UGN Info Manager UGN Info Manager
In the United States, more computers are being sold today, than ever before. However, since the price of those computers have dropped, revenue is down 3% from 2000.
Sales of $13.4 billion estimated in 2005, compared to $13.8 billion in 2000.
This report concentrated on home or personal computers, so it doesn't count corporate sales. These are interesting stats, but as I found out working at RadioShack, it won't tell the whole story. These only count basic machines and don't let you know how many have DVD recorders and other peripherals. ... see the full story...
Entertaining guide helps users kick Microsoft habit... makes compelling case for other operating systems and programs, and shows how to make the switch painlessly Read more...
This book covers everything you need to know about using Reason sequencer -- and how to unlock the full creative potential of making the best and most effective use of the software. Read more...
According to Nielsen/NetRatings, net users visited web shopping comparison web sites in September in enormous numbers. The No one site, Shopzilla.com had 15 million unique visitors followed closely by Shoppin.com with 14.8 million. Other sites listed are Yahoo, NexTag and Froogle. Read more...
For the third quarter, net revenue was $11 million compared to a net loss of $7 million a year earlier. They reported 2.2 million subscribers to its media services. Earnings and subscribers should get better since as part of its settlement with Microsoft included integrating RealNetwork's services with MSN. So it isn't just Apple that is making money off music and video. Read more...
International Data Corp. said that sales of consumer handheld devices without voice communications slid for the seventh consecutive quarter. Shipments fell in the third quarter 16.9 percent from the same period a year ago to 1.6 million units. Sounds like the Palm hardware company may not be around much longer unless it switches completely to smart phones. ... see the full story...
Back when blogs and RSS feeds were only a few months old, I attended a Special Librarian Association meeting where the author of the Shifted Librarian blog did a presentation on what they were and how librarians could use them. It actually helped me get my employer at the time to investigate blogging for employee communications.
Now the Shifted Librarian has done a presentation comparing Blogs and Wikis. Perhaps it will help give you some ideas for your own presentation. Read more...
I haven't commented on MUG web sites for a while now. But I came across this one while searching for material for the weekly column. It uses a familiar interface and even has a Google search on the site. It even has forums for member discussions. Check it out at: www.hmug.org
I have wasted more time playing Civilization II and III than I care to admit. I found them much more interesting than any arcade game that of which I quickly tire. I am in the later stages of a Civ III game now. (Takes 20+ hours to complete a game.) Civ IV has been released for the PC.
Now Aspyr Media has announced that it will release Civilization III Complete for the Mac in time for Christmas, with IV to be released in early 2006. Please tell my wife to put in on my list as a gift card for Christmas. Read more at: Read more...
Google to re-start its controversial copying of library books, even though there has been two lawsuits from publishers and authors opposed it.
Google has suspended the project so publishers would have time to let them know of their objections. They are copying books from a number of libraries, but the Oxford University Library and the New York Public Library are only supplying books that are in the public domain. ... see the full story...
This News.com story reveals that some companies like Sears, Target and American Express are just saying "NO" to Macs... "When it comes to some big-name companies, Macintosh users may have a tough time landing a job. It's not just that the business world is dominated by Windows-based computers. It's because, at a number of large companies, Mac users literally can't apply." Read more...
AP Internet Writer Anick Jesdanun writes: "Software Promises to Free ITunes Music From IPods, but Use It at Your Own Risk ... Sometimes, I feel as if I'm the only person out there without an iPod ... My Jukebox can do most of what iPods do, and like the iPod of its generation it only does music. The main exception is playing songs bought through Apple's iTunes Music Store; Apple has made it clear its iTunes service is only for iPods."
HotRecorder (http://www.hotrecorder.com/) is a media recorder and converter tool designed to record and convert iTunes and Yahoo music files into universal formats, removing copyright protection while maintaining sound file quality.
Jesdanun says : "HotRecorder indeed works -- some of the time -- in freeing your tunes from copy protection. Just use it at your own risk." ... see the full story...
This picture is worth a thosand words... (200 150), but making it a reality could cost you $125,000 bucks! Mercedes-Benz announced the first 2,300 CLK350 and CLK500 coupes produced for the 2006 model year will be equipped with an iPod integration kit and a 4GB silver iPod Mini at no additional charge. Feast your eyes on this! and drool. If you get one, call me -- I want a ride! ... see the full story...
Starting November 1st, Yahoo will double the price of its online music subscription service, ending the promotion that the company hoped would encourage consumers to use Yahoo's service instead of Apple's iTunes music store. 'Nuff said ... Read more...
Sprint Nextel have now announced their own music-download services to compete with iTunes. The service will be supported by new mobile phones from Samsung and Sanyo. (Remember, we reported last year when Nextel was caught in league with spammers using their lists!) Read more...
SourceForce is reporting a medium level security risk in PHP iCalendar 2.0 (all releases) along with a workable exploit can be resolved by updating the package or manually applying a patch. Read more...
Don't think you could be tricked? Don't be so sure until you've checked out these most common ways people have been tricked into allowing malware to be installed on their machines. ... see the full story...
Classes for November and December teach how to effectively configure Mac OS X computers to access directory services, and how to configure Mac OS X Servers for better IT jobs. ... see the full story...
Home & School... this week the Shareware Manager looks at educational games, home Video surveillance, the GIS, Kid-safe browsing, and more... In the Shareware Department
"There is still a difference between something and nothing, but it is purely geometrical and there is nothing behind the geometry."
- Martin Gardner
"Those who flee temptation generally leave a forwarding address."
- Lane Olinghouse
"A little nonsense now and then, is cherished by the wisest men."
- Roald Dahl
Have a great week... (See last week)
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