Dr Dave's TECHBlog

Choose a Free Laptop? FREE? What do you think?

2009-02-16T10:09:00.000-07:00

The REAL deal about "Choose a Free Laptop.com"

You may have heard the radio ads for "super get a free laptop". As with anything free there is a catch. Remember Economics 101: "There's no such thing as a free lunch".

I am not saying there's anything illegal or unethical about it, but I am saying that it makes no sense for most of us. There are significant costs involved in the requirements for the free laptop that may exceed the value of the laptop. I have yet to be able to figure a way that I could get what I wanted and no more, and still get a laptop for a price that makes sense. I would have to sign up and PAY for offers that I had no interest in. And the link to review the requirements is broken. I'm sure it's just coincidental.

Unlike many other similar offers the laptops are pretty good ones, it's just that the requirements are quite expensive. And if you think you can sign up for stuff, get the laptop and cancel the subscription. Won't happen.

You won't recive your laptop for months and by the time you get it it may be obsolete. It is a REAL rats nest of rules and regulations with convenient out-clauses for the laptop provider.

It's a no-brainer. Don't do it!

Stunning Deal on Solid State Drive!

2009-02-10T14:16:00.000-07:00

Newegg.com - OCZ 120GB USB Drive

Only $200 for a 120GB solid state drive. Haven't seen anything else close in price. First thing I want to do is take it out of the USB case and put it in my laptop. Of course the warranty goes away at that point. Smokin'!

My Netbook pick

2009-01-29T11:09:00.000-07:00

mini notebook - mobile computing SAMSUNG

What started out as a tangent in response to a single caller on the show last week, ended up taking over the show. Netbooks vs. laptops vs. desktops. What to buy and why?

I've warned against the faddishness of new product categories that geeks go ape over for no practical reason. It's an ongoing problem with technologists. It's new, it's neat, you need to buy it. NOT!

Netbooks are NOT in that category. It's one of the most practical value based new technologies introduced in years. I was really impressed with the first "netbook" the IBM z50 introduced in 1999. It was ahead of it's time, showed great promise but was overpriced and seriously flawed. Too slow, too limited, and too crippled on the Internet.

The netbooks of today are available at less than half the price, are MUCH more capable, and optimized for the Internet. Can it get any better?

Just know that netbooks are not necessarily laptop or desktop replacements. They are much less powerful in multi-media performance, and do not include optical drives.

I've discussed the Lenovo S10, the HP mini 1000 series and the MSI Wind before. They are all decent computers. Of all netbooks today, I would buy the Samsung NC-10. Best configuration, keyboard, price and appearance. Up to 2GB RAM, 3 USb ports, 160GB hard drive Windows XP (not Vista) and a beautiful 10.2" non-glare screen and peerless keyboard that's 93% of a full sized keyboard, and nearly 6 hours of battery life.

The NC-10 is my pick. Nearly Apple like in it's appeal. Buy it.

Microsoft's Resurrection?

2009-01-29T10:37:00.000-07:00

Should you Consider Downloading the Windows 7 Beta?

Microsoft has been under the gun for a couple of years. With disappointing products like Vista, Zune, Office 2007 and others, it's been a while since Microsoft has really impressed with a product release. They have turned things around with Windows 7. This is a pre-release version, but I have not seen beta product so far superior to a prior release of the product. This beta release is faster and more stable than the final public release of Vista 2 years ago!

Admittedly Microsoft has been able to learn from the Vista experience, and Windows 7 is not nearly as big a change from Vista as Vista was from XP. So it might be expected that this was would a more polished beta, and it is.

I have it installed on an underpowered laptop (1GB shared RAM, AMD Sempron 2400+, 60GB hard drive) that I thought was going to be pretty weak, but it is as fast or faster than XP! It is a pleasure to use. Of course drivers were a bit of a challenge, but that is to be expected with a beta release on an old computer.

Please do not install the Windows 7 beta unless you are prepared to wrestle a little bit, and are experienced at troubleshooting driver issues. You'll also need to remove it or buy it after the release of the product. But if you like fiddling, and want to get a pleasing preview of the OS that you'll be using in 2010, check it out...

Seagate 1TB drive catastrophe

2009-01-21T11:31:00.000-07:00

Seagate finally addresses 1TB problems

Although very poorly. They finally admitted a 1TB drive problem, but pulled the "fix" from their site last night, when it turned out the cure might be worse that the disease.

I am not going to get into the details of model numbers, etc. because it appears even Seagate doesn't have a grip on the problem yet. Click on the link above for details, such as they are.

At least they admitted a problem. Until Seagate has an accurate idea of what the problem is and a true to solution to the problem - backup, backup, backup!

Important AVG Update fix

2008-12-11T10:02:00.000-07:00

AVG Antivirus and Security Software - Support overview

Here's a solution for the dreaded "Invalid update control CTF file"message that sometimes appears when you update AVG. This is a link to a file that automatically fixes the problem, and a manual fix should that not work. It's a known issue, which is the best kind of issue to have!

Checkfree service compromised Monday/Tuesday

2008-12-04T16:28:00.002-07:00

The Checkfree payment service was hijacked in an effort to get private information. Read the details in the link above.

Makes clear the need for a basic awareness of what you are doing on the Internet. You can't get away with a sleepy attitude while surfing the 'net. Pay attention to what you are doing and have a basic understanding of how things are supposed to work and look.

The most powerful security protection available will not prevent you from providing your personal information to the bad guys, if you are not paying attention...

Ongoing Myth Greatly Hurts Apple Users

2008-12-03T12:35:00.000-07:00

Apple Pulls Anti-Virus for Macs Note from Web Site - News and Analysis by PC Magazine

Apple did a TV ad months back that was pulled, it implied that Apple products were immune to malware. I was incredulous. At least they pulled it.

Now they pull a rational warning to Mac users on their web site. It may not be fun, it may not be in step with Apple's marketing plan, but they need to educate and protect their users. They do not want to be a accessory to the upcoming attacks on their systems.

If you are an Apple user please protect yourself, it's cheap, it's easy and it only makes sense.

ChaCha. Just Call. Just Text. Just Ask

2008-12-01T15:11:00.003-07:00

Get Answers and Ads!

Could be a great service, but I am VERY wary of having my cell phone turn into the mobile equivalent to my e-mailbox. In other words - SPAMMED!

If they do it like Google or OpenDNS, it will work. If they start spamming, they will have big trouble. I have a feeling they get that, but economics are everything, especially now, so they may get desperate and less committed to the clean, helpful type of advertising Google, OpenDNS and even Spiceworks are known for.

I have a call into the company executives to get the straight scoop. I'll update you here when I've got it...

Ignorance or Bliss?

2008-12-01T13:15:00.000-07:00

Poll: Millennials tend to ignore IT policies

System Administrators have known and struggled with this reality for years. Unfortunately the people that pay the price are not just the IT guys and gals. Management, shareholders and even the users themselves pay a steep price for ignoring the user policies. Broken networks, email servers, and users PC's often can be directly attributed to user ignorance and/or apathy. Of course elevated support costs, legal liability and data security and user privacy issues are common, too.

To you management types - you are leaders, be prepared to deal with the facts if you think the rules don't apply to you, you are part of the problem and you are creating a problem among your employees.

Sure IT is a pain. Computers suck. But just try to get along in business today without it. A little planning, education and discipline can go a long way toward mitigating the negative experiences.

Stay away from large capacity hard drives!

2008-12-01T12:07:00.000-07:00

Storage - IT Channel News by CRN and VARBusiness

We've talked a lot about the issues Seagate and other manufacturers have had with hard drive reliability in the last 2 or 3 years. Seems Seagate is finally responding to an issue appropriately. Historically silence or denial have been their tactics of choice.

If you have one of these drives, contact Seagate immediately to get your firmware update. Too bad this new more responsible response is coming so late. Seagate has really blackened Apple's eye as the result of the recent Momentus laptop drive fiasco. Although a firmware update would not have fixed that problem. I am still expecting a class action lawsuit on this issue.

Black Friday Buying Guide 2008

2008-11-22T08:36:00.000-07:00

Black Friday Buying Guide 2008

Here's a comprehensive spreadsheet put together by the folks at BlackFriday.com that you can use to organize your Black Friday buying frenzy. Store, Item, Brand and Type of Discount and Price all listed for your convenience. Thanks Guys!

Neat science PDF downloads...

2008-11-04T13:45:00.001-07:00

science pdf

I hate PDF files, but this is a really cool resource for science information PDF file downloads. Great for students, teachers and "learners" like me . Download Foxit PDF viewer free to view them, too.

Windows won't let you delete...

2008-10-29T08:56:00.000-07:00

UNLOCKER 1.8.7 BY CEDRICK 'NITCH' COLLOMB

Ever been unable to delete a file or folder because you get some sort of "in use" or other error message? This is the solution. Free to download and use, and does the job well. Use it.

Your Canon Digital Camera on Steriods!

2008-09-19T14:18:00.000-07:00

CHDK - CHDK Wiki

This is a little technical, but a lot of fun and VERY rewarding. This site provides details and tools to turn your plain-jane Canon digital camera into a real pro photo work tool. Obviously the basic hardware capabilities remain the same, but Canon crippled many of their cameras in the interest of simplicity and ease of use. With the proper software and know-how these limitations can be bypassed to greatly enhance the use of the previously locked away features. Check it out!

E-mail hack reveals HUMAN vulnerability

2008-09-19T11:50:00.003-07:00

BetaNews | Who needs hackers? Palin e-mail hack reveals obvious vulnerability

There's an old saying among technical consultants: "No matter what they say, it's always a people problem." The cracking of Plain's email account really underscores the problem. The technique supposedly used to gain access to her account was more akin to human hacking. Understanding and exploiting information and techniques commonly used by people to secure their technology. Yahoo will be criticized, although they set up reasonably good security measures and I'm not sure they deserve it. The real fault lies with Sarah Palin. She did what so many of us do, used very easliy guessed public info as security barrirers. Bad, lazy habit.

Always use non-public and seemingly non-sensical information as passwords, usernames, and security confirmation answers. And of course, never, ever say in an email anything you wouldn't want the whole wide world to see. Your candidacy could be in the balance!

Palin's private e-mail hacked, posted to 'Net | NetworkWorld.com Community

2008-09-17T13:40:00.000-07:00

Palin's private e-mail hacked, posted to 'Net | NetworkWorld.com Community

Palin's email was supposedly hacked and exposed on the web. I'm not convinced this is accurate stuff, but it underscores that you do not want to do anything in email that you wouldn't want EVERYONE to see.

I know this won't be pursued by law enforcement and Yahoo, but it should be pursued very aggressively. That sort of hacking is a serious Federal felony and the fact that it's target was an evil politician doesn't excuse it.

Microsoft's lame answer to Apple's Clever Ads

2008-09-06T08:46:00.001-07:00

I know Apple, and they're no Apple

I think Microsoft should just hire Apple's ad agency. This ad has none of the charm in spite of the likable Seinfeld. Click on the link to see what I mean.

In fact Gates betrays his backward vision by hiring Seinfeld. He's been out of circulation for years, and so has Windows. They say they have very interesting follow on ads that will make it all make sense. I don't see how...

Video: Lifelike animation heralds new era for computer games - Times Online

2008-08-23T08:50:00.000-07:00

Check it this extraordinary interview:

I have become distrustful of almost everything I see on the Internet because of how well people can "photoshop". This takes it to a whole new level. Impressive, but creepy. Don't you agree?

My pick for Windows File Manager

2008-08-18T13:24:00.000-07:00

Total Commander is Totally Awesome dude! Totally!

Total Commander is a refreshing blast from the past. It's Interface is more akin to what I was used to when Windows 98 was the current Windows version. But that's not all bad. I'm more interested in power, speed and flexibility in my file manager, and Total Commander is peerless on those points.

With the addition of available add-ons for almost any file format and file system, you can view and manipulate practically any file on any disk you are likely to come across.

Total Commander is an absolute must for the expert or pro, and can be VERY helpful for the amatuer on those occassions when it's needed.Check out, it's the best Windows file manager available.

Sometimes an Apple ain't all it's cracked up to be...

2008-03-26T12:11:00.001-07:00

Eric 2.0 | Chicago Tribune | Blog

I get a lot of grief from Apple fans who think I pick on them too much. I can't help but pick on the ones who pretend that Apple is somehow spiritually superior to the rest of the "evil corporate giants".

I missed this last week, but it's a perfect example of how Apple is no better, or worse than any other corporation. Eric 2.0 in the Chicago Tribune tells the story of Apple's cheap MacBook Pro displays, the angry customers, Apple's deception and eventual settlement of the suit. Most telling is apple's continued use of inaccurate and misleading specifications regarding the laptop's display capabilities. There is no other way to put it: it's fraudulent! I hope Apple sees the light and begins to do a better job of ACCURATELY describing their products capabilities.

Sometimes I swear they're worse than Microsoft!

Great Vista feature for your XP

2008-03-15T08:51:00.000-07:00

QuizoApps: QTAddressBar

This little application provides the "breadcrumbs" navigation address bar similar to Windows Vista. Makes it easier to eliminate one of the biggest problems for new users and geeks alike: remembering where in the heck you are!

Makes Vista adoption even less likely for me, if that's even possible!

Practical pain free case mod.

2007-12-06T14:38:00.000-07:00

Why do computer manufacturers still put most of the connections on the back of the computer? With Sunbeamtech's 20-in-1 superior panel I don't care. It moves many of the connections to the more convenient front panel of your computer.

It's relatively easy to install. (Those of you who need help with lightbulb replacement, toothbrush battery replacement and such, may need help.) Works well, looks good and is very affordable.

It's available at NewEgg , ComputerGeeks and other on-line retailers for around 25.00. Great Christmas gift idea!

Dr Dave

Outrageous political posturing to protect the children.

2007-12-06T14:08:00.000-07:00

House Bill Requires Even Personal Hotspots to Report Certain Activities or Face Massive Fine

As usual the politicos who haven't a clue how technology works have passed a bill to require ANYONE with a wi-fi system to report a VERY wide range of images that may be viewed or transmitted on that connection, or face huge fines. This may encourage many community and public wi-fi providers to shut them down rather than face the legal liability. All in the name of protecting the children.

Rather than research the full potential effects of the bill prior to passing it, the legislators have rushed it through on a technicality and made significant changes to the bill prior to public scrutiny. I am not against protecting the children. I have a couple myself that need protecting. But a bill like this allows for much subjective judgement by prosecutors as to what images should be reported, and what is required in the way of reporting to be in compliance with the law. We could end up with many wi-fi "Duke Lacrosse" cases as the result.

When will we learn?!

Lenovo - Notebook computers - ThinkPad

2007-12-06T13:42:00.000-07:00

25% discount on selected Lenovo ThinkPads + XP!

I have been a big fan of IBM's Thinkpad line of notebook computers. I own some myself. But I have become much less enthusiastic about them since the Communist Chinese takeover of IBM's Notebook and Desktop business.

I still think these are among the best built and performing notebooks available. The availability of the XP Pro upgrade and a 25% discount is very compelling indeed.