Vista and then Fiji and then Vienna...

Will the delay in Microsoft's Windows Vista have a domino effect on other planned releases of Windows?

Link:
http://www.microsoft-watch.com/article2/0,2180,1948571,00.asp

All Social that one can stomach

One huge list of the new trend in Web 2.0 social websites.

Very impressive list that goes one step further than most lists and provides a very helpful description of the website.

Link:
http://.../all-social-that-can-bookmark.html

Trojan Freezes Computer, Demands Ransom

Trojan Freezes Computer, Demands Ransom - Yahoo! News: "A new kind of malware circulating on the Internet freezes a computer and then asks for a ransom paid through the Western Union Holdings money transfer service."

So, you're not worried about your computer getting affected? You currently don't run any antivirus software or at least Windows Defender? Good luck with that.

USB flash drive = security threat

Check out the list of hacking applications that can run from a USB flash drive. These applications can be run under your current user permissions from your work computer through the USB port. I'm sure there are many more applications to do whatever evil you're looking to accomplish.

Link:
http://...hacking-applications-that-run-on-thumb-drive/

Revolution is Wii

Revolution has a new name!

Live Shopping, Live...well, not for Firefox

Way to go Microsoft with the launch of Windows Live Shopping. Good move to release it without supporting Firefox. The only thing I can think of, besides stupidity, is that the publicity of such a bonehead move will be good for business.

Tucows' reputation is slipping away

Its so disappointing when a large download site like Tucows treats developers so badly. They seem to be focused on only publishing software that has paid the price for inclusion into their library and totally ignoring the users who can't afford the price and must wait in the queue.

How do I know this?
Because I have had applications in the queue for over 4 months now without moving up a single spot (they tell you your position in the queue).

Tucows, remember its the developers that submit thier software without paying the fees that help build up the site and its library. You are only able to charge because of the library that we built up.

Let your subconscious do the thinking

How to solve problems: let your subconscious do the thinking: "Although I'm not consciously thinking about it, it percolates away in my subconscious, and a solution often announces itself when I least expect it."

I do this all the time. Something else that I do to assist in the subconscious assisting in solving a problem is think of the problem as I go to sleep. I wait until I'm in that state where I am almost asleep and then start to think of it. You would be surprised how many times a solution comes to mind either just prior to sleep or during the night. Just make sure you write things down right away as most likely will not remember in the morning. Works great.

What about your browser?

The Web Standards Project is a grassroots coalition fighting for standards which ensure simple, affordable access to web technologies for all. They have a test that will tell you if the browser you are using is a web standards compliant browser. Not sure how accurate the information is or whether it matters all that much as IE and Firefox are both, according to the test, not compliant.

I had bookmarked this expecting to write a lot more about the test, others tests, and something about validating web pages but I lost interest so this is all you get.

IE7 Beta 2 shot for shot

A screenshot view of IE7 Beta 2

Matisyahu: This is what I am currently stuck on.

For the past few weeks I have been hooked on the Matisyahu - Live at Stubbs CD. Its a strange mix of reggea, jewish, spoken-word sorta a thing. Check it out and post your comments.

Link:
http://www.amazon.com/...

Google SketchUp Free for You

Developed for the conceptual stages of design, SketchUp is powerful yet easy-to-learn 3D software. We think of it as the pencil of digital design. This award-winning software combines a simple, yet robust tool-set that streamlines and simplifies 3D design inside your computer. SketchUp is being used by anyone with the desire to.

Simple enough.

Link:
http://www.sketchup.com/

Tetris Final Game Challenge

YouTube - Tetris Final Game Challenge: You have gotta be kidding me. Trust me you have never seen anyone play tetris like this.

Watch and be impressed.

Link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKZrXvj5daQ

Colors on the web

Colors on the Web is a new website that has one purpose and one purpose only: talk about colors and how they pertain to website designs. This site is new so there may be some missing information but what information that do have is very well layed out, informative, and generally just done right.

Topics covered:

• color theory
• the color wheel
• color combinations
• color physics
• color psychology
• how to create a great color scheme for your website

Good job! Looking forward to the future of this website.

Link:
http://www.colorsontheweb.com/

Yahoo! Go - TV - What Is It?

Yahoo! Go - TV - What Is It?: "Now you can take Yahoo! off your computer and put it in your living room for everyone to see. View photos, search for video clips and watch movie trailers on your TV. Plus, your own digital video recorder (DVR) lets you record and watch your favorite shows anytime for free."

This can be huge money saving options over the standard DVR. Why not use your computer for more than browsing the internet.

Link:
http://go.connect.yahoo.com/go/tv/index

Three online business helpers

SimpleTicket:
SimpleTicket was designed to facilitate the support of our client’s computers and networks. It has been specifically designed for IT support companies who service multiple small business clients; however, it can easily be used by a company’s internal IT staff to support a single client with hundreds of users.

Link:
http://www.simpleticket.net


Blinksale:
Blinksale is perfect for anyone who needs to invoice clients for services or products sold. Blinksale is an excellent choice for attorneys, accountants, designers, IT professionals, software developers, journalists, contractors, engineers, architects, videographers, and more. Basically, if you need to send invoices.

Link:
http://www.blinksale.com


SimplyBill:
Simplybill brings simple invoice management to all. Instead of wrestling with overly complex accounting software or trying to mash-up a spreadsheet into some sort of design, begin sending attractive invoices in minutes.

Link:
http://simplybill.com/

All of the above are worth checking out and may just be the right solution for you.

How big is big: 750GB hard drive

Seagate Launches 750GB Hard Drive: "Seagate on Wednesday introduced its Barracuda 7200.10, the first computer desktop hard disk to reach the 750-gigabyte storage mark. The drive, with a retail price of $559 USD, is 50 percent larger than the previous 500-gigabyte marker leader."

Link:
http://.../Seagate_Launches_750GB_Hard_Drive/

Microsoft is scanning your system without your knowledge

MS Scanning Your System: "Microsoft today began expanding its anti-piracy program by quietly pushing out a software update that in many cases automatically scans Windows computers and reports on whether they are powered by unlicensed software"

Bound to happen...

Link:
http://.../microsoft_expands_antipiracy_p.html

New Site Launched by MS: Add-Ons for IE7

Add-Ons for Microsoft Internet Explorer: "Browser add-ons can help personalize the way you use the Internet. The add-ons available here have been carefully screened by Microsoft and rated by users to help you select the ones that suit your needs and preferences. Start exploring them today."

Link:
http://www.ieaddons.com

Tilt-shift photo effect

Mini - a photoset on Flickr: "For certain types of images, a narrow depth of field can make a real scene appear to be artificial, ie a miniature or model."

Take a look at this. I have never heard of this effect before but the results are quite amazing.

Mind Map of Linux distributions

Mind Map of Linux distributions - Version 2: "mind map of GNU/Linux with even more Linux distributions included and some color coding thrown in as well."

Coming to a sheep near you

Advertiser Counts on Sheep to Pull Eyes Over the Wool: "These ads are walking, woolly flocks of bleating sheep. Early this month, Hotels.nl, a Dutch online reservations company, began displaying its corporate logo on royal blue waterproof blankets worn by sheep."

I love it.

IE 7 Beta 2 available

Go ahead give the new IE 7 beta release a try and then go right back to using Firefox.

Like always don't install this on your main system becuase you just never know. Here is a list of possible issues and problems you may encounter with this release.

Link:
http://.../ie/downloads/default.mspx

Get Yahoo Mail Beta

Get Yahoo Mail Beta: "To get Yahoo Mail Beta, just switch your content preference to Germany, France or UK. Then you will be asked if you want to join the beta when you log into your Yahoo Mail. Say yes, and join the beta."

Its slow, its different, yup its a beta alright. This is so slow and there is a noticeable pause between clicking anything - very annoying. There is a very handy right-click menu for email messages. They need to speed this thing up...

Link:
http://.../get-yahoo-mail-beta.html

This is not web 2.0

Design for 2.0 thinks they have designed a web 2.0 looking website, think again. If anything this may be web .2 looking.

Where's that reset button, someone needs to try again.

When it comes to navigation, CSS is the right way

By now you should have dropped that bloated, poorly coded, and sometimes not support Javascript or Flash navigation for a CSS Navigation Techniques. Very nice showcase of common CSS techniques.

Link:
http://.../css-navigation-techniques-showcase.php

Yes you can access Google Email (Gmail) from Outlook

Access your Google Mail from Outlook.

Not only Outlook but:

• BlackBerry Internet Service ™
• Entourage 2004
• Foxmail 5.0
• Eudora 5.1 (Sponsored & Paid Modes)
• Netscape 7
• The Bat! v3.62 Professional Edition
• Entourage X
• Eudora 5.1 (Light Mode)
• SnapperMail
• Thunderbird 0.x
• Mozilla 1.7

Basically anything that supports a POP mail server.

USA National Gas Temperature Map

USA National Gas Temperature Map: "Now you can see what gas prices are around the country at a glance. Areas are color coded according to their price for the average price for regular unleaded gasoline."

Nice and clear, I think. Since I'm colorblind who knows.

Link:
http://www.gasbuddy.com/gb_gastemperaturemap.aspx

WannaSpell.com

WannaSpell.com - I spent the entire time in one of the rooms preventing others from spelling anything. That was more fun then spelling CAT or DOG.

Top 10 Windows XP Tips Of All Time

Top 10 Windows XP Tips Of All Time "Despite all the hoopla about the introduction of Windows Vista, the truth of the matter is that the new OS isn't due for at least another seven to nine months — and it will probably be even longer before most of us start adopting it. Meanwhile, we've still got to deal with Win XP."

What is a Swicki?

"A swicki is new kind of search engine that allows anyone to create deep, focused searches on topics you care about. Unlike other search engines, you and your community have total control over the results and it uses the wisdom of crowds to improve search results."

Link:
http://swicki.eurekster.com/

Add another to the pile

ajaxXLS is a web-based viewer application with a look and feel similar to Microsoft Excel. With one click you can easily open any .xls file in just a few seconds.

Yawn....

Link:
http://www.ajaxxls.com/

Microsoft Web Feed Directory

Very Nice. Microsoft has finally released a centralized location for all MS feeds. With search capabilities, featured web feeds, recently added feeds, and a layout that works in Firefox, I say good job Microsoft.

Link:
http://labs.communities.microsoft.com/rss/default.aspx

Video Game Development Team

Video Game Development Team "Have you ever wanted to be in control of your own development studio?"

Yeah right. Spend 200K and not even have a completed product. Sure, let me get my checkbook.

I Invented ... the Apple Logo

I Invented ... the Apple Logo: "I just put colors where I thought they should be"

Easy disposable email addresses with Gmail

Ok, so you have come across a website that requires an email address to signup and verify but you don't want to use any of you permanent email addresses. Well, this is where is a disposable email address comes into play. In the past I have discussed a service like Mailinator where you can create a temporary email address to use. But what if you want to keep a copy of the email and you want it grouped with all your other emails and you happen to use Gmail? You are in luck!.

Follow these steps (very complicated)

1. Use your existing Gmail email address except add a +[name] before the @ to seperate it out

So if your existing email address is MyEmail@gmail.com you can create;

• MyEmail+Temp@gmail.com
• MyEmail+Spam@gmail.com

Get it?.................Good.

A Tour of Microsoft's Mac Lab

A Tour of Microsoft's Mac Lab: "The Mac Lab is about 2000 square feet of solid computers"

This is a must see post...

Link:
http://.../tour-of-microsofts-mac-lab.html

If it was only a bit cheaper

WinInternal Administrator's Pak is an amazing suite of tools for those who get stuck repairing everyone and their friends computers. This is one of, if not the best, comprensive tool suites around for repairing all sorts of system issues. I can see why Geek Squad basically is stealing licenses of this suite and using it to repair systems they come across. Now if the price was a bit cheaper I could get my hand on the suite to test it but for the price its something I can't afford - even though for those in the IT business I'm sure its well work the price. (wish I could get a license for this).

Administrator's Pak is a complete suite of powerful, versatile tools that allow you to repair unbootable or locked-out systems, restore lost data, remove malware from infected systems while the system is safely offline using your existing antivirus software, and diagnose system and network issues.

Watch the Flash Demo - simply fantastic.

Link:
http://www.winternals.com/Products/AdministratorsPak/Default.aspx

Latest website design from Veign

I happy to announce the latest website design from Veign (me) of the Florence & Hutcheson website. This site is a huge improvement over their previous site and I think better reflects the professionalism of the company.

Link:
http://www.veign.com/dev_web_portfolio.asp

ZoomIt is simple and useful and newer

ZoomIt is screen zoom and annotation tool for technical presentations that include application demonstrations. The new version contains some small enhancements and fixes.

Link:
http://www.sysinternals.com/Utilities/zoomit.html

Google's New Search Screens Exposed

Google's New Search Screens Exposed: "In an effort to beef up their search results, and usability, Google is rumored to be experimenting with their results pages."

I think this is one of a few things that Google can do to increase the usability of the results.

Comparing the Mapping Services

Comparing the Mapping Services: "We looked at all five of the current map services and examined their features and performance."

Link:
http://.../comparing-the-mapping-services/

MS Patch Snafu Grows, Users Seek Workaround

Microsoft Patch Snafu Grows, Users Seek Workaround: "The snafu involving one of Microsoft's recent security patches continued to grow as the developer acknowledged new incompatibility problems with some video drivers and users on the company's forums complained about having to uninstall the fix or resort to unsanctioned repairs."

Link:
http://www.techweb.com/wire/security/185303742

My favorite game when I was in school

Aside from the Atari 2600 Conan: Hall of Volta was probably my favorite game when I was in school. It was a puzzle type game and very addicting. Wish I could find an emulated version of this game but no luck...

Link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conan:_Hall_of_Volta

Atari 2600:
http://.../atari-2600-most-peoples-first-home.html

Is ZoHo what the future is for software and the internet?

You decide. They seem to have a decent base for online applications (applications that remove the software from the users computer and run off the internet). My feeling is this direction may be good for document collaboration, low-cost (if any) startup for an office suite for some users, and maybe mom-and-pop computer user but for users like me its not something that is attractive. I prefer to have control over patches to software, software upgrades, locations where my documents have traveled**. Who knows, maybe I will be in the future minority on this one.

Link:
http://www.zoho.com/


** - Even though the documents will reside on your system I still see them possibly traveling to the server for certain functions and features of the host application.

List of free computer programming online books

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