Due to a DNS issue, the domain has been down for around 12 hours. However, the issue is being corrected and should be around the internet in 24-72 hours.
Following a short Google session, I discovered not one, not three, but nine copies of my Windows XP 411 scattered throughout the web. This page [link removed] has screen shots and exposes the Cut and Paste Writers [link removed] for what they really are.
Rapid reply and removal of the offending pages. I thank them for their cooperation and I also wish to thank my kind readers for informing me of this.
A kind reader tipped me off to another jerk that appears as if they completely copied my Windows XP Services information, including images, verbatim. Sometimes I wonder why I even bother. The offender has been contacted as well as the ISP involved. We will see what the outcome is.
One of the four offending pages is located here:
http://solo16.abac.com/mixmadness/winxp/servicecfg.htm
A jpeg of the information is here [link removed] (236k .jpg file)
Let the webmaster know what you think about their writing abilities and what you think has happened: {BV EDIT ~ E-Mail ADDRESS REMOVED}
When and if the web pages are removed... I may also remove their contact information.
I discovered a problem with my standard search page. No results were displayed even if the search was valid. The function should work as intended.
I have adjusted my style sheets to be more accessible for viewers that have "larger" then normal fonts. If you were experiencing difficulties viewing the site, it should now be fixed. Thank you for reporting this problem to me.
Things are moving along nicely. Thank you, kind reader, for your support. Many updates are in the works "offline," so stay tuned while I continue to work on my transition to be my own domains host.
Due to the following massive changes, I will be unable to spend any time updating content on this domain or replying to E-Mail:
However, after everything is up and running, the following added features will be available:
THIS DOES NOT MEAN THE DOMAIN WILL CONTAIN ADS OF ANY KIND.
I will still provide all funding to keep the domains up and running, I will just have more control over how this happens.
During this transition period, I will not entertain technical support questions via E-Mail. I must "get smart" really fast on being my own provider of web servers, so I need all the spare time I can get.
I have slightly adjusted the domain to be more "old browser" friendly. As a result, you may get a warning appearing at the top of the page that says your browser is not standards based, however, reload the page to flush the cache and download the latest CSS files I created will solve the issue.
Due to popular demand, I have posted my Windows Me Super Tweaks Page. Some more things need to be added, but it is a start in the right direction.
Due to popular demand, I have posted a "beta" version (no images) of my Windows Me Super Tweaks Page. Some more things need to be added, but it is a start in the right direction.
Advertising has saturated everyone's life, for the better or worse. The influx of media in everyday life has also spawned the explosion of advertising in places where I really do not desire to see them. As such, this domain has not and will not have obnoxious flash, gif or other ad types. Let me explain the evolution of this decision. READ MORE...
I have been intrigued by the Mortal Kombat series since the early 1990's. Even though I am rather pathetic at fighting games of all types, the Krypt that is included with Mortal Kombat: DA intrigued me even more. After discovering that the Koffin information "never changed" from game to game, I decided to draft out this guide. Read More...
For all of my kind readers, a piece of advice: Scan your computer for viri.
Funny thing is, I am starting to get more virus's in my E-Mail daily than spam. These E-Mails are MIME or base64 encoded and do NOT show up as having an attachment of any kind. However, upon viewing the source of the E-Mail, the truth is revealed. They are around 120k to 150k in size and spoof the "from" address to disguise who it actually came from. The subject lines are usually "rather intelligent," also.
In the coming days, I will take a "snapshot" of my inbox and show just what I do to combat this. It will also include good info on filtering spam without the use of another program. Stay tuned.
Meanwhile, please, kind reader, be careful.
Due to a misunderstanding over 2 years ago as to what information I needed for my Secondary DNS server, "blkviper.com" has been resolving to the wrong web site. The incorrect information that only surfaced in the last 2 days due to an ISP merger has been fixed and the proper DNS information should be distributed throughout the planet within 72 hours.
I thank my kind readers for informing me of this problem and I assure you that I am NOT selling imported furniture. :)
A new OS Guide is posted: Installing Windows 2000 Pro.
A new game review is posted: Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2.
Today is my 3rd year as a SETI@Home [link removed] member. I cannot believe I have lasted this long, even through the wonderful California Energy Shortage. A few times I thought of giving in, but I just kept going. It looks as though SETI is only going to last a few more months, so, I will keep it up until the end...
Unfortunately, I probably will start the new project once released and California will, once again, decide that Electricity rates should be higher. :)
I also want to thank the 30+ members of the BlkViper.com SETI team [link removed] for their support.
Today, also, will be "add more content" day. Hopefully, I will get through much of what I want.
I have included a feature in "testing" that allows my kind viewers to choose Black or White color scheme. Feedback is welcome.
By popular demand, I have added a Search Page. Contact me for comments on the new feature.
The domains seem to be working as normal, now. Thank you for your patience.
It was reported to me that "BlackViper.com" is having problems... it should be fixed very soon. Thank you, kind readers, for the information.
A newly posted OS Guide comparing NTFS Compression with Compressed (zipped) folders is online. Read More...
I have added a review of Virtual PC v5.0.
Rockstar Games has done it again with Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. An outstanding sequel in a line of games geared for adults. If you enjoyed GTA3, you will love Vice City. Out now on the PlayStation 2.
I have posted updated information on the "few clicks" method of tweaking your Windows XP Services via my Registry Patch Page. It now includes Windows XP Home as well as Windows XP Pro Registry Patch Files.
Posted is an Install Guide for Red Hat 8.0. Do not forget the option of Multi-Booting your system. Check that Guide out, also.
Due to some rather strange problems with streaming PDF files, I have zipped up the Service Configurations. This is not without other benefits, also, since my bandwidth use has went through the roof. :)
After an extremely long wait, I have posted a downloadable PDF version of the Windows 2000 Services Pages. Please check out this page for updated information.
Brian Livingston mentions BlkViper.com in his Windows Manager Column for InfoWorld magazine, again. :)
Links mentioned:
Windows 2000 Services
Windows XP Services
Windows XP Super Tweaks
After an extremely long wait, I have posted a downloadable PDF version of the XP Services Pages. Please check out this page for updated information.
Posted is an OS Install Guide for Windows XP Home. Enjoy!
I also adjusted the right and left navigation information to combine the "right" with the "left." I feel it makes for much less wasted space.
Brian Livingston mentions BlkViper.com in his Windows Manager Column for InfoWorld magazine.
Links mentioned:
I have posted information on "a few clicks" method of tweaking your Windows XP Services via my Registry Patch Page.
If you are interested in a "sneak peak" at what I am doing for future articles, please check my "Multi-boot Guide." The other OS Install Guides are not posted as of yet, but with the weekend, I hope to totally geek-out and finish them up.
UT2003, though, is calling my name... loudly...
After some major confusion on my part, I have fixed the "cannot resize the text" bug in my CSS file. Sorry for the mistake.
I am going to attempt to get rid of the table layout and finally (again) go for layers, but every time I do, either IE or Mozilla does not function "as I wish they would." So much for standards. Grrr.... :)
I have posted a guide to help my kind readers create multiple Service Configurations. Please check out my Windows XP Services Profile Guide.
I have repaired many links that were invalid. Mainly because of incorrect capitalization, but plenty were for other reasons.
If you stumble across any, please contact me.
I have been working hard at changing a few (about 1000) punctuation errors. Honestly, they do not look correct "either way," but I am going for the seemingly proper way.
PC Games ~ Added a new game to my collection: Divine Divinity.
After thinking about it, I decided to remove the BableFish link to translate this site. It resembled a banner by a little more than what I liked.
After just about totally driving me insane, I have finished my "Triple-Deuce" or six OS boot configuration. No, really, it is not at all what you think.
I will post an article all about it soon. What a nightmare.
I also tested Windows XP Service Pack 1 installation on a few configurations. Check the information here.
In preparation to install and test SP1, I am using this opportunity to do many thing:
I have (almost) completely moved away from the Flash navigation structure. I am working hard at getting the site to be functional, yet work on multiple browsers. Easier said than done. Check here for more site updates.
I have moved away from the Flash navigation structure to assist my kind readers in choosing how they wish to view my domain. If you are having difficulty reading the text, in your browser, select "View --> Text Size" or "View --> Text Zoom" and adjust your settings as necessary.
I have also included a Bablefish link to allow my foreign readers to translate the pages easier. As far as how well it works, I have no idea. It is all Greek to me. :)
Ask BV ~ FAQ ~ I knew it would not take very long after Service Pack 1 was released to get these questions in my inbox:
Is there a way to change a Windows XP's Serial number without reinstalling the whole thing?
Read the answers to these and more in my Windows XP FAQ.
Articles ~ I have made an addition the the Articles and the Operating System Guide section to include how to Install Windows XP Professional. This Guide will help you discover and see what is to come without any risks.
Articles ~ I have made an addition the the Articles and the Operating System Guide section to include how to Install Windows .NET Enterprise Server 2003 Evaluation Version. This Guide is a sneek peek at what you will find on the inside. Wondering if you can get an OS for $12.95 US and install it on 10 computers for 1 year? Let me show you how!
The Rant ~ Added a new Rant topic: Jack
in the Box Rant. I resist change as much as I can. I am rather set in my ways and enjoy it when I know "what is to
come." I also know exactly what I want, most of the time. Unfortunately, my favorite "Fast Food" restaurant
has now changed a product that I have enjoyed for over 15 years. Let me explain.
READ MORE...
Take note: This was intended to be a Quick Rant, but ended up being too long. Sometimes, when I get started... I just cannot stop.
I have caught up with my E-Mail load, so my response time should improve. It took awhile to catch up after a week away from the computer while my Father visited. I appreciate your patience while I took a break from the keyboard.
Due to reality (and lack of time), I have been falling behind on replying to E-Mails. Right now, I am 2 days in the hole. Usually, I reply within 24 hours. Which is getting more and more difficult with the volume of E-Mail I am receiving. As always, kind words are welcome.
Strange Services ~ Updated this Windows XP page to include information on Norton 2002 and the Mozilla Browser.
After a small, but well deserved break, I am back in action with a long over due update to my Hardware configurations:
Computer Status [link removed]~ Updated to include new printer.
I have thought about what additional content that I am going to add over the last few days. I hope that you, my kind readers, will enjoy it.
Still working... I fixed a bug that caused no selection change while switching from "Black" to "White" in Mozilla. Even though the full scheme is not done, it makes for easier printing.
Most "important" pages have been converted. What has not is all gaming pages and all photo pages. They will take some time to do and I am taking a break for a few. Check the Wish List [link removed] for information on what has already been completed.
Still working hard to finish up. Check the Wish List [link deleted] for information on what has already been completed.
I am around 15% done with converting the pages over to the new format. It is taking awhile. If you see a page that is odd, look to the right column and see if it has "BlkViper.com 2.0" there. Those are the pages that I have finished working on.
Growing pains are still hurting. A big one is that FP 2002 had the ability for inline spell checking. My current program does not. This will ultimately drive me insane. :)
In other news, I have about finalized what the "basic" layout will be. I will work hard in the next few days updating all of the content to the new format. If you find something out of the ordinary, it is not intentional, but I probably have not made it to that point in the domain yet.
Well, this is how the site is going to look. It may not seem much different from what it was before, but trust me when I say that under the hood it is. A bit cleaner and faster, not to mention compatibility with many browsers. At least, I hope. :)
I still have problems rendering in Mozilla 1.0 (and maybe previous versions).
The work around, for right now is to refresh the content. Notice, I did not say use IE6. :) Every time I have hit F5, the site was displayed properly! Understand that as of right now, I am currently getting away from FrontPage 2002 and going elsewhere. As a result, I will have some problems in the coming weeks, but they will be fixed. Mainly because I need to import the whole domain into something (a real editor) and completely redo the layout (again).
A FrontPage 2002 Rant is brewing up. I wasted 60 hours struggling with it these past few days. I am not happy.
I still have plenty more to do. Site updates to "content" will be sparse, but layout may change every 15 minutes. Hang in there while I make this transition. You, I hope, will enjoy the results.
I still have slight rendering problems dealing with Mozilla v1.0, but I hope to have them solved soon. If you happen to see no "top part" of the page in Mozilla, please refresh. It should come back. So far, I have not found any problems with the domain rendering in IE 6.
The text, even though it is rather large, can be resized now with your browser. No longer do I choose how you should be able to read the text. If you are lucky enough to be using Mozilla, you can view my different Styles in the "View -> Use Style" menu. Even though "White" is not fully completed (still getting "Black" to look well) but it is there if you wish.
I have been working really hard on getting the site to look back to "normal" without all of the bloat in the HTML that I did have. Most pages are formatted correctly, but there is still some that need work. Namely, the Windows XP Services and Windows 2000 Services tables. They still are not formatted for easy printing, but that should be solved soon. Stay tuned!
My brain hurts. Every time I think that I have the site the way I want it. I just have to change something, then I go back and redo what I have already done to jive with my "new plan."
The E-Mail has been put on hold while I try to sort through what I need to do. Meanwhile, please pardon the inconsistent nature and formatting of the domain.
All of the pages have been updated as well as the pictures uploaded. I am surprised it only took about 18 hours. I am now in the process of converting all the pages to a new, hopefully, easier to read format. If the page title (the big current news is an example on this page) is in "purple," I have not made it to that page, yet. It will still take me a few more days to finish all 560+ pages, but the most popular ones should be completed.
I have am in the middle of completely updating the HTML and images on the domain. Unfortunately, it takes quite a few attempts to upload over 167 MB of content on a pathetic dial up. Needless to say, you may encounter pages with just a white background and a few other strange happenings. It may take a few more days to complete the process.
I have am in the (long) process of converting the whole domain over to a new format. The site will look rather strange and inconsistent in some places, but "this" page is the look that I am after. Hopefully, I can get it the way I want it.
Windows XP Praise and Flames ~ I have posted a few kind comments from the many readers of my domain. I thank each and every one for taking the time out to send me encouragement to continue.
I have also posted Flames.
Ask BV ~ FAQ ~ I have the answers to these questions:
"How can I get NetMeeting to work in Windows XP? Where is it?"
"Upon boot, I am experiencing a delay of around 60 seconds before I can do anything. I am using a PPoE DSL account. What is wrong?"
Read the answers to these and more in my Windows XP FAQ.
Dungeon Siege ~ GPG has "officially" release an update to version 1.1. Check the release here [link removed] for more information. I am currently downloading it, so I eagerly await word as to whether or not one of the fixes destroys the problem that I have previously outlined. I hope it does:
"Switched to 100% client/server model to be more NAT- and firewall-friendly."
SETI@Home [link removed]~ I am proud to announce that I have just uploaded my 10000th SETI unit packet.
Ask BV ~ FAQ ~ I have made 6 additions to the Windows XP FAQ.
Articles ~ I have made an addition the the Articles and the Ask BV section to include my recommendations for the following question:
What kind of computer system should I buy? What company? Should I build one?
Articles ~ I have made an effort to make the Articles section a little bit better. It still is not where I want it to be, but it will have to do for now. Check out the information I have to offer!
Gaming Reviews ~ Every 2 years, Blizzard kicks out another title to suck away my free time. Warcraft 3 is no exception. Combining an innovative matchmaking online service with outstanding game play, not to forget about the intertwining of the races in the single player campaign; Warcraft 3 is a winner. READ MORE...
FAQ Index ~ Once again, I totally revamped the FAQ information to make it a bit easier for me to update. As always, I am sure there will be problems that I did not catch. If you happen to stumble across one, please let me know via E-Mail.
Super Tweaks ~ Added additional information to this XP Tweaking page.
Strange Services ~ Added additional information for the "Idle Process" on
this XP Page.
FAQ Index ~ Added a new answer to the common question of:
What is "Generic Host Process for Win32 Services?!?"
Due to popular opinion and suggestion, I modified the HTML links to display in a color that may be a little bit more friendly on the eyes (they were displayed as "dark green"). It goes along with my navigation structure links, anyway. I still will not change the "Black" background color. sorry, but, by the same token, I want people to actually be able to READ my information!
RC Action [link removed] ~ I had a grand plan of getting a XTM conversion kit for the T-Maxx [link removed] to place a big block motor in it. I was also going to have all of my aluminum parts blue (since the kit only comes in red or blue. I hate red. I have thought better of it. My "new" choice is natural. Actually, highly polished. I like the "metal" look much better than the "toy" look of anodized. I probably, though, will keep the RS4 RTR 3 [link removed] as is, though. :)
FAQ Index ~ Added a new FAQ topic: General Technical FAQ.
The Rant ~ Added a new Rant topic to the Mix. AMD and Intel Rant. Some people have asked me, "Even though you have so many computers [link removed], why are NONE of them AMD based?!?" Here you will find the answer to that question and more.
Even after 2 weeks more, I still enjoy Warcraft 3. I was thinking about posting some stratagies, but I am not that great. My record is rather pathetic (level 7 still) and really lost some time in updating the site info. Working on new things to do, but just one more game of War3... just one more. (I remember saying "just 15 more minutes" of Diablo 2 LOD.)
If, at any time during your stay, you find a "spelling" or "grammar" or "English" error... sorry. I am not a Scholar, an editor for a major media group, nor an English major. I tend to write as I speak. Not the most "proper" way to do things, but it is my "style." It also makes my site rather accessible to a wide variety of people that have little desire to read a thesis of dribble containing nothing but "big words." I tend to get to the point or drag it on forever without saying anything. I tend to say it how it is... just like I would say it to your face. I do not have a pocket thesaurus on hand at all times, and I do not expect to "convey" such "high" education upon this domain.
It is the way I am... and I thank my kind readers for understanding. :)
What I do do (is that correct?!?) is bang on the keyboard until I can not think of anything else to say. I then read and reread my text to ensure that it "seems" to flow properly. If it does that, I have done my duty. I then post the information and wait about 30 minutes. I read again just to catch the "stupid" errors that I could have easily missed the first two times. After that, it is left, pretty much, as is.
I am rather sorry for the lack of updates, but Warcraft 3 has taken hold of me and will not let go. I do have a "Online Gaming" Rant festering up... You may see it posted soon.
I finally discovered the reason behind a few "strange" page views. It seemed that the navigation structure was repeating and the body did not appear until about 1000 pixels down the page. I had a few pages with the problem (82, actually) and I isolated it down to extra HTML code that should not have been around. It looks as though the pages are fixed, but if any other problems pop up (no pun intended) please feel free to let me know.
PC Games Listing ~ Added 1 Game for 201 total, Warcraft 3.
FAQ ~ Updated all FAQ pages to include answers to the ever popular "Having problems, can you help?" questions.
My Kitty ~ Updated with new Photos!
XBOX Page ~ Added new game, Knockout Kings 2002.
I have completed what turned out to be a massive update of the navigation structure of the site as well as clean up a lot of stuff that has been bugging me. Feel free to E-Mail me comments as to how you would improve it.
As with any massive updates that I do, I am sure there will be broken links or strange occurrences. I am working to get all of those ironed out. Most of the bugs I have squished, but I know there is more.
Warcraft 3 Beta ~ I have finished playing Warcraft 3 Beta and thought I would post a screen shot of my pathetic record. There truly is some outstanding players out there. Hope to be as good as them some day.
Dungeon Siege ~ I have updated my Dungeon Siege Character information with the latest and greatest to include some screen shots and added a small Dungeon Siege Hints and Tips page.
On June 20, 2002, I appeared live on TechTV's "The Screen Savers" to talk about Windows XP and services configuration. If you are lucky enough to get TechTV with your local cable provider or satellite company, I hope you tuned in!
Links mentioned: Windows XP Service Configuration
Windows XP Services 411
Also check the following: Windows XP Super Tweaks
Windows XP FAQ
Please Note: My provider is kind enough to host the site in an affordable manner, but at "peak" times... such as when the program repeats... items may load slowly. Please stick with it... You will receive the information you are looking for...
Also, the volume of E-Mails I have been receiving has increased dramatically. As a result, I may be a bit slow in answering your question, but I will get back to you!
PC Games Listing ~ Added 1 Game for 200 total, Neverwinter Nights.
WinXP 411 ~ Updated FAQ, Tweak Tips, Services Configuration Page and Service 411 Page for Windows XP to include information for Windows XP Home and Professional.
The Rant ~ Added section, Putting out the Flames Rant. After receiving many "flames" about the site, content, me and my knowledge, it is time to Rant!
Best Links [link removed] ~ Updated Utilities links [link removed]. ICQ 2002a and NewsBot v8.4
Warcraft 3 BETA ~ Updated Warcraft 3 BETA information and thoughts for the game.
Sunday, June 9, 2002 @ 2:32 PM PST
SETI @ Home [link removed] ~ To celebrate my 8,888 unit completed, I decided to update the page. :)
Win2k 411 ~ Updated Services 411 page to include "some" information on Windows 2000 Server Services. I have also added a DEFAULT, "SAFE" and Super Tweak configurations to my Services Configuration Page.
RC Action [link removed] ~ Check out my small pages about my RC Action [link removed] and some newbie mistakes [link removed] that you should avoid. View a couple photos of my T-Maxx [link removed] Nitro powered truck and my Nitro RS4 RTR 3 [link removed] car, freshly painted.
View a couple photos of my new HPI Nitro RS4 RTR 3 [link removed] car.
About BV ~ Updated the "Top 10's" listing of my favorites. Updated my FAQ Page.
View a couple photos of my T-Maxx [link removed].
Pictures coming REAL soon. Taken, just got to extract from camera.
Being a newbie in the RC arena, I am having large growing pains as far as trying to figure out the lingo and "what are people talking about?" I have been out of the RC scene for many moons and had no idea that 2 speed automatic (with reverse) transmissions were available, let alone 3 and 4 speed ones.
Mistake number one: Going to the local grocery store and picking up a copy of RC Car Action.
Mistake number two... traveling to my local hobby store, of which stocks plenty of neat goodies.
Mistake number three... wanting every single one of them.
Big Mistake, visiting "Tower Hobbies" online.
Articles ~ Updated information How 2 Mule in Diablo 2 with EIGHT computers!
Computer Status [link removed] ~ Updated hardware after moving some components around.
Diablo ~ Updated Dr.Doom {OXO} Stats! (Level 40)
Diablo 2 LOD ~ Updated Matriarch BlackNyoka-OXO Stats! (Level 81)
Gaming Reviews ~ After playing Diablo 2 and Diablo 2 LOD for almost 2 years, I am in need of another hack and slash RPG that does not dddrrraaaaggg on with a story or have a turn based combat system that you can take a leak during and not miss anything... Funny thing is, I did take nature breaks in Dungeon Siege during combat and lived to tell about it! READ MORE...
PlayStation 2 ~ Added a new game, Twisted Metal: Black.
Dungeon Siege ~ It seems as though Dungeon Siege has the same problem that plagued Pool of Radiance. If you have not read my Trouble Shooting Tips for POR HERE, then I will spell them out again. View my Dungeon Siege Trouble Shooting Tips.
Dungeon Siege ~ Added new character: Ms Black Viper, Woman-At-Arms. View all of My characters HERE.
Dungeon Siege ~ New Section. There is little if anything posted as of right now, but I am planning on much. Pages include Character Stats, News and maybe a Siegelet from BV. I also have been playing with GMAX. I just do not know where to start. Stay tuned.
Darkstone ~ Updated Walkthrough section. Still small, but almost finished. Completed 3 of 4 world areas.
Darkstone ~ Updated BlackViper Stats! (Level 57)
Pool of Radiance RoDM ~ Multiplayer and other issues updated. v1.4 Patch released.
Diablo 2 LOD ~ Updated Champion BlkViperPAL-OXO Stats! (Level 62)
A kind reader informed me that this site was on "TechTV"... A show by the name of "The Screen Savers." Thank you for the exposure!
Somehow I found the time to go ahead and update all of the pages on the site. It took a bit of time, but I hope things look better now.
Someone MAY have copied some of my information from my site! Screen shots and the whole story are HERE!
I think that I am going to add some additional information to the WinXP Services Pages. Not sure what, though. :)
I have added a FAQ to answer all of those pressing questions that you just HAVE to know the answer to...
Happy New Year!
"Have you tweaked your OS lately?"
Choose the look:
Black or White
Windows Service Configurations!
Includes explanations of each service and advice on which services you can safely disable!