wutske

I think the key is generated from several kinds of information about the user and it's impossible to acces the data by creating the same user again (if for example you reinstalled windows). So be carefull when you use encryption, complete windows failure equals data = lost.Try googl'ing a bit to see if you can find some way to crack it, but it's probably rather impossible.

I wouldn't do that if I were you. Some applications write configuration data in the same folder and if it's pointing to a location/registry entry where the other OS can't come, then it won't work anymore. Just waste some space and spend some time configuring the app under both OS'es, that's the safest way (in case on OS fails). Even beter would be if you'd choose to have only one OS. So just wait 6 months before you'd make the switch to Vista, then most big bugs will be out and more and more apps (also those that disable stupid Vista features ) will be available.

Not overhere, I haven't seen any computer that came with linux installed (or maybe one or two) in our supermarkets (Carrefour, GB, Aldi, Makro, ...). The best chance to find a computer with linux is in a computer shop. But yes, windows is most userfriendly, it even comes with a 'slap in the face' feature that learns you to regulary back-up important data

First thing I want to begin with: don't use Word do not use Frontpage Those 2 don't respect any HTML rules and they produce pages that'll only be accesible with IE. I don't know what you're expecting from the website, but maybe http://forums.xisto.com/no_longer_exists/ might help (don't expect too much from this). For blogging, you're best of with blogger.com or other alternatives. Last but not least, Macromedia DreamWeaver is a good app, tough it isn't free. Notepad alternatives work excelent too , but you'll have to learn html for that

Alienwares are expensive for their looks, but also for what is in it. They are all high-performance computers and that comes at a price (but they do tend to ask a bit more, but then again, there aren't many others on the high performance market).

if you want a laptop, I think you're better of buying it in one piece.For CPU I do suggest to get an Intel. Their latest Core2Duo CPU's are the best and they consume litlle power. If you're looking for something more budget wise, look for a laptop with the Centrino label. Memory, 1Gb should be enough for some while.The rest depends on you, I don't know wheter you need much storage space, DVD-rw, or if you want to play lots of games ...

In short:Windows: runs on every x86 computer, this is what you'll find the most. Windows is most spread and most apps are available for it (but so are the problems with security). Windows will also work on an IntelMac.MacOS: This will only run on a Mac (Apple). Not as widespread as windows, but it's loved for safety, looks and graphic design software. Linux: Free and runs on everything. These are available in distributions like Suse, Fedore, Ubuntu ... Every distribution runs on the same core, but is configured differently and comes with different applications. It's the cheapest solution, but a steeper learning curve if you ask me.Solaris: dunno about this one, runs on Sun and is a server OS.

It's all on their website: Basicly, they've change the interior to handle more heat, the connectivity and the looks.

I don't think the performance difference will be that large. In this case, DC is in advantage when it comes to lifetime, overclocking the memory will reduce lifetime and might result in instability and major performance drops (caused by instability/errors). Anyway, good memory controlers can handle 250Mhz without problem and with some good chips you can easily hit 300Mhz. 4 sticks on the other side might result in troubles. AMD64 drop the command rate to 2T when you use 4 sticks (depends on some boards), this is a lot slower than 1T.

You don't need a special set of HDD's in order to get a RAID array. The same brand and size is usualy enough to get a RAID-setup working. You can even combine different brands and size, but then you'll loose space.The extra warranty is a good thing anyway

As said before, my online time (and the time I spend behind the computer) is just too high and now I have to pay the price.It started a few weeks ago, pain. I'm probably suffering from what's called RSI, in both wrists . Altough it does hurt, it still doesn't stop me from coming online . This is something I do suggest to everybody, get some kind of program that forces you to take a break from time to time (I'm now using Workrave, it rocks), I have much less pain and I spend less time behind the pc (should be about 3 hours max) and with my forthcomming studies, I'll probably even spend less leasure time behind this sucker .But I do suggest putting it on a USB stick, because I recently tested Vista for a while (without workrave installed) and I did hurt again.Ow, and let's not forget I feel much better when I spend less time behind the computer.

There is a way to make a software-RAID1 on XP, you simply have to let it belief it's something better . Everything is explained overhere: http://forums.xisto.com/no_longer_exists/ . Just remember, backups and everything's at own risk P.s. if you create a RAID1 using a hardware controller, windows should normaly support it.

That's indeed too high for idle temperatures (btw. are you sure there's no program in the background that uses the cpu a lot ?). Has this always been like that, because if so, your case might be bad ventilated. Try touching the heatsink and check if it's hot. If it's realy that hot, then the heatsink/fan combo isn't sufficient enough. If it isn't, then there might be a bad contact between the CPU and the heatsink or your motherboard is reading out incorrect data. About the hdd, it might have been so, the max. operating temperature of a hdd is generaly 50-55°c, anything higher could damage the hdd. These thing do get hot, my hdd easily gets to 55°c without active cooling in a case with 28°c temperature. If you'd like to replace the cpu heatsink, it'd definatly check out the heatsink reviews at [M]adshrimps or at Frostytech. These 2 compare cooling performance and how much noise they create.

I hope he has a good RAID controller, because generaly, onboard RAID controllers are good for 0,1 and 10, but they are only good at RAID5 when it comes to read speeds. Onboard RAID5 causes a serious write-performance drop (even below the minimum speed of a single hdd) because they lack a good processor.Ow, and I hope he didn't buy those hdd especialy because they are hot-swapable, because every SATA disk drive can do that .

Nope, I do not.Pentium D with 2.8 GHz -> outdate technology, only Core2 or A64+ will doXp home edition -> erm, maybe Pro ?4 gig on a duo chanel -> that's just overkill250 gig hardrive -> about averagedvd/cd burner -> already have one24" flat panel ->maybe, but no thank youlogitech with bass extended speakers -> my surround is more than enoughand for those moments when you want to listen to music really loud soundproof basment. -> now that's what I want, at least it's cold overthere in the winter I bet your face is like this... but so was mine when it costed me $1,800+ -> , no way I'm going to spend that amount of money on a computerSo basicly, I'm happy with what I have and people should learn that at a given moment, too much is too much and even more important, bragging with your computer and your money is pretty lame

What you might try is making Windows to show more advanced information when it's logging you in. It'll show you thing like 'playing the logon sound' and stuff.But I have no idea how to turn it on, I enabled it using nLite and that would require you to reinstall windows.Other things you can do is checking what software shouldn't be starting up automaticly and see if there's anything in the windows log.

I can only say one thing, I love miniSD . It's cheap (€34/Gb) and it's faster than the normal SD memory. It's very important to make everyting small, imagine having a PDA with bluetooth, wifi, mobile phone, and 8Gb of storage ... 5 years ago ??? It would be a freaking brick (not to speak about the battery you'd need to run it a couple of hours).The main reason why MS is still large is probably because they want them to be back- and forward compatible.Ow, and xD sucks, it's slow, expensive and only used by Olympus & Fuji (wich is peanuts compared to the rest of the market, I mean, try finding a freaking card reader that supports xD cards ... took me a while to find one with good specs for a descent price). Just my 2c

Seems like a good setup, I don't see what won't work . If I may suggest something, save €100 and get the E6400, you'll hardly notice the 270Mhz difference and the 2Mb extra L2 cache don't give such a performance boots. Another suggestion is getting and AMD, they are still great gaming CPUs . About shops, check http://www.preistrend.de/ for the cheapest price in Germany (can hardly be cheaper, they only have 16% btw compared to the 21% in Belgium, but be quick, it goes to 18% in 2007). The tweakers.net pricewatch (https://tweakers.net/pricewatch/) is great for finding cheap shops in Holland (19% vs 21% ). Last but not least, the cheapest shops in Belgium, http://forums.xisto.com/no_longer_exists/ and https://www.tones.be/particulier P.s. get the HDD in Belgium (you're from belgium, right ?), if it breaks you'll save time and money.

Mostly it's safe, but if a program is realy stupid it put uninstallation information overthere (only progs I know that do this are the ATI demos).But first things first, next time you install windows, start with remove crap and old programs using nLite (http://www.nliteos.com/).Next, get yourself a virtual machine (vmware, m$ virtual pc, qemu, ...) and mess around with that windows installation (if you want to test some new software if it's what you're looking for, ... ).//edit: last one is for keeping your windows installation clean, the vmware will probably use 1Gb of space

Funny to read this, I've been thinking the same about the google OS (being nothing else but another linux distribution with all the google applications already installed).I do doubt whether google is going to make everything dependant on the OS, it would be pretty painfull and I doubt that everybody is going to switch. I think Google won't be asking money for everything, eg. gmail, yes you get +2Gb storage, but think about this, there are many other free +1Gb mail accounts available on the net, Picasa albums, google earth, ... all have alternatives that do work on Windows.And last but not least, Linux still is a pain in the *bottom* compared to windows. There are distro's that can't even play MP3's, WMA+ probably won't work either and there's no single and easy way to install software. I know there are several package managers for different distributions, RPMs are fairly common, but many apps still need compilation before they can work, that is not what a windows users is wanting to do. What they want to do is download the installer (from everywhere, not a single portal for a single distribution) double-click it and run the application.Linux is still to shatered to conquer the world, imho.

hmm, it isn't that bad. I've had a good experience with slax. As long as you use a +48x cd player, it works pretty fast. Data storage isn't such a problem either overhere, I have a small FAT32 partition and all my other data is available.Using linux on a USB stick is also a great solution, it's fast (depending on the stick and bus of course) and you can save data on the go .

oh god, I just hate those programms. All those programs that offer you more speed are nothing else but lies ... Tweaking might improve speed a litlle bit yeah, but the 5% gain isn't worth the money ... In fact, one program managed to slow my computer down so much I just decided to reinstall XP. If I can give one tip to everybody in the world ... don't install software you don't need and if you want to try some software, do it in a virtual machine. Defrag from time to time and you're off to go.And all those fancy looking themes and stuff ... 4 words; bey bey 5% . They eat resources and they are of no use. Bootscreens, 3 seconds and it's gone, logon screen, 3 seconds and it's gone (if I manage to enter the password correctly ), main theme, nice in the beginning but boring after a week or so.Nope, I simply prefer the W2K theme, small and fast (notice the small, yes, Luna is bigger in size)

lol . Why bother, it isn't doing anything wrong overthere? M$ should rather spend it's time preventing bugs instead of adding such (imho useless) settings ...Anyway, it's a good way to help me remember my name, so it's stays in place (ps. that was a joke, 'right )

okay, it's kinda lame solution, but try picasa2 . It has an option for a screensaver. You simply have to select all the images you want to see and add it to the screensaver album.

LiveCDs are handy if it's your first time on linux. It's even handy at school if they managed to install XP on way to slow computers and you want so surf fast if the teach is ill and hasn't given an assignment . Btw, forum is going extremely slow, hard to obtain my points