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Popular Content

Showing content with the highest reputation on 31/12/20 in Posts

  1. Adobe Flash Player is set for discontinuation within hours

    Hurrah!!!
    4 points
  2. The Echo Auto is 60% off with six months of free Amazon Music right now

    These should be banned by the NHTSA. Disconnects frequently and requires manually starting the Alexa app on your phone to reconnect, which just encourages already distracted drivers to take their eyes off the road.
    3 points
  3. So I just finished upgrading the storage in my home server and I learned a few lessons that I thought I would share with you guys, so that hopefully some of you might find it useful at a later date. I recorded a lot of it and plan on writing it up in a blog and making a YouTube video about it. If/when I do, I'll edit this post with links to those items. First off, my server is running Debian 10 Linux in a headless state; no GUI installed, which means 99% of my management is done via SSH unless there's some kind of a problem that prevents it from booting so that I have to physically go connect a monitor to it, so everything I did was done via the command line. It "was" using two 12TB WD Gold drives in Linux software RAID 1 (mdadm). I created a partition with a specific sector count on each of those drives about 1GB less than the total capacity of the drives, and then added that partition as the RAID member. That way if I ever replaced a drive with one of a different model and the capacities were "slightly" off, it wouldn't be an issue. When creating the actual data partition on the RAID device, I encrypted the partition so that if I ever had to RMA a drive, nobody would be able to retrieve sensitive or personal information from the drive at a later date, especially since RAID 1 has a complete copy of everything on both drives, so one drive is enough to recover everything. The partition didn't used to be encrypted until I had my first drive failure and realized I was about to ship a drive with lots of personal files through the US Postal Service, and that in all likelihood they would refurbish the drive and resell it with the same platters inside since I'm pretty sure it was just the read head that died. I managed to get the drive working long enough to run shred on it for about 90% of the drive (which was fine because it wasn't 90% full) before shipping it off, but after that I decided to encrypt the partition. We started approaching the 12TB limit recently, and I decided that the easiest course of action would be to buy one additional drive and switch to RAID 5; which would double our storage capacity to 24TB and still allow us to lose one drive without losing any data. I have a separate off-site backup drive, so we're talking strictly about what's physically inside the server. My only concern was, I really didn't want to delete my RAID group and re-make it if I didn't have to. I have the backup, but it would have taken over 24 hours to restore from the backup since it's a USB external drive; and that would have left us without Nextcloud and Plex for that entire time (I make heavy use of Nextcloud and my kids and nieces/nephews love Plex), plus that would mean that until it was finished, I would only have one complete copy of my data, and I'd just have to hope my backup drive didn't die during the restoration. As it turns out, if you're using Linux software RAID (mdadm), a two disk RAID 1 can be directly converted to a degraded two disk RAID 5, at which point you just add the third disk so that it's no longer in a degraded state. All you have to do is run: mdadm /dev/mdfoo --grow --level=5 mdadm --grow /dev/mdfoo --add /dev/foo --raid-devices=3 The cool thing about this was that even though the reshape took almost two days, my data was accessible during that time, so we were still able to continue using the various services on the server. On top of that, once it was done, it automatically grew the array as a whole to the proper new size of 24TB, although I had read that in some cases you might need to do that part manually. The server obviously runs on an UPS, so if there had been a power outage or flicker during the process, it wouldn't have bothered anything. I even rebooted the server once during the reshaping process and it just picked up where it left off once it was back up and running. My next issue was that, even after the many hours it took to reshape the array into a proper RAID 5 that spanned all three disks, the actual data partition on it was still only 12TB. The partition was encrypted, so my next task was to resize that partition to take advantage of the increased capacity of the RAID pool. After doing some reading and experimenting in a VM, I discovered that once the reshape was done, all I had to do was unmount and luksClose the encrypted partition, then unlock it again with luksOpen, and LUKS automatically extended the LUKS device to fill the new capacity of the RAID array. Then I just had to do a filesystem check on the data partition with: e2fsck -f /dev/mapper/somedrive Then resize the partition with: resize2fs /dev/mapper/somedrive Resizing the partition itself only took a couple of minutes. So what I've learned from all this is that, if you don't care to do some reading, Linux disk management via the terminal is incredibly powerful and flexible. I was able to convert a software RAID 1 directly to a software RAID 5, and then resize an encrypted partition on that RAID 5 group, all without losing any data. Obviously I updated my backup drive before starting the process, just in case. I'm just incredibly grateful that it all went off without a hitch, which isn't always the case when it comes to technology, so I thought I would share my little learning experience in case it helps or entertains some of you.
    2 points
  4. Adobe Flash Player is set for discontinuation within hours

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlCFPo6YYbU
    2 points
  5. I remember when flagships were less than the cost of this "flagship killer." Gah, I'm starting to sound old.
    2 points
  6. Microsoft has a big 2021 planned for Windows and Surface

    Thats sounds like an issue specific to you. It's not Well, kinda weird since Windows 10 works fine for the masses. An inconsistent UI doesn’t mean it doesn’t work. It depends on your point of view and how you're using it. For some people the WIndows 10 UI doesn't work at all. For me, personally, there are parts of it that work and parts that don't. I also work in tech support and have seen many many issues with the Windows 10 UI that affect thousands of my customers. That doesn't stop them from using Windows 10, because for the most part it works, but at the same time there are parts that don't. Can you accomplish the task? If so, then it works. It might not work like you want it to, it might not be pretty, it might take more steps than you want it to, but it still works. Does that make it a good or enjoyable experience? Perhaps not, but that’s a different discussion altogether. A recent issue I had with one of my clients is that the Start Menu wouldn't open. They couldn't open most of their apps because most of the app shortcuts are in the Start Menu. They could not accomplish the tasks that they needed to do that day because the Windows 10 UI was broken. It took a day for the Start Menu to be fixed and then they were able to accomplish the tasks they needed to. If you want to call that a working system then I guess you can. It took a day...and what fixed it? Did it break for me? Did it break for the masses? Or did it break for one of your clients? I can find examples of issues with every single OS out there, including 7. Are all OSes broken then? Do they not work? Did you also have the issue? Or are they issues specific to users, like I originally said?
    2 points
  7. Work Monitors for Home Office

    What a bunch of nonsense.
    2 points
  8. Work Monitors for Home Office

    Got the dell ultrawide today and it is a massive monitor. It does seem to take a bit more for me to look both horizontally and vertically across the screen. I'll see if I get used to it come next week when I start trying to work with it. First impressions though: + It actually charges my MacBook Pro via the USB-C (not sure I'd rely on that, though). + The screen looks great, definitely enough resolution packed into it with 1440p. + Don't need to use my extra USB-C apple adapter for the monitor, as it supports direct USB-C to USB-C display (fantastic) + Using the "more space" setting for the screen gives a lot of real estate for looking at code and logs, or code and diagrams, etc. - It's a big screen, feels a little overwhelming which isn't surprising. - I feel like I need to sit the screen a lot farther back cause of the size, but the only place on my work desk that allows for it is a corner (which isn't a convenient place atm without re-organizing where the desk is). Once I start using it more though I'll know if it's the right fit with mouse sensitivity, spaces, etc. See if it frustrates me or not.
    2 points
  9. The Echo Auto is 60% off with six months of free Amazon Music right now

    I wish this sale was also in Europe
    2 points
  10. It doesn't inspire confidence how? Most users don't know what version they are on nor care while anyone who does want to update to 20H2 can. I am not aware they are delaying the retirement of older versions. It just looks like they are not pushing down the update as aggressively as in the past. What's the problem? "It just looks like they are not pushing down the update as aggressively as in the past" Exactly, MS deliberately slowed down releasing updates to counter the issues it was causing for some users. Waiting until they were sure a device could handle an update, or at best they could anyway, was absolutely the right thing to do. Sometimes MS can't win. Rush out the updates and get criticized, slow down the updates to improve reliability and get criticized.
    2 points
  11. Microsoft has a big 2021 planned for Windows and Surface

    Thats sounds like an issue specific to you.
    2 points
  12. Since when China asks for cracking down?. I think it is a marketing stunt to say that Alibaba is not aligned with RPC.
    2 points
  13. Can't wait to be able to buy one in 2022.
    1 point
  14. U.S. to fund the removal of Chinese tech in its networks

    This reminds me of when you sometimes find rambling text when viewing HTML source. So the thing about getting a point across is maybe a little less of the "check out this acronym here I'll tell you what it means nobody ever uses it" and the "see it's like this reference which adds weight to my argument because it's a reference" and the "here's a question for you and here's the answer you should have to it" stuff. Leave that to people who talk politics in an MMO's general chat. amen brother. So you hate it merely because a Trump supporter - me - is for it? Please - look at my posts on the subject - Trump has nothing to do with it - neither does politics! I have castigated it from every direction because it smacks of bribery - which is criminal behavior when the private sector does it. If anything, I hate it more WHEN governments do it because - of course - the costs go up. If you don't want something criticized when it stinks, don't bring it up. Why do you support trump anyway? Is your character worse than his that he looks like the leader you want to follow? Or is it because he hates the same people you hate? I have stated and STATED why. I'm not saying that his character is a prize - it isn't, I know it, and I actually accept that. As bad as his character is despised, I have seen far worse in the character of folks we have elected that oppose him - including Joseph Biden - that I used to ride the TRAIN with! (Remember, this is the SAME Biden that used to pal around with Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia - a former Klansman - and the "Prince of Pork" for hanging riders in spending bills to benefit his home state. Who hung the latter on Byrd? The late William Proxmire - anti-free-spending Democrat and the originator of the "Pig Book".)
    1 point
  15. Adobe Flash Player is set for discontinuation within hours

    Finally!
    1 point
  16. Adobe Flash Player is set for discontinuation within hours

    Ya, why flash, why not just take you to a website to show your score.
    1 point
  17. Adobe Flash Player is set for discontinuation within hours

    I started Flash remediation over 2 years ago at the office and guess what there are still many "mission critical" applications that the vendors have still yet to create non-flash versions and it's driving me crazy.
    1 point
  18. Problem blocking/ignoring another user.

    Never knew that... Never really needed to anyway... Don't want to say it, (for staff's sake) but that's bad to block staff... Even those who are helping you, Technique..
    1 point
  19. Which Linux distribution do you prefer?

    This is pretty true right here.. A lot of people like to ###### on KDE.. but I really like it.. I'm actually using KDE with Arch, lol. It just feels more complete. I know you can add/remove from anything, but I do like it . Not sure if the WM/DE should ever be a reason to not like a Linux distro.. just a few commands and you have go to whichever one you want..
    1 point
  20. Problem blocking/ignoring another user.

    Sorry, you can't block me Staff are excluded 😛
    1 point
  21. Surprised they are continuing to release new games in 2021. I thought Jurassic Park would be the last one.
    1 point
  22. Microsoft has a big 2021 planned for Windows and Surface

    Let's look at iOS as a great example: 32-bit OS until, what, iOS 9? Then 64-bit. There was a 32-bit compatability until iOS 11 after which you could no longer run 32-bit applications at all, now you might think "oh well" but no, that's ######. Lots of that software was PAID, and essentially it was all dumped, and you as a user have no recourse to get your money back, and because it's apple there's no way to revert to an older version of iOS an dun software YOU HAVE PAID FOR. I agree with you for the most part. But people don't just want software that works, they want software that works as expected. If the software isn't updated to keep in line with the new system, features, interface, etc. then it eventually doesn't work as expected and the experience is bad, even if it does work. This example isn't quite in line, but here in Aus, our BoM (weather forecasters) put out an app for Apple devices. A month or so later that same app was ported across to Android, and not updated for years. Even when it was new on Android, it was a terrible experience because it expected an iOS system, so animations were direct from iOS, back buttons didn't work, and it was just a clunky iOS 4 mess on an Android 2.3 system (the app survived till Android 5 days, but no one used it). We live in a modern world where things get updated daily. Not saying that's a great thing, but that's how it is. Apples grace period and transparent compatibility with a set time frame (generally two release cycles), is implemented brilliantly, and it allows them to keep their systems much more efficient. Developers know the path they need to go down if their app is to remain compatible, and if their users are paying for such a product, they better well get their ###### together and have something in place by the time that support ends. And some times a code refresh is what an app needs too to remain relevant and responsive, so while it may be a lot of work each time Apple or MS change their backend, if done right (and not that frequently) it is actually a good thing. Eg. I can't imagine Photoshop is using much of the same code from the PowerPC days! Sure, but Adobe makes products for end consumers. What I mean by "Backwards compatibility for businesses" are companies like your local supermarket. Old, clunky, duck-taped together software the company relies on. My local Tesco got new self-checkout registers around half a year ago. Nice capacitive touchscreen, gorilla glass screen etc... but it runs Windows XP, because it has to. (Maybe it runs the POS2009, not sure, I just saw the bootscreen once) I guess my understanding of what Windows 10X is may be different to you. From what MS has hinted, I believe it is a succession plan to some extent, but only for certain markets. Consumer PC & tablet users would end up on 10X, a fresh system without all the backwards compatibility that the average user just does not need. For everyone else wanting to hold on to 20 year old software, there's the usual Windows 10. But eventually that will go too. Not after a measly two years, or even 5. But hopefully 10 years after a successful Win10X rollout to most markets, the old school software will have been replaced with something newer that works on all systems. Personally I don't want to be stuck with a bloated (albeit powerful) pig of a OS for another 20 years that's holding onto compatibility for a bunch of poorly written propitiatory programs. Most of us don't need that. MS consumer focus isn't clear. I get most of it's money is in big business, but it can do both, and that is what Win10X is supposed to be. Also if a supermarkets new POS system is running Windows XP (or whatever), then what is the issue with backwards compatibility in Windows 10? Seems irrelevant, or they already dropped that particular compatible component.. Why is the OS that a supermarket runs on their POS equipment of any concern to you? Do you baulk when you see mcdonalds using DOS on their systems in store because it's 50 years old and has no GUI? No, it is perfectly fine for these places. Supermarket/fast food/etc. systems are air-gapped, they are not internet accessible at all, they are on an internal only network, so they could be running windows 3.11 if they want, it is of no concern to you. As for the comment about all software using legacy APIs being poorly written, that's something only someone that doesn't really understand anything would say. If you can write software in 1996 and that software still runs AS-IS TODAY on windows 10 without issues, that's a damn good piece of software that was properly designed and tested I referred to the POS because @dustojnikhummer was trying to use it to justify backwards compatibility.. Frankly it didn't work for that argument, they can use it as long as they want for all I care. As you said, air gapped, and that systems OS has zero effect on Windows 10X, as both can continue to exist. We seem to be on the same page just FYI. If something written 20+ years ago still runs on Windows 10 today, then brilliant. And with Win10 & Win10X side by side for a while, you get what you want, consumers get what they want. Different user groups, backwards compatibility not required for one of them. Both existing at the same time. What a time we live in! And consumers will not pick Windows 10X...
    1 point
  23. Let's look at iOS as a great example: 32-bit OS until, what, iOS 9? Then 64-bit. There was a 32-bit compatability until iOS 11 after which you could no longer run 32-bit applications at all, now you might think "oh well" but no, that's ######. Lots of that software was PAID, and essentially it was all dumped, and you as a user have no recourse to get your money back, and because it's apple there's no way to revert to an older version of iOS an dun software YOU HAVE PAID FOR. I agree with you for the most part. But people don't just want software that works, they want software that works as expected. If the software isn't updated to keep in line with the new system, features, interface, etc. then it eventually doesn't work as expected and the experience is bad, even if it does work. This example isn't quite in line, but here in Aus, our BoM (weather forecasters) put out an app for Apple devices. A month or so later that same app was ported across to Android, and not updated for years. Even when it was new on Android, it was a terrible experience because it expected an iOS system, so animations were direct from iOS, back buttons didn't work, and it was just a clunky iOS 4 mess on an Android 2.3 system (the app survived till Android 5 days, but no one used it). We live in a modern world where things get updated daily. Not saying that's a great thing, but that's how it is. Apples grace period and transparent compatibility with a set time frame (generally two release cycles), is implemented brilliantly, and it allows them to keep their systems much more efficient. Developers know the path they need to go down if their app is to remain compatible, and if their users are paying for such a product, they better well get their ###### together and have something in place by the time that support ends. And some times a code refresh is what an app needs too to remain relevant and responsive, so while it may be a lot of work each time Apple or MS change their backend, if done right (and not that frequently) it is actually a good thing. Eg. I can't imagine Photoshop is using much of the same code from the PowerPC days! Sure, but Adobe makes products for end consumers. What I mean by "Backwards compatibility for businesses" are companies like your local supermarket. Old, clunky, duck-taped together software the company relies on. My local Tesco got new self-checkout registers around half a year ago. Nice capacitive touchscreen, gorilla glass screen etc... but it runs Windows XP, because it has to. (Maybe it runs the POS2009, not sure, I just saw the bootscreen once) I guess my understanding of what Windows 10X is may be different to you. From what MS has hinted, I believe it is a succession plan to some extent, but only for certain markets. Consumer PC & tablet users would end up on 10X, a fresh system without all the backwards compatibility that the average user just does not need. For everyone else wanting to hold on to 20 year old software, there's the usual Windows 10. But eventually that will go too. Not after a measly two years, or even 5. But hopefully 10 years after a successful Win10X rollout to most markets, the old school software will have been replaced with something newer that works on all systems. Personally I don't want to be stuck with a bloated (albeit powerful) pig of a OS for another 20 years that's holding onto compatibility for a bunch of poorly written propitiatory programs. Most of us don't need that. MS consumer focus isn't clear. I get most of it's money is in big business, but it can do both, and that is what Win10X is supposed to be. Also if a supermarkets new POS system is running Windows XP (or whatever), then what is the issue with backwards compatibility in Windows 10? Seems irrelevant, or they already dropped that particular compatible component.. Why is the OS that a supermarket runs on their POS equipment of any concern to you? Do you baulk when you see mcdonalds using DOS on their systems in store because it's 50 years old and has no GUI? No, it is perfectly fine for these places. Supermarket/fast food/etc. systems are air-gapped, they are not internet accessible at all, they are on an internal only network, so they could be running windows 3.11 if they want, it is of no concern to you. As for the comment about all software using legacy APIs being poorly written, that's something only someone that doesn't really understand anything would say. If you can write software in 1996 and that software still runs AS-IS TODAY on windows 10 without issues, that's a damn good piece of software that was properly designed and tested
    1 point
  24. I don't think that will ever happen. The old powertoys were never integrated into XP. It would be nice if they put them in the Store so they would auto-update, though.
    1 point
  25. The Mandalorian

    To me, the point of Rogue One was the fact that it was a tragedy from the get-go. No sense watering that down with, "We'll let these folks get away so it's not too depressing for the audience, because heaven forbid they can't handle it." The whole movie was about giving you the whole story behind a simple line from the previous movies about the lives and sacrifices made for the information. The fact that everyone died, even the characters you wanted to like, was exactly the point. It was a tragedy in the Shakespearean sense, not the watered down Millennial sense. I loved it. Hollywood, as a whole, needs to start paying attention to the failures of their SJW initiative. They tried it with Ghostbusters, and it flopped hard. They've tried it in other movies and TV Shows, and they're flopping as well. I tried to watch the new Sabrina the Teenage Witch show and it's message was basically, "A girl can't win unless she cheats, and that's perfectly acceptable." That's not building UP women or their self-esteem, it's telling them they ARE weaker/dumber, and should seek alternative means to compensate for it. And this notion that my generation was only filled with weak/worthless eye candy when it comes to females is freakin' stupid. In the Wonder Woman I grew up with, Steve Trevor was the sidekick, not Lynda Carter's Wonder Woman. Charlies Angels went out and kicked ass while Bosley and Charlie sat on their asses. Etc. It's complete garbage, and the audience knows it, when you go out of your way to intentionally make "the other side" so weak/dumb that OF COURSE your side looks good... instead of actually giving them a story where they get to prove they're worth the respect.
    1 point
  26. Got mine for $300 on a Black Friday deal! Upgraded from a Pixel 3. So far this phone has been really good and fast. Love it!
    1 point
  27. Work Monitors for Home Office

    It’s actually 1600P. 😊
    1 point
  28. Is more RAM really needed?

    I'd say 32GB is a good aim but 16GB is the sweetspot for the casual gamer. I run 64GB because I do a lot of work in VMware Workstation but rarely do I come close to utilising all of it except when being over generous with guest memory, and not shutting unnecessary VMs down or pausing them. The only thing I find that you need >16GB for from what I play is Flight Simulator, it tends to run around ~20GB sometimes more with pretty much all the settings maxed out.
    1 point
  29. Is more RAM really needed?

    I've been running on 16GB for almost 5 years now and only once did I ever go, gee, I wish I had more RAM. When I picked up my new computer last week, I seriously contemplated going with the 8GB route (since it's unchangeable), but I still went with 16GB. The only thing that has more than 16GB of RAM in my house is my ESXi host, and of the 64GB it has, 42 of that is unused... running DNS, Unifi, two Windows VMs, VPN. Use to have a firewall but that was taken over by a dream machine pro. Anyways.... You only need more than 8GB if you're doing hefty workflow that involves editing, maybe gaming. I've never had issues even on 8GB of RAM for general daily workflow. I've had the luxury of doing most of my development/builds on a corp VM environment, but when I occasionally use my desktop for those tasks, I've never had a struggle using 16GB. Again, unless you're running CAD or doing some major photo/video editing, you're probably fine with even 8GB. People have been comfortable with 8GB of RAM for over a decade now, all while the numbers gang has insisted 16GB is the bare minimum. If you're only maxing out at 60% when running your most intense tasks, you don't need more. Buying RAM for the sake of having a higher number that won't be actively used for a long time isn't future proofing and is typically a waste of money, buy it when you need it instead. Of that 60%, windows probably cached a bunch of that as well, that's allocated but not being actively used.
    1 point
  30. Postbox 7.0.43

    I've been using it as my main e-mail program for a few years now. So far, I haven't ever had any issues with it. I use it with 2 Gmail accounts and my iCloud mail account, on both my PC and multiple Macs. It works great.
    1 point
  31. Microsoft has a big 2021 planned for Windows and Surface

    Thats sounds like an issue specific to you. It's not Well, kinda weird since Windows 10 works fine for the masses. An inconsistent UI doesn’t mean it doesn’t work.
    1 point
  32. Microsoft has a big 2021 planned for Windows and Surface

    Let's look at iOS as a great example: 32-bit OS until, what, iOS 9? Then 64-bit. There was a 32-bit compatability until iOS 11 after which you could no longer run 32-bit applications at all, now you might think "oh well" but no, that's ######. Lots of that software was PAID, and essentially it was all dumped, and you as a user have no recourse to get your money back, and because it's apple there's no way to revert to an older version of iOS an dun software YOU HAVE PAID FOR. I agree with you for the most part. But people don't just want software that works, they want software that works as expected. If the software isn't updated to keep in line with the new system, features, interface, etc. then it eventually doesn't work as expected and the experience is bad, even if it does work. This example isn't quite in line, but here in Aus, our BoM (weather forecasters) put out an app for Apple devices. A month or so later that same app was ported across to Android, and not updated for years. Even when it was new on Android, it was a terrible experience because it expected an iOS system, so animations were direct from iOS, back buttons didn't work, and it was just a clunky iOS 4 mess on an Android 2.3 system (the app survived till Android 5 days, but no one used it). We live in a modern world where things get updated daily. Not saying that's a great thing, but that's how it is. Apples grace period and transparent compatibility with a set time frame (generally two release cycles), is implemented brilliantly, and it allows them to keep their systems much more efficient. Developers know the path they need to go down if their app is to remain compatible, and if their users are paying for such a product, they better well get their ###### together and have something in place by the time that support ends. And some times a code refresh is what an app needs too to remain relevant and responsive, so while it may be a lot of work each time Apple or MS change their backend, if done right (and not that frequently) it is actually a good thing. Eg. I can't imagine Photoshop is using much of the same code from the PowerPC days! Sure, but Adobe makes products for end consumers. What I mean by "Backwards compatibility for businesses" are companies like your local supermarket. Old, clunky, duck-taped together software the company relies on. My local Tesco got new self-checkout registers around half a year ago. Nice capacitive touchscreen, gorilla glass screen etc... but it runs Windows XP, because it has to. (Maybe it runs the POS2009, not sure, I just saw the bootscreen once)
    1 point
  33. Windows is way more complex than iOS, has many more devices (which MS has no control of), and a bunch of them delay the upgrade path to prevent batched upgrades and broken softwares after the update (antivirus being culprits many times).
    1 point
  34. AdDuplex: Windows 10 version 20H2 crosses 10% usage as 1909 falls again

    It doesn't inspire confidence how? Most users don't know what version they are on nor care while anyone who does want to update to 20H2 can. I am not aware they are delaying the retirement of older versions. It just looks like they are not pushing down the update as aggressively as in the past. What's the problem?
    1 point
  35. Microsoft has a big 2021 planned for Windows and Surface

    That’s a valid opinion. Since I was stung by the Intel transition and am now about to be stung by the AS transition, you won’t find me sharing your sentiment. Maybe you can explain to us what exactly in Windows is denying a better computing experience? I hope you don’t say UI, since that has nothing to do with backwards compatibility.
    1 point
  36. Microsoft has a big 2021 planned for Windows and Surface

    Apple has done it right. Dump the mess and move on and for those who can't/won't, they can use Rosetta. Apple doesn't deny most users a better computing experience because some can't move on.
    1 point
  37. Microsoft has a big 2021 planned for Windows and Surface

    Let's look at iOS as a great example: 32-bit OS until, what, iOS 9? Then 64-bit. There was a 32-bit compatability until iOS 11 after which you could no longer run 32-bit applications at all, now you might think "oh well" but no, that's ######. Lots of that software was PAID, and essentially it was all dumped, and you as a user have no recourse to get your money back, and because it's apple there's no way to revert to an older version of iOS an dun software YOU HAVE PAID FOR. I agree with you for the most part. But people don't just want software that works, they want software that works as expected. If the software isn't updated to keep in line with the new system, features, interface, etc. then it eventually doesn't work as expected and the experience is bad, even if it does work. This example isn't quite in line, but here in Aus, our BoM (weather forecasters) put out an app for Apple devices. A month or so later that same app was ported across to Android, and not updated for years. Even when it was new on Android, it was a terrible experience because it expected an iOS system, so animations were direct from iOS, back buttons didn't work, and it was just a clunky iOS 4 mess on an Android 2.3 system (the app survived till Android 5 days, but no one used it). We live in a modern world where things get updated daily. Not saying that's a great thing, but that's how it is. Apples grace period and transparent compatibility with a set time frame (generally two release cycles), is implemented brilliantly, and it allows them to keep their systems much more efficient. Developers know the path they need to go down if their app is to remain compatible, and if their users are paying for such a product, they better well get their ###### together and have something in place by the time that support ends. And some times a code refresh is what an app needs too to remain relevant and responsive, so while it may be a lot of work each time Apple or MS change their backend, if done right (and not that frequently) it is actually a good thing. Eg. I can't imagine Photoshop is using much of the same code from the PowerPC days! I lost several paid apps to the 32bit to 64bit transition. I am not going to praise Apple for telling customers to kick rocks for their non-negotiable decisions.
    1 point
  38. Work Monitors for Home Office

    Well, I ordered the Dell ultrawide. Figured I would try it, if it's too much for me then I'll probably order the Dell 25" and return the ultrawide. I have used an ultra wide both at work and at home for years so I imagine it will work fine. Just feels like a lot for a single monitor. But I suppose this is payback for when Dell shipped me two ultrawide monitors when I paid only half price for one. lol
    1 point
  39. Microsoft has a big 2021 planned for Windows and Surface

    20H2 was buggy as hell when it first was pushed to PC's. I've had two customers with corrupted Windows installations that could not be repaired. What is annoying is that Microsoft stopped Window 10, since v.1809, from making automatic registry backups. There was no good reason to eliminate this important and useful way to fix Windows corruption, especially if it was solely in the registry. Why did they remove registry backups, and yet added unimportant features that none of my customers knew existed, including "Meet now"? If your registry is getting corrupted that often maybe it's time to look into what's corrupting it? I haven't even heard of registry corruption until now since Vista except by people trying to sell me ######.
    1 point
  40. Yeah let's just take all supported software, dump it all and create a new thing with 0 software for it and require software developers to recode half of their apps from scratch. Sometimes I really wonder if people actually think about the ideas they have because this has hands down got to be one of the dumbest suggestions I've ever seen in regards to windows. If it ain't broke, don't break it. It's not about the all or nothing approaches like you're suggesting (backwards compatibility vs starting from scratch). There needs to be a balance of transparent backwards compatibility (Rosetta) and a CLEAR direction for new software, but the benifits of removing all that backwards compatibility can't be over looked. Less clunky system, faster, more efficient, less issues with upgrades into the future, easier to overhaul UI, etc. We need Windows 10X to do this. Let's look at iOS as a great example: 32-bit OS until, what, iOS 9? Then 64-bit. There was a 32-bit compatability until iOS 11 after which you could no longer run 32-bit applications at all, now you might think "oh well" but no, that's ######. Lots of that software was PAID, and essentially it was all dumped, and you as a user have no recourse to get your money back, and because it's apple there's no way to revert to an older version of iOS an dun software YOU HAVE PAID FOR. Similar thing happened with iOS 13 and the dark mode, it broke so many systems and they needed updates to fix either crashing on startup or all text being unreadable, again, apps that were old didn't get updated. There is no need or want from people in the world to do what you want, just like no-one else outside of neowin in the world wanted the original xbox x DRM system. A normal user doesn't care what underlying legacy systems are, they just care will their software work, business users have a similar mindset but they also want it to be secure plus they're more likely to be using old software. There is no architecture change e.g. from a new ISA, so there is actually 0 want for this system you describe from basically everyone in the world, least not from microsoft who's windows 10 can only be described as blunder after blunder, I don't think they would be in a rush to dump a legacy system that has, what, 30 years of backend regression tests for it to be binned and completely replaced with something that would start with nothing. If you want an incompatible system with a different UI style, go install a linux distro with e17 - that ticks your boxes, no software compatibility, entirely different UI - best of luck!
    1 point
  41. Work Monitors for Home Office

    I'll take a look at the 27" monitors, I just wasn't sure if the pixel density will be comparable to a Retina display (obviously the larger the screen area, the less dense the pixels even if it's a higher resolution). Though that may not truly matter if it's a marked improvement from a typical 1080p monitor. I did take a look at this suggestion in the other thread I saw, and while for the last few years I've used a single ultrawide display (2560x1080) it was not curved. They do seem cool, but the necessity of a continuity for the screen isn't high for me. I would actually prefer two individual monitors for the optional vertical display (in the case I want to look at a large amount of code, or reading long articles). Not sure in actuality how much I'd use that, but the option is always nice. But definitely a consideration seeing as it appears no matter what for one ultrawide or two regular monitors I'll be shelling out ~$800 no matter what.
    1 point
  42. Here are the five biggest tech surprises of 2020

    Well not a surprise but a shock actually how ordinary crappy webcams and all standalone video calling devices/Smart displays became expensive and overpriced in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
    1 point
  43. Microsoft has a big 2021 planned for Windows and Surface

    (1) A UI refresh is most definitely needed. Make the default UI more desktop/laptop oriented. Have an optional smartphone oriented UI available; instead of it being the current default. Windows-7 has a nice clean look that needs to return. (2) Get the "control" or "customizing" functions back into one central location; instead of being splattered all over the place. The WIndows-7 Control Panel was an excellent solution...why was it abandoned? Remember, if one can't find a function or feature, it does not exist--contrary to all the hype to the contrary. (3) Focus on stability and reliability, instead of tacking on new features. Its probably too late to return to modular programming, so now any failure in an obscure feature/function causes the entire OS to fail.
    1 point
  44. A look back at the best laptops of 2020

    You forget that Apple laptops are the most expensive and have the worst OS ever, i.e. macOS. A small malady kills the whole OS, there are not many apps for it (compared to Linux and Windows,) and it is only made for the U.S. market with little care for other international users. I mean sure, the laptops themselves are nothing short of dazzling, but that's it.
    1 point
  45. Here are the five coolest tech innovations of 2020

    No idea why the LG Wing is on this list? It wasn't even a good gimmick. The PS5 over the Xbox X series makes no sense at all. I would buy the PS 5 controller on the list.
    1 point
  46. Here are the five coolest tech innovations of 2020

    Yeah I thought the reasons were a bit odd... plus it was also about “new experiences” but no mention of Microsoft buying Zenimax. That’s a whole boat load of new experiences coming Microsoft’s way and not on PS.
    1 point
  47. Here are the five coolest tech innovations of 2020

    To me only the Apple Silicon and Game Pass count as innovations, in the sense that they will bring change to the industry. the Lenovo and the LG wing come off as gimmicks while the consoles are basically faster versions of what we had before.
    1 point
  48. Jack ma should just hand over substantial amount of control in board to the CCP just like any other company in china. That should do the trick. Almost all chinese companies are by and large controlled by CCP.
    1 point
  49. Maybe they should start by breaking up their (Communist Party’s) control over the government and country.
    1 point
  50. Windows laptop touchpad Poll

    I've got a buttonless touchpad, but the bottom of the touchpad clicks and it differentiates between the left and right side for left and right buttons. So I went for option 2. I guess I prefer this setup, but I've used touchpads with physical buttons.
    1 point