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The LangaList
Standard Edition

2005-08-01

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) Another Free Rootkit Security Tool

We've been covering "rootkits" as they've emerged as a growing infection vector for malware attacks (See http://langa.com/newsletters/2005/2005-04-18.htm#9 and #11 in the Plus! Edition's "Reader Bit By Rootkit Virus;" http://www.langalist.com/Plus/newsletters/2005/2005-07-25plus.asp .

Rootkits aren't new, but their exploitation by the Bad Guys is a relatively recent development, and so new tools are arriving to counter the growing threat:

Fred, Another very good Root Kit scanner and removal tool your readers might like to try.  It will be FREE until October 1, 2005.   http://www.f-secure.com/blacklight/  Thanks for the Plus newsletter.  Great stuff. ---JO

Thanks, JO. BTW: The above is beta version, but appears to be pretty stable.

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2) Reducing Hard Drive Wear

Hi Fred - In "Nightly Scans Worthwhile?" ( http://www.langa.com/newsletters/2005/2005-05-30.htm#3 ) you devote several paragraphs to the question about nightly scans which includes reducing the frequency of scans to "reduce drive wear." Here's a practical question I've never seen clearly answered in print; also related to the age-old question of leaving computers running 24/7 or shutting them down regularly. Where does the wear occur on a hard drive? Obviously, bearings will wear over time (that awful and dreaded sound), but do the sensors at the end of the arms actually touch the disk surface? If so, are they in constant surface contact or touching the surface only when reading the disk? Obviously, when in contact with the disk, there will be surface/contact wear versus a CD or DVD, read by a laser beam and nothing ever touches the disk surface when in use. I've disassembled numerous hard drives out of curiosity and to destroy them and it appears to me that the sensors are in contact with the disk surface at all times which, right or wrong, reinforces several practices I follow: (1) shut down my computer each night, (2) set sleep mode activation to relatively short intervals, and (3) run scans, virus checks, spy checks, defrag, etc. with much less frequency than before I had to replace my hard drive at a critical time. I think many of your readers will appreciate your thoughts regarding these simple but very practical questions. Thanks for a great service to computer users. ---Jim Sherbon

Most of the normal wear is on the drive bearings: They're *always* in use whenever the motor's spinning, even if the rest of the drive is idle. That's why letting the drive "spin down" (stop rotation) during periods of idleness can extend the drive's life. Just as important, or perhaps even more so in the aggregate sense (with hundreds of millions of drives in use worldwide), it saves energy to let an idle drive shut off.

It's different for the drive heads. The head positioning mechanism is active every time the head must "seek" data somewhere on the drive; but when the drive is spinning, there's normally no contact at all between the drive heads themselves and the surface of the magnetic platters: The heads are designed to harness aerodynamic forces to "fly" (literally!) on a cushion of air a tiny distance just above the disk surface. (See http://www.pcmech.com/show/harddrive/65/ or http://www.google.com/search?q=drive+head+platter+fly ) As long as your drive is working correctly, the acts of reading and writing data, per se, won't wear out the recording surface--- at least, not in any way that matters in human scales and timeframes.

But there *can* be contact between the heads and the platters. Sometimes, it's intentional: Some drive makers designate "landing zones" on the hard drive where no data is stored, and where it's OK for the heads to come to rest on the platter's surface. These landing zones are where the heads are parked when the drive is off. Other makers raise the heads and lock them in place; still others do both--- parking the heads in a raised position, but over a safe area.

A "head crash" happens when the drive is in operation and something causes the heads to descend through the air cushion and actually contact the data-carrying surface of the platter. This usually damages the magnetic coating that encodes the ones and zeros of the disk's data; if the damage is severe enough, the data in the damaged section may be lost forever. The most common causes of true head crashes are a physical blow or impact, a rapid rotation or twist that makes the drive's platters try to act as a gyroscope, and electrical problems. Absent those causes, spontaneous head crashes, caused by failures in the drive itself, are rather rare.

Assuming a drive isn't abused, it's bearings will suffer the most wear, followed by the positioning mechanism for the heads. Imminent bearing failure is often heralded by a grinding or scraping noise, especially at startup or when the system is cold. A head-positioning problem is sometimes accompanied by the soft, sighing sound of repeated head seeks, over and over and over (although this can be caused by repairable "soft" errors in the recorded data, too).

So, given all that, how do you maximize drive life? I've set my desktop PC's drive to spin down after 15 minutes of inactivity; and my laptop drives to spin down after 5 minutes (the latter, shorter time to save battery power as much as to save wear and tear on the drive). I set my auto-save intervals (e.g. in Word) to be *less* than the spin-down time so that if I'm working with live, disk-based data or documents, the drive will stay active and spinning; trying for a "steady state" that reduces mechanical stresses. But if I'm away from the system or doing something that doesn't engage the hard drive very often, then the drive can spin down to save energy and wear.

Even so, all mechanical systems will eventually wear out; even the ones that are totally babied. With reasonable care, a drive may last for many years--- but it may also die *tomorrow,* and without any prior warning. It's simply impossible to say exactly when any particular drive will die. (Manufacturers' "mean time between failure" figures can be a crude guide, but really only apply to statistically significant groups of drives, not to individual units. See http://ssdirect.com/ca/news/2005/05.htm )

Given that no drive lasts forever, I operate on the assumption that my data is more valuable than my physical drives, so I do let the drives self-maintain (backups, scans, etc) on a regular and frequent basis. Yes, running a backup and scan will ever so slightly reduce the life of the drive, but *the drive may wear out or fail anyway, no matter what you do,* so it's better to be prepared for that day, and to have safe, secure, known-good, malware-free backups on hand.

So, as with so many things, it's really up to you: You need to strike a balance between shutting down enough to prevent needless wear and energy consumption, but also to keep the system running enough to perform a reasonable amount of maintenance, security scans, and backups: You don't want needless wear on the drive, but you also don't want to be caught unprepared if your drive decides that today's the day to stop spinning! <g>

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3) PC Cooling, Even In Near-Tropical Climates

I'm a big fan of the Langalist Plus, and recently renewed my subscription for a second year; money well spent, for sure!

I recently built me a new computer with an Athlon XP 2900+; it runs great, but I have questions about keeping it cool. You've covered a lot about cooling, but I've never noticed anything about the basics; I need to know how to arrange things so the system will stay cool.

For instance, what about airflow? There's a fan built into the side of the case, and spots for two more in the back and two in the front. I've got two fans to go in those places, but how should I position them? Should I pull air in the back & out the front, vice-versa, or having all the fans pulling air out of the machine?

There's also the fact that I live in Mississippi, and this is the summer. It gets very hot in my room anyway, easily in excess of 90 degrees F [32C] when I'm not in the room; oftentimes, it's only slightly cooler otherwise. It's hard to pull in cool air when there isn't any in the room...

Watercooling and the like isn't an option; those only address certain parts of the computer, and it's the case as a whole that's becoming overheated. I can practically feel the heat radiating from the front of the case while I'm sitting there by it.

Can you offer any suggestions, anything to keep my system cooler? I know there are hard drive coolers, and will likely invest in one of those, but that still leaves the optical drives...

Thank you for any assistance you can offer! ---Doug Burkhalter

I sympathize, Doug. My office also doesn't have air-conditioning, and on very warm days, my PC's temperatures rise noticeably.

But that's the first step: You need to know the actual temperatures. A normal, air-cooled PC will always run warmer than the room it's in, but that isn't necessarily a problem, even in a 90F/32C room; it only matters if the temperatures climb high enough to damage the electronics or to needlessly shorten their lives--- and only knowing the actual temperatures, and comparing those temps to the manufacturers' specs, can tell you that. The link at the end of this item will lead you to free software for measuring your PC's internal temperatures, so you'll know whether or not you really have a problem.

For example, my CPU is rated by Intel to be OK up to 158F/70C. But even on the hottest days here, with Mississippi-like temperatures, my system never even gets close to that. In fact, the highest CPU temp I've ever seen is 139F/59C, under absolute worst-case conditions; and that's way, way short of the danger zone. Normally, my CPU temperature runs about human body temperature. <g>

A CPU is the main heat-generator inside the case. The fans or openings on the side of a PC's case are usually meant to deliver cool air right to the CPU, or rather, its heat sink. In a standard case design, the fans on the back of a case blow warm air outward (they're exhaust fans); cool air is drawn in through openings in the front of the case. There may also be intake fans on the front of the case to help draw cool air in. You basically want a "flow through" air path, with the intake on the opposite side of the PC from the exhaust (so warmed air isn't drawn back into the case).

Remember that a PC with many low-speed, large-diameter fans, can be much, much quieter than a PC with even a few small, high-speed fans; and that thermostatically-controlled fans can automatically adjust airflow depending on conditions. These two factors are the key to effective, quiet cooling.

My system currently has one intake fan, blowing room air into the case (and across the hard drive); one exhaust fan pushing warmed air out of the case; and two fans inside the case: One very large, slow-spinner for the CPU's heat sink, and another large, slow fan for the video card's processor. *All* the fans are oversized (the exhaust fan, built into the power supply, is 120mm--- almost 5 inches--- across); all spin at low speeds; and the main exhaust fan is thermostatically controlled so it can be slow and nearly silent most of the time, but also can speed up to meet adverse conditions when necessary.

You asked about the basics of cooling: We've actually had four full-length articles ranging from the basics to some fairly advanced topics: You can pick up the thread here, and then follow the internal links back to the earlier parts: http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml;?articleID=21401323

It'll tell you everything you need to know about PC cooling--- even in  Mississippi! <g>

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4) 64-Bit Software Problems

We've begun covering 64-bit computing, due to the current availability of 64-bit hardware, and the slowly increasing availability of 64-bit software. See, for example:

Feedback On 64-bit Hard/Software
http://langa.com/newsletters/2005/2005-06-20.htm#5

OS Swaps; 64-bit CPUs
http://langa.com/newsletters/2005/2005-06-06.htm#5

To complement and extend the above, here's another reader's real-life experience with a 64-bit setup:

Fred:  I just yesterday communicated with zone alarm about a 64 bit version. since I just upgraded to win xp 64. ( it is really faster, and has a ie6 64bit. and zonelabs said there was no 64 bit version....seems as though they better rethink that.

also roxio 7.5 will not work on win 64 either. and nothing on their site about upgrades... ---Larry Ravencraft

Thanks, Larry. The 64-bit stuff works, but as you discovered, there's simply not a lot of software available yet. I see no reason to change my earlier assessment:

It's still a little early for 64-bit software on the desktop; it's mostly still a 32 bit (and even 16 bit!) world. Most of the performance gains from a move to 64 bit CPUs will come in the future, as mass market software slowly converts. The next version of Windows--- code named "Longhorn"--- will come in 64- and 32-bit versions, for example. But Longhorn is some 18 months out, at least....

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connecting to the internet after changing my IP address. Checked cable
box, internet options, rebooted, etc. Until I remembered the
archives. Looked for the answer and after the third newsletter, boom, there it
was. In 3 mins., I was back surfing. Thanks again, Lucy"

Glad you found it useful, Lucy! The Plus! Archives are indeed offered free
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5) Bogus Beta?

First, just to get us all on the same page:

Software is usually developed in stages: "Alpha" code is the early stuff--- rough-draft software that creates the framework for later features and functions. It's usually only seen by members of the development team. It's usually very unstable and buggy, and can change enormously from one "build" to the next.

"Beta" software is prereleased, unfinished test code that can give you an idea of what a final product might look like. It's used for testing the code on real-life systems to find what's broken or missing, so that fixes can be made prior to final release. Early beta versions are usually very buggy and unstable, and can change dramatically from build to build. Late betas are theoretically approaching releasable quality; successive builds of late betas are usually just bug fixes. Beta software may be released to the public for widespread testing, or kept private. Some betas are a formality or mild scam--- it's really release code, but the software company calls it "beta" to lower expectations and support obligations. But a true beta *is* unfinished, buggy, and requires skill and care in handling; and should not be used on real-life PCs unless full, thorough backups are made on a regular and frequent basis.

"Gamma" or "Gold" software is effectively the finished, first-release, version 1.0 code, once it leaves beta test. It's also sometimes called "RTM," or "released to manufacturing" code. Depending on the complexity of the software, the thoroughness of the beta test, and the skill of the programming team, the gold/gamma/rtm code may or may not actually be stable and relatively bug-free.

This reader had a problem with a new beta:

Hello Fred: Enjoy your Plus e-mail every time it hits my mailbox. I have a question about an e-mail I received about a new Internet Explorer 7 Beta 1. Have you ever heard of this version? I found it, downloaded it, installed it and then all hell broke lose. My Microsoft Anti-Spyware found WebCoolSearch on it when it was being installed so I told it to delete the find. After installing and rebooting my computer my Internet Explorer would not work anymore. I received an error message that ieframe.dll was deleted along with the WebCoolSearch and it just wouldn't work anymore. I doubt if Microsoft would integrate sypware into their software. But then again who knows? So my question is, is this version of Internet Explorer real or somebody's idea of a joke? Sincerely, Tim Hatfield

First, there *is* a new beta of IE7 in limited release:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/IE/ie7/default.mspx
http://www.betanews.com/article/Internet_Explorer_7_Beta_Goes_Gold/1122495351

But my guess is that you didn't get your copy through one of the official channels; and that you got--- at best--- a hacked copy with spyware inserted. It's actually a fairly common ploy for malicious hackers--- "crackers"--- to use beta software to deliver hostile payloads to user PCs. These beta version are usually posted on third-party sites and "warez" boards, rather than being found on the actual vendor site. Every version and beta of Windows as far back as I can remember has appeared in hacked form on warez boards, for example, where malicious posters hoped to infect the PCs of the unwary.

If you're interested in tracking legit beta versions of software, http://www.betanews.com/ is a good site to bookmark. As far as I know, it's reliable, and doesn't point to bogus/hacked/warez versions of betas.

Betas can be hairy enough. When you opt to try a beta version, be sure you get your copy from an official source! <g>

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6) Is This Newsletter Interesting? Useful?

If you think the LangaList is a worthwhile read, maybe a friend would find it useful too! Just use the following link to recommend the LangaList---your friend may find a new source of useful information and you just may win one of three FREE ONE YEAR SUBSCRIPTIONS to the LangaList Plus! edition given each month. (If your name is drawn and you're already a Plus! subscriber, your current subscription will be extended by a full year.)

Check out the details at http://langa.com/recommend.htm . Thanks for recommending the LangaList--- and good luck!

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7) Free, Powerful Group-Mailer

Fred, The usual kudos ... ;-) This is another response to the question by Elisa ("Wants To Mass-Email [Not Spam] A Group"  http://langa.com/newsletters/2005/2005-06-23.htm#2 ). I have used GroupMail Free Edition by Infacta ( http://www.group-mail.com/asp/common/downloads.asp ) for at least a couple of years now. It is a feature rich free application. You can send formatted e-mails. There is no limit to number of recipients per mailing. You can set the program to pause after x-number of e-mails sent then resume. This helps avoid having your ISP think you're sending out spam. You can preview your e-mails, send test e-mails, test your SMTP set up, send attachments, schedule when e-mails will be sent, filter who gets them. Being database driven, it has mail merge capabilities. And on and on. It actually has more features than I need, but it's nice to know they're there if I need them in the future. Keep up the good work, John

Nice find, John, thanks!

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8) Code-Load Success Story

Code-loader Bill Cain writes:

Hello Fred, Long time "free" subscriber and recent "Plus" convert. After Loading the Code and being listed in the newsletter ( http://www.blcain.com ), my hit count went from an average of 100 or less a day to a -WOW- 7974 hits the next day! Just proves that if you build it (and load the code) they will come! ---Bill Cain

Do you have a home page or website? (It doesn't matter what size.) Please click over to http://langa.com/code.htm , and maybe you can join the thousands 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://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://langa.com/randomlink.htm

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

Compu-Rx
http://www.compu-rx.com/index.html

The Reign of Ellen
http://thereignofellen.blogspot.com/

moregolf4less
http://www.moregolf4less.com/

Prism Instruments
http://www.prism.to/Dan%20Williams.htm

Toby's Place
http://tobysmith.95mb.com/

Game-It-Yourself
http://www.runestoneit.com/~dseagraves/

Armadillo Technologies
http://www.armtech.us/

IrfanOnline
http://www.geocities.com/irfan633/

Blog:  Lenny Vasbinder
http://lennyvasbinder.blogspot.com/

It's Our World, You Just Live In I
http://www.habplanet.com/

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9) ClamWin Update Frequency

Hello, Fred: Regarding http://www.clamwin.com ( Open-Source (Free) AntiVirus Project: http://langa.com/newsletters/2005/2005-07-18.htm#2 ) you wrote "AV tools require
frequent updating, and I don't know if a volunteer-based Open Source project will be up to the task of churning out updates on a high-frequency basis."

I use ClamWin. I looked in my log file, and arbitrarily chose May 1 to 7, 2005.  During those seven days, the signature files were updated 6 times. (I check 3 or 4 times a day.)  I don't know if that is frequent enough. ---Jim Munn

Daily, or nearly so, is very good indeed. This is very encouraging news, Jim, thanks!

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10) Just For Grins

Hi Fred, Have you seen this keyboard in development or anything like it? I thought a tech addict like you would love it! http://www.artlebedev.com/portfolio/optimus/  Enjoy! Joe

Thanks, Joe. I don't know how practical that is (unless you change key assignments a lot) but on the coolness scale, it's a 10/10!

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11) Plus! Edition Highlights:

• LangaList Complete Archives Updated!
• How To Update Your Current Copy Of The Archives...
• Or Get A Full, Fresh Copy Of The Archives...
• Alternate Way To Get A Full Copy Of The Archives

All the LangaLists ever published (from 1997 through June 2005) are now available for you right at your fingertips, packaged as a space-saving highly-compressed Windows Help File that can be self-searched using the Windows Help Engine's standard (and familiar) interface. No more going online for partial searches of the LangaList's past content: Instead, with the Archives right on your hard drive, it'll take only seconds to find whatever you're looking for, no matter how long ago it was published in any version of the LangaList!

And again, unlike the online search tools at Langa.Com, the Helpfile Archives contain both the standard and Plus content--- everything--- all in one place!

These archives are available FREE to Plus! edition subscribers, and are updated every 90 days or so--- just one of the many benefits of subscribing.

It's not too late to get your own copy of the archives. And it costs only pennies per issue to join! Sign up today!

Plus! Edition info: http://langa.com/plus.htm 

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(Give a gift subscription to the LangaList Plus edition!
Click <a href= " http://langa.com/plus_gift.htm ">here</a>)

The LangaList is published about 72 times a year, or about 6 times a month. See you next issue, 2005-08-08!

Best,

Fred
( Editor@Langa.Com )

Please recommend the LangaList to a friend! (And maybe win a prize!)

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