Wikipedia:Reference desk/Computing

Wikipedia:Reference desk/headercfg

August 26

TotoBaggins's (also known as Sean) code

Hi. I'd like to use User:TotoBaggins's code, at his user page. I think I have already downloaded Perl. What do I do now? A.Z. 02:15, 26 August 2007 (UTC)

Copy and paste and let us know what errors you get back?? Mathmo ^Talk 08:04, 26 August 2007 (UTC)

You save the code into a file called c:\wiki-blame.pl, and then in a command window you type the following:

cd \
perl wiki-blame.pl http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_talk:TotoBaggins 'That code on your userpage looks really useful.'

If that doesn't work, come back and tell us (verbatim) what the computer said when you tried it. --Sean 12:29, 26 August 2007 (UTC)

How do I save the code into a file called c:\wiki-blame.pl? A.Z. 16:52, 26 August 2007 (UTC)

Select all of the text with your mouse, then select "Edit", then "Copy", then open "Notepad", and select "Edit", then "Paste", and then select "File", and then "Save", and type into the little box "C:\wiki-blame.pl". That should work, but I don't use Windows so it's untested. --Sean 19:36, 26 August 2007 (UTC)

I saved the code into a file called C:\wiki-blame.pl.txt, I typed the text in the command window. It replied Can't open perl script "wiki-blame.pl": No such file or directory. A.Z. 02:40, 27 August 2007 (UTC)

(edit conflict with dr.ef.tymac. I'll read your post now, dr.ef.tymac)I tried typing "wiki-blame.pl.txt" instead of "wiki-blame.pl", and now it responds Can't locate File/Slurp.pm in @INC (@INC contains: C:/Perl/lib C:Perl/site/lib.) at wiki-blame.pl.txt line 88. BEGIN failed--compilation aborted at wiki-blame.pl.txt line 88. A.Z. 02:55, 27 August 2007 (UTC)

That means either: 1) you do not have a required add-on that perl needs in order to run the script the way it is supposed to; or 2) you have the add-on, but perl cannot find it on your machine. the "add-on" can be found here. dr.ef.tymac 03:43, 27 August 2007 (UTC)

Step-by-step: Since you're on a windows box, perhaps a step-by-step walk-through can help track down the source of the problem:

• step: Start Menu :: Run :: Type in :: cmd and press [Enter]
• step: type in perl -v
• step: check to see if you got the perl help message. If yes, perl is good, if not, you may need to re-install
• step: rename "wiki-blame.pl.txt" to "wiki-blame.pl"
• step: go back to the cmd window and type in perl c:\wiki-blame.pl

HTH. dr.ef.tymac 02:51, 27 August 2007 (UTC)

I type cmd but when I press enter a box opens that says "Windows can't find 'cmd'." Then it suggests that I typed the wrong name. A.Z. 03:00, 27 August 2007 (UTC)

I typed 'command' now and a window opened. I typed perl -v and a message appeared. A.Z. 03:01, 27 August 2007 (UTC)

The message seems to be the perl help message, with the name of the website www.perl.com. A.Z. 03:03, 27 August 2007 (UTC)

Ok. That verifies that your perl installation at least works properly, and the problem is with the script, or something else. dr.ef.tymac 03:46, 27 August 2007 (UTC)

Thank you. Couldn't there be an easier way to do the same thing that this code does/should do? I think it would be an useful tool. A.Z. 04:58, 27 August 2007 (UTC)

Sure. If someone had some spare web space that can run CGI scripts, it would be just a two-field web form. I just don't happen to have any. --Sean 13:23, 27 August 2007 (UTC)

or on *nix, using /home/az/ should work fine. --lucid 21:17, 26 August 2007 (UTC)

Carbon not working properly in Mac OS X 10.4.10

I highly doubt anyone else is having this same problem, so I'm not going to ask. I'm using a 1st generation MacBook. I seem to be able to run only some PowerPC apps: the non-working ones bounce maybe once in the Dock then exit. For example, I can use LilyPond but not StarCraft. Likewise, Age of Empires II no longer works either. Neither does 2005 World Book, but as that's not really licensed for use on my Macbook (only on my iBook) I'm not terribly concerned about that. AOL Instant Messenger (4.7, build 1333 for Mac OS X) doesn't work anymore either. My HP printer's installer software doesn't work either. However, if I check "Open using Rosetta" for any Universal application, it will still open, and Activity Monitor will reveal it is running as a PowerPC process.

Here's the output that I get when I try to run AoK directly from Terminal.app:

fre-74-178:~ chris$ file /Applications/Age\ of\ Empires\ II\ Gold/Age\ of\ Empires\ II 
/Applications/Age of Empires II Gold/Age of Empires II: header for PowerPC PEF executable
fre-74-178:~ chris$ /Applications/Age\ of\ Empires\ II\ Gold/Age\ of\ Empires\ II 
-bash: /Applications/Age of Empires II Gold/Age of Empires II: cannot execute binary file

All the above programs that no longer work used to work fine. Help, please? --M1ss1ontomars2k4 04:55, 26 August 2007 (UTC)

Removal of Spy Shredder

Please help. I am being bombarded by a very aggressive attempt to get me to purchase a spyware tool called Spy Shredder whenever I am on my PC. I am not a competent IT technical user, merely a browser so any simple advice would be very gratefully received. I should add that under no circumstances will I be forced or persuaded to purchase ANY product marketed so aggressively. I would rather buy a new PC first. Thanks 81.145.241.180 12:55, 26 August 2007 (UTC)

Isn't it ironic that most programs that (aggressively, mostly) advertise spyware (or virus) removal are actually classified spyware or viruses themselves? I'm guessing you've been hit by some variant of spyware that advertises an anti-spyware program to, well, remove those annoying messages. But it could be that you have this program but it wants you to buy the full version to remove apparent spyware. If this is the case, then I suggest you follow instructions here. If not, then download Ad-Aware, AVG Anti-Spyware or Spybot - Search & Destroy (I use the second one, but usually they all work well), install the program, run the program, update the program (usually a button away on the main screen of all these programs), and run a full scan. These 3 are amongst the best anti-spyware programs available, and best of all, they are free. x42bn6 Talk Mess 13:04, 26 August 2007 (UTC)

Spy-Shredder itself, is classified as spyware. You need a spyware program. Google Spy Shredder for more info.Perfect Proposal ^{Speak out loud!} 19:56, 26 August 2007 (UTC)

Don't you mean "you need an anti-spyware program" ? :-) StuRat 22:02, 26 August 2007 (UTC)

Wikipedia and money

How does Wikipedia make money? Heegoop, 26 August 2007 (UTC)

The Wikimedia Foundation is non-profit, but the money to run its various projects comes mainly from donations I think. — Matt Eason ^{(Talk • Contribs)} 21:09, 26 August 2007 (UTC)

Wikipedia currently makes money via an offset printing process, but hopes to upgrade to a better method, which is more difficult to detect, as soon as possible. :-) StuRat 21:58, 26 August 2007 (UTC)

Money is, in fact, not Wikipedia's primary resource boon: time is. If you calculated how much per hour the people who edit on Wikipedia would be paid were they charging their "normal rates" for their time (obviously depends on skill level, education history, where they live, and everything else), you would find that revenue to be far greater than most corporations, I'm betting (meaning, more precisely, that you would consider the donated time to be equivalent with donated money). --24.147.86.187 22:03, 26 August 2007 (UTC)

Wikipedia is a project of the non-profit Wikimedia Foundation. Their finance reports page is here. The vast majority of their support comes from cash and in-kind donations. The 2006 financial statement is here in PDF. TenOfAllTrades(talk) 03:24, 27 August 2007 (UTC)

itunes plus help

I accidentally put itunes plus on an album that I wish to buy but because itunes plus is on the album it is currently too expensive. How do I take itunes plus off the selections?

Thanks

142.161.235.74 20:32, 26 August 2007 (UTC)

In iTunes go to Store>View My Account in the menus. Log in using your username and password. In your Account Information Screen the top thing listed should be about iTunes Plus. Click the Manage iTunes Plus button, untick the checkbox, and click the Save Changes button. All selections should now revert to the standard versions at the standard prices. --jjron 14:28, 27 August 2007 (UTC)

Thank-you very much, very useful advice...

OUP/Basic sample

Hi,

I'm looking for a reference implementation or a sample project for OpenUP/Basic. Can anyone point me to one if it exists?

Regards, Masoud Mahanchian 22:41, 26 August 2007 (UTC)

August 27

Top websites

Where can I find a frequently-updated list of the top 100 most-vistited websites? I've found lists of best-rated websites, but no list that merely counts site hits and is up to date. Thank you for your help.RavenLuna 03:09, 27 August 2007 (UTC)

Alexa? --Wirbelwindヴィルヴェルヴィント (talk) 04:42, 27 August 2007 (UTC)

Is this a good computer?

I'm looking for a mid-level laptop that I would like to be able to do graphic editing (Photoshop CS3), web design and some mild gaming. The following laptop caught my attention: [1] I have a few questions:

1. Is this a good laptop for the price? (NB: it's in Canadian dollars)

2. Will I be able to run Photoshop CS3 smoothly? (I do a lot of 8.5 X 11 300 DPI print work)

3. How is the Acer brand?

4. Is there a large difference between a Intel Core duo and Intel Core 2 duo?

Thanks a lot =) Acceptable 03:21, 27 August 2007 (UTC)

4 is really the deal-breaker here. When buying a laptop, you need to get the best you can possibly get because it's nearly impossible to upgrade anything but RAM. The Core Duo is an outdated processor and will bog you down in PS work. Settle for nothing less than a Core 2 Duo. Mild gaming will not work on an integrated graphics card and I imagine that will also slow you down in Photoshop as well. In short - no, you need a C2D and possibly a low-end video card. -Wooty [Woot?] [Spam! Spam! Wonderful spam!] 06:15, 27 August 2007 (UTC)

Core Duo may be "outdated" but it's still a beast... Core 2 is only a year old, it's not the lowest common denominator yet. --froth^t 18:53, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

What about an AMD equivalent? How do the Turion chips compare to the Core duo's and the Core 2 duos? They usually seem a lot cheaper. Acceptable 15:26, 27 August 2007 (UTC)

Personally I'll be much more worried about the RAM here then the CD. The CD is somewhat outdated but it isn't that bad. Nil Einne 23:23, 27 August 2007 (UTC)

Actually I just remember the CD AFAIK isn't x64 so with any more then 2gb it's going to have problems with Windows XP (you can increase the limit to 3gb but that adds other potential problems). Since you really should have 4gb with your demands I would recommend against anything other then a x64 computer and a x64 OS. Nil Einne 23:26, 27 August 2007 (UTC)

If this concerns you, Acer acquired Gateway, Inc. I overheard a stranger say that he detests Acer because of startup problems. Perhaps, if you do not mind using a Gateway PC, an Acer may be okay. However, I had many problems with refurbished Gateways. --Mayfare 21:51, 3 September 2007 (UTC)

Erdős number in computing?

Is there anything like this in the computing industry? And if not, who are some likely candidates for it to start with? --lucid 06:56, 27 August 2007 (UTC)

Maybe a Knuth number? At least one guy has calculated his own. As for the equivalent in terms of collaboration on, say, open-source software projects, rather than academic papers, there might be more interesting results. iames 14:23, 27 August 2007 (UTC)

Keymap

I am using Cygwin and just realised that the Swedish characters on my keyboard aren't with me any longer (I think they have been before). I what way should I rub it to get it working? —Bromskloss 07:55, 27 August 2007 (UTC)

Can you run locale in cygwin to check your locale settings? Also, do you have the same problem in cmd.exe? --h2g2bob (talk) 13:29, 27 August 2007 (UTC)

The locale command doesn't seem to exist. Everything is fine in cmd.exe. —Bromskloss 14:36, 27 August 2007 (UTC)

Vista "Audio Mixer" for xp?

Is there an app that will give me the same amount of control over the volume of my applications as vista does? —Drexalot

Try Power Mixer Lurker (said · done) 13:37, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

Thanks —Drexalot

Free flash video player?

Anyone know of a good Free Software flash video player? I used to use flowplayer but the author has started including syndicated ads in it. I am talking about a flash movie that is embeddable in a web page, not a standalone desktop player. Thanks. -- Diletante 15:02, 27 August 2007 (UTC)

Look at Flash Video#FLV Player. VLC and MPlayer are among the free software ones. --Spoon! 12:27, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

Thanks, I already use mplayer, but I need something I can embed in a webpage, not a desktop app. -- Diletante 15:29, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

You know that Flash is a proprietary format, why do you need a free software player? Are you looking for a browser plug-in? Why not use the Adobe Flash plug-in? --24.249.108.133 16:38, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

Okay I understand. You need a Flash applet that plays Flash Videos.

First, let me mention that, since FlowPlayer is open-source, if there is something you don't like in there, you can just change the source. I doubt that an open-source player would put ads in it. Perhaps you can inquire about this in the forums.

Searching on the internet returns a ton of other possible players. Here are some of them: [2] [3] --131.215.159.4 20:24, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

Technically flash applets are called flash movies. Yeah I thought the same thing. The author introduced ads in the program with almost no warning, I was working on a webpage for a client and then these ads popped up after the video which makes ME look bad. I went digging thorugh flowplayers website and found that indeed it does run ads and the author is asking for $50 to get a version with no ads. I know I could just modify the source, but then I'd have to install multiple tools learn the flash compile chain and all that. It would also be hard to keep it up to date if i had to continually modify it. Bottom line is that I no longer trust the developer. Hopefully someone will fork flowplayer. AFAIK it is the only flash video player that supports lighttpd-style streaming.

That first link looks good, I see its realeased under Creative Commons, but I can't discern the license for the player on the second link. Thanks! -- Diletante 15:26, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

Emulating a computer that's useless.

I've been fooling around with the registry crashonctrlscrll for a while now, although I was wanting to do a bit more with my PC. Basically, render it "useless" (but not actually, just emulated). Is there a way to make insane error messages show up at mind boggling intervals (every minute maybe?), programs except the antivirus (and tasks that windows requires to run) to continuously quit out unexpectedly, with or without error messages, Windows display that window that it has to shut down messages, CD and DVD drives malfunction (like discs won't spin every other time they're inserted, drive bays won't open/close), and of course, Bsods. Please, no .bat files.

As unusual as this sounds, I'm trying to help my dad out with a computer seminar he's making. He works at the local community college and is giving a class on this kind of stuff. Thanks. --TV-VCR watch 17:14, 27 August 2007 (UTC)

Hmmm, if you are using a Windows XP-based system, I would suggest to disconnect/take away a ram module; say, you have 1 GB of memory, just cut it at 128 MB. It's the only way that I am aware of an that will not damage anything for sure. With Windows Vista, I don't know what can be done, I'm no longer a Windows user, I use Linux, forever Linux.Doktor Who 17:27, 27 August 2007 (UTC)

This is my old personal computer, I don't have any others to fool with (My mother's computer? Yeah right...). I meant by just adding things to the registry, or error creators, and that stuff. Just anything but getting into the computer's guts. --TV-VCR watch 17:43, 27 August 2007 (UTC)

Well, not that I necessarily think the above will work, but it is super easy to deal with RAM, it is not a difficult hardware operation. Usually you can just open up the case and see it sitting there, and it snaps right out. In this case you'd probably need to buy a replacement RAM chip, and make sure it is the right kind, because your existing RAM is probably in very large amounts per chip. Anyway, all I am saying is that RAM is really, really easy to deal with, and as far as playing around with the registry goes, playing around with the RAM is far less likely to create a serious problem for the computer. --24.147.86.187 18:36, 27 August 2007 (UTC)

Whatever you do, if you are planning to play with the registry, I recommend installing a virtual machine and using that, instead of your actual registry. Too many "experiments" and your OS will need to be reinstalled. Something like Parallels Workstation or VMWare or whatever would allow you to install a "sandboxed" OS that you could do whatever you wanted to and instantly roll it back to some sort of "safe", working state, without any danger whatsoever of damaing your primary OS. --24.147.86.187 18:36, 27 August 2007 (UTC)

what OS are you using? What is your system's configuration?Doktor Who 18:50, 27 August 2007 (UTC)

I am using Windows XP Home edition. Well, to be honest, I have a brand new Vista PC, but I'm not in the mood to screw it up. This is my old computer. I don't mind if it gets destroyed from incorrect use of regedit or anything. --TV-VCR watch 19:44, 27 August 2007 (UTC)

Just do a fresh install of windows, disable security updates, then start surfing questionable sites and opening spam email attachments, your computer will be bogged down with malware in no time. -- Diletante 20:17, 27 August 2007 (UTC)

Overclock your RAM too heavily and you'll get lots of errors within seconds until your comp crashes. Beware you're also liable to lose data on your hard disks or at least have partition table corruptions and in Vista maybe even with ones that the stupid OS shouldn't really be accessing (maybe it's the indexing I don't know). Yes I know this from personal experience when I accidently forgot to underclock my RAM while overclocking my CPU Nil Einne 23:21, 27 August 2007 (UTC)

You're not getting the point. In a nutshell, I just want something i.e. a registry edit that generates errors, Bsods, etc. on it's own. I am not messing with this computer's internal parts, because it is sell-able. Who would want to buy a fried computer anyway? --TV-VCR watch 00:38, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

Just go into the registry then and delete random stuff from it, if you want. You'll get unpredictable results and odds are it won't restart. Why not just delete some random system files while you are at it. --24.147.86.187 03:45, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

You didn't tell your system's specifications, anw, I agree with the last advice; also, disabling virtual memory (provided that you have not more than 512 mb) should give out some error messages, depending on the application that you are running.Doktor Who 09:49, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

If you want to make a computer useless and full of error messages, you're already running Windows! *rimshot*

On a serious note, just close the three or four security programs you have running in the background and go to a few "wipikedia.org"s and maybe click a few of those "YOU NEED ANTIVIRUS NOWZ!!!" ads and such until you have enough spyware to get crap like this wonderful screenshot, and then if you can try to teach people to remove all of it (good luck). Unless you're much more specific, we can't really do anything to help though, just saying that you want to show error messages is far too generic. This could be anything from rigging a shell script or a webpage to just create a bunch of error boxes, to intentionally screwing up your system files. --lucid 10:04, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

If you have a programme that random changes the memory at a random location then it will freeze eventually... --antilived^{T | C | G} 10:07, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

Ooh, that's a good one! Will windows even let a userspace program do that though? If it's a low-power CPU I'd suggest totally taking off the heatsink. It should be able to survive for awhile if you don't do much but as soon as the students start doing things, it will crash without the slighest hesitation.. confusing them into thinking that whatever they were doing was causing the problem :) --froth^t 18:56, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

That technique worked in the 9x era when there's hardly any memory protection, but in NT it should at least throw a BSOD of memory violation or something? --antilived^{T | C | G} 08:26, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

OpenGL command

Does anyone no what the command for waiting until the screen refreshes in OpenGL (or GLUT)? I'm using gcc on FreeBSD if either of those matter (or if they don't, for that matter). — Daniel 22:43, 27 August 2007 (UTC)

The screen refresh is actually outside of the scope of OpenGL, so yes, it matters. On FreeBSD you are probably using GLX. Any call to glXSwapBuffers should automatically block until the screen refreshes. If it does not, look for some configuration options to set when you create the gl context. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 84.187.22.254 (talk) 00:50, August 28, 2007 (UTC)

August 28

default password

I forget my windows password and also linux password.So I want to know what its default password?Iloveugourab 00:21, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

There is none, else compromising a server would be so easy. On Linux, you can always boot to some recovery mode to gain root access. Splintercellguy 00:35, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

Boot singleuser. Use the kernel flag "single" to do this, then reset the password. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 129.78.64.102 (talk) 00:52, August 28, 2007 (UTC)

On some Linux installs the default password for "root" is also "root". (In general, try using the same password as the username.) StuRat 01:41, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

The default password is sometimes "toor" (root backwards) Think outside the box 14:37, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

For Windows XP, boot in safemode to bypass login details and then change relevent passwords in the control panel. JoshHolloway 11:01, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

For Windows, use the Offline NT Password & Registry Editor to change the password. --Spoon! 12:24, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

School Internet Filtering

Okay I fully understand if no-one wants to answer this on moral grounds but I heard this thing on the radio yesterday from this guy saying he bypassed his school Internet filter by changing an option in Google that would allow him to bypass it. I'm really curious as to how this would work. Does anyone know how to do this or how it could possibly be done? Thanks Mix Lord 00:59, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

If you pick the "Advanced" button to the right of the place where you type in the Google search term, it takes you to a page which contains, among other things, the SafeSearch setting. If it has defaulted to "Filter using SafeSearch", simply select "No filtering", instead. If your school uses it's own filtering system, this won't work, however. StuRat 01:37, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

Or search for something that's on a banned website and click "Cache". This'll show Google's version of the site. JoshHolloway 11:00, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

Note that many institutions with filters will block access to Google's cache, and other similar sites. Lurker (said · done) 13:31, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

My school blocks the google cache (but only of pages it has blocked). OP, if the school has their network set up perfectly then it's impossible to bypass such a filter. If your school lets you connect your own computer or run arbitrary code on their computers (I'd be wary of monitoring software in the latter case though), then just SSH home, or use a proxy set up on your home computer. If you're still in high school this is real easy (just install privoxy and forward tcp 8118 on your router to the appropriate computer, and configure your browser at school to use the proxy server at your home router's external IP).. if you're at college your parents probably don't want you sapping their bandwidth while you're away, so don't steal. Note that if your school already restricts HTTP traffic through a proxy (rather than just the network gateway, which is how it should be done) you'll have to find some other VPN protocol to tunnel through, in which case you'll have to have some additional software at home to recieve the connection- not to mention the ability to run arbitrary code at school like ssh or stunnel with the proxy patch. --froth^t 19:11, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

By the way, I share this because I object on moral grounds to censorship of the internet! And of course I was vague enough to just give you a few leads to figure it out yourself, which is the most important thing anyway :) --froth^t 19:13, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

BoingBoing also keeps a list of some anti-censorship techniques. From the page: "If your employer or corrupt, undemocratic, dictator-based government uses a filtering service ... you can try the following workarounds". --h2g2bob (talk) 21:36, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

I can't get through the cached pages or the search option. Apparently it's possible to exploit some fundamental weakness in the filter or something and that it's a problem that would be impossible to fix.Mix Lord 04:11, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

SSH to a server listening on port 80/443? Splintercellguy 04:56, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

seminal paper

how to find the seminal paper of a particular topic? i want to find the seminal paper on 'PID Controller'. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 155.69.22.235 (talk) 03:15, August 28, 2007 (UTC)

I can't help you with the PID Controller but usually the easiest way to find a seminal paper (if one really exists) is to trace backwards: find a paper, find the earliest relevant paper it cites, then go to that paper and find the earlier paper it cites, etc. At some point you'll usually find one citation which makes it clear which is seminal; i.e. it'll be the first one in multiple articles and have some sort of tone of "oh yes, we've all read this paper" to the way it is cited. Note though that not all topics have seminal papers — a seminal paper is usually only consider seminal if the paper basically presents a radical new approach/answer, and in many cases discoveries or technologies are quite additive in nature (there is no seminal paper on the light bulb or the automobile, for example; they are technologies which gradually developed from others over time. The closest thing you can get to a seminal paper is a seminal patents, but even those can be misleading in their individual nature). --24.147.86.187 22:38, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

Not intended blanking

Hello, I was referred to this page as a possible source of help with my problem. When I use certain computers to edit pages I end up unexpectedly blanking pages. In essence, what happens is that after I hit the 'edit' button, only a portion of the text that is supposed to load on the edit box ends up loading. As a result, if I pay no attention to checking if the entire section loaded and I save my changes I may inadvertently blank the bottom portions of sections. Here is an example. I was told that it could be a virus, but I find this hardly unlikely since it tends to happen from the computers at school which have no administrator privileges and their memory is cleared up every time after use (they are well maintained too.) Do you know how I can keep this from occurring? Thank you, Brusegadi 04:49, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

I would speculate that the computer doesn't have enough available memory to load the entire page, and handles this situation badly. It should give an error, but instead appears to load part of the page, but otherwise behave normally. One suggestion is to use section edits whenever possible, instead of full page edits. Another suggestion is to switch to a different browser. StuRat 05:07, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

OK, two possible reasons, neither of which is necessarily applicable to you.

1. About a year ago there was an issue, I think it was with using the Google toolbar in Firefox. If you loaded a page bigger than say 30kb it would cut the bottom off. I think this issue has been resolved, but that may depend on users having updated their software.
2. I have met this problem with pages, especially big pages, being cut off when downloading on a slow connection, such as a modem (especially if multitasking, such as downloading files, opening several pages, etc all at the same time). Now it's possible that your school connections are slow, or prone to times of overload when very large numbers of people are accessing simultaneously, when this could happen. If this is the case, there's no way of stopping it, you must just ensure the pages have loaded properly. The pages will claim to have loaded properly, so you really have to be vigilant. If this does happen, often you have to use <Crtl><F5> to force a reload, as the refresh button in the browser won't do it. --jjron 08:09, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

Thank you all. Since the internet connection is fast, and it happens with the two available browsers, I am inclined to believe it has to do with the memory settings the computer has. I always stick to section editing, but it is not fun when you need to remove or add templates at the top of the page. Oh well. Thanks again, Brusegadi 04:15, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

If you want to add to the top of the page, just click any [edit]. Then change the last number of the url (after &section=) to 0. That will load everything before the first section (&section=1). HYENASTE 23:23, 30 August 2007 (UTC) —Preceding unsigned comment added by Hyenaste (talk • contribs)

XML extensions

Hi! I'm a newbie working on xml-based formats in developing applications. From the development point of view, is there a difference if I give it a custom extension, of say .ABCD rather than .XML? Is there a deep difference in the extension used for xml files (so as long as it does not conflict with other registered file types)? Regards —Preceding unsigned comment added by 203.78.219.4 (talk) 05:53, August 28, 2007 (UTC)

Extensions are used by most operating systems to guess at a file type. There's no requirement for you to use "proper" extensions. For example, I can have a MS Word document with the extension ".ihateword". I can have a pdf with the extension ".pdfsareevil". Some (old) operating systems limit extensions to 3 characters. Those are rare to find in modern times. So, feel free to use whatever you like. Anyone opening the file will easily see that it is XML and not care what the filename is. -- Kainaw^(what?) 12:13, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

Minor add-on: To Kainaw's entirely suitable answer; some applications also use the file extension for various purposes, and failing to use the "proper" extension won't necessarily break anything, but it may give you additional headaches. For example, some Text editors use the file extension to determine what kind of Syntax highlighting to apply to the currently-edited file.

In this instance, you would want to go into the configuration options for your text editor and register the extension "ABCD" (along with xml, xsl, svg, xhtml, ... and so on) so that your application "knows" that abcd is just another type of xml file. dr.ef.tymac 14:49, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

HQ1

Could you please provide for me any information about HQ1 chipsets that Sony produces them also, if you can give me the datasheet for them?

Thank you in advance

Suliman —Preceding unsigned comment added by 146.232.75.208 (talk) 09:26, August 28, 2007 (UTC)

The Forum Game

In every classroom, meeting or forum, whether online or not, there seem to be persons who can not resist the temptation to disrupt to the point that it is to them obviously a game. One rule for dealing with trolls in such situations is "Not to feed the trolls." Are there other rules that administrators, moderators and users who merely wish to contribute and learn can follow to play and win The Forum Game? Clem 11:33, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

Ignoring trolls ("do not feed" them) is the best method. Trolls want attention. That is why they are trolls. Ignoring them deprives them of what they want and they go elsewhere. It is hard sometimes. There are many trolls here on Wikipedia. I've got into it with a few of them - which is completely my mistake. I know better. I am learning though. Just last week, I pointed out (on the Science RD) that driving slower gets better gas mileage. A troll piped in and said I was completely wrong - driving slower does not get you where you going as fast as driving faster. He equated my comment to a religious argument. Note: He didn't respond to what I wrote. He responded to something different and threw in an insult. I recognized him as a troll and didn't respond - even though I really wanted to. -- Kainaw^(what?) 12:10, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

Why didn't you just answer his legitimate claim about gas mileage? You're both wrong by the way- there's an optimum speed for each vehicle, it's not a general rule about faster or slower --froth^t 19:15, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

As I stated, he did not respond to what I wrote. He responded to something totally different in a highly confrontational and insulting tone. I'm doing my best not to respond to trolls. -- Kainaw^(what?) 19:35, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

One problem is that it's human nature to label anyone as a troll who disagrees with us and won't be convinced of our argument. Thus, giving administrators the mandate to ban trolls results in them banning anyone who disagrees with them. The "ignore the trolls" policy gets around this problem, by simply causing those who disagree to disengage. StuRat 13:37, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

I don't think that's quite fair. Most admins don't ban people as trolls unless they are blatantly being disruptive to the editing process. I think the "human nature" bit is really that when many people who show up here don't get what they want, they behave very poorly. --24.147.86.187 15:25, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

I've always found them a bit like fleas - once they're there it's difficult to ignore, and obviously they spoil your experience. I've found that over time I've just become immune (mostly) - persevere and you'll just find the problem seems to go away (mostly). I think they like 'fresh' ones - once you've been bitten a few times they must get bored of the taste.87.102.90.8 13:57, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

Also why not take a look at slashdot with the moderation turned down to -1 and learn how the masters do it.87.102.90.8 14:20, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

Or alternatively - give them the scrap they want - get it out of your system (I recommend this!) if so you might want to take a look at the articles linked from Pejorative. Good luck anyway87.102.90.8 14:20, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

With all of these comments in mind I faced the varmint and after wrestling for almost four days he finally lost interest and disappeared. He might return later but for the next little while he will be licking his wounds instead of inflicting them on me. Glad I posted this question and thanks for the help. Clem 02:36, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

I always thought this comic summed it up well. Personally I think a combination of ignoring the quick drive-by trolls (don't give them an audience, hope they find something better to do) and banning the persistent ones works out as well as one can hope for. --24.147.86.187 15:28, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

Programming Language for working with hardware

HI friends...I would like to work with the PC hardware and with external communication devices using PC serial port,USB etc...For that which language wouldbe recommended to learn?...I prefer Visual Basic which can be used to make windows GUI as well as programming to communicate with peripheral devices....Or shall I use C?(can we do those stuff it in C?).I thought C is complicated for these sort of applications.Or is there anything else more specific?...For eg, I want to make interface so that I can copy some data from one medium say, CD drive to a serial EEPROM device or maybe a modem, etc..?..Please help —Preceding unsigned comment added by 122.164.249.89 (talk) 11:34, August 28, 2007 (UTC) (I created a separate section for this question. JSBillings 12:01, 28 August 2007 (UTC))

You can use just about any language you like. What you need is a library of functions for working with the serial port or USB port. Since you are learning, I suggest C# or Java. My reasoning is that they are similar to C, Object Oriented, and easier to learn than C. However, there will surely be a slew of radical religious responses claiming that C# and/or Java were designed by Satan to drive all of humanity into the pits of Hell. What you should get from arguments like that is that some people take programming languages way too seriously. It really doesn't matter which one you choose. -- Kainaw^(what?) 12:06, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

Thanks a lot...Oh really?..But isn't learning java a tougher job when compared to C?..And I heard many saying that wihout an affluent knowledge in C, one can't be a master in C# or java or any higher languages that are above to C?...Is it true?...Anyway I will start with that... —Preceding unsigned comment added by 122.164.249.89 (talk) 04:36, August 29, 2007 (UTC)

You can probably learn C in a day. It is a very simple language. However, fully understanding using pointers, memory management, all the necessary library functions, etc. can be complex, that's why languages like Java are popular, since they handle a lot of the complex OS interactions for you. It still doesn't hurt to understand C and how your OS works. -- JSBillings 12:59, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

Correct. It is easier to learn Java (or C#) because a lot of things are handled for you. You can put off learning about them while you learn the basics. When you are ready, you can make the jump to C++ (or C if you wish) and try to pick up what you ignored in Java/C#. -- Kainaw^(what?) 13:02, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

Transferring data between computers

I have two computers connected by the same router. Is there any way I can share folders and transfer data from one computer to the other through my LAN connection? One of the computers is running Windows Vista, while the other is running Windows XP. Thanks. Acceptable 13:15, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

You can use Windows networking to do it. There are many ways to do this. The easiest is to right-click on a folder on the one that currently has the files. Select "sharing" and share the folder. It may go through a lot of steps to set up file sharing. Now, go to the other computer and look in the Network Neighborhood. You should see the shared folder appear so you can open it and copy the file. Of course, there are many reasons that the folder may not appear. It is best to try this and then, if it doesn't work, come back for the long process of troubleshooting. -- Kainaw^(what?) 13:18, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

I have such a system at home (in our case we have Windows 98 and Windows XP computers), and it seems to be almost random whether a particular folder shows up on the network for any given computer on any given day. Rebooting everything, including the router, changes the status of each folder (again randomly), so doing it enough times will eventually make the folder you want appear on the Network Neighborhood for the computer you want. StuRat 13:29, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

If you had a Mac all you'd need to run is a Firewire cable or ethernet cable between the two - with no router. --24.249.108.133 16:46, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

"If you had a Mac..." is not the answer to any Windows problem. Notice that there are no "If you had Linux..." answers here. -- Kainaw^(what?) 17:05, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

If you have a real computer, all you need is a length of ethernet crossover cable, which is specifically designed for file transfer. And I seriously doubt that macs can perform the same feat with standard cat5, you need a crossover cable or its non-ethernet-standards-compliant. --froth^t 19:19, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

Macs auto-sense when there when Ethernet is connected to another Mac and automatically reconfigure the port so you can indeed use a standard patch cable as a crossover cable. Pretty neat! Back on topic, have you thought about 802.11n? --24.249.108.133 06:15, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

Actually, macs automatically cross the cable. Works very well, my friend and I always use that feature to transfer files. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.195.124.101 (talk) 23:30, August 28, 2007 (UTC)

If I do what Kainaw suggests, where will the folder be stored? Is it stored on the computer with the folder that I right-clicked on? Thanks. Acceptable 17:19, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

Yes - you create a "shared" folder just as you would any other folder. For example, go into "My Documents", make a new folder called "Shared", and then right-click on it. That is the computer the folder is physically on. Then, once you right-click and share it, the other computer should be able to see it. If not, come back and ask for further troubleshooting help. -- Kainaw^(what?) 18:24, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

Windows networking is all fine and good but if it's a lot of data, like hundreds of gigabytes, then set up a samba share on the host and connect to it from the other computer. Or use sftp. --froth^t 19:20, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

I should have said this before... I use a USB drive myself. -- Kainaw^(what?) 19:31, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

Malware on Vista

Hi does any one know how I can remover malware of my computer I am running vista thank you weare2good lol —Preceding unsigned comment added by Weare2good (talk • contribs) 15:48, August 28, 2007 (UTC)

http://www.lavasoft.com/products/ad_aware_free.php?PHPSESSID=e891ea4176f42a6658ddf7c17b05720a

Contrary to the wikipedia article Ad-Aware this does work with Vista (at least according to their 'badge' on the screen. I don't have vista so cannot vouch for it. ny156uk 18:10, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

Thank you but I have spybot but it has not removed eveything so I need something that will remover all spyware ect.Weare2good 18:23, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

No one program seems to remove everything. The combination of Spybot S&D and AdAware seems to get most malware. --LarryMac | Talk 19:02, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

Software release date database

I was curious if there are any online resources that track the release dates of major software? (ie: when was Photoshop 2.5 released? Or Windows 98SE? Or Netscape 1.1?) --24.249.108.133 16:31, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

Check Wikipedia. For example, the Photoshop page has a link to Adobe Photoshop release history -- Kainaw^(what?) 17:29, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

Interchanging desktop and laptop RAM

Can I take apart my old PC and put its RAM into a laptop and vice-versa?Acceptable 17:23, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

Under nearly all circumstances, no, you cannot. RAM for desk computers is physically different from laptop ram - so they don't interchange. There are rare exceptions. -- Kainaw^(what?) 17:30, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

I found this out the hard way when upgrading an old desktop of mine. >_< CaptainVindaloo ^{t c e} 18:21, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

The easiest way to check is to use a memory upgrade tool and plug in the values for each system. Crucial.com has one, for example. If they don't match, it won't work. They probably won't match. And note that this isn't something that you can "just try"—in many cases the RAM won't even fit in the same slot and will be in a totally different physical shape. --24.147.86.187 22:30, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

To be specific, most laptops use SODIMMs -- small outline DIMMs, whereas desktops use regular-sized parts. --Mdwyer 23:50, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

Wordpress, Markdown and New Lines

Hello,

I'm using markdown to write the posts for my wordpress blogs and I've run into a minor formatting issue. Markdown outputs the text in HTML format like this:

<P>blah blah blah</P>

<P>blah blah blah</P>

<P>blah blah blah</P>

Which I then copy/paste into wordpress.

The problem is that wordpress only leaves one carriage return after each paragraph, which lumps all the text together.

Is there anyway to fix this?

Thanks for your help,

--Grey1618 22:12, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

Three possible solutions: 1. adding an extra carriage return? 2. manually adding <br/> after each paragraph? 3. modifying your wordpress style sheets to add more space after every paragraph entity? --24.147.86.187 22:34, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

#3 looks to me like the way to go. What theme are you using? I use Wordpress and haven't seen such a problem. —Tamfang 06:12, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

August 29

Word doc into picture

I've been collaborating with a few people to create a document. It's vital that the formatting not change between computers. However, each collaborator's computer formats the word document differently. I was hoping to find a way to create a picture, which is also satisfactory. I tried to take a screen shot, but in addition to it not working, the document is too long to fit in one screen shot. We all have Windows XPs.

Any suggestions? Thanks! FruitMart07 02:07, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

There must be something like "Print to File" or "Export to PDF". Try that. —Keenan Pepper 02:14, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

PDF exporting wasn't added to Word until version 2005 (whatever they called it) if I remember correctly. You can use PDFCreator, which installs a PDF exporter as a "printer" on the computer. Print from Word to the PDFCreator to create a PDF. -- Kainaw^(what?) 02:17, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

What about something like OOo? It might give you less troubles than Word, but word shouldn't give you problems in the first place --lucid 02:20, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

As the above users have said, convert the Word file to a PDF. Another great free program to do this is CutePDF (or CutePDF direct to their website), which also installs as a printer, and you just print to a PDF file. Dead easy. --jjron 05:55, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

Your description sounds a lot like the need for PDF - which was designed so that colours and formatting get preserved when you share it. The problem with PDF is that they aren't really editable - you can invest a lot of money to get something can edit PDFs properly - and some image editing software (Photoshop, Corel, etc.) sometimes manages to edit. There are free PDF generators from Word, you can look up CutePDF (see the above post). To take a screenshot (not recommended for your situation) you can consider zooming out in Word and then taking a screenshot. I think ultimately what you're looking to do is have documents that you can share and easily edit - such as Word documents, but without any distortion, therefore you could consider software like Open Office (apparently free), getting everybody to install the same versions, and hope that somehow the documents shared will all display the same. You do get more formal publishing software that might be your answer Rfwoolf 14:23, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

It may depends exactly what formatting is changing. Largely, Word should preserve formatting across machines, but if, for instance, there are differences between the Normal.dot template on each machine then that may affect the formatting - what is being affected? Worm ^{(t | c)} 15:11, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

Thanks for your answers, everybody! I tried this out and have had great results with PDFCreator. This is exactly what we were looking for. I'm one of the main collaborators for this document, so I would know. Perfectionista777 21:42, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

Internet Speed

Hello. I had my Internet speed tested by cNet. According to my ISP 295.ca, my high speed Internet is supposed to be up to 5 Mbps. cNet says that my Internet speed is about 1 Mbps. I know that cNet's Internet speed results should not be entirely taken for granted. However, that is a big difference. Something must be wrong. Is my ISP cheating me? Thanks in advance. --Mayfare 02:22, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

What your ISP says is what your connection can do at the max, while the CNET test gives you your speed to their server, internet latency and all. Splintercellguy 02:23, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

Tell me what [4] gives you. Be very specific about the way you format your answer - there's a big difference between KBs and kbs. JoshHolloway 02:31, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

And an even bigger difference between MBs and mbs ;) Capuchin 07:11, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

It is true that the ISP mentions the maximum speed that a user is expexted to get. But it also does not imply that the speed may dip to any levels. In fact most ISP's mention the speed in bits/sec eg. kilobits/sec (Kbps) or megabits/sec (Mbps). Whereas download speeds are generally calculated in bytes/sec although the denotion seems the same (KBps, MBps,etc.) except that the "b" is replaced with "B". The conversion is One Byte = 8 bits. So if the ISP gives a speed of 8 Mbps then the download speed will be 1 MBps. So check the units of speed first. - Gurkirat. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 164.100.147.246 (talk) 09:42, August 29, 2007 (UTC)

speedtest.net gives me a download speed of 1287 kb/s and an upload speed of 555 kb/s. All units are case sensitive. The latency is 42 ms. The server is in Fenton, Michigan, US. (I chose the recommended server). The distance is about 200 miles. Is it supposed to be like that? --Mayfare 15:22, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

I would say that's very good. I have a 2mb connection (where you have 5mb) and I get 200kb/s downstream and 30kb/s upstream. Saying that a 2mb connection = 200kb/s, a 5mb connection would be 500kb/s...but you get twice that at 1287 kb/s. JoshHolloway 17:38, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

Thanks everyone. --Mayfare 20:31, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

Google Maps/Earth

How do I email Google and tell them that when I look up my address on Google Maps or Google Earth the arrow points to my neighbours house? --124.254.77.148 03:22, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

Does it point to your neighbours house on googlemaps (maps.google.com) or just on google earth? Most 'satellite' view pictures from close range on google earth (if no all) are taken from air-planes and aren't always exact.--Dacium 06:19, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

It points to my neighbours house on both. Can they readjust it? --124.254.77.148 09:08, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

They just take whatever street numbers they have, and extrapolate in between those for addresses they don't have (which is most of them). They're not likely to change this method for you. --Sean 10:17, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

And hey, if mysterious people come and kidnap your neighbors, you can say, "Maybe it was meant.. for me!" --24.147.86.187 13:24, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

Another problem happens when the photo was taken at an angle and your building is high, it will be spread sideways in the image and the location may not be correct. But a map should not have this problem. Graeme Bartlett 14:06, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

Hello 124.254.77.148. Whenever I used Google Maps to locate someone's address, it points me a bit off the actual location. Relax; it happens to everyone. --Mayfare 15:29, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

Yes, the resolution of the images is better than the absolute position accuracy, so even if you can see features of your house less than a meter, the position could be off by 5 or 10 meters. They won't be able to do anything about it if you complain. —Keenan Pepper 17:39, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

And honestly, why should they care all that much? If someone was really using Google Maps to find your house as part of a trip there, they're not going to rely on a picture of the roof to tell them which one it is, they're going to rely on the number facing the street. --24.147.86.187 17:56, 31 August 2007 (UTC)

Free antivirus software for Windows XP?

My boyfriend would like a new anti-virus program. He is running Windows XP and just uninstalled the free version of AVG Anti-Virus. It was working fine as far as virus protection, but he doesn't like the way it pops up windows on the screen and interrupts whatever you're doing several times a day whenever it updates. It corrupted his install of BioShock and has also caused problems with other games. Can you suggest an anti-virus software program that's free (or has a decent free version) and will do the job without him knowing it's there? Thanks in advance. --Grace 05:11, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

I use avast!. It notifies you of updates etc via Messenger-style 'toast' popups in the corner of the screen. — Matt Eason ^{(Talk &#149; Contribs)} 13:33, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

I've used AVG for a long time; you can configure it not to notify you when it updates. I also have it set to update weekly. "Several times a day" seems like overkill to me. jeffjon 19:00, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

I use AVG, though I don't have the resident scanner installed or automatic updates enabled. In fact, I can't even connect to the update server, I have to install update packages manually :( But I never have problems with notifications (which I can't stand)- I probably have it configured away --froth^t 07:50, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

I'm sure it's possible to configure all that stuff, but he was frustrated with AVG and just wanted it gone (and I believe it wasn't the update thing, just AVG in general, that corrupted BioShock). I'll tell him about avast! Thanks for the help. --Grace 05:18, 31 August 2007 (UTC)

This thread made me curious, so I did some searching. It seems to be well-documented that AVG and Bioshock do not get along (just Google "bioshock antivirus"). I'd probably place the blame on the game's publishers however, for including SecuROM on the game disks. There are sections in both the SecuROM article and the Bioshock article discussing a little bit of the controversy surrounding this rootkit-like software. --LarryMac | Talk 19:38, 31 August 2007 (UTC)

How difficult is starting an ad agency?

We are thinking of starting an advertising agency for serving ads to our own website and at the same time use that platform to serve ads to other PC and mobile publishers. Can an advertising agency be started with very minimum investment ($10,000) or is it a big boy's game? The one thing which comes to my mind is collecting payment from advertisers and giving out payment to publishers. Can that part be completely outsourced? Can you name any one company that does that? What are the other challenges and difficulties?

Is there any website or book which explains how to start an online ad agency? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 59.96.28.225 (talk) 10:30, August 29, 2007 (UTC) Thanks. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 59.96.28.225 (talk) 10:26, August 29, 2007 (UTC)

You may wish to examine Affiliate marketing which is one kind of business model that could be used for very low entry cost. But don't add your URL as a spam link like many have tried in the past! Graeme Bartlett 14:03, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

The competition in this area is huge, and you can expect dirty players, the history of adware, spyware and spam demonstrates this. Graeme Bartlett 01:16, 31 August 2007 (UTC)

The problem will not be in setting up a payment system — that is relatively easy, especially with a digital businesses (just keep good records). The tough part will be soliciting advertisers, and convincing websites that you are the best ad service for them. To do that you'd have to come up with a reason why your company is really better than the ones which are already established, and have to make it obvious that you aren't just going to fold up in a day or so. Additionally if you do not have many affiliates (people running your ads), then you are going to have a hard time convincing companies to pay anything to you (you won't have enough page views).

I think you could do it with a pretty low investment. You need hardware services that will be able to deal with your ad serving, but bandwidth and space is pretty cheap these days. You need people who know how to set it up if you can't do it yourself, and that can be expensive. Most important is that you need people who are willing to serve your ads and advertisers to pay for it -- that's the hard part. --24.147.86.187 17:54, 31 August 2007 (UTC)

Google Earth Help

Recently I downloaded Google Earth, and also downloaded the Blue Marble add-on. Unfortunately, whenever I click the Blue Marble Icon, Google Earth always takes me to just west of the Congo, and I can't spin the globe aropund to see my desired location. Any ideas? The Updater would like to talk to you! 10:40, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

My line-out is acting up!

The audio line-out on my computer is getting wonky (sound only comes out of one speaker unless you jiggle it like a crazy person). Is there like some USB device or something that I could plug in that would give me an extra one of those? Preferably something that would work for both linux and windows, but windows-only is fine too. --Oskar 11:30, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

There are external USB sound cards that you can get that will act as a line-out, yes. Search for "USB sound card" and you'll find a bunch. --24.147.86.187 13:40, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

Actually, you don't have to get so fancy as a sound card. There are $5 USB to Miniplug and mic adaptors all over ebay. (Search for "USB sound") Logitech includes a similar one in their gaming headset. The sound quality is every bit as good as a card would give you. --72.202.150.92 05:07, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

Video conversion software

Hello, I am looking for software to convert .wmv files to the .avi format. I'm looking for the best choice in your opinions. Speed of conversion is important, as lossless as possible. Freeware is much preferred.

Thanks for your help, Wikipedia is great for seeing what is available, but its opinions that I am really looking for. Five of Eleven 17:34, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

VLC works well for me. It supports many file formats. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.195.124.101 (talk) 22:04, August 29, 2007 (UTC)

Boo! VLC devs exhort users not to use their streaming functionality for transcoding, and I agree with them. Try mencoder, that's the best for general avi transcoding.. or virtualdub if you can't figure out the syntax of mplayer. And you should read up on avi, it's just a container format. Completely uncompressed avi is still a container format technically but it just directly contains the video, not an encoded stream.. though it's massive. Maybe that's what you're thinking of? --froth^t 07:48, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

May I ask why that is? I mean, it's not the most advanced transcoder, but if you just want to transcode something, it works fine for me. TheArv 15:00, 31 August 2007 (UTC)

The Simpsons Hit & Run

When I start the game The Simpsons Hit & Run on PC, I get an error message saying "The procedure entry point _RADSetMemory@8 could not be located in the dynamic link library binkw32.dll". What is wrong and how do I fix it?James P Twomey 17:48, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

Perhaps you have an old or damaged (or missing) version of that DLL file. Try Googling the file and downloading it or reinstalling the game. --Taraborn 21:24, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

It looks like a video-related error to me. Try making sure your video drivers are up to date, maybe try installing the latest version of DirectX. --24.147.86.187 00:31, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

mod_rewriting

I'd like to rewrite a url, using mod_rewrite. I want anything requesting mydomain.com/hats/more_url to get the page at mydomain.com/clothing/hats/more_url. The line in my .htaccess file currently reads RewriteRule ^hats/(.*)$ clothing/hats/$1, but that's not working. Can someone please help me understand where I've gone wrong? Cheers, →Ollie (talk • contribs) 20:26, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

I would expect it to be ^/hats/(.*)$ - the beginning slash should be there. Also, ensure Apache is allowing you to alter things in .htaccess. -- Kainaw^(what?) 21:07, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

Turned out I was putting the htaccess file in the wrong directory... oh dear. Thanks for your time anyway! →Ollie (talk • contribs) 21:33, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

Font family

If I'm using a generic font family such as fantasy, is there a way to tell the actual font being used for the computer I'm on? I've already tried some font-finding websites, so I'm wondering if there is a file where its defined. aznshorty67 21:48, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

Fonts are found at C:/WINDOWS/FONTS on Windows XP. I don't really understand what you mean other than that. JoshHolloway 21:54, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

Also, you can go to the control panel, make sure it's in classic mode, and click fonts. It should take you there, but trust me, there is a ton of fonts in there, be cautious. If you don't want to search through that mess, just search for the font. Jonathan (formerly Jonjonbt) 23:18, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

The questioner is asking about the generic font families in CSS. I'm afraid I don't know where (or even if) they're defined system-wide; I do know that Opera allows the user to change the defaults (Tools > Preferences > Advanced > Fonts), but I don't know if Opera's defaults are the same as Firefox and IE's. — Matt Eason ^{(Talk &#149; Contribs)} 02:26, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

Thanks, but I wanted Firefox specifically. I probably should have mentioned that. aznshorty67 20:14, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

Old RAM with new RAM

If I put a stick of slower RAM into a new computer, will it hinder the performance of the computer in anyway? Acceptable 23:25, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

It depends on the speed of the motherboard's bus and the speed of the CPU's front-side bus. If they are already slower than the slowest RAM you put in, you won't see any difference (as the RAM will be running slowed anyway). Usually, the answer is "yes - very little, but just enough that you might notice now and then." The worst thing to happen is if you have mixed speeds of RAM and the motherboard is too buggy to handle it properly. -- Kainaw^(what?) 03:18, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

AVI codec

Where can I download a free AVI codec for Windows Media Player 11 in Windows Vista that will allow me to watch movies in the .avi format? Thanks. Acceptable 23:43, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

AVI is just a container format, it doesn't have its own codec. What you need to do is figure out what codec is inside the AVI (i.e., DivX, XVid, etc.) and then get that. In WMP for XP you can usually figure it out by looking at the "file properties" of the movie inside WMP. Usually with codec issues you can resolve them by getting an "all-in-one" codec set, but the last time I got one of those was some time ago (DefilerPak), so I am probably out of the loop on which ones are best for Vista. --24.147.86.187 00:22, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

Whatever you do, don't just install a big codec pack! Research on your own and install the appropriate decoders and directshow filters every time you need a new codec. Otherwise you're taking a performance hit, and you don't know what's going on in your own computer --froth^t 07:42, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

Well, DefilerPak isn't exactly "big", and the codecs are pretty standard ones for internet-related things. I'm a bit surprised that having more codecs would result in a performance hit — wouldn't WMP, etc., only load up the codecs it needs? (It seems to do that, anyway). And I'm not sure codecs are really the big threat to "what's going on in your own computer"... --24.147.86.187 14:54, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

You also could use GSpot to identify the codec. Splintercellguy 02:47, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

August 30

Ipod/MP3 player memory upgrade

Is it possible to upgrade the memory of an Ipod or similar mp3 player (e.g. upgrade a 10gig ipod to a 20gig ipod), and how does one go about doing this?--68.91.192.173 02:11, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

See this. It is difficult, expensive, and voids your warranty. -- Kainaw^(what?) 03:16, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

The ones with small amounts of memory, say up to 4GB, use flash memory, the ones with more memory like the 40 & 80 GB ones use mini hard disk drives. As Kainaw says, upgrading is probably more trouble and more expense than it's worth. You'd be better off selling what you've got and buying a bigger one. --jjron 08:51, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

I have a SanDisk Sansa that has an SD card slot for upgrading storage. Useful. -Wooty [Woot?] [Spam! Spam! Wonderful spam!] 04:52, 31 August 2007 (UTC)

desining of logical circuit

A water well pump is to be turned automatically if the water level is low in any two or more of the reservoirs .water level detectors in the reservoirs each generate a logic zero if the level in a reservoir is low.Design alogic system that turns ON the pump by generating a logical '1' in response to inputs received from the level detectors.202.141.98.204 06:14, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

This looks strangely like a home work question, is that the case? Graeme Bartlett 08:38, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

Agreed, we don't do homework, nand we don't give hints. StuRat 00:52, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

De Morgan's theorem is helpful here although the article is pretty difficult to understand unless you have a degree in mathematics--88.111.50.131 01:23, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

Website

What criteria or qualities qualify a website as a good one? in other words what are to be observed when i build a website? thx --218.250.157.77 14:21, 30 August 2007 (UTC)—Preceding unsigned comment added by 218.250.142.227 (talk) 10:15, August 30, 2007 (UTC)

The quality of the content would be one major factor.87.102.14.233 10:40, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

What are you trying to achieve with your site? You have to look at who your audience is, and whether your content matches what they want to read. If you can keep a reader on your site going through multiple pages, before they lose interest, then I suppose you are successful. For a commercial site it may be important how many sales leads are generated. Other aspects such as whether your pages work in all browsers, and is fast also add to its usability. Far too many web authors assume that Internet Explorer 6 is installed on the readers computer, and are surprised when the page does not work or looks crappy, say on an old computer with a 14 inch screen. Graeme Bartlett 11:12, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

I echo 87.102.14.233's comment - it is all about the content. If the site is plain black text on a white background, but the content is what people want, then it is a great site. If the site is jam-packed with flash, CSS, javascript, cookie trackers, and a little butterfly that follows the cursor around, but has no content - it is a terrible website. So, if you are planning on designing a website, you should spend 99.99% of your time gathering content and 0.01% of your time worrying about design. Once the content is in place, you can tweak the design and pretty it up. -- Kainaw^(what?) 13:00, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

You say that as though flash, CSS, javascript, cookie trackers, and little butterflies that follow the cursor around were good things. -- BenRG 22:11, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

I agree, many websites seem to follow the Hollywood movie model ("if you have enough special effects there's no need for any actual content or plot"). StuRat 00:44, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

thx guys, my site is mainly informative. --218.250.157.77 14:21, 30 August 2007 (UTC) —Preceding unsigned comment added by 218.250.157.77 (talk) 14:14, August 30, 2007 (UTC)

An important aspect of the content thing is navigation. If it's a big site, the info may be there, but people may still not be able to find it. I suggest adding a site map, which shows the logical structure of your site. You should make such an overview for yourself anyway, while organising the info for the site, so you might as well add that to the site, with a link to it on the home page. To which there must be a link on all pages - consider how people might come to your site. They don't always come in through the front door, but often through deep links on other sites.

Also, don't use pdf's or animations. Pdf's have several problems, one of which is that they are very slow, partly because they're absurdly big, compared to the same info in an html file, which is a major pain for people with slow internet connections (also make sure you have 'clean' html code, without unnecessary nonsense tags, so don't make the pages in, say, msWord - Seamonkey is much better). And animations are liked by advertisers because people can't ignore them - their eyes are constantly drawn to them. Which means they are distracted from the content. DirkvdM 06:22, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

Also, if you must include animations and such crap, add an "HTML only" page display option, for those who want to skip the garbage. I used to go to weather.com for my daily weather report, but they chased me away with all that crap. I now go to "weather undergound", instead, because they have a nice, simple, quick loading presentation: [5]. StuRat 16:29, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

windows installer for vista

Hi can any one help me I am unable to install anything, as vista keeps saying that windows installer is not installed I have tried reinstalling but windows will not let me do so saying the window installer is not installed help please 86.141.95.208 11:15, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315346 -Wooty [Woot?] [Spam! Spam! Wonderful spam!] 08:42, 31 August 2007 (UTC)

live cd to live usb

I recently bought a Linutop--a computer that boots only from USB. The problem is that I want to use Oralux--a distro only available as a live CD. So I need to change a live CD into a live USB. I looked at the Wikipedia article on Live USB and it makes it seem easy, but the only guides I've found with Google are for doing it under Linux, and I can never make head or tail of the shell. Is there a way to do this under Windows, or at least an automated way of doing it under Linux? 4.79.17.248 14:01, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

How to remove a motherboard secured with clips not screws

How do I replace a motherboard secured in this fashion?

I am about to replace my computer but would like, if possible, to reuse my current case. All the guides I've found through Google talk about undoing screws to remove a motherboard. My current motherboard however is not secured by screws but metal clips as shown in the photo. The clips do not bend upwards, and the motherboard does not want to move laterally (bottom to top in the photo) - at least not without more force than I am comfortable using. How do I go about removing the motherboard? Is the new motherboard likely to come with mounting screws or will I need to reuse these clips?

In case it matters, the motherboard is an MSI "K7N2GM L" (branded as "N1996") and the case is branded as Aries (the Watford Electronics own brand) without any further identification I can find. Thryduulf 14:48, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

From the photo, it looks like clips that you squeeze. They compress so that the hole can slip over them. Installing is much easier - just push the board down over them. A side photo is needed to see if this is actually the case or if it is an entirely different sort of clip. -- Kainaw^(what?) 14:56, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

Btw, that looks like a normal screw hole for your motherboard that the clip is going through, so it's definately a weird case rather than your motherboard :) Capuchin 14:58, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

I don't know what you mean by squeeze - there is only part to the clip (it appears to be Г shaped, overlapping the edge of the hole) and it doesn't appear to move in any direction. I can't get a side on photograph, there is not room in the case for my camera. Thryduulf 15:09, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

I have often found that these "easy release" boards may have one or two screws at other locations. Have you carefully examined the board for any permanent attachment points? You may need to remove a few, and then you will find that the board easily slides up and away from the clips. Nimur 16:29, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

I don't recall seeing any screws anywhere, but I will have another good look. Thryduulf 16:51, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

Ugh. The user manual took 20 minutes to download and has no useful diagrams of the mounting bracket. It simply mentions "6 mounting holes" which appears to contradict the photograph, on which I can count at least eight (maybe nine) mounting holes. Nimur 17:05, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

Believe it or not I've seen this done before. Be very, very careful when doing this but take a screwdriver to gently but firmly pull the clips away/back so they no longer holding down the motherboard. (You can do this with your fingers if possible). Be sure to ground yourself at all times. It's a little like how you had to pull away clips in older computers to remove RAM. Guroadrunner 17:47, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

It is really hard to tell from the angle of the photograph—virtually any other angle would give more information. If the clip is bent down to hold the motherboard, then you'll have to unbend it. Avoid using the board as leverage as you can easily cause cracks. Hold the screwdriver or, perhaps, needle-nose pliers in such a way that if it slips as you're applying force, it won't damage the board. The new motherboard will not come with screws or any mounting hardware. It will only come with holes in standard positions. The case manufacturer is responsible for supplying the mounting hardware, which might be clips or standoffs and/or screws. If there were no other way, I'd cut the clips off with a pair of dykes. &mdashBradley 04:55, 31 August 2007 (UTC)

how many writes

How many writes does an average flash memory stick take before it fails?--69.118.235.97 18:19, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

100,000 to 1,000,000 writes to any given sector of the Flash ROM. To help extend the device's life, most thumb drives use some sort of wear levelling file system.

Atlant 18:35, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

Thanks! --69.118.235.97 18:56, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

This question has come up a few times before. Given moderate usage most of these devices can expect to have write-cycles far longer than the lifespan you would expect of the product itself. Here's a bit of an article about it (http://www.storagesearch.com/ssdmyths-endurance.html), quite technical but should give you an idea. ny156uk 23:10, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

Sample flash / flash video files

Hi, I'm testing some software which is supposed to be able to use flash (.swf) and flash video (.fla) files. I'm just looking for some samples of these to test with since as far as I'm aware I can't create them from here. Anything non-obscene would do, any ideas where I could download from? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 81.107.38.194 (talk) 19:21, August 30, 2007 (UTC)

You could download some from Youtube with a tool like this, or consider WinFF[6] - new versions of WinFF can re-encode other videos into Flash Video (.flv) format. Nimur 19:35, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

Those are FLV, not FLA or SWFs. (You use a SWF to view a FLV in the browser, but they're not the same thin). --24.147.86.187 22:19, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

SWF files can be download from any place that uses Flash. Simply view the source, search for .swf, copy the path and it should download.

FLA files might be harder, because they are the source code to make SWFs and most people keep them privately. If you Google "FLA sample" or "Flash tutorial sample" you'll find a bunch, though (the latter is useful because many tutorials for Flash include a FLA file to download so that you can view how things "ought" to look). --24.147.86.187 22:19, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

I suppose I'm confused by the question - do you want the .swf file, or the actual video file? Flash Video files tend to be .FLV files, although you might be referring to .SWF animations. Can you clarify what you're looking for? Nimur 16:36, 31 August 2007 (UTC)

Screen saver quirk

Just a little quirk I spotted on Vista...the screen saver never seems to turn on when the laptop is plugged in. But when it's unplugged, it works just fine. Anybody have an explanation?--The Ninth Bright Shiner 20:37, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

In your Power Options (or something like that) control panel, you can set different power settings for plugged in and on battery. --131.215.159.4 21:11, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

Well, I didn't see anything about screen savers in there...--The Ninth Bright Shiner 03:28, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

Wireless newtworking/router

Hi. I've got a belkin wireless router and use it for a macbook (and a home pc that is wire-connected to the router). Well my question is does it matter what channel I 'broadcast' on? I seem to notice a major difference between channel 8 (low signal, ridiculously slow internet speed) and channel 11. granted there must be about 5 more wireless networks in my range and perhaps 8 is 'busy' with those and so gets interference, but is there any other reason beyond this? Also is there a default channel that routers use/channels best avoided? ny156uk 23:04, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

Continual failure of wireless network

My friend brought his wireless-enabled laptop to my wireless network, but dangit I couldn't find my 25 digit code. No problem, I thought; I could just make a new network and start fresh. But every time I tried to make a new wireless network, it wouldn't show up on either computer. I thought the old one (with the forgotten key) was clouding the newer ones, but I couldn't even delete/remove the old one. And in the meantime I had set up ~10 wireless networks. What's the easiest way to clear all the old wireless networks from the computer, and start fresh with a new network? HYENASTE 23:32, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

I think Advanced Options -> Wireless Networks, then removed the preferred entries? Were you making IBSS (peer-to-peer) networks? Splintercellguy 02:11, 31 August 2007 (UTC)

No, I was just trying to let him access the Internet. HYENASTE 02:19, 31 August 2007 (UTC)

August 31

Laptop external monitor

I have a laptop with a native resolution of 1280x800 pixels. I want to connect an eternal LCD monitor with a native resolution of 1280x1024, so that I can use the bigger LCD screen at home. Would the picture displayed be in 1280x800 or 1280x1024? If the latter is the case, will my computer performance decrease because of the increased resolution? Thanks. Acceptable 02:04, 31 August 2007 (UTC)

Depends on what you are going to do with the other monitor. If you are using it in "extend" mode, then it will have 1280×1024 resolution (or whatever you set it to), but if you use it in clone mode it will clone your laptop LCD and thus have the same resolution. Yes it will decrease performance, but only a tiny bit that you aren't really gonna notice. --antilived^{T | C | G} 04:46, 31 August 2007 (UTC)

Boosting saturation on laptop monitor

I have an Acer Aspire 5610 laptop with Windows Vista Home Premium. I have noticed that the monitor seems a bit light in colour and low in contrast. Is there anyway I can increase the monitor saturation and contrast? Acceptable 02:08, 31 August 2007 (UTC)

Some laptops have buttons just like normal monitors to change the options. Usually they are invoked using the Fn-key. For example, on a Dell laptop I saw, you can increase the brightness by pressing Fn-Up (and decrease using Fn-Down). Sometimes, your video card will have other options. For example, aTi cards allow you to change colour options via your display settings > Advanced (at least in XP, not sure about Vista). x42bn6 Talk Mess 06:48, 31 August 2007 (UTC)

Usually monitors have their own video settings as well. Try pressing the buttons on the front or back of it; you'll likely find a menu that will let you adjust the color and contrast. --24.147.86.187 17:49, 31 August 2007 (UTC)

DVD-lab - Project does not compile

I have a problem with DVDlab. My project won´t compile. I think the problem might be that something´s wrong with the header of the first .vob, because in the verification log everything shows up with "0", but I could use the file in the program without any problems, add chapters, branching etc. The file also plays without errors in VideoLan. I tried fixing the header with DVDPatcher, but that didn´t seem to do anything. Here´s the log, maybe someone can help me.

Mit VideoLan wird mir die Datei auch abgespielt. Hab versucht das ganze mit DVDPatcher zu reparieren, also die passenden Daten eingegeben, aber es scheint keinen Effekt zu haben. Ich hoffe es kann mir jemand helfen. Ich kopier mal das komplette Log rein:

Full DVD Lab Pro Verification Log

*** DVD Lab Pro Verification Log ***
    8 - 31 - 2007 -- 8:42:59


************************
*                      *
*   VMG Verification   *
*                      *
************************


Number of VTS - 1
Number of Menus: 2


Menu 01 - Type - Dummy


Menu 02 - Type - Dummy

Number of imported VTS: 0

************************
*                      *
*   VTS Verification   *
*                      *
************************


<<< VTS Number 1 >>>
Number of Titles: 10


*Title 01 - Type - VOB
*Segment 1, Video File C:\Dokumente und Einstellungen\Frederik\Eigene Dateien\VTS_01_1.VOB
*Video type does not match
*Frame size: 0 X 0
*Frame rate: 0   	[1--23.976, 2--24, 4--29.97, 3--25, 5--30]
*Wrong video frame rate
*Aspect Ratio: 0   	[43--4:3, 169--16:9]
*Video aspect ratio is neither 4:3 nor 16:9
*Chroma: 1   		[1--4:2:0, 2--4:2:2, 3--4:4:4]
*Audio Stream Count: 0
*Subtitle Stream Count: 0


*Title 02 - Type - VOB
*Segment 1, Video File D:\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_2.VOB
*Frame size: 352 X 576
*Frame rate: 3   	[1--23.976, 2--24, 4--29.97, 3--25, 5--30]
*Aspect Ratio: 43   	[43--4:3, 169--16:9]
*Chroma: 1   		[1--4:2:0, 2--4:2:2, 3--4:4:4]
*Audio Stream Count: 1
*Subtitle Stream Count: 0
*Audio type: AC3_Mot, Channel: 1, Sampling: 48000, Bitrate: 256000


Title 03 - Type - Clone


Title 04 - Type - Clone


Title 05 - Type - Clone


Title 06 - Type - Clone


Title 07 - Type - Clone


Title 08 - Type - Clone


Title 09 - Type - Clone


Title 10 - Type - Clone



Number of Menus: 7


Menu 01 - Type - Dummy


Menu 02 - Type - Still
	nMenu cell count - 1

	Menu Image File C:\Temp\54868552_tmp1.bmp
	Picture size - 720 x 576
	Menu Audio File - None
	Menu Sub-Picture File C:\Temp\54868552_tmpsub1.bmp
	Picture size - 720 x 576


Menu 03 - Type - Still
	nMenu cell count - 1

	Menu Image File C:\Temp\55463944_tmp1.bmp
	Picture size - 720 x 576
	Menu Audio File - None
	Menu Sub-Picture File C:\Temp\55463944_tmpsub1.bmp
	Picture size - 720 x 576


Menu 04 - Type - Still
	nMenu cell count - 1

	Menu Image File C:\Temp\59359240_tmp1.bmp
	Picture size - 720 x 576
	Menu Audio File - None
	Menu Sub-Picture File C:\Temp\59359240_tmpsub1.bmp
	Picture size - 720 x 576


Menu 05 - Type - Still
	nMenu cell count - 1

	Menu Image File C:\Temp\60553808_tmp1.bmp
	Picture size - 720 x 576
	Menu Audio File - None
	Menu Sub-Picture File C:\Temp\60553808_tmpsub1.bmp
	Picture size - 720 x 576


Menu 06 - Type - Still
	nMenu cell count - 1

	Menu Image File C:\Temp\67733104_tmp1.bmp
	Picture size - 720 x 576
	Menu Audio File - None
	Menu Sub-Picture File C:\Temp\67733104_tmpsub1.bmp
	Picture size - 720 x 576


Menu 07 - Type - Dummy

************************
*                      *
*   Status Messages    *
*                      *
************************
	Pre verification fails. Process abort ! - 1998

81.201.224.13 07:45, 31 August 2007 (UTC)

I have taken the liberty of formatting your log to avoid cluttering the desk. Nimur 16:32, 31 August 2007 (UTC)

WHIRLPOOL

Hello. Sorry, the title must be capitalized; otherwise, the link would not work. Where in Canada may I get the WHIRLPOOL software or the like? Thanks in advance. --Mayfare 20:38, 31 August 2007 (UTC)

Is there a reason you couldn't use the links at the end of the article? Does it matter that you are in Canada versus anywhere else? It is just a hashing function; there are at least three implementations linked to at the bottom of the article, and if you wanted it in another language I am betting you could just google "WHIRLPOOL HASH FUNCTION" and the language in question (i.e. PHP or Javascript) and probably end up with it, if it is easily available. --24.147.86.187 22:56, 31 August 2007 (UTC)

Thank you so much for your expertise. Sorry for any inconvenience. --Mayfare 15:14, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

I believe LibTom also includes well-written routines that include WHIRLPOOL hashes. 24.119.252.158 01:21, 3 September 2007 (UTC)

September 1

Gaining access to LAN computer

I have two computers (1 wireless laptop and 1 wired desktop) connected in a LAN connection by a router. The laptop is running Vista, while the desktop is running XP. Is there anyway I can "hack" into my desktop using my laptop? For example, can I view the files on my desktop through my laptop?

As well, my desktop is connected to a printer with a wire. Is there anyway I can print a document wirelessly from my laptop through the desktop and through to the printer? Thanks. Acceptable 00:01, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

Viewing files. Depends on what you want to do. You can share the disks on your Desktop with the LAN so that your Laptop will nee them as network shares, or you can use Remote Desktop or VNC to 'take control' of the Desktop from your Laptop. Printing should be easier - you just need to share the printer on your Desktop with the LAN - there should be a 'sharing' option in the printer properties. (You may need to turn on file and print sharing in your network connection) Worm ^{(t | c)}

PSP Help

Hi, a few months ago I downgraded my 3.03 Official Firmware PSP using the Illuminati exploit. I then installed 3.40 OE firmware. My question is can I go back to official Sony Firmware now? (BTW, I have a TA-082 motherboard.) Any help would be very very appreciated. RedStateV 00:43, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

tv-links

1. is there a wiki page on tv-links? I can't find it. 2. How does tv-links work? 3. Why are there so many dead links?

no speculation please. please give links to support answers. Thanks -ROB —Preceding unsigned comment added by 70.131.128.182 (talk) 02:04, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

Hardware problems

Hello, I am using a 736JD Microchip (Dell make 2003 November) with a processer that uses a 9 voltage adaptor. Would this combination defect my Wikipedia page display or would it create a meltdown in the lower motherboard? My motherboard detail logs are : 63H-4403-N/FE4. For The Americas the 9 voltage adaptor would be a 12 voltage adapter with compactability to the motherboard (in this case with the Dell Microchip). Furthermore, Would these adapters also damage my screen of my computer when viewing Wikipedia? As for the screen, it is a 1997 (old) make by Hartwell Glass Co. (now defunct). Thank You. --Missingthefuture 02:47, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

Your question seems to be "will a higher voltage adaptor break my computer", and I'm guessing you have a laptop. Adaptors that output at the same voltage will be fine regardless of brand. However, selecting a higher voltage or using a higher-voltage adapter probably will break things. I doubt your motherboard will "melt", but you will probably fry all the electronics. Check the rear of the laptop for the power specifications and get an adapter that meets them exactly. -Wooty [Woot?] [Spam! Spam! Wonderful spam!] 23:58, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

Firefox IRC plugin

I'm looking for an IRC plugin for firefox-- but one that, unlike Chatzilla, runs as a frame in Firefox, instead of another window or tab. Somewhat in the same way I can press CTRL+B and have a bookmarks sidebar popup, I'd like something similar, except across the bottom of the window. I'd really appreciate it if someone knew where I could find something like this --lucid 14:36, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

I'm Feeling Lucky and Stopbadware

Hello. Let's say I search a term or phrase using Google and I click the I'm Feeling Lucky button; and the website, to where Google directs me, contains "badware". Will Google stop me from accessing the site? Thanks in advance. --Mayfare 16:53, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

Probably not. Google's I'm Feeling Lucky function simply redirects you to the first result page on the search page. Unless you configure it to, Google will also never block a web page, including it's own search result pages. Perfect Proposal ^{Speak out loud!} 21:45, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

The latter part is not entirely true — for a while at least Google would sternly warn you to avoid sites that would "try to harm your computer" and make it a bit tougher to go to them. --24.147.86.187 21:55, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

Sorry, yes, you're entirely right. Perfect Proposal ^{Speak out loud!} 00:06, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

I wish I could confirm this but I can't find a "blocked" URL to test it out on... x42bn6 Talk Mess 10:20, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

I googled pascal programming. Google claimed that the first result may harm my computer. That is what brought up my question in the first place. Now that I re-googled pascal programming, the first result does not have the warning anymore. --Mayfare 13:49, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

5.1 Channel Sound Extraction From DVD

I recently bought a copy of Jean Michel's AERO album. It has two formats, Audio CD and a bonus DVD. The DVD contains teh same songs but in Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 surround Sound. Is there any way I can extract the Dolby Surround track retaining the 5.1 channels to play back as a Wav file (is it wav pro that handles 5.1?) Or, is there a way I can extract the sound to 6 separate channels and then I can assemble them back together using Nuendo. Thanks —Preceding unsigned comment added by 91.84.88.84 (talk) 19:34, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

You can use Handbrake to etract the video, and then use another program to extract the audio. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.195.124.101 (talk) 18:07, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

chmod issues

I'm using a remote server and I can't seem to change the file permissions on it via my FTP program.

I tried to use PHP to do a chmod on the file in question, and got this error message:

Warning: chmod() [function.chmod]: Read-only file system in {php file path} on line 22

Is there anything I can do to circumvent this on my end? The files are all currently 0600, and I need them to be something whereby PHP can write to a few of them. (I don't have root access or anything like that -- it is an academic web server and so I have little control over the settings.) --24.147.86.187 19:45, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

Can you delete the file and create it in the first place with PHP? --Spoon! 21:03, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

Good idea, but it doesn't seem to be working. Here's the message:

Warning: fopen(data/data_courses.php) [function.fopen]: failed to open stream: Read-only file system in {php file path} on line 28

Blah. --24.147.86.187 21:33, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

Is this an account that you can SSH into and change permissions and stuff from the shell? --Spoon! 23:18, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

So far as I can tell I can only FTP into it (not even SFTP). I tried to SSH into it and it just rejected the request out of hand. --24.147.86.187 01:19, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

You need to remount the filesystem the files are residing on read-write. They may be read-only fo security reasons. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 122.148.69.121 (talk) 01:21, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

And if you can't do that, the best you can do is to make a local copy of the file which you can modify. StuRat 02:28, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

Hmm, maybe they mounted the personal home directories on the web server system read-only as some kind of security measure or something like that. In that case there is no hope of directly writing to it. Maybe you could write to the /tmp directory; but it won't stay there forever, so that probably won't suit you. If you need the script to remember something, the only way is to send it over the network. Maybe you can have your script FTP into your account and modify the files on there that way. Or you could have the script submit to another script on the Internet on another server where you can write to files, and then return the output, etc. --Spoon! 22:26, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

Hmm, I didn't think about having the script FTP in, that might actually work, as clumsy as it sounds. I'll give that a shot. I thought about using another server in conjunction, but that would only work for about half of what I need it to do (which is not much, mind you!). And I'm sure that the server was set up like this in an ill-advised attempt at security; it is an academic webserver after all, and those are nothing if not pits of bad choices which are impossible for a developer to get around... --24.147.86.187 01:31, 3 September 2007 (UTC)

IRC for dummies

I keep hearing about this "IRC channel" on "freenode". I've read the IRC article a million times and still don't understand. Could someone please explain it?--Pheonix15 20:14, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

On an IRC server, there are discussion areas called channels. You join the channel on the IRC server in order to talk in it. Splintercellguy 20:29, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

Could I have a more detailed explanation?--Pheonix15 20:33, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

Okay I kinda understand now. I downloaded HydraIRC but I have some questions;

• Whats a nick?
• How do you "configure your identities"?
• How the heck do you use it!

Thanks - Pheonix15 20:45, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

Have a look at [7] and [8]. JoshHolloway 20:44, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

IRC channels are like IM chat rooms. You use an IRC application to connect to a certain server (Freenode, in this case). Then you join the channel you want to chat in, and can type messages to other users there. It's what people used for real-time chat before IM clients came around. The main difference is that anyone can start an IRC server, and any IRC client can connect to it; with IM services, it's usually one company providing the service, and you use their client to connect & chat.

On older IRC client applications, you had to type a command to join a channel, like "/join #h4x0r" to join the "h4x0r" channel and chat with people there. Modern applications will have a button you can click to type in a channel name so you can join them. -- 68.156.149.62 20:46, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

Thanks. I'm familiar with instant messaging but this IRC business seems much more complicated. Thanks anyway--Pheonix15 20:55, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

installing new cellphone OS

I recently installed a new OS on my Linksys router. Is this possible with my Nokia cell phone? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.147.39.60 (talk) 20:16, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

I dunno, but it would really help if you told us what model. Splintercellguy 20:28, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

Dual boot

Hello! On my other computer, Windows XP isn't working anymore; it will not boot. Can I install Linux on it on another partition and still access my Windows files to back them up on a CD or flash drive? Thanks!--El aprendelenguas 20:33, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

Perhaps. It depends on how corrupted the disk has become. If the boot sector is corrupted, you're probably in trouble, and will lose most of your files. I will wait for someone else with more knowledge of Linux to tell you how to do a partition. The Evil Spartan 21:38, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

If you're unable to do that and just need to access your files you could try using a live-cd version of Linux, that will boot straight off a CD so you won't have to install anythingMix Lord 22:45, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

Knoppix is good for that. No installation required! 216.178.50.171 17:40, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

I tried running Knoppix, and it started to boot up, but then it just got to a black screen and stopped. Now when I turn on my computer, I can't even get up the BIOS; it just has a black screen as if it were still off. The CD drive will still open and close, but it can't do much more than that. Now if I put in a CD with Linux or Knoppix on it, it will make noice like it were reading the CD, then just stop and do nothing again. I know that Knoppix didn't cause this problem, since my computer is pretty much on its last life anyway, but is there any way left I can regain access to some of my old files? Thanks!--El aprendelenguas 19:13, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

Printing a Wikipedia article

When printing a multi-page Wikipedia article such as "Florida", 20 pages long, my printer prints pages 1,3,4,8-11,16-18,20. The other pages show only a header and footer. Other articles show similar results, apparently random pages print.

I am using Vista Home Prem, 2 gigs Ram, Athlon 64 CPU, Spy Sweeper and AVG Antivirus active, and do not have this problem at other websites. Does anyone have suggestions what may be happening? Roboconk 21:22, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

This is a difficult problem without knowing anything about your printer. I would suggest a few things: first off, try printing on another web browser (e.g., Internet Explorer or Firefox). If that works, there's probably a problem with your browser and Vista. If that fails, try contacting the manufacturer of your printer; most printer manufacturers provide a technical support. You'll want to check the print preview beforehand (go to menu File->Print Preview), though, to see if the problem is in the hardware or the software; include this information with what you tell the manufacturer. The Evil Spartan 21:37, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

This probably wont make a difference, but you are printing the printable versions of the page, right? I mean, on any article there is a link in the sidebar that says "Printable version"(look here for "Florida"), that offers a version of the page that printers tend to like. --Oskar 13:34, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

Have you tried pages other then Florida? Nil Einne 15:32, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

Typing 'O' on computer

For quite a long time now (more than a year, at least) I've been having trouble on my computer with typing the letter 'o'. Every so often the letter simply stops doing anything, until I press the alt key twice (this was a fix I found quite early on by accident).

The problem doesn't seem to be tied to any particular software, although it might have started (I don't remember) when I started using Opera as my internet browser. It does effect other programs, though.

I posted this on the Reference Desk a long time ago, but didn't get any response other than a comment from somebody else to whom this occurred, thanking me for the Alt key fix.

If anyone knows how to solve this I'd be very grateful.

Thanks, Daniel (‽) 21:23, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

That's an odd problem. It sounds to me like it's a hardware issue, though. I'd be willing to bet if you tried a new keyboard, the problem wouldn't replicate. My suggestion would be to get a new keyboard, or just stick it out with the new one, as this kind of problem (if it's indeed hardware) it tough to impossible to fix. If you think it's software, though, and that Opera is the problem, you could try uninstalling Opera. But I'm hedging my bets on the first possibility. The Evil Spartan 21:34, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

I don't agree with it being a hardware issue. If that was the prob, then hitting ALT twice wouldn't fix it. I'm more inclined to think that some process is running which intercepts that keystroke, quite possibly Opera. I'd try shutting down programs until the problem goes away, first in the normal way and then using Task Manager to kill any nonessential processes. Once you identify the problem process, let us know and we may be able to find a cure (assuming it's a process you need to run at all). StuRat 02:21, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

Do you have any accessibility options such as StickyKeys enabled? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 129.78.64.102 (talk) 22:38, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

website question how to get from .com to .index

Hello, I bought a domain name recently and built a page using frontpage. I uploaded my site to a free host called newsit.es and can access the index page like this: www.mywebsite.com/index.htm . Is there a way that I can go to www.mywebsite.com and have that be my homepage, my index page, or atleast have it redirect to mywebsite.com/index.htm

Thanks —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.56.231.40 (talk) 00:44, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

Usually, anything called "index" is automatically used as the home page for a directory (otherwise the directory contents are listed). Try renaming it to index.html and see if that works - otherwise, you need to talk to your hosting provider. -Wooty [Woot?] [Spam! Spam! Wonderful spam!] 01:12, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

If you mean "when you type www.mywebsite.com you want index.htm to appear", then Wooty's comments apply. If you mean "you want to open your browser on that page" then, in MSIE, browse to the page and click "Tools | options | General | Use current". -- SGBailey 07:39, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

uxtheme.dll

does anybody know how to modify uxtheme.dll to make custom themes or how to package MSI files?

-User:Drexalot —Preceding unsigned comment added by 69.212.60.74 (talk) 04:27, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

Google Maps

I don't know if this is the correct desk for this or over at the miscellaneous desk if it isn't I apologize. Anyway, I was wondering if there is anyway to check when the satellite view was last updated on a certain section of the map? Whispering 14:08, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

If you use Google Earth it will generally tell you the copyright date and the name of the source. Not sure if there if there is any easier or more specific way. --24.147.86.187 15:48, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

Doh! Didn't think about Google Earth. I'll try that thanks. Whispering 15:52, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

Network problem

I have anetwork problem. When I turn on my computer, the network at my dad's house crashes. When I use a different computer at my dad's house, the network works fine. At my mom's house, or at school, the network and my computer work fine. For the record, my computer is a Lenovo Thinkpad T61, and my dad's network transmitter is a NETGEAR RangeMax 240 wireless router. - AMP'd 14:56, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

Are you sure you don't have a worm of some sort? It's one of the most common causes of network applicances crashing Nil Einne 15:30, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

Systems event notification trouble?

When I started my laptop this afternoon, it was behaving very badly and took a very long time to start windows, although it did eventually. I ran a scan (McAfee) with the wireless connection turned off, and didn't find anything. When I turned the wireless back on, I found that my laptop wouldn't even see the network, even though other computers (such as this one I'm using) could. It tells me that windows cannot configure the network, and maybe some other software has been set up to do it, even though windows was happily doing it yesterday. Looking through the event viewer, I see SENS errors and an Eventsystem error (The COM+ Event System detected an inconsistency in its internal state. The assertion "GetLastError() == 122L" failed at line 201 of d:\qxp_slp\com\com1x\src\events\shared\sectools.cpp. Please contact Microsoft Product Support Services to report this error.) The SENS errors are like the one described here. I looked at the System Event Notification in Services and its status is 'starting' rather than 'started'.

Any help resolving this would be gratefully received. It's all looking a bit scary.

Skittle 15:42, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

Phew! Seems to have been resolved by a system restore to a few days ago. I think the problem was caused by attempting to install a VPN client. System restore borked McAfee so I had to reinstall that, but otherwise everything looks good. I hope this is a useful lesson to someone, possibly me! Skittle 16:37, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

Is it time to move to Linux?

Microsoft is ending support for Windows XP in 2008 or 2009, requiring XP users to purchase Vista. When I upgraded to XP I lost the ability to access my printer port in real time and all the way back to the first version of the operating system Microsoft wrote for the TRS-80 Model I I've had to give up something in order to get something else. In that case it was the ability to enter variables as well as constants in interpreter BASIC on the Model I using the input statement. Aside from the profit motive to force user purchase of the next operating system after support is abandoned for the old, does this pattern now suggest it is time to abandoned Microsoft and move to Linux? Clem 16:05, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

As long as you don't have problems with driver support (most people don't, the few that do are normally xorg, i'll explain that in a second) yes, linux is all the desktop you'd expect from OSX or XP or Vista, shiny desktop effects and all. It really is liberating, sorta like skinny dipping. People might make fun of you, and it might leave you flustered every now and then, but... actually, I can't think of any upsides to skinny dipping, never tried it personally, but still, you get what I'm saying. I'd recommend downloading three or four LiveCDs to see what distro you want to start with-- I personally recommend Ubuntu (linux distribution), which is the most popular distro with plenty of incredibly easy to install software and a large community of support, however you will probably get three or four other recommendations to this because linux users are like that. What I was saying about xorg earlier is one of the reasons I'd recommend Ubuntu, especially if you're not planning on switching for a few weeks. Xorg is your graphics environment, it gives you all the pretty color and windows and in general makes your computer more than just black and white text. Of course, if this fails (say, a missing graphics driver), it can be very hard for a new user to fix it, especially if they don't have a second computer to look for help with. In Ubuntu 7.10 (coming out next month), they're including something called "Bulletproof X", which is somewhat like a Safe Mode for your graphics, so that you can fix it without having to use the command line. --lucid 16:20, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

The main thing I'm concerned about is that I have invested almost 30 years in developing application software and just as I finally had everything working (Visual Basic for Applications for the MS Office suite) Microsoft pulled the plug and all the functionality of Visual Basic that I was relying upon in office has now simply vanished and is gone. Whatever I do I need to be able to restore this functionality or face starting from scratch - something that might make a less determined user jump off a very high ledge. Clem 16:31, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

Most of Visual Basic has been rolled into Visual Basic .NET now, which has some changes. Yes, if you intend to stick with VB, you'll have to move to VB .NET and Vista at some point to keep relevant with the market. Otherwise, moving to Linux and another development package, such as Java, would be the best way to go. It really depends on your business model and how much time & money you're willing to invest in switching. -- Kesh 17:38, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

Linux is free, easier to install (for example, Internet works instantly -I believe in Ubuntu you even get an internet connection during installation, which can be extremely handy), you get a shitload of programs pre-installed and it's much more configurable. That last bit is rather addictive - once you've gotten used to that, msWindows feels like a straight-jacket. On the downside, as mentioned, there are not always (good) drivers for less run-of-the-mill devices (although that is becoming less and less of a problem) and if the program you want isn't installed or in the 'library' (what is that called again), it can be tricky to get it installed (although being a programmer probably means that will be less of a problem for you). If it exists for Linux at all. In that last field my only gripe is there is no Linux version of Photoshop and I don't find Gimp a good enough alternative (mostly because the keyboard shortcuts I'm used to don't work with it, and those are essential for a type of program with which you necessarily use the mouse a lot). On the other hand, there are also lots of Linux programs that are not ported to msWindows, mostly handy tools, such as KDirStat, to name but one (when organising stuff it can be very handy to know which are the largest files on your harddisks). Note, though, that there are several solutions to running msWindows programs on Linux, such as Xen and Wine (software) (still have to try those). DirkvdM 18:11, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

Microsoft is not ending support for Windows XP in 2009. In April 2009 both Home and Pro versions will move into the Extended Support phase, which means security updates will be available for another five years, until April 2014. More information here. — Matt Eason ^{(Talk &#149; Contribs)} 21:27, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

I'd like to believe you but one of the reasons I donated my copy of Windows 3.1 to my church is because the pastor wanted to be absolutely guaranteed that whatever was in his computer could not be compromised through his network card's mac address, bypassing all of the higher level security features. He simply makes a floppy disk or CD copy to transfer or to store data and to guarantee security we removed everything with a mac addresses from his computer. Wouldn't it be nice if Microsoft acknowledged such very important uses for DOS and 3.1 by continuing to give them support. They owe it to the people who supported them from the beginning by buying such software. To offer no support now is in my opinion criminal. All our pastor needed was a word processor and although we can provide it using 3.1 we do so in absence of any help or support from Microsoft. No matter what Microsoft claims I am becoming more and more convinced that Linux is the way to go. Sorry Microsoft, can't support changes made solely for the purpose of forcing me to let you stick your hand in my pocket again and again and again. Clem 00:13, 3 September 2007 (UTC)

I can see the argument Bill Gates could make for not offering support for an O/S after a certain number of years (basically, that the cost is too high for the small number of users left on that O/S), but I have two reservations:

1) The number of years after which support will be abandoned should be mentioned up front, when the purchase decision is made.

2) If other companies wish to provide support for old O/S's, Microsoft should not interfere. If they both refuse to offer support and refuse to allow others to do so, this makes it obvious this is a case of planned obsolescence.

It seems to me that what MS does should be illegal, and perhaps is. At any rate, it's very poor customers relations and likely to lose them customers in the long run. StuRat 03:38, 3 September 2007 (UTC)

My anger at Microsoft for not seeing the light and taking the initiative ahead of me prompts me to say that as a result of experiencing abandonment of support, that when Microsoft puts an operating system on the market it should be required by law to provide permanent support in the form of a cost fee download or CD set of the product, its updates, docs, etc. Clem 10:54, 3 September 2007 (UTC)

Again, I recommend you download a LiveCD so you can try it out and get a feel for it, before you decide to switch. Ubuntu.com has a download, and links to very good instructions on how to boot it and get it going. You can browse the web, try out office software, play (some, not the fancier ones but still) games, all from a CD, and then simply reboot and eject the CD when you're done. Or you could try Wubi, which install Ubuntu inside of Windows, although that might make it harder when you decide to actually switch --lucid 04:46, 3 September 2007 (UTC)

What about all of my existing data and algorithms? Is there an equivalent for Excel spreadsheets and a way to convert the .xls files or will such things all have to be done by hand? And is there an equivalent of Visual Basic or must I abandon that and start from scratch with something else as well? Clem 11:02, 3 September 2007 (UTC)

Sharp VC-H942 Locked VCR

I know I'm one of eight whole people on the internet who still owns and uses a VCR, but I was hoping one of you good folks might help me. My Sharp VC-H942 has ceased responding to any amount of button mashing, either on the VCR or on a remote control. Whenever a button is pressed, the now ever-present key icon blinks, while the VCR ignores the command. Even the power button fails to respond. It is not recording. I've tried unplugging it, but the key will not go away. Could you either A) Direct me to a copy the user's manual (Google wants to bury me under a pile of eBay and Manualsparadise, a service I do NOT want to pay for) or B) Explain how to unlock the VCR. Thanks in advance. 216.178.50.171 17:50, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

Why only eight whole people? Who cut up all the other online VCR users into pieces? NeonMerlin 18:41, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

Although I couldn't find your model VCR on the Sharp website, their VCR FAQ seems to have an answer for your problem: My VCR is locked up and there is a key in the display. How do I turn that off? --Bavi H 21:26, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

Instead of button mashing try button holding. Usually when you see a "key" and an appliance fails to respond, it is in a mode that will keep it from responding to button mashing, and requires something more deliberate, like holding down a lock shaped button or something like that. --24.147.86.187 01:26, 3 September 2007 (UTC)

Large file transfer from desktop to laptop

I have with me my laptop and the hard drive from my desktop. Both are running Kubuntu 7.04. If I can convince my roommate to lend me his computer to put my hard drive in, what's the easiest way to transfer about 32GB of files from the desktop to the same paths on the laptop? NeonMerlin 18:28, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

If you have networking, one possibility is

tar -cz [files] | nc [dest-ip] [port]

on the sending side and

nc -l -p [port] | tar -xz

on the receiving side. The gzipping is worthwhile even if the files aren't compressible, because gzip also includes a checksum which will guard against transmission problems. nc is netcat. -- BenRG 21:13, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

could try rsync --Spoon! 22:28, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

rsync is much better. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 129.78.64.102 (talk) 03:40, 3 September 2007 (UTC)

identify this computer from the 80s

Around 1983 (if my memory is not incorrect), my first computer was a screen and keyboard, built into one another inseparable. You turn it on, and the monochrome monitor starts right in BASIC. It was black and grey. There was an external device by which I could put cassettes to load files, etc. I lived in Canada. Tandy was pretty big back then, but I dunno if that's what I had or not. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Sonjaaa (talk • contribs) 21:30, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

Go through Category:Home computers? Do you have a picture? Could be a Commodore.

Sounds more like the TRS-80 to me. From the TI-99 on, the keyboard and monitor were usually two separate units. Also, the disk drive replaced the tape drive by the time the C=64 hit the scene. -- Kainaw^(what?) 23:13, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

TRS-80 model III had the keyboard and monitor all as one unit.Polypipe Wrangler 23:54, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

C=64 had a port for the cassette, but the original description (keyboard and monitor in one case) rules that out. If it was a commodore, it would have to be a PET. --tcsetattr (talk / contribs) 00:30, 3 September 2007 (UTC)

Yes, that's what I was thinking. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 129.78.64.102 (talk) 01:45, 3 September 2007 (UTC)

Graphic cards make computers faster?

Do discrete graphic cards make your everyday computing faster, as well as gaming faster? Everyday computing such as opening folders, copying files, opening applications, graphic editting, etc... (for a Windows btw). Thanks. Acceptable 22:03, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

Yes, but not by much. Graphics cards makes games much faster, however. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 129.78.64.102 (talk) 22:37, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

Not by much could be interpreted as not that you could possibly notice on most systems, if at all. The limiting factors on things such as opening files & apps, copying, etc is to do more with drive access times, bus speeds, then basic CPU processing, more so than the graphics as you'd think about them in gaming. --jjron 08:14, 3 September 2007 (UTC)

Not only games use a lot of graphics. Image editors do to (and movie editors even more). But graphic stuff can be pretty 'labour-intensive' even for simple programs (eg when you have loads of windows open). Freeing your cpu from doing the graphics work makes a huge difference, as I once noticed when I had forgotten to install the driver for my graphics card. I suppose that the difference will be greatest if you have an old motherboard, in which case it's like upgrading the on-board graphics (if any! - that of course is the most decisive factor). Which brings me to a different observation; it's the weakest link that counts. People put way too much emphasis on cpu speed (or even clock speed). But a fast cpu can't reach its potential if, say, the hard disks are so slow they can't deliver the data to work with fast enough. Also, putting the OS+programs and data on different hard disks will make a difference. Better stil is a lot of memory (in the GB range), especially when doing any sort of graphics stuff, because it makes your computer rely less on the slower hd's. DirkvdM 09:51, 3 September 2007 (UTC)

DVD Authoring in Linux

Is there a way to burn a DVD in Linux just by specifying a VIDEO_TS directory? Someoneinmyheadbutit'snotme 22:03, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

Further information: Category:Linux CD/DVD writing software and Category:Optical disc authoring software

I don't know all the requirements (and I'm sure someone who does will come by) for Unix-y, command line DVD burning; however, you absolutely need an AUDIO_TS directory, even if it's empty. (I usually make a third directory EXTRA_TS for text files, art and whatnot — don't put other files in the root.) If you just make those two directories, you might get something that works in some DVD players and not others — I'm pretty sure there are further requirements for a legal, widely-compatible DVD.

K3b does the job for me. I've used it in KDE and GNOME. I believe K3b is just a front end for several, fairly standard CLI-level programs, but I've not used those directly.

Since multiple programs are involved, I recommend asking the forum for your particular Linux distro for specific advice. / edg ☺ ★ 23:03, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

Old JVC Master COmmand II

I'm using an old JVC with rabbit ears. I need to watch Family Guy and the SImpsons tonight but the channel controls on the TV skip that station (channel 28). Help! —Preceding unsigned comment added by 12.217.199.246 (talk) 00:37, 3 September 2007 (UTC)

I am not a technician but I understand your urgency. Moreover, I have not touched or watched a TV for years. Heck, you may suggest that I read the television article. The root cause of your problem may be many things. Is your television in your basement or above ground level? Something may be wrong with your remote control, antennae, television, or etc. Your last resort is to get a new TV. Otherwise, try living in my shoes. Anyway, I bet that you missed your shows. Better luck next time. --Mayfare 01:21, 3 September 2007 (UTC)

caught the end of family guy....I just bought a cheap universal remote from walmart where I can punch in the numbers. why no TV? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 12.217.199.246 (talk) 02:08, 3 September 2007 (UTC)

Norton's Dependence

Hello and sorry for asking too many questions day after day. My first computer displays its time in the order of day-month-year; so as the Norton AntiVirus 2007 software installed on that computer. My second computer displays its time in the order of month-day-year. The same, current antivirus software (Norton AntiVirus 2007), installed on my second computer, relies on the month-day-year format. Is this just one of the reasons why Norton AntiVirus 2007 is a strain on my system? Many thanks. --Mayfare 01:13, 3 September 2007 (UTC)

Date formatting shouldn't mean anything, especially not in processor speed. The programs get the date from the computer in a direct way, not based on the internationalization formatting settings you have applied. --24.147.86.187 02:04, 3 September 2007 (UTC)

Moving an OS from one HD to another?

Recently I received a free used 160 GB hard drive. My computer currently has 110 GB (on two HDs: 71.5 GB and 37.2 GB). The 160 GB drive has Windows 2000 Professional installed and some other stuff, but I don't want to save any of it. My current system has Windows XP Home SP2 on the 71.5 GB drive.

Could I completely erase the 160 GB drive somehow? (Zero-writing?)

Afterward, to make Windows XP functional on the 160 GB drive, would I only have to copy & paste the contents of my 71.5 GB drive (that already has Windows XP installed)?

Eep. − Twas Now ( talk • contribs • e-mail ) 02:06, 3 September 2007 (UTC)

That might work, if the drive letter for the new drive is the same as the old drive. I would think it would be a lot better to leave Windows XP Home SP2 on the 71.5 GB drive, then copy any data you have from your 37.2 GB drive to the new 160 GB drive. This would leave you with 231.5 GB in your comp and the 37.2 GB drive on the shelf. The copy process might have to be in two steps, from the 37.2 GB drive to the 71.5 GB drive, then on to the 160 GB drive. This assumes you have enough space on the 71.5 GB drive for the contents of the 37.2 GB drive. Do you ? (If not, there are other options.) StuRat 03:20, 3 September 2007 (UTC)

OK, so right now I have all three hooked up (luckily I have a 500W power supply), albeit the 160 GB drive is resting beside my computer due to lack of space inside. This is only temporary until I copy over the files. The 160 GB disk has been partitioned into four pieces, but I would prefer having it as a single piece. How can I restore it? − Twas Now ( talk • contribs • e-mail ) 03:44, 3 September 2007 (UTC)

Just type mmc at Start/Run, File/Add or Remove Snap-ins and add Disk management, and you can delete the partitions and reformat your harddrive there. BUT, after you've copied all the files over it probably won't work as it doesn't copy the bootsector. I suggest you to use the dd command on a Linux LiveCD to copy your system drive over to the 160GB drive, then use something like Gparted to partition rest of the drive, and then copy all the things on the other harddrive in to the new partition(s). --antilived^{T | C | G} 04:36, 3 September 2007 (UTC)

I think I will take StuRat's suggestion and keep Windows XP where it is. However now I have to remove those partitions. − Twas Now ( talk • contribs • e-mail ) 05:26, 3 September 2007 (UTC)

I once noticed that the copying I used for Win98 didn't work for WinXP, but then someone told me that was because it was installed on ntfs. So copying should only work if you work with the fat file system. That's just what I heard. Haven't tried it yet. DirkvdM 09:58, 3 September 2007 (UTC)

MP3 file

I have an MP3 file of my favourite song saved on my computer. No DRM. I want to make it the background music of my blog. I know the HTML code to do it, but where/how can I upload it online? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 203.126.19.150 (talk) 06:36, 3 September 2007 (UTC)

i have a problem in asp scripting can u help me out

hi i am having a problem in asp. i want to use a msgbox function in asp page and getting an error object expected and a runtime error that is can't use msg box. i dont know how to use msgbox on server side scripting and i want the solution very urgently so please reply me immediately. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 203.129.225.50 (talk) 10:13, 3 September 2007 (UTC)

I have a frisky problem...

I now got a new laptop from Acer. It's an Acer Aspire 3680-2682. Now, the problem is: When I went to the Internet for the first time on the laptop, there was sound. But now, it's almost silent. I went to check the volume controls on the laptop and from the Start menu, but they were all normal, but it's still near-silent. What can I do to fix the problem? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Sirdrink13309622 (talk • contribs) 11:08, 3 September 2007 (UTC)

One file File System

Is there a way to store many files and directories in a single file (like a zip file) but be able to run / add / modify them without the hassel of zip files. Like, for example, a mounted ISO image that you could use like a physical hard drive? Thanks! Hyper Girl 11:24, 3 September 2007 (UTC)

What do I use to clean an LCD screen?

Acetone? Turpentine? Windex? Pepsi?