Date: 02/18/07     Keywords: software, security

At work, I have some Windows XP systems that are considered to be "kiosks" - that is, they are available to anyone who walks up to them, as a convenience, while they're in my lab. As you can imagine, there's a potential for these systems to get crufted up with people's personal files, extraneous software that people install, they could make configuration changes to the system, and the like. And as it turns out, my company has some IT security rules about systems like this, mandating that on a periodic basis, extraneous files and such must be removed from publicly accessible systems.

What I would like to do with these systems is something like this: partition the drive so that there is a primary partition that Windows boots from, and an additional partition (preferably hidden somehow, so people can't mess with it) on which is a Ghost image (or something similar) of a "fresh install" of the system. Then, on a periodic scheduled basis (maybe once a week, in the middle of the night on a weekend), the system automatically rebuilds itself from the Ghost image, returning itself to a pristine "freshly installed" state, and effectively removing anything that anyone has left there and undoing any configuration changes that they've made.

What is the best way to go about doing something like this? The publicly available computers at the local public library actually do this on a nightly basis (though I think they get their "fresh install" image over the network, rather than from a partition on the hard drive), so I know it's possible. But I don't know where to even look for products that would accomplish this.

Any hints?

Source: http://community.livejournal.com/computergeeks/1040201.html

Date: 02/17/07     Keywords: no keywords

Back in November I posted here looking for advice on putting together my first machine from scratch.

Well, I picked up the final components for my system two weeks ago. I stuck by what I had listed here except for the processor. I couldn't get my hands on the 4800+ (the only reliable supplier I could find was NewEgg, which doesn't ship to Canada) so I ended up with a dual core Opteron 175. I also upgraded the PSU as recommended to the Neo HE 550.

I started by picking up the PSU, case, and MB. As parts arrived, I plugged them in to the best of my abilities;; I made sure to read ALL the manuals twice over before attempting any component install.

The shocking part: The final component to arrive was the RAM. I popped it in, plugged in the box, crossed my fingers, and hoped for the best. It seems all my due diligence was rewarded, for the machine booted on the first try. No fiddling, no tweaking, no resetting was necessary. It's been running smoothly now for two weeks without a single hitch. I'm especially pleased with the Opteron and its heatsink - the temperature has yet to climb above 38c on the processor. I haven't done any overclocking or stress testing first, as I wanted some time to make sure things worked properly before putting any strain on the machine, but I think I'll give it a go soon.

Thanks everyone for your comments on my last post!

Source: http://community.livejournal.com/computergeeks/1040024.html

Date: 02/17/07     Keywords: no keywords

A while back I posted about a computer I was looking at grabbing and the overwhelming response was to kick up the ram to 2gb if possible. So a new option has presented itself:

The previous setup:
AMD Athlon 64 3200+
1 GB Ram (May be able to up it to 2, but that might be pushing it a bit)
80 GB HD (I have a 2nd drive right now that's 350 GB that would transfer over)
256 MB NVIDIA Geforce 7300LE

Vista Home Premium

The new setup:
AMD Sempron 3400+
2 GB Ram
80 GB HD
Integrated NVIDIA GeForce 6150 LE

Vista Home Premium

I've read a lot of reviews on the Sempron and they all appear to be fairly positive, but none of them can give me a straight answer as to how it will affect the multitasking and (although I forgot to mention it last time) the video stuff (viewing through network via my Xbox) that I want and need to be able to do.

I think the 2GB is a huge importance, but is it more important than dropping the cpu and video card to those levels?

Thanks again in advance for any help..

Source: http://community.livejournal.com/computergeeks/1039461.html

Date: 02/17/07     Keywords: no keywords

is there any way to turn off the wireless capability on a wireless router? most of them have 4+ wired ports in the back and i'm not crazy about the idea of having a wireless router (and i don't really need one) but they are soooooooo much cheaper than wired ones right now. thanks for any advice!

Source: http://community.livejournal.com/computergeeks/1039145.html

Date: 02/16/07     Keywords: no keywords

I'm trying to find a use for a 256 MB flash pen drive. I'm open to suggestions from you fine folks.

Source: http://community.livejournal.com/computergeeks/1039039.html

Date: 02/15/07     Keywords: no keywords

I've asked every computer geek I know, but no one knows of a great free program to convert between video formats (I use a PC).

I have 200GB of split VOB files that I'd like to convert in order to burn them to DVD (or at least video CDs). Even converting them to a format that most media players accept would be lovely!

I do have a number of ISO files, but have not successfully been able to burn them to disk.

Any suggestions, programs and tips would be VERY much appreciated. Thanks!

Source: http://community.livejournal.com/computergeeks/1038793.html

Date: 02/15/07     Keywords: software, linux

Okay, say I want to use more than 2 hard drives on my computer. Can I just plug 2 more into the mother board where my 2 disc drives would go or do I need some kind of special set up? I want to run linux on 2 of the 4 hard drives but the 2 I have now I need to dedicate to windows because of software I need for school. Any advice would be awesome,



Thanks in advance,
Skrillz

Source: http://community.livejournal.com/computergeeks/1038450.html

Date: 02/15/07     Keywords: no keywords

Anyone know of any free MPEG-2 DVD decoders suitable for allowing Windows Media Player to play DVDs on a laptop?

I'm going on a trip and the laptop I've been given to use has no decoder - I'd buy one, but that would be $25 wasted as I have to just give the laptop back when I return.

This sounds like something that someone has likely released some freeware for, yes?

Source: http://community.livejournal.com/computergeeks/1038164.html

Date: 02/15/07     Keywords: no keywords

or been the person that the family and colleagues turn to.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRjVeRbhtRU&eurl=

Source: http://community.livejournal.com/computergeeks/1037647.html

Date: 02/13/07     Keywords: asp

http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=37568

Source: http://community.livejournal.com/computergeeks/1037317.html

Date: 02/12/07     Keywords: blogging

I am really thinking about building a desktop computer. I am not trying to build it for much gaming, mostly for everyday use. Like: checking email, blogging, searching the internet, maybe some gaming.
What would you think is good items to put into the computer?

Thanks for your help ahead of time.

Source: http://community.livejournal.com/computergeeks/1037225.html

Date: 02/12/07     Keywords: software, web

Fellow geeks, the time has come to upgrade my dusty, worn out and quasi combustible dell inspiron 8600 lappy. I've been reading reviews and forums for about 3 months now trying to decide which notebook is best for me.

Short description of it's uses:

I am a full time Graphic Designer (Daytime work for a software dev. co. in GUI dept. , Freelance Designer/Web Designer by night) I have a powerful machine at work and a soon to be updated machine at home. I need something in between and something I can carry with me everyday. Powerful enough to do the usual Photoshop/Illustrator/InDesign/Dreamweaver/Visual Studio and maybe some light Unreal Tournament/Quake III i'm not looking for a gaming rig but if I can run some older FPS on it to kill some time at lunch... that would be lovely.
Size (and weight) Matters! I've been luggin' this 9+ lb lappy for far too long!

These are my choices so far (Mac's are not an option, not looking for a flame war with fan boys just... not my thing):

Asus W7j   VS   Asus A8j

I'd love to hear any input.

Thanks,



P.S. I will not be running vista, will stick to XP Pro/ Suse dual boot.

Source: http://community.livejournal.com/computergeeks/1036921.html

Date: 02/11/07     Keywords: no keywords

is there a way to sort "by kind" in OS X so that the folders are on top and files are underneath? most of the times files with other ext a-f will be on top of folders... or even better make it the default view?

or is it an unsolved problem that makes everyone say don't use OSX if you don't like it?

also is there a way to cut up imported clip in iMovieHD? or this kind of editing must be done outside? (example cut a 15 min clip into 3 by 5 mins each?)

thanks in advance

Source: http://community.livejournal.com/computergeeks/1036258.html

Date: 02/10/07     Keywords: microsoft

I own a HP Pavilion m7690y Media Center desktop, about one month old. Yesterday, I had my media center open watching a tv show and I opened up the windows player. The player said it had some updates, so I clicked okay on the updates. While it was downloading the updates, it did something to my Media Center. Now my Media Center is telling me (whenever I click on play video, play live TV, or play Recorded TV):"Application Error: A critical media center process had failed. Please restart your computer. If the problem persist,contact your hardware assistance for help". Okay, I restarted the computer, nothing. Called the HP tech support. The first time, I got a tech who lives in Canada, has her Microsoft and A+ Certification. She had me try a System Restore. We tried it three times at varies locations. It didn't work. I got the Cannot complete this tasking. Nothing to restore, or something like that. So she wanted to try something else and I needed to back my stuff up just in case it erased my files (iTunes and Video). That was going to take a while. So I had to call back. This time, I got someone different (naturally) and she must had been across the ocean, because I had a really bad connection (like what you have when you call overseas) and she wanted me to do the System Restore even after I told her that won't work! Her response? Call my cable company! So I tried a third time. I got someone else. She tried remotely accessing my computer. She couldn't fix it, so she suggest, I backup my files and call again. I have to get another external hard drive, because all of mine don't have enough space. I also removed the Windows player in hope that the Last in, first out would work. That didn't work. Does anybody have any ideas?

Source: http://community.livejournal.com/computergeeks/1035943.html

Date: 02/10/07     Keywords: no keywords

Ok, so I can't place a wallpaper on my desktop by any means. I have Windows XP Home SP 2. Right now all I have on my desktop is the blue color.

Display Properties > Desktop screen won't let me browse any wallpapers because the "Browse Button" as well as the "Background:" list beside it is suppressed.

When I right click on image and click "Set as Background" nothing happens.

I can't even place it up from Paint > File > Set as Background.

Changing themes doesn't change the wallpaper either.

I can change the color of my desktop though.

Please solve my problem. Will editing the Registry (Regedit) help?

x-posted to computer_help

Source: http://community.livejournal.com/computergeeks/1035773.html

Date: 02/09/07     Keywords: no keywords

I bought a brand New Dell XPS Desktop just over a year or so ago and I'm not sure if I want to upgrade to Vista or not. Thinking maybe after the first service pack is released.

My System has:

Pentium 4 3.00GHZ( There is two listed in the device Manager ?)
Graphics Card is Nvidia GeForce 6800 (don't play games, I use my 360 for that)
2 x 120 G Hard drives
2GB Ram

It currently runs XP64

Am I good to go if and when I wanted to upgrade to Vista?

Source: http://community.livejournal.com/computergeeks/1035470.html

Date: 02/06/07     Keywords: no keywords

x-posted to http://community.livejournal.com/computertech/

SHORELINE LAN PARTIES PRESENTS:

34 HOUR LAN!

When: Saturday 6pm to Monday 5am
Where: 155th and Aurora PC Doctor
What: Whatever you want, Possible Tourneys with prizes, game and file servers provided.
Cost: $5 at door + $5 for pizza
Who: Anyone and their mother!
Contact: AIM - Little0831
MSN - Little0831@hotmail.com
Gtalk & Email - Little0831@gmail.com

PCs and Macs accepted, tech on call
For directions or info contact above
Projector, 800Watt Speakers, commercial zone, no noise ordinance, bring your own drinks, computer, snacks.
PLEASE UPDATE GAMES THE NIGHT BEFORE!

P.S. No speakers, headphones only please, speakers may only be used as amplifier/extension for headphones!

POST THIS FLIER ANYWHERE AND EVERYWHERE YOU WANT!


What you need:

[ ] Computer
[ ] POWER STRIP
[ ] Mouse
[ ] Keyboard
[ ] Monitor (Limited space, so limit to 21" CRT, no frigin' TVs....)
[ ] Mouse Pad
[ ] Network Cable (Cat5 or better, we ain't old school....)
[ ] Games on CD or ISOs
[ ] Cracks (May be available... but you never know)
[ ] Headphones
[ ] Money ($5 at door for entrance, $5 for pizza, you might want
to bring more for beverage runs)
[ ] Snacks, drinks, caffeine, speed? Safeway across the street
along with gas station (for those late night no-doze runs)
[ ] Pillow (for your ass not sleeping)
[ ] Comfy chair (Folding/stack chairs provided, but your sitting for
34 hours... might want at least some padding...)
[ ] CD/DVD-Rs OR External Hard Drive
[ ] Deodorant
[ ] Change of Underwear (n00bs tend to shit themselves)
[ ] YOUR GAME FACE - MOTHA FU.... SHUT YO MOUTH!

Please contact event organizer if you have Tables/Chairs, XBox(360) PS(2 or 3) or Wii available to bring, DO NOT BRING ANYTHING NOT ON THE LIST IF YOU DON'T CONTACT ORGANIZER FIRST!

Source: http://community.livejournal.com/computergeeks/1034531.html

Date: 02/06/07     Keywords: php, html, web

Hello all,

Just out of curiosity, how would one go about getting into a bit of freelance web development? What skills would they need? How would they advertise themselves? etc.

you see, I've been a student for a while now, and I've come across two major trends; A lot of free time, and not a lot of money, so I figured I could kill two birds with one stone. I'm pretty damn good with html and php also (all self taught though, not an official qualification in sight).
So, where would I go from here?

Any help would be greatly appreciated

Sam

Source: http://community.livejournal.com/computergeeks/1034089.html

Date: 02/04/07     Keywords: no keywords

How the hell do I shut off the "Windows Live OneCare is up to date!" bubble that pops up five times a day?!

It's ANNOYING!!!

Source: http://community.livejournal.com/computergeeks/1033838.html

Date: 02/03/07     Keywords: no keywords

Many of you know this already, but I'm going to share my recent experiment.

Take the following 3 computer configurations (I say configurations, because I only have one Geforce 6800 card and I have swapped for the tests involving it) for example. The general results are as follows:

3D Mark scores versus relative "real life" gaming performance (Unreal Tournament 2004 Onslaught Gametype)

Network machine name and motherboard type	Specs	Approx. 3DMark05 score	Relative game performance (frame rate, responsiveness, etc.)
"ARIA", server	Dual PIII overclocked 1.41GHz, 2GB PC2100 ECC DDR-SDRAM, Geforce 6800@AGP 2x	2500	Sluggish in general
"MAI", desktop	P4 1.8GHz, 1GB PC100 SDRAM, Geforce 6800@AGP 4x	2500	Fair, very occasional hiccups
"SAKURA", notebook	P4E 3.0GHz, 512GB PC3200 DDR-SDRAM, ATI Mobility Radeon 9700@AGP 8x	1700	Good all around

I was expecting the server to do better than the desktop, since it has two Tualatin processors installed (the very last model of Pentium III). Even though the amount of RAM kept it at a very consistent framerate, it was consistently SLOW. Although the PIII server pretty much matched the P4 desktop in 3DMark05 scores, their gaming performances were very different. The notebook got a low 3DMark score but did much better at gaming than the other two computers. This shows that 3DMark does not give a very good indication of gaming performance at all, especially for machines with specs that are fairly comparable. Of course, if the scores are WAY different, then it would be a more trustworthy indicator. Then again, if the difference is that big then there is no need to even benchmark ("Revy", my gaming machine, posts close to 10000 3DMarks- but of course it's going to score higher because the spec is not close enough to these other three machines to be a fair comparison)

I think something like PCMark might work as a better indicator, but I have not tried it yet. I think I'll try PCMark, Aquamark, Sysoft Sandra and maybe a few others to see which of them actually match up to the differences in gaming performance.

Source: http://community.livejournal.com/computergeeks/1033514.html