form user groups and focus their energies on hacking into whatever they wish to change. One example is backing up copyrighted cd’s and dvd’s. A special type of alphanumerical lock was developed to protect music and movie cd’s from being copied, this was quickly hacked and the protection schemes were bypassed making the public free to backup their purchased media products.
DCMA laws in the USA have been enacted to protect companies and the public against all forms of tampering and illegal copying of protected works, which further infuriates many people, and often motivates them to work harder. In trying to combat these limitations, and with the influence and benefit of the internet, hacking communities are formed. Just as the BORG on Star Trek, they are united and focused on one task. The collective power in unstoppable.
Music and Movie protection schemes have been unlocked, most recently with the High Definition DVD exploit located and defeated. Computer software and games have also proved very little resistance against the collectively focused public. The remaining frontier is console games. Sony Play Station, Nintendo and Microsoft are the big three and all have been defeated. The methods to defeat these are quite complicated and require the installation of electronic bypass circuits commonly called Modification chips, or modchips. The most recent development is the Nintendo Wii and Microsoft’s Xbox 360 systems. Within days of retail release of these products, one could read the progress made in cracking these systems. The xbox 360 was cracked within weeks of its release. Cracking the xbox360 means that retail purchased games can be backed up. One could copy the retail product, put it in safe keeping and play the backup version.
Soon after its release, the Nintendo Wii was also cracked and a modchip was developed to bypass its built in protection technologies. Modchips are not for the faint of heart, and almost always require some sort of installation within the game console system. Installing a modchip voids the original manufacturer warranty in several ways. First, the xbox and xbox 360 have end user licensing agreements (EULA), just as Microsoft Windows products do. Opening the package and using the system means that you have agreed to those terms and conditions. What does this mean – well in Microsoft’s case, you are using the xbox and the software on it for entertainment purposes, you cannot do anything to modify, or exploit the hardware, or the programs running on it. Any attempt to do so voids the EULA, and may be punishable by law. Of course, good luck enforcing this in our homes, but try to sell a game, or make a profit and you can be legally punished, like this fellow.
Modchips are hardware modifications designed to bypass electrical circuitry, which means that their installation requires some knowledge of soldering and working with electronic circuits. Alternative modchips are software based and can often be run using specially created cd’s using software exploitation techniques.
Firmware modifications are nothing new either. Firmware modifications are present everywhere from onboard car computer chips to home dvd and cd players. Sometimes, manufacturers release products that are priced based on features they include. A top of the line products may be exactly the same as the lower model, with only some slight differences. You can buy the less expensive model, and flash the firmware to get the same features as the higher priced model. Flashing is the term used to write a program onto a chip.
The preferred mod is the firmware flash for many reasons. First, no soldering is require, and no installation of any electronic circuits. Second, flashing can be undone, or reverted.
Third, flashing is easier to do that installing anything. In some cases, a firmware flash can be done without ever opening the case.
Video game manufacturers have not stood idly by either. As a modchip is released, the manufacturers quickly learn the method used by the modchip and develop a counter measure. The most common method to compat modchips is a forced update of the firmware. When you purchase a new game, the game will have an updated firmware that must be installed to play that particular game. Update your firmware almost always kills the modchip. Microsoft developed the xbox live system which enables game concoles to be connected to the internet and receive updates, and content. This system also allows Microsoft to look at your system’s firmware and detect the presence of any modifications. Their ability to snoop into your system is a cause for concern in regards to the DCMA, however you did agree to this when you plugged the system in and connected it to the internet and the Xbox Live system.
Microsoft has the ability to detect your firmware, and ban your xbox system based on its serial number. The ban is permanent and for life. This means that your xbox will function, however never on the Xbox Live system. Of course there is a modification for this, actually two. First, get a new chip for the one that contains your system serial number – or an eprom chip as they call it. One can be purchased online easily from a non working xbox. The eprom can be replaced and it would restore your xbox to an non-banned state. Of course, connect to the xbox live system and the process would repeat itself.
The workaround is to disable the modchip. Many modchips have a switch to allow them to be enabled, or disabled when you boot the console. Disabling the modchip allows the system to appear and operate as it does out of the box. Enable the modchip, and you have all the features again, of course with no online play ability.
The next evolution is Stealth. Enabling a modchip for online play, to receive updates to your console and to appear as a normal system. Once again, manufacturers work to detect these modifications and the cycle repeats.
Most recently, modchips have been somewhat outshined by firmware modifications to the DVD drives of the units. The basic principle of this technique is that the DVD drive’s firmware can be modified to allow backup copies of games to be played. Modifying a DVD player firmware is far simpler and quicker than installing a modchip. The process requires a modified firmware file that is transferred to the dvd drive from your computer. Not only is it easy, but also provides stealth, and the ability to undo the modification in case any problems.
Last but not least, USB and memory card firmware modifications. This will ultimately be the most preferred method of modding a game console. Using a USB memory device to flash the firmware. In comparison, nothing need be disassembled, no tampering or opening the casing of the console. Simply plug in the usb memory device and load the file on it to run the mod.
The music and movie industries have always implemented methods to prevent copying and illegal redistribution of their products. Obviously, they do this to create jobs, and make money. Although, some would argue that they do this simply because they can. Unfortunately, these methods of protection limit our free use and often dictate what we can do with items we have purchased. Let’s not get into the legalities here. One side of the argument is the purchase and use of computer software - you do not own it, you are merely licensing it for your use. With music, movies and games, the same thing applies. We are purchasing the right to play and use the product for our personal enjoyment. Not to copy or broadcast. Ok, fine. The consumer’s main argument has always been what right doea a company have to tell you what you can do with something you have purchased – like your car, can you be told where when and how you can use it? In relation to software, what happens if your original media is damaged, can you get a replacement copy without having to purchase the product again? The answer is of course no. Well that just doesn’t sit right for the average consumer. Why can we not copy or backup our purchased products for safekeeping? Well, simply put, because there is no way to legitimize your damaged media claim, and secondly, because they can make more money.
When you tell someone no, and don’t offer a valid reason or justification, you can expect defiance, anger, determination and frustration in their reaction. This drives individuals to resist and find alternatives. Collectively, people form user groups and focus their energies on hacking into whatever they wish to change. One example is backing up copyrighted cd’s and dvd’s. A special type of alphanumerical lock was developed to protect music and movie cd’s from being copied, this was quickly hacked and the protection schemes were bypassed making the public free to backup their purchased media products.
DCMA laws in the USA have been enacted to protect companies and the public against all forms of tampering and illegal copying of protected works, which further infuriates many people, and often motivates them to work harder. In trying to combat these limitations, and with the influence and benefit of the internet, hacking communities are formed. Just as the BORG on Star Trek, they are united and focused on one task. The collective power in unstoppable.
Music and Movie protection schemes have been unlocked, most recently with the High Definition DVD exploit located and defeated. Computer software and games have also proved very little resistance against the collectively focused public. The remaining frontier is console games. Sony Play Station, Nintendo and Microsoft are the big three and all have been defeated. The methods to defeat these are quite complicated and require the installation of electronic bypass circuits commonly called Modification chips, or modchips. The most recent development is the Nintendo Wii and Microsoft’s Xbox 360 systems. Within days of retail release of these products, one could read the progress made in cracking these systems. The xbox 360 was cracked within weeks of its release. Cracking the xbox360 means that retail purchased games can be backed up. One could copy the retail product, put it in safe keeping and play the backup version.
Soon after its release, the Nintendo Wii was also cracked and a modchip was developed to bypass its built in protection technologies. Modchips are not for the faint of heart, and almost always require some sort of installation within the game console system. Installing a modchip voids the original manufacturer warranty in several ways. First, the xbox and xbox 360 have end user licensing agreements (EULA), just as Microsoft Windows products do. Opening the package and using the system means that you have agreed to those terms and conditions. What does this mean – well in Microsoft’s case, you are using the xbox and the software on it for entertainment purposes, you cannot do anything to modify, or exploit the hardware, or the programs running on it. Any attempt to do so voids the EULA, and may be punishable by law. Of course, good luck enforcing this in our homes, but try to sell a game, or make a profit and you can be legally punished, like this fellow.
Modchips are hardware modifications designed to bypass electrical circuitry, which means that their installation requires some knowledge of soldering and working with electronic circuits. Alternative modchips are software based and can often be run using specially created cd’s using software exploitation techniques.
Firmware modifications are nothing new either. Firmware modifications are present everywhere from onboard car computer chips to home dvd and cd players. Sometimes, manufacturers release products that are priced based on features they include. A top of the line products may be exactly the same as the lower model, with only some slight differences. You can buy the less expensive model, and flash the firmware to get the same features as the higher priced model. Flashing is the term used to write a program onto a chip.
The preferred mod is the firmware flash for many reasons. First, no soldering is require, and no installation of any electronic circuits. Second, flashing can be undone, or reverted.
Third, flashing is easier to do that installing anything. In some cases, a firmware flash can be done without ever opening the case.
Video game manufacturers have not stood idly by either. As a modchip is released, the manufacturers quickly learn the method used by the modchip and develop a counter measure. The most common method to compat modchips is a forced update of the firmware. When you purchase a new game, the game will have an updated firmware that must be installed to play that particular game. Update your firmware almost always kills the modchip. Microsoft developed the xbox live system which enables game concoles to be connected to the internet and receive updates, and content. This system also allows Microsoft to look at your system’s firmware and detect the presence of any modifications. Their ability to snoop into your system is a cause for concern in regards to the DCMA, however you did agree to this when you plugged the system in and connected it to the internet and the Xbox Live system.
Microsoft has the ability to detect your firmware, and ban your xbox system based on its serial number. The ban is permanent and for life. This means that your xbox will function, however never on the Xbox Live system. Of course there is a modification for this, actually two. First, get a new chip for the one that contains your system serial number – or an eprom chip as they call it. One can be purchased online easily from a non working xbox. The eprom can be replaced and it would restore your xbox to an non-banned state. Of course, connect to the xbox live system and the process would repeat itself.
The workaround is to disable the modchip. Many modchips have a switch to allow them to be enabled, or disabled when you boot the console. Disabling the modchip allows the system to appear and operate as it does out of the box. Enable the modchip, and you have all the features again, of course with no online play ability.
The next evolution is Stealth. Enabling a modchip for online play, to receive updates to your console and to appear as a normal system. Once again, manufacturers work to detect these modifications and the cycle repeats.
Most recently, modchips have been somewhat outshined by firmware modifications to the DVD drives of the units. The basic principle of this technique is that the DVD drive’s firmware can be modified to allow backup copies of games to be played. Modifying a DVD player firmware is far simpler and quicker than installing a modchip. The process requires a modified firmware file that is transferred to the dvd drive from your computer. Not only is it easy, but also provides stealth, and the ability to undo the modification in case any problems.
Last but not least, USB and memory card firmware modifications. This will ultimately be the most preferred method of modding a game console. Using a USB memory device to flash the firmware. In comparison, nothing need be disassembled, no tampering or opening the casing of the console. Simply plug in the usb memory device and load the file on it to run the mod.
Friday, March 9, 2007
Getting stuff for free? Is it for real?
We’ve all seen the free ipod websites and those annoying popups. The question is can you really get a free ipod, or a free laptop? How does it all work?
The basic premise behind this is advertisers pay these free stuff website owners a commission for every person they attract to their product. These products are usually in the form of offers, trials, or subscriptions that the consumer signs up for. When a consumer signs up for an offer several things happen. First, the website owner builds his own referral network, which enables him to garner more signups, more traffic, and of course more commissions from advertisers.
Secondly, the consumer builds their own referral network – which is required to be eligible to those free goodies. However, you must complete several steps to start the ball rolling. There are many hoops that you will jump through!
Free items are not supplied from the manufacturers, and usually have no affiliation whatsoever to these free websites. The webmaster simply uses his profits from referrals to buy these items and then send them out.
Once you have selected a website that offers an item you want, you signup. You are then required to complete an offer yourself to activate your account. The offer can be anything from signing up for Columbia House CD/DVD club, or try some new dog biscuits. Every offer is different and has its own pros and cons. Once you have completed your initial offer, you are ready to select the free item. Each item has a price, usually in the form of referrals, or signups. One example may be for a free xbox 360. To receive the free xbox, you need to complete one offer and sign up 8 referrals, who then must each complete one offer themselves, under your referral code. They then can do the same as you and look to signup their friends for something free. This is all similar to a pyramid network.
You cannot signup for an offer more than once, so once you have selected an offer, you cannot use it again on another free site for more free items. If you used Columbia House, then that signup would not be available for a signup on any other free site.
Although annoying, and often too good to be true, they do seem to work. I personally have received an xbox360, however I took another route. I paid for referrals. This is the alternative way to achieve what you want. My xbox360 cost approximately $240 USD.
(I’ll explain this method in another article)
I researched the free website, and found a site that satisfied my criteria. All sites work differently, and may require more referrals for lesser valued product. I needed 8 referrals for the xbox 360, and of course to complete one offer myself. Some sites may require 10 referrals or maybe 7. Not all sites are available in all countries, so read the FAQ or contact the webmaster first to inquire. My free item was a paypal payment because they do not deliver to Canada. I received the paypal payment and purchased the xbox360 from ebay.
Newer developments have added additional criteria such as a time limit of 90 days to complete your referrals. This is bad, because any possible referrals you have under your account can be negated. You would have to start all over. Research and even ask the webmaster before you signup for anything. Sometimes there are FAQ’s on the website which tell you the offers they have available, and what the terms and conditions are.
In most cases, you have to signup with your email address just to find out if they have any offers that interest you, or that you have not already signed up for.
The basic premise behind this is advertisers pay these free stuff website owners a commission for every person they attract to their product. These products are usually in the form of offers, trials, or subscriptions that the consumer signs up for. When a consumer signs up for an offer several things happen. First, the website owner builds his own referral network, which enables him to garner more signups, more traffic, and of course more commissions from advertisers.
Secondly, the consumer builds their own referral network – which is required to be eligible to those free goodies. However, you must complete several steps to start the ball rolling. There are many hoops that you will jump through!
Free items are not supplied from the manufacturers, and usually have no affiliation whatsoever to these free websites. The webmaster simply uses his profits from referrals to buy these items and then send them out.
Once you have selected a website that offers an item you want, you signup. You are then required to complete an offer yourself to activate your account. The offer can be anything from signing up for Columbia House CD/DVD club, or try some new dog biscuits. Every offer is different and has its own pros and cons. Once you have completed your initial offer, you are ready to select the free item. Each item has a price, usually in the form of referrals, or signups. One example may be for a free xbox 360. To receive the free xbox, you need to complete one offer and sign up 8 referrals, who then must each complete one offer themselves, under your referral code. They then can do the same as you and look to signup their friends for something free. This is all similar to a pyramid network.
You cannot signup for an offer more than once, so once you have selected an offer, you cannot use it again on another free site for more free items. If you used Columbia House, then that signup would not be available for a signup on any other free site.
Although annoying, and often too good to be true, they do seem to work. I personally have received an xbox360, however I took another route. I paid for referrals. This is the alternative way to achieve what you want. My xbox360 cost approximately $240 USD.
(I’ll explain this method in another article)
I researched the free website, and found a site that satisfied my criteria. All sites work differently, and may require more referrals for lesser valued product. I needed 8 referrals for the xbox 360, and of course to complete one offer myself. Some sites may require 10 referrals or maybe 7. Not all sites are available in all countries, so read the FAQ or contact the webmaster first to inquire. My free item was a paypal payment because they do not deliver to Canada. I received the paypal payment and purchased the xbox360 from ebay.
Newer developments have added additional criteria such as a time limit of 90 days to complete your referrals. This is bad, because any possible referrals you have under your account can be negated. You would have to start all over. Research and even ask the webmaster before you signup for anything. Sometimes there are FAQ’s on the website which tell you the offers they have available, and what the terms and conditions are.
In most cases, you have to signup with your email address just to find out if they have any offers that interest you, or that you have not already signed up for.
Getting stuff for free? - well sort of...
Further to my article (getting stuff for free) there are alternate methods to get those goodies for free. These are called paid referrals, referral trading, and conga lines.
Paid referrals and referral trading is a simple concept, where you trade referrals with others. Each helping the other complete their required offers and get the freebie. You complete an offer under their referral code for them to receive the signup credit, and they reciprocate for your free site offer. http://www.refstop.com/ is an example of a community driven website that helps users’ trade referrals. As I mentioned in my previous article, I paid for referrals (pay4trade) which you can do as well. Paid referrals cost somewhere in the $5 – $50 range depending on the value of free item you are after, and the amount of time you wish to advertise the pay 4 trade. Refstop.com charges you a fee to advertise your trade t its members which typically costs $5 – 15 for 10 days. Site members can rate each other on how quickly they completed the offer, and how quickly they were paid for the signup. I spent $60 in advertising, and $180 in referral costs. Each of my signups made $20 on average for completing an offer under my referral account.
Conga lines are like chain letters, where you signup on a list, and graduate up a level as new people are added to the list. These are quite popular, however very hard to manage. Here today gone tomorrow.
Offers vary from medicine to audio clubs. Each offer has different nuances. Many offers will require a credit card to sign up, and will require an ongoing subscription. Other offers may allow you to cancel after a trial period ends, and often will refund your complete costs. It is your responsibility to learn the conditions and ask questions before you take the plunge. Offers may automatically renew a subscription without your consent – which you gave upon your initial signup, and will require you to call them and have the subscription cancelled. Check availability in your country, they may charge you additional shipping. In my case, I had to signup 2 additional referrals to get shipping to Canada. I opted for the paypal cash instead of the 10 referrals for the xbox 360.
Best advice:
- decide on what item you want, estimate its value in a retail store
- research the different websites for the cost (number of referrals) and how much it may cost you to get this item
- check the websites for the offers that you can complete
- check community websites, forums, and other groups to get opinions and advice
- verify that offers are valid in your country, if you get the free item, does it cost more to ship to you?
- what is the general opinion of the site’s reliability, technical support, policies, referral completion time limits
- is the item new, or refurbished (which it may very well be)
- how will you get signups (you cannot spam, if you get caught, they will negate your account)
- will you use conga lines, or referral trading sites
Helpful links: (for your information only, I do not condone or have affiliations with these sites)
Wikipedia (general information)
http://www.refstop.com/ (referral trading, user forums, and pay4trades)
conga lines (general information about conga lines)
forums (refstop user groups)
Paid referrals and referral trading is a simple concept, where you trade referrals with others. Each helping the other complete their required offers and get the freebie. You complete an offer under their referral code for them to receive the signup credit, and they reciprocate for your free site offer. http://www.refstop.com/ is an example of a community driven website that helps users’ trade referrals. As I mentioned in my previous article, I paid for referrals (pay4trade) which you can do as well. Paid referrals cost somewhere in the $5 – $50 range depending on the value of free item you are after, and the amount of time you wish to advertise the pay 4 trade. Refstop.com charges you a fee to advertise your trade t its members which typically costs $5 – 15 for 10 days. Site members can rate each other on how quickly they completed the offer, and how quickly they were paid for the signup. I spent $60 in advertising, and $180 in referral costs. Each of my signups made $20 on average for completing an offer under my referral account.
Conga lines are like chain letters, where you signup on a list, and graduate up a level as new people are added to the list. These are quite popular, however very hard to manage. Here today gone tomorrow.
Offers vary from medicine to audio clubs. Each offer has different nuances. Many offers will require a credit card to sign up, and will require an ongoing subscription. Other offers may allow you to cancel after a trial period ends, and often will refund your complete costs. It is your responsibility to learn the conditions and ask questions before you take the plunge. Offers may automatically renew a subscription without your consent – which you gave upon your initial signup, and will require you to call them and have the subscription cancelled. Check availability in your country, they may charge you additional shipping. In my case, I had to signup 2 additional referrals to get shipping to Canada. I opted for the paypal cash instead of the 10 referrals for the xbox 360.
Best advice:
- decide on what item you want, estimate its value in a retail store
- research the different websites for the cost (number of referrals) and how much it may cost you to get this item
- check the websites for the offers that you can complete
- check community websites, forums, and other groups to get opinions and advice
- verify that offers are valid in your country, if you get the free item, does it cost more to ship to you?
- what is the general opinion of the site’s reliability, technical support, policies, referral completion time limits
- is the item new, or refurbished (which it may very well be)
- how will you get signups (you cannot spam, if you get caught, they will negate your account)
- will you use conga lines, or referral trading sites
Helpful links: (for your information only, I do not condone or have affiliations with these sites)
Wikipedia (general information)
http://www.refstop.com/ (referral trading, user forums, and pay4trades)
conga lines (general information about conga lines)
forums (refstop user groups)
Monday, March 5, 2007
New and Improved - home pages!
Is your homepage downright boring? Try these alternatives
The term Web 2.0 is the direction that the Internet is evolving into to. This is ideally going to provide better communications, improved online collaboration, and tools to provide everyone with a feature rich up to the minute experience. I’m sure you’ve heard the terms RSS (really simple syndication), which is similar to a collection of headlines condensed and delivered to you via website, or an rss reader software program. RSS is one of the more popular buzzwords that are at the forefront of Web 2.0. If you have upgraded to Internet explorer 7, you may have noticed the RSS logo is built into the browser.
You can even subscribe this feed via RSS! You might even be reading the headline of this article in your rss feeds. Along with RSS feeds are something called blogs, or web logs. These are online diaries if you will – that serve everything from the blog owners opinions, to product reviews and RSS feeds.
Popular community sites such as www.myspace.com, www.flickr.com, and www.youtube.com are all driven by the users that upload their videos, pictures and comments. This helps to drive a trend called social networking. Social networking offers content from the users, as opposed to content from the owners of the site. The public can share videos, photos, stories, opinions and advice. They can also rate this content by popularity, accuracy of the information, and quality of content. What does this mean for you? Well, for starters, you can use these tools to build a better home page. You can easily share your information with others. Family photos, videos, or whatever you wish.
Home page web sites have now also evolved – now you can completely build your own. You can add the content you want, organize the colors, background, layout, tools and utilities, as well as the content that YOU want.
Building a better home page requires a few simple choices. First and foremost is the appearance – the eye candy effect. http://www.pageflakes.com/, http://www.netvibes.com/ and www.yourminis.com, are a selection of websites that allow you to build your own home page. Second, is content – what do you want on this page? One example may to have your favorite news headlines, stock quotes, a calendar, all your email accounts (most of us have more than one) a video player, an mp3 player, and the weather updates.
You can add from hundreds of free tools and utilities. The process of building a customized home page is simply drag and drop. The elements of your home page are modules that can be placed anywhere you like on the page. You may create tabs, and sub pages – without having to know any programming of any kind.
The RSS or news headlines themselves, well are completely customizable. You specify what site you want the RSS feed from; where you want the RSS feeds to be on your page, and when to deliver these headlines. The best part of all this – it’s completely free, and completely portable! You can use this customized home page anywhere you have internet access.
The term Web 2.0 is the direction that the Internet is evolving into to. This is ideally going to provide better communications, improved online collaboration, and tools to provide everyone with a feature rich up to the minute experience. I’m sure you’ve heard the terms RSS (really simple syndication), which is similar to a collection of headlines condensed and delivered to you via website, or an rss reader software program. RSS is one of the more popular buzzwords that are at the forefront of Web 2.0. If you have upgraded to Internet explorer 7, you may have noticed the RSS logo is built into the browser.
You can even subscribe this feed via RSS! You might even be reading the headline of this article in your rss feeds. Along with RSS feeds are something called blogs, or web logs. These are online diaries if you will – that serve everything from the blog owners opinions, to product reviews and RSS feeds.
Popular community sites such as www.myspace.com, www.flickr.com, and www.youtube.com are all driven by the users that upload their videos, pictures and comments. This helps to drive a trend called social networking. Social networking offers content from the users, as opposed to content from the owners of the site. The public can share videos, photos, stories, opinions and advice. They can also rate this content by popularity, accuracy of the information, and quality of content. What does this mean for you? Well, for starters, you can use these tools to build a better home page. You can easily share your information with others. Family photos, videos, or whatever you wish.
Home page web sites have now also evolved – now you can completely build your own. You can add the content you want, organize the colors, background, layout, tools and utilities, as well as the content that YOU want.
Building a better home page requires a few simple choices. First and foremost is the appearance – the eye candy effect. http://www.pageflakes.com/, http://www.netvibes.com/ and www.yourminis.com, are a selection of websites that allow you to build your own home page. Second, is content – what do you want on this page? One example may to have your favorite news headlines, stock quotes, a calendar, all your email accounts (most of us have more than one) a video player, an mp3 player, and the weather updates.
You can add from hundreds of free tools and utilities. The process of building a customized home page is simply drag and drop. The elements of your home page are modules that can be placed anywhere you like on the page. You may create tabs, and sub pages – without having to know any programming of any kind.
The RSS or news headlines themselves, well are completely customizable. You specify what site you want the RSS feed from; where you want the RSS feeds to be on your page, and when to deliver these headlines. The best part of all this – it’s completely free, and completely portable! You can use this customized home page anywhere you have internet access.
Friday, March 2, 2007
Ipod's dirty little secret - a double agent!
Ipod’s dirty little secret
The ipod as well all know has some amazing features. With its ability to mobilize our music and media files. It can serve up all a digital buffet of music and video, help organize your contacts, and allows you to play games and view the family photos.
All great and amazing, but one very important feature that many of us overlook is the ipod’s dirty little secret. I am referring to its ability to double as a mobile filing cabinet.
The average ipod has a 20Gb hard drive. If you are like me, I have about half of my ipod filled with music that I actually listen to. Once the honeymoon is over, and you organize your media collection to include what you actually listen to, you can free up some space on the hard drive. iTunes by default manages your ipod and the space on it. Change a few settings in iTunes and you can access those precious Gb’s of unused space.
The real benefit is of course the amount of storage you have. In comparison to USB flash drives, they typically offer 4Gb of storage at a reasonable price. Any larger, and the price seems to be slightly out of reach. Of course wait a few months and USB storage capacities will double and quadruple, and prices will continue to fall. For the here and now, you cannot beat the price per Gb of storage the ipod offers.
To manage your ipod hard drive usage follow these simple steps:
- Connect iPod to your computer and then open iTunes. You should wait until the ipod and itunes are finished synchronizing.
- Select your iPod in the source pane on the left hand side. Open the Summary tab and select “Manually manage music and videos” and then click Apply.
At this point, you can close iTunes, or minimize it and continue working. Open My Computer, and you will see an additional drive letter (C:\ is your primary hard drive, D: may be your cdrom) If you have any other hard drives or partitions, then your ipod will appear as the next logical drive letter in the sequence. Open your ipod’s drive letter and you will notice many other folders. Note: Leave those files and folders alone. You can drag and drop your files as you please. There are no limitations to what you can store on the ipod, as long as you don’t go beyond the drive’s capacity.
To revert back to automatic mode, simply remove the check mark that you placed earlier in the itunes summary tab. You can also view how much free space you have on the ipod drive with the summary tab.
The ipod as well all know has some amazing features. With its ability to mobilize our music and media files. It can serve up all a digital buffet of music and video, help organize your contacts, and allows you to play games and view the family photos.
All great and amazing, but one very important feature that many of us overlook is the ipod’s dirty little secret. I am referring to its ability to double as a mobile filing cabinet.
The average ipod has a 20Gb hard drive. If you are like me, I have about half of my ipod filled with music that I actually listen to. Once the honeymoon is over, and you organize your media collection to include what you actually listen to, you can free up some space on the hard drive. iTunes by default manages your ipod and the space on it. Change a few settings in iTunes and you can access those precious Gb’s of unused space.
The real benefit is of course the amount of storage you have. In comparison to USB flash drives, they typically offer 4Gb of storage at a reasonable price. Any larger, and the price seems to be slightly out of reach. Of course wait a few months and USB storage capacities will double and quadruple, and prices will continue to fall. For the here and now, you cannot beat the price per Gb of storage the ipod offers.
To manage your ipod hard drive usage follow these simple steps:
- Connect iPod to your computer and then open iTunes. You should wait until the ipod and itunes are finished synchronizing.
- Select your iPod in the source pane on the left hand side. Open the Summary tab and select “Manually manage music and videos” and then click Apply.
At this point, you can close iTunes, or minimize it and continue working. Open My Computer, and you will see an additional drive letter (C:\ is your primary hard drive, D: may be your cdrom) If you have any other hard drives or partitions, then your ipod will appear as the next logical drive letter in the sequence. Open your ipod’s drive letter and you will notice many other folders. Note: Leave those files and folders alone. You can drag and drop your files as you please. There are no limitations to what you can store on the ipod, as long as you don’t go beyond the drive’s capacity.
To revert back to automatic mode, simply remove the check mark that you placed earlier in the itunes summary tab. You can also view how much free space you have on the ipod drive with the summary tab.
Online File Storage - new and improved!
Online File Storage
Before the dotcom bubble burst in 2000 many of the internet startup’s had some great ideas. Everything from chat based tech support to auction based Christmas card designs. Then it went by the way of the dodo bird. With Web 2.0 innovations making headlines, we are now starting to see the second generation of more great innovations and ideas.
Online file storage for example is nothing new, however has been a great tool for the internet reliant traveler. It’s not as convenient as a USB drive, conversely though can’t be accidentally washed in the rinse cycle, but is available wherever and whenever you need it.
The concept of internet file storage is similar to FTP (file transfer protocol) where you upload your files to a location on a server on the internet. You then download the files as needed, which are stored and accessed on your local pc or laptop. The major enhancement to modern online file storage services is speed and user friendliness. No more ftp client installations and configuring on the computer, just open the website address in your browser, login using your credentials and you have instant access to your files and folders.
High speed internet is the primary factor in limilighting online storage because you can literally run your business using web based applications. Files can be stored and opened from your online storage service, without ever having to keep them on your hard drive. You can run from USB drives, and use online storage to complete your tasks.
There are several providers of these services, such as http://box.net/, http://www.omnidrive.com/, and http://www.openmy.com/. Their services differ in features, price and offerings; however most seem to offer 1Gb of free storage and 10Gb of traffic (monthly upload and download). Subscriptions are required for more file storage and more monthly bandwidth.
Before the dotcom bubble burst in 2000 many of the internet startup’s had some great ideas. Everything from chat based tech support to auction based Christmas card designs. Then it went by the way of the dodo bird. With Web 2.0 innovations making headlines, we are now starting to see the second generation of more great innovations and ideas.
Online file storage for example is nothing new, however has been a great tool for the internet reliant traveler. It’s not as convenient as a USB drive, conversely though can’t be accidentally washed in the rinse cycle, but is available wherever and whenever you need it.
The concept of internet file storage is similar to FTP (file transfer protocol) where you upload your files to a location on a server on the internet. You then download the files as needed, which are stored and accessed on your local pc or laptop. The major enhancement to modern online file storage services is speed and user friendliness. No more ftp client installations and configuring on the computer, just open the website address in your browser, login using your credentials and you have instant access to your files and folders.
High speed internet is the primary factor in limilighting online storage because you can literally run your business using web based applications. Files can be stored and opened from your online storage service, without ever having to keep them on your hard drive. You can run from USB drives, and use online storage to complete your tasks.
There are several providers of these services, such as http://box.net/, http://www.omnidrive.com/, and http://www.openmy.com/. Their services differ in features, price and offerings; however most seem to offer 1Gb of free storage and 10Gb of traffic (monthly upload and download). Subscriptions are required for more file storage and more monthly bandwidth.
Thursday, March 1, 2007
What is a RAR File?
I have received a link from a friend to download a program but its RAR file. What does it do?
If any of you have come to know ZIP files, these are files that have ZIP as the last 3 characters of the file name. You use a program called WinZip, or one of many similar zip utilities to open the file. A RAR file is essentially a condensed collection of files. Sometimes they are referred to as a library, or a cabinet of files. These files use a compression technique to shrink the files and combine them into one handy file. They then can be sent through the internet or email in parts which can be reassembled on the recipient’s computer.
Winrar is the utility used to open RAR files. Now, let’s explain a practical example. Your friend has a training video, that he wants to send you. You both have high speed internet, but don’t want to send it through the mail. What can you do?
The files in their native format are too big and difficult to organize. You would have a very hard time putting this all together again on your computer while maintaining the file and directory structure of the video. With Winrar, you collect the files and create a set of archives to be sent via email, or on a website download link. You can also create archives on your computer to save disk space. Every file on your computer can be condensed by a certain amount. This depends on the type of file and the data. Movies and Videos cannot be condensed as much as text files can be. Simply because of the type of data contained in them.
Let’s suppose that the files to be sent are 700 Mb in total. You can use winrar to create a set archive files that will create a sequential set of files for emailing. Typically, you can customize winrar to shrink the files according to speed, or level of compression. A high compression means that your computer will work harder to decompress those files at the receiving end. A faster compression means that your computer will create the archives for a quicker decompression. You may also specify the size of the archive files to output.
For example, 700 MB would create approximately 70 files of 10Mb each, with no compression. Once you have the files on your computer, locate the file with the RAR extension or the file with the lowest numbered extension (R01, R02 etc.) and open it to view the contents. Winrar will sequentially number all the pieces, with RAR being the first of the set.
To unpack, simply drag the contents of the Winrar window to your desired location. It will take some time, and you will see a progress bar. Also remember that you now have just used twice the disk space, as the extracted files are completely separate from the original RAR files you were originally sent.
If any of you have come to know ZIP files, these are files that have ZIP as the last 3 characters of the file name. You use a program called WinZip, or one of many similar zip utilities to open the file. A RAR file is essentially a condensed collection of files. Sometimes they are referred to as a library, or a cabinet of files. These files use a compression technique to shrink the files and combine them into one handy file. They then can be sent through the internet or email in parts which can be reassembled on the recipient’s computer.
Winrar is the utility used to open RAR files. Now, let’s explain a practical example. Your friend has a training video, that he wants to send you. You both have high speed internet, but don’t want to send it through the mail. What can you do?
The files in their native format are too big and difficult to organize. You would have a very hard time putting this all together again on your computer while maintaining the file and directory structure of the video. With Winrar, you collect the files and create a set of archives to be sent via email, or on a website download link. You can also create archives on your computer to save disk space. Every file on your computer can be condensed by a certain amount. This depends on the type of file and the data. Movies and Videos cannot be condensed as much as text files can be. Simply because of the type of data contained in them.
Let’s suppose that the files to be sent are 700 Mb in total. You can use winrar to create a set archive files that will create a sequential set of files for emailing. Typically, you can customize winrar to shrink the files according to speed, or level of compression. A high compression means that your computer will work harder to decompress those files at the receiving end. A faster compression means that your computer will create the archives for a quicker decompression. You may also specify the size of the archive files to output.
For example, 700 MB would create approximately 70 files of 10Mb each, with no compression. Once you have the files on your computer, locate the file with the RAR extension or the file with the lowest numbered extension (R01, R02 etc.) and open it to view the contents. Winrar will sequentially number all the pieces, with RAR being the first of the set.
To unpack, simply drag the contents of the Winrar window to your desired location. It will take some time, and you will see a progress bar. Also remember that you now have just used twice the disk space, as the extracted files are completely separate from the original RAR files you were originally sent.
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