Windows 7 File Association Problem Solved

In case this happens to someone else, and it usually does.

When I installed Inkscape, I did not use the installer. I just downloaded the zip and unzipped and ran the program.
I set File Association on *.svg the usual way no problem.
But then...
I decided to move Inkscape.
*.svg files were no longer associated with Inkscape and I could not associate the file the usual way.
Windows 7 just ignored it.
So
I used
ccleaner to scan for registry issues, yup Inkscape, ran the registry cleaner.
Problem solved.
I am now able to association *.svg files with Inkscape again.

Ebook Readers, Netbooks, Laptops

I've been delving into the land of ebooks and readers.
The readers are too expensive and too restrictive.
A Laptop is too heavy, bulky to use as a reader.
Netbook maybe? That would not replace my main computer, but it could do lots more than the ebook readers.

So Netbook vs Ebook Reader.
Well, the Ebook reader might be easier on the eyes.
But the Netbook would give a whole lot more for the price. I'd have a lot more flexibility over ebook formatting and would have more adjustments available for any eye strain issues.

If I buy anything, I'll blog about it.

I like the mobileread forums for information.

Here's one post in particular I was studying/researching:
Netbook Tablet as a Viable eBook Reader Option
02-13-2010
jswinden
ASUS T91MT TABLET NETBOOK
2.1 lbs
8.9" Screen
1 GB RAM, up to 2 GB
LCD screen can be rotated and folded back onto the keyboard to form a tablet netbook.
A resistive touch screen responsive to fingers or a stylus.
Just reading, he gets at least six hours battery use.



Video review embedded there or here's the direct link.

Amazon Link:
ASUS Eee PC T91MT 8.9-Inch Black Tablet Netbook - 5 Hours of Battery Life
$484.00

Another Review
1.33 GHz Intel Atom Z520 processor
Only 32 GB Hard Drive
two USB ports
two SD or SDHC memory card slots.
Windows 7

From there I could install whatever ebook software I wanted, which is free, evidently.
While I was reading this, I found out about Calibre software that's good for converting non-DRM eBooks to other formats.
I installed it and ran it thru a little test drive conversion. It has a lot of different options/settings, so lots of control over the conversion. I like that.
It converts pdf to txt format.
Adobe Reader 9.3.0 will do that too, but became a memory hog and made my computer really grind.
So Calibre is much more efficient at the job.
Another thing I noticed while poking around in Adobe Reader is it has a read outloud option. So had to try it. That also was sluggish, but it did work.

Amazon Links to Kindle Ebook Readers:

Kindle 2
Kindle 2 - 6" display is $260.00

Kindle DX
Kindle DX - 9.7" display is $490.00

Always Have Double Backups

So I fired up one of my Seagate external backup drives and I couldn't access a folder.
That was a folder with about 92 GB of files in it.
Eek!

From within Windows Explorer
Right Click on Drive and select Properties.
Tools Tab, Check Now, check mark Automatically Fix File System Errors
Took a long time (500 GB drive). I almost thought is wasn't working.
But fixed it.
Yay!
Whew!

I think that's equal to chkdsk drive: /f switch.
I tried to just scan for errors but got a popup error and it would not work.
One of those moments I was ever so glad I had double backup drives.

Microsoft Links:
chkdsk
chkdsk2

Anti-virus Software

I just found out about Microsoft's free anti-virus software.
Yay!
AVG is a sluggish resource pig.
I didn't like Avast's interface.
So I was wondering what to do.

Get Microsoft's Security Essentials here.

Release must have been 28 Sep 09.

I'm a little late to the party.
I guess I should check my tech links more often, huh.

lifehacker
Stop Paying for Windows Security;
Microsoft's Security Tools Are Good Enough

engadget
Microsoft Security Essentials anti-virus software is now live and free

I just installed it with no problems and seems pretty clean and fast.
Yay.