Favorite Files

1. OpenOffice.org for Windows

Recent Posts

1. 
   Review - SiNet

   1.0.0.16 Beta (Apr 11, 2010)

   I've had some issues getting this program to work consistently. Sirius Satellite Tuner is by far the best alternative. See http://widgets.yahoo.com.../sirius-satellite-tuner. The only complaint I have about it is it requires Yahoo Widgets to be installed.

2. 
   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.

3. 
   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.

4. 
   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.

5. 
   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.

6. Comment - Windows comes to iPad with new Parallels mobile app

   2.05 Build 29 (Sep 14, 2010 - 8:49 PM)

   Looks like AppleFanBois posting negative scores on otherwise valid criticisms and observations.

7. Comment - Windows comes to iPad with new Parallels mobile app

   2.05 Build 29 (Sep 14, 2010 - 3:50 PM)

   While this is certainly interesting, I am not sure how this substantially differs from Rdesktop or VNC, both of which are available for free. There are also decent paid versions of these apps from MochaSoft at $6 a pop through iTunes.

8. Comment - New PlayStation 3 includes largest hard drive of any video game console

   2.05 Build 29 (Aug 18, 2010 - 4:08 PM)

   Sony sells a DVR add-on component for the European market called PlayTV. This would make good utilization of the extra storage space. Unfortunately, Sony has refused to market this technology to the US market.
   
   The PS3 move is a day late and a dollar short -- Nintendo has had this technology for well over four years (same age as the PS3). This appears to be cheap attempt to jump start flat PS3 sales in my humble opinion.
   
   The only value the PS3 offers in my humble opinion is future proofing your Blu-Ray player (e.g. 3-D video). The upcoming PS4 better offer some compelling features (at a reasonable price), or it's sales are going to be cannibalized by the PS3, or possibly future offerings from Microsoft or Nintendo.

9. Comment - RIM debuts its first slider, BlackBerry 6 device: Torch 9800

   2.05 Build 29 (Aug 4, 2010 - 11:15 AM)

   Blackberry still has a place in the corporate and business environment. The lock-down security features are unparalleled, and many of Blackberry's phones are world phones, and can be used in CDMA/GSM environments. However, if Blackberry fails to innovate, it's not unreasonable to assume that the Androids, Microsofts, and Apples will eventually catch up and make their own world phones. PUSH e-mail, one of the biggest selling points of the Blackberry, is free with Gmail, and it doesn't require an enterprise server software.
   
   Having been a former (non-business/consumer) owner of a Blackberry Storm, I can confidently say that I will never purchase another Blackberry product as long as it runs on their proprietary OS. I'm very happy with my Motorola DROID running Ultimate Droid 5.0 OS, and suspect it would "torch" the Torch on features and useability. Can your Blackberry act as a WIFI tether, block ads, and run flash video natively?

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

    2.05 Build 29 (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?