March 22, 2007
Hundreds of hard-drive repair tips!
Having hard-drive trouble? Don't panic! Odds are, there's a fix. If the CPU is your PC's brain, then the hard drive is its heart, pumping necessary data throughout your system. Hard drive troubles are the PC equivalent of a heart attack, but the tips below will ensure that your data has a long life! Read more »
Jazzy new look at a Hindu epic
Animator Nina Paley is bringing a new Western sensibility to the ancient Hindu myths. She's created a series of animated episodes based on the Indian epic the Ramayana, with some scenes set to 1920s jazz songs sung vocalist Annette Hanshaw. Paley, who lived in India in 2002, is putting her own spin on the story, emphasizing the experiences of Sita, the wife of the original version's hero Rama. In Paley's version, Sita is the real hero. Paley produces the animations, collectively titled “Sita Sings the Blues,” using Flash animation and Adobe AfterEffects. She hopes to have a completed version 2008. You can view some of the individual chapters at the Sitayana page of her Web site. Read more »
Use caution with software upgrades and updates
Haste makes waste, and that includes rushing into new software. New software is very enticing. Sometimes, you might even find it irresistible. But when you don't practice patience, you can cause yourself and your system considerable grief. Read more »
How the full-disclosure debate is changing
Ryan Russell The argument over full disclosure of security flaws has been raging for 10 years. You probably already have an opinion on the matter, but today I want to tell you about some changes I've seen recently from some players. Read more »
Preparing for Windows 2003 Service Pack 2
Service packs are advertised as being more comprehensively tested than hotfixes. They should not, however, be installed without some preemptive homework. This week's Patch Watch column focuses on the recently released Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2. But these guidelines should be followed when doing any major upgrades, whether they are service packs, operating systems, or other installs. Read more »
March 15, 2007
Microsoft allows bypass of Vista activation
Microsoft always says it opposes "software pirates" who sell thousands of unauthorized copies of Windows. But the Redmond company has made things a lot easier for pirates adding a line to the Registry that can be changed from 0 to 1 to postpone the need to "activate" Vista indefinitely. Read more »
Improving your Windows networking defaults
Free online tools can help speed your downloads and Web browsing. First, use a free connection analyzer to find out exactly what your optimum settings should be. Then, use a free tweaking tool to actually make the changes. Read more »
Hey, can you throw me a beer?
A recent graduate of Duke University is doing a lot with his Ivy League education. In homage to his college days, John Cornwell — who works as a software engineer in Atlanta, Georgia — created a refrigerator that can toss a beer to him while he sits on his couch. The remote-controlled machine, fashioned out of a mini-fridge and a catapult arm, can hold 10 cans of beer and propel them up to 20 feet. It's not rocket science, but it's pretty darn cool — not to mention great for game days! More info Read more »
Monitoring your childrens' Internet use
The Internet is useful, and fun, as long as you keep it safe. Kids are bound to be attracted to the Internet, and many of them like to chat with and e-mail friends, as well as make new friends. This week, I'll tell you how to monitor their instant-messaging use to ensure your children aren't falling into a predator's trap. Read more »
The missing Microsoft patches, part 1
On the heels of a major Daylight Saving Time patch, Microsoft announced that it would not release any security patches for the month of March. While the security community is wrapped up with rumors of Vista patching problems, older Windows operating systems still have plenty of flaws that need fixing. Read more »
Server 2003 Service Pack 2 is released
So you thought March's "lack of security patches" would allow you to snooze through the month? Guess again. Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 was suddenly and without warning thrown at us this Tuesday. For us admins, this means we have a lot of work to do. Read more »
March 8, 2007
User Account Control offers improved security
Vista's User Account Control (UAC) helps defend your system against all sorts of malware. This week, I discuss whether or not it's a good idea to disable UAC and explain how to disable it, if you want to. (Note: Fred Langa is taking the week off and will return in the next newsletter.) Read more »
The ethics of installing Windows Vista
I reported on Feb. 1 that the upgrade version of Windows Vista accepts itself as a product it can upgrade over, and on Feb. 15 that Vista has a built-in command that allows you to extend its activation deadline from 30 days to 120 days. Those articles were very popular with readers — the Feb. 1 story garnered a reader rating of 4.49 out of 5, the highest score of any article the newsletter has ever published — but that doesn't mean that these reports aren't controversial. Read more »
A fine rant about technology for idiots
In the world of technological advances, there's a fine line between convenience and utter ridiculousness. What is supposed to make our lives easier, more streamlined, often leaves us in a place infinitely more frustrating than where we began. (Remember the good old days of typewriters and rotary phones?) Read more »
Making legacy applications work with Vista
Having Vista is surely a thrill for many of you, but you may find that the thrill is gone when your applications don't work correctly. Mixing the new with the old isn't always easy. This week I'll explain how to make your legacy application's help files work with Vista. Read more »
Vista Timesaver #5 — give Vista the axe?
High-profile Vista defections and avoidance maneuvers in the past few weeks beg a key question: Is the best way to save time with Vista to avoid it completely? Some big names who are dissing Vista make many people wonder if they should do the same. Read more »
Microsoft continues to make patching harder
This week, I'll be telling you about patch updates from three different software vendors. While they're all important, the ease of applying these updates varies widely. Microsoft patches, in particular, seem to be getting tougher and tougher to apply. Read more »
Three short days to Daylight Saving Time
When Daylight Saving Time hits the U.S. on its new start date of Sunday, Mar. 11, you'd better be ready for any issues that may occur. Monday, Mar. 12, will either be uneventful for you or the start of a week of arriving an hour late to your appointments. Read more »
March 1, 2007
Are Registry cleaners worthwhile?
For some, Windows Registry cleaning is a waste of time. For others, it's essential! Here's how to tell if your PC might benefit from a thorough cleaning of its Registry. Read more »
Philips' new ad campaign pushes the envelope
Tired of the old, humdrum advertising campaigns? Philips' Internet campaign for its new shaver, the Bodygroom, has spread across the Web like wildfire. It's a perfect example of viral campaigns at their best Read more »
It's time for you to update Firefox
Haven't updated your browser in a while? It's time. Firefox needs a major update this time, so be sure not to put it off. Here's what you need to know. Read more »
Managing Vista's Run and Search features
Vista promises to be a big improvement over previous versions of Windows, but sometimes improvement is a relative term. The new version of Windows might not be an enhancement in your eyes. Here are some tips for Vista's Run and Search features that will help you regain your comfort level more quickly. Read more »
Patched IE still has security holes
IE has always been my favorite nonsecure browser. IE 7 made things better, but it still has security issues. This week, I'll talk about one of the scariest flaws in IE that I've seen in a while. Let's hope an exploit doesn't run wild before we can get the word out. Read more »
