Thursday, March 26, 2009
It is time for a WOOT OFF!!!
Woot is an amazing one deal, one day website, but every so often they have an event called a woot off where they sell their inventory as quickly as possible. To read more on woot.com and this event go to their wikipedia article.
Monday, March 23, 2009
FS Quick Tip 2: Want to see outer space for free?
Ever wanted to see the stars and beyond for free without having to buy an actual telescope? A relatively new program from Microsoft Research Labs, known as Microsoft WorldWide Telescope is here to solve your problems. This CNET Download.com 5 Star program is Microsoft's response to programs like Google Earth's Sky Mode.
Travel to the stars and beyond and with a plugin; it can even connect to your actual telescope. If you want to try without installing anything, there is a web based version available that looks very much like the client only with less features. The web version requires Microsoft Silverlight 2.0, the latest version of Microsoft's version of Adobe Flash Player. As like all software of this type, it might not run well on older hardware configurations. The following are screenshots of the Classic Beauty; Whirlpool Galaxy in the web version and the client version.
WorldWide Telescope Solstice Borealis Beta Windows Client:
Explore the stars and beyond including other planets. Microsoft Virtual Earth technology is built in so you can choose to explore the earth as well. Explore the names of stars and even take Virtual Tours. There are just a few minor bugs to tweak out.
The tabbed GUI like interface is similar to the tabs of Windows Media Player 11 and the options are similar to the Ribbon GUI found in Microsoft Office, Nitro PDF Professional, and other software.
This program is packed full of features with a very pleasing and attractive interface and is definitely worth trying if you meet the minimum system requirements, whether you're a student, astronomer, educator, and just about anyone curious and interested about the universe.
The latest Windows client version is the Solstice Borealis Beta. During the installation, DirectX 9 updates will be automatically installed.
Email me any questions, comments, or feedback at: free...@gmail.com
To protect against automated spam, click on the dots to take the Recaptcha test and reveal the email. They will be personally responded to. Thanks.
Travel to the stars and beyond and with a plugin; it can even connect to your actual telescope. If you want to try without installing anything, there is a web based version available that looks very much like the client only with less features. The web version requires Microsoft Silverlight 2.0, the latest version of Microsoft's version of Adobe Flash Player. As like all software of this type, it might not run well on older hardware configurations. The following are screenshots of the Classic Beauty; Whirlpool Galaxy in the web version and the client version.Web Based Silverlight Version:
WorldWide Telescope Solstice Borealis Beta Windows Client:
Explore the stars and beyond including other planets. Microsoft Virtual Earth technology is built in so you can choose to explore the earth as well. Explore the names of stars and even take Virtual Tours. There are just a few minor bugs to tweak out. The tabbed GUI like interface is similar to the tabs of Windows Media Player 11 and the options are similar to the Ribbon GUI found in Microsoft Office, Nitro PDF Professional, and other software.
This program is packed full of features with a very pleasing and attractive interface and is definitely worth trying if you meet the minimum system requirements, whether you're a student, astronomer, educator, and just about anyone curious and interested about the universe.
The latest Windows client version is the Solstice Borealis Beta. During the installation, DirectX 9 updates will be automatically installed.
Email me any questions, comments, or feedback at: free...@gmail.com
To protect against automated spam, click on the dots to take the Recaptcha test and reveal the email. They will be personally responded to. Thanks.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Firefox Quick Tip
Want IE8's sweet new features for Firefox? Firefox, as you probably know, has the greatest customization of any browser with over 5000 add-ons to choose from and they're so easy to install. Web slices and accelerators: 2 new features that were exclusive to IE8 are not anymore.
WebChunks:
This adds Web Slice functionality to Firefox. Simply install the add-on then head on over to IE Add-ons site and install web slices as if its in IE.
KallOut:
This adds accelerators to Firefox. The developer is also working on adding full IE Accelerator support.
Click on the links above to view info, screenshots, and install the add-on.
Email me any questions or feedback at: free...@gmail.com
To protect against automated spam, click on the dots to take the Recaptcha test and reveal the email. Thanks.
WebChunks:
This adds Web Slice functionality to Firefox. Simply install the add-on then head on over to IE Add-ons site and install web slices as if its in IE.
KallOut:
This adds accelerators to Firefox. The developer is also working on adding full IE Accelerator support.
Click on the links above to view info, screenshots, and install the add-on.
Email me any questions or feedback at: free...@gmail.com
To protect against automated spam, click on the dots to take the Recaptcha test and reveal the email. Thanks.
Labels:
8,
accelerators,
enable,
firefox,
ie,
mozilla,
new features,
web slices
Friday, March 20, 2009
AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) v6: A Waste of Time
Aim (AOL Instant Messenger), which runs on the OSCAR protocol, is one of the world's most popular IM protocols, being available everywhere, including integrated with Google Talk in Gmail. The AIM client is a free download at the official AIM Site. You might want to hold off on that download for now. If you want to uninstall or uninstalled, note that it might not have uninstalled cleanly. See end of review for details.
AIM 6.5, 6.8, and 6.9 Beta:
15/100: A Waste of Time. Not worth even trying.
AIM: AOL Instant "Messing-ger"
Why the harsh rating? Being a large company and serving so many flashy ads is one thing, but force installing adware products, and being adware itself, is unacceptable.
Real Time IM:
Version 6.8 and above have a nice unique new feature known as Real Time IM. When enabled, you literally get to see what your buddy is typing in real time. There are several bugs with this including occasionally counting each keystroke as a new message, causing a huge pyramid of messages.
Status Messages:
Version 6 emphasizes status messages....... Not much to say about this. Other clients had status messages forever.
Color Chooser:
Version 6 emphasizes colors. Pick between 10 different colors on black or white. Not much to say about this either. Not very customizable.
Now on to the things that caused me to give this such a low rating:
Force Install Software:
Read more here. This is completely unacceptable. Anyone who has installed AIM normally may notice that something called Viewpoint Media Player has been installed onto their computer. Coincidence? Accident? NO. It was no accident. It is bundled with AIM as well as other AOL Applications. Viewpoint Media Player has a unique tracker ID and will eventually track user activities. Whats even worse? Try uninstalling it. If you're using an account that has admin install rights without User Account Control (Vista and 7), launch your AIM again, Viewpoint Media Player.... may magically reinstall itself! They mention Viewpoint in the license how its required to view the media (which IT IS NOT. I uninstalled and blocked it and everything works FINE). They don't mention anything else about Viewpoint.
Thats not all. Something called WildTangent, also adware and can track user activites, is installed. It is used to play various media and is used by other companies as well. The problem is... Force installed and the auto-updater is on by default. The updater transmits data about the computer that it is installed on, including hardware specifications, installed software, and more. QQ Games and Aim Tunes can be optionally installed during setup. But even if you choose not to install them, ever realized that numerous copies of these two setup files are scattered throughout your hard drive? But wait! Thats not all...
Ads... ads.... oh look new version! EVEN MORE ADS!!!
Ads ads ads. Almost every client has ads (including Windows Live and Yahoo!). Aim, however, has simply too much. First of all, most ads are meant to be helpful and persuade users to buy, try, or use products. The ads on AIM, are a different story. It is known to take advantage of user bandwidth to download large movie trailers randomly then playing them. When users mouse over certain banner ads, it expands like a popup window then starts playing the ad as a movie.
Oh look Version 6.9 Beta is here.... Whats new? New buttons.... and.... guess what? Huge flashy ads on Settings. We can't even change our settings without downloading ads.
Buddy info... celebrity gossip ads on the bottom. Pretty useless and annoying.
The ad server: *.atwola.com is a MAJOR source of tracking cookies. The domain is used for not only AIM ads, but ads on AOL sites, and signature ads on outgoing mail.
I tested AIM 6.5, 6.8, and 6.9 and most of this is completely unacceptable behavior.
AOL has also lost a lot of subscribers and will probably continue to lose even more if they don't clean up their behavior here. This not only applies to AIM, but their AOL Desktop Client as well.
Other AOL Software is known to add their own sites to Internet Explorer's Trusted Zone. What does this do? That would allow anything from their site to download and install without contacting the user at all.
Would you trust such behavior? You decide. Force installing software? Company that adds sites to trusted zone? Is AIM worth it?
There are MUCH better clients out there including Digsby (many offers, but there're all optional and the company needs revenue money to run... plus this keeps it 100% ad free too-they're a small company), Pidgin, and Trillian. If they need revenue money, they give you optional offers where theres a clear DECLINE button. AIM, however, simply forces the junk to be installed without telling the user at all. I highly do not recommend AIM.
I highly recommend Digsby. If you don't want the parade of offers to even show up on Digsby install, simply click the link saying that you had trouble with the above installer. Digsby is kept 100% ad free and supports the most protocols (IM, Email, and Social Network) of all. If you choose to use the original installer, remember that theres a DECLINE button to the offers.
If you really want to use AIM, consider using AIM Ad Hack. It allows you to REMOVE and BLOCK Viewpoint, WildTangent, Ads, and all the other junkware (you can choose what to remove). Theres even an option to install AIM during Ad Hack so you would never have to even face the junk installed. Click here to install from Softpedia. Unlike other programs, this actually modifies the entire AIM source code to remove ads and stuff. I tested this and it works perfectly. I uninstalled AIM and will never go back. I now use Digsby for everything.
AIM Ad Hack!! Screenshots below on AIM 6.9 Beta 3 (Released on March 16, 2009). The first image in each pair is the original and the second is the ad hacked. I chose to remove everything during AIM Ad Hack. As always, click to enlarge
About AIM Versions:
Buddy List:
Buddy Info:
Can we change our settings without download ads?? (Version 6.9 and above)
Hey look its adware installed!
It also does not uninstall cleanly. Even if you choose to remove everything, including data, it will still leave behind some registry keys and folders in hidden user directories such as C:\Users\~USER~\AppData\* on Vista/7 and C:\Documents and Settings\~USER~\Application Data\* on older operating systems. Viewpoint and WildTangent also leave registry behind and must be manually deleted or through using uninstallers like Revo Uninstaller (highly recommended). WildTangent does not leave an uninstaller, however, it leaves numerous folders and files on your disk especially in hidden folders.
Alternatives: Digsby, Integrated with Gmail Google Talk (Logs with Gmail), Pidgin, Trillian, Meebo (EV SSL Here), and more. If any of these have offers, its mainly to keep it ad free. All of these alternatives provide a DECLINE to the offers, and nothing is force installed. I recommend Digsby or Gmail (Google Talk) Integration.
I don't trust this type of behavior. Do you?
Email me any questions at: free...@gmail.com
To protect against automated spam, click on the dots to take the Recaptcha test and reveal the email. Thanks.
AIM 6.5, 6.8, and 6.9 Beta:
15/100: A Waste of Time. Not worth even trying.
AIM: AOL Instant "Messing-ger"
Why the harsh rating? Being a large company and serving so many flashy ads is one thing, but force installing adware products, and being adware itself, is unacceptable.
Real Time IM:
Version 6.8 and above have a nice unique new feature known as Real Time IM. When enabled, you literally get to see what your buddy is typing in real time. There are several bugs with this including occasionally counting each keystroke as a new message, causing a huge pyramid of messages.
Status Messages:
Version 6 emphasizes status messages....... Not much to say about this. Other clients had status messages forever.
Color Chooser:
Version 6 emphasizes colors. Pick between 10 different colors on black or white. Not much to say about this either. Not very customizable.
Now on to the things that caused me to give this such a low rating:
Force Install Software:
Read more here. This is completely unacceptable. Anyone who has installed AIM normally may notice that something called Viewpoint Media Player has been installed onto their computer. Coincidence? Accident? NO. It was no accident. It is bundled with AIM as well as other AOL Applications. Viewpoint Media Player has a unique tracker ID and will eventually track user activities. Whats even worse? Try uninstalling it. If you're using an account that has admin install rights without User Account Control (Vista and 7), launch your AIM again, Viewpoint Media Player.... may magically reinstall itself! They mention Viewpoint in the license how its required to view the media (which IT IS NOT. I uninstalled and blocked it and everything works FINE). They don't mention anything else about Viewpoint.
Thats not all. Something called WildTangent, also adware and can track user activites, is installed. It is used to play various media and is used by other companies as well. The problem is... Force installed and the auto-updater is on by default. The updater transmits data about the computer that it is installed on, including hardware specifications, installed software, and more. QQ Games and Aim Tunes can be optionally installed during setup. But even if you choose not to install them, ever realized that numerous copies of these two setup files are scattered throughout your hard drive? But wait! Thats not all...
Ads... ads.... oh look new version! EVEN MORE ADS!!!
Ads ads ads. Almost every client has ads (including Windows Live and Yahoo!). Aim, however, has simply too much. First of all, most ads are meant to be helpful and persuade users to buy, try, or use products. The ads on AIM, are a different story. It is known to take advantage of user bandwidth to download large movie trailers randomly then playing them. When users mouse over certain banner ads, it expands like a popup window then starts playing the ad as a movie.
Oh look Version 6.9 Beta is here.... Whats new? New buttons.... and.... guess what? Huge flashy ads on Settings. We can't even change our settings without downloading ads.
Buddy info... celebrity gossip ads on the bottom. Pretty useless and annoying.
The ad server: *.atwola.com is a MAJOR source of tracking cookies. The domain is used for not only AIM ads, but ads on AOL sites, and signature ads on outgoing mail.
I tested AIM 6.5, 6.8, and 6.9 and most of this is completely unacceptable behavior.
AOL has also lost a lot of subscribers and will probably continue to lose even more if they don't clean up their behavior here. This not only applies to AIM, but their AOL Desktop Client as well.
Other AOL Software is known to add their own sites to Internet Explorer's Trusted Zone. What does this do? That would allow anything from their site to download and install without contacting the user at all.
Would you trust such behavior? You decide. Force installing software? Company that adds sites to trusted zone? Is AIM worth it?
There are MUCH better clients out there including Digsby (many offers, but there're all optional and the company needs revenue money to run... plus this keeps it 100% ad free too-they're a small company), Pidgin, and Trillian. If they need revenue money, they give you optional offers where theres a clear DECLINE button. AIM, however, simply forces the junk to be installed without telling the user at all. I highly do not recommend AIM.
I highly recommend Digsby. If you don't want the parade of offers to even show up on Digsby install, simply click the link saying that you had trouble with the above installer. Digsby is kept 100% ad free and supports the most protocols (IM, Email, and Social Network) of all. If you choose to use the original installer, remember that theres a DECLINE button to the offers.
If you really want to use AIM, consider using AIM Ad Hack. It allows you to REMOVE and BLOCK Viewpoint, WildTangent, Ads, and all the other junkware (you can choose what to remove). Theres even an option to install AIM during Ad Hack so you would never have to even face the junk installed. Click here to install from Softpedia. Unlike other programs, this actually modifies the entire AIM source code to remove ads and stuff. I tested this and it works perfectly. I uninstalled AIM and will never go back. I now use Digsby for everything.
AIM Ad Hack!! Screenshots below on AIM 6.9 Beta 3 (Released on March 16, 2009). The first image in each pair is the original and the second is the ad hacked. I chose to remove everything during AIM Ad Hack. As always, click to enlarge
About AIM Versions:
Buddy List:
Buddy Info:
Can we change our settings without download ads?? (Version 6.9 and above)
Hey look its adware installed!
It also does not uninstall cleanly. Even if you choose to remove everything, including data, it will still leave behind some registry keys and folders in hidden user directories such as C:\Users\~USER~\AppData\* on Vista/7 and C:\Documents and Settings\~USER~\Application Data\* on older operating systems. Viewpoint and WildTangent also leave registry behind and must be manually deleted or through using uninstallers like Revo Uninstaller (highly recommended). WildTangent does not leave an uninstaller, however, it leaves numerous folders and files on your disk especially in hidden folders.
Alternatives: Digsby, Integrated with Gmail Google Talk (Logs with Gmail), Pidgin, Trillian, Meebo (EV SSL Here), and more. If any of these have offers, its mainly to keep it ad free. All of these alternatives provide a DECLINE to the offers, and nothing is force installed. I recommend Digsby or Gmail (Google Talk) Integration.
I don't trust this type of behavior. Do you?
Email me any questions at: free...@gmail.com
To protect against automated spam, click on the dots to take the Recaptcha test and reveal the email. Thanks.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Internet Explorer 8 is here!
Microsoft's browser, Internet Explorer, just received its major update on Thursday, March 19, 2009. It has been in Beta for quite a while and the RTW (Release to Web) is finally here. It received a full 5 stars on CNET Download.com however its far from perfect. IE is easily the most popular browser obviously because it is bundled with Microsoft Windows. However, new features are not enough to drag users away from alternatives like Firefox. IE's market share will still be chipped away.
Internet Explorer 8:
85/100 (Great)
Worth Trying. Most Secure and Fastest IE Version Yet.
New Features:
Find out all new features and screenshots by clicking here.
Private Browsing (inPrivate):
A feature being added to most browsers. Web history, cookies, cache are deleted when the browser window closes.
Relative Color Coded Tabs:
A feature from IE7, tabs are color coded depending on where they are opened from. Middle click to open links in new tab, just like in any tabbed browser.
Web Slices:
A unique feature of IE8 and no other browser even with add-ons. View active live feeds rather than just the title of a web page. Examples include Suggested Sites, eBay bidding right from Favorites bar, and more.
Accelerators:
A unique feature of IE8 and no other browser. Highlight any term or phrase or easily search the term from a particular search engine. Accelerators, like add-ons can easily be installed.
Add-ons and Extensions:
At the Official IE8 Add-ons site, there is a large collection of add-ons like Firefox. However, unlike Firefox, they require administrative permissions on Vista and Windows 7 to install for they install for all users, which is significantly more difficult than Firefox. In addition, the collection is not as large.
Compatibility Viewing Mode:
A feature that was used in Beta and RC1 for viewing web pages designed for older browsers. However, its a bit strange how its still here for sites like Google and the browser is considered a final release.
SmartScreen Filter:
Basically an improvement of the Phishing Filter. Like Firefox, also protects from malware sites. Test it here. This site is NOT a real phishing site. Try clicking Continue. It doesn't work. Contoso Bank is a MICROSOFT made up company to test their filter. Don't worry, the site does no harm at all. Note that the filter might not be turned on by default.
Smart Location Bar:
More options are available in the location bar.
Smart Search Bar:
Search suggestions including a preview on various searches such as Wikipedia available.
Crash Recovery:
When the browser crashes, the tabs can be restored.
Tab Isolation:
A feature available in Google Chrome: Each tab (but not plugin like Chrome) is ran as its own process so they can't affect each other. However this often causes high resource consumption.
Domain Highlighting:
Main domains are highlighted to identify fake sites. Available in Firefox through the Locationbar² add-on. IE8's and Locationbar²'s version is more powerful than Chrome's. In Chrome, even sub-domains are highlighted which partially defeats the purpose of the domain highlighting.
Delete Browsing History:
Just like older versions, deleting history takes forever. It not only opens 2 progress windows, then closes one after a few seconds, it takes at least 15 seconds, compared to less than 3 seconds on other browsers.
Installation:
Requires a restart which is a bit annoying.
Performance:
Faster than older versions, but still quite slow. Its also slow just like IE7 in opening new tabs.
Web Standards Support:
IE8 is the last of the popular browsers to pass Acid2. However, it still fails miserably at Acid3. When the test first starts, a text box with source code opens with a score of 12 on the back. Then after around 10 seconds, the box goes away increasing the score to 20. It loads the boxes in the correct position this time however, this was not the case in IE7 (which fails miserably at both tests). IE currently scores the lowest of all the major browsers.
After around 10 more seconds:
Acid3 Score Comparison:
Firefox 3 (Gecko): 71/100 (FAIL)
Firefox 3.1 Beta (Gecko): 93/100 (FAIL)
Chrome 1 (Webkit): 79/100 (FAIL)
Chrome 2 Beta (Webkit): 100/100 however does not pass other parts (FAIL)
Safari 3 (Webkit): 75/100 (FAIL)
Safari 4 Beta (Webkit): 100/100 (PASS)
Opera 9 (Presto): 85/100 (FAIL)
Opera 10 Alpha (Presto): 100/100 (PASS)
Internet Explorer 7 (Trident): 14/100 and also destroys the rest of the page (FAILS miserably)
Internet Explorer 8 (Trident): 20/100 (FAIL-See screenshot above)
Even if you never intend on using IE, I recommend updating anyway as it is tightly integrated with your computer and it would make your whole computer safer. However, it still carries IE's reputation of being slow at security patches, one of the lowest on web standards, etc... For a safe and speedy and fully customized web experience, get Mozilla Firefox as your main browser.
Update to Internet Explorer 8 today!
Get Mozilla Firefox, the award winning browser, as your default main browser.
Email me any questions at: free...@gmail.com
To protect against automated spam, click on the dots to take the Recaptcha test and reveal the email. Thanks.
Internet Explorer 8:
85/100 (Great)Worth Trying. Most Secure and Fastest IE Version Yet.
New Features:
Find out all new features and screenshots by clicking here.
Private Browsing (inPrivate):
A feature being added to most browsers. Web history, cookies, cache are deleted when the browser window closes.
Relative Color Coded Tabs:
A feature from IE7, tabs are color coded depending on where they are opened from. Middle click to open links in new tab, just like in any tabbed browser.
Web Slices:
A unique feature of IE8 and no other browser even with add-ons. View active live feeds rather than just the title of a web page. Examples include Suggested Sites, eBay bidding right from Favorites bar, and more.
Accelerators:
A unique feature of IE8 and no other browser. Highlight any term or phrase or easily search the term from a particular search engine. Accelerators, like add-ons can easily be installed.
Add-ons and Extensions:
At the Official IE8 Add-ons site, there is a large collection of add-ons like Firefox. However, unlike Firefox, they require administrative permissions on Vista and Windows 7 to install for they install for all users, which is significantly more difficult than Firefox. In addition, the collection is not as large.
Compatibility Viewing Mode:
A feature that was used in Beta and RC1 for viewing web pages designed for older browsers. However, its a bit strange how its still here for sites like Google and the browser is considered a final release.
SmartScreen Filter:
Basically an improvement of the Phishing Filter. Like Firefox, also protects from malware sites. Test it here. This site is NOT a real phishing site. Try clicking Continue. It doesn't work. Contoso Bank is a MICROSOFT made up company to test their filter. Don't worry, the site does no harm at all. Note that the filter might not be turned on by default.
Smart Location Bar:
More options are available in the location bar.
Smart Search Bar:
Search suggestions including a preview on various searches such as Wikipedia available.
Crash Recovery:
When the browser crashes, the tabs can be restored.
Tab Isolation:
A feature available in Google Chrome: Each tab (but not plugin like Chrome) is ran as its own process so they can't affect each other. However this often causes high resource consumption.
Domain Highlighting:
Main domains are highlighted to identify fake sites. Available in Firefox through the Locationbar² add-on. IE8's and Locationbar²'s version is more powerful than Chrome's. In Chrome, even sub-domains are highlighted which partially defeats the purpose of the domain highlighting.
Delete Browsing History:
Just like older versions, deleting history takes forever. It not only opens 2 progress windows, then closes one after a few seconds, it takes at least 15 seconds, compared to less than 3 seconds on other browsers.
Installation:
Requires a restart which is a bit annoying.
Performance:
Faster than older versions, but still quite slow. Its also slow just like IE7 in opening new tabs.
Web Standards Support:
IE8 is the last of the popular browsers to pass Acid2. However, it still fails miserably at Acid3. When the test first starts, a text box with source code opens with a score of 12 on the back. Then after around 10 seconds, the box goes away increasing the score to 20. It loads the boxes in the correct position this time however, this was not the case in IE7 (which fails miserably at both tests). IE currently scores the lowest of all the major browsers.
After around 10 more seconds:
Acid3 Score Comparison:Firefox 3 (Gecko): 71/100 (FAIL)
Firefox 3.1 Beta (Gecko): 93/100 (FAIL)
Chrome 1 (Webkit): 79/100 (FAIL)
Chrome 2 Beta (Webkit): 100/100 however does not pass other parts (FAIL)
Safari 3 (Webkit): 75/100 (FAIL)
Safari 4 Beta (Webkit): 100/100 (PASS)
Opera 9 (Presto): 85/100 (FAIL)
Opera 10 Alpha (Presto): 100/100 (PASS)
Internet Explorer 7 (Trident): 14/100 and also destroys the rest of the page (FAILS miserably)
Internet Explorer 8 (Trident): 20/100 (FAIL-See screenshot above)
Even if you never intend on using IE, I recommend updating anyway as it is tightly integrated with your computer and it would make your whole computer safer. However, it still carries IE's reputation of being slow at security patches, one of the lowest on web standards, etc... For a safe and speedy and fully customized web experience, get Mozilla Firefox as your main browser.
Update to Internet Explorer 8 today!
Get Mozilla Firefox, the award winning browser, as your default main browser.
Email me any questions at: free...@gmail.com
To protect against automated spam, click on the dots to take the Recaptcha test and reveal the email. Thanks.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
PortableApps 1.5 Released
PortableApps.Com
Of course, this came out a long while ago. But I forgot to check my feeds and therefore...
PortableApps, for those that don't know, are a collection of free, open source applications, similar to U3-enabled flash drives. They are bundled with a launcher for on-the-go access, especially via memory card or flash drive.
Some of the more popular applications that have been converted to portable applications include Mozilla Firefox, Thunderbird, Sunbird, Pidgin, Sumatra PDF, and OpenOffice.org, but the PortableApps.com database is huge and includes tens of more applications; at least one hundred.
The PortableApps.com 1.5 in question here is PortableApps' launcher/client. 1.5 includes a bunch of new features, including a new display engine (and new customizable themes, coming in the next release), application renaming and icon hiding, more language support (37 languages at the moment), wallpaper swapping, and more.
See here for more details.
Labels:
flash drive,
mozilla,
portable,
portableapps
The Baron's Classics the Second
Tally Ho, old chaps. I present before thee another ingenious invention. It is a classic in the sense that it's quite simple, and yet quite functional and practical.I clarify that it is not the steam-powered grenade depicted to the right, though it does satisfy both requirements of simple and functional.
AutoClick 2.2
It has acquired the functionality of a variety of automated clicking apparati, yet a few features have deemed it "a notch higher" than the remaining assortment of programs of its kind.
For one, it has a hotkey. It is surprising the quantity of auto-clickers, if you will, that lack a hotkey of sorts. This is multiplied in utility when coupled with Windows Hider
Basic functionality is included. Additionally, the species of click is entirely customizable, encompassing such permutations like a double right click. The hotkey may be decided upon entirely by the user. Click Interval is simply defined as 'awesome'. If one has mind to, one may play something of a practical joke with windows hider and Autoclick. Set the hours as high as you can be bothered to place it. Following that, define the Freeze Pointer value as True. Or click the button. Hide Autoclick. Observe the 'lulz' ensue.
Smart Click is the piece de resistance of this rather simple little package. Personally, I've only made 'practical' usage of this contrivance with a flipbook of sorts, when I cannot be bothered to create one by my own hands. The 'engrish' is questionable, but the digital appliance is a quality tool.
iPhone SDK 3.0 is out for developers
The new firmware for the iPhone has come out for developers, and is to come to the end users by later this year around summer. The newest features are really interesting and should make you reconsider if you want to get it or not if you have an iPod Touch. In recent weeks, the iPod Touch 2g has finally been jailbroken, and that allows you all to use it for homebrew purposes and now once the official supported jailbreaks come out, I am all for jailbreak. However, once summer rolls around and the 3.0 SDK is released for purchase, the iPhone owners will surely upgrade and then wait for the jailbreak for 3.0 to come out, but it will probably pose a harder change for iPod touch owners.
Among the newest features from apple with the newest firmware, we find copy, cut and paste, landscape mode for notes, and mail, accessory support, and many other features.
[via Apple iPhone 3.0 preview event]
Update: You know that bluetooth chip that we all found in the iPod Touch 2G for the Nike+ when we were taking them apart? It turns out that that chip was really a bluetooth chip, and when firmware 3.0 finally comes out, we the proud iPod Touch 2G users will be able to use bluetooth enabled headphones.
Among the newest features from apple with the newest firmware, we find copy, cut and paste, landscape mode for notes, and mail, accessory support, and many other features.
[via Apple iPhone 3.0 preview event]
Update: You know that bluetooth chip that we all found in the iPod Touch 2G for the Nike+ when we were taking them apart? It turns out that that chip was really a bluetooth chip, and when firmware 3.0 finally comes out, we the proud iPod Touch 2G users will be able to use bluetooth enabled headphones.
Today the iPhone OS 3.0 is coming
We all know how popular the iPhone and iPod touch products have been, and now today is the day that the third version of the iPhone operating system is to come. Read about it at the Gizmodo liveblog where the event will begin at 1PM EST.
On a different topic, do you need Microsoft office? Not willing to drop more than a hundred dollars? Do you have enough morals keeping you from pirating it? Are you a student at a school/college that gave you a school email? Then these deals are perfect for you at Microsoft.
[iPhone event via Gizmodo Live Blog]
[Ultimate deals via Microsoft student discounts]
UPDATE: Copy, cut and paste have finally been announced!!!
On a different topic, do you need Microsoft office? Not willing to drop more than a hundred dollars? Do you have enough morals keeping you from pirating it? Are you a student at a school/college that gave you a school email? Then these deals are perfect for you at Microsoft.
[iPhone event via Gizmodo Live Blog]
[Ultimate deals via Microsoft student discounts]
UPDATE: Copy, cut and paste have finally been announced!!!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Assassin's Creed
Not the most recent games, so far, but also not very old. Assassin's Creed breaks new ground when it comes to the action/adventure genre.
Like the title implies, you're an assassin, named Altaïr and you have to assassinate people. This storyline takes place in the Holy Land in the Third Crusade. Lots of history.
Just so I won't spoil the plot, the game basically revolves about Altaïr trying to regain his honor, which he loses when he "compromises the brotherhood" (quote from Altaïr's master, himself, Al Mualim, leader of the assassins). Then, after every mission you complete, you gain another skill that will help you in your quest. Of course, being an assassin, guards and soldiers will try to kill you on sight, so you can either stay and fight them, or run. Either way, you have to escape and lose them. Leaving dead bodies everywhere in the city isn't exactly the ideal way of completing the game, but it'll earn you a few achievements for the Xbox 360. The combat isn't the best because it's really easy to win and the bad guys just stand there and attack one by one. It's hard in the beginning of the game, until you get the ability to counter attack. Then, they drop dead, one by one. You have a sword, a short blade (which includes a bunch of small knives you can you can use to throw at enemies, but you have to pickpocket thugs to restash your stock), your fists, and a hidden blade. It's awesome, especially when you realize that you can use that short blade in combat. You can't attack people with it, but when they attack you, you can counterattack, and there's this crazy awesome move that's an instant kill.
But the best part of the game is running around and climbing walls, better than monkeys and Spidermen. It's so realistic, you'd probably try to do that if you could. There's almost nothing you can't climb up to. Leaping across rooftops and fooling around is actually really fun. The cities are just as awesome. The people react to what you do, if you bump into them, attack them, or climb up a wall near them. I've heard this one, too many times: "God save him; he's gone mad." The coolest parts of the game are when you climb to the highest points in the game and then, the camera moves around so you can see everything below. It's crazy. And when you jump down to a stack of hay, it's almost thrilling, the first time you experience it.
Unfortunately, this game is very repetitive because of all the side mission you have to complete. You have to do the exact same things 9 times throughout the game, and it gets boring. You can choose to collect all the flags scattered around the areas, kill all the Templars, and save all the citizens, but it's not worth it, unless you want to earn some achievements on the Xbox 360. Either way, you have about 1000 flags to collect, 60 Templars to kill, quite a lot of citizens to save, and you honestly cannot get through all of them without searching online for maps. If you're like me, you've probably already done that. I collected all the flags, killed all the Templars, saved all the citizens, and got all the achievements. It took days. Don't do it, until you've finished the game. Better you have no flags at all, than 87/100 flags that you've found yourself.
I wouldn't recommend buying this game, but I would definitely recommend renting it.
To find more about this game, check out Gametrailers.com and you've GOT to check this trailer out: Veoh.com
Like the title implies, you're an assassin, named Altaïr and you have to assassinate people. This storyline takes place in the Holy Land in the Third Crusade. Lots of history.
Just so I won't spoil the plot, the game basically revolves about Altaïr trying to regain his honor, which he loses when he "compromises the brotherhood" (quote from Altaïr's master, himself, Al Mualim, leader of the assassins). Then, after every mission you complete, you gain another skill that will help you in your quest. Of course, being an assassin, guards and soldiers will try to kill you on sight, so you can either stay and fight them, or run. Either way, you have to escape and lose them. Leaving dead bodies everywhere in the city isn't exactly the ideal way of completing the game, but it'll earn you a few achievements for the Xbox 360. The combat isn't the best because it's really easy to win and the bad guys just stand there and attack one by one. It's hard in the beginning of the game, until you get the ability to counter attack. Then, they drop dead, one by one. You have a sword, a short blade (which includes a bunch of small knives you can you can use to throw at enemies, but you have to pickpocket thugs to restash your stock), your fists, and a hidden blade. It's awesome, especially when you realize that you can use that short blade in combat. You can't attack people with it, but when they attack you, you can counterattack, and there's this crazy awesome move that's an instant kill.
But the best part of the game is running around and climbing walls, better than monkeys and Spidermen. It's so realistic, you'd probably try to do that if you could. There's almost nothing you can't climb up to. Leaping across rooftops and fooling around is actually really fun. The cities are just as awesome. The people react to what you do, if you bump into them, attack them, or climb up a wall near them. I've heard this one, too many times: "God save him; he's gone mad." The coolest parts of the game are when you climb to the highest points in the game and then, the camera moves around so you can see everything below. It's crazy. And when you jump down to a stack of hay, it's almost thrilling, the first time you experience it.
Unfortunately, this game is very repetitive because of all the side mission you have to complete. You have to do the exact same things 9 times throughout the game, and it gets boring. You can choose to collect all the flags scattered around the areas, kill all the Templars, and save all the citizens, but it's not worth it, unless you want to earn some achievements on the Xbox 360. Either way, you have about 1000 flags to collect, 60 Templars to kill, quite a lot of citizens to save, and you honestly cannot get through all of them without searching online for maps. If you're like me, you've probably already done that. I collected all the flags, killed all the Templars, saved all the citizens, and got all the achievements. It took days. Don't do it, until you've finished the game. Better you have no flags at all, than 87/100 flags that you've found yourself.
I wouldn't recommend buying this game, but I would definitely recommend renting it.
To find more about this game, check out Gametrailers.com and you've GOT to check this trailer out: Veoh.com
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