Is Windows 7 just more Microsoft Hype?

October 28th, 2009 kevin

Go to the store right now, and as many machines as will run windows, either come with Windows 7 or are upgraded. Once again, Microsoft has promised a new and better operating system. As with it’s predecessor Windows XP, Microsoft can easily make good on there promise, after all Vista the Hyped up OS (Operating System) it displaces as the best ever OS, will not be that hard to beat.

Will I head to the store and buy a copy? Those that know me say; I doubt it, Kevin has an all most religious fervor now that he is hooked on Ubuntu, the Open source alternative to Virus infested, miss aligned Microsoft products. All I could do when I saw the Mac ad that displays years of Microsoft’s failed promise to offer a much better operating system, was to laugh and nod my head in agreement.

What the Mac ads don’t display to the viewers, is that the Mac OS is in fact a version of UNIX. This fact alone helps many “would be” future Mac owners, run to the Mac displays and buy this Apple computer. In straight talk: UNIX the Operating System that large computer complexes used for years before the PC. The OS that all serious OS’s are modeled after.

In the beginning of the PC revolution, even C/PM used UNIX as a model, in turn C/PM was the system that DOS (the original PC OS) was modeled after, flaws and all (remember that to copy a copy is always the way to lower quality!). Every version from that humble beginning of MSDOS, added features that were in the much better UNIX system, adapted to the already flawed DOS Operating System.

The myth that UNIX is difficult to master, keeps many away from this high quality OS, but a look at the users of the Mac and a quick tour of the Mac desktop dispel this myth. Why then are so many people waiting for Microsoft to fulfill their promise to supply an operating system that meets the hype?

OK We all know the answer to that, PRICE ! Anyone that has looked at the prices of a Mac when at the local Best buy, know that the UNIX price tag make imperfection look good! But does it?

Entre’ Linux;

The Open Source ancestor of the UNIX OS. Developed by a group of systems engineers called developers, from the ground up. (forgive me, this is a short story. More history on the Linux.org site) Nothing is added to this “bad boy” unless it is proven to play by the rules. Virus developers have trouble getting past Linux’s built in security (Not a buy as you go proposition designed to correct flaws as in the Windows systems). After a user friendly GUI (desktop environment) was added to this already solid OS makes Linux easy for beginners and experienced users alike, When Microsoft introduced windows to there DOS windows won many would be Mac users and with a wonderful desktop Linux is doing the same. Now Microsoft has something to worry about. To make things worse for Microsoft the software that comes with Windows as a trial version has an open source version installed as a full blown version on a Linux Computer. Take the Open Office Suite, with Sun Micro Systems behind it. How about that top of the line GIMP Photo editing program, pre-installed in the Ubuntu and other distros.

That only touches the surface of what installs easily in My choice of these fine OS distributions. I do like the Ubuntu distro, I have found it easy to install, When I do I have to wait for the next release (6mos), to make any new hardware work, I find it a small sacrifice, because most any new hardware has been found by the developers, and provisions have been made for that hardware then. It is better to buy equipment that says it works with Linux to avoid any problems, but sooner or later, it will work. “The developers never seem to quit working”. Top that off with a group of professionals that most likely have a solution to any problem you might encounter.

The Ubuntu Package Manager makes easy work of adding, and removing, all the programs that I can try and see if I have a use for them. For any of the programs I don’t like, it is back to the Package Manager to un-install it, unlike the Microsoft OS’s, I have no fragments left of that little program to gum up the works.

A program called APTonCD makes a CD or DVD of my chosen programs so I can re install them should my hard drive fail without an Internet connection. (A note, I have yet to have a problem with the Ubuntu OS locking up) One standar CD holds all the programs I generally install on my system, What a savings over the large stack of CDs I have left over from my Microsoft days, not to mention amount of Hard Drive I have left for my Data.

My major problem with most programs made for Windows, are all the “keys” I must keep to make those programs work when I must reinstall Windows after it fails. What a refreshing experience not having to key in numbers to unlock programs that are frequently of higher quality Open Source developments, no more keys as are used as with Windows Programs. Even more refreshing, when I am looking for a program I no longer having to buy to try. I realize there are freeware programs you can try in Windows, but the virus risk is to high and program quality to low. Buying software would not be a big issue for me if the marketing departments of these programs, would be honest about what their programs capabilities are. I hate to tell you the number of programs I have purchased in the past, that just didn’t do what the packaging said they would do.

In Conclusion:

If you are browsing with Firefox the Open Source Browser, You are taking less risk of getting bugs/viruses in your system.

Because you are reading this post, know you are presented this text, by an Open Source Blog, called Wordpress, Served on an Open Source Linux Server.

This post was written on Open Office an open source word processor suit, on Toshiba laptop running an open source OS called Ubuntu version 9.04. (Machine came with Vista pre-installed, I could not wait for a better OS and that brought me to the Ubuntu web site)

Any and all graphics/pictures were modified for easy and quick, display in your browser, using the GIMP, an open source graphics editing software.

If there was any question on your mind about Open Source quality, this Conclusion should be like indelible ink on your mind. Over half the sites you visit, are served on Linux servers. It has been stated in articles I have read, that there are 10 times as many professionals maintaining Windows servers, than Linux servers on the Web, I will admit the sites I have visited while finding my way to Linux may have been leaning toward the Linux persuasion, however I have spent years browsing Windows sites looking for answers before I felt the need to look further.

It is now in your hands to do the math and prove me wrong! Send me a comment if you feel I am wrong! While your at it send me a copy of Windows 7 (must be a full version, not beta with license I won’t pay for another misrepresentation) and a reason you feel it is better than what I preach. I will back up my system and give it a try. You must understand that I don’t ask for anything I do not offer! Well almost! As I will have to modify my system to try the copy of Windows 7 you send me that is, unless Microsoft has decided to play fair, and allow other than a fresh install on my hard drive. Up to Windows 7 and most likely including it installing windows would effect (or better said infect) any existing system installed on a hard drive.

I understand Microsoft must be the only game in town to maintain market share. If they allowed an install on an existing system they would not win any market share, and simply be added to an already established system. This makes good marketing strategy, it is harder to switch systems, but not impossible, Ubuntu can be added to a computer that is running Windows, seamlessly. What’s your opinion? Is the Linux teem smarter, or is Microsoft trying to protect you from yourself? One must wonder if the same file sharing strategy is applied to all products in the “pay for” (closed source) market. It is my opinion there is a better way to protect your market, and that is to make a better product, but that is only my opinion.

I am experimenting with a program called “Cinelerra CV” a video editing program of very high professional standing. The Open Source status should not fool you and likely save you a grand or two. Quality often follows a passion for a product. Open source makes changes possible without reinventing the wheel, and this program is living proof. All the other Open Source programs I have listed above are available for Microsoft Windows machines, but you must use a Linux distro to use Cinelerra. I have found that Cinelerra is available for Ubuntu version 9.04. If you would like to run Cinelerra on your Ubuntu Box, it will take a while for Cinelerra to catch up with the latest release, so for now you must install Ubuntu 9.04 or earlier on your box. I currently have many releases installed on my hard drive and will soon have the latest release 9.10 installed to give it a spin. Hopefully my video capture card will be recognized with this new version of Ubuntu, if not no fear the card was designed for Vista that takes up space on my hard drive for this one application and a few games I just can’t leave behind

Try Linux free of charge, without changing anything on your Windows box, see for yourself!

Visit Http://www.Ubuntu.org for your free download of Ubuntu’s easy to use Linux distro.

The other programs mentioned may be downloaded from SourceForge the repository for open source developers, or the respective program websites. (Be warned there are no Microsoft Products included for download)

One final Note:

Free is good! We know what we are getting in a program and avoid the shysters trying to sell something that most would feel guilty to say was their own.

With Microsoft we plan to pay for every thing we get. So why not support developers that provide quality products that make your life easer.

Support comes in many ways but don’t neglect the open source community by offering reviews, donations, your development expertise, or bug reporting. Everything you do to help others discover Open Source makes for better programs, and a great community. Take the time to visit the forums set up for the users of programs you use. Learn and share, share and grow, grow and give back to this wonderful community by helping others.

Thanks.

Posted in Computers, The Future | Be the First to Comment »

Goodbye!

August 4th, 2009 kevin

The editor of SimplyRV passed away on the 15th of July. My writing style and it’s correctness is largely due to her effort. From the time I was old enough to speak she corrected me. As an editor she corrected my English, and spelling, till she was admitted to the hospital on may 28th for heart surgery. I must declare the content has been my own, much of which much she did not agree with.

Working on the board of her HOA she considered and defended many of the owners that the board wanted to discipline. She made her stand based upon fairness, and there need, she would stand alone for them, and make their case.

She once complained to me how she was always picking the underdog. Her choices however demonstrated her compassion to help those who needed her help.

In all my years, I can only remember 4 times she told me she was proud of me. Once when I graduated High School, and the rest were while I was involved in some selfless act, putting my life on hold to aid those that could not do for themselves.

We are a 3rd generation family of campers. We have visited the public lands of the USA and I can’t remember a time I didn’t prefer getting away to the woods. The picture above taken by my Grandfather over 70 years ago, was published in a Michigan tourist magazine that he wrote articles for. The picture shows my Mother and her brother, It shows the love she shared with her family.

The love of the outdoors is not learned, but our caring for it was. What we have learned from our family about camping, we must police our campground before we leave. All signs that we were there must be taken with us. We were taught by our family that one chore about camping, and have passed it on to our children. I can only hope that others would learn what we were taught, so future campers can enjoy the woods as we have.

This “Ghost campground”, a favorite campground during my parents years, has long been closed, with nothing left to show for itself but dilapidate picnic tables, are the final resting place for this couple, We declare them campground hosts, of a ghost campground, There love in life will be permanently planted in our memories.

May my Mom rest in peace!

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Transmission Coolers 101

June 18th, 2009 kevin

Towing trailers, or saving your transmission while towing, I must confess I had a hard time naming this post. Transmission oil coolers are by far the most important addition when we set up our tow vehicle, but there are many upgrades involved in a good tow package. We will let other upgrades slide for later posts and focus on our transmission.

If you have followed this blog you know about my teardrop. To stay cool we have started traveling in the mountains. I felt it was time to add a transmission cooler to the 1.5 liter automatic Mazda I have been pulling it with. As you know small cars are not designed to tow trailers, and therefore cooling is less than what is needed for the demand I place on it. To save the transmission I installed an over the counter transmission cooler (Transmission coolers are not listed by vehicle brand). What brought on this post were the instructions shipped with the cooler. I must say I disagree with the supplied instructions. After years of towing trailers and working on cars and trucks, the thought of lowering the operating temperature of the fluids below operating temp going in to the transmission are of great concern to me. Granted the oil works to cool the transmission so it won’t burn up, but the transmission clearances are designed for a small temperature range and the instructions are clearly not taking this point into account.

A little about the original cooler and it’s job.

The cooler built into the radiator serves two masters. Not only is it designed to cool the oil from the transmission it also serves to maintain the oil at proper operating temperatures. On cold mornings and cold climates, the radiator heats the oil for better shifting, and reducing wear from running the transmission too cool, a fin cooler can’t do this. So you can see that the engine heat helps maintain proper oil temperature in the transmission when needed. The factory cooler is designed for standard loading, anything above that loading increases the oil temperature above what the factory cooler can cope with, so we add more cooler to keep up with the task at hand.

We don’t want to loose the original coolers ability to keep the oil at proper temperatures, so we put the after market cooler in the line with the oil flow coming out of the transmission, so the after market cooler cools the oil first. The oil then travels to the original factory cooler, that can now maintain the oil temperature keeping the oil temperature from fluctuating out of operating range. This issue is small in the south west, but becomes a big problem with autos used in colder climes.

The oil should flow into the lowest fitting on the cooler and out the top fitting. To keep the oil in the cooler I install the cooler with the lower hose looped above the cooler so gravity won’t drain the cooler when the vehicle is dormant. On my first tow vehicle, I didn’t do this trick and had transmission leaks as the fluid level in the transmission rose while the vehicle was not in use, you may not have this problem but I feel it is a good design idea. With the cooler filling from the bottom up, no air pockets can reduce the cooling effect of the cooler.

Recap:

• Transmission oil coolers need to be added to tow vehicles without tow packages, the original is just not big enough to handle additional loading.
• The after market cooler should be the first cooler in the oil flow. Disconnect one hose to find the fluid flow direction. Connect your cooler to the line that oil is being pumped out from the transmission.
• The lowest fitting on the cooler becomes the inlet on your added cooler, this arrangement reduces the chance of an air bubble reducing cooling.
• Loop the connection hose above the cooler on the cooler’s inlet side, this will work to stop a high oil level in the trans when vehicle is not being used. This may or may not avoid an oil leak but will help.

Warning:

My last cooler came with instructions to place the after market cooler after the factory cooler. From the standpoint of lowest temperature out maybe, but we are trying to maintain the proper operating temperature, our final stage should be the factory cooler. In first place, or last place, the same cooling capacity has been added, so our effort should be proper operating temperature, not lowest temperature.

Auto parts Warehouse has this model,  the one I am using, Clicking on the picture, or the link below will give you more of the details about this cooler.

4-seasons transmission oil cooler fs53000

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Used Car Buyers Guide

June 18th, 2009 kevin

I must confess!  The newest car I have owned since 1971 has been at least 5 years old. My truck is pushing 15 and the car I just bought a year ago was 11. You may ask what that has to do with a buyers guide so I will assume that’s your question and get to my point. I have been around OBD1 systems for many years but never have I owned a car with the OBD11 system. The OBD stands for On Board Diagnostics, the first system or OBD1 could be read by following a routine and reading the codes produced by the check engine light.  OBD11 is of course the second OBD and mandated on all newer than 96 model cars by our federal government. My latest car had the catalytic converter punched out and the warning light reset. Not only did the car trader break the law by hiding the problem with the car so he could sell it, he broke a federal law by busting out emission control equipment.

My mistake was not stopping long enough to look into the crooks eyes. My mistake was in trying to save 90 bucks by not buying an OBD code reader that would have warned me of the reset made to hide the cars problems. That little mistake cost my family 2500 dollars in repairs that were required to bring the vehicle up to snuff.
I relied on my ability to listen to a car, kick the tires, listen for creeks and other odd noises that I had successfully used to buy older model cars in the past. I failed to find economy in having places like AAA check out my pick, The option for high priced cars yes, for a low priced car makes no since as the car prices won’t justify the cost. Buying such cars from dealers can’t be defended. The new price on the car is much higher than the price you will pay from a private party, and you know what they say about used car salesmen, there is a reason.

Here is what I found:

An OBD11 code reader that has a lookup table built in, will tell you if the owner of the car has cleared the codes, and may be trying to hide something.
The reader will tell you if the car is in “ready state”, this is the state that your emission station may check to determine if you can take the emission test or if you fail before they start. This varies from district to district, but you will know about hidden condition.

If the owner is not trying to hide a condition, he/she will likely test drive the car if the fixed something and reset the codes to make sure the car is fixed. Procedures vary with make, but the car must be driven till it has fallen into the “ready state” to verify the problems are fixed. This simple test of the OBD system can save you bundles of cash while you try to save your budget buying used cars.

You hear services offered for used car inspections, just bring the car in pay your roughly 100 bucks and they will tell you if they think your pick is worth the bucks (OK, if they think the operating condition is sound). If they find a problem with your pick you are at square one. To be sure your next choice is in order you will once again fork out another big one. This could go on for quite a time if you have trouble knowing good from bad.

The OBD11 system is not a tool used for trouble shooting, only a tool to help troubleshoot a problem. My failure to purchase this little tool cost me $2000 in auto parts, forget the labor, I did the work myself. Had I not tried to save $100 I could have avoided my car of choice. My loss however is your gain, this post would not have been written and you would not have been warned had I not been took.

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Zoom,To the Moon, Friends don’t let Friends buy Mazda

May 4th, 2009 kevin

My new to me Mazda is of 1997 vintage, so there is nothing here about a new car experience. However I do have a few problems with the car or my over all experience with it. I can also see why resale on these cars may be low should you be considering a new one.

The car has a small but adequate 1.5L engine. How they put such a large engine in the car is a mystery to me. The new back motor mount sits in the trunk where I tossed it because I realized I would need to drop the engine out the bottom of the car to install the thing, or maybe I could remove everything except the block. This fact has raised the question if they call it a rear motor mount because most of these rubber mounts wind up in the trunk like mine did rather than where it needs to be!

I don’t brag to much, but it only took me 7 hours to install a water pump that required removing the entire front of the engine, including timing belt to install. Had I realized the work involved I would have bought a timing belt and installed it as a small side job claiming routine maintenance. Water pump cost close to 80 big ones. Labor Free!

Lately the check engine light has been comming on. Thinking I could save on parts count, I bought an OBD11 code reader, but to my surprise, the fuel system, or engine electrical, code would lead me to believe I needed a voice coil servo, that controls Idle speed. I have replaced such controls in my 400 dollar washing machine, that contain the same parts and larger part count, for under 50 bucks. Price tag for the “IAC valve”, 320 dollars at the lowest priced auto parts store. After taking the air intake off and checking the valve, I realize the OBD11 code sells valves not needed. Having someone else work on your car? Hummm!

The first fix was a fuel filter that took an act from the legislators to replace, as it was hidden low in the engine compartment, where half the engine intake needed to be removed to do the work. No longer was the check engine light on, and the car would preform as it did when I bought it. The problem was assumed fixed. OBD11 reading? 300 dollar IAC valve, fix 30 dollar NAPA fuel filter. Hummm! So much for OBD11 diagnostics.

Next fix The car stalled and left us scrambling to get home. Problem 400 dollar re-manufactured distributer! the coil went bad, How this made meI wish I had bought a Chevy, I could have bought a coil rather than a complete distributor. OBD11 code? IAC valve, chalk it up to marketing, how else are they going to sell a 50 dollar part for 300?

I put in the distributor but thought I could save the old wires. Wrong! The ends of the wires were good, but trying to remove the cables to adjust the plug gap with special boots to reach the hidden plug 5 inches down in the head made them fail while trying to remove them. You guessed it! P0505 on the old OBD11 code reader “IAC valve”

Now the Car is on the road again, assumed fixed because it runs as expected, with no check engine light.

Part cost for a coil, wires, plugs? 450 dollars. Labor free! your mileage may differ depending on your auto parts supplier.
This car was purchased to lower operating costs. Had I paid for labor, Driving a Tank with 5 dollars a gallon gasoline would have saved money. No telling how many IAC valves I would have bought had someone else done the work..

Added to the OBD11 question, every part I tried to find for this car was at least 100 dollars. Discounts were not an option because all parts were special order. To get special order parts, one must drive to the parts house twice, once to pay for the part, another trip to pick it up. There are two other options for this dilemma. One is to order online from companies like these:

• Auto Parts Warehouse: Save $50 for purchases worth $1000 or more. Use this code upon checkout (FIFTYAPW)
• See HOT new products, find rebates and get free gifts at AutoAnything!
  

Both on-line companies are a great option, after all, you are already waiting for the part, and you might just be able to save on an extra trip or two!

Another choice is to buy an American made auto, most parts are on the shelf after a few years and it’s good for America!

Conclusion: Friends don’t let Friends drive Mazdas!

Even if you replace your car before many repairs are required, problems like this can influence resale values, and should affect the new car buyers decision.

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Friends don’t let Friends

May 4th, 2009 kevin

We have a new category called Friends don’t let friends! The story behind the category is my dislike of the friends don’t let friends watch cable campaign run on Direct TV. The biggest problem I find with the campaign? I started using the phrase when I am disgusted by company attitude, product, or both.

My intro for the category will be my Zoom, to the moon, Mazda experience, where I find myself telling people, “Friends don’t let Friends buy Mazda!” To understand, Read the next post! As my friends read this post, my hope is they will chime in and submit like minded posts they feel offer good informative, interesting, reading. Like my post, you may want to use some creative license to emphasize your point, just don’t post anything that may leave you liable. You may send your story via e-mail to postmaster@imnugget.com or comment below my post. If I find the story of good quality, I may copy your comment into a post of it’s own. We give credit lines, so be sure to leave the URL for your website if you have one. We have a file as requested by our leaders of all commenters. however they are hidden to the viewers. Your E-mail is protected here and is not abused.

The rules for posting on this category:

• No fiction. We would like to offer up information that can be helpful to our friends. Readers be warned this category is based on opinion.
• We are hosting this discussion, but are not responsible for the content supplied by our readers. We do not research claims.
• I may find your article worth printing but may at my option edit it’s content, to make it suitable for all audiences.
• All posts and comments become the property of imnugget.com. Please don’t forward copyrighted material. Don’t copy and paste our content into another site without our permission.

For those of you that wonder why your comments are not published:

Short comments that could have been posted by spambots are never approved, no question! If I can’t tell that you have read a post, your comment is history. This is true of comments not in English, as readers of this blog are English speaking. I will be implementing a plug-in called is-human to combat this problem in the future. For the time being the delay in publishing only keeps this blog free of garbage that no one wants. The upside is you know I have read your comments, and am taking an active role. If you use spambots your site is visited, even if only by me, before I delete or mark your comments as spam to help those sites using filters. If you have something to offer my visitors, I may publish even a spam comment, but this is rare indeed.

Thanks for Visiting SimplyRV.imnugget.com .
Kevin

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Learn from my Friend

May 4th, 2009 kevin

I hooked up with an old friend from my boating days in Mexican waters. Our meeting was by chance, because we had lost track of each other, I had thought, gone our separate ways. This goes to show how like minded people are attracted to the same kind of life and places, who would have thought?
My friend had spent 15 years on his sail boat in Mexico, and had made it through Marty, a Hurricane that had ravaged La Paz, as well as torn into other places up the Sea of Cortez. After parting we figured we would never see him again, I assumed he was still on his boat, but alas, he came back to the states. Trading in his sailing life, for the RV life.

Of course there is a reason for this post, rather than just telling you of a great reunion. We spent the last couple of weeks talking about old days in the Sea, and running together while taking care of chores. We talked about places to go, and things to do. We talked about the weather, as all sailors, even retired ones do. Most of all, I watched the way he looked out for his class C motor home. How he provisioned his rig, and the way he even takes care of his own body. But most of all, I watched how he maintained his RV, learning what made it possible for him to ride through the eye of a hurricane on a small sailboat without a scratch, while other boat owners around him didn’t.

If you should ever find him along side a highway, it is likely he will be eating lunch or taking a nap, not looking under the hood. His equipment is sound, from the roof top vent, all the way down to the tires. He maintains his RV, and travels, like he did with his boat, in harmony with nature. He stays put in a blow that can cost his rig or himself undue ware and tare. He spends his evenings before a trip checking weather, and listening to the net, to insure a pleasant trip. The climate at his intended destination is seldom anything he didn’t plan for, he is truly in step with nature.

All in all, we had a very wonderful couple of weeks, and are sorry to move on. Our visit left us wanting to caravan with other astute RVer’s, maybe in time. We both came away with something good to remember our visit, as all visits should be. We also came away with a reminder of what I should be doing to keep my RV in top shape, plus many trips to town in his RV to get repair parts for the Tow’d, many thanks. He left with Ubuntu Linux installed on his computer, so he could safely mind his investments on-line. We both have good memories of our time together, and shared the many great spots that we have visited. These spots are now on our maps, with thoughts we might meet up in the not to distant future.

Notes and Links:

For a safe INTERNET banking experience I recommend Linux, I dual boot using the most popular distro Ubuntu.
I use Google Earth in conjunction with DeLorme Topo this program can be ordered on-line. I mark my spots using the DeLorme Topo program.
I learned my lesson! I am now ordering my car parts on-line, at one of the these locations. I found that most of the parts for my car are special order, this requires two trips to the parts house. one to pay for the order, and one to pick it up. I save on trip mileage, as well as shopping time and mileage trying to find the part, making on-line shopping the overall winner.

One final note:

I have found it useful to bookmark pages I may want to reference later, consider bookmarking this page! If you enjoyed this post, we ask that you rate it so others can benefit from your opinions.

We want your help! If you have any trouble with orders you have placed using companies we link to, please comment on the related topic, so we can reconsider sending people to them. Working together we can make a better Net!

If you are a social bookmarker please share our blog with your favorite social site to help others find us, and be sure to tell your friends.

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Let’s talk Green

April 20th, 2009 kevin

Is green an alternative energy source?
Some would say not, while others give it a shot. Truth is alternative energy as we know it today falls short of all but one of America’s life styles.  The best demonstration I can give is also the best example.

Solar car races, they don’t happen on tracks but continents.  Many student engineers assemble cars that are designed light with solar panels that are the body of the car. Aerodynamics and weight are key if you want to win. As impressive as these high tech cars are, the real interpretation is how much different they are, when compared to even the most compact of production cars.

When our Government sets future green policy, they should look at such examples, and aim for the target that will produce the most benefit. In the 70’s a normal household in the US averaged 2,500 watts of demand. With the advent of computer controlled appliances, home computers, large screen TVs, and lighting that surpasses store lighting in the 70’s, 2000 watts of electricity would only make a dent in the power needed today.  The only major group of US citizens today that come within range of solar are the full time RVers.

When I talk RVer, I don’t include those in RV parks using 50 amp service, and craving more. I refer to those that buy older rigs with plans of removing much of the modern electronics that waste energy.  They crave an off the grid experience. Their rigs become covered inside and out with energy saving devices. There “homes” supplied from the factory with 30 amp service, serve them well with less than one quarter the energy.  These Pioneers don’t live without, they live within realities limits! They understand the US energy dependence that is dragging down this country, and don’t want to be a part of it.

Just as the average US citizen could not see themselves buying a car that uses solar panels as it’s only energy. The average US citizen could not see living at a level required to live off the grid, using solar energy.  There are many that just want tax incentives, and will lay out a bundle for panels with a promise from the Government, but those who receive these benefits, are the least likely to walk the walk, and become dissatisfied in short order with their purchase.

If the Government really wants to reduce dependence on foreign oil, they may consider a “no cost to taxpayer program”, offering places for full time boon docking RV owners, These places, similar to the LTVA areas along the California, Arizona border. Where individuals could stay on the public lands that most campers would not desire to go. With seasonal stay limits, and close enough to towns in which they could work, without the foolishly high cost of private RV parks, and public campgrounds. Such campgrounds are shunned by the full-time RVer and not considered a reasonable rent, they are set-up for the vacationer.

Why would such a program work?

With little desire or option to connect to the grid, or utilities, This group has the incentive. Most will spend there own cash on solar and wind systems, without need for tax incentives, planning to lower their dependence on generators and such. Fulfilling there lighting needs with low power use LED and florescent lighting. They use much smaller LED TVs, and will replace forced air heaters with those high efficiency space heaters that require less fuel and electricity to run. But! with the present time limits on public lands, they are not able to stay in one place for any time. The present system reduces it’s viability to those that must work, leaving this energy saving option to the much smaller segment of the countries population, that need not work.

• It is time to rebuild America!
• It is time to make wise decisions!
• It is time to limit the drain of our resources to foreign countries, and build a sustainable economy.

We must strive to adopt different standards, that can be met by all Americans. The proof is in the housing bubble that gave America a black eye! If you help those that can’t afford a house buy a house, You only make unstable conditions for the whole country. The problem we face today could have been avoided had government policies been more favorable for all Americans no matter what there Income level, and not tried to put all Americans in a position they could not sustain.

The “American Dream” should be households where one income can support the family within it, without assistance from any government body. This dream is possible and need not be out of reach to all. Just by opening up public lands as described here, burnout, and drop out, should decrease.
Charging an appropriate fee for the services offered.
We can rebuild the system without regard of financial standing.
Our economy has not hit bottom yet! Stimulus plans are not going to turn the economy around, nor help get people in a position to contribute. So why not consider a plan for a better future, rather than a government spending spree, that the only beneficiary is corporate leaders.

Don’t bury The good old USA?

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There is More

April 12th, 2009 kevin

Now April 12th and more news on the Conficker virus.  An article on Yahoo Tells us that even a university can have problems keeping there Windows computers safe. I do find issue with articles that don’t tell all, and this article fails.  They admit Macs, based on Unix don’t have problems with the virus, but fail to tell you that Linux, modeled after Unix is not affected by this and other viruses.  This may be a small omission, but when it costs nothing to make your system safe by installing Linux on your PC,  the omission seems to be driven by another motive.

The convenience involved using Linux is increasing daily.  You may not know this but there is a layer used for compatibility called Wine that allows you to run many of Windows programs right in a Linux window.  How good is it?  Google’s Picasa for Linux uses the Wine layer to convert there “designed for Windows” Picasa program to the Linux OS. There are virtual windows programs that make using windows programs a snap without having to re-boot into windows.

The casual computer users really don’t know the difference between Windows and Linux, but computer virus hackers are really put off by the security of Linux. Dual Boot and save the problems involved trying to keep your credit solid!

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Protection for the Conficker Worm

April 11th, 2009 kevin

I tell you a secret! The back end of this website was compromised by just such a worm.

The worm was not acting on the website servers, rather on the computer I was using to communicate with it. How this happened was my unwillingness to change.  As quick as I changed passwords, the criminals had my new one.  I can only be thankful that the company that hosts SimplyRV worked with me to resolve the problem, rather than shut me down.  I am also thankful I was not banking on-line with this computer.

I posted this article only after noticing that one of the top search phrases yesterday was “Conflicker Worm”, and it reminded me of the fear many computer users are now living with.

The answer of course, is a secure computer.

But to understand what is needed, we must first look at two business models:

• Business one has an owner that takes his time to make everything with as much perfection as is possible.  Testing and testing before any release.  The results are a smooth running outfit.  He looks ahead to fix future problems knowing that should he compromise, he will be spending his days putting out fires, as the saying goes.
• Business two has an owner that rushes to get his product to market.  His attention to detail stops with the outer surfaces that will sell his product, saying buyer be ware, I don’t have time to do it right.  His business model starts requiring all his time to put out fires he has created.  He starts enlisting help from fire fighters that specialize in products to disable the system that creates the fires. Two of the most famous firefighters are McAffee, and Symatics, at an additional cost to consumers they can enlist the services of these famous companies, but by design the fires continue to smolder.

My Mom told me that I should beware of anything that is free, as it couldn’t be any good.  On the other hand I have been told that Volunteers are like gold, They shine when everything else tarnishes.  A good example of this is the Linux community.  When I read about Viruses the Words Microsoft Windows are always a part of the explanation.

Complaints most voiced in the Linux community go like this: “Why do they take so long implementing this new feature?”  Folks, at Linux, only if it is secure will it make it into a Distro. No Fires, No rush, just quality stuff.

I started using Linux because SimplyRV was compromised and phishing was being implemented on my mail server.  This was accomplished using a worm like the Conficker worm. I used virus protection, but they got to me anyhow.  It has been rumored that the Conflicker worm disables your ability to use the virus protection sites, so help may not be coming your way soon.  May I suggest you keep your banking off line, or using a dual booted computer and Ubuntu Linux for all web work, a free to you alternative to a very insecure Microsoft Windows.  The known viruses are about 1 to 500 with windows in the lead for known viruses.  Oh yes! the conflicker is a Microsoft Windows worm.

Posted because Portable means Online Banking, Think about it!
A disk can be ordered free of charge at the Ubuntu website

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