Unofficial Tex Murphy

OK thanks and will do.

nondaj wrote:SansGUI: Was reading your explanation of the term SansGUI and finding it fascinating though not quite sure I understand all the ramifications of same.

When working on Cisco Routers, Linux Servers, and other network equipment you commonly have to type everything there isn't a Point and Click Interface. It's very much like Starting DOSBox then having to type in commands. My signature was meant to be a parody of the "Sans Serif" Wikipedia entry.

nondaj wrote:Curious to know if what I am hearing is true re Vista, Windows 7, XP support ending.

Yes, XP consumer support will be ending. It happens with every OS not just Windows.

nondaj wrote:Friend of mine got new laptop with of course Vista. She hates Vista and from my brief look of same - would not have it on a bet! Hear MS rushed out Longhorn (Vista) too fast and now is trying to cover mistakes by coming out with Windows 7! True?

True, there is some "whispering" with Vista and Millennium in the same sentences. Unlike Millennium though, the majority of Vista's issues seem to stem from sub-par PC hardware configurations. Every new Windows release goes through driver support and compatibility issues. Although It usually doesn't take 4 months after a release to correct display issues with a built in game (Vista Ultimate + Nvidia = Flashing Graphics in Texas Hold'em).

nondaj wrote:Also hear that after 2010 there is no more XP support which means no more updates. True? Does that then mean that XP is more at risk security wise without such?

Partially True. Alot of businesses like Wells Fargo began converting to Windows XP about 8 months ago. They wouldn't do that to be less secure, but by 2010 they should be converting to Vista Enterprise. Updates created for businesses aren't always available through Windows Update. Most likely the only updates available over the next couple years to Windows XP will be for Internet Explorer 7, Media Player 11 and Compatibility for Server 2008 services. Always keep your antivirus software up to date.

nondaj wrote:I can remember windows 3.1 (always liked that format); so how long can MS go on making version after version after version (and incidentally making money) without any competition giving users some choices. OR why can't MS just improve their product, correct mistakes without having to 'reinvent the wheel' over and over again!

OR do I just not understanding all the mechanics of PCs?

I remember Windows 3.1, but preferred DOS 6.2.

There are alternatives like the MAC and Linux Desktops and they are gaining ground, but Microsoft has such a foothold in the OEM market (Dell, HP, Gateway) that nearly every PC is shipped with Windows. If you were a software developer you would want to produce software that the most people could buy, that'd be Windows.

Every new Windows Version has included support for newer technologies both Hardware and Software related (This is also true for the MAC and Linux). Microsoft has generate income to keep employees around to patch Windows (I'm going to stop there as it would be too complex as you would have to throw Research and Development and multiple product lines like MS Office into the equation).

Microsoft has, for the most part, been very good at balancing Performance/Capabilities vs Stability/Security in a "Ship it Now, Fix it Later" model at a value that consumer's have been willing to accept. It's also why interest in MAC's and Linux Distro's have been gaining popularity.

nondaj wrote:And with all such changes what happens to games in the Tex genre?

They become "abandonware". Rarely to be heard from again


Everything written here comes from my experiences, observations, biases, and "Whispering" friends.

That is so sad re the Tex games - will not Dosbox just update in order to play them or any new one that just might come out. So it might pay to hold onto one's PC with Win XP and when all changes occur just up and buy a new PC with whatever version Windows is out there.

Sounds like the Linus server would be like the old Dos when I was learning Basic as a computer language. Everything one did was typed in but of course they had no games then as I remember. At least I was not into them then. Gaming seemed to come about with Windows. I don't remember any graphics then either or was not on the internet. But tnen my class was learning a computer language not getting into anything else. I found that fascinating enough at the time. Was about to start learning Cobalt when Windows hit and after that computer language went down the drain - sadly because it was fun.

It really depends on the developers and what changes would have to be made to make it work. I feel pretty confident with DOSBox being around for awhile though.

If your Windows XP machine does what you want it to and reasonably quickly then I see no reason to to buy a new Windows Vista machine or Mac.

nondaj wrote:Sounds like the Linus server would be like the old Dos when I was learning Basic as a computer language. Everything one did was typed in but of course they had no games then as I remember. At least I was not into them then. Gaming seemed to come about with Windows. I don't remember any graphics then either or was not on the internet. But tnen my class was learning a computer language not getting into anything else. I found that fascinating enough at the time. Was about to start learning Cobalt when Windows hit and after that computer language went down the drain - sadly because it was fun.

Actually you might be surprised. Did you see my short video I put together of the Ubuntu 8.04 Linux Desktop to show the video quality of UAKM inside DOSBox?

Here is the video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5P8ObheputE

Your video was absolutely amazing - UAKM more clear there than on my windows XP. It is quite grainy on XP and supposed this was the nature of it in DosBox on XP. Not so? My video card is a GeForce 6800.

Oh not not in the market for a new PC or new OS. Am just very curious about PCs, programs, OSs and though I often struggle to understand what the info is all about, it does not dampen my enthusiasm or curiosity about anything in the tech world about PCs.

Would dearly love a laptop but not sure I want Vista on it - suppose I would learn it eventually. Right now expenses are the biggest factor keeping me from exploiting my curiosity otherwise I might be one of those people who have OSs on various PCs sitting in a big room somewhere

And had time/money would just go back to school to take PC courses and really get in on the bottom floor of understanding it all

Thank you.

I'm not sure about the graininess you have, but I don't believe the 6800 would be the cause.

I'm fortunate in that I get to work with alot of different hardware and software. Let's me experiment with my curiosity.

I would love a good laptop, the two that I have are really only good for connecting to network and phone equipment. They're too slow for anything else. For the cost of a good laptop I could build 2 - 3 good desktop computers.

Could spend a fortune on a PC and all the 'toys' that can go with it! I am just so fortunate that it all exists. Some days my ailments are such that doing anything is a real chore but the mind remains restless and in need of stimulation - what better way than a PC with all its possibilities to keep one interested. So back to Tex and other challenges

What is your 'keeping head above water' job? I am a teacher at our community college and they just now have implemented PCs in the classroom with some software to use same. Am eager to give it all a try when I return in the fall semester.

Basically, I'm just a contracted IT guy.

One of my current projects is designing and implementing a VOIP Server for http://www.lights-camera-action.net/. I also do work for Wells Fargo and a few schools in AZ.

Your work sounds interesting. Not many jobs out there nowadays that seem to challenge people and keep them interested enough to do quality work. May be judging too harshly but I grew up in an era when service, products and customer satisfaction were prime targets within which to achieve some excelllence. But of course customer demands of 'I want it all and I want it NOW' plus 'I'm going to sue' were not foremost in people's emotions and minds.

Soon as I finish UAKM and then tackle Pandora when it arrives, I want to go way back to try
Martian Memorandum and Mean Streets. Understand they are quite different than Access's later games for Tex. Do they need to be done in DosBox also do you know?

Will be asking questions about this game now so should I start a new thread?

Will ask first question here and if needs transferring please do so.

Am working on day 1 but for some reason cannot get the Louie in the dinner to give Tex the chocolate pie for the Bum. I notice that my inventory now has the word 'more' attached to it but I cannot access anything there. So not sure if I have a glitch or have forgotten something.

Have all the data entered into the Crime Link computer but did so not in the same sequence as a WT that I finally consulted. Does this make some difference? Do not like to use WTs so I wander about and usual do all things way out of sequence re most WTs.

The game came, it came! So soon as I finish UAKM will be on to Pandora. This was my first EBay transaction so not clear what to expect. The game did not seem to be new but yet it does seem to be in very good condition.

Not sure whether I should have expected new discs from such an old game.

You expect what the Seller said in the Auction... If he said they were Good Discs, then you should expect them to be Good... Either way, as long as they aren't Cracked, we should hear Good News from you when you attempt to play it...

Unless I missed something - nothing was said on the site re the discs as to new, used, condition etc. So should try it out soon I suppose to see how it goes. Keep you all posted.

Hey hey have received new discs of Pandora and am off and running in the game! However, I do not understand. The same thing is happening to me with these new discs that happened with my old ones when they were working.

The game does not begin at the beginning. It has Tex in his bedroom ready to leave to talk with Chelsee where he makes a date with her. The whole scene where he meets the guy in the Brew and Stew, where he and Chelsee where having a chat - that has all been skipped.

What have I missed here or did wrong? So far everything else seems OK.

Will continue to search myself for why I am not beginning at the beginning when I return from my vacation in two weeks.

Try Deleting your Player and creating a New one... I think the "Very First" Opening scene is only for New Players...