A Collection of Daily Wisdom by Dennis Sylvester Hurd since September 2003.

Today, I'll only add a couple of techie things that could nearly go without saying. They involve:

The Windows Vista SP1 Upgrade

My PlayStation 3 Upgrade to V2.2

I updated Vista to Service Pack 1 at least a week ago. I hadn't had a lick of trouble with Vista before the 440 megabyte download and have had none since. With a sufficiently capable hardware, I wouldn't fear advising anyone run the newest OS from Microsoft. The software's bad press may have more to do with people being politically correct (by being anit-MS) than any actual trouble with the code. My update was mostly a non-event except for one fact. After the 45 minutes of installation, the computer didn't start up with the built-in web server online. I do have to add that all the previous configuration data was there, I just needed to open the ISS and click start.



Earlier this week, the other upgrade went without much fanfare as well. Back when I first talked about buying a PlayStation as a Blu-ray player, it was because none of the existing players for sale were ready for the implementation of profile 2.0. In the most recent update, my PS3 suddenly gained this as a new feature. Boy, I'm the first on the block for this one! That means it can access the addition of Internet features on a BD. Since the first release with any interactivity isn't due for another ten days, that's pretty much a moot point at the moment. One useful enhancement is that if one stops viewing a DVD or Blu-ray disc, the player remembers the exact location. Even if one removes the disc in the interim, it'll remember. That's useful, except I generally watch things straight through anyway.

Some people think that upgrading is a hassle. On the other hand, I tend to salute companies who make firmware improvements rather than attempting to sell a whole new piece of equipment for each baby-step forward.

Labels: PS3, software, Windows

I'm not going to set any speed records today. Yet, there's something cool about not touching the keyboard. Windows Vista has speech recognition built right inside. I purchased cheap headphones at Staples yesterday. I went there in order to buy a some DVD labels. I'm not quite sure why paper labels cost nearly as much as the discs themselves. Anyway, wearing this headset and microphone is giving me the chance to try something new.

I will probably not rely on dictation as a normal means of blog entry. I type about 50 words per minute so my fingers are faster than my mouth. (There are, however, many people who may believe my mouth would always come out the winner.) The entire process of trying to verbalize an idea in order to make it hit the screen, seems quite odd. I'm sure that vastly different parts of my brain are at work.

The software seems quite adept at being able to navigate the Windows environment. How cool it is to simply say, "Internet Explorer" and "gmail" and have the request appear on the screen automatically. It's a little magical but, in the long run, it's probably not very practical.

Labels: blogging, computers, Windows

There's a dearth of good podcast aggregator software for those of us who refuse to hop on the iTunes bandwagon. The Zencast software from the folks at Creative works well enough but it feels clunky and odd.

I heard rumors that podcasting was being integrated into the new Microsoft Zune software. It shouldn't matter much that I don't have one. I sort of believe there might eventually be one in my future. Anyhow, I simply wanted something to fetch my podcasts and arrange them nicely in a sub-directory on my hard disk. SyncToy would be able to quickly move them to my Zen Stone.



It works but I have a few comments about the Zune software. The first problem is that I live in Canada. That in no way sounds like a problem until I learned that excludes me from participating at all. I am well aware that the local shops don't carry the devices but there are major malls just across the border from most Canadian cities, eh? If I type in my hotmail address I get shown quickly to a page which says:

The Zune service is not yet available in your region.
Thanks for your interest! Please continue to check Zune.net for the latest news and information.

Yeah, thanks a lot, indeed.

Even with Web 2.0 I still sort of like Redmond's insistence in having code sit on each local machine. I somewhat still agree that life shouldn't entirely be experienced though a browser. It is possible to just download the software alone, so I did. The software recognized my IP as being north of border!

I installed. The software seems to be typically Microsoftish. What that means is in about three releases from now it'll unusable. Then after another, it'll be rock solid and soon catch up in popularity to iTunes. That should be in about five years, I'd say. First off, software developers, please allow us to cut and paste into the add-podcast box. How did you let it out the door with that major fault? Nobody wants to type in an arcane xml URL. In addition, let us do a complete podcast update with single button. As it stands I have no idea when it's going to pick up my feeds. Lastly, it'd surely be nice to have it run in the background. You know what I mean. When I close, I want it running over by the clock and not be forced to keep it open on the task bar. These seem like such simple things that I cannot understand how it was released these annoyances. How come I never get to beta anything? Send me a free 80GB Zune and I'll give you more useful advice ...

The interface is somewhat appealing so I allowed it to rummage through my music collection. I think under most circumstances I'll probably use it to locate and play music rather than running MediaPlayer.

Labels: Creative Zen, opinions, podcasts, software, Windows

On a day that I should be celebrating the fine weather that has blown in, I spent much too much time at my PC. At the moment, there's an extra keyboard I borrowed from work which is plugged into my PC.

It all started quite early in the morning when I was going to start converting useful mpeg clips for use at BCIT. I wanted to reduce them to a manageable size for use on the net storage drives on the institute's servers.

First, I noticed that my DVD recorder drives weren't showing up under COMPUTER on Vista. Eventually, I decided this was because I had recently removed old Adeptec software from my computer. Originally, this was used for DVD or CD recordings years ago, but I had kept a part of those programs installed so that I could continue to use the labeling software only. After installing Win Vista Business I received a device driver error due to the ancient software that was affecting my DVD drives. I installed it.

Since I uninstalled the software, I hadn't notice that my drives were no longer functioning. So thankfully, when I noticed this morning, www.technet.com pointed out CODE 19 as a known problem. So, I tried editing the registry to remove the offending lines. Unfortunately, when trying to reboot, my PC wouldn't start.

The new-fangled Vista solution asked me to put my installation disk in my drives. Even after playing with the BIOS, I could not get the original Vista disk to boot. The only remaining option involved making a selection to install to a previously known working point.

It took me a long time to realize that because I have a wireless keyboard and mouse that I could not make a selection on the screen. Those devices only become available after Windows loads. That is the reason that I found it necessary to 'borrow' a work keyboard.

Whatever the consequences, I'm writing this on the home PC, so that says something about my ability to troubleshoot a computer problem ...

Labels: Hardware, Windows

The sun is shining robustly. (Is that a way it can shine?) I'm on a 15 minute break. I probably would've added an entry at home but I was still playing with Windows Vista on the home PC.

Sometime during last year, I upgraded to a 300 gigabyte drive with the intention of doing a fairly clean installation of Windows XP Pro. I thought if I kept things to a minimum, then my eventual upgrade to Vista would be more stable. By last night, that drive had been filled with bits and pieces of tattered software debris. Still, the upgrade installation of Vista Business proceeded well. It surely took a long time though.

The first few hours with the Aero interface wasn't a problem. In fact, the way the Windows glide around is slightly seductive. I'm sure it'll all seem 'old hat' by Friday.

My one major headache remains getting the Internet Server up and running. My old XP Pro had server extensions allowed and the new software has turned off W3SCV. Although the interface for daily computing functions seems streamlined and improved, managing deeper services is still tough. I've got too much going on on the work front at the moment, but I plan on getting re-acquainted with my living room PC on Friday, my free day.

Labels: software, Windows

I may switch to evening posts. I suppose it'd be better not to make any promises other than there'll always be something here before midnight. If the last few years are any indication, that's a promise I can keep.

Today, I had a new batch of students for a COMM 0004 course. Yet, I spent most of the morning installing things on my notebook. A few weeks ago I discovered that this Gateway 3522GW cannot handle Windows Vista due to an incompatible BIOS. I had the notebook with me in New Hampshire and realized I need it most for email and net access when travelling. So, I can continue to use Windows XP until I'm ready for a new device.

I had half installed Vista though. It left lots of junk on my hard disk. It also required quick action upon boot-up to force it to load XP rather than trying to complete the installation of the new operating system. I decided to format the hard drive and load up a copy of XP Pro that I had.

Starting from scratch takes a great deal of work. For example, the wireless connection didn't load from the Windows disc. I had to search at the Gateway site to find the file. Then of course it and others needed to be copied from my other computer via a writable CD. When I did get access to the Internet, there were more than 70 updates from Microsoft. Loading up the necessary MS Office programs took a while too. I also needed to get McAfee up and running. There a dozens of small tweaks still required!

All that rigmarole and my afternoon class is why I'm typing something here now (on the notebook by the way). What a long winded excuse, I guess.

Labels: Hardware, Windows

I knew on the day of its release that I wanted more than Vista Home Premium. Unfortunately, that's all the BCIT Bookstore had in stock. Seeing the package there was intoxicating. I felt a temporary rush just like in the early days of computing. So, I thew down plastic and walked away with the very seductively-shaped case.

Let's be honest, Vista will probably be the very last time that an operating system ships in a box. I had heard the entire code sits on the DVD and so upgrading is as easy as unlocking the higher features with an online payment. I thought I'd get Vista Business or Ultimate version in this manner.

It wasn't long ago that I moved to a 300 gigabyte disk. At that time I started from scratch and loaded a clean copy of Windows XP Pro. I did this in anticipation of upgrading directly when the new OS was released.

Guess what, I cannot keep all my settings by upgrading to the Home Premium version. This is because I am running Windows XP Pro. I use the integrated server software and Microsoft doesn't include that unless one buys at least the Business edition. My idea of stepping through Home to get to Ultimate didn't work. The box doesn't state this. Damn.

"Okay," I thought, "I can at least use the copy to upgrade my old Gateway notebook. It doesn't have enough of a graphics card to run the new interface, but at least I'll be able to play with Vista." Damn, wrong again! The BIOS on my 3522GZ won't work with Vista and I cannot get Gateway to respond with a way to get an upgraded version.

Do you know anyone who'd like an uninstalled CA$180 (before taxes) legit upgrade for a total price of just CA$120?

Labels: Windows

Of course, there's a lot less excitement upon the release of a new operating system nowadays. A great many computer users now spend most of their PC time at Internet sites. Why should I care about great new OS enhancements for photos when I already store and sort 3K of them online?



Still, you've got to give Microsoft credit for improved marketing savvy. Although XP Pro sounded a little geeky, Vista Ultimate rings clearer. Who wouldn't want to strive for the ultimate in anything?

Labels: Windows

Even if you've not yet upgraded to Internet Explorer 7, it'll happen automatically through Windows Update this month. It may take you a while to get used to tabbed browsing but here's some added functionality you can install today.

The IE7 search bar defaults to MSN search but you can choose and install dozens of alternatives. Google will probably, at some point, attempt to gain control too. I'd like to suggest you add another important source of information. With over three years of entries, this blog can be a interesting resource. I bet you most likely wonder several times a day if Dennis has written about a particular subject. Now there's a method to quickly and easily find out.


HOW TO ADD THIS BLOG TO INTERNET EXPLORER 7 SEARCHES

1) Open the Microsoft search guide.

2) On the search guide, locate the form as shown to the right.

3) Proceed to cut and paste the following URL:

http://search.atomz.com/search/?sp-q=TEST&sp-a=sp1002b391&sp-p=all&sp-f=ISO-8859-1

4) Specify my eJournal and images as the name.

5) Click install.

Labels: Internet, Windows

I've developed some pretty poor Windows habits over the years.

For example, although I use the browser all the time, I frequently find myself closing that application and then opening it again a few minutes later. If viewed from a distance, this opening and closing would appear almost an obsessive behaviour. It may be an ingrained neurosis that pre-dates my use of Windows itself. Don't get me wrong, I can multi-task. In fact, I sort of love it when work demands that I copy, paste and check between six or seven different windows. Some people get that zen, I assume, from skiing down a mountain or driving a sports car very fast.



Some other bad habits are a result of the application's design. I've been doing pre-release IE7 for months and months. Yet, tabs have been nothing more than a curiosity. I would find a half dozen instances of Internet Explorer running on the task bar. That was because MS hadn't discovered tabs from their competitors. Yet, as I said, I've been running the newest version for months under beta, and I didn't change my way of working.

Now, I'm making a conscious effort to do things differently. I've set up the browser to load up my five most common sites when it starts. I will take care to work just within these tabs. I shall also ensure that I keep the program open constantly.

What bad habits are you going to eliminate today?

Labels: complaints, Windows

Yesterday, I downloaded the release candidate of Windows Vista. Why not? This is the fun part of computer ownership as far as I'm concerned. If I didn't like the thrill of taking things apart and tweaking them, I'd probably run the Mac OS. This action has caused me to consider how computer software is changing.



Once upon a time, a web browser was just for displaying static information and images. As proof of new directions, just a few days ago Flickr mashed up with Yahoo maps. How fun to drop my personal photos onto a world map! Although a small but exciting improvement, it really highlights the significant changes taking place. One of the versions of the upcoming Windows Vista boasts an improved way of organizing digital images. I'm sorry, but with the likes of Flickr that is already an outdated paradyme. Those functions are arriving at my operating system too late.

Why would I want to organize on my own machine, when I can upload and organize my collection on the Internet? The hot, live implementation means I can access my images wherever I roam. The idea is nice to be able to locate a specific photo from a group of thousands. That is something that an operating system could do. Yet, that is something that Flickr is already doing better for I can link the data to a web page or through email. The PC hasn't been a lone device for many years now.

This is the frightening thing for Microsoft and other traditional software producers. In the future, I will assuredly be buying fewer boxes of shrink-wrapped software to operate on my own CPU. Rather, I will find myself storing and manipulating my data within Web 2.0 applications. This gigantic shift in focus means that Windows Vista may well be the last important operating system upgrade from Redmond. And there's one thing you must know in order to fully appreciate the depth of my viewpoint: I've always loved Microsoft!

Labels: Internet, opinions, software, technology, Windows

In the 80's and early 90's, personal computer technology changed so quickly one had to periodically throw away computers. The growth in the last 10 years really hasn't slowed down but it's become possible to upgrade a bit at a time. The computer case I'm using is yellowed and probably about eight years old. My current motherboard has been running since the very first week that my eJournal and images began in 2003. My CD burner was replaced by DVD burners. I've tripled the RAM from the original 512 megabytes. I had to replace the power supply on two, separate occasions. Just last month a new, 300-gigabyte hard drive replaced a smaller 40 and 120.

In order to keep me running through next year, I need to get a better video card. The Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor told me so.

So after work today, I'm going to pick up my order at my computer store. I also ordered a new LG DVD burner that was on sale to replace the older of the two that are already installed on my system.

This nickel and diming seems as though I'm always buying equipment. Maybe it'd be cheaper just to wait and go back to the old method. I could just toss the equipment every two or three years and buy the freshest technology all in one fell-swoop.

Labels: computers, software, Windows

Microsoft's Windows Defender is well worth the time of installation simply for the ability to edit programs loaded during Windows start up. It appears to be the major consolidation of spyware and security programs. It will surely be part of the Windows Vista when the current beta finishes next year. Get Defender now for free.

Labels: Windows

... but eventually Microsoft gets around to tweaking till it has a winner.



At one point in time, I couldn't imagine a much better mp3 player than WinAmp. Things have changed after waiting a while. The default album cover interface of Microsoft's Media Player 11 is superb!

I'm running MS Explorer 7 beta 2 and from today this new component. At this rate, we won't have to upgrade to Windows Vista as we'll just acquire it one download at time!

Labels: Mediaplayer, Windows

I ran to pick up my new Seagate drive yesterday morning. I came back and found it easy to format by keeping in my current drive C.

Nothing went easily after that though. I did unplug C and managed to get Windows XP running on the 300 gig drive. The problem, which I discovered much later, was that it didn't recognize my network adapter. Then there's a Catch 22. How could I connect to find the correct one from the Internet when my network adapter wasn't working?

Also, the wizard that's supposed to make it easy to copy files and settings, didn't work right. I could 'collect' the data from the 'old' disk on a USB flash drive. Yet, when I booted up with the new drive, the program told me that I hadn't inserted the correct data drive for the necessary files. I consider myself a nerd and yet I couldn't figure it out. How in the devil is an average-Joe supposed to figure out what to do?

There's nothing that said I had to get things completed yesterday. I actually copied all data files to the Seagate. It seems to rip right along. It's inside the box along with the old drive C. I'm running Windows on the old one and data on the new one. when I get the time, I'll completely install the operating system and then throw away the old drive.

All the playing around took the better part of yesterday and I guess I enjoyed every minute of it ... in retrospect.

Labels: Windows

My computer is similar to an aging automobile; in that, I can always find ways to throw good money at it. These are just feeble attempts at keeping it 'roadworthy' for a while longer.

When logging additional users onto XP, the machine seemed too laboured. I wondered if it'd be happier if I threw another gigabyte of RAM at it. I assumed the 512 megabytes that'd been inside for a year and a half might want company.

I ordered online and picked the modules up directly from the store when coming back from the office yesterday afternoon. Tripling the memory doesn't seem to have made much of a difference in speed. Yet, it's just like driving a car after a tune up; I sort of imagine that it's running better.

Labels: Hardware, Windows

When Service Pack 2 for XP did not automatically show up on my computer yesterday, I could wait no longer and took the process into my own hands. The 272 megabyte file took about twenty minutes to download. Then, it took more than fourty-five minutes to install and longer if you count the disk defrag with which I finished up the installation. All went smoothly and I watched as thousands of system files were replaced.

I couldn't help but think back to my first IBM compatible purchased in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia about 19 years ago! It sported 640K of RAM, two 360K floppy disks (rather than a hard disk), and the 8088 cooked along at 4.77 MHz. The real point for today's entry though is that it ran good old MS-DOS 2.1. In those days, only command.com (17,792 bytes) plus two hidden files were required in order to boot up. My goodness, Bill, we've come a long ways.

Labels: computers, Hardware, Saudi Arabia, Windows

No, I am not repeating myself.

There's a brand-new implementation of the Windows Update site. (Click the screenshot to check it out now.) It's in place in preparation for Monday's general, online release of the Windows XP Service Pack 2.

Microsoft maintains that it's all about improved security. A simple patch this is certainly not; for, there are enough changes to qualify this release as a version upgrade. Depending on your configuration, it might be anywhere between 70 and 230 megabytes.

Automatic updates are on and I've got lots of bandwidth to spare ... so let'r rip, boys!

Labels: Windows

Alternate title: Stop Whining and Compute Like a Grown Up!

Computers and I have been around for a long time. Sometimes looking back is a poignant reminder of how far we've come and how quickly we've arrived here. It's relatively easy to focus on the technical aspects over the years but there is a complete set of emotional aspects too. The hateful relationship that many have with the Microsoft Corporation has never been on the forefront of my concerns. Despite news of near constant litigation, bashing them is hardly on my radar screen. In fact, I have always loved Microsoft for their monopolistic tendencies, lack of groundbreaking innovation, and poor O.S. security.

MONOPOLISTIC TENDENCIES: People bitch and complain, but let's thank the Almighty for Microsoft's ability to create standards. One can hardly imagine how difficult it would be driving a car if there wasn't a continuity between models and brands. For example, I am extremely grateful that Ford Motor Company, the Koreans at Hyundai, and even high-gear, Ferrari engineers have all adopted the right foot as being the universal way to accelerate. (Where this leaves left-footed individuals, I've not a clue!) But software does not follow the rules of tired, old industries. Think what you will, but the main reason why software is cheaper and more productive than ever is because of the fact Redmond has the power to unite. If they don't have a technology in-house, they either make a gentlemen's agreement or gobble up those who do. Remember, it's not an obscene thing that they often have the power to stamp out competing standards!

LACK OF INNOVATION: Being a company which provides cutting edge trends has never been a Microsoft forte. Yet they do pull together various technologies and eventually plop them into Windows. One may not be too concerned that a Firewire connection to their PC is possible until they buy a new digital device that needs one. Then, it's an enormous relief for Mr. Average Joe to discover he need only plug in the cable. Microsoft almost never creates the idea, they just wait a while and then push in and make it universal. The realm of Microsoft's all-embracing, monopolistic arms means that areas (you've not yet discovered you need) are slowly and silently being added to your software's foundations.

POOR SOFTWARE SECURITY: The most recent complaints against the company involve a condemnation for a lack of PC security. I have a well-formed theory which defines most of those pundits as acting like chickens with their heads' cut off. They seem to quote each other and stir up fear and loathing but do not correctly blame the source of the trouble. Let me explain something by the way of an example: The fact that one can send an executable program file or script by attaching to an email is a feature. The fact that idiots write virus programs and that stupid people run them is not an inherent security issue. The fact that Outlook now must default to not allowing file attachments, says far more about protecting people from themselves than a grand concept of security. It's nice to plug a hole but we have to remember that we are in reality just removing some of the programs' connectivity. For God sakes man, buy a yearly subscription to McAfee! A few bad apples with evil on their minds can turn any connection between computers into a liability. So, security-de-jour boils down to an exercise in building ways to prevent connections and events from occurring. There's a great deal of perception involved; we could be a great deal more 'secure' if we gave up any access to the Internet. However, although that's ultimate security, it doesn't sound like a solution in which I'd like to participate ...

All this said, I should probably just cover my ears and wait for the Windows XP SP2 release in August.

Labels: opinions, software, Windows

Live and learn. I've had this LCD monitor since Boxing Day of 2002. Additionally, I've been running Microsoft Windows XP since it came out. Today, however, I learned something new.

Click the screenshot for info --->

I never turned on nor configured ClearType fonts on my computer. I discovered this fact when looking for more information on the 'new' typeface for this blog.

The meaning of my text may not be more insightful; yet, the appearance sure in hell looks a lot better on my screen! It's now just like the type on an actual printed page ...

Labels: Windows

Last night we set the clocks ahead before going to bed. Daylight Savings Time is now in effect. Windows XP knew and didn't even bother to ask if it was okay to change.

.
This song by Styx seemed appropriate
for today! Although I lost an hour of sleep
last night, I've got extra time this evening.

Labels: Mediaplayer, music, Windows

My first job after college was in Kuwait and I recall buying this cassette that year. Kraftwerk was composed of some German guys, drum sets, synthesizers, and tape decks. Had the term technopop been coined yet? They'd been creating music throughout the 1970's; however, this album was born at a special point in time. A confluence of technology was starting to enable the dawn of a new information age.

.
Remember, this music was released the
same year that the IBM PC rolled out. Just as in
Windows XP today, you were not able to set
those system clocks prior to 1980!

Labels: Mediaplayer, music, Windows

My computer seems the same -- only faster. (Intel Pentium 4 2.4 800 MHz FSB) I kept the same hard disks so there was no discomfort nor need for re-installation. Windows XP thought it was being stolen as it tried to wake up in the new system. Yet, I had no trouble calling MS for a new activation code. The system used voice recognition: "If you wish to continue say, "yes". YES.

Jay called to tell me that things were much the same. They've had a couple of doctors stop to provide his mom with the best care possible.

Labels: Hardware, Windows