Computer Upgrade

I've been so busy researching and buying laptops/desktops for my friends/families that I forgot about my own upgrade needs. Last week, I decided that Im going to upgrade my desktop computer. My current Dell desktop works perfectly fine and it is only 2 years old. But so much has changed in the past 2 years in the computer industry that I feel that my computer is being left behind.

• Dual Core Technology - CPU's are so much faster now with this technology.
  


• Vista - Though I love XP and have no reason to migrate, but it is an inevitable upgrade.
  


• Demanding Software - With the new multimedia explosion of the internet (ie. online video), programs need more processing power to edit videos and photos.
  


• Serial ATA - This hard drive interface has been out for a while, but Im still using my old IDE hard drive, because I didnt want to reinstall all of my dozens of software applications.
  


• RAM - 1GB is now the minimum

Im going to be trying something a little different this time around though. Im going to custom build my entire PC instead of buying another full Dell system. In other words, Ill be buying every single component of a computer. This will provide me more flexibility down the road since I'll be able to swap in and out PC components as needed. Usually, it just takes 1 single component to slow down or even break your computer. Therefore, instead of buying a new computer, I can easily just swap out the messed up component. Building your own PC is definitely not for everybody. You really have to be a computer enthusiast and know what every computer component does. Its almost like souping up your car to get the maximum performance ie. spoiler, exhaust, etc.

Since I made my decision last week, there have been some amazing deals. RAM and CPU prices have plummeted. So I took full advantage and my computer is now complete (well...I still have to put it together). The only thing I really splurged (but still got a great deal) on is the Raptor X hard drive. It costs twice as much (at least) than a normal hard drive. But I felt that this was a necessary upgrade because the hard drive would be the only component that would slow or limit the performance, since my CPU, motherboard, and RAM are quite speedy.

In fact, hard drives are the only component that noticeably slows down your
everyday work with your computer. Whether you start or shutdown your system,
open large project files or applications or have the system load level data in
3D games, it is always the hard drive you are waiting for.

And now, I am proud to announce. My new baby...

• Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 2.4GHZ (will attempt to overclock)
• GIGABYTE GA-965P-DS3 LGA 775 Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard
• 150GB Western Digital Raptor Hard Drive SATA (10,000RPM)
• G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
• Antec Sonata II 450W Mid Tower Case
• Antec NeoHE 550W Power Supply
• BFG Tech GeForce 6600GT 128MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card
• Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro CPU Fan
• 300GB SATA hard drive (existing)
• Plextor DVD burner (existing)

My Favorite Free Software

Antivirus

Im currently using Clamwin which is open source. I've used all of the programs below and you should be fine installing any one of them to protect your computer.

• Clamwin
  
  
  
• AVG
  
  
  
• Avast
  

Firewall

Before I used ZoneAlarm, but now I use Comodo. Whenever there was a software update for Zonealarm, I would have to reinstall the entire application. That's just too much work for me.

• Comodo
  



• ZoneAlarm
  

Office Productivity

I've personally never used it but heard good things about it. If you dont have Microsoft Office, I'd defnitely try out this replacement.

• OpenOffice
  

Antispyware

I've used these to clean out some spyware, but if you really have a spyware problem, I highly recommend spysweeper, even though it is not free.

• Adaware
  




• Spybot
  

Instant Messaging

Using Trillian and GAIM, you can log into multiple IM accounts all at once. If you are on a public computer, you can use a web based instant messaging site that also allows you to log in to multiple IM accounts called Meebo.

• Trillian
  

• GAIM (Pidgin)
  

• AIM
  

DVD Backup

Paired along with Slysoft AnyDVD (not free), you'll have the ultimate dvd backups.

• DVD Shrink
  

Utilities

This program cleans up all the unnecessary junk that starts to pile up on your computer when surfing the internet. After performing the cleanup, your computer will run faster.

• CCleaner
  

Remote PC Management

If you need to troubleshoot a problem on another persons' computer, the best (and coolest) way is to take control of their computer. This program is by far the simplest and easiest. Just install this lightweight program on the host and the remote pc and have your friend/family just give you the access code.

• Crossloop
  

File Compression

Need to open a .zip file or to zip files up and send them? If you are going to send someone 10 files, please dont attach all of them in an email. Zip them all up and then send 1 zip file.

• 7-zip
  

File Shredder

If you are selling your computer or you want to permanently delete private files make sure you shred them. That way no one will be able to retrieve them.

• File Shredder
  

Uninstaller

Use this program to completely remove or uninstall programs and leave no trace behind.

• Revo Uninstaller
  

Preinstalled Software Remover

Bought a new PC or laptop and have lots of unwanted software applications preinstalled? Want to get rid of that crap?

• PC Decrapifier
  

Other

Going on vacations, I would always bring my laptop to watch movies on the plane or at the hotel. I would lug around a couple of dvds with me. When I was done with one movie, I would have to swap the dvd out and put the other one in.

But nowadays, I dont need to lug around dvds with me because of a software I found called Alcohol 52%. Dont ask me how they came up with their name. I just extract all the dvds I want to watch onto my laptop before I go on vacation. It only takes about 10 minutes for each extraction and each file takes up about 5gb of space. I extracted a bunch of Wiggles dvds for Caden which is totally a lifesaver. I think it also saves laptop battery life, since it doesnt have to use the dvd player. No need for fumbling around with dvds when you're in economy class and you have Caden sitting on your lap.

• Alcohol 52%
  

Standby vs. Hibernate

What's the difference between standby and hibernate on Windows?

Standby is like telling your computer to go to sleep. Hibernate is like...well...hibernating.

Standby

• Consumes power


• Boots up fast (usually within 10 seconds).


• Wakes up by keyboard or mouse.

Hibernate

• Does not consume power


• Boots up much faster than booting from shutdown


• Wakes up by pressing the power button.
  

Which one should I use? It all depends. Here is what I do.

• Home Desktop - If you have a home desktop computer that is always connected to the Internet, use standby. Why? Because when you computer is on standby, it wont be connected to the Internet. Your computer is more prone to hackers or other bad stuff when your computer connected to the Internet 24/7. Also, the computer wakes up from standby extremely fast (less than 10 seconds).


• Personal Laptop - Use hibernate, that way it wont consume any battery life. Also, set it so that when you close your laptop lid, it will automatically hibernate. That way you dont have to press the power button and then close your lid. It will save you a step. 99% of the time, when you close the laptop lid, most likely it is because you are done using it. Go into control panel -> power options to set this on your laptop.


• Work Laptop -
  



• Although you should ALWAYS save your documents, hibernating should be pretty safe. Dont use standby with unsaved documents.



• If you use a laptop, in power options set it so that when you close your laptop lid, it hibernates. That way when you are done using your laptop you can just close the lid instead of pressing the power button and then closing the lid. Saves a step ;)
  



• 
  

Tips

Hibernate and Standby - Save all your work and close any open files.

Online Bookmarks Project - Demo

Its finally complete! But I would still consider it as Beta. I've set up a demo account. But for you adventurous people, you can create your very own account. Otherwise, you can use the demo account below.

Here are the instructions:

1. <-- Right click on this button and add it to your browser's bookmarks/favorites.
2. Go to any website.
3. Click on the "Add Online Bookmark" that you just added to your bookmarks.
4. Sign in using the following account:
   email: demo@demo.com
   password: demo
5. Name your bookmark and category and click the "Go" button.
6. Go to www.rogerchew.com/bookmarks/demo
   This is where all of your bookmarks will be stored.

Feel free to give me your feedback and any bugs that you find. Check out the FAQ page for more info. Thanks.

April 7, 1969: Birth of That Thing We Call the Internet

Is it mere coincidence that the Internet was born on April 7 which is also the same day I was born? I think not.

April 7 is often cited as a symbolic birth date of the net because the RFC memoranda contain research, proposals and methodologies applicable to internet technology. RFC documents provide a way for engineers and others to kick around new ideas in a public forum; sometimes, these ideas are adopted as new standards by the Internet Engineering Task Force.

Read the full article.

2008 BMW M3 Coupe Official Photos

The official photos are out. I personally still dont like how the 3 series coupe in general. The shape is too elongated. It reminds me of a Mazda MX-6.

Check out the pics.

Read more about the car.

Free Honda Inspection

April 2-30, 2007 Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

We'll inspect your Honda -- at no charge to you -- during Honda Car Care Days. Thanks to this detailed 40-point inspection, you'll know if anything on your vehicle needs attention. How's that for great detective work?

Your convenient 40-point inspection will include:

• A thorough examination of your Honda's engine, brakes, drivetrain, suspension and steering components.



• A detailed report of your vehicle's condition.



• Inspection completed by Honda-trained technicians.



• Open Saturdays.



• Full line of replacement tires.

At participating Honda dealers nationwide. There arent any in San Francisco, but there are some in nearby cities.

Read the forums for more details.