CompuServe Thread

#EISA

13 messages in this thread
#7471From: JG-Sundog ProductionsJan 7, 1992 6:59 AM
But.. you could still reseat the controller card and get it to work (which happened before the virus appeared, & after too). Sure, reformatting the hard disk did seem to make it go away (mostly), which would seem to point to software problems, but how do you _really_ determine the cause/effect, in such situations? (I say "mostly" because I still do see illegal address calls now and then when I disable Norton DD, altho he seems capable of correcting them.. mostly) Also, I've been told that the "Stoned" virus is just a piece of computer graffiti that doesn't do much harm. (but who knows, really, I guess) As it seems to be with Mike's system, you can really get into some uncharted territory when you go with many disparate hardware players, (especially if they're prone to corruption) resulting in yelling sessions, finger pointing, etc. All I can say is, BE YOUR OWN MECHANIC! if you can.. Hope to see you at Javits Center show in late Jan. BTW john
#7487From: CSA/CAJan 7, 1992 3:35 PM
John, You're wrong about the "Stoned" virus. It will eventually mess with the File Allocation Table and thing go boom! Easy to remove with McAfee virus removal program, though. Kevin Krell – Computer Support Associates
#7498From: JG-Sundog ProductionsJan 7, 1992 6:01 PM
Yeah, I should probably disqualify myself for neglecting to mention the virus, but I'm wary of letting the matter rest there, considering the other problem that seemed to have already manifested itself (and also things I was told both before and after the problem was fixed). I realize customers have to take responsibility for these things, if it can be proven unequivocably that they are responsible. I guess I should apologize, too, if I went overboard and implied that anyone tried to gouge me without any good reason. However, before I bow out, I'd like to reiterate the difficulties that systems such as these can produce when they contain all sorts of pieces from different sources; vendors should be advised to cover themselves in ironclad writing that they won't guarantee a setup if it starts to argue with itself; by the same token, customers should never accept defective merchandise, no matter how trivial it might seem at the time (or how assuring the vendor is that it's not really a problem..). I suppose all this should be obvious, right? (P.S.- At the moment I'm starting to see a weird problem w/ 3DS Keyframer TGA rendering.. but I'm going to meticulously investigate ALL possible trouble-shoots before I start squawking..) regards John Gummere }SP{
#7502From: CSA/CAJan 7, 1992 7:42 PM
John, I'll presume you just used this convenient reply to me to throw in your other comments, as I certainly wasn't chastising you for anything, just wanted people to realize that the "Stoned" virus was not harmless. As for system components and software having a knock-down drag-out fight with each other: you can bet that with all the crap on my demo systems that *I've* got a ringside seat (season's tickets, even). Kevin Krell – Computer Support Associates
#7546From: JG-Sundog ProductionsJan 9, 1992 6:45 PM
Convenience or not, one must be thorough when publicly stating the problems one has with these complex technologies, and you and Rob caught me up short on the virus issue. You should hear the hilarious things that Click & Clack The Tappet Brothers (a car talk show on public radio) have to say to people who turn out to be omitting information, as they talk about their vehicular troubles. Something about a 25 yard penalty was in there, last time I heard someone do that on their show.. Just the way they both simultaneously say "Aw Jeez" is priceless sometimes (they didn't let the guy off too easy, either!) I hate to find myself doing such a thing. Come to think of it, someone could have a show like theirs dealing with computers.. (!) I'll bet it would pretty popular (providing it was humorous, too, of course). John
#7549From: CSA/CAJan 9, 1992 8:12 PM
John, Well, it was once suggested that I start a 900# for support (particularly on Truevision and video issues). I'm not sure I'd feel right about that, because most of the answers are in the manuals, it's just that nobody else reads 'em. One of these days I may actually have to turn the machine on. Now you know my secret. Kevin Krell – Computer Support Associates
#7590From: Anil GupteJan 10, 1992 2:22 PM
Kevin, A lot of information is available to everybody. Not everyone has the time or resources to get (and retain) all this information. If you provide information that is other wise readily available but provide it in an easier format, there is nothing ethically wrong with it. I often do not have the time to read manuals when I am installing something, or trying to make some new software run with existing installations. I often wish I could ask someone a couple of questions that would get me on the road quickly. Later when I have time, I can go back and read the manual. Besides, it would be nice if I could even get the relevant page numbers in the manual rather than having to hunt for it. I for one would pay to access a 900 number if I knew you were behind it. Thanx also for answering many of my questions in the past. Anil
#7603From: CSA/CAJan 10, 1992 6:38 PM
Anil, Thanks. Kevin Krell – Computer Support Associates Can this guy pat backs, or what?
#7809From: JG-Sundog ProductionsJan 15, 1992 5:29 PM
Carefully perusing manuals has become an almost religious pastime in this household (somewhat due to all the incessant encouragement thereof..), in fact some of them look quite weather-beaten from such treatment. There have been cases, which I shall relate, where myopic study resulted in further puzzlement. It was discovered (after a while) that one was supposed to turn the document SIDEWAYS.. (chorus of "Ah-hahs" in background) a fact that was plainly explained in the README file (thought it was READ.ME.. jeez), which I checked (honest) but it scrolled by too fast due to a bug in my |MORE utility.. (or perhaps I forgot the "|") Darn.. (3DS's manual is not one of those ..(mostly) ) John Gummere =SP=
#7669From: Robert C. SeiwertJan 13, 1992 12:01 AM
I use Norton Anti-Virus. Seems to stomp it good. One thing about viruses. Keep you program current. Viruses tend to mutate.
#7539From: Michael BahrJan 9, 1992 8:29 AM
groan, `be your own mechanic' is not what I wanted to do! We are still having problems with the Targa; the system works great w/out it, though. I have installed the ISA .cfg file that shipped with the board and got a message that said `the video adapter does not match the EISA configuration' or some such. Both the card and the configuration are thrown in w/ factory defaults. I have not had time to play, so I just pulled the card while my vendor looks into this w/ Truevision. It seems strange that this card could corrupt the system timer. Any ideas on what the settings should be in the EISA config? -Mike
#7547From: JG-Sundog ProductionsJan 9, 1992 6:45 PM
MikeIf I'm not mistaken, there's a Mylex utility that you use (supplied on floppies), isn't there? Mine comes up with a graphic screen that confirms (among other things) which slots are being used by 32 bit cards, etc. Incidentally, for a detailed treatise on EISA, you oughta go read the "Bus Wars" articles that appeared in the May/June '90 issues of PC Magazine (you could perhaps find them on microfilm in a good library somewhere). They gave quite a comparison, too, on the merits of ISA, MCA in relation to the EISA thing.. very fascinating. (good for potential mechanics, too, BTW (g)).. regards, John (wowsemdownattheoffice) Gummere =SP=
#7561From: Michael BahrJan 10, 1992 7:57 AM
Yea, I am using the MYLEX EISA Configuration utility (CF.EXE). I *hope* that my trouble is being caused by not matching the jumper configuration with what this utility is set to. As soon as I get a free moment (3 weeks) I will give it a try! -Mike