computer_guy's definitions

sansa

A digital audio/video player made by SanDisk, which also includes an FM radio, voice recorder, and image viewer. A Sansa is cheaper than an iPod, but is way better for the money.

By installing RockBox on your Sansa, you can add games, applications, and more. Also, with RockBox, a Sansa can actually play videos longer than 10 minutes in length and can play MPEG files with much better compression than the default firmware's MJPEG-in-MOV files.

My $80 Sansa can do more than your $250 iPod Nano.

by computer_guy September 29, 2008

product key

A string of numbers and letters used to identify a software product and make sure that the user is using a valid copy. Sometimes referred to as a CD key.

I had to type in the 25-digit Windows XP product key in TWICE cause I mistyped one letter.

I bet Windows 2099 will require users to enter a 200-digit product key and then re-confirm it.

by computer_guy February 18, 2008

software piracy

The act of illegally copying and distributing commercial software. Software piracy can range from simply letting a friend "borrow" a CD-ROM to actually selling pirated software and passing it off as genuine.

Software companies employ various methods to fight piracy, including product activation and CD keys.

My friend let me borrow his Office CD; I accepted, even though this was software piracy.

Those guys selling copies of Windows Vista Ultimate for $15 a copy are guilty of software piracy.

by computer_guy February 18, 2008

aero

The new interface in Windows Vista. Aero uses hardware rendering, and thus is smoother than previous Windows interfaces. It allows application windows to have translucent borders, and allows you to flip through your windows in 3D.

Aero was originally an acronym for "Authentic, Energetic, Reflective, Open". However this acronym has been dropped.

Aero requires a premium edition of Vista (Home Premium, Business, Ultimate), at least 1GB of RAM, and a 128MB 3D-enabled video card.

My new Vista computer's running Aero. I love the transparent borders and all the eye candy.

What the fuck? My Vista Basic laptop with 512MB of RAM doesn't have Aero!

by computer_guy March 1, 2008

windows hasta la vista

A nickname given to Microsoft's new operating system, Windows Vista, by those who have major problems with it.

My new computer came with Windows Hasta La Vista. I got a blue screen of death every time it booted up.

by computer_guy February 16, 2008

geek

Somebody who is very good with computers and does not have a normal social life.

Sometimes the term "geek" can be used to describe someone with a strong interest for something other than computers.

I'm a computer geek. I can set up Active Directory, write an executable program, and run Windows in a virtual machine, but there's no way I can ask a girl out on a date.

She's a history geek.

by computer_guy February 16, 2008

crack

In computers, a program that modifies the code of another in order to bypass copy protection techniques. Cracks are often applied to trial programs or programs requiring product activation.

My copy of Windows didn't activate so I downloaded a crack and now it works.

by computer_guy February 17, 2008