Author: Dave Farquhar

Compaq Presario 425 and 433

Dave Farquhar Retro Computing
Compaq Presario 425 and 433

The Compaq Presario 425 and 433 are popular machines with retro enthusiasts. They are Compaq 486s from 1993, and they look like exactly what they are. They’re well built, have recognizable branding, and don’t take up a lot of space. In some ways they’re the ideal 486 today. Let’s look at why they weren’t necessarily the ideal 486 for 1993, but they, along with the rest of the Presario line, helped transform Compaq anyway.

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What size nut driver for computers?

Dave Farquhar Hardware, Retro Computing
What size nut driver for computers?

Many modern computers don’t require any tools to work on. But that’s not always the case, especially with vintage computers, or less-expensive DIY cases. A nut driver, also known as a hex driver or hex nut driver, makes things easier. So what is the right size nut driver for computers? Or do you need more than one?

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Cyrix processor chips: In memoriam

Dave Farquhar Retro Computing
Cyrix processor chips: In memoriam

Cyrix was a scrappy, up and coming CPU manufacturer in the 1990s. They never had Intel’s name recognition, but for a few years they made life more difficult for its larger rivals, Intel and AMD. For a while, Cyrix processor chips were a popular choice for value-conscious PC buyers.

Cyrix contributed a lot of confusing alphabet soup to the 1990s CPU market, and their chips usually weren’t the highest-performing chips available. But they usually did provide good value for the money, even though Cyrix never was a premium brand.

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Is Bittorrent safe? A security pro’s take

Dave Farquhar security
Is Bittorrent safe? A security pro’s take

While the legality of Bittorrent, or at least what people typically use Bittorrent for, is questionable, there’s another question. Is Bittorrent safe? Let’s dig into that question, with something more than unsubstantiated claims.

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CIA triad of security

Dave Farquhar security
CIA triad of security

The CIA triad of security has become controversial. I think this is due to a lack of understanding of what it means. The CIA triad remains a good fundamental model of why security exists and what it protects. Here’s what the CIA triad is all about, and what’s wrong with the trendy model some say should replace it.

The CIA triad refers to three things: the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of computer systems and data. Although it is an old model, it is also enduring.

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Is Bittorrent legal?

Dave Farquhar Copyright
Is Bittorrent legal?

I tell my kids if they have to ask if something is legal, that’s a good sign it isn’t. But when it comes to computer matters, sometimes it’s a bit grayer. Bittorrent is a good example. Is Bittorrent legal?

Bittorrent itself isn’t inherently legal or illegal, as it’s just a protocol. What you’re using Bittorrent for is what’s legal or illegal.

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Are password managers a good idea?

Dave Farquhar security
Are password managers a good idea?

No matter what I say in response to this question, someone’s going to say I’m wrong. But I’ll bite. Are password managers a good idea? I’ll hedge and say they solve more problems than they cause. We need a better idea, but no one has found it yet.

The problem with password managers is there’s always the danger they’ll get breached. But the alternatives are people using weak passwords, reusing passwords, or both–and that’s worse.

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Best epoxy for plastic

Dave Farquhar DIY
Best epoxy for plastic

Some epoxies work better on plastics than others. Modern plastics can be tricky to glue. But there’s more to repairing plastics than just making sure you bought the best epoxy for plastic. Prep work is essential too. While some epoxies definitely work better than others, the prep work can also make or break your project.

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Are VPNs illegal?

Dave Farquhar security

There are people who want you to think VPNs are illegal. As a security professional, this is a point of frustration for me. If anyone ever asks, “are VPNs illegal?” the answer most certainly is no. VPNs are a necessity, and protected by various constitutional amendments. Yes, more than one.

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Atari 2600 vs 7800

Dave Farquhar Retro Gaming
Atari 2600 vs 7800

The Atari 2600 and 7800 are directly related. After the Atari 5200 flopped, Atari needed a better successor to take over for the aging 2600. So the Atari 2600 vs 7800 is a natural comparison. Let’s look at the improvements the 7800 had over its predecessor, and why it wasn’t able to match the 2600’s runaway success.

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