Saturday, September 20, 2003
Geeks to Go - Free computer help & tech support - Free Office Alternative: "If you're used to using other office suites - such as Microsoft Office - you'll be completely at home with OpenOffice.org 1.1. However, as you become used to OpenOffice.org 1.1, you'll start to appreciate the extras that make your life easier. You can of course continue to use your old Microsoft Office files without any problems - and if you need to exchange files with people still using Microsoft Office, that's no problem either. And best of all, the software is free !"
Geeks to Go - Free computer help & tech support - Suit: Hard drive size does matter: "A group of computer owners has filed a lawsuit against some of the world's biggest makers of personal computers, claiming that their advertising deceptively overstates the true capacity of their hard drives.
The lawsuit, which seeks class action status, was filed earlier this week in Los Angeles Superior Court against Apple Computer, Dell, Gateway, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Sharp, Sony and Toshiba.
The lawsuit brought by Los Angeles residents Lanchau Dan, Adam Selkowitz, Tim Swan and John Zahabian centers on the way that computer hard drives are described by manufacturers.
Representatives of the eight defendants were not immediately available to comment.
According to the lawsuit, computer hard drive capacities are described in promotional material in decimal notation, but the computer reads and writes data to the drives in a binary system. The result is that a hard drive described as being 20 gigabytes would actually have only 18.6 gigabytes of readable capacity, the lawsuit said.
The plaintiffs said this difference in convention is deceptive and leaves buyers with less storage than they thought they were getting when they purchased their computers. "
The lawsuit, which seeks class action status, was filed earlier this week in Los Angeles Superior Court against Apple Computer, Dell, Gateway, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Sharp, Sony and Toshiba.
The lawsuit brought by Los Angeles residents Lanchau Dan, Adam Selkowitz, Tim Swan and John Zahabian centers on the way that computer hard drives are described by manufacturers.
Representatives of the eight defendants were not immediately available to comment.
According to the lawsuit, computer hard drive capacities are described in promotional material in decimal notation, but the computer reads and writes data to the drives in a binary system. The result is that a hard drive described as being 20 gigabytes would actually have only 18.6 gigabytes of readable capacity, the lawsuit said.
The plaintiffs said this difference in convention is deceptive and leaves buyers with less storage than they thought they were getting when they purchased their computers. "
Geeks to Go - Free computer help & tech support - Weather Watchers Turn to the Internet for Isabel: "Weather watchers tracking the movement of Hurricane Isabel turned to the Internet in big numbers as the powerful storm drew closer to the East Coast, audience measurement service Nielsen//NetRatings said on Friday.
For Web surfers logging on at home, Weather Underground had the fastest growing traffic, soaring 92 percent to 258,000 unique visitors from Wednesday, Sept. 10 to Wednesday, Sept. 17, NetRatings said.
Nearly 2 million surfers visited Weather Channel on Sept. 17 -- a day before the Isabel hit the mainland -- a 75 percent surge in traffic from the previous Wednesday.
AccuWeather drew 349,00 visitors, an increase of 69 percent from the previous Wednesday, while WeatherBug.com attracted 455,000 surfers, a 50 percent spike, NetRatings said.
'Americans have come to rely on the Web for round-the-clock access to the latest information,' said NetRatings analyst Greg Bloom. 'The constant updates of weather news have been especially crucial for those living close to the storm front.'
Hurricane Isabel hit land on Thursday, leaving 15 dead and some 5.8 million homes and businesses without power from the Carolinas to New York."
For Web surfers logging on at home, Weather Underground had the fastest growing traffic, soaring 92 percent to 258,000 unique visitors from Wednesday, Sept. 10 to Wednesday, Sept. 17, NetRatings said.
Nearly 2 million surfers visited Weather Channel on Sept. 17 -- a day before the Isabel hit the mainland -- a 75 percent surge in traffic from the previous Wednesday.
AccuWeather drew 349,00 visitors, an increase of 69 percent from the previous Wednesday, while WeatherBug.com attracted 455,000 surfers, a 50 percent spike, NetRatings said.
'Americans have come to rely on the Web for round-the-clock access to the latest information,' said NetRatings analyst Greg Bloom. 'The constant updates of weather news have been especially crucial for those living close to the storm front.'
Hurricane Isabel hit land on Thursday, leaving 15 dead and some 5.8 million homes and businesses without power from the Carolinas to New York."
Geeks to Go - Free computer help & tech support - New Worm Masquerades As Security Update: "The worm poses as an E-mail from Microsoft and contains a bogus security update as an attachment.
A new worm that tries to take advantage of Windows users anxious to get their hands on security updates began making the rounds on Thursday, several antivirus firms confirmed.
The worm, which goes by a variety of names, including Swen, W32/Swen@MM, Gibe, and W32/Gibe-F, can pose as an E-mail from Microsoft bearing a bogus security update as a file attachment.
It spreads in several ways, including the traditional mass-mailing method of stealing addresses from Outlook address books on compromised machines, but also propagates over Internet Relay Chat and peer-to-peer networks such as Kazaa. Successful infections attempt to steal account information, including usernames and passwords."
A new worm that tries to take advantage of Windows users anxious to get their hands on security updates began making the rounds on Thursday, several antivirus firms confirmed.
The worm, which goes by a variety of names, including Swen, W32/Swen@MM, Gibe, and W32/Gibe-F, can pose as an E-mail from Microsoft bearing a bogus security update as a file attachment.
It spreads in several ways, including the traditional mass-mailing method of stealing addresses from Outlook address books on compromised machines, but also propagates over Internet Relay Chat and peer-to-peer networks such as Kazaa. Successful infections attempt to steal account information, including usernames and passwords."
Geeks to Go - Free computer help & tech support - House Backs Making Internet Tax Ban Permanent: "WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. House of Representatives voted on Wednesday to make permanent a ban on Internet use taxes and to require nine states to repeal existing taxes on access fees.
By a voice vote lawmakers agreed to a bill cementing the moratorium on Internet access and traffic taxes due to expire in November, and removing a provision that had allowed a handful of states to levy taxes that were in place before the ban was first passed in 1998.
The tax ban would apply to all methods of Internet access, including pricier high-speed links taxed by some states.
However, the ban would not apply to online sales taxes, which are already prohibited under a Supreme Court decision unless the retailer has a substantial in-state presence."
By a voice vote lawmakers agreed to a bill cementing the moratorium on Internet access and traffic taxes due to expire in November, and removing a provision that had allowed a handful of states to levy taxes that were in place before the ban was first passed in 1998.
The tax ban would apply to all methods of Internet access, including pricier high-speed links taxed by some states.
However, the ban would not apply to online sales taxes, which are already prohibited under a Supreme Court decision unless the retailer has a substantial in-state presence."
Geeks to Go - Free computer help & tech support - Athlon 64 and AMD's 64-bit technology: "With the successful introduction of the Opteron processor in late April, AMD completed one half of its forecast entry into the 64-bit processing world. Based on an evolution of the x86 instruction set used by current 32-bit processors made by Intel and AMD, the Opteron is targeted at the high to mid-range server and workstation market.
The second processor released under the AMD64 architecture will be the Athlon 64, formerly known as 'Clawhammer,' which aims to bring 64-bit computing power to the desktop and mobile markets. Due on September 23rd, the Athlon 64 will be a slightly hobbled version of the Opteron, and with its built in compatibility with current software and operating systems, will attempt to bridge the gap easily between 32-bit and 64-bit computing environments."
The second processor released under the AMD64 architecture will be the Athlon 64, formerly known as 'Clawhammer,' which aims to bring 64-bit computing power to the desktop and mobile markets. Due on September 23rd, the Athlon 64 will be a slightly hobbled version of the Opteron, and with its built in compatibility with current software and operating systems, will attempt to bridge the gap easily between 32-bit and 64-bit computing environments."
Geeks to Go - Free computer help & tech support - Illuminated Keyboard: "Manufacturers are putting lights in everything nowadays due to the increasing demand of 'cool' looking computer accessories. There have been manufacturers who started making illuminated keyboards a while ago. Auravision was one of the first manufacturer to manufacture illuminated keyboards and they have been a hit since then. After the success of Auravision's illuminated keyboards, more and more manufacturers joined the trend of these lighted keyboards and manufactured them under their own name. Almost all of these illuminated keyboards look exactly the same and function the same. Their prices are also similar which range anywhere from $90.00 to $100.00. The prices tags are extremely hefty on these keyboards so today we will be reviewing a budget level illuminated keyboard that does have the same features but not the same price tag. This keyboard is easy to afford for anyone."
Geeks to Go - Free computer help & tech support - Horrible Spelling but... =D: "Wow this is so true! =D
Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is that the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a total mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.
amzanig huh?"
Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is that the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a total mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.
amzanig huh?"
Geeks to Go - Free computer help & tech support - Athlon XP vs. Pentium 4 : The Ultimate 32-bit CPU Showdown: "OK, folks, we know what you're thinking right now. Some of you are probably wondering why we are cooking up yet another storm with this Pentium 4 vs. Athlon XP article. We can tell you it's not on purpose as we've wanted to do this some time back. However, circumstances and time has prevented us from doing so and this is why we've held back until now.
Even though AMD is preparing to launch the Athlon 64 and Athlon 64 FX in just more than a week's time, we thought it would be the best time to take a tiny step back and look at what today's processors have to offer before some of you start to bid farewell to the 32-bit computing world. While a minority of users would be the first few daring martyrs who does not mind sacrificing their hard earned cash to purchase a sparkling new 64-bit CPU, most other users would still prefer to hang on, or invest in what's common today. These users would likely be the ones that would hang dearly to their trusted 32-bit software for the next couple of years. "
Even though AMD is preparing to launch the Athlon 64 and Athlon 64 FX in just more than a week's time, we thought it would be the best time to take a tiny step back and look at what today's processors have to offer before some of you start to bid farewell to the 32-bit computing world. While a minority of users would be the first few daring martyrs who does not mind sacrificing their hard earned cash to purchase a sparkling new 64-bit CPU, most other users would still prefer to hang on, or invest in what's common today. These users would likely be the ones that would hang dearly to their trusted 32-bit software for the next couple of years. "
Geeks to Go - Free computer help & tech support - Researchers warn of new software danger: "Security researchers yesterday detected hackers distributing software to break into computers using flaws announced last week in some versions of Microsoft Corp.'s Windows operating system.
The threat from this new vulnerability -- which already has drawn stern warnings from the Homeland Security Department -- is remarkably similar to one that allowed the Blaster virus to infect hundreds of thousands of computers last month.
Researchers from iDefense Inc. of Reston, Va., who found the new attack software being distributed from a Chinese Web site, said it already was being used to break into vulnerable computers and implant eavesdropping programs.
They said they expect widespread attacks similar to the Blaster infection within days.
Microsoft confirmed last night it was studying the new attack tool."
The threat from this new vulnerability -- which already has drawn stern warnings from the Homeland Security Department -- is remarkably similar to one that allowed the Blaster virus to infect hundreds of thousands of computers last month.
Researchers from iDefense Inc. of Reston, Va., who found the new attack software being distributed from a Chinese Web site, said it already was being used to break into vulnerable computers and implant eavesdropping programs.
They said they expect widespread attacks similar to the Blaster infection within days.
Microsoft confirmed last night it was studying the new attack tool."
Geeks to Go - Free computer help & tech support - Broadband subscriptions surge 72 per cent: "Reality of high-speed internet could finally be catching up with the hype.
The global number of broadband subscribers grew 72 per cent in 2002 to approximately 62 million, according to a report from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Home users are driving the vast majority of broadband demand.
'Broadband is arriving at a time when the revolutionary potential of the internet has still to be fully tapped,' said Dr Tim Kelly, head of the Strategy and Policy Unit at ITU.
But he added that although broadband is accelerating the integration of the internet into our daily lives, it is not a major industry driver in the same way that mobile phones and the internet were in the 1990s.
'It's an incremental improvement, offering internet access that is faster, more convenient and cheaper than ever before,' he said."
The global number of broadband subscribers grew 72 per cent in 2002 to approximately 62 million, according to a report from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Home users are driving the vast majority of broadband demand.
'Broadband is arriving at a time when the revolutionary potential of the internet has still to be fully tapped,' said Dr Tim Kelly, head of the Strategy and Policy Unit at ITU.
But he added that although broadband is accelerating the integration of the internet into our daily lives, it is not a major industry driver in the same way that mobile phones and the internet were in the 1990s.
'It's an incremental improvement, offering internet access that is faster, more convenient and cheaper than ever before,' he said."
Geeks to Go - Free computer help & tech support - Pentium 4 Extreme Edition gets official outing: "Intel's new chip for gamers and enthusiasts was officially unveiled by Lou Burns on the big stage here in the San Jose Convention Centre. The chip will sport an extra 2Mb of cache and will start at 3.2GHz. Lou, told his audience of developers and hacks that the chip, named Pentium 4 Extreme Edition, delivers 'awesome performance'. Burns said Intel had listened to the gaming community and designed the chip with them in mind. He said the chip will be available to buy in the 30-60-day timeframe.
Intel spokesman George Alfs told the INQ the chip would sport a 800MHz frontside bus allied to the 2.5MB L3 of cache in total. He said the company had worked closely with OEMs who build games systems and who really wanted something for gamers. He said the extra cache would improve the performance of the chip significantly, by reducing the need for the processor to go off to memory for data. This combined with the implementation of Hyperthreading in the chip will deliver unparalleled performance. Both Half-Life2 and Doom 3 will implement Hyperthreading enhancements to exploit the technology."
Intel spokesman George Alfs told the INQ the chip would sport a 800MHz frontside bus allied to the 2.5MB L3 of cache in total. He said the company had worked closely with OEMs who build games systems and who really wanted something for gamers. He said the extra cache would improve the performance of the chip significantly, by reducing the need for the processor to go off to memory for data. This combined with the implementation of Hyperthreading in the chip will deliver unparalleled performance. Both Half-Life2 and Doom 3 will implement Hyperthreading enhancements to exploit the technology."
Geeks to Go - Free computer help & tech support - Corsair TwinX1024-4000Pro Memory Review: "Appearances play an ever increasing role in today's computer purchases. From case windows to cold cathodes and LED fans, even novice computer users are adopting tricked-out components to bring a little life into their drab computers. When it comes to memory, you can only do so much though; manufacturers have tried changing the colour of the PCB, adding colourful heat spreaders, or just about anything else to sway our purchasing decisions.
Corsair have earned a reputation of being a very innovative company, they were the first to adopt RAMsinks, and now they've revolutionized the memory market yet again. Enter Corsair's brand-spanking-new Pro Series DDR memory!
Corsair's TwinX1024-4000Pro memory modules are easily the coolest looking DIMM's on the market, bar none. Sure there have been other companies to incorporate LED's on a stick of memory, but Corsair have taken this to the next level."
Corsair have earned a reputation of being a very innovative company, they were the first to adopt RAMsinks, and now they've revolutionized the memory market yet again. Enter Corsair's brand-spanking-new Pro Series DDR memory!
Corsair's TwinX1024-4000Pro memory modules are easily the coolest looking DIMM's on the market, bar none. Sure there have been other companies to incorporate LED's on a stick of memory, but Corsair have taken this to the next level."
Geeks to Go - Free computer help & tech support - Apple updates notebook range, cuts cord on mouse: "Apple Computer Inc. launched three new models in its PowerBook notebook range Tuesday, and unveiled the shape of a new cordless mouse to accompany them.
Chief Executive Officer Steve Jobs summed up the company's innovations in the year to date in a keynote speech at Apple Expo Paris, and concluded with the announcement of performance increases for the 12-inch and 17-inch PowerBooks launched in January, and the introduction of a new 15-inch model, replacing the one introduced in January 2001.
Already, 42 percent of the computers Apple sells are notebooks, compared to around 25 percent for computer makers across the industry, Jobs said, adding that he hopes to bring that level up to 50 percent in short order.
Jobs repeated his January claim that, for Apple, 2003 is 'the year of the notebook,' and said, 'We still aren't even done with the year yet; we have more innovating to do.' "
Chief Executive Officer Steve Jobs summed up the company's innovations in the year to date in a keynote speech at Apple Expo Paris, and concluded with the announcement of performance increases for the 12-inch and 17-inch PowerBooks launched in January, and the introduction of a new 15-inch model, replacing the one introduced in January 2001.
Already, 42 percent of the computers Apple sells are notebooks, compared to around 25 percent for computer makers across the industry, Jobs said, adding that he hopes to bring that level up to 50 percent in short order.
Jobs repeated his January claim that, for Apple, 2003 is 'the year of the notebook,' and said, 'We still aren't even done with the year yet; we have more innovating to do.' "
Geeks to Go - Free computer help & tech support - In PC design, harbingers of shrink: "A number of new technologies coming to the fore could bring about smaller notebooks and desktops as well as allow manufacturers to alter standard PC shapes.
ExpressCard, a new PC expansion card standard set to be announced Tuesday, is one such advance. Backers say it will replace the familiar PCMCIA cards that slide into the sides of notebook computers and that are used for tasks such as adding memory or connecting to a network. Because the new card standard is smaller and requires fewer components, it could lead to smaller notebooks as well new card slot placements.
Another technology coming down the pike is PCI Express, a new method for connecting PCs to peripherals that promises to streamline computer innards as well as allow for different PC designs. Serial ATA, a high-speed interface standard for disk drives that cuts down on the cabling within PC boxes, started to appear in systems in the spring.
Products built with the upcoming advances are expected to hit the market next year, although adoption rates may differ between corporate and consumer markets.
The overall direction is to help PCs get smaller and more powerful, said Stephen Baker, an analyst at NPD Group. 'When you look at all the internal technologies, the goal seems to be to shrink, consolidate and advance.'"
ExpressCard, a new PC expansion card standard set to be announced Tuesday, is one such advance. Backers say it will replace the familiar PCMCIA cards that slide into the sides of notebook computers and that are used for tasks such as adding memory or connecting to a network. Because the new card standard is smaller and requires fewer components, it could lead to smaller notebooks as well new card slot placements.
Another technology coming down the pike is PCI Express, a new method for connecting PCs to peripherals that promises to streamline computer innards as well as allow for different PC designs. Serial ATA, a high-speed interface standard for disk drives that cuts down on the cabling within PC boxes, started to appear in systems in the spring.
Products built with the upcoming advances are expected to hit the market next year, although adoption rates may differ between corporate and consumer markets.
The overall direction is to help PCs get smaller and more powerful, said Stephen Baker, an analyst at NPD Group. 'When you look at all the internal technologies, the goal seems to be to shrink, consolidate and advance.'"
Geeks to Go - Free computer help & tech support - Sun Software to Be Cheaper Than Windows: "SAN JOSE, Calif. - In a move aimed squarely at Microsoft Corp., Sun Microsystems Inc. is unveiling on Tuesday a suite of software for businesses that want to dump � or just can't afford � the Windows operating system on their companies' desktop computers.
The Sun Java Desktop system, which was formerly code-named Mad Hatter, runs on the open-source Linux (news - web sites) operating system and includes a variety of programs that replace Microsoft's Internet browser, productivity suite and other parts of the Windows package.
Sun officials say its system will cost as little as $50 per user per year and can be installed on any computer that can run Microsoft's Office 2000. The software also is designed to interoperate with Windows-based programs such as Exchange and Microsoft Office.
'We're talking about a radical savings � more than 75 percent over just the comparable upgrade cost for Microsoft,' said Larry Singer, Sun's senior vice president of global market strategies."
The Sun Java Desktop system, which was formerly code-named Mad Hatter, runs on the open-source Linux (news - web sites) operating system and includes a variety of programs that replace Microsoft's Internet browser, productivity suite and other parts of the Windows package.
Sun officials say its system will cost as little as $50 per user per year and can be installed on any computer that can run Microsoft's Office 2000. The software also is designed to interoperate with Windows-based programs such as Exchange and Microsoft Office.
'We're talking about a radical savings � more than 75 percent over just the comparable upgrade cost for Microsoft,' said Larry Singer, Sun's senior vice president of global market strategies."
Geeks to Go - Free computer help & tech support - Beginners guide to backing up a DVD movie: "Welcome to this beginners guide to backing up a DVD movie. This is intended for people totally unfamiliar with the process and will try and not get technical so everything remains easy to understand.
First off most DVD movies are dual layered (think two discs sandwiched together) ranging from 4.7 GB to 9.4 GB, while DVD writeable media are only single layered 4.7 GB discs. So we need to use a program to compress the DVD into the available space on a writeable DVD. Theirs plenty of more info on the matter if you visit The Digital Digest Guide Section "
First off most DVD movies are dual layered (think two discs sandwiched together) ranging from 4.7 GB to 9.4 GB, while DVD writeable media are only single layered 4.7 GB discs. So we need to use a program to compress the DVD into the available space on a writeable DVD. Theirs plenty of more info on the matter if you visit The Digital Digest Guide Section "
Geeks to Go - Free computer help & tech support - Building Your Own PC, Know-How for Do-It-Yourselfers: "Anyone needing a new computer faces a tough choice: you can either go for a complete system, or you can build your own PC. As most complete systems are cheaper than the sum of their parts, when is it really worth it to build your own?
Imagine you want to build a new PC and want to use a few remnants from your old system. If you were satisfied with the performance of your CD-ROM drive, hard drive, printer or monitor, then it could be worth it to simply buy the remaining components - you might not even need a new case.
We also hope that this article will reach the individualists among you, i.e., users who know exactly which processor, motherboard and graphics card they want to install, but who just don't know how to fit it all together. The third group of users we want to reach are those people who only want to swap out a component, whether a graphics card or a CPU.
Many are intimidated by hardware. Some people won't even put in a new card on their own if they can help it. Yet the computer is now a mass-market product that, thankfully, has also brought about broad standardization. "
Imagine you want to build a new PC and want to use a few remnants from your old system. If you were satisfied with the performance of your CD-ROM drive, hard drive, printer or monitor, then it could be worth it to simply buy the remaining components - you might not even need a new case.
We also hope that this article will reach the individualists among you, i.e., users who know exactly which processor, motherboard and graphics card they want to install, but who just don't know how to fit it all together. The third group of users we want to reach are those people who only want to swap out a component, whether a graphics card or a CPU.
Many are intimidated by hardware. Some people won't even put in a new card on their own if they can help it. Yet the computer is now a mass-market product that, thankfully, has also brought about broad standardization. "
Geeks to Go - Free computer help & tech support - Microsoft goes to Hollywood: "Microsoft's surprise decision to submit Windows Media Series 9 as a standards candidate to Hollywood underscores the software giant's ambitions to take its multimedia technology beyond the Net, as well as the considerable barriers it faces.
This week, the Redmond, Wash.-based company sent in its underlying video-compression code for vetting by the Society of Motion Picture Television Engineers (SMPTE)--a first for Microsoft and a marked departure from the company's longtime commitment to keeping its technology proprietary. In doing so, Microsoft is aiming to provide a viable successor to MPEG-2, a compression standard that is the foundation of satellite, cable, video-editing systems and DVDs.
Microsoft submitted its technology to SMPTE on Monday, but waited until Friday to officially announce both that move and a blizzard of new Windows Media partnerships. The announcments were made at the International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) in Amsterdam.
If SMPTE approves Windows Media Series 9 as a standard, Microsoft hopes its technology will become de facto for a range of set-top boxes, professional video-editing equipment, satellite transmissions and consumer electronics. Because the applications are disparate, SMPTE members are free to adopt any technology they choose. "
This week, the Redmond, Wash.-based company sent in its underlying video-compression code for vetting by the Society of Motion Picture Television Engineers (SMPTE)--a first for Microsoft and a marked departure from the company's longtime commitment to keeping its technology proprietary. In doing so, Microsoft is aiming to provide a viable successor to MPEG-2, a compression standard that is the foundation of satellite, cable, video-editing systems and DVDs.
Microsoft submitted its technology to SMPTE on Monday, but waited until Friday to officially announce both that move and a blizzard of new Windows Media partnerships. The announcments were made at the International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) in Amsterdam.
If SMPTE approves Windows Media Series 9 as a standard, Microsoft hopes its technology will become de facto for a range of set-top boxes, professional video-editing equipment, satellite transmissions and consumer electronics. Because the applications are disparate, SMPTE members are free to adopt any technology they choose. "
Geeks to Go - Free computer help & tech support - Apple sued by The Beatles over iPod, ITMS: "Apple sued by The Beatles over iPod, ITMS
Apple Computer Inc. is being sued by Apple Corps. The parent company for music legends, The Beatles, has begun legal proceedings against Apple Computer, citing breach of contract for the suit, according to Fox News .
Apparently when Apple Computer first started, The Beatles sued them for the use of the corporate name. In addition to a hefty cash settlement, Apple agreed to only use the corporate name for computer products and not enter the music markeplace.
Years later, The Beatles sued and won another lawsuit when Apple shipped computers that allowed music to be played through attachable speakers. That lawsuit charged breach of a trademark agreement since Apple had agreed to steer clear of the music business. Fox News estimates Apple has paid US$50 million in the lost suits so far."
Apple Computer Inc. is being sued by Apple Corps. The parent company for music legends, The Beatles, has begun legal proceedings against Apple Computer, citing breach of contract for the suit, according to Fox News .
Apparently when Apple Computer first started, The Beatles sued them for the use of the corporate name. In addition to a hefty cash settlement, Apple agreed to only use the corporate name for computer products and not enter the music markeplace.
Years later, The Beatles sued and won another lawsuit when Apple shipped computers that allowed music to be played through attachable speakers. That lawsuit charged breach of a trademark agreement since Apple had agreed to steer clear of the music business. Fox News estimates Apple has paid US$50 million in the lost suits so far."
Geeks to Go - Free computer help & tech support - DX9 Performance: " Valve's Gabe Newell Speaks : Half Life 2 is going to be the impetus that sells millions of dollars worth of hardware this buying season. Valve makes no issue of telling you that ATI's video card is the one to have in your box. And yes, there is a killer benchmark...
'Quite frankly it looks as if ATI's product line is kicking NVIDIA's butt when it comes to Half Life 2. From what Gabe Newell says, that is just the handwriting on the wall when it comes to 'pure' DX9 based games. From what small bit of DX9 implementation we have seen, Gabe is dead on right. And he is one of the few persons that I would say is fully qualified to make the broad and sweeping statements that he has this week.'"
'Quite frankly it looks as if ATI's product line is kicking NVIDIA's butt when it comes to Half Life 2. From what Gabe Newell says, that is just the handwriting on the wall when it comes to 'pure' DX9 based games. From what small bit of DX9 implementation we have seen, Gabe is dead on right. And he is one of the few persons that I would say is fully qualified to make the broad and sweeping statements that he has this week.'"
Geeks to Go - Free computer help & tech support - BigChampagne is Watching You: "In fact, they're tracking every download and selling the data to the music industry. How one company is turning file-sharing networks into the world's biggest focus group.
On his screen, he can see in astonishing detail when, where, and what Internet users are sharing on peer-to-peer file-swapping services like Kazaa, Morpheus, and Grokster. He searches for cities where downloads of the band's single are outpacing its exposure on radio. He likes what he sees. In Atlanta, sharing of the group's new album is up more than 1,200 percent over the previous week; in Houston and New York, 300 percent."
On his screen, he can see in astonishing detail when, where, and what Internet users are sharing on peer-to-peer file-swapping services like Kazaa, Morpheus, and Grokster. He searches for cities where downloads of the band's single are outpacing its exposure on radio. He likes what he sees. In Atlanta, sharing of the group's new album is up more than 1,200 percent over the previous week; in Houston and New York, 300 percent."
Geeks to Go - Free computer help & tech support - Antispyware maker hunts down Gator: "Just days after a federal judge ruled that software makers are within their rights to deliver ads over Web sites, a technology company is arming consumers with a way to stop them.
interMute, a software maker based in Braintree, Mass., on Tuesday widely introduced SpySubtract, an application that scans PCs for software known as 'spyware,' or 'adware,' and automatically removes it. The 4-year-old company said the technology is specially constructed to fight software from Gator--a popular plug-in used to target ads--by deleting the plug-in automatically anytime it's detected.
'Companies like Gator are the Goliath that the average computer users are up against in the war for online privacy,' said Ed English, CEO of interMute.
Spyware is designed to lurk behind the scenes on PCs, tracking Web surfing or computer-use habits in order to serve up advertisements. People typically acquire these applications after downloading other free software such as the file-sharing program Kazaa, which rely on the ad dollars. In extreme cases, software makers download spyware to people's machines surreptitiously with the use of pop-ups, Web pages or rogue e-mail, and through vulnerable browser settings."
interMute, a software maker based in Braintree, Mass., on Tuesday widely introduced SpySubtract, an application that scans PCs for software known as 'spyware,' or 'adware,' and automatically removes it. The 4-year-old company said the technology is specially constructed to fight software from Gator--a popular plug-in used to target ads--by deleting the plug-in automatically anytime it's detected.
'Companies like Gator are the Goliath that the average computer users are up against in the war for online privacy,' said Ed English, CEO of interMute.
Spyware is designed to lurk behind the scenes on PCs, tracking Web surfing or computer-use habits in order to serve up advertisements. People typically acquire these applications after downloading other free software such as the file-sharing program Kazaa, which rely on the ad dollars. In extreme cases, software makers download spyware to people's machines surreptitiously with the use of pop-ups, Web pages or rogue e-mail, and through vulnerable browser settings."
Geeks to Go - Free computer help & tech support - The First Computer Bug: "In 1945, LTJG Grace Murray was working on the Harvard University Mark II Aiken Relay Calculator. While testing Mark II due to a malfunction, a moth was found trapped between points at Relay #70, Panel F on 9 September. The operators removed and affixed the moth to the computer log, with the entry: 'First actual case of bug being found.' They put out the word that they had 'debugged' the machine, thus introducing the term 'debugging a computer program.'"
Geeks to Go - Free computer help & tech support - TweakHound's Super XP Tweaking Guide - Version 3.0: "This is the 'You asked for it' edition!
Welcome to version 3.0! I never dreamed this guide would become so popular. Like many of you, I got tired of searching the internet for ways to tweak Windows XP. Forged through trial and error. Modified because of comments, suggestions, and complaints, this step-by-step guide contains most every useful tweak for Windows XP there is."
Welcome to version 3.0! I never dreamed this guide would become so popular. Like many of you, I got tired of searching the internet for ways to tweak Windows XP. Forged through trial and error. Modified because of comments, suggestions, and complaints, this step-by-step guide contains most every useful tweak for Windows XP there is."
Tuesday, September 09, 2003
Geeks to Go - Free, friendly, web-based computer help & tech support - RIAA sues 261 file swappers: "The Recording Industry Association of America said it has filed 261 lawsuits against alleged file swappers Monday, charging the computer users with 'egregious' copyright infringement potentially worth millions of dollars.
The long-awaited barrage of lawsuits marks a turning point in the industry's three-year fight against online song-trading services like Kazaa and the now-defunct Napster, and one of the most controversial moments in the recording industry's digital history.
After long years avoiding direct conflict with file swappers who might also be record buyers, industry executives said they have lost patience. Monday's lawsuits are just the first wave of what the group said ultimately could be 'thousands more' lawsuits filed over the next few months."
The long-awaited barrage of lawsuits marks a turning point in the industry's three-year fight against online song-trading services like Kazaa and the now-defunct Napster, and one of the most controversial moments in the recording industry's digital history.
After long years avoiding direct conflict with file swappers who might also be record buyers, industry executives said they have lost patience. Monday's lawsuits are just the first wave of what the group said ultimately could be 'thousands more' lawsuits filed over the next few months."
Geeks to Go - Free, friendly, web-based computer help & tech support - New CPU-Z available for download: "CPU-Z is a freeware that provides some information on your system :
Processor name and vendor
Core stepping and process
Processor package
Processor current core voltage
Internal and external clocks, clock multiplier
Partial overclock detection
Processor features, including supported instructions sets.
L1 to L3 cache information : location, size, speed, technology.
Motherboard information : name, vendor, BIOS, chipset, memory, AGP.
Memory information : size, type, timings, specifications.
New in version 1.19b
New chipset added : nForce3.
CPU voltage periodically refreshed.
Best support for nForce2 chipset.
Several bug corrections."
Processor name and vendor
Core stepping and process
Processor package
Processor current core voltage
Internal and external clocks, clock multiplier
Partial overclock detection
Processor features, including supported instructions sets.
L1 to L3 cache information : location, size, speed, technology.
Motherboard information : name, vendor, BIOS, chipset, memory, AGP.
Memory information : size, type, timings, specifications.
New in version 1.19b
New chipset added : nForce3.
CPU voltage periodically refreshed.
Best support for nForce2 chipset.
Several bug corrections."
Geeks to Go - Free, friendly, web-based computer help & tech support - Individuals should not accept RIAA's offer of amnesty, privacy group says.: "U.S. privacy group the Electronic Frontier Foundation is warning individuals not to admit to illegally trading copyright music online, even if the music industry offers a reprieve from its anti-piracy campaign, saying that users could still be subject to legal action.
The EFF issued a statement Friday in response to several published reports that the Recording Industry Association of America was set to launch an 'amnesty' program this week, in which it would excuse users who swapped copyright music online if they erased the music from their computers, destroyed all hard copies, and promised not to engage in future online piracy.
'Stepping into the spotlight to admit your guilt is probably not a sensible course for most people sharing music files online, especially since the RIAA doesn't control many potential sources of lawsuits,' EFF Staff Attorney Wendy Seltzer said in the statement."
The EFF issued a statement Friday in response to several published reports that the Recording Industry Association of America was set to launch an 'amnesty' program this week, in which it would excuse users who swapped copyright music online if they erased the music from their computers, destroyed all hard copies, and promised not to engage in future online piracy.
'Stepping into the spotlight to admit your guilt is probably not a sensible course for most people sharing music files online, especially since the RIAA doesn't control many potential sources of lawsuits,' EFF Staff Attorney Wendy Seltzer said in the statement."
Geeks to Go - Free, friendly, web-based computer help & tech support - Microsoft Adds Tilt To the Mouse Wheel: "Taking a cue from luxury car makers, Microsoft has just added a tilt capability to its venerable mouse scroll wheel. The ability to tilt from left to right, combined with rolling up and down, is designed to add additional movement capability to your pointer without moving the mouse at all.
Microsoft rolled out their Tilt Wheel Technology with a raft of press releases, mechanical drawings and other fluff. Oh, they also just started shipping the first mouse featuring the technology, the $55 Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer. Does it really work? Is this a mousing revolution, or a gimmick designed to sell expensive mice? We put the technology, and the new product, to the test to find out.
Tilt Wheel Technology gives users the ability to scroll side-to-side using what looks like the same old scroll wheel we've always used with Microsoft mice. As you can see in the diagram above, the mouse wheel has two separate axes of movement. The first axis allows you to roll the wheel � and scrolls windows and web pages up and down. But Microsoft has encased the wheel in a separate sheath, on its own pivot point, which lets you push the wheel from side to side. And that lets you scroll pages horizontally, including web pages, Word documents and Excel spreadsheets."
Microsoft rolled out their Tilt Wheel Technology with a raft of press releases, mechanical drawings and other fluff. Oh, they also just started shipping the first mouse featuring the technology, the $55 Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer. Does it really work? Is this a mousing revolution, or a gimmick designed to sell expensive mice? We put the technology, and the new product, to the test to find out.
Tilt Wheel Technology gives users the ability to scroll side-to-side using what looks like the same old scroll wheel we've always used with Microsoft mice. As you can see in the diagram above, the mouse wheel has two separate axes of movement. The first axis allows you to roll the wheel � and scrolls windows and web pages up and down. But Microsoft has encased the wheel in a separate sheath, on its own pivot point, which lets you push the wheel from side to side. And that lets you scroll pages horizontally, including web pages, Word documents and Excel spreadsheets."
Geeks to Go - Free, friendly, web-based computer help & tech support - Stopping Advertisements with Messenger Service Titles: "When you are connected to the Internet, new windows may open on your computer screen containing advertisements. These windows are labeled Messenger Service in the title bar. However, these messages, which are sometimes called 'messenger spam,' are not related to Windows Messenger, MSN� Messenger or such instant messaging services. Disabling your instant messaging services will not stop this form of advertisement.
Figure 1. Example of 'messenger spam'
These advertisements are sent via the Messenger Service, which is designed for use by system administrators in Windows server-client networks. System administrators use the messenger service to send messages that notify you of conditions on or give status about your network. However, some advertisers have started using this service to send their information via the Internet.
The way you can stop messenger spam depends on whether your computer is part of a corporate network.
If your computer is part of a corporate network, discuss the issue with your network administrator. A network administrator can configure the network firewall to block NetBIOS and UDP broadcast traffic.
For a home computer, or a small network that you manage, Windows XP can block these advertisements. If you are connected to the Internet with a cable modem, a DSL modem, or a dial-up modem, you can turn on Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) to block messenger spam. A firewall may block you from receiving certain types of communication other than messenger spam, such as audio or video messages, and also from receiving files in Windows Messenger or MSN Messenger. (Instant messages should not be blocked.)"
Figure 1. Example of 'messenger spam'
These advertisements are sent via the Messenger Service, which is designed for use by system administrators in Windows server-client networks. System administrators use the messenger service to send messages that notify you of conditions on or give status about your network. However, some advertisers have started using this service to send their information via the Internet.
The way you can stop messenger spam depends on whether your computer is part of a corporate network.
If your computer is part of a corporate network, discuss the issue with your network administrator. A network administrator can configure the network firewall to block NetBIOS and UDP broadcast traffic.
For a home computer, or a small network that you manage, Windows XP can block these advertisements. If you are connected to the Internet with a cable modem, a DSL modem, or a dial-up modem, you can turn on Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) to block messenger spam. A firewall may block you from receiving certain types of communication other than messenger spam, such as audio or video messages, and also from receiving files in Windows Messenger or MSN Messenger. (Instant messages should not be blocked.)"
Geeks to Go - Free, friendly, web-based computer help & tech support - Workers 'need help turning computers on': "One in seven workers need help turning their office computers on or off because of their dismal knowledge of new technology, according to a report.
Research showed that about a fifth of staff asked for help to save or print a document and could not create a table on their screens to make it easier to write data.
Firms were paying out an average of �49,000 a year for additional computer support because of the 'skills shortfall' of their staff, it was claimed.
City & Guilds, which awards work-related qualifications, said its survey of 400 financial directors showed that employers were at their wits end because of the problem.
One in five firms admitted their workers only had basic computer skills, while some said employees had no information technology qualifications at all."
Research showed that about a fifth of staff asked for help to save or print a document and could not create a table on their screens to make it easier to write data.
Firms were paying out an average of �49,000 a year for additional computer support because of the 'skills shortfall' of their staff, it was claimed.
City & Guilds, which awards work-related qualifications, said its survey of 400 financial directors showed that employers were at their wits end because of the problem.
One in five firms admitted their workers only had basic computer skills, while some said employees had no information technology qualifications at all."
Geeks to Go - Free, friendly, web-based computer help & tech support - Anti-virus software losing: "Software engineers are losing the war against fast-spreading viruses of the kind that have disabled hundreds of thousands of computers this year, according to the first study into the effectiveness of anti-virus programs.
Antivirus software, and the means used to distribute it, simply cannot cope with the Blitzkrieg war waged by a new rapidly replicating virus or 'worm,' according to Matthew Williamson, a researcher with computer giant Hewlett-Packard.
Williamson, whose research is reported in the British weekly New Scientist, designed a computer model to mimic the way in which viruses spread around the world.
He then emulated the typical response of antivirus software to a new virus.
The antivirus defenses were far too slow at detecting the invader, at formulating a 'patch' that shields a computer against it, and at distributing the 'patch' to clients, he found.
Eventually, the antiviral software did gain the upper hand and stopped the virus from spreading but by that time, the damage was already done. "
Antivirus software, and the means used to distribute it, simply cannot cope with the Blitzkrieg war waged by a new rapidly replicating virus or 'worm,' according to Matthew Williamson, a researcher with computer giant Hewlett-Packard.
Williamson, whose research is reported in the British weekly New Scientist, designed a computer model to mimic the way in which viruses spread around the world.
He then emulated the typical response of antivirus software to a new virus.
The antivirus defenses were far too slow at detecting the invader, at formulating a 'patch' that shields a computer against it, and at distributing the 'patch' to clients, he found.
Eventually, the antiviral software did gain the upper hand and stopped the virus from spreading but by that time, the damage was already done. "
Geeks to Go - Free, friendly, web-based computer help & tech support - How Phone-line Networking Works: "Phone-line networking is one of several ways to connect the computers in your home. If your computers are in different rooms, then phone line networking could be a good solution for you.
Be sure to read the companion article How Home Networking Works, which provides information about configuring your computers, routers and firewalls, Ethernet networking and sharing an Internet connection. There are also companion articles about power-line networking and wireless networking. By the time you finish this series of articles, you'll be able to choose a network technology that suits your needs and then configure the whole thing!"
Be sure to read the companion article How Home Networking Works, which provides information about configuring your computers, routers and firewalls, Ethernet networking and sharing an Internet connection. There are also companion articles about power-line networking and wireless networking. By the time you finish this series of articles, you'll be able to choose a network technology that suits your needs and then configure the whole thing!"
Geeks to Go - Free, friendly, web-based computer help & tech support - Universal slashes CD prices: "In a move that may be as much of a response to music piracy as to legitimate music download services, Universal Music will be slashing the suggested retail price of its CDs and cassettes. The suggested retail price of most of Universal's top-line CDs will fall to just under $13, and wholesale prices will also be reduced. Previously, the suggested retail price of some of Universal's CDs was as high as $19, so the price cuts are potentially quite dramatic.
I'm sure casual music traders scared off peer-to-peer networks by the RIAA's latest wave of subpoenas will be happy to see lower CD prices, but I'm a little under whelmed. Maybe it's the fact that I live in Canada, but I've never paid more than the equivalent of $13 for a single-disc new release. Heck, I've bought most of the double CDs in my collection for less than $19US. I can't imagine that major labels have dramatically different wholesale CD pricing for Canada and the US, which means that American CD retailers probably have a lot to do with higher CD prices. "
I'm sure casual music traders scared off peer-to-peer networks by the RIAA's latest wave of subpoenas will be happy to see lower CD prices, but I'm a little under whelmed. Maybe it's the fact that I live in Canada, but I've never paid more than the equivalent of $13 for a single-disc new release. Heck, I've bought most of the double CDs in my collection for less than $19US. I can't imagine that major labels have dramatically different wholesale CD pricing for Canada and the US, which means that American CD retailers probably have a lot to do with higher CD prices. "
Geeks to Go - Free, friendly, web-based computer help & tech support - Beginners Guides: Spyware Protection and Removal: "
If you've installed a peer-to-peer sharing program such as 'Kazaa Media Desktop' or 'Morpheus', or accidentally said yes to a 'Gator' pop-up, or gone on an excursion to some of the darker corners of the Internet, chances are your PC has developed an internet life of its own through one or more spyware applications.
What is Spyware?
While the actual definition of what constitutes Spyware is somewhat vague, there are a few distinguishing points that are generally agreed on. The most common definition of Spyware is a program that sends information from your computer to another destination on the Internet without your knowledge and without your explicit consent. The information can potentially include just about anything stored on, or accessible by your computer. In reality, most spyware programs limit themselves to sending specific types of demographic information, such as the URLs you visit on the Internet, IP and email addresses, or even something as mundane as a cookie."
If you've installed a peer-to-peer sharing program such as 'Kazaa Media Desktop' or 'Morpheus', or accidentally said yes to a 'Gator' pop-up, or gone on an excursion to some of the darker corners of the Internet, chances are your PC has developed an internet life of its own through one or more spyware applications.
What is Spyware?
While the actual definition of what constitutes Spyware is somewhat vague, there are a few distinguishing points that are generally agreed on. The most common definition of Spyware is a program that sends information from your computer to another destination on the Internet without your knowledge and without your explicit consent. The information can potentially include just about anything stored on, or accessible by your computer. In reality, most spyware programs limit themselves to sending specific types of demographic information, such as the URLs you visit on the Internet, IP and email addresses, or even something as mundane as a cookie."
Saturday, September 06, 2003
Geeks to Go - Free, friendly, web-based computer help & tech support - Cool Freebie Game: "Jalweg is based on a simple idea: you control a small sphere (the hero ) in a level and you are chased by at least one big metal sphere (a monster ). The goal is to destroy all the other spheres (the balls ) by making the monster colliding with them. If the hero collides with a monster it is destroyed ... and you lose. However the hero can safely collide with the balls. The idea is simple - but trust me, you will have a hard time to finish all the levels ! And if it is not enough, a game editor is included !"
Thursday, September 04, 2003
Geeks to Go - Free, friendly, web-based computer help & tech support: "Announcement
Welcome to Geeks to Go! Here you'll find FREE help for a wide variety of computer software and hardware related issues. Whether your laptop is dead, your network is down, your hard drive is crashed, your printer won't print, or you just want some advice, we can help.
If you're looking for free computer help and technical support, or are interested in helping others with their computer problems >>CLICK HERE!!!<<
Enter the Forums | Register"
Welcome to Geeks to Go! Here you'll find FREE help for a wide variety of computer software and hardware related issues. Whether your laptop is dead, your network is down, your hard drive is crashed, your printer won't print, or you just want some advice, we can help.
If you're looking for free computer help and technical support, or are interested in helping others with their computer problems >>CLICK HERE!!!<<
Enter the Forums | Register"
Geeks to Go - Free, friendly, web-based computer help & tech support - AOL launches blogging service
