Favorite Files

1. Google Chrome for Windows
2. IE Tab
3. IrfanView
4. Opera for Windows

Recent Posts

1. 
   Review - RealTemp

   3.39.2 Beta (Nov 6, 2009)

   Seems to have lots of information and evidently tests the CPU to determine something(?). Unfortunately, I didn't understand the results (other than my CPU was not anywhere close to the maximum temperature).
   
   Perhaps the software author could add a text file which explains each of the tests and results? There is a readme.txt file included that gives a couple of web pages that may give this information, but I do think it should be included in the zip file.
   
   In the meantime, because I do see that lots of information is available, I will give this app a 5.

2. 
   Review - Ubuntu

   9.10 (Oct 30, 2009)

   Seems to be OK, though I am a bit worried that there may be problems coming up. I installed this "within" Windows 7 ... It is actually a dual boot situation. Two problems encountered so far. When installing, it required a re-boot. The re-boot got to a point where the screen was totally black and this lasted for about 10 minutes. I grew tired of the wait and forced another re-boot. This time, 9.10 actually booted to desktop. The second problem occured when I decided to see if there were any updates. Of course I knew that the chance of updates on the day that the version was released was slim, but I tried anyway. I still don't know if there are any updates as I haven't tried in the last 12 hours or so since install, but at the time, the updating software failed to complete. I tried 3 or 4 times, and I'll probably try again sometime today. If it works, I'll edit this review.
   
   Edit: I have tried again to update and 3 files were added to or modified within the original operating system. Update is now working.
   
   One other problem, however, has raised it's ugly head. When I boot the computer, I get a choice of either Windows 7 or Ubuntu. I expect this window. But after choosing Ubuntu, I get another screen offering me 3 choices, two are Ubuntu and the other is Windows 7. This screen should never come up unless I specifically ask for more boot options. Weird!

3. 
   Review - Google Earth for Windows

   5.1.3506.3999 Beta (Sep 10, 2009)

   Google Update ...
   
   c:\users\(your user name here)\appdata\local\google\update\googleupdate.exe

4. 
   Review - AIMP

   2.60 Build 499 RC1 (Sep 8, 2009)

   Nunja ... don't know where you are finding the virus, but my up-to-date virus scanner gives this a totally clean bill of health. Evidently you are getting a false positive.
   
   This is a wonderful application. It works well and does a lot of things other similar applications will not do.
   
   However, I do not recommend that an inexperienced user, or one that is not willing to experiment with it to find out what it will do try to use this one. It can be difficult to figure out what to do. If you are one of the above, try Spider Player or Screamer. They, too, are excellent but easier to use.
   
   For me, this application is a 5. For the inexperienced, it would be a 3, maybe a 4.

5. 
   Review - Microsoft Streets and Trips 2010

   Trial (Sep 1, 2009)

   I will agree with tangentlin on all points. As the owner of two Garmin GPS machines, i find them very useful. (I can't let my wife outside the house without one.) But Garmin can't do many of the things Streets and Trips can do, and Google, while a great resource, cannot do many of the things that can be done with Streets and Trips, and those things that Google can do is frequently more difficult. You get what you pay for. Google is free, so if you don't want to pay for S and T, you still can do some of the things that S and T will do.
   
   That said, I was unable to download this trial of S and T, which I wanted to compare to my present 2008 version, to see if the maps in my area had been updated. MS requires "registration" and while I am reqistered with MS, the webpage the download link sent me to told me that either my email address or password was wrong. I know, of course, that the information I provided was correct. However, I notice at the bottom of the "registration" page this "We are unable to complete your request. Windows LIve ID is experiencing difficulties. Please try again later."
   
   I gave this software a 4 because it is excellent (based on the 2008 version). If it were freeware, I would have given it a 5.
   
   Edited Addition 9/3/2009 - The website is now up and I have my copy of the 2010 version. The 2008 version has some minor mapping errors in my area. I checked and they have been fixed in the 2010 version. A missing street in my community is now on the map, as is a recently constructed and opened freeway about 30 miles from my home. My only complaint is the dark toolbar which, I believe, was added for the 2009 version. I haven't checked, but there may be a "skin" to fix that, but it is, after all, only cosmetic, and certainly not a major problem. I do recommend this software. Get it at Costco and save some money.

6. Comment - Legislation would force all new US radios to include digital 'HD'

   Trial (Sep 29, 2008 - 8:14 PM)

   Does that mean that I'll be able to get HD radio here in my mountain home? Heck, I can barely get AM and/or FM stations, and they fade in and out. Sometimes, to keep a radio signal readable, I have to hold the radio in my hand and turn it one way or another at different times. It appears the signal is coming from one direction one moment and another the next. Will HD radio do that, too?

7. Comment - Latest Winamp adds access to CBS Radio stations

   Trial (Jul 17, 2008 - 2:02 PM)

   What to replace Winamp with? How about Spider? Try it. You'll like it!

8. Comment - Next Patch Tuesday has few security updates, big Vista reliability fix

   Trial (Jul 4, 2008 - 2:45 AM)

   I'm running 3 Vista machines, a desktop I built myself (Athlon 64 X2 5000+), a "refurbished" Acer desktop (Athlon 64 X2 4200+), and an Acer Laptop (Core2Duo). I have installed SP1 without problems and all other updates on all three computers and have had none of the problems listed above. Please note that I am also running 3 GB RAM on each and have turned off UAC on each. I am happy with Vista.

9. Comment - One critical patch for Vista en route

   Trial (Jan 4, 2008 - 8:07 PM)

   I run Vista on 5 machines and find it very good as long as UAC is turned off. 3 of the machines run 3 GB memory and the other two run 2 GB, which appears to be sufficient. I did try to run one of the machines with only 1 GB and it reminded me of an XP machine with only 256 MB, a bit slow.
   
   Vista seems very stable, but occasionally I find that older software may not run properly on it unless properties are modified.
   
   I recommend Vista. Be sure, however, to purchase a good book on Vista.

10. Comment - Comcast sues NFL to block slanderous emails

    Trial (Dec 14, 2007 - 9:58 PM)

    What the heck is the NFL? Do they have a team in a city that matters (like LA)? Who cares?