* Posts by big_D

6775 publicly visible posts • joined 27 Nov 2009

Lenovo says it’s crammed a workstation into a litre of space – less than three cans of beer

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Re: The tiny sounds neat...

The processor is a little weak and those are two very low end GPUs. I'd also be a little cautious about the airflow, either it is going to be very loud, or the processor and GPU will be throttled quickly - or both.

Twitter U-turns after conferring society's highest honor – a blue check mark – on very obvious bot accounts

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And real creators...

Can't get a blue tick for love nor money...

There is always something kicking around to push them back.

Lightweight VS Code is only getting heftier with addition of official web server extension

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VSCode is an Electron application, so it was never lightweight to begin with. It brings hundreds of megabytes of baggage with it. Just look at its memory footprint, compared to Notepad++, for example.

Linux kernel sheds legacy IDE support, but driver-dominated 5.14 rc1 still grows

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Re: I. AM. OUTRAGED!

I still have a set of MFM cables loitering at the bottom of my toolbox, along with a set of thinwire T-connectors and terminators, connected together to look like a Tie-Fighter.

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Boffin

Re: I. AM. OUTRAGED!

I'm using RLL drives, you can pack a bit more in.

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The same here. The little lamp started to flicker a few paragraphs in, then, somewhere along the line, it glowed...

Windows 11 still doesn't understand our complex lives – and it hurts

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Re: web Teams works on Linux

It is the same as the Windows version, more-or-less. Neither is native, they are all Electron apps (macOS as well).

Ah, I see you found my PowerShell script called 'SiteReview' – that does not mean what you think it means

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Childcatcher

Hands on...

No scripts in my case.

I was working in the office late one evening, along with 4 or 5 other people, when the Big Boss came round and asked us to leave... Immediately.

We protested, that we had a deadline the next day. He said, it couldn't be helped and the customer would be informed, that it was management's fault that the deadline would be missed, now GET OUT!

It turned out that one of the little bosses had gone up to the BB's secretary, opened his trousers and asked, what she could do with its contents... She immediately called her boss for a second opinion.

After we left, he was allegedly marched to his desk, his personal possessions gathered, ID card removed and marched out of the building.

I'm not sure how he explained to his fiance that he no longer had a job and why he was dismissed with no notice.

I've absolutely no idea, what he was thinking, when he exposed himself... Probably not thinking, to be honest.

My respect for the secretary for going straight to her boss and for him for not trying to "cover up" the problem, but tackle it head-on and dismiss the culprit.

Revealed: Perfect timings for creation of exemplary full English breakfast

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Re: Or.

My parents used to keep a mug in the fridge with the drippings from previous fry-ups. It adds so much flavour. Unfortunately, I can't get my wife to do the same, she is a professional housekeeper and that is considered unsanitary in those rarefied circles.

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Re: abbreviated, with substitutes

Black pudding is a type of blood sausage, Blutwurst. Maybe there is a local version that is close enough?

That said, I generally hate black pudding. The only time I've really enjoyed it was when I was up sailing around the west coast of Scotland. There, it was absolutely delicious. I don't know if it was the salty, fresh air or whether it was a locally made variant that tasted better, but I couldn't get enough of it. Back home, I didn't really like it.

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Coat

And Hash Browns are American, not English! I remember them appearing out of nowhere in the 80s. They are not part of a traditional English Breakfast!

Oh, and the bacon should still be juicy and the rind soft.

I remember as a kid, my grandmother used to cut off the rind and I'd eat it raw, while the breakfast was being cooked!

Mines the one with a dripping bacon butty in the pocket.

OpenUK's latest report paints a rosy picture of open source adoption

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Re: A company's commitment to participating ... would be much more prevalent

It also depends on the company's make-up.

I used to work for a software developer, that developed open source solutions (openVAS security tool and their commercial product with proprietary feeds, Greenbone GSM hardware appliances). We also pushed back into other projects, because we were a 100% open source company.

On the other hand, where I am now, we have an IT department of 5 and zero developers, we use some OSS products, but we just configure them and use them. We don't have the resources to make changes ourselves, let alone push those changes back to the core OSS projects.

Microsoft struggles to wake from PrintNightmare: Latest print spooler patch can be bypassed, researchers say

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Grrr, typo, SUSE 7 was 2000, not 2009!

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The 2012 and 2016 updates appeared after the original article from The Register.

On my WSUS, I have it available for 2012, 2016, 2019 and Windows 10 1607 onwards to 21H1.

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Only if you can configure it properly. I've seen some diabolically set-up Linux machines in my time, that were wide open to attack, used weak passwords etc.

Linux has advantages, sure. But you can still completely balls it up and make Swiss cheese out of its security.

The best was a company that, in 2016, was still using SUSE Linux 7.0 (September 2009), because, well it is Linux, so it isn't vulnerable to attack... On turnkey systems it was selling to all its customers! They only changed, once they could no longer get an RAID Adapter with Kernel drivers for such an old Kernel!

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The same here, well, over 34 years of Windows and never had a virus, adware, trojan, worm, ransomware or any other malware in that time. Apple System/Mac OS/OS X/macOS, the same.

I've only been using Linux since 2001, but it has a clean record as well, even though there is Linux related malware out there, just look at the IoT infiltration malware out there, where most of those IoT devices use Linux...

iOS and Android even shorter time, but no infections.

Just because you haven't been bitten, doesn't mean that there isn't malware for a platform out there, in the wild. The Western Digital NAS debacle last week, anyone?

If you secure your device and are careful, what you do with it and where you go etc. you can minimise the risk, but the risk is still there, regardless of the platform.

The default configuration, of having the primary user an administrator, on Windows is as shambolic today, as it was 20 years ago, when XP came out. But anyone with any sense leaves that account for admin purposes and uses an user account for everyday use.

We are domain admins, but we use non-domain administrator domain accounts for every day work and we don't even have local administration privileges on our own PCs. We have to use a separate administration account, when we want to install something or change the configuration, just like we do on our Linux boxes.

And I use that at home as well. My main Windows PC is used with a standard user, with an administration account in the background for administration purposes only. The same on my home Linux boxes.

Florida Man sues Facebook, Twitter, YouTube for account ban

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Legal Scholars?

I'm no legal scholar, I'm not even American and I knew that these companies can't trample over his first amendment rights!

In fact, and I am a Facebook hater, my first tweet yesterday was to ask, when Facebook had become part of the Federal Government? I mean, I know I am out of the loop on some things, because I DNS block Facebook, but something on that scale, I'm sure I would have heard it on the tech press somewhere...

Microsoft patches PrintNightmare – even on Windows 7 – but the terror isn't over

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Re: Why?

Yeah, looks like a poor design decision. And, I think you are correct, it cleans up old queues, not jobs.

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Re: Why?

Me too, on another story, for daring to suggest they use Samba for print and file services, if they couldn't afford an additional Windows license...

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Re: Why?

If you have print servers elsewhere in the organisation, the DC runs a periodical job of cleaning up old jobs, allegedly.

I have it disabled, we only have network printers that do their own printer serving, so all remote printing is deactivated on all Windows devices, even if the spooler has to be left enabled for local printing. All servers that have no job printing anything have the spooler disabled.

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Re: It is about time

I only have to look at the almost daily patch-list for my SUSE, Ubuntu and Manjaro machines to see that open source isn't any better.

No OS is perfect and they all stumble, all the time. Keeping them up to date and ensuring they are as secure as possible is all we can do.

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Re: It is about time

On the other hand, I booted my SUSE box last week to 400 updates and again yesterday, another 46 updates... My Android phone got its July security updates this morning. Still waiting on my iPhone and iPad updates...

No OS is perfect and open or closed source, they've all had major critical security issues this year.

The big issue here, is that the security expert who reported it mis-read the patch notes for June and assumed his bug had been patched, so released a proof of concept. It was quickly pulled again, after he realised his mistake, but not before the bad guys had managed to get a copy.

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Windows Server 2012

Is in extended support, correct. It is not a paid service.

Extended support is the latter part of the normal life-cycle, where security issues are patched, but general bugs and new features will not be applied.

SQL Server beta for Windows Server Containers terminated 'with immediate effect'

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Re: Beta software

If it is beta, it has no place in a production system... Especially if the system is mission critical.

The splitting image: Sufferer of hurty wrist pain? Logitech's K860 a potential answer

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Re: keyboard layouts

You could, but it is a compromise, and finding an external keypad with the same key caps and the same feel is next to impossible. Even the Sculpt's external keypad feels different to the main keypad, at least on my model. Also, the keypad isn't anchored, it moves around more than if it is attached to the main body.

For somebody who does a lot of data processing, it isn't a real alternative.

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Re: MS Sculpt, anyone?

I think I've had at least 1 of every model of ergonomic / Natural keyboard that Microsoft ever made, from the original Natural, up to the current Microsoft Ergonomic and Surface Ergonomic models.

From key feeling, the original is still the best, followed by the 2003 Multimedia version (the late 90s multimedia was ok, but felt a bit of a kludge) and the current Mircorsoft Ergonomic.

The worst was the Elite from the late 90s, dreadful soft, squishy key feel and squashed layout, squashing the F-keys to half height.

I struggle with the Sculpt, nice design, but I'd like the keypad built in, I like to the numpad to be in a set place, the separate pad on the Sculpt would wander around the desk, as papers etc. pushed it out the way. But the key action was better than my original 4000, which was very poor. I now have a newer 4000 at work and the key action is better than the original, especially the space bar, which made it all but unusable.

I really like the Surface Ergonomic, and if you are used to typing on a laptop and like relatively short travel keys, it is probably the peak of Microsoft ergonomic keyboards, for you. If you like more travel, the current Microsoft Ergonomic is the one to get - and my current favourite.

I have a 4000 at work for my laptop, a MS Ergo on my private PC and the Surface Ergo for my work laptop at home.

I did try a couple of the Logitech models over the years (E.g. Wave), but I never really felt as at home with them. But this new one looks interesting though.

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Re: MS Sculpt, anyone?

Looks more like a cross between the current Surface Ergonomic and Microsoft Ergonomic keyboards.

I had a sculpt, but the separate numeric keypad was a pain and the batteries in it went flat every couple of weeks, I was constantly replacing them - they use a small Lithium cell, not AAs like the main keyboard.

With the Surface Ergonomic, I replace the batteries every year or so. The MS Ergonomic is wired, so no batteries there.

But I enter too many numbers on a regular basis to ever choose a keyboard without a numeric keypad.

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Re: Backlighting is the best

It looks like they only have a US layout. I went through the customisation in the shop and you could only select colour and key type (brown or blue).

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Re: keyboard layouts

I'm glad of my numeric keypad.

Having had to enter several thousand numeric values into tables over the last couple of weeks, I would have gone mad, if I only had the numeric row at the top of the main alpha keyboard.

Sometimes a compact design is nice, but if you regularly have to enter a series of numeric values, you are just grateful for a numeric keypad.

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It is connected with either Bluetooth of Logitech's USB Unify adapter, which connects devices wirelessly and provides a HID interface.

I've used their wireless mice and keyboards for years on Linux with the Unify adapter.

Disco classic Rasputin and pop anthem revealed as reasons Twitter suspended Indian politicians

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Paris Hilton

Re: So, Twitter was actually doing its job

Does the US DMCA even have jurisdiction in India?

Taikonauts complete seven-hour spacewalk, the first for China since 2008

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It was more the federation working together at making a better future for the federation, instead of personal/regional gain I was getting at.

Most of the discrimination came from outside forces or if it came from inside, those were the bad guys. Although it sometimes comes over a bit cringe worthy and sexist these days - short skirts for the women, but you don't see Shatner running round in a mini-kilt. /shudder

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Great for them.

But still a shame that we can't all work together, when it comes to expanding human knowledge and exploring the next frontier. Gene Roddenberry's dream is still a long way away.

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Re: Well done

People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones...

Arm chief hits out at 'ill-informed speculation' over proposed Nvidia buyout

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Re: How will it not damage competition

It is not Britain's to sell. It is a private company.

The only thing they can do is object to the sale.

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Re: Different way

You mean starved of funding for decades and hemorrhaging talent to better paying sectors?

Opera browser tries to make sweet music for the ears of Chromebook users

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Re: Correct me if I'm wrong, but...

Because ChromeOS is less than 10% of the market, whereas Windows was around 90% of the market, at the time.

Google has second thoughts about cutting cookies, so serves up CHIPs

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Why didn't they just admit they are copying what Firefox is already doing? Why bother with a new acronym? NIH syndrome?

The PrintNightmare continues: Microsoft confirms presence of vulnerable code in all versions of Windows

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Re: As much as I like to dump on microsoft a pile...

If the users are connected over VPN to the company network, they can affect other PCs and servers.

Don't forget, whilst the DC being compromised is the worst case scenario, all versions of Windows, including client PCs are vulnerable and the Print Spooler is activated on Windows PCs to allow local printing and to allow them to share their printer with others.

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Re: You can lead a horse to water, but ...

Then run a virtual Samba server for file and print services... That is free and you don't have to buy CALs for each user accessing the file server.

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Re: As much as I like to dump on microsoft a pile...

End user PCs are also vulnerable and the Print Spooler service is activated as standard (and allows remote connections!) to enable end users to print locally.

So malware running on any Windows PC on the network can serially infect further devices, which are using the vulnerability.

This always-on culture we're in is awful. How do we stop it? Oh, sorry, hold on – just had another notification

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Re: 24x7

For our remote sites, we have a designated "power user" on site, who is responsible for normal run-of-the-mill IT problems (toner, keyboards, locked up PCs etc.) plus a cupboard with some replacement PCs and monitors in it.

They escalate it to us, the next morning, if it is more serious. Production line stand-stills are obviously escalated by the site manager, if they can't solve it themselves.

I think, in the 3 years at my current employer, my boss has been dug out of bed twice - he makes sure all OOH calls go through him.

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Re: Not office hours? No contact

Similar here. I have a company phone, but it gets automatically set to silent at 16:30, although I've only been called a grand total of a dozen times on that phone in 3 years.

The company policy is, out of hours, you are unavailable. They encourage us to turn the phone off at night and when we are on holiday, sick etc. I generally don't turn it off, just leave it on silent in my work backpack in the corner of the kitchen.

Same with email etc. only available on a company device, not allowed to put it on private devices. So not contactable outside office hours.

That was a real revelation after my previous employer, where I was berated for only checking my email once a day, when I was on holiday. On my first week of holiday for the new company, I glanced at my emails as I was drinking coffee, saw a problem being discussed that I could answer quickly and called my boss, he thanked me and told me, sternly, to turn off the damned phone and enjoy my leave!

VW used to go one better, when workers came off-shift, the email service to them was capped, until they were due back in the office. That stopped them trying to check on emails in their well earned down-time.

UK artists seek 'luvvie levy' on new gadgets to make up for all the media that consumers access online

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Re: What ?

It is the same in Germany, all blank media and mobile hard drives and USB sticks, I believe, have a similar levy.

As I only use them for storing my own material and making backups of my own material, I find it a poor idea.

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Re: What ?

Exactly. I don't listen to music on my phone or watch films, I listen to audio books, which I have purchased already, and I listen to podcasts, most of which I already support financially (I pay a voluntary subscription to around 80% of the podcasts I listen to - I could download them for free, but I want to support the people producing them).

Why should I pay more, when I already pay for everything I consume on the device, or the podcasts are handed out for free?

The M in M1 is for moans: How do you turn a new MacBook Pro into a desktop workhorse?

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Most of our software is Windows only, anyway, so Apple doesn't come into the equation anyway.

I use a mixture of Apple, Microsoft and Android products at home.

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Re: A Mixed Bag for me

It depends, the current crop of Ultrabooks are under 1.5Kg and can do a minimum of 12 hours, which should be more than enough for an 8 hour working day...

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Re: A Mixed Bag for me

Not a lot of help for virtualising an Intel only environment...

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We alternate between home office and real office. I also have to sometimes go to other sites to solve problems, change infrastructure etc.

I have a laptop for that, because I need to be able to work on the move, even if 95% of my work is in the office or home office. Instead of having a PC at home and a PC at the office, I have a dock at home and a dock in the office.

I have a mouse, keyboard and monitor(s)* attached in both locations. That makes it very convinient.

At work a pair of 24" monitors, at home, my old, personal 34" UW monitor.

Microsoft approved a Windows driver booby-trapped with rootkit malware

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Re: Not inspiring confidence.

How is this any different to Apple, Google or Linux? They all suffer the same failings, at the end of the day.

Given the 10's of thousands of drivers submitted for review every month, nobody can check every line of code, and AI just isn't good enough to catch every rouge driver or app. You can only do your best, and when a problem occurs, react swiftly, professionally and responsibly.

I'm happy they stood up, in public and said, mea culpa, and here is what we have done to mitigate the problem, instead of brushing it under the carpet, as many not so professional companies have done in the recent past. At least Apple, Google & Microsoft are usually public about such incidents nowadays.

Although I can remember Apple sitting on a bunch of Java zero-day patches for around 6 months after Sun/Oracle, Microsoft, Google et al hat released patches for their platforms and were finally shamed into releasing the patches. Thankfully, a lot of water has passed under the security bridge sind those days...