Author: Dave Farquhar

Is Windows Unix based?

Dave Farquhar Retro Computing, Software

At least two of the most popular operating systems of today are based on Unix. But what about Windows? Is Windows Unix based?

While Windows has some Unix influences, it is not derived or based on Unix. At some points is has contained a small amount of BSD code but the majority of its design came from other operating systems.

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Infinite game: What does it mean?

Dave Farquhar Careers
Infinite game: What does it mean?

In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, I’ve heard some business consultants speak of something called an “infinite game” or “infinite mindset.” This, they say, is the key to surviving setbacks or even thriving in the midst of them. What is an infinite game, and what’s special about it?

The infinite mindset, or infinite game, simply means not caring about winning or losing in the short term. An opponent who is just playing to stay in the game is hard to defeat.

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Atari 800 vs 800XL

Dave Farquhar Retro Computing
Atari 800 vs 800XL

The Atari 800/XL//XE series may be the most underrated 8-bit computer line of the 1970s and 1980s. Yes, I said 1970s, as it debuted in 1979. But while the Atari 800XL is perhaps the most popular machine from that family, and it’s better in most ways than the Atari 800, the 800 has its own advantage too. Let’s look at the Atari 800 vs 800XL.

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Why does reseating RAM work?

Dave Farquhar Hardware, Retro Computing
Why does reseating RAM work?

When troubleshooting machines, I was trained to routinely reseat every board and every chip in the case. Especially if there was nothing visibly wrong with the machine, it was amazing how often that worked. So why does reseating RAM work? Why does reseating anything else work?

Reseating works because it improves conductivity. Connectors can get dirty or oxidized, and if that interferes with conductivity, it causes malfunctions.

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Lawn mower bogs down? Try this.

Dave Farquhar DIY
Lawn mower bogs down? Try this.

If your lawn mower bogs down in thick grass or under any other heavy load, there are a couple of possible reasons for it. Fortunately they are also things you can fix yourself.

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House money pit solutions

Dave Farquhar Saving money
House money pit solutions

My coworker asked me for my honest opinion whether his house is a money pit. It’s actually a less complicated question than it might sound. Any house can become a money pit, but most houses won’t, if we don’t let them. Here’s how to keep house money pit issues under control.

In my experience, homes usually become money pits due to a combination of neglect and taking on too many projects at once. Both of these issues are manageable over the long term.

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Is Aliexpress safe?

Dave Farquhar Retro Computing, Toy trains
Is Aliexpress safe?

Aliexpress offers deals on hard-to-find items at unbeatable prices. It also offers deals on ordinary items at lower prices than usual, because it’s coming straight from China, with fewer middlemen. But is Aliexpress safe?

Aliexpress does offer buyer protections. But being overseas and dealing with overseas shipping times does mean Aliexpress is inherently riskier from buying from online sources that are closer to you.

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What is DDoSing or a DDoS attack?

Dave Farquhar security
What is DDoSing or a DDoS attack?

What is DDoSing? A DDoS attack something every system administrator and security professional needs to be concerned about. You can expect to see this concept on certification tests and get questions about it in job interviews. So let’s look at the concept of DDoS, and why I think this is going to get worse before it gets better.

DDoS stands for Distributed Denial of Service. A DDoS attack is just the process of overwhelming a computer system with more traffic than it can handle, so that it can’t serve its intended purpose.

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Reverse polarity outlet danger

Dave Farquhar DIY
Reverse polarity outlet danger

Building inspectors get cranky when they find reverse polarity outlets, because it causes a dangerous situation. Let’s look at the danger of a reverse polarity outlet and how to fix it.

Reverse polarity on AC outlets is a code violation. It poses a danger because it can cause wiring to always be electrically live, even when the device is turned off.

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Add a case fan to a Dell Optiplex

Dave Farquhar Hardware
Add a case fan to a Dell Optiplex

Dell Optiplex minitowers aren’t really designed with adding case fans in mind. But with a little creativity, you can install one inexpensively, and without making it too terribly much louder either. Here’s how.

With a power adapter, an 80mm fan, and some zip ties, it’s possible to add a case fan to a Dell Optiplex. The opening in the side panel is in just the right place for even a small fan to make a difference.

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