Illegal movie downloads is bigger than legal alternatives
By Mauricio Freitas, in
Technology, posted: 27-Dec-2006 19:02
It's no surprise that illegal video downloads surpass legal alternatives 5 to 1. If the studios decided to stop with moves such as geographically limited licensing that allow online stores to sell movies only in certain regions, then the world outside the U.S. (yes, there's one!) could buy more of their movies:
Of course you can find movie download online stores that sell outside the U.S, if you are interested in a comprehensive collection of B movies. Or if you are interested in a selection of music clips. Nothing against CinemaNow or Digirama, I am pretty sure they would love to sell a bigger variety of videos, if allowed by the industry.
You can try searching for "online video purchase" or "online video download" and see if you can find a service where you can actually purchase video content.
The industry is wrong. The big guys are not making money because they are not selling their product. Instead they rather battle the consumer.
Of course you can find movie download online stores that sell outside the U.S, if you are interested in a comprehensive collection of B movies. Or if you are interested in a selection of music clips. Nothing against CinemaNow or Digirama, I am pretty sure they would love to sell a bigger variety of videos, if allowed by the industry.
You can try searching for "online video purchase" or "online video download" and see if you can find a service where you can actually purchase video content.
The industry is wrong. The big guys are not making money because they are not selling their product. Instead they rather battle the consumer.
Download your virtual machines
By Mauricio Freitas, in
Windows, posted: 27-Dec-2006 17:30
You probably are aware of how keen on virtual machines I am. I currently have an AMD-powered box (1.7GHz, 3GB RAM) running Windows XP SP2 as the host OS, with Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 R2 as the virtualisation environment.
The guest OS are a variety of Windows XP SP2 (for log analysis) and Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition SP1 (for Exchange Server 2003 SP2 and Newsgator Enterprise Server).
Since I will be starting a new project sometime soon, I am also running a Windows Server 2003 R2 with SQL Server 2005, which I have downloaded from Run IT on a Virtual Disk, a series of ready-to-run demo virtual machines available for download now.
Very convenient if you want to try a new feature or test something but don't have the time to create a new machine (initialise, install, update, etc). The download list includes Windows Server 2003 R2, Exchange Server 2007, ISA Server 2006, and SQL Server 2005.
These downloads are fully functional machines, ready to use for 30 days (or more if activated with a MSDN key), with an expire date set to sometime in Q107 or Q207 (it depends on which machine you are using). You can start running a new (virtual) computer straight away after the download.
By the way if you use Microsoft Windows Vista and perform a Complete PC Backup, the resulting file is a .VHD (vitual hard disk).
Also if you are running Microsoft Windows Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1 Beta 2 or newer then you can use the vhdmount tool to mount a .VHD file as a drive on the host OS and browse its contents. Really neat.
The guest OS are a variety of Windows XP SP2 (for log analysis) and Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition SP1 (for Exchange Server 2003 SP2 and Newsgator Enterprise Server).
Since I will be starting a new project sometime soon, I am also running a Windows Server 2003 R2 with SQL Server 2005, which I have downloaded from Run IT on a Virtual Disk, a series of ready-to-run demo virtual machines available for download now.
Very convenient if you want to try a new feature or test something but don't have the time to create a new machine (initialise, install, update, etc). The download list includes Windows Server 2003 R2, Exchange Server 2007, ISA Server 2006, and SQL Server 2005.
These downloads are fully functional machines, ready to use for 30 days (or more if activated with a MSDN key), with an expire date set to sometime in Q107 or Q207 (it depends on which machine you are using). You can start running a new (virtual) computer straight away after the download.
By the way if you use Microsoft Windows Vista and perform a Complete PC Backup, the resulting file is a .VHD (vitual hard disk).
Also if you are running Microsoft Windows Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1 Beta 2 or newer then you can use the vhdmount tool to mount a .VHD file as a drive on the host OS and browse its contents. Really neat.
Direct Push seems to be working on Telecom New Zealand again
By Mauricio Freitas, in
Windows Phone, posted: 27-Dec-2006 13:30
A few days ago I posted an item about Direct Push not working on Telecom New Zealand, causing push e-mail to Windows Mobile devices to fail, requiring a user to manually initiate ActiveSync on the device to have the e-mails, contacts, calendar synchronised to an Exchange Server.
At that time I decided not to post how this was broken, but it seems Telecom New Zealand has moved quickly to fix the fault, and push e-mail seems to be working again.
Quick recap, I've noticed push e-mail not working while testing my Palm Treo 700wx, and double-checked with my Apache - which used to work flawlessly. I got the same results - or lack of, while the Windows Mobile devices connected to Vodafone's network had no problems, receiving e-mails instantly.
After a couple of messages with Telecom, it appears that connections through the CDMA network use some of the Xtra's routers, and those were configured to close long http and https connections. Now, everyone who knows how Direct Push works will see that closing a http connection without letting the device know is going to cause problems.
Why Xtra was doing this? Who knows... It could be they were trying to reduce SYN flood attacks, or something else.
This issues was escalated, and it's been fixed over the holiday period. It's all working again.
Corporate customers synchronising to their Exchange Servers via the Private Office service (a VPN offering) weren't affected by this, probably because the service uses other routing? I am not sure.
So, all is good again in the land of push e-mail.
At that time I decided not to post how this was broken, but it seems Telecom New Zealand has moved quickly to fix the fault, and push e-mail seems to be working again.
Quick recap, I've noticed push e-mail not working while testing my Palm Treo 700wx, and double-checked with my Apache - which used to work flawlessly. I got the same results - or lack of, while the Windows Mobile devices connected to Vodafone's network had no problems, receiving e-mails instantly.
After a couple of messages with Telecom, it appears that connections through the CDMA network use some of the Xtra's routers, and those were configured to close long http and https connections. Now, everyone who knows how Direct Push works will see that closing a http connection without letting the device know is going to cause problems.
Why Xtra was doing this? Who knows... It could be they were trying to reduce SYN flood attacks, or something else.
This issues was escalated, and it's been fixed over the holiday period. It's all working again.
Corporate customers synchronising to their Exchange Servers via the Private Office service (a VPN offering) weren't affected by this, probably because the service uses other routing? I am not sure.
So, all is good again in the land of push e-mail.
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Please explain ReadyBoost testing?
By Mauricio Freitas, in
Windows, posted: 27-Dec-2006 11:11
I still don't have a good explanation why Windows Vista RTM intermittently recognises the SD card I use here as ReadyBoost capable.
Sometimes I boot my desktop and the card is being used for ReadyBoost. It works fine for a couple of days. Out of the blue it stops working, and it goes like this until sometime later, after a few reboots, Windows Vista proclaims "You can speed up your system with this card".
The system is running with 2GB DDR2 800 RAM, so the improvement wouldn't be that great, but still there must be a reason.
I am using an internal USB 2.0 multi-card reader, the same one that worked 100% of the time as a ReadyBoost capable drive with Windows Vista RC1 and RC2 (with the same SD card).
Lucky this desktop will soon be moved to a "server" category within our network here, and I will try this feature on a new hardware.
You can read about the ReadyBoost in the ReadyBoost FAQ.
Sometimes I boot my desktop and the card is being used for ReadyBoost. It works fine for a couple of days. Out of the blue it stops working, and it goes like this until sometime later, after a few reboots, Windows Vista proclaims "You can speed up your system with this card".
The system is running with 2GB DDR2 800 RAM, so the improvement wouldn't be that great, but still there must be a reason.
I am using an internal USB 2.0 multi-card reader, the same one that worked 100% of the time as a ReadyBoost capable drive with Windows Vista RC1 and RC2 (with the same SD card).
Lucky this desktop will soon be moved to a "server" category within our network here, and I will try this feature on a new hardware.
You can read about the ReadyBoost in the ReadyBoost FAQ.
Maxtor OneTouch 1TB dead
By Mauricio Freitas, in
Technology, posted: 27-Dec-2006 08:20
My Maxtor OneTouch III G31W010 (1TB, 7200rpm, 16384KB cache, external, USB 2, Firewire 400/800) seems to be dead.
I bought this drive in April 2006, it died in December 2006. It doesn't look good.
The product is no longer available on Ascent, so I am trying to find out about warranty repair or replacement now...
This leads to the question: what do we use as a backup of a backup? I want some on-line backup tools, but alas Carbonite (aff link) doesn't work with Windows Vista (yet) and it won't do what I need in terms of multiple copies of same item, use as a drive, etc.
I was talking to NZDrive's Bruce during coffee other day and their solution is based on sFTP with a browser interface, very easy to use. It doesn't have a client application though (yet) and needs a bit of coding for a good backup script, but the advantage is their use of a standard sFTP solution.
Still, I need something to store about 700GB. This is about 3 copies of a few Virtual Machines, the Save State for a couple of servers, the Norton Ghost image for a couple of PCs, my last ten backups. Not cheap for online storage...
I can just store this on a second drive, but the option is not safe enough since I really want something outside this house!
UPDATE: Very fast replies from Ascent, the on-line retailer for tech products... Maxtor is no longer in business (Seagate bought the company a few months ago) and this will be replaced with another drive - not sure about specs for the new one yet. But very quick service so far.
I bought this drive in April 2006, it died in December 2006. It doesn't look good.
The product is no longer available on Ascent, so I am trying to find out about warranty repair or replacement now...
This leads to the question: what do we use as a backup of a backup? I want some on-line backup tools, but alas Carbonite (aff link) doesn't work with Windows Vista (yet) and it won't do what I need in terms of multiple copies of same item, use as a drive, etc.
I was talking to NZDrive's Bruce during coffee other day and their solution is based on sFTP with a browser interface, very easy to use. It doesn't have a client application though (yet) and needs a bit of coding for a good backup script, but the advantage is their use of a standard sFTP solution.
Still, I need something to store about 700GB. This is about 3 copies of a few Virtual Machines, the Save State for a couple of servers, the Norton Ghost image for a couple of PCs, my last ten backups. Not cheap for online storage...
I can just store this on a second drive, but the option is not safe enough since I really want something outside this house!
UPDATE: Very fast replies from Ascent, the on-line retailer for tech products... Maxtor is no longer in business (Seagate bought the company a few months ago) and this will be replaced with another drive - not sure about specs for the new one yet. But very quick service so far.
Using Vodafone live! on your Pocket PC
By Mauricio Freitas, in
Windows Phone, posted: 22-Dec-2006 08:33
Why someone would like to do it from a Pocket PC is each one's personal preference, but there's a way to access Vodafone live! pages on your Windows Mobile device... And the recipe is here.
Note that this trick requires registry changes and you would be more than likely need to revert changes if you want to access standard websites.
My guess is that this allows access to the content pages only, not including any DRM-material or the video clips, since those use special clients and DRM licensing software and keys.
I haven't tested this on Vodafone New Zealand yet, but if you try and it works, let us know, in the comments.
Note that this trick requires registry changes and you would be more than likely need to revert changes if you want to access standard websites.
My guess is that this allows access to the content pages only, not including any DRM-material or the video clips, since those use special clients and DRM licensing software and keys.
I haven't tested this on Vodafone New Zealand yet, but if you try and it works, let us know, in the comments.
When Direct Push does not push
By Mauricio Freitas, in
Windows Phone, posted: 21-Dec-2006 08:32
Interesting... Telecom New Zealand must have turned something off or changed some parameter on their network (perhaps because of the CDMA EV-DO Rev A release)?
Anyway, I run a Microsoft Exchange Server and have Direct Push enabled for a series of devices here (my own Pocket PC Phone Edition, plus a few test ones). And it's not working on CDMA devices connected to Telecom New Zealand anymore!
Until recently all devices I have connected to a cellular network would get my e-mails even before Microsoft Outlook on my desktop notified me of a new message.
This was consistently working with devices connected to Vodafone New Zealand (i-mate Jasjar, Palm Treo 750v, and another test device) or Telecom New Zealand (Apache).
But this has now changed and I noticed this when testing the Palm Treo 700wx Telecom New Zealand sent: for some reason the devices connected to their CDMA EVDO network are not getting the push e-mails.
To test it I put a series of devices side-by-side and sent a few e-mails from gmail and other on-line services to my own account on the Exchange Server. And guess what? All UMTS devices received the e-mail almost instantly, while the CDMA devices sat there, doing nothing and eventually receiving the e-mails - up to 15 minutes later.
This feature used to work for sure, and I think something has changed on the Telecom network.
What I've noticed is that those arrows indicating a data connection go grey on the CDMA devices and while in that state they won't receive e-mails - perhaps because in this state their connection to the Exchange Server cannot be used to transfer information?
Another piece of information, it appears that it works fine if using the Telecom private office offering (I can't remember the service name),
Anyway, I contacted someone at Telecom but I was told "nothing has changed" and he would look into this in 2007.
I will keep asking about it...
Anyway, I run a Microsoft Exchange Server and have Direct Push enabled for a series of devices here (my own Pocket PC Phone Edition, plus a few test ones). And it's not working on CDMA devices connected to Telecom New Zealand anymore!
Until recently all devices I have connected to a cellular network would get my e-mails even before Microsoft Outlook on my desktop notified me of a new message.
This was consistently working with devices connected to Vodafone New Zealand (i-mate Jasjar, Palm Treo 750v, and another test device) or Telecom New Zealand (Apache).
But this has now changed and I noticed this when testing the Palm Treo 700wx Telecom New Zealand sent: for some reason the devices connected to their CDMA EVDO network are not getting the push e-mails.
To test it I put a series of devices side-by-side and sent a few e-mails from gmail and other on-line services to my own account on the Exchange Server. And guess what? All UMTS devices received the e-mail almost instantly, while the CDMA devices sat there, doing nothing and eventually receiving the e-mails - up to 15 minutes later.
This feature used to work for sure, and I think something has changed on the Telecom network.
Another piece of information, it appears that it works fine if using the Telecom private office offering (I can't remember the service name),
Anyway, I contacted someone at Telecom but I was told "nothing has changed" and he would look into this in 2007.
I will keep asking about it...
Telecom New Zealand Palm Treo 700wx
By Mauricio Freitas, in
Windows Phone, posted: 21-Dec-2006 08:30
A couple of weeks ago I posted a single line in a blog entry about not having any information about the Palm Treo 700wx on Telecom New Zealand, but to their credit this has been "fixed".
For the last two weeks I have been using a Treo 700wx their PR team sent me, and I have now received a device to use for testing and other stuff.
So, this is a public post to recognise the fact...
For the last two weeks I have been using a Treo 700wx their PR team sent me, and I have now received a device to use for testing and other stuff.
My 2007 International CES
By Mauricio Freitas, in
Technology, posted: 20-Dec-2006 09:56
On 5 January I will be flying from Wellington, through Auckland, Los Angeles to arrive in Las Vegas where I will be attending two big events: the Microsoft Windows Vista RTM Lab and the 2007 International CES (Consumer Electronics Show).
The Microsoft Windows Vista RTM Lab is a two days event, with some public and some NDA material, on the state of Microsoft Windows Vista, ahead of its public availability on 31 January 2007. Microsoft Featured Communities websites were invited to attend the event which will be held on the two days before the CES.
The Featured Communities websites are those who are linked from Microsoft's main site, from a variety of pages, engagin with end users. Geekzone is currently linked from the MSDN and the main Windows Mobile Communities page. You will find lots of resources on these community sites.
The event includes a group reception (ok, a party) on Saturday evening, and culminating with our attendance to Bill Gates keynote at the CES.
I have lots of meetings to attend during the CES, and some exciting products to see. I also have plans to be present at some parallel events such as Lunch at Piero's and ShowStoppers, plus a couple of receptions (ok, parties) put on by HP, Dell and the good folks at the Blog Business Summit.
Unfortunatelly I have to say "no" to requests to meet people at Pepcom Digital Experience. Even though I participated in last year's Digital Experience, this time they looked at my old business card from two years ago (from their files) and shrieked on the sight of a "Consultant" there... Oh well, their rules and we play by them.
Full disclosure: my trip is being sponsored by Microsoft as part of the Feature Communities programme seeing I am participating in the Windows Vista RTM Lab.
I am still looking for a sponsor for my 3G access while on the CES show floor - otherwise I won't be able to post on the spot because my data roaming bill would be astronomically high, thanks to Vodafone NZ's $30/MB rates.
The Microsoft Windows Vista RTM Lab is a two days event, with some public and some NDA material, on the state of Microsoft Windows Vista, ahead of its public availability on 31 January 2007. Microsoft Featured Communities websites were invited to attend the event which will be held on the two days before the CES.
The Featured Communities websites are those who are linked from Microsoft's main site, from a variety of pages, engagin with end users. Geekzone is currently linked from the MSDN and the main Windows Mobile Communities page. You will find lots of resources on these community sites.
The event includes a group reception (ok, a party) on Saturday evening, and culminating with our attendance to Bill Gates keynote at the CES.
I have lots of meetings to attend during the CES, and some exciting products to see. I also have plans to be present at some parallel events such as Lunch at Piero's and ShowStoppers, plus a couple of receptions (ok, parties) put on by HP, Dell and the good folks at the Blog Business Summit.
Unfortunatelly I have to say "no" to requests to meet people at Pepcom Digital Experience. Even though I participated in last year's Digital Experience, this time they looked at my old business card from two years ago (from their files) and shrieked on the sight of a "Consultant" there... Oh well, their rules and we play by them.
Full disclosure: my trip is being sponsored by Microsoft as part of the Feature Communities programme seeing I am participating in the Windows Vista RTM Lab.
I am still looking for a sponsor for my 3G access while on the CES show floor - otherwise I won't be able to post on the spot because my data roaming bill would be astronomically high, thanks to Vodafone NZ's $30/MB rates.
TelstraClear: great marketing move
By Mauricio Freitas, in
Technology, posted: 19-Dec-2006 11:45
For a few months people have been discussing in our TelstraClear forum on Geekzone about network performance, mainly for those connected to the higher speed (10 Mbps) broadband plans.
We have received comments from TelstraClear pointing to a high contention rate, but also indicating this is known and being worked - mainly the replacement of some hardware to provide a lower number of users per point.
Just today I got this e-mail from TelstraClear:
As Juha suggested in the ongoing discussion, TelstraClear "gets the inaugural Geekzone Award for Best Public Relations Move".
Well done!
We have received comments from TelstraClear pointing to a high contention rate, but also indicating this is known and being worked - mainly the replacement of some hardware to provide a lower number of users per point.
Just today I got this e-mail from TelstraClear:
Dear Customer,Over the past year we have had staggering growth in broadband customer numbers on our Wellington InHome network. The rate of growth has exceeded even our most optimistic views of how popular our High Speed Internet services would become.
As a result of this growth, some Wellington and Kapiti customers on our 10 Mbps plans are receiving speeds that are lower than what we believe is acceptable.
We are working to implement new equipment that will address this issue, but this will not be resolved for all customers until late February.
To make up for this, we will automatically credit your account with $20 each month until the new equipment is installed. Until then you'll still get the same amount of traffic and your email won't be affected.
Thank you for your understanding - and thanks again for being a TelstraClear customer.
All the best for the holiday season.The team at TelstraClear
As Juha suggested in the ongoing discussion, TelstraClear "gets the inaugural Geekzone Award for Best Public Relations Move".
Well done!
