Category: Technology

How to compress Virtual PC virtual hard disks (.VHDs)

Software / Technology

Clear out the machine of filler I recommend installing CCLEANER.EXE from http://ccleaner.com which deletes all temporary files from the Windows installation, Internet Explorer cache, the Recycle Bin, and any number of other "garbage"/"temp" directories in the VPC. Disable hibernation If you have hiberation turned on, there’s a colossal sized file called hiberfil.sys in the root of the .VHD.  Go into Power options in Control Panel and disable hiberation to get rid of this file. Capture the Virtual Disk Precompactor .ISO In the menu of Virtual PC windows for …

Change your password – Microsoft Passport / Live ID / Hotmail breach…

Technology / Websites

Around October 1, 2009, about 10,000 Microsoft Passport / Live ID / Hotmail username/passwords were posted to the web by a hacker who got the information from "phishing" emails. "Phishing" is a VERY low-tech way of getting people’s usernames and passwords – they ask you for it. Yeah – seriously. When you get an email from your bank or hotmail account (or just about any site that uses a username/password) that asks you to confirm your username and password via email, you can be SURE it is a …

FREE Antivirus software from Microsoft

Microsoft / Software / Technology

After many years of dealing with viruses, spyware and ‘malware’, Microsoft has finally released “Microsoft Security Essentials” (MSE), a FREE antivirus/antispyware/antimalware software! I ran the beta since the first day it was release on XP, Vista and Windows 7 machines, and it’s done a superb job. It even caught random trojan horse spyware on websites and files downloaded from the web. I’ve pushed NOD32 for several years because I liked how thin/simple the software was when installed. Like MSE, NOD32 focused on JUST doing it’s job of watching …

Hiding those (sometimes) annoying “news” items on Facebook…

Technology / Websites

I’ll admit it – I’m a 100% Facebook addict. Well, okay, not 100% – but with regard to the overall system and features, I’m totally there. However, there are a few things that drive (or drove) me crazy. Well, I’m not against anyone who loves the cutesie little games and quizzes, but there are several I just don’t want to see anymore. And when you’ve got a friend who do you like – but can’t stand their posts or social agenda (you know who you are) – rather …

Microsoft finally working on a FREE virus scanner…

Microsoft / Software / Technology

In November 2008, Microsoft finally announced that they are going to release a FREE anti-virus scanner for Windows. Currently, it’s called ‘Morro’ (possibly after the Morro Castle – “El Morro Castle, or El Castillo Del Morro, is an old fort that lies on the northernmost point of San Juan, Puerto Rico. For many years, it guarded the entrance to San Juan bay, and defended the city from seaborne enemies.” –knowledgerush) The new anti-virus software will replace the old ‘Windows Live OneCare’ product that seemed to sputter out. The …

Most popular movies based on ticket sales…

Technology

For years, I’ve been bugged the the claim of a movie being the “top grossing film of all time”. The problem is – ticket prices have changed through time, so it’s not really about how much money was made, but more about how many tickets were sold. So, I built this spreadsheet using the “All-Time USA Box office” grosses from IMDB, and the average ticket prices (ATP) from the National Association of Theatre Owners website. Then, dividing the Gross by the ATP gives the number of tickets sold …

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