mckitterick: (computer - ENIAC)
mckitterick ([personal profile] mckitterick) wrote2010-05-25 04:42 pm
Entry tags:

GodMode

This is a really neat tool: GodMode for Windows 7. Here's how it works.

Yes, I finally bought a new computer, my first since... geez, the 1990s, I think. (Shut up.) I've been using an ancient computer my mom gave me after viruses fried the hard drive and memory, and a work laptop for mobile computing, upgrading their memory and video and everything else along the way. Well, when those both finally became unusable, and the English Department IT guy said that they didn't have a decent laptop that I could use, I figured it was time to buy a new machine.

After much research and deals-hunting, I got myself a wicked-fast and beautiful laptop so it could serve all my functions: work and class demonstrations, writing both at home and on the road, telescope imaging with my astro-camera, coffee-shop goofin' off, and so forth. This is not a tiny computer, at more than 15" wide and more than 10" deep, but I wanted awesomeness more than portability for how I use a computer.

Here are the technical details: lenovo IdeaPad Y550P (324156U). Processor: Intel Core i7 720QM running at 1.60GHz. 15.6" screen (and I attach an external LCD for multi-tasking). 4GB DDR3 1066 memory (expandable to 8GB). 500GB, 5400rpm hard drive. DVD±R/RW media drive. NVIDIA GeForce GT 240M 1GB GDDR3 dedicated video card that can output true-HD video (via the HDMI port) to an external monitor. LAN and WiFi Link 5300 802.11a/b/g/n connectivity. 6-cell lithium-ion batter that's reviewed to last between 3 and 3-1/2 hours, depending on use - that's pretty wow considering the hardware it's powering.

And it's pretty:


Click the image to see the story.


Anyhow, it comes with Windows 7, which seems pretty neat, and reviews say it's great and very secure, but it's taking some getting used to. So I went in search of the secret GodMode feature I heard about on the radio. Here's how it works:

Create a new folder and name it thus:

GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}

(No ohs, only zeroes.)

After you do that, the folder gets a cool icon that lets you know you can enter GodMode by opening it. Basically, this is an Uber-Control Panel that houses tons of control and configurations options all in one place. Super handy.

I'm at the office right now, installing software: Microsoft Office (KU has a deal for Office - only $10 for those with a KUID - and the same deal for Windows 7) and Sophos Anti-Virus.

I see that Sophos virus protection has finished installing; I'm off!

Best,
Chris

[identity profile] mckitterick.livejournal.com 2010-05-26 08:48 pm (UTC)(link)
Yes, I've been meaning to talk with you about the camera, but haven't seen you! I bought an adapter and extension tube(s) to mount it to the focuser, and tried all kinds of techniques, but it has a number of limitations that prevent me from getting any decent photos through a telescope. And one major limitation: It focuses on the projection screen, which requires a person, um, to remove one's glasses and use reading glasses or something, as compared to astro-cameras that send images to a computer. *sigh*

So I got myself an Orion deep space imager... that I haven't been able to try just yet, on account of the spring cyclone season. But soon! Also what motivated me to get a nicer laptop.

How can I get it back to you? Thanks for letting me give it a try - feel free to keep the astro-adapters if you think you could use 'em.

[identity profile] stuology.livejournal.com 2010-05-26 10:53 pm (UTC)(link)
You can do what is called shooting tethered, which means you can shot using a laptop connected to the camera via USB. However, I have no idea how your telescope/software work and if this is even feasible. The live preview of the 20Da was probably to overcome this.

It would be interesting to see if my 5D MarkII would work better, with the live preview. It also has much, much better low light capabilities.

I'm going to be making a Penzey's delivery to your house after I go there tomorrow. If you are home after 6:00pm, I can make the drop off then when I can stay for a bit since Mac will be home to keep the kids.

[identity profile] mckitterick.livejournal.com 2010-05-26 11:23 pm (UTC)(link)
That would be perfect! See you tomorrow.

[identity profile] stuology.livejournal.com 2010-05-27 04:18 pm (UTC)(link)
Let me know what the best time will be. Mac is usually home between 5:45 - 6:15.