http://forum.gardenroute.com/ Garden Route discussion forum. Accommodation, Immigration and other local issues about the South African Garden Route en Thu, 17 May 2012 00:11:18 GMT vBulletin 60 http://forum.gardenroute.com/images/misc/rss.png http://forum.gardenroute.com/ http://forum.gardenroute.com/showthread.php?2456-Technology-amp-The-Real-World&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 16:10:10 GMT What with Moore's law, which essentially estimates that computer capacity doubles every 2 years (wiki ) it is no wonder most computer geeks have become sociophobic, closeted, weirdo's who drool at the site of a 24 core workstation boasting 5 X 22" monitors and fibre link. They just can't get enough of whats out there and in reality they just can't. Its simply too much to keep up with the incredible growth. The fact is even the coolest of geeks just can't keep up with the kind of growth we have seen over the last 5 years. In recent times we have seen a hyper-jump to 64 bit operating systems and the unbelievable explosion of Linux, iOS, OS X, Android and various flavours of Windows to mention a few. The amount of applications available for any of the above Operating Systems is enough to send any techno-weirdo's mind into system overload.

So what to do with a geek who just can't find the will power to crawl out of his virtual world and away from the workstation back into the real world. Hmm well that's certainly easier said than done. You could simply just join him. That would certainly be the easiest and it can be a lot of fun. The real world isn't much fun anymore when its compared to the virtual world we live in now is it?

It used to be though. Days gone by we actually used to play soccer on a real dinkum grass pitch and kick a real ball. Yeah, seriously hectic I know, the goal posts were actually made of real wood from an actual tree. We also had leather soccer boots with real studs and when we were fouled, it was a genuinely sore :-).

A guy had to ask a girl's parents permission before he could date her and he actually had to walk to her house to chat to her. I know, that's really amazing. Some kids were lucky and had bicycles. Not the kind that you use for ramping, but the real kind with no gears, which meant is was really difficult to get up the hills.

Girls were different then too. They somehow had almost an unapproachable air and grace about them. You knew they weren't the same and treating them as one of the guys was definitely a bad idea. Getting close to a girl was not that easy and talking to a girl took a lot of courage, because you had to walk right up to her so she could look you in the eye and could see exactly what you looked like. Yeah, really wicked, the real you in her face. They also wore dresses, loved animals and smelled sweet. Hmm I know, the virtual world doesn't have that sense. Its actually the sense you get by using your nose. Crazy, I know.

School was different too. There were no camera's in the classrooms or hallways and the last thing anyone ever wanted to steal was a school bag or case. This meant you could leave it anywhere you wanted and when you came back it would still be there. Yip everything would be in it, exactly where you left it. If your bag wasn't there it was probably one of those empty headed morons who persist in playing practical jokes. Hmm ok well, the only way I could explain that is he kinda hacked your bag and stuck it away in a folder somewhere, so you couldn't find it.

In fact everything was different then, but the one thing that made all the difference back then, was we had dreams and hope. That's what you lose in the virtual world. It steals your joy and before you know it, its gone and you are too. Pretty soon you see the real world like you do the virtual world and all hope is gone. Step away from the virtual world for a while and see what the real world has to offer. You will be pleasantly surprised. ]]> Gardenroute.com General Chat HandMade http://forum.gardenroute.com/showthread.php?2456-Technology-amp-The-Real-World http://forum.gardenroute.com/showthread.php?2453-Diablo-3-Launch-at-BT-Games&goto=newpost Mon, 14 May 2012 15:17:09 GMT Hi Just a reminder to all Blizzard fans that Diablo 3 is finally here and that BT Games at the Garden Route Mall will be having a midnight launch for this what promises to be an epic game. See you there! Hi

Just a reminder to all Blizzard fans that Diablo 3 is finally here and that BT Games at the Garden Route Mall will be having a midnight launch for this what promises to be an epic game.

See you there! ]]> Gardenroute.com General Chat zac http://forum.gardenroute.com/showthread.php?2453-Diablo-3-Launch-at-BT-Games http://forum.gardenroute.com/showthread.php?2452-Go-Manchester-City&goto=newpost Mon, 14 May 2012 04:01:02 GMT I am so chuffed Man. City trumped United to win the English Premier League Trophy and what a finish to do it. Best game in many years. I can't say I am a passionate City fan, but I am definitely NOT a United fan. As the underdogs and a first win in 44 years, Manchester City literally slayed a dragon to win. Their supporters went completely crazy and had me wishing I was there to celebrate with them. Go City :-). ]]> Gardenroute.com General Chat HandMade http://forum.gardenroute.com/showthread.php?2452-Go-Manchester-City http://forum.gardenroute.com/showthread.php?2451-Mothers-are-tops-today&goto=newpost Sun, 13 May 2012 09:36:49 GMT To all mothers, who work so hard with no expectations of appreciation, well done. To all the hard working guys out there who work so hard, because they expect and get so much appreciation, its time to thank your mother. In all likelihood your mother is probably one of the main reasons you are... To all mothers, who work so hard with no expectations of appreciation, well done. To all the hard working guys out there who work so hard, because they expect and get so much appreciation, its time to thank your mother. In all likelihood your mother is probably one of the main reasons you are educated enough to demand an income and definitely the only reason you aren't a selfish, arrogant, egotistical loser, which you are if you don't take time to thank your mother :-).

Happy mothers day to all the great mom's. There are no others. ]]> Gardenroute.com General Chat HandMade http://forum.gardenroute.com/showthread.php?2451-Mothers-are-tops-today http://forum.gardenroute.com/showthread.php?2450-New-date-for-power-outage-from-Wilderness-to-Keurboomstrand&goto=newpost Thu, 10 May 2012 04:18:38 GMT Residents along the Garden Route, in the areas stretching from Wilderness to Keurboomstrand are reminded that there will be a lengthy interruption to ESKOM's power supply on Sunday, June 3 from 05:00 to 21:00.

In case the outage can for any reason not take place on June 3, the alternative date is

Sunday, June 10 at the same times.

Please note that the interruption is lengthy, this is due to the rebuilding of the Eskom-Knysna 66kV supply line in order to allow a dual voltage supply.

Residents are urged to take note of the following:

Treat all electrical equipment and supply points as live as the power can be restored at any time before the projected interruption period.
Ensure that all refrigerators and freezers have minimum food items stored and that the doors are opened as infrequently as possible to reduce defrosting.
Ensure that gas cylinders are filled, that standby generators are fuelled and emergency lanterns and or torches are charged.
Should candles be used for lighting, ensure that the flame is protected and not left to burn unattended.
Use water sparingly as the electrical interruption may have an impact on the water supply.
In an effort to inform the public of the interruption, the municipality will use loudhailers in certain areas.

Eskom apologises for any inconvenience caused and will endeavor to restore the supply as soon as possible.

For further enquiries, contact Eskom on 0860037566. ]]> Gardenroute.com General Chat HandMade http://forum.gardenroute.com/showthread.php?2450-New-date-for-power-outage-from-Wilderness-to-Keurboomstrand http://forum.gardenroute.com/showthread.php?2449-Any-hiking-or-oudoor-clubs&goto=newpost Wed, 09 May 2012 17:49:06 GMT Hi there, I would really love to join some kind of a oudoor club and hang out with some local people that also love the outdoors in George..Any tips or info? Thanx Hi there, I would really love to join some kind of a oudoor club and hang out with some local people that also love the outdoors in George..Any tips or info?

Thanx ]]> Gardenroute.com General Chat AlfaCharlie http://forum.gardenroute.com/showthread.php?2449-Any-hiking-or-oudoor-clubs http://forum.gardenroute.com/showthread.php?2448-Cows-standing-together&goto=newpost Tue, 08 May 2012 08:05:33 GMT In recent months it would appear that the tax payers, who were being seen as a cow to be milked by certain political parties, have begun to dig in their heels and form the proverbial circle so that their backs are watched by someone they trust. The e-toll saga is one such incident. Most tax... In recent months it would appear that the tax payers, who were being seen as a cow to be milked by certain political parties, have begun to dig in their heels and form the proverbial circle so that their backs are watched by someone they trust. The e-toll saga is one such incident.

Most tax paying South Africans would have no problem with additional taxes to ensure the 'distribution of wealth', however this sentiment tends to turn to extreme anger when they begin to realize that their noble sentiment and hard earned money is essentialy lining the pockets of a privileged few and the under privileged remain pretty much the neglected masses.

Who would have thought that in todays world, this remains one of Africa's huge stumbling blocks in its desperate need to grow and step out of what the world has begun to expect from Africans. Even the cows know its time for our leaders to show honesty, transparency and integrity. These are not difficult things to ask. On the contrary, it should be there without question. ]]> Gardenroute.com General Chat HandMade http://forum.gardenroute.com/showthread.php?2448-Cows-standing-together http://forum.gardenroute.com/showthread.php?2447-Crime-Statistics-Website&goto=newpost Mon, 07 May 2012 03:59:00 GMT Information about crime statistics can be found at crimestatssa.com The site allows a Google Map search and results can be displayed by type, which is useful. Stats can also be viewed back to 2004, which shows trend. http://www.crimestatssa.com Very useful Another useful site is:... Information about crime statistics can be found at crimestatssa.com The site allows a Google Map search and results can be displayed by type, which is useful. Stats can also be viewed back to 2004, which shows trend.

http://www.crimestatssa.com

Very useful

Another useful site is: http://www.crimestop.co.za ]]> Gardenroute.com General Chat HandMade http://forum.gardenroute.com/showthread.php?2447-Crime-Statistics-Website http://forum.gardenroute.com/showthread.php?2446-Knysna-Bypass&goto=newpost Sat, 05 May 2012 14:01:12 GMT Does anyone know what the current staus is with the Knysna bypass (http://knysnarealty.co.za/archives/124) ? Family want to put in a offer to buy a house in Phantom Village but they are concerned that there is a proposal to build a feeder road past the front door. Where can one get the information... Does anyone know what the current staus is with the Knysna bypass ? Family want to put in a offer to buy a house in Phantom Village but they are concerned that there is a proposal to build a feeder road past the front door. Where can one get the information the estate agents should know and should be briefing their clients on?. ]]> Gardenroute.com General Chat raffle http://forum.gardenroute.com/showthread.php?2446-Knysna-Bypass http://forum.gardenroute.com/showthread.php?2445-ZAnews-and-WebAfrica-clip&goto=newpost Fri, 04 May 2012 14:35:22 GMT http://youtu.be/efTt3luL854 /likes the chickens in the cabin http://youtu.be/efTt3luL854

/likes the chickens in the cabin ]]> Gardenroute.com General Chat twobombs http://forum.gardenroute.com/showthread.php?2445-ZAnews-and-WebAfrica-clip http://forum.gardenroute.com/showthread.php?2444-Kindle-eBooks&goto=newpost Fri, 04 May 2012 12:01:54 GMT Some months ago I managed to convince my wife, who is an avid reader and somewhat of a technophobe, to get into ebooks. She is now having an affair with her Samsung Tablet and the Kindle app :-). Jokes aside; Of late we have noticed a marked increase in the pricing of ebooks and in most cases... Some months ago I managed to convince my wife, who is an avid reader and somewhat of a technophobe, to get into ebooks. She is now having an affair with her Samsung Tablet and the Kindle app :-).

Jokes aside; Of late we have noticed a marked increase in the pricing of ebooks and in most cases the ebook is more expensive than a paper back printed copy. Call me dumb or what, but that just makes the hair on the back of my neck rise and I would go almost as far as to say that its no wonder piracy is rife and its probably exactly what the money grabbing thieves deserve. Like most idiots, I really have a serious aversion to being blatantly ripped off.

To add to the stupidity of the costs, I recently discovered that any of the books my wife may have purchased cannot be transferred to my tablet, which means that if I wanted to read any of her purchased books, I would have to do this on my wife's tablet or I would need to de-register my account and re-register with her account. Obviously if I do this my wife will not be able to read any of my purchased books.

Sounds like the same crowd who proposed our e-toll system. ]]> Gardenroute.com General Chat HandMade http://forum.gardenroute.com/showthread.php?2444-Kindle-eBooks http://forum.gardenroute.com/showthread.php?2443-ISPA-launches-cyber-security-code&goto=newpost Fri, 04 May 2012 11:30:23 GMT South Africa’s Internet Service Providers’ Association (ISPA) is to lead the development of a new voluntary code of practice to improve cyber security for end users. Known as the icode, and developed in conjunction with Australia’s Internet Industry Association which pioneered the approach in... South Africa’s Internet Service Providers’ Association (ISPA) is to lead the development of a new voluntary code of practice to improve cyber security for end users.

Known as the icode, and developed in conjunction with Australia’s Internet Industry Association which pioneered the approach in 2010, the code will provide a consistent approach for South African ISPs to help inform, educate and protect their customers in relation to cyber security. South Africa would become the second country in the world to implement network level protection of vulnerable end users under the icode banner.

By following the code, ISPs will contribute to reducing the number of compromised computers in South Africa and enhance the overall security of the South African and international Internet.

Australia’s Internet Industry Association chairman Bruce Linn welcomed the announcement. “The Australian experience has shown that end-users appreciate knowing that their ISP is watching for signs of infection on the network.

“Most users are initially very surprised to find out that their machine may be infected by ‘malware’ such as viruses. But they are relieved when they are given the information and tools to restore their computer’s security.”

The initiative was also welcomed by the banking sector. “South Africa’s banks are committed to educating consumers about online security, and constantly review security measures to offer South African Internet users as safe an online banking experience as possible,” says Kalyani Pillay, CEO of the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC).

“SABRIC welcomes the launch of the icode project, and is encouraged by the commitment of ISPs towards assisting their customers with the security of their computers and their personal information.”

ISPA spokesperson Ant Brooks emphasises that the new code was designed to protect the privacy of end-users. “The network level scanning that allows ISPs to detect signs of infected machines does not in any way involve looking at what users are themselves doing online. On the contrary, the scheme is designed to reduce the incidence of the single biggest threat to end-user privacy — the presence of malware which can steal personal information and relay it to criminals overseas.”

The code is designed to respond to this challenge by providing a consistent approach for South African ISPs to help inform, educate and protect their customers in relation to cyber security. ISPA believes a uniform national (and international) approach is warranted. The code will deliver a standard set of best practices for ISPs to follow to preserve the integrity of their networks.

The icode is expected to contain four main elements:

* A notification/management system for compromised computers;

* A standardised information resource for end users;

* A comprehensive resource for ISPs to access the latest threat information; and

* A reporting mechanism in cases of extreme threat back to national security agencies to facilitate a national high level view of attack status.


Source: it-online.co.za ]]> Gardenroute.com General Chat HandMade http://forum.gardenroute.com/showthread.php?2443-ISPA-launches-cyber-security-code http://forum.gardenroute.com/showthread.php?2442-Shuttle-services-taxis-and-transfers&goto=newpost Fri, 04 May 2012 07:45:24 GMT I am putting together a list of service providers offering transport services in the Garden Route. I regularly get enquiries asking about airport transfers between Knysna and George and its not always easy giving good advice.

It's a free service and any suggestions or recommendations would be most welcome. ]]> Gardenroute.com General Chat raffle http://forum.gardenroute.com/showthread.php?2442-Shuttle-services-taxis-and-transfers http://forum.gardenroute.com/showthread.php?2440-Computer-theft-on-the-rise&goto=newpost Wed, 02 May 2012 07:52:01 GMT In recent weeks there has been an increasing amount of computer theft in George and surrounds.

The thefts are carefully planned and even alarm systems have in some cases been "bypassed". In many cases the thieves are familiar with the layout of the premises and must have visited the premises before the robbery. Please do not allow entry to anyone, unless you know exactly who they are.

In one particular case the computers were dragged by their cables through a relatively small broken window to avoid the passive's detection. As the windows are one way viewing, assumption is that the thieves knew exactly which window to break and that the PC's were accessible via this small window and that the passive would not trigger the alarm. In other words, the thieves MUST have been inside to have known.

Also note: The purchase of stolen goods is an offense that is punishable by jail time. ]]> Gardenroute.com General Chat HandMade http://forum.gardenroute.com/showthread.php?2440-Computer-theft-on-the-rise http://forum.gardenroute.com/showthread.php?2439-Police-warning-con-artist-in-George&goto=newpost Wed, 02 May 2012 04:28:10 GMT A con artist, who introduces himself as Derick, Patrick or Eric, is currently in the George area offering Wendy houses to potential buyers. He takes the potential buyer(s) to a completed Wendy house under false pretenses that he has built it and then requests R1500 in cash as a deposit before he... A con artist, who introduces himself as Derick, Patrick or Eric, is currently in the George area offering Wendy houses to potential buyers.

He takes the potential buyer(s) to a completed Wendy house under false pretenses that he has built it and then requests R1500 in cash as a deposit before he can provide the structure.

Soon after the deposit is paid, he disappears and is no longer available on the cell phone number that he provided to the client.

So far five reports have been made to the George police regarding the same modus operandi.

"We at George SAPS care about our community and want to warn them to be on the lookout for this con artist and not to throw away their hard earned money," said brigadier Victoria Mavakala.

Anyone with information regarding the con artist is requested to immediately inform the George SAPS at 10111 or 044 803 4400.

Source: http://www.georgeherald.com/news.asp...tist-in-George ]]> Gardenroute.com General Chat HandMade http://forum.gardenroute.com/showthread.php?2439-Police-warning-con-artist-in-George