Kudzu's Tech Blog

Welcome to my tech blog! Here you will find my thoughts and findings regarding .NET, programming, design, and other computer related topics.

 

7/2/2009 - Windows 7 - First Snag

Despite the title, this is actually positive post. I'm quite pleased how far I've gone before I hit a single snag with Windows 7. More...

6/30/2009 - Windows 7 - Absolutely Sold

Previously I had only spent about 5 minutes using a much older version of Windows 7 back in January. After fubarring up my current Vista install, I decided to go straight to the Windows 7 RC. I'm sold. It just feels right, and as "satisfied" as I was with XP, Windows simply never gave me this feeling before. More...

6/29/2009 - Skype and Proxy Settings

Setting a proxy in Skype options should make Skype use the proxy, correct? Wrong! More...

6/28/2009 - Solving the Leaky VPN Problem

Most VPN users use VPN's to access internal resources. However many users use VPN's to secure both internal and Internet traffic. Because Windows (and most other OS's) implement VPN's using routing costs, when the VPN disconnects abnormally, traffic falls back on the primary internet connection. This is often undesirable and often called the "leaky VPN problem". Solving it is generally not easily accomplished, but I have found an easy solution. More...

6/8/2009 - Bye Bye Vista - Hello Windows 7

Only after SP1 did Vista ever become "Ok" in my book. Windows 7 is coming much sooner than expected though, and from what I've seen of Windows 7, its very good and I think will interest those still on XP. More...

6/8/2009 - You cannot port block me!

I cannot believe I waited this long. I've done it and I'm free!!! More...

6/1/2009 - Secret Vote Tallying - Trust Us!

"Various filters are applied to the raw data in order to eliminate and reduce attempts at 'vote stuffing' by individuals more interested in changing the current rating of a than giving their true opinion of it. The exact methods we use will not be disclosed. This should ensure that the policy remains effective. The result is a more accurate vote average." More...

6/1/2009 - Watch Your Wording

This example is from a website, but it occurs frequently in user interfaces and documentation. This type of error is especially prone in localiztions. More...

5/30/2009 - Open VPN Notes

I just set up a VPN using OpenVPN. What an amazing piece of software OpenVPN is. Here are a few tips and tricks for non standard setups that I hope will save someone else some time. More...

5/29/2009 - IP Forwarding versus NAT

I could not find a definitive answer to this. After much frustration and by accident, I've found the answer to what the difference between these two are. More...

5/17/2009 - Messenger or Skype?

For years I used Skype an Trillian. But for the last 5 years I have been an exclusive Skype user because it is lightweight, and it "just works well". Enough people pinged me about Live Messenger that I decided to give it a try. More...

5/8/2009 - Put your group on the map

I am a member of many groups that are distributed throughout the world. It has been a common request to display the members locations on a map. More...

5/8/2009 - [MOA] Microsoft Office Accounting Professional 2009

I used Quickbooks for a few months and was quite disappointed. Then I found Microsoft Office Accounting Professional. More...

5/5/2009 - Visioneer Scanners - again!

Years ago I had a Visioneer scanner. Then XP came out. More...

5/4/2009 - [Delphi] Project CrossTalk

I'm reposting this from an Atozed announcement. More...

4/30/2009 - Another Vista Feature

XP ad hoc wireless networks only support WEP encryption. This required me to carry a travel access point. More...

4/30/2009 - Finally - A nearly perfect notebook

I started using laptops about 1988. In fact for over 10 years I used laptops nearly exclusively. I have owned more than 20 laptops often upgrading each year at least. Finally, I have found nearly the perfect laptop. The last time I felt so good about a laptop was the famous Sony VAIO 505 line. More...

4/30/2009 - Essential Software

Readers often ask me which software I consider essential to my work. Here is a list that I will keep updated. I will also add more details as time allows. More...

4/29/2009 - Multiple Instances of Skype

I have several Skype accounts, and being able to only log into one at a time is a problem. More...

4/29/2009 - Problems with Bitlocker preparation tool

For converting an existing drive Microsoft has released a tool called the "Bitlocker Preparation Tool'. However it often fails and to quote Microsoft "This issue may occur even if the operating system is newly installed." More...