Jonnyabc

I am new to log4php and was hoping someone could help me. I have copied in the source directory (named 'src' if I'm not mistaken) from the zipped folder into my htdocs directory. Aside from that, the only coding I have accomplished is a 'require("/log/Logger.php")' on a new page. It is very frustrating finding nothing out there as to step-by-step instructions (the best I found thus far is this or this). Even the official Apache landing pages give me no help. I could understand the process of sending a log to the script, but I can't seem to figure out what is what for configuration. For one, I keep seeing a DoSomething() function mentioned in generally the same spot within scripts, but this does not tell me if this is a real function or simply sudocode. If I create a custom, hand-written configuration file, where do/should I place it? Do I create a specific config file for each custom log or one big one? Say I name a custom log as cstmLog, how does this look in the code (hierarchy)? Lastly, it appears as though there are several ways to compile the configuration file (.ini, .xml, or .php), and there are several scripts that appear as though they would do this automatically, but I haven't found that magic ingredient. Additionally, there are several rows within the Logger.php file that COULD be used to configure the initial setup, but I have my reservations as to whether or not this should be changed in that code or something else. Unfortunately, this is something that I have been assigned to get done today, but I'm liking this less and less...if it were a personal project, I'd be able to spend more time at it, but I don't have that luxury with this. I haven't had the need to study/code asynchronous logging or hierarchical methods/classes in PHP thus far, so a fair majority of this code is foreign to me (such as, what the heck is a '::' for?). Ask me to create a forum from scratch, no problem. Ask me to use log4php, um, yeah...help me please.

My code is as follows: Function URL(rngValue As Range) If rngValue <> "" Then URL = rngValue.Hyperlinks.Item(1).Address Else URL = "" End IfEnd Function I am attempting to pull the hyperlink out of a single cell reference. I test the code on three cell value types: one with hyperlink text, one without hyperlink text, and one that's completely blank. Generally I am successful getting the first and third cells to return the URL value and blank value respectively, but I always get the fatal #VALUE! error on a cell that contains text without a hyperlink. I have researched this problem to no avail, although I have come up with several near tries (but all misses). Here are just a few variations that I've tried: Function URL(rngValue As Range) If rngValue <> "" AND Then URL = Application.WorksheetFunction.IfError(rngValue.Hyperlinks.Item(1).Address, "") ' It works if I catch the value in another cell referencing the answer but this does not. Else URL = "" End IfEnd Function Function URL(rngValue As Range) If rngValue <> "" AND CStr(rngValue.Hyperlinks.Item(1).Address) <> cVErr(xlErrValue) Then URL = CStr(rngValue.Hyperlinks.Item(1).Address) Else URL = "" End IfEnd Function Function URL(rngValue As Range) If rngValue = "" Or Application.WorksheetFunction.IsError(rngValue.Hyperlinks.Item(1).Address) Then URL = "" Else URL = Application.WorksheetFunction.IfError(rngValue.Hyperlinks.Item(1).Address, "") End IfEnd Function I've even tried to check and see if #VALUE! is a string return of '#VALUE!' but this does not seem to be the case either? I've even removed the 'Option Explicit' from the top of the module in case it had to do with back data type conversion. Also, from the intel I've gathered with experimentation, it would appear as though this when it tries to read the address of a cell that has no URL, it immediately skips any other following code. For instance, the excerpt: URL = CStr(rngValue.Hyperlinks.Item(1).Address)URL = "" would immediately return #VALUE!, even though I overwrote it! So maybe this is the key? Interestingly enough, however, it would not appear to be causing any pop-up debugging errors so when I am unable to catch it as a VBA error and an Excel spreadsheet function, it's sort of a limbo error that's burning my side. I've even tried the following code: When I search for a solution, all I am able to find is an alternative to the logic and not a way to suppress the error.

I need a solution to create an Excel 2010 Macro to copy the value =NOW() and paste as value from and to a relative cell in the same row (6 columns to the right) whenever a cell value is changed. Basically, whenever I edit the cell, it'll create a fixed timestamp off to the right.I have researched Worksheet_Change() and the Application.SheetCalculate = SubName with little sucess. Either I am pasting it into the wrong part of VBA (but I've already tried Sheet/Workbook/Module) or I am missing the right code to make my Sub start on the event trigger, but it does not want to work whenever I use it. If I can get it to at least run, I could figure out the rest...I've been programming in Excel VBA to create Excel functions for a bit of time now, but making an automated macro seems to be a completely different syntax since I am now working with cells, not just producing a value from a formula within the individual cell.

Some of you may recall that I previously wrote some time ago about PortableApps.com, but today I want to make mention of another fantastic freeware installer/manager. FreeApps (http://www.freenew.net/) is a great way to easily download and keep updating fantastic free software. Similar to CNET's TechTracker, this will monitor your computer for freeware upgrades. However, consider this nice feature: You can download and install free software directly from your desktop, similar to what Linux users are used to for their software managers. If that isn't cool enough, you can even custom package which ones you want directly from the website before you even install FreeApps (rather handy I'd say, especially if you're installing on a newly restored machine). Admittedly, it has its limitations in regards to the available software but at the same time they probably do this on purpose in order that only the best freeware is displayed. But for the most part, I've discovered little I use that was not included. There's not much else to say but that; it's pretty simple but still pretty good.

I'm nowhere close to having anything BluRay, and I have a large enough VCR collection it doesn't make sense to spend $100's to upgrade them all, even to just a regular DVD. So unfortunately I must still pick one of the first two. However, keep in mind that if I choose to spend more money on a TV, I could always use it separately if I need to purchase an LCD monitor someday. Keep replying!

I am now at a crossroads: I have bought myself a desktop and am now in need of a better monitor than this fine old 1024px CRT monitor. Additionally, I have a huge CRT TV in the same room and have thought that it is time for me to upgrade if I am going to use both. It makes sense in my case to purchase something that will work in either case. This is where you fit in.I could either buy for myself a TV tuner to place inside my PC and then a regular PC monitor, or the other option, a TV that I could use for a PC screen. Both have added advantages and I am in need of advice. Keep in mind that I'm no millionaire so I really don't want to be spending more than $300 USD on the solution.TV-tuner / PC monitor - In order to watch something, it requires that the computer be turned on (and hopefully I'm not doing something else on there that will interfere). I do not have a cable plan, so I will not get any added advantages by connecting it to the computer unless the EPG in the 'new' digital signals comes through on it. However, I presumably have to the advantage that I can digitally record any show that comes in. It's a fine idea, what will it really work for me? I have a lot of store-bought VHS tapes that I watch often, so I want to make certain that the spike they throw into the signal to prevent copying won't hinder me, and that I will not need to spend extra money on a analog to digital converter for this to work.TV used as PC monitor - This is the one I'm pulling to the most at the moment but I am open for opinions. Added advantages include being able to keep the PC off while I am watching, and I'm guessing less problems connecting my VCR to it. The first notable disadvantage, however, is that it will be difficult to watch something and work on my PC at the same time. However, with PbP (Picture-by-Picture) or PiP (Picture-in-Picture), it may solve my problem provided I can find a relatively small and affordable screen that will do this (LCD 22-24"). One other thing I like is the ability to utilize the built-in speakers rather than purchasing external ones (at the moment I'm trying to be very minimalist about the cost).So there you have it. Am I behind door #1 or door #2? We'll find out after these few brief responses from you when I return...

No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no..! This was the idea I precisely had for making a website (except that mine is from scratch instead of a pre-built, less customizable, ad-filled website. Oh well, guess I'll have to think of a Plan C for my website's purpose (while that should be the first decision of any web developer, it seems to be my last).

I've had the new Firefox 4 Beta for sometime now (I randomly switch off and on between 3 and 4). After looking in the Feedback Study Findings relating to the usage of bookmarks, I thought it was incredible to discover that the maximum number of bookmarks was 41,000. This got me thinking (that's never a good sign). I could say with some fair certainty that the person in question must have pretty much bookmarked every page he or she ran across. This is not my goal, however, it did lead my onto my query."What if" I could access a site that indexed every top domain URL out there in such a way that I could download a bookmarks file to import into my browser? It would be necessary to include tags, and it would be recommended that you would be able to decide what content type you would like or not like to have. In this manor, you should be able to decide it's ranking, similar to WOT and Xmarks.Want to download the entire database? Not a problem. Want to download strictly domains with the tag "Google"? Not a problem. Want bookmarks suited towards or away from children, or a business professional vs. a pro gamer? Pick recommended demographics to get bookmarks suited to your desires/needs.I don't know if anything along those lines exist, but it would be nice to find out. At the very least it should be a simple (torrent) file that someone has constructed. Thanks!

Seriously, does nobody have a clue at either what I am asking for, or does it simply not exist? All I'm looking for is a short explanation at what to research this on. If I have the following code: <html> ... <body> ... <ul> <li>1. First</li> <li>2. Second</li> <li>3. Third</li> <ul> ... </body> ...</html> ...how do I retrieve the list items from this?

XHTML is a refined version of HTML and follows the guidelines of XML but is an ordinary web page. JavaScript and PHP allow users to access XML documents. I've recently learned the basics behind XSD (formatting/nesting rules for a specific XML document) and gather that this is the same equivalent of DTD and/or XMNLS.However, I am still at a loss how you can use JavaScript/PHP to pull in data from an XHTML document. I imagine you still use the same XML parsers you would use for an XML (RSS) file, but beyond that, I haven't a clue, but I know it is possible because I have seen it in action.Thanks!

Hey there. I'm looking for an RSS reader...yes, I do know about Google Reader, and I'll take that if I have to. However, I'm curious if I can find a decent desktop / system tray program that will flash up news from various sources. At the moment, using my Facebook wall with Digsby seems to be my best best shot, but I don't want to constantly see all those feeds when I log into Facebook.Keep in mind this is for an XP on my work PC...no Google Gadgets or Yahoo! Widgets to slow down the computer please. I'd just like to find a nice service similar but separate to Facebook / Google Reader that allows me to see them as they pop up. Filter words and the ability to see individual feeds as well as the entire set would be a plus. If it doesn't exist, guess I'll just have to create the program myself (not really, 'cause I don't have the time).Thanks!

Hey, someone who actually volunteers herself in a topic to help answer questions? I love it! I'll help you get started immediately by asking you a question that you might be able to help answer.I'm using (AT&T) DSL to access the internet. Because it's a dynamic IP address, the router usually get's messed up whenever the modem changes IPs. However, a former classmate of mine recommended changing the PPPoE over from the modem to the router to let the router take care of it. That used to work.Ever since a power outage a month or so ago, I had to reset the system. As far as I am aware, I set the PPPoE back up exactly as before. For the most part, it works fine...whenever the address changes, the connection fails, and it takes a few moments and then I'm back up and running. However, at random times the router still needs to be reset (i.e. unplugged and plugged back in). Why is this, and how do I permanently solve it?That'll give you something to respond with, I hope. Just so you know where I fit into the tech world, my current focus is web/database management (and a fair amount of programming) but I'm still very weak on the hardware/diagnosis side. Sounds like you'll be a valuable asset on Xisto...welcome!

I always try to write a topic while I'm still learning about it, because we all know that once you understand how something works from the inside out, it becomes all the more difficult to explain it very simply and basically to a novice. So as an experienced novice (how do you like that?), let me begin.Google Voice is NOT, repeat, NOT the same as Google Talk (their IM service). However, they are making headway to combine them together closer and closer every day. Yet I've still left you asking, what is Google Voice?Consider owning a master phone. One that you can take with you everywhere and use anywhere. Whether you're at work, home, or on the go, it can ring all places simultaneously. Call using your custom phone number (you get to choose it) and from almost any accessible phone. Check your voicemail at any location, and not only via phone, but also online. And if that isn't enough to sway you, how about it "automagically" transcribing those voicemails (or complete calls for that matter) to text and have it sent to your cell as a text, and/or your email (not including that it's still accessible anytime online).Need to make a long distance number? As long as you are within the US (and I believe Canada too), long distance is free. It will notify you if it is not. For international calls, you can stock you can stock your phone up with some cash and make incredibly cheap calls worldwide! Synced with your Google Contacts, you can choose who you want to ring what phone, pick a personalized greeting for that group, and choose whether you want to answer it immediately or thrown to voicemail right off. Light sleeper and tired of your phone ringing at the most inconvenient time? Tell Google to only allow each set phone an individual on or off schedule.Just today Gmail is now offering the ability to call straight from their page...I'm hoping this is transferring to Google Talk so that you can make phone calls straight from your PC! In November of 2009, they acquired Gizmo, which integrates Google Voice technologies into a desktop application, but after buying them out, Google shutdown the sign-up process. This is where my hopes lie.As always, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. I happened to run across Google Voice when I was searching for a free PC to Phone service to access my company's no-so-close free conference service's phone number so that I wouldn't have to pay long distance on the landline and not eat up minutes on my cell for a business that really is within my area code.... That was my intent.However, after getting Google Voice setup and configured the way I wanted it to work, I began experimenting around. Eventually I called the conference number to access the system where I should be able to punch in the conference ID and join my party. However, it could not connect. After slaving to figure it out, and then more time trying to post in the Google support forum that said I had exceeded the 8012 character limit (when I clearly was less than 1000), I checked around again.Google apparently denies access to specific numbers if they are more costly to access than the typical home phone. Why on earth conference call numbers are that way (amongst others, I'm sure), I'm no phone technician or accountant to explain why, but they are. So Google...from the bottom of their red, yellow, green and blue hearts...removed that number. So now I'm left in the same predicament as before.Nevertheless, Google Voice seems like a great service to at least explore. Unfortunately, I found out the sad news today that Google Wave, one of my previous topics, was recently shutdown to any new developments, though they do say they plan to implement the system into other apps and open the code to developers. So hopefully Voice does not choke under pressure. But, that's the way they operate at Google (spend several billion dollars to come up with 10 new ideas and see if one or two of them will catch on to the general public).

Thank you. I enjoyed that very much. Very inspiring.Not to say that you're right or wrong about the "size" of the mustard seed, but make sure that you read various translations as well as both the account in Matthew and Luke. To be honest, I see exactly where you're coming from and rather enjoy that perspective, but at the same time, I think it could be related both ways at the same time.I wish I knew Hebrew and Greek to be able to understand the bible a little better in its original context, but as I am sure you know, things get "lost in translation". Although I often read from NIV or ESV (sometimes ASV and (N)KJV, which I'm glad to see you do) I always enjoy reading the Amplified bible for that very reason whenever I am faced trying to figure out the medium of what is being said since it basically is like a mini Thomson Reference.Anyways, very good! I knew when I saw the title of your topic it could hardly be none other than a Biblical passage.

Yurika! I'm an idiot.

Hey, is it just me or is everyone effected by the recent disappearance of images from the site? Whether it's the logo or Create Topic or the icons in the editor, I'm having a difficult time functioning...it's not the first time it's ever happened to me, but generally it doesn't last a week long before it's back to normal.I don't care if you do remove the images for maintenance, but see if you could also go into the PHP forum code and add ALT to images (as well as making sure that their font colors aren't white-on-white). It took me the longest time to find the Create Topic button as well as the "_" to minimizing the boxes on the forum's homepage.It's not a browser issue...have restarted several times since and have even tried IE (I'm using Firefox). Get this fixed ASAP! Thanks.

That's great, but I'm not hearing you say that any of those work on all Windows, Apple AND Linux. VirtualBox can and the great thing is that makes possible it transfer the partition files and use them on VirtualBox running another OS.

Have you been at the store recently and discovered that there are more choices to drives than you'd imagined? It's complicated enough deciding on storage capacity, little alone if you choose USB 2.0 or 3.0, microSD SDHC, etc. You also have to choose whether to get a U3 compatible drive or not. For those of you who are still a little unsure what a U3 flash drive is, let me begin with that. U3, (which does NOT mean USB 3.0) is a close-sourced technology that you will find installed as part of your drive if you chose to purchase flash that includes or is compatible with it. What this platform allows you to do is run Windows programs on your flash drive without the need to install them on the PC. It operates like a start menu in the system tray listing all of the software you have installed into the system. While it's a great concept, there are quite a few people who dislike the U3 system. For one, it establishes two drives on your PC, which is a pain to manage. There's also problems with compatibility and freeze-ups. But perhaps the biggest issue is that it not only is a close-sourced system, but they also charge publishers to make their software available on the U3 system. A great alternative, whether you're through using U3 or you don't have a U3 compatible drive, there's open-source PortableApps.com. It's a great source of all the free and popular programs, and not only can you install it on a flash drive, but on any drive, such as an external hard drive disk. Whether you want to run Firefox with all the add-ons and settings that you are used to having, or you need OpenOffice to edit documents on a PC without any document programs, or you'd like to run a utility without permanently installing it. You'll find a lot of popular software (with several choices) to install. The best part is how little memory it really takes up. Take for instance my 2GB drive. Amongst tons of programs I have Firefox, OpenOffice, GIMP, and Audacity installed, which still only takes up less than 1GB. One other advantage that you apparently do not get with U3 is that the software is separate of PortableApps to the point where you can run it without the need to use the PortableApps platform, unlike U3 where you cannot run the software without going through U3. Have a program you'd like to make portable? There are tools for that...specifically if the code is open-source. This is particularly nice if you have a small versatile application that you feel could be useful to people but you haven't quite made yourself known. While U3 is fine if you are using it without any problems, I encourage you to check out PortableApps.com. Keep in mind that flash drives are still slower than the old-fashioned hard drive. It's great if you simply want to get a job done without installations, plan to restore your PC and need some software available immediately on start up, or you plan to work on a public PC! Hopefully this helps you decide.

Ha, ha...thanks guys. There's a few others out there but I've honestly not tried them. The nice thing is that you are able to use VirtualBox on any OS to run any OS. However, as The Simpleton has mentioned, it is important to have enough system resources. Yeah, the Seamless tool is amazing...especially if you setup your Linux to look just like Windows. Keep in mind that it takes some genius (or at least be knowledgeable) debugging when you try to install the "guest add-ons" that allow this to happen (I've still got a few bugs I'm working out myself). But overall a fabulous program. A writer in disguise? Ha, well I could give or take on that, but I'll bite. By profession, no, but I've come to enjoy (creative) writing if it's about something that inspires me (the talent has literally come down through the family so naturally I'd have to have some talent!). That and I'm a "punny" guy (can't tell a joke though if my life depended on it), so that's where most of my humor generates from. Yeah, 1.5 to 2GB is definitely recommended when running Windows on top of another OS (2GB minimum for Windows 7, which is what I'm currently at on this slightly outdated PC)...when you're running it in Ubuntu you'll probably have to increase the allotted RAM past the recommended amount to about 1 or 1.5GB. I've been able to run Linux reasonably well as a guest with 512MB, although that's not a good speed if it's your host! 'cause if your host ain't happy, your guest ain't happy! One thing I've never tried (although interested nonetheless) is seeing what happens if I try Seamless mode on both Ubuntu and Fedora at the same time? I've run them together so I know I've got enough resources (just barely) to make that work but I'm curious about trying that out someday soon.

Had fun writing this tonight. :] Hope you enjoy the TV ad spoof while getting real information about a really cool program: Are you tired, stress out...can't seem to keep it all together...having OS anger issues and not sure where to turn to? What you need is VirtualBox! This little handy-dandy device installs just like any other piece of software. Hi, I'm Jonnyabc, your friendly software guinea pig. If you're like me, you want to be efficient (to make up for your lack of efficiency) and you hate change (for the bad and indifferent) whether it applies to life or your life-line: I'm talking about computers. Yes, my friends, change can sometimes be healthy but is usually painful to produce the desired outcome. That's why there's VirtualBox, an innovative Sun product guaranteed to make you want to go to a busy street corner and flap your arms like a bird and look silly to all around you. So what is VirtualBox? I'm here with celebrity brothers, Fedora and Ubuntu (who both come from a long line of open-sourced decedents of the Linux family where there’s no bones in their closet), two fine young OSs who have experienced it for themselves. Ubuntu, why don't you start by explaining what VirtualBox is? "Thanks Jonnyabc. VirtualBox creates separate operating systems within other operating systems. Take for instance myself. I actually look like my usual self, but in fact I'm actually being monitored from behind the camera by my competitive friend, Microsoft Windows. He's my boss (better known as a host OS) at the moment, although we trade places often to where he is my employee (guest OS). "Dual booting two of us at the same time is not a new feature. Unfortunately, you spend valuable time on startup if you aren't present because we sit there until someone or something chooses which one of us they would like to use as their assistant for the day. This leads to the problem that you can only use only me or Mr. Windows at the same time. However, with this system, one of us is the primary OS...in this case Mr. Windows. He's my manager and takes care of the details as to how far I am allow to expand my horizons. And if you choose to remove me (for whatever reason, I really don't want to know), you can do so without leaving a wasted partition left on the drive. "What’s even better than that? How about full screen and seamless view? While in full screen you will still feel as though I’m still my same old self. But with Seamless mode, Mr. Windows and I work side-by-side on various tasks on his desktop. One more thing before I hand it back over to Jonnyabc. Fedora is not only is my brother but also a business associate He too currently works for Windows and has had almost the same user experience as myself. On rare times all three of us join in on projects at the same time. Nifty, huh?" That's great, Ubuntu. I think that really explains the 101 basics. Now, I’m sure some of you out there say it isn’t for you. I want to be honest. Fedora, far be it for me to criticize your limited size and strengths that you always possess when you start off, but I would like to hear from you specifically what problems you have encountered. "Well, I have had a rougher go at it than my brother, but after all is installed on my end and I know just what to do, I’m ready to go! The primary problem is making sure I have the right tools in hand beforehand. This means that I need certain things in place or updated such as my kernel , but you will find that to be true with Ubuntu. "Although it’s not really a problem, the second issue that I’ve encountered is sharing memory and CPU. The manager has to divide and share the memory…so please pardon me if I have circles under my eyes or respond to your questions a little slower. Same is true for Mr. Windows. But overall, you will not find any noticeable changes." Thanks Fedora. While we take a small commercial break, please take a moment to pick up your mouse pointer and direct your browser to https://www.virtualbox.org/ … Hello and welcome back, this is Jonnyabc and I’ve been talking with Ubuntu and Fedora about this amazing product. Now I would like to bring out another guest to our stage. Please join me in welcoming the (in)famous Microsoft Windows! Come on up Mike! I won’t start off with any jokes for you since I know you don’t take them well and run crying to your Send Report tool. I want to start this session off by having you explain how versatile VirtualBox is. "Yes, s-s-sir. Sorry, I sometimes repeat myself when I’m in a hurry or have stage fright. Anyways, VirtualBox is used for me to manage other OSs. True. However, it is also true that other OSs can manage me, and not only different ones but different generations. My nickname is 7…you know like ‘7 of 9’ from Star Trek? Anyways, as terrible as it may sound, I’m able to manipulate my great-great-great-grandfather (know by his stage name as vintage ’98) into doing what I need him to do. After all, they placed him in the nursing home since 2003 and no one’s been looking after him anyways. But sometimes I like to visit him since he can remember the good ol’ days better than me and can show you an old flight simulator which I wouldn’t touch with a 10GB partition." Thanks Windows for that, err, fine explanation. Again, please place a tab in your browser and visit http://www.virtualbox.com/ . And if you download it today, it will be free of charge, although it’s free of charge anyways. So what are you waiting for? [This has been a stupidly humorous post by Jonnyabc…he is not responsible for anything he says or recommends. Some things he recommends are off the wall, although that’s not the case in this instance.]

Just this last weekend I decided to upgrade my 5 year-old Compaq from Windows XP to Windows 7. Additionally, I've been using a program called VirtualBox (a Sun product/project) that allows me to run multiple operating systems within an existing OS...so I've been playing around getting Fedora, Ubuntu (and also MS-DOS) installed.As any computer guru knows, if you have a Vista you can simply "update" to 7, but with older releases you do not have that luxury. Instead, you will need to "upgrade" it, which means replacing the existing operating system as you would when you do a full system restore and wiping everything clean. However, much to my surprise, you are given the option (at least with the 7's upgrade version) to either wipe the drive clean or save the contents from your previous operating system. I did this, and forgot all about it until a day or so later I was inspecting the very full drive to find the entire XP system still in tact. Long story short, it is nice to know that you can do a full system restore if you do not like the way Windows 7 works. Keep in mind that it takes up a ton of space, and the safest way to remove it is through Disk Cleanup utility (which requires you to erase all restore points as it is in a way a massive restore point of its very own).After updating the heck out of Windows 7 and installing a few of the basic programs (fortunately I found PortableApps.com for use on my external drive which has saved me from installing everything all at one time) I reinstalled VirtualBox and transferred the existing Ubuntu file over and installed Fedora...I won't go into a lot of details regarding the program as it is a post of its own, but a really nice program once you get used to it.So, who wins the prize in my eyes? Is it behind door #1, door #2, or "deskspace #3"?7, same good ol' Windows, but someone has begun to use Windex for a streak free shine. Although it looks more pleasant and in some ways has some nicer features, Windows is Windows. Same typical bugs, same typical solutions...except that the Control Panel and other utilities have been jumbled in a completely different order (some for the good some for the bad).The taskbar and the still unused Alt+Tab live preview features are great if you get Home Premium or better and use Aero. And being able to "peek" at the desktop (and all its added gadget goodies) is an added plus. The start menu loses something to me by placing icons before folders under All Programs, but they make up for it by placing a search bar to find all index files and programs.Explorer may come as a shock to people who have used and enjoyed the sidebar with is many options to "copy to", "delete this", etc. Yes, it has been replaced with what I affectionately call the '95 feel...back to the old folder frame, allowing you to quickly find a location. Speaking of locations, 7 supports various library to setup multiple folders as Documents, Pictures, and Music. Think of them like albums where you say you'd like to "add" a photo to an album, even though its physical location hasn't really changed. So if you've got a My Documents on your external drive, it works very nicely.One other thing to note about Explorer and most everything Microsoft now is the removal or hidden treatment for the menu bar. I guess after Office 2007 they're beginning to rethink the way people using (or are forced into using) menus. Nope...you want the File/Edit/View menu in IE, Windows Media Player and Windows Explorer? Looks like you'll have to do that yourself if it's your fancy. And of course it's now BELOW the address bars, buttons, etc.Ubuntu...land of fairy-tales...knights and dragons, damsels in dire distress, giants and dwarfs...[rip] Let's not get too carried away here. Linux is a great operating system and all, but unless you plan to study command lines or stick with the very basics in packaged software (which there is nothing wrong with that), I wouldn't recommend it to the average user. However, Ubuntu has a good CPU on their shoulders. They seem to know just exactly what they're doing and is the closest thing you'll find to a completely user-friendly GUI interface for Linux.Some of the software prepackaged are Firefox, GIMP, Audacity, and OpenOffice. There's some really nifty desktop features you'll find interesting such as a small weather tool, but the biggest one is the built-in chat feature, a service that Ubuntu themselves operate and maintain. Log into virtually any IMs and as many as you want all at one time. They even give you the option to find other people using the service on your local network and connect with them.Red Hat's Fedora distribution of Linux is very similar to Ubuntu in that they offer a full featured GUI. However, some features are left wanting, and prepackaged software is few. Please realize this is done on purpose, because developers could care less about the outer workings of the system and would rather have one that runs bare-bones minimum for maximum performance. However, while Fedora may not be as polished as Ubuntu, they're goal is not to be polished but rather a beta testing ground for new Linux technologies. If you are interested in developing/testing Linux applications, Fedora is the place to be.Between the two, one can easily find subtle differences, whether it be the GUI, software (or utilities), or slight differences in the command line code, but they both use the Linux Kernel.So who wins this race to the finish? In my book, nobody. Each has their flaws, strengths, weaknesses, capabilities, compatibilities, and user-friendliness. I have great respect for how well Linux has progressed from humble beginnings over the last 50 years and has become a huge success both in the server field as well as an open source operating system with constant collaborative efforts to invent and improve. Windows too has made leaps and bounds to catch up and greatly surpass Linux regarding the workstation environment, while Linux is still making up for lost time.One can only say so much in a post, and I think that's it for now. Let's celebrate the OS variety that are offered, and hope for a glimmer of light that maybe...just maybe...someday they'll all be compatible with each other!