Monday, April 26, 2010

Why all the irritating and unwanted pre-installed programs on new laptops?

If I must spend close to $2000 of my hard-earned, then the laptop ought to arrive exactly as I ordered it. But I've been researching and comparing and I keep coming up with great laptops that are constipated with an overload of pre-installed programs.


Sellers force their buyers to bend over and take it up the hard drive - it is just plain wrong. To buy a new laptop is like paying for toe-jam: the ones I look at have tons of superfluous pre-installed programs - computer 'toe-jam' - that I neither want nor need.


Am I the only frustrated consumer out there? HELP!!

Why all the irritating and unwanted pre-installed programs on new laptops?
Yep, it sucks doesn't it? However you can always reformat the hard drives and put your own Windows on instead of their license. They make you use their disc so all the preinstalled software comes with it as well. I have multiple licenses so that's not a problem for me, for the majority of people it is though.





You could also look into building your own laptop. They're called Barebooks and there are guides to building custom laptops. Usually they're a bit more expensive but the upside is you can put whatever you'd want on it.
Reply:Nope, not only frustrated one. It's all about selling. Sell you the laptop, then try to sell you more after the fact. That's why I build all my desktops from scratch.
Reply:Well, look at it from this angle: this pre-installed stuff is essentially advertising and essentially subsidises some of the laptops overall costs, potentially reducing your cost. Now then, simply go to Start, Settings, Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs, and kill off all that crap you dont need.
Reply:Simply $$$$$.





Dell actually called me up wondering why I never activated any of the online crap that came with my new system. Why?





Here's why.


When I got my new Dell I didn't turn it on until I imaged the 60gb drive and stored the image on DVD. Then turned on just long enough to activate my waranty. The next thing I did pull out my XP Pro disk out installed a clean copy of XP on newly formated 100gb drive. I never knew what software came pre-installed. If I ever need repair I'll slap the original drive back in with original contents restored from DVD. I use the original drive in an external enclosure so isn't collecting dust.
Reply:i hate aol downloads, etc, but most of these programs you can easily take off.
Reply:Bill Gates, Andrew Grove from Intel and Jerry Sanders from AMD are having a conference.





Suddenly Bill Gates starts to talk to his watch... Grove and Sanders are surprised.





"Thats the new telephone feature from Microsoft at Work it comes with Windows96" describes Bill Gates.





Five minutes later Andy Groves interrupts the conference. "Sorry, it's a call" and starts to talk very silent. "That's the newest Intel-Product. A satellite-telephone in my tooth."





Just a few seconds lets out a loud fart: "Give me some paper ! I'm receiving a fax !
Reply:The programs that you consider unwanted, others consider a selling feature. Rather than griping, just buy the laptop you need, and uninstall the programs you don't want.


Just because you don't want those programs, doesn't mean there aren't thousands upon thousands of people that buy the laptops BASED on the installed programs.


Pardon the pun Mrs RAG, but it sounds like you are on yourself!


(LOL)


Did you study marketing? Help me with ideas?

Hi!





I studied Management and Ec. Sciences at uni, so I am no expert in Marketing or Advertising. I need some help and to pick your brains a little!





My boyfriend studied advertising and is currently looking for work with some of the skate brands where we are. I had an idea that he should cold canvass the brands and distributors.





My idea is that he should do some Consumer and Market Research and Analysis and use it as kind of an opener to his Resume to kind of grab their attention....





Any ideas about what kind of info and stats he could provide?





Your ideas would be much appreciated! : )

Did you study marketing? Help me with ideas?
While the initiative will get a smile, I doubt it would betaken seriously. Real company experience counts. Try temping in these areas to gain experience first. Good luck.
Reply:Sounds like you two have some real potential to annoy people. No one cares about that. What they care about is real work done at other companies. Something to show for experience. Is your boyfriend the guy who thought he'd make $30/hr with no experience!?!? LOL! Seriously, la-la land is not a good place to make income. No one wants or need analysis by two goons when they have their own.
Reply:I Net search may be easier and help use time more effectively.


People in marketing? Can I pick your brains?

Hi!





I studied Management and Ec. Sciences at uni, so I am no expert in Marketing or Advertising. I need some help and to pick your brains a little!





My boyfriend studied advertising and is currently looking for work with some of the skate brands where we are. I had an idea that he should cold canvass the brands and distributors.





My idea is that he should do some Consumer and Market Research and Analysis and use it as kind of an opener to his Resume to kind of grab their attention....





Any ideas about what kind of info and stats he could provide?





Your ideas would be much appreciated! : )

People in marketing? Can I pick your brains?
Your idea is good but not to get your foot in the door. If he is a Advertising guy. He needs to do the biggest job of his life.





Sell himself. Get a clean resume, Look professional and be confident in him self.





If I don't think a person can sell them selves why would i give them a job to sell my product.





Best of luck!


Do you feel guilty for spending money on yourself when you know it could be used to help people who need it?

I often feel guilty for spending money on things I don't need when I know I could invest a lot of that money in charities, organizations, research centers, etc. which help people who lack basic necessities like food and water or contribute to our understanding of how to fight disease and poverty. Whenever I buy new clothes I don't need or spend more money on a car than I need to...or the fact that I live in a house that is more than enough room for me..I just feel guilty. I feel like we're all so selfish and only care about being greedy consumers instead of caring about people who really need help just to live. I wish I didn't feel guilty so often...but I do. Still, it's so hard to give up putting myself and my desires first. Does anyone else struggle with this?

Do you feel guilty for spending money on yourself when you know it could be used to help people who need it?
No coz then you can never enjoy the finer things in life that you work for.You can set aside money for charity work from time to time but u shdnt feel guilty abt spending on ureself.Its just a tad too idealistic.
Reply:I spend most of my money on medical care and rx's.
Reply:I think guilty may not be the right word. I would say you have a sense of social responsibility....which is a good thing. I cannot judge whether you've spent your money excessively on unnecessary things or not. This is something you have to determine for yourself. But I know it is hard to resist from buying when I am constantly being bombarded with endless TV commercials and billboards tempting you to continue buying.





However, if you think living in a smaller house or spend more on helping the poor is right, then just do it. There is nothing wrong with that and no one is stopping you.
Reply:I dont cuz it's my hard earned money.
Reply:Nope

medicine

Plug-in-hybrid installed on all cars for $3900. Isn't that still too expensively technology?

Don't you think that a new technology should be priced at an affordable price to US consumers? I believe $700-1200 is still reasonable to everyone. Research should be focused on cost effective means.

Plug-in-hybrid installed on all cars for $3900. Isn't that still too expensively technology?
The one EV car I currently have (have 2 vehicles that run on hydrogen also) I converted from a vw bug and is free to charge. As I live completely off the grid all my electricity comes from solar panels and 2 wind generators, which I also built.





However I did charge up at Costco in Carlsbad California (I actually only drove up there to fill up) if I remember right it was around $2.00





Not sure if you’re interesting in doing it yourself, but I’d be willing to walk you step by step threw the conversion. I've converted 3 of my own cars (a datsun truck, ford ban, and a vw bug) and a few for neighbors. I've also converted cars to run on hydrogen, ethanol and biodiesel, by far EV is the easiest.





If you’re interested here’s what it would entitle…





- The engine compartment is first cleaned out of any gasoline components.


- Electric components are then installed in exchange.


- A battery bank is built and incorporated.


- Existing starter and driving systems are connected.


- Turn the key, step on the gas pedal sending more energy to the electric motor, %26amp; thus more power to the drive system, which in return creates more speed, more acceleration.


- The system has normal automotive top speeds and acceleration, typical to the vehicle your modifying. If your top speed was 85 mph and your acceleration was 1 mile per min, then this will be what your left with after the conversion.





The methods are extremely simple, making the process possible for anyone, everyone, ANYWHERE.





Typical tools, hardware %26amp; supplies are used, making access to parts available for all.





Electric Conversions can be easily accomplished in ANY model vehicle, even tractors, Generators, types of machinery, etc.





Project lengths range from 1 day to 1 month.


If you’re interested I wrote a guide on it which is available at www agua-luna com





My last EV conversion ran me about $1400. Everything is available online. I have a how to do it yourself guide available at www agua-luna com that will walk you step by step through the process. If you have ANY questions feel free to contact me through the site. Here’s a list of what you'd need...





Advanced DC Motor


The motor is an 8" Advanced DC series-wound motor. It weighs 107 pounds and is rated at 68 peak horsepower. These motors are available in several sizes.





Adaptor plate


The adaptor plate mates the motor to the transmission. It is constructed of 1/2 inch aluminum and is pre-drilled with bolt hole patterns for both the motor and transmission. An aluminum spacer is also used for proper spacing between the shafts of the transmission and motor. Adaptor plates are available for many cars.





DC Motor Controller


The controller regulates current going to the motor. It is a solid-state device that uses a pulse width modulator (PWM) that sends short bursts of current to the motor at a rate of 15 kHz. Controllers are available from both Curtis and DCP.





Potbox (Potentiometer)


The potbox is a 5K ohm throttle between the controller and the accelerator, similar to the way a sewing machine pedal works. The potbox's lever arm is attached to the existing accelerator cable.





Main Contactor


An electric relay that serves the same purpose as the ignition switch in a gas car. When the key is turned to the start position, the contactor closes the circuit to allow current to flow to the controller.





Circuit Breaker


A safety device that shuts down power for servicing or during an emergency. The circuit breaker is installed under the hood and can be switched both off and on from the drivers seat with an extension or cable.





Main Fuse


The main fuse protect the system from high voltage spikes. A fuse should be installed at each battery box or group of batteries.





Shunt


A shunt is placed in series within the wiring as a means to connect meters. Shunts are available in different sizes for both high and low power configurations.





Charger interlock


A relay that keeps the circuit open so nobody will inadvertantly drive off with the charge cord plugged into the car.





DC/DC Converter


The DC/DC converter is similar in function to a gas car's alternator. It charges the 12 volt accessory battery by chopping voltage from the main battery pack down to 13.5 volts.





If you interested I offer several DIY alternative guides to walk you step by step threw EV conversion process at agua-luna com or





www agua-luna com


Hope this helped, feel free to contact me personally if you have any questions if you’d like assistance in making your first self sufficient steps, I’m willing to walk you step by step threw the process. I’ve written several how-to DIY guides available at www agua-luna com on the subject. I also offer online and on-site workshops, seminars and internships to help others help the environment.








Dan Martin


Alterative Energy / Sustainable Consultant, Living 100% on Alternative %26amp; Author of How One Simple Yet Incredibly Powerful Resource Is Transforming The Lives of Regular People From All Over The World... Instantly Elevating Their Income %26amp; Lowering Their Debt, While Saving The Environment by Using FREE ENERGY... All With Just One Click of A Mouse...For more info Visit:





www AGUA-LUNA com


Stop Global Warming!!!
Reply:The price is irrelevant because it's doubtful that such a conversion kit really exists. Nobody has batteries that'll withstand the demands of an electric vehicle, and that includes General Motors.





If you have any better ideas, there is certainly a market for them.


Why do American cars suck? Would you say union workers?

NEW YORK, Feb 28 (Reuters) - Japan's automakers shut out the competition in an influential list of the 10 best new vehicles for 2007, with models from Toyota Motor Corp. (7203.T: Quote, Profile, Research) and Honda Motor Co. Ltd. (7267.T: Quote, Profile, Research) in the lead.





Consumer Reports magazine on Wednesday released its top picks for new cars based on its own testing, reported reliability by a survey of car owners and government safety rankings.


Reuters Pictures


Photo





Editors Choice: Best pictures


from the last 24 hours.


View Slideshow





For the second time in the 10-year history of the list, all of the magazine's top picks were Japanese. In addition, 55 of the 59 used car models recommended by the magazine were Japanese, again dominated by Toyota and Honda.

Why do American cars suck? Would you say union workers?
Americans believe bigger is better. Japanese and German automakers believe reliabilty and quality is better. It has taken the American public a long time to realise what the rest of the world discovered more than 20 years ago.
Reply:It's sad but true ( I own a European Repair shop), If you look at the older Mercedes they have technology even back in the early 80's %26amp; later 70's that surpassed American automotives - like ABS brakes. Of course now that America is buying up the Asian %26amp; European car manufactures they are improving greatly. An example is when Mercedes merged with Chrysler - Dodge %26amp; Chrysler have improved greatly - they are taking the suspension designs from Mercedes. Ford now owns Volvo, Land Rover, and Jaguar %26amp; has been involved with Mazda for a long time. So while Asian Imports (some-not all) do out perform American made cars I believe that we are making a come back %26amp; will improve drastically in the next 5-10 years. So before I get too carried away I would say no I would not blame labor workers - maybe lack of certain abilities to put it all together to make the best product out there. Oh by the way - I have owned about 9 Volvo's - Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, Honda %26amp; VW - I now drive a 06' Dodge Durango - would have not gone near a Dodge 5 years ago.
Reply:the best cars I ever owned were jap cars..the only good american cars I ever own were pre 80s models..Americans cant make good front wheel drive cars..they suck ..I miss the old big boats of a car form the 70s..
Reply:I like my GMC and my HD although some of the parts are built overseas.I don't care for what the Union has done to alot of America's productivity. It always did hit me funny when a Union worker wouldn't pay the American price for something, I would rather pay an extra dollar or two to keep a fellow American working. Some people just want their checks for free. I believe in putting my name on my job!
Reply:That is part of it....and greed by the ar$ehole salesmen that don't stand behind their product....and its sad too because all the partsupply workers suffer to boot...soon we'll be able to get a car at Wal-Mart with all the rest of that Chinese crap
Reply:I love American cars and that is the only ones I will ever buy. I have never owned a foreign car, this is my small way of supporting the jobs of Americans. I think Chevy's are some of the best cars ever made and they are great to look at too! Honda's are made in the USA , Ohio has a huge Honda factory that employs many. If you are a true American-Buy American cars-do the right thing for your country!!
Reply:No. It's because the cars were lasting too long and the car companies were losing money not selling new cars. So they made new cars, starting about the mid-80's, to break down after a certain amount of time. They used to build them to last, now they build them to be replaced. Very wasteful.
Reply:Import cars are good.considering they began as economical cracker boxes....Not a thing wrong with American cars..I have owned American cars since 1967 and thy have all served me well.


I don't permit foriegn cars to park in my drive way or in front of my house....I would take a bus before I drove in one
Reply:Yes absolutely.





Labor unions have been driving up costs and lowering quality for decades.


Are you aware of the danger of using Cytotec for inducing childbirth?

A lovely woman, I recently met, lost both her healthy thirty-two year old daughter and grandchild because of a scheduled birth induction in the hospital with the drug Cytotec. This drug can cause death in the mother and baby if used during pregnancy. Please research this drug and see for yourself if you want either you or your baby exposed to it. You are the consumer. Do your research so that you and your partner can make educated decisions during childbirth.





Cytotec: Black Box Warnings


Pregnancy


use in pregnant women can cause abortion, premature birth, or birth defects; uterine rupture reported w/ use to induce labor or abortion past 8th wk of pregnancy; do not use to decr. advise pts of abortifacient property and warn not to give to others





Take a look at this link to read about the dangers of Cytotec.


http://www.consciouswoman.org/2008/04/01...

Are you aware of the danger of using Cytotec for inducing childbirth?
My hospital still uses it from time to time, which really irritates me. There has been enough documentation to support it's risks, but I guess the old-school doctors still have their faith in it until they see something really bad happen firsthand. It's sad.





Having said that, and knowing the dangers, all of the times I have ever had patients who were being ripened / induced with cytotec have not had any major complications. One woman went into hypertonus of the uterus (a sustained contraction) but it was quickly alleviated with terbutaline.





I would encourage all women to talk at length with their doctors about the chosen induction methods. Cervidil works wonderfully for ripening and pitocin is the standard tried and true method of induction.
Reply:Thanks for sharing this here. I don't think that most women know about how dangerous a drug this can be.





As a doula I am sure to share with my clients the hazards of this dangerous drug.


http://www.whatisaids.com/cytotec107.htm


http://parenting.ivillage.com/pregnancy/...


http://www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/c...


http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/cyto...





A warning from Cytotec's own manufacturer against using it on pregnant women for the purposes of induction.


http://www.aims.org.uk/Journal/Vol13No3/...
Reply:thanks for letting us know
Reply:I recently heard about the effect of Cytotec on a documentary, and I looked into it immediately. I knew as soon as I heard about what the effects were that it was the reason I had nearly died at birth. A known side effect in inducing in a pregnant woman that has already has a C-section is a ruptured uturus. When my mother gave birth to me, her uterus ruptured from the drug, and both my mom and I nearly died. I am almost 21, and I think it is ridiculous that they have not banned its use already, especially with all the C-sections there are today. I plan to study it a lot more now, and I agree that we need to raise awareness on the issue.