Google secures and may rescues M$ with new Google Pack.
I was looking for add ons for my ever groving Google stuff! I noticed the new add ons that increase the value of the Google Pack. Google Pack now sports two new packages, Symantec's Norton Security Scan, which detects and removes viruses, and PC Tools' Spyware Doctor Starter Edition, a top-rated anti-spyware utility.
And once your computer is clean and secure, you can start Photo casting with new Screen saver.
In the past when ever I had to help out a person in trouble, I had to scour the web for tools to help me clear up the mess they have created. Now I have the Google pack in one of my flash drives that I constantly fill/upgrade with rescue tools.
Symantec is not one of my favorite tools for virus removal, due to my personal reasons. But I have seen other people and my clients very happy with the product. Spyware Doctor Starter edition is also not my tool of the trade for removing and protecting from Spyware and malware. But again I have seen happy users that smile when they see the name!. see below for my choices.
I think this one of the best tool box, Google Pack, that any user can benefit without having to run to multiple sources to collect and keep their PC's up to date. There is a link on your right to grab the Google Pack.
The tools I use, are Avast Home edition for Virus protection. It also provides multiple shields, that I will have to write a complete article on it. By the way it is free for home or personal use.
For Spyware, I use Spybot search & destroy, or Spybot S&D, a supereb tool that I have used for many a years on my personal computers.
But it is not a easy job to keep your computer clean. Constant attention and time is needed. But I am proud to say I have had no Virus or Spyware trouble that I could not manage. For the record;
Virus attacks, fell victim 2 times in my whole computer life. (It is pretty long, my computer life, that might show how old I am. Let's say Apple II was the first computer that my parents gave me). But I have helped a bunch of people in trouble and a tool like Google pack will certainly come in handy.
The links give a statement by Google pack's Product Manager,Jesse Savage. And of course a link to download Google pack. You can also click on the Google Pack button on the right (PSSST, it gets me some Google money).
Links;
Google Pack cures the PC blues
Google pack
Friday, March 30, 2007
Google secures and may rescues M$ with new Google Pack
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
RIAA gets a letterfull and drops a case
This letter was written by California attorney Merl Ledford III, of Visalia, California, to the RIAA's lawyer. I enjoyed every bit of it. Have a read and enjoy it.
With courtesy of Recording Industry vs The People.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Another one says M$ sucks
MICROSOFT’s “technology evangelist” says that M$ sucks. Robert Scoble of Scobleizer fame have criticized M$'s moto "we are in it to win".
“The words are empty,” Scoble responded. “Microsoft’s internet execution sucks (on the whole). Its search sucks. Its advertising sucks. If that’s ‘in it to win’, then I don’t get it.”
He continued: “Microsoft isn’t going away. Don’t get me wrong. They have record profits, record sales, all that. But on the inter-net? Come on.
I have to laugh when some one tells me that their "LIVE" products are not dead!
Funny, I got scobleized twice today!
Read Scoble's thoughts;
Microsoft tells MVPs “we’re in it to win” — Really?
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
More Open and better RedHat gives you RedHat 5
Linux Format reports that RedHat % is out with vast improvements in both corporate and the product. What I saw and read may sway me from SUSE to RedHad again.
" Today we're witnessing the rebirth of a company central to the Linux movement. In case you didn't realise, Red Hat has launched its Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 operating system at Cebit and, more importantly, overhauled its corporate infrastructure to more closely involve the open source community.
Of course, Linux Format was ready and waiting for this announcement, and we were lucky enough to be granted access to RHEL 5 before its official release. We got our hands on a dual Quad-Core Xeon (5340), giving us effectively eight cores and 4GB of RAM with which to test RHEL 5. We're sure you'll agree that this gives us ample firepower to throw at it. You'll find the results in a review that will appear in Linux Format issue 92, on sale 5 April. But while you wait, this companion article will give you a first look at the new technology that has gone into the release. We also had a chance to talk to some folks within Red Hat to get the inside view on what RHEL 5 means in the context of the company's new community-pleasing strategy."
Links;
Linux Format RedHat 5 report with screen shots.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Human Side of Bill Gates
I have almost never have spoken good about M$ and Bill Gates, except for a few instances. But I did not get a real opportunity to talk just about Bill gates. But today I do!
"Bill and Melinda Gates talked with a reporter at the conclusion of their trip to South Asia.He is the world's richest man, the founder of Microsoft and, along with his wife Melinda, co-founder of the world's wealthiest charitable foundation, with a $29 billion endowment. Together, the Gateses are out to make a difference, fighting global poverty and giving, as Melinda says, some voice to the voiceless. James Nachtwey joined the private, billionaire couple recently on their latest "learning tour" through slum colonies and hospitals in India and Bangladesh."
Above is the blurb from the Photo essay about Bill and Melinda Gates visit to Asia where the following Photo belonged to. I have got used to Bill Gates image on slashdot that I almost forgot how he looked like!
Thank you, Gateses, I am very happy to see that you are putting same efforts to this venture, as you did with M$. Now I know you are human!
Photo by: James Nachtwey
Links;
The photo Essay on Bill and Melinda Gateses visit to India and Bangladesh
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Now M$ get's on Google with copyright issues
Following /. article on "Microsoft's Associate General Counsel who was giving a speech to the Association of American Publishers" and ample comments tell us how M$ looks in sheep's clothing. among many a comments, I liked these......
"From TFA:
Microsoft, he said, asks the copyrights owner for permission first...
They should have added:
...unless it's software."
and
"This sounds like an April Fools article.
Next Article:
RIAA concerned about musicians being ripped off by lopsided contracts
After that:
Auto Makers insist Congress must tighten emissions and fuel economy standards."
Links;
Microsoft Attacks Google on Copyright on slashdot
Saturday, March 03, 2007
To Vista or not to Vista,
According to Tim Webber;
"You will probably enjoy Vista, but there's little reason to do it the hard way."
Tim has gone through the upgrade to Vista and reversed back to XP due to lack of support for drivers, from manufactures to M$.
The article is a nice read, closer to $1000 (including Vista Price) and still no Vista. But I read in the local sales flyers That one could get a PC with Vista home version installed.
I have been beta testing Vista (On My Notebook This a a Vista upgradable from HP and yet ran into driver and network problems) and I have Vista business to be installed in one of my PC.
I loved this M$ assumption;
"A top Microsoft executive, who does not want to be quoted by name, tells me that "the refresh rate on [mobile] devices is typically 18 months, from our research - hence the view that most Pocket PC 2002 devices would no longer be in use.
"Our view (which may be incorrect) is that those people using the latest Desktop [operating system] would potentially also be using later devices as well." "
Follow the link to read before you leap in to a Vista Upgrade.
Friday, March 02, 2007
Vista rises India's economy, just on activation calls
From the past experiences, with XP keys and activations, all the calls ended up in India. Nice Indian people trying to sound and act like Non-Indians, names when asked, given were, Smith, Andrew etc.
If the Slashdot article is true, there will be many calls and they might end up in India, helping Indian Economy! Hail M$
I could not think of writing this any better way, Here it is straight from /.
""The Inquirer has a story about a brute force Vista key activation crack. It's nothing fancy; it's described as a 'glorified guesser'. The danger of this approach is that sooner or later the key cracker will begin activating legitimate keys purchased by other consumers. From the article: 'The code is floating, the method is known, and there is nothing MS can do at this point other than suck it down and prepare for the problems this causes. To make matters worse, Microsoft will have to decide if it is worth it to allow people to take back legit keys that have been hijacked, or tell customers to go away, we have your money already, read your license agreement and get bent, we owe you nothing.'""
I also followed the links but seems that link Inquirer gives takes you to a ad filled site.
But you can read the Slashdot article get enough information.
Links;
Shashdot " Vista Activation Cracked by Brute Force "
Thursday, February 22, 2007
M$ hit with largest Patent infringment award to Alcatel-Lucent
The award was won on Thursday by Alcatel-Lucent after a jury in a US district court in San Diego agreed with its claim that the software giant Microsoft, affectionately known here as M$, had infringed two of its patents.
Microsoft was ordered by a federal jury yesterday to pay $1.52 billion in a patent dispute over the MP3 format.
The dispute surrounded Microsoft's use of MP3 technology, a format for encoding and compressing of digital music so that it less space than a conventional methods. Smaller size also provides easier transmission over the mediums such as internet.
Thursday's verdict, stemming from the use of audio coding technology in PCs, was the first of five due to be heard by the San Diego court in the coming months. The others relate to speech coding technology in Windows; user interface patents; technology in the Xbox games console; and video coding in other Microsoft software.
So M$ has been crushing anyone who came against it, like "Lindows" trade name by former MP3.COM's Micheal Robertson and countless other little companies. But I guess Alcatel - Lucent must be too big for it.
Given Microsoft's dominance of the desktop computing market, the potential losses are considerable. Thursday's award was calculated based on the number of Windows operating systems sold since May 2003, multiplied by the average selling price of a range of PCs.
Microsoft and others have licensed MP3 — not from Alcatel-Lucent, but from a consortium led by the Fraunhofer Institute, a large German research organization that was involved, along with the French electronics company Thomson and Bell Labs, in the format’s development.
The current case turns on two patents that Alcatel claims were developed by Bell Labs before it joined with Fraunhofer to develop MP3.
Links;
New york times article
Going to work with Google Apps, Google Apps enterprise
I have been using Google Docs & Spreadsheets and has been a refreshing experience. I use OpenOffice Org's Office applications and M$'s office suite. I have Open Office on my notebook, which I use most of the time. But it is much easier to use Docs & Spreadsheets for some of the tasks that I have to do day to day.
So I see on Official Docs & Spreadsheets blog entry that this is possible with your SMB (small business), your enterprise, your school or your family and friends, collectively called Google Apps.
The media all over telling it is $50/account/year but remember that You and I do not have to pay if you do not need to use the premiere version the standard version is free.
You can compare the two editions here. I have been using the free edition but planing to move on to the premier edition to make use of the API and third party applications and services.
You can read more about Google Apps by following the links given in the article.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
XBox 360 Price drop? it is 199.00 for premium
According to an article on the inquirer, Makro is advertising Premium Xbox 360 packs for only £199 - the previous price of Core machines, which come without the hard-drive/wireless pad.
As Paul suggested, considering Makro is a large wholesaler any Xbox 360 price cut would probably be seen by one of these companies first.
No other group seems to be offloading stock at this price yet, but it will be interesting to see if this is a simple one-off move by a large wholesaler to bring in the punters, or an unofficial price-cut from Microsoft.
Links;
Signs of an Xbox 360 price-drop spotted
Now there is a Badger in my Yahoo Pipes
The same guy let me do my technorati searches via Yahoo pipes, Ken Brewster of kenbrwster.com;
Geemodo: Do your Technorati search, via Yahoo pipes
Now has a badger running around in the same pipes. I like this one too. To quote his own words what badger is all about;
"The short version: Badger uses Yahoo! Pipes and JavaScript to create Web badges out of any RSS feed. Edit colors, change feeds, pages, and headlines, and pick up your source code at the bottom of the page. Boing Boing, Lifehacker, del.icio.us, TechCrunch, Slashdot, Digg News, and ProgrammableWeb all have examples ready to look at ... if you're looking for interesting feeds, check out Technorati Search or FeedFlinger."
Sounds pretty interesting, I am going to catch some badgers for me. Follow the link for your own badger.
Links;
Badge any RSS feeds with Yahoo Pipes
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Vista and Linux (Mephis) desktops compared
Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols. DesktopLinux.com columnist has pitted Vista against Linux's fair haired boy Ubuntu (actually Mephis which is 99% Ubuntu) to see how the pinnacle of commercial desktop operating systems stacks up against the free, community-developed Linux upstart.
The aretocle itself is multipart and Steven has completed three parts sofar. I have tracked the publishing since January 24, when he publised the first part.
So far there seems to be no reason for anyone to goto Vista. If you don't like Linux at the moment, stick with your Windows XP. Other than all the bells and wistles, Vista is almost a DRM laden XP.
The Following clipped from the article should give you a little insight.
"With both systems completely idle except for their memory map programs and the screenshot program, MEPIS has a memory footprint of less than 100MB, while Vista is pounding down its foot with over half-a-gigabyte of RAM."
Another insight "My test system's high-end S/PDIF audio port lacks built-in DRM. Without that functionality, Vista won't play music through the PC's speakers with Windows Media Player 11. MEPIS, on the other hand, has no trouble playing online music. In this case, I'm using Streamtuner."
From another article points out that Vista being Longest suicide note! Because instead of concentrating on OS vista tries to be watch dog for RIAA and MPAA. Once people realize those points may be they will change to Linux or go back to XP ;).
why?
"Say you've just bought Pink Floyd's “The Dark Side of the Moon”, released as a Super Audio CD (SACD) in its 30th anniversary edition in 2003, and you want to play it under Vista. Since the S/PDIF link to your amplifier/speakers is regarded as insecure for playing the SA content, Vista disables it, and you end up hearing a performance by Marcel Marceau instead of Pink Floyd."
Both the articles are invaluble if your computer is not a MAC.
Links;
Steven's Vista vs Linux article
Longest Suicide note
Is ARAS an OSS marketing policy? Yes, Just read the licence
I was reading InfoWorld columnist Dave Rosenberg article as reported by /.. Then I went to ARAS site. Look to download the application provided by ARAS. On second thoughts I decided to look at the license terms and conditions. Boy what bunch of bull by ARAS and M$, if M$ is involved in this game.
My first thought was to port the application to Linux platform. But when you look at the license, it is a no no. ARAS license is almost direct replication of M$ EULA.
SO is ARAS fits in OSS space. Simply No. May Be it is time to start a list of Companies and Software that they say Open Source but really not.
From the ARAS license, it is open untill you touch it, It closes the door behind you!
Links;
Open Source weblog at Info World
This is a potion of the license agrrement you have to agree in order to download. Complete agreement is at ARAS site.
ARAS INNOVATOR® LICENSE AGREEMENT 1.1
Last Updated December 1st 2006
IMPORTANT - READ CAREFULLY.
This License Agreement (Agreement) is a legal agreement between you (either an individual or a single entity, collectively “You” or “Licensee”) and Aras Corporation for the Aras Innovator® software product and all certified software applications (the “Solutions”) provided by Aras Corporation that run on the Aras Innovator® application framework, (collectively “Licensed Software”) as well as the documentation (the “Documentation”). By installing, copying, or otherwise using the Licensed Software, you agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement. If you do not agree to the terms of this Agreement, do not install or use the Licensed Software.
1. GRANT OF LICENSE.
Licensee is hereby granted the following non-exclusive, non-transferable, and non-sublicensable rights with respect to Licensed Software and Documentation:
(a) to install the Licensed Software on computer servers owned or leased by Licensee for use solely by Licensee’s employees and the employees of Licensee’s suppliers and customers (“Authorized Users”);
(b) to make an unlimited number of copies of the Licensed Software for backup and disaster recovery purposes, provided Licensee shall reproduce all confidentiality and proprietary rights notices on all copies of the Licensed Software; and
(c) to make an unlimited number of copies of the Documentation and distribute those copies to Authorized Users, provided Licensee shall reproduce all confidentiality and proprietary rights notices on all copies of the Documentation.
Did you patch your Vista on Patch Tuesday?
If you were thinking that you new shining Vista is patch free, M$ says Yes it is patch free in this sense;
""The underlying component [of Windows Defender] does ship with Vista," acknowledged Mark Griesi, security program manager for the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC). "That's the correlation people are drawing. The vulnerability is in the malware engine, which is part of Defender, which is part of Vista. So, yes, you can say that Vista [itself] is vulnerable."
"But is it a direct vulnerability in Vista? I wouldn't characterize it like that," he added. ""
M$, just say it is a patch for Vista. Get over it.
Well beat me. If you have your auto updates turned off, like I did, go turn them on and do the update. And if you want to read more about this follow the link.
Links;
Computerworld Was that a Vista fix released on Tuesday.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Do your Technorati search, via Yahoo pipes
Kent Brewster at kentbrewster.com has written a fantastic article that takes you thrugh the recently announced Yahoo Pipes. Also his site is a goldmine if you are interested in things like Feeds, Jason, blogs and web 2.0 in general.
Instead of repeating what he has written, here, follow the link to read the complete article.
Links;
Kent Brewster's Yahoo Pipe plumbing
Yahoo Pipes
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
SUN gives ODF coverter plugin for M$ Office
PRNewswire and SUN news announcement
Sun Microsystems, Inc., the largest code contributor to free and open source communities, today announced the upcoming availability of the StarOffice(TM) 8 Conversion Technology Preview plug-in application for Microsoft Office 2003. The early access version of the OpenDocument Format (ODF) plug-in, available as a free download, will allow seamless two-way conversion of Microsoft Office documents to ODF.
The StarOffice 8 Conversion Technology Preview is a plug-in for Microsoft Word 2003 that allows users of Microsoft Word 2003 to easily import and export to the OpenDocument Format (ODF). The early access version of the ODF plug-in will be available as a free download from the Sun Download Center in mid to late the month of February. Please check back at this site or at sun.com/staroffice for the latest status. Note that the converter will be renamed to Sun ODF Plugin for Microsoft Word with the final version.
The initial plug-in application will support the conversion of text documents (.doc/.odt) only and full support of spreadsheet and presentation documents will be available in the final version, expected in April. The converter is easy to setup and use, the conversion happens transparently and the additional memory footprint is minimal. Microsoft Office users now have seamless two-way conversion of Microsoft Office documents to ODF.
"Organizations can now consider switching to ISO/IEC 26300 OpenDocument Format while protecting employees needing assistive devices only supported by legacy Microsoft software," said Rich Green, executive vice president, Software at Sun Microsystems. "ODF is important because it ensures documents will still be readable long into the future while allowing a wide choice of proprietary and open source software choices to work with the documents."
The Executive Department of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is currently using the converter to meet the previously identified January, 2007 compliance date for the start of a phased migration to the ODF format. In addition to allowing the Commonwealth's existing Microsoft Office applications to read and write ODF text files, the converter permits the continued use of the state's chosen accessibility technologies to meet the needs of people with disabilities.
OpenOffice.org is an open-source project, home of the OpenOffice.org software, the most widely distributed open-source multi-platform productivity suite. The OpenOffice.org community was founded by Sun Microsystems in 2000. An active community, of which Sun is a key member, enhances and supports the OpenOffice.org office suite.
The OpenOffice.org application runs on most major operating system platforms including Windows, Linux and the Solaris Operating System, and more than 60 localizations are in different stages of development. Some platforms and languages, such as Mac OS X, might not yet be available in the most current version.
The StarOffice Office Suite is the professional office productivity solution based on OpenOffice.org that provides enterprise value-add components including administration tools, commercial quality spellchecker and relational database. Additional information on StarOffice can be obtained from http://www.sun.com/staroffice
The OpenDocument Format was accepted as an official OASIS standard in May 2005, and adopted by the International Standards Organization in May 2006.
The StarOffice 8 Conversion Technology Preview is expect to be available mid-February 2007 at sun.com/openoffice with the final release expected later this spring.
Links;
SUN announcement
Get Open Office, free M$ office replacement from here
SUN staroffice suite
Anothers view of Linux foundation
I was happy to read the news about the union of Open Source Development Labs (OSDL) and the Free Standards Group (FSG).
Then I put it in the back of my mind thinking now that Linux and the Open standards are safe. After reading Niel McAllister's article about the union. The article made me think, at first, is he a M$ mole. But a little research showed it not to be so. Then I read the whole article and now I view the Union in a different light!
I can't be a member, because according to Niel, "According to the Foundation, the easiest way to get a seat on the board is to become a platinum member, which entails paying to the tune of half a million dollars."
I think it is a good read. Follow the link to read the complete article.
"What do you get if you cross an open source development consortium with an organisation that promotes free standards? Answer: You get a Linux advocacy group. Or so it seems.
On the surface, the union of Open Source Development Labs (OSDL) and the Free Standards Group (FSG) seems like a natural fit. Open standards and open source software are two great ideas that go well together."
Links;
Neil McAllister, Questioning the Linux Foundation’s credentials
VOIP IP Telephony: Native SIP in an iPAQ, iPAQ 51X
New iPAQ from HP with native SIP client is released. More information at the following link.
VOIP IP Telephony: Native SIP in an iPAQ, iPAQ 51X
Lionsgate plays iTunes
In a major move favoring iTunes, Lionsgate Entertainment has begun selling 150 theatrical releases through Apple's iTunes Store. Now that the gates are open, iTunes customers will be able to purchase blockbuster Lionsgate films like "Terminator 2," "LA
Story," "Basic Instinct," "The Blair Witch Project" and "Dirty Dancing" and more than 150 titles coming to iTunes this month. The iTunes Store has become the world's most popular online movie store, with a catalog of over 400 titles.
"We're delighted to offer these incredibly popular Lionsgate films on iTunes, and look forward to adding even more films in the future," said Steve Beeks, president of Lionsgate. "iTunes lets users download these wonderful films to watch on their computer, TV or iPod, so movie fans can take their favorite Lionsgate films with them anywhere."
"The iTunes Store is by far the most popular online movie store in the world," said Eddy Cue, Apple's vice president of iTunes. "We're thrilled to be adding this phenomenal collection of Lionsgate titles from Hollywood's leading independent studio, including such blockbusters as 'Terminator 2.'"
Lionsgate's renowned collection of movie titles available on iTunes in the coming weeks include legendary action adventure films and thrillers such as "Total Recall" and "Rambo," indie classics such as "Monster's Ball" as well as perennial favorites such as "Chaplin" and "The Boys From Brazil."
The iTunes Store features the world's largest catalog with over four million songs, 350 television shows and, with the addition of Lionsgate, over 400 movies. The iTunes Store has sold over two billion songs, 50 million TV shows and over 1.3 million movies, making it the world's most popular online music, TV and movie store.
Links;
News source, PRNews wire
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Vista, upgrade version, Upgrade without Windows XP or Windows 2000
Like wearing a fancy suit like M$ executives do and then leaving the zipper open, Vista as has left something like zipper open.
This facilitates one to install Vista upgrade without having to install windows XP or windows 2000 every time one need to do a clean install of Vista from Vista upgrade.
Ii is simple as installing vista in demo mode and then installing again as an in place upgrade.
You will still have to install twice and the the time is what ever you take to do a windows install multiplied by two. at least 4-5 hours.
Well back to zipper again. The zipper analogy is to say that M$ does not do a good job of checking and this is what Microsoft itself suggest as a way to do a clean install using upgrade. We everybody just buy the upgrade! no need to fish out big bucks. I don't know why people want to go through all these problems, just buy a mac with os installed or get Linux, something like Ubuntu and install
So correction to the previous article, you don't have to keep old XP cds around. And Arstechnica tell you how to use OEM versions of Vista as well.
Take your pick.
Links;
Arstechnica and OEM Vista
My own Vista upgrade article
Loose your ID to M$ Live ID,
Loose your ID to M$ Live ID now that M$ has released the Live ID SDK Alpha. There were no bungee jumping spiders to introduce the product but a tiny blog post;
"Today we released the alpha of the SDK for using Windows Live ID authentication in your client (non-web) application. Check it out:
https://connect.microsoft.com/site/sitehome.aspx?SiteID=347
I'm actually writing this blog post from the sample app in the SDK. I'm glad we're finally opening up the platform a bit more.
OK, so I had to update the formatting via the web a bit... so you won't be blown away by the sample, but hey, its a start."
Yes that is the whole post! Follow the links below;
I remember the time when passport was to become the "the ID", is this the same with a different name?
Links;
Microsoft Live ID Alpha SDK
Alpha Live IP announcement
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Unseen troubles of Vista, there is hardly a Vista in upgrades
Have you seen the ad by apple, where the pc is in a hospital gown getting ready for an upgrade. This ad even made M$ head honcho, Bill Gates to get angry with Apple.
(Hey Apple, greenmyapple)
Anyway Vista upgrade might make people say Hasta la Vista to Vista and embrace another OS or stay in windows XP.
I have received the Upgrade as well as the business edition from M$. I will need to run those for the business that I earn my bread with. But that will be a minimal installation that I will dual boot on my notebook.
All my PC's are running Linux, various versions, and I may have to remove SUSE as they might get banned from selling Linux for that pact that Novell created with M$. I also have a Mac Mini intel, running Mac OS X, Windows XP, and Linux!
Anyway back to Vista upgrade, The article I read tells me that no one knows exact requirements for upgrade, save for some one at M$. It gave the following info and follow the link given below to read complete article.
"Meanwhile, the Upgrade versions are poison:
* Windows power users know that if you want Windows to work well over the long haul, it helps to reformat and perform a clean install once in a while. The Upgrade version requires you to install both XP/2000 and Vista every time, doubling the already massive amount of time it takes to do a reformat/reinstall.
* The Upgrade versions require you to keep track of your original Windows XP/2000 disks. Most people have these in the form of "recovery CDs" from the PC vendor, which can include multiple disks full of junk applications.
* Using a copy of XP or 2000 as proof for the Upgrade version of Vista invalidates the XP key, according to Vista's End User License Agreement (EULA). The EULA states, in part: "Upon upgrade, this agreement takes the place of the agreement for the software you upgraded from. After you upgrade, you may no longer use the software you upgraded from." Some bloggers and newsgroup posters have speculated that you may not be able to use that "invalidated" XP license even for a dual-boot installation with Vista. Computerworld has contacted Microsoft for clarification on this and, at press time, has not received a response. In other words, this is yet another point of confusion about Vista. [Editor's note: Computerworld will provide an update when this information becomes available.]
* Many users have lost, or were never provided with, installation disks with their PC. Because they have XP or 2000 installed, they may decide to save money and buy an Upgrade version. If their disk later dies, or they need for whatever reason to reformat, they will then have to buy a second copy of Vista, this time, the full version. Ouch!
* In a few years, future PCs may have hardware components not supported by XP or 2000. If a user buys the Upgrade version now, then later buys a PC and chooses to transfer the Vista license to it, the XP/2000 installation required by Upgrade versions of Vista may prove troublesome."
Links;
Windows Vista: The 'Huh?' starts now at Computerworld
Bill Gates blasts Apple ads
Novell may get banned from using next version of Linux
weseepeople: Is your Apple Green? I don't think so
Mod Chip for Wii, WiiKey
There was a rumor that the creators of XENOGC for gamecube has released or will be releasing a modchip for Wii.
The only information I could find that directly connected to the source was at wiikey.cn.
It has a picture very similar to that of XENOGC and a description, specifications of the product. The product is slated to be released on 7th of February.
Here is the information from the site. Site link is under links below.
Specifications:
Fully upgradable via DVD/disc (future proof, expect cool features to come)
Direct boot of Wii backups (like originals)
Direct boot of GC backups (like originals)
Boots different region GC games/backups
Boots different NTSC region Wii games/backups
Supports multi-disc games
Supports DVD-R and DVD+R
Built-in audio fix (for games using streaming, no patch required)
Stealth mode
4 wires & quick solder interface
Compact design, best quality components, rock solid high speed controller
Professional ESD packing
More features are being worked on, and will either be included in the upcoming release or in a future upgrade that will follow the release shortly.
We will upload a picture and more features within the next few days!
Links;
Wiikey in China somewhere or thailand (host)
Useless Gizmo one for 2007, USB Battery charger
coolest-gadgets reported about this nice gizmo, in it's post about "Gallery Gadgets up to 02-01-2007", a USB based battery charger! First I thought Cool!! Then I came to realization that I have to use this on my notebook when I ma not near another power source. If I am home I would use, regular charger and of course if I am away from a regular power source, I would want to preserve my battery power!!! on my notebook. Even if I wanted to charge batteries using this gadget, My notebook will run out of power long before they get charged! It need four hours to charge four batteries.
But there are more useful gadgets and gizmos under the post "Gallery Gadgets up to 02-01-2007". Follow the links below.
Links;
USB battery charger
Gallery Gadgets up to 02-01-2007
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Get your University on the map, 3D, using Google Sketchup
Google started on 25th of this month, Build Your Campus in 3D Competition. You and your team, all those free loading friends can honor your campus turf as you hone your 3D design skills just by modeling your school's campus buildings in Google SketchUp, geo-reference them in Google Earth, and submit them through the competition website to earn lasting online glory. If you are the lucky winner, you (and friends) get a visit to Google, all expenses paid. I am sure you will be able eat at the famous free cafeteria's.
I don't think I will compete, I have already been to Google, a few times. So next time I guess I will stay there.
Go ahead join the crowd. Get your campus on the map. Also be aware of the judges, that includes Bobby Brooks from Walt Disney Imagineering, Ken Harsha from Electronic Arts, Janet Martin from Communication Arts Inc. Paul Seletsky from Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Gary Smith from Green Mountain Geographics LTD, and Ken M Tse from HKS Architects, Inc.
links;
Get your campus in 3D on Google Map
Google sketchup contest
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
M$ not enough to buy Wikipedia
Microsoft's attempt to pay someone to alter the content of Wikipedia, has back fired. I think there are many blog posts and news items that point to this saga. I think Microsoft must be getting real soft in the middle now. Trying every which way to push its agenda to the fore. But it should have thought that OSS is more than just money. There may be bloggers that sell may their souls but there are ones that do not. Would I have done it? Don't know. Money is a big attractor, and the amount makes attraction stronger.
Since there are many posts, I will direct you to the sources. But before the links, I should say some things about posts. To be fair links take you to all three camps.
Not all posts are against Microsoft, there is a whole bunch that suck up to M$
The person involved / started the whole issue is Microsoft material from my point. After reading his post, I feel he will feel at home with Microsoft. But to be fair, read his article and the comments that follows.
In his article he says that he is going to correct the wikipedia! we he is welcome as long as he is right about what he writes. But reading his article and comments, I doubt he knows too much. And the entries (if any/ if allowed) will be validated.
Everyone has his or her right to their opinion. Above is mine.
Links;
Wikipedia entry on the issue
Microsoft contacted Rick Jelliffe
Microsoft is awsome, (do I need to say more..)
Microsoft Is Awesome: Microsoft Pays Editors to improve Quality of Wikipedia Articles
Looks like M$ broke it's own rules concerning Patchgaurd
There is a debate going on about M$'s much touted PachGaurd. Microsoft has changed rules to get one of it's application working according to one researcher. The I also read a post by a M$ worshiper explaining the issue but sidestepping the real questions. The information about the patchgaurd issue came from Skywing, one of my favorite authors.
The issue and the results are typical to M$ behavior one can be sure this patchgaurd will only provide protection (prevent) from providing solutions like virus and malware, direct driver needs provided by good people. The rogues will somehow by pass this, like M$ did.
The issue and the debate is so ugly, uncertain and lengthy, (So microsoft!), I will provide you the links to posts so you can make your own mind about it.
Links;
Skywing's article at Uninformed
Skywing' weblog, A lots of windows programming info, the last article I read
Did PatchGaurd hotfix break M$'s own rules @computerworld
Skywing's new Kernel Patch Protection analysis (mind your step, a lot of M$
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
DLD '07 (Digital, Life, Design)
DLD (Digital, Life, Design) is Europe's conference for the 21st century; covering digital innovation, gaming, arts and science and bringing together thought leaders from Europe, the Middle-East, America and Asia. The third DLD will take place at HVB Forum in the center of Munich, Germany.
DLD sessions will be streamed online. For photo and video coverage, you can track the DLD aggregator.
If you blog about this event please use DLD07 to tag the post. I have seen some photos and write ups from people like Jeff Pulver.
Follow the links and immerse yourself in DLD, or DLD07
links;
DLD aggregator
DLD07 Streeamed
Monday, January 22, 2007
The Linux Foundation is laid! Let's start building
With Linux growing and bursting at seems like my waist line, two of the top organizations that guide its growth are finally have joined forces, OSDL and FSG.
OSDL is Open Source Development Labs
FSG is Free Standards Group
Now they are the Linux Foundation
I would guess that everything goes well with the new venture as it is needed very badly for growth of Linux.
Press and Blogsphere is awash with the news but I would like to direct you to an article that I think encapsulates all very well, Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols' news post over at Linux-watch.com.
Steve carries you through what the two organizations are and the importance of them coming together. So without reading about my waist line, follow the link to a nice explanation.
Links;
Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols' news post
Linux Foundation
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Does New Adsense make any sense, with Jensence help, Yes
If you are using Google Adsense to generate revenue on your website or weblog, you may have gone through the procedures and rules that Google provides. Tech support team is great and any gray area that makes you wonder, could be easily resolved with an email to them.
But it is great to read all those rules and regulations in a more readable manner over at Jensense blog. She has a post that make it easier to know what to and what not to with Google Adsense. Follow the link for a good read.
Links;
Jensense makes sense on adsense
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Apple Store before and aftr Mac World 2007!
I noticed this interesting post at a site I frequent, pligg, and thought it is worthwhile to let you in to the thread.
Pligg CMS has a long history and it has been in/on many a blog articles. Go to DIGG and do a dig for Digg clone, you will be surprised. But Pligg is more than a Digg clone. First of all it is an Open Source Project, and it is a CMS.
I will be using Pligg in an upcoming project and I already know technologically I will succeed with Pligg's help. Market domminance, I dont know.
If you want to learn more about Pligg or pictures of Apple store, follow the links.
Links;
Apple Store before and After MAC World 2007
Pligg CMS Project
Wii Undressed, an Open Wii for your pleasure
Wii Undressed, an Open Wii for your pleasure;
TechRepublic has disassembled a hard to find Wii so that you can enjoy watching the innards of a Wii.
I would say it is a brave act or they have too much money to burn. On the other hand it is a $250 web advertisement for the site. I would have "wee"ed if I have to open my Wii!
Oneway or the other, I sailed through all the photos, and you might too. Follow the link given below.
links;
Wii undressed
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Gas Pump with WiFi dispenses MP3s
I was at Asterisk VoIP News when I noticed this article. But before going any further, let me tell you that the system depends on Windows CE! Be aware of what you might get or not. "Where do you want to go today?" Bill might actually know where you are going.
From AVN;
Fuel dispenser manufacturer Dresser Wayne demonstrated its latest Windows CE-powered gas pump at this week's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Among other functions, the Internet-ready, WiFi-capable Ovation2 iX supports the transfer of media content to other WiFi-enabled devices.
The CES demonstration featured a Windows Automotive-enabled Alpine Electronics stereo and navigation system installed in a Lincoln Navigator. The demo showed audio files being purchased from the Dresser Wayne fuel dispenser, downloaded to a compatible media device such as a cellphone or entertainment system, and then played through the Alpine IVA-W200 stereo system located within the vehicle.
Read more at AVN.
Links;
WiFi enabled Gas Pump
Friday, January 12, 2007
iPhone runs along, with Google maps and GPS now
iPhone will surely live on. With law suits, Google maps, gps and all that jazz, read more at the Voip IP Telephony.
Links;
VOIP IP Telephony: iPhone, Demo, Google maps, and GPS
Thursday, January 11, 2007
CES Nuggets, that I will tryto get
Hitachi 1TB hard drive;
Besides the sheer capacity of the Hitachi Deskstar 7K1000 drive, which provides 33% more storage space than the largest drive currently available on the market - Seagate's 750 GB Barracuda drive - the big news about the Terabyte drive is that it actually may be ringing in more competition for Seagate on the high-end, ultimately resulting in lower prices. Hitachi will sell the 7K1000 for about $400 retail, which compares to about $450 for Seagate's 750 GB drive.
32GB Flash Drive;
NAND flash will turn 18 years in 2007 and it could become the most important and successful year of the technology yet. Having matured mainly in applications such as memory cards, USB sticks and high-end solid state disks, NAND flash appears top be ready to take a shot at key storage applications. Following Samsung, which yesterday announced that it has begun production of 16 Gb memory chips for its 2.5" 32 GB Flash drive, Sandisk said that it will be unveiling a 1.8" 32 GB SSD, based on NAND flash memory technology at CES.
The One Laptop Per Child project computer;
The One Laptop Per Child project is inching towards final production: Prototypes are currently on display at the Consumer Electronics Show and we have used the opportunity to play around with the devices shown by Marvell, which provides the wireless chips for the device.
Links;
Tom's hardware guide has more news on CES
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
2160P comes to your TV
Tom's Hardware Guide has an article about new Westinghouse 2160P, Quad-HD TV displays.
Las Vegas (NV) - 1080p is really what you should be looking for in a new high-definition HDTV, but the next generation is just around the corner: Westinghouse showcases a 2160p - commonly referred to as a Quad HDTV.
Westinghouse has a fairly modest booth at this year's CES, but there were some things that really stood out, most notably the Quad HDTV that was announced a few days before the show. That, along with a handful of new 1080p TVs and high-definition computer monitors are headlining the first batch of new 2007 releases, underscoring the future trend for the digital division of Westinghouse.
Links;
Westinghouse at CES: Quad HDTV and 1080p ...
iphone,iTV, AppleTV and Ravenii
Ravenii beat me to the post about iPhone, iTV, AppleTV. I was too tired from Apple cider! The parties.
Head over to VoIP IP Telephony to read about apple's latest stuff.
Links;
VOIP IP Telephony: Apple's iPhone iTV (AppleTV), finally comes.
Monday, January 08, 2007
LG resolves HDDVD format war with BH100 and GGW-H10N
The LG's BH100 is the stand alone, Super Multi Blue player, the BH100 doesn't take sides and simply offers both Blu-ray and HD-DVD playback in one drive at the price of $1.199.
The GGW-H10N is a bare drive that will be meant for computer optical disk that will read both Blu-ray and HDDVD formats, as well as current DVD disks.
Other companies like Samsung also came out with newer Blu-ray disk players that would read older DVD disks but wouldn't you rather have a player that can read formats? Yeas I would and save up for that LG BH100 for my home theater and GGW-H10N for my computer. I would like to have a writer as well but I guess then I will have to buy two drives, one to write Blu-ray and the other to write HDDVD.
As Ravenii wrote earlier (see the link below), Warner brothers dual format disks also will put a damper in the format war. Now that LG out with the player option, Warner Brother can promote the dual format disk version. Also in the making, from Warner brothers is a disk that will hold all three formats, Blu-ray, HDDVD, DVD.
Wow, this is goig to be better than Betamax war.
My guess is next version of XBOX will have a built in HDDVD drive, or would it be a drive from LG?
Links;
Geemodo: The Total HD, will make it easier for you chose HD DVD player
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Friday, January 05, 2007
Toyota will stop you from driving if you are Drunk
A post in Slashdot lead me to an article about an Alcohol Detection System that can detect drunken drivers and would immobilize the car when it detects excessive alcohol consumption.
Further digging allowed me to pick this bit too; "Cars fitted with the detection system will not start if sweat sensors in the driving wheel detect high levels of alcohol in the driver's bloodstream, according to a report carried by the mass-circulation daily, Asahi Shimbun. The system could also kick in if the sensors detect abnormal steering, or if a special camera shows that the driver's pupils are not in focus. The car is then slowed to a halt, the report said.'"
So if you are a drunk, don't drive and don't buy a Toyota. The other question I have for Toyota is how are they going to manage, cross eyed people!,
Links;
Toyota Creating Alcohol Detection System from PhysOrg.com
(AP) -- Toyota Motor Corp. is developing a fail-safe system for cars that detects drunken drivers and automatically shuts the vehicle down if sensors pick up signs of excessive alcohol consumption, a news report said Wednesday.
[...]
Thursday, January 04, 2007
The Total HD, will make it easier for you chose HD DVD player
The Total HD, so named by the creator, Warner Brothers, plans to announce next week a single videodisc that can play films and television programs in both Blu-ray and HD DVD, the rival DVD technologies.
The CES 2007 (Geemodo: 2007 International CES� in Vegas January 8-11) will be the venue to be held in Las Vegas from 8th to 11th.
Barry M. Meyer, the chairman and chief executive of Warner Bros., said in an interview that the company came up with the Total HD disc after concluding that neither Blu-ray nor HD DVD was going the way of Betamax anytime soon.
"The next best thing is to recognize that there will be two formats and to make that not a negative for the consumer," Meyer said. "We felt that the most significant constituency for us to satisfy was the consumer first, and the retailer second. The retailer wants to sell hardware and doesn't want to be forced into stocking two formats for everything. This is ideal for them."
For now, Sony; Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, which is owned by private equity firms in partnership with the Comcast and Sony; 20th Century Fox, a division of the News Corp.; and Walt Disney Pictures are all exclusively releasing their DVDs in Blu-ray.
Universal Studios, which is owned by General Electric, is releasing only in HD DVD. Warner and Paramount Pictures, a division of Viacom, are issuing DVDs in both formats.
Other solutions include, LG releasing a DVD player with dual drives, both blu-ray and HDDVD.
Links;
Read more about the total HD at the New York Times
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Looks as if Sony trying to buy a winning in game console war
Looks as if Sony trying to buy a winning in game console war. Looking at some of the predictions by analysts like Yankee group (Which analyzed few years ago that SCO will win the war with IBM (Follow the link below) is saying that PS3 will dominate the Console Game market, by 2010-2011!, may be they are talking about PS4 which is better and cheaper.
here is the scoops;
"In August 2006 another research company forecasted that Sony’s PlayStation 3 will win the gaming console battle. Boston-based research firm Yankee Group reported that the game-console war will have found a winner by 2011 and that is PlayStation 3. Xbox 360 will come second and Nintendo Wii third. The respected market research firm predicted that by 2011, which means 5 years from now, PlayStation 3 will have more than 30 million units sold, Xbox 360 will closely follow with 27 million units and Nintendo will trail the other two giants with its Wii console, with only 11 million units.
Translated in market share, that means 44% for PlayStation, which regains its dominant position, 40% for Xbox 360 and 16% for Nintendo’s Wii."
Hmm. Do they have shares in Sony? In about Years, may be Wii II will win the game!
I got the information from Dvorak uncensored.
But Gizmodo asks;
"Tossing out on their asses those who forecast gaming console sales by throwing darts at a dartboard, let's take a look at the real numbers: Xbox 360 has sold 9.44 million units so far, the Wii has moved 2.2 million, compared to the measly 854,627 units of the PS3. Maybe those researchers aren't paying any attention to which gaming consoles are actually fun to play. Who's your daddy, PS3?"
You tell me!
Links;
Yankee group's Laura Didio's analysis of SCO law suite.
Dvorak uncensored
Gizmodo egg headded++ analysts
Bluetooth gives a toothache to Electronic Giants
It seems that electronic giants like Nokia, Samsung and Matsushita have been hit with a patent lawsuit over their use of Bluetooth chips in products they sell. A not-for-profit group, Washington Research Foundation based in Seattle, which commercializes technology developed at universities, alleges the chips infringe patents under its control.
The rival Bluetooth chip maker Broadcom, has licensed underlying technology developed at the University of Washington covered by patents, unlike CSR, which is based in UK.
CSR has issued a statement describing the suit as without merit and that the company intends to defend its products from the action vigorously.
Bluetooth, a wireless protocol for connecting devices within a limited range such as an office, was originally developed in Sweden in 1994 by Ericsson engineers Sven Mattison and Jaap Haartsen. Ericsson eventually made the technology open source and the Bluetooth Special Interest Group was established in 1998, of which a foundation member was Nokia, one of the defendants in this suit.
Links;
Washington Research Foundation
Monday, January 01, 2007
Geemodo's most viewed article is "Removewga released" for 2006
A lot of people, who knows what they are doing and what M$ is upto, have shown interest in removing WGA. The article received a lot of attention. Now in Vista, it is a part of the OS, and we will have to find out how to block or disable, M$ calling home, each and everyday. I am not sure what information it will send out. I do have a license for it and I will install for tech support issues. But my windows work will be done on XP running on a Mac under Parallels.
My normal work will be done on Linux.
Geemodo: removeWGA released
Have a laugh on ZUNE for the new year!, Happy New Year
I thought M$ put a lot of thought in to developing Zune. After all it was going to over take iPod in the portable music market. Well the design did not exactly win the hearts of potential users.(Bigger is not always better). Bigger and cute will do!
Well even the mediocre design could be pushed out using a good advertising and marketing campaign. M$ is even failing on that. Look at this ugly, thoughtless ad for Zune, have a laugh while loading up your iPod!
Links;
Ugly but laughable Zune Ad
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Free Ferrari's (laptop ;)) and computers from Microsoft (M$) to bloggers, Wants them back now.
But all those bloggers, don't worry about returning them. From what I read, you do not have to return or give away until you finish reviewing Vista. You may finish reviewing it in a few months, (installed Vista is pretty hefty and review might be depending on your ability, a narrowly focused journalist, a fanboy or a real tech geek) any way by the time you finish this, new set of patches will come your way. If you think you are done by this time, you are wrong, service pack one will be released, which will crash your Ferrari and if your had your air bag (Apple notebook) you can then return the thrashed Ferrari to M$.
I am not sour about not getting a computer from M$, I never applied, but I did review Vista, submitted bug reports, and decided not to use it other than for work. And I have a note book that has 160GB raid 1! How many did get that security?
But the issue is did M$ try to buy some good will by sending these computers to Bloggers? what ever the reason they did, M$ is getting enough negative backlash that it is almost laughable, if you are not a M$ fanboy or simply M$.
The best that came out of this Ferrari M$ saga is that EFF is getting some money to fight monopoly's like M$. Long live EFF.
Links;
EFF is getting Microsoft money (Scroll down to bottom to see EFF Letter.
Person who gave this to EFF
What other blogger planing to do with their Ferrari's
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Apple Computer's iPod is the king of consumer electronics
According to Amazon.com released its "Best Of 2006 List" which includes the bestselling, most positively reviewed, most wished-for and favorite gift products as determined by Amazon.com customers in 2006.
Apple iPod came on the lists for the third year. Zune, I did not look for. I have listed below, lists where iPod made the lists.
Apple also made the most popular items, there were 4 Apple computers in top ten today including number one and two spots.
Follow the links below for complete information.
Most Popular Gift Products
# Books: The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream by Barack Obama
# Music: Duets: An American Classic by Tony Bennett
# DVD: Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Man's Chest (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)
# Electronics: Apple 30 GB iPod with Video Playback
Most Wished-For Products
# Books: Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything by Steven D. Levitt
# Music: Taking The Long Way by Dixie Chicks
# DVD: Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Man's Chest (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)
# Electronics: Apple 30 GB iPod with Video Playback Black (5th Generation)
Bestselling Products
# Books: Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap ... and Others Don't by Jim Collins
# Music: Taking The Long Way by Dixie Chicks
# DVD: Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Man's Chest (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)
# Software: World of Warcraft
# Electronics: Apple iPods (various)
Links;
Amazons best of the best for 2006
Amazons most popular items today
Monday, December 25, 2006
Vista is at your door step but potentially serious flaws are already inside says experts.
Most ridicules statement I read from M$ in a while came out due these experts findings. And when New York Times get in to reporting Vista flaws, wall street might read too. Although I have been writing about Vista for while. I still say go get your happy feet, from penguins. It means Linux if you did not know. Anyway back to the news. The statement is;
“While I know this is a vulnerability that impacts Windows Vista, I still have every confidence that Windows Vista is our most secure platform to date.” said Mike Reavey, operations manager of the Microsoft Security Response Center.
I do not know where to turn with these stupid statements. I thought I could not write but it seems these managers even can't talk. It is like saying "Oh don't worry, buy this car, we have some troubles with the engine but this is the fastest car we ever built! see it even got tires."
I think when M$ means by security, is securing itself. WGA, OGA and Vista EULA is in place and I guess they are working, as far as M$ is concerned. From what I read not the users.
You can read more at the New York Times and my scribbles below.
links;
Vista flaws detected.
Geemodo: Get your Vista Activated In China or M$ moved to China
Geemodo: WGA, OGA, Vista EULA and Happy Feet
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Ta da! play with your Gizmos have a super Holyday season
I hope Santa will come your way and Your holiday will be filled with laughter and Joy. If you pass by an unfortunate person, please try to make him/her smile. Don't forget that all the Kids are the same!
Best Regards!
Friday, December 22, 2006
Sony pays up for rootkit saga, but it is a pittance
Today California / Texas and 39 other states have settled with Sony BMG for including a rootkit with their music CDs. I wrote a lot about this last year, one of the articles;
Geemodo: Sony DRM ROOTKIT, Suncomm, EFF new removal tool, yet the consumer problems don't go away.
The website created to pay the settlement says Sony did not collect any personal information, they only collected CD ID, Track ID and IP ADDRESS! If IP address is not personal information, or that it leads to your personal information, I don't know what it is. I think lawyers should get all the court records on this case. If SONY can say IP Address is not personal information, when MPAA and RIAA comes calling with IP address to point to you in the court, bring out the amo. Courts will not be able to accept the evidence both the ways for music industry. I think I will post on Groklaw about this piece.
Every user whose computer was damaged with the rootkit, will receive upto $175.00 for all the troubles user went through.Most likely it is $7.50! and some songs. Looks like they getting off for a song. I do not know how the court access the damage value for each user but Sony BMG must have really good lawyers.
Some news reports say that you need to have documented report in order get the settlement payment. The documented evidence seems to be using SONY tools to remove the rootkit! HAHA, it did not completely remove the rootkit or it left some information behind, if I recall the saga right.
Anyway you need to visit the special website created to make your claim. Follow the links provided below. To make it difficult as possible the site is a mess. So follow the links as described and may be you will be able to recover your damages.
Links;
Notice to class members with a list of CDs.
Go here to file a claim
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Wii get channel updates
Many a Wii started flashing blue yesterday to announce the newly released updates. If your Wii was connected to the internet you could have downloaded the new weather channel and internet channel.
Weather channel goes live to provide current and future weather information. Provided by Weather news, forecasts can be accessed using a text list of cities or by using the Wii Remote to zoom in on a 3-D interactive globe.
Internet Channel, Opera Software announced that a trial version of its Web browser for Wii will be available on December 22, 2006 free of charge from the Wii Shop Channel.
The final version of the Opera browser will be available at the end of March 2007, and will be free for all Wii owners to download through the end of June. After June 2007, the browser will be available for download in the Wii Shop Channel for 500 Wii Points.
Links;
Wii home
Monday, December 18, 2006
Google NASA collaboration details anounced, Google will fly you to the Moon and Mars
Google and NASA will work together to to bring wealth of information, weather on Earth, Space travel available on the Internet, NASA said Monday.
Weather visualization and forecasting and tracking that occurs abroad the international space station are part of the projects that are under discussion. The NASA administrator, Michael Griffin, said the agreement with Google would "soon allow every American to experience a virtual flight over the surface of the moon or through the canyons of Mars."
So my guess is some sort of simulator similar to Google Earth, which might be called Google Moon and Google Mars traveler. What ever it is called I think they will be hits. Until now I thought that the exploremarsnow.org was the place for me to explore Mars. But now I am looking forward to see what NASA will cook up with Google.
The Associated Press article regarding the agreement;
"MOFFETT FIELD, Calif.— Google Inc. and NASA Ames Research Center said Monday that they have finalized an agreement to deliver more of the space agency's imagery and information through the Internet's leading search engine.
The collaboration marks another step in a partnership announced 15 months ago when Google unveiled plans to build a 1 million-square-foot campus at the NASA center, located a few miles south of the company's Mountain View headquarters.
Under the arrangement, Ames will feed Google with its weather forecasting information, three-dimensional maps of the moon and Mars, and real-time tracking of the International Space Station and space shuttle flights so the pictures and data are available to anyone with an Internet connection.
"This agreement between NASA and Google will soon allow every American to experience a virtual flight over the surface of the moon or through the canyons of Mars," NASA Administrator Michael Griffin said in a statement.
Google already draws upon some of NASA's imagery to provide Web surfers with interactive tours of Mars as part of a 9-month-old service.
Ames and Google also have vowed to work together to solve complex computing problems, including large-scale data management.
"Partnering with NASA made perfect sense for Google, as it has a wealth of technical expertise and data that will be of great use to Google as we look to tackle many computing issues on behalf of our users," Google Chief Executive Eric Schmidt said in a statement."
Links;
Explore Mars Now
Google current Mars site
Mars Image Library
Blu-Ray for your PC or Notebook
May be so far you have been thinking of Blu-Ray as one of the best High Definition (HD) video player. But Blu-Ray is capable of much more than that. ZDNet has an article by Marty Gordon Vice President, Philips Hollywood office, about PC manufacturers adding Blu-Ray to their products or in the process of doing so. The list includes Pioneer, Sony, Samsung, BenQ, Panasonic and Philips and DELL being one of the first to add Blu-Ray to product line.
I think a 50GB or so writable media will be a great benefit to many a people including me. I have 240GB drive capacity on my dual hard drive notebook. But only 120GB is at my disposal. Why? because I have raided my drives for protection. I do most of my work on my notebook and any given time there could be 1-5 active projects and 1-10 projects on hold and 1-5 completed projects ready to be archived to devices on the home network or at work. These runs to about 50GB due to the nature of my work. A Blu-Ray disk will take all these data and keep it safe and at hand.
This particular notebook could be booted in to 6 different OS's, Windows, Linux, BSD, and Solaris x86. If I could make a bootable Blu-Ray disk, there will be no worries about failing hard drives. All my OS's allow me to load it in to the memory, ( I have 2GB of memory) except windows. But I have an live boot CD that is concocted using windows and open source technologies.
Yes I like what Blu-Ray is doing to video, I just got a 1080P Sony Barvia. But I am looking forward to see how Blu-Ray and HDDVD perform on this baby. But I like to have a Blu-ray for my computer first!.
Links;
Blu-Ray Buzz on ZDnet
Sunday, December 17, 2006
MPAA continue to show it's stupidity and make us laugh
MPAA and RIAA has been laughable in many occasions for their pathetic lawsuits and attempts to curb piracy. Tech Reads helped me to get my latest laugh at their expense.
I thought they were incapable of doing something right, because with their money and other resources, could have come out with solutions like iTunes a years ago, when they started wagging sticks at likes of MP3.COM. They failed then and according to their ad campaign looks like they fail now.
Thanks RIAA, the only music I listen now is via the radio.
Tech News high lights;
"Notice the obvious grammar error in their quote? Conclusive proof the MPAA is a gang of morons? I think so.
Pirated movies are cheaper than the ones we sell:
Even if you are hoping to get your favorite movie titles at a discount, new or used, the extremely low prices offered on some Web sites might indicate pirated product.
Pirated copies, unlike ours contain no DRM and are region free:
In addition, if anywhere on the package it reads that the disc is an “All-Region,” “0-Region,” or “No Region” product, it’s highly likely that the DVD is pirated.
Is pirating your movies starting to sound better and better? Would you like to learn more? Excellent, the MPAA kindly gives you a list of applications you can use to download free movies. As a courtesy they’ve also said that these programs can be used to download that $600 Adobe product you’ve always wanted, or that South Park episode you missed.
A peer-to-peer service is a network that enables computers to connect directly to each other in order to distribute and copy files. Software programs utilize these networks to search for and trade every kind of file. Examples of P2P services include eDonkey, KazaA, Limewire and DirectConnect.
Careful kids, because as well all know downloading music is FAR more damaging and worse than stealing a used pair of shoes.
It is no different from stealing another person’s shoes or stereo, except sometimes it can be a lot more damaging.
I’m convinced, are you?"
Read more of juicy stuff and comments at given link.
Links;
Tech News "MPAA is helping their users.."
Thursday, December 14, 2006
2007 International CES® in Vegas January 8-11
The world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow, 2007 International CES® will be held from January 8-11 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Multitude of companies will be exhibiting at the show and These companies represent more than 30 consumer technology categories, including electronic accessories, broadband, digital imaging, electronic gaming, high-performance audio, home theater, mobile electronics, robotics, VoIP and wireless communications.
The organizers inform that The 2007 International CES promises to be the largest and most successful in the show's 40-year history, with 2,700 exhibitors debuting the latest innovations in consumer technology to an expected 140,000 industry buyers, distributors, engineers, installers, financial analysts, top-level executives, media and industry professionals.
One of the exhibitors, Fijutsu Computer Products of America plans to introduce many technologies that goes beyond consumer electronics. "Fujitsu has supported CES for many years and it has become an important venue to help us introduce new products and meet with business leaders from around the world," said Joel Hagberg, vice president, marketing and business development, Fujitsu Computer Products of America Inc. "This year we are excited to showcase leading-edge technology that will promote biometric security, high-performance storage, 10Gb Ethernet switching, Internet acceleration and high-security data disposal. An important part of the consumer electronics industry involves securing, moving, storing and eliminating data and we are excited to discuss how our technology can serve this market."
The 2007 International CES will host more than 20 market-specific TechZones. Half of these TechZones will be housed at Innovations Plus at the Sands Expo and Convention Center/Venetian which also is home to the award-winning Innovations Showcase. These TechZones will highlight the latest innovations, technologies and trends in consumer electronics including Blu-ray, Bluetooth, IPTV, consumer VoIP, connected home entertainment and gaming.
For more news on CES before, during and after the show, including keynote speeches, individual conference sessions and TechZones, visit www.CESweb.org, the interactive source for CES information.
Links;
The news Source, CEA via Business wire
2007 International CES®
