Date: 09/05/07 (Software)    Keywords: software

If you have not seen it already, BitsDuJour.com has recently relaunched.

The site has daily software discounts, often at over 50% off.

There's a feed here:

bitsdujour   

Source: http://community.livejournal.com/software/75536.html

Date: 09/05/07 (Computer Geeks)    Keywords: software

If you have not seen it already, BitsDuJour.com has recently relaunched.

The site has daily software discounts, often at over 50% off.

There's a feed here:

bitsdujour   

Source: http://community.livejournal.com/computergeeks/1103610.html

Date: 09/06/07 (Security)    Keywords: software, security

Apple today shipped an iTunes software refresh to add support for all its shiny new toys but, unless you're following security announcements closely, you'd never know that iTunes 7.4 contains a fix for a pretty nasty code execution vulnerability. Here's what Mac users see: ...

Source: http://blogs.zdnet.com/security/?p=496

Date: 09/06/07 (Security)    Keywords: software, security

RSA president says his division of data storage giant is working on products for virtualization software of recent IPO standout. EMC is working on security products that would work with VMware software, EMC Executive Vice President Arthur Coviello said Thursday. Coviello, who is president of EMC's RSA security business, said...

Source: http://news.zdnet.com/2110-1009_22-6206454.html

Date: 09/06/07 (Security)    Keywords: software, security

RSA president says his division of data storage giant is working on products for virtualization software of recent IPO standout. EMC is working on security products that would work with VMware software, EMC Executive Vice President Arthur Coviello said Thursday. Coviello, who is president of EMC's RSA security business, said...

Source: http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1009_22-6206454.html

Date: 09/08/07 (Computer Help)    Keywords: software

Hey all, curious to see if anyone has a solution to a disc-reading problem I'm having:

My computer is an HP Pavilion a1104x (desktop) running on Windows XP. The drive is DVD +/- Writer and CD Writer drive. If anyone looking to help needs any additional info I'm happy to provide it.

Source: http://community.livejournal.com/computer_help/814829.html

Date: 09/12/07 (Microsoft Windows)    Keywords: programming, software

Hello everyone. I am currently taking a Digital Circuits class and am required to write a program in MS Excel for a project. What I am required to do is write a program (using excel, of course) that converts a 16-bit binary number into decimal and hexadecimal. This program needs to be set up so when someone enters a 16-digit binary number, it will automatically convert this number into decimal and hexadecimal. I can't use any of the available excel functions. I have very, very little experience using Excel and all I know how to do is type numbers into the different columns. That's it. I also have NO prior experience in computer programming. None at all.

Does anyone know of any good resources online that can help me with writing an Excel program? Maybe, would anyone know what code to use for this binary-decimal and binary-hexadecimal conversion process? If anyone has any suggestions, tips, hints, tricks, or information that could assist me, I'd really appreciate it. I'm not looking for someone to do the project for me. I'm just looking for an experienced excel user that has written programs using this software or similar software, that could give me some advice.

Thank you very much.

Source: http://community.livejournal.com/ms_windows/82531.html

Date: 09/13/07 (Open Source)    Keywords: mysql, software, database, sql

MySQL will introduce dynamic load balancing to its database platform and enterprise subscription in 2008. That news surfaced during a briefing Thursday with MySQL executives about the open source database company’s forthcoming 5.1 and 6.0 upgrades. Zack Urlocker, Executive Vice President of Products at MySQL, said the load balancing software will ship as part of the next [...]

Source: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/zdnet/open-source/~3/156072251/

Date: 09/14/07 (Security)    Keywords: software, security, virus, antivirus

Customers are getting more demanding, while security market is seeing a gradual consolidation around fewer players. Spending on security software across Europe is expected to top 2.4 billion euros ($3.3 billion) this year, with antivirus software continuing to form the largest slice of the pie. Antivirus software will account...

Source: http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1009_22-6207989.html

Date: 09/14/07 (Microsoft Windows)    Keywords: programming, software, web, microsoft

OK, a bit of background. I've mostly been an apple user my whole life. I'm relatively competent in unix and I know a few programming languages, et cetera, but I'm a complete n00b to windows aside from using it on school/office computers where I am just running a few apps and it's straightforward and all ser up. So far Windows Vista Home Premium edition is driving me bonkers. I'm slowly picking up how to do things but it's still pretty nutty. Obviously I know how to run programmes and open files, but it's actual system maintenence type tasks that are weirding me out. Like when I install a programme, where do the different components traditionally get put? How do I set the screensaver to go off when I push the mouse into the corner instead of just when it's been sitting a while? Those aren't the questions I am asking now, as I am sure I will come to figure them out in time. I've already worked out the difference between an account with administrator permissions and an actual administrator account (the second being more like root). I actually bought this machine (an hp pavilion tx1115nr) to run openSuSE and reluctantly switched back to Vista when I couldn't get a lot of the hardware rnning under openSuSE.

So here is the deal. I have a laser printer, a Samsung ml-2010. When I had it on my powerbook I can't remember if I even had to install anything.

So I got out the CD and ran the software and plugged in the printer. When I plugged it in I think that I got something asking me if I wanted to automatically install the drivers. I was running a driver installation programme but I clicked OK anyway. I finished running the software on the CD (two sets of drivers? or maybe the computer set up the drivers and the CD had some software to access extra features like double-sided printing). After I was done I could't get the printer to work. I checked out samsung's website and saw that they had seperate Vista drivers with installation instructions not to click yes when the little box comes up asking me to automatically install the drivers. I had already done that but I tried installing the vista download anyway. Still no success printing.

So I am thinking that now I have to undo whatever I did when I told the computer to automatically install drivers? I was trying to figure out where those were and how to remove them, but when I go to Control Panel> Hardware & Sound> Remove a Printer the only printer I see listed is the Microsoft XPS document writer (which I think is similar to printing to a pdf file on a mac).

What do I do?

Source: http://community.livejournal.com/ms_windows/82885.html

Date: 09/15/07 (Computer Geeks)    Keywords: software, html, linux

Those who have been resisting Linux will have their last excuses removed by the following program:

http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/Boot-Manager-Disk/Wubi.shtml

Excuses excuses excuses

1. I don't have a CDROM drive / I don't want to burn CDs / I don't HAVE CDs

Wubi downloads and mounts Ubuntu Feisty Fawn 7.04 directly from hard disk. No optical drives required.

2. I don't want to format another partition

Wubi doesn't need another partition. It creates a virtual disk volume inside your Windows partition that's nothing but a FILE.

3. Undoing the Linux is a pain in the ass

Not with Wubi, because the uninstall program undoes the dual boot and removes the boot entry painlessly. It does it from the Vista bootloader too, so it could go back from Vista/Ubuntu OR Vista/XP/Ubuntu tripleboot with equal ease (yes, Wubi is the easiest way to triple boot Vista/XP/Ubuntu that I have ever seen. Note: If triplebooting, do not go directly to Ubuntu on the Vista boot menu after first boot; Go to XP entry, then finish the install from the "Ubuntu" bootloader entry in the XP bootloader)

4. What if I want to reinstall? I'd have to download all over again

Oh no you don't. Tell Wubi to save backup ISO when uninstalling. Reinstallation is as easy as telling the install to install on the same drive letter again.

5. Too much trouble to install on multiple machines on my home network

What kind of dumb excuse is that?? But anyways, I discovered this trick myself- Uninstall, copy the "wubi-save" backup directory created by the uninstall to all the computers you want, and install on all the machines. Wubi does not care about the difference between reinstalled and copied backups.

6. Nvidia cards are fine but my ATI card dies

Okay. You're kind of semi-out of luck. ATI bites. But you can still try using Envy to work around the card http://thedarkmaster.wordpress.com/2007/03/12/install-painlessly-nvidia-or-ati-proprietary-drivers-on-ubuntu-edgy-dapper/

If that doesn't work, try Ubuntu Ultimate Edition (I may have to do that on my new gaming machine because of the @#$% X1900GT locking up the screen before I could do anything in an xwindow): http://ubuntusoftware.info/faq.html

There. No more excuses. If you're on Windows and still haven't tried Linux, hop to it. I used Wubi on my dual-procesor PIII server and it was easy as cake, in some respects even easier than Windows.

What, more?

7. Installing like that would make it work slowly

It didn't "work slowly" on mine. I still watched hi-resolution anime fansub using the included player (after some updating). The funny thing is that had I tried to use windows programs on that machine to play the same file it would stutter badly. The Linux way of handling things is probably more efficient.

8. I can't access files in Windows partition / Windows network from Linux right away

You can. Ubuntu played nice with Windows after Wubi installed it.

Source: http://community.livejournal.com/computergeeks/1106901.html

Date: 09/15/07 (Computer Help)    Keywords: software, ebay

I need to update my computer and I was wondering if I could get some suggestions on the best way to do that.

Basically, I just started editing videos on it, and it runs pretty slow during it.

Do I need to get additional RAM, or, what would be best? I don't need it super fast, but I want to give it a boost so that the editing software runs better and stops freezing up.

I don't have a whole lot of money to spend, but I plan to check eBay, etc.

This is what I have right now.

AMD 64 Athlon Processor 3800+
2.4GHz+ 448 MB RAM
60 GB free hard drive space

What would you suggest I upgrade to?

Thanks!

Source: http://community.livejournal.com/computer_help/817627.html

Date: 09/16/07 (Computer Help)    Keywords: software, web

Hi, people! I've tried calling our ISP (Cox), tried calling the support line for the manfacturer of the products we use (Belkin), basically tried everything except a full factory restore (a last resort). Hopefully I won't have to execute that last option.

Anyway, here's the scoop on what's bringing me and my computer down:

The Hard Facts

I use an eMachines computer (I think from 2005?) - it runs on Windows XP. I DON'T think this is a memory issue, but just in case, it's a 120 GB drive.

The computer I'm using now, my parents' computer, is, I believe, a Dell.

Now, I connect to the internet via a wireless connection - basically, my parents' computer is the one that really does all the connecting, and my computer is content to enjoy this by extension. Therefore, if their connection goes down, mine follows. Sometimes theirs remains fine while mine refuses to work - such as now.

Additional Vital Hardware Mentions:

We both employ a Belkin Wireless G USB Network Adapter. Mine is currently plugged into the computer, as is theirs. Mine is displaying a blue icon in the lower-right corner, indicating that I should be connected and free to roam. In addition, the computer monitor icon in the lower-right of both desktop toolbars is on and, on both computers, indicates connection. The problem is that on my computer, in spite of the icons and messages indicating that by all means, I should be able to use the internet, it doesn't load or connect (every website displays an "Internet Explorer cannot display the page" message).

Other software worth noting is attached to the host computer (or, in one case, plugged separately into a nearby outlet) and is actually vital to ensuring continued internet through the host computer (aka the computer that currently does have working internet connection). This software is comprised of:

Motorola SB5120 SURFboard cable modem. It's currently up and running - the POWER, RECIEVE, SEND, and ONLINE buttons are all a steady green, and the PC ACTIVITY button is a steady orange. Good.

BELKIN Wireless G router, model F5D7230-4, version 5000. It's also currently on and running. Power and Modem lights are on and blinking a vibrant green, as well as the Wireless and Internet buttons. In addition, a green 1 is lit. I'm assuming this may refer to my computer. Also of note:

In the back of the cable modem are three plugs, I suppose you'd call them. The bottom plug is inserted into its slot and the other end is plugged into the wall behind it. There's also an Ethernet cable, I believe it's called, plugged into its socket. The other end is plugged into the Router, in the green section marked "Connection to Modem." The other plug is kind of.,.. don't know what to call it, but iot's like one of those cables you screw and unscrew from various plugs on TVs and VCRs and such. Sorry, the proper term's slipped my mind at the moment. Anyway, it's plugged in and runs into the wall behind it, and all is connected there too.

Now for the router set-up. As mentioned before, one end of an Ethernet cable is planted into the "Connection to Modem/WAN" plug with the other end in the cable modem. The main plug is in, and the other end is plugged tightly into the power strip. The final plug is kind of like the REthernet cable only smaller. It's plugged into a terminal marked "1" under a blue section marked "connection to computers". The other end is plugged into its proper spot on the computer terminal.

The final bit of hardware to mention is a Linksys Wireless G Range Expander, model number WRE54G, version 2-US. When plugged in, it usually shows two vertically-parallel blue lights. More often than not (within the last 24 hours, that is), it shows the bottom light blue and the top light red.

Okay, now that that's all out of the way, time to proceed on through the whole thing.

The Story And What I've Tried

A few days ago, Windows did the automatic update thing for my computer. Having tasks on hand, I put off restarting for a day or two. Not sure if that or the updating may have caused problems. My internet was working fine before I restarted the computer. In addition, so was the range expander.

After restarting, the Network Adapter icon was flashing blue as it should, and the Wireless Network Connection Icon looked fine - no red X or yellow triangle with a black exclamation point in the middle. It said "Status: Connected" and semeed to be okay. But when I went to Internet Explorer? "Page cannot be displayed" is what shows.

Now here's the confusing part - I've tried many things: Uninstalling and reinstalling the adapter on my computer (like, as completely as I can); tried using the "Repair" option for the wireless network (at times it seems to finish and tells me it's been repaired. Other times it seems to get stuck on renewing the IP address, or doesn't finish on some other part, or something); tried checking my available wireless networks (at times it displays belkin54g and underworld. Other times it says none can be found; when they do display the two options, I sometimes must manually connect, other times must disconnect and reconnect. And usually it finishes and says I'm connected yet still gives me a "Page cannot be displayed" message). I've done unplugging, shutting down, re-plugging, re-starting (all of my adapter) unplugging and replugging and resetting the router and range expander and cable modem - nothing works. I tried running a few programs (can't remember which) when I called Belkin support. I also fudged around with the options a bit (as did my dad, who's better with computers than I am). No go whatsoever - no internet loading for me at all.

Basically, I feel like I've run out of options known to me. So I'm turning to you guys.

Any advice, suggestions, any help at all is greatly appreciated (if need be, dumb it down for me - as I stated before, I'm not quite so technologically proficient). If you need any more information, just ask and I'll do my best to provide you with what you need, because I have a feeling I forgot to mention something possibly vital. Hopefully this problem can be fixed, and hopefully it can be achieved without resorting to a factory restore (or buying new hardware, something I can't currently afford). So thanks in advance, and I look forward to any advice.

(Cross-posted to computersupport)

Source: http://community.livejournal.com/computer_help/818172.html

Date: 09/16/07 (Microsoft Windows)    Keywords: software, web

It's me, the Vista n00b again. I want to thank everyone for the tips on my printer. I haven't had a chance to try them yet but I particularly liked getting one from someone who was specifically a vista user.

OK, question. I know that on Pee Cees unlike Macs or *nix systems, virii are an issue. My computer came with a trial of Norton. I don't use P2P filesharing (not yet at least) and whenever I've downloaded a file off the interweb I scan it with ClamWin and then do a custom install to make sure that it only installs exactly what I want it to. I also like how Vista asks my permission to do most things.

So realistically, given my using habits, how susceptible am I to getting infected? Should I pay to subscribe to Norton? In the Mac/*nix world there are a lot of horror stories of every windows computer being infected with dozens of evil virii and that it's just assumed to be a part of the windows experience.

Also, where is a good place to learn about basic common software packages that windows users use? Mostly I've been looking for versions of open source programmes that I know that are ported to Windows as well (like OpenOffice, GIMP, R, I haven't sorted out how to get gcc working yet).

Source: http://community.livejournal.com/ms_windows/83128.html

Date: 09/17/07 (Security)    Keywords: software, security

Company has started sharing some APIs with security vendors, in a bid to create better ways of securing virtual machines. Virtualization vendor VMware has quietly begun sharing some of its software secrets with the IT security industry under an unannounced plan to create better ways of securing virtual machines. ...

Source: http://news.zdnet.com/2100-3513_22-6208354.html

Date: 09/17/07 (Java Web)    Keywords: software, microsoft

Microsoft has lost its appeal against a record 497m euro (approx: $690m) fine imposed by the European Commission. The European Court of First Instance upheld the ruling that Microsoft had abused its dominant market position. A probe concluded in 2004 that Microsoft was guilty of freezing out rivals in server software and products such as media [...]

Source: http://blog.taragana.com/index.php/archive/microsoft-lost-appeal-against-497-million-euro-fine-by-european-commission/

Date: 09/17/07 (Open Source)    Keywords: software, microsoft

Today’s decision by the European Court of First Instance upholding previous fines and penalties against Microsoft is neither surprising nor newsworthy. The European government has traditionally taken a stronger stand and imposed more stringent sanctions against the U.S.-based software company for its alleged anti-competitive practices than did its Washington, D.C. counterpart, which (under a new [...]

Source: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/zdnet/open-source/~3/157773667/

Date: 09/18/07 (Security)    Keywords: software, security, google

Google's security team has released a fuzz testing tool that was used internally to find multiple vulnerabilities in Internet-critical software products. The fuzzer, called Flayer, is an analysis and flow alteration tool that has been used to find errors in real software. In the past...

Source: http://blogs.zdnet.com/security/?p=517

Date: 09/18/07 (Computer Help)    Keywords: software, browser, google

I have a problem installing the latest version of Flash, or rather, I have no problem with the actual installing  (the adobe site says it's installed, I see it in the add/remove software list and so on) but it wont play. I've googled a bit and I'm not alone with this issue, but the solution offered doesn't work for me (i.e. close all browser windows, uninstall flash, re-install flash from adobe site/ download software and install manually). Does anyone know of another solution or reason as to why it wont play? More and more sites are using the latest version and it's getting annoying.

(I use Windows XP btw)

Thanks!

Source: http://community.livejournal.com/computer_help/818865.html

Date: 09/18/07 (Security)    Keywords: software, web, microsoft

Petko D. Petkov's ongoing research into malicious rigging of media files is now taking aim at Microsoft's ubiquitous Windows Media Player (WMP) software. The latest discovery revolves around manipulating ".asx" files to display a Web page within the standalone media player. [The] page will be opened...

Source: http://blogs.zdnet.com/security/?p=518