Vista is indeed a nightmare. I had a little script (still do probably) which turned various bit's off before gaming but it still munches memory. Currently running firefox and a couple fo background programs it's using over a gig, and doing nothing as far as I can see.

I'll be interested to hear thoughts on 7, I could be convinced to upgrade.

As for my elderly rig:
Motherboard: Can't remember, it will be Asus and full ATX because that's where my tastes lie, nVidia chipset (no idea which), all the monitoring on it is knackered for some reason... (makes overclocking more fun... )
Processor: AMD 64 X2 6000+ (frequency changes with load (I think between 25 and 110%))
Memory: 2GB 400MHz DDR2 with very low latency (interestingly it's often cheaper and faster to go for slower clockspeeds and lower latency when buying memory, or it was a few years back anyway).
Graphics: gForce 8600GT (ie ancient, might be overclocked)
Sound: involves onboard, usb and external stuff
OS: vista (urgh...)

Current biggest issue (barring vista) is the hardrives. If I upgrade I'll get a small solid state one to run programs and the OS from so they load fast and use the big clunky monsters for storage of large things. I've heard good things about running games from a ramdrive too but don't have enough to experement.

I had Vista for a while and upgraded to Windows 7 about a year ago. There is not a huge difference in the look and feel of things, but 7 does seem to run better, and makes it easier to turn off UAC and generally annoy you less. It fixed my problem of the surround sound not working in Vista.

I do sometimes I have problems with 32 bit software either not working, or not working right (I have 64-bit Windows 7). For example, Oblivion Face Exchange starts, allows me to copy and paste a face from one save to another, but when I try to save it, it locks up, with the end result being that the face does not get copied over. I have to use my XP box to copy faces, and move the save files back and forth between comps.

I have similar problems with .dds files. DDS Converter starts, but simply will not convert any .dds files. Likewise, I have to use Photoshop 32bit to open .dds files. 64bit Photoshop will not do it. So for some reason .dds files do not seem to like 64bit software.

Other than that games run fine, except for the really, really old ones which would not run on XP either. I did get Daggerfall running though, using a version that has a Windows installer.

One hint is that if you want to use a Windows 7 box for a gaming rig, you might want to turn off Aero Glass as it is a big resource hog (it is what makes things transparent). You can set individual programs to turn it off whenever you run the executable. It is as simple as right-clicking on the .exe file for the properties box. Under the Compatability tab you can tell it to turn off Desktop Composition (which is Aero Glass). You start the game and windows automatically turns off aero glass, then when you quit the game it turns it back on. I leave it on, but I have a ton of ram and a pretty good cpu, so I do not see a difference with it on all the time.

My current computer setup is W7 and I haven't had any problems with it, up too and including Fallout: New Vegas, as well as my heavily modded morrowind.

Has anyone seen this before?

Geez, I thought I was fast on Super Mario !!!

Well I got to my mother's house which was a bit iffy but I made it. And now have my old compuer rigged up, I'm faintly astonished I ever made this thing run Oblivion but it did, somehow. The screen was an alright one in the late 80s, but the red in it comes and goes and really 12" doesn't cut it anymore... On the plus side it makes a wierd noise which frightens away the cats.

Anyway my commenting may suffer as a result, or maybe I'll rediscover the retro joys of my early days on the net.

Lmao.

Is it too much to ask to have a smooth flight nowadays?

My Minneapolis transfer was one of the most dramatic CS failures I've ever experienced. When we arrived at our plane (late, but who isn't these days?) we found our seats had been given away. We tell the flight attendants, and what do they say?

"Just go find whatever seats you can."

HEY! This is my family I'm flying with! Who are you to tell me to split up with them because you didn't want to follow the ticket assignments, especially when you can expect every plane to be full nowadays. Don't play with the seat assignments, FAs, please! My stepfather was absolutely livid at hearing this.

Delta, you, of all people, should know better than to tell you customers to "go (censored) themselves."

Oh, and don't get me started on how much I hate sitting next to the one family on board with the bawling infant who just won't quiet down. I know I can't control it, but it is still annoying...

And this is supposed to be a GOOD day at the airport.

Thomas, I feel for you! I spent three decades as a Marine aviator, but by golly, I sure hate to fly commercial! I try to do it as little as possible.

I do fly from the western US to the east coast a couple times a year to visit my dad while he is till with us (he's just turning 90). When I do so, I make sure it is non stop (less connections to screw up) and travel lightly enough that I don't have to check a bag (less things to lose). I can't imagine trying to herd a family through the process. Arrgghh!

Sorry for your flight problems, Thomas. People is "service industries" really ought to be more oriented toward providing service. But they exploit the fact that the customer is rather stuck by the point problems arise. Of course, continuing that "What are you gonna do about it?" attitude will drive people to the competition. I'm partial to trains, myself.

On a separate note, baked a loaf of potato bread this morning. It is quite delicious. And no ogres appeared to steal the instant 'tater flakes. It is even better than the apple-oat bread.

The first time any of my children flew alone, it was my older son (the one that did three tours in Iraq and is now headed for Afghanistan...bleah) - He was eleven years old, coming home from visiting his Aunt in DC. - I have never been so nervous in my life. The day he was supposed to return, the flight was delayed because of WEATHER - I called up my sister screaming to get him off that plane, it was too late by then it had taken off.

I waited the full time for the flight to arrive, and somehow one of the Delta people thought it would be a good thing to inform me that the pilot was a FEMALE !!! Like I don't know that I can't even navigate a shopping buggy without crashing into something ...

Finally the lady says - "That is his flight coming in now..." As I look out the window I see a little SINGLE ENGINE PROP dipping and swaying as it hovers above the ground !!!!

I ran out there like I was a TAILHOOKER or something, going to guide the plane in safely with my BARE HANDS !!!

When they landed I nearly choked the pilot to death before I saw my son coming down the aisle - WHEW !!!!!

I'll bet Delta prayed they never toted another one of my children unescorted, lol.

Hehehe.

My most frightening moment was when I and Alexander were to meet in LA for the E3 convention in 2005, where they demoed Oblivion for the first time. He was arriving from Amsterdam and I from Frankfurt. We agreed to meet at the airport, at a specific place. So far so good.

Of course, my flight was like three hours late and when I finally got out of customs, the place we wanted to meet was entirely inaccesable, and no Alexander in sight anywhere. Neither of us had or brought a cell phone. And it was like Alex' first real big flight and all. I got really worried, had him called out and everything, but nothing. Finally, I decided that the only viable course of action was to get to the hotel and see if he showed up there. So when I go there by cab, the receptionist said: "Oh yeah, your friend is already in the room" and sure enough, Alex was waiting there for me to finally arrive, and I tell you, I was a nervous wreck while he was entirely relaxed

We had a good time there, that's for sure. Kinda miss those days, full of wonder and enthusiasm and all

I hate flying with a passion, if it wasn't so much cheaper than rail I'd never do it. Once on the plane it's fine but getting through layers of security which makes no sense (they let on lighters and laptops... really? But my pot of yogurt is likely to be a bomb?)

In fact I hate it so much I once took a two day train journey across India to avoid their Airports. Indeed one day I'll get a train all the way there.

Trey on the subject of trains, I've heard some fairly awful things about the speed of ones on the other side of the pond. Is it just people being unfair and/or not realising what a big country it is or are they somewhat lacking?

They don't have many routes (at least not between cities) and the interurban (Long Island RR, etc) can be pretty awful. But an Amtrak to New Orleans or Savannah is a treat. And the speeds are generally much slower than countries that really invest in rail. Lots of socio-politico factors at work- not really economics, except to the extent that vested interests want to keep more of the transportation dollars in their pockets

Good old Amtrak !!! I used to love riding on them!! Haven't done it in probably forever now, lol.



@ Stargelman - E3 !!! GAAAAAH !!!!! Lucky you !!!

Speaking of railroads, I've just had to cancel my plans to visit cirque du'soleil today.

Why?

Because the LIRR was so disorganized in service that rail travel in New York was effectively shut down. We had trains delayed for hours because of people who parked on the tracks, trains moving in opposite directions on the same track... you name it. Yay for the great blizzard of 2010!

I just noticed that in your info below your avatar !!! Here it is:



Flyin', Flyin' in the sky! :


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1EpmaDbrLM



*

The first time any of my children flew alone, it was my older son (the one that did three tours in Iraq and is now headed for Afghanistan...bleah) - He was eleven years old, coming home from visiting his Aunt in DC. - I have never been so nervous in my life. The day he was supposed to return, the flight was delayed because of WEATHER - I called up my sister screaming to get him off that plane, it was too late by then it had taken off.

I waited the full time for the flight to arrive, and somehow one of the Delta people thought it would be a good thing to inform me that the pilot was a FEMALE !!! Like I don't know that I can't even navigate a shopping buggy without crashing into something ...

Finally the lady says - "That is his flight coming in now..." As I look out the window I see a little SINGLE ENGINE PROP dipping and swaying as it hovers above the ground !!!!

I ran out there like I was a TAILHOOKER or something, going to guide the plane in safely with my BARE HANDS !!!

When they landed I nearly choked the pilot to death before I saw my son coming down the aisle - WHEW !!!!!

I'll bet Delta prayed they never toted another one of my children unescorted, lol.



LOL. HAhAHAH. I suppose I'm luck that didn't happen on my first flight alone. Well, techinaclly it was with my little 14 year old sister, but still. Geez. ONE ENGINE! You musta been really freaked out, esp. cuz all of the mothers I know are all 'worry worry worry, anything that can go wrong will go wrong'. Esp. my mom.

ROFL

Yay, you got the reference!

The funeral of my colleague was today, over a month after he passed away. Kinda awkward that it took them so long, but his brother, the only living relative, lives on the other side of the country and I guess that it was for that reason it took so long.

The ceremony was quite good, the priest made a lot of references to the life of the deceased which gave it a good personal touch. And there were 17-18 people from the company there, which was also good. The only problem was that it was freezing cold and in the end I felt like my feet might just snap off at the ankles any moment...

I'm going camping in the forest tomorrow. Should be fun. I rarely get to practice my bushcraft skills.

Stargelman - Sorry for the loss of your friend.

RagingMudcrab - Welcome to chorrol! It seems we share a taste for the American desert and Ayn Rand. I bet it will however, be nice to get into a forest for some camping though. Enjoy!

Starge - Sorry for your loss, I hope things can now improve.

Mudcrab - Indeed welcome, I too enjoy camping (well to be honest I enjoy the outdoors and the camping is nessesary) so enjoy. Somehow I doubt it will be as cold in Ca as it is here...

Currently I'm trying to work up enthusiasm for a big torchlit event that's going on tonight but given that it will be freezing fog I'm not really managing. A quiet night in a cozy pub just seems that bit more attractive.

I know this has effected you, and brought up the feeling of loss anew after that month had passed. I am so sorry for your loss, Stargelman.

Have fun, and watch out for the bears, lol. I used to live to camp - haven't had time in years now.

Gunshot fired at UNMH

UNM and CNM campuses locked down, the latter of which I currently attend.

*sigh* I love this place.

Just so you know, all gun owners aren't crazed criminals.

Yes, I know not all gun owners are bad, but common social etiquette dictates you don't pull a gun and fire it in anger in the middle of a crowded building, especially if that building happens to be a place where people go to be treated for the wounds that can result.

And a little tidbit about the town: Albuquerque is as much a gangland now as Inglewood was in the early 90s. Have you seen the crime rates for that city? It's seriously dangerous to walk the streets after dark there. Trust me, I know how to tell the difference between a crazed killer and a respectable gun owner (probably more than most, but the details on that are private). This guy was neither, he was just indescribably stupid.

That's how people are with weapons down my way; it's a modern wild west. Do you see where I'm coming from?

Thats a sad thing, there are a few incidents around here but they are few and far between, most firearm owners are pretty responsible around these parts. Being that close to the Mexican border may be the problem though, there's alot of violence south of the border these days, I feel sorry for the Mexicans.

Here’s a postcard from Grits World.

Last night the shower noise wakes me up and I think:

1. I slept all night, awesome.
2. It’s really dark, I guess it didn’t snow.

Then Mr. Grits seems to be headed in the wrong direction, into bed instead of out. “Aren’t you going to your workout?” I say.

“It’s 1:30 in the morning. I fell asleep on the couch.”

Well darn. So I get up as happens sometimes in the middle of the night, and when I exit the bathroom I find Child 1 standing right outside the door. I scream, then let go with my A list of swear words.

Child 1 says, “I heard a noise.” Well no kidding, you just heard a few more.

On the way back to Child 1’s bedroom, we find Child 2 standing in the hall. “I heard a scream.” Well, that was me, go back to bed.

I tuck in Child 1 with an apology for the language, and I tuck Child 2 in with thanks for coming to my rescue when I screamed.

So back in my room in the course of getting the blanket, pillow, and phlegm situated, I happen to blow my nose. Mr. Grits, who has already fallen asleep the honoured user, sits up and gives a man-scream.

Cue second round of A list words, then back to Child 2’s room for “I heard a scream, part 2.”

Then I check on Child 1, the one who started all this, and he gives me a look and says, “I was asleep.” Twerp.

And it still didn’t snow.

Grits, that's hilarious!!!

Ditto...and BTW did Mr Grits 'get it' the next morning?

Mr. Grits got his boat handed to him this morning, but not by me. He limped back home after his workout and said, "I must be tired. I got hit a lot." Ha ha, justice!

He also brought home a box of donuts, so he's on the right track to 'get it' later.

Donuts? I take it he is a policeman on a beat ... GAAAAH! Foxy is back, he must have typed that !!! ROFL !!!!

Just thought I'd pop in here and say hi to everyone.
I have just arrived back from a day-trip to London which is exactly the same as it was the last time I took the 7 hour journey to the south (Which is weirdly flat! Seriously, not a single hill for miles!!).

Anyway, I have happily arrived home to find all of the Oblivion DLC's have been downloaded onto my xbox (Hooray!) and a letter from college telling me that I have a Biology exam on tuesday (Boo!). On the plus side, it's just over a month until my birthday (Hooray again!).

*Takes a sip of coffee tea and sits down*

Welcome back, hazmick!

I'm expecting a surge in forum activity with the announcement of Skyrim, looks like its been busier already.

*Raises his glass* I'd like to make a toast to everyone here at Chorrol.com. You guys have been with me through good, bad, and the less than pretty (have to be politically correct )

I'd like to thank everyone for all the help they've given me as a writer and the people I've been able to meet and befriend.

*Sits down*

That is all.

I'll toast that, though with chicken soup rather than drink (and from behind a germ proof screen).

I've managed to get a nasty cold right in time for returning to Uni, headache, blocked sinuses, fever, sore muscles, the lot. Quite frankly chicken soup works better than the 'medicines' you get at the chemists, yet again alternative remedies win.

And Kiln: I'd expect so.

EDIT: any other good remedies would be welcome, I haven't felt this awful in quite some time.

DO keep up the liquids- tea, juices, or even plain water will help. Use a steamed towel or even a pot of steaming water to help with the sinuses. If you can find some aromatic oils that can be dropped in hot water- TO BREATHE ONLY DO NOT DRINK!- those work quite well for the head, also. Do not have the specific types to hand, bet SubRosa knows. Maybe Wintergreen oil and similar.

Sorry to hear it, Olen. Hot water with fresh lemon juice and honey is my go-to remedy. Also as much rest as possible.

@ Hazmick - Welcome back !!!

@ Zalphon - [sound of clinking glasses] I'll toast to that too. "To friends here at Chorrol"


@ Olen - If you flew on a plane, that is where you caught the illness. Airplanes recycle pressurized air and never clean the systems - you get everyone's germs that ever flew on that plane forced into you with the pressurization - I'm surprised it isn't accompanied by an ear infection too.

Hope you get feeling better !!

BRB, off to Los Angeles to go see Conan O'Brien live. I'M EXCITED!

If I go to LA, I want to see Karen Stever!!! As in:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNCfjpJV12I


http://www.myspace.com/stevermusicrocks


Or her video blog:


http://www.youtube.com/user/karenstever


*

So I agreed to look after the science lab’s pet snake over the school break.

“This is going to be great! You’re going to love Flakey,” says Child 1.

“Flakey, that’s a nice name. What does she eat? Meal worms, crickets?” I say.

“Mice. Two every week.”

“Oh.” I’m thinking of Child 2, the rodent lover. “Do they squeak much on the way down?”

“No, because they’re frozen.”

“Micicles! Ha ha, that’s great. Phew.”

“She likes her food to be warm, so you have to microwave them.”

“Micro…what?” This is not good. I’m thinking there is no way to back out now without looking like a big baby. The science teacher is super cute, so this is not an option. I decide I will microwave the mice, throw out the microwave, then possibly burn down the kitchen depending on what microwaved mice smell like. “OK.”

“Ha ha! I was just kidding about the microwave. I just wanted to see if you’d do it.”

The things we suffer at the hands of loved ones.

Children- they are such a treasure.

As in- they should be buried on a desert island for 20 or 30 years.

Micicles!

I'm with trey. My first grandson is in diapers (nappies if you prefer) in Perth, Australia, a healthy number of timezones from my little rockpile in the desert. I so look forward to meeting him - after he finishes college and such of course.

O, Grits, to see the expression on your face after your child punked you!

Is he THAT good with the poker face, or are you just gullible?

Or as my older children used to say ... "Psyche !!!!"

Today's the day I've been dreading for a long while.

Its school-time, again. Our two-week Winter break was too short, in my opinion. Not that I hate studying, but try being the only Filipino in a Japanese school.

The pressure would rub on your nerves, I swear.