Windows only: Freeware application DVD43 decrypts DVDs and CDs, removing most copy protections schemes so you can interact with the media using whatever ripping or copying application you please (similar to the shareware alternative AnyDVD). DVD43 runs in your system tray, detects when you’ve inserted a new DVD, and automatically removes the encryption (the smiley face turns green when it succeeds). I’ve always had a lot of luck using DVD Shrink to rip and copy DVDs, but if you’ve ever run into problems working with encrypted DVDs on your PC, DVD43 is worth a try. DVD43 is freeware, Windows only.
Upgrade Your Hackintosh to OS X 10.5.1
A couple of weeks ago, I detailed how I built a Hackintosh Mac on the cheap from start to finish. The build benchmarked incredibly well, and I’ve been using it as my main PC every day since. A few days ago, I decided it was time to upgrade my Hackintosh to Mac OS X 10.5.1, the first update for Leopard. Here’s how it works.
First… Did It Work?
Yes, updating to 10.5.1 worked (and continues to work) very well, and if you’re installing Leopard with my previous guide, it only adds a couple of extra steps. However, I did run into a snag which I’ll detail later.
A good article on how to upgrade a hacktosh. Go check out how to at lifehacker!
Linksys Tech Support Misprint Leads to Phone Sex Hotline
I hit Circuit City with my mom on Black Friday to pick up the greatest and cheapest router ever, the Linksys WRH54G, costing a slim Andrew Jackson after the mail-in rebate. As far as I could tell, there was only a single flaw with the thing: the toll-free technical support number in the manual wasn’t that at all, but a promotional line for a “stimulating conversation” service. Hear it for yourself in the call video above, and check out the manual after the jump.
Even the best laid plans go wrong. I hope Linksys corrects this!!
One-Click Video Conversion in KDE Menus
Linux only: Convert your video files for DVDs, iPods or easily-playable formats from inside your file browser using a simple script. Users of Linux systems running on a KDE desktop just need to download the ffmpegmenu script and place it in the appropriate file browser folder, and a new “Video Encoding” menu will appear in your sidebar. Detailed instructions and download links are at the link below. The ffmpegmenu script works in Linux only and requires a KDE environment, or at least the majority of the KDE tools installed in any desktop.
Find Tech Support Answers at Satisfaction
Tech support website Satisfaction walks the middle ground between the extensive, but nameless, answers found on community forums and official, but not always extensive, answers from company reps. Covering webapps, gadgets, and desktop applications, Satisfaction has more than 400 companies being discussed, and some of them, including Google, Sandy, Twitter and Microsoft, have actual employees helping to answer questions and troubleshoot. If you ask a new question, Satisfaction emails you when the answer appears, or you can follow the thread via RSS. It’s not an all-in-one stop yet, but especially for help with webapps and newer programs, it’s a good place to find help beyond the FAQs.
