The computer tweek out continues

Update to my inherited Gateway: I decided since I was going to all the effort of giving my "new" PC some stonger "legs" via upgrading the memory to 3.5 GB of RAM, I noticed the motherboard had SATA ports built-in I decided to go buy a couple of Western Digital 500GB Caviar Black SATA drives. I geared up and popped of the case ready to install my new drives. I carefully removed the main fan, unplugged the preinstalled drives IDE cable and Molex power, and pulled the drive bay housing completely out for easy access. I unpacked the drive and decided that since I had never worked with SATA before it might be worth reading the included manual. I know, I know, how very unmannly of me reading directions before starting, but bear in mind I did have my system in pieces on the kitchen table :) . Browsing over to the installation page and "read" the pictures, happening to glance at the plugs in the drive, specifically noting that I saw nowhere to put a molex plug. "Hmmm, how will this fancy new drive get power?", I thought. Now, I was forced to actually read the complete page. Turns out, that had I done a little more homework I would have realized that SATA drive require specific SATA power plugs, and needless to say my little OEM PC did not come with them. So now I'm stuck waiting for the post man again for my molex to SATA connectors.

WINDOWS WARES free and open source 3

Part 3

UTILITIES

Rarely as sexy as other applications. Utility tools and programs are infinitely valuable on any system.

ARCHIVING & FILE MANAGEMENT

7-zip

An (almost) unrivaled archiving and compression application. From my experience the 7z compression format tends to offer one of the best compression rates. While you will specifically need 7-zip to open the file in the future this "con" is paled by the "pros" of the supported formats, low system overhead and encryption support for 7z and ZIP files. It offers great integration within windows and for those with the moxy to jump into the command line, it offers options there as well. Though the GUI lacks some of the friendliness of others, its shear power is worth it.

Zip Genius

Another free file compression software suite, with an emphasis on "Suite", ZipGenius offers a warm and fuzzy graphical interface that can allow even the most inexperienced user the ability to reclaim drive space. It too handles an array of formats (ZIP, RAR, LHA, TAR, RPM, CAB, & ACE to name just a few). Add that to the fact that it offers some slick options for handling and pictures, support for images from TWAIN devices. Like 7-zip it allows multiple encryption options for your archived folders/files. And unlike the former is "skinable" giving even more latitude on the user interface. With its Add-ons giving the you FTP support, "Scan & Zip", the ability to "cut" large archive files into smaller parts, production of self-extracting files, and the conversion of ZIP to ISO format ZipGenius truly is a sweet utility suite.

Foldersize

the one

Ext2FSD

For the Linux/UNIX users out there looking to use there ext2 disks/partitions in windows Ext2 File System Driver opens read/write support when your stuck in a windows world. All in all a handy tool with limited uses. But if you need it, you'll love it.

WINDOWS WARES free & open source 2

Part 2

GRAPHICS and IMAGES

Whether or not you consider yourself an illustrator, photo enthusiast, or power user. In the windows environment graphics and images are a part the experience. Finding the best tools can be a daunting task. But here are some of the top contenders, with a quick list of runners-up in each category (but without descriptions).

EDITING

the Gimp

Open source with features that will amaze you and is equivalent an many aspects to Photoshop. It is simply the open-source "gold standard" image manipulation, illustration, and photo editing. The bad news, it's learning curve is very steep, and very high (especially if you have not had any Photoshop experience). While documentation and tutorials have improved significantly over the years, be prepared to do a lot of learning! If you are unfamiliar with open-source versioning even the windows download page may be confusing. But, you want the GIMP for Windows Base Package.

Associated tool: abrViewer which lets you view your old Photoshop brushes or borrowed ones and convert them to Gimp brushes. I’ve actually used this a couple of times, the whole conversion was a bit of a headache, but it did work.

Paint.NET

A free image and photo editing software for computers that run Windows. It features an intuitive and innovative user interface with support for layers, unlimited undo, special effects, and a wide variety of useful and powerful tools.

Hugin

A panoramic photo tool, ". . .with hugin you can assemble a mosaic of photographs into a complete immersive panorama, stitch any series of overlapping pictures and much more."

ImageMagick

While it doesn't have a graphical user interface, ImageMagick is incrediably powerful. I give it a low rating not lack of abilities, just the lack of easy accessibility to the average user.

MANAGEMENT

Picasa

A free Picture organizer and editor that helps you instantly find, edit and share all the pictures on your PC. Every time you open Picasa, it automatically locates all your pictures (even ones you forgot you had) and sorts them into visual albums organized by date with folder names you will recognize. You can drag and drop to arrange your albums and make labels to create new groups. Picasa makes sure your pictures are always organized. Picasa also makes advanced editing simple by putting one-click fixes and powerful effects at your fingertips.

IMAGE VIEWERS

Irfranview

It's fast, it's compact, and it's full of function. While you could call a simple image viewer, that does not beging to capture everything that irfranview can do. It's a more then capable image editor and convertor. It supports just about any image file type you could have. All that and offers drag-and-drop support, directory viewing, TWAIN support, slide shows, batch conversion, and modifications such as, resize, color depth, crop, blur, and sharpen. Includes support for Adobe Photoshop Filters.

VECTOR IMAGES

Inkscape

This IS the premier open source image editor.

3-D

Blender

Honorable mention: K-3D | Art of Illusion |

WINDOWS WARES free & open source 1

PART 1

SECURITY

With a fresh installation of Windows, you are faced with a barrage of options in the way of utilities, applications, helpful programs, and just plain necessities. Here's my top choices, ratings and descriptions.

ANTI-VIRUS

Avast Home Edition

Comprehensive protection, simple user interface, and just plain easy to use sums up Avast Free Edition. Unlike other products it offers anti-spyware, anti-rootkit, support for 64-bit, misc network "shields" and automatic updates. You'll sacrifice speed and comparatively misses a few more viruses then other software, but the features gained will usually outweigh those downsides. If you aren't a home user, you'll be looking at about $58 for a 2 year subscription for the Professional version. But as best I can tell you won't be getting a terribly different product other then a few features that would help SMB tech staff.

AVG

Their basic, Free edition antivirus and antispyware protection for Windows available to download for free. Limited features, no support, for private and non-commercial use only. You will have to shell out $52 and get the Pro version for 2 years ($35 if you only want a 1 year subscription), which gives you extra features, support, as well as anti-spyware protection, which is only available with the Pro version.

BitDefender

A consistent performer and definately worth noting. I cannot give any personal experience, but I heard of the effectiveness on a couple of times (granted it was about the payed versions). The Full version will cost you $24.95 for a 2 year subscription, but you can use for up to 3 computers.

Comodo Antivirus

While comodo Free antivirus version has not be quite as stout as others, it is the only one I'm aware of that offers a Free Security Suite. While immediately rates it higher imho. The standalone version is no longer offered but the Internet Security Suite is just as easy and considerably more effective. The Pro version at $39 per year is a bit more then some of the other options, but offers additional support and tools as well as an integrated firewall not provided with the others.

AntiVir

Basic antivirus, worm, and trojan protection and that's about all you can say about Avira's Free version. From my experience there tend to be more false postives and scanning hasn't been as fast as others, although they have played up the scanning speed increase in their most recent version. There are some additional features offered with the Premium version for 33 euros. But if you are like me, I left my euros in my other pants and I'm not about to do some conversion to dollars to pay what I could get for free.

FIREWALL

Comodo

I have watched its rise since beta, and even in those early days the protection have been outstanding! With each new release the user interface and ease of use have leap frogged the previous versions. The newest version, is no longer available as a standalone firewall but still constantly monitors and defends your computer. It's easy to install and use and passes all "leak" tests. Now lumped together in the Internet Security Suite it still a great product and as a Suite offers a simple and free "one stop shop" in security.

Zone Alarm

ZoneAlarm Basic Firewall (the free version) is just that, basic. While better then Microsoft's built-in firewall, you won't enjoy much beyond general inbound/outbound network protection. If you're going with ZoneAlarm their full Security Suite would probably be a better choice.

SunBelt Personal

Formally Kerio Personal Firewall, Sunbelt offers an outstanding user interface and generally good network protection. It also offers great logging of various intrusion, and gives automatic update checker. The Full version offers extented content control, better administration options, and host intrusion detection for $19.95 which could be considered a bargin among commercial firewalls.

Runners Up: GhostWall | Outpost Free |

ANTI-SPYWARE

Spybot Search & Destroy

Spybot has long been a staple on any computer I work with. I've heard rumblings about it usefulness and life expectancy, but it continues to chug along. It's not always the fastest, certainly not the prettiest, but (almost) always get's the job done. Its active scan utility "Tea Timer" has never held a place in my heart and is rarely helpful in informing you, but it too works. Spybot S&D doesn't typically take an active role in prevention although regularly astounds in finding and fixing problems that have cropped up. While onlne scanners continue to improve time will tell if Spybot S&D ever leaves my toolbelt (But, I doubt it).

Ewido Online Scan

NOT FREE: SECURITY

While I have a bit of an aversion to paying for software, security tends to be the software category I'll likely encourage others to fork over the money for. Especially for those unwilling or unable to handle your own support, want absolute ease, and can stomach the expense of the best.

Kaspersky Internet Security

The top package in network security, it offers: anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-spam, and a built-in firewall. It consistently gets top marks in any comparison or review. While your wallet will take a $49.95 hit per year or $59.95 for the Internet Security Suite. The price is on par with better known brands and can be used on three computers, but is a better value for the effectiveness.

Not Recommended: McAfee

Is just a consistent disappointment. While regularly offered by various OEMs in free trial versions pre-intalled. It rarely lives up to its competition.

Not Recommended: Norton by Symantec

While Symantec offers a few "worth the money" products, in my experience security products have not been one of them.

New as in you didn't have it before. . .

Well, I recently inherited a Gateway. Best of all, it's fairly new and not an 'ol beater at all. Bad news, the thing has been so invested with all species of viruses, spyware, adware, and bummerware. While I toyed with the idea of tossing out the Windows MCE and opting for linux, I want to use it as a media center extender for my xbox360. And as have yet to find an easy way to do so with linux (although I'm sure there is a way to do so with linuxmce) I just don't want to mess with it. Besides I need a refresher on XP and a test box for the A+ exam I'm studying for. So I decided that my best bet was to simply format and start with a fresh install.

Okay so that's the bad news, the worse news is that the box has become so degraded that it could not even create the system restore disk required for a redo. After a lot of web searching on google, I could find no way to bypass or remedy the errors I was getting. I broke down and chatted with gateway support. Long story short, I had to order a new system disk directly from them and pay for shipping, etc. . . Considering I could delay gratification for 1-3 weeks and fork over the $20 (instead of the $200 for a copy of Vista), I conseeded to the wait.

In the mean time, I've had time to think about all the apps I'll put into my fresh install. Over the years, I have bookmarked a plethera of web pages on great freeware, open source XP applications, and the like but have decided to create my own list as an amalgam of all the resources and help myself decide. So here's my own fresh Windows installation applications page.

Radio online

You too can raise your blood pressure, loose your hair, and be as frustrated with your government as me. And be able to do it all from the comfort of your favorite chair in front of your computer.
Seriously though, I got a tip recently from a friend about TalkStream Live. A self proclaimed "dynamic directory of internet radio" it is actually a fascinating and useful site. If you like talk radio it is pretty handy to be able to find an assortment of radio shows and personalities.
Now granted it's no satellite radio nor is it ad free. So you have to suffer through various local ads, not necessarily in your area. But, hey it's the best price for internet talk radio: FREE!

Bailout, Why not.

Banking, auto, local and state governments, and whomever else comes to the party can get a "piece of the pie".


Why not shackle ourselves, our children and our entire lineage to debt that cannot be repaid. I'm amazed about how many people (fellow citizens and news media) don't seem to realize that there in fact is no distinction in the federal government giving money to whomever and their representatives giving out THEIR money. If you only step back and look at the big picture, that is reality, they (our legislature and executive government) aren't actually spending some unending coffer of money nor are the actually signing loans for themselves.


What if for just a moment we could all realize that your and my representatives are effectively signing loans and righting checks from our accounts. Would everyone be so uninterested if suddenly their was a debit from their checking account of $30,000 dollars made payable to Henry Paulson, AIG, or General Motors. As well as getting a monthly statement for a loan of $100,000 signed by Frank Lucas, Tom Coburn, and James Inhoffe (or insert your federal legislators here) (for the record Rep. Lucas and Sen. Inhoffe both voted "no" so yea thus far).


Regardless, it boggles the mind how so many of my fellow citizens sit idly by while others recklessly spend our money!

DropBox: the new standard in online files?

The skinny on dropbox.

Dropbox is the easiest way to share and store files online

I've just set it up and am waiting to see. All in all the set-up could not have been easier. Considering the have a package specifically for Ubuntu 8.04, I'm loving it. I dare say nearly stupid proof.

25 most difficult interview questions

Being prepared is half the battle.

If you are one of those executive types unhappy at your present post and embarking on a New Year's resolution to find a new one, here's a helping hand. The job interview is considered to be the most critical aspect of every expedition that brings you face-to- face with the future boss. One must prepare for it with the same tenacity and quickness as one does for a fencing tournament or a chess match.

This article has been excerpted from "PARTING COMPANY: How to Survive the Loss of a Job and Find Another Successfully" by William J. Morin and James C. Cabrera. Copyright by Drake Beam Morin, inc. Publised by Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
Morin is chairman and Cabrera is president of New York-based Drake Beam Morin,
One of the nation's major outplacement firm, which has opened offices in Philadelphia.

1. Tell me about yourself.
   

   Since this is often the opening question in an interview, be extracareful that you don't run off at the mouth. Keep your answer to a minute or two at most. Cover four topics: early years, education, work history, and recent career experience. Emphasize this last subject. Remember that this is likely to be a warm-up question. Don't waste your best points on it.
   

2. What do you know about our organization?
   

   You should be able to discuss products or services, revenues, reputation, image, goals, problems, management style, people, history and philosophy. But don't act as if you know everything about the place. Let your answer show that you have taken the time to do some research, but don't overwhelm the interviewer, and make it clear that you wish to learn more.
   You might start your answer in this manner: "In my job search, I've investigated a number of companies.
   Yours is one of the few that interests me, for these reasons..."
   Give your answer a positive tone. Don't say, "Well, everyone tells me that you're in all sorts of trouble, and that's why I'm here", even if that is why you're there.
   

3. Why do you want to work for us?
   

   The deadliest answer you can give is "Because I like people." What else would you like-animals?
   Here, and throughout the interview, a good answer comes from having done your homework so that you can speak in terms of the company's needs. You might say that your research has shown that the company is doing things you would like to be involved with, and that it's doing them in ways that greatly interest you. For example, if the organization is known for strong management, your answer should mention that fact and show that you would like to be a part of that team. If the company places a great deal of emphasis on research and development, emphasize the fact that you want to create new things and that you know this is a place in which such activity is encouraged. If the organization stresses financial controls, your answer should mention a reverence for numbers.
   If you feel that you have to concoct an answer to this question - if, for example, the company stresses research, and you feel that you should mention it even though it really doesn't interest you- then you probably should not be taking that interview, because you probably shouldn't be considering a job with that organization.
   Your homework should include learning enough about the company to avoid approaching places where you wouldn't be able -or wouldn't want- to function. Since most of us are poor liars, it's difficult to con anyone in an interview. But even if you should succeed at it, your prize is a job you don't really want.
   

4. What can you do for us that someone else can't?
   

   Here you have every right, and perhaps an obligation, to toot your own horn and be a bit egotistical. Talk about your record of getting things done, and mention specifics from your resume or list of career accomplishments. Say that your skills and interests, combined with this history of getting results, make you valuable. Mention your ability to set priorities, identify problems, and use your experience and energy to solve them.
   

5. What do you find most attractive about this position? What seems least attractive about it?
   

   List three or four attractive factors of the job, and mention a single, minor, unattractive item.
   

6. Why should we hire you?
   

   Create your answer by thinking in terms of your ability, your experience, and your energy. (See question 4.)
   

7. What do you look for in a job?
   

   Keep your answer oriented to opportunities at this organization. Talk about your desire to perform and be recognized for your contributions. Make your answer oriented toward opportunity rather than personal security.
   

8. Please give me your definition of [the position for which you are being interviewed].
   

   Keep your answer brief and task oriented. Think in in terms of responsibilities and accountability. Make sure that you really do understand what the position involves before you attempt an answer. If you are not certain. ask the interviewer; he or she may answer the question for you.
   

9. How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?
   

   Be realistic. Say that, while you would expect to meet pressing demands and pull your own weight from the first day, it might take six months to a year before you could expect to know the organization and its needs well enough to make a major contribution.
   

10. How long would you stay with us?
    

    Say that you are interested in a career with the organization, but admit that you would have to continue to feel challenged to remain with any organization. Think in terms of, "As long as we both feel achievement-oriented."
    

11. Your resume suggests that you may be over-qualified or too experienced for this position. What's Your opinion?
    

    Emphasize your interest in establishing a long-term association with the organization, and say that you assume that if you perform well in his job, new opportunities will open up for you. Mention that a strong company needs a strong staff. Observe that experienced executives are always at a premium. Suggest that since you are so well qualified, the employer will get a fast return on his investment. Say that a growing, energetic company can never have too much talent.
    

12. What is your management style?
    

    You should know enough about the company's style to know that your management style will complement it. Possible styles include: task oriented (I'll enjoy problem-solving identifying what's wrong, choosing a solution and implementing it"), results-oriented ("Every management decision I make is determined by how it will affect the bottom line"), or even paternalistic ("I'm committed to taking care of my subordinates and pointing them in the right direction").
    A participative style is currently quite popular: an open-door method of managing in which you get things done by motivating people and delegating responsibility.
    As you consider this question, think about whether your style will let you work hatppily and effectively within the organization.
    

13. Are you a good manager? Can you give me some examples? Do you feel that you have top managerial potential?
    

    Keep your answer achievementand ask-oriented. Rely on examples from your career to buttress your argument. Stress your experience and your energy.
    

14. What do you look for when You hire people?
    

    Think in terms of skills. initiative, and the adaptability to be able to work comfortably and effectively with others. Mention that you like to hire people who appear capable of moving up in the organization.
    

15. Have you ever had to fire people? What were the reasons, and how did you handle the situation?
    

    Admit that the situation was not easy, but say that it worked out well, both for the company and, you think, for the individual. Show that, like anyone else, you don't enjoy unpleasant tasks but that you can resolve them efficiently and -in the case of firing someone- humanely.
    

16. What do you think is the most difficult thing about being a manager or executive?
    

    Mention planning, execution, and cost-control. The most difficult task is to motivate and manage employees to get something planned and completed on time and within the budget.
    

17. What important trends do you see in our industry?
    

    Be prepared with two or three trends that illustrate how well you understand your industry. You might consider technological challenges or opportunities, economic conditions, or even regulatory demands as you collect your thoughts about the direction in which your business is heading.
    

18. Why are you leaving (did you leave) your present (last) job?
    

    Be brief, to the point, and as honest as you can without hurting yourself. Refer back to the planning phase of your job search. where you considered this topic as you set your reference statements. If you were laid off in an across-the-board cutback, say so; otherwise, indicate that the move was your decision, the result of your action. Do not mention personality conflicts.
    The interviewer may spend some time probing you on this issue, particularly if it is clear that you were terminated. The "We agreed to disagree" approach may be useful. Remember hat your references are likely to be checked, so don't concoct a story for an interview.
    

19. How do you feel about leaving all your benefits to find a new job?
    

    Mention that you are concerned, naturally, but not panicked. You are willing to accept some risk to find the right job for yourself. Don't suggest that security might interest you more than getting the job done successfully.
    

20. In your current (last) position, what features do (did) you like the most? The least?
    

    Be careful and be positive. Describe more features that you liked than disliked. Don't cite personality problems. If you make your last job sound terrible, an interviewer may wonder why you remained thsere until now.
    

21. What do you think of your boss?
    

    Be as positive as you can. A potential boss is likely to wonder if you might talk about him in similar terms at some point in the future.
    

22. Why aren't you earning more at your age?
    

    Say that this is one reason that you are conducting this job search. Don't be defensive.
    

23. What do you feel this position should pay?
    

    Salary is a delicate topic. We suggest that you defer tying yourself to a precise figure for as long as you can do so politely. You might say, "I understand that the range for this job is between $______ and $______. That seems appropriate for the job as I understand it." You might answer the question with a question: "Perhaps you can help me on this one. Can you tell me if there is a range for similar jobs in the organization?"
    If you are asked the question during an initial screening interview, you might say that you feel you need to know more about the position's responsibilities before you could give a meaningful answer to that question. Here, too, either by asking the interviewer or search executive (if one is involved), or in research done as part of your homework, you can try to find out whether there is a salary grade attached to the job. If there is, and if you can live with it, say that the range seems right to you.
    If the interviewer continues to probe, you might say, "You know that I'm making $______ now. Like everyone else, I'd like to improve on that figure, but my major interest is with the job itself." Remember that the act of taking a new job does not, in and of itself, make you worth more money.
    If a search firm is involved, your contact there may be able to help with the salary question. He or she may even be able to run interference for you. If, for instance, he tells you what the position pays, and you tell him that you are earning that amount now and would Like to do a bit better, he might go back to the employer and propose that you be offered an additional 10%.
    If no price range is attached to the job, and the interviewer continues to press the subject, then you will have to restpond with a number. You cannot leave the impression that it does not really matter, that you'll accept whatever is offered. If you've been making $80,000 a year, you can't say that a $35,000 figure would be fine without sounding as if you've given up on yourself. (If you are making a radical career change, however, this kind of disparity may be more reasonable and understandable.)
    Don't sell yourself short, but continue to stress the fact that the job itself is the most important thing in your mind. The interviewer may be trying to determine just how much you want the job. Don't leave the impression that money is the only thing that is important to you. Link questions of salary to the work itself.
    But whenever possible, say as little as you can about salary until you reach the "final" stage of the interview process. At that point, you know that the company is genuinely interested in you and that it is likely to be flexible in salary negotiations.
    

24. What are your long-range goals?
    

    Refer back to the planning phase of your job search. Don't answer, "I want the job you've advertised." Relate your goals to the company you are interviewing: 'in a firm like yours, I would like to..."
    

25. How successful do you you've been so far?
    

    Say that, all-in-all, you're happy with the way your career has progressed so far. Given the normal ups and downs of life, you feel that you've done quite well and have no complaints.
    Present a positive and confident picture of yourself, but don't overstate your case. An answer like, "Everything's wonderful! I can't think of a time when things were going better! I'm overjoyed!" is likely to make an interviewer wonder whether you're trying to fool him . . . or yourself. The most convincing confidence is usually quiet confidence.