Dark Ranger

Buehgler is right. Every device/host needs a different IP address. For example, if your router/gateway is 192.168.100.1, then you could assign 192.168.100.2 for your wireless AP. Static IPs are a good idea for things like routers, APs, and proxy servers. I also suggest that you check your wireless access point for a built-in DHCP setting. Turn it off. Your router should be the only device issuing addresses.

More conspiracies? Can't wait. Uploading complete. *fetches tin foil hat*

GG'z peeps.

Stalker, Remember the fundamental purpose of suspension - improving handling by allowing the tire to remain in contact with the ground, even over rough terrain, and reducing vibrations to the rider, enabling a more pleasant riding experience. If your shocks are too soft, you risk bottoming out in deep potholes, tree stumps, and other similar objects. Your "V" brakes should not squeak. That denotes improper assembly or adjustment. If you are unsure how to adjust them yourself, refer to the owner's manual for instructions. You can adjust the angle of the brake shoe "attack" and closeness to the rim. Proper alignment will remove the "squeaking" you hear. For overall adjustment of tension, there is a barrel adjuster available, just as the cable leaves the brake handle assembly. Turn this clockwise or counter-clockwise to increase or reduce cable slack at the brake arms. Also, you may require additional tension on the brake arms themselves, to "pull" the arms away from the rim after you release the brake lever. If the tension is not sufficent, the arm will not return to its "inactive" state, and cause the shoe to rub on the rim. The stock "V" brakes are powerful. Definately a step up from the Caliper or Cantilever style systems. It sounds like they just need minor adjustment. In regards to swapping out components to a mechanical disc, yes, you will have to aquire new rims. The hub assembly is different for a disc-based braking system, than for traditional methods. Also, if you're considering disc, chances are you're planning to really tax your bike, and yourself with difficult trail riding. You'll want stiffer rims to take the punishment. Admittedly, a disc system does enhance one's ability to achive normal braking power under rain or snow. But IMO, it doesn't justify the cost.

The regular Gila T5 fork is preload adjustable. At this price range, the fork you're getting will be coil spring type. I noticed little difference between the Plus T5, and regular T5, on the pavement. There again, the bike shop may not have tweaked 'em perfectly. The regular T5s are supple, but with 100mm travel, I haven't bottomed out yet. I rode a great technical trail this past weekend, with some very steep drops, turning into steep ascents. Throw in some tight turns at speed, big root outcroppings on downhills, and other torturous stuff. My fork never bottomed out. For road use, it soaks up most of the imperfections. It will also improve handling over a bike with no suspension. Stalker, I'm sure you looked at the next model up, the Sport Disc. The main upgrades on that (for roughly $100 more) are your Plus T5 fork, mechanical disc brakes instead of "V-Pull", and slightly better cassette and hubs. I had really considered the Sport Disc, for those extra upgrades. Thing is, the regular Sport model just below it already has the disc brake eyelets as part of the frame. Basically, this bike is entirely upgradable. Slap on a better fork if you're gonna abuse it on the trail, and with time, you can swap out components for Deore or better and install a mechanical disc system, if you want. You still have a great frame. The upgrade option appealed to me, so I went with the regular Sport. Meh, that was a bit more ranting than you probably wanted. Do this: If you can get your hands on the Sport Disc, try out the Plus T5, then ride the regular T5s.

Gustav Holst - The Planets, etc. "Brook Green Suite, for strings, H. 190- No. 2, Air"

Riding a 2005 Specialized Hardrock I prefer technical singletracks. It's all about precision, agility, and concentration. Sure, I do some occational asphalt, when I wanna pack on 50 miles for a steady aerobic workout or two. I just prefer to ride with the lions and tigers and bears, oh my! *cough*

Gee, I'm a bit late. Guess that's what happens when ya don't check the forums daily. *sigh* Stalker, As Havok mentioned, I own the HardRock displayed in your post. Initially, I was set on a dual-suspension bike. However, after much research, I decided on a hardtail. Best decision I made. Price/Quality was the determining factor. I didn't have $1,800 USD to purchase my dream bike, with front and rear suspension. Additionally, trusting life and limb on bike that perhaps traded frame manufacturing quality and other crucial componets for the dual suspension aspect, didn't appeal to me. Hardtail it was. I checked out Trek, Fisher, Giant, Kestrel, Cannondale, GT, and Schwinn. Came to rest on the Specialized array of fine bicycles. They built what I was looking for, in the price range I could afford. So I ride the Hardrock. It's got a stout, yet (fairly) light frame. Components are hardy enough to take some fair abuse, and still crank out the fun. One thing that really surprised me, the front suspension makes a heck of a difference - more than I expected. Coupled with the well-built frame, this bike is very efficient. If I ever upgrade, I'm getting another Specialized hardtail. I've fallen in love, and it's great. Tires are fine. I've ridden in both single-track, technical trails, and paved asphalt. A little noisy on the road, due to width. Tire pressures range from 35-80psi though, for the "default" rubber.

GG'z dudes.

"Opps, I did it again." GG'z all ye who dared enter...

Astral Projection - Another World "Tryptomine Dream"

Thought about saving an old rig from certain death... K6-2 300MHz Socket 7 64MB of EDO S3 X2/3D 8MB VGA adapter No-name mobo 3GB Maxtor IDE 90 Watt PSU 4X flavor-of-the-week CD-ROM Crappy 15" monitor ...unfortunately, the dumpster had the last word. ####### interns. These days, I see a rigs thrown out the window, and think one of two things: 1) Add it to my home network in cluster config 2) Install GR, and see how badly it runs My first Ghost Recon experience was courtesy of an old Gateway - 750MHz AMD, 128MB PC100, 32MB TNT2, and a few other high-performance gizmos. It's an experience I'll never forget.

Metallica - St. Anger "Invisible Kid"

GG'z. All I gotta say is, "Infantry Rules!"

I'm tending to agree, CR6. Ran my primary rig with 512 for awhile. It was functional, but I notice more delay when running multiple applications concurrently. Decided to plug in another 512 module, and immediately gained satisfactory results. For the average "weekend user", 512 is a good starting point. Double that for the power user, and the typical gamer. 1.5GB would do nicely for those in graphics or video editing, or running those state-of-the-art games. 2GB - leave it for Pro-line stuff, and those crazy folks running dual Xeon procs in their home-built gaming rigs. 2GB certainly isn't excessive 18 months from now, just gotta give the software time to catch up. I noticed Windows tended to page more often with 512MB than at 1GB, however I tested the performance with VM disabled entirely. Obviously dependant on your application, but I noticed decreased latency for program execution and memory requests while inside the application. The application doesn't need to wait for the information typically paged to the hard disk, as it's loaded directly in memory. The downside is, obviously, if I sustained a system-wide crash, my probability of loosing pertinent data skyrockets. Just save more often, eh?

I bit the bullet and updated to SP2 as well. The "scared" feeling hasn't gone away yet. On the upside, 99% of my applications have tested negative for problematic side-effects...yay for patches. With regard to WK's topic, I haven't been able to duplicate it. Tried media from 3 different manufacturers. Quite peculiar indeed.

Gamespot omitted a choice... I'd suggest Google.

You're just plain evil, you know that ronin? But for public record, I voted Liv Tyler/Arwen. Hands-down.

What a deeply scandalous thing to post. Blasphemy. All respective parties should be taken out to a forest, smeared with various types of melted chocolate, and strung up by the legs. Let the wolves and bears have at 'em.

Actually, AGP isn't on the way out. As of today, the AGP bus is not fully utilized, even by the most high-end video cards. It's a solid infrastructure that has been proven. PCI-Express is still in development phases. You're looking at a technology that has yet to fully mature. As for SLI, that will prove to be cost prohibitive to most users. Your average Joe is not going to be thrilled with the idea of spending money for two video cards, for a possible increase in performance. No, SLI is reserved for those with excessive cash, or those that cling to technologies' edge. Dilligas, Get yourself a good AGP card, such as what NYR has suggested. I'm using the 9800 PRO, and it's amazing. It will run every game out there. Besides, by the time you want that high-end PCI-Express video card, you'll most likely consider upgrading the rest of your system to match it.

He's quite exuberant.

Wish I could join y'all. Should be a fun event, but...no Frag Dolls? And to think I almost hopped on a plane...sheesh. Can't wait to hear your report, bro. @ Serellan And I assumed you were posting this from a NYC hotel room. G'luck today.

Clicky First try.

Thanks for the update! *Might have to buy an XBOX to celebrate.* And for those impatiently waiting for the PC version... CHILL ! ! ! Will ya? It's coming. Really.