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Computer Hardware

TrueCrypt Audit Complete

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truecrypt_logoThe Open Crypto Audit Project has completed their audit of TrueCrypt. As most security Geeks have opined, TrueCrypt is fine.

1.3 Findings Summary
During the engagement, CS identified four (4) issues, and none led to a complete bypass of confidentiality
in common usage scenarios. The standard workflow of creating a volume and making use of it
was reviewed, and no significant flaws were found that would impact it.

Looking For A Laptop

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thI’m looking to buy a laptop within the next 3 months (not in a hurry but before July 1).
I would appreciate any incite, recommendations, deal news etc. Give me a shout if you have any. Thanks!
Here are the specs I’m looking for:
Size = 15 inch max 13 inch min.
CPU = Intel i7 (4th or 5th gen.)
Memory = 8GB minimum, 16GB preferred (don’t mind upgrading myself)
Storage = SSD. I really prefer 2 drives. (don’t mind upgrading myself)
Graphics = Prefer Nvidia or AMD with min 2GB GDDR5.
Screen = 1920 x 1080 min. I do not care about touch and certainly won’t pay more for it.
Price = Best deal I can get but no more than $1,500.

FYI – I used to have this laptop and I really liked it.

Suggested so far (summarized):
– There are several Lenovo’s that fit your specs.
– Check Costco, great warranties.
– I own and recommend the Alienware 15.
– Not quite to your specs but the Dell XPS 13 is nice.
– “Eric we really need to get you into a Mac.”
my response: :rotfl:
– Asus ROG
– Dell Precision M4800 Mobile Workstation
– I don’t know if you are still looking around for a laptop but if you are check out this site: http://www.xoticpc.com/
My wife and I are avid pc gamers and I had purchased 2 laptops for us from this site. I found it to be really great because you can customize the type of laptop that you choose from them. I also found their customer service to be excellent.

The Hole

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thThis is my computer room and setup. It is known as “The Hole” to family and friends.
Long time readers will notice a dramatic shift in the way I’m setup. The entire reason for me building these high-powered I7 machines with ridiculous amounts of RAM was to stop the multi-booting and shift to Virtual Machines (VM). [Read more…] about The Hole

Windows 8.1 SSD Defrag

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thAn interesting blog post was brought to me attention by a reader. Many Geeks will recognize the blogger, Scott Hanselman:
The real and complete story – Does Windows defragment your SSD? (be cure to check out the comments too)
The gist of this post is to tell us we’ve all been wrong and Windows 8.1 does in fact defrag SSD’s.
However, we need to dig a little deeper. [Read more…] about Windows 8.1 SSD Defrag