threegee

I'm upset! Still no 900a availability. I think that Asus may be withholding the shipment in order to clear the - now heavily discounted - PC900. I mean who wants a machine with half the battery life on the same cells, and much poorer graphics for more money (and I'm taking the discounts fully into account here)? The rather nice Samsung NC10 is due for release Nov 1, so it wouldn't be surprising if the 900a suddenly became available then. Also found an early review on the new Apricot (yes, you read that right!) netbook last night. At £299 I'm not impressed. These will eventually have to be priced at near or below £200 to sell. If you are in to the Eee I just found these sites. No info on the 900a just yet though. eee-900.co.uk --- eee-901.co.uk --- eee-904.co.uk --- asus-eee1000.co.uk --- asus-ebox.co.uk Wonder why they completely ignore eBuyer though? Probably no dosh in the click-throughs.

So, we'll be getting some software reviews then?

'Cos people do daft things with computers and often need protecting from themselves. Other daft things people do: Pay any attention at all to spam. If people treated it the way it deserves it would be a pointless exercise and disappear. But there's one idiot in a million who reads spam and buys something from a spammer; as a result everyone suffers. Run executables (particularly e-mail attachments) without any regard for where they originate from and without scanning them. Respond to phishing e-mails requesting you provide bank log-in details on a webpage with a weird looking URL. Send money to someone you've never heard of in the belief that they'll send you large sums of money back, and even do this without picking the phone up to the well-know organisation that is giving the prize. And, from a competition you can't even remember entering in the first place! More?

Software Review: Allway Sync (File synchronisation utility) By: threegee Last update: 2008-10-28 I'm very slow to purchase new software. That's because over the decades I've wasted thousands on shelfware - software that seemed like a good idea at the time. But, I've just purchased a $19.95 key for Allway Sync after only about 10 days of use. This is partly because the free edition is limited to 20,000 file syncs in any 30 day period. Now this sounds like a lot, but when you've got a couple of 500GB and a 1TB backup drive sitting around (and who hasn't at the present unbelievable bargain USB2 hard drive prices these days? ) twenty thousand (individual file comparisons) doesn't amount to too many sessions. OK, what does this software actual do? Well.. it claims to be "file synchronization that works" [sic]. Is that a posh way of saying it copies files, and can't I do all that with good old drag and drop? Well, yes and no. You could continue to get by with what Microsoft provides for Windows; you might even resort to writing batch files. In the process you'll probably do a lot of unnecessary file overwriting, resulting in the job taking far longer than it should. But how do you handle the exceptions; the the cases when old data might overwrite newer data; the cases where stuff isn't where you assumed it should be? How do you handle all those reoccurring pop-up dialogue boxes that keep asking what to do, and are just waiting for you to slip-up and click on the wrong button, sending your hard work, or that no-longer-available download, to oblivion? Wouldn't it be nice if the utility clearly showed you what it was going to do before it started doing it? Wouldn't it be nice if it then got on with it without nagging you to make decisions? Wouldn't it be nice if you could readily save the tested instructions to use time and again? Wouldn't it be nice if the utility worked seamlessly with all kinds of remote storage, even over the Internet? Wouldn't it be nice if there were built-in protections against doing silly things, even in cases where computer clocks have been mis-set, or set to different time zones, and newer doesn't necessarily mean newer? A good sync utility handles all this and more. But a really good sync utility has a clear, and highly intuitive, user interface. This is where Allway Sync scores, it's just amazingly intuitive and clear. I particularly like the graphic selector which shows up when you hover over the arrow in the center column. Click on one of the little icons and you've instantly set the actions for that case. What's more the action is remembered for the next time you run the same job. Doing likewise on a directory instantly sets the default action for all the files in that directory. The main direction arrows at the top set the default for the entire job, and let you choose whether deletions and/or modifications are propagated. i.e. should the drive you are updating be treated to the other changes you've previously made on the source drive. It can handle these situations intelligently (and not be fooled by dodgy system clocks) because it maintains its own mini-database in each directory of interest. This is hidden in system folders called _SYNCAPP, but you don't need to concern yourself with this - it just works! Of course you need to run the program against a directory an initial time for this database to be created, so the first time you run it on a directory you may be warned or queried about special cases. Three Flavours The software comes in plain vanilla, and USB memory stick + portable hard drive flavours. The latter lets you carry the utility around with you and run it off the portable device itself. There's also a version that's designed specifically for USB flash drives powered by U3 smart-drive technology. U3 is only supported by newer versions of Windows and allows programs to be installed from a portable devices automatically, and likewise automatically installed when the device is removed. I've only tested the plain vanilla version so maybe someone who has a specific need would like to report their experiences with a custom version? The above screen shot shows the status window. As I write I'm doing far better with my Estimated time saved than the 0.80 hours shown above. My copy is currently claiming over 11 hours saved on unnecessary file writes, and that's only after about ten days of fairly casual use. The background window gives a glimpse of the multi-path capability. It's not necessary for those paths to be on the same machine or even same network. Sync over FTP FTP capability was recently added by the authors, and there's direct support for Amazon S3 (Simple Storage Service) too. There's also 50MB of free storage on OffsiteBox.com in the deal, and on first use Allway Sync leads you through creating an account so you can be using it in seconds. Unfortunately that's where the speed ends as FTP syncs are painfully slow in comparison with local drive ones, but this is exactly where a good sync utility can make enormous time savings. I used a directory containing just under 32MB of MP3 files as a test source, and on the first attempt got a session expired related error when the OffsiteBox.com transfer was less than 40% complete. A second attempt an hour or so later succeeded, and hitting the Analyse button after the session gratifyingly showed that the the displayed local and server times against files were now showing exactly the same values. This indicated that Allway Sync was now using its remote database file. After the aborted sync the time against those files which were successfully transferred was the time they were written to the server. The result being that on the next sync attempt Allway Sync was warning about the possible danger of overwriting newer files. So, an operation has to fully complete at least once before the sync will work efficiently. The progress bar only updates after each individual file transfer and on the slower FTP transfers at least it would be much more useful if it indicated actual progress; there's plenty of other activity on the screen during transfers but you don't know whether they are simply animated graphics files doing their own thing. Still, the sorting Rubik cube icons are cute, and rather apt for Russian software. Another small area for improvement would be an used/unused percentage of quota bar for services such as OffsiteBox.com. The available quota could be entered manually on the FTP set up dialogue. Even better, the Analyse button could also run a quick check to warn of out-of-space conditions before the job is started. Concurrent syncs over FTP ran fine on different tabs. It's easy to run any sync job in the background, and with FTP you'll want to. But running Zultrax Peer to Peer utility at the same time caused Zultrax to hang on certain operations. Allway Sync did keep running though. I'm not sure what's up here, but it does seem as if they are using the same Windows API and someone isn't handling something correctly. Conclusion In summary Allway Sync is a huge time and trouble saver. At under $20 it's really good value considering that the authors have been working on it for some four years, are still refining it, and claim that they wont charge for upgrades. You can use it for free until you've convinced yourself it wont turn out to be shelfware. Highly recommended! You can download the fully usable free versions from here. Product Rating: (5 Terriers) Our Rating System: On our 0-6 rating scale a product almost never gets 6 unless it is entirely free, the manufacturer pays you to use it, or the reviewer is sent a suitable anonymous brown envelope. Reproduction Elsewhere: This article (and only this article) may be republished on other websites without prior permission and without fee providing the original article on Bedlington.co.uk is prominently and directly linked to. This way readers can check for themselves they have read the most up-to-date version.

Upgrade or fix for flaws that shouldn't be there? Googling on BlazeDTV 2.5a I did notice some interesting download sites near the top of the first page.

Agree CCleaner (fromerly Cra* Cleaner) is one of the best things out there, is constantly updated, and FREE. http://www.ccleaner.com/ A constantly growing registry is a pain though. You can probably ignore it if you don't experiment that much, and/or upgrade RAM and CPU every couple of years. The slow drop off in performance will go mostly unnoticed. But, if you've a flea power machine with fixed RAM and limited storge you do need to clean and defragment the registry occasionaly. Its probably one of the things MS should have fixed, but something that there's no commercial advantage in fixing.

I found this e-mail address on another forum in connection with help for this product. You might try e-mailing your help request there. Even send them a link to this thread so's you don't have to repeat everything. help (AT) manac.com.au Best of luck. I'd find another machine and see if it does the same thing on the install.

I have and did! That's how I got rid of it after a remove tool I downloaded (written by some other guy Apple had driven up the wall) didn't remove very much. Well... that and some manual deletions here and there. Tool was dated 2005, so I guess Apple had taken countermeasures in the interval. Cleaning and compacting the registry is the only way to keep Windys running year on year on year; else you have to go the reinstall route, which I hate. But - as you say - it' not for the faint hearted. Though there are some good tools around that make it a lot less risky than many would suppose.

Spent ages getting rid of Quicktime and Apple updater from my PC. It doesn't follow any of the normal install/uninstall rules, and stashes stuff all over the place. In fact it seems to have been written so that the average person will simply give up trying to uninstall it. I really do hate Apple, and their vastly overpriced underspecified stuff, but most of all their market manoeuvrings and the veiled contempt they show towards their customer's intelligence! If anyone knows a simple and easy way to uninstall Apple software from a PC then please advise. Until then you are warned not to go there in the first place. Quicktime - just say no!

I've never been disappointed ordering from Hong Kong. Even last year when I got a couple of camera batteries when I'd ordered something quite different. An adjustable voltage generic charger would probably do the job, and you get another play another day when you change your machine. Tricky bit is to make sure that it comes with the correct power plug. Also check it can dish out the rated current of your machine. Some luggables still use daft amounts of power and smaller multi-voltage supplies might only be rated at 3 amps or so. Even though I have a good generic I had to buy another one for a visitor here in the Summer. His Dell one blew up due to a power surge in a thunderstorm. Interestingly none of the other PSUs here had a problem with the surge. Then I discovered that the Dell used a connector that I didn't have in the clip on my multi-voltage. After rushing off and paying an arm and a leg for a generic one that did have a Dell connector his Dell then had the brazen cheek to put up a warning message that the PSU wasn't correct and might damage the machine. Must have been the supplying the wrong kind of electrons! Nag bypassable by a function key, but pure BS designed only to extort a ridiculous price out of poor Dell punters. Remember: Dell PSUs are way overpriced wimps and they want you to pay a fortune for another wimpy one and discourage you from using a generic one. i.e. Avoid Dell machines! http://www.ebuyer.com/product/132373 Heavier duty ones there too.

Checking for a link to the Asus Eee PC900a I came across this load of nonsense on Amazon. http://askville.amazon.com/ASUS-Eee-PC-900...uestId=11417228 "The PC900A, however, only supports the GNU Linux OS." Brollocks! Who are they employing ex-Dixons salesmen?! I'm sure we can do a lot better here.

Been following the Asus Eee PC series since the original 7" machine launch, and had a play with one at every opportunity. But, there was always a reason not to buy, and I have to agree with .Well... I reckon with the PC900a I've no longer got any excuse not to squeeze one in to my bulging anorak pocket together with the other gizmos. The Nokia N800 might have to stay at home though! So... after thinking about it over the weekend I went and ordered one from eBuyer. Went back the other night with my card details to complete the order and ^%$%£% the order item has been scratched! Likely because the 3100 odd haven't actually landed at Asus UK yet. The amusing thing is that the 7 days free assistance is now showing on the open order as a £49.99 debit! Assistance that probably won't be needed on a computer that doesn't exist. Nice one eBuyer; but I'm sure you'll come through with my tiny new toy in the end! Review coming, sometime, someday.

It's the Anorak Alley section; which is where you will now find the computer forum(s). My point is that if you have any other interest or hobbies then feel free to PM me and request your own special interest forum. It's the way to meet people in the area who you may not be aware of share the same interests. This is especially useful if you already have a small club or informal group - you can expand it to include other local people. For your trouble you get to moderate the new forum yourself.

Tesco: The Movie And, I thought Time Trumpet was a load of &(**^(* - just goes to show there are gems to be found in every giant load of muck!

No C, I think it's someone else in this thread that's doing the pulling. Could do with a chiropractor myself though. Got this pain in the neck bending over the computer (and sadly no employer to sue for it!).

Now you've made this public is there any reason you can't quote it in your profile? Anyway welcome aboard and hope that in the fullness of time (and moving on to Step 2) ) you become an Oldbie.

I hear it's going to be a chiropractor - where they pull people's limbs. I'm not confident of reading this news in The Journal though. They didn't fill in any fields in their profile, though may still be lurking under another alias.

The bot writers recently found a bug in the captchas code. Actually I think "those who can profit from a fix" may have TOLD them about it! Easily fixed, but dozens of bot registrations on every visit are annoying and a lot of work to sort out. Bots don't care about Bedders! Neither do human spammers, or people tricked by bots to do the validation for them. Hello I'm from BowWow Grange is beyond spammers. Spammers don't like work. The VERY odd stupid kid isn't any problem. And no. If you read the announcement again you'll see that non-posters who have put something half recognisable in their profile are still with us. Some (if not all ) sound like really nice people and I'm sure that they'll get around to entering into the swing of things sooner or later.

I'd like to join your club - but BTW I'm not prepared to fill in the simple entry form. I won't say a simple hello to anyone at all and will hide in the corner for months and make notes about what I see and hear. I may be a terrorist, or I may not be - I'm not saying, you'll just have to spend a lot of your time watching me and take your best guess. Err... sorry, not playing that game! There's quite a lot of public content here now. The intention of most posters is to exchange views and information with like-minded people with approx similar interests, and they RIGHTLY assume they'll be protected from snake-oil-merchants and other low-life! Asking them to make this a bit easier is no big deal in my book.

Bet they don't treat Bill Clinton like this! http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7673046.stm

Now that the politicos - led by honourable, great leader, Chairman Brown - have stopped slapping each other on the backs, the vote of confidence is coming in from the markets. There's blood on the streets; redundancies already occupy the news; they're jumping from (metaphorical) windows at Canary Wharf! The true extent of the forthcoming disaster hasn't yet dawned on Joe and Josephine Public. Unless they are trying to get a mortgage or a loan to expand a business everything seems sort of normal. The representatives of the vested interests are coming on TV or radio and admitting a short recession before "the inevitable pickup in house prices again". We've been here before! Err... no my overpaid pundit, we haven't! This is the BIG one. The once-in-a-lifetime (or two or three lifetimes) economic cataclysm some of us have been warning about for nigh on a decade. It's the one that will be remembered by future generations. The one that will make or break our characters. The one that will force permanent lifestyle changes. The one which will topple governments and end glowing careers in disgrace. The one that will expose the humbug and teach us the virtues of thrift. We've been living in an economic dream world for far too long; the quicker we adapt to reality the easier it will be. The BBC is holding an on-line poll asking who is responsible for the mess. It's tempting to run a blame game here too - but ultimately pointless as the answer will undoubtedly be the same.

Surely for the 42 days imprisonment without charge! But, do you get the chance to throw time-expired Tesco produce at them?

Contributory factors (in no particular order of importance) are: 1) Lurk and don't have the manners to say hello to other members. 2) Don't intelligently complete any of the fields in your profile. 3) Use a throw-away e-mail address to register (particularly gmail). 4) Spam some other forum and get blacklisted there first. 5) Register with an abusive or "spammy" user or display name. (e.g. buy_mycrap_now). 6) Register more than once (BOTH memberships will be trashed). 7) Register with e-mail from a (non-developed or dubious) hosting account. (Don't worry if you don't understand this last one!) Note: Links in validation e-mails are now only valid for 48 hours AND you won't simply be able to re-register without some sort of (intentional or unintentional) delay, or possibly a probation period when your posts are pre-moderated. To stay super-sweet do the opposite of 1 to 7. The more background info you provide the easier it is for everyone. And, don't worry about using your "Sunday best" e-mail address here - we hate spammers too, and it won't be abused in any way or revealed to other members. The admins and moderators thank you for your help.

Wow, good scan! So where/what is the "Enterprise Centre"? Never knew we had any of that there!

Interesting that 7 calls itself 6.1 under the covers. As several people have already pointed out this is going to be a wonderful source of confusion for support desks. Bar slippages out next year, so another generation skip and £100 left in the bank I think. Oh, and wait for W7 SP1 before actually buying a copy.