Care in the Community

It's frustrating to be stumped by a problem that you suspect has been solved already, but you can't find the answer. So if you've got a moment, and if you're feeling generous, take a look at these queries from ZDNet UK members and see whether you can help out. I'm sure a lot of our members will be grateful.

-- "Is Microsoft DFS (Distributed File System) a good or bad thing? What are the benefits?"

-- "I have written a script which when run on a client workstation will download a registry file to set cleanmgr settings. BUT..although I set up the tasks originally to run as a network administrator, the tasks that end up on the workstation are set to run as the local user. Any ideas anyone?"

Here's a nice illustration of the capabilities of the Hazro wide-format display, the lead-off prize in our 12 Days of Christmas competition, courtesy of winner Geoff Oakshott. You can see not just how the monitor has more scope widthways, but also how its resolution can show enough detail to let you go "deep" with your images.



Here's Geoff's description of the photo: "At last, using Canon Remote Capture and after only 30 attempts(!), we have the 'shot within a shot' effect I have been trying to achieve. There are four quite clearly visible, with a fifth that shows up by zooming in to the left on the original 5MB TIFF."

Congratulations to Geoff, and thanks to everyone who took part in the competition series. Keep checking the competition page, as we should have more coming soon.

Sometimes the only way to find out what someone is thinking is to ask them a direct question. So here it is: How are we doing?

If you give us your feedback, then ZDNet UK can do a better job of making sure the site provides you with what you need and helps you get your work done. If you don't want to dig out a particular staffer's contact details, just drop me a line, and I'll forward your comments on. Good, bad--send it in.

We've put together a short survey as part of this. If enough of you fill it out, we'll get a clearer idea of who our readers are and what the pluses and minuses of the site are. The survey is here: http://survey.cnet.co.uk/wix/p1303157.aspx?t=4. It shouldn't take more than 10 minutes to do, and those who complete it can enter a draw with a prize of £500 cash.

A few months ago, we ran a competition for a matching black MacBook and USB modem, courtesy of mobile broadband provider Vodafone. Congratulations are due to the winner John Harris, who sent us this photo.



The picture shows John putting the MacBook to interesting use. Here's what he told me in his message:

"It shows me with MacBook and Modem, looking at a scanned photo from 1943 of an action by the German Navy against a Royal Navy Miniature submarine know as an X craft in Kaafjord, North Norway. The story of the X craft exploits appears in 'Above Us the Waves' film and book and many other films, books and documentaries have been made on this subject.

"I have been involved since 1973/4 and have both dived in the fjord and visited many times (and expect to go back again) as there is an enigma surrounding the fate of one of these X craft is still unknown and we believe the photo (taken by a German Officer) I am viewing is the last taken of her. On the table is a manufacturing drawing of the submarine and I am trying to ascertain the nature and extent of damage caused by German shells which eyewitness reports say hit her.

"I communicate regularly with a fellow researcher presently based in Perth Aus., and others in UK, Norway and Germany and although not online in the picture, will be sending my calculations to him."

Fascinating stuff, and all done mainly by people who are doing it because they're passionate about it! So if anyone knows of a sponsor who might be interested in getting involved, drop me a line and I'll put them in touch with the researchers.

The first thing people told us about our recent Homebrew Challenge was that it was great to hear from other enthusiasts about their home tech projects. The second thing was that they really appreciated being able to pick up tips, especially money-saving ones, what with the cost of components and all. At ZDNet Towers, we are good listeners. So we're putting up £100 to grease the wheels of domestic techery.

It's all centred on the Homebrew Blog. Over the course of February, we'll follow the entries posted there, and the comments on them. The group blog, for those who haven't been there yet, is the place to show off their home-built tech projects. If your contribution catches our eye, and if you're a UK resident, you'll get a £100 gift voucher for the online component seller of your choice.

It isn't just a question of volume--you might just put up one post and win, if it's a cracker. There are all sorts of ways to go about it, what with video, photos, and making nifty suggestions via comments.

And if you're reading the group blog and want to argue for a member to win, just post a comment. We are, as ever, keen to get your feedback. So if you think this giveaway is a good idea, and if you think we should make it a monthly event, let us know that too. We're listening.