In the last few months Mozilla has released 5 new versions of Firefox, the Current is 9.0.1, I was wondering how many manufacturers of the freeware I use have had recent releases? Here is a list of what I use, and the current versions:
Adobe Reader X
Auslogics Registry Cleaner 2.2.0.0
Auslogics Disc Defrag 3.3.0.2
AVG Free 2012.0.1901
CCLeaner 3.14.1616 (64Bit)
DVD Shrink 3.2.0.15
Firefox 9.0.1
Gimp 2.6.11
Image Burn 2.5.6.0
Kompozer .8b3
Malware Anti-Bites 1.15.2.1300
Paint.net 3.5.10
Realplayer 15.0.13
Yahoo Messenger 11.5
I'm thinking about trying out defraggler, just have to see what happens I guess? I'm always looking for the best freeware!!
I'll update tthis later, need to check a couple of things yet.
ICanMan!
Firefox 9.0.1 released
Firefox 9.0 was released two days ago, and an update was released yesterday for Mozilla's latest offering. Firefox 9.0 has been touted to be 30% faster that Firefox 8.0, however, you MUST update your pluggins for Firefox to perform at its best.Here is the link to the checker: Firefox plugin checker Here you can check the state of your pluggins, and update if neccesary, there are links to the updates as well.
Once you have updated Firefox, check for Windows updates, and run disc cleanup, and defragmenter to optimize your system.
Personally I use available freeware to optimize my computer, including:
CCleaner
Auslogics disc defragmenter, registry cleaner, and registry defragmenter.
Malware anti-bites
These are the main programs that I use to keep my system running efficiently.
Time to head off for now, other things to get accomplished yet today.
Later all!
ICanMan!
Internet Censoring in America
If this does not sound familiar to you, then just Google "china internet censoring" and you will see what the government in America has the potential of doing if action is not taken.
I am normally NOT involved in such things, but this time I have to! I am not involved in illegal porn, nor illegal movie or music sharing, or ANY other illegal activities, the Government has NO right to follow me!. This legislation has the potential to muzzle every American, if the Government doesn't like what your saying, it will get taken off permanently! It will force Internet Providers to monitor ALL of your activities! Big Brother is NOT a good thing!
Below is the link to Mozilla, and the link to SOPA, let your voice be heard! If you don't, you may not be able to in the near future!
http://www.mozilla.org/sopa/
"I Can" Man
Freeware Updates
I'm thinking that all the freeware creators have gotten together to release all of their new programs and updates at once. Quite a few updates and new releases today including:New releases:
Firefox 8.0
Adaware
CCleaner
CD Burner XP
Auslogics Dics Defrag
Auslogics Registry Cleaner
Image Burn
DVD Shrink 3.2
7-Zip
There are others with updates as well:
Malware Antibytes
Spybot Search and Destroy (Version 2.0 is in Beta)
Adobe Acrobat reader X
Realplayer 14 (Make sure to check for further updates after install)
Microsoft Releases:
2 security updates, the Malicious Software Removal Tool for November, and an update for their junk e-mail filter.
Lots of updating to get done! If you have more than one computer, I'd reccomend downloading what you can onto a flash drive, and using it for all your computers.
There are some great freeware tools out there, I've listed just a few of my favorites, not the best per-say, but I like them!
Later all!
ICanMan!
Project Dell
So far the installation has been a PAIN! LOL! I installed Vista and all related drivers, and as soon as I started it, it would give me the BSOD and restart. After a LOAD of searching, it turned out the video driver did not install properly and was causing ALL of the problems. Now to download and install the 120 updates, antivirus, Firefox, and a load of little helper programs to optimize this little notebook.
Even though the updates are not complete, it is obvious that this is a very nice notebook. It's fast already, can't wait to play with it when optimized!
More later!
Me!
**Update!
YEESH! that's what I have to say about the last few days of messing with this little guy! Three time I updated to a certain point,, then it would flash the BSOD!
As it turns out, I was missing a critical chipset driver that was NOT on the list for this specific notebook. It's AMAZING how much better it runs! REALLY! LOL!
Also, there are compatibility issues with the Hard Drive........it does not like the new Hitachi that I originally installed, so I ended up with a Seagate drive instead.....the more I get into computers, the more confused I seem to get!
I'm still updating and installing my favorite programs, and I still need to clean it up, but it is quite fast for being two years old?
BTW! You MUST install the drivers in this machine in a specific order, or I guarantee you will have issues! Dell lists this order on line, just search for your specific model.
Have fun all!
ICanMan!!
Bravada rear axle problems
I really like this old Bravada, even with 145,000 miles on it, I enjoy driving it during the winter. I'll keep you updates when I replace it! For now, it must set.
Have a great one all!
ICanMan!
Acer D255E, D257 memory upgrades and broken screen
So it's been a while since I've posted once again. Who would believe with being unemployed, that I could be so busy?
I picked up an Acer One D255E Netbook a while back, five weeks after I bought it I BROKE it! I NEVER break anything! Anyhow, I broke the screen on it. I decided that rather than fixing the screen and bezel plastics, I would use it as a media server, and connect it to my television and entertainment center. So far the D255E has turned out to be a great setup!
I picked up an Acer D257 two months after I broke the first one. I was more than pleased to see that it had a dual-core processor in it! HOWEVER! It came with Win. 7 Basic and 1Gb. of ram, not the best combination.
Believe it or now, I had a Win. 7 Professional upgrade just laying around (That doesn't happen often!) and I found a 2Gb. chip at Crucial for $13! The little netbook runs much better with more memory, one MAJOR complaint! WHY does Acer not design their Netbooks to handle the memory that the operating system can use? Guess we'll never know?
I'd like t,o in the future upgrade the hard drive in this notebook to 500Gb, I'll need to get back to work before I can make this happen. I did upgrade the D255E with a 2Gb. memory card as well as upgrading the operating system to Win 7 Home Premium.
Acer D255E Ram upgrade video
Acer D257 Ram upgrade Video
Installing the memory is DIFFERENT for these machines! Make sure to view the installation video for your SPECIFIC model!
I have two Dells coming my way that are both dead. I believe one succumbed due to a power surge from its power supply, it smells bunt. Guess I'll see what I can make of them?
Have a great one!
ICanMan!
New battery for the Stratus
So, I went camping this weekend, and wouldn't you know it! One of the hottest days of the year and the 8 year old battery in the Stratus decides it no longer wants to work.
I got it jump started and drove it to Bumper-to-Bumper and picked up another one. $80 later and the Stratus coupe is up and running like a champ.
I can't complain about the Stratus at all, in the last seven years, I have put front brakes on twice, replaced the front rotors, two sets of tires, and oxygen sensor, and the routine maintenance like oil changes and air filters. It has been a fun car to drive!
It's been a couple of expensive weeks, with the fuel pump in the Bravada going out. I did however save myself a CONSIDERABLE amount of money by doing the work.
No matter what! God is GOD!
Later all!
"I CAN" Man!
I got it jump started and drove it to Bumper-to-Bumper and picked up another one. $80 later and the Stratus coupe is up and running like a champ.
I can't complain about the Stratus at all, in the last seven years, I have put front brakes on twice, replaced the front rotors, two sets of tires, and oxygen sensor, and the routine maintenance like oil changes and air filters. It has been a fun car to drive!
It's been a couple of expensive weeks, with the fuel pump in the Bravada going out. I did however save myself a CONSIDERABLE amount of money by doing the work.
No matter what! God is GOD!
Later all!
"I CAN" Man!
Replacing the Bravada fuel pump
The fuel pump had been going out for a while, I knew that, so I started looking for a new one. Here in town they wanted $277 for the most reasonable priced one, I'm unemployed, so that wasn't good enough! I found the pump on E-bay for $64, I ordered it, and it arrived quickly.
When I removed the gas tank from the Bravada, I knew I had a problem! The wiring connectors didn't match at all! After getting NO help from the seller, I started asking questions around here. As it turns out, you need to cut the old pigtail off and splice a new included pigtail into your wiring. OK, easy enough!
When I went to install the new fuel pump into the gas tank, I found yet another issue, the fuel pump lock collar was rusted badly, so bad, I had to destroy it to remove it from the tank. I ordered the part in town, and received the wrong part! NOBODY in town had the correct lock collar. Once again, I turned to E-bay, and found the correct part, four days later, it was at my doorstep!
Over all, it was a PAIN to get done, and I would MUCH rather do factory ball joints than install a new fuel pump in another SUV/ Truck. The dealer would have been around $1500, my cost including all the parts was $80! But it was some major work putting it back together! You can do it, it's just a major pain, and it required some patience and some mechanical skills.
On a scale of 1-10, I'd rate this one a 7. Removing the gas tank isn't too bad, wiring the new pig tail, installing the pump in the tank, getting it all back together? That is another story. I bent up the scatter shield while reinstalling the gas tank without even trying....It makes a major racket when it hits the U-joint next to it! LOL!
Expect about five hours to complete, have the new pump, the new pump lock collar, and a few new clamps BEFORE you start this project!
Have a great one!
"I CAN" Man!
When I removed the gas tank from the Bravada, I knew I had a problem! The wiring connectors didn't match at all! After getting NO help from the seller, I started asking questions around here. As it turns out, you need to cut the old pigtail off and splice a new included pigtail into your wiring. OK, easy enough!
When I went to install the new fuel pump into the gas tank, I found yet another issue, the fuel pump lock collar was rusted badly, so bad, I had to destroy it to remove it from the tank. I ordered the part in town, and received the wrong part! NOBODY in town had the correct lock collar. Once again, I turned to E-bay, and found the correct part, four days later, it was at my doorstep!
Over all, it was a PAIN to get done, and I would MUCH rather do factory ball joints than install a new fuel pump in another SUV/ Truck. The dealer would have been around $1500, my cost including all the parts was $80! But it was some major work putting it back together! You can do it, it's just a major pain, and it required some patience and some mechanical skills.
On a scale of 1-10, I'd rate this one a 7. Removing the gas tank isn't too bad, wiring the new pig tail, installing the pump in the tank, getting it all back together? That is another story. I bent up the scatter shield while reinstalling the gas tank without even trying....It makes a major racket when it hits the U-joint next to it! LOL!
Expect about five hours to complete, have the new pump, the new pump lock collar, and a few new clamps BEFORE you start this project!
Have a great one!
"I CAN" Man!
Bravada fuel pump
The fuel pump went out on my '99 Bravada, I picked a new one up for $64 on line. No major issues for now, other than the retainer needing replaced, that will be in tomorrow. The job overall has been a pain in the butt! I'd rather do wheel bearings or ball joint than a fuel pump! YEESH! I'll post more when done, and let you in on any tips I can give.
Later all!
Me!
Later all!
Me!
Dell Inspiron 1000 repair
The new fan kicked right in as expected, and there were no issues with the CPU upgrade either.
The Arctic Silver 5 states that it can lower the internal temp by as much as 52 degrees Fahrenheit, I believe it! I've changed out the factory thermal paste for AS5 on three of my machines, and I can see (Hear) the difference.
Another project coming this was as soon as the new CPU arrives, another Acer 5251 CPU upgrade, from a AMD V120 to a AMD P920, nearly a 400% improvement in performance, and it was only $80!
The fan replacement and upgrade was EASY! pull the button cover off, two screws that hold the keyboard, then the metal panel underneath. About 20 minutes into the whole process, not bad at all!
Later all!
"I CAN" Man!
*Update*
As it turns out, there was another underlying issue with the Dell. The video cable had a short in it that caused the computer screen to go dark, and force a restart. Once again, it was E-bay to the rescue! $4 later, and the laptop is running like a champ!
Working again!
I have a job again! another week till the drug tests come back, then I can start. Then I can get back to messing with computers!
The ZE5603WM has a 2.6GHz. processor that can be upgraded to 3.8GHz. if I can find one for a reasonable price.....still looking.
The Compaq SR5710F....I might be able to install a quad core in that one, just need to do some further research.
More to come soon!
Me!
(Unfortunately, this contract position only lasted 7 weeks! Time to look again!)
The ZE5603WM has a 2.6GHz. processor that can be upgraded to 3.8GHz. if I can find one for a reasonable price.....still looking.
The Compaq SR5710F....I might be able to install a quad core in that one, just need to do some further research.
More to come soon!
Me!
(Unfortunately, this contract position only lasted 7 weeks! Time to look again!)
Computer cleaning, thermal compund upgrade
There was just enough buildup in the radiator fins to cause the CPU fan to run for longer periods of time. After cleaning it and the fan up, I removed and cleaned the CPU contact area and installed the AS5 and reassembled the Acer.
I ran the notebook for over an hour just to see if it made a difference, it did! The fan only idles now, much quieter! I may do the Compaq desktop next, I have replaced the processor there also, and used a generic thermal compound. I didn't think it would make a difference, I was wrong! I am hooked now!
This only goes to show, just because I think something, it does NOT mean it is indeed fact! I would not have thought it would make such a difference, it did!
Always learning!
Me!
Acer 5251 finished
I received the AMD P920 Quad core Phenom II today and promptly installed it along with Arctic Silver 5. It took about 45 minutes to tear the notebook down, install the processor, and put the notebook back together.
This thing runs far better than before, with no more heat than before. I optimized the drive, and re-scored the laptop, this is the new score with the system completed.
What it started out as:
For those of you who are going to say that these numbers really don't mean much, your right. I didn't base the replacement parts on the Windows rating, I based it on the Passmark scores they received, a much safer bet.
As for the Graphics score going up, this was due to a new driver from ATI that Acer has not yet put out. I happened to snag it up when I ran into an issue with the CL6 ram, all is well now.
Hard drive swap:
From a:
Hitachi HTS545025B9A300 (Passmark 478)
To a: Western Digital WD5000BEKT (Passmark 614)
Processor Swap:
From a AMD V120 (Passmark 653)
To a: AMD Phenom II P920 (Passmark 1960)**
**Arctic Silver 5 thermal compound used, it has been proved that it reduces temperatures, I can handle that!
Memory swap:
From: 2Gb Kingston 1066
To: 8Gb Crucial 1333
Video driver Update:
This driver is NOT on the Acer website, you will find it at the AMD/ATI website, look up your graphics card (Mobile) and you will find it. the ONLY time you will need this driver is if you upgrade to 8Gb of 1333 Ram. You will know right away, your resolution defaults to 1024x768, and you will lose your HDMI port.
Optimize the computer with:
CCleaner
Malware Antibites
Auslogics Disc De-frag
Auslogics Registry Cleaner
Spybot Search and Destroy
Ad-Aware
The BEST browser on the market (My opinion)
Firefox 4.0, it's even FASTER! (Don't let Google fool you, Chrome tracks you! That's how they give you just the "right" add experience, I'd rather have my anonymity! THANK YOU!
Later all!
Me!
This thing runs far better than before, with no more heat than before. I optimized the drive, and re-scored the laptop, this is the new score with the system completed.
What it started out as:
***The Memory started at 5.5, the 5.9 is after an upgrade to 4Gb of memory.***
For those of you who are going to say that these numbers really don't mean much, your right. I didn't base the replacement parts on the Windows rating, I based it on the Passmark scores they received, a much safer bet.
As for the Graphics score going up, this was due to a new driver from ATI that Acer has not yet put out. I happened to snag it up when I ran into an issue with the CL6 ram, all is well now.
Hard drive swap:
From a:
Hitachi HTS545025B9A300 (Passmark 478)
To a: Western Digital WD5000BEKT (Passmark 614)
Processor Swap:
From a AMD V120 (Passmark 653)
To a: AMD Phenom II P920 (Passmark 1960)**
**Arctic Silver 5 thermal compound used, it has been proved that it reduces temperatures, I can handle that!
Memory swap:
From: 2Gb Kingston 1066
To: 8Gb Crucial 1333
Video driver Update:
This driver is NOT on the Acer website, you will find it at the AMD/ATI website, look up your graphics card (Mobile) and you will find it. the ONLY time you will need this driver is if you upgrade to 8Gb of 1333 Ram. You will know right away, your resolution defaults to 1024x768, and you will lose your HDMI port.
Optimize the computer with:
CCleaner
Malware Antibites
Auslogics Disc De-frag
Auslogics Registry Cleaner
Spybot Search and Destroy
Ad-Aware
The BEST browser on the market (My opinion)
Firefox 4.0, it's even FASTER! (Don't let Google fool you, Chrome tracks you! That's how they give you just the "right" add experience, I'd rather have my anonymity! THANK YOU!
Later all!
Me!
Acer Aspire 5251-1513 CPU Upgrade update
So far I have found that these processors will work in my computer. Most are 25w, although the MB can handle 35w safely according to the Acer website.
The processors highlighted are the one's I'm shooting for, I can see as much as a 351% performance improvement (Not quite accurate, but close)
Only time will tell now, the prices of the better processors are still high, I might have to wait for what I want?
The processors highlighted are the one's I'm shooting for, I can see as much as a 351% performance improvement (Not quite accurate, but close)
Only time will tell now, the prices of the better processors are still high, I might have to wait for what I want?
CPU Model Passmark Score ID Number
AMD V Series (25W)
V120 658 VMV120SGR12GM
V140 696 VMV140SGR12GM
AMD Athlon II Dual Core Mobile (25W)
P320 1270 AMP320SGR22GM
P340 1298 AMP340SGR22GM
AMD Turion II Dual Core Mobile (25W)
P520 1437 TMP520SGR23GM
P540 1504 TMP540SGR23GM
P560 1667 TMP560SGR23GM
AMD Turion II Ultra Dual-Core Mobile M6 (35W)
M600 1502 TMM600DBO23GQ
M620 1526 TMM600DBO23GQ
M640 1631 TMM600DBO23GQ
M660 1653 TMM600DBO23GQ
AMD Phenom II Dual Core Mobile (25W)
P650 1733 HMP960SGR23GM
AMD Phenom Triple Core Mobile (25W)
P820 1671 HMP820SGR32GM
P840 1824 HMP840SGR32GM
P860 1876 HMP860SGR32GM
AMD Phenom Triple Core Mobile (35W)
N830 1961 HMN830DCR32GM
N830 1961 HMN830DCR32GM
N850 2074 HMN850DCR32GM
N870 No score yet HMN870DCR32GM
AMD Phenom Quad Core Mobile (25W)
P920 1957 HMP920SGR42GM
P940 2199 HMP940SGR42GM
P960 2315 HMP960SGR42GM
So far it has been interesting finding compatible processors, just when I think I have them all, I find another two or three.
Hope this helps
Me!
Acer Aspire 5251-1513 HD Upgrade
The upgrade this time is the hard drive:Going from a:
Hitachi 250GB SATA 5400rpm, HTS545025B9A300, 8Mb Cache, 3GbS
To a:
Hard Drive:
Western Digital 500Gb SATA, 7,200Rpm, WD5000BEKT, 16Mb Cache, 300, 3Gbs.
While the maximum transfer rates are the same, the WD will perform much better than the Hitachi does.
Western Digital made the cloning process a snap with the use of the Acronis True Image software that is available for free at the WD website.
Cloning the drive was as easy as installing the software, attaching the new drive with an external enclosure and then running the software.
When Acronis is done running, you just swap out the drives, and you are DONE!
This was a VERY easy swap, program and all. It is up and running with no issues.
You can do this one easily!
Later all!
Me!
Linux on a laptop
So I was bored the other day and wondered what it would be like to run linux on a laptop? It was a tossup between Open SUSE and Fedora. Fedora was the winner (The Open SUSE disc was bad)
I have to admit, Fedora was an easy install? All of the components of the computer were recognized right away! and it connected wirelessly instantly!
Figurung out how to install
applications was something else! I know that all installations use "yum" but no one was explaining how to get to "yum". I figured it had to to with the Linux version of a command line, but again, no explanations on line?
The installation of applications is completely different than it is in Windows, not at all alike! But it is easier! And most all of the applications are free! I'll post more when I get to messing around with it. So many things to learn yet!
Later all!
Acer 5251-1513 Memory problems
So, I ran into a HUGE snag with this upgrade! It seems that if you upgrade the memory to 8Gb with PC 1333 the computer loses video resolution (Reverts to 1024X768) and you lose the HDMI output.It seems that ACER has not yet discovered this issue, or they arent going to deal with it?
To fix this issue go to the AMD website and download the current Catalyst Control Center drivers. Install the drivers then restart the laptop. This will take care of the video resolution/ HDMI issue.
HERE is the updated driver that will fix the Issue.
I called Crucial, and Acer, only Crucial seemed interested in what I had found. Acer seemed to blow me off, when they transferred me to Level 2 support, they just weren't interested.
So, here we are, the first of three updates.
8Gb Crucial PC1333 memory, upgraded!
The next project:
Acer Aspire 5251-1513
Current Configuration:
Processor (CPU):
Type : AMD™ V Series Processor V120
Speed : 2.2GHz
Cache : 512KB L2 cache
Memory:
Up to 3GB (2GB + 1GB) DDR3 1066 SDRAM
Total slots : 2
Hard Drive:
250GB SATA 5400rpm, 8Mb Cache (Hitachi HTS545025B9A300) (3.0GbS)
Planned Upgrades:
Hard Drive:
Western Digital 500Gb, WD5000BEKT, 7,200Rpm, 16Mb Cache SATA 300, 3Gbs.
Memory:
2X Crucial 4GB DDR3 1333 PC3 10600 SODIMM
Processor:
Unknown as of yet, not sure as to how high I can go?
AMD Athlon II Dual-Core Mobile P340
AMD Phenom II Triple-Core Mobile P860
AMD Phenom II Quad-Core Mobile P960
Some major research before I can make this change, I'm limited by the power rating of the AMD V120 that is installed now, 25W, and what BIOS will recognize, more research ahead!
Still here
I'm still around and kicking! Believe it or not, winter has not claimed my sanity as of yet!One of the free-bee computers arrived last week, it is a Gateway GP7. It has a MASSIVE 20Gb hard drive (snicker) 512Mb of ram and a P-III processor, not a speed machine in any way.
I have it all cleaned up and ready to go, I believe I may have a home for it, just need to make the call.
I realize that this is no speed machine, but for someone who could not afford a newer computer this machine would be fine. It surf's the web quite nicely with Firefox installed, if I haven't stated it before, I will now! I can't STAND Internet Explorer! WAY too stinking slow to be of any value.
I'll keep this one short, things to do even though I am not working.....
Have a great one!
Me!
P.S. I watched all three Resident Evil movies! WAY COOL! You got to see them! LOL!
P.S. I watched all three Resident Evil movies! WAY COOL! You got to see them! LOL!
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