http://www.chaosmanorreviews.comChaos Manor Reviews is the latest phoenix to rise from the ashes of the BYTE columns I have written since 1979. The BYTE column has been prepared monthly for more than twenty years. These Reviews will be done at whim, but generally weekly. I'll also add special reviews, both from me and from guests.cmrfeedhttp://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rsshttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2008/20080810_col_337-a.phpRecovery from radiation is a slow process but Jerry works his way through the latest Vista security announcement, then details his conversion to a new main communications machine ... running Vista. Laptop drive replacement and backup strategies, along with Reviews, wraps up this segment.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2008/20080810_col_337-a.phpMon, 11 Aug 2008 12:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2008/20080815_mail.phpThe mail opens with comments and corrections on the column, followed by items regarding Vista sales figures, backup schemes, and the Asus Eee.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2008/20080815_mail.phpFri, 15 Aug 2008 11:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2008/20080908_col_338-a.phpAfter announcing good news, Jerry lays plans for Spore, Windows Server 2008 and much more, while tapping the advisors and other friends on a variety of topics.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2008/20080908_col_338-a.phpMon, 08 Sep 2008 12:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2008/20080915_mail.phpTrojans and Backups and Pigs, Oh My! The mailbag carries over topics from http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2008/20080915_mail.phpTue, 16 Sep 2008 01:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2008/20080923_col.phpThe state of the economy and financial sector, and how that relates to high tech and budgets, takes center stage in the second September column segment. Also, the fastest new machine is called Emily, and after a troubled start, Jerry finds applications to like in the App Store.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2008/20080923_col.phpTue, 23 Sep 2008 11:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2008/20080930_mail.phpVista and systems — the hardware we use to run the software we need is the main focus of the mailbag this week, along with security commentary and update notifications. And some more on pigs...http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2008/20080930_mail.phpTue, 30 Sep 2008 14:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2008/20081006_col.phpThe column opens with a section about the so-called "bailout" bill and its potential effects. Back on the tech side of the ledger, programming languages for beginners are discussed, as well as Wikipedia, disk drive storage, and networking tricks. The review segment wraps it all up.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2008/20081006_col.phpTue, 07 Oct 2008 02:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2008/20081013_mail.phpFrom film canisters and ftp connection delays, to the merits of quad core systems, with commentary on programming languages, hard drives, Macs, and more in the middle — It's a full bag of Chaos Manor Reviews Mail this week.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2008/20081013_mail.phpTue, 14 Oct 2008 01:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2008/20081110_col.phpThis month's edition is filled with the chaos of PDC and WinHEC, the joy of converting from .MAC to MobileMe, pocket computing, memory sticks, and plenty of required reading.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2008/20081110_col.phpMon, 10 Nov 2008 13:03:02 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2008/20081124_mail.phpThe mailbag starts in the cloud today, primarily in response to the November 10 column. Following that, the topics range from statistics and USB-based malware to Vista boot times.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2008/20081124_mail.phpMon, 24 Nov 2008 16:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2008/20081127_mail.phpSome of the good mail that for one reason or another didn't make it into a mailbag in the last few months has been rounded up for your examination and delight. Topics range from languages and Vista to HD video and the iPhone 3G.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2008/20081127_mail.phpThu, 27 Nov 2008 16:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2008/20081208_col.phpThe column has some of Jerry's observations on high technology and the economy, and the story of his conversion from an Active Directory domain to a workgroup for his operations at Chaos Manor.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2008/20081208_col.phpTue, 09 Dec 2008 03:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2008/20081223_mail.phpThe mailbag stays in the cloud, for starters, then heads into topics about the December column, networking and authentication, and the economy (not necessarily in that order).http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2008/20081223_mail.phpWed, 24 Dec 2008 03:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20090109_col.phpAfter starting by missing both CES and MacWorld, Jerry discusses Celiac disorder, looks back on 2008 both personally and professionally, presents the Chaos Manor Annual Orchids and Onions Parade, and winds down the January column with books, games, and movies.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20090109_col.phpSat, 10 Jan 2009 02:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20090119_mail.phpThe mailbag sees the beginning of the Windows 7 deluge, some issues with Seagate drive firmware, monitors and aspect ratios, WordPerfect, and an assortment of other topics.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20090119_mail.phpMon, 19 Jan 2009 14:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20090212_col.phpColumn fodder this month starts with the TED conference and the coming revolution. The middle bits have the new Kindle 2, the HP Smart Media Server, and Filemaker coverage. Book reviews wind up the month.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20090212_col.phpFri, 13 Feb 2009 01:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20090222_mail.phpFebruary's mail has much correspondence on the topic of single-user databases, some further thoughts on the Kindle 2 and the capabilities thereof, as well as an iMovie endorsement and some administrative feedback.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20090222_mail.phpMon, 23 Feb 2009 03:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20090311_col.phpThe topics start small this month: iPhone 3G and Kindle 2. Things get bigger quick, with the big ruckus that the new Kindle's text-to-speech feature brought out, and larger still, with some details of Larry Alderson's home theater setup.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20090311_col.phpThu, 12 Mar 2009 01:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20090322_mail.phpThe mailbag has items on upgrading (or retiring) a T-41p, and on storage, Linux, and the intersection thereof. There's some VoIP, batteries and battery failures, DRM and Kindle 2. And the mail finishes with an interesting economics question, sure to generate mail for next month.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20090322_mail.phpMon, 23 Mar 2009 02:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20090407_col.phpJerry heads out of the starting gate with some thoughts and input on the Conficker virus. The big issue this month is the death of Encarta, the long term implications thereof, and assorted topics (from copyright terms to patent trolls) that evolve from that conversation.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20090407_col.phpWed, 08 Apr 2009 00:03:02 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20090427_mail.phpAfter a late start, the mailbag roars in at the finish with commentary based on the column, from encyclopedias to intellectual property to software KVM solutions to OS X tools. A bit of something for everyone this week.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20090427_mail.phpTue, 28 Apr 2009 02:03:02 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20090510_col.phpThe column opens with Conficker and swine flu, leading into how to protect yourself when connected to the Internet. Windows 7 gains some traction, and garners a few complaints. The Kindle DX is discussed, as is Journalism. Many books are read, and commented upon, wrapping up the month.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20090510_col.phpMon, 11 May 2009 02:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20090519_mail.phpFollowing several comments on prior columns, most of this mailbag is a long and possibly fruitful discussion on Education.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20090519_mail.phpWed, 20 May 2009 02:03:02 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20090611_col.phpThe column opens with a look at economics, forecasts for recovery, and drivers that may get us there. Then Jerry examines search engines (including Bing), passes along a review of Apple's WWDC with commentary, and revisits the "Google Grab." Wireless networking problems and the ASUS Eee PC make appearances. Books and a movie round out the month.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20090611_col.phpFri, 12 Jun 2009 02:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20090629_mail.phpA fecund mailbag this month, the highlights include eBook readers, Eee PC vs. Acer Aspire, tethering the iPhone and other devices, Ubuntu revisited, and a conversation with Dr. David Friedman. Enjoy!http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20090629_mail.phpTue, 30 Jun 2009 00:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20090707_col.phpJerry starts the column by asking why we don't "stimulate" some broadband connectivity. From there, the Google Grab ... grabs more attention, then Jerry's monitors are all afflicted with a fatal plague. The recovery therefrom is instructive. Phil Tharp chats up his new Asterisk PBX. Winding down includes some recommended programming/CMS design books.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20090707_col.phpWed, 08 Jul 2009 12:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20090731_mail.phpReaders remark (and Jerry comments thereupon) about Vista on Mac hardware, monitor death, Google vs. copyright, and many other topics besides.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20090731_mail.phpSat, 01 Aug 2009 02:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20090813_col.phpJerry asks if Twitter will save the world, then proceeds through trials and tribulations on the path to getting the MSDN Windows 7 Ultimate RTM release installed on Emily. ReadyBoost, Firefox, and the death of Word are also discussed.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20090813_col.phpFri, 14 Aug 2009 01:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20090824_mail.phpJerry fields comments mostly about Microsoft vs. Governments, and Firefox vs. updates, along with several other messages of interest in this month's mail.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20090824_mail.phpTue, 25 Aug 2009 01:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20090908_col.phpThe column opens with a discussion of patents, intellectual property, and standards, framing the recent (and recently lifted) injunction against Microsoft over http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20090908_col.phpWed, 09 Sep 2009 00:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20090927_mail.phpOther than a couple of token items on tab handling in browsers and keyboards, the main thrust of the mailbag this month is Windows 7 vs. That is, Windows 7 vs. pricing and version proliferation, Windows 7 vs. Snow Leopard, and Windows 7 install vs. upgrade.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20090927_mail.phpMon, 28 Sep 2009 01:03:02 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20091007_col.phpOctober finds Jerry interested in the activities at the FTC, as well as installing Windows 7 on just about anything with a CPU, reconfiguring wireless networking at the beach house, and finding time for plenty of good book recommendations in between.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20091007_col.phpThu, 08 Oct 2009 02:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20091028_mail.phpThe big rocks in this month's mailbag are building a new system, the FTC Truth-in-Blogging regulations, and a long-ish discussion on virtualization. Enjoy!http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20091028_mail.phpWed, 28 Oct 2009 23:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20091109_col.phpNetwork Neutrality may be back on the menu on the Hill in the coming months, Jerry's interested in understanding why. The column then ranges through Microsoft Security Essentials, Windows 7 and Office 2007, Snow Leopard, and Python to several books of the month.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20091109_col.phpTue, 10 Nov 2009 02:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20091129_mail.phpThe mailbag opens with an Advisors discussion on RSS->email gateways that led to a programming commentary. Thereafter, topics include failures of the App Store, building a new system, Firefox problems, IPv6, and network neutrality.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20091129_mail.phpSun, 29 Nov 2009 19:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20091207_col.phpJerry made it back from DC in time for most of Microsoft's PDC. He's got Snow Leopard installed across all the Intel Macs at Chaos Manor, too. Also in this column: Doing a live video TWiT, Christmas gift suggestions, and Manga Guides.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2009/20091207_col.phpTue, 08 Dec 2009 04:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20100111_col.phpThe January Column brings both Orchids and Onions, following Jerry's take on what's popping up hot at CES and a brief reflection on the year just past.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20100111_col.phpTue, 12 Jan 2010 03:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20100124_mail.phpIt's a lean mailbag this month, primarily due to Jerry putting in the hours on Mamalukes. Items include the long-term prospects for Microsoft, and more about virus infections and needing to give Roberta a new machine as a result.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20100124_mail.phpMon, 25 Jan 2010 02:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20100208_col.phpThe long opening segment of this column ruminates on the publishing business, thinking brought on by the Amazon vs. Macmillan chicken contest last week. Jerry also built one new machine and fettled a new laptop, as well as battling with the evil Worm.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20100208_col.phpMon, 08 Feb 2010 23:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20100222_mail.phpThe mailbag is brimming with feedback on column topics: much on worms, infections and attacks, as well as commiseration and advice on living with the oddities of new OS and Office versions.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20100222_mail.phpTue, 23 Feb 2010 03:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20100311_col.phpThe heart of this month's column is Jerry's view of the next revolution. Think technology and entertainment, not politics. There are segments on Virtual XP under Windows 7, and on system slowdows. The month wraps with a lot of book recommendations.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20100311_col.phpFri, 12 Mar 2010 00:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20100411_col.phpJerry gives the iPad center stage, and examines what it means for the coming resurgence of tablet computing. There are plenty of good books recommended this month, as well.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20100411_col.phpMon, 12 Apr 2010 02:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20100426_mail.phpMuch of the mail is in response, one way or another, to the iPad comments in the latest column. But, as Jerry points out, there was more in March and April columns than just the iPad, and that makes this a big mailbag.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20100426_mail.phpTue, 27 Apr 2010 03:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20100622_col.phpJerry has his iPad now, and is plenty impressed with the device and what he anticipates the impact will be. More books are recommended this month, with a large stack remaining for a special column, too.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20100622_col.phpWed, 23 Jun 2010 01:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20100714_col.phpWhile Jerry continues to enjoy his iPad, AT&T merely inspires lack of confidence. The iPhone 4 antenna and signal strength molehile get a few column inches, and the Summer Book Review finally arrives.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20100714_col.phpThu, 15 Jul 2010 02:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20100716_col.phpIt's two days since the column, and Jerry's ready with a July supplement on iPhone 4 antenna issues, and a happy ending to the AT&T MicroCell story.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20100716_col.phpSat, 17 Jul 2010 00:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20100725_mail.phpThe mail is mostly a show in three acts: iPad, iPhone (& AT&T MicroCell), and eBooks. And that makes for a big mailbag after a long-ish hiatus.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20100725_mail.phpMon, 26 Jul 2010 03:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20100818_col.phpJerry holds forth on some dangers on the Internet, including cookies and flash cookies. He battles the Windows 7 print spooler for Roberta, discusses the value of publishers and editors, and reviews several books useful for Windows 7 and Office 2010 users.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20100818_col.phpThu, 19 Aug 2010 00:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20100823_mail.phpAfter a brief interchange on Flash cookies, the balance Jerry's mailbag this month is full of iPad topics. Comparisons, ovations, and at least one complaint. Enjoy!http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20100823_mail.phpTue, 24 Aug 2010 03:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20100920_col.phpJerry starts the month looking for electronic copies of his earlier work. Then the steeplechase from iPhone competition to AT&T (dis)service to JPL and to computer languages, including a bit of historical perspective. A plethora of short book reviews lead inevitably to Winding Down.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20100920_col.phpTue, 21 Sep 2010 01:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20100930_mail.phpThe first two thirds of the mail this month are a true grab-bag: Jerry's correspondents bound from topic to topic. Finally things settle in to a bit of reminiscing and a fair discussion on programming languages.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20100930_mail.phpFri, 01 Oct 2010 00:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20101019_col.phpIron Man makes a cameo appearance in this month's column, followed quickly by Stephanie Bednarek and Wolfgang Puck. The flight to Burbank held surprises for Jerry, too. Virii and computer security tools get some attention this month, as do a fair number of books.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20101019_col.phpWed, 20 Oct 2010 02:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20101031_mail.phpThe Hallowe'en Mailbag is really only slightly scary, about Windows security and cookies ... and Firesheep. There are plenty of messages on a variety of topics, so enjoy!http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20101031_mail.phpMon, 01 Nov 2010 02:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20101129_col.phpFacebook Mail, Microsoft finds breaking up hard to do, Wall Street chases growth, encryption - these topics and more in this month's delayed column.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20101129_col.phpTue, 30 Nov 2010 01:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20101130_mail.phpHot on the heels of the column, this month's mailbag is filled with messages about Microsoft, Mac Air, network neutrality, flying, Dante, and much more!http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20101130_mail.phpWed, 01 Dec 2010 02:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20101220_col.phpPlanning for CES next month, Jerry considers the Chrome OS netbooks appearing in the wild, pokes suspiciously at Stuxnet origins, and reviews some gadgets. Dr. Jennifer Pournelle's new book, Outies, and the joys of electronic publishing are discussed. Books and a slightly older movie wind up the month.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20101220_col.phpTue, 21 Dec 2010 01:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20101230_mail.phpAs the year winds down, Jerry pushes out the last mailbag for 2010. Microsoft: How big is too big? NAT routers: A Panacea? A field report on the Toshiba R700. These topics and more are here.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2010/20101230_mail.phpFri, 31 Dec 2010 03:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2011/20110124_col.phpJerry visits CES again after a few years hiatus - and encounters exponential press growth. The trip to Vegas brings back some memories, while the show itself engenders thoughts on over-subscribed Wi-Fi, and the iPad vs. Kindle vs. tablet debate, among other topics.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2011/20110124_col.phpTue, 25 Jan 2011 02:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2011/20110130_mail.phpThere is much mail on topics related to the CES column from earlier this month, along with tidbits on programming and type/range checking, along with pricing eBooks and formatting them for the Kindle. One possible aspect of future computers wraps things up for the mailbag.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2011/20110130_mail.phpSun, 30 Jan 2011 23:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2011/20110321_col.phpJerry emerges from much effort on works in progress (solo and with Niven) to punch out this February/March column that has the User's Choice Awards, as well as the Parade of Orchids and Onions. Enjoy!http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2011/20110321_col.phpTue, 22 Mar 2011 02:03:01 GMThttp://www.chaosmanorreviews.com//oa/2011/20110711_col.phpThe hiatus is over, Jerry's past his bug and Byte is reborn. Big stories include hosting migration, mobile broadband costs and woes, and spam control.http://www.chaosmanorreviews.com/oa/2011/20110711_col.phpTue, 12 Jul 2011 03:15:01 GMT