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waldwolf

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Posts posted by waldwolf

  1. A while back, one member posted a request asking if it were possible to get certain TV programs over the internet. Recently, I ran across apiece of software (that I have not yet used) which claims to do just that:

    World Online TV allows you to watch 800+ live television channels and listen to 1500+ online radio stations from 100+ countries. There is no need for a TV Tuner card because all the channels are streamed through your Internet connection. For most TV and Radio channels a modem speed of 56Kb/s is required, for the broadband TV stations you need 300 Kb/s. This software comes with automatic TV station updates so it will never be out of date. If you are interested in learning languages or alternative programming, this is a good choice for you!

    Features:

    - More than 800 FREE TV stations. (see TV channel list)

    - More than 1500 FREE radio stations. (see radio channel list)

    - NO TV tuner card required!

    - NO Subscription Fees! Only one payment, no monthly payments

    - Free lifetime upgrades!

    - Automatic channel list updates.

    - Supports high bandwidth stations.

    - Supports thousands of skins(visual styles *.msstyles)

    - Resizable screen, supports full-screen mode

    System Requirements:

    - Windows XP, 2003, 2000, ME, 98, 98SE or Windows NT4.0

    - IE 5.0 or later

    - 2MB hard drive space for installation

    - Internet connection

    - The latest version of RealPlayer and Windows Media Player installed. World Online TV needs the system of decoding of both programs to present the radio and television signals. It's advisable that you install Microsoft Media Player and RealPlayer before installing World Online TV.

    More information and trial download available here:

    (PS - If any member has used this program, would appreciate your comments.)

  2. Basically, one should attempt to keep the internal temperature of your computer case no-hotter-than 10 degrees F above ambient room temperature. (If your room is uncomfortably hot, your computer will be too.)

    First, I'd attempt to determine if the "hanging" problem is from overheating of the CPU or one or more chips on the motherboard. (If your system doesn't supply "software" temperature readings, a regular mercury or digital fever thermometer will give you a good indication, when held against the CPU heatsink or a motherboard chip itself.) If the problem is the CPU, then a larger heatsink or multi-fan setup, or combination of both, may eliminate the problem.

    If CPU overheating is the problem, you may want to look into one of the new "liquid cooling" cpu kits, which are becoming quite popular. (Sony uses one in their latest 3.6Ghz model as do many mfr's of those special-built "gaming" computers.)

    Case fans (power supply, slot, hdd, etc.) should, whenever possible, exhaust (blowout/suckout) air from within the case. Earlier suggestions on removing case cover(s) will, many times, also solve overheating/lockup problems.

    Another important item to check is; if you have added additional power consuming items to your original setup, such as another HDD, a CD/DVD burner, high-speed video card, etc., is your PS (power supply) designed to handle all these new power requirements? Power draw from the PS should not exceed 80% of its total rated output. Above 80%, the PS may not provide sufficient current to the various sub-systems, causing them to operate at higher temperatures, compounding your overheating problem. PS and component "life expectancy" will also be shortened considerably.

    Good luck

    :o

  3. .....I got the SP2 from a CD, Windows XP, with SP2 and I can't delete SP2 without deleting the whole CD. At least this is what the CD tells me.......
    What the CD is telling you is correct. Microsoft formally released WindowsXP incorporating SP2 only 2 weeks ago, so if you have a valid version of that release, you CANNOT uninstall SP2. Don't even bother trying.
    Can I uninstall the XP then install windows 98, reinstall my printer and then again reinstall my windows XP.
    NO. You can only uninstall XP if it was installed over an earlier version of Windows. You cannot re-install Windows98 over XP. It would be necessary to do a complete re-format of the HDD, which would result in loss of all data on that drive. In other words, everything would be wiped clean and you would be starting all over from scratch.
    ....I had just installed a new hard drive, as I recall the screen was blank until I installed the XP....
    If the HDD was new, it was likely unformatted. I'm guessing, but it appears the version of WindowsXP w/SP2 you have is one designed for new installations, and therefore would automatically re-format the hard drive before installing itself. (Some people call these versions OEM, but in reality, they are "bulk" copies of the "Retail" releases, sold by Microsoft to vendors who custom build computer systems. (They usually come in a plain white sleeve, with no instructions.)

    Follow bbk_mike's suggestions and first, check if HP has an updated driver for your printer, if not, then reinstall the driver(s) for the software which originally came with your printer.

    And finally...as your printer is an HP, double check that the printer cable, if not USB type, is an IEEE-1284 compliant (bi-directional) cable. This is necessary so the printer and computer and "talk" to each other. (Other printers, such as Epson, don't require an IEE-1284 and work OK with older Centronics type cables.)

    Post back if you have further questions.

  4. Breaking News - (New York, 15:00hrs EDT)

    ABC radio news is reporting, a University of California at Berkeley (UCB) student has hacked a State of California computer, exposing names, addresses, birth dates, social security sumbers (SSN) and other personal information, of over 1 Million people, to view on the internet.

    With identity theft now the fastest growing crime (around the world), maybe its time we bring back some of those "old-fashioned" tortures, to deal with idiots like this one.

    Your thoughts?

    :o

  5. ...I now have an edition of XP Pro running and it won't let me apply SP2. It refers me to a website which questions the validity of my copy......

    ...I will now have to find a key generator that will satisy whatever checking the system does, prior to adding updates.

    Can't find it at the moment, but just prior to release of SP2, a Microsoft Support Specialist posted in one of their NewsGroups, a statement to the effect SP2 (either the CD, Download, or WindowsUpdate) would install on all but a very few versions of XP having "very-early" pirated serial numbers.

    I'm sure nobody in this forum approves-of nor supports the use of pirated software. :o That said, you may wish to re-read A._BOOZER's post on page 2 of this thread. :D

  6. First, as bkk_mike suggested, have your power supply checked. A defective PS will give the symptoms you described and is about the cheapest piece of computer hardware you can buy, should it require replacement. (About $15-$30 US).

    OK......I know your all going to laugh at this one, but it is one of the first routines many "Recovery" companies use, when a HDD has "failed". (It is assumed you are somewhat "mechanically inclined" and have another HDD, flash drive or other storage source to backup onto.)

    1. Remove "defective" HDD from tower, put in plastic bag, then put it in your refrigerator (NOT FREEZER).

    2. Leave for 1-2 hours.

    3. Prepare list of your MP3's and pictures in order of importance. Have backup media installed and ready for use.

    4. Remove "defective" HDD from refrigerator and plug-in power/data cables.

    5. Turn-on system and with your ear near HDD, listen for motor "spin-up" noise.

    6. If HDD motor sounds OK, and Windows loads, copy data to backup media as soon as possible.

    If above works, but only for a short time, try 1-6 again. You may just be lucky enough to recover all your data.

    good luck

  7. otherstuff1957 - Most new "Retail Packaged" hard drives (HDD) come with software which will allow you to partition, format and drive copy (make a "mirror" image of your "old" drive) on the new HDD. For example, Western Digital provide a CD with software named "Data LifeGuard Tools" which does these jobs.

    As regards "backup" of your current drive image or data, the software which you use for CD burning (Nero, EasyCD Creator, etc.) usually include some type of backup utility. Even older Windows OS's, while somewhat lacking, have such a utility. See Start>Programs>Accessories>System Tools>Backup or your Windows Help file. My 3.2GB incl OS and data uses about 6 CD's (using Nero backup). and at 48x write, about 30-35 minutes.

    Suggest you consider a larger HDD than 40GB (eg: 80GB) as the cost differential should be rather small. Also, try to get a 7,200rpm HDD with 8MB cache. The faster read/write time is very noticeable.

    good luck

  8. Jockstar: Check you PM for more info.

    francois: Congratulations on passing your 1000th. post. I'm sure many of the people you've helped also send their thanks and congratulations.

    If you use XP's built-in "Auto Recovery" function, it should return you to the previous system configuration, which I assume was SP1.

    All: You can get tons of good help from MVP's (Microsoft certified experts) on the Microsoft newsgroup site(s).

    More info and usage instructions here: Microsoft Newsgroups: Frequently Asked Questions

    cheers

  9. This morning I go to HP web site and they tell me that I need to uninstall SP2 then reinstall my printer after which I'm to reinstall SP2. Don't yet know how to do,yet, but I sent an email back to them asking.

    Here are some Microsoft Knowledge Base links which should help with uninstalling SP2:

    How to remove Windows XP Service Pack 2 from your computer

    How to help protect your computer if you decide to remove Windows XP Service Pack 2

    The AutoRecovery feature lets you recover from an unsuccessful installation of Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2

    As regards your sound problem:

    (1) If you have a seperate sound card, check to make sure it is properly seated in its slot on the motherboard. It may not have been properly re-seated if the technician removed it, and/or the bouncing around during trip to/from shop may have caused it to become unseated.

    (2) Check in the "Device Manager" (see OS Help for details) and look if there are any conflicts related to the sound card. (Look for yellow exclamation sign(s).) If you DO NOT have a seperate sound card, uninstall the sound driver in "Device Manager", then reboot your computer. Windows "Plug-&-Play" will restall the driver again.

    good luck

  10. Frankly, I'm more worried about the government attempting to regulate the internet.

    Today's newspaper article re: "New FCC Rules" prompted one think-tank to observe:

    Congress has already gone after indecency on the internet, even though the courts have struck them down several times," said Adam D. Thierer, director of communications at the Cato Institute in Washington [DC]. He went on to say, "You can bet your bottom dollar they will continue those efforts."

    :o

  11. Would agree with most of francois suggestions, except for the hard drive (HDD), I'd recommend you get the biggest one you can afford (250-300GB) if you plan to do a lot of video and digital photo work.

    If money is not a consideration, the 10,000 rpm SATA drives are great, though slightly noisey. (The 7,200 rpm 8mb cache SATA's are considerably cheaper and quieter.)

    As to the CPU and memory, have recently seen quite a few video processing utilities which are now recommending a minimum 3.0GB Pentium-4 and 1GB memory.

    Would also suggest, as did francois, you look into a DVD burner. The price recently has fallen dramatically. For example, a SONY internal 16xDVD-R+R "Double Layer" (dual-layer) can be had in US for only $79. Price of DVD (single layer) blanks have also dropped to almost the same price as CD-R blanks.

    One mfr (Gateway) is selling a P4, 3.0GB, w/1MB L2 cache, 800mhz FSB, 200GB 7,200 rpm SATA HDD w/8MB cache. 512MB DDR memory, Dual Layer 8x DVD -+R/CD-R/-RW burner, 48x CD-Rom drive for $845.00 (US). Add $200.00 and you'll also get a 17 inch flatplate monitor.

    Sony has a similar model but with a DVD-Rom drive instead of CD-Rom drive, for about $995 (US). Another $150.00 will get you a larger HDD, TV tuner and nvidia video card with component video inputs/outputs.

    Unless you have a specific requirement, don't think you can buy all the parts, assemble it and end up cheaper than a unit similar to above. Of course there's the satisfaction of building your own system, which means a lot.

    Either way, good luck and have fun.

    :o

  12. Just a reminder:

    Spybot-Search & Destroy have issued the following new updates:

    Detection Rules..................[432KB].....2004-10-14

    Immunization Database.....[057KB].....2004-10-14

    Startup Info........................[280KB].....2004-10-14

    -and-

    Lavasoft Ad-Aware today issued a new "definitions file" update:

    Version: SE1R13 16.10.2004

    (Both utilities can be updated using their built-in "Check for Update" functions.)

  13. Both WindowsXP Home Edition and WindowsXP Professional incorporating Service Pack 2 were released to stores early last week, by Microsoft. So if you planning to buy either version, would recommend you get the latest with SP2 "built-in".

    Has anyone seen Windows XP Media Center Edition (2005)....
    Believe Microsoft just released MEC 2005 earlier this week. Have only seen one computer (a Sony) with MCE 2004, the rest (including all the new HP models) are still using MEC 2002. :o
  14. You should check with U.S. Customs as most motor vehicle engines have to be registered and approved to insure they meet Federal Emissions Requirements. For you to get it tested and approved would be virtually impossible, not to mention the cost of doing so.

    If you are allowed to import it, duties will be considerably less if it falls under the "used vehicle" category. For example, many people buy European cars, take delivery in Europe, tour around for a few weeks, then ship it home by boat, The car now falls under the "used" category and the import duty are correspondingly lower.

    Suggest you also contact Honda and ask if this model or a similar one, is available in the USA.

    good luck

    PS - If you are planning to return to Thailand within one year, you can probably import it on a "temporary basis", then re-export it.

  15. I have seen where you can watch TV on your computer but I don't have anything where I can watch US foootball games.
    I would suggest you work on getting the games on your regular TV set from satellite, cable, etc., rather than over the net using your computer. (Just to listen to NFL radio broadcasts online will cost you about $10 (US) per month.) More info here.

    Additionally, to have video you'll need a faster than normal broadband connection; another expense. If your thinking of using your computer as a "VCR", you'll need a TV card, large HDD, more software, plus the earlier mentioned items; again more expense. (A regular VCR would cost much, much less.)

    I'm also looking for a decent "safe" screensaver that won't stick me on any kind of lists that will get sold to all kinds of people.
    There are literally millions of free screensavers available on the net, where you don't have to give personal info, eg: email addresses. Just do a GOOGLE or YAHOO search asking for "free screensavers".

    Here are a few links:*

    NFL Screensavers #1

    NFL Screensavers #2

    NASA Screensavers

    * Caution: some porno site screensavers are known to contain virus's/trojans, so act accordingly.

    good hunting.

  16. if zone alarms firewall is used , should the xp firewall be switched off or can both be on at the same time?

    Yes, switch off the XP firewall if you run ZoneAlarm, or visa-versa.

    If you installed WindowsXP Service Pack 2, the XP firewall is automatically activated. Disable it before running ZoneAlarm.

    (Shush..........don't tell anyone, but Microsoft's XP firewall is based on a stripped down version of ZoneAlarm.) :o

  17. I would second francois recommendation of ZoneAlarm for your firewall (unless your on broadband, in which case a hardware router/firewall offers more security, than software).

    Would not recommend any "suite" of programs, eg: Symantec, McAfee, ZoneLabs, VCom or any others. I have never seen a "suite" of utilities where everything worked as advertised. Most cause more problems than they solve.

    Best to pick and choose the best in each category. Most companies offer trial versions, so utilize this option and pick the ones which work best for you.

    Good hunting.

  18. There are 2 methods to accomplish this.

    First: Windows remember their previous size when closed. Therefore, close the windows when maximized by clicking the X button in upper right corner.

    -or-

    Second: (Note these instructions may vary slightly, depending on your OS version)

    1. Right-click Start, and then click Open.

    2. Locate the shortcut for the program you want to start, and then select it.

    3. Click the File menu, and then click Properties.

    4. Click the Shortcut tab.

    5. In Run, click Minimized or Maximized, and then click OK.

    To return to previous size, repeat 1-4 above and in Run select "Normal Window"

    Hope this helps.

  19. An unidentified man in Boston, Massachusetts was arrested today, while attempting to deposit 2 checks to his personal account.

    ChecK #1 - $5,000,000,000 (five billion dollars, US)

    Check #2 - $6,000,000,000 (six billion dollars, US)

    (Personally, I'd have written just one check.)

    :o

  20. Having downloaded free trileware in the past, I found myself having problem's with my computer that I never had moment's before the download.......

    As to your original question, if you download trialware from the manufacturer's own website (eg: Norton AntiVirus @ www.symantec.com), the chances such downloads contain virus's is virtually nil.

    Now, if you download such programs from "other" sites* (eg: warez sites) then there is a possibility it may be infected. You should always scan such downloads using antivirus and/or trojan detection software (then say a little prayer).

    Chances are, you were already infected by a virus from another source. Certain virus's will detect, attack and attempt to "disabled" all antivirus or anti-trojan programs.

    AntiVirus and Firewall's utilities seem to cause the most problems when installing new software. One should always shutdown (disable) these, before installing new programs. Many people recommend you do the install in "Safe Mode".

    * This also applies to bootleg (pirated) software.

  21. Should you have problems with a particular program after installing SP2, check the program manufacturers website for updates and/or patches. Many software manufacturers have already released "fixes" to these SP2 problems.

  22. Sex Shops in Britain Are Making Their Way to 'High Street'

    By Clare Dowdy

    Financial Times

    October 11, 2004

    LONDON — Surely there has never been so much sexual activity on Britain's main streets.

    Purveyors of adult-oriented merchandise typically have been relegated to side streets instead of the main drags, or "high streets" as they are called here.

    But retailers in this sector, including from the United States, seem to be going into overdrive. And as they launch, expand or revamp their offerings here, many have set their sights on Europe.

    "Adult entertainment" impresario Larry Flynt is taking his Hustler Hollywood chain outside the U.S., debuting in the city of Birmingham this month before opening in London.

    British retailer Harmony is repositioning itself and has just made a splash with its first high street store, on London's Oxford Street.

    In Britain, a store without a license can offer just 10% of products that can be classified as sexual merchandise; the other 90%, such as lingerie, must be classified as nonsexual merchandise. A licensed store can stock adult-rated films and other media that depict explicit nonviolent consensual sex scenes.

    British retailer Ann Summers, whose offerings do not require a license, is already well- established as an outlet for lingerie and sex aids. It has opened 60 stores in the last 18 months, bringing the total to 117.

    Sex toy retailer Tabooboo has a concession in London's Selfridges store. It also boasts 60 vending machines in bars and clubs across the country and has plans for stores in continental Europe. Tabooboo is aimed at stylish and brand-aware women in their 20s.

    The retailers say they are responding to demand triggered by Britain's changing attitude toward sex. "There is less stigma attached to it," said Gordon Lee, Ann Summers marketing director.

    Sex shops were set up in Sutton and Wandsworth a couple of years ago by Germany's Beate Uhse, Europe's biggest erotic goods maker and retailer, under the banner of Mae.B.

    Such stores have a more established presence in Germany than in Britain, and Ann Summers says it is likely to expand into Spain rather than the more established markets of Germany or France.

    Both Lee and Roger Ede, project director of Hustler Hollywood U.K., say the effect of the television series "Sex and the City" on women's behavior should not be underestimated. Sex has become mainstream, the retailers say, so it is now acceptable on high streets. And it is female consumers who are seen as presenting the best retail opportunity and the most important audience to reach.

    Ann Summers, whose annual sales are 110 million pounds ($197 million), has known this for years. According to Lee, 80% of its customers are female. This changes at the weekends, when couples come in together "looking for something to play around with," as he puts it.

    Now Hustler and Harmony want a bit of the action. Ede expects Hustler's customer breakdown to be 60%-40% women to men. In the U.S., it is 51%-49%, but the U.S. stores, unlike those planned for Britain, are licensed, so hard-core material accounts for more of the sales.

    Harmony opened on Oxford Street, the landmark London retail territory, this month after being encouraged by the number of women and couples who visited its outlet in the less salubrious Charing Cross Road. "It opened our eyes," said Steven Elkins, a director. He expects Oxford Street customers to be 30% single men and 70% single women and couples.

    Many of these retailers are trying to create an environment that appeals to women without alienating men.

    For Harmony, that means having two doorways: one that leads to the pink, girlie ground floor and a second that leads straight down the stairs into the licensed and unashamedly hard-core basement.

    Hustler's approach is to have an open shop front and a coffee shop with leather sofas. Theresa Flynt-Gaerke, executive vice president of Hustler Hollywood retail, says these coffee shops build their own clientele in the U.S. The cafe in Hustler's Sunset Boulevard outlet in West Hollywood, for example, opens two hours before the shop. In the evenings, couples might go there for dessert and to browse the merchandise.

    This is how Harmony said it would like its stores to be used by the public.

    Said Harmony director Danny O'Sullivan: "A visit to Harmony should be as normal and everyday an experience as going to any other chain store in your lunch hour."

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