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The
LangaList
Standard Edition
2003-03-10
A Free Email Newsletter from
Fred Langa
That Helps You Get More From Your Hardware,
Software, and Time Online
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1) Microsoft Gives A
Little Extra Life To Win98
Late last year, Microsoft pulled the plug on a group
of older products, including all versions of DOS, Windows 3.xx, NT 3.5x, and the
seminal Windows 95--- arguably the most important commercial operating system
ever released. (See "It's Curtains For Windows 95"
http://www.informationweek.com/story/IWK20021211S0008 )
This cessation of support wasn't a surprise: Microsoft had announced its
comprehensive "Product Lifecycle Guidelines" back in 2001. The guidelines called
for older products to be phased out fairly rapidly; and for newer products
gradually to ramp down through diminishing levels of support as time went on:
The older a product was, the fewer support options would be available for it
until it reached what Microsoft called "end of life," when all official support
would stop.
Microsoft originally had Windows 98 set for a fairly aggressive march towards
"end of life" in June of this year (2003) but got a lot of negative feedback: After all,
Win98 remains the world's most popular operating system, and pulling the plug on
it is no trivial matter. As a result, late last year Microsoft relaxed the
schedule a tiny bit: in effect, granting Win98 a very limited stay of execution: It
still will become MOSTLY unsupported in June of this year, but some paid support
options will remain available (for those who want to pony up the money) for six
more months.
Microsoft quietly juggled the support options for
several products late last year; changing the dates and rates at which its
software would drop through the four levels of support that Microsoft has set
up: from full or "mainstream" support (with free and paid live support; support
for warranty claims; online self-help support information; and
freely-downloadable hotfixes, patches and updates) through "end of life" (no
further support of any kind, period).
The schedules aren't always easy to figure out because Microsoft's own pages on the subject
are confusing and internally contradictory in some places. I waded in,
tried to make sense of the information available, and put it all in the current
InformationWeek column, available (free) now at
http://www.informationweek.com/story/IWK20030307S0018 .
In it, we'll walk through the currently scheduled "life cycles"
of Windows 98/98SE, Windows ME, Windows NT 4.x, Windows 2000 and XP Home
and Pro.
NOTE: Believe it or not XP Home and Pro have *DIFFERENT*
support lifecycles, with Home's support expiring TWO YEARS sooner than Pro's!
I'll also give you direct links to the five different
Microsoft resources I found on product lifecycles, so you can try reading the
tea leaves yourself, if you so desire.
This is important information for anyone using any
version of Windows; and for anyone planning to move to XP. Please click on over
to
http://www.informationweek.com/story/IWK20030307S0018 and check it out!
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2) Free Remote Control For Any OS
Our recent discussion of "XP Professional's Free
Remote Control Option" (
http://www.langa.com/newsletters/2003/2003-02-24.htm#1 ) brought some
interesting reader mail about a FREE alternative that works on ANY version of
Windows--- plus Macs and Linux!
Hi Fred, I don't know if anyone mentioned VNC yet but here it goes...
I use similar software to control multiple PC's from one desktop, called
TightVNC ( http://www.tightvnc.com/ ). TightVNC is actually one of many programs
that implement the original VNC protocol from AT&T (
http://www.uk.research.att.com/vnc/ ).
VNC is better for me because servers and clients exist for many platforms
(Windows 9x/NT/2k/XP/CE, Linux/Unix, Mac, and also a Java viewer), unlike the XP
feature which requires at least one XP machine. Most VNC implementations are
free too, though TightVNC itself is donationware.
My favorite trick with VNC is to run a remote Linux desktop from a Windows
host (or vice versa). This in effect gives me a "Linux window" while I work with
Windows programs. The TightVNC viewer even supports cut&paste between Linux and
Windows! The drawback of this technique is that it requires you to have at least
2 networked machines running at the same time, though.
Note that there's nothing to stop you from connecting 2 Windows desktops the
same way! For example, for administration or troubleshooting purposes.
I've never tried XP's remote feature (and don't intend to), so I can't really
compare it with VNC. But from what I've seen, VNC works very well for me and
should be able to do everything you mentioned in your article, while at the same
time it is much more flexible.
Other notes I checked again - TightVNC only has Windows, Linux/Unix, and Java
versions. For the other platforms, you'll need the AT&T version. Btw, TightVNC
is supposed to be optimized -> hence, "tighter" ;-) Performance *is* pretty
good, but then, I only run it in a LAN. ---Kerwin Khu
------
I'll say a few words about GNU VNC. It provides similar features of
optionally allowing or hiding the display at the controlled system. It can also
be installed to allow or disallow user change to its settings at the controlled
system, is totally free, and is one-click-easy for Windows installs -- ANY
Windows. But it also works on Mac and Unix, mix and match any type of O/S on
either side! For super security, the PointDev distro even includes a
fully-configured VPN tunnel. The speed is comparable to old graphic cards fine
for normal use, not good for games, bad for video. Comm can be by LAN, dialup,
probably waxed string. This is one very neat remote desktop package! There may
be reasons to go for XPPro, but remote desktop capability ain't one of them! If
you have tried an early VNC version, try the brand new, polished PointDev build!
--- Captain_FEPA
Thanks guys, and everyone else who wrote in!
We covered VNC a long time ago (
http://www.langa.com/newsletters/2000/2000-07-06.htm#4 ), but I hadn't
looked at it since. I just tried several of the offerings available through
the links above, and found the Windows versions mostly set up very easily; but I
did get into some major wheel spinning with some of the Linux implementations. In all, I don't
think VNC is quite as easy as XP's Remote Control, or as simple to use as, say,
LapLink; but it's free, and not that hard to get going --- at least the Windows
versions, anyway. 8-)
More Info:
http://www.realvnc.com/documentation.html
http://www.realvnc.com/search.html
http://www.realvnc.com/support.html
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3) "NetUnits"
Hi Fred, something that may be worth checking out...
For a long time I had been looking for a simple solution to control how much
time my kids spend using the computer... Here's the latest thing I've found that does just this it's
called "NetUnits", it's freeware (whereas all other similar products I know of
are commercial software), small (120K download), and allows you to control
computer usage using per-user weekly quotas. I've used version 1.65 for several
weeks here with no problems . . Keep up the good work! ---Fred Meers
http://www.noonsoon.com/infodocb.htm
Thanks, Fred. I'm ambivalent about this kind of
"in loco parentis" software; I personally prefer other methods, but tools like
this can be a real help for some people. It works by monitoring how much
time each user account is active, and preventing further use of that account
when some predetermined time allotment is exceeded. (The main user--- presumably
the parent--- sets the time allotments on a week-by-week basis; as in "10 hours
per week" or whatever.)
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4) New Version Of
PopFile
Last November, we discussed a superior, intelligent
approach to spam filtering based on Bayesian statistical analysis rather than
blacklists, keywords, or other simplistic approaches. In "Real-Life Spam
Solutions" (
http://www.informationweek.com/story/IWK20021115S0018 ), and Anti-Spam Tools
That Work (
http://www.langa.com/newsletters/2002/2002-11-21.htm#1 ) we discussed
several new tools that use Bayesian analysis, including "Popfile."
Here's an update:
Hi Fred, I downloaded POPfile when you first discussed it in your newsletter. I use a
Windows product, but I first downloaded the version that worked with all
operating systems. This first version required a little work on my part to
activate. I have since changed to the Windows version and recently updated that
to the 18.1 version. This program is becoming so easy to use that mainstream
computer users with a minimum of technical background can now make use of a
great anti-Spam tool.--- Kenneth Crandall, A satisfied Langa Plus user
http://popfile.sourceforge.net/
Thanks, Kenneth!
I can't wait until better, Bayesian tools replace the
simpleminded blacklists in too-wide use today. For example, SpamCop--- one of the most popular
blacklists--- once again blocked delivery of the last issue of this newsletter,
along with other totally non-spam newsletters such as the one from Tucows (an
accredited internet Registrar and software download library http://www.tucows.com
). But I'm sure that the folks at SpamCop somehow think they're still doing fine
work. Sigh.
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5) What's the "Best"
Monitor Refresh Rate?
Hi Fred. I would like to know what is the best setting for your monitor for refresh rate...I heard on TV that the higher the setting the better for
your eyes ..every time I change color settings or some other things my monitor
always sets it's self on optimal...does this mean this is the best setting? I
have been running mine on 85 so I wanted to run it on the best for my eyes...I'm
not worried about wear and tear on the monitor as my eyes are the most important
of all thanks...Ron.
Higher refresh rates are easier on the eyes, up to a
point. But beyond that point--- which can vary from monitor to monitor and from
user to user--- going even higher doesn't really gain you anything perceptible
in eyestrain-inducing areas such as improved clarity or reduced flicker.
And higher refresh rates do consume more horsepower:
Your monitor has a fixed number of pixels for any given resolution (800x600 =
480,000 pixels; 1024x768 =
786,432 pixels; 1280x1024 = 1,310,720 pixels; etc.) and each pixel is made up of
three colors (red, green, blue) whose intensity must be set independently and individually.
Now take all that, and multiply it by the refresh rate--- the number of times
per second the screen is entirely redrawn, pixel by pixel, from top to bottom--- and you can see
that there's an enormous amount of data being pumped out by your video card
every second. The
higher the refresh rate, the greater the amount of data the video card must
generate.
(As an aside: At some combination of high refresh
rate, deep color depth, and high resolution, the video card will reach its
maximum bandwidth. Then, if you want to go higher in any one setting, you'll
have to scale back at least one other setting, so the card can stay within its
available capacity. This is why your video controls may not allow some
combinations of refresh rates, color depths, and resolutions--- they're simply
beyond the card's capacity.)
In PCs with "integrated" video, the main CPU may
actually do most or all of the heavy lifting of calculating the video data and pumping
it out to the monitor. At high refresh/color/resolutions, the CPU may be so busy
painting the screen that the rest of the system
bogs down and becomes sluggish.
In PCs with stand-alone video cards, a separate,
dedicated processor (called a video coprocessor) may take over some or most of
the graphical burden from the main CPU, delaying the point at which system
slowdown sets in. Here, high refresh/color/resolutions may exact a toll either
in the video subsystem itself (video may become choppy, for example) or the
system as a whole may start to slow down, or both.
Finding the "best" settings involves tradeoffs.
Gamers need their screens to redraw fast to keep up with rapid gameplay;
resolution and color depth are less important. Digital artists need maximum
resolution and color depth; if the screen's a little slow to update, so what?
Office-type users (email, word processing, web browsing, etc.) need crisp text,
good colors, and a rock-steady, flicker-free image to avoid eyestrain over long
hours of use.
I'm typing this on a high-quality Trinitron-style
monitor. In theory, the monitor can handle up to 2048x1536 resolution--- but to
support that many pixels, my
video card would drop to a flickery, headache-inducing 60Hz refresh rate.
Alternately, in theory, my video card
can go to a blazing 240Hz refresh rate--- but at that speed can only handle 800x600
pixels, which is too
low for my tastes. Again, it's all trade offs.
So what I use is this: 1280x1024 resolution, 16 bit
color, and a 75Hz refresh. I have crisp text, good colors, a rock-steady
flicker-free image, and minimal impact on system performance. For me, this is
the best mix.
(BTW: At 1280x1024pixels x 16 bit color, my monitor and video card will
allow me to go as high as a 170Hz refresh rate. I've tried it, and many other
available rates, but I honestly see no improvement at all over what I get at
75Hz on this system.)
Bottom line: If an 85Hz refresh rates looks good to
you, leave it. There's no need to go higher. In fact, depending on your visual
acuity, your monitor and the "persistence" of its phosphor, you may be able to
go down to 75, 72, or even 70 with no flicker. (LCD-type monitors can often go
even lower and still remain flicker-free.)
In short: use whatever looks crisp, colorful,
flicker-free and stable to you: Ultra-high settings may be good for special
purposes, but for other uses, why max everything out if there's no perceptible
benefit?
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6) PR Budget = $0.00
Long-time readers know this newsletter is a
one-person private project of mine: It's not part of some publishing empire's
stable of publications. There's no budget, staff or facility to handle outreach
and promotions. The newsletter depends on word of mouth to grow.
And that's where you come in: Each issue, I try to
offer you useful, interesting and amusing factoids to help you with your
hardware, software, and time online. Can you take just a minute to help me out
in return?
If you think the LangaList is a worthwhile read, 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
$10,000 for your trouble (full details also available via this "Recommend It"
link):
http://www.langa.com/recommend.htm#1 The "Recommend-It" service is an
ad-based site (you'll see banners and such). The advantages to you of using the
Recommend-It service are that you can win $10,000 and that you can add a
personal message to your LangaList recommendation.
But if you'd rather use the tried-and-true, ad-free recommendation form, you'll
find it at:
http://www.langa.com/recommend.htm#2 . That option gives you a shot at
winning a no-strings $30 Gift Certificate for any item at Amazon.Com--- books,
software, hardware, kitchenware, toys, and more.
Either way, thank you for helping to spread the word
about the LangaList!
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7) Laptop Cooling
We talked about cleaning your PC's guts to help keep it cool, and to prevent
unexpected shutdowns, in the last
issue (
http://www.langa.com/newsletters/2003/2003-03-06.htm#7 ). That prompted this
reader to ask about laptop cooling:
I with some regularity clean the cooling fans on my desktop. I have a
laptop and I have wondered for a long time if it is possible for a layperson,
who is not the most gifted eye-hand wise, can find out about cleaning them.
The bottom of the laptop can get quite hot and it almost always is sitting on
a substance that is a good insulator, i.e., wood, stone or my leg. --- Michael
Laptops are much harder to work on internally than PCs, so the
best first step is to see if you can reduce the heat by indirect means. You can,
for example use the laptop's "Speedstep" or other power management tools to make
sure it only runs as fast as it has to, rather than running flat out all the
time.
You can also use a lapdesk to ensure there's proper
air flow all around a laptop---even beneath. (It has the added benefit of
keeping the laptop from cooking your thighs.)
There's a bunch of lapdesks out there, in all price
ranges. (See
http://www.google.com/search?q=lapdesk)
I have a Thinkpad that gets hot enough to take the
crease out of my pants. (Ouch!) To avoid discomfort--- and to keep the itself
laptop running cooler and better--- I use a simple, clear plastic lapdesk that I
got for $10 from Cyberguys (a LangaList advertiser). Want a look? Go here
http://tinyurl.com/70jx and then use the search tool to call up item number
1410367 .
There are more elaborate ones, like this $30 version from Tigerdirect: http://snurl.com/wp4
; but I'm happy with the little $10 unit I have.
If lower power and/or better cooling don't do the
trick and your laptop is overheating, then maybe it's it's time for harsher
measures.
If you
work slowly and with care, you usually can open a laptop successfully with
ordinary tools. But it's not something to do on a whim--- some laptops use
complex assembly techniques that may be difficult to replicate. And if your
laptop is under warranty, use that warranty to handle overheating issues:
Opening your laptop on your own may void the warranty, even if you do no harm.
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8) They Loaded The Code
Do you have a home page or website? (It doesn't
matter what size.) Please click over to
http://www.langa.com/code.htm , and maybe you can join the hundreds and
hundreds of LangaList readers who have "Loaded the Code!" (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
LifeSharers
http://www.lifesharers.com/
"Timing is everything"
http://www.geocities.com/mharnet/
Wall Art
http://wallart.netfirms.com/links.html
Complete Computer Services
http://ccs-digital.com/home.asp
Marks Global
http://www.harveymarks.com/
An Accordion Music Collection
http://users.adelphia.net/~musicman33/
Random Search Engine
http://www.geocities.com/hobosocks/
Williams Appraisal
http://www.wappraisal.com/
The Hyers Homepage
http://www.serenedreams.net/
Cleaning Up Your Computer
http://www.barrett.net/cleanup.htm
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9) Cause Of *Really*
Unexpected Shutdown
When you work with PCs long enough, you'll see problems you never would have
imagined...
Hi Fred, In today's Langalist you had an article on unexpected computer
shutdowns (
http://www.langa.com/newsletters/2003/2003-03-06.htm#7 ) with several
reasons this may be happening. I would like to add one more I discovered on
some of the computers we have at work that were shutting down or rebooting for
no apparent reason. We have Dell computers that have the little round power
buttons on the front of the case. What I found was when the buttons were
pressed, they would sometimes stick in. Whenever the computers or desks they
were sitting on were budged, the power switch would activate and shutdown or
reboot the computer. I had to remove the power buttons and sand down the edges
to eliminate the problem. ---Barry H. Eads
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10) Just For Grins
Fred, in response to your list of suggestions to
forest rangers (
http://www.langa.com/newsletters/2003/2003-03-06.htm#10 and
http://www.langa.com/newsletters/2003/2003-03-03.htm#10 ), here's a list
of questions phoned in to the Portland, Oregon Metro Recycling Information
hotline--- Brian Henderson
Where can I recycle 600 dresses, several dozen
bottles of Jim Beam, a 30-year-old box of Howdy Doody ice cream cones and a
few dozen wigs?
How can I recycle a couch soaked with blood?
How do I dispose of "household" dynamite?
Do you have a safe pesticide for the bug burrowing a hole in my husband's
arm?
What should I do with 100 breast implants that have
been removed and preserved in formaldehyde?
Can someone from the government come out to my
house and smell my living room?
Where can I get a permit to burn my house down?
How can I dispose of five semi trucks full of inedible marshmallows?
What happens when you cut a worm in half?
How can I recycle guinea pig droppings?
What do I do with a 10-year-old pile of manure?
---From The Edge, The Oregonian
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11) Plus! Edition Highlights:
-
Free *Non-Microsoft*
Windows Media Player
(same functions,
fewer security issues)
-
"Pricelessware" Update
(world's best
freeware)
-
Powerful Renaming Tool
(amazing feature
list!)
The Plus! edition has no ads, more content,
costs only pennies per issue, and comes with a MONEY BACK GUARANTEE from Fred!
How can you lose? Check out the details:
http://www.langa.com/plus.htm
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See you next issue!
Best,
Fred
( FredPlus@Langa.Com )
Please
recommend
the LangaList to a friend! (And maybe win $10,000!I)
An easier-to read formatted HTML version is
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