Web News: P-to-P Blocking, Social Networking, CNET Buyout
Readers discuss ISPs that filter peer-to-peer sharing, social networking tips, and CBS's buyout of CNET.Does your ISP have a BitTorrent blockade? Read our article, then discuss the issue with other readers. Opinions seem pretty heated.
What are the most annoying things about social networking? We've listed our top ten, but we want you to tell us what annoys you the most.
CBS is buying CNET for $1.8 billion. Is this a good thing or a bad thing for CNET, and for you, the reader? Share your concerns with us.
Popular stories this week include the three we've featured, plus Windows XP service pack issues and really buggy computers. To vote for your own favorites, click one of the thumbs-up icons on an article's page.
We end with product reviews from users like you. Have you gotten any new high-tech goodies recently? Let us and your fellow PC World readers know what you think of them. Go to PCW Shop & Compare to search for your gear and add a review.
Note: To use our interactive features, such as adding comments to discussions, voting in the weekly poll, and contributing your own product reviews, you must be signed in to the PC World Web site. (Not registered? You can sign up online.) However, you can view the discussion threads and poll results without being signed in.
Elude Your ISP's BitTorrent Blockade
redofromstart says: Nice try at the ol' straw man game, Mr. Spring, but the issue isn't whether BitTorrent users are downloading copyrighted content, it's their impact on the overall network and all the users who aren't greedy infantile narcissists.
Rtfire1 says: The issue is people that are paying for legit service are getting screwed. I pay for a fast up and down speed. I use it for watching TV that I pay for and downloading shareware or files I paid for with my money. For them not to let me do something I am paying for is bull poop.
Elver says: The writer of this article has hit the nail on the head right here. The hook drew me in because I too have been shut down by RoadRunner, and lied to by their tech support. Mr. Spring obviously is a problem solver because after reading his article I am confident that I will be able to outwit the halfwits at Roadrunner who are ripping me off. Also this article has encouraged me to educate myself further on this matter
Mcbarker says: If you are paying for a 10 mbps download speed, you should get a 10 mbps download speed, no matter what programs you use. If your ISP wants to slow down your service because you're using BitTorrent (or any other P2P network), it should be stated up front in the ISP's Terms of Service. Otherwise, it seems to me that they are ignoring their own TOS, and are essentially breaking the law by fraudulently and deliberately slowing down your service. Wouldn't it be better for them to be upfront about this instead of this cloak-and-dagger crap that they hide behind, lying to customers?
Read the posts in this thread and contribute your own opinion.
The Top 10 Social Networking Annoyances
GeekNews says: Add to the list all those stupid add-on apps they are now creating and you've hit the majority of my personal annoyances. How many times a day do I need a comment from someone telling me they "bought me" or "you are worth"?
Kilme says: This reminds me why I don't use MySpace anymore. Facebook is much better, but it still isn't that great. I just use it to keep in touch with friends that don't live near me. I find Facebook to be less spammy and has less random invites from people I've never heard of. The applications in Facebook are annoying indeed, but no one is forcing you to install them. No vampire-ninja parties for me I suppose.
Pooch says: I dropped Facebook because of its spam, its contenders for the most friends (someone I know has over 800 people on his list), its dumb applications, its bad-by-default privacy policy, and most of all, its movement outside of academia and company networks that allowed it to become just as bad as MySpace only in different ways. I prefer to rely on e-mail, phone calls, and meeting people in the pub now.
Sjeldich says: MySpace is the worst. Facebook seems to be less intrusive or the better term "not as social" as MySpace. There's just too many "what if's" involved with MySpace.
Read the posts in this thread and contribute your own opinion.
CBS to Buy CNET Networks for $1.8 Billion
Keeter says: I really dislike moves like this. As they said they want increased traffic to their site, yet they target the wrong audience. I am a member of CNET and Techrepublic, and we're not exactly the CBS kind of crowd.
Silentcon says: CNET is way better than CBS.
Bellelyly says: How CBS bought a company like CNET is beyond me... CBS should take care of better programming on TV than going tech. I don't think this will be so great. Too bad. I like CNET and have used the site for over 10 years. If I am bothered with a bunch of nonsense with CBS banners etc., I will go to other sites.
Read the posts in this thread and contribute your own opinion.
Top 5 Most Recommended
Recent Product User Reviews
JVC GZ-MG155 30GB Hard Drive Camcorder: Its menus are easy to use, and there's no need to preserve disc or tapes as it has a 30GB hard drive. It's got a good optical zoom of 34X. I have purchased an extra battery JVC brand 823), which lasts for almost 4 hours. Bottom line: You need an extra battery, poor still photo, lack of optical stabilization, and you need a tripod for using the 34X zoom.Read more reviews and write your own.
Spell Checker for OE: Thank you so much for filling this gaping hole left by Microsoft in the OE7 program!Read more reviews and write your own.
XFX GeForce 8800 GT Video Card: This card is great. I tossed it into my custom-built Dell XPS 630i and it has yet to disappoint me.Read more reviews and write your own.
FileKeeper Pro: FileKeeper Pro may be okay at backing up your precious files, but it has a ferocious activation system that will not allow you to activate more than once on the same PC. Technical support is patronizing, dismissive, and unhelpful. Avoid this product if you ever plan to reinstall your operating system or if you wish to purchase software from a supportive vendor.Read more reviews and write your own.
Samsung CLP-300 Laser Printer: I purchased this printer to print graphics on glossy DVD labels. This printer does a lousy job. The labels are laser compatible but the printer doesn't measure up. The labels come out with bubbles, then the surface cracks or toner comes off.Read more reviews and write your own.
Kellie Parker is the PC World Forums online community manager. You can sign up to have the Community Scoop newsletter e-mailed to you each week.
Kellie Parker, PC World