Dr. Blip's PC-Doctor Blog - Comments

Chris: Introducing Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox

nospam@example.com (Chris) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:03:26 -0500

Marc,

Lenovo recently posted a detailed list of FAQs which should answer most of the questions you have regarding Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox.

http://forums.lenovo.com/t5/ThinkVantage-Technologies/Lenovo-ThinkVantage-Toolbox-FAQ/m-p/179148

Marc: Introducing Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox

nospam@example.com (Marc) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:47:21 -0500

I just received this today as an automatic download from Lenovo. I can't tell you what I think because it doesn't work unless I activate "online support." But it says that it will "access the Internet to tailor the user experience to [my] system."

To me that means advertising. I'm not interested in getting advertising pushed at me.

It doesn't say what information it will take from my system, whether that is one time or continuous, or what it will do with that information. I am simply not willing to dig through Lenovo's long privacy policy to find out. I also know that privacy policies can change any moment. I'm not willing to give up my personal information unless I know exactly what I'm getting in return.

Also, if I give an external website unfettered access to my computer I have to worry about intrusions by malware and other spyware. I run a firewall and antivirus software but since this program is from Lenovo I have concern that the access could be at a more basic level that would bypass those key protections.

I also don't know the benefits of the ThinkVantage Toolbox. If Lenovo wants me to accept advertising, give up all my personal information, and risk malware, then the program better be spectacular.

mike: How to Change keyboard Language in Windows

nospam@example.com (mike) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:22:32 -0500

awesome tip, thanks!

Matt: Nginx vs. Apache2 - in Rails Running Death Match

nospam@example.com (Matt) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:30:03 -0400

Yes, I agree with Andy, poster above.

Apache comes with a CRAP LOAD of modules that are loaded by default.

It is up to the Apache ADMIN to learn about the capabilities of all modules, AND DISABLE THOSE NOT NEEDED.

Apache is not bloated! It just comes with A LOT of configurations and bells and whistles, that can EASILY be 'turned off' (hence saving memory and cpu)

A bare bones mod_php + core modules + 1 or 2 extra modules makes for a fast and slim Apache.

The default apache is a PIG, yes when you have all 20+ modules loaded which most are never used...

Learn to be a real Administrator and learn how to do it right. Running tests in a 512 megabyte scenerio is obsurb. Any web server will have at least 1-2 gigs of ram if not 4+.

It is going to begin to use SWAP after 512 (which just about ANY server (mail, imap, database or otherwise) will encounter.

Now I agree that perhaps Nginx or Lighttpd may be 'lighter', but that is because it is not preloaded with all the cool modules, like apache.

But, Apache DOES give you the options to use them OR NOT (all you have to do is comment out each module you do not want to load, and it will not be used and saves on resources. )

Where as with nginx it is not nearly as tested, secure and matured as the grand old Apache.

You need to re do your tests, and concider all things.

The first thing that VOIDS your tests, not to be mean, is the fact that you mentioned you used DEFAULT installs...

Well, that is not optimization. And voids all claims... you MUST configure correctly to get good results.

The reason why all the apache modules are loaded by default, is to show off all the cool features and make aware to Apache Admin they are there... however, default install is NOT the optimized install.

adam: How to Change keyboard Language in Windows

nospam@example.com (adam) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 07:45:48 -0500

thnx you help me loads

cheers

Rose: How to Build an Awesome PC for $800, Step by Step

nospam@example.com (Rose) — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 15:23:12 -0500

There's barely a reason to build your own PC anymore - the big box manufacturers have squeezed all the margin out of the business. I used to be able to make $200 selling a PC. Now I'm lucky if I can cover the cost of shipping the parts to my office. The money's in service.

Rose: Is Toshiba Surrendering Too Soon?

nospam@example.com (Rose) — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 15:18:46 -0500

I'm just mad that my xbox still can't play blu-ray. That's what I get for trusting Microsoft!

Andy Trice: Nginx vs. Apache2 - in Rails Running Death Match

nospam@example.com (Andy Trice) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:22:20 -0500

The default mpm for Apache is prefork, which trades memory efficiency for thread safety. Switch the mpm to worker (as used by nginx), disable all unneeded modules, and you will probably see identical performance on that hardware.

fred.bertsch: A Theory of Scheduling Low Priority Work

nospam@example.com (fred.bertsch) — Wed, 28 May 2008 14:33:14 -0400

Isn't that great? But, you see, I've got a ton of work to do on this H project here. I can't do anything!

colin: A Theory of Scheduling Low Priority Work

nospam@example.com (colin) — Wed, 28 May 2008 13:49:40 -0400

I find it rather amusing that your referenced "L" project actually refers anxious customers that cannot wait for it, to another "L" project.