Microsoft

Troubleshooting a Kingston DataTraveler 16GB with Windows Vista

Disclaimer: It's no secret that I think Microsoft, as a technology company, puts out crappy products. It's also no secret that the only way that I end up using Microsoft software is when it's pre-installed on a laptop that I purchase. I never pay Microsoft directly, thus I am not going to upgrade to Microsoft's 'new and better' operating system because I know that their business model involves the new system becoming old and breaking. And when it starts breaking, they sell you another one. So do NOT comment that I should upgrade from Windows Vista - this is an informational post for people who aren't intent on filling the pockets of rich people. Get Linux.

So I got a Kingston DataTraveler 101 - 16 GB with the intention of installing PortableApps on it so that I could become less laptop dependent. In essence, I will be able to go anywhere and have my data and my applications - something I'll write about in the next post more.

When I plugged the USB key into the Windows Vista tortured Toshiba laptop, it was recognized and Windows Vista happily identified it and installed the device driver. But when I started installing PortableApps on it, it got wonky. Really wonky. Nothing was being written. The drive still showed in Windows Explorer, but when I hit F5 to refresh - presto magico! - the drive was gone. The little light on the driver was still on, but it had gone from the annoying blinking to a steady 'on' state. Odd. Peculiar. Strange. Windows. Read more »

Microsoft Users to Pay $290 Million

In case you didn't hear, Microsoft lost its lawsuit and has to pay $290 million in damages. This, of course, will be passed on to Microsoft consumers.

Get OpenOffice. It's free, so you don't have to help Microsoft out of their own quagmire.

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