from:"j maccraw"

LOL!

Some people like to keep current? Know is relative
and has expiry dates in this 
business Duncan!


DHSinclair wrote:
 Why? I think we know what works by now.
 Price is what we keep discussing.
 We all have our own favorites.
 Best,
 Duncan
 
 At 15:16 05/19/2008 -0700, you wrote:
 CWT as a ODM is supposed to be good. Issues stem
from
 capacitor choices and what the
 OEM is looking for price point wise.

 You want to read a real PSU horror story check out
 HardOCP's review of the store
 brands from Best Buy and others:


http://enthusiast.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTQ5MSwxLCxoZW50aHVzaWFzdA==

Re: [H] I find the weird ones ?

I have that installed but do not see an add/remove
programs entry for it. Wibu-key I 
believe goes with that.

FORC5 wrote:
 Motorola PST
 
 It also installed ( I think ) Wibu-key
 
 going to poke around with this one but I may be
overdue for fresh install. Someone said it could be a
corrupted .net framework install.
 
 thanks
 
 
 At 11:55 PM 5/15/2008, j maccraw Poked the stick
with:
 Which phone tools? Not everything generates or
needs
 an uninstaller.

 FORC5 wrote:
 The other day installed some phone tools and
decided
 I do not need them, when I goto add/remove programs
 NONE of the installed programs are showing anyway
to
 uninstall them.
 Advancec uninstaller pro shows NO programs
 installed.
 clues appreciated
 fp

Re: [H] Possible?

Much luck, they stopped making those before WinXP and
also stopped posting for 
download (for free) software from the bundled CD's
even before that.

http://us.creative.com/support/downloads/

Driver is in XP or it's not, don't expect more support
than that.


DHSinclair wrote:
 Does anyone know of drivers (WinXP) for an old
Creative (ISA) AWE64-Value?
 
 I have an old Creative (ISA) AWE64-Value running in
my XP test machine
 for sound (and grins!) It really does work!
 It is a CT4520 AWE64 Sound Blaster (ISA).
 The m/b is an Asus CUBX.
 It does work, sort of :)  I do get
sound from it.  From 
 its' rear panel.
 What I do no HAVE is WinXP drivers for the 'internal
features' (if any?) 
 of this
 very old card.  OK, my bad!
 
 I am trying to integrate this 'old' card's LINE
output with a current 
 Phillips
 'acoustic edge' card LINE output into my current
Klipsch V.200 speaker
 system.
 Best,
 Duncan

Re: [H] Custom Case

Interesting looking.

[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
 http://www.mountainmods.com/custom-case-pi-404.html?type=jpg

Re: [H] Mini LED Flash Fan

At last years Comic-Con they were handing out these
fans as promo for Sanctuary, 
cool effect.

[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
 http://www.cooljagusa.com/miniflash.html
 
 Al

Re: [H] Do I have really bad luck? PSU?

2008-05-19 Thread j maccraw

Antec has had major issues because they use crap caps.
They supposedly have fixed the 
issue but I will not buy another from them.

HardOCP has a great power supply forum where people
are discussing who actually makes 
what  with what components.

http://www.hardforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=93

James Boswell wrote:
 I've had horrific luck with Antec power supplies
over the last couple of 
 years, these days I'm preferring Enermax or Corsair
units, both of which 
 I've had zero problems with.
 
 
 On 17 May 2008, at 00:16, Scott Sipe wrote:
 
 What brand PSUs are people liking today?

Re: [H] Do I have really bad luck? PSU?

2008-05-19 Thread j maccraw

CWT as a ODM is supposed to be good. Issues stem from
capacitor choices and what the 
OEM is looking for price point wise.

You want to read a real PSU horror story check out
HardOCP's review of the store 
brands from Best Buy and others:

http://enthusiast.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTQ5MSwxLCxoZW50aHVzaWFzdA==

Greg Sevart wrote:
 I've had quite a few burned up Antecs as well. I've
since learned that most
 of the models I've had burn up were built by CWT.
They now use SeaSonic for
 most models. I don't know if the Antec-branded
SeaSonic-build models are as
 good as a branded SeaSonic, but I'd feel at least a
little better about them
 today.
 
 My preference is generally PCPC / SeaSonic (Some
PCPC units, like the
 Silencer series, are built by SeaSonic; others by
Win-Tact), then
 SeaSonic-built supplies (Like the Corsair HX series,
620w and below), then
 FSP/SPI/Sparkle. There are some brands that are
fairly exotic that are
 superior...but the availability of those above is
generally far better.
 
 BTW, the newest Corsair HX units (over 620 watts)
and the VX series are
 built by...yep, CWT. Supposedly new CWT units are
solid...but I'm playing
 wait-and-see.
 
 Greg

Re: [H] Do I have really bad luck?

2008-05-16 Thread j maccraw

Could be but I'd suspect PSU  cooling issues played a
part in there also.

Scott Sipe wrote:
 
 Do I have really bad luck??
 
 In the only two non-business related computers I've
built in the last ~2 
 years, I've had a lot of things go wrong! I've never
had graphic cards 
 fail before, but I guess with the
heat/energy/complexity of the latest 
 cards, it's become a lot more common?
 
 1st computer--ATI x1900XT graphics card emitted a
very audible 
 high-pitched whine. RMAed. replacement card started
getting artifacts 
 just after the 1 year warranty ended, now crashes
when entering 3d mode 
 at all. Original hard disk also died (seagate, in
warranty period 
 thankfully). In the meanwhile, still running
original WD Raptor!
 
 2nd computer (dell)--added an nvidia 8800gt to a
q6600 dell, it works 
 fine for 1.5 months, and then starts crashing hard.
graphic artifacts 
 from the second the screen turns on.
 
 Scott

Re: [H] I find the weird ones ?

2008-05-16 Thread j maccraw

Which phone tools? Not everything generates or needs
an uninstaller.

FORC5 wrote:
 The other day installed some phone tools and decided
I do not need them, when I goto add/remove programs
NONE of the installed programs are showing anyway to
uninstall them.
 
 Advancec uninstaller pro shows NO programs
installed.
 
 clues appreciated
 fp

Re: [H] PC Power Cooling 750W power supply.

2008-05-15 Thread j maccraw

Do not peel any sticker off the PSU if that's what you
mean!

Cutout everything on the box around the UPC  send
them a copy of the invoice with 
the serial number hand written.


Bobby Heid wrote:
 Hey,
 
 I just bought this PS (Silencer 750W) from the
NewEgg.com deal.  There's a
 $30 MIR and it states: Mail this form with a copy
of your sales receipt and
 original UPC code with serial number from product
package to:
 
 Well, the UPC code on the box does not have a serial
number, only the bar
 code, UPC 3, and model number.  There is a sticker
on the unit itself that
 has the serial number, a bar code, and the revision
number.
 
 Anyone have any idea which one to send to them?  I
might just send them
 both.
 
 Thanks,
 Bobby

Re: [H] FF Bug ?

2008-05-13 Thread j maccraw

It's an application/octet-stream, sounds odd to me.

Random files like NyloBFbX.part are what I get if I
choose to allow a download. 
True even if I direct URL to
http://www.samsungodd.com/eng/;.

http://www.samsungodd.com/eng/main2.asp; works but
throws a popup about best 
experienced with IE... BS but does otherwise load.

Of course it is the odd division, hehe.

FORC5 wrote:
 When I goto
 http://www.samsungodd.com/
 
 and click on English ( or any of them ) I get a box
asking what I want to open it with or save to disk.
 
 IE does not do this
 
 if this a bug in FF or a config problem ?
 thanks
 fp

Re: [H] Outlook McAfee VirusScan Buffer Overflows

It's popular because it's the most common bloat-ware
shipped on new PC's these days!

SAVCE is what I am using but would consider NOD32 or
Kapersky or nothing before I'd 
go anywhere near a McAwful product. Been of that mind
about MA for over 10 years in fact.

Unless you have a business need for Outlook, and even
then I'd use it only for the 
specific business need not normal email, Thunderbird
is much better  free.

Anthony Q. Martin wrote:
 This is an interesting conversation.  You guys are
always jumping me 
 when I say thing about how IT pros act like gods on
PCs in corps. Well, 
 ITs are the ones who influence the selection of such
software.  
 Obviously, IT pros are NOT of one opinion on what's
good and what's not. 
 Personally, I've never liked McAfee. It doesn't even
seem to make sense 
 in terms of how to use it. But it's free to me.  And
other than this 
 problem with Outlook (which, is likely the source of
the problem 
 anyway), it's been working fine for months.
 
 BTW, this is VirusScan Enterprise 8.0.0.
 
snip

Re: [H] Outlook McAfee VirusScan Buffer Overflows

LOL!

Thane Sherrington wrote:
 At 02:39 AM 10/05/2008, Gary VanderMolen wrote:
 those are uninstalled, the mail program starts
working again.
 AVG and Avast are some of the antivirus products
that seldom cause
 trouble.
 
 AVG probably doesn't cause any problems because it
isn't doing much. :)  
 Avast is a nice product.
 
 T

Re: [H] PC Power Cooling S75QB 750W EPS12V Power Supply $149 free shipping

Interesting!

Is PPC made by CWT, Seasonic, or someone else? I
still need to replace my caps in
the Antec for my old XP box I'm giving the kids but
think I'd rather just buy new
be done with it. ;)

Hayes Elkins wrote:

I stand corrected! The dual 12v rail did not come
about because of a mandate from Intel engineering -
but rather from the one of many asinine EU standards
pushed out this decade:

http://www.overclock.net/faqs/88626-info-do-you-need-multiple-12v.html

[snip]

Why did multiple 12V rails come about?

Multiple rails came about because the EU mandated
that the power on a single rail should not exceed
240VA (12V x 20A). Intel then stipulated in the ATX12V
v2.xx standard that if the power on a 12V rail was
likely to exceed 240VA, a second 12V rail needed to be
engineered. For practical purposes, a limit of 18A was
used, allowing for 2A headroom. Manufacturers replied
by mass-producing multiple rail power supplies, using
several types of engineering. Some power supplies are
well engineered, and the 12V rails are truly separated
with separate transformers. However, others draw power
from one single transformer and the rails are only
separated after transforming takes place. The issue
with multiple rails is that the power per rail is
relatively low, which unfortunately often results in
the use of inferior parts.

[/snip]

I think the EU is trying to compete with California
on who can pass the most misguided, outright stupid
energy regulations. What's next, banning diesel? :)

From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com
Subject: RE: [H] PC Power Cooling S75QB 750W
EPS12V Power Supply $149 free shipping
Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 07:59:45 -0400

Long ago Intel required dual 12v rails for power
supplies in systems based on that unmitigated disaster
called Prescott, the thought being that a dedicated
rail for CPU and another for peripherals would ensure
clean power and push manufacturers to beef up wattage.

Forward to today where we now have GPUs that
surpass power draw of most CPUs and how any one
component can surge in draw, Intel has backpeddled and
now sanctions (as per their online builders spec
guide) the use of massive 12v single rail power
supplies because of how dynamic these draws can be.
What good is a dedicated 20A 12V rail when a GPU can
have a peak of 25-30A?

Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 20:26:18 -0700
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com
Subject: Re: [H] PC Power Cooling S75QB 750W
EPS12V Power Supply $149 free shipping

Is a single 60A 12V rail better than multiple 12V
rails totaling ~60A? Too bad the
Red version is not on sale also!

Who makes the Silencer Quad for PCPC?

Al wrote:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703009

$149 free shipping

http://promotions.newegg.com/PS/041508/index.html?cm_sp=SubCat_PowerSupplies-_-PS041508-_-

Be a better friend, newshound, and
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

_
With Windows Live for mobile, your contacts travel
with you.

http://www.windowslive.com/mobile/overview.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_Refresh_mobile_052008

_
Get Free (PRODUCT) RED Emoticons, Winks and
Display Pics.

http://joinred.spaces.live.com?ocid=TXT_HMTG_prodredemoticons_052008

Be a better friend, newshound, and
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

Re: [H] RAZR Firmware ?

Oh, missed this.

Not always and in fact they're more likely to be in
the phone memory since most 
features like photo  custom ring can only be assigned
to phone stored entries on a 
Motorola at least.

Winterlight wrote:
 
 
 r loose contact list etc.
 
 that should be on the SIMM which is movable to
another phone.
 
 
 
 


  

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

Re: [H] RAZR Firmware ?

Much luck finding a good new phone at subsidized
prices. No major carrier is 
offering any of the good versions of new motorola
phones and likely the same for 
other brands also.

FORC5 wrote:
 thanks, it is and I suspect you are right. :'(
 just live with it I guess or get a new phone.
 fp
 
 At 07:58 PM 5/7/2008, j maccraw Poked the stick
with:
 
 Doubtful a flash will do much to help the V3 if
that's
 what you have, it seems to 
 simply be a flawed phone in the end.

 You can use the Motorola branded Phone Tools to
 transfer your phone book.
 


  

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

Re: [H] PC Power Cooling S75QB 750W EPS12V Power Supply $149 free shipping

2008-05-08 Thread j maccraw

Is a single 60A 12V rail better than multiple 12V
rails totaling ~60A? Too bad the 
Red version is not on sale also!

Who makes the Silencer Quad for PCPC?


Al wrote:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703009

 $149 free shipping
 

http://promotions.newegg.com/PS/041508/index.html?cm_sp=SubCat_PowerSupplies-_-PS041508-_-
 
 
 Al
 
 


  

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

Re: [H] RAZR Firmware ?

2008-05-07 Thread j maccraw

I've done it on a Cingular RAZR V3 using the USB cable
and some software from one of 
the Motorola hacking sites. Problem is even though it
was supposed to be Cingular 
firmware I get a subsidy error on power up though the
phone works fine.

Cingular/ATT will do nothing to help you in this area
unlike Verizon they don't have 
techs in the stores.

Doubtful a flash will do much to help the V3 if that's
what you have, it seems to 
simply be a flawed phone in the end.

You can use the Motorola branded Phone Tools to
transfer your phone book.

FORC5 wrote:
 Anyone ever flashed their RAZR phone ?
 
 I am eligable for a free upgrade, my RAZR has been a
PITA with lockups and I am not the only one. If I did
not know better I would think MS wrote the SW :-}
 
 Been poking around MOTOX but very confusing. I want
to fix my bug with just a firmware update ( if
possible ) do not really want to change the flex or
loose contact list etc.
 
 Just got my wife a new Nokia for Mom's day and it
does this from the keypad like live update. I think
that is cool. Maybe a newer razr would be a better
option but hate to get stuck with another dud. FWIW
Cingular ( at the time ) replaced the phone 3 times.
no improvement.
 
 thanks
 fp
 


  

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

[H] Update on Sapphire ATI HD3870X2 problem

2008-05-07 Thread j maccraw

Well I got my replacement card today and it has the
same fan bug!

I see no way to resolve this since Sapphire is mum on
which models have the bug, 
would not say explicitly that a replacement direct
from them would not have the bug, 
and of course would not do anything as far as
cross-shipping  covering all the costs.

I have never been so pissed off about a purchase.
Logitech with the $200 DiNovo lemon 
comes close but this is double that cost  less
support from the manufacturer.

Again I will say, avoid Sapphire at all costs I don't
care how many Thane has sold 
without problems as I now have had 2 with identical
issues and no support.


  

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

Re: [H] dumb ?

2008-05-06 Thread j maccraw

Yes, this was an older Compaq where the customer
wanted to simply re-install Word 
Perfect which came with the system. Did not spend much
time looking into it other 
than seeing the disks were in a archive format that
noting would open for me.

Rick Glazier wrote:
 HP? Compaq must have changed what they do.
 I just got a low end Laptop.
 I can RE-install individual FACTORY PROVIDED
programs, with about
 16 different ways to do things like that starting
with a big menu.
 I have not used their system, preferring to get rid
of their crapware 
 instead.
 (It is a low-end about two weeks old.)
 
 Rick
Glazier
 
 From: j maccraw
 Dunno but if their like compaq recovery disks, your
 only choice is full re-install and no just
reinstalling some app from 
 the bundle. The
 use some whack archiving system that hands you a
pack of CD's that 
 can't be
 used in any other way.




  

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

Re: [H] dumb ?

2008-05-03 Thread j maccraw

Dunno but if their like compaq recovery disks, your
only choice is full re-install 
and no just reinstalling some app from the bundle. The
use some whack archiving 
system that hands you a pack of CD's that can't be
used in any other way.

The one dell version that was floating around did not
need activation but certainly 
had an embedded key. IIRC SP'ing it broke the no
activate functionality until you 
manually replaced some file on the cd with others from
the SP. Thus one would assume 
you could make almost any version no activation
assuming you have a legit key to embed.

FORC5 wrote:
 Checking HP for purchase recovery disk sets,
impressed. Less the $20.
 
 Dumb question, do HP recovery disks ask for keys ? 
I only ask this because the laptop has media center in
it and I do not care for it and would rather order
pro.  I know the Dell RTM's do not ask for key or
activations, shame the rest of us have to play mother
may I :-}
 
 thanks 
 fp
 


  

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

Re: [H] Add to your list of vendors to avoid

2008-05-02 Thread j maccraw

Well I guess I have to say it's more their support
people, Althon Micro, and to their 
defense like Asus (useless phone support) they are at
the mercy of some asian 
corporation as reverse-outsourced. Althon/sapphire
flat out drags their feet on 
responding to TS tickets and seems never does any
perks like picking up the tab for 
shipping both ways or allowing a cross-ship.

Right now it's mostly their (anyone at Sappire)
silence concerning the fan problem  
the lack of repair solution other than gambling the
next card they send won't have 
same bug. How can they let such a thing be swept aside
with oh yeah, just rivatuner 
to control the fan and we will void your warranty if
you remove the HSF  install 
after market cooling.

Guess you could call them bare bones? Just the device
mam, no frills! =)


Thane Sherrington wrote:
 At 11:32 PM 30/04/2008, j maccraw wrote:
 Sapphire Technologies has just made my shit list
for
 the issues I am having the
 HD3870X2  broken fan support. Fraking thing idles
 @60C due to the fan not ramping up
 as it gets hot due to some glitch in the BIOS or
 something.
 
 I must point out that I've been selling Sapphire
products for about four 
 years with zero failures.  So I can't comment on
their service but the 
 quality has been excellent.  (I deal with my
distributor, and my 
 customers deal with me, so I guess it doesn't matter
much anyway.)   I 
 will keep this in mind though, thanks J.
 
 T
 
 
 


  

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

Re: [H] Add to your list of vendors to avoid

Thanks Joe!

Chapter one is written, but the story is far from
over. I think we all know what kind 
of an asshole I can be and I'm not conceding loss yet.
Biggest sticking point for me 
is IF (big IF) then have a functional card I want
x-ship  call tags because I am not 
paying anymore $$$ for this thing nor being down for
weeks. As it is I'm getting 
burnt for $40 because I ordered less than a week
before the price drop  rebate 
kicked in, so I am digging my heels in.

Nvidia was a non-starter here and the card is damn
fast if the cool just worked the 
way it's supposed to! There's a lot of flack going
around that I did not see before 
ordering and it's not just Sapphire though they are
No. 1 Manufacturer.

http://forums.amd.com/game/messageview.cfm?catid=260threadid=92645


Joe User wrote:
 Hello j,
 
 Wednesday, April 30, 2008, 8:32:36 PM, you wrote:
 
snip
 
 So folks, spend your funds somewhere else because
 official  unofficial this smells 
 of BS!
 
 
 Good info - thanks for sharing - sucks you got
burnt.
 
 


  

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

Re: [H] Add to your list of vendors to avoid

Hence why I bought from them.


Rick Glazier wrote:
 I thought I recognized them too:
 * Sapphire Technologies is actually the main partner
 * of ATI in the video card sphere. This company
produces
 * the broadest line on the ATI's processors. The
company
 * is based in Hong Kong but is a daughter enterprise
of PC
 * Partner which is the greatest Chinese components
 * manufacturer and an old partner of ATI (today all
video
 * cards Built by ATI are produced at the PC
Partner's plants).
   
Rick Glazier
 
 From: Wayne Johnson j maccraw typed:
 Sapphire Technologies
 
 From: Wayne Johnson
 I don't know why but I never trusted Sapphire with
my $$$  now I'm 
 glad that I felt that way.
 
 
 


  

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

Re: [H] Reboot Problem

When my PSU was failing I had no end of trouble with 4
HDD's throwing unrecoverable 
sector errors. Run Seatools, flag 'em, reboot and
hours/days later i'd get 
hangs/stutters, repeat. Then the BSOD's started and in
the end it was the PSU because 
system was trouble free for the month before I
switched to new PC.



Gary wrote:
 Just because it was easier, I pulled the HD (btw
everything was brand new)
 and replaced it with one from one of my other
computers that just had
 storage files on it and installed XP and booted it
up and it has not BSOD
 for 17 hours. The only upgrade I did on it was the
video drivers and the
 motherboard drivers.
 
 While I'm happy that I may have found the problem.
I'm not yet convinced. 
 
 Has anyone had a HD that gave no problem installing
not only XP but dozens
 of programs (after two formats) then causing a
intermit problem??
 
 -Original Message-
 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On
Behalf Of Winterlight
 Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2008 2:23 PM
 To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com
 Subject: Re: [H] Reboot Problem
 
 At 11:50 AM 4/30/2008, you wrote:
 OK Guru's.here is the problem

 Got box running XP Pro; and it reboots several
times a day on its own (just
 sitting there or not).
 
 Assuming you are not over clocking or running hot,
then spontaneous 
 reboots are almost always caused by bad RAM. You
write that you have 
 replaced the system RAM, but not the video RAM. I
would swap out the 
 video card with any other video card to see if the
problem goes away. 
 If that isn't it, suspect the PS. 
 
 
 


  

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

Re: [H] Add to your list of vendors to avoid

Well well, Newegg get's a +1 today. Seems they will
pay for shipping back  fro AND 
issue a next day shipment when UPS shows the package
accepted at the UPS store.

Not that this was their initial offer mind you, but 2
emails later they agreed to 
this much but declared we not getting any returns on
these. Bunk I assume given how 
widespread the problem seems to be going back more
than a few months.

Ah well, so I have to take it into Spokane on monday 
hope that means new card 
before Wednesday. Of course I could just end up with
the next card on the pallet and 
the same problem, sigh.

Sapphire on the other hand would not even make the
explicit statement that a 
replacement card would not have the same issue even
when directly asked that question.


  

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

Re: [H] DRM or DVD from Hell?

Greg Sevart wrote:
 What DRM is included in SP3?
 
 They changed the product activation model to allow
you to install without a
 key. That's a good move, since it lets you use it in
test/demo environments
 without a key.
 
There's already versions of windows XP that work this
way for the right class of 
consumer like OEM's  Developers so NBD.

 They updated it to work with NAP (Network Access
Protection), allowing
 organizations to start using NAP to protect their
corporate networks without
 having to move all clients to Vista.
 
 Kernel mode cryptographic functionality...I suppose
that other vendors could
 tap into this to strengthen their existing DRM, but
it really isn't
 something revolutionary.
 
 They disabled many known activation cracks...boo
hoo, if you stole the OS,
 you deserve a brick, period.

I disagree, I think stealing XP is an act of protest
against a MS dominated market 
where you use it or loose out and thus are being price
gouged  made to pay to beta 
test MS mistakes. In fact I say the same about Apples
OS in that case a frak you to 
apple for forcing you into their limited and still
overprice hardware. Frankly if 
you're not asking MS for support what entitles them to
cash this late in the game anyway?

No I don't feel Parallels, WINE, Linux, or Unix BS are
completely the same as having 
real windows.

Personally I'll stick with XP since I know the version
I have will not frak me when I 
radically change my hardware, screw the EULA if I'm
destroying one box to rebuild it 
as a new system since it's still only one system.


 
 
 It's yet more FUD coming from people without a clue.
The DRM in Vista that
 most people claim to hate is the protected content
path for encrypted high
 definition video delivery (which by itself ONLY
comes into play if you are
 playing back protected content, ala HD-DVD/BRD).
It's so tightly integrated
 that MS would have had to backport the entire video
driver model to XP.
 That's an absolutely tremendous undertaking, and is
absolutely NOT a part of
 SP3. This bullshit probably came from the idiots who
claimed that MP3s would
 no longer play if you upgraded to Vista...pathetic.
I hate DRM as much as
 the next guy, maybe more, but let's try to separate
the facts from the BS,
 can we?

Have not read up on it but I don't want something that
can lock me out of my system  
data if MS suddenly decides I'm a pirate, not the case
then NDB to me. Of course if 
it somehow limits or dictates how I view content,
limits my connectivity to content, 
or ladens my system down with invasive process that
too would be an issue for me.



  

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

Re: [H] DRM or DVD from Hell?

Autopatcher, yes it still exists after a fashion.

I'm still waiting to see what the fallout is with SP3
before I trust my systems to it.

Brian Weeden wrote:
 Actually there is another benefit to SP3.  If you've
ever had to to a clean
 SP3 install recently you'll find that you spend
quite a bit of time
 downloading hotfixes and security updates and
rebooting and downloading more
 updates.  Over 100 I think at the last count.
 
 So SP3 rolls all those up into one and means if you
slipstream it into an XP
 install CD a much easier and faster install.
 
 
 Brian
 
 On Mon, Apr 28, 2008 at 5:19 PM, FORC5
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
 
 no bricks here please but it figures sp3 is more
about WGN then making the
 product better, just like Vista.



  

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

Re: [H] Reboot Problem

Disable the auto reboot on BSOD thing and while your
at it I'd check your PSU for bad 
caps. This is the kind of trouble I had when that
Antec PSU failed.

Gary wrote:
 OK Guru's.here is the problem
 
 Got box running XP Pro; and it reboots several times
a day on its own (just
 sitting there or not).
 
 I've replaced the motherboard; memory; sata cables;
cpu fan. Formatted the
 drive and did clean install.
 
 What's my problem??
 
 Could the CPU be bad??? Hard Drive? Power supply???
 
 No other symptoms, it just blue screens and
reboots.runs fine for
 couple hours and the process repeats.
 
 
 


  

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

[H] Add to your list of vendors to avoid

Sapphire Technologies has just made my shit list for
the issues I am having the 
HD3870X2  broken fan support. Fraking thing idles
@60C due to the fan not ramping up 
as it gets hot due to some glitch in the BIOS or
something.

They expect me to deal with Newegg, who offer no
refunds  now I know why, when it's 
not just my card it's all of them or least my revision
for sure. Now they expect me 
to pay to send it to them so they can send me another
defective  (after all there's 
no fix yet). I told 'em I drag them into small claims
court 1st since I got $400 
invested!

Also add to the list as the worst user support board
in the form of the official 
unofficial Sapphire forums ruled over by GreenGekko
and his butt buddy Rubenos. Both 
must be Europeeons because they've been saying lovely
thing about us yanks. Any 
rate I got banned for posting some findings about the
fan issue which were censored 
without detailed explaination  I questioned why.

So folks, spend your funds somewhere else because
official  unofficial this smells 
of BS!





  

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

Re: [H] Which Bit Torrent client for Windows

2008-04-27 Thread j maccraw

I use to follow Ghost in the Shel, FLCL, Eureka7, and
a few others that passed 
through adult swim but been slacking for months. Kids
here watch Naruto, I put it one 
notch above Pokemon and that's not saying much! =)
Bleach looked interesting but 
haven't had a chance to sit down to watch it.

It's more movies than the series I pickup on DVD. Had
to obtain a copy of the UK 
version of the 2nd or 3rd GiS movie which was English
dubbed using the GiS TV show's 
cast's voices. Damn US version I bought was in
japanese w/ English subtitles!

When I hear anime download I think Hentai just based
on the sheer amount of it 
being traded. Demon Warrior Koji, DNA Hunters, Night
Shift Nurses, Cambrian and a 
flick dealing in black magic like Bible Black (name
escapes me) also pop into my 
mind. Can you tell I am a Heavy Metal reader? LOL.

On the lighter side all GiS movies were good, so were
the Armitage movies. There's a 
good Anime review podcast out but I've only seen a few
eps - Anime TV.


Alex wrote:
 Haha, I never heard of those till I google'd them.
 
 For my on-going series, still following Bleach and
Naruto. Any other
 interesting series out there?
 
 -Original Message-
 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On
Behalf Of j maccraw
 Sent: Saturday, April 26, 2008 1:59 PM
 To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com
 Subject: Re: [H] Which Bit Torrent client for
Windows
 
 His favorite is Bible Black, followed closely
Immoral
 Sisters.
 
 Hehe...
 
 
 
 Naushad, Zulfiqar wrote:
  


 Which ones do you watch?

 I'm an avid fan of them!!!


 -Original Message-
 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On
Behalf
 Of The Beave
 Sent: Friday, April 25, 2008 9:01 PM
 To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com
 Subject: Re: [H] Which Bit Torrent client for
 Windows
 I recommend uTorrent as well. I use it all the time
 download Japanese Anime.
 Tim The Beave Lider
 E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 
 
 
  


 
 Be a better friend, newshound, and 
 know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.

http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
 
 
 


  

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

Re: [H] DRM or DVD from Hell?

2008-04-27 Thread j maccraw

When you put in a blank DVD-R (not DVD-RW?), it
detects  burns. When you put it back 
in you get what illegal function, it's blank, what?

Have you tried burning w/ verify to see if it reads
back that way? Have you loaded 
any helper software like a region-free driver?

Anthony Q. Martin wrote:
 DEFECTIVE.
 
 Joe User wrote:
 Hello,

 I've got the weirdest thing going on here... never
seen or even heard
 of this before. I have a DVD burner that seems to
burn DVDs fine and
 read DVDs fine but not read DVDs it burns itself
BUT other players
 can read those very DVDs fine. Read that again...
 Weird DVDRW =
 Reads DVDs
 Writes DVD's
 but can't read it's OWN authored DVDs
 yet they read fine on other drives.

 W T F ?

   
 
 


  

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

Re: [H] vista web mail question

2008-04-27 Thread j maccraw

Vista, hehe. Looked nice on the customer's HP laptop I
worked on last month but it 
was tricked out hardware  64bit Vista ultimate. Only
thing I really did not like was 
all the security popups x2+ and nothing was where I
expected it to be from XP.

There's always Thunderbird  HotPopper which can also
do SMTP/POP3 to comcast. I do 
Hotmail, Yahoo (YPOPS), GMail  Comcast with TB
myself, works great.

Harvey Best wrote:
 Just got my first system with Vista, yes, I know,
ugh. But anyway. I use web mail, Hotmail and Comcast.
Is there a way I can set up Vista's Outlook to access
those, so when I click a reply to, (like in Craigslist
as I post a lot of jobs I need done there) it will
come up? Its a pain writing down the email in the ad
and transferring it over to the web mail sites.
 
 Thanks, harvey
 

_
 Spell a grand slam in this game where word skill
meets World Series. Get in the game.

http://club.live.com/word_slugger.aspx?icid=word_slugger_wlhm_admod_april08
 


  

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

Re: [H] SP3 Endless rebooting

2008-04-26 Thread j maccraw

The patch before the SP problem (roughly, I read
quick) is such that windows thinks 
the patch version is newer than SP version preventing
replacement leaving PC in a 
reboot loop. I also thought it was fixed by the
release SP but then the issue 
happened in RC2 which came after the patch so I'd
assume it's possible to have the 
same issue still.

AFAIK removing the patch before applying SP was the
recommended best procedure.

It's just boneheaded that this happens at all esp.
this late in the testing cycle!


Gary wrote:
 Well I installed SP3 v5512 (final?) on several
machines and had only one is
 giving me the endless rebooting. Supposedly
gdi32.dll is the problem but
 what I don't understand is that from what I have
read, this is not supposed
 to happen with this build. The problem machine has
never had any other
 version of SP3 installed only SP2 with all updates.
 
 Since this was my father's box which I did remotely
and he is not computer
 literate, I had him boot with Bart and locate the
dll and check the version
 which was 3311. So I'm sending him a floppy with
version 5512 and hope this
 will cure the problem.
 
 Is this the problem..hope so.
 
 Gary
 
 
 


  

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

Re: [H] Which Bit Torrent client for Windows

2008-04-26 Thread j maccraw

His favorite is Bible Black, followed closely Immoral
Sisters.

Hehe...



Naushad, Zulfiqar wrote:
  
 
 
 Which ones do you watch?
 
 I'm an avid fan of them!!!
 
 
 -Original Message-
 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf
Of The Beave
 Sent: Friday, April 25, 2008 9:01 PM
 To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com
 Subject: Re: [H] Which Bit Torrent client for
Windows
 
 I recommend uTorrent as well. I use it all the time
download Japanese Anime.
 
 Tim The Beave Lider
 E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED]



  

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

Re: [H] Which Bit Torrent client for Windows

2008-04-25 Thread j maccraw

I stopped torrenting a year ago, only do Usenet w/
Newsbin Pro. Giganews has 200day 
retention and no speed cap which makes for a nice, no
rush, low ISP profile download 
of what I need.

The Beave wrote:
 I recommend uTorrent as well. I use it all the time
download Japanese Anime.
 
 Tim The Beave Lider
 E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 
 -Original Message-
 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On
Behalf Of Jeff Lane
 Sent: Thursday, April 24, 2008 5:29 PM
 To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com
 Subject: Re: [H] Which Bit Torrent client for
Windows
 
 Utorrent has those features and more. Very easy to
use.
 
 http://www.utorrent.com
 
 Jeff
 
 
 
 Sent: Thursday, April 24, 2008 5:24 PM
 Subject: [H] Which Bit Torrent client for Windows
 
 
 Greetings,
 
 I use ktorrent on Linux because I like the feature
that shows parts of
 the file which are available for download as you
can see in this
 screenshot...
 
 http://ktorrent.org/images/screenshots/mwnd.png
 
 ...Is there a windows Bit Torrent client that has
this feature. I figured
 I would ask the group instead of downloading a whole
bunch of clients to
 see which has this feature.
 
 Thanks
 
 Jay
 
 
 
 
 
 


  

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

Re: [H] XP SP RTM?

2008-04-24 Thread j maccraw

Well just in case anyone is hit with the GDI patch
causing issues:

http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasicarticleId=9077298




JRS wrote:
 I  put it on one laptop PC, no issues so far.  
 
 It was funny to see SEP pop up and say NTKernel.exe
has changed since the last time it was run, do you
want to allow it to continue.   hehe..  :)  
 
  


  

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

Re: [H] XP SP RTM?

2008-04-24 Thread j maccraw

How does the RTM version differ from the RC2 refresh?

Hayes Elkins wrote:

 I gave up and used bittorrent instead. Same crap
with Vista SP1 RTM. Real slap in the face to MSDN
subscribers.

 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com
 Date: Wed, 23 Apr 2008 19:34:24 -0500
 Subject: Re: [H] XP SP RTM?

 Haven't tried it yet, but I downloaded it off MS
TechNet. It was posted to
 TechNet and MSDN yesterday in the Top Downloads
section (not the normal
 download center). I hate that they do that, but
they use Akamai to
 distribute new popular items...which seems to be
incompatible with their
 traditional download center.

 Greg

 -Original Message-
 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:hardware-
 [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Gary
 Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2008 2:49 PM
 To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com
 Subject: [H] XP SP RTM?

 I heard service pack 3 was released to
manufactureTrue?
 Anyone tried it yet?

 Gary

_
 Back to work after babyhow do you know when youre
ready?

http://lifestyle.msn.com/familyandparenting/articleNW.aspx?cp-documentid=5797498ocid=T067MSN40A0701A

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

Re: [H] Nice Case Mid Size Tower

2008-04-20 Thread j maccraw

I hear ya, was just saying I don't like that
particular change. Both are great cases 
and their not Antec which mean I don't cut of my nose
to spite my face. =)

Entire height of case as 5.25 bays was an idea I
liked at lot starting with CM's 
Stacker series.

James Maki wrote:
 I guess I understand your commens, but I am running
2 optical drives and 4
 SATA drives in removeable enclosures, a floppy
drive, and then 4 more SATA
 drives internally. I could add 4 more internal
drives before the space in
 maxed out. Remove the floppy (only used for F6
installation of drivers), and
 I have another external bay available. The icydock
takes up 3 bays of 7
 total, leaving you with 4 external and 7 internal.
That's a lot of storage
 space. I find it more than sufficient. Of course,
YMMV.
 
 -Original Message-
 From: j maccraw
 
 If only they had not screwed with the Armor's
11-bays to make 
 the plus I'd have considered it. 


  

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

Re: [H] Nice Case Mid Size Tower

2008-04-19 Thread j maccraw

If only they had not screwed with the Armor's 11-bays
to make the plus I'd have 
considered it. I was very purposeful it wanting all
5.25 bays so *I* could choose 
how I want to utilize my space. Like knowing I could
put something like this in later 
without running out of 5.25 bays for other devices.

http://www.icydock.com/product/images/MB455SPF-kit-lowres.jpg


James Maki wrote:
 -Original Message-
 From: Joe User
 

http://www.thermaltake.com/product/Chassis/fulltower/armor/va8000bws.a
 sp

 OK thats a sweet chassis


 --
 Regards,
  joeuser - Still looking for the 'any' key...

 
 I went with the Thermaltake ArmorPlus(Armor+)
VH6000BWS

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133056
 when it was available with free shipping from newegg
(which is good because
 it weighs a ton). I have been extremely happy with
the case. It is big
 (roomy) and heavy (solid construction), but if you
are looking for a full
 sized tower, check it out. It dropped my idle temp
by 3 degrees, has room
 for 7 internal 3.5 inch druves and 7 external
3.5/5.5 drives. Front panel
 firewire, USB and eSata. Best big case I have ever
used (and the most
 expensive). Not for LAN parties!
 
 Jim Maki
 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 
 
 


  

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

Re: [H] Nice Case Mid Size Tower

2008-04-18 Thread j maccraw

Just built a new system in one of these, very
recommended as would be the Cosmo from 
Coolermaster:

http://www.thermaltake.com/product/Chassis/fulltower/armor/va8000bws.asp


Al wrote:
 DHSinclair [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
 
 Will re-read the review a few times to make sure it
may support an
 old full-size ATX m/b
 
 Very roomy case.
 Here's another (better?) review:
 http://www.modders-inc.com/reviews-story--182.html
 
 regards,
 Al
 
 


  

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

Re: [H] another recommendation

2008-04-18 Thread j maccraw

My choices:

Asus Rampage (X48 vs. X38, forget AMD 680/780)
Intel E6550 (core2) or Q6600 (core2Q)
Thermaltake *toughpower* 750W PSU (or OCZ,
Silverstone, CWT, Seasonic)
Thermaltake Armor case
2 (1024x2) or 4GB (2048x2) RAM DDR2-800 because it's
cheap right now XP will use
3GB for sure.
Graphics? anything ATI = X1950 or Nvidia = 7800
(forget future SLI upgrades since
Nvidia too stupid to allow support on an Intel
chipset.)

Why? Supports the fastest DDR2 RAM for the $$$,
handles all Intel CPU's (it's X48),
won't become obsolete in 2 years IMHO, allows for
upgrades.

Look for deals/rebates and you could build core box
for $1000 sans HDD, CD/DVD, new
KB, etc

Chris on the other hand will have you buying some AM2+
jobbie in a ultra case w/
ultra branded PSU. Just poking Chris! =)

Harvey Best wrote:
Hi all,

Need to build 2 systems.

1. Strictly business. Don't need fancy graphics, or
sound, so onboard video/sound is fine. (I will up the
RAM) Dual HDD that are Raid Mirrors are needed.

2. System 2 can be almost like the one above, but
needs a better video card. My wife is a Medical
Transcriptionist. This will be her work system and her
playing with digital pics system. I want dual hdd,
and a raid mirror on this as well. I have a Raptor
SATA drive that I am going to put in along with
another Raptor of same size. Speed is important to her
as she is paid on production.

Both systems will be using 19 inch basic flat screen
monitors. Both systems will be running XP. System 2
will be XP Pro. (Hospital requirement) and a medical
version of Word. Speed is important here, but nothing
that has to be ripping fast. (also, as the hospital
upgrades she needs to be at least close, so at least
dual core if not quad if I can swing it)

1st system will be running XP home. So XP drivers
for both systems will be important.

Both systems will be on networks. System 1 wireless
and system 2 wired.

I have looked on Tiger and Geeks and haven't quite
seen what I need. Budget is 800 for system 1, though I
can go to 1k if needed. About 1000 - 1400 for system
2.

Any and all help appreciated.

BTW, I have the legit copies of XP so that doesn't
have to be part of the expense. And, I can put my own
systems together, so individual components, if a
better deal, is not a problem.

Thanks all,

Harvey

hbest

_
More immediate than e-mail? Get instant access with
Windows Live Messenger.

http://www.windowslive.com/messenger/overview.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_Refresh_instantaccess_042008

Be a better friend, newshound, and
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

Re: [H] 6ch analog to Dolby Digital TOSLINK

2008-04-15 Thread j maccraw

Other than PL-II mode, there is no way to make 2ch
digital into 5.1 with the 
logitech's head. It does not acceptably simulate 6ch
or even 3ch from a digital 
stereo signal.

PL-II mode is a joke and does not even remotely give
me what I had with DD5.1 signal 
coming out of the Soundstorm before: 6 discrete
channels generated by the sound 
card's DSP+encoder from stereo over 1 cable =
2xfront,2xrear,1xLFE,1xcenter. I don't 
see why this escapes you?

Nevermind the other issue which we're talking
simulated 5.1 from 2.0 and glossing 
over the fact I can't get games in 5.1 over digital
either so this is a moot 
conversation.

Hayes Elkins wrote:
 I never mentioned using analog cables, this was
regarding your single digital sound output on your
motherboard. My question is what difference does it
make if you have simulated DD5.1 processed by your
speaker system vs having a sound card do it earlier in
the chain? All the functionality you describe (output
on all speakers, LFE, levels, dsp) can still be
handled by the Logitech right?
 
 Date: Mon, 14 Apr 2008 14:58:37 -0700
 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com
 Subject: Re: [H] 6ch analog to Dolby Digital
TOSLINK

 No concern? Then you are missing a few details
about
 why Artificial DD5.1 (hell even
 2.1) from 2.0 is valuable:

 1. all four speakers get audio vs. 2
 2. can set a low-pass filter on the subwoofer
 3. all speakers levels are directly controllable,
 4. can add a DSP effect if you really want
simulated
 surround sound.
 5. Running three 3.5mm stereo cables across my desk
is
 unacceptable.

 The Logitech Z-680 seems to mix some of the
channels
 together vs. discrete 6ch if you
 use analog 6ch direct mode and PL-II mode sucks big
 time, period. If I did use the 3
 patches, I'd still need an SPDIF for passing DVD
audio
 in digital (which also seems
 broken on this card).

 Bottom line I want to use digital not analog to
attach
 to my speakers which means
 DD5.1 like I had been doing for the past 5 years!
Asus
 could have saved me $50 by not
 bundling this pile of shit with my mobo and I would
 not be complaining now.

 Hayes Elkins wrote:
 If the material you are playing is not native
DD/DTS
 source material, I don't see the concern with it
being
 passed through spdif/toslink in its native 2.0
format
 as long as your receiver or speaker system expands
it
 using PL-II or whatever matrix to get 5.1 out of
your
 speakers (if having a stero signal artifically
 expanded to 5.1 is your cup of tea that is). DD
live
 and what your NV sound did was basically the same
 thing, just at the sound card (earlier in the
chain).
 Date: Sun, 13 Apr 2008 19:23:12 -0700
 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 Solution: Looking for a either a replacement for
 the
 soundcard that does encode it's
 output to toslink unto DD thus not forcing me to
go
 the analog route *OR* a way to
 convert the 6-channel analog back into DD so I
can
 continue to use my Logitech Z-680
 speakers via toslink.




 Be a better friend, newshound, and
 know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
 

_
 Going green? See the top 12 foods to eat organic.

http://green.msn.com/galleries/photos/photos.aspx?gid=164ocid=T003MSN51N1653A
 


  

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

Re: [H] The 11 Step Program to Quit Assassin's Creed on the PC (quit as in exit the game that is)

2008-04-15 Thread j maccraw

Hmm, and there is no console to simply tilde into 
type quitenter?

Looks moronic!



Brian Weeden wrote:
 Wow, talk about your crappy UI design:
 

http://www.pcgamer.com/archives/2008/04/41008_-_assassi.html
 
 -
 Brian Weeden
 Technical Consultant
 Secure World Foundation
 
 


  

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

Re: [H] 6ch analog to Dolby Digital TOSLINK

2008-04-14 Thread j maccraw

This is what I am finding for choices also, at a cost
of $150+ of course.

Greg Sevart wrote:
 There are a good number of cards that can perform
this now. The feature
 you're looking for is Dolby Digital Live or,
alternatively, DTS Connect.
 Cards that have those features can encode all output
into either DD or DTS.
 A growing number of motherboards even use onboard
audio ICs that can do it
 now--including most of Gigabyte's higher end boards.
I used to use a card
 that did this until I realize that all I really
cared about was
 pass-through. :)
 
 Auzentech makes several models you might look at.
 
 Greg
 


  

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

Re: [H] Alcohol 120% ?

2008-04-13 Thread j maccraw

Could be worse, draconian protections in Crysis
prevents it from running if 
SysInternals Process Explorer has been run  exited
prior to running crysis. Worse it 
terminates with a cryptic error message that does not
give any clue as to the problem!

On the re-activation thing, a simple failing memory
module caused me to redo 
activation on the road a few years back. Funny thing,
I just built my new box  
swapped my old HDD into it which of course forced
re-activation. Cool thing is it 
just re-activated without any complaints assuming it
because I have a MSDN license.


FORC5 wrote:
 my guess too but that should not be reason to play
mother may I.
 
 I have changed cd/dvd drives in the past with no
ptoblem. Guess MS is getting more picky. As long as it
plays I guess it is only a moderate PITA.
 fp
 
 At 10:36 AM 4/13/2008, Winterlight Poked the stick
with:
 Not from Windows, but from another app I have. I
have a phone recording app that I can't even restore a
backup image without it requiring reactivation. I am
guessing your problem is because you have removed the
Virtual DVD/CD which is a SCSI drive in Device
manager.

 m


 At 10:19 AM 4/13/2008, you wrote:
 Un installed Alcohol 120% during a routine upgrade
and now Windows in all it's infinite wisdom is telling
me I need to re activate because my hardware has
drastically changed. !
 WTF ?
 anyone seen this behavior ?
 fp
 

__
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around 
http://mail.yahoo.com

[H] 6ch analog to Dolby Digital TOSLINK

2008-04-13 Thread j maccraw

Just got my new Intel Q6600 system assembled only to
find out that the old nvidia
soundstorm on the a7n8x I replaced was the only
chipset made that did DD via
toslink/spdif. =(

Problem: Supreme FX II (AD1988B) soundcard that comes
with the Asus Rampage does not
do DD via toslink unless it's passing on pre-encoded
DD source. In other words unlike
the Soundstorm, it does not encode it's own output to
DD for the toslink connector
forcing use of the three 3.5 analog outs. Further,
using analog 6-ch direct, the
logitech Z-680 seem to be mixing some audio from front
or rear to the subwoofer which
is a bitch given how boomy the 680's sub is!

Solution: Looking for a either a replacement for the
soundcard that does encode it's
output to toslink unto DD thus not forcing me to go
the analog route *OR* a way to
convert the 6-channel analog back into DD so I can
continue to use my Logitech Z-680
speakers via toslink.

Audio aside, this thing rocks with a ATI 3870x2 and is
quiet  cool besides! Just
wish it had something as good as the old soundstorm,
bugs and all.


__
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around 
http://mail.yahoo.com

Re: [H] HTPC Replacement - Popcorn Hour

2008-04-10 Thread j maccraw

Granted, I just meant to say is for $179 they could
have built the unit too look/be 
more like a legit consumer product rather than a
homebrew prototype. That is worst 
made/looking external 3.5 enclosure money can buy 
they're all over ebay like a 
plague, Red China plague to be exact! Could have been
built in a plastic RS project 
box and looked more legit, LOL.

Sadly we'd have choices besides ammature homebrew and
no-name ROC sweatshops if the 
content cops would stop fighting imaginary battles 
let the evolution happen. =(


Tharin Olsen wrote:
 No doubt a real HTPC built by anyone here would be
 much better but there are some definite Pros when
 using a STB (turnkey, compact, low power, quiet, no
 movable parts, etc). At the moment I wouldn't dream
of
 replacing my HTPC with something like this, but I
 don't want 3-4 HTPCs in my home. Something like this
 will be fine for the kitchen, guest bedroom, outdoor
 stereo, etc.
 
 -Tharin O.
 
 --- j maccraw [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
 
 I'm not impressed.

 Starting with the case that I would not even cram
my
 hdd into (had one, returned as 
 junk), the spartan product web site, lastly the
 current bug list tells me this is 
 slightly above homebrew. Whatever hardware goes
into
 this, I'll bet any of us could 
 build better.

 
 SNIP
 
 

__
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around 
http://mail.yahoo.com

Re: [H] HTPC Replacement - Popcorn Hour

2008-04-09 Thread j maccraw

I'm not impressed.

Starting with the case that I would not even cram my
hdd into (had one, returned as 
junk), the spartan product web site, lastly the
current bug list tells me this is 
slightly above homebrew. Whatever hardware goes into
this, I'll bet any of us could 
build better.


1) YouTube and Google Video don't work [most likely
fixed by next fw update]
2) HDD spins when unit is in standby/idle mode [a
solution is being determined, maybe 
fixed by next fw]
3) Unit sends an audio signal via coax even when it's
in standby [a solution is being 
determined]
4) Aspect ratio on some MKV's gets messed up when zoom
feature is used [is fixed in 
the beta fw, so it'll be fixed in the next official
release most likely]
5) Playing raw DVD's (IFO+BUP+VOB) stutters over SMB
network [maybe fixed by next fw?]
6) Rewinding with .TS/MKV files doesn't work at all [a
solution is being determined]
7) JPG pictures that have been rotated vertically
aren't shown [a solution is being 
determined]
8 ) Playing DTS audio CD's are problematic [a solution
is being determined, check 
this:
http://www.networkedmediatank.com/viewtopic.php?t=562]
11) Subtitles can't process tags properly (eg hello is
displayed as ihello/i) 
[fixed in latest alpha, expect it in the April fw]
12) When you watch a movie and the sub has two lines
to display, there is a one 
second delay between the two lines [a solutions is
being determined]
13) Since March fw, HDMI 720P/50Hz and HDMI 1080i/50Hz
video modes have aspect ratio 
problems with many files, they appear compressed
vertically [fixed for April fw]
14) Unit still uses old DST(daylight saving time)
setting, as opposed to newer 
standard [a solution is being determined]

http://www.networkedmediatank.com/viewtopic.php?t=2158


Brian Weeden wrote:
 This little wonder just arrived at my place:
 
 http://www.popcornhour.com/onlinestore/
 
 I am replacing my existing HTPC with the Popcorn
Hour + a NAS.  The main
 reason is that the HTPC was not fast enough to do HD
decoding and it was
 much simpler to use this box to replace it.  And
since I was running
 Windows, no more weird config changes or bugs.
 
 Tried it out last night for the first time and it
was great.  Watched the
 720p version of the BSG season opener and the Dr.
Who premier.  On top for
 tonight is the first episode of John Adams in 720p
as well.  Setup was a
 breeze, and the picture looks great.
 
 -
 Brian
 
 

__
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around 
http://mail.yahoo.com

Re: [H] Wii ?

2008-04-02 Thread j maccraw

Wii reads Nintendo proprietary DVD media only, no
DVD-Video's. The only GC that did 
was the Panasonic Q released in Japan. Why not
DVD-Video? Your guess is a good as 
anyone's!

Seems Nintendo are asshats because there are glaring
duh! why? missing features 
like media player for MP3/WMA/Divx/DVD-V/etc... 
remote samba share connectivity, 
then you have the hight cost of virtual console titles
 charging $5 for Opera while 
actively preventing homebrew software of any form.

It's a nice little unit but it's only real strong
point is innovative controllers 
that are about to exist for most every console  PC if
you believe the marketing hype 
about In2Games Gametrack Fusion.

We got a Wii for xmas and even though it's got some
neat titles for family fun, 
sadly both heavy-hitter titles I coveted, Godzilla 
Destroy All Humans, are buggy + 
have shit local  no network multiplayer. Of course I
won't be out grabbing a XB360 
or Ps3 anytime soon either given cost, being forced to
mod, failures, etc... when my 
PC just kicks their ass anyway.



James Boswell wrote:
 Wii uses DVD, and will also read the mini-DVD's that
the Gamecube used.
 
 On 2 Apr 2008, at 02:02:470, FORC5 wrote:
 Not that familiar with these systems, Internet had
not been real 
 helpful to date.

 Does Wii use HDDVD or BlueRay tech ? or does it
even use a disk.

 Thanks
 fp

 -- 
 Tallyho ! ]:8)
 Taglines below !
 -- 
 A duck's quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why.

 
 
 


  

You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster Total 
Access, No Cost.  
http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/text5.com

Re: [H] Truecrypt

2008-04-02 Thread j maccraw

You can also simply batch the mounting process with a
cmd file. A way to avoid 
needing passwords is to use keyfiles which could be
sent separately. Keyfiles can be 
any file(s), you simply point TC to them in addition
to the container.

For sure you will need admin rights even for
TCtraveler mode because there is a 
driver involved.

Brian Weeden wrote:
 Yessort of.  It's called a Traveler Disk and it
is pretty easy to do.
 What you do is create a Truecrypt container that is
maybe 10MB smaller than
 the size of the CD.   Put your data in the
container.  Then under Truecrypt
 go to tools - Traveler Disk Setup.  Point it to
the dir where you have
 your truecrypt container and it will put a copy of
the truecrypt exe and
 drivers.  Then tell it on boot to mount the
container and it will make an
 autorun file.  Burn the autorun, container, and
Truecrypt dir to the CD root
 and presto.
 
 The catch is of course for the autorun to work you
must have it enabled and
 I believe you must have admin privileges to install
the truecrypt driver.
 
 More details are in the excellent Truecrypt manual:
 
 http://www.truecrypt.org/docs/



  

You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster Total 
Access, No Cost.  
http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/text5.com

Re: [H] xcopy for today

2008-03-31 Thread j maccraw

Only because it is interpretive in nature vs. simply
copying the partition as a 
container. You could miss something with the wrong
switch or run into an OS 
limitation while copying which I've seen when copying
many small files under windows, 
there's no easy way to verify the backup is complete.

Point is that imaging software is out there and in
some cases free, can restore 
individual files if need be, why not use it?

Glad to hear the xcopy comandline I sent worked, now
question is how do you verify 
it's an exact copy of everything on the source drive?


Joe User wrote:
 Hello j,
 
 Sunday, March 30, 2008, 3:13:14 PM, you wrote:
 
 To each his own, but this kind of backing up is
 problematic at best IMHO.
 
 OK, how so?
 


  

Looking for last minute shopping deals?  
Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.  
http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping

Re: [H] xcopy for today

2008-03-31 Thread j maccraw

LOL! What's next, Yiddish?


Wayne Johnson wrote:
 At 10:05 PM 3/30/2008, Joe User typed:
 Saturday, March 29, 2008, 12:33:09 PM, j maccraw
wrote:

 xcopy C:\ D:\ /r /i /c /h /k /e /y /s /o /n
 
 Is this the Swedish version ?  ;-)
 
 
   --+--
Wayne D. Johnson
Ashland, OH, USA 44805
 http://users.zoominternet.net/~wdjvmj/
 
 


  

Special deal for Yahoo! users  friends - No Cost. Get a month of Blockbuster 
Total Access now 
http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/text3.com

Re: [H] xcopy for today

2008-03-30 Thread j maccraw

Well not totally true, there is the Acronis recovery
CD which gives you everything 
you need to backup/view/restore.

Joe User wrote:
 Hello Sam,
 
 Friday, March 28, 2008, 6:17:37 PM, you wrote:
 
 I don't know from what you are saying why Acronis
won't work for you.
 I can look at all my files from an Acronis backup.
 I never tried copying a file out but I bet I could
do a drag and drop.
 Sam
 
 Because I don't want an image and if it does work
that way (Drag and
 drop) it would
 be fine except I don't want to have to install
Acronis on every new
 system when I could just copy the files and browse
them from Windows
 explorer or the command prompt.
 


  

You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster Total 
Access, No Cost.  
http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/text5.com

Re: [H] xcopy for today

2008-03-30 Thread j maccraw

Acronis lets you mount a backup image  restore a
single file from the image. Even 
when I can't get a customer to invest in Acronis  do
their own backups, I still use 
my copy to make the backup   burn it to DVD knowing
*I* can restore a file for them 
from my boot CD if need be.

Then there's the Maxtor/Seagate version which does not
do compression and a few other 
features but is free for systems with one of those
drives attached.

To each his own, but this kind of backing up is
problematic at best IMHO.

Joe User wrote:
 Hello j,
 
 Friday, March 28, 2008, 12:20:16 PM, you wrote:
 
 Personally I would not clone a drive via file
system
 copy but if I was I guess I'd 
 use Robocopy.
 
 I know you said not image, but Seagate/Maxtor now
 licenses a LE version of Acronis 
 that is free. It does no compression and requires
that
 a maxtor/seagate drive be 
 attached to the system.
 
 
 Yeah, all I want to do here is make a total and true
copy of the
 persons old drive and place it on the new drive...
 
 xcopy d:\*.* c:\olddrive\*.* /r /i /c /h /k /e /y
 
 They wouldn't boot to the copy or anything but if a
couple months go
 by and they remember oh I wish I saved that pic or
golly what was
 that persons email address, wish I had that plugin,
etc...
 
 This is why Drive Image / Acronis won't work for me.
 
 


  

You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster Total 
Access, No Cost.  
http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/text5.com

Re: [H] xcopy for today

2008-03-29 Thread j maccraw

Lack of spaces between switches is not a syntax error!
XCopy itself lists the 
switches as having spaces.

xcopy C:\ D:\ /r /i /c /h /k /e /y /s /o /n

Should copy all of C: to D: including ownership  ACLs
with original short names.


Wayne Johnson wrote:
 At 07:54 PM 3/27/2008, Joe User typed:
 Hello,

 Back in the day - xcopy source destination /r /i /c
/h /k /e /y
 
 Sorry but your command line is in error if you're
putting spaces between 
 the switches.  I used that command line just a
couple of days ago  it 
 worked well.  I'm assuming that we're talking about
XP here.  I also 
 have to agree that xxcopy has more options plus the
benefit of keeping 
 short file names straight which xcopy may not do if
you have similar 
 folder names such as your fav [drive]:Program
Files/Norton/this  
 [drive]:Program Files/Norton that may get .
 
 
   --+--
Wayne D. Johnson
Ashland, OH, USA 44805
 http://users.zoominternet.net/~wdjvmj/
 
 


  

Looking for last minute shopping deals?  
Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.  
http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping

Re: [H] xcopy for today

2008-03-28 Thread j maccraw

Personally I would not clone a drive via file system
copy but if I was I guess I'd 
use Robocopy.

I know you said not image, but Seagate/Maxtor now
licenses a LE version of Acronis 
that is free. It does no compression and requires that
a maxtor/seagate drive be 
attached to the system.


Joe User wrote:
 Hello,
 
 Back in the day - xcopy source destination /r /i /c
/h /k /e /y
 
 Now what do we do?
 
 I try that in command window and I always get memory
issues, can't
 use wildcards in recovery console, Wayne's XPPE - no
luck.
 
 How do I copy peoples old drives to a new drive? I'm
not talking
 mirror image, I could use Drive Image or similar. I
want to copy the
 entire old drive to a new drive for back up. That's
it...
 
 


  

Never miss a thing.  Make Yahoo your home page. 
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

Re: [H] LCD interfering with wireless keyboard?

2008-03-27 Thread j maccraw

Frequency counter or maybe a scanner tunned to the
20-40mhz bands would let you sweep 
around  see if there are active signals in that
range.

Sure sounds like a flaw in the monitor leaking signal.

Brian Weeden wrote:
 I'm just using a wireless keyboard with a wired
mouse.  I have tried
 swapping the batteries twice and it makes no
difference.  The effect is
 solely based on distance between the keyboard (or
receiver) and the
 monitor.  I hope the monitor isn't defective.  I
haven't had a chance to
 call Samsung yet.



  

Never miss a thing.  Make Yahoo your home page. 
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

Re: [H] LCD interfering with wireless keyboard?

2008-03-27 Thread j maccraw

That's a generic FCC class C statement you'll see on
any consumer electronics.

Anthony Q. Martin wrote:
 I would assume the problem is with the monitor
rather than the 
 keyboard/mouse.
 
 I have a Logitech Cordless Desktop Pro and on the
back it says:
 
 Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device 
 may not cause harmful interference and (2) This
device must accept any 
 interference received. Including interference that
may cause undesired 
 operation.
 
 Seems a rather curious statement.  However, your
keyboard may indeed be 
 faulty.
 


  

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

Re: [H] LCD interfering with wireless keyboard?

2008-03-26 Thread j maccraw

IIRC the Logitech wireless is in the 20 or 40Mhz range
while BT is 2GHz+ so I'd doubt 
it would affect both the same way.

Could it be that the LCD has a bad inverter? Have you
tried moving the base radio 
nearer and/or so that the LCD is not between it  the
kb/mouse? How about new 
batteries? Make sure mouse  KB are no on same
channel?

I run both a old Logitech MX wireless  a DiNovo BT
with any perceived interference 
from three 17 LCD's. Outside of lag in gaming only
trouble I've had with the MX is 
low batteries or sharing same channel.



Brian Weeden wrote:
 I just upgraded from a 19 CRT to a wonderful new
Samsung 24 LCD.  Works
 awesome, except I think it is causing interference
with my wireless
 keyboard.  It's a Logitech Cordless Internet Pro and
performed flawlessly
 for the last couple years until the LCD arrived.  At
first I couldn't figure
 it out but after some trial and error it seems to be
definitely related to
 the monitor.  I have never heard of this before - it
is common or do I just
 have a crappy keyboard?  Anyone know if this affects
just RF keyboards or
 Bluetooth ones as well?
 
 -
 Brian Weeden
 Technical Consultant
 Secure World Foundation
 
 


  

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

Re: [H] Power connector Sapphire Radeon X1950 PRO

2008-03-23 Thread j maccraw

I know there is secondary PSU's being made to
supplement main PSU power to video 
cards but don't know if it takes specially wired PSU's
to allow them to work in tandem.

 From a 12V rail standpoint I'd assume you'd want to
be feeding it from 2 separate 
rails assuming 16A/rail so you don't tax one rail.
Looks like the Sapphire version 
shipped with a molex splitter but again I'd be worried
about taxing a single rail.

Given the power requirements of a modern cards,
vendors should be more explicit 
stating their power breakdown by bus  number of
rails. Seems hard to find, from what 
I seen looking around, to find the total amps needed
never mind a breakdown of what's 
being drawn from where.

Winterlight wrote:
 At 05:46 AM 3/23/2008, you wrote:
 Both need to be connected.

 The min specs are 450w with 30a over two rails so
two molex connectors.
 
 OK thanks, I just want to test the card to make sure
it works OK. I have 
 a bench  AGP PC here that has a 350 watt Enermax PS.
If I put this card 
 in, and plugged it into a separate AT PS, ... it's
own PS, would that be 
 a safe thing to do. I am not ready to install it for
real, but because I 
 bought it used, I just want to make sure it is OK
before I stick it in 
 the drawer. Thanks
 
 
 


  

Looking for last minute shopping deals?  
Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.  
http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping

[H] Asus Rampage Formula

2008-03-23 Thread j maccraw

Any of you resellers know when we can expect to see
this mobo for sale? I see the 
Gigabyte X48 board is around but want the Asus!



  

Never miss a thing.  Make Yahoo your home page. 
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

Re: [H] Safari web browser from Apple

2008-03-22 Thread j maccraw

I'll bite on this:

Faster at getting me hacked  even less compatible
with sites that are just now 
starting to support Firefox? ;)

No thanks!

Ok, seriously that's good to hear but I'm not helping
Apple takeover anything else.

The Beave wrote:
 Hey all,
 
 I downloaded this web browser from Apples update
program.  OMG! It beats
 Firefox in speed.  Should give it a try.
 
 Regards,
 
 Tim The Beave Lider
 E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 
 
 
 
 
 


  

Never miss a thing.  Make Yahoo your home page. 
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

Re: [H] Why is multiplayer so addictive?

2008-03-22 Thread j maccraw

Well I'm not even talking about multiplayer  license.
The issue is 
gifting/lending finished stand-alone titles which is
totally verboten by Steam 
unless you buy something that duplicates existing
licenses like OB did for HL2.

While I agree that at least 1-on-1 should be included
for the $50 (CC or Red 
Alert did this), I'm not even asking to use 1 license
to allow 2+ people to play 
at the same time. Steam licenses the player, not the
computer, which sounds nice 
you can play what you have a license for on any PC.
Nice until you want to give 
away a finished Ep1 or let your kid play TF2 when
you're not. The kicker with 
HL2 DM not being in OB is anyone with a ATI or Nvidia
video card is entitled to 
a free copy of DM! So why not just include it in every
OB since that's 100% of 
the gaming ready PC market and no one but a masachist
would play it on another 
chipset?!?!

Steam pricing pisses me off mostly because supposedly
Steam prevents pirated 
copies, or at least prevents them from playing VAC
servers (which is most). It's 
also eliminates manufacturing  lowers distro costs
because there's no stock and 
you can download what you buy. So the prices should
drop but they don't!

Good news is HL2 is a great engine if you can ignore
the above issues and don't 
let Havok's lame physics bother you much, and consider
Valve seems committed to 
improving the experience. This is unlike buying into
Tribes Vengeance only to 
find out not enough copies sold therefore they weren't
going to work on  
release any patches. Without the patches the game was
nearly worthless in 
multiplayer.


Hunter, Gary wrote:
 I wish all multiplayer games game with a multi
purchase discount. UT3
 was a real disappointment, we spent $150 for 3
copies just to find our
 favorite game was gone. We felt a little ripped off.
I guess I should
 have done more research but I just assumed it would
be there.



  

Looking for last minute shopping deals?  
Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.  
http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping

Re: [H] Vista SP1 released to Windows update...

2008-03-21 Thread j maccraw

Dog Shit SP1, Good 'ol #2 served up steaming hot!

Bryan Seitz wrote:
 Get yer hot fresh DOG SHIT here!!!
 
 
 On Tue, Mar 18, 2008 at 07:45:25PM -0400, Bobby Heid
wrote:

http://windowsvistablog.com/blogs/windowsvista/archive/2008/03/18/windows-vi
 sta-sp1-released-to-windows-update.aspx

 Bobby
 


  

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

Re: [H] Need AMD XP Sempron CPU

Yes, silly me! Picked up a new Sempron 3300+ for $75
which is essentially a XP 
3200+ Barton. Unfortunately it ended up being my (2nd)
shit Antec TruePower 480W 
toasting caps on the 5V rail which is what Asus A7N8X
uses for vcore causing the 
problem.

Problem now is tracking down a reputable (non-antec,
by principle) PSU w/ 5V 
rail = 40A which are near non-existent given modern
ATX12V 2.x emphasis on 12V 
amps  paltry 30A or less 5V rail.I see great used
ones like a OCZ ModStream, 
but like a car, you can't be sure the last driver
didn't abuse it. ;)

Thanks to all who made offers!


mark.dodge wrote:
 Did you ever get one? I might have a 3500+
somewhere, I'll check later
 today.
 
 Mark
 
 -Original Message-
 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On
Behalf Of j maccraw
 Sent: Tuesday, February 19, 2008 4:16 AM
 To: The Hardware List
 Subject: [H] Need AMD XP Sempron CPU
 
 Well my 4yo+ OC'd AMD XP-M gave up the ghost so I
need
 to replace it. Sucks as i 
 am just about to dump money into new system  pass
 this along to the kids when 
 it croaks.
 
 Anyone have a AXDA3200DKV4E Athlon XP 3200+ or
 SDA3300DKV4E Sempron 3300+ CPU 
 they're looking to unload  $90?
 
 Thanks!
 


  

Never miss a thing.  Make Yahoo your home page. 
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

Re: [H] Surge suppressor / power filter

Not being an EE could not argue for or against Monster
except on wires or 
interconnects as they tend to call them which I also
think are snake oil unless 
maybe your talking 1000's of feet or outside runs,
still

My rule of surge protectors is buy only ones that come
with insurance like the 
APC's (and several other brands) do or they are simply
overrated power taps.

Hayes Elkins wrote:
 
 The monster fancy stuff that had filtering (the
higher end had higher stages of filtering) drove me
nuts because it definitely changed the sound, couldn't
put my finger on it but it sounded a bit duller. Most
of this power filtering crap is just that - crap. Pure
snake oil. $5000 for a power cord? Awesome. I don't
want anything in the chain CHANGING the sound, for the
good or worse.
 
 I just plug my amp straight into the wall plug
outlet. OH NOES!!! UNCLEAN POWER!!! You can surge
your entire house with a single device on the cheap
that will give the same amount protection and clean
power that a$1K monster deck will provide, like
here; http://www.dulley.com/docs/f760.htm
 
 I'd just get an inexpensive multi-outlet device that
looks esthetically pleasing to your eye - and one that
has the capacity to protect all of the items plugged
into it (and avoid putting things like laser printers
on the circuit). Just be mindful of any equipment that
needs a 20amp run instead of 15.
 
 



  

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

Re: [H] Need AMD XP Sempron CPU

Bite the bullet? thanks Chris, you writing the check
on that new system for 
me? AM2, Are you serious? Personally I'm waiting for
the Asus Rampage to ship  
I will build a Q6600 Intel system, screw AMD.

Meanwhile the XP box is more than capable of playing
HL2 at decent frame rates 
and has a brand new AGP video card (had to replace
that dead 9800) useless on a 
PCI-E system. In other words perfect for the kids to
game on, hell it's been 
enough for me.

So no I did not want to spend $75 on a CPU only to
find it was another shit 
Antec PSU that is now out of warranty. Certainly did
not want to then have to 
spend another $50-60 on the seemingly no longer made
by any quality company ATX 
1.3 PSU. To dump an otherwise functional system over
$150 in repairs to keep it 
running vs. $1000+ for new makes no sense to me esp.
with two kids and only one 
other game pc in the house.

Saving grace, I may be able to resell the XP-M that is
not the problem after 
all. I know I could resell the Sempron  break even
despite Chris' surprise. ;)

Chris Reeves wrote:
 $78?!?!?!  Seriously a le-1640 at $25 less would
wipe the floors.  Just bute the bullet go am2 and be
done. :)
 Sent via BlackBerry by ATT
 
 -Original Message-
 From: j maccraw [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 
 Date: Tue, 11 Mar 2008 17:46:55 
 To:hardware@hardwaregroup.com
 Subject: Re: [H] Need AMD XP Sempron CPU
 
 
 Yes, silly me! Picked up a new Sempron 3300+ for $75
 which is essentially a XP
 3200+ Barton. Unfortunately it ended up being my
(2nd)
 shit Antec TruePower 480W
 toasting caps on the 5V rail which is what Asus
A7N8X
 uses for vcore causing the
 problem.
 



  

Looking for last minute shopping deals?  
Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.  
http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping

Re: [H] Need AMD XP Sempron CPU

I see what your saying but you know me well enough
after all these years  the 
last thing I'd do is grab some sis board in a casual
fashion. Could be the 
greatest thing since sliced bread but it's more than I
want to go through.

Appreciate the thought but this is a EoL patch-up to
give the kids that would 
not have cost me this much if I had simply suspected
the PSU to begin with. Shit 
it would not have been an issue if the Antec scumbags
had built the PSU right or 
at least stood behind their steaming pile of
excrement.

CW wrote:
 Yes, I'm being serious.  Ok, let's say $78 is the
max you want to spend, and you have a new AGP video
card you want to use.  Fine, you can grab an AM2 with
AGP (they exist, SIS) for about $33.  Grab an AM2
Processor for $35, and a stick of 1G for $10.  Bam. 
You just spent $78.  And you ended up with a LE-1150,
yeah, a blah board but you support your video card,
and off you go.  
 
 Sure, you'd still be cooked to find out it was your
power supply, which is a given, but on the other end,
your DDR and other components (like the Asus board)
would sell to make up about 1/2 the distance.
 
 :)
 
 I'm not talking about spending a ton of money.. but
an LE-1150, a chip you can grab OEM for less then $35,
would be easily the equal and superior to a Sempron
whatever SocketA, the board wouldn't be, but you'd
keep the AGP card so who cares, and you'd get better
SATA, USB, etc. support.  
 
 Just saying, if your budget was $78, the combo is
out there ;)
 
 CW



  

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

Re: [H] Strange Hard Drive Problem

2008-03-10 Thread j maccraw

3% is prime ( TPB was rated here), 6-10% I thought
was common for ATX 1.x PSU? 
It had been skirting 4.7ish for the longest time so I
chalked it up to crap PSU 
not thinking it would get worse, duh!

Well these particular Antec's (True Power) are now
infamous for failing within a 
year or so due to bad caps. Sadly my system sat for
just over a year after the 
PSU RMA in November 2005 (just long enough to be out
of warranty) until I could 
afford a AGP video card to power it up in January
2007. Hence a year, 1 month 
later in 2008 I have another dead Antec with less than
3yrs run-time total 
between them.

Worse, Antec frakkers wouldn't do anything for me
given the unit was bought 
9/2003 despite the described total run-time and the
massive failures of this 
model. No more Antec's for me regardless of who ODM's
for them.

At some point I will replace the caps with new ones 
save this as a backup PSU.


DHSinclair wrote:
 j,
 I agree. You did get it half right! LOL!  The antec
is toast.
 I know we can bench-race the 3% of the 5v rail
(~4.85v).
 I will let you win. I change psus when I see the 5v
rail reading
 4.98v, or the 12v rail reading 11.97v.  5v is 5v and
12v is 12v.
 I use the canned asus probe utility. Suppose MBM
works good
 also, but I've problems with much of its' added
features.
 When the psu can not regulate to the stated voltage,
it is toast.
 Perhaps just me.
 Best,
 Duncan
 
 At 14:05 03/10/2008 -0700, you wrote:
 1st boot both would not be there, reboot only the
 second missing, then both show
 on 3rd boot kind of thing. As far as errors go both
 the SATA's threw new bad
 sectors daily to the point I was cursing Sleazgate
 again as I run over 20hrs of
 Seagate DST testing wondering how 2 seagates could
be
 such junk. No reprieve on
 that until I swap PSU  have no more bad sectors!.

 Problems didn't start until I added the 2 SATA's to
 the 2 IDE's + CD + DVD in
 the box. Guessing the load was just too much for
the
 poor antec. MBM was telling
 me my 5V was over 3% out of spec, I've just been
 ignoring it thinking false
 positive on shitty Antec PSU. I was half right,
lol.




  

Looking for last minute shopping deals?  
Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.  
http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping

Re: [H] Strange Hard Drive Problem

2008-03-09 Thread j maccraw

I'd be looking for sagging power lines based on what I
am going through with my 
Antec 480W. Weird reboots, drives not showing up on
reboots, bad sectors 
cropping up constantly on 2 new seagate 7200.10's,
etc All traced back to a 
sagging 5V line and confirmed by opening the Antec PSU
to find puffed/leaking 
crapola caps from Fujyyu.

Still trying to track down  order a new ATX 1.3 PSU
with enough 5V amps to 
drive the old A7N8X w/ Sempron 3300+ in addition to 4
HDD's  an ATI X850. Will 
likely buy a ToPower or Anthena based in what I've
read/can find.

James Maki wrote:
 About a month and a half ago, I related a problem I
was having with a new
 Western Digital WD7500AYYS 750GB SATA II drive.
Transfers to the drive seems
 very slow. I moved the drive around between several
adapters on 2 different
 computers. Finally, I put it in an external drive
and it worked fine, so I
 moved on to other problems. Yesterday, while trying
to re-install WinXP
 (another problem/post) I placed the WD 750 in the
computer case. It
 immediately started exhibiting the slow transfers.
 
 On a hunch, I switched out the power supply
connection for the external
 power for this drive only, and lo and behold, the
transfer times returned to
 normal. Have any of you seen this problem where a
single drive has
 problems with the PS and exhibits slow transfers,
but otherwise operate
 normally?
 
 I will just use the drive in the external case, but
am curious as to the
 reasons.
 
 This is a Sparkle Power FSP550-60PLN-B 550 Watts
EPS12V Switching Power
 Supply purchased June of 2005. No other signs of
problems.
 
 Thanks for your input.
 
 Jim Maki
 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 
 
 


  

Never miss a thing.  Make Yahoo your home page. 
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

Re: [H] Flash drive(s)

2008-03-04 Thread j maccraw

I got a similar response to the effect of NDA when I
asked about IronKey 
functionality for simple  obvious things like
passphrase length  valid 
characters. In the end they were very helpful  gave
good answers to my questions.

IronKey sounds good an paper vs. anything else
currently out. When the price 
drops I'd really like to get a IronKey.

Brian Weeden wrote:
 Computer World Magazine just posted an article
reviewing 7 secure USB
 drives from major manufacturers.  Some funny and sad
stuff in there,
 especially what sort of gimmicks these vendors put
in to try and make their
 drives secure.  In the end they chose IronKey, but
really putting free and
 open source TrueCrypt on any old USB key would do a
better job (for cheaper)
 than almost all of these:
 

http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasicarticleId=9062527
 
 I think I liked this quote the best:
 
 Kingston refused to say what encryption mode the
device runs in, citing
 that it was proprietary information.
 



  

Looking for last minute shopping deals?  
Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.  
http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping

Re: [H] probably a really dumb question

2008-03-02 Thread j maccraw

I hear ya Duncan, PCPC would be fine but as you say
those models not being made 
anymore! :(

Right now I've found a Rosewill (ATNG OEM'd) that I'd
buy as last resort before 
no-name, it has the right specs:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182010

Still looking for other $30-70ish candidates from
reputable OEM's like Seasonic, 
CTW, etc...

DHSinclair wrote:
 j,
 Can not help much. My A7N8X-deluxe is powered by a
PCPC TC300-slim. It 
 is no longer made.
 I also have 2 PCPC T51ATX-DX powering my 2
A7N8X-E-deluxe m/bs. They 
 are 510W w/40A on the +5v line.  Can not find them
either on the PCPC 
 site.. :(
 I know the PCPC is expensive, but I have has
perfect service from 
 them.  I have not yet replaced one of the PCPC
psus. Several are now 
 8-10yrs old.
 You may wish to look at the Seasonic brand also.
 Best,
 Duncan



  

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

Re: [H] probably a really dumb question

2008-03-01 Thread j maccraw

You vouce for them as reputable brands Harry? I know
there are units out there 
just can't find the brands I know are good still
selling ATX 1.3 units.

Harry McGregor wrote:
 Well, on paper this one specs out.
 
 I have a couple on order for a few spare boxes, but
I don't have them on 
 hand:
 

http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=480W-PWR-BLKcat=PWRcpc=PWRbsc
 
* *Power Specifications:*
* +3.3V, 32.0A
* +5V, 36.0A
* +12V, 16.0A
* -12V, 0.6A
* -5V, 0.6A
* +5Vsb, 2.0 A
 
 This one also looks ok: 

http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=PSAP550cat=PWR
 
* *Voltage Specifications: *
* 115/230 V voltage
* 60/50 HZ frequency
* +3.3, 28 A
* +5, 40 A
* +12, 20 A
* -12, 0.8 A
* -5, 0.5 A
* +5V, 2 A
 
 And this one:
http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=ARROW-680Wcat=PWR
 
* *Power Specifications:*
* 115V, 230V switchable power supply
* 50/60 Hz, 7.0A/3.5A
* +3.3V, 45A
* +5V, 50A
* +12V, 22A
* -12V, 0.80A
* -5V, 0.5A
* +5Vsb, 3A
 
  Harry
 
 
 
 j maccraw wrote:
 Hard question is what model is still available for
 sale with ATX 1.3 spec that has a 5V line amperage
above 35A? Damn 
 Asus chose not
 use the 12V line!

 All the 2.x ones emphasize the 12V line and leave
you
 with 20-25A 5V rails. Was going to use my
ThermalTake 750W that's 
 sitting here
 waiting for Asus Rampage to be released but it's
not enough 5V amps.

 Even refurb sesonic Tornado is too low spec AFAIK
 asuming I could find one.
   
 
 
 


  

Looking for last minute shopping deals?  
Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.  
http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping

Re: [H] probably a really dumb question

2008-03-01 Thread j maccraw



Harry McGregor wrote:
 j maccraw wrote:
 You vouce for them as reputable brands Harry? I
know
 there are units out there just can't find the
brands I know are good 
 still
 selling ATX 1.3 units.

   
 I have this one on order for a few small/cheap
builds reusing older 
 parts, etc.
 
 I can probably let you know what I think of it
Monday, but for under 
 $15, even if it only lasts 6 months to a year, it's
probably worth it

My concern would be one taking my system with it
rather than just dying. =(

I'm waiting for post access to [H]ard|Forum where they
seem to have 
knowledgeable members who can point me at a good
brand. according to members 
there it seems most PSUs other say Seasonic are
re-badged making it near 
impossible for the avg buyer to know who made what
they are buying.

There are compatible Rosewill, Xion, Coolmax, etc...
at the $50-60 mark I'd be 
willing to buy if I could find out who's actually
making them otherwise won't 
because they are considered crap brands.

Still waiting for reply from Antec as to if they will
stand behind this junk 
unit w/ 1year of use on it even though it's past
warranty. Not holding my breath 
 likely never buying another Antec.


http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=480W-PWR-BLKcat=PWRcpc=PWRbsc
  
* *Power Specifications:*
* +3.3V, 32.0A
* +5V, 36.0A
* +12V, 16.0A
* -12V, 0.6A
* -5V, 0.6A
* +5Vsb, 2.0 A
 
 
Harry
 
 


  

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

Re: [H] probably a really dumb question

2008-02-29 Thread j maccraw

Hard question is what model is still available for
sale with ATX 1.3 spec that 
has a 5V line amperage above 35A? Damn Asus chose not
use the 12V line!

All the 2.x ones emphasize the 12V line and leave you
with 20-25A 5V rails. Was 
going to use my ThermalTake 750W that's sitting here
waiting for Asus Rampage to 
be released but it's not enough 5V amps.

Even refurb sesonic Tornado is too low spec AFAIK
asuming I could find one.

Chris Reeves wrote:
 I've been really happy with: silverstone, nspire,
ocz and pc power and cooling supplies.   I agree on
antec...  Suck.  Way overrated and their cable lengths
are all messed up, even for their own damn cases. 
 Sent via BlackBerry by ATT
 
 -Original Message-
 From: j maccraw [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 
 Date: Fri, 29 Feb 2008 22:37:20 
 To:hardware@hardwaregroup.com
 Subject: Re: [H] probably a really dumb question
 
 
 ALong these lines:
 
 What brand ATX PSU is good  available for a A7N8X
 mobo that needs 35A+ on the
 5V line?
 
 Seems my dead CPU was not dead but rather my Antec
 TP480 Blue drooping to 4.5V
 on the 5V line, POS that it is  my second unit from
 RMA that is now out of
 warranty w/ only 1 year of real time on it.
 
 Fuck Antec!
 
 



  

Never miss a thing.  Make Yahoo your home page. 
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

Re: [H] Vista class action

2008-02-25 Thread j maccraw

Idiot consumers are forever tying their PC purchases
to price  the promises of 
slick salesman. Sounds like people are pissed they
were duped into buying 
low-end PC's that can only the most basic version of
Vista (means nothing given 
what's not in VHB) which of course begs the question
were those pc's also so low 
end they could barely run XP?

On the same token these idiots don't even know why
they wanted Vista in the 1st 
place especially since they likely bought low-end
systems consisting of Celeron 
 integrated RAM stealing video.

Ben Ruset wrote:
 This is absolutely the most retarded thing I've ever
read:
 
 These common issues ... are whether Vista Home
Basic, in truth, can 
 fairly be called 'Vista' and whether Microsoft's
'Windows Vista Capable' 
 marketing campaign inflated demand market-wide for
'Windows Vista 
 Capable' PCs, she wrote.
 
 Why the hell would you not call Vista Home Basic
Vista? And since when 
 has there been market demand for Vista at all? If
anything, Vista has 
 put XP in more demand.
 
 I hate lawyers.
 
 Chris Reeves wrote:

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/352442_vista23.html
 Sent via BlackBerry by ATT

 
 


  

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

Re: [H] AOL/broadband issue.

2008-02-25 Thread j maccraw

When I say AOL in the same sentence, I had to clarify.
RR would mean always on 
without regard to AOL's software. So therefore if all
other internet traffic is 
working as expected there would have to be an issue
with live update itself. You 
can download  reinstall LU from symantec's site which
might solve you problem.

I'd be looking for calls from LiveUpdate, where they
are going, and the 
resulting state of the connection.


Bobby Heid wrote:
 Sorry, I assumed that all Roadrunner was cable.  I
did not think about using
 that tool (which I knew about, but never used). 
What would I look for?  
 
 I don't think Live update is picking a connection,
but I do think it is
 using the default connection.  And I think AOL is
causing some sort of issue
 here that Live Update is not handling properly.
 
 Thanks,
 Bobby
 
 -Original Message-
 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On
Behalf Of j maccraw
 Sent: Saturday, February 23, 2008 12:00 AM
 To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com
 Subject: Re: [H] AOL/broadband issue.
 
 Wait, he moved from AOL to RoadRunner what? Cable?
 DSL? Dialup?
 
 Maybe using TCPView from sysinternals to track what
is
 happening connection wise?



  

Looking for last minute shopping deals?  
Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.  
http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping

Re: [H] Master browser issues and possible NAS solution?

2008-02-24 Thread j maccraw

Setup a DNS server  disable WINS/Netbios completely?

http://technet2.microsoft.com/windowsserver/en/library/aa70b386-dafa-4cd4-b950-dda84e5fa1f61033.mspx

Turn off Netbios broadcasts:

http://www.petri.co.il/hide_a_server_from_the_microsoft_computer_browser_service.htm

Disable browser:

http://www.windowsitpro.com/article/articleid/45641/browser-registry-entries-changed-in-windows-xp-sp2.html


Brian Weeden wrote:
snip
 Aside from setting up a domain controller, can
anyone think of other ways to
 help with my problem of the master browser issue and
overall poor network
 performance?  Would running a Windows Home Server
box help at all?  Or would
 a *nix server be better?  I have some experience
with *nix (specifically
 Ubuntu)?
 
 -
 Brian Weeden
 Technical Consultant
 Secure World Foundation
 
 


  

Never miss a thing.  Make Yahoo your home page. 
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

Re: [H] Breaking Disk Encryption

Nice find Ali!

sorry this long, by I feel passionate about this...

Yet another disturbing insight into how exploitable
the modern PC is. To be 
fair, peaking into RAM of running systems has been
PoC'd more than a few times 
(as have a countermeasure or 2) all useless against a
fully unpowered system. 
Scary to have powered vs. not redefined though!

When I 1st started toying 10+ years ago with Norton
Your Eyes Only, E4M  later 
DriveCrypt it seemed the biggest issue after what
cipher, what app, was OS 
swapping RAM to disk either pagefile or for
hibernation. Yet for for years 
Crypto experts like Bruce Schneier and others have
been saying that no matter 
what, using general purpose computers to run
encryption software is flawed  
exploitable.

It would seem that ultimately noting short of both
full RAM  storage encryption 
is going to prevent a running system from having it's
brains sucked out  
scrutinized. We know of attempts with M$ XBOX, HDCP,
or HD-DVD/BluRay to secure 
against scrutiny. While they are seeing varying
degrees of success locking US 
out very little is coming in the form of letting us
lock THEM out. Obviously 
it's possible to build systems that once
set-in-motion, encrypt and continue to 
run leaving no keys in ram to sniff since only the
system knows what it's 
using to crypt/decrypt like Colossus  Guardian
talking to each other in a 
language only they knew!

Until then, on running systems, manual user
intervention is needed where 
auto-dismount is not practical. Passwords/phrases must
die, keys must be tied to 
a secure physical token so that removing it means
there are no keys. Removal of 
token should trigger memory wiping so keydata is not
cached. Some of this must 
already exist? I won't even go into EFS, it's default
lame option of obscuring 
the master keys in the registry, or the fact that mode
3 only works with floppies!

Now any system that can be suspended has got to be
easier to protect IMHO. If 
RAM sniffing an issue, then OTFE software needs to add
key flush on on suspend 
followed by re-authentication to retrieve keys from
external source (read not on 
the PC's RAM, HDD, SDD) on resume rather use RAM
cached copies. Don't know how 
easy that is to tie in, but I assume under the current
model apps have to wait 
for storage drivers to come back online after suspend
anyway so I imagine it how 
this hole gets closed. Personally I'd like to have a
encrypted hibernation file 
tied to a physical token for plug  boot
authentication.

Bottom line is time has come for *affordable*, faster,
dedicated hardware 
solutions to be made available. Either in the form of
TPM's in motherboards, 
storage devices, host controllers, or even inline
black boxes between device  
host using a tamper-proof hardware solution. A
solution like the IronKey USB 
flash drive has between it's USB interface  flash
RAM. Give me a bunch of those 
modules in the form of SATA go-betweens  programmable
hardware security token 
I'd have all my SATA drives encrypted!


Mesdaq, Ali wrote:
 Interesting read for those into disk encryption
 
 http://www.news.com/8301-13578_3-9876060-38.html
 
 Thanks,
 --
 Ali Mesdaq (CISSP, GIAC-GREM)
 Security Researcher II
 Websense Security Labs
 http://www.WebsenseSecurityLabs.com
 --
 
 
  Protected by Websense Messaging Security --
www.websense.com 
 
 


  

Never miss a thing.  Make Yahoo your home page. 
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

Re: [H] Breaking Disk Encryption

I seriously doubt anyone is saying you can crack AES
*WITHOUT* access to the 
keys or a serious flaw in the implementation there of.
This article is about a 
flaw where the keys are in RAM in the clear. Flushing
the keys when the system 
goes into a locked or suspend state (while halting
processes that need access to 
the encrypted data) and forcing the keys to be
re-entered externally on resume 
would remove this vulnerability completely.

Hardware *is* the solution if you understand the flaws
of using general purpose 
computers to run encryption software vs. dedicated
hardware doing it. Then 
factor in as you said, an external factor like a token
or certificate that is 
separate from the PC. Without RAM to be accessed,
there locally is no key to be 
found by forensics. As to if someone can get to the
other component needed to 
decrypt is another discussion completely and moot if
that component can be 
destroyed.

A completely encrypted system is not debuggable
because by definition nothing is 
in the clear. Sure you can read it's RAM while
tweaking it's input ports 
trying to discern what it's keys are based on
injecting known values but 
asymmetrical is supposed to mean even with encryption
key, source plain data  
resulting encrypted data it's not going to reveal the
decryption key.

Look into the IronKey drive I was mentioning  you'll
understand it would be 
damn hard to get at where the keys are to connect
debuggers  still be able to 
retrieve keys nor a still working module. That module
as a SATA go-between would 
mean your not getting into the drive without whatever
component unlocks the 
encryption module.

Even with flawed TC on a Powered down system, no
trace keydata on the HDD, no 
get in short of brute force (AES? TwoFish? much luck!)
FBI or not. Only option 
would be water boarding and that's not going to
produce results if the keys 
were on a component and destroyed vs. being a password
you can force out of a 
subject.

Mesdaq, Ali wrote:
 Hardware is not really the solution. The problem is
layered but the main
 problem here is physical security. If you have a
system and all of its
 components to encrypt and decrypt are right there in
one piece and
 people can connect debuggers to it or analyze it
they could break
 anything you do. But if the system is not complete
without something
 else like a private key that needs to be retrieved
remotely then you
 have some extra security. Then you can control the
process by seeing if
 physical security is compromised you just don't send
that private key
 and the system is incomplete. For true secure
solutions you need to
 layer, then separate, then control access to each
layer and component.
 So in the case of hard drive encryption if an FBI
person gets your drive
 and you can bet they can find out everything on it
if they care enough. 
 
 Security is really just a level of comfort you can
deal with. EVERYTHING
 can be compromised in some way.
 


  

Never miss a thing.  Make Yahoo your home page. 
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

Re: [H] AOL/broadband issue.

Wait, he moved from AOL to RoadRunner what? Cable?
DSL? Dialup?

Maybe using TCPView from sysinternals to track what is
happening connection wise?

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb897437.aspx

Timeout is hard coded AFAIK, so hang is not a simple
as can't reach host and I 
can't see an LiveUpdate picking a specific connection.

Bobby Heid wrote:
 Hey,
 
 I was helping a friend whose Norton AV quit
updating.  It quit updating at
 the same time that he went from AOL dial-up to
Roadrunner.  Norton's Live
 Update does not seem to be able to connect and
appears to hang while trying
 to connect.  He refuses to let me remove the AOL
program because the web
 interface to AOL is different and he is very, very
resistant to change.
 Under network connections is an AOL connection and a
local area network
 connection.  Dial-up has been disabled and he can
connect via AOL or a
 browser/email.  
 
 I am thinking that for some reason Norton is trying
to get to its server via
 the AOL connection and is failing.  Does anyone know
how I might check this
 and correct this issue?
 
 Thanks,
 Bobby
 
 


  

Looking for last minute shopping deals?  
Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.  
http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping

Re: [H] Breaking Disk Encryption