Recent content by programmer

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    Need Linux for a C class

    You might want to start with http://www.linux.com/feature/134670 You'll want to make sure you have the GNU tools package for the C compiler. Other than that any distro should have the shell(s) and editors you need.
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    What the HELL am I doing wrong with my brakes?

    Its either the slides (need to be greased with silicone-based grease) or possibly the grease within the caliper piston-boot has been contaminated. The caliper might need a "rebuild" (basically just clean, regrease, and seal), or the easy way is replace the caliper.
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    Turbo tax deals for 2008

    IMO, Costco usually has the best deal on turbotax without any rebates. $49.99 gets you federal, state, and e-file (I assume the e-file is just the federal and you'll have to pay a few dollars extra for state e-file as usual with Intuit). http://www.costco.com/Common/S...-Top_search&lang=en-US...
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    Got a bad virus, how screwed am I?

    If you have it enabled, try System Restore back to a good snapshot.
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    Looking to pre-order a car

    Just wait and buy one off the lot when its available.
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    Crucial Ballistix PC2-6400 4GB OOS (2 x 2GB) for $29.99 AR ($50) - 2GB (2 x 1GB) - $7.99 AR ($35) FREE shipping - FRYS

    I have two of the PC2-8500 Ballistix kits (so a total of 4 x 1GB sticks), bought about a year ago. I just had two of them fail recently. When I called Crucial for an RMA, they insisted on replacing all four since the voltage on the newer ones was dropped from 2.2 to 2.0 volts. On the surface the...
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    Netgear SC101 Storage Center Network Attached LAN HDD Enclosure

    IMO, this NAS is worthless. Bought one at Circuit City then learned about the Windows-only software, and other issues, and took it right back. No thanks.
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    Changing my name in windows

    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310441
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    VMware or parallels?

    I've only used Parallels, which is fine for the small amount of time I use it but most folks I work with prefer VMWare over Parallels.
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    What is the difference between these two choices of ram?

    I don't think there is a difference, apart from the packaging. Go for the cheaper one -- free shipping too. Should be fine for your laptop, just double-check it can use 4GB. Some older Pro models could only use 3GB. Even then, I think you can use these sticks with no problem.
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    Engine light, engine running lean

    See if a long cardboard tube can help you isolate the sound (like from a tube of wrapping paper). Some hiss is normal, but yeah, with the light it probably means a vacuum hose fell off or cracked/disintegrated. You might also give a gentle tug to each small rubber hose and try to make sure both...
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    8800GTS OC'ing

    I didn't find too much benefit to overclocking my 8800GTS 512. Maybe a few frames here or there, depending on the game, but not enough to risk cooking the card. It already runs pretty hot as it is, and is plenty fast at stock speeds.
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    Lightscribe

    I tried Lightscribe but I have found a good 'ol Sharpie to be more effective and much faster.
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    Anyone with a Q9550 E0 and a Gigabyte P35-DS3R rev 1.0?

    Sometime last night or this morning Gigabyte updated their page. The Q9550 E0 is now listed as supported by a beta F13a BIOS. I hope it tests well and the F13 gets released soon. :) This is the first Gigabyte-brand motherboard I've owned and its been great so far. No problems at all, full of...
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    Anyone with a Q9550 E0 and a Gigabyte P35-DS3R rev 1.0?

    I think it should work, and the F12 BIOS states "Update CPU microcode (Support Intel Wolfdale/Yorkfield E0-stepping CPU)". The E8400/E8500/E8600 E0 steppings are all on the ok list. So it appears Yorkfield E0 should work, but I am waiting for either Gigabyte to officially add it to their CPU...