X9 F9 11 02 9D 74 E3 5B D8 41 56 C5 63 56 88 CX

Edited: The first and last numbers have been X'd out...

Does that number mean anything to you? Apparently a lot of people are up in arms over it and people posting about it are being threatened with legal ramifications.

"It’s the HD-DVD Processing Key for most movies released so far. I was not aware that a string of numbers and letters was copyrightable. Perhaps its just my ignorance but it seems that someone is abusing the DMCA again.

This means the (admittedly long) number is precisely the key you need in order to decrypt and watch HD-DVD movies in Linux (oh, okay, maybe software is also required). And the fact that it’s out there, spreading like wildfire, is killing the types at the movie studios right now."

This story is spreading like wild-fires and Digg has even removed posts containing the number. Is this huge? Is this a well executed hoax? The next few days will tell.

Link:
http://.../spread-this-number/

Extract some useful information from your Jpeg images

Did you know that when you take a picture with your digital camera a bunch of information is stored inside of the Jpeg file? Its called the Exif data and stores information such as camera information, camera settings, and a thumbnail of the picture taken. Even after cropping an image the thumbnail can show the original picture that was taken.

I created an online application called Camera Summary that shows you whats inside of the images. It displays all the information and will even show you the stored thumbnail.

Check it out (using a Jpeg taken from a digital camera) and leave a comment or digg it...

Link:
http://camerasummary.com/

IrfanView 4.0 is out

IrfanView is probably one of the most feature packed and fast image viewing applications around. IrfanView has released version 4.0 finally as they seemed have been stuck on the 3.9 versions for the past years.

Whats New:

• Improved Vista compatibility
• New display option: Center image in window (Menu: View->Display options)
• Toolbar skin option added (Properties->Toolbar)
• More Toolbar skins are available on the IrfanView homepage.
• New Properties->Video option: Use DirectShow for playing (good for MJPG AVIs)
• New advanced batch option: Auto adjust colors
• "Enhance colors" can be now used on selections
• New EXIF dialog button: Show in Google Earth (if GPS data available)
• The EXIF dialog can stay displayed on screen
• Thanks to Dmitri Poguliayev for the new Vista icon!
• New Hotkey: CTRL + SHIFT + M = Show/edit JPG comment
• Several PlugIns are changed/updated, please install the newest versions
• http://www.irfanview.com/plugins.htm
• Some bugs fixed (Start folder, RLE BMPs, ANI loading)

Link:
http://www.irfanview.com/

Six Must-Know HDTV Facts

Disappointed by how fuzzy CNN looks on your new HDTV? Wondering why Jack Bauer looks so soft and plump on your new flat-screen? Maybe it's because you're not really watching HD on your high-def TV.

According to Audioholics, almost half of the 24 million homes with HDTVs lack an HD cable or satellite feed, and about a quarter of those surveyed didn't even know they were still watching non-HD signals. Why such big numbers? Actually, it's not hard to understand; I can't tell you how many times I've watched salespeople at TV stores push HDTVs on hapless shoppers, going on and on about the razor-sharp picture and surround sound, but not bothering to tell them how to get HD signals into their living rooms.

Link:
http://tech.yahoo.com/blog/patterson/578

OT: Baahh, I mean woof

Pet pooch scam is baa-king mad: "THOUSANDS of Japanese have been swindled in a scam in which they were sold Australian and British sheep and told they were poodles."

Link:
http://www.news.com.au/...

(its not real but funny anyway)

AVG anti-rootkit to compliment their great free anti-virus software

AVG Anti-Rootkit is a powerful tool with state-of-the-art technology for detection and removal of rootkits. Rootkits are used to hide the presence of a malicious object like trojans or keyloggers on your computer. If a threat uses rootkit technology to hide itself it is very hard to find the malware on your PC. AVG Anti-Rootkit gives you the power to find and delete the rootkit and to uncover the threat the rootkit is hiding.

AVG Anti-virus (free version):
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/2/lng/us/tpl/v5

AVG Anti-rootkit:
http://.../download-free-anti-rootkit/us/crp/0

Why images on a webpage can't be secured

So many times I hear people asking how to protect the images, and even content, on their websites. James Huggins addressed the same question from the best possible angle, teach them how the web works (very basic) and they will understand why protecting page content is just not possible.

Link:
http://.../how_do_i_stop_downloading.htm

9.08 gigabits per second

New Internet Data Speeds Set: "A group of researchers testing out the so called Internet2 network said it had broken speed records by first sending data at 7.67 gigabits per second, and breaking it the next day with a data transfer rate of 9.08Gbps."

Wow, thats fast.

Link:
http://.../New_Internet_Data_Speeds_Set/1177527039

IE6 allows webpages to access your clipboard, IE7 does not

Just in case you're running some sort of content management system that uses the extremely popular FCKEditor and you want it to have access to your clipboard (so it could perform its Word pasting cleanup) here's a good article on the matter.

Link:
http://...clipboard-pop-up-warning-message-in-ie7/

Veign's redesign finally released

I have finally completed the first stage in the redesign of Veign. More changes to come but was really excited to get this out. Have a look at the new Veign and leave a comment on your thoughts.

Link:
http://www.veign.com

Comments?

Kuler is an online color scheme tool

I like it! Kuler is nothing more than a color scheme library where users submit color schemes. For anyone looking to design something, like a website, Kuler can make locating a color scheme an enjoyable process. If you're colorblind like me, its a little toturous, but useful nontheless.

Link:
http://kuler.adobe.com/

It hurts my eyes and brain

Cool Animated Gif

Free SMTP Server

PostCast Server is an SMTP mail server program that completely replaces your ISP's SMTP server. By making one small change in your e-mail program, you can start sending messages directly from your computer.

Link:
http://www.postcastserver.com/

Scrapblog, a different way to share your photos

Scrapblog is a online, Flash based, scrapbook where you can build it from pre-made templates and your photos. Its a nice idea but the Flash aspect of it is something that kinda turns me away, but I wouldn't let it stop you from checking it out...

Link:
http://www.scrapblog.com/

Make Gmail better

LifeHacker has an article on how to supercharge your Gmail account. Since many people use Gmail as there primary email account then you may as well have it your way. For those who don't use Gmail as their primary email account and want to have Gmail checked from Outlook there is good news.

Now go forth and make it better.

Link:
http://.../hack-attack-supercharge-your-gmail-252737.php

Searching without a query

Official Google Blog: Searching without a query: "You already know that search is at the core of everything we do: we want to deliver useful and relevant information every time you do a search. But what about when you don't have a query in mind, or if you just don't feel like typing in a query?"

Link:
http://.../searching-without-query.html

Internet Explorer Application Compatibility VPC Image

Internet Explorer Application Compatibility VPC Image: "VPC Hard Disk Image for testing websites on IE on Windows XP SP2"

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

Get your game on with some hot games from 1980

1980 Games seems to be a Java implementation of MAME32, an arcade emulator. So, they offer emulated arcade video games from the 1980's that you can play in your browser.

Link:
http://www.1980-games.com/us/

Google “PowerPoint” coming

Google’s Office Suite Complete: Google “PowerPoint” Confirmed: "There’s no need for further speculation: Today at the Web 2.0 Expo Google CEO Eric Schmidt confirmed that Google will soon launch a PowerPoint clone, completing their basic office suite (they already have"

Link:
http://.../googles-office-suite-complete-google-powerpoint/

World's Largest Pizza Search Engine

World's Largest Pizza Search Engine at Pizza.net launches today. How well does it work? Slowly and poorly. Results are pretty bad and not very accurate and on top of that they are slow to come. Sorry to say this but it looks like the site was thrown together quickly without much effort put on aesthetics.

Don't think I'll have another slice from this site.

Link:
http://pizza.net/

Great resource for your new company or business

101 Essential Freelancing Resources is one of the best collections of sources to help you in your new business or your established business. For any small business owner sites like 101 Essential Freelancing Resources make things just that much easier. I dare anyone to look through the list and not find at least one useful website.

Link:
http://freelanceswitch.com/.../101-essential-freelancing-resources/

Fotowoosh Will Turn Any Picture Into A 3D Image

Fotowoosh Will Turn Any Picture Into A 3D Image: "Fotowoosh, a new service from Maryland-based startup Freewebs, will turn any image (preferably an outdoor image) into a 3D model. They went live on Friday. Examples of what the service can do are above (along with the original 2D images. A video is here which shows more examples."

Link:
http://.../fotowoosh-will-turn-any-picture-into-3d-image/

I would, in my opinion, avoid tzome.com at all costs

Tzome.com has been sending me numerous spam email to my blog email account and how could you ever trust a website that uses spam as a method for getting visitors. In my opinion I would highly advise anyone to avoid tzome.com and support their spamming ways.

Tzome.com how many times will you send me spam emails? When will tzome.com stop sending me spam?

The funny thing is this is the start of the email:

Thought you should know of a new music site I stumbled across.

even though it was sent from Dan with an email address of Dan@Tzome.com - stumbled across his own website I guess.

Box.net releases a secure folder widget

Now this is what I'm talking about, a very useful widget where I see tons of potential uses. Good job Box.net on releasing the Two-Way Storage Widget.

Link:
http://.../boxnet-releases-two-way-storage-widget/

Microsoft codenames

See all the upcoming and active codenames for future Microsoft products. Not sure why I thought Fiji was the next release of Windows after Vista but its not. Fiji is the next release of Windows Media Center while Windows 7 is the next release of Windows after Vista.

Like a lot of other people I will probably skip Vista and wait for Windows 7 before upgrading. Not sure there is much need for Vista since MS has said it will provide a SP3 for WinXP, that should hold me over.

Link:
http://blogs.zdnet.com/topic/Microsoft+codenames.html

Windows XP to be phased out by year's end despite customer demand

Windows XP to be phased out by year's end despite customer demand: "Computer makers have been told they'll no longer be able to get Windows XP OEM by the end of this year, despite consumer resistance to Vista and its compatibility problems.

By early 2008, Microsoft's contracts with computer makers will require companies to only sell Vista-loaded machines. 'The OEM version of XP Professional goes next January,' said Frank Luburic, senior ThinkPad product manager for Lenovo. 'At that point, they'll have no choice.'"

That is going to be a mess and I am glad I don't offer computer support.

Link:
http://.../vendors_in_no_rush_to_ditch_xp_for_vista

Google - The Ultimate Money Making Machine

Google - The Ultimate Money Making Machine: So how does Google compare to Starbucks, which is a very good money making machine in the real world? The key differences between Google and Starbucks are:

• Starbucks spends money on expansion, but Google ads spread themselves;
• Starbucks spends a lot of money on maintenance, Google spends little;
• Starbucks spends money on marketing, but businesses flock to Google because it just works;
• Starbucks relies on people, Google relies on software.

HTML5, XHTML2, and the Future of the Web

HTML5, XHTML2, and the Future of the Web: "HTML 4.01 was made a recommendation in 1999, XHTML 1.0—a formulation of HTML 4.01 in XML—became a recommendation in 2000, and was revised in 2002. In other words, at the base of all modern web development is an eight-year-old technology."

Link:
http://.../html5_xhtml2_and_the_future_of_the_web/

Online Converters

Big and comprehensive list of Online Converters. Work checking out as the future is moving to online applications.

Some of mine:

• Online Image Resizer
• Online Password Creator
• See how a server reacts to a domain
• Image Color Report

Have an idea for an online application? Contact me and I'll see if I can get it implemented.

The top 5 new features in Flash CS3

The top 5 new features in Flash CS3: "After digging into Flash CS3 a bit and talking with Richard Galvan, the new technical product manager for Flash, I've come up with 5 new features that will help both developers and designers who are new to the CS3 version. Flash gained a lot from the Adobe-Macromedia merger, and this first version should give people using Flash a lot of things to cheer about. I've also got some screenshots of the new features in the Flash CS3 Features Gallery."

Link:
http://blogs.zdnet.com/Stewart/?p=336

Speed up Windows XP in minutes

A short little article on what you can do to speed up Windows XP by basically disabling what you don't need. Just watch out for #8.

Link:
http://www.mobile-pedia.com/.../SpeedupWindowsXP

BlackViper's Windows Vista Service Configurations

Black Viper provides some of the best insight on services running under different Windows operating system. Black Viper has now released his list of Windows Vista services and configuration and what he recommends for a configuration. Running WinXP, no problem, he has that too.

If you've never read his stuff you really need to check it out.

Link:
http://www.blackviper.com/WinVista/servicecfg.htm

GOOG-411 - Google Voice Local Search

Google Voice Local Search is Google’s experimental service to make local-business search accessible over the phone. And it's free. Google doesn’t charge you a thing for the call or for connecting you to the business. Regular phone charges may apply, based on your telephone service provider.

To try this service, just dial 1-800-GOOG-411 (1-800-466-4411) from any phone.

Google will attemp to corner another market and grab even more data from us. They will have our phone number and local businesses we are looking for. Its too bad 1-800-FREE-411 has the better and easier to remember phone number - will Google attempt to acquire them?

Link:
http://labs.google.com/goog411/

Teleflip launches new service

Teleflip has a service called flipMail that allows you to get your e-mail on your cell phone for free. Not really much to say about it since there's no FAQ or much information on their website. Sign up for the beta and see if you can get it.

Link:
http://www.teleflip.com

Make Firefox full screen even better with Fullerscreen

Make Firefox full screen even better with Fullerscreen: "Fullerscreen is an extension that gives Web pages in Firefox the full run of your monitor. If you spend much time using Web-based applications like Gmail, Google Notebook, or Backpack, Fullerscreen is a must-have addition to Firefox.

Firefox already has a Full Screen feature, which you can access by going to View -> Full Screen, or by pressing F11. However, the standard Firefox full screen view still includes a location/toolbar and a tab bar, if you have any tabs open."

Article:
http://community.linux.com/...

Direct to Addon:
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/4650

Software I reviewed today for various reasons

Aptana: The Aptana IDE is a free, open-source, cross-platform, JavaScript-focused development environment for building Ajax applications. It features code assist on JavaScript, HTML, and CSS languages, FTP/SFTP support and a JavaScript debugger to troubleshoot your code.

Link:
http://www.aptana.com/


Beyond Compare: Beyond Compare is a powerful time-saving utility for comparing files and folders on your Windows system.

Link:
http://www.scootersoftware.com/moreinfo.php


GIMP: GIMP is the GNU Image Manipulation Program. It is a freely distributed piece of software for such tasks as photo retouching, image composition and image authoring. It works on many operating systems, in many languages.

Link:
http://www.gimp.org/

3D Desktop is simply amazing and probably the future

If you haven't seen any of the video of the 3D Desktops that are floating around, boy are you missing out. You have to check the videos out and see how amazing a 3D Desktop can be.

Link:
http://crave.cnet.com/...

Pointsec

Industry Leading Encryption Software from Pointsec Mobile Technologies: "What's the real cost of a lost laptop, PC, PDA or smart phone? It depends. How much private information could be stolen? How many trade secrets? How much will you have to spend to restore your customers' privacy? Not to mention their trust - or your reputation?"

Link:
http://www.pointsec.com/

Free Secure Email Certificate

Free Secure Email Certificates allow you to encrypt and digitally sign email and attachments keeping them secure and confidential

• Free! Other Certification Authorities sell Digital Certificates for email for $19.95! There is no cost for a Secure Email Certificate. Free for personal use only - commercial users contact us for details on solutions for your business
• Fully trusted by 99% of email clients
• Encrypt and Sign emails from your current email client software - Microsoft® Outlook Express, Microsoft® Outlook®, Netscape Messenger, or any other S/MIME compliant software
• Binds your email identity (email address) to a cryptographic key used to sign or to encrypt your email

Link:
http://.../certificate_services/email_certificate.html

Acrobat 3D works with CAD drawings

Adobe® Acrobat® 3D Version 8 software empowers CAD, CAM, and CAE application users to rapidly convert virtually any CAD file into highly compressed, more secure, ubiquitous PDF files that can be used by customers, suppliers, and co-workers to quickly and easily review and mark up 3D designs with free Adobe Reader® software. The same PDF can also be leveraged by manufacturers for downstream CAD, CAM or CAE based processes without having to buy expensive CAD translators.

Link:
http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/acrobat3d_version8/

Who sends the most email

SenderBase is a website that monitors and reports on who the big-boys of sending emails are. SenderBase basically reports on which mail servers are doing to the most traffic. One of the largest on this list is sending around 3% of all daily emails at a rate of 244 million emails per day

Link:
http://www.senderbase.org/