UGN Info Manager
UGN Info Manager
This free service has you change the DNS numbers in your network settings and it spends up your connection. I know that they purport to provide more caching of popular web sites, but it would appear to do more than that. I have used it for about a week now and it really does seem to be much faster. I haven't done any timed tests however. (You may want to record your old numbers first.) To try it out go to: www.opendns.com
News may be scarce, but the battle isn't over.. Issues have a way of fading out of the consumer's mind them until it's too late. So we continue our vigil to follow the twists and turns of the issues, hopefully to keep you informed. www.user-groups.net/safenet
I often wonder on what the brains at Apple are working on. With the advent of the iPod video capabilities, I predicted the 'next' revolution from Apple would be the smart phone... But, Apple isn't in the telephone business... The new Motorola i880 seems to be predicting a different future for PCDs.
Mac OS X Hints has listed the 10 basic and 10 more serious troubleshooting steps to take to improve the capability of the Mac. I find number one interesting. "Restart." In the old days, we wouldn't need to be told that one. Now, we let our Macs run almost continuously. So I guess we need that reminder. See it at: www.macosxhints.com
In my mind, EveryMac is an alternative to the web site I have long used to look up information about Macs. That site is lowendmac.com Both sites offer the details needed, but EveryMac concentrates on ore recent models. Check it out at: www.everymac.com
The vary method that Mac OS X uses for storing files provides fundamental security against infection by viruses such as the 'proof of concept' OSX.Macarena reported by Symantec last week. The main issue Is that while the replicating itself within a directory, it can't infect another directory like a Windows infection can. Read the full article at: www.pcpro.co.uk/
Now that video downloading is becoming more available, Microsoft doesn't want to be left out of the loop and is preparing to provide an HD DVD add-on drive for its Xbox 360. That drive will make it possible to store those files for replay. The movies and TV shows be available from Microsoft's Xbox Live gaming service starting November 22nd. Full story :: www.twice.com/
There are number of websites that concentrate on the iPod. Here are two that really sound interesting. iPodLinux.org provides a Linux operating system and software for the first 3 generations of iPods. iPodHacks.com tells how to do more things with the iPod that what Apple provides. See them at: ipodlinux.org and www.ipodhacks.com
Want to find out if a particular URL is available? This website tells you if the .com, nt, .org, .info, .biz or .us link is available. If a name is available, it will pass you on to Yahoo to find a vendor for the URL. If it is already taken, a Whois link will thell you who has it. See it at: www.pcnames.com
(Fred writes:) The previous burst from Lynn is a useful reference. However, we did a bit of sleuthing to find the site is hosted on the NS servers of a known domain kiter. Although perfectly legal, domain kiting is frowned upon because unscrupulous registrars can instantly deploy thousands (and in some cases millions) of domain names without paying for them -- fill with ads, track the ads, and keep the domains that sell and turn the others back in. The big problem is the organized online crime industry has discovered this little trick and is getting a free ride on thousands of phishing and spoofing sites they never have to pay for. Beware -- because they also watch carefully for "searched" domain names, and if one is popular or looks promising, they'll kite the name preventing anyone else from registering it. So, don't use the above site for names you might wish to register. Instead use Network Solutions (www.netsol.com) or my favorite Geek Tools (www.geektools.com). For more on Domain Kiting, see: wikipedia.org information page
Now we've heard it all. Apple is battling a Japanese company over the naming of their "beat-generation" device as "gPod" ... but in reality the "gPod" is best suited for generating buzzing and vibrations intended to stimulate a woman's g-spot -- or any place else she deems appropriate. What will they think of next?
Searching deeper we turn up Apple's stunning new media device called the gPod -- the "g" obviously for "games" (Picture ) This new portable media player from Apple has two major features: games and movies. Other improvements are enhanced battery life and bigger storage capacities. (Except, this article was an April Foolsday Joke!) Too bad. It would be a hit. www.applefritter.com
The trial period is for 30 days, but that should be enough to tell you if you use it enough to justify the cost. The trial version will require a serial number that you will get after filing out the form necessary for the download. It does not come with all the sample files and tutorials that ship with the packaged product. More info and download at: www.apple.com
While you're at it, pick up the latest Aperture 1.5 Training from Orlando Luna and Ben Long, and see what's new and how to use it...
Here's something industrial designers and architects have wanted to do for some time: import CAD standard DXF files to Adobe Illustrator - now you can with this plug-in
If you're into perfecting batches of images from your digital camera, AKVIS has a new version of the AKVIS Noise Buster V.3.0 for Windows and Macintosh. AKVIS Noise Buster
This week in the bookshelf: Digital Photo Help with Digital Photography Expert Techniques by Ken Milburn * Designing Pornotopia, Travels in Visual Culture by Rick Poynor * an all new CSS Cookbook by Christopher Schmitt * and Brendan Dawes wonderful "Analog In, Digital Out" on Interaction Design ... all this week in the User Group Bookshelf User Group Bookshelf
Here is a list of the oldest .com domains. Symbolics.com is the number 1 oldest being registered in March 1985. Tandy was one of those tied at number 50 getting an address in December 1986. Apple didn't get theirs until #64 in February 1987. Microsoft didn't make the list. See the full story...
Our buddy Bob "Dr. Mac" LeVitus is back with Episode #71 *How I Save Time & Effort Every Day* ... always on the lookout for a product or technique that will save time, effort, or keystrokes, he passes along programs and procedures he uses to save time effort every time he turns on one of his Macs. Episode #71 *How I Save Time & Effort Every Day*
"It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
"We must remember that one determined person can make a significant difference, and that a small group of determined people can change the course of history."
- Sonia Johnson
"There is no such thing as an insignificant improvement."
- Tom Peters
"Technology is a way of organizing the universe so that man doesn't have to experience it."
- Max Frisch
Have a great week... (See last week)
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