[CGUYS] Ars- Future of Driving

[Snyder, Mark (IT CIV)]

Not an entirely new, but an interesting article and thought-provoking
discussion, here from Ars Technica, on computerized, self-driving cars:
http://arstechnica.com/articles/culture/future-of-driving-part-2.ars

As this technology slowly becomes viable (the US military is trying to
expedite the technology now), I would think the hardest problems would
be introducing them into the consumer market, while most cars are
owner-driven.  Also fascinating to think about are the ways they could
change things; some dramatic examples are discussed in the article.

Thank you,

Mark Snyder
7575 Colshire Drive
McLean, Virginia 22101
703.883-8365



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Re: [CGUYS] Strange biases [was: Re: GPS advice]

[Chris Dunford]

> GPS? Don't need it. I always carry a Suunto compass, and pick up maps
> as I travel. [strange bias?]

Maps are great (I love studying maps), but they don't show the nearest B&B,
Thai restaurant, or gas station. :)  

That's the thing, there's a whole lot more to a decent GPS than just
directions.


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Re: [CGUYS] Internet Radio Devices

[Steve Rigby]

On Oct 12, 2008, at 9:51 PM, Jeff Myers wrote:

Hi! I'm thinking of purchasing an internet radio device like the  
Aluratek
AIRMM01F Internet Radio Alarm Clock with Built-in WiFi, for radio  
reception
is especially bad at my house. I've never understood, however, how  
these
things work. I know you need a wireless lan, which I have, and the  
computer
doesn't have to be on to listen to a station (they claim access to  
over
11,000). What I don't know, however, is whether or not I would have  
access
to every radio station I can listen to on my computer, or do such  
devices
have a list of stations to which I am limited.  If the latter, can I  
add a

station of my own?
Does anyone on the list have knowledge of and/or experience with these
devices? I would love to hear some recommendations.


  To the best of my knowledge, these radios do not allow access to  
each and every stream that is available.  Every brand of Wi-Fi radio  
employs a particular service that provides the streams via a  
subscription that is provided as an adjunct to the radio.  There are a  
number of these services available, and each brand of radio decides  
which one they will employ.  These "subscription" services do not levy  
a charge upon the purchaser of the radio as far as I know, but you are  
stuck with whatever service comes with the radio.  The stations  
carried by each service can change over time, and there are many  
duplications between the differing services.  You should be able to  
ascertain which service a particular brand of radio uses and be able  
to find out what stations that service carries, at least at the moment.


  Steve


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Re: [CGUYS] Ars- Future of Driving

[Snyder, Mark (IT CIV)]

They will start out with huge safety advantages and convenience (eat
breakfast or nap while the car drives itself).  (Please read the article
before commenting.  It is speculative by necessity, but the ideas it
raises are interesting.)

Thank you,

Mark Snyder
-Original Message-
> Not an entirely new, but an interesting article and thought-provoking 
> discussion, here from Ars Technica, on computerized, self-driving
> cars:

   The auto industry will have to undo decades of pushing the concept
that driving is an enjoyable experience and is part and parcel, perhaps
even most of the reason for choosing one car over another for purchase.
That'll be a damn hard sell, in my opinion, and perhaps almost
impossible to accomplish.


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Re: [CGUYS] Ars- Future of Driving

[John Emmerling]

On Mon, Oct 13, 2008 at 9:05 AM, Snyder, Mark (IT CIV)
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> They will start out with huge safety advantages and convenience (eat
> breakfast or nap while the car drives itself).  (Please read the article
> before commenting.  It is speculative by necessity, but the ideas it
> raises are interesting.)

Afraid I don't have time to read the article now, but I have a pet
fantasy that some day cars will draw power directly from the highway
in a manner not unlike the "trackless trolleys" of yore, except that
the "wire" would be somehow embedded in the road rather than overhead.
 As part of this, control of the vehicle would, for the most part, be
taken over by a system that combines overall management of the
vehicles on the road with autonomous features that keep the car
centered over the power source and at a minimum distance from other
cars fore and aft.

This would solve all sorts of problems, such as traffic jams,
high-speed collisions, and the need for cars to carry all their power
on board either as fuel or as a enormous battery charge.  As I see it,
such a car would be owner-driven except when on the highway.  This
way, the motorist could potentially enjoy all the testosterone-driven
thrills associated with today's model, but would also enjoy improved
safety, reduced insurance costs, and an enjoyable commute during which
they might be able to achieve some objective other than
transportation.


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Re: [CGUYS] Mozilla stopped working

[Tony B]

Spybot is good at protecting you from these things if you immunize,
but it's never been great at fixing things once you get infected. But
at least if you have a clue what you have you can do some web searches
and hopefully remove the stuff manually. Or, don't waste a lot of time
and just format and start over.

Consider using DropMyRights in the future.
http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fid,64213-order,1-page,1/description.html


>> However, when I ran Spybot S&D it indicated that I had the malware
>> Smitfraud-C.gp and an infected C:\Windows\svchost.exe and offered to delete
>> these. After saying ok to delete, as soon as I ran Spybot again, it was back
>> (or still there), so either Spybot didn't remove it, or something caused it
>> to reappear.? What I decided to try -- and it did work -- was to do a system
>> restore to a previous day's system checkpoint.? Yay!? Thanks for your
>> suggestions.


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Re: [CGUYS] Low battery voltage warning?

[Tony B]

A digital clock doesn't slow down when the battery gets low. It either
runs or it doesn't.

I guess any battery eventually dies, but no, I've never replaced a
cmos battery, presumably because the boards are replaced first. My
oldest running system is about 7 (?) years old now - an old Pentium 2.


On Mon, Oct 13, 2008 at 1:37 AM, Marcio V. Pinheiro
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> Yes,,, they always go, How do I know? The date and time in the computer
> keeps falling behind...

>> Thanks for all the advice.  Do these batteries always eventually go?


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Re: [CGUYS] Ars- Future of Driving

[Steve Rigby]

On Oct 13, 2008, at 7:23 AM, Snyder, Mark (IT CIV) wrote:


Not an entirely new, but an interesting article and thought-provoking
discussion, here from Ars Technica, on computerized, self-driving  
cars:


  The auto industry will have to undo decades of pushing the concept  
that driving is an enjoyable experience and is part and parcel,  
perhaps even most of the reason for choosing one car over another for  
purchase.  That'll be a damn hard sell, in my opinion, and perhaps  
almost impossible to accomplish.


  Steve


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Re: [CGUYS] Mozilla stopped working

[John Duncan Yoyo]

On Sun, Oct 12, 2008 at 10:29 PM, Tourbus Rider Stuart Carlow <
[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

>  Thanks for your suggestion.? Yes, I did reboot, but that didn't help.? I
> wasn't aware of the ability to start FF in safe mode, and I'll keep that in
> mind for the future.?
>
> However, when I ran Spybot S&D it indicated that I had the malware
> Smitfraud-C.gp and an infected C:\Windows\svchost.exe and offered to delete
> these. After saying ok to delete, as soon as I ran Spybot again, it was back
> (or still there), so either Spybot didn't remove it, or something caused it
> to reappear.? What I decided to try -- and it did work -- was to do a system
> restore to a previous day's system checkpoint.? Yay!? Thanks for your
> suggestions.
> --Stu
>

Spybot S&D sometimes needs to be run a few times to get everything.  You
should run Lavasoft's Ad aware as well.  These things don't have the same
set of definitions and if you can't get rid of it it may be time for a
system software rebuild.



-- 
John Duncan Yoyo
---o)


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Re: [CGUYS] GPS advice

[Robert]

Maybe I misunderstand, but are you asking about a GPS?

I have a Garmin and like it very much.  There are many ways to plan a 
trip.  There is an extensive list of places -- universities, 
restaurants, churches, theaters, gas stations, and very many more that 
may be selected as a destination.  Of course, any address can be entered 
and saved for the future.  The device displays a map and gives ample 
driving directions audibly as you drive along the route.  If you detour 
from the route, the device will automatically recalculate a new route.


There is no subscription needed to use the maps and driving 
instructions.  There is an optional device that may be attached which 
communicates with an external radio to offer advice about traffic 
conditions so that an alternate route can be selected if desired -- I 
don't have this and can't comment about its effectiveness.  The map 
supplied covers US and Canada.  Other maps may be purchased at a price 
of about $120 each, such as Europe or Asia.


Maps are not updated. Over time, new roads are created and perhaps some 
are closed.  A new map must be purchased for $120 when the old one 
becomes out of date.  I've had mine for 4 years and have not updated.


The only time I had trouble getting a satellite reception was in New 
York city among many skyscrapers.  After I got a few blocks away the 
signal became available.


Almost all brands of GPS use either one of two maps that they purchase 
from a vendor.  My daughter has a Tom Tom that uses the map from the 
different supplier of maps.  When I drive to their house on the river in 
southern Virginia, my Garmin plots a trip going the fastest way -- hers 
plots a different path that is not as fast.  I believe it is the map 
that makes the difference.


The only thing that gives me a problem with my Garmin is the suction 
cup.  The cup tends to loose suction when it is in direct sunlight.


As for connecting to a computer, I don't know.  I don't know why I would 
like to connect to a computer if it can be done.


Wayne Dernoncourt wrote:

Tom Piwowar
  
  

You should not just look at the purchase price. Also factor
in the annual subscription price and/or the cost of software
upgrades.



Also do they support Mac's?  I can't convince my wife to
switch though so maybe she'll let me use her computer...
Subscription?  to what?  how often do they update maps?
Does the unit stop working if you don't have a subscription?

  



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[CGUYS] digital TV converter box

[b_s-wilk]

Anyone buy one yet? Do they get decent signals? Am looking at a list of 
converters, but don't know which to choose. We live 25-50 miles from 
broadcast towers and have 2 analog TVs.


Artec Digital-to-Analog Converter Box, Model T3AP, Analog RF Signal 
Pass-Through

Sunkey SK-801 ATSC Digital TV Converter box, Analog Signal Pass-Through
TIVAX STB-T9 Digital TV Converter Box with Remote
TIVAX STB-T8 Digital TV Converter Box with Remote, Analog Signal 
Pass-Through

Zenith (LG) DTT901 Digital TV Tuner Converter Box with Analog Pass-Through
COSHIP N9901T DTV Converter Box with Analog Pass-Through
KINGBOX K8V1 ATSC Tuner Digital Converter Box, Digital-to-Analog 
Converter Box,

Zentech DF2000 DTV Converter Box with Remote, Tower Shape
Artec ATSC Full Digital Conventer Box, Digital-to-Analog Converter Box, 
Analog Signal Pass-Through, Model T3AP Pro,
Artec ATSC Full Digital Conventer Box, Digital-to-Analog Converter Box, 
Model T3A Pro,
TIVAX DT-01 Amplified Indoor Digital TV Antenna, Perfect for Digital 
Converter Box and HDTV to Receive Free HD channels


More?

The conversion to digital should be delayed until digital signals are as 
powerful and reliable as analog signals. This is the worst time to 
expect millions of people to put out money for new TVs or converters. 
It's another gift to manufacturers, and a loss for consumers. How about 
offering discount cable, FIOS, satellite for those people who live 
within analog viewing range but outside digital?


Betty


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Re: [CGUYS] Internet Radio Devices

[Steve at Verizon]

Yes, each brand has a different way to add stations to the presets.

One I am especially fond of (and own) is the Roku Soundbridge. Several 
models, with and without speakers. Large array of stations you can 
input, but on top of that, there is the Roku Radio Sniffer you can 
download (free). Turn it on and any internet stream you invoke from any 
internet radio program (iTunes, WinAmp, etc) is captured, and the 
sniffer app can place it directly into the radio as a preset (uses a web 
page to talk to the radio and show the presets).


Also, the Rokus can directly play from your iTunes (or WMA) library, 
which includes their radio stations, so you need not enter them as presets.


Steve Rigby wrote:

On Oct 12, 2008, at 9:51 PM, Jeff Myers wrote:

Hi! I'm thinking of purchasing an internet radio device like the 
Aluratek
AIRMM01F Internet Radio Alarm Clock with Built-in WiFi, for radio 
reception

is especially bad at my house. I've never understood, however, how these
things work. I know you need a wireless lan, which I have, and the 
computer

doesn't have to be on to listen to a station (they claim access to over
11,000). What I don't know, however, is whether or not I would have 
access
to every radio station I can listen to on my computer, or do such 
devices
have a list of stations to which I am limited.  If the latter, can I 
add a

station of my own?
Does anyone on the list have knowledge of and/or experience with these
devices? I would love to hear some recommendations.


  To the best of my knowledge, these radios do not allow access to 
each and every stream that is available.  Every brand of Wi-Fi radio 
employs a particular service that provides the streams via a 
subscription that is provided as an adjunct to the radio.  There are a 
number of these services available, and each brand of radio decides 
which one they will employ.  These "subscription" services do not levy 
a charge upon the purchaser of the radio as far as I know, but you are 
stuck with whatever service comes with the radio.  The stations 
carried by each service can change over time, and there are many 
duplications between the differing services.  You should be able to 
ascertain which service a particular brand of radio uses and be able 
to find out what stations that service carries, at least at the moment.


  Steve


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Re: [CGUYS] Mozilla stopped working

[db]

Spybot is known to cause problems when you use its immunize feature.

db

Tony B wrote:

Spybot is good at protecting you from these things if you immunize,
but it's never been great at fixing things once you get infected. But
at least if you have a clue what you have you can do some web searches
and hopefully remove the stuff manually. Or, don't waste a lot of time
and just format and start over.

Consider using DropMyRights in the future.
http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fid,64213-order,1-page,1/description.html


  

However, when I ran Spybot S&D it indicated that I had the malware
Smitfraud-C.gp and an infected C:\Windows\svchost.exe and offered to delete
these. After saying ok to delete, as soon as I ran Spybot again, it was back
(or still there), so either Spybot didn't remove it, or something caused it
to reappear.? What I decided to try -- and it did work -- was to do a system
restore to a previous day's system checkpoint.? Yay!? Thanks for your
suggestions.
  



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Re: [CGUYS] Low battery voltage warning?

[db]

If you have set it to syc with a standard online clock, you will never 
know  your battery is failing/ the clock is losing time until the system 
fails.


db

Tony B wrote:

A digital clock doesn't slow down when the battery gets low. It either
runs or it doesn't.

I guess any battery eventually dies, but no, I've never replaced a
cmos battery, presumably because the boards are replaced first. My
oldest running system is about 7 (?) years old now - an old Pentium 2.


On Mon, Oct 13, 2008 at 1:37 AM, Marcio V. Pinheiro
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
  

Yes,,, they always go, How do I know? The date and time in the computer
keeps falling behind...



  

Thanks for all the advice.  Do these batteries always eventually go?
  



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Re: [CGUYS] Mozilla stopped working

[Tony B]

Please expand. Aside from blocking malware, what problems have you
heard about? Anything I can reproduce in (Safer(DropMyRights))
Firefox?


On Mon, Oct 13, 2008 at 12:26 PM, db <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> Spybot is known to cause problems when you use its immunize feature.


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Re: [CGUYS] digital TV converter box

[Tony B]

Actually, digital signals are both, and actually a lot _more_
reliable. To those that can receive them, anyway. What worries me much
more is that the format offers no compatible way to encode to newer
formats. i.e., it's stuck with mpeg2 compression, with no way to use
the superior mpeg4 (currently).


On Mon, Oct 13, 2008 at 12:06 PM, b_s-wilk <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> The conversion to digital should be delayed until digital signals are as
> powerful and reliable as analog signals.


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Re: [CGUYS] GPS advice

[MrMike6by9]

I've owned or used 2 Garmin Nuvi models and currently have a factory
installed car system. In each case, you can instruct the unit to bias the
routing based on preferences such as no toll roads, shortest time, shortest
distance, easiest or most direct route. The Nuvi also supports pedestrian as
well as vehicular. The 750/760 series is advertised as allowing for 12
custom routes (iirc) with as many as 10 inserted waypoints each. It provides
turn-by-turn voice prompts for these as well.

I also have a Moto Q9h which uses free apps like Windows Live Search,
mYahoo, and Google maps in conjunction with the internal GPS chip. I can
search for a restaurant, for example, pull up a phone number and get
turn-by-turn directions. Sadly, the phone does not automatically update my
location/directions as the trip progresses. I need to manually tell it to do
so.

YMMV


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Re: [CGUYS] Strange biases [was: Re: GPS advice]

[b_s-wilk]

> GPS? Don't need it. I always carry a Suunto compass, and pick up maps
> as I travel. [strange bias?]


Maps are great (I love studying maps), but they don't show the nearest B&B,
Thai restaurant, or gas station. :)  


That's the thing, there's a whole lot more to a decent GPS than just
directions.


Ask PEOPLE. They can be very helpful, to the point of giving excellent 
directions and special details, sometimes inviting you to join them. 
Besides, many maps and guides are available at local businesses, where 
you can also talk to people. People are much better local sources than a 
GPS. They'll also lend your their phone books, which have maps, 
restaurants, gas stations, accommodations. Some will also make phone 
calls for you or lend you their phone. [even in big cities]


Want to find a good restaurant? First, ask locals for suggestions. Then 
ask what THEIR favorite restaurant is. You'll almost always get a 
different answer, and better food.


People power! What's your GPS' favorite restaurant/advertiser?

Betty


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Re: [CGUYS] digital TV converter box

[Steve Rigby]

On Oct 13, 2008, at 12:06 PM, b_s-wilk wrote:

Anyone buy one yet? Do they get decent signals? Am looking at a list  
of converters, but don't know which to choose. We live 25-50 miles  
from broadcast towers and have 2 analog TVs.


  I have had two of the Zenith DTT900 units for some time now, and  
they work quite well and are highly regarded in various ratings of  
converter boxes.  I get all signals better in digital than I got them  
in analog, including those from over thirty miles away. My units do  
not have analog pass-through, and I probably would not use it anyway  
since the digital signals for whatever reason are better than analog  
at my location.  I do have a very good external antenna, but even with  
a set-top antenna my digital reception beats analog.


  There are reception issues that will probably not go away, such as  
momentary interruptions to the picture display primarily caused by out- 
of-phase signal reflections created by passing aircraft and trucks and  
cars, but those were present in analog as well along with "snow."   
Overall, the digital experience has suited me better than the analog I  
had gotten used to over many years, even with the occasional signal  
glitches previously mentioned.


  Digital reception does have a lot to do with the quality and  
sensitivity of the receiver itself, and the DTT-900, using LG  
components, rates very highly in sensitivity as well as image  
quality.  The Zenith units do not display as complete a programming  
schedule as some others do, but I would not trade away quality of  
reception for a more extensive program guide.


  Steve


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Re: [CGUYS] digital TV converter box

[John Duncan Yoyo]

I bought a Zenith from Circuit City and a Magnavox from WalMart.  I like the
Zenith better.  I don't use it all that much but I mostly got them to play
with and I got the $40 coupons from the feds at 
paid about $10 on top of that.  I can't get Baltimore with rabbit ears any
more from where I live in Fairfax County with the digital signal.

Check out Antennaweb.org to see what they expect that you should be able


-- 
John Duncan Yoyo
---o)


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Re: [CGUYS] Internet Radio Devices

[Steve Rigby]

On Oct 13, 2008, at 12:09 PM, Steve at Verizon wrote:


Yes, each brand has a different way to add stations to the presets.

One I am especially fond of (and own) is the Roku Soundbridge.  
Several models, with and without speakers. Large array of stations  
you can input, but on top of that, there is the Roku Radio Sniffer  
you can download (free).


  A Windows only application.  Too bad, because the concept is a good  
one.  Dunno why they would not make versions for other platforms since  
the radios that would use this app are not platform specific.


  Steve


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Re: [CGUYS] Strange biases [was: Re: GPS advice]

[chad evans wyatt]

Betty -

I applaud all of your instincts, they are good.  However, when on the road for 
a client, finding obscure sites to make photographs, the "locals" haven't much 
to say, but the GPS works beautifully.  Restaurant suggestions, etc, take 
second place to my getting to the right place, and on time.


C

--- On Mon, 10/13/08, b_s-wilk <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
From: b_s-wilk <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Re: [CGUYS] Strange biases [was: Re: GPS advice]
To: COMPUTERGUYS-L@LISTSERV.AOL.COM
Date: Monday, October 13, 2008, 1:19 PM

>> > GPS? Don't need it. I always carry a Suunto compass, and pick
up maps
>> > as I travel. [strange bias?]
> 
> Maps are great (I love studying maps), but they don't show the nearest
B&B,
> Thai restaurant, or gas station. :)  
> 
> That's the thing, there's a whole lot more to a decent GPS than
just
> directions.

Ask PEOPLE. They can be very helpful, to the point of giving excellent 
directions and special details, sometimes inviting you to join them. 
Besides, many maps and guides are available at local businesses, where 
you can also talk to people. People are much better local sources than a 
GPS. They'll also lend your their phone books, which have maps, 
restaurants, gas stations, accommodations. Some will also make phone 
calls for you or lend you their phone. [even in big cities]

Want to find a good restaurant? First, ask locals for suggestions. Then 
ask what THEIR favorite restaurant is. You'll almost always get a 
different answer, and better food.

People power! What's your GPS' favorite restaurant/advertiser?

Betty


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Re: [CGUYS] Strange biases [was: Re: GPS advice]

[Steve Rigby]

On Oct 13, 2008, at 1:19 PM, b_s-wilk wrote:

Ask PEOPLE. They can be very helpful, to the point of giving  
excellent directions and special details, sometimes inviting you to  
join them. Besides, many maps and guides are available at local  
businesses, where you can also talk to people. People are much  
better local sources than a GPS. They'll also lend your their phone  
books, which have maps, restaurants, gas stations, accommodations.  
Some will also make phone calls for you or lend you their phone.  
[even in big cities]


  Yeah, but then you gotta get out of the car, or at least roll down  
your window.  A REALLY BIG hassle if you ask me!!  Why would I even  
WANT to talk to some stranger in the first place?


  ...just kiddin' of course, but you get the drift I'm sure.


Want to find a good restaurant? First, ask locals for suggestions.  
Then ask what THEIR favorite restaurant is. You'll almost always get  
a different answer, and better food.


People power! What's your GPS' favorite restaurant/advertiser?


  Very good point brought up here.  That being said, a lot of  
travelers prefer familiarity to something different, a fact that  
confounds me because I always thought that a great part of taking a  
trip was to get away from things as they are.


  Steve


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Re: [CGUYS] Strange biases [was: Re: GPS advice]

[Larry Sacks]

On Oct 13, 2008, at 1:19 PM, b_s-wilk wrote:

>> Ask PEOPLE. They can be very helpful, to the point of giving  
>> excellent directions and special details, sometimes inviting you to  
>> join them. Besides, many maps and guides are available at local  
>> businesses, where you can also talk to people. People are much  
>> better local sources than a GPS. They'll also lend your their phone  
>> books, which have maps, restaurants, gas stations, accommodations.  
>> Some will also make phone calls for you or lend you their phone.  
>> [even in big cities]

True.  You can always find the local dive that the tourist guides don't
list.  

>   Yeah, but then you gotta get out of the car, or at least roll down  
>your window.  A REALLY BIG hassle if you ask me!!  Why would I even  
>WANT to talk to some stranger in the first place?
>
>   ...just kiddin' of course, but you get the drift I'm sure.

That can lead to some "exciting" results if you happen to be in one of
the more scenic parts of town.  :-)

Larry


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Re: [CGUYS] Strange biases [was: Re: GPS advice]

[Wayne Dernoncourt]

b_s-wilk
> Ask PEOPLE. They can be very helpful, to the point of giving
> excellent directions and special details, sometimes inviting
> you to join them. Besides, many maps and guides are available
> at local businesses, where you can also talk to people.
> People are much better local sources than a GPS. They'll also
> lend your their phone books, which have maps, restaurants,
> gas stations, accommodations. Some will also make phone
> calls for you or lend you their phone. [even in big cities]

Good idea, sometimes hard to do.  Example, went to Va. Beach
to walk in the sand.  I get directions to my sisters house,
take a left on this road, make a right on Second street to
Pacific Avenue, stay on this road, it changes names a half
dozen times but eventually it winds up at ...someplace.
We get in the car, make a right turn instead of left and
see Pacific (oops, that was an hour earlier, I drove out the
way I came in) dead ahead.  Oh, there's Pacific, hang a left
and start driving.  I'm driving, my wife says shouldn't we
take 64?  Why?  We're on Pacific, etc.  Insists, I have her
call my sister who says "Yes, take 64, drive for 10 miles,
take exit this and that and left and right, etc."  We
end up lost.  No fun!!

> Want to find a good restaurant? First, ask locals for
> suggestions. Then ask what THEIR favorite restaurant is.
> You'll almost always get a different answer, and better
> food.

You betcha.

> People power! What's your GPS' favorite
> restaurant/advertiser?

Yup, if available, not so much at 11PM.

-- 
Take care  | This clown speaks for himself, his job doesn't
Wayne D.   | supply this, at least not directly
My reality check just bounced


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Re: [CGUYS] Strange biases [was: Re: GPS advice]

[b_s-wilk]

I applaud all of your instincts, they are good.  However, when on the
road for a client, finding obscure sites to make photographs, the
"locals" haven't much to say, but the GPS works beautifully.
Restaurant suggestions, etc, take second place to my getting to the
right place, and on time.




GPS makes good sense for business. If I still had to go to many 
locations for clients, I'd get one too. However, for personal use, it's 
overkill--simply another toy that most people really don't need.



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Re: [CGUYS] Strange biases [was: Re: GPS advice]

[b_s-wilk]

> Ask PEOPLE. 


Good idea, sometimes hard to do.  Example, went to Va. Beach
to walk in the sand.  I get directions to my sisters house,
take a left on this road, make a right on Second street to
Pacific Avenue, stay on this road, it changes names a half
dozen times but eventually it winds up at ...someplace.
We get in the car, make a right turn instead of left and
see Pacific (oops, that was an hour earlier, I drove out the
way I came in) dead ahead.  Oh, there's Pacific, hang a left
and start driving.  I'm driving, my wife says shouldn't we
take 64?  Why?  We're on Pacific, etc.  Insists, I have her
call my sister who says "Yes, take 64, drive for 10 miles,
take exit this and that and left and right, etc."  We
end up lost.  No fun!!



Va. Beach isn't such a bad place to get lost. You might end up at the 
acquarium and have a wonderful time. If you had a map and a compass you 
would be able to find your way easily. What happens when you have a GPS 
with old maps? At least in Va. Beach you can get new maps at lots of 
places all over town. Don't people ask at gas stations or convenience 
stores any more?


Ignore "back seat drivers" unless they're also designated navigators!


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Re: [CGUYS] Strange biases [was: Re: GPS advice]

[Larry Sacks]

Not to turn this into a discussion of getting lost, but...

>Good idea, sometimes hard to do.  Example, went to Va. Beach
>to walk in the sand.  I get directions to my sisters house,
[snip]

I was visiting a friend in Needham.  I followed his directions and was
actually really close, but little did I know the road I was looking for
was abbreviated on the street signs.  I was looking for "Charles River
Road" but the street signs all said "Chas Rv Rd".  Surely "Charles" and
"Chas" are 2 different streets.

I finally asked someone where the "Charles River Road" was and he said I
was on it - the "Chas River Road".  

Larry


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Re: [CGUYS] Strange biases [was: Re: GPS advice]

[Larry Sacks]

>GPS makes good sense for business. If I still had to go to many 
>locations for clients, I'd get one too. However, for personal use, it's

>overkill--simply another toy that most people really don't need.

That depends on how good your sense of direction is.  A friend's wife
bought him one for his b-day - not necessarily as a toy but so he could
use it on motorcycle trips.  Most of the time, however, it stays with
her car as she's got little to no sense of direction (at her own
admission).

I've got one and it's good for visiting areas you don't know - even more
so when you don't have the correct map.  Or as I've noticed recently,
when did the map makers use those *really* tiny fonts that I swear, I
could easily read just a couple of years ago.  :-)

Larry


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Re: [CGUYS] Strange biases [was: Re: GPS advice]

[Wayne Dernoncourt]

b_s-wilk
>>> > Ask PEOPLE.

>> Good idea, sometimes hard to do.  Example, went to Va. Beach
>> to walk in the sand.  I get directions to my sisters house,
>> take a left on this road, make a right on Second street to
>> Pacific Avenue, stay on this road, it changes names a half
>> dozen times but eventually it winds up at ...someplace.
>> We get in the car, make a right turn instead of left and
>> see Pacific (oops, that was an hour earlier, I drove out the
>> way I came in) dead ahead.  Oh, there's Pacific, hang a left
>> and start driving.  I'm driving, my wife says shouldn't we
>> take 64?  Why?  We're on Pacific, etc.  Insists, I have her
>> call my sister who says "Yes, take 64, drive for 10 miles,
>> take exit this and that and left and right, etc."  We
>> end up lost.  No fun!!

> Va. Beach isn't such a bad place to get lost. You might end
> up at the acquarium and have a wonderful time. If you had a
> map and a compass you would be able to find your way easily.
> What happens when you have a GPS with old maps? At least in
> Va. Beach you can get new maps at lots of places all over
> town. Don't people ask at gas stations or convenience stores
> any more?

I usually add an hour or two to get lost/explore - before I
got married.

> Ignore "back seat drivers" unless they're also designated
> navigators!

That's easier said than done...

-- 
Take care  | This clown speaks for himself, his job doesn't
Wayne D.   | supply this, at least not directly
COBOL: Completely Obnoxious Because of Length


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Re: [CGUYS] Strange biases [was: Re: GPS advice]

[Wayne Dernoncourt]

Larry Sacks
>>GPS makes good sense for business. If I still had to go to
>>manylocations for clients, I'd get one too. However, for
>>personal use, it's overkill--simply another toy that most
>>people really don't need.

> I've got one and it's good for visiting areas you don't
> know - even more so when you don't have the correct map.
> Or as I've noticed recently, when did the map makers use
> those *really* tiny fonts that I swear, I could easily
> read just a couple of years ago.  :-)

That's a great use - no need to find/fold the paper map
in the car.

-- 
Take care  | This clown speaks for himself, his job doesn't
Wayne D.   | supply this, at least not directly
Tip for device drivers: Don't drink and boot.


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Re: [CGUYS] GPS advice

[Wayne Dernoncourt]

Robert
> Maybe I misunderstand, but are you asking about a GPS?

Correct

> I have a Garmin and like it very much.  There are many ways
 

> There is no subscription needed to use the maps and driving
> instructions.  There is an optional device that may be
> attached which communicates with an external radio to offer
> advice about traffic conditions so that an alternate route
> can be selected if desired -- I don't have this and can't
> comment about its effectiveness.  The map supplied covers
> US and Canada.  Other maps may be purchased at a price of
> about $120 each, such as Europe or Asia.

> Maps are not updated. Over time, new roads are created and
> perhaps some are closed.  A new map must be purchased for
> $120 when the old one becomes out of date.  I've had mine
> for 4 years and have not updated.

Good to know.

  
> Almost all brands of GPS use either one of two maps that
> they purchase from a vendor.  My daughter has a Tom Tom
> that uses the map from the different supplier of maps.
> When I drive to their house on the river in southern
> Virginia, my Garmin plots a trip going the fastest
> way -- hers plots a different path that is not as fast.
> I believe it is the map that makes the difference.

And that's what I was asking about?  Why would the algorithm
(driving north) route me past a 4 lane divided highway another
5 miles further north to a two lane twisty road...  Makes me
scratch my head.

> The only thing that gives me a problem with my Garmin is the
> suction cup.  The cup tends to loose suction when it is in
> direct sunlight.

> As for connecting to a computer, I don't know.  I don't know
> why I would like to connect to a computer if it can be done.

To update it as you've indicated you haven't done...  Garmin
(and others) have GPS's receivers that need to have periodic
updates.  Examples are aviation and marine units.  The marine
units have the soundings updated, usually on a yearly basis.
If your boat was close to the bottom, you might need to update.
With respect to aviation, those charts have a definite lifetime
if for no other reason than airports do close as well as other
restricted areas.

-- 
Take care  | This clown speaks for himself, his job doesn't
Wayne D.   | supply this, at least not directly
When in doubt, form a committee


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Re: [CGUYS] GPS advice

[Rev. Stewart Marshall]

I have the Q9C which uses the Verizon mapping service if you so 
desire.  You can subscribe for a month or multiple months if 
wanted.  I have not used it.


Stewart


At 11:49 AM 10/13/2008, you wrote:

I also have a Moto Q9h which uses free apps like Windows Live Search,
mYahoo, and Google maps in conjunction with the internal GPS chip. I can
search for a restaurant, for example, pull up a phone number and get
turn-by-turn directions. Sadly, the phone does not automatically update my
location/directions as the trip progresses. I need to manually tell it to do
so.

YMMV


Rev. Stewart A. Marshall
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Prince of Peace www.princeofpeaceozark.org
Ozark, AL  SL 82


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Re: [CGUYS] digital TV converter box

[Richard P.]

Keep in mind that the frequency the the stations are currently
transmitting their digital signal on may change in Feb, 2009. Locally,
our stations are currently broadcasting digital on UHF channels, but
some will transfer the digital transmissions back to the VHF frequency
in Feb. All this to say that when you get your converter, your
reception issues may change in Feb. depending upon what your stations
has planned. See DTV.org for more info, or call your station and ask
the engineering department.

Richard P.

On Mon, Oct 13, 2008 at 12:06 PM, b_s-wilk <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> Anyone buy one yet? Do they get decent signals? Am looking at a list of
> converters, but don't know which to choose. We live 25-50 miles from
> broadcast towers and have 2 analog TVs.
>
> Artec Digital-to-Analog Converter Box, Model T3AP, Analog RF Signal
> Pass-Through
> Sunkey SK-801 ATSC Digital TV Converter box, Analog Signal Pass-Through
> TIVAX STB-T9 Digital TV Converter Box with Remote
> TIVAX STB-T8 Digital TV Converter Box with Remote, Analog Signal
> Pass-Through
> Zenith (LG) DTT901 Digital TV Tuner Converter Box with Analog Pass-Through
> COSHIP N9901T DTV Converter Box with Analog Pass-Through
> KINGBOX K8V1 ATSC Tuner Digital Converter Box, Digital-to-Analog Converter
> Box,
> Zentech DF2000 DTV Converter Box with Remote, Tower Shape
> Artec ATSC Full Digital Conventer Box, Digital-to-Analog Converter Box,
> Analog Signal Pass-Through, Model T3AP Pro,
> Artec ATSC Full Digital Conventer Box, Digital-to-Analog Converter Box,
> Model T3A Pro,
> TIVAX DT-01 Amplified Indoor Digital TV Antenna, Perfect for Digital
> Converter Box and HDTV to Receive Free HD channels
>
> More?
>
> The conversion to digital should be delayed until digital signals are as
> powerful and reliable as analog signals. This is the worst time to expect
> millions of people to put out money for new TVs or converters. It's another
> gift to manufacturers, and a loss for consumers. How about offering discount
> cable, FIOS, satellite for those people who live within analog viewing range
> but outside digital?
>
> Betty
>
>
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Re: [CGUYS] digital TV converter box

[Steve Rigby]

On Oct 13, 2008, at 6:00 PM, Richard P. wrote:


Keep in mind that the frequency the the stations are currently
transmitting their digital signal on may change in Feb, 2009. Locally,
our stations are currently broadcasting digital on UHF channels, but
some will transfer the digital transmissions back to the VHF frequency
in Feb. All this to say that when you get your converter, your
reception issues may change in Feb. depending upon what your stations
has planned. See DTV.org for more info, or call your station and ask
the engineering department.


  This is good information.  Another good source for info:  
http://antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx

  A reversion from their current UHF signals back to VHF in February  
2009 will mean that a VHF antenna may be needed to get a good signal.   
Actually, any old TV antenna used for analog will work as long as it  
covers UHF as well as VHF into one output.  Some set-top antennas,  
such as the venerable "rabbit ear" have a separate output for VHF and  
UHF.  That will not work well with your converter box.  You'll need  
both UHF and VHF being fed by a single 75 ohm cable.


  Steve


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Re: [CGUYS] Low battery voltage warning?

[Robert]

Tony B wrote:

A digital clock doesn't slow down when the battery gets low. It either
runs or it doesn't.

I guess any battery eventually dies, but no, I've never replaced a
cmos battery, presumably because the boards are replaced first. My
oldest running system is about 7 (?) years old now - an old Pentium 2.
  
Batteries -- actually a cell in a computer -- are strange.  I had to 
replace my CMOS cell a few months ago in a Dell desktop about 4 years 
old.  But some will last 10 years as they do in my watch.



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Re: [CGUYS] Low battery voltage warning?

[Marcio V. Pinheiro]

Funny, I have always noticed that it gets kind of crazy when the 
battery runs low.


Marcio



At 08:22 PM 10/13/2008, Robert wrote:

Tony B wrote:

A digital clock doesn't slow down when the battery gets low. It either
runs or it doesn't.

I guess any battery eventually dies, but no, I've never replaced a
cmos battery, presumably because the boards are replaced first. My
oldest running system is about 7 (?) years old now - an old Pentium 2.

Batteries -- actually a cell in a computer -- are strange.  I had to 
replace my CMOS cell a few months ago in a Dell desktop about 4 
years old.  But some will last 10 years as they do in my watch.



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Re: [CGUYS] Low battery voltage warning?

[Tony B]

I imagine it could stop for a while, then start again, which might
simulate "running slow". But as someone mentioned, simply ensuring a
time sync periodically would prevent you from ever noticing it.

On Mon, Oct 13, 2008 at 7:58 PM, Marcio V. Pinheiro
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> Funny, I have always noticed that it gets kind of crazy when the battery
> runs low.

> At 08:22 PM 10/13/2008, Robert wrote:
>>> A digital clock doesn't slow down when the battery gets low. It either
>>> runs or it doesn't.


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[CGUYS] OpenOffice Goes Native on Intel Macs

[b_s-wilk]

OpenOffice 3.0 is out and there is a native version for Intel-based 
Macs.  No need to run X11 anymore.


http://blogs.chron.com/techblog/archives/2008/10/openofficeorg_becomes_an_even_better_alternat_1.html
__._,_.___


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Re: [CGUYS] Ars- Future of Driving

[John DeCarlo]

On Mon, Oct 13, 2008 at 8:52 AM, Steve Rigby <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

> The auto industry will have to undo decades of pushing the concept that
> driving is an enjoyable experience and is part and parcel, perhaps even most
> of the reason for choosing one car over another for purchase.  That'll be a
> damn hard sell, in my opinion, and perhaps almost impossible to accomplish.
>

What auto industry?  Are you even paying attention?

-- 
John DeCarlo, My Views Are My Own


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