find-a-human

"Don't you hate waiting on hold, and navigating through IVR menus trying to reach an actual human?" (excerpt from site.)

Do you hate those IVR phone systems that say press this button, then that button, and so on, and so on? This site can help you to find a human by bypasing the IVR system.

Stage two of the podcasting revolution (Article)

I have ignored podcasting for the longest time, excusing it as another Internet fad without really examing it. Well, I recently started playing with the technology and I love it. It is not a perfect technology, but it is getting better. If you need to kill a few hours, and own an MP3 player this is a great technology to blow some time.

The audio productions that I have heard so far and very amateurish but there is still some good content. Don't discount the technology because it doesn't remind you of the what you hear on the radio. This stuff can be raw and uncensored.

Batman Begins - Trailer

Watch the Batman Begins trailer, it looks pretty cool...

SanDisk’s 8GB Cruzer Mini USB flash drive

I personally own a 1GB SanDisk’s Cruzer Mini USB flash drive that I take with me always. It was the largest USB flash drive available a few months ago. Now there's a 8GB version of this flash drive.

Cool Victorinox Swiss Army Knife

Here are some very cool Swiss army knife out there for geeks:
- CheckCyberTool: It has an awesome little tool set for repairing a computer.
- SwissMemory: A very cool like pocket knife, that has a detachable USB drive (up to 1GB)

An Example of a Badly Managed Project

Baseline Magazine reports the FBI spent a half billion dollars on a paperless office system, and it is still not completed. Here is an excerpt from the article: "So far, the FBI has spent $581.1 million for the Trilogy project, some $201.3 million more than originally budgeted. Of that total, Mueller has said the FBI invested $170 million to replace the Automated Case Support system, and must write off $104 million as a loss."

Episode 2: The Revenge of These Green Saviors

If you liked the Screen Savers, check out the ROTSS (Revenge of the Screen Savers). Here is an excerpt from the site: "Episode 2 of the podcast formerly known as ROTSS has been posted. This week join Patrick Norton, Kevin Rose, and me, as we discuss journalistic credibility, car stereo support for iPods, LAN Party addiction, and more."

If you have not had a chance to listen to the first show here it is.

Why Geeks and Nerds Are Worth It...

This is an interesting post, about the advantages of daiting geeks and nerds. It reminds of me a post that made it rounds on the Internet several years ago with a similar subject.

Dueling Dual-Core Systems: Overclocking Goes Mainstream (Review)

ExtremeTech reports: "Velocity Micro ships a 4GHz Intel Dual-core system, while Dell now lets users overclock its Pentium Extreme Edition 840 XPS system. We test the performance and stability of both."

Dual-Core Opteron Review by ExtremeTech

ExtremeTech reports: "Intel may have been first to the market with dual-core CPUs, but AMD is right behind them with its dual-core Opteron. We take a look at the performance of AMD's chip, compare it to Intel's, and find out who really has the best dual-core solution."

Dual-Core Opteron Review by ExtremeTech

ExtremeTech reports: "Intel may have been first to the market with dual-core CPUs, but AMD is right behind them with its dual-core Opteron. We take a look at the performance of AMD's chip, compare it to Intel's, and find out who really has the best dual-core solution."

Windows Longhorn 5048 Screenshots

This site has the most screenshots available, so far.

Longhorn Developer Preview (5048) Screenshot Gallery

Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows, has about six screen shots of the new Longhorn Developer Preview. The new interface looks pretty cool, but it still looks like Windows XP.

The BBC's H2G2 Project

"h2g2 is an unconventional guide to life, the universe and everything, an encyclopaedic project where entries are written by people from all over the world.

The Guide is written by visitors to the website - www.bbc.co.uk/h2g2/ - and already it has thousands of entries on all sorts of subjects. It's a living, breathing guide that's constantly being updated and revised.

h2g2's inspiration came from Douglas Adams, author of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy . Back in 1971, Douglas imagined a time when we'd have hand-held electronic devices that could access information about almost any place, object, time or event. This vision is now a reality in the form of h2g2 Mobile."

Personal Note: It is a pretty interesting site, kind of like Wikipedia. There is also a mobile version of the site for portable computing devices (require web access).

Windows XP Professional x64 edition review

CNET reviews 'Windows XP Professional x64 Edition', here is an excerpt : "Microsoft's first venture into 64-bit OSs is not for the faint of heart; only early adopters and those running 64-bit software should give Windows XP Professional x64 a try"

PS3 Concept Images Submitted by Users

This page has some cool PS3 concept images submitted by users. I don't believe any of them are official.

Free Upgrade to Windows XP Professional x64 Edition

Microsoft is offering customers a free upgrade to the Windows XP Profession x64 Edition, under their 'Technology Advancement Program'. This program is designed to assist people who have acquired a new 64-bit Computer with the intention of replacing the older licensed 32-bit version of Microsoft Windows XP Professional. See the web site for all the details.

Gates to Roll Out 64-Bit Windows

eWeek reports: "The release of the Windows XP Pro 64-bit client was the start of mainstream 64-bit client-side computing, Sullivan said, admitting the catch with this 64-bit release is that there are many devices for which 64-bit drivers have not yet been written."

Microsoft released the new version of the Windows XP Pro x64 Edition today. This version of Windows doesn't really add any new functionality with the exception of being able to take advantage of new 64-bit processors from Intel and AMD. Basically, what this means for you is that you can address more RAM and disk storage then before.

IE7 beta 1 – A few details…

Here is the latest news on Internet Explorer (IE) v.7 that I can find. Enjoy...

Best Picture of the Xbox 360

This is the best picture I have seen of the new Xbox 360. There is also this one. The only problem is I am not sure if any of these picture are real.

The Wyoming Winosock, this picture speaks for itself. 

Microsoft Reveals Longhorn Details (Article)

PC Magazine reports: "Allchin described Longhorn as nothing less than 'the OS platform for the next ten years.' It's on track for Beta 1 release this summer and final release for the 2006 holiday season."

This article list even more details on features that will be included with new Longhorn operating system. I wish some one would put together a long list of features, so you can read about everything in one place.

Make yourself look 40 years older.

Make yourself look 40 years older. All you have to do is upload your picture, and make a few selections and your ready to see what you will look like when your older.

The Revenge of The *Beeeep* (TROTSS.COM)

Our friends (Leo Laporte, Patrick Norton, Kevin Rose and Robert Heron) from the Screen Savers are getting back together. Here is an except from the site: "This site is truly dedicated to the newly established The Revenge Of The *Bleep* group. To be reminded that this is not the official site for TROTSS, yet .. im dedicating this site for updates and stuff relating to TROTSS. We miss you guys on the show and hope one day you all will be have your own proper show again."

Happiness Is the Best Medicine

Wired News reports: "Whatever brings you happiness, be it lots of money, respect from your peers, a large bar of chocolate, it's hardly controversial to say that happy people are generally healthier than unhappy ones. That conclusion might be intuitively obvious, but just why are happy people healthier?"

This quote was published about three thousand years ago, "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." (Proverbs 17:22 [NIV]). If there are any anti-God bible hating people out there, please keep your comments to yourself this is my blog.

U.S. Military's Elite Hacker Crew

Wired News reports: "The U.S. military has assembled the world's most formidable hacker posse: a super-secret, multimillion-dollar weapons program that may be ready to launch bloodless cyberwar against enemy networks -- from electric grids to telephone nets."

TROTSS (or The Revenge of The Screen Savers)

One of my favorite shows 'The Screen Savers' was killed by G4. They messed up one the best technology related shows on TV ever. I miss seeing Leo, Patrick, Kevin, and even Shara.

Well it looks like the show refuses to die, it looks like Leo is trying to bring the show back on Podcast (better then nothing).

Misbehaving stationery (Movies)

See misbehaving stationery, and ask yourself if anyone safe from its wickedness? Watch these video, they're hysterical.

FAQ: Getting a handle on Longhorn (Article)

I spoke too soon when I posted my last article on Longhorn, here is an interview with Jim Allchin, 'Windows Chief' (whatever that means). This article reveals even more information is revealed about the new OS, and system requirements.

No pricing information has been posted. I hope Microsoft doesn't screw up and charge an arm an a leg for it.

If you're like me, I can't see to get enough information on the subject. Inquiring minds want to know.

Update: Also check out: An early peek at Longhorn

Microsoft: Why Longhorn Matters (Article)

Eweek reports: "The doubts of naysayers aside, Longhorn is going to be a heck of a lot more than just Windows XP Service Pack 3."

This is one of the better articles that I have read on Longhorn, it has some new features listed that I have not heard about before that will be included in the OS on the second page. It also has a timeline/roadmap to when it will ship.

Windows 64-Bit Release Date Set (News)

Microsoft reported that it will begin shipping the 64-bit version of Windows XP Pro on the opening day of WinHEC on April 25th.

FAQ: Wi-Fi alphabet soup (Article)

Are you confused by all the different types of wireless networks out there? Do you know the difference between a 802.11b and 802.11n wireless access point? CNET News.com has a great article that explains all the latest Wi-Fi technologies (such as: 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11a, 802.11n, etc.).

Firefox 1.1 Scheduled For Beta End Of May (Article)

TechWeb News reports: "Besides general bug fixes, version 1.1 is to include tools for Mac users migrating from other browsers (including Apple's Safari), enhancements to Firefox's installing and managing of extensions, and improved patching procedures."

Firefox Patch on the Way for JavaScript Engine Flaw

eWeek reports: "The flaw, which puts users at risk of information disclosure attacks, already has been fixed in nightly builds, and volunteers at the foundation said a final release on Firefox 1.0.3 could come as early as Friday evening."

Are you ready for another update for Firefox? First there was v1.0.1, then v1.0.2, and v1.0.3, I think it only has been a few weeks between each of these updates. Now that Firefox is starting to become more popular, hackers are now attacking it. Any flaws it has will really be exposed, but it is good that Mozilla is fixing them as fast as it can.

Microsoft sets date for Xbox 2 debut (Article)

CNET News.com reports, "Microsoft will give the public its first glimpse of the next Xbox during a global MTV broadcast next month." So when is this event going to happen, "The program will air at 6:30 p.m. PDT Thursday, May 12 in the United States and at various times Friday, May 13 in other parts of the world. The show will be hosted by actor Elijah Wood, best known as Frodo in the "Lord of the Rings" films."

IBM pours a shot of methanol for ThinkPads (Article)

CNET News.com reports: "IBM and Sanyo Electric have put together a prototype of a fuel cell system for ThinkPad notebooks."

Fuel cells being used to power laptops is not a new idea, but it is great to see that the technology finally coming to the market. The methanol-based fuel cell are designed to provide power for laptop for up to eight hours.

The Feds can own your WLAN too (Article)

TomsNetworking reports that the FBI can hack a 128 bit WEP wireless connection in 3 minutes. Here is an excerpt from the article, "Millions of wireless access points are spread across the US and the world. About 70% percent of these access points are unprotected—wide open to access by anyone who happens to drive by. The other 30% are protected by WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) and a small handful are protected by the new WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) standard."

Longhorn Delayed Again

Yahoo! News reports that Longhorn is going to be delayed until 2007. Analyst feel this is going to be good news for the Linux community, it will give them more time to develop and improve their software. Read the article for more information.

Microsoft Patch Day is Coming...

Microsoft Patch Day is coming, and I don't think anyone looks forward to it, unless they need to fix a widely exploited vulnerability. As part of Microsoft's Advance Notification Service it MS announced plans to release eight security bulletins on Thursday April 12. Some of these patches are marked as 'critical' fixes for security flaws in different applications.

Inside Intel's First Dual Core CPU (Article)

Have you heard about the new dual-core processors available from Intel (like: Pentium D and Pentium Extreme Edition 840 for the desktop) and AMD. These are the next generation processors for gaming and PC workstations. These CPUs are great for processor intensive applications, such as: video games, video editing, etc...

Also check out ExtremeTech's "Intel Dual Core Pentium Previewed", the article includes specifications and benchmarks.

Feds finally complete Internet traffic report (Article)

This is an interesting article about how well American tax payer dollars are being put to good use (I am being sarcastic). Congress requested a report from the National Research Council about the Internet in 1998, and they just received it recently. They were originally only given nine months to complete the report.

Seagate, Hitachi Talk Up 3-D Recording Plans (Article)

eWeek reports: "Hitachi Global Storage Technologies and Seagate chimed in Monday on perpendicular recording, a next-generation means of improving the areal density of hard disk drives."

Its a short article, but it is interesting. It talks about the next generation technology for writing data to the disk. You might be surprised how simple the technology sounds. I bet, Implementation is probably much harder.


Update: I found a great video that explains this technology, they should call it 'Perpendicular Recording for Dummies'. It is definitely worth checking out.

Real World Anti-Gravity Experiments

This site shows how to construct simple anti-gravity devices. This technology sounds more impressive then it really is, but I would say that the projects contained on this web site might take top place in a science fair. Although, you have to use care, because the project require the use high-voltage electricity.

Here is an example of one of the projects: "How to build an HexaLifter for your experiments and demonstrations"

The Future of Time Travel

This site includes everything you ever wanted to know about all the different time travel theories, such as: inter-spatial teleportation, causality, Temporal divergence, and more. This site is entirely theoretical, but it is interesting to read.

Windows 2003 Server SP1 is Now Available

Microsoft just released Service Pack 1 (SP1) for Windows Server 2003. This new update is more the just patches, it includes several security feature enhancements to help you make Windows Server 2003, faster, more secure and reliable.

Some of the new features are a new firewall and a security configuration wizard which gathers information about specific server
roles and automatically blocks all services and ports not
needed for those roles. Another new feature is the 'post-setup' which blocks all inbound connections to the server after
installation until the latest security updates have been delivered
via Windows Updates.

Note: If you have Automatic Updates enabled on your server, SP1 will automatically be downloaded through this service as a 'High Priority' update in July 2005.

Microsoft to plug ID controls into Windows (Article)

Tech News on ZDNet reports: "Microsoft will build software for managing identities into Windows in order to beef up security by giving users more control over their personal information".

The new ID technology is being called 'info-cards,' its suppose to give users control over their own personal information when accessing online services.

Personally, I wonder how well this technology will be accepted. It could be another big Microsoft flop, or it could take off like wildfire. It all depends on two things, one what developers do with the technology, and two if consumers see value in using it.

GMail Now Offers 2GB of Storage Space

Google is not going to be out done by the other free e-mail services like Yahoo, which recently announced that they were offering a gigabyte of storage for users of their service. Google is now giving away 2GB of storage with each GMail account.

If you want a free GMail account, just e-mail me. I have several accounts that I am willing to give away. They will be given on a first come, first serve basis. Use the link on the side of this page to send me an e-mail.

Avalon and Indigo CTP Available to the Public

Microsoft has made beta versions of its Longhorn's Avalon and Indigo technologies available to the general public for download. When this software was first made available, only paying subscribers of the Microsoft Developer's Network (MSDN) could get it.

Indigo and Avalon are the codenames for two of three core technologies that will be available in Longhorn when it ships in 2006. These technologies are only available for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003.

If you want to know more about these, technologies here are excerpts from the Microsoft site that briefly describe them:

"Indigo is the codename for Microsoft’s unified programming model for building connected systems. It extends the .NET Framework 2.0 with additional APIs for building secure, reliable, transacted Web services that interoperate with non-Microsoft platforms and integrate with existing investments." ... "Avalon is the code name for Microsoft's unified presentation subsystem for Windows. It consists of a display engine and a managed-code framework. Avalon unifies how Windows creates, displays, and manipulates documents, media, and user interface."

To download this software go to the following web page.