Google Desktop Enterprise Edition
Our favorite application now available in "corporate" version. This should be fun to play with and explore...
Friday, December 30, 2005
Yahoo! Desktop Search
Yahoo! Desktop Search
Give me a break. They have to copy everything Google and MSN does? Why don't they just give up already! ;-)
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Brasilian Dancers
Ok, this isn't really IT related, except to show how cool that DropShots.com site is. Check out this clip of video I took when I was in Brasil back in September of guys dancing in the street on a stage. Pretty cool!
Aaron
Upload Video at DropShots.com
Aaron
Upload Video at DropShots.com
Free Microsoft E-Learning Classes
Microsoft is offering these courses for free for a limited time...
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 E-Learning
Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 E-Learning
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 E-Learning
Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 E-Learning
Share Video and Photos Online for Free
DropShots - Share Video and Photos Online for Free, Upload Video
I have to say, I was pretty impressed with a Xanga blog I saw this morning for Stembers' kids. Genevieve actually embedded streaming video clips onto the blog from Dropshots.com. I thought it was quite cool. I wanted to try it out, but realized I don't really have any video clips to upload. :-) Maybe I'll dig up my video of the dancing Brasilians and post it to my other blog (http://blog.hornit.net).
I have to say, I was pretty impressed with a Xanga blog I saw this morning for Stembers' kids. Genevieve actually embedded streaming video clips onto the blog from Dropshots.com. I thought it was quite cool. I wanted to try it out, but realized I don't really have any video clips to upload. :-) Maybe I'll dig up my video of the dancing Brasilians and post it to my other blog (http://blog.hornit.net).
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
RSS Aggregation - Coming soon to Outlook
search.subscribe.share : RSS Aggregation - Part 1: The Partnership
So they're going to incorporate RSS feeds into IE AND Outlook. Since I'll have both, I think I'll stick with Outlook. Having e-mail and RSS feeds in the same place is a pretty natural combo.
So they're going to incorporate RSS feeds into IE AND Outlook. Since I'll have both, I think I'll stick with Outlook. Having e-mail and RSS feeds in the same place is a pretty natural combo.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Windows Vista Screenshots
ActiveWin.com: Windows Vista Interim OEM Build 5268 Screenshots
Here are some screenshots from the latest Windows Vista OEM Build...
Here are some screenshots from the latest Windows Vista OEM Build...
Windows Live E-mail
Windows Live Ideas � Supplemental Page
Windows is going to release a mobile interface to their e-mail program. However, keep in mind that Google already offers this: http://google.com/glm/gmail
Windows is going to release a mobile interface to their e-mail program. However, keep in mind that Google already offers this: http://google.com/glm/gmail
Google and AOL
Time Warner's AOL and Google to Expand Strategic Alliance: "Talk"
So Microsoft lost the bid to collaborate with AOl to, guess who, Google. So, Google and AOL Instant Messenger will soon be compatible (very cool). Of course, Microsoft already has a compatibility agreement with Yahoo, so it's gonna be a marriage of MSN/Yahoo and AOL/Google, which is great since I use MSN and Google IM clients, so now I'm set for all 4! :-)
So Microsoft lost the bid to collaborate with AOl to, guess who, Google. So, Google and AOL Instant Messenger will soon be compatible (very cool). Of course, Microsoft already has a compatibility agreement with Yahoo, so it's gonna be a marriage of MSN/Yahoo and AOL/Google, which is great since I use MSN and Google IM clients, so now I'm set for all 4! :-)
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
ZabaSearch.com - Search Engine
ZabaSearch.com - Search Engine
Coole Googlesque People Finder (I searched my mom and it even knew her birthday)...
Coole Googlesque People Finder (I searched my mom and it even knew her birthday)...
Saturday, December 17, 2005
IE 7 Update
Whatever you do, don't follow my instructions for IE7. My IE is so hosed, I can't get it back. I tried to restore to a previous Restore Point (I created one before I messed with IE7) and it won't restore to any of my restore points. I tried to do a "Missing or corrupt file" check with the Windows XP CD and it after an hour, it didn't do anything. So, my PC is hosed. I highly suggest you don't mess with IE 7 until it's officially released. :-)
Update: Hey, nothing like an inplace upgrade of Windows XP to fix your IE problems. An hour or so later, we're back in business...
Update: Hey, nothing like an inplace upgrade of Windows XP to fix your IE problems. An hour or so later, we're back in business...
Friday, December 16, 2005
IE 7 Review
Ok, I'm using IE 7 (Beta) to post this blog. I think because of the way I'm running it (not really INSTALLED, it just glorifies up IE6 a little.) I went to Help and About and it still says IE 6.0.2900. :-) Cool new logo and Tabs. That's about it. All the same menu items and stuff (since still basically IE6). Oh yeah, and built in RSS feeds, but the automatic feed detection didn't even work at http://dilbertblog.typepad.com.
I really do like the tabs, though. Of course, you can download the MSN Desktop Search application to get tabs with IE6, so no big deal (see previous post). It's beta, I'm sure they'll have it all figured out by the time it releases.
As you know, it's only for MSDN subscribers, but you can get around it. Download it here: http://www.turboupload.com/d/13780/IE7-WindowsXP-x86-enu.exe.html
Extract the EXE with WinRAR. Then extract THAT exe with WinRAR. Delete the shlwapi.dll file, create a blank text file called IEXPLORE.exe.local, and you can't actually install it (it tries to validate with Microsoft), you have to just run the iexplore.exe file.
Have fun tabbing...
I really do like the tabs, though. Of course, you can download the MSN Desktop Search application to get tabs with IE6, so no big deal (see previous post). It's beta, I'm sure they'll have it all figured out by the time it releases.
As you know, it's only for MSDN subscribers, but you can get around it. Download it here: http://www.turboupload.com/d/13780/IE7-WindowsXP-x86-enu.exe.html
Extract the EXE with WinRAR. Then extract THAT exe with WinRAR. Delete the shlwapi.dll file, create a blank text file called IEXPLORE.exe.local, and you can't actually install it (it tries to validate with Microsoft), you have to just run the iexplore.exe file.
Have fun tabbing...
Christmas - Google Search
Christmas - Google Search
Those clever guys at Google. Check out the Ad dividing bar when you search for the word Christmas on Google.com...
Those clever guys at Google. Check out the Ad dividing bar when you search for the word Christmas on Google.com...
Google Space
Google Space
This is a cool project, but I guarantee you'd never find an open computer at this place...
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Google's Music Search
Google Music Search
Google just added a music search to their site. Check it out (first result)...
Newsboys
Google just added a music search to their site. Check it out (first result)...
Newsboys
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Verizon's Kid Friendly Emergency Phone
Verizon gets LG�s Migo emergency phone - Engadget - www.engadget.com
Verizon Wireless now has a "kid's phone" that only called up to 4 preprogrammed phone numbers (like mom cell, dad cell, home, 911, etc.) Pretty sweet idea for younger kids, especially when you can put it on an unlimited in network calling plan and talk unlimited between parents and kids.
Verizon Wireless now has a "kid's phone" that only called up to 4 preprogrammed phone numbers (like mom cell, dad cell, home, 911, etc.) Pretty sweet idea for younger kids, especially when you can put it on an unlimited in network calling plan and talk unlimited between parents and kids.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Gmail - Spam
Has anyone noticed that when you look in your Spam box in Gmail, that the Web Clips at the top show you recipies for SPAM? :-) Those clever Google folks...
Monday, December 12, 2005
Entertainment Anytime
Entertainment Anytime
I hate to say it, but this was quite fun. Be sure to look for hidden keystrokes like pressing M to get him to dance and braking while turning fast.
I hate to say it, but this was quite fun. Be sure to look for hidden keystrokes like pressing M to get him to dance and braking while turning fast.
Gadgets � The top 10 weirdest USB drives ever
Gadgets � The top 10 weirdest USB drives ever
Ok, I'm blog happy tonight, sorry. My favorite is the "thumb" drive. ;-)
Ok, I'm blog happy tonight, sorry. My favorite is the "thumb" drive. ;-)
How to run IE7 (Beta 1) alongside IE6
How to run IE7 (Beta 1) alongside IE6
If I was to run IE7 Beta, I would DEFINITELY do it this way...
If I was to run IE7 Beta, I would DEFINITELY do it this way...
Scheduler - Outlook Envoy The Ultimate Reminder Solution
Scheduler - Outlook Envoy The Ultimate Reminder Solution
Not sure I'd be really into this since I have at least 3 Calendar events every day, so this thing would be calling me alot. Plus, many of them I don't need to be reminded of if I'm away from my computer. But a cool tool, anyway...
Not sure I'd be really into this since I have at least 3 Calendar events every day, so this thing would be calling me alot. Plus, many of them I don't need to be reminded of if I'm away from my computer. But a cool tool, anyway...
TomTom NAVIGATOR 5 � Bluetooth
TomTom NAVIGATOR 5 - Bluetooth
If you have a Treo 650 and ANY interest in GPS whatsoever, this is your device. I haven't tried one yet, I have a good feeling I will be, so I'll let you know how it works, but since a good vehicular GPS device is about $650, and you can get a Treo 650 from Verizon for about $300, plus $300 for this software, I think this is a no brainer. It'll take your contacts (synched from Outlook) and give you real time GPS tracked directions to their address. This was the find of the year for me (if it works as well as I hope.) :-)
If you have a Treo 650 and ANY interest in GPS whatsoever, this is your device. I haven't tried one yet, I have a good feeling I will be, so I'll let you know how it works, but since a good vehicular GPS device is about $650, and you can get a Treo 650 from Verizon for about $300, plus $300 for this software, I think this is a no brainer. It'll take your contacts (synched from Outlook) and give you real time GPS tracked directions to their address. This was the find of the year for me (if it works as well as I hope.) :-)
Urban Legends Reference Pages: Photo Gallery (The Light Before Christmas)
Urban Legends Reference Pages: Photo Gallery (The Light Before Christmas)
As the resident computer geek in the family, I'm often asked to verify "hoaxes" or "urban legends" when they get circulated in e-mail. In case you get asked about the amazing Christmas Lights video that has been running rampant this year, it's actually true. He had to shut them down due to traffic problems in his neighborhood...
As the resident computer geek in the family, I'm often asked to verify "hoaxes" or "urban legends" when they get circulated in e-mail. In case you get asked about the amazing Christmas Lights video that has been running rampant this year, it's actually true. He had to shut them down due to traffic problems in his neighborhood...
Friday, December 09, 2005
ZEN VISION:M
ZEN VISION:M - Loads of entertainment without the load
Ok, it's official, I shouldn't have bought that 30GB iPod Photo. THIS is what I should have purchased. Of course, it just came out yesterday, but looks like it would have been worth the wait...
Ok, it's official, I shouldn't have bought that 30GB iPod Photo. THIS is what I should have purchased. Of course, it just came out yesterday, but looks like it would have been worth the wait...
Google Local for mobile
Google Local for mobile
Cool new feature Google Local is offering. And, unlike MapQuest, this service is free. Verizon has a deal with MapQuest, I'll bet that's why this doesn't work with Verizon. Anyway, if you're a Cingular or Sprint user, check it out to see if your phone is supported!
Cool new feature Google Local is offering. And, unlike MapQuest, this service is free. Verizon has a deal with MapQuest, I'll bet that's why this doesn't work with Verizon. Anyway, if you're a Cingular or Sprint user, check it out to see if your phone is supported!
Can you spot a fraudulent e-mail?
MailFrontier Phishing IQ Test
Take this test and see if you can determine Legitimate from Fraud. I, of course, scored 100%, no surprise there. :-) I do, after all, hold a Master Certification in ITAA Information Security Awareness.
Take this test and see if you can determine Legitimate from Fraud. I, of course, scored 100%, no surprise there. :-) I do, after all, hold a Master Certification in ITAA Information Security Awareness.
New Gmail Features
New Gmail Features
OH MAN! These new features are AWESOME! RSS feeds right above your inbox! Office documents viewing in HTML if you don't have Office, and Automatic mapping and UPS tracking with address detection. Google is my hero...
OH MAN! These new features are AWESOME! RSS feeds right above your inbox! Office documents viewing in HTML if you don't have Office, and Automatic mapping and UPS tracking with address detection. Google is my hero...
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Windows Live Local debuts
Windows Live Local debuts
Yes, I realize I'm blogging a blog. This is supposed to compete with Google? Please. Yahoo needs to get in gear and play some serious catchup!
Yes, I realize I'm blogging a blog. This is supposed to compete with Google? Please. Yahoo needs to get in gear and play some serious catchup!
Exchange 12 Features
Steven Bink, a guy in Holland has a good site; Bink.nu. He wrote this and I thought it would be interesting to get this raw data just as he sees it!
"OK I had no time yet to write a decent article I have on Exchange 12 based on sessions and interviews from the IT Forum. I will do that next week, for now get the facts based in my notes in no particular order:"
Role based deployment: Edge, Mailbox, Routing, client Access etc.
So no more need of OWA files or pub folders on all servers
50 Storage Groups total
50 databases total
Page size from 4k -> 6k
IO and large Mem optimized
Target 5MB RAM /user
Full command line support (Monad)
ESM completely re-written from scratch
90% of new code is managed code
Faster server startup
No more STM files!
14 day dumpster by default
Enable Large, low cost mailboxes
E12=0.25 IO/sec (Ex2k3 1.0)
Logfiles limit 2 billion
Low impact fast re-index
Multi mailbox search
Works with OL and OWA and Mobile Outlook
Local continuous backup, no tape needed
Remote continuous backup
Reduced TCO
Fast recovery (minutes)
No more PST's! expensive, legal risk.
Managed email folders, corporate assigned folders
Outlook Voice Access
Branding: Demo's used Beta1 named Exchange 2007
Binaries are version 8!
Only 64 bit, reported 1st by Bink.nu few months ago :)
No active/active cluster support
No more OMA support
NTTP?
Last version with public folders
Access intranet and files outside the office without VPN
"OK I had no time yet to write a decent article I have on Exchange 12 based on sessions and interviews from the IT Forum. I will do that next week, for now get the facts based in my notes in no particular order:"
Role based deployment: Edge, Mailbox, Routing, client Access etc.
So no more need of OWA files or pub folders on all servers
50 Storage Groups total
50 databases total
Page size from 4k -> 6k
IO and large Mem optimized
Target 5MB RAM /user
Full command line support (Monad)
ESM completely re-written from scratch
90% of new code is managed code
Faster server startup
No more STM files!
14 day dumpster by default
Enable Large, low cost mailboxes
E12=0.25 IO/sec (Ex2k3 1.0)
Logfiles limit 2 billion
Low impact fast re-index
Multi mailbox search
Works with OL and OWA and Mobile Outlook
Local continuous backup, no tape needed
Remote continuous backup
Reduced TCO
Fast recovery (minutes)
No more PST's! expensive, legal risk.
Managed email folders, corporate assigned folders
Outlook Voice Access
Branding: Demo's used Beta1 named Exchange 2007
Binaries are version 8!
Only 64 bit, reported 1st by Bink.nu few months ago :)
No active/active cluster support
No more OMA support
NTTP?
Last version with public folders
Access intranet and files outside the office without VPN
FREE Ultra UV Wizard Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
FREE Ultra UV Wizard Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
Shipping is $15, but after rebate, this case is free. Note, it doesn't include a power supply! UV reacting side. Interesting.
Shipping is $15, but after rebate, this case is free. Note, it doesn't include a power supply! UV reacting side. Interesting.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Wired News: Fido's First Cell Phone
Wired News: Fido's First Cell Phone
Ok, this sounds crazy, but the applications are really quite cool. I wouldn't mind dropping $350 for the thing, but I'm curious about the monthly subscription fee. That's where they're gonna make the killing...
Ok, this sounds crazy, but the applications are really quite cool. I wouldn't mind dropping $350 for the thing, but I'm curious about the monthly subscription fee. That's where they're gonna make the killing...
Monday, December 05, 2005
The Sysadmin Song - avi - Google Video
The Sysadmin Song - avi - Google Video
I like Google Video, but finding a song like this makes me like it even more. :-)
I like Google Video, but finding a song like this makes me like it even more. :-)
Sunday, December 04, 2005
SNARF from Microsoft Research
SNARF from Microsoft Research
I'm not sure I have enough unmanageable e-mails to make this useful, but I've heard good things about its effectiveness.
I'm not sure I have enough unmanageable e-mails to make this useful, but I've heard good things about its effectiveness.
The banned XBOX 360 Ad
XBOX 360
Microsoft decided not to run this ad since it was so violent, but it's a pretty catchy ad...
Microsoft decided not to run this ad since it was so violent, but it's a pretty catchy ad...
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
The Movie Cliches List
Funny list of how movies change the way computers work for the benefit of the people watching the movie...
White House RSS Feeds & Podcasts
White House RSS Feeds & Podcasts
Pretty cool for your politically minded folks. White House RSS Feeds!
Pretty cool for your politically minded folks. White House RSS Feeds!
EverNote - A single place for all your notes!
So if you like the idea of OneNote from Microsoft, but you don't like the price, see EverNote. Looks VERY similar to OneNote, but it's free. I'll probably give it a shot on my laptop, but would be awesome for a tablet...
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Wired 13.12: Who's Afraid of Google? Everyone.
Wired 13.12: Who's Afraid of Google? Everyone.
Great article outlining Google's advances and who it threatens...
Great article outlining Google's advances and who it threatens...
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Acrobat 7.0 Page
Ok, so I just like the effect this page has when you move your mouse around. Very simple, but very cool...
Wired News: Outsourcing to the Heartland
This is such a great business model. I'm surprised we don't hear about it more often. Think about why an IT consultant in New York makes $100/hr. BECAUSE THEY LIVE THERE! I think this Rural Sourcing company will do pretty well with this...
Monday, November 21, 2005
Google Book Search
Google Book Search
I've been trying to use this lately to see what it can be used for. So far, I'm finding good applications for Bible Studies. Google has scanned in thousands of books that no longer have copyrights, and a lot of those include studies on certain topics or chapters. Very cool technology...
I've been trying to use this lately to see what it can be used for. So far, I'm finding good applications for Bible Studies. Google has scanned in thousands of books that no longer have copyrights, and a lot of those include studies on certain topics or chapters. Very cool technology...
A peek at Office 12 Beta
Microsoft Office Tips and Tricks - The Office Letter Standard Edition
Some cool screenshots of the new Office. Looks like it's enough of a visual change that user retraining will be required...
Some cool screenshots of the new Office. Looks like it's enough of a visual change that user retraining will be required...
See which search engine is best for you, blindfolded
The Search Engine Experiment
This site tests which search engine offers the best results. Search for something, pick which results you thing are most appropriate, and THEN they'll tell you which search engine offered those results. Site wasn't working for me this morning. Check it out and see if it's functioning for you. I already know it'll say Google for me, so no need to take it. :-)
The Search Engine Experiment
This site tests which search engine offers the best results. Search for something, pick which results you thing are most appropriate, and THEN they'll tell you which search engine offered those results. Site wasn't working for me this morning. Check it out and see if it's functioning for you. I already know it'll say Google for me, so no need to take it. :-)
Microsoft Product Licensing Advisor
Microsoft Product Licensing Advisor
Making Mcirosoft licensing a bit easier?
Microsoft Product Licensing Advisor
Making Mcirosoft licensing a bit easier?
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Blog Changes
Ok, I made a few changes that probably won't even be noticed. For those of you finally catching on to the usefulness of RSS feeds, I added an RSS icon on every post so you know the address to put into your RSS reader (or on your www.google.com/ig page.) I also opened up the comments section to anyone, so you don't have to register to comment.
I thought about copying my friend David Stember and adding music to my blog, but I think that just annoys people and slows down the site, so I decided I'd keep the best interests of my visitors in mind, much unlike Dave. :-)
Ok, I made a few changes that probably won't even be noticed. For those of you finally catching on to the usefulness of RSS feeds, I added an RSS icon on every post so you know the address to put into your RSS reader (or on your www.google.com/ig page.) I also opened up the comments section to anyone, so you don't have to register to comment.
I thought about copying my friend David Stember and adding music to my blog, but I think that just annoys people and slows down the site, so I decided I'd keep the best interests of my visitors in mind, much unlike Dave. :-)
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Techdirt:When Your RSS Is No Longer Your Own
SURPRISE! Yahoo RSS feeds are all screwed up. That's why you should use Google's customized home page (www.google.com/ig) instead of My Yahoo! Right, Oz? :-)
SURPRISE! Yahoo RSS feeds are all screwed up. That's why you should use Google's customized home page (www.google.com/ig) instead of My Yahoo! Right, Oz? :-)
Find Sex Offenders Online
Free US Sex Offender Registry Mapping System
Interesting tool. Actually maps out your neighborhood and shows you where sex offenders are living. Not only that, but if you click on a red dot that shows where they live, it shows you their PICTURE! Uses Google Maps of course...
Free US Sex Offender Registry Mapping System
Interesting tool. Actually maps out your neighborhood and shows you where sex offenders are living. Not only that, but if you click on a red dot that shows where they live, it shows you their PICTURE! Uses Google Maps of course...
Monday, November 14, 2005
Free Spell Checker for IE
ieSpell - Spell Checker add-on for Internet Explorer
Ryan, pay attention. Here's a free spell checker for IE. Checks text input boxes on a webpage. Saves copy and pasting to/from Microsoft Word to check it! Note, it's free for personal use, but you can't use it at work without paying for it...
ieSpell - Spell Checker add-on for Internet Explorer
Ryan, pay attention. Here's a free spell checker for IE. Checks text input boxes on a webpage. Saves copy and pasting to/from Microsoft Word to check it! Note, it's free for personal use, but you can't use it at work without paying for it...
Ok, ignore my last post
Stardock - ObjectDock
I had lots of problems with Mobydock. Kept crashing and stuff, so I uninstalled it and found a better one. This one has been running great on my PC for a few days with NO problems. It's very slick, and of course meets the price requirement of free if you get the basic one. It truly rocks. Has an integrated Google search icon that pops up a search box when you click on it. The weather feature is awesome as well. Anyway, use this one!
Stardock - ObjectDock
I had lots of problems with Mobydock. Kept crashing and stuff, so I uninstalled it and found a better one. This one has been running great on my PC for a few days with NO problems. It's very slick, and of course meets the price requirement of free if you get the basic one. It truly rocks. Has an integrated Google search icon that pops up a search box when you click on it. The weather feature is awesome as well. Anyway, use this one!
Saturday, November 12, 2005
Cool app for Windows
Mobydock
Ever wish Windows had that cool bar at the bottom like the Mac OS X has? Well, here's some freeware for ya...
Mobydock
Ever wish Windows had that cool bar at the bottom like the Mac OS X has? Well, here's some freeware for ya...
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Free VS classes
Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 E-Learning
Until November 17th, these Visual Studio 2005 eLearning courses are free!
Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 E-Learning
Until November 17th, these Visual Studio 2005 eLearning courses are free!
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Visual Studio 2005 Express - FREE
Announcing the release of Visual Studio 2005 Express Editions - MSDN
It's here, and until 11/7/06, it's free to download...
Visual Web Developer 2005 Express
Visual Basic 2005 Express
Visual C# 2005 Express
Visual C++ 2005 Express
SQL Server Express
Announcing the release of Visual Studio 2005 Express Editions - MSDN
It's here, and until 11/7/06, it's free to download...
Visual Web Developer 2005 Express
Visual Basic 2005 Express
Visual C# 2005 Express
Visual C++ 2005 Express
SQL Server Express
Friday, November 04, 2005
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Wierd eBay auctions
Funny eBay Auctions Weird & Bizarre Auctions From Across The Globe
Happy Bidding! :-)
Funny eBay Auctions Weird & Bizarre Auctions From Across The Globe
Happy Bidding! :-)
Remote Controlling Humans
Remote Control for Humans Being Tested
WOW is all I have to say. This is VERY interesting stuff. Video games. Yeah. Right. :-)
Remote Control for Humans Being Tested
WOW is all I have to say. This is VERY interesting stuff. Video games. Yeah. Right. :-)
Microsoft Plays Catch Up
Windows Live
I don't know about you, but to me, Microsoft's new www.live.com looks like an attempt to compete with Google's personalized homepage (http://www.google.com/ig). I'm gonna have to see some pretty cool stuff coming out of this thing before I do any switching. Especially since I no longer have Hotmail accounts that I check...
Windows Live
I don't know about you, but to me, Microsoft's new www.live.com looks like an attempt to compete with Google's personalized homepage (http://www.google.com/ig). I'm gonna have to see some pretty cool stuff coming out of this thing before I do any switching. Especially since I no longer have Hotmail accounts that I check...
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
For Fun
The Reflex Tester
Ok, not really technology related, but fun. Check out this site and post your results in the comments section. I got 0.281 several times as my best score...
The Reflex Tester
Ok, not really technology related, but fun. Check out this site and post your results in the comments section. I got 0.281 several times as my best score...
Universal Translator
Breaking Down Language Barriers
I recommend buying stock in TransClick if they ever go public...
Breaking Down Language Barriers
I recommend buying stock in TransClick if they ever go public...
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Friday, October 21, 2005
Microsoft Ad
Live Meeting
The great thing about this short ad (60 seconds) is that I didn't see it coming, so it's all the more humorous.
Live Meeting
The great thing about this short ad (60 seconds) is that I didn't see it coming, so it's all the more humorous.
Google Earth Gems
Google Sightseeing
This is just a cool site that allows people to post need things they've seen on Google Earth. I'm tempted to post a shot of Becker Underwood mulch piles. :-)
Google Sightseeing
This is just a cool site that allows people to post need things they've seen on Google Earth. I'm tempted to post a shot of Becker Underwood mulch piles. :-)
Professors Podcasting
Newsday.com: Missed class? Try a podcast
Why wasn't anyone podcasting when I went to school? Oh yeah, they didn't have iPods OR podcasting back then. Heck, they didn't have wireless on campus until 1 semester after I graduated...
Newsday.com: Missed class? Try a podcast
Why wasn't anyone podcasting when I went to school? Oh yeah, they didn't have iPods OR podcasting back then. Heck, they didn't have wireless on campus until 1 semester after I graduated...
Google in the News. Again.
Wired News: Google Profits Defy Expectations
This article speaks for itself...
Wired News: Google Profits Defy Expectations
This article speaks for itself...
Thursday, October 20, 2005
OppenOffice 2.0!
OpenOffice.org Project gives green light to OpenOffice 2.0
SWEET! OpenOffice now has a database program! Very cool...
OpenOffice.org Project gives green light to OpenOffice 2.0
SWEET! OpenOffice now has a database program! Very cool...
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Sweet laptop!
Sony VAIO TX Series made of Carbon Fiber
Kudos to Will for finding this little jewel. The lightness factor is cool, but I think the AV mode where you can watch pictures or movies and listen to music without booting Windows is even cooler.
Sony VAIO TX Series made of Carbon Fiber
Kudos to Will for finding this little jewel. The lightness factor is cool, but I think the AV mode where you can watch pictures or movies and listen to music without booting Windows is even cooler.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Monday, October 17, 2005
Anyone have $5 Million?
Wired News: Wi-Fi Cloud Covers Rural Oregon
If someone could put up a Wi-Fi Cloud like this one in Ames, I'd really appreciate it. I'd do it, but I don't have $5 Million. :-)
Wired News: Wi-Fi Cloud Covers Rural Oregon
If someone could put up a Wi-Fi Cloud like this one in Ames, I'd really appreciate it. I'd do it, but I don't have $5 Million. :-)
Outlook Mobile Manager
Outlook Mobile Manager
Interesting and free app from Microsoft to help prioritize your important e-mails and forward them to a mobile device while you're gone...
Outlook Mobile Manager
Interesting and free app from Microsoft to help prioritize your important e-mails and forward them to a mobile device while you're gone...
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Hybrid Motorcycle
Yamaha Hybrid
A hybrid bike? I don't know if I could do it. I doubt the pipes are deafeningly loud. :-)
Yamaha Hybrid
A hybrid bike? I don't know if I could do it. I doubt the pipes are deafeningly loud. :-)
OpenSource Webmail
RoundCube Webmail Project
This is AJAX based. Microsoft and Yahoo have been doing a lot of stuff with AJAX. OpenSource Webmail program if you have a server that can do MySQL and PHP. Kinda cool if you ever thought about hosting your own e-mail...
RoundCube Webmail Project
This is AJAX based. Microsoft and Yahoo have been doing a lot of stuff with AJAX. OpenSource Webmail program if you have a server that can do MySQL and PHP. Kinda cool if you ever thought about hosting your own e-mail...
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Today's Big Announcement from Apple
Apple - iMac G5 - Front Row
Direct competition to Microsoft with their Media PC. Leave it to Apple to make it look sweet...
Apple - iMac G5 - Front Row
Direct competition to Microsoft with their Media PC. Leave it to Apple to make it look sweet...
MSN and Yahoo users to chat together?
Microsoft and Yahoo
Add this to the list of companies Microsoft is striking deals with...
Microsoft and Yahoo
Add this to the list of companies Microsoft is striking deals with...
XBox 360 and iPod
Xbox 360 ... and iPod Nano?
Ok, seriously, what is going on here? Microsoft work with Apple iPod. Microsoft settles a deal and a PARTNERSHIP with RealNetworks. The new Palm Treo 700 runs MICROSOFT WINDOWS CE MOBILE! How is this happening? I am fully convinced that there is no stopping Microsoft. I have a lot of respect for this company. Of course, I'm a conservative, so that should be no surprise, right? :-)
Xbox 360 ... and iPod Nano?
Ok, seriously, what is going on here? Microsoft work with Apple iPod. Microsoft settles a deal and a PARTNERSHIP with RealNetworks. The new Palm Treo 700 runs MICROSOFT WINDOWS CE MOBILE! How is this happening? I am fully convinced that there is no stopping Microsoft. I have a lot of respect for this company. Of course, I'm a conservative, so that should be no surprise, right? :-)
Google.org
Google.org
Where is Yahoo.org? Hmmm, just says page cannot be found. :-)
Since this page is basic, here is some more information on the good things Google is doing:
http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2005/10/about-googleorg.html
Google.org
Where is Yahoo.org? Hmmm, just says page cannot be found. :-)
Since this page is basic, here is some more information on the good things Google is doing:
http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2005/10/about-googleorg.html
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Dish TV in the palm of your hand
EchoStar debuts portable video player
This is cool, but as expected, proprietary hardware to EchoStar. There are so many good portable video players out there, why do they have to go and create their own PocketDish? Don't answer that, I know why...
Oh yeah, and anyone who gets a 2.2 inch screen is an idiot...
EchoStar debuts portable video player
This is cool, but as expected, proprietary hardware to EchoStar. There are so many good portable video players out there, why do they have to go and create their own PocketDish? Don't answer that, I know why...
Oh yeah, and anyone who gets a 2.2 inch screen is an idiot...
Skype gets some hardware
Linksys CIT200 Skype phone review
I think this Skype thing is something to be reckoned with. That phone is pretty slick...
Linksys CIT200 Skype phone review
I think this Skype thing is something to be reckoned with. That phone is pretty slick...
Hotmail gets renovated
MSN Mail Beta Preview
Looks like they are scrambling to catch up to Gmail. :-)
MSN Mail Beta Preview
Looks like they are scrambling to catch up to Gmail. :-)
Friday, October 07, 2005
Google's Feed Reader
Reader.Google.com
Ok, admittedly I haven't tried this yet. It's web based, so I doubt I'll like it better than my SharpReader which alerts me to new entries, but it's Google, so it has to be cool. :-)
Reader.Google.com
Ok, admittedly I haven't tried this yet. It's web based, so I doubt I'll like it better than my SharpReader which alerts me to new entries, but it's Google, so it has to be cool. :-)
Sweet Gmail Feature
If you'd like your outgoing Gmail messages to display another one of your email addresses in the 'From:' field (instead of your Gmail address), just follow these easy steps:
- Log in to your Gmail account.
- Click 'Settings' along the top of any page, and then select the 'Accounts' tab.
- Click 'Add another email address' in the 'Send mail as:' section.
- Enter your full name in the 'Name:' field, and the email address you'd like to send messages from in the 'Email address:' field.
*Keep in mind that each time someone replies to a message you send using a custom 'From:' address, the reply will be delivered to the 'From:' address rather than your Gmail address. If you'd like replies to be delivered to another account, you'll need to enter a 'reply-to' address. Just click 'Specify a different reply-to address' to enter this information.
- Click 'Next Step >>,' and then click 'Send Verification' to complete the process. Gmail will send a verification message to your other email address to confirm that you'd like to add it to your Gmail account. You'll need to click the link in that message, or enter the confirmation code in the 'Accounts' section of your Gmail account, to complete the process. Once you've verified that you'd like to add the address to your account, you can start sending messages using your custom 'From:' address.
Tip: If you have a number of different email addresses, enter all of them in your Gmail account, and then select a different address to send each of your messages from, depending on what you're sending.
NOTE: It even gives you a "from" drop down on all of your outgoing e-mail so you can very easily pick which e-mail address it should appear to come "from"!!!!
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Flickr: Transparent Screens
Pretty cool site that shows people who have made their monitors "transparent". :-)
Pretty cool site that shows people who have made their monitors "transparent". :-)
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
A few Nano Glitches
Apple acknowledges flaw in iPod Nano
I held one of these in the Chicago Apple Store last weekend. Man, these things are sweet. If it wasn't for the fact that the biggest one can only hold 4GB...
Apple acknowledges flaw in iPod Nano
I held one of these in the Chicago Apple Store last weekend. Man, these things are sweet. If it wasn't for the fact that the biggest one can only hold 4GB...
Dell without an OS
Dell offers an open-source PC
New Dimension E510n comes with a blank hard drive and FreeDOS. Interesting.
Dell offers an open-source PC
New Dimension E510n comes with a blank hard drive and FreeDOS. Interesting.
Smarty Pants
AskMeNow
This looks like a cool and useful service. Someone to look up Google stuff for you!
AskMeNow
This looks like a cool and useful service. Someone to look up Google stuff for you!
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
$100 laptop
CNN.com - MIT unveils wind-up $100 laptop - Sep 30, 2005
Does this remind anyone of a certain movie? :-)
CNN.com - MIT unveils wind-up $100 laptop - Sep 30, 2005
Does this remind anyone of a certain movie? :-)
Save As PDF
Microsoft to Build PDF Support Into Office 12
This should make Microsoft and Adobe GREAT friends. :-)
Microsoft to Build PDF Support Into Office 12
This should make Microsoft and Adobe GREAT friends. :-)
Gotta watch this
Sun Microsystems and Google
These guys are going to change the way we look at software today. They are expected to announce an Office Suite based on OpenOffice, and accesible via webbrowser. Check out this webcast today at 12:30pm...
Sun Microsystems and Google
These guys are going to change the way we look at software today. They are expected to announce an Office Suite based on OpenOffice, and accesible via webbrowser. Check out this webcast today at 12:30pm...
Friday, September 30, 2005
Useful Freeware
Pepping Up Windows
I think he's missing Grisoft's AVG Antivirus program, but otherwise, very useful list of open source and freeware programs to replace the otherwise expensive options.
Pepping Up Windows
I think he's missing Grisoft's AVG Antivirus program, but otherwise, very useful list of open source and freeware programs to replace the otherwise expensive options.
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
DivX Create for Free
DivX Video: Download DivX Software and the DivX Player
Here you go, videophiles. DivX Create is giving away their software ($20 value) today only...
DivX Video: Download DivX Software and the DivX Player
Here you go, videophiles. DivX Create is giving away their software ($20 value) today only...
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Treo 700w
Windows Powered Palm
I get scared when they start talking about using a Windows OS to give a device MORE STABILITY! Either way, seeing a Treo without Palm is pretty cool...
Windows Powered Palm
I get scared when they start talking about using a Windows OS to give a device MORE STABILITY! Either way, seeing a Treo without Palm is pretty cool...
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Alt+Tab Upgrade
Microsoft PowerToys for Windows XP
I wasn't big on PowerToys until I found the Alt+Tab replacement. You know how you often have several Internet sites open and when you Alt+Tab to switch to another screen, you can tell which IE icon you need? Check out this Alt+Tab upgrade. It shows you a screenshot of what you're going to Alt+Tab to. VERY COOL! MUITO LEGAL for my Portuguese friends. ;-)
Microsoft PowerToys for Windows XP
I wasn't big on PowerToys until I found the Alt+Tab replacement. You know how you often have several Internet sites open and when you Alt+Tab to switch to another screen, you can tell which IE icon you need? Check out this Alt+Tab upgrade. It shows you a screenshot of what you're going to Alt+Tab to. VERY COOL! MUITO LEGAL for my Portuguese friends. ;-)
Monday, September 19, 2005
Disabling Cameras
Don't Take My Picture
Now this is pretty cool. Being able to keep people from taking photos with their digital cameras...
Don't Take My Picture
Now this is pretty cool. Being able to keep people from taking photos with their digital cameras...
Friday, September 16, 2005
Video tombstone
First Coast News | Strange & Unusual - Coming Soon to a Tombstone Near You: Solar-Powered Video Panels
I'm totally getting one of these. :-)
First Coast News | Strange & Unusual - Coming Soon to a Tombstone Near You: Solar-Powered Video Panels
I'm totally getting one of these. :-)
Yahoo News
Wired News: Yahoo Moves Into the Hot Zone
I know I certainly won't be getting my news from the Yahoos at Yahoo! :-) Now if Google started reporting the news, that might be a different story...
Wired News: Yahoo Moves Into the Hot Zone
I know I certainly won't be getting my news from the Yahoos at Yahoo! :-) Now if Google started reporting the news, that might be a different story...
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
OneCare Service Now Open to the Public
Microsoft has been beta testing a new subscription service called OneCare that provides firewall, anti-virus, spyware detection/removal and backup functions all in one. Now the beta program has been opened to the public. To sign up, you'll need a Passport account. Point your Web browser to the Microsoft Beta site and sign in with your Passport username and password, then enter "OneCare" (without the quotation marks) in the guest ID field.
https://beta.microsoft.com/sign-in/signin.asp?refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fbeta%2Emicrosoft%2Ecom%2Fcontent%2Fbphome%2Easp%3F
Microsoft has been beta testing a new subscription service called OneCare that provides firewall, anti-virus, spyware detection/removal and backup functions all in one. Now the beta program has been opened to the public. To sign up, you'll need a Passport account. Point your Web browser to the Microsoft Beta site and sign in with your Passport username and password, then enter "OneCare" (without the quotation marks) in the guest ID field.
https://beta.microsoft.com/sign-in/signin.asp?refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fbeta%2Emicrosoft%2Ecom%2Fcontent%2Fbphome%2Easp%3F
Vista Features Revealed
Pre-PDC Exclusive: Windows Vista End-User Features Revealed
Seven versions of Vista? Give me a break! Well, just give me the Premium Professional Edition. :-)
Pre-PDC Exclusive: Windows Vista End-User Features Revealed
Seven versions of Vista? Give me a break! Well, just give me the Premium Professional Edition. :-)
Friday, September 09, 2005
Thursday, September 08, 2005
PCMover Software for free until Sep 15!
PCmover � Automatically move all programs, files and settings to a new PC
This software is really helpful if you dread moving to a new PC thanks to how long it will take you to reinstall programs, files, etc. Too bad I just did this with my new laptop unassisted...
PCmover � Automatically move all programs, files and settings to a new PC
This software is really helpful if you dread moving to a new PC thanks to how long it will take you to reinstall programs, files, etc. Too bad I just did this with my new laptop unassisted...
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
New iPods are announced
Wired News: ITunes Coming to a Phone Near You
The new Motorola iPod phone from Cingular isn't a flip phone. Come on, people! Interface (exactly like an iPod of course) looks pretty cool, though. We'll see if these things take off.
I'll stick with my iPod Photo 30GB for now, although a really thin iPod Nano looks appealing (once they can make them in the 30GB flavor)...
Wired News: ITunes Coming to a Phone Near You
The new Motorola iPod phone from Cingular isn't a flip phone. Come on, people! Interface (exactly like an iPod of course) looks pretty cool, though. We'll see if these things take off.
I'll stick with my iPod Photo 30GB for now, although a really thin iPod Nano looks appealing (once they can make them in the 30GB flavor)...
Gmail in Google Toolbar
Google Toolbar
If you're like me, you can't live without your Google Toolbar. In fact, it's one of the first things I install if I try to use the Internet on a PC that doesn't have one. IE just looks so naked without it! Anyway, they now have an add on to the toolbar that allows you to also use it to search your Gmail. You can already search the web, or froogle, or images just by pressing the appropriate button. This simply adds one more button that does your Gmail! Yes, Google Search does this as well, but this puts it up in the browser toolbar where you already spend a majority of your time!
Google Toolbar
If you're like me, you can't live without your Google Toolbar. In fact, it's one of the first things I install if I try to use the Internet on a PC that doesn't have one. IE just looks so naked without it! Anyway, they now have an add on to the toolbar that allows you to also use it to search your Gmail. You can already search the web, or froogle, or images just by pressing the appropriate button. This simply adds one more button that does your Gmail! Yes, Google Search does this as well, but this puts it up in the browser toolbar where you already spend a majority of your time!
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Microsoft's new release dates:
Exclusive: Latest Windows Vista, Longhorn Server, WinFS, SQL Server 2005 Timelines Revealed
Exclusive: Latest Windows Vista, Longhorn Server, WinFS, SQL Server 2005 Timelines Revealed
Before and After Katrina
Check out http://maps.google.com. Do a search for New Orleans. Zoom in a little, then click on Satellite. This will give you a view of what New Orleans looked like before. Now click on the new red button they added called Katrina. That will show you the exact same shot, except with new satellite images after Katrina. Pretty crazy. You can zoom in pretty far, too. One of the places I zoomed into looked like a horse racing track with lots of horse barns around it. Makes you wonder what happened to the horses...
Friday, September 02, 2005
For those of you with Google Earth
Check out Katrina's devastation. Google's official blog post tells the story.
http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2005/09/seeing-what-katrina-has-wrought.html
Check out Katrina's devastation. Google's official blog post tells the story.
http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2005/09/seeing-what-katrina-has-wrought.html
Thursday, September 01, 2005
$2 Domains?!?!
Domain Name Registration from Yahoo! Small Business
Wow, I have to say I'm impressed. It's sad, but I'm officially a Yahoo! Small Business Customer now. I was looking to register www.cornerstonemen.com and then I see this SlickDeal. $1.99/year for up to 5 years. I pointed the nameservers to my www.1and1.com account and I'm all set. Pretty incredible deal if you're looking to grab a domain name...
Domain Name Registration from Yahoo! Small Business
Wow, I have to say I'm impressed. It's sad, but I'm officially a Yahoo! Small Business Customer now. I was looking to register www.cornerstonemen.com and then I see this SlickDeal. $1.99/year for up to 5 years. I pointed the nameservers to my www.1and1.com account and I'm all set. Pretty incredible deal if you're looking to grab a domain name...
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Google Talk Workaround
So I’ve figured out the notification problem where your “buddy’s” comments always pop up, even if you minimize or hide the chat window. Here’s what you do. You don’t let it uninstall GMail notifier (I found I wanted it anyway as a constant reminder to the fact that I still had an unread e-mail. The Google Talk notifier tells you once, then never again, so if you miss the notification, you wouldn’t know there’s a new e-mail waiting.) So if you let it uninstall notifier, reinstall it. Once you do that, right click on the Google Talk icon in your systray and chose “Disable All Notifications.” Voila. Now, when you hide a chat window and the person sends you another chat, it simply blinks at the bottom of your screen like MSN does. Perfect!
First Impressions
Ok, so here are my first impressions of Google talk:
How are you?
Google Talk is cool, huh?
It needs some work
Other IM clients would put Aaron: in front of every single line.
Overall, I think it’s basic and needs some work, but I have a feeling that updates are going to be posting like wildfire. Sorry, Matt, the Google Talk client doesn’t support Linux, but you can use other ones like GAIM (or iChat on your iBook) to chat with Google Talk users…
This post was brought to you by the Google Blogger Microsoft Word PlugIn (which screwed up my number formatting and doesn't allow images to be included.) :-)
1. First of all, it’s VERY basic. I think they were rushing to get something out. They probably spent a lot of time developing the voice talk feature as that’s the part they are pushing the most.
2. I like that you can leave your own custom Online/Busy message.
3. I also like the format of how the chat looks when you’re talking. For instance, if I send 4 posts in a row before the person I’m chatting with responds, it looks like this –
Aaron: hiHow are you?
Google Talk is cool, huh?
It needs some work
Other IM clients would put Aaron: in front of every single line.
4. If you click on the top bar of the chat window, it shrinks it down to one line that will show the last post sent by the person you’re chatting with. Not 100% sure on the usefulness of this feature unless you chat with a ton of people at the same time and want to save window space.
5. It has GMail notifier built in, so you can uninstall your redundant GMail notifier.
6. Kind of stinks that it’s only available to GMail users. I’m sure some people won’t get it because they don’t want another e-mail account.
7. You can’t change the font of your text. I like this feature in MSN because it allows you to easily and quickly differentiate your text from the person’s text you’re chatting with. They said this improvement is coming soon.
8. If you minimize the chat window, the next time the person sends some text, it pops up as a notification above the system tray with the content of what they said. That means your chat is going to be seen by anyone that looks at your monitor, regardless of whether your chat window is behind something else. If this doesn’t get a fix of some sort, I think Google Talk is going to have a short life on my work PC (which is fine since we have SIP MSN Messenger with Live Communications Server at work.)
Overall, I think it’s basic and needs some work, but I have a feeling that updates are going to be posting like wildfire. Sorry, Matt, the Google Talk client doesn’t support Linux, but you can use other ones like GAIM (or iChat on your iBook) to chat with Google Talk users…
This post was brought to you by the Google Blogger Microsoft Word PlugIn (which screwed up my number formatting and doesn't allow images to be included.) :-)
IT'S TRUE!
Google Talk
One of my friends sent me an invitation to join Google Talk this morning. I need to find out how long he's known about this, but as of this morning, it's confirmed that it's true. I can't wait to get this downloaded..
Google Talk
One of my friends sent me an invitation to join Google Talk this morning. I need to find out how long he's known about this, but as of this morning, it's confirmed that it's true. I can't wait to get this downloaded..
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
So maybe it's real! Google Chat coming tomorrow?
Google to Deliver Instant Messages - Los Angeles Times
Google to Deliver Instant Messages - Los Angeles Times
Monday, August 22, 2005
How long will we speculate on a Google IM client?
Hey, Google: here's how to make the leap from Google Talk to Google VoIP by ZDNet's Russell Shaw -- Speculation is rife today that come Wednesday, Google will announce an IM chat product named Google Talk.In fact, the Los Angeles Times posted a scoop about it Monday evening. The Times' Chris Gaither cites unidentified sources who have seen the product as saying that this new app will allow headset-wearing users to have voice conversations [...]
Billboards using Bluetooth
New Scientist Breaking News - Billboards beam adverts to passing cellphones
While I'm a supporter of Bluetooth, it will be a sad day when my V710 chirps with an ad from a billboard...
New Scientist Breaking News - Billboards beam adverts to passing cellphones
While I'm a supporter of Bluetooth, it will be a sad day when my V710 chirps with an ad from a billboard...
Google Desktop 2.0
Google Desktop 2.0
YES! Sweet! It's here! Now this Sidebar thing is REALLY cool...
Google Desktop 2.0
YES! Sweet! It's here! Now this Sidebar thing is REALLY cool...
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
The laptop has arrived!
Holy cow, that came sooner than expected. It shipped yesterday and arrived today (with free UPS 3-5 Day Ground shipping)! Anyway, it’s as cool as I would have hoped for. The big battery makes it heavier, so I took it to the postage machine and weighted it. 4 lbs 9.5 ounces. Not too shabby! I already copied over my music and photos and upgraded it from XP Home to XP Pro.
I sent off my 450Mhz PC to be recycled and I put my other PC in my brother’s garage sale. If anyone is interested, speak now, or it gets sold this weekend! It’s an 800Mhz, 256MB RAM, 10GB HD, Windows 98 (licensed for Windows ME), 15” monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, CDRW, CDROM, and Open Office installed.
By the way, thanks to Google’s new Blogger App for Microsoft Word, I published this blog from Word on my PC. Pretty sweet!
I sent off my 450Mhz PC to be recycled and I put my other PC in my brother’s garage sale. If anyone is interested, speak now, or it gets sold this weekend! It’s an 800Mhz, 256MB RAM, 10GB HD, Windows 98 (licensed for Windows ME), 15” monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, CDRW, CDROM, and Open Office installed.
By the way, thanks to Google’s new Blogger App for Microsoft Word, I published this blog from Word on my PC. Pretty sweet!
Monday, August 15, 2005
Google Gets More Results than Yahoo!
A Comparision of the Size of the Yahoo and Google Indices
Ah, some neutral statistics to rest this debate once and for all. Yahoo! should have used the tagline "Providing access to over 20 billion items [half of which is junk]!" :-)
http://vburton.ncsa.uiuc.edu/indexsize.html
A Comparision of the Size of the Yahoo and Google Indices
Ah, some neutral statistics to rest this debate once and for all. Yahoo! should have used the tagline "Providing access to over 20 billion items [half of which is junk]!" :-)
http://vburton.ncsa.uiuc.edu/indexsize.html
Friday, August 12, 2005
Google Earth - Sightseeing
This is the next best place to go once you have installed Google Earth. Open these KMZ files, you'll be blown away.
This is the next best place to go once you have installed Google Earth. Open these KMZ files, you'll be blown away.
Google Earth - Have you tried this?
Google Earth
I tried this when it was KEYHOLE and Google owned it. It was ok. But now, Google has integrated this in with "Google Local", "Google Maps" AND Gmail! You can send snapshots of what you're looking at as an Outlook attachment, or even as a Gmail attachment. This has really come a LONG way since Keyhole. And if you had Keyhole installed at one time, it remembers all of your favorite spots. They even made the buildings at the White House 3D so you can "walk around" as if you're on the street by tilting the image. Very cool stuff. And to think it's only the beginning...
Google Earth
I tried this when it was KEYHOLE and Google owned it. It was ok. But now, Google has integrated this in with "Google Local", "Google Maps" AND Gmail! You can send snapshots of what you're looking at as an Outlook attachment, or even as a Gmail attachment. This has really come a LONG way since Keyhole. And if you had Keyhole installed at one time, it remembers all of your favorite spots. They even made the buildings at the White House 3D so you can "walk around" as if you're on the street by tilting the image. Very cool stuff. And to think it's only the beginning...
Google Still King
Search Engine Journal � Google Still Most Popular Search Engine Despite Gains by MSN & Yahoo
Google - 59.2% of Internet Searches
Yahoo - 28.8%
MSN - 5.5%
Search Engine Journal � Google Still Most Popular Search Engine Despite Gains by MSN & Yahoo
Google - 59.2% of Internet Searches
Yahoo - 28.8%
MSN - 5.5%
Thursday, August 11, 2005
iPod to be challenged
Microsoft says iPod to face more competition
I'm sure Apple has some good stuff up their sleeve as well...
Microsoft says iPod to face more competition
I'm sure Apple has some good stuff up their sleeve as well...
New laptop!
Ok, Dell was running a phenomenal deal on a notebook that I couldn't pass up, so now that I've ordered a new PC and a tuner card, I think I'm gonna need to return/resell them. The TV tuner card should be easy, I'll just reject the package. The Dell PC I'll probably have to resell on ebay unless anyone reading this wants a computer for $278 (see specs in previous post). :-)
I ended up buying a small Dell Inspiron 700m notebook computer. A few of the "higher ups" at work have them and they are quite cool. They are very small at 1.5" thin (only 12.1" screen) and very light ( 4.1 pounds). Here are the specs:
Intel Pentium M Processor 735 (1.70Ghz/400Mhz FSB)
1GB DDR SDRAM (2 Dimms)
80GB Hard Drive
Windows XP Home (I have PRO on my other laptop, so I'll just swap OSs)
8x CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer write capability
Internal 54Mbps 802.11b/g wireless
8-cell battery (as opposed to standard 4 cell)
4 year at home warranty (including nights & weekends)
4 year complete care
Spare AC adapter
Remote Control for Dell Media Experience
Free recycling kit (for an old junker I have sitting around)
Slim carrying case
Free color printer
Total before tax/shipping/discounts- $2,273
Total WITH tax/shipping after 40% off discount and mail in rebate - $1,305.28
Scratch that, the laptop just got discounted again, so I cancelled my first order and placed another one, bringing my total with tax/shipping after discount and rebate to - $1,252.90
That's right, Dell Home has a 40% off coupon right now GPL3SMPXB6JKSB (if you check SlickDeals religiously you already know that), so I got an $898.40 discount. I had another 2% discount because I let them put it on a Dell Preferred Account (aka Dell Credit Card). Buying it through Dell Small Business would have been around $1900.
I'm pumped. I'm gonna love having such a small laptop. I built similarly spec'd machines that weren't the small 700m, and they came out to be the same price if not slighly more than the little Inspiron. Granted, they'd have a 15" screen, but they'd also be several pounds heavier. Now to get some more HornIT business to pay for it! :-)
You can check out a 3D demo of the 700m here: http://www.dell.com/html/us/segments/inspiron/3dmodels/700m.html
I ended up buying a small Dell Inspiron 700m notebook computer. A few of the "higher ups" at work have them and they are quite cool. They are very small at 1.5" thin (only 12.1" screen) and very light ( 4.1 pounds). Here are the specs:
Intel Pentium M Processor 735 (1.70Ghz/400Mhz FSB)
1GB DDR SDRAM (2 Dimms)
80GB Hard Drive
Windows XP Home (I have PRO on my other laptop, so I'll just swap OSs)
8x CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer write capability
Internal 54Mbps 802.11b/g wireless
8-cell battery (as opposed to standard 4 cell)
4 year at home warranty (including nights & weekends)
4 year complete care
Spare AC adapter
Remote Control for Dell Media Experience
Free recycling kit (for an old junker I have sitting around)
Slim carrying case
Free color printer
Total before tax/shipping/discounts- $2,273
Total WITH tax/shipping after 40% off discount and mail in rebate - $1,305.28
Scratch that, the laptop just got discounted again, so I cancelled my first order and placed another one, bringing my total with tax/shipping after discount and rebate to - $1,252.90
That's right, Dell Home has a 40% off coupon right now GPL3SMPXB6JKSB (if you check SlickDeals religiously you already know that), so I got an $898.40 discount. I had another 2% discount because I let them put it on a Dell Preferred Account (aka Dell Credit Card). Buying it through Dell Small Business would have been around $1900.
I'm pumped. I'm gonna love having such a small laptop. I built similarly spec'd machines that weren't the small 700m, and they came out to be the same price if not slighly more than the little Inspiron. Granted, they'd have a 15" screen, but they'd also be several pounds heavier. Now to get some more HornIT business to pay for it! :-)
You can check out a 3D demo of the 700m here: http://www.dell.com/html/us/segments/inspiron/3dmodels/700m.html
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Win a Spammer's Hummer!
seattlepi.com Microsoft Blog: Dethroning spam kings
Finally, Spammers starting to lose the war...
seattlepi.com Microsoft Blog: Dethroning spam kings
Finally, Spammers starting to lose the war...
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
Tivo Number 2
Ok, I decided that instead of investing $1800 into a new laptop so I can sit on the couch and wirelessly surf while watching TV, I'll bring the TV to my den. However, I don't have room for another device in here (like a TV) and I really want to be able to have a PVR (personal video recorder), so I opted to turn my Den PC into a TV. I found out that the tuner card I wanted (Hauppauge WinTV-PVR-500MCE) requires a 1.2Ghz machine (even though it has the processors ON the card), so my 800 mhz PC wasn't going to cut it. Why did I need the PVR-500? Dual tuner built in. You can watch one channel while recording on another or record two channels at once. The cool part is that the RF splitter is on the card, so you only need one cable going to the card. It has FM radio too, but you can guess how often I'll use THAT! My 800mhz PC has a 250GB hard drive in it along with a 6 GB main hard drive. 250GB hard drive? you ask. Slickdeals. Need I say more.
So anyway, now I need a faster PC. This is ok since I have two 800mhz PCs taking up room in my den, I'll just buy a new PC and get rid of both of these. I'm going to create a multimedia server, so to speak. So, I jump on ebay after getting a quote from Dell for a new PC at $350 and get the same thing (refurbished Dell with 90 day warranty) for $178 plus $100 shipping. My Hauppauge card cost $121 after a $10 off coupon from Buy.com.
The specs on my Dell go something like this: 2.4Ghz Celeron, 40GB hard drive, 256MB Ram, Windows XP Home, CDROM. I'll probably grab a $45 NEC DVD burner as well so I can copy off my shows onto DVD.
I was thinking about buying SnapStream's Beyond TV for $49 to be my "tivo" software since I'm not comfortable enough with Linux to spring for the free MythTV solution. Therefore, I found the next best thing. Open Source for Windows. It's called Media Portal and looks very sweet.
I'll just slap my 250GB hard drive in my new Dell, put in the new card, install Media Portal, and I should be on my way to picture/tv/movie bliss! So this will make my second Tivo. Theoretically, I should be able to record up to 6 shows at once now, while watching a 7th. :-) VCR upstairs, DVD recorder downstairs, Mediacom PVR can do 2 shows at once, new Media Portal PC will be able to do 2 shows at once, and I can watch TV on my living room TV. Please note, I've only ever recorded two shows at once and watched a third, so this is more "cool" (or geek) factor than practical.
I can't believe how split the cable signal in this house is. Actually, it's a benefit since they have an amp on the box right outside my house, my signal actually comes in too strong, so my theory is that splitting it all over the place actually helps. :-)
So I'll keep my dinosaur (over 3 years now, warranty just went out in April) Dell Inspiron 8100 as my workhorse PC that is a laptop sitting semi-permanently on my desk. Then I'll be able to watch TV on my 17" LCD monitor attached to my new Dell with the Hauppauge card. Now what should I do with the $1400 I saved by not getting a new laptop? :-)
Ok, I decided that instead of investing $1800 into a new laptop so I can sit on the couch and wirelessly surf while watching TV, I'll bring the TV to my den. However, I don't have room for another device in here (like a TV) and I really want to be able to have a PVR (personal video recorder), so I opted to turn my Den PC into a TV. I found out that the tuner card I wanted (Hauppauge WinTV-PVR-500MCE) requires a 1.2Ghz machine (even though it has the processors ON the card), so my 800 mhz PC wasn't going to cut it. Why did I need the PVR-500? Dual tuner built in. You can watch one channel while recording on another or record two channels at once. The cool part is that the RF splitter is on the card, so you only need one cable going to the card. It has FM radio too, but you can guess how often I'll use THAT! My 800mhz PC has a 250GB hard drive in it along with a 6 GB main hard drive. 250GB hard drive? you ask. Slickdeals. Need I say more.
So anyway, now I need a faster PC. This is ok since I have two 800mhz PCs taking up room in my den, I'll just buy a new PC and get rid of both of these. I'm going to create a multimedia server, so to speak. So, I jump on ebay after getting a quote from Dell for a new PC at $350 and get the same thing (refurbished Dell with 90 day warranty) for $178 plus $100 shipping. My Hauppauge card cost $121 after a $10 off coupon from Buy.com.
The specs on my Dell go something like this: 2.4Ghz Celeron, 40GB hard drive, 256MB Ram, Windows XP Home, CDROM. I'll probably grab a $45 NEC DVD burner as well so I can copy off my shows onto DVD.
I was thinking about buying SnapStream's Beyond TV for $49 to be my "tivo" software since I'm not comfortable enough with Linux to spring for the free MythTV solution. Therefore, I found the next best thing. Open Source for Windows. It's called Media Portal and looks very sweet.
I'll just slap my 250GB hard drive in my new Dell, put in the new card, install Media Portal, and I should be on my way to picture/tv/movie bliss! So this will make my second Tivo. Theoretically, I should be able to record up to 6 shows at once now, while watching a 7th. :-) VCR upstairs, DVD recorder downstairs, Mediacom PVR can do 2 shows at once, new Media Portal PC will be able to do 2 shows at once, and I can watch TV on my living room TV. Please note, I've only ever recorded two shows at once and watched a third, so this is more "cool" (or geek) factor than practical.
I can't believe how split the cable signal in this house is. Actually, it's a benefit since they have an amp on the box right outside my house, my signal actually comes in too strong, so my theory is that splitting it all over the place actually helps. :-)
So I'll keep my dinosaur (over 3 years now, warranty just went out in April) Dell Inspiron 8100 as my workhorse PC that is a laptop sitting semi-permanently on my desk. Then I'll be able to watch TV on my 17" LCD monitor attached to my new Dell with the Hauppauge card. Now what should I do with the $1400 I saved by not getting a new laptop? :-)
TXT Message Site Update
Ok, for those of you that may have noticed, I was having trouble with my http://text.hornit.net site as the forwarding wasn't working for some reason. I finally caved in and created a new subdirectory with my webhost and put the redirect file in as an index.html file and everything worked great. Kind of baffling, but not worth spending another 2 hours over the issue. The point is, text.hornit.net is now up and working!
Ok, for those of you that may have noticed, I was having trouble with my http://text.hornit.net site as the forwarding wasn't working for some reason. I finally caved in and created a new subdirectory with my webhost and put the redirect file in as an index.html file and everything worked great. Kind of baffling, but not worth spending another 2 hours over the issue. The point is, text.hornit.net is now up and working!
More RFID
Wired News: Airline Tests RFID on the Fly
I predict a tremendous outcry of BIG BROTHER from the technophobes everywhere.
Wired News: Airline Tests RFID on the Fly
I predict a tremendous outcry of BIG BROTHER from the technophobes everywhere.
RFID is it!
Wired News: Brit License Plates Get Chipped
Anyone know of a good RFID company to invest in?
Wired News: Brit License Plates Get Chipped
Anyone know of a good RFID company to invest in?
Sunday, August 07, 2005
New Text Message Website
Truthfully, the best way to get a hold of me if you need to is to send a TXT message to my cell phone. Why? Because if I'm not at my desk, I won't see your e-mail. If I'm in a meeting or am otherwise busy, I'll probably ignore your call and check the voicemail once I'm done. However, if you send me a text message with the subject of what you need to talk to me about, I get it immediately (my cell is almost ALWAYS on me and on) and I can prioritize when I need to get back to you. There are several ways to TXT message me. First, you can just e-mail aaron.horn@vtext.com. However, it's hard to know how many characters will come through when you do it that way. Therefore, I have created a new page that makes it VERY simple to send me a text message (it will even count the chacters and convert the message to be as short as possible for you): http://text.hornit.net
Check it out and just remember text.hornit.net the next time you need to get a hold of me. And don't just send me a message that says "Call me" because it will be sent to the absolute bottom of my priority list. That goes for voicemails as well. :-)
Friday, August 05, 2005
The iPod FleaThe New York Times > iPod Flea
ROTFL! THIS IS HILARIOUS! It's a "commercial" for the new Apple iPod. First the iPod, then the Mini, then the Shuffle, now the Flea. This video is awesome. The accessories for "the Flea" are hilarious.
ROTFL! THIS IS HILARIOUS! It's a "commercial" for the new Apple iPod. First the iPod, then the Mini, then the Shuffle, now the Flea. This video is awesome. The accessories for "the Flea" are hilarious.
WHY CAN'T THEY LEAVE LICENSING ALONE?!?!
Microsoft to Unveil Next Generation of Software Assurance Next Month
JUST when you think you have Microsoft Licensing figured out, they go and decide to change it again.
Microsoft to Unveil Next Generation of Software Assurance Next Month
JUST when you think you have Microsoft Licensing figured out, they go and decide to change it again.
Read me my e-mail
ENT News | News: Microsoft Speech Technologies Coming to Exchange
I really hope this makes it in the new release of Exchange coming in 2006. How cool would it be to have Exchange read my mail to me over the phone? I think this is what it's going to turn into. Yahoo! Mail is already doing it for crying out loud. Too bad that service is $5/month. If it was free, I'd be using that thing to death.
ENT News | News: Microsoft Speech Technologies Coming to Exchange
I really hope this makes it in the new release of Exchange coming in 2006. How cool would it be to have Exchange read my mail to me over the phone? I think this is what it's going to turn into. Yahoo! Mail is already doing it for crying out loud. Too bad that service is $5/month. If it was free, I'd be using that thing to death.
Save Your Bandwidth from your RSS Feed
RSScache.com
This is actually pretty cool. Helps save your company's bandwidth from your RSS reader needlessly transmitting all sorts of data. It's really simple, you just add http://my.rsscache.com/ in front of each of your RSS feed subscriptions! So to subscribe to this Blog, you'd just subscribe to: http://my.rsscache.com/hornit.blogspot.com/atom.xml
It's based on IP address, so you can also generate a custom URL so that if multiple people behind a common firewall are using it, it won't get confused. If you use SharpReader, this will help save your bandwidth. I know my network administrator is all about saving the bandwidth. :-)
RSScache.com
This is actually pretty cool. Helps save your company's bandwidth from your RSS reader needlessly transmitting all sorts of data. It's really simple, you just add http://my.rsscache.com/ in front of each of your RSS feed subscriptions! So to subscribe to this Blog, you'd just subscribe to: http://my.rsscache.com/hornit.blogspot.com/atom.xml
It's based on IP address, so you can also generate a custom URL so that if multiple people behind a common firewall are using it, it won't get confused. If you use SharpReader, this will help save your bandwidth. I know my network administrator is all about saving the bandwidth. :-)
Sony PS3 may debut in 2007, if Xbox 360 lags
At first I thought this was rediculous, but once I read they are planning to drop the price of the PS2 to $99, I really think this is a genius move on Sony's part. If they can't beat them to market, take them to school on marketing...
At first I thought this was rediculous, but once I read they are planning to drop the price of the PS2 to $99, I really think this is a genius move on Sony's part. If they can't beat them to market, take them to school on marketing...
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Google looking for chefs
Google Blog: Keyword: chefs
Free breakfast, lunch, and dinner for Google employees. Maybe that helps make up for the $350,000 houses in Mountain View that are equivalent to a $90,000 house in Ames (or even less in Des Moines.) Oh yeah, and they make boatloads of cash, too. :-)
Google Blog: Keyword: chefs
Free breakfast, lunch, and dinner for Google employees. Maybe that helps make up for the $350,000 houses in Mountain View that are equivalent to a $90,000 house in Ames (or even less in Des Moines.) Oh yeah, and they make boatloads of cash, too. :-)
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Microsoft's Official Vista Site
Windows Vista: A clear breakthrough
I'm curious about the "Deployment: Image-based setup." This has some serious potential benefits to an IT Help Desk...
Also check out PC Magazine's article (with screenshots): http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1840730,00.asp
Windows Vista: A clear breakthrough
I'm curious about the "Deployment: Image-based setup." This has some serious potential benefits to an IT Help Desk...
Also check out PC Magazine's article (with screenshots): http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1840730,00.asp
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Now That's a small MP3 player
And of course it's sold by Wal-Mart. :-)
Anything But iPod - MobiBLU DAH-1500 Review
And of course it's sold by Wal-Mart. :-)
Anything But iPod - MobiBLU DAH-1500 Review
Friday, July 29, 2005
IE7 nukes Google, Yahoo! search | The Register
There's no way Microsoft will bar third party toolbars from IE 7. There's just no way they'd win that lawsuit...
There's no way Microsoft will bar third party toolbars from IE 7. There's just no way they'd win that lawsuit...
Thursday, July 28, 2005
MSN Search Toolbar Tour - Tabbed Browsing
Ok, everything in me said I shouldn't get this MSN Search Toolbar. Why? Because it's a blatant slap to Google's toolbar. However, it had one feature I really wanted to try. Tabbed browsing. Ok, this is nothing new, but thanks in part to Firefox and other browsers (Netscape) that have been using tabbed browsing for a long time, Microsoft is finally catching on and will be releasing Tabbed browsing in version 7.0. Here's a way you can get a sneak peak in IE with tabbed browsing. I'm really loving it. Unfortunately, it has a popup blocker, Desktop Search tool, and basically everything else the Google Toolbar has, but I won't settle for it defaulting to MSN search results, so I still have my Google toolbar. :-) I use the Spaces button to post to http://blog.hornit.net and I use my Google Blogger button to post to http://techblog.hornit.net.
Anyway, I recommend checking out the new MSN Search Toolbar even if you JUST use it for the tabbed browsing like I do....
Ok, everything in me said I shouldn't get this MSN Search Toolbar. Why? Because it's a blatant slap to Google's toolbar. However, it had one feature I really wanted to try. Tabbed browsing. Ok, this is nothing new, but thanks in part to Firefox and other browsers (Netscape) that have been using tabbed browsing for a long time, Microsoft is finally catching on and will be releasing Tabbed browsing in version 7.0. Here's a way you can get a sneak peak in IE with tabbed browsing. I'm really loving it. Unfortunately, it has a popup blocker, Desktop Search tool, and basically everything else the Google Toolbar has, but I won't settle for it defaulting to MSN search results, so I still have my Google toolbar. :-) I use the Spaces button to post to http://blog.hornit.net and I use my Google Blogger button to post to http://techblog.hornit.net.
Anyway, I recommend checking out the new MSN Search Toolbar even if you JUST use it for the tabbed browsing like I do....
Boing Boing: Microsoft "Genuine Advantage" cracked in 24h: window.g_sDisableWGACheck='all'
This is hilarious because it's so stinking simple! Come on, Microsoft! I expected far greater things!
This is hilarious because it's so stinking simple! Come on, Microsoft! I expected far greater things!
Kick off
Ok guys and gals,
I've actually decided to separate my Technology Blog from my personal Blog. Why? Because I'd like to add a lot of cool technology links and news bits without mixing it up with my devotions and ramblings about motorcycles. Also, because I want to stop e-mailing this info every time I find it to select people. I expect all of my friends and colleagues that want to keep up on this information to subscribe to this Blog as an RSS feed. That's right, an RSS feed. Here's my feed address: http://hornit.blogspot.com/atom.xml I recommend SharpReader, but you can also put an RSS feed directly on your personalized Google homepage (www.google.com/ig). I tried the Pluck RSS reader at one point, but didn't like it so well for some reason I can't seem to remember. Something tells me it was buggy and didn't update instantly like I thought it should or something. Anyway, I've had NO problems with SharpReader.
So, you will be notified as soon as I post a new snippet to this Blog if you subscribe to my RSS feed. If you don't subscribe, don't expect to get e-mails from me pointing out cool things. I love streamlining my life. :-)
PS, if you do want to know what's going on in my life, http://blog.hornit.net is still the place to go.
Let's hope this works!
Aaron
www.hornit.net
Ok guys and gals,
I've actually decided to separate my Technology Blog from my personal Blog. Why? Because I'd like to add a lot of cool technology links and news bits without mixing it up with my devotions and ramblings about motorcycles. Also, because I want to stop e-mailing this info every time I find it to select people. I expect all of my friends and colleagues that want to keep up on this information to subscribe to this Blog as an RSS feed. That's right, an RSS feed. Here's my feed address: http://hornit.blogspot.com/atom.xml I recommend SharpReader, but you can also put an RSS feed directly on your personalized Google homepage (www.google.com/ig). I tried the Pluck RSS reader at one point, but didn't like it so well for some reason I can't seem to remember. Something tells me it was buggy and didn't update instantly like I thought it should or something. Anyway, I've had NO problems with SharpReader.
So, you will be notified as soon as I post a new snippet to this Blog if you subscribe to my RSS feed. If you don't subscribe, don't expect to get e-mails from me pointing out cool things. I love streamlining my life. :-)
PS, if you do want to know what's going on in my life, http://blog.hornit.net is still the place to go.
Let's hope this works!
Aaron
www.hornit.net