Q: What are .SFV files? What is a CRC32 checksum?
A: SFV = Simple File Verification. Basically it appears like this:

Initial D - Live Action Movie.sfv, which contains

; Using hkSFV on 11.29.2005 at 22:27:48
; http://www.big-o-software.com
;
;/----
; 730357760 03:40.56 2005-11-21 Initial D - Live Action Movie.avi
;\----
;
Initial D - Live Action Movie.avi 0ac923f4

It says it's generated by hkSFV, file size, date, name, etc. And generated a CRC32 of 0ac923f4.

Some programs will automatically check SFV files when it unpacks an archive. SFV uses CRC32, which is an older and less accurate algorithm, but it is quite fast. A 700 meg file can generate a full CRC32 checksum in less than 2 minutes, even on an ANCIENT 400 MHz machine. On a modern machine, it should only take seconds.

Sometimes on Bittorrent, you may see the checksum embedded in the filename, like:

[L-E&IDE]_Initial_D_Fourth_Stage_Ep_16_[E87966A3].avi

Where [E87966A3] is the CRC32 checksum.

Sometimes you may see alternate checksums, such as MD5, SHA1, and other algorithms. Those basically generate a longer checksum, and is helpful when you need to generate a short but unique ID based on the content of the file. Any change in the file, and the ID will change. Thus, they can be used as unique file ID, as well as a file integrity check.

Q: Is there a free utility I can use to send e-mail from command-line, not using an existing e-mail client?
A: Try Blat

Q: I want to install Apple's QuickTime 7, but I don't want iTunes. Is there a way to get QuickTimes Player by itself without iTunes bundled with it?
A: As it turns out, there is, but it's pretty well hidden. However, I'll just link it for you... Enjoy. Apple - QuickTime - Download - Standalone QuickTime Player

Q: Is it possible to "share" a single PC among multiple users?
A: Yes. Ikonnet's HiShare (see link below) allows up to 3 additional "workstations" to be created from a single PC provided you add additional video cards (and mice and keyboard via USB) with appropriate software.

Link to One PC Multi User System - Hishare

Q: I somehow destroyed my WINSOCK configuration. Internet connects, but browser doesn't work. What should I do? I am on Win98, by the way.
A: This can get complicated. You will need your Windows 98 CD. First thing you need to do is try to open up Start / Control Panel / Add/Remove Programs, click on Windows Setup, then locate the "communications" subgroup. UNcheck it, apply, OK, then shutdown and restart. Then get back in, same place, open the details in the Communications group, then check "dial-up networking". Then apply, OK, etc. The computer should load a few files (put in Windows CD as applicable), and restart. Hopefully that'll reset your Winsocks. If not... Summon professional help.

Q: What is KB891711.EXE and why is it in my Startup tasklist?
A: KB891711.EXE is an official Microsoft "patch" that only applies to Win98 / Win98SE / WinMe. It is run as a service that protects against an exploit that can place malicious code in cursor and icon files. if you load one of those files, those files can actually execute programs placed on remote computers. This program will cut that off, and should NOT be removed.

For further details, see MS05-002: Microsoft Knowledgebase Article 891711: Vulnerability in cursor and icon format handling could allow remote code execution

News update: looks like Safer Networking (the guys that brought you Spybot: Search and Destroy) like LeechGet as the download manager. No spyware, lots and lots of options for fast downloads, does not violate your privacy at all. Its only problem: too cute looking.

Q: How do I update my PC's BIOS?
A: You should read the instructions that is on the manufacturer's website, as they have special instructions. But in general, you download the BIOS file (probably something.BIN) and the flashing program, then exit to DOS prompt and run the flash program with the BIOS file. Please beware that doing it with the WRONG BIOS file can stop your computer from working and require a new BIOS chip for repairs. So unless you are trying to fix a problem, don't touch the BIOS!

Q: Is there a tool that will help me get better page ranking via the search engines?
A: Try SE-Inspector, a website that tests your website for keywords, meta tags, and so on. It will also check keywords and such and find your competitors.

Q: What is BitTorrent? How does it work? I heard it's like P2P, but better? Is it "safe"?
A: A BitTorrent is a sorta P2P standard that allows any one on the Internet to locate a file, that could be spread across bazillion different computers on the Internet, and in turn be another provider of the file as more stuff is downloaded.

So what does this have to do with you? When you get to a torrent file, and download it, it doesn't do anything, because torrent itself doesn't contain anything. It's just a... pointer, like an URL, to the actual content, and even that isn't quite correct. It actually points you to the "tracker", which track all the different bits and pieces of that file. So all you see is the torrent, and that file will get to you... eventually, provided other people stay online long enough for you to get the other pieces.

Let's say 10 people have bits and pieces of the files you want. Five of the 10 have full copies. Those are called "hosts", as they're nice enough to stay on to continue hosting the file. The other 5 are leeches. When they got the complete file, they'll become hosts as well. As you join, you'll be the 6th leech, and eventually, be another host. Other people will join, some will leave, and hopefully the ring stays intact...

When you open the torrent file (with the appropriate BitTorrent client), the client will talk to the Tracker, and determine where the hosts and leeches are, and coordinate the bandwidth available (which pieces to download from who, etc.). As you can guess, the most hosts (and sometimes, leeches, as they have some useful pieces), the faster the download will go.

If there are no hosts, you likely can't download since usually leeches don't have complete copies. And if there are no trackers, the whole thing goes kaput.

When you "register" on these Torrent sites, you're just getting access to the torrent files they got from the various trackers. Who knows what happened to the trackers in the meanwhile?

Keep in mind that at least one of these torrent sites were raided by MPAA/RIAA. After vowing to fight them, the owner instead copped a plea agreement, and provided ALL REGISTERED USER'S INFO to them. Think about that.