Calibre, HDDs, and Windows 8 Tips - Quick Guides

Reader Tips Roundup: Ebook Servers, HDD Deals, and Windows 8 Customization

Each week, we compile a selection of particularly helpful tips submitted by our readers and present them to the wider How-To Geek community.

This week’s featured advice covers establishing an ebook server via the command line, strategies for finding affordable HDDs, and methods for customizing the Windows 8 menu system.

Running an Ebook Server from the Command Line

One reader shared a method for creating a personal ebook server directly from the command line interface. This allows for convenient access to your ebook library from any device.

The process involves utilizing readily available command-line tools to serve ebook files over a local network, eliminating the need for complex server software.

Scoring Cheap HDDs

Another tip focuses on maximizing savings when purchasing HDDs. The reader suggests monitoring sales events and comparing prices across multiple retailers.

Furthermore, considering refurbished drives from reputable sources can often yield significant cost reductions without compromising reliability.

Tweaking Windows 8 Menus

Finally, a reader detailed techniques for customizing the Windows 8 menu experience. This includes adjusting menu sizes and layouts to enhance usability.

These tweaks can be implemented through registry edits or third-party utilities, allowing users to tailor the interface to their specific preferences.

These adjustments can significantly improve the user experience by making frequently used options more accessible.

Leveraging Calibre's Command Line Interface for Reliable Sharing

A valuable technique, brought to our attention by a reader, details how to utilize Calibre’s capabilities through the command line.

Running Calibre as a Stand-Alone Server

Calibre provides a dedicated server function accessible via the Command Line interface. After installation, creating a Batch file with specific parameters is all that’s required.

Consider this example:

calibre-server --port 8080 --with-library C:\Users\Admin\Documents\Calibre\Nameofyourlibrary\

This command initiates only the server component of Calibre, conserving system resources. It’s possible to run multiple server instances concurrently without significant performance impact.

Addressing the Command Window Issue

When operating on a Windows system, a command prompt window will remain open during server operation. However, Linux distributions support the --daemonize flag, enabling silent background execution.

For Windows users, a workaround involves utilizing a program like Batch To Exe Converter, which offers a background execution option. Placing the resulting executable in the startup folder ensures automatic server launch upon system boot, eliminating the persistent command window.

Benefits of the Command Line Approach

This method offers substantial advantages. Firstly, it minimizes resource consumption by avoiding the need to run the complete Calibre application and its graphical user interface when only server functionality is needed.

Secondly, and crucially for those storing their ebook library on a media server, it safeguards against data corruption. Simultaneous access to the library by multiple Calibre instances can lead to inconsistencies and file damage.

Preventing Library Corruption

If the full Calibre application is running on a media server while simultaneously being used on a desktop PC for editing and adding books, the risk of corruption is high.

James’s technique allows you to run only the content server on the media server. Then, all collection management and editing can be performed from the desktop, ensuring a clean separation between content serving and data manipulation.

This separation maintains the integrity of your ebook collection and provides a reliable method for remote access and management.

Calibre’s command line server is a powerful tool for efficient and safe library management.

Score Large HDDs on The Cheap

Finding affordable, high-capacity HDDs can be a significant benefit for users needing substantial storage. Whether for backups, media servers, or expanding existing systems, cost-effective options are readily available.

Understanding HDD Pricing Factors

Several factors influence the price of large-capacity HDDs. These include drive speed (RPM), cache size, and the manufacturer. Understanding these elements helps in making informed purchasing decisions.

Generally, drives with higher RPMs and larger caches command a premium. However, for bulk storage where speed isn't critical, slower, more affordable drives are often sufficient.

Where to Find Deals

Numerous retailers consistently offer competitive pricing on HDDs. Online marketplaces like Newegg, Amazon, and eBay are excellent starting points for comparison shopping.

Don't overlook the potential for savings through refurbished or open-box options. These can provide substantial discounts, though it’s crucial to verify the seller’s reputation and warranty policies.

Specific HDD Recommendations (as of late 2023/early 2024)

Several HDD models consistently appear as strong value propositions. The Western Digital (WD) Red series is popular for NAS devices, while the WD Blue offers a balance of performance and affordability for general use.

Seagate Barracuda drives are also frequently recommended, particularly for their competitive pricing. Consider the Seagate IronWolf if you require a drive specifically designed for network-attached storage.

Tips for Maximizing Savings

• Monitor Sales: Regularly check for sales events, such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Prime Day.
• Consider Bulk Purchases: Buying multiple drives simultaneously can often unlock additional discounts.
• Compare Prices: Utilize price comparison websites to quickly identify the lowest available prices across different retailers.
• Check for Rebates: Manufacturers sometimes offer mail-in rebates, providing further savings.

Evaluating Drive Health & Reliability

Before committing to a purchase, especially with refurbished drives, research the model’s reliability. User reviews and independent testing can provide valuable insights.

Tools like CrystalDiskInfo can be used to assess the health of an HDD after purchase, monitoring parameters like temperature and SMART attributes. Proactive monitoring can help identify potential issues before they lead to data loss.

Long-Term Storage Considerations

For archival or long-term storage, consider the environmental factors. HDDs perform best in cool, dry environments. Avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures or humidity.

Regularly power on and exercise the drives to prevent stiction, a phenomenon where the read/write heads become stuck due to inactivity. This helps maintain data integrity over extended periods.

Ultimately, securing large HDDs at a reasonable price requires diligent research and a willingness to explore various purchasing options. By understanding the key factors and utilizing available resources, users can significantly expand their storage capacity without breaking the bank.

A reader, Mark, shared a resourceful method for acquiring larger capacity hard drives at a significantly reduced cost.

I recently read your article concerning the increased cost of hard drives following the Thai floods. Here’s an effective strategy for obtaining a large hard drive economically. I initially planned to enhance my media center with several high-capacity drives, but this coincided with a period of inflated hard drive prices.

A planned expenditure of under $400 for a pair of 3TB drives became financially unfeasible. Spending $350 or more per 3TB drive was unacceptable. Despite this, I successfully acquired two 3TB drives for only $240.

Although the prices of individual drives and drive kits had risen sharply, the cost of external hard drives remained relatively stable. I purchased two 3TB external drives on sale for $120 apiece. Disassembling them revealed substantial drives within.

It's important to note that the warranty is voided upon opening the enclosure, and the drives operate at a slower speed (5400 rpm). However, for storing video content in a device functioning similarly to a TiVo, I am completely satisfied with the performance.

This is an excellent discovery, Mark. As you pointed out, if compromising the warranty and tolerating slower speeds are acceptable, a substantial drive can be obtained at a very low price.

The strategy involves purchasing external hard drives and extracting the internal drive.

This approach leverages the price stability of external drive enclosures.

Considerations include the loss of warranty coverage and potentially slower drive speeds.

However, for applications where speed is not critical, such as media storage, this can be a cost-effective solution.

The original article discussed the impact of the Thai floods on hard drive pricing.

Mark’s tip provides a workaround to the inflated prices of bare drives.

It’s a practical solution for budget-conscious consumers seeking large storage capacity.

Hard drive prices were significantly affected by supply chain disruptions.

External drives offered a price advantage compared to internal drives at the time.

The 5400 rpm speed may not be ideal for all applications.

But it’s sufficient for many media storage needs.

Maintaining the Windows 7 Start Menu Experience Within Windows 8

A user named Carl has shared a helpful suggestion for those finding the Windows 8 interface challenging.

User Feedback on Windows 8 Design

Carl expressed frustration with certain design elements introduced in Windows 8.

His primary goal was to integrate the familiar Start Menu functionality of Windows 7 while still benefiting from the Metro UI.

Introducing Metro Cheat

Carl discovered a portable application called Metro Cheat that successfully achieves this integration.

This application allows users to access the classic menu directly within the Metro UI environment.

Considerations Regarding User Account Control

A minor drawback noted by Carl is the necessity to reduce User Account Control (UAC) protection for the application to function.

However, he attributes this requirement more to a limitation within Windows itself rather than a flaw in the Metro Cheat software.

How-To Geek's Perspective

We appreciate Carl for sharing this innovative solution!

It’s encouraging to see users actively customizing and adapting Windows 8 to better suit their individual preferences.

Share Your Tips!

Do you have a useful tip or trick to contribute?

Please send your submissions to tips@howtogeek.com, and your contribution may be featured on our front page.