Birthday of a Great Unheralded American

Nikola Tesla was involved in the invention of radio, x-rays, AC power, electric motors and the discovery of electrons. Somehow he always managed to find himself on the periphery while more sophisticated self promoters took the credit.

Born 157 years ago today.


Nikola Tesla is born, July 10, 1856 | EDN

Is the HP Slate a good value or just cheap?

How does the 7" HP Slate stack up against it's competitors? Not well. Too slow, too little storage, no GPS, mediocre screen and speakers, lousy camera, older Android version and less than sleek design. It would be more competitive in the tablet market of 2010, not 2013. It's tempting at less than $170, but buy a Nexus 7 - you'll spend $30 more but be MUCH happier.


HP - United States | Laptop Computers, Desktops , Printers, Servers and more

Told Ya So!

I could not make sense of HOW Microsoft handled the Metro vs Desktop situation in Windows 8. it was obvious to me that Microsoft was going to get a lot of heat from struggling users. They disregarded the pre-release complaints from the tech journalists and beta testers for some reason.

I understand WHY they did what they did. The pressure from Apple and Android to update the Windows interface to a more tablet/touchscreen friendly style has been huge. The way they chose to implement that response to that pressure seemed foolish. Force all users to interact with the Metro interface and remove the primary way desktop user interact with the "Desktop" of their machine.

The proper response seemed obvious. Steve Ballmer and his minions didn't see it that way. Instead of allowing a simple facility for making your choice as to the primary interface, and allow changing back and forth should user preference change, they assumed Metro was going to be the preference and they made sure users had no choice.

I salute their change of heart. I hope they don't make thing worse. Sometimes the fix is worse than the fault.

Microsoft prepares rethink on Windows 8 flagship software - FT.com

Make Your Own Emergency Cell Phone Charger

This is a very easy and inexpensive way to make a backup charger for your cell phone or hotspot. It fits in your briefcase or even your pocket. 

It also includes some very useful information about AA battery types and their relative power.

If you are a tinkerer, you're probably capable of following the instructions successfully. If you don't understand the table of comparisons of the batteries, then you probably shouldn't try the project. Good Luck!



Adapters Charge Cell Phones Using Standard AA Batteries | Power content from Electronic Design

Truly Addictive Technology?

I am increasingly skeptical of the benefit of our immersive dependence on technology. It's an interesting development for me as I spent the first 2 decades in this profession aggressively evangelizing for the productive use of technology.

Now I find myself evangelizing for the judicious use of technology, and the importance of limiting that use so that we can live as humans must live to be fulfilled.

There are all kinds of cliched science fiction analogs that I am compelled to resist, along with the obvious and sometimes accurate comparison to substance abuse/dependancy.

However, the neuro-chemical similarities of technological over-use and dependence and drug abuse are stunning. In many people it is nearly identical. The serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine levels while using Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, etc. are similar to those when using Ecstacy. The problem is when you come down from Facebook, Twitter and Youtube or Ecstasy. Restlessness, irritability, depression and even suicidal thoughts can occur.

The appropriate and balanced use of technology and drugs have much in common too. Drugs used properly and in a controlled fashion can be miraculous life saving medicine. Used recklessly without thought and reason, drugs destroy personalities, relationships and lives.

I have become quite a skeptic when it comes to the relentless pressure to over-use technology. Many of us feel intimidated and pressured by ads, peers, clients and family to adopt and interact with various forms of technology with little thought about potential negative effects or actual productivity or quality of life improvement.

I have no doubt that Google Glass is a VERY compelling technology. I don't even doubt the potential productivity gains in certain situations. But I am concerned that the possibility for unwitting unhealthy dependence is VERY high.

Social networking doesn't replace real relationships. Electronic games are no substitute for real sports and physical activity, and virtual worlds or enhanced reality isn't a substitute for a real life and real accomplishment. That doesn't begin to address what I believe may be most important;  the spiritual factors that are a fundamental part of being human.

Even if you have a perfect handle on living a balanced fulfilled life that includes all the wonders of new technology, there's the potential risks of the completely public, data-mined life. We have not even begun to deal with the realities of that.

Read Roberts article and tell me what you think...


Robert Scoble - Google+ - My two-week review of Google Glass: it all depends on the…

Laptops, Jumbojets and Catastophic Battery Failure

This is a very good analysis of the Boeing Dreamlkiner battery fire problem. Turns out the lesson was taught years ago in the analysis of laptop battery failures. Of course the ramifications of such failure are a little more compelling in a Dreamliner.

The thought process of designers and engineers in deciding to use the latest technology reminds me how seductive a trap it can be.

The newest is not always better, whether it's Twitter or Lithium Ion; here's why...

The NTSB Report is Out, Boeing Has Solutions. What's Your Comfort Level? | Secondary Emissions

Twitter Tweets Tank the Markets

This is why I think we are foolish to put our lives, data, finances and everything else in the hands of these shepherding outfits. We're the sheep and they're the wolves.

Do social networking services have legitimate uses? Yes. Are we blindly, willingly being led around by the nose by them? Yes.

Time to grow up and get things under control. This is crazy - and it's all our fault.

The "lame-stream" media is untrustworthy, alternative news sources are untrustworthy, the Internet is untrustworthy, email is untrustworthy, social media is untrustworthy, Governments are untrustworthy, Political parties are untrustworthy. EVERYTHING must be checked and corroborated. It's real life in the 21st century, get used to it.

Associated Press’ Twitter Feed Hacked: Reported Obama Injured in White House ‘Explosions’ | TheBlaze.com

Check your Security - Nearly 100,000 Computers are Attacking your Blog.

Melbourne Server Hosting is reporting that it has seen signs over the past 48 hours of increased attempts, while Immotion Hosting has noted they are coming from a large amount of IP addresses spread across the world. This would suggest the attackers are using a botnet to break in; HostGator has said at least 90,000 computers are involved while CloudFlare has noted it “more than tens of thousands of unique IP addresses” are being used.

Check your security settings: Brute force attacks against WordPress and Joomla sites have tripled - The Next Web

Hackers Attacks Against Banks More Effective Than Ever

Just as I recommended getting as much of your personal info off the cloud as you can to protect from warrantless perusing of your  personal data, you must figure out how to minimize your exposure to the ugly ramifications of your bank being successfully attacked by hackers.

Most of us think because the banks are big sophisticated institutions, they must have a handle on security. They don't.

Make sure you have enough cash in hand to be able to pay your bills for a week or so. Have multiple accounts in different banks with your money spread between them, so that you aren't likely to be completely separated from your money if one of the banks you do business goes down for a few days.

With the fiscal machinations many governemnts are involved in that allow them to potentially confiscate your property, it's a very unsettling time. We have to think about protecting ourselves from the "bad guys" as always, but now from well intentioned but extra-legal "good guys" too.

We live in VERY complicated times.

 Cyber Threats Escalate as Banks Go Paperless

Vizio 55-inch LCD WiFi TV Only $649.99

Great specs, impressive size, crazy price...

Vizio 55-inch LCD TV - E552VLE 1080p 120Hz HDTV : TVs - LED, LCD, Internet TVs & Accessories | Dell

Smokin' Sennheiser CX 280 Earbuds

Rakuten.com - Sennheiser CX 280 High Performance Earbuds w/ Dynamic Sound

Less than $20 for earbuds that produce 120db of sound from 19hz to 20,500hz. Hard to go wrong. Gotta get 'em!

3 Free Mac - 'til Sunday only

Home - AppyFridays

Diagrammix, Marko and Singlemizer, normally 32 bucks of decent Mac software absolutley free. No strings attached.

Lost Woz videos circa 1984

Vince Patton - YouTube

You have got to check out these Woz videos from 1984. Funny, cheeky stuff.

Quirky but Fun Aviation History Site

Abandoned & Little-Known Airfields: Arizona, Southeastern Tucson area

Fun time killer for aviation buffs. Boy if these places could talk...

Amazon Options for the Starving Student

Amazon.com: Kindle Textbook Rental

While it's not always the most cost effective option (used is often nearly as inexpensive), renting your textbook from Amazon may be just the thing for students on a tight budget. Only requirement is a Kindle or Kindle software on your computer. I've been a bit of a Kindle crank, but this really makes sense.

Unique Tech Products on Sale - as Heard on My Show...

Compelling combination of old tech and new tech. Bluetooth handsets at ThinkGeek.com. Wouldn't you love to Skype on one of these? On sale for less than $40!

Dropbox Puts Foot in Mouth - Rearranges Foot Several Times

Dropbox Moves To Clear Up Cloud Data Ownership, Terms Of Service Confusion

As with many technical EULA's, Dropbox's recent version was shockingly worded and some of the edits they provided after getting copious flack fron horrified users only served to confuse even more. They need to fire their attorneys and attempt to get their money back for those fees associated with the production of their legal monstrosity. Flummery!

Facebook vs Google+

InfoGraphic – Facebook vs Google+ (UPDATED)

Interesting comparison of features in the battle of the Internet giants. Can Google really compete with Facebook? Facebook has a 750 million member headstart. Of course Myspace had a huge advantage over Facebook in 04, and Myspace just got given away.

If Google can create the sort of "must have" energy that they did originally with Gmail, Facebook could have a heck of a fight on their hands.

I've always thought that Facebook, as much better than Myspace as it is, leaves a lot to be desired on the usability front. That is Google's playing field. We'll see if they can create the frenzy...

Comin' to America

Spotify is coming to the U.S. Sign up to get your invite now - Spotify

Spotify may be the best music service on Earth and is on the way to the States. Sign up for the pre-release waiting list now. You'll love it!

40 Legal Free Movie Downloads

Top 40 best free legal movies you can download right now - TECH.BLORGE.com

Mostly old B or C movies from the 30's and 40's free for the download. They happen to be the type of movies that I particularly enjoy. No looking over your shoulder for RIAA and MPAA surveillance and subpoenas in your mailbox. Guilt free freeness of cheesy entertainment. It doesn't get any better!

500GB USB drive $70 at Office Depot

Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex Ultra Portable External Hard Drive 500GB Black by Office Depot

Check out this deal for a Seagate 500GB external USB drive for less than $70.00. Includes backup and encryption software on the drive. Deal is good 'til 7/9/11.

Gmails New Ultra Clean Design

Gmail - What's been keeping the Gmail team busy

Check out the new look of Gmail. Taking simplicity to the next level. I really like it. This quality is what differentiates Google from the rest of the Internet powerhouses. This ruthless devotion to stark simplicity will continue to serve them, and their users, well.

Radio's History - Is TV history, too?

Internet, social media usage catching TV | BusinessBrief.com

More numbers that tell us what we already knew. The Internet is taking over. It took a while. Many jumped the gun, but what experts have been predicting since Al Gore created the Internet is finally actually happening.

Radio networks and stations have been struggling for years, TV stations and networks are circling the drain with them now.

It's not a friendly neighborhood, though. No one knows what the success formulas are. Not CBS, not Fox, not Microsoft. We are all equally ignorant. The opportunities are astronomic, but the carnage will be ugly.

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.