Yea I'm around again
Monday, June 11, 2007
I'm back again for a couple of days in the city again. My internet sucks (what's new) or I haven't had access to some at all so the postings have been slimmer than I expected. However I have called Time Warner and am expecting some service from them soon.
So what does that mean in the mean time? You just get less rants (I mean news and opinions) from me.
However, tonight I do have a nice article for you guys. Any fan of Linkin Park will know who Chester Bennington is, and there's a really good article on Identity Theft on him. It was posted by Wired maybe a week ago, and I read it and I have to recommend it. It's pretty interesting to read about Identity Theft, especially of a star, and someone that people love like Chester.
Alright more later, hopefully soon but you never know, lol
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 9:01 PM 0 comments
Labels: Internet, Music, Random, Tech
Free ORION Windows Event Log Reader Software
Friday, April 06, 2007
Can't go wrong with free software, and this for the IT crowd, especially the Network Administrators out there who are always looking to managed their servers. There's some free ORION Remote Windows Event Log Reader software out there for you guys, if your processing volume is under 5 events a second. What does this software mean? It's a useful tool that monitors your Windows System Events can be can automatically be forwarded to Syslog Servers, email, SNMP, or written to databases in real-time, keeping track of your server and specifically what's going wrong with it. For those with much more servers or higher processing volumes it can be upgraded for a month-to-month subscription for $12.95/month for 15 events/sec (don't worry non-tech's, Network Administrators know the figures) so it isn't too expensive for those with large networks as they'll easily pay more for other software. It's pretty easy to use and can be up in minutes, as shown by the screenshot below:
(Click on image for larger size)
Overall I think it can help, and could be a useful diagnosis tool for your servers. Check it out and as always feel free to post your thoughts.
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 4:56 PM 2 comments
Labels: Computers, Software, Tech
More North Carolina computer usage
Still stuck in North Carolina, but I managed to creep into Duke and use a computer in their cafeteria area that someone left logged on. I didn't run well today but that'll be for a lengthier post on my other blog (My Sports one, check it out at Steve's Sports and Travel) but in the mean time I'll talk about a controversial issue (DRM) and how they're always working backwards in trying to fix it.
Remember how DRM was cracked back in December (blog post HERE) , well Corel, the makers of WinDVd, have released a patch that forces users to patch their software to their latest version or not be able to play any AACS (DRM'ed) Blu-Ray or HD-DVD. This was reported on Engadget but it's still such a rotten deal, forcing people to patch their software or not. This is the way of DRM, and they'll never win, however Corel loves to stick it to users. I think I'm with the majority in that DRM will never win, but that's just me, I'm no Hollywood studio.
Alright I gotta go back to the track, more later,
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 4:02 PM 0 comments
Labels: Movies, Software, Tech
Wow - Steve Jobs convienced EMI to drop DRM
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
I guess peer pressure does work, since everyone has been clamoring for labels to drop the Digital Rights Management (DRM) for a long time I guess they just only finally now start listening to everyone someone has done it, EMI has dropped DRM. I don't buy much music myself, since I'm not the biggest audiophile, but this is a step in the right direction. I've only read clips in the free newspapers (AM Newyork and Metro) but there's a really good article on one of the Ars Technica Blogs. It's from the Infinite Loop blog, and it speaks about how Ditching DRM was EMI's idea.
Very interesting read, and something to think about, since it goes onto more than just DRM but the whole Apple iPod/iTunes experience. Check it out and post your thoughts.
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 5:23 PM 0 comments
Now this is cool, streaming live replays and stats to your PSP while watching Arsenal Play
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
If any of you love going to sport events, playing PSP, or love Arsenal (I fit into all 3 categories) then this bit of news from Pocket-Lint will interest you. The full article at Pocket-Lint states that Sony is beginning a plan to stream live football/soccer replays directly to your PSP. Now that's some great technology. Imagine missing a goal while you were getting a drink, or wanted to see if that penalty was really a foul or not, and see how many goals Thierry Henry has scored.
They're testing the technology at Emirates Stadium (the home of the London based Arsenal Football club) with about 4000 fans but I hope it gets around, and makes the jump across the pond into North America.
(Image taken from Pocket-Lint)
Check it out and post your thoughts,
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 8:31 PM 0 comments
Labels: Digital Players, Soccer, Sony, Tech
Lead management software for your business
At my PT clinic, we have a full software suite to manage our patients, their billing, insurance, appointments, etc. It's pretty powerful since it can do pretty much most of the paperwork for us. Well for those looking for Lead Management or Sale software capable of being an all-in-one solution for your business now have an option. Aimpromote is a sales lead management program that has all the major features of the leading competitors, then surpasses them at a cheaper rate. Sounds like a great idea for anyone involved in sales or marketing products, since it can cut down on the work, which always saves you money. Check out all the features at http://www.aimpromote.com/features and let me know what you think.
Thanks,
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 2:45 PM 0 comments
I love T-Mobile
Monday, March 26, 2007
Of all the phone companies, I think T-Mobile's my favorite company, by far. Especially at times like this when I don't have my usual dorm connection and it's 11pm and I want some internet. For those who haven't followed my blog I use the T-Mobile 5.99 internet for WAP sites and use it as an EDGE modem through the T-Mobile proxy. If you're looking for a guide I suggest trying the Howardforums T-Mobile section. I might put up a guide on my website sometime but right now I'm way too busy.
Back to T-Mobile, I like the direction they're going, their phones are getting better, prices are great, and service is improving. I just would like to see more phones released per quarter but I get all my phones by other means so it don't really matter to me. What's your thoughts on T-Mobile? They suck or are they good?
Ok more rambling tomorrow,
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 11:13 PM 0 comments
Labels: Cell Phones, Internet, Tech
Orb works now for Wii, PS3 and Xbox360
Friday, March 23, 2007
I love Engadget, since I can't get enough of gadgets, and today I've found out that a favorite program of mine, Orb, is now compatible with all the major next-gen consoles. For those who don't know what Orb is, it's a streaming application that allows you to stream or access pictures, music, videos from your home computer on your cell phone or another computer through a stream.
Now since it's been updated you can use Orb with the next gen consoles, that's right, your Wii, Xbox360 or PS3. Sure that may be trivial for most users but imagine just plugging in your xbox, and playing your videos at your friends house? Imagine the possibilities with that?
Alright more news tomrrow!
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 1:41 AM 0 comments
Labels: Movies, Music, Tech, Video Games
I'm really liking the Cowon D2
Monday, March 19, 2007
I just saw on Engadget that the Cowon D2 has been released in the US. It's actually some nice Korean technology that if they could market it right can compete with the Zune or iPod for marketshare. Look at the pic below,
Isn't it beautiful? It's got really great features too
-2.5" Wide Touchscreen
-2gb/4gb flash with SD slots
-52 hours battery on MP3, 10 hours on Movie mode
-Support for all the major formats including Ogg, FLAC
Now I'm actually impressed by the specs and the price. It's only 40$ more than the 2gb iPod Nano, or 20$ more than the 4gb Nano, so it's really worth it for price/features compared to Apple. Here's the full Product Page, so take a look and tell me what you think,
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 8:15 PM 1 comments
Labels: Digital Players, Music, Tech
Thinking of VoIP? Check out this Vonage forum
Thursday, March 15, 2007
I know many of you guys have heard about Vonage before, it's been on TV, it's all over the internet and it's a based on a relatively new technology called Voice Over Internet Protocol. Vonage uses this to provide you phone service over your internet line for MUCH cheaper than regular phone companies. The guys at Vonage forum have tips, news, reviews and more for those who have Vonage, are interested in Vonage and can help you out. It's a great resource for Vonage and I suggest you check it out if you're in any of those categories.
Enjoy the free site,
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 10:51 PM 0 comments
Mondays!
Monday, March 05, 2007
Yep Mondays are busy as hell for me, with midterms, extra travel for work and the usual business of track and other classes, so I'm beat. I haven't been able to follow any real news today, but I did use the Western Union online site, wasn't too bad, and it's pretty secure. Even when I sent money online to a friend in Uganda I had to call in and confirm it to a REAL person, very nice.
Also Art Lebdev, the guys who are making that famous Optimus Keyboard with the OLED keys, have released a shot of their prototype, and it's real nice. I do have some problems with the $1299 estimate on the retail price, but we'll see how it goes when it's introduced later this year.
Here's a pic:
What you guys think? I think it's slick, but I'm way to poor to spend that much on a KEYBOARD. Anyways more later,
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 11:22 PM 2 comments
Quick update on the CompUSA Bargains
Sunday, March 04, 2007
There's a nice blog post at Infinite Loop (one of the Ars Technica blogs) about some experiences on the CompUSA store closings with some deals listed. I don't wanna steal their thunder, but there's a solid 10-15% mac/Apple stuff, with some other things. I wonder if there'll be more later, but check out the blog post HERE for more info.
Enjoy,
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 7:43 PM 0 comments
Robots taking over - Robotic Parking Garage
Just browsing through the New York Times online and saw a slideshow of a completely automated parking garage. Wow you may say but that's pretty sweet how you can just leave your car on the platform, and it get stowed away like in i.Robot and other futuristic movies. Here's a pic
Pretty cool isn't it? Maybe it's just me, anyways enjoy the rest of the slideshow HERE
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 7:10 PM 1 comments
Looking for DSL or High Speed Internet? Check out this site
Friday, March 02, 2007
I have DSL at home in Canada and love it, it's fast, cheaper than cable and brings me great speeds and amazing reliability. If you're looking looking into getting High Speed Internet Access then I have to recommend DSL over Cable just due to price for comparable access with Cable. You'll see there's a big difference, and that could be huge for your budget. This site on broadband has great info and descriptions to help you make your purchase but go with me, pick DSL.
Enjoy,
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 3:59 PM 0 comments
Rant about online music
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Tonight I'm going to take it on a different course as I sit here listening to music on my computer and all this talk about digitally purchased music vs traditional store bought material vs illegally downloaded songs. I'm listening to the tracks on my computer, and I realize that nearly 90% I've never purchased, probably even more, yet there's a song that I have and that I own, which made me think.
Am I wrong for all this music? Back in the day everyone had tapes and recordings, and now it's digital so everyone has CD's and MP3's. But for one it's a) Way too easy to get all this music and b) I wouldn't be listening to most of this stuff anyways if it weren't free. So that leaves the RIAA in a problem about revenue, since there are millions like me right now. People like me won't buy music, so how are they going to get revenue from all the people with collections like me? Are they going to tax or charge the digital players such as iPods and etc? Or are they going to get money from advertising or other means? Any other way they can monetize this where someone like me would feel like I'm getting my money's worth?
Discuss your thoughts.
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 11:20 PM 0 comments
Free online programming / web development community - Dream.In.Code
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
I know programming may be a lonely profession but if you need help there's always some help involving programming at Dream.In.Code. They've got 20,000 members in their community of coders, from web languages such as Java, PHP, Perl down to the classics of C/C++, Visual Basic, and more. They offer their visitors free access to not only code snippets, tutorials but they offer visitors free programming magazines such as Dr.Dobbs and Queue. Check them out, they have an active forum where any member with 500 post gets a free t-shirt. Pretty sweet, and they got contests this month to celebrate their 6th anniversary, which is on Februrary 28th, where you can win prizes such as the 1gb Thumb Drive they give away each month.
If you're a coder, programmer, web design, etc, check Dream.In.Code out, it's a great ressource.
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 9:24 PM 1 comments
Labels: Internet, Programming, Tech, Web Design
Interesting news about MP3 licensing, potential headaches for consumers
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Was just reading Wired earlier tonight while cleaning up the room, and they had a pretty lengthy piece on MP3 licensing and the verdict against Microsoft that occurred this week. It wasn't in the mainstream press because it wasn't directly against Microsoft, but it was Alcatel-Lucent asserting that they hold the patent for MP3's along with the original patent holder. What does that mean for us? A couple of things
1) If Microsoft loses the appeals, it's going to have to pay a lot of cash for continued MP3 use and will likely abandon the format.
2) Another codec is going to take it's place, and right now the 3 front-runners are AAC, WMA and Ogg-Vorbis
3) Many audio players and companies dealing with MP3's are going to have to pay another license to Alcatel-Lucent, and they're going to be in trouble judging by Microsoft's amount.
This is good for the opponents of MP3, but I feel it's generally bad for us. Dam patents, oh well it seems everything's in the air for now but don't say I didn't warn you when we're forced to move off MP3 to another format. You guys can read the full article at Wired.com.
Enjoy,
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 11:28 PM 0 comments
Labels: Digital Players, Microsoft, Music, Tech
Speaking of VoIP, Skype wants to be used on wireless networks
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Interesting news all over the internet today about Skype asking the FCC to open up wireless networks. Pretty interesting news since it was to force the cell phone providers and allow other applications on their networks. The users, us, pay for "unlimited" bandwith yet they restrict many applications like Skype, since Skype would destroy their usage minutes by using cheaper VoIP minutes. I'm all for it, since I'd rather pay for good Data on the go, but wonder what you think? Is opening up the networks good? or is this just going to cost us in the end as usual?
Post your thoughts,
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 2:22 PM 0 comments
Labels: Cell Phones, Internet, Tech
Who here doesn't love Wifi and VoIP
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Even through the internet has only been mainstream for around 10 years, the technologies that it has sprung have been amazing. Things like Wifi and Video Conferencing have been instrumental in keeping people and businesses connected around the world, and now another technology that I have has become mainstream. VOIP is here, and it's here to stay. There's companies that offer you Voice over IP telephone service, like Vonage, there's companies that allow you to talk over the internet for free like Skype, and then there's even products that allow you to combine both like Cisco's iPhone, which has the same name as Apple's product but is completely different. Ciso has been a pioneer in providing VOIP technology since it provides a lot of equipment and jumpers that allow the internet to work already, so having a lot of expertise in VoIP is natural for them. If you're looking into using VoIP to connect your business, check them out at http://voip.cisco-online.co.uk/.
Hope you enjoyed the mini-tech lesson, what's your greatest use for VoIP? Mine is calling my parents, but what's yours? Discuss
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 8:26 PM 0 comments
Something interesting, a Box.net Widget to get your files anywhere!
This is actually something useful and nice for those with myspace profiles or blogs and you want to share some files, pictures, music quick and easily. It's a widget, which is a small application that's loaded with a page or a program, like the widgets for blogger, from Box.net that allows you to display files to download on your blog. The Box.net Widget is free and can host up to a 1gb of your files, pretty amazing isn't it. I haven't finished setting up my widget, but here's one from their site to show it off.
Get your own Box.net widget and share anywhere!
Pretty cool isn't it, I think I'm gonna add it to this site and myspace. What you guys think? Post your thoughts!
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 5:18 PM 0 comments
Labels: Blogs, Free Stuff, MySpace, Tech
