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Sidney Daily News blocks Yahoo Local access!

And, I’ll admit I was pretty excited since I just got VMware’s ESX 3i Server running on my PowerSpec B610. I would have been thrilled to bump it up to 4 gigs so I could do more stuff I don’t need to, simultaneously. And, I can upgrade a couple client’s B610’s at the same time.

So, here I am, ready to whip out my creditcard and give them some money. Then reality sinks in: Corsair’s “memory configurator” doesn’t list PowerSpec as a brand. Ok, let’s try the Buffalo configurator and cross reference. Nope, no PowerSpec there either. Odd, but surely PowerSpec’s site will cross-sell MicroCenter’s stuff for their own brand. Nope, no luck here either. Don’t they want to sell me stuff?

My vision’s not what it used to be, so even tho the case is already open on the B610, I’ll just check the specs on PowerSpec’s site to find the maximum memory: nope, just basic tech facts. Ok, let’s see if there’s enough info on the motherboard page to find out. Yeah! Specs! But wait, it says only 2 gigs max. That can’t be right!

Just in case, I’ll Google Intel’s site to make sure. Dammit! 2 gigs is the max.

The result: I spent 15 minutes this morning struggling to spend money at MicroCenter on memory for machines I bought from them. And, the way it usually goes, I probably would have spent another couple hundred dollars while I was there. But instead, I had to surf all over the damn place just to see if the memory was compatible, only to learn I couldn’t use it anyway. I’m bummed! And very frustrated that MicroCenter couldn’t provide me a tool to upgrade an existing purchase.

How difficult can it be to create a list or configurator to update your own products? PITA to setup maybe, but then it’s just a database entry and YOU GET FREE SALES! I bet I could have something working in a couple days if I had the PowerSpec database… MicroCenter if you read this, email me & let’s talk!

Oh yeah, so let’s imagine I’m a regular consumer: I can’t find any info, so I order the RAM kit anyway. It shows up, I eagerly plug it in & wtf! it still shows only 2 gigs. Now, I have to call and wait in voicemail hell. So, 15 minutes later, I finally get to a human and they tell me they can’t find the info on their website either. Now I’m pissed. I bought something that doesn’t work, I’ve been on hold freakin forever, and now you don’t know what’s wrong. Great PR! And even if it was a different model that would take more than 2 gigs, XP will only show ~3.5 gigs, which would prompt an angry phone call too.

Yes, I’m in a bad mood! I wanted to spend money on toys and I can’t…

Ten tweaks for a new Acer Aspire One
OneLinux.org’s resources
AspireOneUser Forum
Custom desktop script
Acer Aspire One Tips and Tricks

More info at: www.alumniclass.com/FairmontWestHS.

I know, I know, there are plenty of other things I should be doing, but this is fun.

Anyway, there’s some good info on caring for a betta and keeping them happy & healthy. I’ll be covering betta illnesses / diseases like fin rot, bloating, popeye, etc.

The goal is to have a single place to send family, friends, and clients for the tools they need to remove spyware, viruses, malware, etc., and keep their machines clean. The “how to”, review & tutorial sections will explain, in English, exactly where to download from, what to select during the installation, and how to use the tools.

There’s also an Update page that lists the most recent updates & info about all the tools I mention. It’s automatic, so it’s never out of date.

There’s no scams, crapware, or BS. These are the tools I use because I know they work.

Oh yeah, if you want a recovery disk, you need to call in the first 30 days after purchase to get one free. After that, it’s voicemail hell to get to a live body, before you can send them more money for something they should have included in the box!

Why Sony chose to go with this goofy key combo is beyond me…

If you were already running VMware Server, chances are that the upgrade included all the build files, but just in case it didn’t, this command wil get them for you:

sudo aptitude install linux-headers-`uname -r` build-essential