A little OT, but your comment about filesharing programs and video viewers kind of hit me. Everyone and their dog's fleas know about KaZaa now, it's the new "Napster" as it were. I literally have 80 year old customers calling in wondering what's going on with there "durned Kaz-uh." With all of the risks coming from using these utilities because the RIAA, wouldn't it seem prudent for a company to convert to Linux to decrease the likelyhood of them getting legally screwed? The same goes for Instant Messengers with less emphasis on the legal ramifications and more on the "time-waster" aspect. The fact Linux lacks support for popular Windows-based utilities that happens to be unproductive at work could work to it's advantage. Though, this may only be a temporary advantage Linux has over Windows-based systems, we should use every advantage we have!
I know, you'd think they would just make a PS2 CD that copies the particular save game (or whatever, I didn't RTFA) to a memory card, instead of requiring someone to purchase a memory card reader/writer that's compatible with PC's.
Working at a support company, I can tell you that the level of support you receive is somewhat biased depending on how you, the user, presents your problems. (Your disposition)
Using your example, I've contacted certain vendors about products for customers when I didn't necessarily have to, but I did because the customers were excellent to work with, not because we're an excellent support company.
Being fairly ignorant of your post because I have not worked with Sun's support, I believe that the reason you got such excellent support was partly because you were such a great user.
The best thing a user can do to help themselves is to help the Technician on the other line by leaving emotion out of it and not getting demanding. The technician will go the extra mile, because no one else has the ability to.
This is true, location shouldn't be so much a factor regarding it's security. Though, it CAN be a part of it, and it sure simplifies things. Regarding your comment on rent-a-cops, that reminded me of those Marines walking around Denver International Airport (DIA) with grenades strapped to their sides. Definately LOOKED secure.
BTW, there's also something called the Stencil Buffer, which is not completely accessible in most 2D API's. It's very useful for your third aspect listed under 2D, "clip output." In that way, using a 3D API would be much more dynamic and faster than using the 2D API.
Basically, the 2D-only API's are limited because some hardware acclerated features on the card are only available by using a 3D-enabled API, like OpenGL. Why waste some of the abilities of the card?
It just depends on what's most appropriate for the task at hand.
Honestly, I'm a C/C++ programmer, and used Windows since the 2.0 days, I'm proficient in DOS, and I currently have a distro of Linux installed on my PC and would say I'm fairly proficient with it, too. The reason why I've never tried FreeBSD?
The name.
"BSD" sounds horrible, throw "Free" on it and I'm just confused. Anyway, that's just IMO.
Good point, it takes the emphasis off of credibility, but in a good way. I think anyone who has ever worked a day in their life knows that there's really no drawn lines in the world (i.e. a controlled system), just human tendencies to perform x% of their job and 100-x% of what feels good at the time. Let's face it, Humans are moody. I know half the crap I see and read I don't take too seriously because Humans are behind it all. True, blogs and other free-forms of communication are more likely going to be filled with misinformation, but at least no one gets fooled into believing it's the gospel truth.
1. Libraries are good for the Internet, and for the Dictionary. Obviously, that problem should be dealt with them and their ISP first. But yes, I see your point, but I never said it was an all encompassing rule, with boundaries that had no room for variation. It's just a simple truth.
2. Your level of nit-pick is beyond reason, what if I said "HELLO, 'internet' is a proper noun!!!" I mean, please, grow up.
I work for a Hard Drive company, and you're right, this process actually isn't very new at all. In fact, there are some hard drive based companies out there that buy hard drives from the big names (Maxtor, Quantum, Seagate, etc.) that don't work right off the assembly line. These "refurb" manufacturer's just put new boards and try new DSP code on the drives until they work. *shrugs*
Foolish rhizome, I never said it was easy to search for solutions online, just that the solutions were there. Ninety-nine percent of the problems that people come in with where the answer can't be found online are impossible to solve, except by the software manufacturer's themselves. Yes, the Internet is THAT comprehensive. I live this, don't critisize me, I know what I'm talking about.
As for "in your experience", well I believe you vastly overqualify your experience -- It's understandable.
The problem is that most people don't know how to find information on the Internet relating to computer problems. Here are the top tips for Windows-based machines:
If you want a firewall, don't get ZoneAlarm or many other flavors, get a hardware based firewall. ZoneAlarm is great until you have software conflicts. Basically, Don't use Software to diagnose possible software problems, too many dependencies.
Run AdAware, it works for many malware issues one might have. Back up your Registry first, if you know how.
Run a thorough Scandisk/Checkdisk every now and then looking for Bad Sectors. Any amount of troubleshooting could be pointless if your hard drive is going bad.
For possible hardware problems, try to use those devices on another computer to determine whether it's actually a hardware problem.
Don't bother troubleshooting problems on an Upgrade version of Windows unless you are educated enough to determine that's not the problem. Instead, get a new version of Windows, no excuses now.
Start > Run > msconfig > Ok, then click the Startup tab. Go through the list here and identify what these programs are from the following sites:
http://www.lafn.org/webconnect/mentor/startup/PE NI NDEX.HTM (most complete)
http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_pages/start up _full.htm
http://www.greatis.com/regrun3atyouroption.htm Disable everything you don't need. Most software problems are caused by conflicts. If you go through all of them and only load what you want, right down that configuration, and then disable EVERYTHING. If you don't have the problem afterwards, identify which program causes the problem and disable it, then uninstall/reinstall.
If you're in 2000 or XP, try creating a new profile and see if software still spits out the same error. Many times a corrupt profile is the cause of strange Windows errors.
Windows 2000 Repair from the CD can hose your machine, don't use it.
Windows ME Restore can hose your machine, don't use it.
Internet Explorer Repair from Add/Remove programs can hose your machine, don't use it.
Windows XP Restore is good stuff, use it, it won't hose your machine, but that's not a guarantee it will work.
Windows XP Repair from the CD is good stuff also.
Go to the manufacturer's website and see if there is an update for your hardware/software -- even if it just stopped magically working when it worked previously.
Learn to FORUMULATE (no spelling error) your searches. Throw "forum" on the front of your searches for troubleshooting problems. Learn to disseminate the B.S. from the real deal when reading people's solutions to your problem.
Search for the solution to your problem @ http://www.computing.net http://support.micros oft.com (don't laugh, sometimes this has answers!)
You make some good points. With that having been said:
If a user shows they would like to help themselves, and not make the Tech Support's call a living nightmare, the Technician is much more friendly and likely to help them. Most people don't understand that the technician (if the technician indeed knows what he/she is talking about) is the only thing standing between them and problem resolution. Just keep that in mind the next time you make a support call.
I work for a Private Tech Support firm, so I don't have the problems with limited call times like the other replies used for retorts. I still have a retort, though: The answers to your questions could be found online, you just have to know how to search. If they can't be found online, then chances are the Technician won't be able to help you anyway.
This may have been just a miscommunication. Being a Support Technician, his advice doesn't sound like a bad idea. Most computer novices get freaked out when they hear their hard drive being accessed at random intervals, consistently. Being as the Technician can't hear the sound of your hard drive being obviously bad, he must interpret what you tell him. The fault is on both sides; If he was a more experienced Technician he would have asked you the right questions, and if you were a good customer then you'd do what he told you to do.
There is a serious problem with ZoneAlarm: It is prone to software conflicts with Anti Virus utilities, and other low-end software utilities for Windows. It's also a pain to uninstall sometimes. Other than that, it's solid, but be wary of it when installing software.
Hmm, I see your point, let me take it to the next level.
Let him express his feeling that the argument is pointless, because he represents a part of the community.
I'll let you express your feeling that him feeling the argument is pointless is pointless.
Now, me? I'm part of the community that will express my feeling that your feeling that him feeling the argument is pointless is pointless is pointless.
If you have an NVIDIA based card these features are built into the drivers (Detonator.) I've never used them, however (having a dual-montor system), so I can not atest to how they match up to some of the modules that allow multiple Desktops in X.
Slashdot Mirror
Ever heard of ASSHOLE.
:)
Seriously though, I completely "overthought" that, thanks.
A little OT, but your comment about filesharing programs and video viewers kind of hit me. Everyone and their dog's fleas know about KaZaa now, it's the new "Napster" as it were. I literally have 80 year old customers calling in wondering what's going on with there "durned Kaz-uh." With all of the risks coming from using these utilities because the RIAA, wouldn't it seem prudent for a company to convert to Linux to decrease the likelyhood of them getting legally screwed? The same goes for Instant Messengers with less emphasis on the legal ramifications and more on the "time-waster" aspect. The fact Linux lacks support for popular Windows-based utilities that happens to be unproductive at work could work to it's advantage. Though, this may only be a temporary advantage Linux has over Windows-based systems, we should use every advantage we have!
I know, you'd think they would just make a PS2 CD that copies the particular save game (or whatever, I didn't RTFA) to a memory card, instead of requiring someone to purchase a memory card reader/writer that's compatible with PC's.
Working at a support company, I can tell you that the level of support you receive is somewhat biased depending on how you, the user, presents your problems. (Your disposition)
Using your example, I've contacted certain vendors about products for customers when I didn't necessarily have to, but I did because the customers were excellent to work with, not because we're an excellent support company.
Being fairly ignorant of your post because I have not worked with Sun's support, I believe that the reason you got such excellent support was partly because you were such a great user.
The best thing a user can do to help themselves is to help the Technician on the other line by leaving emotion out of it and not getting demanding. The technician will go the extra mile, because no one else has the ability to.
This is true, location shouldn't be so much a factor regarding it's security. Though, it CAN be a part of it, and it sure simplifies things. Regarding your comment on rent-a-cops, that reminded me of those Marines walking around Denver International Airport (DIA) with grenades strapped to their sides. Definately LOOKED secure.
A-frickin'-men!
Who's saying they are/did?
BTW, there's also something called the Stencil Buffer, which is not completely accessible in most 2D API's. It's very useful for your third aspect listed under 2D, "clip output." In that way, using a 3D API would be much more dynamic and faster than using the 2D API.
Basically, the 2D-only API's are limited because some hardware acclerated features on the card are only available by using a 3D-enabled API, like OpenGL. Why waste some of the abilities of the card?
It just depends on what's most appropriate for the task at hand.
lmfao.
*sigh*
It's funny because it's likely.
The Outlook "Security Enhancment" refers to it automatically blocking .exe (and other files) attachments, both sending and receiving.
.exe (while maintaining the .exe file extension) is to get a tool from Slovak called "Outlook Email Attachment Options"
In fact, the only way to send a
Honestly, I'm a C/C++ programmer, and used Windows since the 2.0 days, I'm proficient in DOS, and I currently have a distro of Linux installed on my PC and would say I'm fairly proficient with it, too. The reason why I've never tried FreeBSD?
The name.
"BSD" sounds horrible, throw "Free" on it and I'm just confused. Anyway, that's just IMO.
Good point, it takes the emphasis off of credibility, but in a good way. I think anyone who has ever worked a day in their life knows that there's really no drawn lines in the world (i.e. a controlled system), just human tendencies to perform x% of their job and 100-x% of what feels good at the time. Let's face it, Humans are moody. I know half the crap I see and read I don't take too seriously because Humans are behind it all. True, blogs and other free-forms of communication are more likely going to be filled with misinformation, but at least no one gets fooled into believing it's the gospel truth.
I agree completely. The small shops (even if it's part of a franchise) employ people who know what they're talking about....usually.
1. Libraries are good for the Internet, and for the Dictionary. Obviously, that problem should be dealt with them and their ISP first. But yes, I see your point, but I never said it was an all encompassing rule, with boundaries that had no room for variation. It's just a simple truth.
2. Your level of nit-pick is beyond reason, what if I said "HELLO, 'internet' is a proper noun!!!" I mean, please, grow up.
I work for a Hard Drive company, and you're right, this process actually isn't very new at all. In fact, there are some hard drive based companies out there that buy hard drives from the big names (Maxtor, Quantum, Seagate, etc.) that don't work right off the assembly line. These "refurb" manufacturer's just put new boards and try new DSP code on the drives until they work. *shrugs*
*shakes head*
Foolish rhizome, I never said it was easy to search for solutions online, just that the solutions were there. Ninety-nine percent of the problems that people come in with where the answer can't be found online are impossible to solve, except by the software manufacturer's themselves. Yes, the Internet is THAT comprehensive. I live this, don't critisize me, I know what I'm talking about.
As for "in your experience", well I believe you vastly overqualify your experience -- It's understandable.
Sorry for double post, correction junkie:
:)
"..right down that configuration..."
WRITE, I meant WRITE.
Well, that makes sense, but I wasn't aware this was the problem. You already know what hardware you have.
The problem is that most people don't know how to find information on the Internet relating to computer problems. Here are the top tips for Windows-based machines:
E NI NDEX.HTM (most complete)
t up _full.htm
s oft.com (don't laugh, sometimes this has answers!)
If you want a firewall, don't get ZoneAlarm or many other flavors, get a hardware based firewall. ZoneAlarm is great until you have software conflicts. Basically, Don't use Software to diagnose possible software problems, too many dependencies.
Run AdAware, it works for many malware issues one might have. Back up your Registry first, if you know how.
Run a thorough Scandisk/Checkdisk every now and then looking for Bad Sectors. Any amount of troubleshooting could be pointless if your hard drive is going bad.
For possible hardware problems, try to use those devices on another computer to determine whether it's actually a hardware problem.
Don't bother troubleshooting problems on an Upgrade version of Windows unless you are educated enough to determine that's not the problem. Instead, get a new version of Windows, no excuses now.
Start > Run > msconfig > Ok, then click the Startup tab. Go through the list here and identify what these programs are from the following sites:
http://www.lafn.org/webconnect/mentor/startup/P
http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_pages/star
http://www.greatis.com/regrun3atyouroption.htm
Disable everything you don't need. Most software problems are caused by conflicts. If you go through all of them and only load what you want, right down that configuration, and then disable EVERYTHING. If you don't have the problem afterwards, identify which program causes the problem and disable it, then uninstall/reinstall.
If you're in 2000 or XP, try creating a new profile and see if software still spits out the same error. Many times a corrupt profile is the cause of strange Windows errors.
Windows 2000 Repair from the CD can hose your machine, don't use it.
Windows ME Restore can hose your machine, don't use it.
Internet Explorer Repair from Add/Remove programs can hose your machine, don't use it.
Windows XP Restore is good stuff, use it, it won't hose your machine, but that's not a guarantee it will work.
Windows XP Repair from the CD is good stuff also.
Go to the manufacturer's website and see if there is an update for your hardware/software -- even if it just stopped magically working when it worked previously.
Learn to FORUMULATE (no spelling error) your searches. Throw "forum" on the front of your searches for troubleshooting problems. Learn to disseminate the B.S. from the real deal when reading people's solutions to your problem.
Search for the solution to your problem @
http://www.computing.net
http://support.micro
You make some good points. With that having been said: If a user shows they would like to help themselves, and not make the Tech Support's call a living nightmare, the Technician is much more friendly and likely to help them. Most people don't understand that the technician (if the technician indeed knows what he/she is talking about) is the only thing standing between them and problem resolution. Just keep that in mind the next time you make a support call.
I work for a Private Tech Support firm, so I don't have the problems with limited call times like the other replies used for retorts. I still have a retort, though: The answers to your questions could be found online, you just have to know how to search. If they can't be found online, then chances are the Technician won't be able to help you anyway.
This may have been just a miscommunication. Being a Support Technician, his advice doesn't sound like a bad idea. Most computer novices get freaked out when they hear their hard drive being accessed at random intervals, consistently. Being as the Technician can't hear the sound of your hard drive being obviously bad, he must interpret what you tell him. The fault is on both sides; If he was a more experienced Technician he would have asked you the right questions, and if you were a good customer then you'd do what he told you to do.
There is a serious problem with ZoneAlarm: It is prone to software conflicts with Anti Virus utilities, and other low-end software utilities for Windows. It's also a pain to uninstall sometimes. Other than that, it's solid, but be wary of it when installing software.
Or you could just open up your case and see what hardware you have in there by looking at the label on the device.
Hmm, I see your point, let me take it to the next level.
Let him express his feeling that the argument is pointless, because he represents a part of the community.
I'll let you express your feeling that him feeling the argument is pointless is pointless.
Now, me? I'm part of the community that will express my feeling that your feeling that him feeling the argument is pointless is pointless is pointless.
*bows*
If you have an NVIDIA based card these features are built into the drivers (Detonator.) I've never used them, however (having a dual-montor system), so I can not atest to how they match up to some of the modules that allow multiple Desktops in X.