MaximumPC 2008 04

CUTCOPYPASTE

Corrections to our March 2008 “Windows Tips” story.

• In the process-killing tip on page 23, we reversed the
  default values for WaitToKillApps and HungAppTimeout.


• The correct URL for the Microsoft Private Folder Utility
  mentioned on page 24 is http://tinyurl.com/kxdx8.


• On page 34, we stated that Creative ALchemy was free
  for all Creative soundcard users. While it is free for X-Fi
  users, it costs $10 if you use another supported card.

We tackle tough reader questions on...

Router Issues Dual-Boot OEM Machines

Security Systems Wake on LAN Usage

GATEWAY TO XP

I am having a real problem getting an XP downgrade

CD from Gateway. When I purchased a laptop from the

company about eight months ago, I had no idea that

programs I use for work were inoperable with Vista.

I did not use the unit for six months, and I think

something should be done about this.

—Sharnetta

SENIOR EDITOR GORDON MAH UNG RESPONDS:

Unfortunately, you’re probably screwed since

your laptop is most likely a Vista-only SKU.

Since we don’t know your laptop’s model num-

ber, there’s no way we can say for certain, but

there may not be an XP downgrade for your

machine. The safest course of action when

buying a new computer is to make sure that

it is available with Windows XP before you

purchase it.

WILIFE OR YOUR LIFE?

I’m interested in adding a security system to my

PC and was wondering if you had any suggestions.

I was looking at the WiLife system Maximum PC

reviewed in September 2007, but after speaking to

one of the company’s reps, I found that the device

has to be plugged into the wall and could monitor

only the area that the wall outlet faced. If you don’t

have an outlet facing the area you want to monitor,

you’re out of luck.

What I’d like is something that can monitor any

area I want, indoors or outdoors; is motion acti-

vated, so it’s not recording unless there’s some-

thing to record; I can access online from work;

stores the recorded files on my PC and online; isn’t

wireless; is easy to set up; and is able to handle

enough cameras to monitor four indoor areas and

all around the outside of my house.

I would also prefer if additional dummy cam-

eras could be purchased to supplement areas

outside while keeping costs down.

—Shane Sarff

EXECUTIVE EDITOR MICHAEL BROWN RESPONDS:

I’ve done most of the security-camera reviews

published here at Maximum PC, and I have an

extensive deployment of WiLife gear at my home.

You are correct that those cameras can

monitor only areas within reach of an electri-

cal outlet, but I don’t know of any surveillance

system that doesn’t require some form of hard-

wiring—either Ethernet cable or AC wiring. You

can always run an extension cord from your

nearest outlet to the camera’s location.

Toshiba’s IK-WB15A surveillance camera

is capable of running on either AC power or

power-over-Ethernet (POE). But you’ll still need

to run Ethernet from your router or switch to

the camera, and if your switch doesn’t support

Dying Routers, We’ve

Got Them Too!

I have a major beef with Michael Brown and his review of Netgear’s

WNR854T (November 2007). The only dings he gave this product

were minor complaints about range and a setup glitch. I purchased

three of these devices for my home and business based on the

review; incredibly, all three have died. While I realize it might be

tough to determine the long-term reliability of a product in a few days

of testing, the massive consumer backlash on myriad consumer-

review sites should prompt you to reconsider the very positive review

you gave this product.

—Iam Umland

EXECUTIVE EDITOR MICHAEL BROWN RESPONDS: We don’t take our review cues from web

forums; such wisdom-of-the-crowd reviews can be useful, but we have no way of verifying

their veracity. Your three-out-of-three failure rate, on the other hand, is pretty remarkable,

all the more so because Editor in Chief Will Smith also experienced the failure of a Netgear

WNR854T. We dismissed it as an anomaly at the time, but your letter prompted us to contact

Netgear to get its side of the story. Here’s what the company had to say: “Netgear believes

a small percentage of WNR854T units have malfunctioned in the field while operating under

extreme usage and in elevated temperature conditions. Netgear identified and fixed the

issue earlier last year. Netgear offers a standard one-year repair or replacement warranty

on all routers selling in the U.S. Customers who have experienced a malfunction of their in-

warranty Netgear product will be able to get a replacement product.”

We pride ourselves on testing products in real-world conditions, and we didn’t experi-

ence any problems with the WNR854T while we were testing it. It would have been unfair of

us to report the failure of one evaluation unit long after we’d finished testing as indicative

of a design flaw present in every unit, and we still can’t make that claim. We hope you were

able to have your routers repaired or replaced without a hassle. Since you purchased them

after reading our review, they should still be under warranty.

in outYOU WRITE, WE RESPOND

94 MAXIMUMPC | APR 08 | http://www.maximumpc.com