joshua132

I agree with you. All software is bound to have holes due to the creator(s) of the software. The nature in which the developer fixes the holes is where I have problems with Microsoft. For those who are not computer savvy, Microsoft Antispyware, Automatic Windows update etc.. are great. I prefer to be on top of things and I don't like Microsoft having so much control. I take responsibilty if I mess things up due to the fact that I don't take full advantage of Microsoft ease-of-use features. I think it is great that Microsoft bought an antispyware/antivirus company but I don't think they should charge money for Windows users to use it. Although the programs are currently free, they are in beta. I have read that later they will cost.

UPDATE:

I have compared Adaware with Windows AntiSpyware and I have found that Windows AntiSpyware does not focus on smaller threats such as tracking cookies, whereas Adaware not only looks up tracking cookies but also gets the more devastating spyware. Full system scan times are comparable (both clocked in around 20min for 220GB). Adaware/Spybot are obviously better than Microsofts alternative.

\/ In my opinion the best way to combat spyware is to use Mozilla Firefox. \/

Check this out: Microsoft Windows AnitSpyware [Notice: It is still in beta.]

It is from Microsoft, and at first glance it is great. I was a bit cautious at first but...

Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware provides constant protection against infection, which includes browser hijack protection, application hijack protection, and various other critical system settings for unauthorized changes. When you scan you computer you can choose a smart scan (less time) or a full scan (more time). I will post time comparisons later. The scan checks memory, files, registry, and cookies. Also, you can schedule scans and definition updates. The program contains an advanced tools section that include often hard to find settings for IE, Windows system, shell, ActiveX controls, and startup programs. The advanced tools section also contains a tracks eraser for a IE, a multitude of chat programs, and the main media players. The most innovative feature in the program, however, is SpyNet. SpyNet is a network system to update definitions based on detection of spyware by other users in the network. So basically, if I am running a scan and new spyware is detected, I can update the definitions so that others also on SpyNet will receive protection from the spyware I just discovered.

I like the program so far. It not only has a nice interface but the features are useful and efficient. Sadly, I heard that when it is out of beta Micro$oft will be charging for it (makes sense I guess).

Tell me what you think.

EDIT: UPDATE BELOW

For highschool graduation my parents said they will get me a computer. I have the choice of a desktop computer and a PDA or a Laptop computer. I am having trouble deciding which would be better. I will probably be going to the University of Missouri which, for the most part is wireless enabled. I am leaning toward the desktop, PDA solution, but suggestions would be helpful. Thanks.

Update:

Having considering my options. I have settled on a laptop. I have now begun to look for one.

Any suggestions on where to get a cheap, reliable laptop? What specs should I go with?

I have about $1500 dollars to spend and it will be used on a wireless campus primarily for office apps, multimedia, and internet browsing.

Thanks for the help.

SuSE is the best. It is easy for beginners and has also has advanced features. The setup is straight forward and YaST is great. Furthermore, SuSE is now backed by Novell which is not only a boost for Linux community but a boost for compatibility and functionality for SuSE. If you don't go with SuSE, then go with Mandrake.

I like Creative Lab's Zen Touch. The only downside is that radio and voice recording is $50 extra.

wow, reverse descrimination. I think it is wrong. What would happen if a group a gays were stopped from going into a normal bar?? I wouldn't want to go into a gay bar anyway.

I think peace in the Middle East is a joke. Muslims and Jews view the area as holy, Jerusalem especially. Both sides claim the same holy land so neither side will be willing to concede. The conflict is so deep that it can't end. The Palestinians use one of the ultimate weapons available, human life. If you value your cause so much more than your life that you are willing to kill yourself along with several of the enemy you can be effective. The Palestinians have so much hate for the Jews and so much devotion to their leaders and/or Allah that they are willing to commit suicide bombings. I think that the problem is bigger than a small group of terrorists. Granted most Muslims don't want to kill people that disagree with them religiously, I think that in the Middle East most don't know any better. Many grow up believing in the Jihad against all other religions. The Middle East is a very volatile region, peace is a far-fetched goal at this point.

I am just interested in modding, it is doubtful that I will. I have heard that you can do things like surf the web, save games to the harddrive, and watch DVDs without the $30 adapter among other things. I don't use XBOX live and don't plan on it so I don't care about that. Most other benefits to modding I can do on my computer (except saving games to my harddrive). Just curiosity.

I think the death penalty is the best thing the US has to deter people from murder. In the end, killers usually don't care or are willing to take the chance of getting caught. Although this is a bit harsh, I believe that instead of a life in prison or death penalty sentence we should have the said convicted criminals do manual labor until at least retirement age. Doing manual labor a criminal would be able to give back to the community which he/she has hurt. I believe that lifelong manual labor would also be a great deterant, and cause people to consider if murder is really worth it. With manual labor as the penalty no one would get off easy and the government would save money.

I found a great site that has links to every Microsoft redistributal needed. It also has support, news, links, and a lot of other useful apps.

MSFN (Microsoft Software Forum Network)

I use Mozilla Firefox.It has popup blocking, tabbed browsing, an automatic updater, several search toolbars and hundreds of extensions. I have used IE, Netscape, and Opera in the past and Firefox is by far my favorite. Firefox 1.0 is better than ever. Not only is it compatible with more sites, it has better support for RSS, and it is faster. Firefox also helps prevent you from getting spyware due to the fact that it does not support ActiveX controls. In fact, I know an IT profession who is recommending that his clients switch to Firefox for this reason. The sites that Firefox is not compatible with are becoming fewer because the world browser share of Firefox is growing rapidly.

Has anyone modded their XBOX? What is the best way to mod it (software/hardware)?

I love it. The graphics are amazingly better than the last CS. I wish I had time to play it more. My favorite map is either dust or dust2.

I will listen to about anything except country. I think that is pretty common. My preference is Rock, Classic Rock, and some Rap.

USA - 10/10I love America! I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. You don't always like the president but he can be changed every four years. America definately has its problems but they are outweighed by it awesomeness. I believe Democracy is one of the best forms of government. The great thing is, if you work hard your chances of doing well and moving up the social ladder increase greatly. Go USA.

220GB -> with movies, games, and apps

Why would you want to dual boot with Win98?

That's a lot of data to have on a disk. Disk can get scratched fairly easily. I hope companies invest more in the flash drive technology. Flash memory is fast, small, durable, and doesn't need another piece of hardware to get the data (disk drive). Blu-Ray is amazing though, and I support it over HD-DVD.

1. If there is any data on the 40GB drive you need then back it up.2. Delete all of the data on the 40GB drive.3. Go to Start->Run, type "msconfig", press Enter (or click OK)4. Click the "BOOT.INI" tab5. Click the "Check all boot paths" button6. It should tell you that the path to Windowx XP on the 40GB drive is invalid. It will ask if you want to remove it. Click "Yes"7. Restart the system and make sure it works.Tell me how it goes. Hope this helps.

Anybody heard of Project Looking Glass? It is a 3D Desktop environment from Sun Microsystems. It is amazing. I have tried out a few 3D environments in the past and wasn't impressed but this looks promising. It is an open-source project that will be available for Linux and Solaris systems. It will obviously built with Java technology. There isn't much information about the project but here is a link to the projects site. There are some screenshots and a video that is quite impressive.

Project Looking Glass

I like it. Before listening to your songs I had never heard of DnB. It is great. Do you have a whole album?Keep up the good work.

I played the game and got tired of it. The main reason being that I expected more. A game where everything is dynamic and reacting to your moves is difficult to make. Morrowind is a much batter game in that sense. Fable has a much better fighting style than Morrorwind. Quite frankly, Morrowinds fighting style sucks. The game isn't worth buying. Rent it if you really want to play it.

I prefer SuSE for ease of use. YaST is very powerful. If you don't mind a command line installation give Gentoo a try. It is extremely efficient.

I think the PSP will be better. It will be able to play music, movies, and games. The starting price will probably be around $185. Sony said the PSP should come out in America early 2006. Sony might have problems, however, getting companies to make games, music, movies etc for the Universal Media Disk(UMD). But it is a neat technology anyway.