Comments for SaysDave.com

Comment on On The Border by Jack S.

Jack S. — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 01:07:27 +0000

All I can say is that you must not eat out much. On the Border rates a 2 out of 5 on a good day. That last time I ate there which was the 2nd and last visit at this new store in Firewheel development Garland Tx, the food was served cold and the order was not correct. We had the usual argument over a too-small table. There is nothing to recommend the food at this chain store. They must make the money on the booze served.

Comment on Finding Digital Heaven - A Windows User Switches to a Mac by Partners in Grime

Partners in Grime — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 03:47:57 +0000

Your wife is one smart cookie!

Comment on Finding Digital Heaven - A Windows User Switches to a Mac by Jamie Kelly

Jamie Kelly — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 22:42:07 +0000

@Pecos Bill,

Sorry, my mistake. Some of the Apps are donationware. As a poor student I am using them now with the intention of paying them back when I start to earn money!

Warm Regards,

(Mr.) Jamie Kelly

Comment on Finding Digital Heaven - A Windows User Switches to a Mac by Pecos Bill

Pecos Bill — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:34:07 +0000

Some sites you may want to keep in your bookmarks:

macwindows.com for switchers.

macsurfer.com as all the news.

macintouch.com
macfixit.com
xlr8yourmac.com
macosxhints.com
all have troubleshooting & enhancement info.

And these (in addition to apple’s guide.apple.com) are searchable resources for software:
macupdate.com
versiontracker.com

tidbits.com is a Great online magazine (even if not printed).

I’ve yet to find anything in the windows world like what the Mac universe online has to offer. And, although OS X is essentially virus free, it only happens because we keep current with our updates (after waiting for guinea pigs to test the waters) and we stay informed. There’s a free (currently) antivirus product called ClamXav if you ever feel the need. I don’t use a product yet but can’t stand Symantec/Macafee on XP so I’d never let that touch my Mac. Symantec has caused problems in the past.

I’ve read that VMWare’s product is faster/better for running XP in a virtual machine. Parallels might have caught up. Running a VM and running PPC code in Rosetta requires TONS of RAM. 1G is just NOT enough. 2 is comfortable and more is always better.

Jamie Kelly isn’t quite right about the listed freeware. Quite a few are donationware so if you like/use them, you should donate to see them continue. As s/he mentioned, little snitch is an excellent outbound firewall according to what I’ve read. VLC plays a plethora of video that QT does not. Not sure the point of WhatSize as the Finder’s Get Info command should tell you as well.

Oh, be sure to turn on the context (”right”) click via two finger tap (if not already). It’s phenomenal — especially for a windows user. Drag and drop is excellent and functional on OS X.

Allwell, I feel sorry for you. M$ has you so brainwashed it’s sad.

Everyone, it’s Mac, not MAC. MAC = Media Access Control which is an Ethernet term.

I’ve been using Macs since ‘84 and owned my first (Mac II) in ‘87. I became a Windows power user over the last several years due to my company’s change to XP during the dark days of the latter 90s. I have had to develop a very thick skin as there’s so many annoyances with XP. Vista is lipstick on a pig (though reportedly intensely and impressively more secure than XP; it definitely shows that M$ is more security focused now than Apple). Vista’s just as annoying and more!

Comment on Finding Digital Heaven - A Windows User Switches to a Mac by Jim

Jim — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 12:10:24 +0000

Welcome. Now throw away your crutches. You can walk, brother, you can walk! Be healed in the name of Jobs!

Seriosly, enjoy. And don’t look back.

Comment on Finding Digital Heaven - A Windows User Switches to a Mac by Jamie Kelly

Jamie Kelly — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 09:40:08 +0000

@Allwell,

“All well and good, but the ONLY reason a Mac is better at this moment is that XP is old and Vista sucks worse with every patch.”

That’s actually TWO reasons my friend. And there are numerous positive reasons why a Mac is 1,000,000 times better than a PC, but there’s not enough time in the day to explain.

Just get a Mac, and move away from Registries and DLL Hell.

Comment on Finding Digital Heaven - A Windows User Switches to a Mac by Savage

Savage — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 06:20:46 +0000

Allwell, you are trolling or what!? Apple too will be offering something new when msoft will… ??? What is the point!!? … Still years ahead of Redmond… Worth waiting for what? Chrome plated turd, vaporwares, the “next time will be the good one we promess believe us ’cause we are msoft”… What with the “hang in there” and the “resist temptation”? As if Apple was evil or something…
Where were you living all of these years
Boy! microsoft zombie…

Comment on Finding Digital Heaven - A Windows User Switches to a Mac by Ian

Ian — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 04:36:13 +0000

To Allwell:
“Microsoft has done great (or at least profitable) things in the past”
… like what? Copy Apple and ride their coattails for innovation? Profitable? Yeah… all those anti-trust lawsuits are doing wonders for M$’s image and accounts.
“And really, Vista may be a pain, but it’s starting to offer some of the features Macs have anyway ” … so why not just buy a Mac… fastest Vista laptop right now is… a MacBook Pro… Vista is a really bad rip off of a Mac… the reviews… “worst tech of 2007-PC World” and “worst innovation of the last 25 years-CNET”
“it’s WAY too soon to give up on Windows” … actually people should of given up on Windows from day one and realized that buying cheap is not a good idea and and licensing an OS to every manufacturer of RAM, motherboards, etc. will probably do more harm than good.
“Hang in there–you will see in a few years.” yeah… life is short and I like to be productive with my tools or as one comment said… Use the hammer as a tool… not care about how it’s built.

Welcome to a world of creativity, productivity, innovation, and a future that is extremely overwhelming with even more good things to come!

Comment on Finding Digital Heaven - A Windows User Switches to a Mac by David Sherman

David Sherman — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 03:38:56 +0000

God Bless America! and A MAC!

Comment on Finding Digital Heaven - A Windows User Switches to a Mac by SwitchStories

SwitchStories — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 22:06:19 +0000

Great move, Dave! I switched last year and my Time Machine saved me a lot of time and effort. It would be great if you decided to publish your story on switchstories.com.

Paul

Comment on Finding Digital Heaven - A Windows User Switches to a Mac by Allwell

Allwell — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 21:02:40 +0000

All well and good, but the ONLY reason a Mac is better at this moment is that XP is old and Vista sucks worse with every patch.

The whole game changes in a couple years when Microsoft replaces Vista with whatever new Windows they come up with. Isn’t that worth waiting for?

If you have to get a Mac, at least install Windows on it–it’s WAY too soon to give up on Windows. Microsoft has done great (or at least profitable) things in the past, and they will do great things again. Hang in there–you will see in a few years.

Resist temptation. If you’re going to learn a new system, let it be from Microsoft–not OS X, Linux, or any other flavor of UNIX.

And really, Vista may be a pain, but it’s starting to offer some of the features Macs have anyway

Comment on Finding Digital Heaven - A Windows User Switches to a Mac by Raymondo

Raymondo — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 20:12:52 +0000

Welcome to the Family, Dave. I began my relationship with Apple in 1994 and could not be happier. Just recently I gave my 2006 model Dell to my oldest son and replaced it with a 2003 model iMac. To my delight, the iMac runs faster and is more stable that the newer Dell ever was. And it will also run Leopard, whereas the Dell would not be able to run Vista, or at least not without serious restrictions and problems. Now with my MacBook, iMac and Airport it truly is a wonderful MAC world at my home. Heck, I have even managed to convert several away from the Darkness and into the light. Enjoy your liberation!

Comment on Finding Digital Heaven - A Windows User Switches to a Mac by Jamie Kelly

Jamie Kelly — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 19:13:29 +0000

Hi Dave,

Welcome to the Apple Revolution!

I got my first Mac in 1997 (an original iMac) and haven’t looked back.

A few people have mentioned some nice Apps, I have a few gems I love:

• Adium - Instant Messaging, multi-protocol (free).
• Audio Hijack - Record Streaming Media to your HD (shareware).
• Backdrop - provides a plain background (ideal for recording your desktop).
• BatChmod - Apply specific Permissions to entire folders (free).
• Camino - web browser (free).
• Carbon Copy Cloner - amazing system backup (bootable) (free).
• Cyberduck - amazing ftp client (free).
• EasyFind - old skool search App (free).
• Final Vinyl - Record your old records to mp3 (free).
• Firefox - another browser (free).
• Flip4Mac - WMV plugin for QuickTime (free)
• Perian - DivX plugin for QuickTime (free).
• Handbrake - DVD to m4v convertor (free).
• iPhoto Library Manager - Manage your libraries (shareware).
• iStumbler - browse available networks (free).
• LCDtest - test for dead pixels on your screen (free).
• LineIn - Pass your sound right through from mic to speakers (free).
• Little Snitch - my favourite App! Monitor outgoing connections (shareware).
• MacThe Ripper - DVD extractor.
• Mactracker - database of every Mac ever made (free).
• NetNewsWire - RSS App (free).
• Pac the Man X - need I explain? (free).
• Pixelmator - nice lightweight Photoshop style App (shareware).
• Quinn - Tetris game (free).
• Senuti - get music off your iPod onto your Mac (iTunes backwards - get it?) (free).
• Skim - Free PDF reader - fast (free).
• Skype - voIP client (free).
• Solitaire XL - Solitaire game (free).
• TextWrangler - amazing text editor (free).
• The Unarchiver - replacement for ZIP tool in OS X (free).
• TinkerTool - system tweaker (free).
• Transmission - my favourite torrent client (free).
• Transmit - ftp client, mega fast connection to iDisk (shareware).
• unpkg - pkg inspector (free).
• UnRarX - Rar viewer for OS X (free).
• Visual Hub - cool convertor for video (shareware).
• VLC - cool alternative to QuickTime Player.
• WhatSize - check the size of any file or folder (shareware).

Well that’s my favourite little Apps from my MacBook HD, I hope you find some of them useful.

Jamie.

Comment on Finding Digital Heaven - A Windows User Switches to a Mac by DanGCRNA

DanGCRNA — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:51:03 +0000

Dave:

Welcome to what computing can and should be!

I decided to switch in 2004 when I realized that adware/spyware and other malignancies had totally hijacked my machine and were, in effect, trying to blackmail me (want these pop-ups to stop? just buy our software!). Since reformatting meant starting over, I decided to REALLY start over. My dual 1.8 G5 is still humming along as I write this, listening to iTunes, and sharing the screen with my MacBook so I can write test questions for a national certifying exam without moving files between machines.

It is such a pleasure to use machines that work as advertised. I can’t imagine ever returning to the absolute mess that is windows. I think I’d quit using computers rather than do that.

Again, Welcome!

Comment on Finding Digital Heaven - A Windows User Switches to a Mac by Don

Don — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:46:30 +0000

Just a couple of suggestions:
1) Although I don’t suggest it for towers, I urge you to consider getting AppleCare for your laptop. Moving them around and the ultraminiaturization of components is likely to cause problems for any laptop. If something goes wrong with your screen it could cost half the price or more of the laptop to replace it once it’s out of warrantee.
2) If you open lots of applications, you may find that your computer isn’t as fast as you’d like. Add more RAM, but don’t get it through Apple. For some reason they charge way too much for RAM.
3) The Mac OS is UNIX, and UNIX performs various tasks at 2:00 am. Most people I know, however, either put their computers to sleep or turn them off. To make up for this, get an application (such as the freeware Onyx) to run these housekeeping tasks once every couple of weeks.

Comment on Finding Digital Heaven - A Windows User Switches to a Mac by MacDuff

MacDuff — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:31:22 +0000

A poster mentioned Quicksilver. While it is indeed worthy of checking out, you can also launch applications — and find just about anything — using OS X’s Spotlight. Key Command-spacebar, type the first few letters and the app should appear in he list very quickly.

Comment on Finding Digital Heaven - A Windows User Switches to a Mac by MacDuff

MacDuff — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:28:27 +0000

Congratulations! May the joy never wear off… although it of course will will diminish a bit to a mild, ongoing calm as you work through your tasks.

A couple of quick tips — some of which you may already know — to kick your productivity into high gear:

1) The Dock is highly configurable, both in its display preferences AND content. You can drag any file, folder or even a disk to the (right side) of the Dock for easy, universal access (applications can be placed on the left side of the Dock). Like the Windows Taskbar and Start menu, the Dock is always available no matter what window clutter you may be facing. The Dock can be hidden, popping up when needed by firing the cursor to the Dock’s position.

2) Expose is a fantastic window management technique and is deeper than meets the eye. You can invoke the three Expose modes using Function keys, dead corners of the display (handy if you just use the laptop’s trackpad), or use multi buttons on a mouse. A valuable, undocumented feature of Expose is that you can DRAG-AND-DROP between windows or off the Desktop. This is a fast, intuitive way to grab text, images or documents to be placed into other documents or folders. In fact, if you use a multi-button mouse to trigger Expose, you can immediately TURN OFF Expose once you’re hovering some item you grabbed to drop in that exposed Window. So, grab with mouse, expose all windows with other mouse button, hover over your exposed destination window, hit that same secondary mouse button to deactivate Expose, the desired window pops up immediately and you drop your items in. WICKED-FAST!

3) Mac OS X Leopard’s “Quicklook” feature. The fact that you can preview files — even some non-Apple ones like multipage Office documents — by simply hitting the spacebar in the Finder makes the act of perusing files fast and dare I say a joy.

You already are using Time Machine. ‘Nuff said.

Hope these help.

Oh, one more little helper: if you have several windows open in an application or Finder windows open, if you hold the Option key while closing ONE window then ALL windows of that application will close at once. Handy to get out of a busy, just-completed Finder process or something.

And then, there’s system-wide spell checking (key: shift+Command+ the ; key) and system-wide dictionary (place cursor over word and key: Control+Command+D (the Command key is the one with the Apple and “cloverleaf” icons, ether side of the spacebar).

Enjoy!

Comment on Finding Digital Heaven - A Windows User Switches to a Mac by Jason

Jason — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:23:50 +0000

Welcome to the other side. I, like yourself, had been a long time PC user but the experience of running Vista on my home machine and general dissatisfaction with Windows and Microsoft in general led to completely re-evaluate what it was I wanted out of my personal computing equipment.

I’m long past the point now where I tinker with things endlessly to find out how they work, I just want it to work when I need it. I’ve been using a MacBook Pro since October 2007 and it’s been a revelation for me personally. It’s made Apple a fortune as well, because since buying the MacBook I’ve also purchased an Airport Extreme, 500GB Time Capsule, Aperture, iWorks, a couple of external drives for Time Machine (while I’m out and about) and a few of other third party applications to boot.

I’ve found that I’ve become so much more productive with my photographic hobby as a result of switching to the Mac, on top of that I’ve had time to create my own personal website which doesn’t look like it was created by a child.

I’m so damn happy with m MacBook Pro that I’m hoping to replace the Windows PC with a top of the range iMac in a couple of months time as well.

As many have said already, welcome to the fold and it’s great to hear that you’re enjoying your time with the Mac.

Comment on Finding Digital Heaven - A Windows User Switches to a Mac by Mac é o ‘céu digital’, diz veterano do Windows | AppleMania.info

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:13:43 +0000

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Comment on Finding Digital Heaven - A Windows User Switches to a Mac by Thunk Different.

Thunk Different. — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:12:16 +0000

I’m with slappy!

Comment on Finding Digital Heaven - A Windows User Switches to a Mac by Steve

Steve — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:10:01 +0000

You did the right thing. I am forced to use a Windows XP machine at work, while at home I revel in the delights of my MacBook Pro with Leopard. The Windows machine feels like I am using one of those old style telephones with the dials, whereas with the Mac I am using the best and most stable technology that just works. The Mac isn’t perfect, but it is significantly more perfect than the PC with windows. The biggest problem I have with the Mac is stopping others in my household from borrowing it!

Comment on Finding Digital Heaven - A Windows User Switches to a Mac by Jason

Jason — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:05:47 +0000

Congratulations Dave! Welcome to the wonderful world of Apple. I used to work at a local Apple Retail store and can verify your claim that it is one of the most wonderful places to visit (and work). Every person I worked with were passionate about their Macs, loved answering peoples questions, and were all extremely knowledgable. Glad you had such a wonderful experience!

Comment on Finding Digital Heaven - A Windows User Switches to a Mac by Daniel E Steward

Daniel E Steward — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:04:37 +0000

Dave,

You now know why so many Mac developers like me have doggedly continued working on our Mac software in the face of everyone and his dog telling us to write for Windows instead.

It’s just plain fun and even a one-man show like me can write decent software for the Mac.

Dan

Comment on Finding Digital Heaven - A Windows User Switches to a Mac by cookie

cookie — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:04:33 +0000

Haha ! Welcome to the Apple World, and yes Mac OS X is a very productive system !

Comment on Finding Digital Heaven - A Windows User Switches to a Mac by Elder Norm

Elder Norm — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:02:21 +0000

Welcome to the revolution (the computer revolution that is. ) I have been using PCs (at work supported by IT) and Macs (on the road, supported by ME. ) And since ME has less technical computer knowledge than IT, the Macs have been a welcome tool.

I totally agree with your comments about Apple support people too.

Enjoy. (and take some time to try some of the fun stuff like the camera software, putting yourself in Paris on iChat while you video chat, etc)
en

Comment on Finding Digital Heaven - A Windows User Switches to a Mac by dave too

dave too — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:54:47 +0000

welcome to the mac world. i’ve been a mac guy since 1985, and if you think the ME days were dark…

enjoy your new found bliss. remember you may encounter occasional glitches, nothing is perfect. but as someone who is also particular about his machines, you will truly enjoy digging into the mac system. there is a logic, and symmetry to the the mac world that is sorely missing on the other side.

Comment on Finding Digital Heaven - A Windows User Switches to a Mac by Mitch

Mitch — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:49:23 +0000

Nice story. I hope you enjoy your new Macbook Pro.

Comment on Finding Digital Heaven - A Windows User Switches to a Mac by David Cox

David Cox — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:43:28 +0000

Nice story, Dave. What took you so long?

Welcome to the bright side…
check out the Mac websites… we have a great forum over at MacMinute.com/cafe.

Regards,
David (DLC)

Comment on Finding Digital Heaven - A Windows User Switches to a Mac by Rene

Rene — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:33:45 +0000

I can totally relate to the experience you talked about and I to have left the Windows world behind and have never regretted it one bit.

Comment on Finding Digital Heaven - A Windows User Switches to a Mac by slappy

slappy — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:33:39 +0000

Welcome to the world of Mac. The best thing about the Mac is the ability to run many types of OS. Since I have to work on occasion in Windows, Parallels is the best thing to have dual OS running at the same time. One computer to run them all is what I say.

Comment on Finding Digital Heaven - A Windows User Switches to a Mac by jtsnyc47

jtsnyc47 — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:33:31 +0000

Dave:

I’ve been an enthusiastic Mac user since 1994, so when friends ask me purchase advice, my first sentence requires me to state my OS bias. Those who have chosen to take me up on my advice have never looked back. I fancy myself a tinkerer, so it seems paradoxical to some people that my computer of choice does not reflect a strong desire to fully understand its arcane inner workings. When asked, I state simply “I don’t have to understand how to make a hammer to use a hammer”. My computer is a tool that allows them to do other things; having to constantly maintain the tool itself sucks the joy out of using it. I’m sure you feel like several former Windows users feel. The marginal amount of pleasure/pride you felt being able to “master” your Wintel box pales in comparison to the joy you feel using a truly productivity focused machine. Welcome!

Comment on Being a Philosopher by Pete

Pete — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:24:46 +0000

Only a philosopher would say that. Think about it!

Comment on Finding Digital Heaven - A Windows User Switches to a Mac by Kumaran Vijayan

Kumaran Vijayan — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:21:11 +0000

Hey! Congrats on the purchase! I love my MacBook Pro too.

Comment on Finding Digital Heaven - A Windows User Switches to a Mac by Craig Fine

Craig Fine — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:15:20 +0000

Now if he can discover all of the little tricks we have come to know so well, like using Quicksilver to launch programs in two or three key stokes, and all of the gems like “Menu Meters” to be able to see how effortless your dual processors are working, I think this man will be hooked for life. Don’t forget the much needed little gem for iWeb 2.0 http://mistergregg.com/cocoadrillosoftware/iWebSites/
The little application that let’s you switch between your websites before you launch iWeb. Someday Apple will fix this…

Apple rocks, and still we are virus free and screaming along at 64 bits!

Craig
Springfield, MO/Sacramento, CA

Comment on Finding Digital Heaven - A Windows User Switches to a Mac by Charlie Bing

Charlie Bing — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:11:40 +0000

Welcome aboard!

Comment on Finding Digital Heaven - A Windows User Switches to a Mac by Vague Nomenclature

Vague Nomenclature — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:58:58 +0000

Welcome to the light side. We’ve been waiting for you. =)

Comment on Finding Digital Heaven - A Windows User Switches to a Mac by arw

arw — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:57:05 +0000

Welcome to Macintosh. I had much the same experience back in 1989 and have never looked back.

Comment on Finding Digital Heaven - A Windows User Switches to a Mac by Moses

Moses — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:46:31 +0000

I started with an desktop unit in 2001, a laptop in 2006 and just recently an iMac and a iPhone.

My experience with the Apple Store and it’s employees was the same as yours. They even allowed me to “trade” my 3 week old 8GB iPhone for a 16GB model without charging me a restocking fee. They were so pleasant and eager to give me a great in-store experience. They even helped me with AT&T. No Windows reseller has ever given my PC using wife that type of customer service.

Comment on Qdoba Mexican Grill: Worth Staying Home For by Ike

Ike — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:36:53 +0000

Should have gone to Chipotle instead.

Comment on Qdoba Mexican Grill: Worth Staying Home For by Ike

Ike — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:36:16 +0000

Go to chipotle instead.

Comment on Qdoba Mexican Grill: Worth Staying Home For by wendy

wendy — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 22:49:12 +0000

Shoulda stopped at Mi Casa, instead. They practically share the same parking lot. It’s the locally owned gem you’re looking for.

Comment on Americans Use Multiple Research Sources by fire in the a-hole

fire in the a-hole — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 04:37:13 +0000

13 WORST SCIENCE JOBS
(Popular Science, best of 2003-7)
ELEPHANT VASECTOMIST
ORANGUTAN-PEE COLLECTOR
ANAL-WART RESEARCHER
SEMEN WASHERS
WHALE FECES RESEARCHER
TAMPON SQUEEZER
HAZMAT DIVER
DYSENTERY STOOL-SAMPLE ANALYZER
BARNYARD MASTURBATOR
WORM PARASITOLOGIST
CARCASS CLEANER

Editor’s note: This message posted by a reader from Reston Virginia.

Comment on Light Speed: Turn It Down, Turn It Up by Renata Kowelska

Renata Kowelska — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 22:53:56 +0000

Thanks. Great great site. Very well designed! Your site is very interesting and useful.

Comment on Light Speed: Turn It Down, Turn It Up by Antoni Slowacki

Antoni Slowacki — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 16:40:12 +0000

Nice site, cool design, webmaster - respect !

Comment on Proton-Based Network Offers Free Cellular and Internet Services by Sally Kraus

Sally Kraus — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 06:02:18 +0000

cool site

Comment on P.F. Chang’s: A Family Fiasco by Josh

Josh — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 23:46:18 +0000

i didn’t like pf chang’s that much either. i didn’t really notice much on the service, i dont find their food very…chinese. doesnt compare to hunan manor. also, the portions were small.

Comment on Update on Soto’s Grill: Still Great Dining in Ellicott City by Soto

Soto — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 14:50:33 +0000

Dave,

Thank you for spreading the word. We are going to be advertising in the Clipper Magazine this July. There will be $5 and $10 off coupons available in this issue. We are also in the process of putting our web site together where people can check out our menu and contact me directly.

Thanks again, Soto

Comment on Using Computer Clock Skew to Crack Anonymity Networks by Shava Nerad

Shava Nerad — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 15:29:09 +0000

Just to clarify a few things — Steven’s attack is based on Tor’s hidden services, not normal end users. Hidden services are probably considerably less than 1% of the Tor network activity — it’s a way to hide chat or web services’ geographical location, as might be used by the military to conceal command and control servers (one of the original purposes for which the US Naval Research Labs designed onion routing, the ancestor of Tor).

Hidden services have never been able to be made highly secure or well performing, but Steven’s research is still important and interesting.

And Tor is not a project of EFF, although our URL is there, and they have been and continue to be great friends of the project. As of today we have become our own nonprofit.

Shava Nerad
Executive Director
The Tor Project

Comment on Reset Your Digital Watch, Saturday Night by Deb

Deb — Tue, 03 Jan 2006 20:42:42 +0000

Does this mean that I’ll now be on time for things?

–Deb

Comment on Excuse me pal, do you mind if I take the window seat? by Chris

Chris — Sun, 11 Dec 2005 01:27:04 +0000

Interesting article. You are correct that you should plan ahead when you are traveling with your pet, be sure you are aware of all the airline’s requirements.
But most veterinarians don’t suggest the use of sedatives when shipping you pet by air, and most of the airlines require a note from the doctor if you choose to do so. Making sure your pet is comfortable in their crate or kennel seems like it might be one of the biggest tips, as many dogs and cats injure themselves trying to escape

Comment on Bennigan’s Leaves Something Worth Desiring by Cheryl Stewart

Cheryl Stewart — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 08:25:59 +0000

When I first arrived in MD and moved to Ellicott City I tried Bennigans too, it is only a block away from my house. I was disappointed with the foood, but more so with the restroom. If its one thing I hate it is a dirty restroom in a supposedly ‘nice’ restaurant. If the bathroom is dirty what does that say about the kitchen? So, that does it for me I won’t eat there again. Now, before I order food I will check out the restroom and if its not up to par, I’m gone.

Comment on Don’t Say Anything: We Still Know Where You Are by Dan

Dan — Tue, 15 Nov 2005 12:27:12 +0000

I also feel very uncomfortable with the obvious opportunity for progression to privacy infringment. That is, all it takes is for a ‘gateway’ law to be passed, e.g. tracking cell phones for traffic monitoring. It’s then a whole lot easier to simply ‘enhance’ the law to the point of using this system to target speeding violations (like you said, Dave) or even failure to come to a full stop at stop signs. It could even be used to profile where you shop, how long you spend at the gym, etc. etc. etc.

On the other hand, as a parent you may eventually have the ability to pinpoint whether your child is ACTUALLY at the movies…

Comment on Telephone Messages: Leaving a Good Impression by Wiliam Wilkins

Wiliam Wilkins — Sun, 13 Nov 2005 16:27:53 +0000

Great article!

I agree with you. Voice mail messages need to be clear and concise. Few recorders have the ability to speed up the playback, and it can be a significant waste of time to listen to a long message just to replay the phone number that’s stated at the end of the message.

–Bill

Comment on Telephone Messages: Leaving a Good Impression by Wiliam Wilkins

Wiliam Wilkins — Sun, 13 Nov 2005 16:25:54 +0000

Great article!

–Bill

Comment on Quantum Computer to be Ready in Three Years by dave

dave — Fri, 07 Oct 2005 19:28:54 +0000

Everyone keeps talking about Quantum Entanglement like it’s something people should just know. So I spent a few years writing up a site that explains how QE works, without math, but with plenty of pictures and analogies.

Quantum Entanglement

Comment on Double T Diner Needs to Focus on Service by Dave Murphy

Dave Murphy — Fri, 30 Sep 2005 17:49:34 +0000

The Double T Diner in Ellicott City on Rte 40, across the street from the Enchanted Forest.

The mouse mousse was great (I have enjoyed all our food at each of the Double T diners), but the service is the cause of a bad dinner out.

Comment on Double T Diner Needs to Focus on Service by Arthur

Arthur — Fri, 30 Sep 2005 08:34:38 +0000

WHICH Double T Diner? Where?

Also, besides your ranting about the service, HOW was the Mouse Mousse? What WAS in it?

Comment on Hyper-Threading Vulnerability by Bobby

Bobby — Tue, 24 May 2005 23:40:41 +0000

Great info, but how do you disable HT?

—
To my knowledge, it’s not possible
–Dave

Comment on Telephone Messages: Leaving a Good Impression by Sara

Sara — Thu, 19 May 2005 00:07:46 +0000

I totally agree! I’d also like to say something positive for the flip side. We use our answering machine(AM) as folks of yore employed a butler. If “madame is indisposed” the butler/AM runs interferrance and we return call when it’s convenient for us.

Comment on Welcome to SaysDave by Sara

Sara — Thu, 19 May 2005 00:02:12 +0000

Hey, Dave! Nice idea. I’d like to suggest some other places you could rate. “That’s Amore” at the Mall. “Zapata’s Mexican Cuisine” at Harper’s Choice V.C., “Charter Deli” on Hickory Ridge Rd., “Old Hickory Grill” and “Cuba de Ayer”, both on Rt. 198 in Burtonsville.

Comment on Hyper-Threading Vulnerability by Charles Ramos

Charles Ramos — Mon, 16 May 2005 16:49:39 +0000

HT technology, while a step forward for Intel, is actually a step back for many users. I expect that this is just the first of multiple vunerabilities that will come to light.

AMD processors offer similar performance capabilities, without the risk of this security vulnerability.

Good article, I’m glad I caught it in my daily reading. Keep up the good work, Dave.

Charlie

Comment on The Home Depot: Saturday Help is Hard to Find by Amy

Amy — Tue, 12 Apr 2005 14:15:03 +0000

I was searching for some information about Duchess and found the comment on your site. Thought you might want to know, the owner of Duchess (I think his name was Michael Kovacs) died this past weekend.

Comment on TooJays Needs New Management by doris savoy

doris savoy — Fri, 08 Apr 2005 17:47:01 +0000

we can use a toojAY RESTURANT IN PORT ST LUCIE,FL this a fast gorwing area there is one in vero beach and stuart but not here thank you

Comment on Ad Blocking: Have You Thought About It? by Debbie

Debbie — Thu, 07 Apr 2005 23:00:46 +0000

The real question is why do check out clerks at Michaels wear eye lobe expanders? Another real question is can I park my RV in your driveway and use your hook ups for my waste products? And last but not least, can I ask my son’s Godfather to make a backup copy of a personalized CD which I know my son will destroy once he gets his 2.5 yr old hands on it?

Comment on Double T Diner Needs to Focus on Service by Paul

Paul — Sat, 26 Mar 2005 22:22:27 +0000

On 3/26/2005, I questioned why a party of 4 very important looking people were seated before my wife and I, and was told that it was a bigger booth but my wife and I were put in the same size booth but in the diner near the outside wall and not the dining room. When I checked out, I said that that I hoped that the old guy tipped well because his family was seated in front of us. I was told that he did tip well, and I said he must be a friend and was told that he was. I said that I would remember that the next time that I looked for a restaurant. There were other signs of discrimination, but witout proof I’ll let you decide if you patronize this restaurant. I won’t be there. - They obviously don’t need my business and they seemed strangely very comfortble being rude and discriminatory. We had a very good young waiter named Chris. Now you will think that this might be our first time at Double T. Wrong, we go out of our way to eat at their restaurants including the new one in Frederick. This one in Ellicott city has management problems.

Comment on Welcome to SaysDave by Dan Gilmore

Dan Gilmore — Fri, 25 Mar 2005 11:52:24 +0000

Copeland’s is good, sometimes. It’s really hit or miss; it’s either really good, or just lousy.

Comment on La Fiesta is Great, Even For Bachelors by Dan Gilmore

Dan Gilmore — Fri, 25 Mar 2005 11:50:30 +0000

If you like that restaurant, try Mi Casa in Ellicot City (just west of 29 off of RT 40…the street name eludes me atm).

Odd bartender, but the food is outstanding.

Comment on UA Student Convicted for Downloading Music & Movies by Bill Wagner

Bill Wagner — Tue, 08 Mar 2005 08:32:50 +0000

Dave,

Good point. This was more than a teenager’s prank, and the legal system must send a signal to music and software pirates that punishment is a real possibility, once caught.

Bill Wagner

Comment on TooJays Needs New Management by Debbie

Debbie — Sat, 19 Feb 2005 22:24:22 +0000

was the chili at least hot? hot enough to melt your plastic bowl?

Comment on CompUSA, Columbia, Maryland Has Great Management by Dave Murphy

Dave Murphy — Sat, 19 Feb 2005 14:04:22 +0000

A followup…

I returned to the same CompUSA store, last evening, to exchange a notebook power adapter (I had initially picked up the wrong model). I eventually found the model that would work with my notebook, and I checked out. During the checkout process, I mentioned to the salesman that the aisle that displayed the notebook adapters was in disarray and that the model of adapter I was buying was marked as $99.99, when in fact it was selling for $79.99 (not on sale). He ignored me. I again suggested that the aisle should be more neatly arranged, and he mumbled something to the effect of “the aisles are often messed up.” I then pressed him to introduce me to the store manager. The manager was very interested in my suggestions, especially the one that the checkout clerk should be better trained.

Ah, go figure, CompUSA, sometimes I meet with great customer service, but most of the time, sadly, I find mismanagement and near squalor.

Comment on Malware Attempts To Delete Microsoft AntiSpyware Program by Joe Smith

Joe Smith — Sun, 13 Feb 2005 13:16:27 +0000

Dave,

You’re telling the truth! The Microsoft AntiSpyware program, part of the acquisition of a Chinese software house. The program resides in the system toolbar, and uses a heap of system resources, and it’s no more effective than Ad-Aware or Spybot Search & Destroy, both products are freely available from their vendor’s websites.

When will Microsoft learn? Write good code, and the market will follow.

J.S.

Comment on SSL No Longer Secure in the Face of Marketscore Spyware by Rossi Kwan King Fai

Rossi Kwan King Fai — Wed, 19 Jan 2005 01:42:45 +0000

Hi there,

I am looking for the information of the Marketscore.com spymare. As we know that the spyware may steal user informations while SSL is established.

Do u have idea or reference for the details of the possible way that the “proxy” server can steal the data which SSL used. Thanks

Comment on Critical Thinking About Consumer Products by Rob Waters

Rob Waters — Sat, 15 Jan 2005 00:32:39 +0000

Excellent article. I’m with you all the way. I’m sick and tired of advertising come-ons that mislead and misdirect my attention.

Super blog! Keep up the great work!

Comment on You Had Better Protect Your Christmas Computer by George Anderson

George Anderson — Fri, 07 Jan 2005 17:13:09 +0000

Absolutely right, Dave! I sat there smug in my own little world, falsely thinking I was safe when I first read this blog. Then I was attacked by browser hijackers, pop-up placers etc. Running Norton, Ad-aware, Spybot S&D, and Hijackthis did not stop them. Even running these programs in safe mode did not help. I recommend those using WIN XP to disable the “auto restore” feature. It restores your system to the last good boot-up. If the virus you just deleted in safe mode was in your registries, you just reloaded it again via auto restore.

What helped was visiting http://www.antivirus.com/. The site is from TrendMicro. Click on the Personal tab and run the free virus scan. It found 10 copies of spyware/virus software not previously found, including one in a hidden file in the Windows/system32 folder.

While the virus scan is running, answer the 5 virus related questions at the page top. Doing so will provide you with a link to purchase
PC-Cillin at a 20% discount ($40). PC-Cillin was the only program that removed, and has kept control of, those additional programs. My system has been clean ever since!

Comment on Annual Prognostications by Patrick Smiley

Patrick Smiley — Mon, 03 Jan 2005 20:24:52 +0000

Amazon.com, Ebay.com and Google.com have begun the revolution that will replace the standard method of thought that was begun by Mr. Gugenheim … the paper printing press.
Amazon proved that a totally on-line business could turn a profit.
Ebay has proved that the average person is not a thief and is in search of an honest product for an honest price. How easy would it have been for 5 out of 10 persons to defraud customers/sellers?
And, finally, Google has begun digitizing all public-domain books so that they will be searchable by all. That includes books in other languages than English. (You can find this info by going to “Google.com” and visiting their “about Google” link).
So, the paperless society has finally begun. If you need further proof, go to Monster.com and look up “electronic document management” … it is a brand new job field, and there are 100’s of positions available. These positions, mostly with federal and state government institutions, exist solely to manage the transfer of paper documents into electronic form.
The only major problem with all of this is that it removes a couple senses from the learning process: I can’t highlight key passages, nor can I write notes along the margins, and I can’t easily flip back and forth between pages. So, the next major advance in electronic documentation (which will probably come from Adobe) will better enable the customer to interact directly with them.

Comment on Annual Prognostications by Sue Warren

Sue Warren — Thu, 30 Dec 2004 23:50:20 +0000

I’m looking forward to seeing a better integration of digital accessories: PDAs that easily receive and display digital photos, digital cameras that print immediately to photo printers (using my computer as a conduit). It’s too difficult to coordinate each of my PC’s accesories (and try to keep Windows from crashing … but that’s another gripe). I hope 2005 brings a bit of simplicity to digital integration.

Sue

P.S. Great blog, thanks for publishing it!

Comment on You Had Better Protect Your Christmas Computer by Wayne Brown

Wayne Brown — Thu, 30 Dec 2004 23:29:02 +0000

I agree…you make a good point. A new computer must be secured before being connected to the net, otherwise it risks being infected wtih spyware and IP-transmitted worms immediately, especially if connectd to a broadband (LAN/cable/DSL) connection.

BTW, great site…your blog articles are insightful and right on the mark. Keep up the good work.

Comment on Annual Prognostications by George Anderson

George Anderson — Tue, 28 Dec 2004 09:08:38 +0000

Dave,

Love the Website. My prediction is that the elections in Iraq will become a fiasco with violence escalating in the weeks leading up to the election. Political candidates will be killed or injured, forcing others to withdraw from the political arena. As a result, the U.S. will increase its involvement in providing security within the country. Unfortunately for the U.S., political support from other countries will continue to decline leaving America with a modern-day Viet Nam on its hands. The evntuality I foresee is exactly the same as Viet Nam: The U.S. will eventually pull its troops out leaving the Iraqi people to fend for themselves. Just a prediction from one who lived and had to adjust his life because of the Viet Nam Conflict.

Comment on Users Warned of Multiple Windows Security Vulnerabilities by William Hanes

William Hanes — Sun, 26 Dec 2004 22:36:39 +0000

You’re 100% right, Dave. It’s vital that we users take care to not open unexpected file attachments that we receive in our email. Even if the message is from someone that we know, if we don’t anticipate receiving the attachment, don’t open it! It’s possible that our friend’s computer has been infected.

Solid blog, good work!

Bill

Comment on Annual Prognostications by Joy Fields

Joy Fields — Sun, 26 Dec 2004 10:06:31 +0000

I look forward electronic devices that don’t require such frequent battery charges or replacements. My cell phone has to be recharged at least every other day! Why can’t a battery hold a charge for a week, or even, a month? I feel tied to my charging cord(s). Luckily, I have both a household and car charger for my phone, but my laptop computer has only a household charger, and I sometimes can’t find a wall plug when I’m at the library. A 2-hour charge for the laptop doesn’t cut it when I’m doing a lot of research.

Comment on Annual Prognostications by Bill Waters

Bill Waters — Sun, 26 Dec 2004 10:00:06 +0000

Dave,

I predict that combination PDA, cell phone, digital music players (recorders) will be the hot product in 2005. I’m tired of having to tote three devices with me. PDAs with voice/music recorders are already available, and the Treo line of PDA/cell phones have proven the concept of combining these two tools.

Keep up the good work … your blog is one of my favorites!

Bill

Comment on Riverside Roastery & Espresso - more than just a great cup of coffee by Jennifer Smithson

Jennifer Smithson — Wed, 22 Dec 2004 10:52:45 +0000

I just wanted to let you know that I think this blog is a fantastic idea. An avid restauranteur myself, I enjoy finding out new places to eat and visit. (and places to stay away from). Keep up the good work!

-Jennifer S.

Comment on Welcome to SaysDave by Bob Morrow

Bob Morrow — Mon, 06 Dec 2004 16:01:26 +0000

Dave, I enjoy your critiques of the businesses around the Baltimore area. I’m now living in TN but I worked for a large government agency in that area while I was attending college [at age 43] and still have fond memories of the area.

Also enjoy your e-mail; short and to the point.

Bob