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  1. ddrueding

    Wiring a house for LED

    Looks like I'll be buying a house soon. And in my price range, that isn't a house you can move into. Since I'll undoubtedly be doing a fair bit of demo, and reworking the electrical and plumbing already, it has me thinking about LED lighting. I'm sure that JTR will be the star here, but I...
  2. ddrueding

    Printers: Fast 1-page documents

    If you had to buy a printer where the main criteria was the time from the job being sent to the first page or two being ready, what would you pick?
  3. ddrueding

    Dumbest Computer Question Today

    Entry #1: "How do I put more text after the footer?"
  4. ddrueding

    Bulletproof browser area?

    I have some users that insist on browsing unsafe sites. They know the problems, and are looking for a way to do what they want without getting hurt. My backup plan is running a VM with Firefox, but are there better tools out there? Are they effective? Sandboxie? What is the least-intrusive...
  5. ddrueding

    24GB+ of RAM?

    The amount of memory I can fit in a VMWare ESXi server is the bottleneck to how many VMs it will run. What is the cheapest way to get a machine with 24GB+ of RAM? I can find non-ECC/Buffered 4GB DIMMs for $150. I usually don't bother with that stuff, but 24GB is quite a bit of RAM. The ECC...
  6. ddrueding

    GPU Folding for my 5870?

    Doesn't look like it's there yet, I need to run ATI's latest beta drivers to get the card to work at all.
  7. ddrueding

    Weird networking configuration question

    We will be using another companies WAN infrastructure to reach a branch office. I have an Ethernet port to their network at both of my offices. Main office <-> Their network <-> Our Branch Office 192.168.168.2 <-> whatever <-> 192.168.168.3 I can ping directly across the link, so there isn't...
  8. ddrueding

    IPD editor for Nextel (Blackberry with direct connect)

    I hate blackberries. I knew this before I bought one. I didn't really know why, but I knew I hated them. I've had the phone for a couple months, so it is well past time for me to set up my contacts. I have lots. Hand-keying them into the phone seems like a really awful way to waste 3-5 hours...
  9. ddrueding

    3.5" Hot-swap compatible bracket for 2.5" drives?

    I'm looking to install some SSDs in a server that has a Supermicro chassis with hotswap bays built in. Is there any particular bracket that people have tried or heard works?
  10. ddrueding

    Multitouch Table?

    Other than MS' Surface, is there another commercially available multitouch table? I've seen a number of DIYs, but am looking for something more stable and of higher quality than I could do myself.
  11. ddrueding

    Household bookkeeping

    Up to now, we haven't worried about it at all. Income has been more than expenditures by a wide enough margin that it was a non-issue. Now the market is such that we can finally afford to buy a house...we think. I would feel much more comfortable if we actually kept track for a while. Some...
  12. ddrueding

    FS: Onkyo HT-R540

    It is the receiver from this system. Really nice, but I now need HDMI. I'm planning on keeping the speakers and using them with an Onkyo TX-SR607. No idea what it is worth, really. I've just been using the SPDIF input and that is it. Remote (no visible wear) is included.
  13. ddrueding

    MiFi 2200 mini-review.

    These are one of the new hot toys, so a figure I'll do a bit of a write-up. I'm in the field testing MiFi 2200s from Sprint and Verizon. Both units appear identical, but the Sprint unit is much easier to get started with; no software to install and no password on the wifi, it takes you to a...
  14. ddrueding

    Monitoring internet connections...

    Right now I'm having some connection issues on some of my T1s. On one of my other screens I have 6 DOS windows open with "ping xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx -t" running to various internet links, monitoring dropped packets and fluctuating latency. Is there a program out there that could do a better job for...
  15. ddrueding

    Random help

    This has nothing to do with computers, but you guys are a resourceful bunch. ;) I just purchased and had delivered a new washer and dryer (Samsung WF448AAW and DV448AGW, respectively). The dryer is gas, and my local handyman found notes in the install guide that a LP conversion kit needs to be...
  16. ddrueding

    Drive imaging software

    Acronis has finally jumped the dolphin. The new version of their software not only has massive bloat, but hasn't worked properly for me yet, and has the "normal" tasks hidden. I'm looking for a simple app that can copy a drive or RAID array to a file or another disk/array. If it can do it while...
  17. ddrueding

    Scanning to FTP?

    It turns out that the three big, expensive multifunction copiers we have at the office don't support scanning to network folders, only FTP. I suppose I could set up an FTP server on the file server, with the necessary permissions, and allow it to go that way. What FTP app would you recommend...
  18. ddrueding

    Simple burning app

    All I want to do is burn files to CD/DVD/BR. Nero seems to be getting way too bloated. Any other suggestions?
  19. ddrueding

    Remote connections for maintenance?

    In the past, I've always walked people through setting up RDC, then forwarding ports in their router, then finding their external IP, just so I can remote in. There are a bunch of websites that allow an easier way in. Any recommendations? Free is good, but not necessary. Compatible with...
  20. ddrueding

    Windows 7 Memory issue

    See attached image. This machine has 12GB in it, and it passed memtest86+ overnight at these settings. For some reason, the line reads: "Installed memory (RAM): 12.0 GB (8.00 GB usable)" And sure enough, my apps only see 8GB. After some googling, some people said that doing some re-mapping...
  21. ddrueding

    Where is the next CPU?

    I've had this i7 940 for a while now. Where is the next speed bump/price drop? I'm in a position to sell my current rig and upgrade, but there is nothing to upgrade to? It's been 6 months...
  22. ddrueding

    Odd monitor issue

    I have a computer that is built into an industrial trailer, no way to move. It is connected to two monitors via a simple VGA splitter. One of the monitors is built-in to a wall, the other is sitting near the server. The monitor in the wall works fine, the monitor near the server works for about...
  23. ddrueding

    My new build for basic home users

    Shuttle X27D Intel Atom Dual-Core OCZ Vertex 30GB 2GB DDR2 Ubuntu Netbook Remix It isn't a netbook, but the install is quick and the UI is super-simple.
  24. ddrueding

    Printing an army of PDFs

    A while ago I dropped a random tidbit into the something random thread. Today I got the response. "Print it". I'm planning on taking one of the copiers off-line and dedicating it to this for a day. It would be fantastic if I could just queue all the jobs and add paper as needed (it has a...
  25. ddrueding

    Windows 7 "Location and Other Sensors"

    This is a new control panel item. Has anyone else seen/played with this? Still trying to get it to work with the GPS built into my R2Hv, but I'm curious what it can do.
  26. ddrueding

    Ubuntu 9.04 NBR GRUB trouble

    I've done a whole bunch of Googling on this, but I'm afraid I don't know enough about my issue to help myself. Acer Aspire One Ubuntu 9.04 Netbook Remix, USB install Imaged the USB stick, boots off the stick fine. Ran install both from the stick and from the desktop, told to use entire disk...
  27. ddrueding

    ZIF to IDE adapter?

    I'm looking for something exactly like this. Does anyone know where I could buy one? A google for the model number or basic description returns nothing. Thanks!
  28. ddrueding

    Stereodude 2k

    Dude....congrats ;) We disagree as often (if not more so) than we agree, but it's always fun. Thanks for sticking around.
  29. ddrueding

    Wireless VGA without drivers?

    Hi, Need a pair of devices that can send 1024x768 video about 20 feet, with line of sight. The clients will be swapped out all the time, so no drivers can be allowed. It really does need to be a cable replacement. It can't be a cable because it is going from a laptop on the conference table to...
  30. ddrueding

    Optimising for very small files

    I have an unusual situation that I'm hoping for some tuning advice on. I currently have a drive with 25,000,000 files averaging 16kb, and they need to be read a half-million at a time. 750GB of Intel SSDs isn't really an option, so I bought 3 300GB Velociraptors that I intend to run in RAID-0...
  31. ddrueding

    Thinkpad SL series?

    I typically tell people to buy from the ThinkPad line if they can afford it, but now it seems there is a cheapo - the ThinkPad SL line. Is it any good? At that price I can't help but think it isn't.
  32. ddrueding

    Simple video editing and DVD authoring

    I need to teach someone who is not particularly computer literate how to take the .avi from their DV camcorder, clip parts out of the video, and burn it to a DVD that will play in their regular DVD player. I was using windows movie maker for this, but it looks like it can't handle larger...
  33. ddrueding

    USB High-speed capable hub?

    I have a pair of Belkin powered hubs here, connected to high-speed ports on the motherboard, that seem to not support high-speed um, speeds. If I take my Kingston 2GB thumbdrive and connect it to the hub, it throws the "this device can work faster" message. If I connect the thumbdrive directly...
  34. ddrueding

    mCubed T-Balancer

    I finally have an excuse to order some of these. I intend to use them for systems in unattended kiosks at mines and the like. I'm hoping they will not only keep fan speeds down (therefore reducing the amount of dust flowing through the system) but will be able to provide basic environmental...
  35. ddrueding

    Retail Management Systems

    We are currently using an older version of Microsoft Retail Manager (1.2 or 1.3) Frankly I am fed up with the lock-in and distribution chain maddness. Does anyone out there know of a good POS/RMS system? We have two retail locations and admin/reporting is done at the central office. Looking for...
  36. ddrueding

    nVidia SLI and Multiple Monitors

    A GeForce 295GTX showed up with my X-25M 160GB today ;) So I read that this card supports 2 monitors while in SLI mode and 3 when in non-SLI mode, perfect for my needs. However, it seems that both displays need to be identical resolution, which won't work for me (1920x1080, and 1200x1600). I...
  37. ddrueding

    Kingston Reselling Intel SSDs?

    That is what it looks like to me. Thoughts? Has anyone found an SSD out there that performs like the Intel X25-? yet? I can't find the 160GB version for sale.
  38. ddrueding

    Consolidating file servers

    The last guy here made a real mess. There are probably thirty major network shares spread out over a dozen machines in the organization. I don't even know where some of them are physically, nor do I have a list of who has or needs access to them. I just put in a beautiful new dedicated file...
  39. ddrueding

    Android Phones?

    Anyone have one? What are your thoughts? Anything looking promising?
  40. ddrueding

    Samsung ML-2850ND envelope issues

    This is weird. Samsung ML-2850ND, connected to the network with two workstations (XP, all updates) both configured the same from the same CD. Both can print and see the full feature set. I can't find a single thing different about them. On one of them, when you try to print an envelope from MS...
  41. ddrueding

    Rack-mount case with 12+ 3.5" SATA

    Preferably hotswap, though that isn't required. As many as 16 would be nice, but I only really need 12. Standard sized motherboard, single PSU is fine. In the past I've used the Antec 3U chassis with Supermicro 5-in-3 adapters, but that gives me 10 and no optical drive. Thanks!
  42. ddrueding

    Photoshop Questions

    Or really one big question with a bunch of small ones tied-in. HDR Pano stitching. I know how to manually do an HDR composite of images using "Merge to HDR" and I know how to do stitching using "Photomerge". I'm trying to find a way to automate some phases of this process. Photomatix has the...
  43. ddrueding

    Webcams and simple software?

    I'm getting a bunch of requests about webcams and simple software. People want to talk to grandma or the grand kids. I'm hoping for recommendations on the best cheap cameras (under $50), and the simplest software to use. I have never done it, so I'm hoping someone here has. Thanks.
  44. ddrueding

    RFQ: DIY driving simulator

    Here is my current worksheet with parts and links. Something similar to this is being sold as a package for $25k+. This doesn't include the frame for everything. Fortunatly, I have a fab shop at my disposal ;)
  45. ddrueding

    Gaming across 3 monitors?

    If I had 3 52" 1080P screens in front of me, and I wanted games to play across all three (driving simulators specifically), what would it take? Is this only possible with software that is designed for it? Most gaming cards only have two outputs, would games support a pair of cards? Is ATI or...
  46. ddrueding

    FatPipe

    I've just ordered a FatPipe for the office. Based on the demos I received, it should be pretty amazing (better be for $13k). It will be merging a pair of T-1s and a 5/5 wireless connection. Does anyone have experience with these things?
  47. ddrueding

    OS for a NAS?

    I have a 1U server with 4 1TB disks in it. It is an X2 3800 with 4GB of RAM. This will be the main fileserver for the company, and will be set up as RAID-10. All the machines are windows, and the store needs to support AD permissions. I'm looking for the fastest OS/software that is easy to setup...
  48. ddrueding

    SNMP

    SNMP - Anyone using it? What programs do you use for monitoring? What things do you watch for? I'm looking at various OSS implementations (Net-SNMP, OpenSNMP) and am wondering what is working for other people. I'm looking at just monitoring my managed switches and VPN connections at the moment...
  49. ddrueding

    FS: Old HP Proliant Server

    Xeon 1Ghz 2 GB RAM (8x256MB) 5x 18.2GB SCSI HDD (12 hot-swap bays) Redundant power supply Big-ass SCSI card Tape Drive All in a 7-U chassis that weighs 62kg (137lbs).
  50. ddrueding

    Renting space for a broadcast tower?

    I'm investigating what I should charge for someone to install a broadcast tower at one of our sites. Does anyone here have knowledge on this?
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