Microsoft Rant
by patndoris on Sep.09, 2007, under Computers
It started years ago, when Microsoft decided products had to be registered. So ended life as we knew it. Mr. Gates decided he's stop illegal software sharing one way or another (like he doesn't have enough money??). Now I suppose I can understand (well....sort of.) He's the one who pays developers to write software, people to test it (??) for bugs & continues to maintain it (until he decides it no longer warrants support.) There are costs associated with it all I guess. But, having people use your programs happily without having to register would likely increase the number of people who'd fork out the $$ for the next bigger better version if they truly love the program. Forcing them to only makes them look tor other (free?) alternatives to use.
I've Been Pondering...
by patndoris on Aug.27, 2007, under Science?
On my website I have a little spot for things to ponder (not my ideas I assure you!) One of them is "Why do they put floatation devices underneath airline seats instead of parachutes?" Seems like a good question on the surface...but is it really??
I'm Excited About BigBlueBall
by patndoris on Aug.25, 2007, under Websites
On Friday, I received an invitation to be a staff memeber at BigBlueBall ( BBB ). For those of you who use IM programs, this is THE resource for everything IM related. I've been a member since 2006, but had become far more active lately in the forums. It was quite an honor, in my mind, to be invited onto the staff of this site.
Tale of the Broken Broadband
by patndoris on Aug.03, 2007, under Computers
So there I am last night...8:30 pm - happily working on some offline tasks when I notice IT. I'm sure you've seen it before - the dreaded YH grey face....the OFFLINE face. Uh oh...what's up with that I wonder? Ah well, I'm sure it will be back on momentarily....15 minutes later....the abysmal grey face still stares at me from my system tray. OK, OK...time to break down and see what's going on. Maybe I'm getting interference again from a neighbor's wireless - it's happened plenty of times before...but not on the Vista machine. Dutifully I switch over to WLM and try to sign in. No big surprise - can't connect....so I click the handy dandy troubleshooter button. Hmmm..DNS thingy I've never understood....but I've seen it before. Usually a simple reboot takes care of it. Click...Click.....Click.....Reboot.....
Multiple Browsers & IFS (read on to find out what it is)
by patndoris on Jul.22, 2007, under Science?
I can't blame it on OCD this time....well...I could, but it really wouldn't be fair. But I CAN blame it on Irrational Fear Syndrome (IFS). It's a new internet related syndrome (of my own creation of course) whereby I (or anyone else) is afraid to install something on a computer. Seems my totally irrational fear is of having multiple browsers on my computers. Where did it come from? I've no idea, more importantly - how do I cure it? Well, I'm not sure I have the fortitude to do it!
Not A Chirp to be Heard
by patndoris on Jul.01, 2007, under My Philosophy
Life rushes past with such incredible speed. As children, days seem to drag, months take forever, and years? Well, they're simply never ending. As an adult (or at least most of the time I am...no comments from the peanut gallery please!) they all seem to speed by in a blur. Often I don't take time to appreciate the small things, the little miracles of everyday life. There are so many wondrous things to stop and notice everyday if one just makes the time, taking a few moments to look for and reflect upon them.
Dr. Doris on Internet Addiction
by patndoris on Jun.09, 2007, under Science?
Internet addiction? Who came up with such a silly phrase? Actually, I believe it was originally coined as a joke, but the medical community decided to jump on it and make it “real.” I guess once in a while they choose some other hobby (like gambling) to pick on, but internet addiction is often the flavor of the week. Just how much do you suppose they make treating such an awful, awful addiction? Hmmm....imagine the money we could make offering ONLINE treatment for internet addiction! I stumbled upon this simple quiz from Netaholics Anonymous to see if you’re addicted to the internet…but as usual, I felt compelled to add my own spin to it.
What You Always Wanted to Know About Electricity but Were Afraid to Ask
by patndoris on Jun.04, 2007, under Science?
When I was young, my father used to bring home copies of all kinds of jokes. Being the resourceful young pack rat I was (tho I've gotten much better in recent years), I saved them for years. Once again find myself dipping into my stash (while I work on developing a "real" blog entry). I did a quick google and it doesn't appear this one has ever made it's round on the internet, amazingly enough! I've edited just a wee bit (for grammar) but not much at all.
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