Friday, December 25, 2009

Microsoft Security Essentials on Windows Server

How to install Microsoft Security Essentials on Windows Server

MSE does not install on Windows Server, but will run just fine once installed.
Here is how to install it on a server:
  1. Download the MSE installer from http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/
  2. Run the package. Do not close the window when it fails.
  3. Copy the extracted binaries (from the root of the system drive, in a random-named folder) to another location.
  4. Install and run Application Verifier (Google it!)
  5. Enable the following settings for the 'setup.exe' file extracted:
  6. Run 'setup.exe' and complete installation
  7. Remove settings for 'setup.exe'.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Portable applications

No more messy installation, patches and other crap. They even work from a removable drive.

http://portableappz.blogspot.com/
http://www.forumcraze.com/forums/portable-appz/

Back to basics!

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Diamondback Edgewood ‘09

It features:
  • narrow tires for road conditions/speed
  • lightweight but solid frame
  • adjustable stem height and angle
  • double suspension (front and back)
  • different sizes
The original seat is a little uncomfortable.
The pedals seem cheap, and gear switching isn't exactly smooth.
Overall, it's a great value for the money. It can be used as a commuter bike and for leisure.
Available from Sports Authority stores.

External link

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Media Catalog tool

FS-Db is a volume manager that indexes any media for searching (offline).

It is especially useful for indexing large collections of CDs, DVDs, etc, containing a very large number of files and folders.

FS-Db is free for personal use. It can be downloaded from here.

Canon SDK

Canon does not release their Digital Camera Software Development Kits (SDK) publicly.

Current SDK Versions as of May 11, 2009:
PS-ReC SDK 1.1.0e/CD-SDK 7.3 for PowerShot digital cameras
EDSDK 2.6/RC-SDK 8.4 for EOS digital cameras.

Password: canon

EDSDK26
CDSDK73
RCSDK84

Monday, July 20, 2009

Canon EOS Rebel XS


Canon EOS Rebel XS or XSi are probably the best portable DSLRs available.
I opted for the XS because I did not really need the extra features (and cost) of the XSi.
Why portable? It's lightweight and relatively small compared to other similar models. This can also be a downside, as the grip might feel too small, or the body too cheap, made of plastic.
The greatest advantage over older models is the Live View, which is nothing like the display on point-and-shoots. It allows you to evaluate the exposure before shooting!
Now for the bad news: you can't focus and expose in one shot. You have to press a separate button for Live View focus, and then press the shutter to take the picture. The shutter won't focus in Live View mode.
It's still great in low-light conditions, when you want to check the exposure before taking the photo, and a live histogram is available!

Panorama software

The best (free as in freedom) panorama tool is Hugin.
It works with almost any pictures, it has a simple and an advanced mode, lots of options, and the results are the best.
Of course, starting with decent photos doesn't hurt:
  • use a tripod or stand very still and only rotate the camera
  • use the same exposure settings (manual), or the strips will look uneven
  • use a 1/4 to 1/3 overlap between adjacent strips
  • taking vertical shots ensures better coverage; or, use the zoom and take as many pictures as possible

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Google voice

Because it's Google, and it's voice:
http://google.com/voice

Free, of course.

Scene releases

Solid website tracking the latest Scene releases: www.rlslog.net

Photos

Shameless promotion of public photo site: foozbar.shutterfly.com.
Btw, Shutterfly seems great for hosting and publishing photography. Much better than Flickr, Facebook, etc. They have no limits and the management system is very good.

Kryptonite 4 x 9 U-LOCK

Walmart carries the Kryptonite 4 x 9 U-LOCK for $19.97.
It seems solid enough for a regular bike, in a low to moderate crime neighborhood. In for 2.
It's 13 mm (not 15), and it seems to be a cheaper version of the KryptoLok® series 2 Std.
I'm combining this with a chain, just in case.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Bike security

If you want to find your bike in the same spot you left it last night, you need to get serious about security.

There are only a few options, and they are not cheap: OnGuard and Kryptonite.
Don't bother with a cable (unless it's really thick and armored), or with a department store brand. Those will fail very quickly. Get a brand U-lock or chain, made of hardened steel, and with tamper-resistant locks.

You must learn how to lock the bike correctly, in order for the lock to be effective. Always lock the frame to a bike rack or pole. Don't forget about securing the wheels, seat, and anything that can be removed.

Here are a few good links:
If you ride an inexpensive bike, Walmart carries cheaper versions of the brand locks.

Rapidshare download




How to download from Rapidshare and similar websites

Requirements:
  1. A good downloader. JDownloader is probably the best.
  2. Good sharing sites, like:
  3. Patience
Enjoy!