Date: 04/06/05     Keywords: browser, web, ebay

Hi folks,

I'm having serious problems with the net and it's preventing me from doing my studies. I hope someone knows what's going on here. Whenever I use a website that requires me to enter a password, such as, for example eBay, when I click enter I get the following error message:

"The page you are looking for is currently unavailable. The Web site might be experiencing technical difficulties, or you may need to adjust your browser settings."

This not only happens on eBay but many other sites too. Including the site I use to search academic journals.

Here are some points:

1) I have used these sites regularly without any problems.
2) The sites are not connected to each other.
3) I do have a firewall, etc but I have had them for a long time without any problems.

Please, someone, help me. If you have any suggestions or ideas I would VERY MUCH like to hear.

Yours in grovelling,

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/654732.html

Date: 04/06/05     Keywords: web

Hi, i recently bought Doom 3 for my comp and its not working. The error says that I dont have the right video card/ driver combo. Keep in mind I really dont know much about this, so treat me like a lamen. What I want to know is if I just need to update my video card driver thing (which is: VIA/S36 UniChrome IGP), or buy a new one which I hear can get mighty pricey. Eeek!
So, any advise? Websites? Id appreciate any help.

THANKS!!

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/654124.html

Date: 04/06/05     Keywords: programming, sql, linux

Hey all -

my work has offered to spring for a programming class for me. I mostly do junior system admin. type stuff now so better shell scripting would be great to know but i'd like to branch out more into simple programming. everyone at my job is a hotshot perl coder and i'd love to be able to write perl. but perl programming classes dont seem to exist.
does anyone have suggestions on what kind of beginner class i should take?
or if youre in philly: where i should take it would be nice too.
also i'm not looking to go the self taught route on this. i usually learn better in a non classroom environment but i've been up to my eyeballs trying to teach myself linux, bash and zsh, sql, postfix, networking, hardware and bunch more, so i'm looking forward to some classroom type structure for a minute.

thanks!

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/654071.html

Date: 04/06/05     Keywords: programming, database, java

Hello, I'm new here.

I have a quick question.

I'm doing research and wanted to know of the two programming languages (C++ and Java), and two databases (Visual Basics and Oracle) which do you think is the most "in demand" in the IT industry.

And if I had to choose one of the four to concentrate on which would be around in the next decade? And with what applications?

Basically what would you get certified in to help you land a good IT job.

Any information you could provide me would be fantastic. Thanks in advance.

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/653597.html

Date: 04/05/05     Keywords: no keywords

I got a new monitor, and changed the resolution on the computer to something it can't handle, and it didn't change back after however many seconds. Now whenever I get on the computer, it's just a blue screen. How can I change the resolution back?

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/653431.html

Date: 04/05/05     Keywords: linux

1)

A) Has anyone here used Ubuntu Linux? Right now I'm testing distros and currently using Fedora 3. It's not bad, but I'm open to other varieties.

B) How does Ubuntu compare to Fedora, Mandrake or Suse?

2)

Are there any programs in Linux for loop based music creation similar to Acid Pro or Fruity Loops in windows?

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/653106.html

Date: 04/05/05     Keywords: no keywords

My father has accidentally locked himself out of windows XP. It says it requires a password but he does not know what it is. We cannot get past the log in screen to get into the computer to change this setting. Is there anyway to circumvent the log in? It does not give the cancel option.

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/652098.html

Date: 04/04/05     Keywords: no keywords

I am getting another computer and passing this one along to a family member. I'd like to ensure everything has been cleaned, deleted, etc.

I know I have some transferring of material to do, but want everything else gone.

Your suggestions on the easiest, cheapest way to do that..without hurting the PC's performance.

Thank you...

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/651870.html

Date: 04/04/05     Keywords: no keywords

So maybe I'm not the computer nerd I thought, although I'd really love to learn more...but anyway. Maybe this isn't the place to post this, but when I was posting some overrides in my LJ, my background image shows up fine and is in one place and doesn't repeat, just like I want it, but I have the attachment set to scroll, and it's fixed. Anyone up for taking a peek at my overrides and seeing what I'm doing wrong?

Thanx!

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/651360.html

Date: 04/02/05     Keywords: browser, html, linux

Hi. I wonder if someone could tell me what applications exist for a(n un)certain set of uses. I dig through shareware now and then, but maybe I've missed it and maybe the right tools cost a bit of money.

I want a program that:


1. Edits Text. Don't care that much about formatting. (if it does markup text, I'd prefer it to store as HTML)

2. has a file browser docked into the application. I'd really like this to be navigable with simple arrow keys in Lynx style (which might not have saved Lynx, but it's Midnight Commander's best feature).

3. runs quickly on older machines. The features I'm listing aren't very heavy.

4. has mouse functionality to the extreme. Mouse gestures would be ideal. Have the wheel do something intelligent at the very least.

5. can quickly go through the files in a directory. Next file/prev file buttons.

So it's more useful as a browser/viewer than an editor, but can do both. I'd listen to a solution or partial solution regardless of the operating system, though Windows and Linux are what I use.


And I've tailored something in VB6 that does this much, plus it's a pretty handy picture viewer. It works alright, but I'd like to know what else exists. I can make an installer available if anyone else has had similar frustrations.

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/650928.html

Date: 04/02/05     Keywords: no keywords

So I have been a little out of the loop for a couple years. I have been off working on my Masters and slaving away at the grind stone. I hate school about now. Anyways, I have a good AGP video card and plenty of hd space. After that...I have to replace it all. Trust me, its been a while since I upgraded. I prefer AMD to Intel. As far as budgets go I have roughly $400 to play with. I am hoping maybe someone out there has suggestions for me. I just haven't paid attention to anything while I was in school you know? Is it possible to put anything decent together or am I SOL?

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/650288.html

Date: 04/02/05     Keywords: no keywords

I have a whole boatload of things on videotapes that I want transferred onto DVD. What equipment would I need in order for me to put everythin on to DVD's myself? Thanks

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/650152.html

Date: 04/01/05     Keywords: no keywords

I recently did a reformat and reinstall of Windows XP Pro. on my computer, and since then I've been having a bit of a networking problem. When I click on a link the first time, it will, after a long wait, claim to not be able to find it, but then if I click again, it finds it and loads it fine. I have no idea where to start troubleshooting this, so anyone got any ideas?

Config info.:
+I'm on a large college campus network(i.e., fast connection.) I think we get dynamic IPs via DHCP at boot.
+using onboard LAN card w/ Asus 17v8x-x mobo
+AMD XP 2700+, 512 MB RAM, Radeon 9600 X something or other, in case it's relevant.

X-Posted

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/649909.html

Date: 04/01/05     Keywords: microsoft

Issued by Microsoft Corporation

Our children are our future. And our future is important; it is something that is priceless. That’s why it is important for us no matter the cost to make sure our children can grow up in a safe and clean environment. But often kids go off the right trail. There could be many reasons such as using Mozilla Firefox, OpenOffice.org, or listening to music in Winamp rather than Windows Media Player. But none is as dangerous to teens as using a Macintosh.

It is a critical time for your family once you suspect – or know – that your son or daughter is using a Macintosh. This can be difficult to deal with, and sometimes the situation gets worse before it gets better. There may be many arguments, tears, and broken promises.

Know that many other families have had to work through these difficult times just like you. They have been in your shoes and may even be able to help you at this point. The most important thing is for you to take action on your child’s behalf the first time that you suspect Macintosh use. Don’t make excuses — your teen’s future lies in your actions right now.

Here are some suggested conversations for you to practice before you have the talk:

You’ve got a problem and I need to talk to you about it…
Parent: I love you and I’m concerned about you.
Teen: Huh?
P: It’s hard for me to start this conversation, because I never imagined I’d have to and also because you might be upset with me.
T: So don’t.
P: Believe me, I’d rather not! But I have a genuine worry about you and your Macintosh use.
T: What?
P: I’m pretty sure (or very sure) you are using Macintosh. I’m going to ask you to come clean with me and tell me what’s going on.
T: Nothing.
P: Well, my job just got harder. I was hoping that you would be eye to eye with me, but I see I have to get “parental.”
T: Why? You don’t have to if you don’t want. I sure don’t want you to.
P: I have to because it is my job to make sure you are safe. Your OS use puts you at risk.
T: For what?
P: For being in dangerous situations like word processing, for having a lifetime OS abuse problem, not to mention that it only has one mouse button.
T: So what?
P: You may remember that we have a “no Macintosh” policy in this family.
T: (silence)
P: You have broken our policy, and so there are consequences.
T: Like what?
P: We are rolling back your social life until we can be sure you are no longer using.
T: That is so stupid. You can’t.
P: We can and we will. That’s our responsibility: to make sure you are healthy and strong. We don’t believe you can be your best if you use Macintosh, so we are going to help you to stay away from it until we are sure you can help yourself.


You’ve disappointed me and broken our rules. Here’s how we’re going to help you.
Parent: We are so disappointed in you, we hardly know what to say.
Teen: What are you talking about.
P: You have been using a Macintosh.
T: No I haven’t.
P: We know you have. And there have been a number of times in the past couple of weeks, when we’ve noticed something is terribly wrong. Now we know what it is.
T: What are you talking about?
P: We don’t know how long this has been going on, but it must stop now, because we feel we are losing you. You have had a total personality change—you don’t seem to care about anything anymore…school work, your job, our family, even keeping yourself clean! We know you are supposed to be growing and changing. But there is a difference between healthy and unhealthy change. The changes we see are very unhealthy and we’re going to help you get them under control so they don’t destroy your life and your future.
T: I don’t care about my future.
P: That is clear to us, and one of the reasons we are so disappointed. Remember when you did …(use a positive example of behavior from the past)?
T: That was when I was a baby.
P: But you had something: a purpose… (or a talent, a special ability, a quality) which has gotten clouded over by your OS use. And you certainly won’t be able to develop your potential in such a clouded state. We still believe in you. So we’re going to help you bring that gift you still have back into focus. The first step will be to give up using Macintoshes. Our rules and consequences are going to be very firm, because you have broken them. But in the long run, the rules are going to help you get back to being yourself. And you are going to be so proud of yourself! You will be proud of two things: for bringing back your special abilities and for beating the Macintosh dependency.


Do you want to tell me what’s going on?
Parent: I’m sensing that something really serious is going on in your life. Can you tell me what is happening to you?
Teen: I don’t know.
P: That’s not like you to not know. With the events of the past couple of weeks/ months I know that something is different, could you tell me about it?
T: No.
P: There have been so many changes. Do you see the changes in yourself?
T: Yeah.
P: I’m scared about the changes I see. Why do you think they are happening? (At this point, if the teen says he/she is scared or even a little worried, consider this a major victory! The next step would be either 1. Make a pact with your teen that he/she will follow the rules and that you will help by being vigilant about rules and consequences, or 2. Set up a meeting for treatment and/or counseling so that you both can get help about your concerns.)
T: I’m not worried, that’s so lame.
P: I guess I’m going to worry for both of us right now. Do you know that I love you?
T: I don’t care.
P: Well, part of my worry is that I am responsible for you, part is my instinct to protect you and part is just that I care so very much for you.
T: So what.
P: So, that makes it very important for me to set up rules and situations so that you will be protected and cared for. But I feel like I’m going to need help to do this, because my protection hasn’t worked too well so far. I’m going to suggest that we go to a treatment center where they help families deal with these problems.
T: I’m not having a problem.
P: Well, our family is having a problem with you. And you are having a problem following our rules.
T: Maybe I should just leave the family.
P: No way! We love you and need you to be part of us…We just want every member to be healthy.
T: (Storms away)
P: (In non-threatening tone) I’ll let you know the date of our first meeting.


In each of the following examples, the teen is upset. As a parent, you will probably feel provoked by your son or daughter’s response. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT for you as a parent NOT to get hooked into the feeling, and not to get upset. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT for you to stay calm and on task. One way not to get upset is to take a deep breath and relax yourself, another way is to imagine you are dealing with them as you did when they were an infant: you tolerate their crying, but maintained your cool. Do what you need to do to stay calm.

What to say if your teen says: "Get out of my face, why are you always coming down on me?"
“Wow, you are right. This shouldn’t be a fight at all. I intend to come down on your Macintosh habit, but I don’t intend to attack you personally. Let me start over again and get us started on the right track.”

“This parenting stuff is so hard! You are scaring the heck out of me and it’s making me feel like I want to challenge you. I wish we could work together on this problem---would you be willing to work with me?”

“I feel that your Macintosh use is so dangerous that I have to come down hard. I will let up as I see you gain some control over it yourself. Maybe we could figure out together what signs would show that you are handling this really serious problem.”


What to say if your teen says: "Just leave me alone. I hate you."
“It sounds like you are really angry at me. But I can’t leave you alone, even if it makes you angry. Believe me, it is painful to me that you hate me. However, I have a responsibility to you and for your safety.”

“When this is over, I’m pretty sure you will love me once again. But even if you don’t, I would never be able to forgive myself if I left you alone right now. Macintosh-use problems require all the muscle you can give to beat them. I’ll be right here to help you.”


What to say if your teen says: "Everyone’s using Macintosh…what’s the big deal?"
“First of all, not everyone is doing it. However, honestly, even if everyone were, I’d still wouldn’t want you to do it. Would you like me to list the reasons why?”

1. It only has one mouse button and the consequences are quite serious.
2. It’s dangerous and here are the physical consequences: getting into dangerous compatibility situations, inability to play Half-Life 2, falling, otherwise injuring yourself or others, physical limitations from using a one-button mouse, problems with healthy brain development.
3. It’s dangerous and here are the psychological consequences: You could be using Macintosh to avoid your anxiety or a depression, which masks but doesn’t solve the problem. You certainly lose sight of your long-term goals, your priorities get scrambled, and your brain chemicals shift because of the qualities of the OS. Macintosh use is known to work on the brain chemicals as a depressant. Not to mention it makes people act stupid.
4. We have family members/ or I remember a friend from high school/ who lost their entire life and everything that was important to them: family, spouses, kids, jobs, self-respect, you name it to OS abuse. You might not have a problem that serious, but there is no way of knowing whether you will or not and it is so much easier not to put it to the test.
5. I like life better without being foggy. It is so much more interesting, more vibrant, more moving without Macintosh. I want you to have that experience.

(Edited off content from http://www.theantidrug.com/)

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/649538.html

Date: 04/01/05     Keywords: asp

YOU MAY QUALIFY FOR SAVINGS ON CREATIVE LABS' PRODUCTS

Creative Labs has reached a settlement agreement in a suit concerning its Audigy and Extigy products. To participate in the settlement, you must own the equipment at issue.

If you qualify, you can get a certificate good for 25 percent off on Creative Labs products. You must have purchased the equipment between March 28, 1999, and Dec. 29, 2004.

Interested? Check the rules. If you qualify, fill out the form. You'll find the necessary information at:

http://www.audiocardsettlement.com/form.asp

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/649405.html

Date: 04/01/05     Keywords: no keywords

I dunno what causes it, but my computer has taken to turning itself off in the middle of sessions, forcing my system to return to default settings (including the clock going all the way back to 2002). Also, the sytem habitually freezes, forcing me to turn the thing off manually and rebooting.

What can cause these sorts of things and how to I locate the true culprit?

Windows XP, over 100 Gig HD's, etc. etc.

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/649087.html

Date: 03/31/05     Keywords: templates, software, html, security, virus, spam

I'm really dissatisified with the current state of e-mail and news software, so I've come here to ask for suggestions based on certain requirements.

I only have one general requirements between the two of them (e-mail and nntp software). They should be free (as in beer) or preferably open source. If I must I will pay.

E-mail
*Fast, fast, fast - if it's slow on my 2Ghz P4 then something is wrong.
*OE (Outlook Express) or The Bat! like interface. I don't want to do 2983492384239482 billion tweaks to make it right.
*Should be able to effeciently and "stable-y" (to recover from corruption/crashes and in terms of not redownloading the same messages.) large mail boxes with tens of thousands of messages.
*Effecient support for said mailbox via IMAP.
*Multiple account support
*Good support for contact lists
*Should include built in HTML viewer, not rely on something like MSIE's HTML display control. It should also be smart enough to only display basic stuff, with the option to disable displaying of "external" (non-embedded) images.
*Relatively easy to use plug-in support. Preferably something procmail like that executes external programs for each program or something even more effecient (like a dynamically loaded library that is persistent in memory). This will be used for external viruses and anti-spam crud. (Note: while built in anti-spam stuff is nice, I'd rather rely on the much better external anti-spam stuff and AFAIK there isn't any e-mail software that can mark messages as spam and auto-send them back to an external anti-spam program).
*Built in procmail like stuff is good too.
*Support for mail message templates (i.e. different ones for forwarding, replies, etc...)
*Should include advanced searching and filtering options like in The Bat!, except less crappy.
*Good S/MIME and OpenPGP support that is actually compliant with the standards and can decode messages in place (not just launch an external program to view them).
*Ability to sort messages by various factors.
*Good mail message import/export ability for backup. Compression is nice, but I can always do that manually.
*High configurability in general is good.

News
*Fast, fast, fast - if it's slow on my 2Ghz P4 then something is wrong.
*Should be able to handle large newsgroups, on the order of tens of thousands of messages well.
*A fast OE like interface with a preview pane that can show images.
*Same thing as above about HTML viewing.
*Good binary/encoding support is ok, but I'm not using it for porn so it's not a big deal.
*Ability to sort messages by many different factors

It should be obvious, but security is important in the implementation.

P.S. Spare me what you think the obvious answer is. I won't bash specific clients, but lets just say some are just plain stupid in design and remain popular despite crap for features or crap for a user interface/configuration methodology.

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/648358.html

Date: 03/31/05     Keywords: ebay

I came across an Apple IIc (complete, I think) and I was wondering how likely it will sell on ebay. I don't know if it "works", and it does need a little cleaning, but that beauty is a piece of digital history already!

I guess I'll find out sooner or later.

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/648045.html

Date: 03/30/05     Keywords: no keywords

Does any one know if Epson has a message baord for their printers?

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/647560.html

Date: 03/30/05     Keywords: no keywords

I saw the post, and I thought to myself "here comes the shitstorm". Boy, howdy. You guys can get real mean real quick.

Just remember, arguing on the Internet is like running in the Special Olympics...

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/647249.html