How to spot fake CDs and DVDs

"Fake DVDs often appear to be a bargain... but you're likely to find the main feature a big disappointment.
Advertisement

The dangers: They either won't work at all, have sound but no picture, picture but no sound, or are filmed from a camcorder in a cinema.

How To Spot A Fake: Beware of those with no outer wrapping and no title on the disc. Also look out for those without security holograms or with photocopied or badly printed labels."

Read the rest of the story here

Photo Credit

Oh So Fake!

iStage
Originally uploaded by Flyinace2000

Today, a friend asked me to set up his "iPod." This unassuming individual handed me a device called the "iStage," which he apparently got as a gift for his birthday. I let him know that it was a fake, and stood slightly bemused at the myriad accessories offered up with this gadget. Why does the fake iPod come with more accessories than the real iPod? Then again, the iStage doesn't play purchased songs or videos from the iTunes Music Store, so it's a little....useless. Another day, another fake, and another acknowledgement counterfeits are good for nothing.

Flickr Set

Before Going Shopping Check Those Bills

Though it is estimated that only 1/100th of one percent of US currency in circulation is counterfeit wikiHow posted a great story on how to spot fakes. Many easy steps are to simply feel the currency and compare it to other bills you may have. Subtle differences will let you know. If you do suspect you have some funny money call up your local Secret Service office.

But really, who uses cash any more.

Link (WikiHow)

A Smart Buyer's Guide to Refurbished Computer Parts

As much as buying brand new hardware is fun, sometimes it's just as well to buy an older part or machine. The wonders of the net have allowed us access to computer parts that would otherwise be obsolete; it's a treasure trove of eclectic old parts, which are necessary when you want to keep a legacy machine going.

This is especially important in regard to "enterprise parts" like servers and routers, because many companies invest tens of thousands of dollars in systems which only run on particular components. "Upgrading" to an entirely new system would cost a company millions, so it's essential they have access to older parts long after they've been discontinued.

The need to keep legacy systems going spurred an entire industry furnishing customers with used, refurbished and unused parts. As mentioned before, the internet has helped this along greatly. However, the internet has also made it easier to pass off counterfeit parts as authentic for unassuming buyers. When it comes to buying older parts, buyers can be a bit bit confused in looking for clues to an items authenticity. Thanks to guidelines provided by Pyramid technology services, a company reputed for its quality refurbished computer parts, we can offer some tips:

From the source:

1. "Look at the color of the serial number. Cisco's own color is a yellow-orange; counterfeits are darker. The numbers may appear crowded and even rub off on the phony items."
2. "LEDs on blades should all be the same size."
3. "Watch the color on loop-back buttons on wan interface cards: it should be dull, not bright red."
4. "Real cisco boards usually have solder points covered with nickel-zinc, not copper, as seen on counterfeits."
5. "Inside the RJ-45 connector, cisco parts will have the word "Steward," not "GLG."
6. Always deal with a well-established value added reseller. Look for a dealer who rigorously tests everything and who backs up sales with a warranty."
7. "Stick with sellers who belong to the ASCDI (the Association of service and computer dealers International). They have an established code of ethics and an arbitration procedure in place for any problems that might arise. "
   

Source
Photo Credit