Favorite Files

1. OpenOffice.org for Windows

Recent Posts

1. 
   Review - Nero

   7.9.6.0 (Jul 3, 2007)

   Complete garbage on Vista x64. It will hang with a message saying "scanning for devices." I will never download a bloated piece of crap like this again. God bless FireBurner!
   
   If you need something full featured that works, Easy DVD Creator 9 does a decent job.

2. 
   Review - Skype for Windows

   2.5.0.122 (Jun 28, 2006)

   The program is decent and provides good voice quality. However, it is hardly innovative, cumbersome to use (e.g. headsets/requires computer) and I think it is a fad that will eventually fade into obscurity. Netmeeting and CuSeeMe did this first, and then voice chat was eventually implemented into IM clients. VOIP and cell providers already offer free domestic long distance. VOIP providers often include Puerto Rico and Canada, as well as ubercheap international rates. Why bother with Skype?
   
   I could see the utility in Skype if it matures into a true standalone VOIP product (e.g. VONAGE, Packet8, Comcast), and the software takes a back seat as a softphone.

3. 
   Review - Windows Live Mail

   Beta (Jun 22, 2006)

   It's a great lightweight program that brings back Free Hotmail/Outlook Express integration! I got my invite within a week of signing up at http://www1.imagine-msn....fault.aspx?locale=en-us and a friend of mine got his in about three days.
   
   I don't know whether you have to be specifically "provisioned" for this service like with WLM, or whether it is enough to be a WLM user and/or have converted Hotmail to Windows Live Mail. If anyone else is able to use it without invites, let us know whether you are WLM and or Live Mail tester.

4. 
   Review - Weather Pulse

   2.05 Build 29 (Jun 17, 2006)

   The program keeps getting better and better! It appears to run faster and be less buggy.

5. 
   Review - Weather Pulse

   2.05 Build 28 (Mar 2, 2006)

   I really appreciate the clean and uncluttered interface of this program. Best of all, it's free! Goodbye Weatherwatcher.

6. Comment - Microsoft elevates Bob Muglia's role in a changing company

   2.05 Build 28 (Jan 6, 2009 - 10:33 PM)

   I am a proud user of Vista and Office '07. I am sure Mr. Muglia is patting himself on the back for his "upgraded" role at Microsoft, and we're all happy for him.
   
   Do we really need an article where Hess fits the Nazi organizational chart?

7. Comment - Nokia goes full-tilt in unveiling its N97

   2.05 Build 28 (Dec 4, 2008 - 12:20 AM)

   WoW! Nokia rediscovered the HTC Kaiser (aka the AT&T Tilt) and slapped on a 5 megapixel camera to boot and more memory. No wonder Nokia is losing market share.
   
   While I am no Apple fan, the phone is brilliant in its construction and ease of use. You either innovate and offer something different and better or imitate. The N97 is no innovator. Why buy an imitation when the real thing is better?

8. Comment - Making it to Apple's App Store by staying out of court

   2.05 Build 28 (Oct 12, 2008 - 9:34 PM)

   Stop supporting monopolistic big brother companies that spur innovation. Why validate Apple's business model that is supported merely by "trendy" mindless sheep and risk getting sued?
   
   There is Windows Mobile, Symbian and now Android. The solution seems simple to me.

9. Comment - Accidental Wi-Fi access still a criminal offense in Maryland

   2.05 Build 28 (Mar 24, 2008 - 4:52 PM)

   I don't have the facts of the wifi coffeeshop case, however I wouldn't be surprised if that Defendant did not purchase coffee from the shop. When shops offer wifi access, it's a limited license. When a person acts outside the scope of a license, it becomes a trespass. But I digress ...
   
   The elements of the crime of Unlawful Access to Wireless Service (e.g. Criminal Computer Trespass) as they exist are sufficient to warrant against "accidental" or "unintentional" connection a wireless network.
   
   Delegate Meyers asks that the State not only have to prove knowledge that there was access, but also knowledge that the access was unlawful. What does this mean for wifi router owners and business wishing to prosecute wardrivers and net thieves? It would require them to put the equivalent of virtual no-trespassing signs. The State would still have to show that someone saw the no-trespassing signs.
   
   Delegate Meyers seems to be of the contention it's OK for someone to trespass on your yard, or "borrow" your electricity as long as you don't put a big NO sign, and that it's easily seen.
   
   Is the proposed amendment a good idea? That's for the people of Maryland to decide. I am sure that Maryland is not the first state to wrestle with the issue, and it won't be the last.

10. Comment - Skype 3.0 Beta Adds Shopping Feature

    2.05 Build 28 (Nov 9, 2006 - 2:28 AM)

    VONAGE ... bloat free and it works!