Windows 7 (build 6956) -- Installation in VirtualBox hosted on Windows XP

Summary:
This mostly overviews my installation of Windows 7 (pre-beta) build 6956 in VirtualBox hosted on a Windows XP machine and the problems I had.

Disclaimer:
Windows 7 pre-beta is still under heavy development. Don't install on a machine which cannot safely crash. VirtualBox installations should be safe, but who can guarantee. This software is likely not legal for just anyone to use. It expires after 30 days of use. This should be used as an educational tool, if at all.

Links:
torrent link (as of 2008.12.11)
http://thepiratebay.org/torrent/4561592/Windows_7_Ultimate_Beta_Build_6956_32Bit_-_Watermark_Removed

VirtualBox link
http://www.virtualbox.org/

I'm a Windows user. Not because I think Windows is superior, just because I know it. Laziness. I've considered switching to Ubuntu or something...and want to, but I game occasionally. For those who do not know, (prepare for over-simplification) games designed using Direct X don't port well to other platforms. Games designed using OpenGL are far more easily ported to other platforms. Plus I am super familiar with loads of applications for Windows. But I digress.

I downloaded Windows 7 (pre-beta build 6956) using a bit-torrent client. After a few years, I'm still not comfortable with Vista because I've not been exposed to it very frequently (when repairing other folks' computers). Also, I've not had a good reason to install it myself. That said, I've read very positive pre-reviews of Windows 7 so I thought I'd get a head start on learning my way around. As to not risk my system, I thought I'd install it using VirtualBox (PC Virtualization software -- a 'software' computer, to put it simply).

Installing Windows 7 on my XP SP3 VirtualBox Host went without any major hitches. The only problem I ran into was using VirtualBox's dynamic sized hard-drive (where your virtual hard drive starts small and 'grows' as it needs to). I had to use a static hard-drive (I picked 20 GB).

Setup was a little easier, but I think I was complicating a relatively simple problem. The VirtualBox 'network adapter' wasn't recognized by Windows 7. After a little research, I tried to use the 'Guest Additions' .iso for VirtualBox. It had helped me overcome some problem with Ubuntu in the past. Windows 7 is not supported. After some more research, and a few other failed attempts, I realized that you can (with the Virtual Windows 7 powered down) adjust the 'network adapter' used by VirtualBox. The default one didn't work, but the following steps left me with a working network adapter and no futher problems with Windows 7 on VirtualBox:

• right click the Virtual Installation (in my case, I named it Windows 7) and click settings
• go to network
• change 'network adapter' to 'Intel/PRO 1000 MT Desktop'. The other settings should not be changed

Next time Windows 7 was started, it works fine. I allocated 1GB of ram and have a mid-range dual-core system and it runs great for me.

I hope no one spends as much time as I did on this problem, but if anyone has and didn't find an answer, I hope this helps with some resolution!

firefox 3 download party

So I didn't see any other Asheville hosts. I don't even have wireless enabled on my router...but I will, if the need should arise. I'll also have to clear this get together with my wife -- if, I am still here and haven't already packed up and headed to Connecticut for the rest of time.

The party is to commemorate the release of Firefox 3, of which I've heard good things. Most notably that it is faster (at interpreting HTML, i think) and has a smaller footprint (takes up less memory on your computer) than FF2 or every alternative in existence, i'm sure. Mozilla wants to set/break some type of downloads in a day record. There isn't one on file (for the Guinness Book), but FF2 apparently had about 2.5 million downloads on launch day. They are shooting for 5 this time.

Email me if you actually need to utilize my internet access. I'll totally open up the network for the day if necessary. Do your part...download.

Oh, you can pledge to download FF3 on the release date here:
http://www.spreadfirefox.com/en-US/worldrecord/
Obviously this pledge does not obligate you or condemn your soul to any bad place for failing to keep your pledge...but it does ensure that you will receive a prompt email the day of (or before) the FF3 release so you don't forget.

check out my (sub)domain

my options were pretty limited. i could do nicholaschapman.blogger or dotaloc.blogger, but I figure dotaloc, at least, will be there for all of time. and i wasn't sure why listendammit.blogger wasn't already taken. maybe i'm just lucky.

i don't know if i will use this, even though i like the idea. i'm still fighting getting a myspace page. atticus has one, but it's not the same. with myspace, you have to do bulletins, which i don't think is quite the same as this.

i've considered using this for hosting content for any tutorials / DIY guides i make. don't hold your breath.

i see it all the time, and realized that i had no idea what it meant. if ignorance has assailed you as it did me, check out what wikipedia has to say about [sic]