So I just bought a new laptop (HP Pavillion dv6) w/ fingerprint scanner and....

reply to post by Ahmose


T60 1951. The thing is a beast, but it has what I need. I'm happy to hear yours has lasted so long. That's one thing I worried about when buying, especially since it is used. I didn't pay much, so if I get a few years out of it, it's all good.

If you run linux or unix or ubuntu, how much trouble do you have finding useful software? The only reason I have stayed with MS is strictly due to software availability.

In January I got a new HP laptop that came witht a fingerprint scanner and a webcam - I never even gave it a thought! I thought the fingerprint scanner was cool (when it works). It also allows to you set it up so you can use it to log into different websites so you don't have to remember passwords, but I haven't trusted it that much yet. I am going to start covering up the webcam ASAP! (i don't even use it)

Originally posted by sonofliberty1776
If you run linux or unix or ubuntu, how much trouble do you have finding useful software? The only reason I have stayed with MS is strictly due to software availability.

No trouble at all.

Of course.. I don't need/use any "windows dependent" software.

Every bit of software/programs I could possibly need, i have at my disposal.
Doesnt matter what kind of software it is..

If I can think of it,
I can find it and use it. Free.

If you do not "need" programs that are "windows/mac only"..
Like, for work, school, etc...
There really is no reason to be on windows.

Every program I ever used in windows..
i have found an equivalent (or better), for linux. (Ubuntu)

Like I said..
If you do not absolutely "need" software that is "windows only"..
You can easily stop using windows, and have access to any kind of program/software you could possibly need/want.

I honestly have better programs and software on my machines now, running Ubuntu,
than I ever did in my windows machines.
And I havent had to pay for any of it.

What software/programs are you dependent on?

Originally posted by InvisibleAlbatross
reply to post by Ahmose

 

T60 1951. The thing is a beast, but it has what I need. I'm happy to hear yours has lasted so long. That's one thing I worried about when buying, especially since it is used. I didn't pay much, so if I get a few years out of it, it's all good.

Nice.
Good machine.

My Z61t was bought used also. (refurbished)
Price was $250 (new it was $2,000)..
But I got it at a steal for only $50 for always being there when he needs IT help. lol
I "earned it" I was told.
I think you'll get more than a few years from it.

and if you dont use the "Trackpoint" yet.. Do it! lol
Best pointing devices ever.
Once you get used to them.

Originally posted by Ahmose

Originally posted by sonofliberty1776
If you run linux or unix or ubuntu, how much trouble do you have finding useful software? The only reason I have stayed with MS is strictly due to software availability.

No trouble at all.

Of course.. I don't need/use any "windows dependent" software.

Every bit of software/programs I could possibly need, i have at my disposal.
Doesnt matter what kind of software it is..

If I can think of it,
I can find it and use it. Free.

If you do not "need" programs that are "windows/mac only"..
Like, for work, school, etc...
There really is no reason to be on windows.

Every program I ever used in windows..
i have found an equivalent (or better), for linux. (Ubuntu)

Like I said..
If you do not absolutely "need" software that is "windows only"..
You can easily stop using windows, and have access to any kind of program/software you could possibly need/want.

I honestly have better programs and software on my machines now, running Ubuntu,
than I ever did in my windows machines.
And I havent had to pay for any of it.

What software/programs are you dependent on?

Please let me know a list of your programs that you use on Ubuntu / Linux so I can change over.

What is the equivalent for Firefox, Word, Excel etc?

That's about all I need for 99%.

Originally posted by minkey53

Originally posted by Ahmose

Originally posted by sonofliberty1776
If you run linux or unix or ubuntu, how much trouble do you have finding useful software? The only reason I have stayed with MS is strictly due to software availability.

No trouble at all.

Of course.. I don't need/use any "windows dependent" software.

Every bit of software/programs I could possibly need, i have at my disposal.
Doesnt matter what kind of software it is..

If I can think of it,
I can find it and use it. Free.

If you do not "need" programs that are "windows/mac only"..
Like, for work, school, etc...
There really is no reason to be on windows.

Every program I ever used in windows..
i have found an equivalent (or better), for linux. (Ubuntu)

Like I said..
If you do not absolutely "need" software that is "windows only"..
You can easily stop using windows, and have access to any kind of program/software you could possibly need/want.

I honestly have better programs and software on my machines now, running Ubuntu,
than I ever did in my windows machines.
And I havent had to pay for any of it.

What software/programs are you dependent on?

Please let me know a list of your programs that you use on Ubuntu / Linux so I can change over.

What is the equivalent for Firefox, Word, Excel etc?

That's about all I need for 99%.

Hi minkey..

Firefox is installed in Ubuntu by default.

For 'word' I use "open office" which is 100% compatible with all microsoft/word docs/files.
And much more capable.
You can also use "Abiword", which is also compatible with MS Word docs/files.
Open Office is a bit more "abled" more 'full' and can do more...
But Abiword can do everything basic, and then some.. but it is a much "lighter" program.
Better for older/slower computers.

I don't remember, what is "excel"?

It would take quite a list to tell you all software and programs I have.. lol
But if you have specific things in mind, I'd be glad to tell you what i use for whatever you're thinking of.

reply to post by Newbomb Turk


My twelve year old daughter called me up to her room.
She has one of those little Dell laptops.

We were both about six feet away from the computer.
The picture on the screen was her room, the picture was zooming in and out
and panning across the room. I didn't know it could do that.

Anyway I disabled the camera.

reply to post by Newbomb Turk


Right there with you on your entire OP.

Kids stickers work great to cover the camera - they don't leave any glue, easy to remove, and super cheap. You can easily take one off if you ever do use the camera (like for Skype).

I don't bother with the microphone... I figure they're recording all my phone calls anyway
plus mine's just your typical family house. If you have a specific reason to block the microphone keep in mind there are at least a couple and maybe some inside that you can't see, so check the actual stats and blueprints, or with a pro.

Originally posted by sonofliberty1776
If you run linux or unix or ubuntu, how much trouble do you have finding useful software? The only reason I have stayed with MS is strictly due to software availability.

i run a linux ubuntu gnome and ubuntu x the software is just as good as MS if not better, maybe a little bit "fiddly"at first but once you get the hang of it it is excellent, i would never go back to windows .ever.
It has a full " free store " to download software and applications called the ubuntu software centre

The official forum has excellent help if you do get stuck.

Bonus - linux is free

On topic - I would always cover up a camera and play music if it had a built in microphone.
That is the exact reason i will not buy a Xbox kinect

jeez what next a DNA activated login system? no im with the op on this one
I do not like those cameras or even the mic for that matter.
A biometric fingerprint scan? no thanks it's just creepy.I love modern tech but
it's just open for abuse by the letter agencies.

call me paranoid but DATA mining is BIG business.

Also on a side note i have read about the hacks used to activate your camera/mic
this info is on the net and any one good with code etc could hack in.
Think what the spooks have at there disposal if you get there attention.

I also worry about what could be put ON your hard drive by an outside attack.
maybe i am too paranoid.

As for Xbox kinect, I have this, and even when its turned off at the mains it still has a flashing red light when I turn Xbox on, so always unplug at Xbox aswell.......just a tad paranoid eh

The strongest reason that a fingerprint scan is used on a computer is not to aquire your fingerprint it is to couple you up to that machine. Technically when you log on to the machine, by law, you are that machine. Example:- if you commit any illegal activity on that machine, ie accessing child pornography, the your legal standing would be as only you could activate that machine, through the fingerprint, you cannot contend someone else was using you machine because that machine is an extension of you. In reality they are cutting out any defence you may have by making your machine a positive part of you.

Click on My Computer/ Properties/ Hardware/Device Manager/search for your Webcam , right click on it and select the Disable option

jeezus!! i was just doing a search for more info in this topic and found this:

Login to Your PC by Simply Looking at It!

Logging into Windows has never been easier! Simply look into your webcam and you’ll be logged into your account in the blink of an eye. Blink! employs advanced face recognition technologies to provide automatic, quick and reliable login for one, or multiple, computer users.

Reliable Login under Varying Conditions With Blink!, you can login day or night. Sophisticated face recognition algorithms automatically adjust for varying lighting conditions, making login possible whether window or artificial lighting is used.

New Haircut? Swapping Glasses for Contacts? No Problem! Advanced biometric identification algorithms used in Blink! enable it to adjust to changes in your personal appearance. Grow a beard or mustache, or shave it off. Use makeup or dye your hair. Wear or remove glasses or contact lenses - Blink! will recognize your and let you login to your PC, no matter what.

Improved Security Say goodbye to those long, complex passwords demanded by your corporate security policy. With Blink!, you can sign into your account by simply looking at a webcam. There are no false positives and no delays in authorizing access.

www.luxand.com...

Originally posted by bladdersweat
Click on My Computer/ Properties/ Hardware/Device Manager/search for your Webcam , right click on it and select the Disable option

Star for You. It's just too easy for the conspiratorial mind.

And turn of your smart phone, that can be used like a babyphone by CIA and NSA. The 6$ Fingerprint scanner cannot collect DNA data.

Originally posted by KingAMARU
As for Xbox kinect, I have this, and even when its turned off at the mains it still has a flashing red light when I turn Xbox on, so always unplug at Xbox aswell.......just a tad paranoid eh

In the general terms and conditions of you cool kinetics is writen:

Sections 9 and 12: If you accept the agreement, you “expressly authorize and consent to us accessing or disclosing information about you, including the content of your communications, in order to: (a) comply with the law or respond to lawful requests or legal process; (b) protect the rights or property of Microsoft, our partners, or our customers, including the enforcement of our agreements or policies governing your use of the Service; or (c) act on a good faith belief that such access or disclosure is necessary to protect the personal safety of Microsoft employees, customers, or the public.”

Source: www.lazygamer.net...

But who reads the GTC?

If you wish to not use this login method anymore, you can disable the fingerprint device: Open the Start Menu and go to Control Panel Click System and Security, and under System click Device Manager Or, Use your Run... box and type devmgmt.msc Or, Use the Start Menu Search Box and type device manager, locate the executable on the results list and fire it up Once inside the Device Manager, locate your fingerprint reader Right-Click it and Select Properties Under the Driver Tab, click the Disable Button and confirm your selection

superuser.com...

I just purchased a Lenovo laptop last month and it came standard with facial recognition software. I read the book that came along with it before I turned it on(as I always do) and It said that not only was the facial recorded on the lap top but was sent to them for emergency storage just in case but it also would be sent to "Partners".

I was interested in this feature but after reading that I chose not to even activate it. I turned on the program for my web cam to check the graphics and up popped a "Thank you your face has been recorded and sent to data bases"

Without permission and "data bases" not "our data base" and plural.

When I checked the security facial recognition software on my computer the picture did not exist.

reply to post by ReadyPower


They do have retina and facial recognition in some.