Laptop

It's time for a question from my mailbag. Tom E. writes: "How do you install an OS (operating system) on a laptop that does not have one? I have the installation disc that came with my emachines - it is XP Media edition. Could that be installed on a laptop? This is something new for me. " There are several ways to install an operating system on a laptop without one. But first off, what brand and model of laptop is it? Do you know what the original OS was that was installed on the laptop?

Last week, Hewlett-Packard launched its ultra-mobile mini laptop - the 2133 Mini-Note. The Mini-Note features a Via C7-M 1.6 GHz processor, 2GB RAM, a 120GB 7200 rpm hard drive, an 8.9 inch display with 1280x768 resolution, ethernet, Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11 a/b/g WiFi. The laptop comes pre-loaded with the choice of SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10, Windows Vista Business or Vista Home Basic. What set this ultra portable laptop apart from others is the large amount of RAM, the use of Vista as an OS, and also the near-full-size keyboard.

LANCASTER - After Judge-Executive John Wilson told Coroner Daryl Hodge during Monday night's meeting, "I found your money, but you may not like it ...," a tense exchange followed. Wilson told Hodge the county does not need two deputy coroners, and should cut one to pay for his laptop computer. Hodge had just asked the court to pay for the new item, which could cost between $700 and $900. He said statewide reports are based on data bases or electronic reports, which he cannot access.

Gaming consoles were among the top items received during the holiday season. Most of the gaming systems offer users the capability of accessing the Internet via a wireless or ethernet connection. This week's column will focus on getting an Xbox 360 console online to access Xbox Live using a wireless network through a laptop. Microsoft has a wireless network adapter that Xbox users can purchase for about $100. However, in our tough economic times, who has $100 to throw away? Especially when there are other options that won't cost users any extra cash.

Hacking contests sponsored by big-named companies are common occurrences in the tech world. This type of competition enables companies to see how well their products would fare in a real-world environment. The goal is to see how secure their products are against being compromised by hackers. One such contest recently was held during a three-day competition called "PWN2OWN," which ran March 26-28 in Canada. The competition - which took place during the CanSecWest 2008 Applied Security Conference - pitted operating systems platforms against one another.

WINCHESTER POLICE Reports - At 1:50 p.m. Thursday, a person reported a cooler with medication and laptop computer stolen from a camper at 23 Goldie Ave. - At 9:47 p.m. Thursday, a woman reported that her former boyfriend was causing trouble at her residence, 1200 Fulton Road, and stole $400 from her. Charged - Carl Matthew Proven, 32, of Columbia, Mo., was charged Thursday with theft by unlawful taking.

By now, most Internet users have learned about the online social community hotspot called MySpace. But did you know there is a similar community online aimed at local churches? It's called MyChurch and it aims to help you find, connect and grow your church community. MyChurch includes eight great tools to help keep your congregation connected online. Bulletins can keep your members updated with announcements and prayer requests. The Mail Center helps you keep in contact with family and members privately.

BURGIN - Tuesday was not the first time Burgin Police Chief Jim Caldwell had arrested Michael Devine, but it was the first time Devine allegedly tried to run over the chief with his car. Caldwell said his office received a call about 2:30 p.m. Tuesday that a laptop computer belonging to Melinda Wolford had been stolen from a home on Sycamore Street. A neighbor saw Devine, 32, and his girlfriend, Angela Moore, allegedly drive up to the house and leave with the stolen property.

Lingus.tv is a new television Web channel dedicated to teaching Spanish as a foreign language. The project was filmed in various parts of Spain, and it offers a window into the culture and lifestyle of Spain. Lingus.tv offers a self-service type of teaching. Users of the site have a video library of contents offered on three levels - beginner, intermediate and advanced. Lingus.tv bases its teaching method on a sitcom. The episodes are presented using everyday life situations to help its users relate to it. This method allows the teaching to be given in a funny and entertaining way. Each episode of the series lasts two minutes long and features Spanish sub-titles.

Ephraim McDowell Health has launched a redesigned website that makes looking for health information, finding a physician, or even paying your hospital bill, more convenient. The new site, http://www.emhealth.org , has several enhanced features and offers a fresh look that is easier to navigate. The features include a listing of all services offered at EMH, online bill pay, a physicians directory, a link to health information and, in the near future, a mobile application for convenient access to the site from your cell phone and convenient pre-registration.

WINCHESTER¿POLICE Charged - Mario Molina, 35, no address given, was charged Saturday with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of intoxicants, no operator's license and reckless driving. - Devon Sutton, 21, no address given, was charged Friday with fleeing/evading police on foot, first degree, and was served a warrant. - Brandon S. West, 21, no address given, was charged Friday wih first-degree possession of a controlled substance (second offense); drug paraphernalia- advertisement, two counts; and possession of marijuana.

Dell has made a significant return to the Linux arena. While the company has never completely abandoned the Linux community, they had cut back on Linux offerings during the last three or four years. However, lately, this trend seems to be taking a significant change of direction.  The company recently announced the launching of two new high-end Linux laptops, a 15-inch Dell Precision M4700 and a 17-inch Dell Precision M6700. The Linux operating system offered on the laptops will be Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)

WINCHESTER POLICE Reports - At 1:50 p.m. Thursday, a person reported a cooler with medication and laptop computer stolen from a camper at 23 Goldie Ave. - At 9:47 p.m. Thursday, a woman reported that her former boyfriend was causing trouble at her residence, 1200 Fulton Road, and stole $400 from her. Charged - Carl Matthew Proven, 32, of Columbia, Mo., was charged Thursday with theft by unlawful taking.

BURGIN - Tuesday was not the first time Burgin Police Chief Jim Caldwell had arrested Michael Devine, but it was the first time Devine allegedly tried to run over the chief with his car. Caldwell said his office received a call about 2:30 p.m. Tuesday that a laptop computer belonging to Melinda Wolford had been stolen from a home on Sycamore Street. A neighbor saw Devine, 32, and his girlfriend, Angela Moore, allegedly drive up to the house and leave with the stolen property.

HARRODSBURG - Harrodsburg police are looking for the person who allegedly broke a Mercer County man's jaw during an assault on Sunday. Officer Brian Hislope conducted a traffic stop at 2:30 a.m. Sunday and found the passenger in the vehicle, Jeffrey Benton, 25, was being taken to James B. Haggin Hospital to be checked out. Benton told Hislope that he had been assaulted earlier by an unknown male. Hislope later learned from hospital staff that Benton suffered a fractured jaw in the incident.

Ephraim McDowell Health has launched a redesigned website that makes looking for health information, finding a physician, or even paying your hospital bill, more convenient. The new site, http://www.emhealth.org , has several enhanced features and offers a fresh look that is easier to navigate. The features include a listing of all services offered at EMH, online bill pay, a physicians directory, a link to health information and, in the near future, a mobile application for convenient access to the site from your cell phone and convenient pre-registration.

LANCASTER ? Two people were recently indicted by a Garrard County grand jury. They were: Charlie Sparks, 39, Berea, manufacturing methamphetamine, receiving stolen property for allegedly having a stolen laptop and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia on Nov. 27. Bond was set at $2,500. Deputy Brandon Conley testified before the grand jury. John Chris Fields, 45, 2459 Fisher Ford Road, receiving stolen property, tampering with evidence, unlawful transaction with a minor and possession of marijuana for allegedly having stolen money and a safe, and assisting a minor in the commission of a felony on Nov. 30. Bond was set at $5,000.

Teachers at Bate Middle and Danville High schools are bringing the real world to the classroom. Students will benefit from a supplemental technology grant made available through Striving Readers and the Kentucky Content Literacy Consortium. Bate was awarded $25,000, and DHS received $19,333, said Kathy Belcher, Striving Readers project director. Twenty-three schools in seven school districts in Kentucky were able to benefit from the grant, which totaled $522,021. Belcher asked literacy coaches at each school to submit proposals about how technology would help them improve the reading level of students.

WINCHESTER POLICE Charged ? Shawn M. Epperson, 23, of 133 Amiens Blvd., was charged Wednesday with fraudulent use of a credit card. ? Lazaro Castillo, 34, of 221 Third St., was charged Wednesday for having a vicious dog. ? Staci W. Brown, 25, of 504 Acadia Way, was charged Wednesday with failure to illuminate lights and failure to maintain insurance. ? Crystal L. Cundiff, 23, of 230 Vaught Drive was charged Wednesday with speeding, no registration plates, driving under the influence and possession of marijuana.

Gaming consoles were among the top items received during the holiday season. Most of the gaming systems offer users the capability of accessing the Internet via a wireless or ethernet connection. This week's column will focus on getting an Xbox 360 console online to access Xbox Live using a wireless network through a laptop. Microsoft has a wireless network adapter that Xbox users can purchase for about $100. However, in our tough economic times, who has $100 to throw away? Especially when there are other options that won't cost users any extra cash.