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Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Computing/2012 October 21

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October 21

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Odd External HDD 'creation' date

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I did an error check on my external hdd:

It returned "Volume My Book created 2/05/2003 3:45 PM", which seems odd as I purchased the HDD in March 2009. Can anyone explain the 2003 date? - 220 of Borg 12:19, 21 October 2012 (UTC)[reply]

At the end of the manufacturing line at Western Digital, they will have written onto the new disk a FAT32 filesystem. But it's not safe to assume that the appliance which did so was an actual Windows PC running an actual format command. It's at least as likely that it was the last operation of the burn-in-self-test fixture which verified the newly made drive was okay. If it did so by copying in the MBR and partition information for a generic FAT32 disk and then tweaking the numbers to match this disk, it wouldn't necessarily set the date correctly. Obviously the date has no relation to the actual manufacture of your disk; I think in this case the date shown is essentially arbitrary. -- Finlay McWalterჷTalk 12:38, 21 October 2012 (UTC)[reply]
Agreed. I suspect that is the date when the internal software driver for the HDD was originally written. StuRat (talk) 17:36, 21 October 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks for your replies Finlay, and StuRat. I suspected it was something like that.
1) I suspect if I re-format the HDD then it would change to the current date/time?
2) Is there any way, other than a HDD error check to read that date from the HDD? ie via a Command Line instruction? (tried, no luck) - 220 of Borg 09:24, 22 October 2012 (UTC)[reply]

1) Yes.
2) chkdsk, the command-line tool on my PC, doesn't show creation date. But I have XP, it might be a new feature of Windows7.
An additional tip about reformatting: If you don't use the HDD with non-Windows machines, nor pre-2000 PCs, you should remove the entire FAT32 partition and make a fresh NTFS partition (or use a 3rd party tool to convert the partition).
FAT32 is bad because it doesn't even allow a defragger to move the directories, thus if it's in use for a lengthy time, the whole space will be littered with tiny unmovable directories. Even better, NTFS allows for compression on a per-file basis, which can mean faster copying if the target directory is marked "compressed" (which will not compress the dir itself, but any file copied there) and the connection is slow (USB 2.0 or less). If compresion halves the size, it will come close to halving transfer time, too. Some files cannot be compressed significantly, though: zip, 7z, gif, jpg, png, vob, avi, mp3, pdf, & so it doesn't save any time if you compress those.
Speed is not that much of an issue with USB 3.0. - ¡Ouch! (hurt me / more pain) 13:40, 23 October 2012 (UTC)[reply]
Thank you One.Ouch.Zero (talk · contribs) Just tried 'chkdsk' under Win. 7 and it is "Not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file." I didn't really expect it to do anything though. "dir" works too, but not "help"!   - 220 of Borg 08:29, 24 October 2012 (UTC)[reply]
chkdsk exists and runs on my Windows 7 Ulitmate, but does not show a "disk creation date". Mitch Ames (talk) 09:30, 24 October 2012 (UTC)[reply]
Interesting, unfortunately I only have "Windows 7 Home Premium".   - 220 of Borg 10:53, 24 October 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Dell monitor compatibility with Apple (Mac Mini)

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I am thinking of purchasing a Mac Mini. I am so sick of PCs and windows and viruses and having to use antivirus software and having to download drivers and so on (I use a mac at work so I am familiar). Anyway, I have a perfectly fine Dell monitor - a 1905FP. Is is compatible - just plug and use? Or not usable at all, or maybe would need some type of adapter (if so please tell me specifically the adapter I would need). Thanks so much. Actually I have a follow-up. Any advice on whether I would be better off getting a refurbished/used Mac Mini, and if so Where I would get it from? Thanks again (and by the way, I have used this computer desk before and I am greatly appreciative of this service).--71.190.242.208 (talk) 20:25, 21 October 2012 (UTC)[reply]

According to Dell, the 1905FP has VGA and DVI ports.[1] As far as I know, all Mac Minis support DVI (the latest generation via an HDMI to DVI adapter that's included with the system [2]). So you should be good to go. I've only ever bought one refurbished product from Apple - an 5th generation iPod nano. That one worked (and works) as good as new. --Stephan Schulz (talk) 20:44, 21 October 2012 (UTC)[reply]
I just bought a mac mini last week. From the spec sheet : DVI output using HDMI to DVI Adapter (included) Vespine (talk) 22:13, 21 October 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Does anyone know of a business reporting system, preferably open source, that has these features?

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Hi there,

I'm looking for database reporting software, preferably open source, that allows online data addition via web form for logged in users, offline data addition via emailed or uploaded PDF or Excel files, and customisable reports on the data based on login level. It needs to be something I could install and modify myself, just as I can with WordPress.

Zoho's Creator is nearly perfect but the company I work for doesn't allow data storage outside its firewall. I need an internal solution. Could you please let me know if one exists?

Regards,

CB — Preceding unsigned comment added by 163.189.217.40 (talk) 23:40, 21 October 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Just an idea - have you tried contacting Zoho and asking them if a license is available for your specific scenario, using it internally? Sales people are interested in making the sale and I bet you're not the first to request this. Tarcil (talk) 06:23, 23 October 2012 (UTC)[reply]
By business reporting...your description sounds more like document collaboration. You could try Alfresco (software) (open source) or Sharepoint (M$FT).Smallman12q (talk) 00:57, 24 October 2012 (UTC)[reply]
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