My 24/7 computer/tech/gadget support thread!

[Halcyon]

Since I'm bored and stuck at home eating this teriyaki bowl, I will make this thread so people can ask me whatever they want about tech stuff. I'm always helping people around the dorm/apartment/household and I used to sell electronics before college, so I will extend my services here. Ask away! :D

[billybob]

Do you have farcry? Its not tech support but I cant find a torrent that not under 1 gb

[Halcyon]

Do you have farcry? Its not tech support but I cant find a torrent that not under 1 gb
I do not, but check your PM. 81 seeders!

[billybob]

Thanks

[Minionated]

Do you love technology?

[Halcyon]

Do you love technology?
Sure do. I'm a tech geek as a hobby.

[Smegma]

Do you love technology?
Sure do. I'm a tech geek as a hobby.

You are helpful. That is good. Are you in silicon valley?

[Halcyon]

Do you love technology?
Sure do. I'm a tech geek as a hobby.

You are helpful. That is good. Are you in silicon valley?
No, but I live just north of there :D

I just tech stuff in any form. You can find me on a lot of the tech forums, including HDTV, PDA's, Audio technology, video editing, notebooks and Windows PC support. I'm also one of the guys that smoketests Firefox for the guys here in Mountain View so anybody with Firefox can always give me a PM since I know it almost as well as the devs.

[billybob]

What skins you got for firefox?

[billybob]

I got Azerty 2, Aquaint, Noia 2.0 ( Extreme) and ifox im using aquaint its great

[magicx_3]

can you explain bit torrents to a retard like me?

[Halcyon]

What skins you got for firefox?
I only use the default skin because I helped to clean it up when it was in production but I can refer you to:
http://forums.mozillazine.org/viewforum.php?f=18\

You can find the very latest themes there made by users just like you and I.

[Halcyon]

can you explain bit torrents to a retard like me?
I usually just link people to pages like this since they have typed it all out dozens of times before me.

As for clients, I recommend Azureus or Bitcomet
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/bittorrent.htm

[billybob]

Wikpedia has a good definition of it

[magicx_3]

ahhh you are wise!! I still love GM for straight OUTLINING how to backup my dvds!! He's forever my hero....thanks sweetie...I guess it's time for me to gets to readin'

[billybob]

can you explain bit torrents to a retard like me?
I usually just link people to pages like this since they have typed it all out dozens of times before me.

As for clients, I recommend Azureus or Bitcomet
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/bittorrent.htm

Azeureus is great, but i use BitLord for multiple downloads

[magicx_3]

how long do they usually take?

[The Mighty Quinn]

Say there is this user on a message board that you really hate, is there anyway to send them a debillitating virus through a pm?

[Halcyon]

can you explain bit torrents to a retard like me?
I usually just link people to pages like this since they have typed it all out dozens of times before me.

As for clients, I recommend Azureus or Bitcomet
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/bittorrent.htm

Azeureus is great, but i use BitLord for multiple downloads
Bitlord is actually just a ripoff of Bitcomet, and an old version at that. I would recommend getting the official latest version of Bitcomet to make sure you get the latest performance fixes for your downloads.

[The Mighty Quinn]

wait, nvm, i googled it.

Oh and neo, check your pm :wink:

[billybob]

can you explain bit torrents to a retard like me?
I usually just link people to pages like this since they have typed it all out dozens of times before me.

As for clients, I recommend Azureus or Bitcomet
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/bittorrent.htm

Azeureus is great, but i use BitLord for multiple downloads
Bitlord is actually just a ripoff of Bitcomet, and an old version at that. I would recommend getting the official latest version of Bitcomet to make sure you get the latest performance fixes for your downloads.

That I might

[Halcyon]

wait, nvm, i googled it.

Oh and neo, check your pm :wink:
Sweeeeeeeeeeet. Anyway, you can really fuck somebody up if you fake them out with a link to a page that crashes your computer with malicious html coding.

[The Mighty Quinn]

wait, nvm, i googled it.

Oh and neo, check your pm :wink:
Sweeeeeeeeeeet. Anyway, you can really fuck somebody up if you fake them out with a link to a page that crashes your computer with malicious html coding.

note to self: no clicking on links

[billybob]

how long do they usually take?

2-10 hours depends on the size

Like something thats like 250 mb should take 30 min, but like a movie takes me like 5 hours

[Halcyon]

how long do they usually take?

2-10 hours depends on the size

Like something thats like 250 mb should take 30 min, but like a movie takes me like 5 hours
If you have a router, make sure you enable port forwarding to make the most of your downloads.
http://www.portforward.com

[Halcyon]

Leaving for a while guys. Leave whatever questions and I'll do my best to get back to them.

[Acadia]

EXPLAIN BIT TORRENTING TO ME. I DESERVE STOLEN GOODS!

[billybob]

EXPLAIN BIT TORRENTING TO ME. I DESERVE STOLEN GOODS!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BitTorrent

If you have any other question i think i can answer them

[Acadia]

EXPLAIN BIT TORRENTING TO ME. I DESERVE STOLEN GOODS!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BitTorrent

If you have any other question i think i can answer them

Too much reading. I dont want to pass a test. I just want free stuff! Tell me what to download.

[billybob]

What kind of comp do you have acadia mac or pc?

[billybob]

Im guessing pc windows

http://prdownloads.sourceforge.net/azureus/Azureus_2.3.0.4_Win32.setup.exe?download
Click the mirror which is closest to your home town

[billybob]

Just PM me acadia when your done that

[Sedrox]

My printer keeps saying 'replace cyanink' . . what the hell is a cyanink? I turned it off & on, and put more paper in... but that didn't do it, so I'm all out of ideas.

[billybob]

yell at it, im not a printer man, i would ask neo

[Halcyon]

My printer keeps saying 'replace cyanink' . . what the hell is a cyanink? I turned it off & on, and put more paper in... but that didn't do it, so I'm all out of ideas.
Cyan ink refers to the blue variety of the inks involved in creating different combinations of colors which make up the images on the paper. You have to replace the ink in your printer with a new cartridge.

[Poisoned Ash]

Why does epson have the gayest ink cartridges? I called poonjab (Epson Rep) in India the other day and asked him why the fuck my printer was screaming at me because my brand new cartridge was low after printing 5 documents.

And you can't refill them cause of some dumb counter shiz-nick... oy.
Any suggestions?

[Acadia]

What kind of comp do you have acadia mac or pc?

Mac? DO I LOOK FRENCH? AM I WEARING A BERET?????

Also - I don't want a bunch of Mac Cult people all up on me - I know all about the graphics stuff - and my designers use them - so shut it.

[billybob]

What kind of comp do you have acadia mac or pc?

Mac? DO I LOOK FRENCH? AM I WEARING A BERET?????

Also - I don't want a bunch of Mac Cult people all up on me - I know all about the graphics stuff - and my designers use them - so shut it.

did u download the program from the mirrors?

[Poisoned Ash]

Mac? DO I LOOK FRENCH? AM I WEARING A BERET?????

Also - I don't want a bunch of Mac Cult people all up on me - I know all about the graphics stuff - and my designers use them - so shut it.

Designers eh?
We are one step closer to learning your true identity now!

[billybob]

Mac? DO I LOOK FRENCH? AM I WEARING A BERET?????

Also - I don't want a bunch of Mac Cult people all up on me - I know all about the graphics stuff - and my designers use them - so shut it.

Designers eh?
We are one step closer to learning your true identity now!

Buisness man, possible a communications consultant?

[Poisoned Ash]

Buisness man, possible a communications consultant?

I still have no clue.

Designer... hmmmm. He said "his designers" so I'm gonna take a shot in the dark and guess he's an underwear model.

[Sedrox]

My printer keeps saying 'replace cyanink' . . what the hell is a cyanink? I turned it off & on, and put more paper in... but that didn't do it, so I'm all out of ideas.
Cyan ink refers to the blue variety of the inks involved in creating different combinations of colors which make up the images on the paper. You have to replace the ink in your printer with a new cartridge.

Ink?

EDIT* I apologize... I was taking advantage of your kind hearted nature, and pretended to be completely ignorant. It was the most ridiculous question I could think of, and you answered it so nicely that I feel bad... You're nice.

[OldGravy]

If you have a router, make sure you enable port forwarding to make the most of your downloads.
http://www.portforward.com

How is enabling port forwarding supposed to make the most of your downloads?

[RodeoHK]

I'm thinking of buying a laptop for uni. Any advice? Which would be the best value-for-money (less than $2000)? I've heard good things about Sony Vaio notebooks.

[OldGravy]

I'm thinking of buying a laptop for uni. Any advice? Which would be the best value-for-money (less than $2000)? I've heard good things about Sony Vaio notebooks.

I just recommended the Compaq V2310 to my aunt but you can't buy it where you are. IBM Thinkpads, Dell Inspirons and HP are usually highly thought of.

Buy a business grade laptop with a 3 year warranty. Otherwise, try 'em out for ergonomics and work from there. Oh, and while I'm on the subject, avoid the Athlon-64 based laptops -- they're not mobile processors and will eat your battery.

[RodeoHK]

I just recommended the Compaq V2310 to my aunt but you can't buy it where you are. IBM Thinkpads, Dell Inspirons and HP are usually highly thought of.

Buy a business grade laptop with a 3 year warranty. Otherwise, try 'em out for ergonomics and work from there. Oh, and while I'm on the subject, avoid the Athlon-64 based laptops -- they're not mobile processors and will eat your battery.

OK thanks. Although I've heard bad things about Dell laptops. My uni is offering significant discounts on notebooks for students - this one in particular looks very good.

http://uqconnect.net/index.html?page=36586

Anyone think this looks good? Bad?

[Halcyon]

I just recommended the Compaq V2310 to my aunt but you can't buy it where you are. IBM Thinkpads, Dell Inspirons and HP are usually highly thought of.

Buy a business grade laptop with a 3 year warranty. Otherwise, try 'em out for ergonomics and work from there. Oh, and while I'm on the subject, avoid the Athlon-64 based laptops -- they're not mobile processors and will eat your battery.

OK thanks. Although I've heard bad things about Dell laptops. My uni is offering significant discounts on notebooks for students - this one in particular looks very good.

http://uqconnect.net/index.html?page=36586

Anyone think this looks good? Bad?
Compaq makes decent laptops but they arent very good...I would go with a Dell, Toshiba, or Sony Laptop.

[OldGravy]

Compaq makes decent laptops but they arent very good...

That makes perfect sense. I'm still curious about your port forwarding recommendation.

[RodeoHK]

What about Sony Vaio notebooks?

Or in particular, this one: http://www.ow.com.au/shop/product_info.php/products_id/870

[Poisoned Ash]

I'm thinking of buying a laptop for uni. Any advice? Which would be the best value-for-money (less than $2000)? I've heard good things about Sony Vaio notebooks.

I'm a repair technician and one thing I have noticed with a lot of factory brands PCs such as Dells or Compaqs are that they are all in competition with eachother, not for quality, but for price and I've seen a lot of cases where you can really tell. Sony Viaos are ones that we see very seldom. The most common brands that come in for malfuctioning hardware (not viruses) would be Compaqs first (overheating) and Dells second (soilder points on motherboard don't hold well for power adaptor)
Surprisingly, one brand we don't see alot are E-machines. A lot of people aren't very familiar with them, but because of that, they have to earn a reputation based on the product first before they can scimp out on parts.

I personally own an Asus laptop. I purchased the shell through Asus and built the rest. (you don't have to build them, they will sell you the whole unit) Asus has only recently become a laptop seller, but they manufacture the best motherboards (Abit people are gonna pound me for that). They don't make anything that is crap... period.
With a Pentium M 1.7 and 768mb of RAM, 40 GB hard drive and DVD burner, it cost about $1600. Operating system not included. I get about 6 hours battery life when I'm just typing which is much longer than average. CPU temp is MUCH cooler than average as well. You can actually put it on your bare lap it runs so cool, hense being a Lap-top. Everything about it, design, cooling, upgradablity, wireless --- far exceeds anything I could have ordered from Dell. Then again I'm a nerd. I thrive on this stuff.

[Halcyon]

Compaq makes decent laptops but they arent very good...

That makes perfect sense. I'm still curious about your port forwarding recommendation.
By that I meant that they were entry level but nothing special...

As for routers, blocking ports 6881-6889 is usually a problem as the data doesnt get to the client as it should due to the routers presence. You should port forward to ensure every bit of data is able to get to the port on your pc that your client is using from your NAT router. So yeah, everybody who has a router in their home should make sure to set up port forwarding so they wont get 5-30k downloads.

[REALLY REALLY BIG MAN!]

Help me clean out my computer. I have spyware I can't find, and I can't read hijack this stuff...so.

[RodeoHK]

<3 Poisoned Ash!

Seriously, are Asus notebooks available in Australia? And is that $US1600? It does sound like a wicked laptop.

Still I've had my heart set on this Sony Vaio. So would you recommend it over HP and Dell?

[Alex]

HI MY COMPUTER'S OPERATING SYSTEM IS DESIGNED BY A DISORGANIZED MONOPOLY DRIVEN SOFTWARE GIANT WHO'S COMPLETE AND UTTER LACK OF TALENT IN ANY FIELD OTHER THAN RAPING BANK ACCOUNTS HAS STUNTED THE GROWTH OF KICK ASS TECHNOLOGY.

What should I do!? :(

[Poisoned Ash]

Help me clean out my computer. I have spyware I can't find, and I can't read hijack this stuff...so.

Go to Majorgeeks.com, on the left side there's a list of different downloads. Under spyware tools you can download about buster, adaware, spybot, hijack this (which you already have) and microsoft anti-spyware tools. This is all the stuff we install on customers machines that come in with spyware. Microsoft anti spyware checks product key for 2000 and XP users, so if you're copy is not completely legal, don't use it.

Another thing you may want to do is go to housecall.trendmicro.com and http://www.pandasoftware.com/products/activescan.htm . Both can run live free scans and remove any virus or worm infections. Spyware and viruses go hand in hand so if you have one, it's likely you have the other.

[OldGravy]

As for routers, blocking ports 6881-6889 is usually a problem as the data doesnt get to the client as it should due to the routers presence. You should port forward to ensure every bit of data is able to get to the port on your pc that your client is using from your NAT router. So yeah, everybody who has a router in their home should make sure to set up port forwarding so they wont get 5-30k downloads.

What you said makes no sense. Ports have *nothing* to do with bandwidth.

And I have to shudder about e-Machines. You mentioned lowest-cost manufaturers, and they're the lowest cost manufacturer. At least Dell uses hardware from brands you recognise. I've spent way too much time trying to find a driver for a super-Taiwan-mega-AMR $8 P.O.S.

If I ever buy a laptop it'll probably be a PowerBook running Linux. Asus seems kewl though, but no major warranty like you get with HP, Dell, and Compaq.

[Halcyon]

<3 Poisoned Ash!

Seriously, are Asus notebooks available in Australia? And is that $US1600? It does sound like a wicked laptop.

Still I've had my heart set on this Sony Vaio. So would you recommend it over HP and Dell?
Lemme put it this way...

Asus>Sony>Dell=Toshiba>HP=Compaq.

I have a Dell Inspiron 6000. My next one will be the new Asus model they come out with in 2008.

[Alex]

Another thing you may want to do is go to housecall.trendmicro.com and http://www.pandasoftware.com/products/activescan.htm . Both can run live free scans and remove any virus or worm infections. Spyware and viruses go hand in hand so if you have one, it's likely you have the other.

Yeah, Housecall has saved my ass more times than I'd like to remember.

[OldGravy]

A knoppix disc is all you need.

[Acadia]

Another thing you may want to do is go to housecall.trendmicro.com and http://www.pandasoftware.com/products/activescan.htm . Both can run live free scans and remove any virus or worm infections. Spyware and viruses go hand in hand so if you have one, it's likely you have the other.

Yeah, Housecall has saved my ass more times than I'd like to remember.

porn monger

[REALLY REALLY BIG MAN!]

Help me clean out my computer. I have spyware I can't find, and I can't read hijack this stuff...so.

Go to Majorgeeks.com, on the left side there's a list of different downloads. Under spyware tools you can download about buster, adaware, spybot, hijack this (which you already have) and microsoft anti-spyware tools. This is all the stuff we install on customers machines that come in with spyware. Microsoft anti spyware checks product key for 2000 and XP users, so if you're copy is not completely legal, don't use it.

Another thing you may want to do is go to housecall.trendmicro.com and http://www.pandasoftware.com/products/activescan.htm . Both can run live free scans and remove any virus or worm infections. Spyware and viruses go hand in hand so if you have one, it's likely you have the other.
Yeah, I have those programs. But I still have spyware that is embedded and hidden. I just need help removing that.

[Halcyon]

What you said makes no sense. Ports have *nothing* to do with bandwidth.
Lemme ask you something...do you own a router?

[Alex]

porn monger

:roll:

[OldGravy]

Yeah, I have those programs. But I still have spyware that is embedded and hidden. I just need help removing that.

I don't have a virus scanner on my (Windows) PC, but I do have M$ Anti-Spyware. If your user habits mean you get spyware on your PC (you don't know how to say, "No?") then you need it.

[OldGravy]

What you said makes no sense. Ports have *nothing* to do with bandwidth.
Lemme ask you something...do you own a router?

Where is this leading?

[RodeoHK]

Thanks for the advice everyone. :D

[Don Logan]

I have a Firefox question. Is there a way to move the search window? Meaning to make it wider or more narrow, like Slimbrowser allows you to do?

[RodeoHK]

Yeah, I have those programs. But I still have spyware that is embedded and hidden. I just need help removing that.

Have you tried Avast! antivirus?

[Halcyon]

What you said makes no sense. Ports have *nothing* to do with bandwidth.
Lemme ask you something...do you own a router?

Where is this leading?
I'm trying to see if you actually have a router so I can see if you actually understand what I'm talking about in regards to actual routers instead of just by principle.

[Halcyon]

I have a Firefox question. Is there a way to move the search window? Meaning to make it wider or more narrow, like Slimbrowser allows you to do?
Not yet, the devs are working on making a more configurable interface, but dont expect to see this until after Firefox 2 comes out...which is soooo far off...

[Poisoned Ash]

<3 Poisoned Ash!

Seriously, are Asus notebooks available in Australia? And is that $US1600? It does sound like a wicked laptop.

Still I've had my heart set on this Sony Vaio. So would you recommend it over HP and Dell?

I believe Asus does sell to Australia. If not, they would most definately ship it there.
Yes, that is 1600 US dollars. However I have a ::cough cough:: completely LEGIT OS... ::cough:: running on my system, so that is the price without windows installed. Windows XP usually runs about 87 bucks (US) for an OEM version of Home, but you need to purchase hardware with it. Something as irrelevant as a mouse pad qualifies though.

Viaos are nice. If I didn't have an Asus, Sony or Toshiba would be my next choice. I like building computers and making them run the way I want, so a factory PC just wasn't exciting.

My sistem has a Gateway tablet laptop that her school made her purchase which I like as well. It has a very similar aluminum shell like mine and good circulation. I remember one gateway latop that came in for repair within the passed year, but the idiot went snow boarding with it... other than that though, they've stayed off the radar when it comes to problems.

http://au.asus.com/products1.aspx?l1=5

That's the australian website with laptops. Depending on catagory, they have one of every kind.

[Don Logan]

And can you believe that is the only reason I do not use Firefox. I hate that it does not allow me to move that window to the size that I want.

I am using Slimbrowser right now. Yes, I know it is still using the IE engine. I very rarely have problems with virus' or spyware as I am pretty well protected and if I do catch something, I am pretty good at eradicating it.

[RodeoHK]

Poisoned Ash just went 100000 points up in my book.

Though I think I'll still aim for the Sony Vaio. These ASUS notebooks aren't in my price range.

I am poor. :cry:

[OldGravy]

I'm trying to see if you actually have a router so I can see if you actually understand what I'm talking about in regards to actual routers instead of just by principle.

I'd have thought with all the pissing contests on this board you get into you'd learn that it doesn't get you anywhere? I'm not trying to get into one with you.

Click on my profile and you'll find that I'm a systems administrator and support manager. In the past ten years I've worked for ISPs, web hosting companies, and now a company that writes email software. I've managed routers and VPN boxes of all descriptions from Cisco to Linux to even the semi-hardware ones you find made by D-Link.

I am not a network engineer, but I do have a pretty darn good understanding of TCP.

So, my question to you is, how is port forwarding going to help optimise your downloads?

[RodeoHK]

And can you believe that is the only reason I do not use Firefox. I hate that it does not allow me to move that window to the size that I want.

Are you kidding? I see nothing intrusive about it.

[Don Logan]

Uh, oh, let the "pissing contest" begin.

[Poisoned Ash]

Yeah, I have those programs. But I still have spyware that is embedded and hidden. I just need help removing that.

Spyware applications are a pain in the ass. If they embed themselves into Internet Explorer, and if you use that as your main browser, sometimes it's infected beyond repair. In which case, save data, nuke hard drive and reload. The reason this works best is because if you have corruption in certain files, no amount of removing is going to repair the damage.

Also, depending on what you have, you may be able to get rid of it. If you boot into safe mode (press F8 while system is booting, before windows loads), go into the control panel (Start>control panel>add/remove programs) and remove anything that looks like a spyware app. such as Weatherbug, Yahoo toolbar, New.net, searchbar, ect... There's a whole shit load of programs that invade your system. Anything that says toolbar is usually spyware.

If you know what kind of spyware is on your system, you can usually google it and find a solution. If it's in the registry, procede with caution. You don't want to really delete anything from it unless it's necessary.

Majorgeeks is a good website for free downloads and they usually have a fix for a particular application on there.

Another good program I just found a few months ago is NOD32. It has a heuristic engine which searches for files that behave like a virus or spyware, not just look for files that are part of a known definition. They have a free 30 day version I believe.

[OldGravy]

It's not a pissing contest. :roll:

[Alex]

There's a Firefox plugin somewhere out there that let's you customize the Google bar, but I've completely forgotten where it is and what it's called. :?

Just switch to a Mac, Firefox is the wannabe Safari after all. :P

[Don Logan]

Yeah, I have those programs. But I still have spyware that is embedded and hidden. I just need help removing that.

Spyware applications are a pain in the ass. If they embed themselves into Internet Explorer, and if you use that as your main browser, sometimes it's infected beyond repair. In which case, save data, nuke hard drive and reload. The reason this works best is because if you have corruption in certain files, no amount of removing is going to repair the damage.

Also, depending on what you have, you may be able to get rid of it. If you boot into safe mode (press F8 while system is booting, before windows loads), go into the control panel (Start>control panel>add/remove programs) and remove anything that looks like a spyware app. such as Weatherbug, Yahoo toolbar, New.net, searchbar, ect... There's a whole shit load of programs that invade your system. Anything that says toolbar is usually spyware.

If you know what kind of spyware is on your system, you can usually google it and find a solution. If it's in the registry, procede with caution. You don't want to really delete anything from it unless it's necessary.

Majorgeeks is a good website for free downloads and they usually have a fix for a particular application on there.

Another good program I just found a few months ago is NOD32. It has a heuristic engine which searches for files that behave like a virus or spyware, not just look for files that are part of a known definition. They have a free 30 day version I believe.

When it comes to file extensions, viruses, spyware and adware, google is your friend. RRBM, do you know what the name of the critter is?

[Halcyon]

So, my question to you is, how is port forwarding going to help optimise your downloads?
BitTorrent works on a credit system. By uploading parts of a file other people, they allow you to download parts of the file from them. This is BitTorrents anti-leech measure. However, if you have a problem with your NAT (anything between you and the internet, such as a router or firewall), you will not get credit for what you are uploading. The only downloading that you can do is from people who upload a small amount to you in the hope that you will return the favour. Since their client will not recognise your response if you have a NAT problem, then they will stop uploading to you shortly after. This is what is causing your problem. You may also notice that torrent speeds go very high for 5mins, before slowing back down to 0-5kb/s.

[OldGravy]

You may also find the "msconfig" program useful. Helpful for stopping stupid crap like the Real One control center thingy and its bretheren Quicktime from starting up 'agents.'

[Poisoned Ash]

Poisoned Ash just went 100000 points up in my book.

Though I think I'll still aim for the Sony Vaio. These ASUS notebooks aren't in my price range.

I am poor. :cry:

Awww thanks :oops:
Asus are a bit steap unfortunately. I built mine so I didn't have to account for labor or warrenty.

Vaio is still definately a good choice! Sony rarely, and I mean rarely screws up.

[Alex]

You may also find the "msconfig" program useful. Helpful for stopping stupid crap like the Real One control center thingy and its bretheren Quicktime from starting up 'agents.'

LISTEN TO THIS MAN HE SPEAKS THE TRUTH.

I use that thing constantly.

[Don Logan]

Another brand of computer that is rather robust is Micron. They make some great machines.

And yes, Sony does make some bulletproof machines.

[OldGravy]

So, my question to you is, how is port forwarding going to help optimise your downloads?
BitTorrent works on a credit system. By uploading parts of a file other people, they allow you to download parts of the file from them. This is BitTorrents anti-leech measure. However, if you have a problem with your NAT (anything between you and the internet, such as a router or firewall), you will not get credit for what you are uploading. The only downloading that you can do is from people who upload a small amount to you in the hope that you will return the favour. Since their client will not recognise your response if you have a NAT problem, then they will stop uploading to you shortly after. This is what is causing your problem. You may also notice that torrent speeds go very high for 5mins, before slowing back down to 0-5kb/s.

Instead of port forwarding those ports just open them on your firewall.

[Poisoned Ash]

You may also find the "msconfig" program useful. Helpful for stopping stupid crap like the Real One control center thingy and its bretheren Quicktime from starting up 'agents.'

YES! THE MOST BEAUTIFUL FEATURE! MSCONFIG is lovely. It's one of the only things Microsoft hasn't fucked up.

RRBM, to speed your system up a little and to keep from start up applications that may be spyware related, you can go to Start>Run and type in "MSCONFIG". There is a startup tab on the top right where you can disable any program in your start list. Leave apps like an anti virus, or if you like AIM or other things to be active when you start your system, leave them. Most things can be disabled though. It will greatly reduce your system boot time and it will run a lot faster in general.

[Halcyon]

So, my question to you is, how is port forwarding going to help optimise your downloads?
BitTorrent works on a credit system. By uploading parts of a file other people, they allow you to download parts of the file from them. This is BitTorrents anti-leech measure. However, if you have a problem with your NAT (anything between you and the internet, such as a router or firewall), you will not get credit for what you are uploading. The only downloading that you can do is from people who upload a small amount to you in the hope that you will return the favour. Since their client will not recognise your response if you have a NAT problem, then they will stop uploading to you shortly after. This is what is causing your problem. You may also notice that torrent speeds go very high for 5mins, before slowing back down to 0-5kb/s.

Instead of port forwarding those ports just open them on your firewall.
Hardware firewalls are hardly ever that easily configurable.

[RodeoHK]

Awww thanks :oops:
Asus are a bit steap unfortunately. I built mine so I didn't have to account for labor or warrenty.

Vaio is still definately a good choice! Sony rarely, and I mean rarely screws up.

Thank you. You rawk!

[Don Logan]

You may also find the "msconfig" program useful. Helpful for stopping stupid crap like the Real One control center thingy and its bretheren Quicktime from starting up 'agents.'

YES! THE MOST BEAUTIFUL FEATURE! MSCONFIG is lovely. It's one of the only things Microsoft hasn't fucked up.

RRBM, to speed your system up a little and to keep from start up applications that may be spyware related, you can go to Start>Run and type in "MSCONFIG". There is a startup tab on the top right where you can disable any program in your start list. Leave apps like an anti virus, or if you like AIM or other things to be active when you start your system, leave them. Most things can be disabled though. It will greatly reduce your system boot time and it will run a lot faster in general.

Even better....

http://www.sysinternals.com/utilities/autoruns.html

[OldGravy]

Hardware firewalls are hardly ever that easily configurable.

Actually, opening up a port is much easier than port forwarding, which is used for something completely different. You would use port forwarding if, for example, you wanted to redirect all web (port 80) traffic to a web server behind your NAT box. If all you want is to allow remote BT users unrestricted access through your firewall, just open the ports it tells you to in your BT client config.

[Poisoned Ash]

Even better....

http://www.sysinternals.com/utilities/autoruns.html

I've heard of it but never used it. A co-worker of mine preferrs it, but he also thinks McAfee makes the best anti virus so I don't entirely trust his opinion. I'll have to give it a second look now. Thanks

[Don Logan]

It is not an antivirus program. It is a "realtime" program that needs no installation. It will tell you what is running in the background and allow you the option to disable on the next reboot. Quite a handy tool.

[Poisoned Ash]

By the way guys, I'm in nerd heaven right now!

Why can't they make a forum just for us?... oh wait, they do... thousands of them...

Anyways, it's 3 AM here in NY so I'm gonna hug my computer goodnight and dream about new ram... and video cards... and viewsonic monitors! ::hugs monitor::

G-night Y'all!

[Halcyon]

Hardware firewalls are hardly ever that easily configurable.

Actually, opening up a port is much easier than port forwarding, which is used for something completely different. You would use port forwarding if, for example, you wanted to redirect all web (port 80) traffic to a web server behind your NAT box. If all you want is to allow remote BT users unrestricted access through your firewall, just open the ports it tells you to in your BT client config.
That works too. I think the problem with that might be security related though, no? I dunno. Never really did that before.

[Don Logan]

Ash, a great resource for all kinds of information are the forums over at anandtech.com.

[OldGravy]

That works too. I think the problem with that might be security related though, no? I dunno. Never really did that before.

Any time you grant open inbound / outbound access to the Internet to a program you run the risk of potential h4xxx. The only service listening on those ports is likely to be your BT client, however, so you just have to worry about its security.

A firewall (not a NAT box -- they're very different things), at its most basic, simply restricts access to ports and protocols that aren't needed, at a level external to your PC. I don't run one at home here, on this PC, because I don't have anything open that I'm worried about.

Edit: This is an oversimplification and doesn't account for crap software firewalls like ZoneAlarm which isn't external to your PC. Please, please don't run ZoneAlarm or any of the personal firewalls. :P

[Sedrox]

Poisoned Ash just went 100000 points up in my book.

Though I think I'll still aim for the Sony Vaio. These ASUS notebooks aren't in my price range.

I am poor. :cry:

I have a Vaio S-Series 260, and it's the ruler. Better than it's reincarnation (S-460) too... (more battery life, quieter at high RPM, and quieter fan). I got it because it looks so damn fine.. I hate the 17" laptops, because they're not laptops anymore, and hate even more the 9" ones... because what am I? ELEVEN?

WAY overpriced, but I can't help myself when I see something I like. What's the point of having money if you don't spend it right?

Otherwise, yeah.. software prices are ummm... negotiable?

[Acadia]

WAY overpriced, but I can't help myself when I see something I like. What's the point of having money if you don't spend it right?

You could get rolls of quarters and huck 'em at people.

[HotPink]

this should be a super easy one: how do I make a normal sized pic on my comp into an avator without totally distorting it. Like i have to make it less than 10KB and 88 pixel's etc?

[RodeoHK]

this should be a super easy one: how do I make a normal sized pic on my comp into an avator without totally distorting it. Like i have to make it less than 10KB and 88 pixel's etc?

PM it to Acadia.

[Ranced]

photoshop

it's ridiculously simple

[OldGravy]

MS Paint is even easier. Isn't this a great help thread? :D

[billybob]

Hi

[Tyrone Biggums]

Hi

[ ] Hello
[X] Fag

[billybob]

How does one create an HTML document?

[*_DiGi_*]

How does one create an HTML document?

Type the code in Notepad, then save it as 'Name.html'.

BTW, I was totally going to make a thread like this awhile back...then I was like, nah I would totally look like a huge geek. :lol:

[billybob]

How does one create an HTML document?

Type the code in Notepad, then save it as 'Name.html'.

BTW, I was totally going to make a thread like this awhile back...then I was like, nah I would totally look like a huge geek. :lol:


Explain this code..

[*_DiGi_*]

How does one create an HTML document?

Type the code in Notepad, then save it as 'Name.html'.

BTW, I was totally going to make a thread like this awhile back...then I was like, nah I would totally look like a huge geek. :lol:


Explain this code..

Ooooh, I assumed you knew html.
HTMLgoodies (http://htmlgoodies.com/) has tons of info and tutorials. If you need any specific help with the code just ask, I've been coding html for years. :)

[crackpipe]

Are we going to be forced into this new ATT user agreement that allows our private info and web habits to be entirely theirs to do whatever they want? Or...is there a satellite or cable company out there anyone's tried? Does it provide a reasonably good connection speed and a better privacy policy than ATT?

[billybob]

Bumped for S.I

[Limejello]

why was every circuit city in the country sold out of the wireless notebook that i went in to buy on tuesday?

[jethro]

What can you tell me about this:

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/9458/thesuperficialserverinactionar5.th.jpg (http://img183.imageshack.us/my.php?image=thesuperficialserverinactionar5.jpg)

[billybob]

What can you tell me about this:

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/9458/thesuperficialserverinactionar5.th.jpg (http://img183.imageshack.us/my.php?image=thesuperficialserverinactionar5.jpg)


I had that skin, I didnt like it

I have the most tacky one ever now though

[rubicon_girl]

My printer keeps saying 'replace cyanink' . . what the hell is a cyanink? I turned it off & on, and put more paper in... but that didn't do it, so I'm all out of ideas.
Cyan ink refers to the blue variety of the inks involved in creating different combinations of colors which make up the images on the paper. You have to replace the ink in your printer with a new cartridge.

Ink?

EDIT* I apologize... I was taking advantage of your kind hearted nature, and pretended to be completely ignorant. It was the most ridiculous question I could think of, and you answered it so nicely that I feel bad... You're nice.

omg sedrox :cry:

[Mr. Rick]

I need a good/free defrag program. Any recommendations?

Thanks.

[cq_]

I need a good/free defrag program. Any recommendations?

Thanks.

its called ntfs :twisted:

[Joelle]

I need a good/free defrag program. Any recommendations?

Thanks.

Does your computer not already come with a free disk defragmenter? (or do you have a Mac?)

[AlexOkp]

I'll give it a whirl:

I bought a Treo 600 from a guy and it worked 100% with his sim card, clear reception and everything.
Since I used my sim card, the speaker will sometimes static really loud when it's supposed to make a sound and when I make a call, there's a lot of static and it sounds like I'm talking to them from a tunnel, but they say they can hear me fine.
I've had once person say it might be that my sim card is damaged and another said the software.
I did the software and it was perfect for awhile then it went back to static.

[Mr. Rick]

I need a good/free defrag program. Any recommendations?

Thanks.

Does your computer not already come with a free disk defragmenter? (or do you have a Mac?)

The one that comes with windows is pretty slow, just curious as to any better options out there.

[THS]

I have so many pictures on my phone (no internet on my phone)
How do I get them on my computer.

easy question im just a complete idiot.

[Mr. Rick]

I have so many pictures on my phone (no internet on my phone)
How do I get them on my computer.

easy question im just a complete idiot.

When you set up a PhotoBucket account, Under your settings/account options is a 5 digit "Mobile Upload Pin" number.

Your 5 digit mobile PIN will go in the "To" field of an mobile/email message after your username so that the To address looks like "photobucketusername.pin@uploads.photobucket.com" and is used to secure pictures uploaded to your album via a mobile device. Any upload without this PIN will be disregarded and the photos will not be uploaded.

Just make an entry in your phone with that email address and you should be good to go.

[Busmalis]

I need a good/free defrag program. Any recommendations?

Thanks.

C:\> FORMAT C: <cr>

Y<cr>

You are welcome.

-Agamemnon

[THS]

i think im drunk but i dont know