I think the MacPros have about six cooling fans.

Can you monitor CPU temp? iPulse [link] can do that (at least on my MacBook). Then if we can figure out what the max temp should be, we can see if you go over that.

eta: Also, when you're running the gazillion programs at once, are they using the CPU a lot? If not, then maybe you have bad memory and it's only a problem when the memory is maxed out, or nearly so.

Most likely a fan, but it could also be memory.

You can run this and see what's going on in your system.

There's also this utility which can adjust how hot a system gets before the fans come on, but I don't know if it works on the MacPro or not.

This is scary

And like a lot of scary things, not true.

Any unsecured WiFi network (one that doesn't require a password) is open to snooping by anyone on the network. They don't have to be acting as the access point.

However, if you access a site using ssl (https), the contents of your browsing will be encrypted so that eavesdroppers will be frustrated.

This page has some better advice about dealing with public hot-spots.

And like a lot of scary things, not true.

The first point in your link describes the same thing that Tommyrot is describing. I don't think that you ever manage to make a secure connection via these sites. They just collect whatever they can while you get frustrated attempting to make a connection.

1. Make sure you're connected to a legitimate access point! This first step is probably the least obvious, but one of the most important. Rogue access points in public areas have been springing up that have the same SSID as what you'd expect (such as "Wayport" or "tmobile"), but really connect directly to hijackers' databases to collect the passwords and usernames you use to sign in. Even worse, they can collect credit card data from people who sign up for new accounts.

The first point in your link describes the same thing that Tommyrot is describing.

Not exactly. The article Tommy linked to claimed that the fake *free* access points were a hazard. They aren't, at least no more so than any unsecured wireless network.

The first article in my link talks about not putting your T-Mobile HotSpot password into a fake access point or using one to sign up for service.

My microwave oven was damaged in a popcorn incident. One of the thingies that generate microwaves (a magnetron?) was damaged and the carousel has stopped working.

But it still heats food. And the seals and body appear undamaged. Part of me things that as long as there all seals and body is undamaged you won't be exposed to any more microwaves than usual outside the oven. In fact less than usual because of fewer microwaves. The other part thinks that with electronic damage I am risking a short circuit or some such.

Anyone know anything about Microwave safety? Safe to use? Not so safe? Should I stop using it, or continue to use it until I get a new one?

Oh my god y'all, I just downloaded Google Maps to my phone and it is *awesome*! (I'm on a train.)

www.google.com/gmm

So cool!

Sure, but is it as awesome as Wiikitties?

I'm trying to set up a message board with a format similar to b.org - limited threads for all topics, etc. Right now I'm using Simple Machines Forum, set so that members cannot post new topics, but it's not ideal - all the permissions for moderators and stuff are designed around the idea of a communty with lots of topics (example: there's a "move topic" option, but not a "move reply" option, which would be needed to move posts to the correct thread.) You generally feel like you're using crippled software, which is basically true, since it's designed to work differently.

Can anybody suggest any message board software that's designed to work in this format?

Random question of the day: Has anyone had trouble with getting their new generation ipods to turn off? I know how you're supposed to do it, obviously, but it doesn't seem to be working.