20 Things They Don't Want You to Know

theodp writes "PC World spills the beans about a bunch of things technology companies would rather you didn't know, including the lowdown on exploiting Windows' bad security, unlocking cell phones, using an IPod to move music and useless specs." Nothing groundbreaking, but might be a good primer for the non-techie in your life.

Re:Extended Warranties Aren't Worth It

[Monte]

I would agree that extended warranties on PCs aren't worth it, but my rule is:

1) If it's something that goes on the shelf/table and just sits there, forget the warranty: TV, DVD player, stereo, laptop, PC, etc

2) If it's something you carry around, small, expensive and likley to break when dropped, consider the warranty: CD player, tape system, mini-disc, PDA, etc

This has served me in good stead, the two or three extended warranties I have gotten have definitely paid for themselves. But then I'm a klutz.

Expensive Printers and warranties

[Nightspirit]

I've found that printers typically only last a year, at most (I'm in college, so I use them alot). I've tried most brands (canon, HP, epson, lexmark) and not one of them have lasted over a year.

Finally I bit the bullet and got a 3 year extended warranty on an all-in-one, and couldn't be happier. Whenever that thing finally breaks (and it will be soon) I'll simply turn it in for a new one.

Re:Know anyone who uses MSN Messenger?

[Darkon]

Windows Messenger is sometimes worth keeping because you can run it and MSN Messenger simultaneously - handy if you have two MSN accounts.

Burst Rates on Hard Drives Do Matter

[Dangero]

I think part of the reason that the non-tec savy people stay non-tech savy is because they get so much conflicting bad information. Of course the DSL sales guy lies. He only knows enough about what he's selling to sell it. If he knew more, he wouldn't be selling it or installing it. He'd be doing something much more interesting. But regarding hard drives, I can't believe they are saying that the burst rate does not matter. With a 10 MB+ hard disk cache you better believe that a lot of the information you request is coming burst transfer from the cache. Sounds like they just ran out of good ideas for their list, but they are complete morons for making such an unsubstantiated claim.

Re:Expensive Printers and warranties

[bladernr]

I've found that printers typically only last a year

I've had an HP 4000 since 1997. I've printed lots, and I've never had a problem. I know someone who still has an HP 4si (circa 1993). Its not cheap to buy a quality laser printer, but, since I've only bought one printer in 8 years, I think it works out cheaper to buy quality.

Or, as with anything else, you get what you pay for.

Locked Cell phone / DRM crap

[SynapseLapse]

If you don't want to pay the ridiculous rates that cell phone companies charges for the luxury of putting .jpg/.png/.mid/.mp3/whatever on your cellphone, try out this site:

http://www.phoneuploader.stellernet.com/ [stellernet.com]

I've spent the last couple hours uploading Mario .mid files to my phone, it's way too much fun.

Re:MSN messenger IS NOT Windows Messenger

[ravenlock]

Actually, there are three messengers.

MSN Messenger is the ad-ridden MSN client
Windows Messenger is the version without all the blinkety blink, but it's still a MSN client
Windows Messenger Service is the thing that displays pop-up messages from other conmputers.

Another Windows security issue

[Anonymous Coward]

If you've forgotten your windows XP admin password, or just want to peek into someone's computer, boot with a windows *2000* install CD and go into recovery console. you won't need a password for anything. if you use an xp CD, this won't work.

unlock sim-locked cell phones for free

[n01]

Just wanted to let you know that there are lots of site's on the internet that let you unlock your cell phone for FREE (especially Nokias). All you have to do is to enter the IMEI of your phone in some web form, plus some additional info. There's a list at:
http://www.yesss.at/index.php?id=W01 [yesss.at]
It worked great for 'a friend of mine', who had an older Nokia phone.
Not sure how legal it is to do this, after all you OWN the phone after you bought it, you are allowed to through it against a wall and destroy it, why shouldn't you be allowed to unlock it?

Re:Know anyone who uses MSN Messenger?

[MerlinTheWizard]

I don't use MSN messenger anymore. It's impossible to use behind a decently configured router, especially the latest version, and MS is perfectly aware of it. Talk about security. Don't make me laugh with fighting firewalls with trillian. MSN Messenger uses uPnP, wich is my worst nightmare - I have always steered clear of Windows firewalls anyway. A good old router is perfectly fine if you want true security. But uPnP? It's exactly like putting sophisticated locks all over your house's doors and giving the keys to all your neighbors, the mailman, some guys that beg for money down the street, and a couple more guys that you know from the local bars. :))