Mystery Shopper

For future reference (and reference to the companies that I've used to work for.)

FirstlyI talk about those that I've used:

Retail Eyes

http://www.retaileyes.co.uk/uk/home/retaileyes_aboutus.php

GapBuster (Kicks you out if you don't touch the account regularly..)

http://www.xec.gapbuster.com/

And others that I know by name:

Grass Roots

https://www.grassrootsmysteryshopping.com/msw_pnlExtWelcome.aspx?

Retail Maxim

https://www.retail-maxim.co.uk//index.aspx

Build a computer - Car PC Projects

Sites for quick references and links in future:

(Most probably be outdated by tiny smart phones/laptop hybrids!)

1) Definition of a car PC / computer:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carputer

2) Forum for help and advice:

http://www.mp3car.com/

3) Finally the shops that the required parts:

http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/acatalog/CarPC_Shop.html

http://linitx.com/

Otherwise look at ebay shops

Note to self, I'm fairly certain Dan said that "Lilliput" branded touch screen monitors were the most decent!

PC and Similar Modding Info

Another for reference post, this time for good reading posts on modifying different things mainly a PC case.

hexus.net has a few quite good threads,

1) The main holder page: http://forums.hexus.net/chassis-system-modding/

2) Thread with pictures: http://forums.hexus.net/chassis-system-modding/3-computer-case-mods-gallery.html

next comes bit-tech.net, superb read and very detailed most of the times (especially if trawling through the forums and log books):

1) The main holder page: http://www.bit-tech.net/modding/

2) Howto guide - Engraving: http://www.bit-tech.net/modding/2005/06/17/Engraving_for_modder/1

3) Howto guide - Engraving 101: http://www.bit-tech.net/modding/2007/07/10/engraving_101/1

4) Howto guide - Meet the Dremel: http://www.bit-tech.net/modding/2003/12/23/meet_the_dremel/1

Finally the printed magazine "Custom Pc" has some good information now and then:

http://www.custompc.co.uk/

Freeware - Network Usage Tracker

Now that I've migrated to o2's 16Meg download speed contract (run off bethere's ADSL2+ network) I need to carefully monitor the usage.

Now I can't remember the software that I've used so a quick search gives:

http://www.softpedia.com/get/Network-Tools/Bandwidth-Tools/NetMeter.shtml

Netmeter

I'll test this on computer 2 and see how we go, I doubt the o2 router page stats are correct...

Freeware - File Recovery

For future reference when I accidently delete any more photos from my camera's memory card:

http://www.hotukdeals.com/item/286942/lexar-image-rescue-3-free-download/

Tested and working for a Fuji 1GB xD card,  contents of which were deleted in windows using standard file delete commands.

Microsoft Windows - who gets a copy of a windows disc...

For future reference, good read here:

http://www.edbott.com/weblog/archives/000894.html

Just need to see if they're willing to transfer 2 windows licenses to new computers,

1 * MS Windows Home > due to laptop returned to a liquidated company

1 * MS Windows Vista Home Prenium due to the laptop being stolen...

Would help considerably, maybe I'll mention the credit crunch situation...

Attempting to daisy chain 2 wireless Modem Routers together

Just trying to daisy chain my o2 Thomson TG585v7 to  my Netgear DG834Gv3 so that I can possibly have 1 upstairs and 1 downstairs, in order to boost the wifi range and have more physical ethernet connections.)

By using the Netgear as the modem, restricting the DNS services to 192.168.0.63 (as the o2 box starts at 192.168.0.64) and disabling the DNS server on the o2 box, it worked.

Test 1 ports 1 on both units were used to daisy chain but port 1 (NG) to port 2 (Thomson) works fine as well!

Microsoft Windows 7: First Impressions

Hmm, should I wipe everything or create another virtual pc image to try out the new beta of microsoft's new windows operating system?

The last beta, Vista was fine but then again by the time I installed it it was RC2.

Maybe the latter option, assigned 25GB of Hard Drive Space to Virtual Box and 1024MB of ram, with 128MB of video memory and started the process at 7.37pm