MIT OpenCourseWare

MIT is offering a free educational resource for its faculty, students, and self-learners around the world. There are also 900 courses published as of September 2004. All the courses sorted into their appropriate categories, or view a complete list of all the courses.

White House Secret Recordings

Did you know that between 1940 and 1973, six American presidents from both political parties secretly recorded about 5,000 hours of conversations. You can listen to these presidential recordings, or read the transcripts for some of the recording. Presidential tapes are available from: Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon.

Police Answering Machine Message (Windows Media Player)

A humorous police answering machine message, it probably reflects what they would really like to say. Enjoy.

Firefox 1.0.1, Download It Now

Firefox 1.0.1, is now available for download. This version of Firefox, fixes for several known security vulnerabilities, and improved stability. For more information about security vulnerabilities that are fixed in Firefox 1.0.1.

The Clinton Library Was Designed By a Redneck (Humor)

How you can tell that the Clinton Library was designed by a redneck.

Xbox2 Will Feature a Removable Hard Drive (Rumors)

GamesIndustry.biz reports: "Microsoft's next-generation Xbox console is set to feature a removable hard drive bay, according to online reports today, which will allow users to upgrade their entry-level systems to include mass storage capabilities."

Google @ the Movies (Article)

BetaNews reports: "Google has added yet another offering to its long list of custom Web searches: movie reviews. By including the 'movie:' operator within a search query, Google brings up organized reviews of a flick from across the Web. The new service even calculates a movie's combined rating out of five stars."

Star Wars - Episode III Spoiler Site (w/Pictures)

This site was last updated on 2/18/2005 with lots of new pictures.

Note: The site is pretty busy, and some of the pictures are not showing up properly.

U.N. to control use of Internet

"Leaders of a U.N. Internet panel yesterday said they hope to set up a global system where cyberspace would be under the control of the United Nations."

How to build an Apple I computer

A publication on how to build an Apple I replica computer is now available from publisher Syngress Publishing Inc.

Personal Note: I am a big computer history fan, so this is a subject near and dear to my heart.

Turbo SSL Certificate

GoDaddy.com has announced that it will issue Free 'Turbo SSL Certificates' to legitimate open source software projects -- at no cost. For more information see the Press release.

MAME Jump

Now for something completely different... If you grew up in the 80's, you'll love this.

Check out this 'Flovie'. Its music video, that combines Donkey Kong singing Van Halen's 'Jump', with video clips from Atari 2600 & 8-bit Nintendo (NES) games play in the background.

Rumour mill claims Longhorn has a real name

The Inquirer reports: "DO WE HAVE the new name of Longhorn revealed today? According to sources at Microsoft, we think we might. While Longhorn has been the much-mentioned codename for the next-generation Windows technology, a Microsoft mole came to us at the weekend with some news of high-level branding discussions that appear to have yielded a name for the new Windows. It could all just be the rankest of speculation, however."

Space Elevator: Momentum Building (Article)

Have you ever heard of a space elevator? If you have not is basically an elevator that goes from the ocean to a platform in space. It sounds simple, but it is a very complex, but it is a very machine.

If you want to learn more, Space.com has interesting article on the subject. Below is an excerpt: "Blue-sky thinkers like Edwards envision the space elevator as a revolutionary way of getting from Earth into space. The primary system is a ribbon attached at one end to Earth on a floating platform located in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. The other end of the ribbon is in space, beyond geosynchronous orbit."

Microsoft Updates Media Player to Thwart Spyware Threat

Microsoft has released an update for its Windows Media Player (WMP) to protect users from a known threat of spyware infection. The update installs two components on the computers that adds more integrity checking to the WMP digital rights management system (DRM).

“Xbox 2 is an Amazing Innovation” – Steve Ballmer

Team Xbox reports "When you see the new Xbox, you're going to think it's un… -- well, let me say it politely -- unbelievable. Just unbelievable. The graphics, what it can do, the way things look, huge innovation."

This article is a little spare on information, but if you want to read everything you can on the Xbox 2. Here you go.

Microsoft to Put Patch Service to the Test

eWeek reports: "Microsoft Corp. Tuesday confirmed that it will release in March a beta version of what it is calling a unified software update service for consumers and small and midsize businesses."

The Windows Update Service (WUS) is the next generation of the Software Update Service (SUS). WUS is designed to system patch service for deploying Microsoft server patches in medium and large enterprises.

Internet Explorer 7.0 is coming

News Update: "Microsoft has committed to releasing Internet Explorer 7.0, but it will only be available only to Windows XP SP2 (Service Pack 2). There is no real word on what the feature set will be."

The wild success of Firefox has force Microsoft to change their minds about only releasing upgrade to IE when they release new versions of the OS. So, the browsers wars have now official escalated, may the best browser win.

Nuclear Bomb Blast Calculator

This program illustrates the range of destruction which would occur if a nuclear weapon were detonated in a U.S. city.

So what is string theory?

Do you understand String Theory, or do you want to know more about it. Check out the official String Theory web site.

Hacking Billy Mouth Bass in Linux (Project)

This project uses the power of Linux to add brains to the Big Mouth Billy Bass. The goal is to use any Linux device--desktop or embedded--to make the Big Mouth Billy Bass say or act any way you want!

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy movie expected to be released on May 6, 2005. The official movie web site is up, with a teaser and some downloads.

More resources:
- Exclusive Pics: The Vogons of Hitchhiker's Guide
- Official Movie News

SnapStream Hydra PVR

SnapStream Media has taken Beyond TV's v3.5 versatility to a new level. First, they had Medusa, with a SIX tuner capability, now with the release of the PVR-500MCE dual tuner card. Hydra, now has the ability to record TEN shows using off-the-shelf PC parts at the same time.

3-D Dragon Optical Illusion

It's a 3-D optical illusion of a dragon, no matter how you look at its head turns to face you. The side includes a video and PDF.

Xbox 2 will release 'in late October, early November (Article)

MuchVideoGames.com reports: "It's been known in industry circles for months, but the news is now finally starting to leak. You'll be able to buy the next generation Xbox in both America and Europe in 2005."

I wonder who is going to be the first one out of the gate with their next generation video game console: Microsoft, Sony, or Nintendo. Only time will tell.

Star Wars Video Parodies

I recently came across these Star Wars parodies. I have seen the Troops video in the past, but I never seen the 'Tie-Tanic'. Tie-Tanic is the movie I wish they created, it would have been more enjoyable for the guys.

Tie-Tanic: A hysterical Titanic/Star Wars cross. (3.5MB WMP)
Troops: hilarious take-off on Cops, using Storm Troopers. (30MB)

If this is not enough, there are several more available on the Internet.

Browser speed comparisons

This site does a great job of doing a browser speed comparisons. It is not just a Windows only, it includes Linux and Macintosh. It is also not just a comparison of the most popular browsers, such as Internet Explorer, and Firefox. The comparison includes, browsers that I have never heard of before. The results are suprising and detailed.

Below is an excerpt from the site: "There is a speed war on the web. Browsers compete on many fronts; security, standards support, features and speed. Most people are aware of which major browser fails on three of these, but one of them is still open for grabs. Speed."

What is Wrong With This Picture

Checkout out these bar stools.

Want a Gmail Account...

I have 50 Gmail accounts that I can give away, if you want one just email me. Use the "Send Comments" links in sidebar to email my request. I do reserve the right to choose whom I give these account to, and not give them to.

Quote Of The Day

"If God did not exist it would be necessary to invent Him."
-- Voltaire.

House approves electronic ID cards (Article)

CNET News.com reports: "The U.S. House of Representatives approved on Thursday a sweeping set of rules aimed at forcing states to issue all adults federally approved electronic ID cards, including driver's licenses."

Under the law, if your ID card doesn't comply, you won't be able to access to: airplanes, trains, national parks, federal courthouses and other areas controlled by the federal government. I have my opinions about this subject, but I will keep them to myself.

Although, I do have one question, where will this stop once it is created? This type of ID can create whole bunch of privacy and ID thief issues if not handled correctly. There is also a whole bunch of other problems it will create.

Microsoft Details New Longhorn Displays (Article)

eWeek reports: "When Microsoft delivers a beta version of Longhorn during the first half of this year, it will include support for 'auxiliary displays,'... "

You might ask yourself what the heck is an 'auxiliary displays,'? At first you might think it is extra monitor, but you would only half right if that is what you guessed. I am going to let read the article to find out what these 'auxiliary displays' truly are.

Google finds its map service (Article)

CNET News.com reports: "In its latest play in the ongoing search wars, Google on Tuesday quietly launched a beta site for a new map service."

It is amazing what Google has been able index, and allows you to search. First it was web pages, then images, then electronic documents (such as: .pdf files, .doc files), etc. It seems like you can almost find everything in Google.

Although Google is not perfect, and is getting better all the time. For example, Google recently started experimenting with video search. They're not the first or the last to have this type of search technology, other sites have been offering it for years. What Google has going for it, is that they're becoming the one place to go to find almost anything.

Yahoo and MSN have some great features, and services that are pretty cool. For example, nobody beats Yahoo for personal portal services (see: My Yahoo) Although in my mind nothing beats Google for searching the web.

Handheld gaming: the next generation (Review)

CNet did a great job of reviewing all the latest portable gaming platforms, which includes: Nintendo DS, Sony PS, Nokia N-Gage QD, Tiger Telematics Gizmondo, Tapwave Zodiac2. If you don't know which one to gaming device to buy, or the pros or cons of the different platforms, you will certainly come away educated after reading the reviews.

Mozilla Firefox 2.0 Roadmap

Check out the Roadmap for Firefox from Mozilla.org. This page includes: Milestone Plan, Naming, Marketing, Branding, and Release Dates for the next versions of Firefox.

Mind-Numbing New Interface Technologies (Article)

GameSpy reports: "Game interfaces often get the shaft. Developers invest tons in graphics or sound or physics, but nobody ever invests tons of time into the control scheme. ... And after a couple decades of stagnation (game pads are basically the same as they were for the NES, save for more buttons) we're finally on the verge of some crazy new technologies for how people interact with games."

The article talks about next generation game controls, that can respond to your movement not just the pressing a button on a control pad. Yes, this type of technology has been around for years, but now it is more sophisticated.

I am pretty sure that this technology can take games to a whole new level of interaction that has been available in the past.

Cooperative Linux

Cooperative Linux (aka 'coLinux') allows you to run Linux on Microsoft Windows natively, without the use of PC virtualization software such as VMware. coLinux allows the Linux kernel to run cooperatively alongside Windows 2000/XP.

To view some screenshots, click here.

Note: In its current state, coLinux runs the KNOPPIX Japanese Edition on Windows.

Free Unix Shell Accounts

Want a free Unix shell account. Check out HBX Networks, below is an excerpt from their site: "HBX Networks is a hacker-friendly community project dedicated to spreading awareness of the FreeBSD Computer Operating System. Our community consists of over 6,100 registered members (and many more who chose to remain anonymous) from every imaginable part of the world. Membership is free, and includes unlimited access to all of our services, including 'unrestricted' shell accounts on various machines. This website includes both a Wiki and Portal, with all the expected amenities, including Forums, Chat, News, Journals, File Archives, Photo Galleries, and enough affiliate projects to make you dizzy."

1 Terabyte of Storage using Holographic Versatile Disc (Article)

First, there was CDs which offers about 700MB of storage, then DVDs came along which have about 8.5GB of storage, soon there will be Blu-ray discs which offers up to 50GB of storage.

The followup technology to Blu-ray discs, is expected to be Holographic Versatile Disc (HVD). HVD discs can hold up to 1 Terabyte of stoage, which means that you could store a few hundred movies on a single optical disc.

For more information see CNET News.com article "Group aims to drastically up disc storage"

"I sue dead people..." (Article)

In RIAA quest to stop music piracy, they're now suing dead grandmothers. The live ones were too easy. In 2003, they tried to sue a 66-year-old woman for sharing gangsta rap.

PlayStation Portable is Coming, PlayStation Portable is Coming (Article)

CNET News.com reports: "Sony is set to launch another battle in the emerging handheld-game war when it brings its PlayStation Portable to North America next month."

Each PSP will cost about $250 dollars. I hope they solved all the problems that they had with their first released of the product in Japan.

A First Look at IIS 7.0 (Article)

FTPOnline reports: "Microsoft's next-generation Web server, Internet Information Services (IIS) 7.0, isn't due for release until Longhorn ships sometime in 2006. But it's a good idea for Web developers to start thinking about the changes IIS 7.0 will bring..."

If you're an IIS fan, this is an article that you will want to read. It is not very detailed, but does provide a high level view of the technology. An IIS beta is expect out sometime this year.

Blacklists are (Almost) Official Useless!

Spammers have and are developing several techniques and technologies over the years to spread their messages, and bypass anti-spam filters. One of these technologies is a type of program called a 'spam zombie'. These zombies have become more and more powerful over the years, and now they're capable of making RBLs (aka Blacklists) useless.

The new Zombie architecture, acts as proxy to sends spam upstream via the ISP's mail server. This prevents RBLs from working properly, because it is impossible to block all the possible addresses where the messages can come from.

As you're probably already aware, the spam problem isn't getting better. The SpamHaus Project believes that spam is going to skyrocket new levels. The total amount of spam is expected to grow to over 90% in 2005.

FBI Unable to Launch New Computer Program (Article)

eWeek reports: "The FBI has squandered $170 million on a failed computer system agents can use to instantly share information, and seems to know neither how long it will take nor how much it will cost to build one, a Justice Department "

This is not first or the last major government modernization program failed. For example Washington Technology reports about other modernization projects that had similar cost overruns, and failures.

Microsoft to Release 13 New Security Advisories

Microsoft announced plans to release 13 security new advisories on Feb. 8. These advisories include 'critical' fixes for Microsoft Office, Windows Media Player and MSN Messenger; a cumulative patch is expected for Internet Explorer; and updates for Microsoft SharePoint Services, Microsoft .NET Framework and Visual Studio. These patch are designed for fix know problems and security vulnerabilities.

25% off Coupon for Borders/Walden Book

I am not sure that this is real, but I am going to post it anyway. This site is offering a coupon for 25% off at Borders or Walden Book Stores. It is good through 2/10/05.

Sony VAIO VGN-U750P (Review)

PC Magazine reports: "The Sony VAIO VGN-U750P is a neat handheld with a fully functional Windows XP operating system. The only thing missing is a built-in keyboard—and perhaps a compelling reason to need one."

If you're looking for an ultra-compact laptop, then the Sony VAIO VGN-U750P is a new choice. I am not the biggest Sony fan, but I was pretty impressed with the specs on this device.

I still don't know I would do with the device, but I am pretty impressive with what it can do. When you buy an MP3 play, you know that it can play MP3s. Without having a built-in keyboard, the VGN-U750P functionality of the device limited to what you can do with the pointing device. Once you plug in a keyboard, you're good to go.

Sun releases Solaris 10 for free (Article)

CNet reports: "Sun Microsystems has fulfilled its pledge to make its newest version of the Solaris operating system available for free."

New feature include:
- Support for 64-bit x86 processors
- Linux Application Environment, allows unmodified Red Hat Linux programs to run.
- Solaris Containers allows you to subdivide the OS
- New file system called ZFS (Zettabyte File System)
- DTrace, or Dynamic Tracing finds performance issues.
- Predictive self-healing
- and more...

To download the Solaris 10 go here (registration is required).

Rewriting GPL No Easy Task (Article)

eWeek reports: "In 1991, Richard Stallman, founder of the Free Software Foundation, rewrote the GNU General Public License and simply put the final version out over e-mail; that was the last time the GPL has seen significant change."

With all the current copyright and patent shanghaiing going over the last few years in Europe and US, I guess the GPL finally needed to be revised. This revision of the GPL could affect thousands of open source products that use this license.

Long Live Open-Source...

Skype Releases VOIP Software for Mac, Linux (Article)

Skype released the final versions of its software for the Macintosh and Linux platforms. I use SkypeOut for calling Europe, and it is great.

You can call PC-to-PC for free, but PC-to-Phone costs money. I spend about 5 U.S. cents per minute. Its much better then using a cell phone and calling cards that is for sure. I think calling cards were costing me about 10-15 U.S. cents per minute.

All you need is:
- Credit Card
- Broadband connection
- Computer with sound card.
- Good pair of headphone w/microphone

Be forewarned that calling a mobile phone in Europe is about 10x more expensive then calling a regular phone line.

Flash Mind Reader (check it out)

Amaze yourself and your friends. This is an interesting web page, it can perdict a symbol that your going to pick. I demonstrated it to another person, and he had minutes of fun trying to play 'stump the page'. It guesses the correct symbol pretty accurately for us, but it's not perfect.

Microsoft Launches Web Search Engine

eWeek reports: "Microsoft has reached its first major milestone in Web search with the release of its algorithmic search engine, which will compete against Google and Yahoo."

Every company these days wants to be a: Google, Microsoft, Walmart, etc. killer. Although, I don't expect any of these companies to fail or loose market position anytime soon unless these stop innovating.

Microsoft new web search engine is their latest attempt to topple Google. Microsoft has some great products and technology, but I have not found anything that matches Google.

Innovate or Die...