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The LangaList
Standard Edition

2005-12-19

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

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1) Apple's MacOS On Intel PCs

Hi Fred,  While not typical of the technical questions you usually address, your perspective would be much appreciated. We have a mixed marriage--my wife's PC and I'm Mac. I've appreciated your newsletter nonetheless as there is a tremendous amount of platform-independent, useful information (not to mention some specific trouble shooting resources when my wife has thrown up her hands...) Both of us do some work from home and because my work is graphic, Mac is my preferred mode. My wife has specific need for PC-centric applications like SPSS, so the Mac is not an option for her, but with the announcement Macs moving to Intel architecture, we're wondering if you have any advance hunches as to whether those machines will be practical to run a Windows(Vista?)/Mac hybrid OS? She's thinking about buying a new computer with more horsepower, but having gotten over Mac-phobia using my Powerbook, we're both thinking the Intel Macs might be worth waiting for. Thoughts? Thanks, Al McAtee

I think you may be disappointed, Al.

It's pretty early in the game and lots could change, but the Intel-based versions of the MacOS that are scheduled to start appearing next year probably will only run on special, Apple-branded PCs that contain a proprietary security chip. The MacOS will look for the security chip, and refuse to run if it's installed in a PC without the chip--- which is to say: It will refuse to run on any other brand PC, even if all the other hardware is identical.

It would only be a small--- tiny--- additional step for Apple to make it so the PC will *only* run the Apple OS: Once you add a BIOS-level security chip, you can set it to monitor almost anything; and to only allow the PC to run if conditions are exactly what the vendor specifies. There's no technical reason why Apple couldn't cripple its PC so that they will work with only Apple-approved software.

It sounds a little paranoid, but it's in perfect synch with the company's long history of artificially restricting its hardware. Consider: Why are there no Mac clones? There's no technical reason at all. It's that Apple won't allow it to happen, using legal measures to remain the sole provider of Mac hardware; thus allowing them to charge premium prices. Apple likes a captive audience.

For sure, there will be hacks and cracks that will get around the security chips. But those hacks and cracks will be illegal: You'll be able to do it, but you'll most likely be breaking the license agreement.

So: if you need a PC in the near future, I would not recommend waiting for the Apple PCs to come out. I could be wrong, but I'll be amazed if they turn out to be a good general-purpose computing solution. Rather, I suspect that, in keeping with a long history of similar moves, the Apple PCs will be premium priced devices that are meant to run only the MacOS, either mainly, or perhaps solely.

(If you get the feeling I dislike Apple's marketing, you're right. The wonderful thing about personal computing is that it places enormous power in the hands of us all. Companies that pursue elitist policies--- and Apple is far and away the worst in that regard--- work against the democratization of high-technology; and also appeal to some of the basest of human instincts: "I'm better/cooler than you because I 'think different'," or some such. Apple's technology is fine, but their approach to marketing just rubs me the wrong way. It always has.)

Bottom line: Apple's move to Intel is NOT for the end-user's benefit. It's solely for Apple's benefit. If your interests align with Apple's, then you'll do great with their hardware and software. But if things like "bang for the buck" or wide applicability and broad compatibility are important to you, Apple has *never* been a good choice. And I'll be very, very surprised if that changes any time soon.

http://google.com/search?q=macos+intel

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2) More Tools to "De-Clutter Context Menus"

Hi Fred, Am a long time happy Plus subscriber, thank you for all the knowledge I gained over this long time. Regarding today's "De-Cluttering Context Menus". ( http://langa.com/newsletters/2005/2005-12-15.htm#5 )--- A  while ago I started using "Mmm Free" from Hace  http://www.hace.us-inc.com/ , loved it so much that I registered it for $16.99, the subscription version has of course more options. It is the easiest thing to use to reversibly (!) de-clutter the context menu and it is elegantly designed. ---Eldad

Fred: I recently had a problem where the Outpost firewall's spyware scanner was crashing Explorer every time the mouse went over its item in the Explorer context menu. I did a search for the problem and came up with this wonderful little program, ShellExView. Does everything you need and more at the best price of all - it's free. http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/shexview.html  The site has a load of over utilities on it as well.
Cheers, Keith Collyer

Hi Fred, re: De-Cluttering Windows Context Menus -- here's an excellent overview/how-to: http://www.jfitz.com/tips/rclick_custom.html. Best of the Season! ---Fred Hoeflok

Thanks to all who wrote in!

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3) Hard Drive "Leak?"

Fred - I've been a subscriber to Plus ever since you started it, and it is always worth much more than the piddly amount you charge for it. I do have a question for you however, to which I could really use an answer.

"Hard disk drive leak?" - I am running Windows XP Home on a Dell system with 512MB RAM, and have a intermittent problem (at least I have not discovered what conditions cause it to happen) whereby I seem to develop a HDD 'leak'. After the computer has sat idle for a period of time (usually overnight), I get a message stating that hard disk drive space is in short supply (not the exact wording). When I do a check, it shows the C: drive to have 0  MB free. A restart will restore it to hundreds of MB of free space.

What is happening here and is there a solution to prevent it's occurrence? ---Bruce Birr

Sounds like you have both a short-term (immediate) and a longer-term problem.

Taking these in reverse: If your hard drive is down to only a few hundred megs free, it's time either to rid the drive of older/nonessential stuff (move these files to CD or DVD, for instance); or to get a larger drive. A few hundred megs free just isn't enough, these days--- that's less than the capacity of a single blank CD! So: The long-term solution is to increase the amount of your free space.

The short-term solution is to see what's eating the limited space you currently have. As a first guess, I'd suspect it's one or more pieces of software writing log files--- keeping a record of their activity. If your firewall is set to record all the blocks it makes, for example, and if you have an always-on connection (dsl, cable, etc), the log file can grow even when nothing else is obviously going on.

Without knowing your system, I can't be specific, but you might start by looking at the control panels of all the software that's left running when you're away from your system: firewalls, spam blockers, anti-malware/antispyware/antivirus tools/etc. See if there are options for logging (check the help files) and turn off any unneeded logs. If that doesn't help, try a general search of the hard drive for common log files ( eg "*.log") and see what's there. If you find a log file that way, you usually can figure out what created it by its name, location or contents (try opening it with Notepad).

If that still doesn't work, use the general Windows search's "advanced" functions to search for all files created in the last day: There'll be a bunch, but among them, you'll probably find the culprits that are eating your disk space.

You also can set a tool like "cleanX" to run every hour, or as needed, to keep your Temp files in check. http://langa.com/cleanup_bat.htm

By keeping Temp file and log files from growing uncontrollably; and by having enough space to start with; this kind of apparent "leak" of disk space should then stop.

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4) Bad Reformat Kills Hard Drive

Hi Fred, Great newsletter! As many have said, 'you've saved my bacon many times'.
So, I'm hoping you can do it once more.

I was in the process of re formatting a slave drive in order to add it to my system for additional hdd space. Well, for some reason my right hand decided to click the 'Cancel' button. I wasn't intending to do that, it just happened.  ;( 

Now the drive shows:

'0 free space'
'0 drive size'
'invalid label'

Windows Explorer/My Computer shows that a drive is there and it's Labeled 'Local Disk (F:)', but when I try to access it/rename it/format it I get this:  'there is no disk in the device'

Can you help me get my fumble fingered mistake fixed.

This is a 10gig drive on a Windows 2kPro system. (the pc works fine except for this).

Thanks in advance. ---Fred D.

First, make sure the BIOS still recognizes the drive: Enter your system BIOS setup screens at boot ( http://google.com/search?q=enter+bios+setup ) and verify that the drive can be "seen" by the hardware. If not, then you have a major problem that may not be fixable; but that's not a tragedy because a 10GB hard drive has a current retail value of about $15 (literally! http://tinyurl.com/88hvd ) and is thus pretty easily replaced.

But odds are, the hardware's still fine and the drive will show up in the BIOS. If it does, then go to the drive manufacturer's web site and download the floppy-based setup/format utility they almost surely offer (all major brand hard drive vendors, to my knowledge, offer this software for free).

Usually, you put the software on a bootable floppy disk (although you may be able to use a bootable CD or USB stick instead). The software is usually low-level DOS stuff, and can "get at" any drive that the BIOS can see. In other words, if the hardware recognizes the drive, then the software probably will be able to format the disk for you.

Once it's formatted, Windows (and other software) should see it again. If there are any further problems in getting the drive to work in Windows, "uninstall" the drive's listing from Control Panel, reboot, and let Windows rediscover the drive from scratch, forgetting its earlier settings.

Note that some drive-vendor software may want to install special boot partitions or other software on the disk. I rarely find this stuff useful. If you feel likewise, feel free to do a plain repartition/reformat of the disk, once Windows can see it again.

While the above will almost surely work, there are other tricks you can try, including using any reputable, DOS-based, run-from-a-boot-floppy partitioning software.

Or, if you're comfortable with low-level fixes, you can try "fdisk /mbr" ( http://google.com/search?as_q=fdisk+%2Fmbr&as_sitesearch=langa.com ), "fixmbr" ( http://google.com/search?as_q=fixmbr&as_sitesearch=langa.com ), and related commands, depending on what tools you have available. But if this last section makes no sense to you, the previous method--- verify that the drive can be seen in the BIOS, and then repartition/reformat with a vendor-supplied tool--- should work fine.

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5) USB Connector Gremlins

Fred, Thanks for doing what you do.You inform, assist and entertain and are one of the few welcome sights in my inbox.

Your latest newsletter mentions the life-span of memory sticks/flash/thumb drives. I've run into another `factor' that can curtail the number of R/W's on one of these puppies. Severely curtail it's life-span, in fact. I've lost 3 of these in the last year; not from: oops, it fell out of my pocket (which is also a real danger); but from losing the connectivity between the male USB end and the memory inside. One can have all kinds of great PC-saving tools on one's handy-dandy memory stick, cuz friends and co-workers are often asking for help in checking their systems; but if the connection loosens/breaks - that's it. Game over. That data, including that newest DAT files you just downloaded last night, are gonzo...

Mayhaps I'm clumsier and unluckier than most; but I've lost a 256meg USB stick when trying to disconnect it from a too tight USB port on someone's system; I've lost one through out-right stupidity, tipping-up a laptop to get the s/n from the bottom, only --too late-- to realize I'd left a 64meg USB stick in the rear USB port and bent that connector into an avant-garde "L" shape that, while interesting to look at, immediately said bye-bye to the files I had on it and lastly (so far!) lost the data on a 512meg USB stick probably the same way I lost the second one - too many times wiggling it off of some USB port or another and the connector became slightly loose. It was interesting if one wanted to play a guessing game: will the darn thing be recognized by the computer this time or not?  But that gets old, fast!

While my losses tend to reflect my urge to buy USB sticks with greater and greater capacity - it just leaves me feeling that OK - it can hold a lot more; but it also means (at least for me) that the potential is there to lose access to even larger amounts of data.

I haven't lost anything in the sense that all the files were copies (of course I keep backups!) - but I think it's something that shouldn't be over-looked. All that talk of how many R/W cycles and how many years of use, is great. Just remember these puppies are small and somewhat delicate; which translates into lost or intermittent/bad connections. Keep backups of the files you carry around.

They're only `handy' when there's a good, solid connection between the files and the USB connector. I'm guessing that there's only a soldered connection inside each stick, surrounded by some plastic to keep it secure and that's probably the Achilles heel of these devices. All the best and thanks again for keeping up a great newsletter. ---Tony Turner.

Good points, Tony, thanks. A basic USB extension cable really is cheap insurance: A quick Froogle search turned up almost 1,000 pages listing extension cables for under $7; and some for under $2. I generally use extension cables with all my USB gear: Not only does it shift some of the wear away from the USB devices themselves, it also beats crawling around on the floor to connect devices to the back of a desk-side PC. <g>

Relatedly, but separately, Len Steele sends along this link to "The top 10 weirdest USB drives ever." I especially like their "thumb drive." <g>
http://gadgets.fosfor.se/the-top-10-weirdest-usb-drives-ever/

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6) Recommend This Newsletter And Win!

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) Late Change

After recommending the original Quest GPS--- and not the Quest2, due to its requirement that all planning be done on the unit's small screen--- I said we'd leave the subject of GPS for a while. But here's late news that might change some of your gift-giving plans, if you're thinking about GPS as a holiday gift:

Fred, I bought a Quest2 as I wanted all the US available (without computer access) + room for topo or marine maps. When I first got it and played with it I found long routes inconvenient to setup and the playback was only real time. I phoned Garmin to see if there was any way to speed it up and though the tech wasn't familiar with the 2, he got one and played with it and finally said no, there wasn't. This lead to a discussion of routing difficulties and ETC. and he said that it was easier to do that on a PC and asked if I had any mapping software. I told him I had DeLorme Street Atlas (which, by the way, will also break your trip into days and add fuel stops like MS S&T) but that it wouldn't work with Garmin (mapwise). He said that Garmin had rethought the policy of not including their Map Source program with the Quest2 and they would send me one. And they did, a DVD (City Select NT North America v7) with full unlock privileges. Works great to setup routes and will transfer waypoints and routes back and forth. Well worth a phone call. --AJ

Fred: Enough people complained to Garmin. Now if you have the Quest 2, or any of the other GPS receivers that have all the maps contained, you can request the CD from Garmin, and do the routing work on your computer, then download to the GPS. ---Louis F. Caplan

Thanks, AJ and Louis. That removes my main complaint with the Quest 2; and---if I didn't already have a Quest--- it'd be my top pick.

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8) They Just Keep Coming And Coming...

Thousands of your fellow readers have "Loaded the code." Please click over to http://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://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

Cat's Hideout
http://catshideout.blogspot.com/

Stop Spy Chips
http://stopspychips.blogspot.com/

Serendipity Moose
http://serendipitymoose.com/

Winterville Elementary School - Mrs. Beasley
http://www.clarke.k12.ga.us/do/teacherView?id=665

Home of JOHNAWEBB
http://www.uk8net.com/

MerrieEm's page
http://members.tripod.com/merrieem/index.html

Teacher and the Rockbots
http://www.powerartscompany.com/home.html

Reflective Musings
http://opedwriter.blogspot.com/

design web studios
http://www.designwebstudio.co.uk/Articles/goArticlesComp.php

Grenspalen in Zuid-Limburg
http://home.planet.nl/~pegoris/grenspalen/

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9) Holiday Schedule, And Odd Questions <g>

Fred: I have rarely come in contact with someone who has your energy level! Here are two questions your other readers might be wondering about ...

1. Are you married?
2. When do you sleep?

Only on my 2nd year subscription to Plus!, but it seems that every single one has something of value, and I'm proud to recommend you all the time. (Coming from a geek with over 40 years in the IT racket, that's a compliment.)

Given the above questions, my only hope is that you'll just keep on keepin' on. And if there is a Mrs Fred L, be sure and pass along my regards and admiration.

Thanks very much for all you do!

Best of the holiday season to you -- and I hope it's restful. Sincerely, Bill Anton

Thanks, Bill. It's not energy--- it's the caffeine talking. <g> But in answer to your questions, yes, I'm married; to a very tolerant wife. And yes, I sleep, but probably not enough. <g> I've noticed more typos and other errors creeping into the newsletter (sorry!); it's due to just plain fatigue.

Apropos: This is the last issue of the newsletter for this year. In the next week or so, I'll be doing some overdue maintenance on the publishing systems here, and trying to catch up with a work-related to-do list that's embarrassingly long. I then hope to take a few quiet days over the holidays; away from the keyboard entirely.

The newsletter will resume publication right after the turning of the New Year, complete with a few changes and improvements that I've been trying to get to for months. <g>

Thanks for reading; see you next year!

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10) Just For Grins

Fred, I know all of us hate spam and fw emails - but this was just too cute... ---james_n_martin

-------------

To One and all of my Good E-mail buds:

As the holidays approach, my heartfelt appreciation goes out to all of you who have taken the time and trouble to send me forwards" over the past 12 months. Thank you for making me feel safe, secure, blessed, and wealthy.

Extra thanks to whoever sent me the one about rat crap in the glue on envelopes 'cause I now have to go get a wet towel every time I need to seal an envelope.

Also, I scrub the top of every can I open for the same reason. Because of your concern I no longer drink Coca Cola because it can remove toilet stains.

I no longer drink Pepsi or Dr Pepper since the people who make these products are atheists who refuse to put "Under God" on their cans.

I no longer use Saran wrap in the microwave because it causes cancer.

I no longer check the coin return on pay phones because I could be pricked with a needle infected with AIDS.

I no longer use cancer-causing deodorants even though I smell like a water buffalo on a hot day.

I no longer go to shopping malls because someone might drug me with a perfume sample and rob me.

I no longer receive packages from nor send packages by UPS or Fed Ex since they are actually Al Qaeda in disguise.

I no longer answer the phone because someone will ask me to dial a number for which I will get a phone bill with calls to Jamaica,  Uganda, Singapore, and Uzbekistan.

I no longer eat KFC because their "chickens" are actually horrible mutant freaks with no eyes or feathers.

I no longer have any sneakers -- but that will change once I receive my free replacement pair from Nike.

I no longer have to buy expensive cookies from Neiman Marcus since I now have their recipe.

I no longer worry about my soul because at last count I have 363,214 angels looking out for me.

Thanks to you, I have learned that God only answers my prayers if I forward an e-mail to seven of my friends and make a wish within five minutes.

I no longer have any savings because I gave it to a sick girl who is about to die in the hospital (for the 1,387,258th time)

I no longer have any money at all - but that will change once I receive the $15,000 that Microsoft and AOL are sending me for participating in their special email tracking program.

Yes, I want to thank you so much for looking out for me that I will  now return the favor!

If you don't send this e-mail to at least 144,000 people in the next  7 minutes, a large pigeon with a wicked case of diarrhea will land on  your head at 5:00 PM (CDT) this afternoon. I know this will occur because it actually happened to a friend of my next-door neighbor's ex-mother-in-law's second husband's cousin's beautician....

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11) Plus! Edition Highlights:

Today's LangaList Plus! Edition contains all ten items above, plus about 40% more content including:

• More/Better Ways To Access Admin Account
     (readers improve on Fred's original answer)
• Hot Software Prospect (Free!)
     (all-in-one non-Microsoft media player)
• Huge, Free Anti-Spam Resource
     (100+ pages!)
• Old Floppies To New Zip Files
     (reader's automated trick saves old data)

Plus! edition subscribers not only get much more content in every issue (like the above), but also have access to a private web site with over 100,000 words of special content and features not found in *any* issue of the newsletter; along with dozens of private downloads and much more--- all for about $1 per month!

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

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(Give a HOLIDAY 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, 2006-01-05!

Best,

Fred
( Editor@Langa.Com )

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

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