*HOT* Tech News And Downloads, I Would Read This Thread And Post Any Good Info

G.HO.ST..........G.ho.st is a free Virtual Computer (VC) that runs in any Internet browser and acts like a regular PC. But unlike your PC, your VC including your data and apps are accessible from any browser in the world and are always backed up, up-to-date and secured.....

(free).....GO THERE!
http://g.ho.st/

 

Free YouTube to MP3 Converter 2.1

Click for Screen Shot!

Size: 3.73MB

Publisher: Visit Website

Release Date: 2007-04-27

Submit Date: 2007-05-04

OS: Win 9x/ME/2K/XP/2K3

Publisher's Description
Free YouTube to MP3 Converter. Extract and download music from YouTube movies and save it as MP3 files on your PC with one mouse click! Convert *.flv video files to *.mp3. This free program contains no spyware or adware. It´s clearly free and safe!

link
http://www.freewarefiles.com/program_6_227_32021.html

 

Screen Capture Professional 1.2

Click for Screen Shot!

Size: 918KB

Publisher: Visit Website

Release Date: 2007-03-27

Submit Date: 2007-05-04

OS: Win 9x/ME/NT/2K/XP/2K3

Publisher's Description
Screen Capture is an application that allows you to save your printed screens without any help of image processing software.

Screen Capture deals with Windows clipboard and specially images clipboard. When pressing on Print Screen on the keyboard, Windows takes a snapshot of your screen-content. Screen Capture will automatically save this snapshot to a folder called Captured Screens, inside the program installation folder.
You can also choose where you want to save your captured screens not only in the default folder ´Captured Screens´ and saving your captured screens as JPG format is also available now. With Screen Capture Professional you can save unlimited numbers of screen shots without replacing them.

link
http://www.freewarefiles.com/program_3_40_32008.html

 

Winamp 5 Security Patch 5.34a

Click for Screen Shot!

Size: 56KB

Publisher: Visit Website

Release Date: 2007-05-04

Submit Date: 2007-05-04

OS: Win 9x/ME/2K/NT/XP/Vista


Publisher's Description
Nullsoft Winamp is a fast, flexible, high-fidelity music player for Windows. Winamp supports MP3, CD, WMA, Audiosoft, Mjuice, MOD, WAV and other audio formats, custom appearances called skins and audio visualization and audio effect plug-ins. Download and enjoy it free of charge, free of guilt.

Winamp 5.34a Security Patch includes a patched version of in_mp4.dll (v1.22) that fixes the MP4 file parsing buffer overflow vulnerability. The vulnerability is caused due to an error within the handling of MP4 files and can be exploited to cause memory corruption via a specially crafted MP4 file. Successful exploitation allows execution of arbitrary code.
The latest version of Winamp Full and Winamp Lite are also available for download on FreewareFiles.

http://www.freewarefiles.com/program_6_73_32020.html

 

Stand up to the RIAA bullies,

p2pnet.net news:- Ohio University is doing its best to extricate itself from the tacky moral and legal mess it, and most other universities across America, now find themselves in, thanks entirely to the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America).

It, and the other schools, are being threatened by the hugely powerful (in the US) Big 4 record labels, only one of which, Warner Music, can be said to be actually American. And even it is run by a Canadian. The other three are EMI (Britain), Vivendi Universal (France) and Sony BMG (Japan and Germany).

In balance are the mental health and welfare of student bodies against possible attacks not only from the RIAA, but also elements of the Bush administration.

"US congressmen 'Hollywood' Howard Berman (left) and Lamar Smith have given American universities a May 31 deadline to endorse a survey which amounts to a pledge of allegiance to Warner Music, EMI, Vivendi Universal and Sony BMG, the members of the Big 4 music cartel," p2pnet posted yesterday, going on:

American universities are already under non-stop siege from the Big 4's RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) which is trying to sue students into buying 'product'.

Now, "congress" has, "threatened 20 universities with unspecified repercussions if they fail to provide 'acceptable answers" about what they're doing to stop or inhibit students from illegal downloading and file sharing'."

Sadly, Ohio University chose the path of least resistance, effectively banning file sharing on campus networks, at the same time promising to monitor school networks to make sure no student breaks the ban.

Who's paying for this, for the time robbed from teaching duties, for the ongoing distress caused to students and staff not on at OU, but elsewhere across the country? Certainly not the RIAA or the labels, who are the cause of it all.

And while the attacks continue, a recent court order from US District Judge Norah McCann King allows the Big 4 to use their RIAA to immediately subpoena Ohio University to, "turn over the names of students who were using certain connections to OU's computer network at specified times," says the Athens News, going on:

OU officials have said they won't turn the names over voluntarily, but will comply with a valid court order or subpoena to do so.

The RIAA has collected a set of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, and a set of dates and times at which they were allegedly used for illegal file-sharing.

These pieces of information are enough to allow OU to connect the IP addresses to individual students, because a student must log onto OU's network with a unique username and password.

The RIAA gathered the information by going online, accessing so-called "P2P" file-sharing networks, and downloading copyrighted music from network members without paying for it. The group then recorded the IP address at OU of each person providing the files for sharing, and the date and time at which the address was used.

The story goes on that although the RIAA has downloaded "a sample of several of the sound recordings each defendant illegally distributed," with the count of illegally shared files in some cases "numbering in the thousands," it doesn't mean the Big 4 enforcer, "has evidence that anyone other than the group itself ever took copies of any files from a site. Presumably it only has evidence that certain files were on each site, available for the taking.

"The group asked Judge King for permission to subpoena OU for the names, addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of the 10 Doe defendants. Once the plaintiffs have this information on a defendant, the motion claims, they 'will attempt to contact that defendant and attempt to resolve the dispute'."

"If a particular dispute is not resolved and it seems more appropriate to pursue the claim in another legal jurisdiction," the RIAA will, "dismiss that defendant and sue him or her elsewhere".

Another p2pnet post notes:

Ironically, when the RIAA originally zoomed in on OU, lawsuits, if they're filed, would be in federal court, said Pat McGee, managing attorney for the university's Center for Student Legal Services, going on, "Only Athens litigation is handled by the center, which focuses on tenant-landlord disputes, misdemeanors and consumer law".

The RIAA would know it had students at a disadvantage, "when they have to drive two hours to file a motion," the story has him saying. "That's how they roll over people."

Students should pool their resources and hire an attorney instead of settling, he said, and, "If everybody fought it tooth and nail it'd probably tie up the federal court system for ten years."

Says the Athens News, "A local attorney, meanwhile, has indicated that he's willing to represent students facing RIAA litigation, though he doesn't have any names yet either.

"I have been taking a lot of phone calls and talking to a lot of student and a lot of parents," the story has Joe Hazelzbaker saying. "But I haven't yet had any contact with any of the students who have been sued. My guess is, they don't even know they have been sued."

Hazelbaker says he also suspects some students targeted by the RIAA may not fully realize how serious the litigation may be.

"I think there may be an unrealistic perception of the exposure," he said. "This is kind of a bizarre, surreal situation. It's really kind of unprecedented."

"Fortunately," adds the story, "the lawyer said, there exists a huge amount of educational material about dealing with recording-industry legal threats, compiled by various citizen groups. 'There are more resources out there to help people in this predicament than with any other legal issue I've ever seen - even divorce!' "

Index of lawyers

And at least one of those resources is run by New York lawyer Ray Beckerman, who's defending several RIAA victims.

His site, Recording Industry vs The People, has a regularly updated list of lawyers actively contesting p2p file sharing cases brought by the Big 4.

If you're a US student or anyone else being attacked by the RIAA, maybe onbe of the lawyers on Beckerman's list below will be able to help you.

And if you're defending someone and you're not on the list, or if you'd like to add your name to it, email musiclitigation@earthlink.net.

For now >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Alabama Alaska Arizona California Florida Georgia Illinois Kansas Maine
Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Nebraska
New Jersey New York North Carolina Oklahoma Oregon
Pennsylvania South Carolina Texas Washington
Denmark Finland France Germany Hungary Israel Netherlands

*United States*

Alabama

*Cleveland, Coker B., Cleveland Law Firm, LLC 1816 Tin Valley Circle, Suite C Birmingham, Alabama 35235 Office: 205.453.4702 Cellular: 205.516.3579 Facsimile: 205.419.0704 Email: cbcleveland@hotmail.com
*Hill, Jr., W. Mike, Hill, Hill, Carter, Franco, Cole & Black, PC, 425 South Perry Street, Montgomery, AL 36104, Phone: (334) 834-7600, extension 290, Direct Line: (334) 386-4342, Facsimile: (334) 832-7419, Email: mhill@hillhillcarter.com

Alaska

*Cooper, Elizabeth A.,Lybeck Murphy, LLP 500 Island Corporate Center 7525 SE 24 Street Mercer Island, WA 98040-2336 (206) 230-4255

Arizona

*Aguilar, Edwin Eloy, Karp Heurlin Weiss, 3060 North Swan Road, Tucson, AZ 85712-1225, Phone: 520-325-4200, Fax: 520-325-4224, Email: eaguilar@khw-law.com
*Heidmiller, Sheila, Macheledt, Bales & Heidmiller LLP 7248 E Tasman St Mesa, AZ 85207 480-773-7807 480-773-7809 (fax) Email: sheilah@mbh-law.com

California

*Kouretchian, Seyamack, Coast Law Group LLP, 169 Saxony Road (suite 204), Encinitas, CA 92024, Phone: 760-942-8505 Fax: 760-942-8515 Email : seyamack@coastlawgroup.com
*Ledford, Merl III, Ledford Law Corporation, 805 West Oak Avenue, Visalia CA 93291-6033, Tel 559.627.2710, Fax 559.627.0717, Email: m.ledford3@ledfordlaw.net
*Singleton, Joseph W., Law Offices of Joseph W. Singleton, 8383 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 750, Beverly Hills, Ca 90211 (323)782-1400, ext. 14 Fax (323) 782-1850 Email: joesingleton.esq@verizon.net

Florida

*Feingold, Barry G., Law Offices of Barry G. Feingold, P.A, 10100 West Sample Road, Suite 300, Coral Springs, FL 33065, Telephone: 954-255-3400, Facsimile: 954-780-3639, E-mail: bazlaw@yahoo.com
*Little, George J., 4442 Lafayette St, P O Box 1612, Marianna, FL 32447, 850-526-5316, Email:
lawoffice@georgelittle.com
*Viscasillas, Richard M., 8670 Bridle Path Court, Davie, FL 33328, Phone: 954-560-8655, e-mail: rmvpa1@bellsouth.net

Georgia

*Caldwell, Michael A. DeLong, Caldwell & Bridgers, LLC Suite 3100 Centennial Tower 101 Marietta St., N.W. Atlanta, GA 30303 (404)979-3150 Email: Michaelcaldwell@dcnblaw.com

Illinois

*Miller, Matthew S. and Crane, Cassandra M., Miller & Sweeney, LLC, 111 W. Washington Street, Suite 1160, Chicago, IL 60602, phone: 312.384.0500 ext. 20, fax: 312.384.0600, Email: mmiller@millersweeney.com, ccrane@millersweeney.com
*Mudd, Charles Lee, Jr. Law Offices of Charles Lee Mudd Jr. 3344 North Albany Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60618 773.588.5410 773.588.5440 (facsimile) cmudd@muddlawoffices.com
*Rubin, E. Leonard, Sachnoff & Weaver, Ltd. 10 S. Wacker Drive, 40th Fl. Chicago, IL 60606-7507 312-207-1000 elrubin@sachnoff.com
*Saper, Daliah, Saper Law Offices 188 West Randolph, Suite 1705 Chicago, IL 60601 312.404.0066 dsaper@saperlaw.com www.saperlaw.com

Kansas

*Placzek, Kate E., 300 S. 19th St., Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68102, Phone: 402-932-4489, Fax: 402-614-5926, Email: katep1727@yahoo.com

Maine

*Mittel, Robert Edmond, MittelAsen, LLC, P0B 427, 85 Exchange Street, Portland, ME 04112, 207 775 3101x202, Fax 207 871 0683, Email: rmittel@mittelasen.com

Michigan

*Hermann, John 2684 West Eleven Mile Road Berkley, MI 48072 248-591-9291 Email: JTHermanos@Earthlink.net

Minnesota

*Toder, Brian N., Chestnut & Cambronne, P.A. 204 North Star Bank 4661 Highway 61 White Bear Lake, MN 55110 651.653.0990 Email: btoder@chestnutcambronne.com

Mississippi

*Hooper, Niles, 2906 N. State Street
Jackson, MS 39292, Phone 601-213-3909, Fax 601-213-3667, Email: niles@nileshooper.com
*Spencer, Karen H., Spencer & Spencer PLLP, 5760 I-55 North, Suite 450
Jackson, MS 39211, Phone: (601) 899-1723, Fax: (601) 899-1725 kspencer@eoslaw.com

Nebraska

Placzek, Dan, Leininger, Smith, Johnson, Baack, Placzek & Allen, 104 N. Wheeler St., POB 790, Grand Island, NE 68802, Tel. 308-382-1930, Fax 308-382-5521, Email: dplaczek@gilawfirm.com

New Jersey

*Topelsohn, Lauren, 425 Eagle Rock Ave. (2nd Fl.), Roseland, NJ 07068-1362, 973-618-2175, fax 973-228-1362, email: ltopelsohn@trantech.com

New York

*Altman, Richard A., 285 West Fourth Street, New York, NY 10014, Tel 917 353 4077, Fax 917 463 1006, Email: altmanlaw@earthlink.net
*Beckerman, Ray, & Rogers, Morlan Ty, Vandenberg & Feliu LLP 110 East 42 Street New York, NY 10017 (212) 763-6800 Email: rbeckerman@vanfeliu.com or mtrogers@vanfeliu.com
*Cole, Stephanie A., Bloom, Cole & Shonn, LLP 6 North Pearl Street Buffalo, NY 14202 (716) 885-1270 Fax: (716) 885-2180 Email: scole@bloomcole.com
*Flemma, Jay, Law Offices of Jay Flemma, P.C. 116 West Houston St. (3rd Floor) New York, NY 10012 212.937.9894 Fx 212.379.6356 Email: jaymusiclaw@yahoo.com
*Genovesi, Jr., Anthony J., Borchert, Genovesi, LaSpina & Landicino, P.C., 19-02 Whitestone Expressway, Suite 302, Whitestone, NY 11357, Phone: 718.767.3333, Fax: 718.767.3309, Email:agenovesi@bgllpc.com
*Glass, Jordan D., Jordan D. Glass, P.C. Office:7-11 Legion Drive, Suite M-1C Valhalla, NY 10595-2052 Mailing address: P.O. Box 274 Hartsdale, NY 10530-0274 (914) 831-3087 Email: RIAAdefense@gmail.com
*Iryami, Raymond, Raymond Iryami Law Firm P.C., 1010 Northern Blvd. (Ste 208), Great Neck, NY 11021 (516)336-2586, Fax (516)706-1540 and 305 Madison Ave. (46th Fl.), New York, NY 10165 (212) 599-1081, Fax (212)697-0877, Email raymond@raymondiryami.com.
*Karcioglu, Zeynel, 36 East 20th St. 6th Fl., New York, NY 10003, t: 212.505.6933, f: 646.219.4517, Email: zeynel@karcioglu-law.com
*Topelsohn, Lauren, 575 Madison Ave., Suite 1006, New York, NY 10022, 212-354-0498, fax 866-482-3171, email ltopelsohn@trantech.com

North Carolina

*Kornbluth, Michael A., Kornbluth Law Firm P.A., 3100 TOWER BLVD. SUITE 800, Durham, NC 27707, Phone 919-401-4100 Fax 919-401-4104, Email: mkornbluth@kornbluthlaw.com
*Robertson, Stephen E., Robertson & Medlin, PLLC, 125 S. Elm Street, Suite 100, Greensboro, NC 27455, (336) 378-9881, Email: srobertson@robertsonmedlin.com

Oklahoma

*Barringer-Thomson, Marilyn D. 4901 Richmond Square Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405)840-3101 Fax (405)842-3843 barringerlawfirm@sbcglobal.net

Oregon

*Lybeck, Lory R., Lybeck Murphy, LLP 500 Island Corporate Center 7525 SE 24 Street Mercer Island, WA 98040-2336 (206)230-4255

Pennsylvania

*Gibson, John W. 20 Chatham Square Pittsburgh, PA 15219-4731 Telephone (412) 471-7785 Facsimile (412) 471-1473 johngibson@hotmail.com

South Carolina

*Luck, Jason Scott, Seibels Law Firm, P.A., 165-A King Street, Charleston, SC 29401, Office: 843.722.6777, Fax: 843.722.6781, Email: jluck@seibelsfirm.com

Texas

*Baran, Christopher D., Stephens & Myers, L.L.P., 515 Fourth Street, Graham, TX 76450, Phone 940-549-4758, Fax 940-549-3967, Email: chrisbaranlaw@gmail.com
*Lone Star Legal Aid. (Serving low-income individuals in Eastern Texas area. Clients accepted only through application process.) Offices in Angleton, Beaumont, Bellville, Belton, Bryan, Galveston, Houston, Conroe, Longview, Nacogdoches, Paris, Texarkana, Tyler, and Waco, TX.
*MacKenzie, Donald Scott, The Law Office of Scott Mackenzie, P.C., 9603 White Rock Trail, Suite 324, Dallas, TX. 75238, (214) 245-4625, fax: (214) 764-0780, email: dallaslaw@gmail.com
*Pierre, J. Goodwille, Walker, James, Dhingra & Pierre, PLLC, 1102 B Pinemont Drive, Houston, TX 77018 Tel 713-957-2789 Ext 28, Fax 281-861-9369, Email: goodwille@swbell.net.
*Rogers, Charles J., Conley Rose, JPMorgan Chase Tower, 600 Travis St, Suite 7100, Houston, Texas 77002-2912, Phone 713.238.8000, Fax 713.238.8008, Email: crogers@conleyrose.com
*Shaw, Ronald J., The Shaw Law Firm, P.C., 7300 Blanco Road (Suite 610), San Antonio, Texas 78216, 210-227-3737

Washington

*Lybeck, Lory R., Lybeck Murphy, LLP 500 Island Corporate Center 7525 SE 24 Street Mercer Island, WA 98040-2336 (206) 230-4255

OVERSEAS

Denmark

Overbeck, Per, Hovedvagtgade 6, 4.sal 1103 Kbh. K, Denmark, Phone: +45 33 11 36 36, Fax: +45 33 11 36 38, Email: per.overbeck@worldonline.dk
Piratgruppen

Finland

Turre Legal

France

Hugot, Olivier, HugotAvocat 44 Rue Coquilliere Paris 75001 France +33 (0)1 55 80 72 50 Email: olivier@hugot.fr

Germany

Solmecke, Christian, Wilde & Beuger, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Ring 15, 50672 Köln, Germany, Tel. +49 (0) 221 951563-20, Fax +49 (0) 221 951563-3, Email: info@wbe-law.de

Hungary

*Dallos, Zsolt, Elite Defense.

Israel

Klinger, Jonathan J. 8 King Saul St. Tel Aviv Tel: +972-52-3436436 Fax: +972-3-6093607 Email: J@2jk.org

Lichtenstein, Yoram 3a Jabotinsky St., Ramat Gan Israel 52520 Tel.: 972-3-6133333 Fax.: 972-3-6133334 Email: yoram@y-law.co.il
Netherlands

Alberdingk Thijm, Christiaan, SOLV Advocaten P.O. Box 75538 1070 AM Amsterdam Chippers 1-3 1011 TR Amsterdam The Netherlands T +31 20 5300160 F +31 20 5300170 M +31 6 25017 235 E thijm@solv.nl

Additional attorneys may be found at Electronic Frontier Foundation Subpoena Defense .

Another copy of this directory, with a permanent link, is published at info.riaalawsuits.us/directory.htm

Slashdot Slashdot it!

Also See:
p2pnet - Congress in RIAA school attacks, May 3, 2007
path of least resistance - Ohio University caves in to RIAA, April 26, 2007
Athens News - Judge OKs quick subpoenas for RIAA to get file-sharers' names, May 3, 2007
p2pnet - RIAA attacks more US schools, May 3, 2007
http://p2pnet.net/story/12134

 

Gizmo Project 3.1.1.275
Author: Gizmo Project
Date: 2007-05-05
Size: 13.3 Mb
License: Freeware
Requires: Win XP/2K

Gizmo Project uses your internet connection (broadband or dial-up) to make calls to other computers. With the click of a mouse, you’re connected to friends, family, and colleagues anywhere on earth. It’s just that simple. You talk clearly. For as long as you want. For free.

And with inexpensive add-ons like Call In and Call Out, you can talk to any telephone–mobile or landline–on the planet. Any phone? Yes.

The new All Calls Free plan makes calls FREE between registered, active Gizmo Project users in 60 countries around the world. Get all your friends using Gizmo Project and you may never pay a phone bill again.

Main Featuires:
- Sound effects
- Check call quality
- Pick online status. Green: Available, Red: Away/Do not disturb, Orange: Idle, Blue: On the phone, Grey: Invisible/Offline
- Click Map It to view map of call locations. Get a detailed map of the location of each call.
- Instant Messaging (IM) - Chat instantly with your contacts.
- Person being called receives call subject.
- You can record any call on your Gizmo Project phone with the click of a button.
- You can also call any traditional phone using Call Out.
- Asterisk PBX Support


download
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download5200.html

 

pretty cool Ireland i will have to try that out

 

New State Laws Target Used-CD Sellers
Draconian laws passed in Florida and Utah, and pending in Rhode Island and Wisconsin, restrict retail sales of used CDs.
Saturday, May 05, 2007 6:00 PM PDT

By Ed Christman

NEW YORK (Billboard) - Independent merchants selling and buying used CDs across the United States say they are alarmed by stepped-up pawn-broker-related laws recently enacted in Florida and Utah and pending in Rhode Island and Wisconsin.

In Florida, the new legislation requires all stores buying second-hand merchandise for resale to apply for a permit and file security in the form of a $10,000 bond with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. In addition, stores would be required to thumb-print customers selling used CDs, and acquire a copy of state-issued identity documents such as a driver's license. Furthermore, stores could issue only store credit -- not cash -- in exchange for traded CDs, and would be required to hold discs for 30 days before reselling them.

At least one Florida town has enforced the law, resulting in the cited merchant pulling used CDs from its store.

The law in Utah and the legislation pending in Wisconsin and Rhode Island are also harsher than typical pawn-shop laws, according to John Mitchell, outside counsel for NARM (National Association of Recording Merchandisers).

Brian Faber, director of operations for the eight-store, Phoenix-based Zia chain, says that while the rules sound onerous and could devalue the used-CD market, "we would comply and the market would ultimately adjust itself."

Faber says about 40 percent of his chain's volume comes from used-CD sales, paying out 80 percent cash and 20 percent store credit. If retailers could only pay out credit, he says, it could negatively affect product flow. The used-CD business' low pricing, he adds, is already being devalued by falling prices of new CDs.

Meanwhile, NARM says it will try to help shape the pending legislation. In Florida, retailers selling previously owned videos and videogames managed to carve out a partial exemption from the law so that they do not need a permit and have to wait only 15 days before reselling the merchandise.

Reuters/Billboard

http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,131592-c,techrelatedlegislation/article.html

 

SpeeDefrag 5.0.2
Author: Vicky's Cool Software
Date: 2007-05-06
Size: 1.31 Mb
License: Freeware
Requires: Win All


The data stored in your hard disk may get fragmented...
Due to this you may face following problems:-

1.Slow computer speed
2.Long hard disk access time
3.Reduced hard disk life
and many more...

To overcome these problems your must have some program which can defrag your hard disk... Windows defrag program works well but it takes a lots of time and your computer gets busy for atleast 3-4 hours.

SpeeDefrag will take all pain for you...

This program restarts your pc and runs defrag program only which optimizes defragmentation speed and also it automatically shutdown your pc after completion...
So just before going to bed switch it on and in the morning you'll find your hard disk defraged and pc shutdown...


link for download
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4889.html

 

Discovered: April 26, 2007
Updated: April 27, 2007 8:45:32 AM
Type: Trojan
Infection Length: 962,048 bytes
Systems Affected: Windows 2000, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows Server 2003, Windows XP

Trojan.Kardphisher is a Trojan horse that attempts to steal credit card numbers by tricking the user into entering their credit card details to activate Windows.
http://www.symantec.com/security_response/writeup.jsp?docid=2007-042705-0108-99



Windows Activation Trojan

There seems to be a virus on the loose that has been picking up steam since April that can alter the way your Windows box revalidates. The virus is said to take control of the system and will ask you for your credit card information. Any attempt to cancel the process will result in a full shut down.

"You can only choose only Yes or No," Takashi Katsuki wrote on the Symantec security Weblog. "You can't run Task Manager or any other applications. If you choose No your PC will be shut down immediately."

link
http://www.microsoft-watch.com/cont...tivation_trojan.html?kc=MWRSS02129TX1K0000535

 

MORE INFO ON THIS CRAP

New Laws Are Making Selling Used CDs Harder Than Selling Guns

link
http://www.dvorak.org/blog/?p=11265


17 Comments »

1.

Finally! And with ReadID we won’t have any stolen CDs! Yay government.

Comment by DavidtheDuke — 5/6/2007 @ 10:32 am
2.

This just makes piracy even more appealing. These idiots won’t be happy until their entire business model is destroyed. They will blame it on the pirates!

Comment by julieb — 5/6/2007 @ 10:44 am
3.

Actually, I have gathered from a close read of this item that NARM, which represents the stores themselves, is expressing concern about the way these laws may affect them and is trying to reduce their severity. What I’d like to know is how these things sneaked into their respective legislatures in the first place.

I strongly suspect that you’re correct in suspecting that the RIAA (whose member organizations have had their own little trouble with the laws, particularly with regard to price-fixing payola, and embezzlement) is behind all of this.

Friends, we live in a world where at least one branch of the Mob no longer has to use physical force in order to flourish; they have bought the lawmakers and the enforcers.

The so-called major players of the recorded music industry have made money hand over fist for decades, despite being lazy, greedy, stupid, arrogant, totally contemptuous of their customer base, and utterly without ethics.

They made their fortunes because 1) they had complete control of the methods of distribution, and 2) they were fabulously lucky. Now the distribution is wide open, and the luck has evaporated, and these self-styled giants of commerce lash out in any way that they can.

If they had not squandered all possibility of good will for all those decades, by treating the public with such execrable contempt, then it’s just conceivable that today’s consumers might feel a little sympathetic to them now. As it is, they shall receive no such sympathy because they deserve none. I hope that their encroaching failure is cataclysmic and public.

Comment by classicalduck — 5/6/2007 @ 10:48 am
4.

let’s not forget their main flaw.. they believe their own hype.. religiously

their mantra is greed.. and that shouldn’t surprise anyone..

what surprises me is their inability to keep up with the times

Comment by ChrisMac — 5/6/2007 @ 10:57 am
5.

this industry seems to be allergic to my money

Comment by sdf — 5/6/2007 @ 11:09 am
6.

I can’t believe that people are actually making this into a law!

Comment by MN Web Design — 5/6/2007 @ 11:26 am
7.

What next? Laws saying that you can only sell one used cd per month? And when will they plug the flea market/yard sale loophole?

Comment by RonD — 5/6/2007 @ 11:33 am
8.

What about selling CDs on e-bay in Florida?

Comment by noname — 5/6/2007 @ 11:44 am
9.

These laws make it harder to buy or sell music CDs than handguns. Evidently some people consider music more dangerous than violent crime.

Amazing! The inmates really are running the asylum.

Comment by Spencer — 5/6/2007 @ 12:09 pm
10.

The so-called major players of the recorded music industry have made money hand over fist for decades, despite being lazy, greedy, stupid, arrogant, totally contemptuous of their customer base, and utterly without ethics.

DESPITE or BECAUSE?

J/P=?

Comment by John Paradox — 5/6/2007 @ 12:13 pm
11.

It would be interesting to see that any second hand CD sales store, like Music Go Round, announced next week that they will lay off every employee across the United States due to the impending legislature. Would the government reverse the trend because that would mean alot of people would be jobless and sitting on unemployment? And yes I know that many of these people are part-time employees, but still, that would create a smaller consumer base for garbage.

Comment by Gwendle — 5/6/2007 @ 12:33 pm
12.

#3. That was my read as well. re NARM

Frankly, the law cited seems so broad (thumbprinting, 30 day waiting list, copying ID cards, etc) that its target is sales of stolen goods, and its effect upon used CD sales is incidental.

I do firmly believe the RIAA is absolutely determined to commit suicide, however, and would prefer to put every used CD store out of business.

Comment by doug — 5/6/2007 @ 12:43 pm
13.

They already put new CD stores out of business with preferential wholesale prices for Wal-Mart, Costco, etc. Lets just kill the entire distribution arm of the CD business completely.

Comment by ArianeB — 5/6/2007 @ 1:05 pm
14.

fusk it…

You know, I really didn’t like music all that much anyway… :-(

Comment by OhForTheLoveOf — 5/6/2007 @ 1:32 pm
15.

As much as I despise the RIAA, I believe this (stupid) law targets theft. Cds are easy to steal and convert to cash at a pawnshop or used cd stores. It happens so much around here I burned copies of the cds I want to take on the road and leave my originals at home, which by the way, I consider fair use.
Excuse me , I think I hear the RIAA at the door……

Comment by Chris — 5/6/2007 @ 2:42 pm
16.

Anyone know about the strange laws in Japan that control selling used Electronics and used cars? I’m sure such laws will be here soon…

James Hatsis

Comment by James Hatsis — 5/6/2007 @ 3:32 pm
17.

I thought you “liberals” liked government (over)regulation.

Comment by Mike — 5/6/2007 @ 5:32 pm

 

Is Hitler Alive and Well at the RIAA?

by lumpy on May 6, 2007 at 2:26 pm

LINK FOR THIS ARTICLE
http://www.lockergnome.com/nexus/lumpy/2007/05/06/is-hitler-alive-and-well-at-the-riaa/

 

Record shops: Used CDs? Ihre papieren, bitte!

By Ken Fisher | Published: May 07, 2007 - 01:23PM CT

 

Hollywood bans Canada,

p2pnet.net news:- Warner Bros, one of Hollywood's major studios, has escalated the phony 'piracy' war launched against Canada.

Fronted by their their MPAA, and backed by the George W. Bush administration, Time Warner, Viacom, Fox, Sony, NBC Universal and Disney are claiming up to 50% of movies which show up online illegally are Made in Canada.

Notwithstanding claims that its owners are being ruined by movie pirates, in its eye-popping annual theatrical market statistics report, the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) said global film audiences, "boosted the worldwide box office to an all-time high of $25.8 billion, compared to 23.3 billion in 2005," an 11% increase.

And the US box office, "rebounded in 2006 to finish the year at $9.49 billion in revenues compared to $8.99 billion in 2005 - a 5.5% increase from the previous year, with 1.45 billion movie tickets sold in the U.S., ending a three-year downward trend in ticket sales," it says.

Now, "In a pre-emptive strike against movie piracy originating from Canada, Warner Bros. Pictures said Monday that the studio will cancel preview screenings of its movies north of the border," spins the Hollywood Reporter.

"Frustrated with unauthorized camcording of its new releases in Canadian cinemas, Warner Bros. Pictures Canada said it will immediately halt all 'promotional and word-of-mouth screenings' of upcoming releases."

In the US, Hollywood rules, sponsoring one self-interest bill after another. The studios want things to be the same in Canada but so far, entertainment cartel efforts to have Canadian laws changed have been unsuccessful

The ban will start with the upcoming release of "Ocean's Thirteen" and continue with the July 13 release of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," says Reuters, going on:

"Warners said it is reacting to the failure of the Canadian government to introduce legislation here to make camcording of films for trafficking around the world illegal and a punishable offense."

Canada is the, "No. 1 priority in terms of anti-camcording legislation," it has Darcy Antonellis, senior vp worldwide anti-piracy operations at Warner Bros. Entertainment, declaring.

"Within the first week of a film's release, you can almost be certain that somewhere out there a Canadian copy will show up," Antonellis says, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Neither story bothers to make the point that Hollywood insiders are directly responsible for many, if not most, of the movies which show up online.

And they're much better copies than the inferior (ask the MPAA) cam-corded versions the studio claim are ruining them.

p2pnet reported recently:

"A man who allegedly uploaded a copy of the film 'Flushed Away' onto the Internet after getting a copy from an Oscar voter faces a felony charge," says Associated Press, continuing:

"Salvador Nunez Jr., 27, was charged with copyright infringement and faces up to three years in prison if convicted. He was scheduled to appear in court March 1. Prosecutors said he obtained a copy of the movie after it was sent in advanced to his sister, an Oscar voter and member of The International Animated Film Society."

But Nunez isn't alone. Far from it. A now famous AT&T Labs report says of a total of 285 movies researchers sampled on the p2p networks, 77% were leaked by industry 'insiders', and Mel Gibson's Icon company sued a Hollywood post-production house for the unwanted online appearance of his Passion movie.

Russell Sprague got 130 movies from Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences member Carmine Caridi, who was ordered to pay Warner Bros a paltry $300,000 for providing Sprague, who died in an LA jail cell, with the copies.

When Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, showed up online, "There is no better example of how theft dims the magic of the movies for everyone than this report today regarding BitTorrent providing users with illegal copies of Revenge of the Sith," MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) boss Dan 'Jedi' Glickman raged.

However, it wasn't kids. It was insiders. Marc Hoaglin and friends were charged with leaking Revenge of the Sith, having appropriated it from a post- production facility.

And there are plenty of other similar examples.

In this latest revelation of Hollywood culpability, according to the FBI, "Nunez acknowledged he uploaded 'Flushed Away' and the Oscar-nominated film 'Happy Feet' onto the Internet, court documents said. However, investigators only found a copy of 'Flushed Away' in his computer hard drive."

And in a now famous report, AT&T Labs report said of a total of 285 movies its researchers sampled on the p2p networks, 77% were leaked by industry 'insiders'.

Slashdot Slashdot it!

Also See:
Made in Canada - Hollywood's war on Canada, May 4, 2007
all-time high of $25.8 billion - Hollywood reports record revenues, March 6, 2007
Hollywood Reporter - WB bans previews in Canada, May 8, 2007
Reuters - Warner Bros. bans Canada previews in piracy move, May 8, 2007
Oscar voter - Hollywood insider in upload scandal, February 23, 2007
http://p2pnet.net/story/12157

 

Which Digital Camera Is Best?
Nikon or Canon? More megapixels or fewer?
Dave Johnson
Tuesday, May 08, 2007 1:00 AM PDT

Folks are always asking me, "Which is better, the Nikon or the Canon?" Sometimes it's "should I buy the new Sony or the Olympus?" Occasionally, someone will go all out and ask, "What's the best camera on the market?" or "What's the best camera for action photography?"

Wow, how do you answer a question like that? Actually, it's pretty easy: I generally don't answer that question at all. At least, not directly.
You Take Pictures, not Your Camera

When it comes to digital SLRs, there's a rivalry of epic proportion between Canon and Nikon fanatics. It's like the Mac OS versus Windows, Marvel versus DC Comics, Palm versus Blackberry. That fanaticism spills over into the mainstream, and even casual camera buyers get caught up in the propaganda. The reality is that Nikon and Canon cameras are more alike than they are different, and--here's the important point--neither line of cameras is better at photography than you are.

What do I mean by that? Just this: It isn't the camera that makes eye-popping photos possible; it's the person behind the lens. It's comforting to think that "if only I had that new camera, I'd be able to take that awesome photo," but the reality is that Ansel Adams could take that awesome photo with the camera you have right now. One more feature won't make a difference; you take better pictures by studying photographic technique and practicing what you learn.

It might be fun to get the newest, coolest camera--and I don't discount that reason to upgrade. But in most meaningful ways, photography is rarely improved by fancy hardware. That's why it's an art form.
How Important Are the Differences?

That's not to say that there aren't real, tangible differences between digital cameras. Some are small, while others are significant. For example, Canon digital SLRs tend to use CMOS sensors, while Nikon uses CCD. Canon puts the autofocus motor in the camera body, while Nikon builds a separate motor into each and every lens. Canon has begun building a dust-clearing vibration system into the sensors of some of its cameras; Nikon has not.

I have a personal preference for Nikon, and I love my D200. But my father-in-law has a Canon 20D, and he swears by it. He'll probably be a Canon guy for the rest of his life, and I'm pretty likely to stick with Nikon. Why? We each have sizable investments in lenses from our respective camera makers, and it's expensive to switch teams.
What Do You Look For?

So how do you shop for a camera? As is so often the case, the really important stuff is rarely advertised in big bullet points on the box.

You need to find the camera that meets your needs, so first consider the kind of photography you want to do. If you're into action photography, it's important to buy a camera that shoots at very fast shutter speeds and has no noticeable lag between pressing the shutter release and when the picture is taken. If you usually take pictures indoors, get a camera with the widest lens you can find.

Megapixels aren't all that important anymore: Most popular cameras are 6 megapixels or more. Packing too many pixels onto a sensor can reduce image quality, so avoid compact cameras that shoot 10- or 12-megapixel images.

Finally, read reviews that talk about image quality. My favorite camera review site is Digital Photography Review, and I highly recommend that you bookmark it--along, of course, with PC World's Digital Cameras Info Center.
Hot Pic of the Week

Get published, get famous! Each week, we select our favorite reader-submitted photo based on creativity, originality, and technique. Every month, the best of the weekly winners gets a prize valued at between $15 and $50.

Here's how to enter: Send us your photograph in JPEG format, at a resolution no higher than 640 by 480 pixels. Entries at higher resolutions will be immediately disqualified. If necessary, use an image editing program to reduce the file size of your image before e-mailing it to us. Include the title of your photo along with a short description and how you photographed it. Don't forget to send your name, e-mail address, and postal address. Before entering, please read the full description of the contest rules and regulations.

This Week's Hot Pic: "Ice Kingdom," by Scott A. Walmsley, Canajoharie, New York

Scott says that he shot this photo with a Canon 30D at a local waterfall in upstate New York. He says: "I wanted to show that waterfalls can be just as beautiful in the winter as in the summer."

See all the Hot Pic of the Week photos online.
Have a digital photo question? Send me your comments, questions, and suggestions about the newsletter itself. And be sure to sign up to have the Digital Focus Newsletter e-mailed to you each week.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,131098-c,digitalcameras/article.html

 

How to Buy a Home Theater System

Michael Riggs
Monday, May 07, 2007 4:00 PM PDT
Introduction
http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,126251-c,hometheatersystems/article.html
Movies can provide an immersive experience, as sight and sound blend together to take you to a place far, far away. For years you could get that complete escape only in a cinema, with its huge screen and monstrous speakers. Now, with a home theater, you can enjoy a full-fledged cinematic experience in your living room. This guide looks at three key components of a home theater system: the display, the DVD player, and the speakers.

The Big Picture
A wide-screen TV, a DVD player, and surround-sound speakers can turn your living room into a film-watching haven. more

The Specs Explained
You can choose from a wide variety of components to create a home theater. Bigger is not always better, however; find out how to evaluate the specs here. more

Home Theater Shopping Tips
Now that you know which components and specifications are available, you can sort through the options to set up your own customized home theater. more

The Big Picture

A home theater can do a remarkable job of mimicking the multiplex experience. DVD players and newer televisions can produce detailed high-resolution pictures, offering realistic portrayals of everything from the largest explosion to the smallest teardrop. And thanks to a high-quality surround-sound speaker system, you'll almost feel the rotor blades whirring by as you watch a helicopter pass overhead. With the right setup, your living room will become a movie-watching cocoon.

To get the crisp picture, you'll need a DVD player or one of the new high-definition HD DVD or Blu-ray Disc players. DVD video outputs up to 540 horizontal lines of resolution, compared with about 200 lines on the VHS tapes your VCR plays. And you can see the difference, as the higher resolution produces a noticeably smoother and clearer picture. Most major consumer electronics companies, including Panasonic, Pioneer, Sony, and Toshiba, make DVD players. These same companies also make the newer high-definition players that are capable of more than four times the resolution of standard DVD models when playing high-definition discs.

Prices for basic players range from $50 to $150, but you can pay a lot more for DVD players with lots of features. The overall picture quality, however, will usually be just as good on a current low-cost model as on an ultra-deluxe one. All DVD players can read music CDs; most can play MP3 music on recordable CDs, and video on one or more of the various recordable DVD formats (such as DVD-R and DVD+R). Some high-end models can also play one or both of the high-resolution, multichannel audio formats, DVD-Audio (DVD-A) and Super Audio CD (SACD). At the top of the heap are players for the new high-definition videodisc formats, Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD, which currently sell for $300 or more; you'll need a high-definition television to take full advantage of them, though.
Picking the Right TV

While you can watch DVD movies on any television, wide-screen TVs work especially well because most DVD movies use the wide-screen format. Wide-screen televisions have a 16:9 (width:height) aspect ratio, which is closer to the shape of theater screens than the 4:3 aspect ratio of normal TVs is. In addition, the 16:9 aspect ratio is standard for high-definition television, which produces much sharper and clearer pictures than does conventional (NTSC) television. As a result, almost all TVs available today with a diagonal screen measurement greater than 27 inches are wide-screen models, and most (though not all) of them are capable of displaying high-definition images. For your home theater, you probably don't want to consider anything other than a wide-screen TV.

For the first 50 years of television's history, essentially all sets used cathode-ray tubes to display the picture. Today, other display technologies dominate at screen sizes larger than 26 inches, and CRT-based TVs will likely disappear from the market within the next decade. TVs appropriate for home theaters now divide into roughly three categories: flat-panel TVs, rear-projection TVs, and front projectors.

Flat-panel TVs are just a few inches thick and can be either wall- or stand-mounted. LCD (liquid crystal display) panels are available in sizes ranging from portable units of a few inches diagonal to wide-screen models measuring as large as 65 inches diagonal. Plasma panels start at about 42 inches, and models measuring more than 100 inches diagonal are available. Except for small LCD TVs (usually 20 inches or less), almost all flat-panel TVs are wide-screen models, and most have HDTV inputs and resolutions. Where plasma and LCD screen sizes overlap, the LCDs tend to be more expensive. Generally speaking, LCDs are more suitable than plasmas for brightly lit rooms, but plasmas typically can produce deeper blacks and truer colors and thus a more pleasing overall picture. (Both technologies are evolving rapidly, however.) Most flat-panel TVs suitable for home theater use sell for between $700 and $10,000.

Rear-projection TVs cast a video image onto the inside of a translucent screen by means of internal mirrors and lenses. All rear-projection TVs (or RPTVs) available today are wide-screen HDTV designs. Some budget models still use CRTs to create the projected images, but most now rely on more compact DLP (Digital Light Projection), LCoS (liquid crystal on silicon), or LCD light engines in which a high-intensity lamp shines on or through one or more display chips or panels. Although bulkier than flat-panel TVs, rear-projection sets using these new technologies are usually no more than 16 to 18 inches deep and weigh only about 100 pounds; most are designed to be placed on a shelf or stand, something hard to achieve with traditional CRT designs. Screen sizes for rear-projection TVs range from about 42 inches to more than 70 inches diagonal, with prices typically between $1000 and $5000.

Originally developed primarily for business presentations on computers, compact front projectors (most using DLP or LCD technology) have become increasingly popular for home theater. Low-noise, high-definition models start at about $1000, and can produce extremely large, clear pictures. You will need a good-quality reflective cinema screen to project onto, however, and you will need to darken the room to get decent picture quality.
The Sound of Movies

While the visual element is at the forefront of a movie's appeal, sound is what really immerses you in the experience. To achieve theater-quality audio, you'll need more than the speakers built into your TV or the two bookshelf speakers that came with your mini stereo system. A complete surround-sound system from a company such as Bose, JBL, or Paradigm includes center, left, and right speakers, as well as two satellite speakers (intended for placement at the sides or somewhat behind the seating area) and a subwoofer for rumbling bass.

These six speakers work together with audio formats such as Dolby Digital and DTS to create the sensation of bullets whizzing by your head and thunderstorms rolling through your house and rattling your teeth. You don't need all the elements to enjoy a good listening experience, but at a minimum you should have center, left, and right speakers.

Most home theater systems also include an A/V receiver--a box that acts as the hub for all audio input from the various components of the system, decodes surround-sound signals, and amplifies and balances sound before sending it to the speakers.

As more people decide to set up a home theater, vendors are making the task easier. Many companies now offer "home theater in a box" setups that include a DVD player integrated with a receiver, plus a full set of six speakers.

The Specs Explained

You'll find a plethora of displays, DVD players, and speakers at any home electronics store. Distinguishing one from another can be difficult, but the specs can help if you understand them. With that in mind, we've grouped the specifications for these products into three categories: important, somewhat important, and minor.
Important: Display Type

This is the physical mechanism that the TV uses to display the image. Flat panels (both LCD and plasma displays) and rear-projection TVs are capable of producing large, wide-screen, high-definition pictures. Front projectors can create sharp images in still larger screen sizes (up to 10 feet or so). Make your decision based on your budget, on the image size you desire, on where the screen will be located in the room, and on the lighting conditions. LCD panels, for example, can work well even in rooms bathed in bright sunlight, whereas front projectors virtually require that the room be darkened or dimly lit.
Important: Video Inputs and Outputs

These determine how a TV receives signals from a DVD player (or from another external device, such as a cable box or a satellite receiver). S-Video inputs provide a cleaner, slightly higher-resolution picture than standard composite inputs do, while still using a single wire. Component inputs deliver the luminance and color components of a video signal on three separate wires and allow connection of progressive-scan and high-definition sources. HDMI carries digital video signals, primarily from high-definition video sources but also from upconverting DVD players. For best picture quality, use an HDMI or component connection whenever possible.
Important: DVD Player Output Resolution

Conventional DVD players deliver what is known as 480i output, which means 480 video scan lines in interlaced format--the same type of signal that regular TV broadcasts use. Most current players can also provide 480p, or progressive-scan, output, which typically looks better on HDTVs and other sets capable of progressive-scan display (this includes all models except CRT-based sets). Upconversion by DVD players produces HD-resolution (720p, 1080i, and sometimes 1080p) output from a regular DVD. The higher resolutions are produced by interpolation, however, so the picture doesn't look as good as an image from a true high-definition source, plus, almost all current HDTVs perform such upconversion internally anyway. The best pictures are produced by new models that can play true high-definition HD DVD or Blu-ray Discs in addition to standard DVDs.
Important: Number of Speakers

How many speakers do you want? For a complete surround-sound experience from DVDs and from HDTV broadcasts, you'll need five to seven speakers, and for best performance you'll probably want a subwoofer as well (to produce strong, deep bass). In low-end systems or in a cramped area, you may prefer to buy a smaller number of higher-quality speakers; you can always add more later, including a subwoofer. Even if you start out with just a pair of stereo speakers, you'll enjoy significantly better sound than the speakers built into a TV would provide.
Somewhat Important: TV Display Resolution

For 30-inch or larger screens, you'll get better picture quality from high-definition broadcasts and DVDs if you buy an HDTV model. The display resolutions of HDTV sets vary; typical examples include 720p (1280 by 720 pixels), 1080i or 1080p (1920 by 1080), 1366 by 768, and 1024 by 768. The exact display resolution of the set you buy may not matter much unless its screen is relatively large and you sit unusually close to it. The difference between 720p and 1080p resolution, for example, isn't visible on a 50-inch screen until you get within about 10 feet of it.
Somewhat Important: Disc Formats Supported

DVD players can do more than handle DVDs. In addition to running DVD movies, bargain players will play music CDs as well as CD-Rs and CD-RWs with music recorded on them. They will usually play MP3-encoded music on CD-R and CD-RW discs, and video recorded on at least one of the available recordable DVD formats (DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, DVD-RAM). Some higher-end players will also play high-resolution DVD-Audio or SACD music discs. Today's best players support one or both of the new high-definition videodisc formats, Blu-ray and HD DVD.
Minor: Disc Capacity

This is simply the number of discs the DVD player can hold at once. A multidisc changer can be convenient, especially for playing CDs, but it will not affect the setup's picture or sound quality.

Home Theater Shopping Tips

Ready to put together a home theater of your own? Here are PC World's recommendations for displays, DVD players, and speakers.

Go with HD: Choose a wide-screen high-definition TV in the size most appropriate for your room. Only if you're on a very tight budget or have a very small room should you consider anything else.

Choose an appropriate screen size: Bigger is usually better, up to a point. Your own eyes are your best guide on this, but a good (though rough) rule of thumb is that the diagonal screen size should not be larger than about half your seating distance. With a 42-inch TV, for example, you probably should not watch from closer than about 7 feet.

Look for HDMI or component-video inputs on the TV: These inputs will allow you to connect high-definition and progressive-scan sources and will produce the best possible picture quality. The set should also have composite-video and S-Video inputs for sources such as VCRs. And a set of A/V inputs on the set's front or side will make it easier to hook up a camcorder for viewing home videos.

Opt for progressive scan: It's hard to find a current DVD player that doesn't include progressive scan, which produces a sharper, flicker-free picture. However, the TV you use will need to have component inputs that support the progressive-scan signal as well. A high-definition Blu-ray Disc or HD DVD player will provide an even better picture; it also will require a component input--or, better, an HDMI input. Some regular DVD players will upconvert their outputs to pseudo-high-definition resolution, but since this does not actually increase the amount of detail in the picture and duplicates a function built into most TVs that can accept a high-definition input, it is seldom a genuinely useful feature.

Consider a multiple-disc setup: A five-disc carousel DVD player allows you keep a movie or two and several CDs in the player at once, so you don't have to get up to change discs.

Start with three speakers: If you can't afford the full surround-sound setup, start with the center, left, and right speakers. You can always add the subwoofer later if you miss the extra bass, and you can buy the satellite surround speakers if you want a full surround-sound effect.

Use 100 watts as a guideline: A receiver than can produce 100 watts per channel will be more than adequate for most home theater systems.

Look for Dolby Digital support: Make sure the receiver you buy includes Dolby Digital decoding. Dolby Pro Logic II is highly desirable as well, to provide surround sound from videotapes and from ordinary stereo music sources such as CDs.

Look for a good return policy: Some speakers may sound great in the store but not in your living room. Make sure that you can return them if the way they sound in your home disappoints you.

 

Who are you? New music composition site gives you your own theme song

By Joel Hruska | Published: May 08, 2007 - 01:33AM CT

Pete Townshend has been a driving force behind the evolution of rock music for decades—but his latest project is aimed at taking that expertise and using it to create a unique software program, dubbed Method, capable of "painting" a person's musical portrait based on several types of input from each specific person.

link
http://www.lifehouse-method.com/index.html;jsessionid=D7E82577261CD17595050A097D83D717

In theory, any person will be able to create a musical theme based on a voice recording, an image, and a clapped rhythm. If you're wondering exactly how providing these elements equates to a musical theme, you're not alone, but information on how the Lifehouse Method works is currently limited. What we do know is that the rhythms and sounds selected or created by the user are not directly utilized to create music. Instead, Method analyzes each input, and uses this analysis to create the musical selection.

Every hero needs a theme song? Forget that. Every geek needs a theme song!

LINK
http://www.lifehouse-method.com/project.html

The project's web site has additional information on how Method works, as well as some clarifications on pricing. Apparently each person's first three "portrait" sessions are free, as is access to the web site, until July 31. After that date, site access will require a subscription, though there's no mention of how much this will cost. There are some sample segments available for listening, as well.

The site recommends that you have a microphone as well as your own custom images, but stock sounds and photos will be available as well. Townshend has said that he hopes the project encourages more people to experiment with musical composition, as well as to share the music they create. Individual compositions will also be periodically evaluated by a team of composers, with the possibility that they may be chosen for professional expansion by said team.

As something of a musician myself, I've been curious about the Lifehouse Method since I heard about the project and have since sat for two of my three available portraits. For the first portrait, I gave the program a relatively staccato voice sample, a staccato rhythm, a photo with several areas of bright color, and the Windows XP startup theme. For my second sitting, I went with a much smoother, more-connected voice sample, a slow half-note rhythm, one subdued photo of a cloudy sky, and an audio sample of a river running. The goal was to create two varied sets of inputs that'd hopefully allow some insight into how Method constructs its music. If you're curious about the musical output, the results of my first two portraits are available here and here.

I'm not a composer or well-versed in musical composition theory—but I'm not overly impressed with either piece. While both have a definite melodic structure and a sustained theme that continues through the whole of the piece, I'd classify both as sounding mechanical and automatically produced—which, of course, they are. The second piece does sound more connected than the first and has a stronger underlying theme (in my opinion), but based on my first two sessions, I can only make the most tenuous prediction about what a third session might sound like. Based on what I've seen thus far, it's entirely possible that the piano sections of both melodies were actually performed by Nora, the amazing piano-playing cat.

LINK
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZ860P4iTaM

If Pete Townshend is serious about using the Lifehouse Method to introduce more people to musical composition, he'll need to open the process at some point to tweaking and adjustment. Handing a program a few bits of input and then having some output handed back might be an interesting demonstration when you understand how the process works, but for those of us on the outside, it's more puzzling than anything else.
http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/pos...sition-app-gives-you-your-own-theme-song.html

 

Ultimate Boot CD 4.1.0 (Updated)
Author: UltimateBootCD.Com
Date: 2007-05-08
Size: 89.2 Mb
License: Freeware
Requires: Win All


You need the Ultimate Boot CD if you want to:

Run floppy-based diagnostic tools from CDROM drives. More and more PCs are shipped without floppy drives these days, and it is such a royal pain when you need to run diagnostic tools on them.

Free yourself from the slow loading speed of the floppy drive. Even if you do have a floppy drive, it is still much much faster to run your diagnostic tools from the CDROM drive, rather than wait for the tool to load from the floppy drive.

Consolidate as many diagnostic tools as possible into one bootable CD. Wouldn't you like to avoid digging into the dusty box to look for the right floppy disk, but simply run them all from a single CD? Then the Ultimate Boot CD is for you!

This will create an ISO image which you can use to create a bootable CD with your favorite CD burning software.


DOWNLOAD
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4981.html