I have to give it to Microsoft, they can screw up simple things, even in 2009. So far with Windows 7, it has ‘lost’ the printer once already (had to reinstall) and our USB scanner does not work (for 32 or 64 bit versions) . Let’s see, Mandriva 2010 has never lost the printer, and the scanner works perfectly. Come on, this is 2009, you have been making Windows for 20 years. Fix it.
I just upgraded to Mandriva 2010. I don’t usually use the year version of Mandriva and wait for the spring version, but I wanted to see how KDE 4.3 is. It is pretty decent. I only had one problem with the video card, but it is resolved now. The interface is clean and modern. Now all I need is a more modern video card to run it all.
Now, I want to pass on some knowledge that is applicable to Windows and Linux users in terms of DVD burning:
1) Always run the latest firmware for your burner. It makes a big difference! It will usually turn a quirky drive into a reliable one and solve many problems with not being able to read and write to some brands of DVD’s.
2) Always burn at HALF of the rated rate of the disk. If it is a 16x disk, burn at 8X. It’s not a race, so let the burner take a little longer to get better results. You don’t save any time making coasters. Force your DVD program to burn at a lower speed. This disables the OPC, which is the Output Power Check, which can take time and stresses your drive.
3) Try to buy decent, name brand media, if you can. You will usually get better results. Often, when on sale, name brand media will be the same price as the no name brands.
If anyone needs to contact me, please use this blog or e-mail me.
The “wash me’ theme was screwing with my formatting, so I had to change it. I like the new look, what do you think?
Went out trick or treating with Glenn, doesn’t he look cute?
He got lots of compliments and candy. It was a little cold, but he was a real trooper. Chocolate is a great motivator. People were very impressed with his outfit. The costume is very well made and looks pretty legitimate. We picked up the costume (with helmet) last year and added the axe. It is about he safest costume I have ever seen, with the green stripes be actual retro reflective material like the real thing.
The funniest costume we saw when we were out was this one:
Yep, that’s a real monitor shell and Dell keyboard. Tiff and I had a good laugh at that one. The man inside was an adult with a full beard.