whitewolf's ramblings

Blogging, USF, and the importance of backing up your data

2010-03-08T23:44:00.001-08:00

Alrighty, it’s only been five months since my last post. But hey, let’s try this thing out again, shall we? Perhaps I’ll get some more people interested.

Much has changed since my last post. I am almost halfway done with my college degree already. That blows my mind. I can’t believe I’ve been at USF for nearly two years already. I think one big reason why it hasn’t felt like a long time is that I still keep in touch with people from VHS and USC. It’s been over six years since I moved from Pittsburgh. Six. Years. And yet, my Best Man at my wedding is still going to be my best friend of mine when I was growing up. I still see a good friend of mine in Myrtle Beach every year. I plan on going back to Orlando to meet up with a friend of mine who moved there after he graduated from USC. It’s amazing how we all have stayed in touch.

Another thing about my Best Man. He’s serving in the US Navy right now, somewhere, letting people like me worry about petty things, like midterms and fixing computers. He posted a status a couple days ago, talking about how the number of people he talks to has shrunk a bit, because they have left this Earth and moved on to a better place. It really made me sit back and think. And it makes me proud to tell people that my best friend serves in the Navy, letting the rest of us here back in the USA go about our business as usual. Thank you, Fish, for all that you and your buddies on the Nimitz and around the world do for us. Thank you.

Going back to school, I became a Green and Gold Guide (G3) at the end of the fall semester, and have been doing tours and whatnot since January. Joining G3 and meeting all the other guides has been amazing. I’ve met some really cool people, I’ve learned a ton about my school, and I feel that I’ve made a difference in the lives of those prospective students that have been on my tours thus far. I’ve had a few in particular that come to mind, like the father who came up to me and said,

“You know, we came here to scratch USF off of our list. But you opened up our eyes, showed us so many things that USF offers for students, so many things to do, ways to get involved, ways to succeed, and instead of crossing USF off our list, we’re paying our admissions deposit tonight when we get home. Thank you so much for not letting this opportunity pass us by.”

You know what, this made me feel really good. I love my school, and love to show it off to others, which is why I became a guide. The thing is, you have to choose a school that you connect with. A school that, when you get there, you go, “Yeah, this is where I want to come.” That’s what happened when I first came to USF as a junior in high school. And I’m really glad I came here. And I’m glad to see that USF is no longer a fall-back school, but for many, a first-choice destination.

I’m going to end this entry with a fun story. I preach, time and again, the importance of backing up your personal data. Twice in my life have I lost all the data that I had, and it was devastating. Now, I have a desktop and a notebook PC and two external hard drives. So if one goes down, all of my data is in at least 2-3 other places. Anyway, my G3 advisor, Jonathan, had his computer go out on him a little while ago. It just doesn’t do anything when you hit the power button, except that the button lights up. That’s it. Well, I was able to take his hard drive out and get ALL of his “lost” data off of it for him. Including pictures AND his wedding video (the only copy of it). He was so happy to have those videos back, and he was anxious to go home that night and tell his wife about how one of his students saved their wedding video. He told me that he’s sure that his wife will want to pay me for my services. While it’s appreciated (poor college student), I’m not in it for the money. Some things, like photos and videos, just aren’t replaceable, and have an infinite amount of personal value. Being able to save all of his data, especially his wedding video, probably made his and his wife’s week. And that makes me feel really good. Now to send Jonathan some links to some external hard drives, so that way when I get back to USF after spring break I’ll teach him how to back up his data so this doesn’t happen again in the future.

Wow, this turned out to be quite long. Hope I get some readers/comments! G’nite!

whitewolf

PS – Looking for some healthy recipes? Check out my friend Blake’s blog! http://blakebakes.blogspot.com/

Windows 7

2009-11-01T16:11:00.001-08:00

It is here. And on my system.

WOO HOO!

*ahem* sorry.

Got it up and running on my notebook last night, and have almost everything back to the way it was. Talk about EASY. My goodness. I’m loving it so far; beta/RCed the 64-bit version, and I was so happy to find out that even with an upgrade disk I could still do a clean installation of 7 64-bit on my 32-bit machine. So here I am, on 64-bit Windows 7 Home Premium, without a hitch. Score one for Microsoft.

Using Windows Live Writer again. Great program. Easy to post blog entries too.

Ahh! So many great things about Win7. I shall share… At a later time.

Peace!

I’m baaaaaaaaaack

2009-10-12T12:48:00.001-07:00

So, it’s been a little while. Actually, quite a long while. Hmm…

I’m using Windows Live Writer right now to type this up, so we’ll see how this turns out. So far, so good. It works with most free blog sites (as far as I can tell), obviously Blogspot (‘tis what this is hosted on), and it’s pretty simple to set up. I’d recommend this for those who like to blog.

Anyway, I’ve been away because of school and work. Been doing a lot of both, and free time has been minimal. Been able to relax the last couple of weeks, but the next two weeks I have 3 exams and a ton of hours of work, so it’ll be kicking up again when I’m done typing this.

Windows 7 is (literally) right around the corner. 10 days now. So many people have been absolutely thrilled with the beta/release candidate, I just hope that carries on in the actual release. I know I’m looking forward to it. I’ve already prepped both of my computers by backing up my entire Documents folder (consisting of roughly 75-80GB worth of files) and making sure I have all of my programs (either on CDs or .exe files). I backed up all of my Steam files (24GBs to be exact), but that’s just for the desktop. I’ll just re-download everything on my laptop (thank you wonderfully fast internet at USF).

Speaking of USF, loving it down here. Things have been crazy lately (power outages, servers crashing, and oh, a gunman and a guy carrying around a puppy/hunting knife), but things have been mellowing out for the most part. I applied to be a Green and Gold Guide (G3), which volunteers for Admissions by giving tours and such. Some even take out potential recruits to football games. Sounds pretty cool.

Well, I suppose that’s it for now. Especially if nobody reads this. Which may be the case; what happened to Trevor’s blog? I went to check it today and it’s gone.

Updates, Windows, and Apple

2009-07-02T23:40:00.001-07:00

Ah, so 'tis been a while since I've written anything in here. Where to start, hmm?

Well, the June 26th date has come and pass, so now most new computer purchases will qualify for a free Windows 7 upgrade. This is a fantastic deal, especially since we're now (as we say in the retail business) in the Back-to-School season. New high school graduates are shopping with their parents, looking for a computer (usually a notebook) to last them through college. I've already been through this, but now it's my girlfriend's turn. And boy, have we had fun deciding what to get.

See, I represent a PC-based company at the retail level. Naturally, I would like her to stick with my brand, because I (and many others) believe it is the best PC-based computer company out there. Yet, when I told her she should look between mine and Apple notebooks, she thought I was joking. I wasn't.

One piece of aluminum for the body. LED backlit screen. Ambient light sensor. Backlit keyboard. Slot-loading drive. Faster memory and high-end Intel processors. A five-year 7-hour battery. Possibly the best OS ever created.

Oh, and college students get a free (up to $229 rebate) iPod Touch. Yeah.

She decided on a 13'' Macbook Pro tonight, and is more excited over a piece of technology than I've ever seen here before, and that's saying something. She never gets excited over any electronic, save her first iPod. Then it got stolen from her. Since then, there hasn't been any emotion. Until now.

I'm perfectly fine with this. In fact, I'm confidant that this is the best course of action for her. She'll have a solid notebook computer that will last her well through her undergraduate degree, and possibly a graduate degree. And while I still love Windows, when it comes time for me to shop for a new notebook/desktop computer, I'm not limiting my search to Windows-based PCs.

So if you're in the market for a new notebook for school, don't be afraid of Apple computers. The least expensive one starts at $949 (Macbook with student pricing), but the $1099 (Macbook Pro, student pricing) is well worth the $150 upgrade.

Just ask my girlfriend a week from now, when she has her brand-new Macbook Pro. Happy reading.

Heading out for a few days

2009-06-18T21:06:00.000-07:00

So I most likely won't be around to update a new blog or post comments on Zach's or Trevor's blog because I'm leaving for Sarasota tomorrow. I'm staying with my old roommate through Sunday, then I'm going to a work meeting in Tampa before coming home late Sunday night. So probably don't expect to see much before then.

But in the meantime, he and I shall be hitting up teh XBL, so Trevor, if you see me on, we may be able to play. Just send me an invite and I'll let you know if we are in another party or can't join.

Windows 7 upgrades available to pre-order June 26th

2009-06-15T14:28:00.001-07:00

XP users wanting to upgrade but didn't want to go to Vista, those wanting the latest and greatest or current Vista users wanting to rid themselves of "big Bertha," rejoice! Best Buy (unofficially) announced that starting June 26th, almost all PCs with Vista will be eligible for a FREE upgrade to Windows 7 when it is released October 22nd.

Here is the memo from Best Buy:

So, recent high school graduates, or those that need a new computer, hold off until after June 26th to get a new computer. Besides, all the PC companies are rolling out new models around the 26th as well - all models on the floor at Best Buy right now are clearance.

If you already have Vista or a XP machine that you still love and want to get Windows 7, you can pre-order the UPGRADE disc on Best Buy's website between June 26th and July 11th. For Windows 7 Home Premium, it'll be $49.99 and Windows 7 Professional it'll be $99.99. Most users would only need Windows 7 Home Premium though, so save yourself some money.

I know I may be ordering one (or two or three) upgrades soon.

Afro Samurai (Xbox 360)

2009-06-14T19:58:00.000-07:00

What an interesting concept, mix stereotypes of two races and make an anime out of it. Then make a video game. This is what Surge did and created Afro Samurai (Xbox 360/PS3, $59), a game that meshes ancient Japanese culture and modern hip-hop style/feel, surprisingly quite well. You play as Afro (the dude with the big hair in the picture, if you couldn't have guessed), who is on a mission to avenge his father's death. Now I was expecting a game full of humor (Pulp Fiction-esque Samuel L. Jackson is the voice of Afro and Ninja Ninja, who accompanies you throughout most of the game), and that's what I got (so far). What I wasn't expecting was a suprising deep story line and a game that doesn't play out too bad at all.

Gameplay-wise, Afro Samurai has adapted the ever-inceasing minimal HUD, leaving the player feeling like they're more in the story, and less like playing a game. The more Afro gets hurt, the more a reddish hue develops on his body. Visuals look good for this type of game; characters keep an anime-like style and surrounding scenery actually looks believable. The camera in-game is acceptable, as the player can control it (most of the time) with the right joystick. Controls are simple, and combo moves consist of button mashing (more on this in a bit). I haven't been too far into the game yet, but it's shaping up to be a good one.

The game hits some dark and deep parts, which is primarily Afro's childhood (which you play for a bit). Blood/gore is advertised on the box, and for good reason: there is a LOT. Heck, there are different achievements for cutting off someone's head, foot, hand, fingers/toes, two people at once, three, four people at once, etc etc... There's even a mini-game that is a derivative of poker, where you cut off certain body parts (that correspond do different cards, like Queen, King, Ace). These are also achievements. This is an achievement-happy game, so those on XBL (sorry PSN, or Zach) rejoice, because this game is full of e-penis points (you know what I mean).

Pros
Intriguing story, plenty of comedy (kudos to Samuel L. Jackson), visuals work well for this game, the music is awesome

Cons
Fighting is VERY repetitive (let's see how fast I can press X four-thousand times...), plenty of cursing and f-bombs (again, kudos to Samuel L. Jackson), the story (for as interesting as it is) can just get absolutely crazy/confusing/what-the-f*ck-is-going-on

Overall
Not the best, paid half-price new on eBay, so it was worth it at that price, but not at $59. Or $49. So give it some time. But if you're on XBL (or PSN) download the demo. It's short, but VERY entertaining

Online gaming: PC vs xbox 360

2009-06-13T13:04:00.000-07:00

So this is a topic I've recently had some experience with. Recently acquiring a 360 off of eBay cheap, I was immersed in the wonderful world that is xbox Live. As for PC, I've been playing Team Fortress 2 online for well over a year now. Here's what I've noticed:

xbox 360
360 online players are some of the most whiny and rude players out there. Yeah, sometimes the color commentary can spark a laugh or two, but for the love of God, how much do we have to hear about a "fucking n00b" or "PWND" screamed over the mic. This is why the mute feature has become my new best friend on XBL.

Also, the very same pricks feel like they must go out of their way to be the world's largest douche-bag, especially playing team games (most likely, Halo 3). Example: my old roommate and I were playing Halo 3 together, on Squad Battle I believe, with one of these douche-baggery players. My roommate and I were betrayed no less then about 8 or 9 times combined. This pissed me off. If you're going to play like this, then don't play at all. Or play Lone Wolves, where you're by yourself and you can kill everyone else as much as you damn well please. To top it off, the prick ended up leaving negative feedback on my rep for "unsporting" or whatever because towards the end of the game I stickied him 3 or 4 times. Prick deserved it.

PC
Primarily playing Team Fortress 2, I never really branched out to any other multi-player online PC games. But playing on the PC, it seemed to be a different type of gamer. Oh sure, there are the d-bags on the PC too, but there were a lot less on the PC. Also, it could be the difference between games; Halo is primarily shoot first ask questions later, and Team Fortress 2 is a very strategic team-based game. It's nice, because (unlike Halo 3) there are a variety of characters that have strengths and weaknesses. Sure, a seven-person team of all Heavys SOUNDS good, but your team's incredible lack of speed weighs you down. Yet I digress. It seems like there would be more 'sophisticated' gamers on the PC, just because the xbox is readily available and relatively cheap for young teens to get. To game on the PC, it's an investment.

Overall
If you don't mind the other gamers, which I usually mute and not give a second thought to, XBL is arguably the best online experience out there. Because XBL has the resources (i.e. your $50/year subscription) to make it work great. Also, XBL will usually have a bigger assortment of online players, just because many more people game on consoles than PCs. Not bashing the PC experience either, just make sure you have a good graphics card or your game will suck, no matter the title.

Thoughts?

First Post

2009-06-13T11:11:00.000-07:00

Ah, well, I suppose it's time for me to get into the blogging business. This one is going to be pretty short; multi-tasking at the moment.

I see this blog being mostly about technology; Windows/Microsoft stuff, OSX/Apple stuff, gaming, electronics, school, etc. Hopefully I will put some time into it. If I get some readers that is.

Yup, this was pretty short. They won't be this short in the future (mostly), I promise!