Posted by TomasF
I finally got the opportunity to install Windows 7, so I decided to do some system changes at the same time, some of which I've been meaning to do for quite some time.
When I built the current workstation around an Asus Rampage Extreme I bought 2x4GB OCZ Platinum DDR3 ram timed at 7-7-7-20, planning to later upgrade to 8GB. But by the time I ordered the new mem, despite even having the same product number, it came with 7-7-7-24 timings. Now I don't know for 100% certain that one of the modules aren't defective, but they seem to be working well separately, but if both kits are installed, the system will BSOD randomly.
So top on the list was 8GB of identical memory modules. I got some nice Corsair XMS3 2GB modules (4 of them) at a decent price, and while I was at it I got an Intel x25 Generation 2 SSD drive to install Windows 7 on. I know shouldn't have, but I couldn't help myself.
I did the installation Friday night, and so far the memory has been working exemplary, and the combination of Windows 7 and the SSD drive is a joy to use. So far good news all around. While I'm installing everything over, I decided I should do some posts on what I always add to my system after a fresh install, as I always forget stuff, and people sometimes ask me about my essential tools.
Posted by TomasF
Came across this fantastic collection of posters by Jonathan Haggard. Really great stuff, I miss the good old propaganda style posters! And heck, I can't even remember them from real life!
Posted by TomasF
The Norwegian tech site Hardware.no has posted a test where they compare assorted common "household" liquids and substances as thermal paste replacement for use between cpu and cooler. For reference they use Arctic Silver Ceramique. The results are quite amusing.
References: Test, results (in Norwegian). Google Translator results.
Posted by TomasF
So my firewall is a an old Compaq d500 desktop running Windows 2003 and ISA 2006 Server. It's running headless (without monitor, keyboard or mouse connected) in a corner, being managed over RDP. But since the hardware isn't new, the concept of usb keyboards is kind of alien to the bios, but I finally managed to get it to boot without nagging for a ps/2 keyboard. However, seems Windows also feels it should've been given a keyboard connection, because forever it's been throwing a service error at logon:
Event Type: Error
Event Source: Service Control Manager
Event Category: None
Event ID: 7026
Date: 01.08.2009
Time: 10:16:19
User: N/A
Computer: ******
Description:
The following boot-start or system-start driver(s) failed to load:
i8042prt
I finally got tired of this so I decided to search out a solution to this. And woohoo, I found 2:
- Boot to recovery console (from the CD or if you've installed it on the HDD), at the prompt type: disable i8042prt
- Start regedit and go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\i8042prt and change value of "Start" to 4. This will disable the boot start of this service.
Hope this is of some use for someone else.
Posted by TomasF
While I was lounging outside the cottage during easter holidays with my Nikon D70 mounted with the "Bigma" (Sigma 50-500mm), this small guy landed pretty close to me and started jumping around a few meters away. Presumably he was both annoyed at me placing myself on top of the wall he had started building a nest in, as well as attracted to the seasons first insects which were circling my cup of tea, waiting for it to get cool enough.
He seemed happy enough to pose, though. Have to say I'm pretty happy with the shot.
