www.BlackViper.com: Black Viper's Articles and Information


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Operating System Guides
Mother Boards
General Questions and Lengthy Answers
Rant Topics: (Warning Highly Opinionated!)
Software Reviews
Game Reviews

Operating System Guides:

Quick Links:

General Information
Linux
Windows 2000 Professional and Server
Windows 2003 Enterprise Server
Windows 7
Windows Me
Windows Vista
Windows XP Home
Windows XP Professional

General Information:

  • Access Newsgroups:
    • "Usenet" or Newsgroup access has been around since the beginning of the internet. Usenet was created to facilitate a central point of contact for discussion on a wide range of topics.
      Read more: How to Access Newsgroups Guide
  • E-Mail Filtering:
    • Annoying spam and virus's are a problem that everyone will face sooner or later. I have constructed an article to explain what I do to fight it without using any additional programs that are not already included with your OS. This also is a sneak peek at the heart of my Inbox.
      Read more: E-Mail Filtering Guide
  • FDISK Usage Guide:
    • Using "FDISK" does not have to be a difficult chore. If you know what to expect, it is a rather easy task.
    • Note: If you are "clean" installing Windows 2000, XP, Vista or Windows 7, you do not have to run fdisk before hand as, during the install process, options to create partitions are built in.
      Read more: FDISK Usage Guide
  • Multiple Operating System Install Guide:
    • At some point in a computer operator's lifetime, a need arises that many people do not even know is possible: Multiple Operating Systems on a single computer. The trend, at one time, was dual OS booting, or having two OS's installed on only one PC. Times have changed and 3 or more is not uncommon. This guide will walk you through the decision making process and show you how to fill that void.
      Read more: Multiple Operating System Install Guide

Linux

  • Red Hat 8.0 Install Guide
  • Ubuntu 9.10 Install Guide
    • Want to install Ubuntu 9.10 on a clean system? Here is a Guide to help you in that task.
      Read more: Ubuntu 9.10 Install Guide

Windows 2000 Professional and Server

  • Installing Windows 2000 Professional
  • Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 Services Configuration

Windows 2003 Enterprise Server

Windows 7

  • Installing Windows 7
  • Windows 7 Services Configuration
    • Windows 7 is now in RC1 form. To carry on my tradition, I compiled another listing of what my Service Configurations ended up being.
      Read more: Windows 7 Services Configurations
  • Windows 7 Super Tweaks
    • Tighten up the Operating System, plug some security holes and make your system perform like new again. A listing of performance tweaks that I do after a clean installation, but most are valid even after years of service.
      Read more: Windows 7 Super Tweaks

Windows Me

  • Windows Me Super Tweaks
    • Tighten up the Operating System, plug some security holes and make your system perform like new again. A listing of performance tweaks that I do after a clean installation, but most are valid even after years of service.
      Read more: Windows Me Super Tweaks

Windows Vista

  • Installing Windows Vista
  • Windows Vista Service Pack 2 Services Configuration
    • Windows Vista SP2 hit the streets. To carry on my tradition, I compiled another listing of what my Service Configuration ended up being.
      This is a summary of months of trial and error on a "home" network.
      Read more: Windows Vista Service Pack 2 Services Configurations
  • Windows Vista Super Tweaks
    • Tighten up the Operating System, plug some security holes and make your system perform like new again. A listing of performance tweaks that I do after a clean installation, but most are valid even after years of service.
      Read more: Windows Vista Super Tweaks

Windows XP Home

  • Installing Windows XP Home
  • Windows XP Home Service Pack 3 Services Configuration
  • Windows XP Home Super Tweaks
    • Tighten up the Operating System, plug some security holes and make your system perform like new again. A listing of performance tweaks that I do after a clean installation, but most are valid even after years of service.
      Read more: Windows XP Home Super Tweaks Pages
  • Compressing Files and Folders
    • Back in the old days, hard drive space was extremely valuable. Even though storage space is now measured in pennies instead of dollars, compressing files and folders can and will come in handy.
      Read more: Compressing Files and Folders

Windows XP Professional

  • Installing Windows XP Professional
  • Windows XP Pro Service Pack 3 Services Configuration
    • Windows XP SP3 hit the streets. To carry on my tradition, I compiled another listing of what my Service Configuration ended up being.
      This is a summary of months of trial and error on a "home" network.
      Read more: Windows XP Pro Service Pack 3 Services Configurations
  • Windows XP Super Tweaks
    • Tighten up the Operating System, plug some security holes and make your system perform like new again. A listing of performance tweaks that I do after a clean installation, but most are valid even after years of service.
      Read more: Windows XP Pro Super Tweaks
  • Compressing Files and Folders
    • Back in the old days, hard drive space was extremely valuable. Even though storage space is now measured in pennies instead of dollars, compressing files and folders can and will come in handy.
      Read more: Compressing Files and Folders

 

Mother Boards

CUV4X-D

  • Memory Tweak Page
    • Would you like to know what effect all those BIOS memory settings have on 3DMark2001? Here is your chance...
      Read more: CUV4X-D Memory Tweaks
  • CUV4X-D Problems and FAQ

 

General Questions and Lengthy Answers

What kind of computer system should I buy? What company? Should I build one?

Need a little help in deciding what to do about your next computer purchase? This guide can help.
READ MORE...

Rant Topics: (Warning Highly Opinionated!)

Quick Links:

Abuse
AMD and Intel
AMD vs. Intel Take 2
Banners
BV and BlackViper.com
Copyleft
Diablo 3 No LAN
Foreign Spam
Free Beer!
Hacks, Cracks and Cheats
Impossible to Answer ?'s by E-Mail
Jack in the Box
My E-Mail Address
Pursuit of Perfection... Failed?
Putting out the Flames
Quick Rants
spam
Tweaking Rant
WPA and Piracy
XBox

Upcoming Rant Topics

Abuse Rant ~ Posted December 7, 2003

  • For several months, I have been attacking my bandwidth problem from a totally different angle than I recently have. I was optimizing images, cutting down on all "extra" content, and compressing content for faster download time. However, after looking through my log files, that was not enough.
    Read more: Abuse Rant

AMD vs Intel Rant ~ Updated March 12, 2004

  • Some people have asked me, "Since you have many computers, why are none of them AMD based?!?"
    Read more: AMD and Intel Rant

AMD vs. Intel Rant Take 2~ Posted March 12, 2004

  • After originally posting my AMD and Intel Rant on July 30, 2002, many items touched on have become extremely out of date. I decided to take a "second look" at what both AMD and Intel has accomplished recently and hopefully provide a vision for the future.
    Read more: AMD vs. Intel Rant Take 2

Banner Rant ~ Updated March 15, 2003

  • 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: Banner Rant

BV and BlackViper.com ~ Updated June 20, 2002

  • What is the price of fame? I wish I knew, but I know the cost of being "known." This answers many questions about "how" this web site came about and the "why's" of why I did it. Some good reading here... If I do say so myself.
    Read more: BV and BlackViper.com

Copyleft ~ Posted November 30, 2003

  • An examination of the issues of United States Copyright Law and the GNU Free Documentation License. I, by any stretch of the imagination, am not a lawyer. What is contained in this document are my feelings and opinions on a touchy subject based on extensively pouring over what is deemed legal documents and attempting to come up with a solution to my particular problems in the best way that I can.
    Read more: Copyleft Rant

Diablo 3 No LAN ~ Posted July 7, 2009

  • For many years, I have been a fan of Blizzard's Diablo Universe. I have spent a chunk of my life playing the Diablo franchise and I must say, I enjoyed every minute. Unfortunately, while wandering around on Slashdot.org today, I discovered some disturbing news...
    Read more: Diablo 3 No LAN Rant

Foreign Spam Rant ~ Posted November 11, 2002

  • Wow. I just received my first spam in a foreign language (from the Netherlands: Dutch?). It is attempting to sell me a PDA lock. Software? Either my E-Mail address has "hit the big time" or this can only mean the world will end soon. Not only will I get Vi@gra ads in English, but I will have the pleasure of sifting through multiple languages. Something to look forward to as the internet "progresses."
    Read more: Foreign Spam Rant

Free Beer Rant ~ Updated February 22, 2004

  • Now, obviously, I am not offering free beer or ever going to on this web site or any other. However, I have placed this web page here for educational purposes to guide my readers in understanding the various Social Engineering techniques that are out today, and attempt to get you to do something you would normally not do. Please, read on...
    Read more: Free Beer Rant

Hacks, Cracks and Cheats ~ Updated February 22, 2004

Impossible Questions to Answer by E-Mail ~ Posted March 25, 2003

  • I admit it. I enjoy people contacting me and asking technical questions. I also enjoy sharing my knowledge with strangers (people that do not contact me but surf on in) as well as, sometimes, the desperate people asking me technical questions as a "last resort." As with anything, this also has its limits.
    Read more: Impossible Questions to Answer by E-Mail Rant

Jack in the Box Rant ~ Posted September 6, 2003

  • 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: Jack in the Box Rant

My E-Mail Address Rant ~ Posted March 2, 2004

  • My current E-Mail address listed on the Contact BV page has served me well. It has been in use for over 5 years. However, in the last 10 hours, I have received 3 times more virus infected E-Mail's than I have received legitimate correspondence. Not to mention the spam that my server automatically blocks.
    Read more: My E-Mail Address Rant

Putting out the Flames Rant ~ Updated June 14, 2002

  • After receiving many "flames" about the site, content, me and my knowledge, it is time to Rant!
    Read more: Putting out the Flames Rant

Pursuit of Perfection... Failed? ~ Posted February 21, 2008

Quick Rants ~ Updated November 4, 2003

  • A collection of short rants, usually only a few sentences, that I placed on the site to...
    Read more: Quick Rants

spam ~ Updated September 3, 2001

  • I was hoping that there would be peace and quiet upon entering the world of the internet. Ha! Boy, was I wrong...
    Read more...: spam

Tweaking Rant ~ Posted March 22, 2007

  • For several years, I have been advising people on how to tweak their systems for performance. I have also been challenged many times over my advice. In 2007, this is no different. Sometimes people laugh, cry or plain get angry over my recommendations... but in all instances, they are looking at it from the wrong perspective.
    Read more: Tweaking Rant

WPA and Piracy ~ Updated October 4, 2001

  • I am for copy protection just as much as the software industry is, but...
    Read more: WPA and Piracy

XBox~ Updated February 17, 2001

  • Gaming has been in my blood since the first time I played PONG at a friends house. Was it fate that PONG debuted the same year I was born? I think so...
    Read more: XBOX Rant

Upcoming Rant Topics:

  • Gaming Violence: (Very very soon. I have almost become fed up with the "gaming is bad" crap.)
  • Internet Security (if there is such a thing)
  • Online Gaming

 

Software Reviews:

Quick Links:

Virtual PC v5.0 (Connectix)

Virtual PC v5.0 (Connectix) - November 2, 2002 - Verdict = 97%

  • Virtual PC v5.0 from Connectix.com (link removed: site no longer active) is an outstanding software package for the hobbyist, programmer, developer, IT professional, or the geek next door.
    Read more: Virtual PC v5.0 Review

 

Game Reviews (How are these games rated?)

Quick Links:

Diablo 2
Diablo 2 LOD
Dungeon Siege
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2
NHL 2002
Pool of Radiance RoDM
Warcraft 3

Diablo 2 - October 13, 2001 - Verdict = 90%

  • Blizzard! Give me my life back!!! The original Diablo was (and still is) the single most long lasting game on my hard drive. It may not be the first game I install, but it will be there. When I first caught wind of Diablo 2's up and coming release, I knew that I would be in for some trouble.
    Read more : Diablo 2 Review

Diablo 2 LOD - October 13, 2001 - Verdict = 96%

  • Diablo 2 LOD came out and I was ready. I needed a boost of new character classes, items and a whole new level for me to keep on going. Right up to the emanate release of the beta version, Blizzard kept quiet about support for "800x600" resolution. When I first saw the new screen shots, I smiled. Finally, my plea was answered.
    Read more: Diablo 2 LOD Review

Dungeon Siege - April 9, 2002 - Verdict = 96%

  • 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: Dungeon Siege Review

Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 - November 11, 2002 - Verdict = 84%

  • I became excited to find out that Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 was about to be released. I loved NFS3 and looked forward to an "upgraded" graphics engine. I became happy to discover that Need For Speed: HP2 did do a massive overhaul to, not only game play, but also the whole package. As with everything, though, there is a problem.
    Read more: Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 Review

NHL 2002 - October 13, 2001 - Verdict = 91%

  • Here we go again! The new release of the ever popular NHL series is kicked out the door of EA Sports. I will warn you, though, I am far from a sports fan. I grew up around motor sports but with a family that shunned all others. Needless to say, that has still carried over to my adult attitude. Hockey is one game that I can sit down and watch a hour of and not be totally board out of my skull.
    Read more: NHL 2002 Review

Pool of Radiance RoDM - October 13, 2001 - Verdict = 42%

  • From my Commodore 64 days, I remember SSI and the D&D games sucking away plenty of my teen years. Sometimes, I wish I could go back and enjoy those game play moments again. Pool of Radiance RoDM, the old name that it is, released on the PC in September of 2001. Needless to say, 13 years of computing did little for this game.
    Read more: Pool of Radiance RoDM Review

Warcraft 3 - August 9, 2002 - Verdict = 97%

  • 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: Warcraft 3 Review