So, I've been using Windows Vista Business edition for about 2 weeks now. The laptop I use at work doesn't support the video card, thus I can't see Aero Glass. Well, it keeps me from becoming jaded with the pretty graphics, right?
What I like about Vista:
• It's pretty. Even without Aero running, everything is crisper and all menus, etc are very high resolution. Looks great on an LCD screen.
• Folder browsing - It's easier once you get the hang of it. I am mixed on this. Navigation is pretty cool, since you can click on any part of the file path to drill back into a specific folder, even in the middle of the path. Think of a shopping site where you can narrow down your searches, then go back and click on a broader topic to widen your search again. However, the dropdown doesn't support your drive list by default. You get recent places you've been instead. A little annoying. Clicking on "Computer" in the left panel gets you to all your shared drives.
• CD burning - It's easier. Nothing more to say about that
• ZIP files - Imagine this, you can actually CREATE ZIP files now. Something XP should have had out of the box. Duh.
• User migration - It's done within the OS now, but you can still use the user migration tool (easier for mass configurations anyhow). But, if you are a home user, this will be a nice feature, provided you didn't have a system crash on the machine you are importing settings from.
• File sharing - If you turn it on, simple file sharing now really uses the "Shared" account settings for easy access to files you want people to see. Think of it as putting files into your peer to peer sharing directory with something like Kazaa. Users can browse the files. It's an easy way to transfer stuff back and forth with people, and great for multi-user workstations.
• Program level access - When futzed with, this will allow programs to run in an elevated user lever (i.e. higher than "User") for stupidly coded software that used to require full admin access to launch. These are softwares that administrators hate. Hate! Now, at least, I can have something launch at a heightened level without intervention.
Oh, and the screen snippit tool is pretty cool. Easier screenshot handling (you can crop on the fly, highlight windows/regions, etc). No more need for SnagIt!
What I hate about Vista:
• User Access Control - Holy hell. You get asked for every thing you do. I turned off the User Access Control right away. This can be GPO'd, and registry edited to kill. Wow, it stinks. I am an advanced OS user, I don't need to be questioned when I want to change my IP address. I realize this is good for so many reasons, but I hate it. Even with this shut off, running executables asks you if you really want to (for certain types). You know, if I launch a virus or malware on my PC, I can fix it, so I generally don't care about these security settings. In a work environment, sure, but at home? Hell no.
• Administration - It now takes about 2-3 more clicks to get me where I need to go for administration of users and system settings. Getting to the network connections panel is cumbersome. Even finding "add/remove programs" takes some time until you see it at the top of a dialog box.
• Value - 90% of what I am seeing isn't going to be used by the general home user. Even at the business level, most of the "cool stuff" will either be shut off or just unused. I don't want users to be able to pull RSS feeds to their desktops. I don't wants to throw Internet widgets ("gadgets" they call them) that constantly ping away at some remote service all day long. That will all be disabled.
More later as I fumble through Vista. I've also got Office 2007 running. I'm not a power Office user, but so far, I really like the new interface. The larger panels with logical grouping mirrors of a lot of the Photoshop suite (I think they are called palettes, I still call them panels). Outlook 2007 is really slick. More on Office later as well.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Friday, November 03, 2006
Moving...
The DH is moving/has moved. If you see this message, then you found me! If not, well, enjoy seeing a stagnant blog, since that old (Adelphia) page won't be updated anymore!
Since TimeWarner bought Adelphia in our area, I imagine within a certain amount of time the Adelphia servers will cease to exist. Since the URL would change, why not just move now? Also, it's incredibly lame to stick with your ISP's given space for a high profile page such as this!
So, we're on Genglo now, the home domain for my wife's businesses, and for whatever dreamable thing I decide to put here.
Whee.
Since TimeWarner bought Adelphia in our area, I imagine within a certain amount of time the Adelphia servers will cease to exist. Since the URL would change, why not just move now? Also, it's incredibly lame to stick with your ISP's given space for a high profile page such as this!
So, we're on Genglo now, the home domain for my wife's businesses, and for whatever dreamable thing I decide to put here.
Whee.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Moonspell/Katatonia/Daylight Dies
Last night was the Moonspell/Katatonia show at Peabody's. I was pleasantly surprised that the opening bands sounded good. At the SYL show last year, there were a bunch of really terrible bands before them.
At this show, the local opener was Dark Arena. They sounded pretty good overall. The singer was decent and I think if the sound quality was a little better, people would have gotten into them more. I think they only had time for 3 or 4 songs, but it was enough to get things going a bit.
Next up was Daylight Dies. I read a little about them on the Web before the show. I was eager to hear them as they are categorized as 'doom metal'. That description is fairly accurate, maybe doomdeath, since the singer is a growler. The sound quality for DD was quite good for Peabody's and I enjoyed the classic doomish guitars, with low and heavy chords. Will definitely have to check them out. I read that they've toured with Katatonia in Europe - totally cool for a US band realitively early in their career!
Katatonia took the stage around 9:15. I honestly haven't listened to them too much, but I did recognize a good deal of the songs from 'The Great Cold Distance' since we had recently purchased the CD. Their guitar sound seemed a little thin, possibly too distorted at times. I realize this is part of their sound, but it was difficult to discern all the instruments (yeah, and I know the acoustics in there aren't the best). Anyhow, it was a good set of recent material from TGCD, Viva and a few other tracks thrown in from other albums. I will probably have to listen to TGCD a little more and maybe check out Viva to appreciate the reviews these CDs have gotten.
Moonspell got on around 9:45, maybe a little earlier. I discovered Moonspell from a guy in Sweden some years ago, and became intrigued by their dark and somewhat gothic sound. They released a few albums that were a bit different ('Sin-Pecado', 'Darkness and Hope'), but the latest one - 'Memorial' - is simply killer. They played a bunch of tunes off of it and an equal amount of older stuff. The crowd really got into 'Wolfheart' and 'Vampiria'. They played one track I hadn't heard (or noticed) before, but it sounded great. Their performance and sound was exceptional for the venue. We stood dead center and it was awesome. I never thought I'd get to see these guys and really hope their experience in Cleveland was positive. They really put on a good show and looked very professional. Their appearance, with light amounts of black makeup was fitting for the time of year (Halloween).
All in all, it was an excellent show. Every band was worth seeing and I look forward to seeing them all again soon.
Here is a list of tracks played. Katatonia was kind enough to announce their songs for me, which is great since I wouldn't have been able to pick them out :)
Katatonia:
Leaders
Soil's Song
Deliberation
Had to leave
Deadhouse
Ghost of the Sun
Criminals
July
My twin
Evidence
Murder
Moonspell:
In Memoriam
Finisterra
Memnto mori
Blood tells
Opium
Wolfshade
Alma mater
Proliferation
Upon the Blood of Men
Nocturna (i think)
Vampiria
Full Moon Madness
From Lowering Skies
Mephisto
Capricorn at Her Feet
Thanks for coming! Come back to the US soon!!
At this show, the local opener was Dark Arena. They sounded pretty good overall. The singer was decent and I think if the sound quality was a little better, people would have gotten into them more. I think they only had time for 3 or 4 songs, but it was enough to get things going a bit.
Next up was Daylight Dies. I read a little about them on the Web before the show. I was eager to hear them as they are categorized as 'doom metal'. That description is fairly accurate, maybe doomdeath, since the singer is a growler. The sound quality for DD was quite good for Peabody's and I enjoyed the classic doomish guitars, with low and heavy chords. Will definitely have to check them out. I read that they've toured with Katatonia in Europe - totally cool for a US band realitively early in their career!
Katatonia took the stage around 9:15. I honestly haven't listened to them too much, but I did recognize a good deal of the songs from 'The Great Cold Distance' since we had recently purchased the CD. Their guitar sound seemed a little thin, possibly too distorted at times. I realize this is part of their sound, but it was difficult to discern all the instruments (yeah, and I know the acoustics in there aren't the best). Anyhow, it was a good set of recent material from TGCD, Viva and a few other tracks thrown in from other albums. I will probably have to listen to TGCD a little more and maybe check out Viva to appreciate the reviews these CDs have gotten.
Moonspell got on around 9:45, maybe a little earlier. I discovered Moonspell from a guy in Sweden some years ago, and became intrigued by their dark and somewhat gothic sound. They released a few albums that were a bit different ('Sin-Pecado', 'Darkness and Hope'), but the latest one - 'Memorial' - is simply killer. They played a bunch of tunes off of it and an equal amount of older stuff. The crowd really got into 'Wolfheart' and 'Vampiria'. They played one track I hadn't heard (or noticed) before, but it sounded great. Their performance and sound was exceptional for the venue. We stood dead center and it was awesome. I never thought I'd get to see these guys and really hope their experience in Cleveland was positive. They really put on a good show and looked very professional. Their appearance, with light amounts of black makeup was fitting for the time of year (Halloween).
All in all, it was an excellent show. Every band was worth seeing and I look forward to seeing them all again soon.
Here is a list of tracks played. Katatonia was kind enough to announce their songs for me, which is great since I wouldn't have been able to pick them out :)
Katatonia:
Leaders
Soil's Song
Deliberation
Had to leave
Deadhouse
Ghost of the Sun
Criminals
July
My twin
Evidence
Murder
Moonspell:
In Memoriam
Finisterra
Memnto mori
Blood tells
Opium
Wolfshade
Alma mater
Proliferation
Upon the Blood of Men
Nocturna (i think)
Vampiria
Full Moon Madness
From Lowering Skies
Mephisto
Capricorn at Her Feet
Thanks for coming! Come back to the US soon!!
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Bands, Tours, and Shows Oh My!
We've scheduled a few shows recently, some for bands that aren't here often, or it's their first time. It's good to see the virtual American doors opening up for such cool European bands.
Tomorrow is Moonspell and Katatonia. I am not sure if either band has been here before, if so, not more than a few times. It's at Peabody's.
Next month, it's Blind Guardian and Leaves' Eyes. BG has been in the US before, but Leaves' is totally new. Leaves' Eyes is the "new" band featuring Liv Kristine from Theatre of Tragedy.
In December, it's In Flames, Soilwork (who we've seen before), and Lacuna Coil! It's great to get to see LC outside of Ozzfest. Last year's OF simply had too many nu-metal and metalcore (crap) bands for us to attend. Unfortunately, there are a few good bands that we miss because of this (LC, Voivod, etc..) but not now!
NP:
My Dying Bride - A Line of Deathless Kings (2006)
(yes, mp3s, but it comes out next week and I will own it for sure). This is one is a doom classic, already. A must-have.
Draconian - The Burning Halo (2006)
I was never too excited about this band before, but this recent album has raised them up to stand next to some of the best doom/gothic metal bands. Without trying to categorize, fans of MDB, Tristania, Epica, etc, will likely enjoy Draconian.
Moonspell - Memorial (2006)
I found Moonspell years ago when I discovered this awesome Euro metal scene (Netherlands, Sweden, etc) where gothic metal reigned supreme. I really enjoyed Moonspell's vampiric and somewhat pagan vibe. For a few albums, they strayed from this formula to produce material that was a little less metal and honestly, less interesting. 'Memorial' is a return to the heavy and dark feel of 'Wolfheart'. It rocks from end to end. I am so excited about seeing these guys tomorrow! Thanks to Julie for buying this for me for Sweetest Day - a sweet, dark gift!
.... and rumor has it (more than rumor actually) that Solitude Aeturnus is about to unlease their LONG awaiting new album very soon - called 'Alone'. These guys are regarded as one of the masters of classic doom metal. They sit at the top with MDB, Candlemass, and even Black Sabbath. Must... have...
So yeah.. MDB, come to the US and grab SA for your tourmates. It will be a show for the ages.
Tomorrow is Moonspell and Katatonia. I am not sure if either band has been here before, if so, not more than a few times. It's at Peabody's.
Next month, it's Blind Guardian and Leaves' Eyes. BG has been in the US before, but Leaves' is totally new. Leaves' Eyes is the "new" band featuring Liv Kristine from Theatre of Tragedy.
In December, it's In Flames, Soilwork (who we've seen before), and Lacuna Coil! It's great to get to see LC outside of Ozzfest. Last year's OF simply had too many nu-metal and metalcore (crap) bands for us to attend. Unfortunately, there are a few good bands that we miss because of this (LC, Voivod, etc..) but not now!
NP:
My Dying Bride - A Line of Deathless Kings (2006)
(yes, mp3s, but it comes out next week and I will own it for sure). This is one is a doom classic, already. A must-have.
Draconian - The Burning Halo (2006)
I was never too excited about this band before, but this recent album has raised them up to stand next to some of the best doom/gothic metal bands. Without trying to categorize, fans of MDB, Tristania, Epica, etc, will likely enjoy Draconian.
Moonspell - Memorial (2006)
I found Moonspell years ago when I discovered this awesome Euro metal scene (Netherlands, Sweden, etc) where gothic metal reigned supreme. I really enjoyed Moonspell's vampiric and somewhat pagan vibe. For a few albums, they strayed from this formula to produce material that was a little less metal and honestly, less interesting. 'Memorial' is a return to the heavy and dark feel of 'Wolfheart'. It rocks from end to end. I am so excited about seeing these guys tomorrow! Thanks to Julie for buying this for me for Sweetest Day - a sweet, dark gift!
.... and rumor has it (more than rumor actually) that Solitude Aeturnus is about to unlease their LONG awaiting new album very soon - called 'Alone'. These guys are regarded as one of the masters of classic doom metal. They sit at the top with MDB, Candlemass, and even Black Sabbath. Must... have...
So yeah.. MDB, come to the US and grab SA for your tourmates. It will be a show for the ages.
Saturday, September 09, 2006
WoWzers
We're playing WoW.
Kael'Thas - PvE (Alliance) as Langevin (Druid), Draynor (Warrior) & Shrpocket (Mage)
Gul'Dan - PvP (Horde) as Devy (Priest)
I am also dabbling with RPPVP on the Venture Co. server. Not sure if I am up to the ubergeek RP arena, but I honestly haven't spent any real time in there.
Playing WoW makes me miss some of my EQ characters. I miss Ayreon probably the most, simply because a plate-wearing halfling cleric does not exist in WoW....
But, I was able to recreate Draynor as a dwarven warrior (his original class from EQ - he was a shaman in EQ2), and he dies and does the same boneheaded things the original incarnation did! Warrior are actually kick ass classes in WoW. It's refreshing.
Druids are simply.. awesome. I can do all the things I used to do in EQ except port, which isn't too bad to give up. They can tank, dps, heal, nuke. And they do each of the aspects fairly well.
Well.. not a whole much else.. the kids are playing too, which is just hilarious. It's a WoWhold here...
Kael'Thas - PvE (Alliance) as Langevin (Druid), Draynor (Warrior) & Shrpocket (Mage)
Gul'Dan - PvP (Horde) as Devy (Priest)
I am also dabbling with RPPVP on the Venture Co. server. Not sure if I am up to the ubergeek RP arena, but I honestly haven't spent any real time in there.
Playing WoW makes me miss some of my EQ characters. I miss Ayreon probably the most, simply because a plate-wearing halfling cleric does not exist in WoW....
But, I was able to recreate Draynor as a dwarven warrior (his original class from EQ - he was a shaman in EQ2), and he dies and does the same boneheaded things the original incarnation did! Warrior are actually kick ass classes in WoW. It's refreshing.
Druids are simply.. awesome. I can do all the things I used to do in EQ except port, which isn't too bad to give up. They can tank, dps, heal, nuke. And they do each of the aspects fairly well.
Well.. not a whole much else.. the kids are playing too, which is just hilarious. It's a WoWhold here...
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