UGN Info Manager UGN Info Manager
This sounds like a project a MUG could do. Mozilla Corp, the for-profit company developing and marketing FireFox has set up a web site for users to upload a 30 second video telling why they like FireFox. I could see a MUG winning. It would also be a good project for a group even if they didn't win. It woujld be lots of fun. See more at: spreadfirefox.com
On the other hand, it's Firefox's poor implementation of CSS that is holding up getting the InfoManager blog up and running. So, it's a toss-up whether or now we want to endorse it... read the InternetWeek story: InternetWeek story
BusinessWeek is looking at what they call the "@" Generation. This is one who has grown up affluent and on-line. They don't use the Internet to supplement their lives as those of us in the older generation do, but they have as just another part of their life. I know that I spend a lot less time on line "chatting" than the younger generation does or even than I did a few years ago. According to this article MySpace.com has double the number of registered users in 2005 to 40 million users. This is something parents probably ought to know more about. Of course you can check it out yourself at: myspace.com ... see the full story...
As part of a general article on on-line safety, including the article they listed some web sites that offer teens and parents tips for avoiding on-line-predators
* Wired Safety - with resources for parents, educators, and kids.
*See Parenting Online
* Missing Kids - how to talk to your kids about and report online predators. Click for more info.
Apparently PCs are following the general trend of consumer electronics being a hot holiday purchase. While it was thought that PC sales would be down this holiday period, in fact unit shipments are up 35% and revenue is up 11% over the same period last year.
This is good news across the board for the manufacturers and the retailers. I expect that there are two reasons. One of which is mentioned in the article linked below. That the dealers are offering some really good deals, but also because after so many years of not purchasing, users are finally seeing some value in upgrading. ... see the full story...
According to seeking class action status, AOL is accused of illegally billing customers by creating secondary accounts for them without their consent. Then when the charges were questioned, the suit states that the company confused and deceived customers about the charges and stalled them from canceling unauthorized accounts and refused to return questioned fees.
I have been a member (Charter account) since 1991 and never experienced any problems with my bills. Even in the days when we were charged by the hour. Of course, I experience is not the same as others. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. Read more...
This drive actually has 4 250 Gig hard drives. It runs off of Firewire only and is aimed at those with large data needs, like video producers. At $895, it is $500 less than my first 30 Meg hard drive. Amazing isn't it? (Picture), full details page:, or ... see the full story...
Fink is a project for putting Unix Open Source software on Darwin and Mac OS X.
They modify Open Source software to run on those two platforms and they distribute the resulting software to every day users. Why would you want to run Fink? (According to the web site) First it provides new command line tools, it automates the process, it is reportedly safe, it has documentation so you know what is going on and you only download and install what you want. I think it would just be fun to play with.
(Best not to try this out on a production machine until you are certain in works in your environment.) Check out all the details
This column was once called "RumorManager". So lets look at a rumor. According to this article at least one high tech officer thinks that an Apple DVR device would be a natural step for Apple, especially after its success with the iPod that plays video. The rumored DVR is described as a version of the Mac Mini that uses the Intel processor and would have unique DVR capabilities.
Jupiter Research's Michael Gartenberg said that the Mac Mini, with the Front Row interface, and added DVR functionality with iPod compatibility could be a living room star.
I personally haven't seen any such rumors except in this story, although there has been speculation since the intro of the mini that it would be terrific as such a device. I just don't see how it could compete with cable boxes when even TiVo is struggling. Although they to see an advantage of working with the iPod. Only time will tell. ... see the full story...
Ok, we all know about VirtualPC as an emulator on the Mac. But how many of us want to spend $130 to do it. Well, there is a $24 program called iEmultor. However, it isn't very fast so, you better have a fast Mac to run it.
Another one is GuestPC that runs $70 and will let you install Windows on a Mac. You still must own a copy, so I don't know that it really is much cheaper than VirtualPC. But it will run many applications at a reasonable speed. Read the complete review of these programs
Free education podcasts are now available through the iTunes Music Store. Some are created by teachers, for teachers. Some are created by kids, for kids. You'll find topics as varied as "Getting into College," to the adventures of "Earl the Algebra Alien." Whether you're a language teacher looking for some native speakers to enliven your lessons or a kindergarten teacher who wants a new batch of silly songs about the alphabet, you'll probably find a useful and unusual podcast to fit your class. ... see the full story...
Don't know if this is really a good idea or not, but it sure looks like fun...
Bubblegym is a game that is controlled by tilting the whole computer -- utilizing the Mac's SMS (Sudden Motion Sensor) in the latest Powerbooks and iBooks. (Others utilize the arrow keys although most of the experience is lost.) Download it here , or for more info go to : www.balooba.se
So, podcasting is the new craze -- and if you don't want to get left behind you'll need to get over the steep learning curve. .. get started by planning their podcast and choosing the right microphone and audio software. Download a a Free 19-page PDF sample with Table of Contents, Introduction, Quick Start, and section starts. Take Control of Podcasting
Every time you shoot, scan, or store a photograph, you are involved with DAM or digital asset management... you'll be needing this book!
Yes, Deke is back with another barn-stormer -- not only do you get the lessons, you get the DVD with more than two hours of video training plus lots of files! ... see the full story...
The age-old problem: the capability to convert PDF files to the Microsoft PowerPoint 98-2004 Macintosh and PowerPoint 97-2003 Windows formats is an important thing these days. PDF2Office even recreates the original construction and layout of the document - without any manual intervention Read more...
In this new version 1.5.6, Disk Order now has the ablility of background FTP download and upload that allows user to work with the application while downloads are in progress. Also, FTP support now has a special feature for editing files right on FTP server, without having to download files, edit them and upload them back. ... see the full story...
Installing a Mac Mini into a pickup truck gives the vehicle some special capabilities... here's the tips and tricks plus a Nova and a Jeep! Zoom, zoom, zoom... Read more...
MacSpeech's new ScriptPak for iPhoto and Tiger installs over 100 commands into iListen that allows you to do virtually anything by voice in iPhoto that they would normally do using keyboard shortcuts or menus. ... see the full story...
TVMyPod Introduces Pre-loaded Video iPods, where consumers can buy brand-new iPods pre-loaded with the DVDs of their choice -- skipping the agonizing drill of converting video to iPod format!
Disclabel 3.0 fives you automatic design generation, folders, a visual design element selector, and much more. disclabel. The free demo allows users to create and print CD labels of albums purchased through the iTunes Music Store without purchasing disclabel. Requires Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger) or later. Disclabel
Holiday package: Christmas Crisis Game, Christmas Quest scavenger hunt quiz show, Find-A-Word Wizard Language Worksheets, Photoshop Elements BOOSTER, Montage Librarian, Photo Drop, Shrook RSS and more ... Shareware Manager
"Character is much easier kept than recovered."
- Thomas Paine
"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that
the highest appreciation is
not to utter words, but to live by them."
- John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Have a great week... (See last week)
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