I had my Hotmail account suspended back in August last year, and I finally got it back.
Most of my usernames and passwords I use online are there.
How did it get suspended? Well, I had an install of OneNote 2010 which wanted to link to my Hotmail account, which I was happy to do as it all talks to each other, and its an extentsion of the Dropbox software I swear by.
But silly me entered the wrong password into OneNote, which then proceeded to try to log into my Hotmail account. Microsoft thought it was an intruder hack and suspended the account.
It took this long because (a) I had to prove it was me and my email accounts (b) whenever "they" agreed it was my account, they redirected me to a password reset screen, which reset the password, but still the account was suspended.
Cut a long story short, they finally saw the light and let me have it, and all 800 unread emails....
Showing posts with label IT. Show all posts
Showing posts with label IT. Show all posts
Monday, 31 January 2011
Sunday, 12 July 2009
Goodbye Canon...Hello HP
I havent bought an HP product in years having always felt their print quality wasnt never special and generally their printers requiring a "little help" in their old age (i.e. having to force-feed them to take paper).
They had a special offer on a Currys who clearly didnt have a clue on pricing, and I managed to pick up an HP Photosmart C6820 All-in-One for £49.99 - RRP is £ 159.99.
They had a special offer on a Currys who clearly didnt have a clue on pricing, and I managed to pick up an HP Photosmart C6820 All-in-One for £49.99 - RRP is £ 159.99.
Saturday, 4 July 2009
Apologies for not Posting
What it says really.
Apologies for not posting much here now, as I do 90% of my posting on Facebook (boo hiss).
So if you want to follow what Im up to, send me an email
lawbag06 at gmail dot com
and Ill let you know the details to mutually add each other there
Apologies for not posting much here now, as I do 90% of my posting on Facebook (boo hiss).
So if you want to follow what Im up to, send me an email
lawbag06 at gmail dot com
and Ill let you know the details to mutually add each other there
Friday, 11 July 2008
Canon Printer Watch pt2
Ive given it a lot of thought, and there really isnt another printer that I really want other than a Canon.
So, I will bite the bullet and buy a new set of print heads at around £ 50.
I know I could buy a new printer for that, but sneaking a new printer under the wife's radar right now would prove to be impossible.
So, I will bite the bullet and buy a new set of print heads at around £ 50.
I know I could buy a new printer for that, but sneaking a new printer under the wife's radar right now would prove to be impossible.
Thursday, 10 July 2008
Short and tragic love affair with my Canon printer is finally over...
I am a fan of Canon products, already owning one of their cameras, scanner and 2xprinters.
But finally I have lost my patience with my Canon Pixma iP4000 printer.
Its the usual tale of incurable print heads and streaky lines, and Ive searched online for guides and help, none of which have actually helped.
So the damn thing is going to end up on Ebay or free to a good home.
The machine is just over 2 years old, its just on the black it loves to leave streaks, no matter what I do with the print heads or printer cartridges, official Canon print inks or 3rd party print inks.
Yes its going to be replaced, but more than likely with an Epson, as Ive read too many complaints about Canon printers having a reputation for this kind of print head malady.
But finally I have lost my patience with my Canon Pixma iP4000 printer.
Its the usual tale of incurable print heads and streaky lines, and Ive searched online for guides and help, none of which have actually helped.
So the damn thing is going to end up on Ebay or free to a good home.
The machine is just over 2 years old, its just on the black it loves to leave streaks, no matter what I do with the print heads or printer cartridges, official Canon print inks or 3rd party print inks.
Yes its going to be replaced, but more than likely with an Epson, as Ive read too many complaints about Canon printers having a reputation for this kind of print head malady.
Monday, 7 July 2008
Microsoft (Hotmail) Hates iPhone
Ive inherited my wife's iPhone as its too techy and clunky for her to use, set up all my emails and contacts and so far its working a dream.
BUT, thanks to some skullduggery or what not, Hotmail doesnt work with the iPhone, either by accident, but more likely design.
There are hacks and dodgy programs which get around this problem, but I think at this rate I might find myself back with Yahoo - which Im not happy about. Yahoo works fine with the iPhone.
BUT, thanks to some skullduggery or what not, Hotmail doesnt work with the iPhone, either by accident, but more likely design.
There are hacks and dodgy programs which get around this problem, but I think at this rate I might find myself back with Yahoo - which Im not happy about. Yahoo works fine with the iPhone.
Monday, 23 June 2008
Firefox 3.0 Portable Upgrade
Lasted about 30 minutes on my Flash Drive before I removed it and went back to version 2.0.
Too slow, too clunky and waits forever to perform screen updates.
Im a real whore for opening multiple tabs and browsing at the same time, and opening more than 1 tab causes FF to grind to a halt.
It might be my set-up, but for now Ill stick with 2.0.
Too slow, too clunky and waits forever to perform screen updates.
Im a real whore for opening multiple tabs and browsing at the same time, and opening more than 1 tab causes FF to grind to a halt.
It might be my set-up, but for now Ill stick with 2.0.
Friday, 28 March 2008
Yahoo Email Account Deactivated
Im a little bit pissed off, but apparently there is nothing that can be done if you look at the comments from hundreds of other Yahoo "customers".
You see, according to the Yahoo TOS they can deactivate your account for any reason, and then not actually give you a reason why they have cancelled your account. Ironically it was on a Yahoo search that I found this out, along with many other people's sorry tales of woe. No matter how important the email or trivial the reason Yahoo can cancel the account. This means you lose your contacts, email addresses, stored emails, photos and messenger details all in one fell swoop.
Ive never fully trusted either Microsoft (Hotmail) Yahoo or Google to look after my entire life by keeping all of important documents on their "virtual" storage drives. In fact I have spread them around several different services.
I mainly used the Yahoo account for password verification and also throw-away emails that I wasnt bothered about, but still there were some important (and some irreplacable) passwords and usernames that have long been lost, including a Paypal account.
I wont be getting any of the emails back, not any of the stored information, but it is a good warning to me in the future to never rely on a corporate body to look after my interests when it appears there is no financial benefit to them!
Microsoft with their Live Hotmail brand are trying to encourage me to ditch my USB Flash Drive in favour of their new Skydrive service. But on a whim they could cancel it with no comeback whatsoever. So despite the threat of losing it, getting it stolen or it failing, I think I'll be keeping it thank you. Im also in the slow progress of migrating some of the email contacts to Hotmail. As for Yahoo Messenger and the contacts, hmm well I can live without them, and those who know me will know my Hotmail email address anyhow.
So a little warning, do not rely on any 3rd party to look after all of your personal and vital data.
So this is what I use;
2x IMAP Email accounts on 2 domains I own - thereby no one can steal my email addresses or take it away from me
2x Hotmail Accounts - spam and regular forum passwords
1x Backup Googlemail account
www.zoho.com - online Word documents for writing random nonsense
omnidrive.com - multi GB storage of large PDFs I want to share
Im sure there are others, but there you go, these are the main ones.
Everything else, excel spreadsheets, Orchid main book, photos and portable programs exists on my pendrive.
evilref (159.134.57.27)
You see, according to the Yahoo TOS they can deactivate your account for any reason, and then not actually give you a reason why they have cancelled your account. Ironically it was on a Yahoo search that I found this out, along with many other people's sorry tales of woe. No matter how important the email or trivial the reason Yahoo can cancel the account. This means you lose your contacts, email addresses, stored emails, photos and messenger details all in one fell swoop.
Ive never fully trusted either Microsoft (Hotmail) Yahoo or Google to look after my entire life by keeping all of important documents on their "virtual" storage drives. In fact I have spread them around several different services.
I mainly used the Yahoo account for password verification and also throw-away emails that I wasnt bothered about, but still there were some important (and some irreplacable) passwords and usernames that have long been lost, including a Paypal account.
I wont be getting any of the emails back, not any of the stored information, but it is a good warning to me in the future to never rely on a corporate body to look after my interests when it appears there is no financial benefit to them!
Microsoft with their Live Hotmail brand are trying to encourage me to ditch my USB Flash Drive in favour of their new Skydrive service. But on a whim they could cancel it with no comeback whatsoever. So despite the threat of losing it, getting it stolen or it failing, I think I'll be keeping it thank you. Im also in the slow progress of migrating some of the email contacts to Hotmail. As for Yahoo Messenger and the contacts, hmm well I can live without them, and those who know me will know my Hotmail email address anyhow.
So a little warning, do not rely on any 3rd party to look after all of your personal and vital data.
So this is what I use;
2x IMAP Email accounts on 2 domains I own - thereby no one can steal my email addresses or take it away from me
2x Hotmail Accounts - spam and regular forum passwords
1x Backup Googlemail account
www.zoho.com - online Word documents for writing random nonsense
omnidrive.com - multi GB storage of large PDFs I want to share
Im sure there are others, but there you go, these are the main ones.
Everything else, excel spreadsheets, Orchid main book, photos and portable programs exists on my pendrive.
evilref (159.134.57.27)
29th Mar, 2008 09:57 (local)
...do not rely on any 3rd party to look after all of your personal and vital data...
Agreed. But:-
...excel spreadsheets, Orchid main book, photos and portable programs exists on my pendrive...
Excel is a Microsoft product, and if they decide to no longer support it (or suddenly make the latest version unusable because they've decided the "look-and-feel" needs jazzing up) then your data will only be available for as long as your software is supported.
If you value your data, migrate to open-source software products. The German government has.
Agreed. But:-
...excel spreadsheets, Orchid main book, photos and portable programs exists on my pendrive...
Excel is a Microsoft product, and if they decide to no longer support it (or suddenly make the latest version unusable because they've decided the "look-and-feel" needs jazzing up) then your data will only be available for as long as your software is supported.
If you value your data, migrate to open-source software products. The German government has.
Friday, 14 March 2008
NAS Experiment Failed
The NAS experiment failed, due to the machine I was using would detect a 2nd hard drive. This wasnt essential, but as I wanted to make sure the software controlled RAID 0 & 1 worked it made the attempt pointless in my eyes.
Friday, 7 March 2008
Building my very Own Network Server using NAS
I have been toying with the idea for some month now of building a PC just dedicated to being a network access storage. FreeNAS is a free program which is OS independent which turns any computer into a dedicated network storage device. The software allows for RAID which 2 years ago meant nothing to me, but has not only become very interesting, but is now a feature of most modern PC Motherboards.
I have access to several old PCs that I shall strip down this weekend and get it working.
If you are interested in giving it a shot yourself, here is the link;
FreeNAS
I have access to several old PCs that I shall strip down this weekend and get it working.
If you are interested in giving it a shot yourself, here is the link;
FreeNAS
Thursday, 13 December 2007
iPods and iDiots
Other people seem to be using their blog as an avenue to promote their music, or at the very least provide a forum for people (i.e. no one) to talk about music which they enjoy or like listening to.
Our London rail network has a free newspaper called the Metro, and in it their is a section called On My iPod, in which celebrities (usually vapour-heads with something to promote) recount what is on their iPod, but they are only to choose 5 songs. Which is odd, because I always though iPods could carry more than just 5 songs! Plus are you really sure EVERY famous celebrity has an iPod and ACTUALLY uses it. I mean it takes a certain amount of PC acumen to actually load music onto one.
Still, out of completeness I am not going to be telling you what is on my iPod, but more importantly what I listened to on the way into work.
1) Porcupine Tree - Deadwing - progressive pop rock from the UK masters
2) Steve Roach - Core - a one man aural equivalent of a universe - highly desire-ably listening pleasure.
XXX
When I encounter grown sane people who actually have a problem surfing the internet in so much as they don't understand what a URL or an Address bar is, I get worried especially when they start asking me questions about starting up an Internet Business.
Originally posted 23/01/2006
Our London rail network has a free newspaper called the Metro, and in it their is a section called On My iPod, in which celebrities (usually vapour-heads with something to promote) recount what is on their iPod, but they are only to choose 5 songs. Which is odd, because I always though iPods could carry more than just 5 songs! Plus are you really sure EVERY famous celebrity has an iPod and ACTUALLY uses it. I mean it takes a certain amount of PC acumen to actually load music onto one.
Still, out of completeness I am not going to be telling you what is on my iPod, but more importantly what I listened to on the way into work.
1) Porcupine Tree - Deadwing - progressive pop rock from the UK masters
2) Steve Roach - Core - a one man aural equivalent of a universe - highly desire-ably listening pleasure.
XXX
When I encounter grown sane people who actually have a problem surfing the internet in so much as they don't understand what a URL or an Address bar is, I get worried especially when they start asking me questions about starting up an Internet Business.
Originally posted 23/01/2006
Saturday, 8 December 2007
PC World aren't off the hook just yet.
Just an update, sent a lengthy email to PC World, which was a heavily edited version of my rant.
Ill be interested in seeing their response, as Im sure you will be.
Ill post it as soon as I hear something.
lawbag (83.104.27.178)
Ill be interested in seeing their response, as Im sure you will be.
Ill post it as soon as I hear something.
lawbag (83.104.27.178)
11th Dec, 2007 11:08 (local)
I sent the email on Saturday the 8th, and still haven't heard anything from them as at 11th.
I expected an acknowledgment if nothing else.
I expected an acknowledgment if nothing else.
Sunday, 2 December 2007
Woe Becomes a Tragedy
As reported yesterday, I had a problem with a new laptop which I took back to PC World, Lakeside. Now I fully expected them to look at the machine apologise, give me a new one and off I go. But oh no.
I spent 5 minutes explaining my problem to a girl on the technical desk in the shop who didnt seem to understand my issue, and eventually referred me to a more senior colleague, who took the machine from me and took it into their workshop to have a look and confirm the problem. After waiting 30 minutes and watching about 15 people in the queue behind me also have problems, but have them solved whilst I was waiting, I eventually asked was there any news on my laptop.
There was, they had diagnosed NO problem and someone should have told me 28 minutes ago. 2 technicians looked at it and said it wasnt a problem, so I asked to speak to someone senior.
Well Mr Senior did turn up after I insisted, and he proceeded to reiterate the official line that the HP laptop is not defective nor is there a problem. There would be no refund and no exchange. Seeing as he was a manager, I asked to see someone more senior than him, which he said wasnt possible, as he was the manager and that was that.
I am being very nice and calm about this, but my keyboard is burning with rage.
The manager (who like all "nice" people) will refuse to deal with anyone who isnt calm and reasoned and certainly doesnt swear, I tried my fucking hardest to remain cool, but still managed to attract the attention of 2 plain clothes store detectives who came to his defense. It was whilst telling one of these store detectives to not lay a finger on me, that the manager ran off to his office and refused to come out.
So I insisted I saw someone to resolve this mess that was rapidly getting out of control, hampered by the fact I had my 4 year old daughter with me, who had been waiting patiently who now needed to use the toilet.
Eventually another manager came out to me and told me that all HP laptops make this kind of noise, and we walked together to the display stands of 10 other HP laptops that ranged in price from 400-1800, and each and everyone make the same buzzing sound from the front face plate. This new manager also said he had one of these at home and hadnt noticed it until I mentioned it.
Just because he accepted defective goods, doesnt mean I should. I refused to accept a replacement at that point, and requested a refund like anyone else, but they refused me. On my return to the customer services desk, I found my laptop had been wrapped up and was waiting for me by the door held by both store detectives. I was asked to leave the shop.
On exiting PC World, I rung customer services and asked them about replacing a defective machine. I was told by a helpful chap that company policy on all refunds and replacements were done entirely at the manager;s discretion. I told him that this policy was absurd as it meant a high level on inconsistency regarding refunds. One manager one day may say yes, the next day a different manager says no. I asked to be put through to someone higher who informed me that only solution was to take the laptop back to the shop and call customer services on the phone at the same time.
I find this highly dubious. In my past experiences with PC World I have bought products in one shop and got a refund on them in another.
On my return home, my wife was supportive saying we'll keep the machine if they are all like that. But the thought that PC World have gotten away with treating me like that is incredulous. I am currently contemplating taking the machine back to potentially 2 other PC Worlds that are driving distance away and seeing if I get a different treatment and get the refund I am now seeking.
Once I have this refunded credit card slip, I will then return to PC World in Lakeside and ask to see the same manager who fobbed me off by running away today. I know his name, because they advertise it on a photoboard on the exit of the shop. When he comes, I will show him proudly of my full and unconditional refund, then gladly spit a lump of disease ridden spit right in the cunt's face.
I think I feel much better now. I had never intended this blog to be a ranting one, but there you go.
queenortart (212.183.136.194)
lawbag (217.43.41.167)
w00hoo (193.60.52.11)
lawbag (83.104.27.178)
I spent 5 minutes explaining my problem to a girl on the technical desk in the shop who didnt seem to understand my issue, and eventually referred me to a more senior colleague, who took the machine from me and took it into their workshop to have a look and confirm the problem. After waiting 30 minutes and watching about 15 people in the queue behind me also have problems, but have them solved whilst I was waiting, I eventually asked was there any news on my laptop.
There was, they had diagnosed NO problem and someone should have told me 28 minutes ago. 2 technicians looked at it and said it wasnt a problem, so I asked to speak to someone senior.
Well Mr Senior did turn up after I insisted, and he proceeded to reiterate the official line that the HP laptop is not defective nor is there a problem. There would be no refund and no exchange. Seeing as he was a manager, I asked to see someone more senior than him, which he said wasnt possible, as he was the manager and that was that.
I am being very nice and calm about this, but my keyboard is burning with rage.
The manager (who like all "nice" people) will refuse to deal with anyone who isnt calm and reasoned and certainly doesnt swear, I tried my fucking hardest to remain cool, but still managed to attract the attention of 2 plain clothes store detectives who came to his defense. It was whilst telling one of these store detectives to not lay a finger on me, that the manager ran off to his office and refused to come out.
So I insisted I saw someone to resolve this mess that was rapidly getting out of control, hampered by the fact I had my 4 year old daughter with me, who had been waiting patiently who now needed to use the toilet.
Eventually another manager came out to me and told me that all HP laptops make this kind of noise, and we walked together to the display stands of 10 other HP laptops that ranged in price from 400-1800, and each and everyone make the same buzzing sound from the front face plate. This new manager also said he had one of these at home and hadnt noticed it until I mentioned it.
Just because he accepted defective goods, doesnt mean I should. I refused to accept a replacement at that point, and requested a refund like anyone else, but they refused me. On my return to the customer services desk, I found my laptop had been wrapped up and was waiting for me by the door held by both store detectives. I was asked to leave the shop.
On exiting PC World, I rung customer services and asked them about replacing a defective machine. I was told by a helpful chap that company policy on all refunds and replacements were done entirely at the manager;s discretion. I told him that this policy was absurd as it meant a high level on inconsistency regarding refunds. One manager one day may say yes, the next day a different manager says no. I asked to be put through to someone higher who informed me that only solution was to take the laptop back to the shop and call customer services on the phone at the same time.
I find this highly dubious. In my past experiences with PC World I have bought products in one shop and got a refund on them in another.
On my return home, my wife was supportive saying we'll keep the machine if they are all like that. But the thought that PC World have gotten away with treating me like that is incredulous. I am currently contemplating taking the machine back to potentially 2 other PC Worlds that are driving distance away and seeing if I get a different treatment and get the refund I am now seeking.
Once I have this refunded credit card slip, I will then return to PC World in Lakeside and ask to see the same manager who fobbed me off by running away today. I know his name, because they advertise it on a photoboard on the exit of the shop. When he comes, I will show him proudly of my full and unconditional refund, then gladly spit a lump of disease ridden spit right in the cunt's face.
I think I feel much better now. I had never intended this blog to be a ranting one, but there you go.
queenortart (212.183.136.194)
3rd Dec, 2007 15:57 (local)
I hope you won't think I'm being facile, which is not my intention, but you have just summed up pretty much every reason for not using PC World.
I smite them on your behalf
I smite them on your behalf
lawbag (217.43.41.167)
3rd Dec, 2007 23:26 (local)
It was ONLY the calming influence on my wonderful wife that has quelled the burning rage.
I knew that any verbal abuse or threats or actual physical gestures would be interpreted in a negative light.
As a follow up, I did go to PC World in Enfield where I work, and am happy to announce that every HP laptop also BUZZED. Therefore PC World are selling defective goods.
But thanks for the smiting. All I wish is for a speedy alternative to Misco.
I knew that any verbal abuse or threats or actual physical gestures would be interpreted in a negative light.
As a follow up, I did go to PC World in Enfield where I work, and am happy to announce that every HP laptop also BUZZED. Therefore PC World are selling defective goods.
But thanks for the smiting. All I wish is for a speedy alternative to Misco.
w00hoo (193.60.52.11)
4th Dec, 2007 10:46 (local)
Out of interest, and I understand if you can't be asked to go in to that level of detailed investigation, but do HP recognise it as being an issue? It might be worth asking them if only to avoid buying one from somewhere else that has the same issues...
lawbag (83.104.27.178)
4th Dec, 2007 11:24 (local)
It affects their range of media widescreen laptops. as mentioned it affects all their machines in that range, whether they cost 499 or 1,499. I think this is a major issue, and I will be contacting them for further advice, but if it involves it being sent away and all that hooo haaa, then I really cannot be bothered.
I think it is unfortunate its an HP, which I wont be buying again, and certainly, because of the treatment I got from PC World, I wont be using them again, instead I will do my utmost to support Misco.
I think it is unfortunate its an HP, which I wont be buying again, and certainly, because of the treatment I got from PC World, I wont be using them again, instead I will do my utmost to support Misco.
Woes x 2
Missed out on Dragonmeet because of my 'flu. 2 days off from work, and 1 day of my pleasure!
So thats 1 woe, now for number 2. The wife dragged me to TK Maxx with the consolation that we will finally be buying a new laptop for home. Got to PC World and found the machine I was after. Bought and paid for it, and then drove home. So whilst the wife was trying on a million and one new clothes she bought, I was quietly setting the laptop up, installing the software and going through the initialisation sequence.
Everything was going fine until I started using the keyboard and it had the most awful buzzing sound from loose plastic I had ever heard of. In fact the entire faceplate of the laptop "buzzed" extremely loudly no matter what I did. Being a bit techy, I opened the machine up as safely as I dare to see if there was something loose inside, but to no avail. So Ive packed the machine up ready for a free replacement, you bastards, because I doubt they will compensate me for wasting an hour of my evening setting it up for nothing.
One thing I did also notice too was the lid of the laptop closed, but there was ample room still for the lid to be closed further, which I find odd, as my Dell, and in fact all the laptops I have ever used closed completely.
Oh, and there is one more woe, I didnt mention. 'Flu = no game tonight (Sunday), which is a pisser as our Legend of the Five Rings game is turning into something even more special. The game is perfectly paced and pitched, and we are talking about more L5R adventures for the future.
So thats 1 woe, now for number 2. The wife dragged me to TK Maxx with the consolation that we will finally be buying a new laptop for home. Got to PC World and found the machine I was after. Bought and paid for it, and then drove home. So whilst the wife was trying on a million and one new clothes she bought, I was quietly setting the laptop up, installing the software and going through the initialisation sequence.
Everything was going fine until I started using the keyboard and it had the most awful buzzing sound from loose plastic I had ever heard of. In fact the entire faceplate of the laptop "buzzed" extremely loudly no matter what I did. Being a bit techy, I opened the machine up as safely as I dare to see if there was something loose inside, but to no avail. So Ive packed the machine up ready for a free replacement, you bastards, because I doubt they will compensate me for wasting an hour of my evening setting it up for nothing.
One thing I did also notice too was the lid of the laptop closed, but there was ample room still for the lid to be closed further, which I find odd, as my Dell, and in fact all the laptops I have ever used closed completely.
Oh, and there is one more woe, I didnt mention. 'Flu = no game tonight (Sunday), which is a pisser as our Legend of the Five Rings game is turning into something even more special. The game is perfectly paced and pitched, and we are talking about more L5R adventures for the future.
Wednesday, 31 October 2007
Microsoft Could have been Heroes
Re-reading that article on music downloading and DRM, Microsoft could have been deemed heroes of the industry had they not insisted that DRM becomes part of their operating system.
DRM = Digital Rights Management, the electronic system of tagging digital data (graphics, music, movies) so they only work on the original purchaser's equipment.
Had MS rebuked the RIAA and all the other musical cronies, they could not only have still made Vista the operating system of choice, but won over a lot of people as they would have sided with the users not the recording industry.
evilref
DRM = Digital Rights Management, the electronic system of tagging digital data (graphics, music, movies) so they only work on the original purchaser's equipment.
Had MS rebuked the RIAA and all the other musical cronies, they could not only have still made Vista the operating system of choice, but won over a lot of people as they would have sided with the users not the recording industry.
evilref
Oct. 31st, 2007 05:07 pm (UTC)
Vista is going to be the operating system of choice. Have you tried buying a new computer without it? Have you tried to use the latest version of the business software your customers and suppliers use without the latest hardware?
Don't forget that alongside the battle to protect the copyright of recorded works, there is a similar battle to protect the copyright of software. Micro$oft probably think that if users are prevented from using illegal copies of their products, their profits will vastly increase.
They may even be right, and since the users they want to target are the business users, stronger laws are probably enough to brow-beat those business users into paying up.
Once Micro$oft were behind things like DMCA, their side was chosen.
Don't forget that alongside the battle to protect the copyright of recorded works, there is a similar battle to protect the copyright of software. Micro$oft probably think that if users are prevented from using illegal copies of their products, their profits will vastly increase.
They may even be right, and since the users they want to target are the business users, stronger laws are probably enough to brow-beat those business users into paying up.
Once Micro$oft were behind things like DMCA, their side was chosen.
Wednesday, 18 July 2007
Microsoft Sending Me SPAM?
I am a Microsoft Action Pack Subscriber, which basically means for a small annual fee, I get full licenses to use pretty much everything Microsoft produce, software and operating system-wise they make. Plus you get exclusive beta tests of new software, as well as early looks at some of their future software plans.
The idea behind it is simply to make sure people out there selling Microsoft software is well versed and placed to recommend the product as they are currently using it.
You get quarterly updates of software and sales literature, as well as update emails from them.
Now this isnt a sales pitch for their software, but rather to use their online service (and who doesnt use online services these days) you need to have a Hotmail account. This isnt a problem for me as Ive had a hotmail account for years, back in the days before .co.uk, as my Hotmail account is .com! But oddly despite Microsoft's best intentions, Hotmail still identifies emails from Microsoft as being Spam, and puts everything in the spam folder. I have the option set up so it catches the most obvious emails.
So Microsoft's own weapon against Spam is actually catching its own emails to its sales force and partners. Does Microsoft actually know this?
In an effort to find out why, I will be sending a copy of this email to the Microsoft marketing people, and will post their reply to this very blog.
Im expecting a standard formula response, but Im prepared to be surprised.
The idea behind it is simply to make sure people out there selling Microsoft software is well versed and placed to recommend the product as they are currently using it.
You get quarterly updates of software and sales literature, as well as update emails from them.
Now this isnt a sales pitch for their software, but rather to use their online service (and who doesnt use online services these days) you need to have a Hotmail account. This isnt a problem for me as Ive had a hotmail account for years, back in the days before .co.uk, as my Hotmail account is .com! But oddly despite Microsoft's best intentions, Hotmail still identifies emails from Microsoft as being Spam, and puts everything in the spam folder. I have the option set up so it catches the most obvious emails.
So Microsoft's own weapon against Spam is actually catching its own emails to its sales force and partners. Does Microsoft actually know this?
In an effort to find out why, I will be sending a copy of this email to the Microsoft marketing people, and will post their reply to this very blog.
Im expecting a standard formula response, but Im prepared to be surprised.
Friday, 25 August 2006
More Laptop woes, but Silver linings
Its official, my laptop battery can't hold a charge for more than 20 minutes. Ebay here I come.
While, like most laptoppers I use the damn thing connect to the power supply, its nice to actually be able to move between rooms without the damn thing going into hibernate mode. Its a laptop not a tortoise!
The amount of money Ive spent on it lately, new hard drive, 1gb memory, replacement CDROM and now battery. Still cant complain, only got one non-performing pixel, shows every colour except red, then it goes black.
I am going to get a new one soon, once the monies are sorted, and its going to be another Dell.
Anyway, my remortage has been approved (debt consolidation, new kitchen and sofa, and my wife's teeth fixed) and the job interviews are looking favourable. In my field of work, there is a set salary range, so its down to naming your price and benefits package. The one that came in today was in Chelmsford (google maps reveal 45 minute drive away) not too bad, but if it works out, Ill need a company or second car.
While, like most laptoppers I use the damn thing connect to the power supply, its nice to actually be able to move between rooms without the damn thing going into hibernate mode. Its a laptop not a tortoise!
The amount of money Ive spent on it lately, new hard drive, 1gb memory, replacement CDROM and now battery. Still cant complain, only got one non-performing pixel, shows every colour except red, then it goes black.
I am going to get a new one soon, once the monies are sorted, and its going to be another Dell.
Anyway, my remortage has been approved (debt consolidation, new kitchen and sofa, and my wife's teeth fixed) and the job interviews are looking favourable. In my field of work, there is a set salary range, so its down to naming your price and benefits package. The one that came in today was in Chelmsford (google maps reveal 45 minute drive away) not too bad, but if it works out, Ill need a company or second car.
Monday, 14 August 2006
Blackberry & Webmail
Finally managed to get remote webmail working at work, and remotely as well. This means we can now use teh company's long needed Blackberry functions. This should keep several of of office bound workers happy, its just a little sad its only working after all this time, and what with me getting ready to change jobs and all.
I hope to leave, as I have done at several previous jobs, left a legacy and still remained behind as a consultant or some-such.
My main reasons for leaving are the fact the company isnt moving closer to where I live until November 2007, plus I spend too many hours (3) a day commuting.
I hope to leave, as I have done at several previous jobs, left a legacy and still remained behind as a consultant or some-such.
My main reasons for leaving are the fact the company isnt moving closer to where I live until November 2007, plus I spend too many hours (3) a day commuting.
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It might be your setup. Or it might be mine.