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. . . December 4 , 2005 Show Notes continued
Software Compatibility with Older Hardware
If you check the web sites of just about every utility, productivity and game maker out there, you will likely find a hardware compatibility list. This is particularly true for software makers that develop products which have specific hardware loads. Once you get to the software maker's web site, do a search for "compatibility list" or "system requirements" and you'll almost always find the information you need. With so much of this kind of information available online, there's no reason for anyone to purchase something without checking compatibility first.
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Memory Stick Pro & the Belkin Media Reader for iPod
Let's settle this once and for all (and we even added an addendum to our original review of the product): the Memory Stick Pro will not work consistently with the Belkin device. During the review period, we had some luck reading old (original) Memory Stick Pro cards, but there's absolutely no way to use any of the newer Memory Stick Pro cards with the Belkin Media Reader for iPod.
Firmware Updates
Several podcast listeners and review readers have asked us if it's possible to force compatibility in certain situations by downgrading the firmware in a device. The short answer is no. Although older computer BIOS chips could be accidentally downgraded, that sort of thing hasn't been possible for many years. As well, even if firmware updaters permitted downgrading in the first place, the resulting loss of bug fixes, feature improvements and other important things would be lost. That's not worth any perceived benefit from a downgrade. Don't do it.
Should You Leave It Turned On?
It's the computer question of the ages. The definitive answer these days has more to do with energy conservation than the usable life of your computer or laser printer. Shutting down your devices will save a lot of energy every year, and that amounts to money in your pocket. A computer and laser printer that are shut down every night (or whenever) are also obviously devices that can't be remotely hacked. But it's doubtful that a computer you're going to use for 3 years or so will be materially better because you shut it down every night. Beyond three years of age, your computer is far more likely to develop other problems which will definitely affect its stability and usability. If you turn it off, you'll save energy and help lower your electricity bill.
Download the KSN Revue - Podcast 30 - December 4, 2005
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