Saturday, September 23, 2006
Tech News
I’ve been playing around with the Sanyo Exacti; a completely flash-blased camcorder.
I’m going to be honored as the “Person of the Year in Podcasting” at the Podcast Expo in Ontario.
Apple has sent a cease-and-desist letter to Podcast Ready for using the word “podcast.” This is apparently infringing on their iPod trademark. Heck, the word “podcast” is even in the dictionary now!
To run programs in Windows as a limited user, try out Winsudo
11a-Noon
Q Jerry - Looking for a new monitor with accurate color representation
The newer LED-based LCD displays may have better color representation. No monitor is as accurate as a printout. Most graphics designers make changes in their thinking when they use LCD monitors. For negative scanning, always keep the original. I honestly don’t know which CRT monitors have the best color representations. For reviews, go to pcmag.com. You should also consider other factors such as background and lighting and leaving the monitor on for 30 minutes before you use it for perfect color, and you’ll have to replace it within a year!
Q Tim from Upland - E-mail hosting
If you already have a domain name with hosting, the hosting company may offer email with the plan. However, check out Island Email. They have excellent spam and virus filtering. They also have POP3 and IMAP support (I recommend IMAP). I use Fastmail.
Q Grant from Lancaster - Worth it to get a 64-bit operating system?
There’s only a few advantages of a 64-bit operating system. The main thing is that you have access to more RAM. The problem with 64-bit operating systems is that several of your drivers will not work. 64-bit will allow for larger chunks of data to flow through. However, newer processors have support for something called SSE which speeds things up. You certainly will want a SSE2 or better processor. As of now, you can max out Windows to 4gb of RAM.
Q Kevin from Sherman Oaks - Running 2 different antispyware/antivirus applications
Running both simultaneously will create conflicts. Just turn on the immunization in Spybot and keep NOD32 on all the time. You need more than one antispyware programs because no one program will catch everything.
Noon-1p
Q Wayne - Storing CD-quality music on the computer
There are lossless compression techniques available. On Windows, there’s a program called APE, and if you’re using iTunes, you can use the Apple Lossless Codec. However, with the Apple Lossless Codec, you can only use an iPod for a portable media player. Finally, if you want to go open-source, check out FLAC. However, most portable players cannot play back FLAC.
Q Alex from Orange - iPod will not wake up
There is a reset button on the iPod. You push the middle and menu buttons until you see the Apple logo. What you hope is that the hard drive formatting got messed up. In the new iTunes 7, the iPod firmware updater is built-in. It basically has the ability to reset it to factory conditions. If it cannot fix it, the hard drive is dead.
Q Mark from Corona - Preventing Internet Explorer flaws in Outlook/Vonage softphone not working well
You should disable the preview pane and view the email that you care about because as you’re going down the list, if there is an infected .vml image, you’re infected! Just turn off the preview pane. Try out Thunderbird; it uses the Mozilla engine.
When you use the Softphone, your computer is doing the conversion. Try shutting down all the other applications. Also, try out
Skype. Here’s how we get good quality on
TWiT. You need a good upstream speed. If you only have 128k, you’re barely cutting it. Then, close all other programs and try out an ethernet connection instead of wireless. Finally, on Skype, you can have it try a dedicated port and then forward the port. I have set up a
page on how we record our podcasts.
Q Paul from Lancaster - Program to read RAW camera files
A RAW file is completely uncompressed file created by a digital camera. It is for people who want to use Photoshop and work on it. The problem with RAW is that they are not a standard. You should be getting a .jpg or .tif. If your files are indeed RAW, download the RAW plugin for Photoshop. However, I think you’re just getting an obscure file format.
1–2p
Q Steve Gibson - Talking about a very important Windows flaw
Steve Gibson stops by and explains a new flaw that is not getting much attention by the media. It is basically a flaw in Windows’ obscure .vml image file format. If you view an infected .vml file in Internet Explorer, the attacker can install pretty much anything they choose to. Steve has set up a page that has a few workarounds. Also, you can just avoid Internet Explorer at all costs until Microsoft issues a patch.
Q Keith - Getting publicity for a blog
Its the same way as you get the word out about a website. Good and fresh content is one of the keys. Advertising through message boards and other websites is a great way to get the word out. Sometimes, people make intentionally sensationalistic blog entries to get dugg or slashdotted.
Q Where to get rid of old junk
You can try out http://craigslist.org or eBay. Ebay is a little more complicated. You have to set up an account and a Paypal account.
Q Jay from Simi Valley - Sharing wireless EVDO connection/”clicking” noise in Firefox
You can share it if you have Windows Internet Connection Sharing set up. The sharing technology is called ad-hoc sharing.
Q Using Microsoft Office files on the Mac
Microsoft Office for OSX is just the same as Office for Windows. The main problem is the tiny quirky differences between Windows and OSX.
Q Lester - Looking for a new TV (Plasma vs. LCD)
I buy LCD because I like how they look compared to plasma. DLP projection costs much less and looks very nice as well. I think you’d be happy with a plasma however, they’re cheaper than LCD and have very nice quality.
Chat Logs and Show Audio
23 September 2006
12:45 by TjP?.
Kids on the way domain names
Don’t name that kid on the way DENISE http://www.denise.com/
it’s taken back before .name, in 96
But here’s a bit of advice. Don’t place the kids E-mail address on any pages pages!
13:22 by anonymous.
Makes me wonder if the bad guys finally realized they are to release their exploits after the monthly Microsoft patch.
It’s Marc Liron, not Lion!
Can anyone help me? How can I boost my wireless signal at school? I have an internal wireless card a/b/g. ANY SUGGESTIONS
Hi Leo, I just did the patch the you and Steve recommended on both my XP machines. Thanks for the info.
How to remove (uninstall) Norton AntiVirus 2006?
Please help!
;~)
No mention of WMA lossless? It’s a way better option for Windows users than APE and any PlaysForSure player can play it. It’s proprietary but so is Apple lossless.
13:48 by TVT?.
Keith - Getting publicity for a blog has a typo in the url, does not goto blogspot, goes to blogspoy….
I can’t remember the last time was my PC locked up. It is very reliable.
13:54 by Joe?.
Hey Leo — What happened to the Vista podcast?
Todd?.
“How to remove (uninstall) Norton AntiVirus 2006?
Please help!”
Just did it the other day on window XP…
Goto the ADD/Delete program from the start menu button. Hay I found it and I use a Mac :-)
Is it possible to keep xp as my os and also load a linux on to my computer where I can choose between either program without using a live cd?
Regarding DSL speeds…
A called asked about alternative internet because his office is at the end of the DSL range so it’s too slow. Perhaps my experience will help him to have DSL after all.
I recently installed DSL for someone who lives at the tail end of the distance-from-a-DSLAM limit so I had only small hope for speed. Connecting the modem to the desired location, speed was very slow (345). Connecting to the very first phone outlet from the outside (typically a kitchen or living room) I got 1.2 down. Far better than the 345. So I returned to the desired jack. This was a jack where I’d added a 2nd phone line using a dual phone jack. I pulled the jack out of the wall and removed the 4 leads from the 2nd line - and the DSL speed jumped to 1.2!
The lesson: use a jack that does only one line. If you have a dual jack, remove the 2nd jack’s connections. Also clean
I learned from an SBC tech years ago that the best line to use for DSL is the first one from the outside. The rest, further away, lose power. So if you want speed, try that first jack.
Also, make sure your lines are clean inside so they have the best connection. Perhaps remove each wire (there are 4, note which goes where) unwrap each one and scrap each one clean. You may also find dust to remove.
@Deborah Shadovitz
dirty wire terminals completely knocked out my DSL once….good ideas there.
Veronica,
Yes, you can.
I do Mandrake & Ubuntu
and use the dual boot program it comes with.
Very easy to install and use.
Good luck…
listening to KFI while driving to work…Q: How do I disable the display window in my email (I have yahoo) and will the fix from GRC.com work if you have already been attacked or infected as the case may be. You can send an answer to my email but I’m not sure how to give it to you.
How Good is Fedora Core 6 For an Operating System
17:39 by anonymous.
There is no longer a “browser suite” package contained in Fedora Core 6. The mozilla package has been removed. For equivalent functionality, use firefox as a web browser and thunderbird as a mail client, or use seamonkey, a browser suite distributed in Fedora Extras.
To better support certain scripts (such as Indic and some CJK scripts), Fedora builds its Firefox, with permission from the Mozilla Corporation, with the Pango system as its text renderer. This change may negatively impact performance on some pages. To disable the use of Pango, set MOZ_DISABLE_PANGO=1 in your environment before launching Firefox.
Gecko based browsers Firefox and Epiphany now properly render MathML when using the pango text backend. Additionally, several issues with the rendering and behavior of text when using the Pango text backend have been resolved. Epiphany now renders using Pango by default.
18:15 by anonymous.
Thu, 14 Sep 2006 The Fedora Project announces the third and final test release of the
Fedora Core 6 development cycle, available for the i386, x86_64, and
ppc/ppc64 architectures, including Intel based Macintosh computers.
18:16 by anonymous.
The final release of Fedora Core 6 is scheduled for release on October
11. At this point, the release is feature complete and in a locked
down bug fix mode.
Well as usual, the Laporte “Disinformation” has started right from the beginning of the show. Leo just LOVES to bash Microsoft, even when his “facts” are pure BS. Leo claimed the evil Microsoft “hides the cost of Windows in the cost of the computer” …. BAD Microsoft! What the hell does Leo think MS should do, give it away??? AND does he think that Apple GIVES OS X away free???
I worked for both Apple and HP at different times, so this IS fact …. HP pays MS $32 per copy of installed Windows XP Home in the volume that HP does yearly!
SO LETS COMPARE Windows vs OS X Cost Of Ownership over a 5 year period, EH!??
MacDroids, like Leo, ALWAYS buys the latest version of OS X when it comes out - well except that Leo gets it free from his Uncle Sugar Apple. But you and me, PAY for it retail - $149.00 + Tax There has been 4 (FOUR) versions of OS X 10.1, 10.2, 10.3. 10.4 (FIVE if your stupidly switched to MacIntel Clone PC).
There has been ONE VERSION OF Windows XP you had to PAY for! = $299.00
So let do the MATH, and NOT the Laporte “Fuzzy Math”:
Mac OS X - 4 x $149.00 = $596 or $745 for you MacIntel Clone PC’ers
Windows XP - 1 x $299 = $299.
This does NOT take into consideration that you’ve been paying twice to three times the REAL cost of a Mac just to line Stevie Jobs greedy pockets.
Hmmm, WHO’S got the higher cost of OS ownership??? MacDroids, put up, or shut up.
Ps. Did you know that Apple has NEVER paid a Dividend on their stock to stock holders and has one of the highest cash profit reserves??? HP has paid a $.75 to $.91 per share Dividend for at least 7 years!
24 September 2006
00:52 by Mike.
And I thought it was only the Mac that had these idiot fanboys.
Look, dude, so Leo has hurt your feelings by not preferring your favorite platform - no one cares.
To “Dudley Truth Right” and all your aliases and copycats. Are you aware that Dell Computers is a sponsor of Leo’s TWIT Podcasts? Would they do that if they really thought he is a “mac pimp”, as you so ignorantly describe him? Also, are you aware that Leo is preparing a new podcast devoted to Windows Vista? Would a “mac droid”, do that?
Leo has the right to prefer and recomend Apple Computers. He is paid to give his opinions. You have the right to prefer PCs. I prefer PCs too. But, I don’t disrespect mac users. Can’t we all just get along? If you disagree with his opinions, so much, why don’t you stop listening to his show? Why don’t you start your own podcast on the virtues of PCs over Macs? There is room for every opinion. But, we should treat each other with respect.
Not that I want to egg on a troll, but Dudley Truth Right mistakenly listed the cost of OS X at $149. The suggested retail price is actually $129, which drops the OS costs from $596 to $516. That said, as a result of shopping around for the best deal, I’ve never paid more than $99 for an upgrade to the latest version of OS X (I’ve paid as little as $79). As a person who uses both operating systems (Windows XP at work and OS X at home), I much prefer OS X, but I respect others’ rights to opine otherwise.
That Windows flaw is overhyped. I tested at Steve’s page and McAfee already had my system updated and protected!!
10:42 by Mike.
I’d think most of the AV companies have clocked the problem by now. I found the same with my AV. But I have unregistered the dll.
I notice that Leo is now using the term “Netcasts” on twit.tv. I fully agree with everything he said, and I hope more people do as he’s done. FWIW, I don’t think Apple could get away with trying to stop people using the term “podcast”, but I think people should punish them for making an issue of it by choosing not to use it. I say “punish”, because undoubtedly, “pod” being in the name of the iPod the term is a reminder of the iPod’s existence, and hence while words such as “podcast” are not making direct reference to the iPod it is free publicity for Apple every time such words are used. If they’re going to moan, take away that free publicity.
I also agree about finding an alternative player. When it becomes time to replace my iPod, I shall look elsewhere. The iPod works very handily with iTunes on my Mac (I don’t use it on my Windows machine), but Apple have got all too big for their boots - besides they don’t support the OGG or FLAC formats as Mark Pilgrim recently pointed out:
http://diveintomark.org/archives/2006/09/22/really
Time to look elsewhere.
the following article: Apple Trademark Office docs point to REAL reasons for” Podcast” controversy
Posted by Russell Shaw @ 7:43 pm “
http://blogs.zdnet.com/ip-telephony/?p=1252
documents apple’s attempt to trademark “ipodcast”.
“Not reported so far but revealed here, it appears that:
Apple itself is seeking a Trademark for “IPodcast.”
Apple has been experiencing some significant difficulties getting final approval from the USPTO for the iPod trademark.”
Leo is correct to worry about steve jobs’s monopolistic bent.
rant, rant…
“Eugene From San Diego”,
A Radio Whore is a Radio Whore, not matter WHERE the money comes from. The point is the same, Apple is and has been Leo’s Sugar Daddy a lot longer and Leo puts Pimping for Apple at the TOP of his list for that reason, INCLUDING Telling Blatant Lies and Misinformation! If ANY of you Mac Biggots has a honest bone in your body, you’d see that.
You OBVIOUSLY haven’t noticed that for years Leo BASHED Dell (I have 4 and 5 year old recorded TechTV shows where he did so) and has done so in recent years too. However, putting money before “journalistic” integrity now has Laporte sweet talking Dell every chance he gets.
Taking ANY product advice from the official whore of tech radio is like believing that Used Car Salesman who tells you a little old lady from Pasadena drove the car. Mac Droids aren’t foolish, they’re just plain stupid and in denile.
Podcasting according to Wikipedia actually stands for Portable On Demand, so I don’t know if apples case can actually stand.
For all the Apple Kool Aid Drinker and all YOUR aliases, I stand corrected at OS X having been $129 retail or the costs from $596 to $516 …. however, the POINT still stands, OS X is STILL as Cash Cow for Apple’s Stevie Gods, Leo STILL spreads Disinformation and like your typical Northern California Liberal … CENSORS the postings.
Ps … I have and many others I know have bought RETAIL Full versions of Win XP Pro for $119 to $129 …. So still CHECKMATE OS X.
To LA IT
As I said to your friend Dudley: If you disagree with Leo’s opinions so much, why don’t you stop listening, and go on with your life
Eugene From San Diego,
And we’d postulate (sorry if that word is too difficult for you to understand) then, that you would have said the world should have just turned away from the lies of people like Adolf, Joseph Stalin and Mao, just because they “disagreed”. Thank God people like you aren’t in control of anything.
So you should keep your head up where the sun don’t shine since you find it a very comfortable place in an alternate to reality. All the Apple Kool Aid Drinkers join you there.
25 September 2006
Leo,
Regarding Wayne’s question about loss-less audio formats.
The iAudio X5 will play flac out of the box.
http://www.cowonamerica.com/products/iaudio/x5/
Also, Rockbox is an open source alternative firmware that has been developed and then ported to many different platforms, including the iaudio x5 (posted above), some iRiver models, and most of the iPod line. Rockbox supports an absurd ammount of audio formats; the loss-less alone are wave, flac, shorten, wavepack, alac & aiff.
http://www.rockbox.org/
rockbox is a work in progress, therefore some ports are still ongoing (ipods), but the one’s that are far along, are stable and feature rich. Rockbox on my iRiver H120 & h320 far surpasses the usibility of the the origional firmware that came with my player.
12:28 by .
Leo,
I have a different approach on the same question.I like surfing the web and sometimes I stray into virus/spyware infected sites. I have an old laptop that gets locked up with most anti-virus spyware programs. I have my regular computer on a DSL line behind a wireless router. The laptop is not connected to any network but does go through the same router. I plan on making a quick recovery disk so that when the virus’s/spayware gets to great, I dump and flush the HDD and start over. Assuming I run XP-sp2, Firefox and Thunderbird and I only use it for “unsafe” surfing, what software and or procedures would you use?
Any suggestions you have or the folks in the chat room… ? The DropMyRights above looks like a good add on!!
thanx
Leo,
About Jerry looking for accurate color monitors. I am a consulting geologist using a workstation program for mapping and cross sections. I have a client that looks over my shoulder and wants me to “lighten up on that green a little bit.” My problem is to keep the same colors when I print the results out on a HP Designjet 5500 large format inkjet. I have had very good results using refurbished NEC 22″ flat screen monitors that I get from Tiger Direct. The price keeps dropping, but I don’t know how much longer they are going to be available. The kicker is the shipping, since they have shipping weights of about 80 lbs. The shipping is approaching the purchase price!
17:14 by Art?.
Skype ports. goto http://portforward.com/ and tell it your router and program and it will walk you through port forwarding.
