UGN Info Manager UGN Info Manager
That is don't install the Windows XP update Service Pack 2 until their technicians have had a chance to evaluate it. IBM hasn't trusted Microsoft since OS/2. Read the full story at ... computerworld.com
Production Suite ushers in a new era of production workflows with round tripping -- allowing creative pros to build stunning motion graphics in Motion, transfer them seamlessly to Final Cut Pro movies or author professional quality DVDs with DVD Studio Pro. Apple Production Suite
Computer security companies are warning users of AIM for Windows software that a serious security hole in the product could allow remote attackers to execute malicious code on computers that run the popular instant messaging software.
AOL has confirmed the existence of the software vulnerability. It is in the feature that allows users to post automatic replies, such as "I'm away" messages, to instant messages that they receive. They have made plans to fix the problem. (Note not a problem on AIM for Mac or in iChat.) Full story at ... computerworld.com
In a move that will put all its eggs in the Napster basket, Roxio has sold its CD recording software to Sonic Solutions. Once the sale is complete, Roxio will be no more and will become Napster. Personally I think they should have stayed with the software and gotten rid of the music. But then, it is probably hard to pass up $80 Million. Full story at ... theregister.com
According to an article in the Register, the U.S. Congress is getting ready to approve a bill that will make it okay to send spam messages to fax machines and cell phones. (BOO!)
I don't always believe what the Register writes, but this is pretty bad if true. Perhaps we should contact our Congressman. Story at ... theregister.co.uk
A British aerospace firm has developed a new wallpaper that blocks LAN signals while letting through cell phone signals. It is made of something called kapton and is coated with copper. However, it is not cheap. The Register says it costs about 500 British pounds per square meter, which is about $85 per square foot.
Seems like it would be much cheaper to set up a firewall to keep out poachers from the Wi-Fi router. Full story at ... internetweek.com
Here is a web site that calculates your personal life expectancy. Of course, it doesn't guarantee anything, but does give you ideas of how to increase it ... livingto100.com
Both companies are trying to control spam by requiring authentication from the source. In other words, is sender johnsmith@hotmail.com a good address? If it isn't then the address has been spoofed and will probably be spam. That should cut down a lot on spam received by the user of at least these two systems. Full story at ... computerworld.com
According to a survey conducted by CipherTrust, Inc. the U.S has 28% of the worlds spammer addresses, but those guys send out 86% of the spam. So they really keep their machines busy. And here I thought the spammers were all in China. Read more...
I certainly do not completely grasp the implications of this, but 5 years ago, a 15 year old from Norway cracked the code that the movie industry was using to copy protect DVDs. He later went through a trial and an appeal that declared him innocent of "piracy" charges. Now, he is 20 and has cracked Apples encryption that is used to protect music being sent over Apple's AirPort Express. With the software he released, called "So Sue Me", it is possible that other companies could also make devices to pickup the broadcasts digitally. And so the Apple World turns. Full story at ... http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2004-08-12-apple-dvd-hacker_x.htm USA Today
The iPod iTalk Voice Recorder makes your iPod more than just an MP3 player -- it plugs in and converts your iPod to a voice recorder with literally thousands of hours of recording time. The iTalk's built-in speaker is great for playback of voice memos or as a mini-speaker for your favorite audio book or tunes. It includes a pass-through mini jack so you can monitor your voice recording or listen to your music without removing iTalk. (See Picture) ... more info at Griffin iTalk
While you're there, check out the ROAD TRIP which begins shipping in September -- with FM broadcast to your car's sound system and auto-battery charger built in. Best of all, it keeps your iPod inputs free so you can also plug in the iTalk for on-the-road voice notes! See Picture and ... Read more...
Next, you'll want to visit Derrick Story's article "Voice Recording Magic with the iPod" -- a handy tutorial that shows you how to get started, then challenges your creativity with some nifty ideas about how to use your iPod and available tools for recording. While you're there, also check out Derick's inside scoop on the Mac OS X Conference, upcoming this October 25-28. These 'faves' among others are found on ... Fred's Faves page in the User Group Network
Thanks to reader Scott Brown, we've been alerted that Steve Wozniak received the prestigious "Award of Technology" at the 5th Telluride Tech Festival on August 13-14 in Telluride. The event is a celebration of technology and based on the fact that in 1891, Nikola Tesla, George Westinghouse and Telluride's own, L.L. Nunn built the world's first AC power plant in Telluride. Some other recipients of the award include: Tim Berners-Lee, Alan Kay, Arthur C. Clarke, and many others. We're waiting for photos and more... telluridetechfestival.com
Nationally recognized technology columnist Dan Gillmor has launched a new blog that covers the shifts we're seeing as journalism becomes less of a lecture and more of a conversation. Check it out if you're interested in the future of journalism, and don't miss his latest book on the topic, "We the Media."
The third annual Mac OS X Conference will be held this October 25-28, in Santa Clara, California. User Group members who register before September 10, 2004 get a double discount. Use code DSUG when you register, and receive 20% off the "Early Bird" price.
Dan East reviews Toon Boom Studio - a great introduction to creating animations... "Build all of the elements for your cartoon with familiar tools and using the well designed interface, but there is a learning curve. " See ... Dan East's review
Here, we've combined a great line-up of Gideon Software including: xBack is a utility that allows you replace your desktop with a screen saver; FileXaminer modifies file and folder attributes that the Finder cannot; Snard, the Swiss Army Knife of launcher programs; Dock-It, a multifunctional dock and Finder enhancer for the Mac OS X; and Secure Shell Helper, a unique utility for OpenSSH keys and control the SSH server. It's in the UGN Shareware Department
"One of the greatest discoveries a man makes, one of his great surprises, is to find he can do what he was afraid he couldn't do."
- Henry Ford
We lie loudest when we lie to ourselves."
- Eric Hoffer
"The bravest thing you can do when you are not brave is to profess courage and act accordingly."
- Corra Harris
"Since when do you have to agree with people to defend them from injustice?"
- Lillian Hellman
Have a great week...
User Group Network Affiliates may reprint articles as long as full credit and a link to this web site: http://www.user-groups.net/info/ provided. Other Non-profit or non-commercial publications should contact us. The UGNN cannot guarantee accuracy or timeliness of articles beyond the date of publication. All URLs, links and email addresses are accurate as of date of publication. Clicking links in articles older than 30 days may result in a broken link. If you encounter a broken link, please let us know.
Return to: the top of this page, or the INDEX for this department
Exit to: The User Group Network front page
Contact: The Editor, Webmaster or Membership Director