Confusion ensues!

http://www.flexbeta.net/main/comments.php?catid=1&shownews=22975

Lost...But not completely!

Linux

Its strikes fear into most Microsoft tech guys.  At least it did me for a long time.  As much as I wanted to understand and play with this OS, I found myself frustrated and lost when trying to get video drivers installed, a newer version of Firefox, or trying to get my sound card working.  For a windows tech guy that has worked in windows for over 10 years, this was very frustrating.  I must point out that this was a few years ago, looking at RedHat 6 and Mandrake 8.

Today I feel Linux is must better with hardware support.  This is a great thing for people like me that wants to try something different.  I have installed Ubuntu a few times and it has only had problems with one piece of hardware.  My winmodem.  This I can completely understand.  The modem was designed to run under Windows, hence the name winmodem.

Broadband is on it's way to my house, and when I am able to get online with broadband, I will have another go at Linux.  Maybe try Open SUSE this time.  :-)

Another article about Linux being a great replacement for Windows XP and even Vista here.  n-joy!

Desperately seeking alternative computing - TMS

Wait! Dont buy Vista.....yet.

As I have said before, Vista isn't all that......yet.  This article pretty much sums up my feeling about Vista.

potentially a linux fanboy - TMS

WiFi - I didn't know I was so ignorant. :-)

WiFi is something that has pretty much become the standard of today's networking for home users and public places.  Heck some towns offer WiFi through out downtown, free to the public.

One of the new fads out today in WiFi is the new draft N.  Personally I don't suggest someone to go out and buy a router that is designed for draft N, as it has not be finalized.  When it is actually finalized, your equipment will need to be updated with new firmware.  For most home users this is not something they want to undertake.  Therefore, I choose to recommend the defacto standard of 802.11 a/b/g routers and cards. 

I recently read a very good article that prompted this article and the title.  If you didn't know much about the WiFi world, you will after reading this article.  A great read for those that thought they knew WiFi and those that want to know!!  Read article here.

Linux - The next real desktop OS

Now that I have used Microsoft's Vista operating system for a few, I have found myself looking elsewhere for a new operating system.  I do feel that Linux is the answer.  Even more proof that Linux is becomming  a mainstream competor is that fact that it is being used on mobile devices.  Motorola has a new phone coming out and itis running Linux.  See article here.

I have decided to try running Ubuntu at home as my main desktop OS, the only disadvantage is that I like to play games and in order for me to do that I will need to run a windows emulater called Wine.

alternately computing - TMS

Spyware....I hate it

As most of you probably already know, spyware is the #1 treat to users when surfing the net.  This article talks about the most poliferated spyware of 2006.

It seems that most of the calls I get from home users that are having problems with their computer is a result of spyware.

I decided to list several ways to avoid spyware, it actually very simple, but most people don't know where to begin.  With this being said, lets get on to the good stuff...

1. Most spyware found on systems is in the form of cookies.  Cookies are small text files that get placed on your system from websites.  They are normally intended for good.  They are used when shopping on the Internet, they hold your "shopping cart" info.  Websites that require a log in use cookies to remember who you are and automatically log you into the site by reading the cookie.  But there is a bad side to cookies.  Banner ads also place cookies on your machine.  These cookies store info about you!  That way the advertising company can find information out about you and potentially send spam emails and pop up ads to you based on the sites you visit.  To avoid this type of exploit is pretty simple.  Open Internet explorer and choose Tools from the menu.  Then choose Internet Options.  Once the Internet options dialog appears, you click on the privacy tab.  Now we will adjust the way Internet Explorer handles cookies.  Click on the advanced push button.  In the Advanced Privacy Settings window, make the following changes.  Check the Override automatic cookie handing checkbox.  Then select the Always allow session cookies checkbox.  Make sure the radio button for Accept is selected under First-party cookies.  Then make sure the radio button is selected for Block under Third -party cookies.  Click on the OK button. Then click on the OK button once again.

2. Next lets concentrate on removing the Internet waste once you are done surfing the Internet.  Open Internet explorer and choose Tools from the menu.  Then choose Internet Options.  Click on the Advanced tab.  Scroll all the way to the bottom and check the Empty Temporary Internet Files folder when browser is closed checkbox.  Click on the OK button.

3. Now we can learn a little about toolbars for Internet Explorer.  First off, you don't need them.  So the easiest way to avoid email spam and Internet Explorer pop-up windows is to never install IE toolbars.  Second, I am not saying that all IE toolbars are bad but very few are good.  Therefore, the best practice is to not install them at all.  I understand many of them promise to block popup's but in reality they produce more.  Internet Explorer 6 and Internet Explorer 7 have built in pop-up blockers.  It is turned on by default and works well.  If a site tries to open a pop-up page, Internet Explorer will show a pale yellow bar across the top of the window stating that a pop-up was blocked and offer choices for you to allow or keep blocking the pop-up from that site.  Ultimately it is still the users choice to continue to block pop-ups, as it should be.

4. Anti-spyware software is also a great way to avoid being inundated with Internet Explorer pop-up windows and spam emails.  There are only a few that I would personally recommend.  Windows Defender being the best of the bunch at the moment, second would be Ad-aware SE, and third Spybot S&D.  All of these tools are free and provide realtime protection against spyware infection.

As my final state, I just wanted to say that in order to be fairly safe from spyware, follow the above instructions, and when installing downloaded software, actually LOOK at the screens prompts.  Some include things like Gator (spyware), but offer a check box to deny installing.  So practice safe surfing and enjoy all that the Internet has to offer.

Safely Surfing - TMS

Got a secret?

http://www.newscientisttech.com/article/mg19325865.500

Another MPAA article

http://torrentfreak.com/mpaa-caught-uploading-fake-torrents/

Another reason I dont like Apple

They are too much in control, and one day could be like Microsoft.  They probably are like Microsoft in the digital content world.  Read on here.

For those that are just dying to get their hands on Vista, please read this.

http://blogs.zdnet.com/Ou/?p=402

I want one

http://www.oqo.com/products/index.html

Looks like Apple is in trouble aready on they new phone launch!!

Here is the "real" iPhone

Here is the articlwe describing what happened

Glad I'm not Apple!  TMS

The new thing everybody wants, just like the Razor used to be......cool

Article here.

still liking my new Samsung.  TMS

A ringtone for the kids

In my "older" age, I guess I will not be able to hear this new tone.  I find that a good thing.  One of the things I hate most is hearing a cell phone ring.  I have mine on permanent vibrate mode.

Article here.

Silently hearing my cell ring.  TMS

It's My Birthday

OK, I tried looking up the little song by Verne Troyer on the Geico commercials, but found that alot of people had done the same thing, so in my efforts to be slightly different; I decided to not include that in my subject line today.  :-)

Anyway, Yesterday was really my birthday.  So now at the ripe age of 42, I have to say that I am very satisfied with my life.  Not sure I would ever get to this point, as I struggled much as a young man.

Also, Happy New Year to all!

n-joying life, TMS