Nikon
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Posts posted by Nikon
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I don't know where you get your info from....
I stand corrected on the fact that they actually do stock some product! Thanks for the heads-up on that one.
I still stand behind my statement regarding the Acer laptops though, simply because of my dealings with larger distributors than newegg, and the information I was provided with. While this situation may still not be occuring, due to newegg possibly being able to get a direct distribution deal with Acer, this was the situation when I last bought Acer units. My information is a few months old, so who knows?
edited to add:
I've e-mailed Anandtech regarding this article, to see if I can glean some information regarding just how long Newegg has actually had physical storage facilities for their business. Since they've only been in business since 2001, I would really like to know just how much of their business model results from their own stock, or if they do in fact still do quite a bit of drop-shipping. One of the distributors I use, who were the ones informing me of their drop-shipping for Newegg, has been in business since 1980, and has a very large presence in the United States and Latin America. Their stock and shipping statistics far outstrip those of Newegg's, believe me.
Please don't take this as me knocking Newegg, because I'm not. I've used them myself for personal purchases in the past, because they were selling at a better price than I could get via the same distributor myself! It really all amounts to buying power, and I'm certainly not even in the same league as Newegg. I'm merely trying to illustrate where my statement concerning e-tailers stems from, and how the majority in fact stock absolutely nothing. While Newegg does not 100% embody this statement, I most certainly believe that they do not, in fact, stock everything they sell.
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degoba,
Sorry to hear you've had bad luck with newegg. I've used them a couple of times in the past with good results, but unfortunately, there are those occasions when policy and satisfaction collide. If you paid for the order with a credit card, call your credit card company, and file a chargeback with them. The chances are very good that they will return your money. Yes, newegg's policy states the no refund approach, but ultimately, it's up to the credit card company (if used) to decide if you as a consumer deserve the reimbursement. If you really want the money back, and you used a credit card, I'd pursue that avenue first. If you didn't use a credit card, then you're unfortunately at their mercy. If nothing else, just remember to spend your future consumer dollars elsewhere.
Since I happen to know where newegg actually gets their laptops from, I can shed a little light on the turn around time. Newegg is a 'drop ship' retailer, meaning they don't actually stock any product. They setup accounts with various distributors, or even manufacturers themselves, to have the product drop-shipped to you upon order. This is the main reason online stores can beat the crap out of a brick-and-mortar business; they don't have to have anything on hand. No investment in stock.
Anyway, I used to buy Acer laptops from the same distributor that Newegg uses, and that distributor gets them from Acer. So, you're dealing with 2 middlemen in this whole situation. So, you send your laptop back...it goes to Newegg for inspection...then if they find it defective, they send it back to the distributor...who also then inspects it, and if they find it defective, it goes back to Acer for a possible third inspection, and replacement. That's why it takes so long. Yes, you get the superior price of the online vendors, but you take the beating in service turn-around times due to this business model.
When using a local vendor, yes, you're again dealing with another middleman, but with an important difference; they usually stock the item on-hand, and will usually have technical support staff in place to quickly evaluate your problem, and give you a replacement right away if there's a defect found. You probably know all of this, but I thought I would just illustrate the differences for those that didn't.
Now, as an aside, if you had directly contacted Acer technical support, you may have actually gotten faster service regading repairs. I know for a fact that Acer does a lot of 'hot swap' replacements on defective units. This means that they will advance-ship you a replacment unit, if phone-based troubleshooting determines that there is a defect with the product. When you get the replacement unit from them, you simply ship back your defective one in the box the replacement arrived in. I've done this many times myself with them, but I don't know what their current policy is with newegg purchases.
Anyway, it sucks when this happens, and I hope you get this sorted out to your satisfaction soon! Hopefully all my blathering may have given you some assistance.
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As Harrison said, "Hosting companies are responsible for data integrity."
From an ethical standpoint, it would be nice if all hosting companies did this. However, from a legal and contractual standpoint, unless it's in writing, it is not guaranteed. Period. That's how business is run.
If the company cannot provide a stable platform for your data OR backups, then you're really SOL. And that's what FileFarmer did. They could not provide access to the hak5.tv domain, so Darren couldn't even access the forum database, or remote backups. All he has is an outdated local backup. "Well, why didn't he backup more often?", you ask? Because it's a lot harder to download a backup over a cable/DSL line than it is for the host to backup to mag tape locally automatically with a cronjob. So Nikon, don't defend them because you are in the same industry.It wasn't the hak5.tv domain they couldn't provide access to, it was the server hosting the data that the hak5.tv domain record pointed to. The domain is irrelevant. If I give you the i.p. address of a server your data is on, and you have a login and password, you can retreive your data.
Regarding backups; do you treat the data stored on your own computer in this manner? Who's responsible for that? Like I said before, if your data is so mission critical, you shouldn't be relying on a single backup solution, don't you think? To me, your statement seems more based on laziness, with sole reliance on a webhost to ensure your own data integrity, rather than implementing a solid backup plan.
I'll also state again; read my original post before deciding just whom I'm defending here. I hate to point out the obvious, but I said that Hak5 should consider another host. The point of my initial post was that part of the responsiblity for ensuring a solid backup plan lies with the persons whose site is in question. Please stop trying to attack me personally. If you'd like to argue business ethics, we can do that elsewhere. I'd love to have you show me how you run your successful business. I'm always up for a good discussion with other business owners. By the way, are you one?
Now take Dreamhost. They have a three teired backup system. Hourly backups are made to a local HD, which is physically disconnected between backups. And daily backups of every machine are made to tape stored offsite, on a weekly rotation. And finally, a RAID-5 harvester keeps 2 weeks of backups. Those backup snapshots can be accessed by the user directly, or dreamhost customer support can restore the files for you. And they're cheaper than you, Nikon!
(not fair, I know; you're a reseller, so different market)I will not comment on Dreamhost, as I haven't evaluated them personally as a company, and have heard as many complaints as praise regarding them thus far. But again, I would consider all of such comments heresay, because unless you've been with a company for a good period of time, and have had to call on all of their services, how can you possibly have a solid understanding of how good or bad they are? I've been on both sides of the hosting equation over the past 8 years, and I've got plenty of interesting stories about 'customer service' from the so-called 'big dogs'.
The argument that webhosts shouldn't be responsible because it is an industry with tight margins is BS. There should be a standard level of reliability and redundancy built-in. If you charge a little more because your customer service is more accessible (usually the largest cost for a webhost), then that's fine. That's a legitimate market; users who need more one-on-one assistance and are willing to pay for it.Since I've got first-hand experience running a business in this 'industry', I'll again refer to my earlier comment regarding us discussing business ethics. I'd love to know how the company you own is doing. From the comments here, it sounds like you're the expert! I'm always open to commentary from those 'in the trenches'. PM me if you want to talk shop sometime. :)
But if you sacrifice basic data integrity and a weak backup schedule so you can charge less than the next guy, than you won't be in business for long.And Nikon, I'm sure your hosting and graphics community are great; just don't go defending FileFarmer. :)
There's a hell of a lot more that goes into pricing structure than just data integrity, I assure you, and I've watched more than one 'successful' company go down in flames due to factors beyond anything you've even touched upon. Being fair and honest with your customers is paramount to success in any business, and informing your customers of just what they can expect from you goes a long way in establishing solid working relationship. Thus, as I've mentioned before, companies publish a 'Terms Of Service' document that is as clear and concise as possible, so that customers reading it will understand what will be provided for them, and what will not. Web hosting has always been a turbulent industry, and even when you think you know who's behind the wheel, you may be surprised to find out that you truly don't.
My point all along has been BUYER BEWARE, nothing more. For my contributions and commentary, my business, which I most certainly don't go out of my way to advertise here, was given the impression of being unreliable or unworthy. You are the one who took the position that I was defending Filefarmer. How could I, when I don't know all the details? That's simply preposterous. However, it didn't stop you from jumping on the assumptions bandwagon. I'm here because I enjoy the show, and simply wished to contribute something to this community, in whatever small way I can. However, if you're happier with bashing people and businesses without a basis in fact, I think my time is best invested elsewhere.
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Either block computer (3) at your router by i.p. or MAC adddress, or simply don't set a gateway address on computer (3). It will still be able to see the computers on the network, but will not be able to get online.
Now, the gateway trick only works if the person using computer (3) doesn't know what the gateway address is, and has a burning desire to get ON the internet.
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Why wouldn't you have the DVD polished? There are a lot of places that repair scratches on CDs and DVDs using commercial polishers for a small fee. The whole blowtorch thing sounds pretty freakish.
Is the DVD scratched on the top (label) side, or the bottom (clear) side?
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What's that white box in the lower-right, by the table leg?
My guess is that it's a subwoofer.
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Hmmm....after seeing metatron's posting, I hope this doesn't turn into a 'Rate My Rack' thread!
Oh, here's mine:
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I guess we know not to use your hosting company, given your stance on the "responsibility of the provider".
www.creationstorm.com = backups are your problem!
It's interesting that you choose to try and attack me like that. Seeing that you know nothing about how my business is run, or how how my clients are treated. Nice assumption. At least I know to disregard any of your future posts as coming from someone who opens their mouth, before they attempt to think.
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I concur. :D
I have to admit I really did notice this very fact during Episode 8, as it seemed like we as viewers were not being engaged directly, as I have seen in past episodes. Embrace da kamerah! :D
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Hosting companies are responsible for data integrity.
Only if their publically listed 'Terms Of Service' explicitly state that, or if you have a written contract to that effect. Unless they specifically state that data integrity and backups are their responsibility, they are not legally or ethically obliged to provide that service.
Since 'hosting' companies provide many different levels of services, they have to be pretty clearly defined. Don't assume anything. Unless it's in writing, in a signed contract, it is not legally enforcable. Period. A lot of companies specifically charge for backup and restoration services, so making the assumption that all companies include that kind of service could lead to your own set of woes, should things go south.
Yes, while it's true that a hosting company is in the best position to provide backup services, as I've said above, they are not obligated to provide those unless you have a prior service agreement with them.
If you wish to place 100% faith in your hosting provider to pull your ass out of the fire if something happens all the time, I wish you the best of luck. Since anyone with a degree of experience with computers will know that it isn't a matter of if something goes wrong, rather when it will go wrong.
My point was that ultimately it is your responsibility to make sure your data is backed up safely. If you're not willing to take any responsiblity for it, then you're reliant upon whatever mechanisms are in place with your provider.
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While it's easy to blame a host, and I'm of the opinion that the Hak.5 crew may need to seek services elsewhere, let's not forget that problems can and do happen with any hosting service you pick. It's just inevitable.
The thing to keep in mind here as well, is that it's also the client's responsibility to make backups of their data. I don't know about you, but I most certainly would be making regular backups of all my hosting data, if I couldn't afford to lose it. Don't you agree? Some degree of responsibility has to be accepted by the team here as well.
It sucks to lose data, and to have to start over, but nothing in life is guaranteed folks!
(not fair, I know; you're a reseller, so different market)
I WILL BE RUNNING LINUX SOON AND LINUX ONLY!!!
in Hak5
Posted
Hey guys,
Just to give you some further clarification on Windows XP licensing, you should also know that there's a difference in usage allowances between retail versions of XP (which come in the retail box), and the OEM versions (meaning, pre-installed on systems, or just the bare CD/license, purchased with hardware).
The RETAIL version of Windows XP (home/pro), can be used on ANY one machine. So, if you have it installed on system A, you cannot run it on system B until it has been un-installed from system A. Don't forget, you'll have to go through the whole activation procedure as well, so keep that in mind.
The OEM version of Windows XP (home/pro) can ONLY be used on the computer on which is was ORIGINALLY installed and activated on. Period. If you have it installed on system A, and want to run it on system B, this is NOT ALLOWED even if you remove it from system A. Yes, I realize this is ridiculous, but it gets even better; According to new changes to the EULA on Windows XP OEM products, if you change the MOTHERBOARD in a system, and it was NOT because of a hardware failure (ergo: you changed the motherboard as an upgrade), you're supposed to buy a new license! How's THAT grab you?
Since I build computers for sale in my day job, this struck me as quite ludicrous. Essentially, what Microsoft is saying, is that if you bought a new Dell, HP, Alienware, et-al, and after a year, decided to swap out the motherboard to upgrade, WITHOUT CHANGING ANYTHING ELSE in the system, they want you to buy a new windows license. What a crock of shit.
Of course, as I mentioned above, this crap only applies to OEM versions of XP....not the RETAIL versions. If you've got a retail (boxed) version, you can do what you like with it, as long as it's only on one machine.
OS/X looks more and more appealing everyday...
I'm a supporter of the UNIX operating systems as well, but my major gripes with them have been the huge amount of work that needs to be done to get good, solid multimedia functionality working, and the fact that if you're a gamer, you're going to have a tough time of it. Granted OS/X isn't going to help gamers either, but at least it's a mainstream O/S that's gaining more and more hardware support.
I for one will be VERY happy when there's a truly viable alternative to Winblows...