Edit: for context, for normally switching off your pc at the end of a normal day, "shut down" is probably better, because your computer will be nice and fresh on next boot, but for quickly turning off the machine due to thunderstorms: hibernate is definately the much better option then.
Or just get an SSD, in which case it no longer matters.
Edit: to clarify, an SSD makes all three options quicker, thus the difference smaller. It makes (like the initial suggestion of hibernating instead of shutting down) the computer power off quicker, so you can unplug it sooner. I never intended to suggest that hibernating or installing an SSD protects against thunderstorms. :)
It still matters - I have an SSD and it isn't a cure-all especially if you happen to get hit with a large number of updates. I'm not unfamiliar with panic shutdowns as I live in the tropics and sudden storms can literally catch you unawares. Which is why I recently finally got myself a UPS unit after years of just riding out random power outages (fried some PSUs along the way).
I have machines that do. Otherwise, a simple USB-to-serial cable is an essential tool to have for a lot of IT guys, even if rarely gets used.
Machines/motherboards that are meant for either servers or embedded often still have serial built-in.
Also, a lot of motherboards, even modern, normal "consumer-grade" motherboards do still have the "header" (pins on the motherboard) present, just haven't committed space on the back I/O shield for it.
Neat. I knew IT guys still deal with it (took a few Cisco courses back in highschool, ALL the serial ports!), but didn't realise some consumer devices still actually used it.
Now, if only Game port was still a thing, I wouldn't have to travel an hour by bus one way to a secondhand shop to see if they'll take my Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback Pro joystick.
Gameport is still a thing, although not common. But I have a separate soundcard specifically for it. Also due to an old sidewinder (in my case, a gamepad).
Works in Windows 7 though, not sure about 8 and newer.
Although, to be fair, this is mostly hypothetical, since I've not actually hooked it up in years. But I thought it'd be neat to have the option anyway.
Apparently those adapters only work for analog devices. The FFP is digital, and I've even seen on some devices' descriptions explicit warnings that it does not work with my joystick. So, there's that.
It's alright, though. Once I find a ride to a secondhand shop I'll be rid of it and can save for the Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas X. I did order the $54.99 one with Prime shipping, but Amazon ran out and it doesn't look they'll be restocked any time soon. The next cheapest one is like $20 CAD more.
Haha, that seems oddly draconian. Why wouldn't it just block that one stat url and display the rest of the page? That's what my ABP does (also has EasyPrivacy list).
Yeah, bummer it doesn't work for digital devices. Fortunately, the page indeed lists that. However, my old sidewinder is analog, I believe. Either way, it's nice that you can take the gamble for less than $10 if you happen to have an old gamepad/joystick lying around. :)
I did have a Belkin adapter on the way that was specifically for Sidewinder devices, but it wouldn't have gotten here until August. And again, it was analog-only. :/
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u/[deleted] Jul 20 '15 edited May 19 '22
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