Internet as Media Hub for the Majority

Half of TVs to Have Internet Connectivity by 2015 - CNBC

Nearly 18 years after the temporary millionaire busboy told the CBS News reporter he was going to put them out of business, seems it's beginning to come to fruition. More and more media are moving to the Internet. As the flood of media choices on the Internet continues, it will become harder for smaller media entities to get a toehold, just as starting a TV or Radio network traditionally has been. Doesn't bode well for the majority of the small fry, but some of the small fry will hit it big. If we can just keep the traditional lame stream media from taking over the Internet all will be well.

Dell's Inspiron 15R Core i3 Sweetspot

Dell Inspiron 15R Core i3-380M Dual-Core 2.53GHz 4GB 500GB DVD±RW 15.6" Laptop Win7 Home Prem w/Webcam & 6-Cell Battery Dell N5010 Mars Black Inspiron 15R

This laptop hits the sweetspot for a majority of laptop users, and the price is right. dual core 2.53Ghz, 4GB RAM, 500GB hard drive and all the usual features provide plenty of power for most of us and the 15.6 inch form factor is big enough to be a desktop replacement, but not so big as to become a problem being mobile. Check it out!

Logitech Harmony 650 Remote Control

Buy.com - Logitech Harmony 650 Universal Remote Control

With remote controls it's all about quality not quantity, so replace the 4 or 5 sitting on your coffee table with the very highly rated Logitech Harmony 650. As long as you don't mind a refurbished unit, Buy.com has them for under $50 with FREE shipping. To make the decision even easier, any concerns about a refurbed unit are assuaged by a 1 year warranty.

The untold story of Apple vs Windows infections

Trojans, viruses, worms: How does malware get on PCs and Macs? | ZDNet

I haven't been much of a fan of ZDNet since their acquisition by Cnet (CBS), but Ed Bott does the best job of explaining the current situation with Mac and Windows infections I have ever read. This is a must read for anyone that uses a computer to surf the Internet. Read it now!

Smokin' Xbox 360 Pro 20GB Deal!

Xbox 360 Pro 20GB Microsoft Refurbished for Xbox 360 | GameStop

Click on the link above for the best deal I've seen on an Xbox, ever. It's a refurbished older model, but quite a deal in spite of that.

Firefox 4 Performance Fix

Firefox 4 is known for becoming a real dog after you open a few tabs. This is caused by a default setting that greatly delays releasing unused memory that can eventually use all your memory and slow your browsing to a crawl. The Internet is filled with fixes that don't work. Here's one that does:
1. Open Firefox 4
2. Type "about:config" in the address bar.
2. Scroll down to "image.mem.min_discard_timeout_ms"
3. Change the default value from 120000 to 10000

Close that browser window, exit and relaunch Firefox 4 and your problems should be history.

1TB USB 2.0 for less than $60!

1TB USB 2.0 external drive

Super deal on a 1TB external 3.5" USB 2.0 drive. TODAY ONLY - $59.99. Not the fastest in the world, but a great backup drive if nothing else.

Steal My Pick for the Best Mobile laptop

Smokin' deal on my favorite mobile laptop. Lenovo x220 for less than $850 bucks. Make sure you type in "logicbu10" in the coupon field (without the quotes) fro another 10% off. That's like 45% off!

ASCOMP Software GmbH - Data backup with BackUp Maker

ASCOMP Software GmbH - Data backup with BackUp Maker

One of my favorite backup programs. Fast, flexible, reliable and FREE. Does it get any better? Buy a couple of external hard drives and you and your data are safe.

Report: Russian software tycoon's son 'missing' - World news - Europe - Russia - msnbc.com

Report: Russian software tycoon's son 'missing' - World news - Europe - Russia - msnbc.com

We met Kaspersky in 2001 at Comdex. He was a very down to earth guy, although that was about 750 million dollars ago.

I am surprised this sort of thing hasn't happened sooner. Russian organized crime is VERY active and aggressive and law enforcement is often compromised. I wish him and his son the best in this horrible situation.

NASA - Image of the the Day - Gallery

NASA - Image of the the Day - Gallery

Incredible images from NASA's vast library of images. Downloadable in various resolutions. Free and legal.

All those tweets, apps, updates may drain brain

All those tweets, apps, updates may drain brain

I believe this is absolutely true. What do you think?

Smokin' Satellite Savings

Satellite A660-BT3G25X Laptop

Direct from Toshiba with free shipping! Normally $1249.00 only $846.00 'til 4/11/11.

Very nice 16" LCD, i7 quad core processor with discrete video and gobs of RAM in a sleek attractive case.

If you're looking for a performance laptop you need to give this a serious look.

Glary Utilities - Speed up Windows Startup and more

Glary Utilities - Free Utilities to Clean Registry, Fix PC Errors, Clean Privacy

Great set of utilities for optimization and speed up of your Windows system. A listener request for a startup management and optimization tool prompted this post. Glary Utilities does that and much more very well. And it's free!

Today only at PricePlunge.com

Pageplus X4 only $9.99 at PricePlunge.com

Very good publishing software from Serif. Being replaced by version X5. A good value at $90, an incredible deal at $10. Get it today only - 10 hours left as of this writing...

Windows 8 "pre-beta" Screenshots

Within Windows | Windows 8 Secrets: Windows Explorer Ribbon

Microsoft is rumored to be integrating the controversial "Ribbon" interface that it pioneered in it's Office 2007 product in Windows 8. The screenshots of a pre-beta version of Windows 8, if accurate, are an indication that this is in fact the case.

Microsoft's decision to go "Ribbon" in Office were very controversial, but have been accepted by most users in the interim, albeit begrudgingly. It will be interesting to see users reaction when Windows 8 beta is distributed. I reckon you may hear a lot of moaning...

Epsilon | Epsilon Notifies Clients of Unauthorized Entry into Email System

Epsilon | Epsilon Notifies Clients of Unauthorized Entry into Email System

US Bank, Tivo, Fry's/Kroger Groceries, and a few other Epsilon clients have notified customers that their email addresses have been accessed by unauthorized people. Here's the official press release from Epsilon.

Big deal? Sorta. No data other than name and email address have been accessed, but that will be enough for some people to fall prey to these guys pretending to be US Bank, Tivo or Fry's.

The "real" world - both virtual and physical is a tough neighborhood. You don't have to live in Afghanistan to experience it.

Revo Uninstaller Freeware - Free and Full Download - Uninstall software, remove programs, solve uninstall problems

Download Revo Uninstaller Freeware - Free and Full Download - Uninstall software, remove programs, solve uninstall problems:

So many Windows programs have very bad uninstall hygiene. Revo Uninstaller cleans up the mess. One of the best ways to make a real difference in the performance of your computer without buying additional hardware. Best uninstaller available right now.

Handy collection of Windows Vista & 7 fixes

Repair & Fix Windows problems with FixWin Utility | The Windows Club

This collection of Windows fixes is very convenient and usable for even the most inexperienced Windows users. Download it at the link above.

Even with well written and designed programs like this caution is necessary. If you are not sure what the menu options results are, don't do it.

Palm no more.

HP thinks small with WebOS-based Pre 3 and Veer phones - News - Linux for Devices

As I predicted 2 years ago Palm has expired. The company purchased by HP last year has been absorbed and it's 2 newest products, the first since that acquisition no longer carry the Palm logo.

While WebOS is still the best smartphone OS in my opinion, the delay in the release of these 2 phones, does nothing to help their chances of making a big splash. They are completely out of cycle. This announcement should have been made at CES a month ago.

Only the fact that they are HP products gives them any chance at success. They are running uphill against the iPhone, the new Motorola Atrix other Android powered phones, and Blackberrys. I'm not sure they have what it takes to stand out from the crowd. Attention spans are so short these days. By the time they are released this summer everyone will have moved on.

AOL Buys Huffington Post for $315 Million

AOL Buys Huffington Post for $315 Million

"1 plus 1 equals 11". Sounds like an Internet bubble era mistake to me. The key will be HuffPo's ability to remain autonomous from AOL's corporate-think. We'll see how it goes. I think AOL suffers the reverse Midas effect.

Hi Tech - Hi Touch

Root Cases | Wood iPhone 4 Cases

I love wood. The combo of the ultimate of hi tech with the warmth and natural appeal of wood is unbeatable. Too bad they're Apple bigots ;>)

The Ultimate Customer Service Faux Pas

AT&T overbilling on iPhone, iPad accounts [u] | Electronista

I don't believe that an issue like this can be an accident. I know about AT&T's billing problems. I fought for 2 years to correct thousands of dollars of incorrect billings. Ultimately they handled it properly, but the process required to get them to fix it was exhausting and ridiculous.

While the costs for a company are so great when found guilty of fraud, the systems involved in billing are so important, accurate and robust that a company of the size and history of AT&T is going to have tough time suggesting it was an error. If they admit incompetence in billing systems it calls into question the accuracy of their other systems. Data and telecom systems that they charge their customers billions for. I suppose incompetence is preferable to criminality. What a choice!

Great Free Powerpoint Templates

Microsoft PowerPoint - Fabulous free templates await: The PPT65 project is complete

Incredible templates available for download free.

THE New Microsoft.com

Microsoft Corporation

Check out the new Microsoft.com preview. Simpler, cleaner and a bit old school. I don't know if I like it.

What do you think?

My Blackberry Is Not Working!

"

More Health issues for Apple CEO

IPhone -Apple CEO to Take Medical Leave

Steve Jobs has fought with very serious health issues since 2004. Hopefully this announcement of a health related leave of absence isn't as serious as his prior bouts with pancreatic cancer and a liver transplant. He is remaining as Apple CEO for the time being.

Best of luck Steve...

Smokin' Lenovo laptop deal

Buy.com - Lenovo G560 067999U 15.6" Notebook, Intel Pentium P6100 (2.0GHz), 4GB DDR3 Memory, 320GB HDD, DVD Super Multi-Drive, Intel GMA HD, Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit

Not the top of the line Lenovo, but a VERY good value at just 399.99 with free shipping. Buy it now!

Great News for All!

At last, iPhone comes to Verizon | Circuit Breaker - CNET News

Great news for Verizon, Apple and the public. Even AT&T customers potentially benefit from this development as they find themselves having to improve service to keep formerly captive iPhone customers. Hip Hooray!

Palm's Last Stand?

FoxNews.com - EXCLUSIVE: iPad Competitor Coming Soon From Palm

Three weeks from now we should have a very good idea of what the first offspring of the Palm/HP marriage looks like. Until then we have rumors from supposedly well placed reliable persons. If the rumors are correct, the HP Palmpad will be a very capable iPad competitor. I think the WebOS interface is the best of it's ilk and superior to that of the iPad. The hardware of the PalmPad looks superior, too. As one of many tablets expected to be introduced at CES, HP will have it's market packed with competitors. Will HP/Palm have what it takes to take market share in such a crowded marketplace? What do you think?

The True Meaning of Christmas

YouTube - THE DIGITAL STORY OF THE NATIVITY

I love it! This is how we do everything in my family!

Take your Internet Research to the Next Level

How to Find ANYTHING on the Internet

It doesn't take much to be MUCH more efficient on the Internet. Here are some good tips that will greatly improve the results of your research efforts.

Cool new Windows 7 Themes

Windows 7 themes - Microsoft Windows

Check out the new batch of Windows 7 themes...

MS Security Essentials Screensaver 2.0

Put your screensaver to good use

I am generally not a fan of screensavers because they tend to be resource hogs, and can be manipulated by bad guys to infect your computer.

This one is different. It updates MS Security Essentials and scans your computer for bad stuff when running. Great idea, huh?

YouTube - Ind. congressman loses temper

YouTube - Ind. congressman loses temper: "
"
I am sorry to see this man go. We need truth-tellers like a drowning man needs a life preserver - and this was a "Mr. Smith" truth telling moment. I hope it gets legs. This could be as catalyzing as the Rick Santelli rant on CNBC.

Full Featured High Performance Desktop

HP Pavilion p6531p b Desktop Computer Bundle With AMD Athlon II 635 Quad Core Processor 20 Widescreen LCD Monitor by Office Depot

$759 for an AMD quad core desktop including 20"LCD, 6GB RAM and 750GB hard drive.

MICROSOFT CORPORATION WIN7 HOME PREMIUM UPG FAMILY PACK -1 license for 3 PCs,3 purchases allowed per end customer only : Software | Dell

MICROSOFT CORPORATION WIN7 HOME PREMIUM UPG FAMILY PACK -1 license for 3 PCs,3 purchases allowed per end customer only : Software | Dell

$129 for 3 license Windows 7 Home Premium. Smokin' deal for those of us with multiple questions.

LiveLeak.com - 1981 Early Computer Graphics

LiveLeak.com - 1981 Early Computer Graphics

This was as good as it got it '81. Funny compared to Avatar. And the work required was mindnumbing. Tools do so much of the work now. Have a look...

Internet Info War

Cyber Attack Strikes FreedomWorks

I wasn't sure where to put this post. The Truthblog or the Techblog. It's certainly appropriate for either or both.

Unfortunately we still tend to discount the risks we're subject to on the Internet. I think it's clear that the Freedomworks guys didn't realize just how big a target they were. Of course the first thought I had was that the load created by the mention on Beck's program may have been responsible for the crash, but apparently they have forensic evidence that leads them to conclude that it was an attack.

Job #1 is to make sure your servers can handle the actual load. Job #2 make sure you have a complete duplicate backup that can go online instantly should something go wrong. They say they lost $80,000 dollars in donations as the result of the outage - it would have cost much less to have a system waiting to be deployed when the first system crashed. Job#3 have appropriate logging and tracking technologies implemented so that the culprits can be prosecuted. I sure hope they get the bums!

This is truly a cultural and political civil war and this was just one of the attacks. I'm ready for battle!

Top 10 reasons to buy a Palm Pre 2

Top10.com � News � Top 10 reasons to buy a Palm Pre 2

I couldn't have said it better myself...

Palm announces Web OS 2.0 on Palm Pre 2

Life in the 21st Century

Newegg.com - G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9S-4GBRL

Newegg.com - G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9S-4GBRL

Smokin' deal - hopefully you've a computer that can utilize them...

Found by Ray Ozzie: Microsoft Windows 1.0 press kit

Found by Ray Ozzie: Microsoft Windows 1.0 press kit

I remember debating other geeks about the quality of Windows vs. IBM's Topview. The winner was clear and Topview is nowhere to be found. Check it out- looks silly now...

Free DVD ripper software for Windows or Mac

MacX DVD Ripper Pro - DVD Ripper for Mac Rip Copy Protected DVD to MP4 iPhone iPad, Download DVD Converter for Mac OS X

Good free DVD ripper with handy device specific format options. Free until the end of October. You snooze, you loose.

Microsoft codename tracker | ZDNet

Get the latest update to my free Microsoft codename tracker | ZDNet

Ever wonder what the Microsoft Colorado, Aurora and Dryad projects are? Here's the definitive list.

Walmart.com: Canon Pixma MP560 Wireless Photo All-In-One Inkjet Printer/Copier/Scanner: Computers

Walmart.com: Canon Pixma MP560 Wireless Photo All-In-One Inkjet Printer/Copier/Scanner: Computers

Has it all for a small office or home use. No built in FAX, but who uses that anymore? Super value.

Walmart.com: Acer Black 15.6" AS5551-2013 Laptop PC with AMD Athlon II X2 Dual Core P320 Processor and Windows 7 Home Premium: Computers

Walmart.com: Acer Black 15.6" AS5551-2013 Laptop PC with AMD Athlon II X2 Dual Core P320 Processor and Windows 7 Home Premium: Computers

Great cheap laptop for the student or anyone else looking for good performance at a great price. No glaring weaknesses and nothing spectacular about the machine except it's value.

Tenda 11N 150M Wireless USB LAN Adapter - Meritline.com

Tenda 11N 150M Wireless USB LAN Adapter - Meritline.com

$8.99 fro an 802.11n USB LAN adapter. What a gonga!

Newegg.com - Open Box: SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

Newegg.com - Open Box: SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

Cheapest 1TB drive I have ever seen. Hurry can't last long...

Cable Modem Troubleshooting Tips

Cable Modem Troubleshooting Tips

Great site for Cable modem users. Not for the inexperienced, but info here is often more accurate and helpful than your cable company.

Thank Goodness the Bad Guys Don't Take My Advice

Zeus botnet bank thieves were careless with own security

I've not seen a virus, trojan or other nefarious software that couldn't be made infinitely worse with a trivial change. But the bad guys don't seem to get it, thankfully.

This seems to be the ultimate case of that denseness. Leaving evidence of your crime that can be traced back to you is a real no-no for criminals looking for a lengthy career.

Microsoft issues emergency patch for Windows Web bug

Microsoft issues emergency patch for Windows Web bug: "overview of what issues are driving SIM..."

Windows web server users patch today, or else!

Iron Man - Science or Science Fiction?

Raytheon Unveils Wearable Exoskeleton Suit | ECN: Electronic Component News

The future of man has incredible promise. Our physical powers will be incredible. If only we could invent a similar structure for our thinking, morality and behavior...

Revisiting a Revolutionary OLD Concept for Productivity.

A Case for Singletasking: The One-Task-At-a-Time Method

The more we are all pulled in a million different dirctions, the more we realize that it's a major productivity killer.

This Lifehacker article discusses the traps of multi-tasking and the solution to the problem. You'll find yourself feeling a bit sheepish as the author describes you to a "t".

Batch files to turbocharge your system.

Create Service-Stopping Batch Files to Optimize Your PC for Specific Tasks

What a nostalgic feeling to be using batch files in 2010 to more effectively use your system. It really works and makes the process a doable one for less than expert users. Still some care and understanding required, but hey, that's what I'm for!

A Bluetooth device stops working, and you receive error code 43 together with event 17 after you resume a computer that is running Windows 7 from sleep

A Bluetooth device stops working, and you receive error code 43 together with event 17 after you resume a computer that is running Windows 7 from sleep

Download the fix here...

Technology Safety?

Technology CAN save lives, but only if you don't count on it...

Free Utility: Windows Memory Diagnostic

Free Utility: Windows Memory Diagnostic

Many computer errors are created by malfunctioning memory. Those errors can be very difficult to identify. Video card and driver problems often produce similar symptoms. Don't waste time troubleshooting software or hardware issues until you have confirmed the proper function of your memory. Here's a FREE utility from Microsoft that creates a boot CD or floppy automatically that will then allow you to use it to reboot and test your memory for reliability.

Duplicate Cleaner - Find Duplicate Files

Duplicate Cleaner - Find Duplicate Files

Another little Internet gem. Free, fast and easy. Download it now. You will be astonished how many duplicates you have. But be careful about deleting duplicate system files. If in doubt don't. Otherwise you may make your computer inoperable.

Sculptris - Digital Sculpture Software

ZBrushCentral - A Gift From Pixologic

Incredible development from Pixologic - free digital sculpture using your PC and Mouse. Takes some practice, but amazingly flexible. You gotta try it!

How to Encrypt single files in Windows...

Axantum Software AB | AxCrypt | File Encryption Software

Axcrypt is a very simple elegant way to encrypt single files in Windows. Here's what the website says:

"Right-click integration with Windows Explorer makes AxCrypt the easiest way to encrypt individual files in Windows.

Double-click integration makes it as easy to open, edit and save encrypted files as it is to work with unencrypted files.

Many additional features, but no configuration required, just install it and use it.

AxCrypt encrypts files that are safely and easily sent to other users via e-mail or any other means. Self-decrypting files are also supported, removing the need to install AxCrypt to decrypt."

Lenovo - Desktops - IdeaCentre - A Series - all-in-one PCs - A300

Lenovo - Desktops - IdeaCentre - A Series - all-in-one PCs - A300

Here's the link for the beautiful A300 that I talked about on the show...

Free AND Legal Microsoft Money Plus Download

Microsoft Money Plus 'Sunset' Versions

MS Money was discontinued some time ago, but is now available free. The on-line activation, which was the most annoying feature of Money has been eliminated now you get a better MS Money absolutely free. So much for the "evil empire". Download at the link above

Back up Your Blogger Accounts - or Else

bloggerbackup - Release: v1.0.9.23 Beta

Download this free and VERY easy to use utility to backup your on-line brilliance. Carbonite and Mozy can't do it. This FREE utility does. It's fast, free and easy. What else could you want?

Preware

Preware

This is a great site for Palm Pre freeware and the Uberkernel overclocked WebOS that turns your Pre into a speed demon. A little geeky for newbies, but lots of fun. Check it out...

Deskjet F4480 Multifunction Printer - CB745AB1H - Multi-Function Printers - HEWLETT-PACKARD Multi-Function Printers - TheNerds.net

Deskjet F4480 Multifunction Printer - CB745AB1H - Multi-Function Printers - HEWLETT-PACKARD Multi-Function Printers - TheNerds.net

Good deal on a college dorm printer. Cheap and small. When it gets beer spilled on it, at this price you can just go get another...

The world's best phone that wasn't

Consumer Reports Electronics Blog: Lab tests: Why Consumer Reports can't recommend the iPhone 4

Typical situation where Apple gets it 98% perfect then completely falls down. This is the most extreme example in a while, maybe ever. The iphone 4 is a lousy phone.

I think it's related to production personnel that were testing the device prior to it's release wearing gloves. It's a very common requirement for workers to protect the devices, but it prevented them finding out about the faulty antenna.

It's surprising it wasn't caught by the personnel that were using the product it outside the company's facility. Perhaps there was fear that it couldn't be brought to the company's attention that late in the game, or those personnel wear gloves normally as they go about their day. Who knows.

So Consumer Reports makes the tough decision to take the winner as a device, but completely falls down in phone function off their recommended list. Good for them.

Apple needs to feel the heat take responsibility and get it together. Software is not the problem, and AT&T's network is not the problem. Apples iPhone 4 is the problem.

Maximize wifi speed and reliability with inSSIDer

• Inspect your WLAN and surrounding networks to troubleshoot competing access points
• Track the strength of received signal in dBm over time
• Filter access points in an easy-to-use format
• Highlight access points for areas with high Wi-Fi concentration
• Export Wi-Fi and GPS data to a KML file to view in Google Earth.

Free download at:

inSSIDer Wi-Fi Scanner | MetaGeek

Logitech Squeezebox Super Deal

Electronics Expo is offering theLogitech Squeezebox Radio for $138.58 with couponcode JUL5. The coupon code is valid until July 31, or while supplies last. That's $110.41 in savings from the list price of $249.99!

iPhone 3 Downgrade to Upgrade speed

Here's a how to for those of us who have regretted upgrading to iOS 4 on our iPhone 3. If your iPhone has slowed to a crawl since the iOS4 upgrade, here's how to go back to a zippy old iPhone.

Are you on the "Hurtlocker" lawsuit list?

 Is your IP included on the list of illegal "Hurtlocker" downloaders?

ipaddresses

Proven: Shouting at your disk drive can hurt performance

When things are going badly, don't compound the problem by shouting at your computer. You could make things worse. Here's the video...

I stole your pictures - so pay up sucka!

Haitian photographer is sued for having his pictures stolen. But they picked on the wrong "little guy". He has bitten back - hard. Here's the details...

U.S. Treasury sites Hacked - Passing on Malware to Visitors

Drive by installs of malicious software are happening all over the web. Administrators really need to systematize checking and protection of their sites, especially the US Treasury! How do we stand a chance?

Bumpstop still available for download

Google bought Bumptop and has left the download link up for the time being. I don't know how long it will remain up. It's a neat desktop interface that resembles a room. Kinda like MS Bob only slicker. I'm not a huge fan, but it is kind fo fun. The paid version is no longer available. Here's the link. Download it now or forever hold your peace ( or is that piece?).

Laptop deal at Newegg.com

Great deal on a couple of Lenovo laptops. One with HD video and bigger drive. The other with a little more RAM and no HD video. Take your pick, they are both good machines at good prices.

Brother HL-2170W Laser Printer - HL2170W - Buy.com

Brother HL-2170W Laser Printer - HL2170W - Buy.com

Great deal on a great little wi-fi laser printer. Less than $100!

Free Orion IP Address Tracker

Register for Orion IP Address Tracker

Free IP address tracker helps you manage IP's on your network.

End Firearms Registration in Arizona

AZCDL Home -- End Firearms Registration - Contact the Governor

The Real Story of Todays Windows Mobile

End of the line for my T-Mobile HD2, I just can't take Windows Mobile anymore Smartphones and Cell Phones ZDNet.com

Matthew Miller tells the truth about his experience with a top notch device and a cobbled OS. We don't often get such a honest expression of frustration by a technology expert. Worth a read if for no other reason than to chuckle at the travails of an expert. Makes you feel a little less stupid when an expert has such struggles.

Forget HP's Corporate Clout End Users Drive Adoption

HP Partners: Palm Deal Spells Big End-To-End Opportunity - Mobile - IT Channel News by CRNl

Enterprise technology sales people are drooling over the prospects of selling Palm smartphones to their clients. It's believed that HP's powerful presence in that space gives them a unique advantage.

It is an advantage to be so strong in that market, but it isn't a substitute for producing very compelling products for end users. It was the case when PC's took over the mainframe/dumb terminal enterprise market in the '80's, the Apple iPhone corporate invasion now, and will be the key to success for HP with Palm. End users drive adoption, the product's management friendliness defines whether it will be a happy and speedy adoption or not.

Palm has some compelling products, but their marketing has been atrocious. HP's biggest favor it could do for Palm is spend some money (which Palm hasn't had for years) on good old fashioned aggressive marketing.

At least Palm's demise isn't hanging over it's head and smart phone buyers and third party developers can once again look at it as a legitimate potential choice.

Now if Palm can get it's lineup on more carriers, we may have a real rebirth.

UPDATED: Comodo Time Machine for Painless System Restoration

BEWARE: Some  users (including me) have experienced catastrophic disk failure when doing uninstalls of this software. I  recommend that you DO NOT use this software until it's problems are better understood and addressed.

Comodo offers a FREE system restore program that has the benefit of allowing you to do a restore even if Windows won't boot. Very helpful when your computer life has fallen apart and you need to get it back without spending hundreds on a pro. Works with XP, Vista & and some of the Server versions of Windows. Download it here.

Black screen fix for recent Windows patch errors...

Prevx, the security company has a very elegant fix for the MS update "black screen" victims.  Here's the procedure:

1) Restart your PC

2) Logon and wait for the black screen to appear

3) Make sure your PC should be able to connect to the internet (black screen does not appear to affect this)

4) Press the CTRL, ALT and DEL keys simultaneously

5) When prompted, Click Start Task Manager

6) In Task Manager Click on the Application Tab

7) Next Click New Task

8) Now enter the command:

"C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe" "http://info.prevx.com/download.asp?GRAB=BLACKSCREENFIX"

Note this command assumes that you are using internet explorer as your browser, if not substitute your browser path and file details for those of iexplore.exe or use the Browser option of Task manager to locate it.

9) Click OK and your browser should start up and begin the download process

10) When prompted for the download Click run, the black screen fix program will download and run to automatically fix the issue.

11) Now restart your PC and the black screen problem will hopefully be gone.

Thanks to the Prevx guys and gals for takin' care of us!

New Filezilla version - Dr Dave's FTP pick

I've used Filezilla for years and recommend it highly. Simple, reliable FTP software that doesn't cost a dime. Download and enjoy...

Microsoft's Windows 7 Compatibility list

Download this compatibility list for Windows 7 for IT pros. VERY useful to know in advance what's likely to cause issues with a Windows 7 install PRIOR to the install. Download it at the link above.

Snow Leopard Data Loss Problem

Apple's new OS has been reported to have a serious issue with guest account access and data loss since September. It cropped up so rarely it has been difficult to confirm.

Apple has confirmed it and is reported to have a fix on the way. 

Cool OSX functionality for Windows XP, Vista and 7

Excerpts from the site...

7stacks is an easy to use, free app that lets Windows 7 (and Vista and XP) users have "stacks" of icons in their Taskbar (in 7) or QuickLaunch Toolbar (in Vista and XP). By using stacks, users can reduce icon clutter, and combine a group of related icons into a single icon. For instance, if you use application suites such as Microsoft Office, OpenOffice, or Adobe CS4, you can have all the suite's icons combined into one icon!


You can also use it to browse and access documents within a folder very quickly. Usually, when you want to edit a series of frequently used documents, you'd have to either launch the app, and go to File|Open, or open the (My) Computer icon and go into your (My) Documents folder and pick the file you want. With 7stacks, just create a stack to that document's folder, and open that document in a couple of clicks.

Driving Speed 2.0.7 Free Download

Available at the link above is a great free auto racing game for Windows PCs. 

Driving Speed 2 is a free high quality racing game for your PC. Choose from four high powered V8 muscle cars and race against up to 11 computer controlled opponents on two touring car circuits.

This game has realistic graphics, realistic car physics and performance, high quality sound and AI. Play against your friends over a LAN or internet with 8 player Multiplayer.

Send your fastest lap records to the online lap records where you can see your times against players from all around the world.

System Requirements:
Windows 2000 / XP / Vista / Windows 7
1GHz CPU or higher
256MB RAM
228MB Hard Drive Space
Graphics Card with Pixel Shader Support
DirectX 9 Drivers

What´s New in version 2.0.7:
Optimized frame rate. 
Fixed a minor glitch in the online leaderboard results.

Check it out!

Google's New OS: Linux 3.0?

Everyone's guessing what Google's new OS will be. Even in this article the author contradicts himself by saying it's based on Linux, then an extension of the Chrome browser code. Sorry buddy, can't be both. A Safari based browser and an OS are 2 completely different things.

Makes sense that it may be an extension of Android, which itself is based on Linux. But Google's implementation of Android is not nearly as compelling as Palm's elegant version of mobile Linux known as WebOS.

Apple made the decision years ago to go with a Linux based OS and it certainly makes sense. We will see new versions of Linux based OS's released by numerous sources because of cost, development, licensing and reliability benefits. No reason to reinvent the wheel. The GUI will be optimized to deal with particular user and hardware requirements, but the real challenge for mainstream consumer type OS's is dealing with the myriad of hardware and software interfaces that must be streamlined and reliable. Linux was years late getting USB drivers and installs right. The public will not put up with that sort of marathon geek wrestling match.

I welcome Google's efforts to battle with the "Evil Empire", but don't underestimate the difficulty of the real battle - making an OS work for the average Joe. It's a battle worthy of Leonidas. How comfortable is Sergey in a breastplate?

Seattle Fire Shuts Down DaveMason.com

The Internet is pretty good at rerouting traffic in the event of a problem, but if the power to a site is interrupted there's not much that can be done, if you don't have a backup server. Obviously that was the case yesterday with DaveMason.com, Authorize.Net and the travel section of MS's new search engine - Bing.

I am always very cranky when I have site problems because it is an integral part of the show and business. I was forced because of the extended down time and remote location to  just ignore it and go about my business yesterday. I don't do that well. I'm a fixer. I like to get into the mess and figure it out and solve the problem. I could get nowhere with that. Although I id learn a bit about Dotster's network structure.

It's back up this morning, before the show, so that's very good. I've been thinking about what I can do at my end to mitigate the effects of such a problem in the future, and I can't think of a thing. Any ideas?

More Explosive Laptop Batteries

HP Recalls Notebook Computer Batteries Due to Fire Hazard

70,000+ laptop batteries are being recalled by HP and Compaq. Many popular models are included. If you own a Compaq or HP laptop made in the last few years, you may be entitled to a free replacement. Click the link above for a list of the model and serial numbers eligible. Do not put this off. If you have one of these your computer and data could be damaged, as well as anything in the vicinity of the overheating and/or fire. No injuries have been reported.

Ever wonder what those CHK files are?

DIY DataRecovery CHK-Mate (freeware), recover content from CHK files

It's not unusual to end up with one or more chk files after running chkdsk. Sometimes they are garbage, other times they are recoverable data files. This is how you get them back. Another great free tool to save our data.

New Twitter Worm Author Found

17-year-old claims responsibility for Twitter worm (April 12, 2009)

Click the link above to get the details. It's only going to get worse...

Good standard compliants is always good

When good browsers go bad -- and they all do

I've been a big fan of the Opera browser for years. They have a reputation for not working on certain sites, yet they have been the only browser 100% compliant with the web standards. Now IE 8 and FireFox are moving to more complete compliance with web standards, so we are in for a painful transition period. Those web sites not in compliance must be pressured to repair their sites, instead of continuing to use browsers that have no interest in standards.

Onward to a new era of standard standards and love and peace for all!

Large Screen Kindle on the way?

Amazon Reported To Be Developing A Large Screen Kindle (AMZN)

I have yet to jump on the Kindle bandwagon. Perhaps this new version due out later this year will move me.

I am still looking for color display, smaller keyboard, and cheaper price. Not likely to get all three in this next version. Or will we?

Pent up success or Vista-like failure?

My experience with Windows 7 has been stellar. But there is more to OS release success than a good, stable operating system. First of course is reputation. I think Windows 7 has that in spades. Many beta testers have been calling for it's release for weeks. While it's unquestionably premature to do so, it is a very compelling indication of the quality of the software. The other is a streamlined, common sense product lineup. The chaos of the numerous, ill defined Vista product versions made adopters reluctant to deal with the details of making a choice, so they didn't.

In this story the author argues that Windows 7 will suffer from a weak release demand due to the economy and the markets experience with Vista. I believe it may be just the opposite. Indeed the economy will weaken any products release well into 2012, but the pent up demand for upgrades for computers and OS's will drive Windows 7 to a very successful launch. Microsoft has learned well from it's Vista catastrophe.

50% of Easter Bunny Picture Search's result in Malware

Even the most innocent of searches can lead to nefarious infections. Here's what Jay Chaudhry, CEO of Zscaler had to say, “Parents running searches on Google [looking for places to take kids for a picture with the Easter Bunny] may be in for the wrong kind of treat.” He continued, “Out of the many relevant search results on the topic, our researchers found that most end up pointing unsuspecting consumers to a site that hosts malware.” In fact, Zscaler researchers found that out of every 20 or so results, more than half led to malware. “This is a good example of why organizations need Web security.”

Plenty of free, effective tools here. Use them!

Remove Downadup - Removal tool for Downadup (known also as Conficker or Kido)

Remove Downadup - Removal tool for Downadup (known also as Conficker or Kido)

If you've been in a cave the last few weeks and haven't already done this. It's amazing how many people still aren't protected and/or updated. Please, do it now!

Latest Overnight Details on Conficker Variant

During the night of 8th/9th April, computers infected with Trojan-Downloader.Win32.Kido (aka Conficker.c) contacted each other via P2P networks (eDonkey, BitTorrent, Gnutella, Limewire, etc.), instructing previously infected machines to download new malicious files, activating the Conficker botnet.

Conficker is now once again a worm. Initial analyses suggest it has date-limited functionality until 3rd May 2009.

In addition to downloading updates for itself, Conficker also downloads two new files to infected machines. One is a rogue antivirus application (detected as FraudTool.Win32.SpywareProtect2009.s) that is being spread from sites in Ukraine. Once run the program offers to delete "detected viruses" for a charge of $49.95.

The second file downloaded is the Email-Worm.Win32.Iksmas.atz. This worm is also known as Waledac and steals data and sends spam. Conficker and Iksmas are very similar in construction and the Conficker epidemic was mirrored by an email epidemic of a similar scale caused by Iksmas.

According to Aleks Gostev, head of Kaspersky Lab's Global Research and

Analysis Team, "Over a 12-hour period, Iksmas connected to its control centers around the globe a number of times and received commands to send out spam mailings. In just 12 hours, one bot alone sent out 42,298 spam messages. Virtually every email contained a unique domain. This was obviously done to prevent anti-spam filters from detecting the mass mailings using methods that analyze the frequency with which a specific domain is used. Overall, we detected the use of 40,542 third-level domains and 33 second-level domains. Virtually all of these sites are located in China and are registered in the names of various people, most probably invented."

If you run the numbers, one Iksmas bot sends out around 80,000 emails in 24 hours. Assuming that there are about 5 million infected machines on the Internet, the botnet could send out about 400 billion spam messages over a 24-hour period!

You think you have spam problems!