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1. 
   Review - DVDFab HD Decrypter

   6.0.2.2 (Jun 26, 2009)

   I've been using DVDFab HD Decrypter for over a year now -- ripping roughly 1200 DVDs. It works great. However, there are some caveats:
   
   1. v6 is slower -- 20-30% or so.
   
   2. (v5) DVD incompatibilities. Sometimes you need to rip a DVD using a different make/model of DVD drive. I use a mix of Sony, Plextor and LG drives so I never have to use PathPlayer.
   
   3. Success -- about 95% of the time. The other 5% of the time I need to use RipIt4Me (along w/ DVD Decrypter).
   
   4. Multi-Rips. DVDFab can rip multiple DVDs at a time. In my test system I rip 6 simultaneously.
   
   Overall an excellent program.

2. 
   Review - VLC (VideoLAN) for Windows

   1.0.0 RC4 (Jun 25, 2009)

   Bug reporting system is HORRIBLY BROKEN.
   
   I've been using VLC for over a year now. It's fantastic. I use it mainly to play ripped DVDs off of the hard drive.
   
   However, I ran into this bug and tried to report it through VLC's proper channels -- CAN"T!!!!
   
   Problem -- can't playback a DVD with 4 channel audio properly. Program accidentally switches rear surround channels with front mains -- and vice versa.
   
   Test DVD: Rescuers Down Under, Robin Hood Men In Tights.
   System: Vista Ultimate x64

3. 
   Review - System Mechanic Professional

   8.0.3.2 (Oct 17, 2008)

   AVOID AT ALL COSTS!!!
   Two of my clients installed it (against my advice). One complained that the system was running _slower_ than before. The second had has hard drive file system scrambled -- can't boot at all. Had to use data recovery software to retrieve data. Partition table was wiped-out.

4. 
   Review - Norton AntiVirus

   2008 (15.5.0.23) (Mar 21, 2008)

   Software deserves a zero. It slows down your computer by 57% in independent tests. Absolute crapware! For some reason, corporate edition doesn't slow down your computer as much. Go figure???

5. Comment - Prototype kits for bigger E-paper displays available now

   2008 (15.5.0.23) (May 9, 2009 - 4:29 AM)

   The Kindle DX DOES support PDFs.

6. Comment - Xerox rolls out pioneering ColorQube printer with crayon-like ink

   2008 (15.5.0.23) (May 8, 2009 - 12:55 PM)

   I'm glad you pointed this out. The power the printer uses in standby mode actually melts wax -- so even if you're not printing, wax is being used. This is a little known fact. I know. I used to work for XRX.

7. Comment - Is 'XP Mode' in Windows 7 something you'd want to use?

   2008 (15.5.0.23) (May 7, 2009 - 8:34 PM)

   Correction -- Intel quad-core Q8xxx series do NOT have Intel VT technology. Also of note -- the ever-popular Intel E7400 CPU does NOT have VT.

8. Comment - CES 'Better Questions' contest: Win Vista Ultimate, CS3, Zune and more

   2008 (15.5.0.23) (Jan 2, 2008 - 8:03 PM)

   Cellphones Mfgrs like: Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, Apple and Skype:
   
   Are there any plans to enable Skype VoIP (or similar technology) on cellphone handsets?

9. Comment - It's Official: No PS3 Until November

   2008 (15.5.0.23) (Mar 15, 2006 - 2:26 PM)

   Sony knew half a year ago that a Spring '06 launch was impossible. My friend works for Electronic Arts and the company's developers have yet to receive a R&D PS3. Sony waged a FUD campaign in order to slow down Xbox 360 sales. Now the smoke is clearing and the truth shines through.