Windows PowerShell 1.0 Installation Package for Windows Vista

Windows PowerShell 1.0 is a new task-based command-line shell and scripting language that is designed specifically for system administration. Built on the .NET Framework, Windows PowerShell helps IT professionals and power users control and automate the administration of the Windows operating system and the applications that run on Windows.

By using Windows PowerShell, administrators can manage their systems by typing individual commands or running scripts that automate management tasks. Exchange Server 2007, System Center Operations Manager 2007, System Center Data Protection Manager V2, and System Center Virtual Machine Manager use Windows PowerShell to improve efficiency and productivity.

Link:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=928439

Midomi: If you can sing it, they can find it

midomi.com makes it fun and easy to find and discover music and people. For the first time, you can use your voice to instantly connect to your favorite music, and to a community of people that share your musical interests.

Seems like a natural progression for locating music and songs but unsure about lending my voice to a search engine. I know that both Google and Microsoft are working on new search engines: one based on voice and another based on images.

Link:
http://www.midomi.com/

Before there was Vista there was...

A history of the Windows Operating System in pictures. Its come a long way.

Link:
http://blog.wired.com/wiredphotos31/

Microsoft extends support for XP Home, XP Media Center

The company announced on Wednesday that it is adding five-year customer support for the operating systems, marking the first time that such extended service has been offered with a Microsoft consumer product.

Hmmm...Wonder why?

Link:
http://news.zdnet.com/...

Trident or Gecko

These are the two rendering engines that drive most web browsers today.

Trident (IE's Rendering Engine):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trident_(layout_engine)

Gecko (Firefox's Rendering Engine):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gecko_engine

How to block yourself from Google Analytics

Thought long and hard about actually posting this but what the hell.

Most sites today have Google Analytics installed on each page to assist in tracking its users and its users browsing habits. Did you know that you can actually block this and prevent yourself from being tracked by a website? When you navigate to a webpage with Google Analytics installed, a small JavaScript file is downloaded to your computer called urchin.js (called the Urchin Tracking Module) which does all of the tracking. If you don't want to be tracked you just have to block the download of this file. This is very simple to do, just follow the step below.

Steps to block:

1. Open Windows Explorer and navigate to windows/system32/drivers/etc/hosts (note: Win98 users may find the hosts file in the windows folder)
2. Open the hosts file in Notepad - hosts file does not have an extension
3. Add the following two lines to the hosts file and save
1. 127.0.0.1 www.google-analytics.com
2. 127.0.0.1 ssl.google-analytics.com
4. Save and close the file

That's it. You will no longer be tracked by any website using Google Analytics.

Firefox users can use the CustomizeGoogle extension to perform the same thing.

The Windows Vista launch page is here

Check it out as MS has posted the new Windows Vista Launch page.

Link:
http://.../windowsvista/default.mspx

Four more AJAX / JavaScript frameworks and code

SimpleJS: A javascript library simple and light proposing functions ready with the use to facilitate the exploitation of ajax.

Script.aculo.us: provides you with easy-to-use, cross-browser user interface JavaScript libraries to make your web sites and web applications fly.

Prototype: Is a JavaScrip framwork that aims to ease development of dynamic web applications. Featuring a unique, easy-to-use toolkit for class-driven development and the nicest Ajax library around, Prototype is quickly becoming the codebase of choice for web application developers everywhere.

ASP.NET AJAX: A free framework for quickly creating a new generation of more efficient, more interactive and highly-personalized Web experiences that work across all the most popular browsers.

Also, don't forget to check out what the big guys like Yahoo! and Google offer.

phpFlickr

phpFlickr is a PHP interface to the Flickr API. Very easy to use and kinda of fun. Here's a site I put together in a couple of hours using phpFlickr and Lightbox.

phpFlickr:
http://phpflickr.com/

Sample usage:
http://thatsmyhorse.com/

ThinkAll has been shut down!

Finally, after all that work ThinkAll has been officially shutdown. I would like to think it had something to do with my very popular post about the scam they were running.

The Commission vote to file the complaint was 5-0. It was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Sherman Division on January 9, 2007. On January 10, 2007, the court issued a Temporary Restraining Order enjoining the illegal activities of defendants Think All Publishing, L.L.C. and Yuri Mintskovsky and freezing their assets.

Link:
http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2007/01/manay.htm

The Shining wasn't so scary

As seen by this trailer.

Link:
http://www.youtube.com/...

Adsense updates the rules

Just in case you didn't already know, Adsense has recently updated their policies. There are several changes around how and where ads can be placed - mainly to prevent ads from blending in with the design of the page and being mistaken for a menu of some sort. I wouldn't mess around with this, just make the changes to ensure you are compliant.

Read up:
http://.../google_adsense_14.html

Google Groups goes gold

Another Google site (application) gets out of the mud of beta where so many Google ideas get stuck.

Personally, I like a good, solid newsgroup reader over a web interface.

Google Groups:
http://groups.google.com/

On a Linux server, then see what htaccess can do for you

If you have never heard of an htaccess file that you may missing on some very powerful things that you can be doing on your website. Instead of spelling it all out here I will provide some links to some of the best website on htaccess.

htaccess Generator:
http://cooletips.de/htaccess/

.HTACCESS files useful tips and tricks:
http://www.garnetchaney.com/htaccess_tips_and_tricks.shtml

Using the .htaccess File:
http://www.wise-women.org/tutorials/htaccess/

SearchMash is changing the way you search

SearchMash is a kind of testing ground for Google and how / if searching will evolve. Right now it will perform a search across many types of media; images, blogs, videos, wikipedia and plain ol' information.

Link:
http://www.searchmash.com/

This has got to be a joke.

Who in their right might would submit their Social Security Number or Credit Card Number to this website so they can tell you if its on the internet somewhere.

Here's how it works:

1. Goto https://www.stolenidsearch.com/
2. Enter your SSN or Credit Card Number
3. Press StolenID Search
4. Wait for results
5. Sample from results page: Thank you for trying our service, after an extensive search of the internet we have determined that prior to using our service your information was safe. Good luck with that!
   

If you choose to try this out, good luck and when you're done feel free to mail me any $100 bills you have and I will let you know if they are counterfeit or not.

Online video encoder through Hey!Watch

A great way to re-encode video files without installing software on your system. The problem is the free account can be limiting (see below). You would be amazed at the amount of video files they support. Signup for a free account and give it a try. Who knows, the 10min limit on a free account may work for you.


Link:
http://heywatch.com/site

OneSearch.com

Will Yahoo! ever make something out of OneSearch.com?

Microsoft Photo Info 1.0

Easily view and change "metadata" properties in digital photographs from within Windows Explorer.

Link:
http://www.microsoft.com/...

New Remote Desktop from MS

Just in case you didn't pickup the new Remote Desktop from MS that came out sometime ago through Windows Update here is a link to the updates.

Link:
http://.../new-remote-desktop-client-released-by.html

Top 10 tools for learning more about your computer.

1. Autoruns: The most comprehensive knowledge of auto-starting locations of any startup monitor, shows you what programs are configured to run during system bootup or login, and shows you the entries in the order Windows processes them. These programs include ones in your startup folder, Run, RunOnce, and other Registry keys.

2. Everest Home: EVEREST Home Edition is a freeware system information, system diagnostics and benchmarking solution for home PC

3. Application Monitor: A very small API monitor that allows the user to monitor the APIs called by the given application.

4. Shell Extensions Manager: The ShellExView utility displays the details of shell extensions installed on your computer, and allows you to easily disable and enable each shell extension.

5. Win Updates List: Displays the list of all Windows updates (Service Packs and Hotfixes) installed on your local computer.

6. Index Dat Spy: Index.dat are files hidden on your computer that contain all of the Web sites that you have ever visited. Every URL, and every Web page is listed there. Not only that but all of the email that has been sent or received through Outlook or Outlook Express is also being logged.

7. Why Reboot: Displays a list of "pending file operations" (rename, delete, etc) that will occur after rebooting your computer.

8. Process Monitor: An advanced monitoring tool for Windows that shows real-time file system, Registry and process/thread activity.

9. Start Up List: A simple tool that lists all and every auto starting program on your system. (from the developers of Hijack This)

10. Ethereal: Ethereal is used by network professionals around the world for troubleshooting, analysis, software and protocol development, and education.

Knoppix 5.1.1

Not sure why its so much fun just to play around with Knoppix 5.1.1 but it is. Probably because its so easy as its boots right off the CD or DVD.

The new year has brought a new release of the Knoppix live CD. Along with the usual updates to application software, the most noticeable change in version 5.1.1 is the inclusion of the Beryl 3-D desktop with the Emerald theming engine.

Link:
http://distrocenter.linux.com/...

Can you visualize Pi?

Most can't. Here is a neat little animation to show what Pi is.

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

HOWTO: Clean your hard drvie before giving your computer away

Microsoft has a nice little article on cleaning your hard drive before you either; throw your computer away or give it away. You would be surpised how much information is left on a computer.

Link:
http://.../protect/harddrive.mspx

Finally, turn off Personalized Search

Finally a way to turn off Personalized Search in Google.

Link:
https://www.google.com/accounts/DeleteService?service=hist

Do you know what a blog is?

Well, you may but some people just have no clue. I had written a blog post on a campany called ThinkAll who has scammed many, many people. You would be amazed at the amount of emails I get threatening me as if I was the company.

Here's one:

I do not want the four "FREE" cds which is an illegal fraud by the way. If you charge me anything. I just installed one today. If you send me the damn address I will return them. So l couldn't send them back in 10 days or else (wow, I'm scared). Amazing how hard it is to find you. I could care less whether it is 10 days or not. All future shipments from you will be returned undelivered and you will owe postage.
If you charge me or send more I WILL GO TO THE ATTORNEY General's office. I have done this several times when someone like you tried to rip me off with "free crap." I will also reverse the payment with the credit card company you billed and explain to them what the deal is. So here's the deal:

cannel my "membership"
either send me an address or I will simply throw away the cds. If you want them back give me an address.

I am not bluffing. You guys are jerks. CANCEL everything. It is supposed to be a "voluntary and free item". You can not force people to accept thing and then charge them. I don't know about where you live but it is against the law to do that in Indiana.

I expect a reply canceling my member, an apology, and an address to send them damn things back. You have 10 days jerk!

Gary HXXX
1XXX5 XXXX St
XXX, IN XXXX

I have a very good attorney. Don't screw with me or I will sue you besides talking to the Attorney General.

I'm still waiting for someone to send me a letter from a lawyer...

Windows Tip: Tile two windows with just two clicks

Windows Tip: Tile two windows with just two clicks:
http://.../windows-tip-tile-two-windows-with-just-two-clicks

Remember Bob Ross

I used to watch Bob Ross all the time when I was a kid growing up. Talk about mellow.

Link:
http://www.youtube.com/...

Is ThinkAll actually Bluestreak?

The infamous company ThinkAll that has scammed many people may just be Bluestreak. The address on Bluestreak's texas office location is the same one that was used to register the ThinkAll, LLC.

ThinkAll, the scam:
http://www.veign.com/blog/2006/01/thinkallcom-think-again.html

Bluestreak:
http://www.bluestreak.com

Google giving away cash

I guess Google will be starting to push Google Checkout. Someone needs to compete with PayPal.

Sign-on Bonus:
http://www.google.com/checkout/...

BitTorrent Pirates Want Own Country

That's one way to get around the laws. Buy your own country so nobody can touch you.

Link:
http://.../BitTorrent_Pirates_Want_Own_Country/...

Sealand, the country Pirate Bay wants to buy:
http://www.sealandgov.org/

iShip: A better package tracking service

Better than the source (FedEx / UPS)? Give iShip a try and find out for yourself.

Link:
http://www.iship.com/trackit/track.asp

Free online antivirus

Panda Free online antivirus is better than nothing and for people who don't want something else installed and running on their system this may be the solution for you.

Says it detects:

• Dialers.
• Hacking tools.
• Jokes
  
• Rootkits.
• Security risks.

Jokes? It detects jokes? Not sure what that means. Panda Antivirus has located 3 knock knock jokes on your system. Do you want to clean now?

Link:
http://www.pandasoftware.com/products/activescan.htm

See the page headers of any website page

Using a tool like Page Headers you can see how a server responds when you request a page. Not only useful, especially in seeing the paths of redirects, but interesting. See a sample of the Microsoft headers.

Also, this is brought to you by Veign.

More of my online tools:
http://www.veign.com/download_main.asp#online

Page Headers:
http://pageheaders.com/

Now this makes my brain hurt

Originally Found here:
http://tunteella.org/4chans/1166622255471.jpg

Heres another real world example:
http://im-possible.info/english/articles/real/real3.html

Is ThinkAll changing their name again?

ThinkAll, one of the biggest software ripoffs around, has changed their name before and may be in the process of doing it again. Website is down, users can't get them on the phone, and their ads may have been pulled from Google.

Anyone reading this that stumbles across their new company please let me know so I can investigate.

Read more:
http://.../thinkallcom-think-again.html

Google Earth 4 Final

If for nothing more than the rich 3D terrain this is an amazing application.

Link:
http://earth.google.com/earth4.html

Direct Download:
http://earth.google.com/download-earth.html

Thermite

See it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrCWLpRc1yM

Make it:
http://.../how-to-make-thermite.html

And don't blame me when you melt a hole through anything.

MS Word's HTML rendering engine used in Outlook 2007

Why on earth would MS not take advantage to all the improvements made in the IE7 engine with standards compliance and use Word's rendering engine? Just wait until users start complaining about newsletters and other HTML emails not looking right in the new Outlook.

Here's another fine mess you've gotten us into. Thanx Microsoft.

Link:
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa338201.aspx

Web Developers should be using XHTML

Wikipedia is an awesome place for information. Stumbled across this page on XHTML. What is interesting is being able to get some insight into the next XHTML spec, XHTML 2.0. I will be welcoming the changes like: any tag can be an anchor tag (very cool), XML events, XForms, ALT tag removed from the spec, and a new element called 'nl' for navigation lists.

Link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XHTML

IE Developer Toolbar Beta 3

Highlights from the latest release of the IE Developer Toolbar:

Style Tracer. A useful new feature is the style tracer which allows you to locate exactly where and in which style sheet a rule is set that is effecting a particular element.

CSS Selector Matches: View a report of all style rules set and how many times they are used on the current page.

View Source. Another new feature is the ability to view the source of the original page, currently rendered version of the page or the selected element from the View menu. You can also choose to view the source of the selected element combined with the styles that currently are affecting it.

Link to IE Blog:
http://.../ie-developer-toolbar-beta-3-now-available.aspx

Link to download:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...

iPhone or Zune Phone?

Apple, Inc (renamed from Apple Computer, Inc) announces iPhone:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070109/ap_on_hi_te/apple_macworld

See the Keynote:
http://www.apple.com/quicktime/qtv/showtime06/

Slick! I want one.

MS retaliates with its Zune phone:
http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/bc78cac59d.jpg