This seems very strange. Whenever I am involved with similar issues the Resource CD is booted from and the hard drive is tested using a non-destructive test. They'll even send out a resource cd for free if it has been lost. Most the techs I talk to are RELIEVED when a customer is running a non-windows OS because that customer is more than likely NOT clueless.
There are at least 3 CONSUMER level call centers in Utah that handle Inspirons, Dimmensions, and XPS systems. If you get an Indian call center tell them you only want to talk to a North American based support rep and call back in.
Forgot to clarify that there will be a special que for Linux support at Dell. which is a good thing as the majority of the techs I know at that location would choke the second a customer mentioned linux.
I do not work for Dell, but I happen to have a friend that works for one of their outsource providers. He read some of the internal docs related to the Ubuntu launch and asked me about the Codecs and such as he was unfamiliar with the way things work in Linux land
From what I could gather there will be no DVD decoding or MP3 software installed, techs are instructed not to help customers install or locate any such software. Part of the script is "Although the hardware is capable of reading DVDs we do not support that function on this platform."
A few other highlights.
Hardware support will be handled by Dell Techs (or outsourced techs) using the Dell Hardware Diagnostics that ship with the Utility CD (Software based) or PSA tests (Part of the BIOS).
Any OS configuration or usage support will be handled by a support que at Canonical if the customer purchased a support contract with the system. Otherwise they are referred to community support resources.
Perhaps I can have him email me the document... but the again from what he says even their Toilet paper has DELL CONFIDENTIAL stamped all over it...
I thought I was the only tech to have encounterd the dreaded "Dirty Mouse" Virus - Spyware - Hacker - Spammer - Trojan - Bot in the wild. Perhaps we should contact the AV companies?
From the article... "...prompted his team to alert the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which dispatched investigators to the alleged crime scene."
Um.. why would they have jurisdiction? I thought they were supposed to be protecting us from terrorists? Wouldn't the FBI be the ones working on this?
I sure don't know my legal jurisdiction rules, anyone care to explain?
"Get up to 20 hours of battery life (varies by use) with this External Battery Pack. Designed to complement the iPod shuffle, this is perfect for travel or anytime you need extended power. Ships with two AAA batteries. Supports iPod shuffle."
In late 1996 I was flagged as a security threat by Vanguard Airlines at the DIA. I guess a 21 year old that has a 3rd party in SLC pay in cash for a ticket from Denver to Salt Lake the day before the departure date is suspicous or something (unexpected business trip). My sole carry on bag was "drop searched" by hand at the security check in station.
When I got to the boarding gate they wanted to send me back to security to have my luggage searched AGAIN... which was on the otherside of the airport. I learned very qucikly to NEVER argue with security procedures. The carry on bag was eventualy stored in the bomb proof container in the planes cargo hold. I am almost positive that I would have been arrested today for arguing about having my luggae searched twice by the same people. I am sure I am some sort of list now.
I actualy don't mind added security though. I know what kind of riff raff I am!
~Z
Re:Is that really of significance?
on
Inside TechTV/G4
·
· Score: 1
Does anyone else other than me think Chris Pirillo was a cross between a wanna be script kiddy and Jimmy Neutron?
PLEASE, if you like the music support the artist and buy a CD or a concert ticket... Sure Solaris is star, but even with the recent publicity Mars and the smaller planets just don't pull much wieght in the universe, and poor Pluto keeps hearing rumors of being kicked out of the band!
~Z
I've Been watching...
on
TechTV.com RIP
·
· Score: 5, Informative
The new G4TechTv on Dish. So far everything I have seen that has come over from G4 is really lame. I'm not saying that everything on TechTv was awesome, but the quality of the shows I've seen from G4 is not very good. Has anyone seen PLayers? Yikes, I really do NOT want to watch uninsteresting people play video games. Am I missing any G4 shows that are worth my time to watch at all? As it is I'd rather watch and laugh at 'The Big JOe Polka Fest' on one of the crazy community access channels... it's like a bad accident-- nobody wants to see it, but everybody looks.
Be careful what you wish for, removing a computer virus, and changing the oil in a 97 Honda aren't exactly the same as figuring out what that green stinky discharge is.... and keep in mind, if you get lucky and find a nice babe to 'service' she'll porobably recomend her scraggly old aunt to you.
I am an expert on nanotechnology because I read Micheal Chrichtons book 'Prey'. They will swarm and then set us up the bomb!
Thanks to M.C. I am also an expert on genticaly recreated Disosaurs (Raptors are bad), Time Travel (Old things are bad), Alien Intelignce (Spherical things in the ocean are bad), Japanese business practices (Horny S&M loving Japanese guys are bad), and countless other cutting edge issues... all of which are BAD.
I'm sure they could compile into a standard stand alone sort of application that can reside on each individual workstation. That would be smart having a suite of business applications... HEY! Maybe they can call it SmartSuite! They may have to buy a company that has experience in this area though, does anyone know what happened to Lotus?
Wow, who would of thought THIS would ever be ON TOPIC?!?! Maybe he wasn't kidding?
"Uh, how you gonna get down to the shore? Funny you should ask, I've got a car now. Oh wow, how'd you get a car? Oh, my parents drove it up here from the Bahamas. You're kidding! I must be, the Bahamas are islands, okay, the important thing now, is that you ask me what kind of car I have. Uh, what kinda car do ya got? I've got a BITCHIN CAMARO!....."
You are correct. When I was working at MS doing end user support for Win9x/ME I was amazed at how many people WANTED Gator, or that cute purple moneky Bonzi Buddy, or so many other of those annoying programs!
Coast to Coast is great fun to listen to, but I do find it sad that so many people get sucked into the whacked out theories.
I know on a couple of instances Art Bell was directly asked if he beleived the stuff that was said on his show and his common answer is something similar to "I leave that up to the listener, but for the most part it is all fun and games". Don't take that as a literal quote, keep in mind it is a fuzzy amalgamation of what I thought he meant.
When listening to C2C, especialy in the old days and now on weekends with Art Bell, you MUST keep in mind that his callers are NOT screened and he'll let anyone call up and talk for awhile as long as they are interesting.
Also, not all of the guests are nut jobs, Dr. Michio Kaku (theoretical physicis check out mkaku.org) has appeared a number of times talking about some really fascinating subjects.
The program is sort of like the Sci-Fi channel, lots of entertaining silly crap that makes no real scientific sense but also some really good stuff!
Actually the local advert display really stress the HDTV channels, they claim they have more than any other provider... which doesn't make sencse to me, but marketing math never really does.
~Z
I've seen the displays in our local Wal-Marts (Orem,UT ~30 miles from SLC). The features look really good, but they just didn't have any options for adding other channels that they do NOT mention.
I prefer a lot of channels so I can skip the trash and find the good shows... I just don't see that as an option for this service. The HDTV aspect is attractive, but I don't have the money for the TV! (I know, I know, I am a bad bad bad geek)
With thier $19 price structure it looks like they are going after customers that want basic with some premium channels but not the high price, I think that is the same market that does NOT have HDTV's.
My brother is thinking about signing up so to add HDTV to his big screen, but he will still keep his dish.
~Z
Re:Welcome to my site !!!!! NOT OFF TOPIC
on
Stop! Website Thief!
·
· Score: 4, Informative
Umm... That post actually isn't off topic. Anyone still remember Mahirs 15 minutes of fame because of his crazy website? If I remember correctly someone pretty much stole all his content and hosted it for laughs...SO not offtopic, just not very well explained.
The original can be found here http://www.ikissyou.org/famous_site/famous_s ite.ht ml
Overclocking is just a form of the pissing contest among geeks. Whoever has the fastest most overclocked machine thinks they are more of a man because of it. I started reading HardOCP about the same time I realized how silly the whole thing was and I still use the same lowly P2-400mhz and it is just fine.
OK, so the picture is nice at showing the core of the new 'chip'. But what about the interface? How much of today's CF/SD/MS card's are interface? They'll either need it on the 'chip' itself or in the device. Judging by the article it seems geared for permantley being embeded into a device than removable media.
I just figured that 32k x 32k would be the maximum resolution in the noncolor modes. As you add color I would assume the maximum screen dimension would shrink as the color depth increased. So maybe with 32bit color the max screen size would be 800x600 or something?
I'm sure there are some math genius out there that can do the math for me... that reminds me I need to go study for a math test:(
Ringo Starr and George Carlin where the narators of the 'Thomas The Train' sketches. Yes there were fat and a thin plastic Conductor figures in the sketch but they were differnet characters. They called him Mr. Conductor because when he interacted with the real people (mainly the kids) of shining time station the narrator was a tiny magical Mr. Comductor. I dunno... it's a freaking kids show. It's not supposed to make too much sense.
I watched it sunday mornings as a teenager because it was the only thing that was not an informercial on the 3 channels we were able to tune in with the rabbit ear antennas (I love my Dish!).
As I watched I would always wonder if all those model railroad geeks were thinking about similar situations when they played with their trains... well that and whether or not the adult female actor was good looking or not... I never really could decide about that one.
Slashdot Mirror
This seems very strange. Whenever I am involved with similar issues the Resource CD is booted from and the hard drive is tested using a non-destructive test. They'll even send out a resource cd for free if it has been lost. Most the techs I talk to are RELIEVED when a customer is running a non-windows OS because that customer is more than likely NOT clueless.
There are at least 3 CONSUMER level call centers in Utah that handle Inspirons, Dimmensions, and XPS systems. If you get an Indian call center tell them you only want to talk to a North American based support rep and call back in.
Forgot to clarify that there will be a special que for Linux support at Dell. which is a good thing as the majority of the techs I know at that location would choke the second a customer mentioned linux.
I do not work for Dell, but I happen to have a friend that works for one of their outsource providers. He read some of the internal docs related to the Ubuntu launch and asked me about the Codecs and such as he was unfamiliar with the way things work in Linux land From what I could gather there will be no DVD decoding or MP3 software installed, techs are instructed not to help customers install or locate any such software. Part of the script is "Although the hardware is capable of reading DVDs we do not support that function on this platform." A few other highlights. Hardware support will be handled by Dell Techs (or outsourced techs) using the Dell Hardware Diagnostics that ship with the Utility CD (Software based) or PSA tests (Part of the BIOS). Any OS configuration or usage support will be handled by a support que at Canonical if the customer purchased a support contract with the system. Otherwise they are referred to community support resources. Perhaps I can have him email me the document... but the again from what he says even their Toilet paper has DELL CONFIDENTIAL stamped all over it...
I thought I was the only tech to have encounterd the dreaded "Dirty Mouse" Virus - Spyware - Hacker - Spammer - Trojan - Bot in the wild. Perhaps we should contact the AV companies?
~Z
From the article...
"...prompted his team to alert the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which dispatched investigators to the alleged crime scene."
Um.. why would they have jurisdiction? I thought they were supposed to be protecting us from terrorists? Wouldn't the FBI be the ones working on this?
I sure don't know my legal jurisdiction rules, anyone care to explain?
~Z
Perhaps that is for the extended battery pack?
A ppleStore?productLearnMore=M9759G/A
I can't find too many details about it but it
looks like the shuffle connects to it via the USB
port.
http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/
"Get up to 20 hours of battery life (varies by
use) with this External Battery Pack. Designed to
complement the iPod shuffle, this is perfect
for travel or anytime you need extended power.
Ships with two AAA batteries. Supports
iPod shuffle."
~Z
In late 1996 I was flagged as a security threat by Vanguard Airlines at the DIA. I guess a 21 year old that has a 3rd party in SLC pay in cash for a ticket from Denver to Salt Lake the day before the departure date is suspicous or something (unexpected business trip). My sole carry on bag was "drop searched" by hand at the security check in station.
When I got to the boarding gate they wanted to send me back to security to have my luggage searched AGAIN... which was on the otherside of the airport. I learned very qucikly to NEVER argue with security procedures. The carry on bag was eventualy stored in the bomb proof container in the planes cargo hold. I am almost positive that I would have been arrested today for arguing about having my luggae searched twice by the same people. I am sure I am some sort of list now.
I actualy don't mind added security though. I know what kind of riff raff I am!
~Z
Does anyone else other than me think Chris Pirillo was a cross between a wanna be script kiddy and Jimmy Neutron?
Or you could just download it here from eMule here...
NASA - Symphonies Of The Planets 1 (@320kbps).rar
NASA - Symphonies Of The Planets 2 (@320kbps).rar
NASA - Symphonies Of The Planets 3 (@320kbps).rar
NASA - Symphonies Of The Planets 4 (@320kbps).rar
NASA - Symphonies Of The Planets 5 (@320kbps).rar
PLEASE, if you like the music support the artist and buy a CD or a concert ticket... Sure Solaris is star, but even with the recent publicity Mars and the smaller planets just don't pull much wieght in the universe, and poor Pluto keeps hearing rumors of being kicked out of the band!
~Z
The new G4TechTv on Dish. So far everything I have seen that has come over from G4 is really lame. I'm not saying that everything on TechTv was awesome, but the quality of the shows I've seen from G4 is not very good. Has anyone seen PLayers? Yikes, I really do NOT want to watch uninsteresting people play video games. Am I missing any G4 shows that are worth my time to watch at all? As it is I'd rather watch and laugh at 'The Big JOe Polka Fest' on one of the crazy community access channels... it's like a bad accident-- nobody wants to see it, but everybody looks.
~Z
Be careful what you wish for, removing a computer virus, and changing the oil in a 97 Honda aren't exactly the same as figuring out what that green stinky discharge is.... and keep in mind, if you get lucky and find a nice babe to 'service' she'll porobably recomend her scraggly old aunt to you.
I am an expert on nanotechnology because I read Micheal Chrichtons book 'Prey'. They will swarm and then set us up the bomb!
Thanks to M.C. I am also an expert on genticaly recreated Disosaurs (Raptors are bad), Time Travel (Old things are bad), Alien Intelignce (Spherical things in the ocean are bad), Japanese business practices (Horny S&M loving Japanese guys are bad), and countless other cutting edge issues... all of which are BAD.
~Z
-LAUGH-
I'm sure they could compile into a standard stand alone sort of application that can reside on each individual workstation. That would be smart having a suite of business applications... HEY! Maybe they can call it SmartSuite! They may have to buy a company that has experience in this area though, does anyone know what happened to Lotus?
~Z
Sadly all those graphics doo-dads will be wasted as the AI is still dependant on the idiot behind the mouse.
~Z
Wow, who would of thought THIS would ever be ON TOPIC?!?! Maybe he wasn't kidding?
"Uh, how you gonna get down to the shore?
Funny you should ask, I've got a car now.
Oh wow, how'd you get a car?
Oh, my parents drove it up here from the Bahamas.
You're kidding!
I must be, the Bahamas are islands, okay, the important thing now, is
that you ask me what kind of car I have.
Uh, what kinda car do ya got?
I've got a
BITCHIN CAMARO!....."
(go find the MP3... legaly of course)
~Z
You are correct. When I was working at MS doing end user support for Win9x/ME I was amazed at how many people WANTED Gator, or that cute purple moneky Bonzi Buddy, or so many other of those annoying programs!
~Z
Coast to Coast is great fun to listen to, but I do find it sad that so many people get sucked into the whacked out theories.
I know on a couple of instances Art Bell was directly asked if he beleived the stuff that was said on his show and his common answer is something similar to "I leave that up to the listener, but for the most part it is all fun and games". Don't take that as a literal quote, keep in mind it is a fuzzy amalgamation of what I thought he meant.
When listening to C2C, especialy in the old days and now on weekends with Art Bell, you MUST keep in mind that his callers are NOT screened and he'll let anyone call up and talk for awhile as long as they are interesting.
Also, not all of the guests are nut jobs,
Dr. Michio Kaku (theoretical physicis check out mkaku.org) has appeared a number of times talking about some really fascinating subjects.
The program is sort of like the Sci-Fi channel, lots of entertaining silly crap that makes no real scientific sense but also some really good stuff!
~Z
Actually the local advert display really stress the HDTV channels, they claim they have more than any other provider... which doesn't make sencse to me, but marketing math never really does. ~Z
I've seen the displays in our local Wal-Marts (Orem ,UT ~30 miles from SLC). The features look really good, but they just didn't have any options for adding other channels that they do NOT mention.
I prefer a lot of channels so I can skip the trash and find the good shows... I just don't see that as an option for this service. The HDTV aspect is attractive, but I don't have the money for the TV! (I know, I know, I am a bad bad bad geek)
With thier $19 price structure it looks like they are going after customers that want basic with some premium channels but not the high price, I think that is the same market that does NOT have HDTV's.
My brother is thinking about signing up so to add HDTV to his big screen, but he will still keep his dish.
~Z
Umm... That post actually isn't off topic.
s ite.ht ml
Anyone still remember Mahirs 15 minutes of fame because of his crazy website? If I remember correctly someone pretty much stole all his content and hosted it for laughs...SO not offtopic, just not very well explained.
The original can be found here
http://www.ikissyou.org/famous_site/famous_
~Z
Hard Over Clocked Penis...
not a troll let me explain.
Overclocking is just a form of the pissing contest among geeks. Whoever has the fastest most overclocked machine thinks they are more of a man because of it. I started reading HardOCP about the same time I realized how silly the whole thing was and I still use the same lowly P2-400mhz and it is just fine.
~Z
OK, so the picture is nice at showing the core of the new 'chip'. But what about the interface? How much of today's CF/SD/MS card's are interface? They'll either need it on the 'chip' itself or in the device. Judging by the article it seems geared for permantley being embeded into a device than removable media.
~Z
I just figured that 32k x 32k would be the maximum resolution in the noncolor modes. As you add color I would assume the maximum screen dimension would shrink as the color depth increased. So maybe with 32bit color the max screen size would be 800x600 or something?
:(
I'm sure there are some math genius out there that can do the math for me... that reminds me I need to go study for a math test
~Z
Ringo Starr and George Carlin where the narators of the 'Thomas The Train' sketches. Yes there were fat and a thin plastic Conductor figures in the sketch but they were differnet characters. They called him Mr. Conductor because when he interacted with the real people (mainly the kids) of shining time station the narrator was a tiny magical Mr. Comductor. I dunno... it's a freaking kids show. It's not supposed to make too much sense.
I watched it sunday mornings as a teenager because it was the only thing that was not an informercial on the 3 channels we were able to tune in with the rabbit ear antennas (I love my Dish!).
As I watched I would always wonder if all those model railroad geeks were thinking about similar situations when they played with their trains... well that and whether or not the adult female actor was good looking or not... I never really could decide about that one.
~Z