Post #243,082
1/31/06 6:46:29 PM
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/Moi flings beret unerringly onto neighbor's distraught head
Synopsis part-saga for your amusement -- before a few questions below; a scenario I'd hope is repeated all over, until BillyCo are making transistorized froot-loops at county fairs.
Neighbor (ones with miniature horses). She failed to inform me of her decision to buy a new fancy HP-something notebook, back in Sept or so. Tha fuel.
Ditto (didn't want to "bother moi" ...)
when, a few days back - sucker acquired the sort of beastinfection as now appears to be of the class:Ugly - needing maximum sequential toolkit, as described by Andrew, in those harrowing sagas of auto-replace-after-delete.
Seems to have occurred ~ time of WMV debut; coincidence?
She admitted to running amok clicking videos - with new toy :-/
Alas, she had also clicked on Beast-"recovery" at least once; so much for data (minimal, in her case.)
Clearly it needs disinfection beyond the capabilities of the wet/ears local Best Buy MCSE-IEIOs - who charged her, twice, for non-removal. The so-called 'partitioning' of std XP install: appears to need More than even, a total NSC wipe of disk *before* reinstall. (I did that with gdisk, but only 2 passes; it seems not to have been Enough - this after the 'Pros' attempts; nothing to lose by my entry-level machinations, at this point.)
Then there's the issue of a word misspelled in BIOS; hmmmm - nobody is That sloppy - or are they? She d/l'd an (also upgrade) from HP. It Said it completed the burn .. but she saw a smiley appear on tray afterwards: she Photographed That! and some other stuff seen earlier - this gal is Amazingly ept; if she knew more techno she'd be Dangerous. She's determined to find out what the 'techs' Missed - as a project, later.
Working from her notes (surprisingly good for a newb!) - it would seem that some of these new Corporate-designed afflictions are able to rove like any disk editor, find their old remnants from faux-"repartitions' - then mock the new Install.. (yathink that's how some hide? OK.. Another story for another thread, when that saga is complete (she will be pointedly seeking $recovery.)
On to berets:
So then - I mentioned the ABCs primer re Beast/beret, sent her a copy of Thane's sorta-'protect' drill and a few other places to read about the impending doom of Doze everywhere.. Being both Utterly-Pissed\ufffd and impulsive - she hied self off to local Apple store yesterday, bringing home a gorgeous Powerbook G-4 + an extra GB of RAM (having forgotten that I TOLD her not to buy ram There. {$sob})
Also brought home [Virtual PC?] = whatever the hot-setup for PC-emulation on Apple is called (fortunately still sealed). This was the reason for 1.5 GB RAM for her otherwise pedestrian uses of this jewel. Holding off opening that pricey RAM for a bit, too...
[And she bought a second copy of The Missing Manual por moi. Bloody subversive material... \ufffdporn at its best.]
She needs to use Beastware for One Thing: poker!
at some webplace she's been frequenting for some time / has buddies, etc. / which requires use of their s/ware on Doze. She will also, assuredly - bug them more, about When they will get off ass and come up with an Apple/*nix port, etc. as would obviate need for 1000s of users to spend big bux for a sorry solution. (I gather this stuff is rilly Popular with the betting masses - er, funny-money in her case. So this site may indeed have many thousands attached regularly.)
Questions arise re:
1) The insulating qualities? re Beastware via *nix emulation / control of all hardware, etc. And about the pricey but Cute ($200) Airport Extreme Base Station (Model A-1034) VS her near-new, existing:
Linksys Wireless-g Router; Model WRT-54G".
2) While Apple's typ minimal pamphlet implies a firewall function ("in some models" of the Base Station) - there is, of course no tech info re port config by user. And testing of performance is not even alluded to as a Good Thing. Of course. Not only the User Manual is missing, from SteveyCo.
3) The Linksys was installed by ~same non-virus-ept techs earlier at HP purchase, (unclear so far, if 40- or 128- bit mode encryption.) and worked fine on Beast machines: 2 HP notebooks, an old HP box of the P-III 600 variety.
But WiFi -g is er, WiFi -g -- right?
And.. (having discovered grc.com - Sorry ,Peter) she has a comparo of these two as "firewalls":
A) The Linksys came up 'invisible', as in Stealth, on Steve's handy dandy port scan. (~ 1030 ports at low end, IIRC.) Am I silly to presume that any router these days also closes by default ---> all 64K? (Except the lo-end necessaries, ftp, proxy etc. natch)
B) Airport came up with 'blue' - ports closed, but visible.
What's with that? And how would one query /manage that Apple base station, anyway?
(She is now aware of the fact that Beastware toxins are irrelevant to *nix OSs, but that there Will be pointed attacks in future, yada. And yes, there's that additional firewall ON, in the G-4.)
Summary:
Can she take back that pricey but cute Airport thingie and stay with Linksys? Clearly her G-4 w/ now std Airport card - will detect every generic transmitter in coffee houses. Unless Apple spins the 2-p, 2-d electrons in the atmospheric Nitrogen.
What are the odds on frequent Beastware reloads, for the usual reasons - when emulated?
(She understands to use that setup Only for her poker-addiction and do all other web action, e-mail, etc. via Apple. This policy ought to maximize the number of weeks Ex Pee can run without self-immolation. [1] Am I right, sirs?
I had no opinion (after-the-fact) on her opting for the emulation route; don't know enough. I had figured that she was already stuck with a new HP and could just go to that one URL, rely on firewall for toxin-laden packets: and RRR periodically, as with all the other victims worldwide.
(And yes -- perhaps I shall find out about a Linux distro on her old, then new notebook. One would have to dual-boot new one for Ex Pee, etc. I might even get the old one; my Tecra 700 is topped out at 40 MB. Not even worth wiping. One OS-loading potatoe at a time..)
Thanks for any Enlightenment.
Drools-from-afar - that's a Tektronix grade gadget!
And I must Not Need to have one. Crack Procaine.
[1] A free Apple empty 1-GB static bag for ID speaker of that line, and which movie
(again)
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Post #243,085
1/31/06 7:36:08 PM
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Re: /Moi flings beret unerringly onto neighbor's distraught
1) She can take back the Airport. I use a Netgear myself.
2) For the Firewall select the Apple Menu, System Preferences, Sharing then Firewall. Configure to your hearts content.
3) Haven't used Virtual PC (have the OS/2 version around here somewhere) but if it's running Windows then that includes all the problems. Limiting it to the poker site should help. There are some free virtual PC type programs, [link|http://fabrice.bellard.free.fr/qemu/|QEMU] and [link|http://bochs.sourceforge.net/|Bochs] come to mind.
Darrell Spice, Jr. Trendy yet complex\nPeople seek me out - though they're not sure why\n[link|http://spiceware.org/gallery/ArtisticOverpass|Artistic Overpass] [link|http://www.spiceware.org/|SpiceWare]
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Post #243,088
1/31/06 8:53:32 PM
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:-)
Hey Ashton, Shame about her HP, but I'm sure she'll love the PowerBook. My wife's Titanium G4 PowerBook (667 MHz) has been a trooper. The only problem it has is that one of the hinges froze and she ended up breaking it trying to force the lid open. The other hinge is fine. I don't know if Apple's changed the design any, but if not, a drop of sewing machine oil or similar on the hinge axles might be a good idea. I'm sorry I can't help much with the disinfecting. There are Linux CDs that include Win virus scanning (Knoppix does, I think), but I don't know how up to date they are, etc. Virtual PC is very good (recall it was developed by a company that MS bought). I don't use it myself, but people at work swear by it. It's a little pokey, but lots of RAM will help. I don't know how well it would isolate virus infections. She probably shouldn't use Win programs to use the Internet while on the PB. But WiFi -g is er, WiFi -g -- right? Well, yes and no. There are differences in the ease in setup and how well they work, just as all 'scopes aren't the same even if they have similar bandwidths. Recall my adventures with [link|http://z.iwethey.org/forums/render/content/show?contentid=195611|802.11g]. The Buffalo box I have works well. The Netgear I had previously, didn't. Note that the Buffalo has an AOSS mode that only works with other Buffalo parts. I think the other big vendors have something similar but probably incompatible - it's a higher throughput and/or longer range and/or more secure mode. I don't use AOSS. Our home network is 802.11g once it enters the house (with 10/100 baseT Ethernet switches where the PCs congregate). My T41 laptop (802.11g) and our G4 TiBook (802.11b) both work fine with it. I haven't run "Shields Up!" on this network recently, but I'm not concerned. The Buffalo WAP/switch blocks almost every port by default. Hardware firewalls are very handy to have and inexpensive. Her G4 should be able to find and work with almost any standard 802.11b or 802.11g Wireless Access Point (WAP). If she bought an Airport Extreme Base Station (as I read your post, she did), and she has a working Linksys that she's happy with, then she could take the APEBS back. But she should make sure the G4 works with the Linksys first. Her Linksys and/or the APEBS should have ways to block ports too, IIRC. Most of the smart networking hardware these days is configured by a browser. My Buffalo is at [link|http://192.168.0.1|http://192.168.0.1] The Linksys should be similar - check their web page for a copy of the manual pamphlet which explains how to configure it and so forth. What are the odds on frequent Beastware reloads, for the usual reasons - when emulated? As long as she doesn't get infected again, the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" truism applies. As long as her apps don't need an updated OS, she shouldn't need to apply OS fixes. But she'll have to be vigilant, especially if she works with PC files from others. And she'll have to remember not to do network stuff with Virtual PC. HTH a bit. Luck! Cheers, Scott.
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Post #243,099
1/31/06 11:17:26 PM
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Thanks, both, for hints.
And thanks for the extra pointers, Scott -
I think she was impatient to see the G-4 detect, even without paying full attention to the simple setup steps, so rushed to substitute the Apple base (my job was to let her do as much as she could grok - or thought she could.)
Comments passed on. And while there's a question of the significance of the encryption code left by the tech, prolly in Flash somewhere - as distinct from her arbitrary access PW - I'm hoping that she can restore what she dismantled. Will intervene as last resort, prolly look up things at Linksys. That part is just about Following Orders .. in order. Hmmm - my as yet unused Netgear also uses an internal addy for web-page setup IIRC. I s'pose I'll get dragged into this newfangled networking stuff eventually, maybe before this accidental gig is done. At least w/*nix, it won't be nondeterminate.
Loved the attenuator slider re the Airport xmitter to reduce coverage! Received signal strength should go as 1/r\ufffd in this universe; surprised Apple didn't 'calibrate' the sucker in distance and not %power. Oh well.
Jeez... a stuck hinge - and with all that leverage (and built-in friction), anybody could guess wrong. 1 drop spl. US surplus machine gun oil - on list.
Beautiful as is all that A gear, my early-on complaint remains unrelieved -- re getting any serious analyt. information from the Apple site; they just don't seem to have a techno section. So it's still Google other groups, elsewhere. I'll see if the Missing Manual ever gets beyond the same patois.
Easy to see why intelligent but not-techno folk would pick one of these in an augenblick; it just reeks of artful design, ergonomics. Even the bean counters should be able to comprehend that 20ish% more for hdwre is irrelevant, compared with Annual Irritation + the $ cost of all that. O Wait - never mind 'should'; I heard all that applause for warmed-over promises to end sin and stuff. Clearly Doze is karmic punishment - and should not be interfered with. Were Dante alive, indubitably there'd be a Beastware-level Inferno add-on.
Suggestions appreciated,
moi
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Post #243,113
2/1/06 8:16:37 AM
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I have a manual for my anciene imac
not usefull for anything except how to reset the root passwd via cd (wierd boot sequence) and as a protector for spare cd's Ive burned.
thanx,
bill
Any opinions expressed by me are mine alone, posted from my home computer, on my own time as a free american and do not reflect the opinions of any person or company that I have had professional relations with in the past 50 years. meep
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Post #243,148
2/1/06 3:07:38 PM
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Apple discussions.
And the KB is excellent.
Peter
[link|http://www.no2id.net/|Don't Let The Terrorists Win]
[link|http://www.kuro5hin.org|There is no K5 Cabal]
[link|http://guildenstern.dyndns.org|Home]
Use P2P for legitimate purposes!
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Post #243,161
2/1/06 5:26:43 PM
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Oh Yesss
Having just tried the kbs on her 'New' {egregious funquey Plastique} HP and the older one - then pressing the G-4's..
saw that owner also spotted same - said something like ~"gee, it feels like a Real keyboard!"
Must be some exquisitely tuned small springs inside, to accomplish the gradual spring-rate increase and then solid toggle-over, so you Know it's a full keypress. Reminds me of a miniature of my Original IBM, sans the clickey-clack, and with shorter travel. Wonder if an Apple kb could transplant... ascii matrices standard these days?
{sob} gotta Stop. This.
Must Settle for Mepis..Must Settle for Mepis..Must Settle for Mepis..Must Settle for Mepis..... Unless - -
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Post #243,163
2/1/06 6:08:54 PM
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I meant "Knowledge base"
But you're still right.
Apple laptop keyboards are quite, quite lovely.
Peter
[link|http://www.no2id.net/|Don't Let The Terrorists Win]
[link|http://www.kuro5hin.org|There is no K5 Cabal]
[link|http://guildenstern.dyndns.org|Home]
Use P2P for legitimate purposes!
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Post #243,166
2/1/06 6:26:23 PM
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Oh stop it
You're going to get Barry going on his IBM type M keyboards with the metal base and the clicky sound that he got for $2 at a flea market, and I just don't feel like hearing about that again.
===
Purveyor of Doc Hope's [link|http://DocHope.com|fresh-baked dog biscuits and pet treats].
[link|http://DocHope.com|http://DocHope.com]
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Post #243,186
2/1/06 9:24:25 PM
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ICLRPD
"You're going to get Barry going on his IBM type M keyboards with the metal base and the clicky sound that he got for $2 at a flea market, and I just don't feel like hearing about that again."
--\n-------------------------------------------------------------------\n* Jack Troughton jake at consultron.ca *\n* [link|http://consultron.ca|http://consultron.ca] [link|irc://irc.ecomstation.ca|irc://irc.ecomstation.ca] *\n* Kingston Ontario Canada [link|news://news.consultron.ca|news://news.consultron.ca] *\n-------------------------------------------------------------------
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Post #243,199
2/1/06 10:40:40 PM
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Blech
I was playing with a remote keyboard on a Mac-Mini a couple of days ago.
'taint natural!
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Post #243,203
2/1/06 11:22:04 PM
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Not for me they're not
The laptop keyboard on an Apple (there is only one, no models exist with an alternative) is exactly why I did not buy an Apple laptop.
I need a full-sized keyboard.
Cheers,
Ben
I have come to believe that idealism without discipline is a quick road to disaster, while discipline without idealism is pointless. -- Aaron Ward (my brother)
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Post #243,209
2/2/06 1:24:13 AM
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Salad fingers, eh?
Peter
[link|http://www.no2id.net/|Don't Let The Terrorists Win]
[link|http://www.kuro5hin.org|There is no K5 Cabal]
[link|http://guildenstern.dyndns.org|Home]
Use P2P for legitimate purposes!
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Post #243,257
2/2/06 10:58:09 AM
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I'm a touch typist.
My fingers know where the key is supposed to be, and I get pissed off if a different key is there.
Besides I do have large hands.
But anyways, even if you think that the fault lies with me for having an unusual requirement, you won't change my opinion that Apple's "one size fits all" philosophy is the real problem here.
Cheers,
Ben
I have come to believe that idealism without discipline is a quick road to disaster, while discipline without idealism is pointless. -- Aaron Ward (my brother)
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Post #243,268
2/2/06 12:13:04 PM
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Re: I'm a touch typist.
[link|http://www.weebls-stuff.com/toons/salad+fingers/|Salad Fingers]
Regards,
-scott anderson
"Welcome to Rivendell, Mr. Anderson..."
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Post #243,326
2/2/06 9:47:31 PM
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That was horrible
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Post #243,279
2/2/06 1:52:14 PM
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So am I.
I think you like rusty things.
Peter
[link|http://www.no2id.net/|Don't Let The Terrorists Win]
[link|http://www.kuro5hin.org|There is no K5 Cabal]
[link|http://guildenstern.dyndns.org|Home]
Use P2P for legitimate purposes!
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