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The LangaList
Standard Edition

2002-01-24

A Free Email Newsletter from Fred Langa
That Helps You Get More From Your Hardware, 
Software, and Time Online

Please visit our sponsors and help keep the LangaList S.E. free!

1) Readers React: "Your PC As PaperWeight"

My current InformationWeek.Com column--- about how XP can lock you out from your own data, turning your PC into a nearly-useless paperweight ( http://www.informationweek.com/story/IWK20020117S0002 )--- has generated a load of reader comment, both pro and con. It seems to be another Rorschach-test kind of thing, where each of us interprets the data according to our own experiences: If you've had no trouble with WPA, it's easy to assume no one else has had trouble, and vice versa.

And activation *can* indeed go smoothly; for many, it is a truly trivial matter. But it doesn't always go smoothly, and when it doesn't, the consequences can be severe--- to the point of totally locking you out of your own system, unable to access, copy, backup or otherwise get to your own data!

Even with a "pre-activated" OEM copy of XP, you can run into trouble, especially if you change the base configuration of the system or reinstall the OS.

And it's all so unnecessary. In past columns, we've covered the reasons why WPA is silly on the face of it. But worse than being merely wrong-headed, it's ridiculously heavy handed.

Microsoft easily could have made the process much more gentle. For example, the final Windows Product Activation warning could say something like:

At least that way, you'd be able to grab your files; and you'd know what was coming.

But as-is, there is no element of courtesy at all in WPA: Now, if WPA expires, you're just locked out, period. As my column explains, if you're using XP's native NTFS on your hard drive, you may then have absolutely no way--- no way at all--- to get at your data. Talk about user-hostile! Talk about bad consumer psychology! Who on earth is Microsoft listening to when it makes these product decisions?

What's your take on WPA's lockout mechanism? Is it--as Microsoft asserts--a simple, noninvasive antipiracy measure, or is it way too heavy-handed? Does Microsoft have an obligation to warn customers that they may lose access to all data if XP isn't activated, or is this a simple case of caveat emptor? Please check out the column at http://www.informationweek.com/story/IWK20020117S0002  , and then come see what your fellow readers are saying, pro and con, at http://www.informationweek.com/forum/Fred Langa . See you there!

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2) Reader Defrag Tips, Info, Feedback

Last issue's item on "Super-Simple Defrag Automation" ( http://www.langa.com/newsletters/2002/2002-01-21.htm#2 ) also kept the email servers busy. <g>

Some readers were confused by batch files themselves, either because they were unfamiliar with this kind of system automation technique; or because they assumed that batch files only worked in DOS--- which is absent in Win2K and XP.

Batch files are nothing more than a series or "batch" of commands collected into a text file; the file can contain one or many commands. A batch file's contents can be any valid command(s) that you might type in the Start/Run line, or at a command prompt in DOS itself or inside a "command window" if Windows is running. (All versions of Windows have DOS-like "command windows," even if they don't have true DOS. For example, in XP, use the search function to look up "command" or "batch.")

Everything you need to know about batch files is in the listings at http://www.freetune.com/most_popular_pages.htm ; the info there, or linked from those articles, will tell you literally everything you need to know on the topic.

Beyond general batch commentary, other readers had comments on the specifics of the Win9x/ME defrag tips:

Hi Fred, I really enjoy, and also find your Langalist a must read...thnx! You can use the switches /all and /show with defrag.exe. I have always changed the shortcut in System Tools>Disk Defragmeter to add the above switches. The /all switch tells defrag to defrag all your drives without further intervention. The /show switch shows details on your screen. Keep up the great work, Rob Olson

Fred - here's a free product that helps speed up defrags by closing down all other programs and automatically setting the standard MS Defrag program (or the ME version) to defrag ALL hard drives without the need to manually specify each drive letter. It also restarts the computer after the defrag is complete; really a one-click defrag: http://www.powerdefrag.com/  Regards, Alex Kerr

Thanks, Rob and Alex!

For Win2K info, see the next item, below:

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3) Reader Defrag Tips And Info: Win2K

Win2K doesn't allow the super-simple command-line trick that works so well (and easily!) in Win9x/ME/XP--- and this difficulty is intentional on Microsoft's part(!). Reader William Dyehouse, for example, pointed out the Win2K KnowledgeBase article "Q223146: Cannot Use Command-Line Switches with Disk Defragmenter Tool" ( http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q223/1/46.asp ):

The Windows 2000 Disk Defragmenter tool does not provide support for command-line parameters or switches to automate the disk defragmentation process...

Windows 2000 contains a limited version of Executive Software Disk Defragmenter. This limitation prevents the scheduling of disk defragmentation.

If you need to automate the disk defragmentation process, obtain a third-party disk defragmenter tool.

Others readers had suggestions for just such tools:

Searching google for "schedule 2000 disk defrag", I found the following link for a Windows 2000 shareware utility used to call the stock defrag app, with all drives selected http://www.morphasys.com/autodefrag/ ---Jim Herrick

Hi Fred.... I am a longtime subscriber to the "Langa List" and a charter plus subscriber. ... My "guru" has given me some valuable advice over the years and one which I have found extremely useful is "Diskeeper" by Executive Software... http://www.diskeeper.com ... I have used in on my Nt4 and Win2K Pro machines for several years and love it. It is a check disk and defrag and MFT/Page file/Directory defrag (and much, much more) program It will work on individual workstations (which I have) or over an entire Network...IMNHO it is a very valuable tool.--- Bill Richmond

Hi Fred... Another inexpensive third-party alternative named PerfectDisk PE from Raxco Software http://www.raxco.com/products/perfectdiskpe/ ...and Defrag Commander PE from Winternals http://www.winternals.com/products/pft/defrag.asp --- Paul Clement

Microsoft also lists some third-party solutions at http://support.microsoft.com/directory/article.asp?ID=KB;EN-US;q130539

Thanks to all who wrote in!

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4) A Better Monitor Testing Tool?

In "A Monitor Testing Tool" ( http://www.langa.com/newsletters/2002/2002-01-21.htm#5 ) I told you about a tool for diagnosing and adjusting your monitor. Reader Carl Stephenson found something he says is even better:

Hi Fred, I enjoy your newsletter. In the last issue you mentioned the monitor test from http://www.passmark.com . I checked it out, and I must say that the Nokia monitor test  http://www.construnet.hu/nokia/Monitors/TEST/monitor_test.html  is superior (and $15.00 cheaper).

Thanks Carl!

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5) XXCopy Fan Replies

Fred, in reference to your Backup discussion: I use a removable hard drive to do a complete image backup (using Ghost) once a week, and keep that backup off-site (at work). The rest of the week I use the most excellent XXCOPY to backup changed files to a ZIP file on my hard drive. So this way I have a full off-site backup for big emergencies, and daily backups for those littler problems. The removable hard drive is a regular EIDE Seagate drive (less than $100) that I installed in a removable tray/cartridge from CompGeeks that only cost US$7.95! Works like a champ. I have no affiliation with CompGeeks except having shopped there before and having been pleased to do so. The direct link to the removable kit is http://www.compgeeks.com/details.asp?invtid=GN210  Actually I use 2 hard drives, and one isn't big enough to hold the whole hard drive, so I use XXCopy to do that one, only I exclude my MP3 directory from the backup. Love your newsletter, Fred! Keep up the good work! --- Jeff Gillman

Thanks, Jeff. We've discussed XXcopy  many times before (see http://search.atomz.com/search/?sp-q=xxcopy&sp-a=0008002a-sp00000000 ). It's  a (freeware/commercial) replacement and extension of Microsoft's "Xcopy," and it gives you enormous control over moving/copying/cloning files and directory structures. Well worth checking out!

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6) Eighteen Months And Counting...

Thanks to thousands of you, the LangaList has remained one of the ten most-recommended "Computing & Internet" newsletters/web sites for the last year and a half, according to the folks at Recommend-It! It's a great feeling to know that this newsletter (and Langa.Com) is useful enough for many, many of you to have suggested it to friends and colleagues.

And, as a way of saying "Thanks!" there are two prizes you can win simply for making a recommendation. For example, if you use the Recommend-It service, you can win $10,000 (full details also available via this link):
http://www.recommend-it.com/l.z.e?s=143182

Or, win a no-strings $30 Gift Certificate for any item at Amazon.Com--- books, software, hardware, kitchenware, toys... and more. To have a shot at winning, just use the following link to recommend the LangaList to a friend. Your friend just may find a new source of useful information; I just may gain a new subscriber; and you just may win a $30 Gift Certificate! (Full details also available via this link):
http://www.langa.com/recommend.htm

Either way, thank you again, and good luck!

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7) Turn A PlayStation2 Into A Linux PC?

Hi Fred, I don't know if you've heard, but Sony plans to release the PS2 Linux kit it's been testing in Japan here in the US. It should be fun to see what people do with this. There's already one website (in Japanese) I found that's apparently running off of a PS2. That site is here http://yoshi.sytes.net/  The kit's said to cost something like $200 dollars and among other things will include a 40gig HD, USB keyboard, and USB mouse. I can see myself jammin' to some MP3's on the home stereo, checking mail, watching TV, and surfing the web all while kicked back in the La-Z-Boy already! ) ---Greg Mathews

It's interesting indeed, Greg. This sort of thing has been tried before, but game consoles never had quite enough oomph to function well as PCs. Now, that's changed.

The Sony plans are hazy: The official "PS2Linux" home page ( http://www.ps2linux.com/ ) says:

The Linux Kit is designed exclusively for the Japanese model of "PS2", SCPH-10000,SCPH-15000 and SCPH-18000. Since these models are for domestic use in Japan, the Linux Kit is only available in Japan. At this point, there is no plan to release the Linux Kit for non-Japanese model of "PS2".  Overseas delivery is not available.

But there's lots more info here: http://www.google.com/search?q=ps2+linux

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8) They Just Keep Coming And Coming and Coming...

We're closing in on 2,000 reader sites now--- 2,000 of your fellow readers have "Loaded the code." Please click over to http://www.langa.com/code.htm , and maybe you can join them! (If you've already "Loaded The Code" and are wondering if your site will appear here or on the Langa.Com web site, please see http://www.langa.com/link.txt )

Speaking of which: Here's another eclectic sample of reader sites--- some professional, some very personal:

View A Randomly-Chosen Reader Site
http://www.langa.com/randomlink.htm

Manually Browse All Posted-to-Date Sites Starting At
http://www.langa.com/readersites.htm

Cloud 9 Web Design
http://209.157.71.50/cloud-9*org/about.html

Authentic Breathing Resources
http://www.authentic-breathing.com/

Fabricated Metals (Virginia)
http://fabricatedmetals.info/index.htm

Ballantine Produce (California)
http://www.ballantineproduce.com/

Chuck And Robin
http://www.geotec.net/c_adams/

Meriwether Micro
http://www.meriwethermicro.com/mm_index.htm

NW LA PC User Group
http://home.sport.rr.com/pricetype/

Cornell Computers
http://home.sport.rr.com/pricetype/

Brat Cats
http://maxellah.tripod.com/

Free For All
http://pub88.ezboard.com/bfreeforall24967

Weber Hovercrafts
http://www.mhtc.net/~vweber/index.html

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9) Free "Anti-Parasite" Browser Check

Esther Schindler, who helps edit and produce columns and discussions for InformationWeek.Com (including mine!), sent along a note about http://and.doxdesk.com/parasite/ :

Nice utility page that automatically detects spyware in your Windows Explorer browser, and generates instructions for removing it....

Thanks, Esther. The page runs a small JavaScript that looks for "exploitationware"  and other "parasite" add-ons that may have barnacled themselves to your browser without your knowledge.

Although it's not as complete as commercial AV/Anti-Trojan/Anti-Pest tools, it's fast, free, and may help in some cases. Check it out!

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10) Just For Grins

Robert J Mckenna sends along another variant of the "you have two cows..." kind of joke now in wide circulation. This particular variant pokes fun at people on a truly global basis--- but remember,  it's just a joke, OK? <g>

AN AMERICAN CORPORATION
You have two cows. You sell one, and force the other to produce the milk of four cows. You are surprised when the cow drops dead.

A FRENCH CORPORATION
You have two cows.  You go on strike because you want three cows.

A JAPANESE CORPORATION
You have two cows.  You redesign them so they are one-tenth the size of an ordinary cow and produce twenty times the milk. You then create clever cow cartoon images called Cowkimon and market them World-Wide.

A GERMAN CORPORATION
You have two cows. You reengineer them so they live for 100 years, eat once a month, and milk themselves.

A BRITISH CORPORATION
You have two cows. Both are mad.

AN ITALIAN CORPORATION
You have two cows, but you don't know where they are. You break for lunch.

A RUSSIAN CORPORATION
You have two cows. You count them and learn you have five cows. You count them again and learn you have 42 cows. You count them again and learn you have 12 cows. You stop counting cows and open another bottle of vodka.

A SWISS CORPORATION
You have 5000 cows, none of which belong to you. You charge others for storing them.

AN INDIAN CORPORATION
You have two cows. You worship them.

A CHINESE CORPORATION
You have two cows. You have 300 people milking them. You claim full employment, high bovine productivity, and arrest the newsman who reported the numbers.

AN ISRAELI CORPORATION
So, there are these two Jewish cows, right? They open a milk factory, an ice cream store, and then sell the movie rights. They send their calves to Harvard to become doctors. So, who needs people?

AN ARKANSAS CORPORATION
You have two cows. That one on the left is kinda cute...

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11) Plus! Edition Highlights

• Free Registry Cleaner (And More)
  For All Versions Of Windows (Including XP)
• Symbols, Explained and Identified
• More On Getting your Own Domain

Today's LangaList Plus! Edition contains all ten items above, plus about 30% more content including: a very strange (and weirdly compelling) site that explains and identifies more than 2,500 symbols ranging from ideograms carved in mammoth teeth by Cro-Magnon men, to hobo signs and subway graffiti; a refreshed old tool, and a brand-new tool (both free) that clean and maintain your registry, file system, and more; plus reader info on more reasons to consider getting your own domain--- and a place that will let you set up your domain for free!

A complete Plus! Edition issue costs only about thirteen cents! <g> Info: http://www.langa.com/plus.htm 

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See you next issue!

Best,

Fred
(fred@langa.com)

Please recommend the LangaList to a friend! (And maybe win $10,000!I)

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