Daily Tech News for March 30, 2005

Good morning all you techies! I am in spring break at the moment, so I have been able to focus on my personal life, as well as focus on my blog. As many of you have noticed, or not, I have started a personal blog, as a geek needs to "keep it real." Well, enough of that, lets get to the top stories...

• COMDEX Cancelled Again...
  ...and again it seems. For the second time in a row, the organizers of the show have decided to cancel COMDEX again. Well, there is E3 and CES at least.
  
  
• PSP Released, Hacks Galore
  Well everyone knows that it came out, what with all of the commercials and nationwide news coverage, so why cover it here. Simple, Hacks! As fast as it came out last Thursday, hacks were available. Over at PSP Hacks, they have a forum where users can input hacks they have found. Anyone out there wants to give me a PSP? Anyone? Aww...
  
  Link: PSP Hacks Forum
  
  
• A Life Without Microsoft...Now
  Over at Extremetech, they are running a weekly article on what would happen if Microsoft is no more, and how to survive in the world sans MS Windows. Very interesting read indeed...wars would end, then world peace would be abundant.
  
  Links: Giving Microsoft The Boot: Part 1
  Giving Microsoft The Boot: Part 2
  
  

Well, thats about it for this week. I have the rest of the week, so look forward to updates at least every two days, maybe sooner. Alrighty then...

techferret out.

Update on Blocking Unwanted Downloads of Pictures

I have found another page which has more HTML code for you to paste into your blog or website. I noticed my prior posting wasn't that effective with Firefox, so hopefully this code works better. Thanks to Hypergurl for the information.

Link: No Right Click...

...also, I have found another page where you can disable the image toolbar in IE6, to stop those pesky MS users.

Link: Disable Image Toolbar For IE6

Blocking Unwanted Downloads of Text and Photos

Well, after a request from a commentator long ago, I have found a solution, somewhat. Surfing the World Wide Web, or WWW, internet, web, etc...has led me to a few conclusions...

1. Images will be taken without consideration. period. Hot-linking is a huge problem in the cyber world, but it is free for everyone to take. Just look at google without SafeSearch on.
2. Your personal life is exposed when you take your blog, website, etc...on the public scene.
3. Wait...there is no three.

Well, I couldn't find the answer myself, what with the lack of free time and college being a bitch, so I did what every geek does, procrasinate, and then google!

As a result, I found this webpage with info on how to block your images from being downloaded. A little wordy, and the short-attention span got to me, so I could not finish the entire thing. The most important thing is that they have a code for you to paste onto your blog or website to prevent your text and picture from being taken. Very useful indeed.

Link: HTML Code to Stop Downloading of Text and Photos...

So I would like to thank BROWNIELOCKS for their insightful article, though they are not techy at all, and ranting excessively, but everyone rants once in a while. Alright, till another day...

techferret out.

Systm and The Broken

Kevin Rose has updated info for his fans. Kev and the gang has started Systm, a Screen Saver-like show, and the broken is ready for episode four. All I can say is, now? No...well, how about now? I will be calm, but the excitement is too much. Tech is back.

How to remove the Blogger Navigator Bar

Hey bloggers! Have Blogger and hate the Nav Bar on the top? How would you like to remove the Nav Bar? Tempted? Look at Workingbath for a code to eliminate the annoying/loving Nav Bar. Ezekiel 25:17 baby (who hasn't seen Pulp Fiction?).

Link: Get Rid of Blogger's Nav Bar

Firefox 1.0.2 Released!

Just a heads up for everyone...update your Firefox browser. As of this evening, 25 million downloads and counting. Keep it up.

Cosmetic Changes

As you have already noticed, things are a little different. First of all, on the right column there is an image from my moblog, techferret pix. Also, there is a javascript allowing you to check out my digg news. Well, thats about it...oh yeah...you can arrive to my website now at www.thetechferret.com Cool.

Daily Tech News for March 23, 2005

Welcome to another week of tech news. Nothing much to report on the home front, only cosmetic changes which I'll get into in another post.

• Will Linux Prevail Vs. Win'doh'
  In a showing of testicular fortitude, Novell is betting its marbles that its next distro of Novell Linux Desktop, version 10, will surpass the dominating OS leader, MS Windows. Personally, only "Stevie" will be able to conquer Bill Gates.
  
  Link: Novell Says Its Next Linux...
  
  
• PyMusique Vs. Apple - Part II
  After Apple released a patch to block PyMusique, one of the authors have already patched PyMusique, thus proving the ol' saying: "Anything you can do, I can do better!"
  
  Link: PyMusique Author Hacks Apple's iTunes Fix
  
  
• Gmail or Yahoo!
  Today Yahoo has announced that they will bump up the 250MB limit to 1GB as a slap to Google's Gmail. I guess the promise to have 1GB of e-mail storage has become reality.
  
  Link: Yahoo Expands E-Mail Storage

Well, thats about it for today. Sorry I had to cut it short, but duty calls. Thanks goes out to TechInfoBlog! for thanking me. Tell your friends about The Daily Tech by Techferret. Just link to me or tell them to go to www.thetechferret.com. It'll take you to the real link (http://techferret.blogspot.com) without much hassle.

techferret out.

Additional Deals on the Web

Kevin Rose has a few links of his own. Take a look. I found these sites to be great as well.

Link: Best Deal Sites On The Web

The Tech News for March 16, 2005

Hi everyone...It sure has been a while. College is a drag at time, that is why I created this blog...To get away.

• GoogleX
  The geniuses at Google Labs have another contraption up their sleeves...GoogleX! It takes the dock from OSX (Apple's OS if you don't know) and insert icons to find the difficult maps and video searches. Have a look-see...
  
  Link: GoogleX
  
  Update: As of this afternoon, they have taken out the page, so I'm sorry. TechInfoBlog has it mirrored if your curious.
  
  Link: GoogleX Mirror
  
  
• CTIA...wtf is that?
  CTIA, or Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association, is having their annual expo, showcasing the newest offerings from phone manufactures. Hot looking phone are around, especially the LG-8100 and the RAZR (CDMA version...sorry, I have Verizon). Can't wait to get my hands on the new handsets. Engadget has a section dedicated to cellphones...browse through it and see the new items. Surfing has it rewards.
  
  Link: Cellphones @ Engadget
  
  Update: As of today, Engadget has a link dedicated to the CTIA. Sweet phones!
  
  Link: CTIA highlights
  
  
• Jackpot!!!
  Well, it looks like CompUSA will have to pay out their rebates at the end. Now I can finally get that refund I was waiting for so long. Thank God the Judical system still works...for money.
  
  
• Linux for Newb!
  Linux Online has a guide for us newbies on how to install a Linux distro on our computers. Courtesy of digg.com.
  
  Link: DIY Linux Install
  
  
• Speed Typing Test
  Self-explanatory...see how fast you can type. My wpm is 46. What's yours?
  
  Link: Speed Typing Test
  
  
• Mozilla Org. Focusing on Firefox/Thunderbird
  Mozilla Org. has stopped focusing on Mozilla Suite, or seamonkey. As the heat is turning up between Microsoft and Mozilla, they will start to fight with Firefox, leaving seamonkey behind. Speculation is that it will continue on, but the new kid on the block is just too good to leave.
  

Well, thats about it. I have a profile picture up already, if you haven't seen it yet. I saw the counter fly when I was posting my test pictures. Well, the blocking of pictures is difficult to find I have to say...drop me a line if you have any sites to help me out. My e-mail again is techferret@gmail.com

Well, so long. As they say in Hawaii, aloha. Hangloose guys. Techferret out!

Tech News for: March 2, 2005

Good morning everyone! Here is your tech news for the week...

• Scopetech
  Not really big news for the world, but for all the geeks out there in the world, Dan Huard, from The Screen Savers, has his new website up. Scopetech.net looks cool, and it feels awesome. He has columns posted on his website which deal with different items, from processors to "iPod movie"(...ahh, I wish.) Take a look.
  
  Link: Scopetech.net

• Online Deals
  You know, the internet has become a huge asset to normal and geeks alike. I would like to direct you to three different websites that have great deals posted all the time, for those who want to start looking past amazon and newegg.
  
  • Deals on the Web - A wonderful website that has at least 10-20 deals a day. Another plus is that it is free, so no membership is necessary.
    
  • Slickdeals - This website is not as plentiful as Deals on the Web, but is still good to check out. Wonderful magazine subscriptions come up at times.
    
  • Hot Deals Club - This is different from the others as this is a paid membership. $25 dollars gets you exclusive links to deals not posted in the other two. They have a free page for deals, but the gold is in the membership. I have one, and its worth it's cost. I cannot share with you the deals, but it ranges from coupons to half-price deals. Fun!

• 64-Bit Windows XP and Server 2003
  Starting in June, Athlon 64 owners will finally be able to unlock the processor's full potenial. Microsoft has announced that their 64-Bit edition of Windows XP and Server 2003 will be finalized in June. If you are thinking about getting a new computer, wait until June. By that time, Pentium D and Athlon 64 will be in 64-Bit country. Any day now...I'll have that 64-Bit computer, you'll see.
  
  Link: 64-Bit Windows XP and Server 2003

• Sir Bill Gates
  In another sign that Bill Gates is going to rule the world, he has been knighted by Queen Elizabeth. Engadget is having a contest to find an appropiate caption for the newly-knighted Gates. Have fun now, because soon it will be Emperor Gates.
  
  Link: Bill Gates Getting Knighted...

• Creative vs. Apple
  And of course...Creative will drop the price of their Zen Micro to compete with the iPod mini 2G. Engadget has the details...read the comments...they're funny. In the end, which ever screws the consumer over will win. 'apple'-cough
  
  Link: Creative Cutting Prices

Well, until next time...surf on!
-techferret out

Tech News For: Feb. 23, 2005

A slow week in news I must say...

• New iPods!!!
  Apple released the highly waited upgrade to the mini and photo lines today.
  The iPod mini got an upgrade to 6GB and priced at $249, and the 4GB version is going to be around now only for $199.
  The iPod photo comes in two sizes: 30 GB and 60GB, priced at $349 and $449 respectively.
  The iPod is now in 20GB country and costs about $299.
  
  Link: Apple

• Gaming
  For the gamers out there, the rumor mill has been turning up news. The Xb0x 2 is now called the Xbox 360 and coming with wireless controllers. Joystiq has a good article talking about how wireless the Xbox 360 will be.
  
  Link: Joystiq
  

• Bye-Bye PDA
  Sony is going to quit the PDA industry, so the new Clie will never be released in the US. Extremetech has more in detail.
  
  Link: Sony quitting PDA industry
  
  
• Paris Hilton's Sidekick gets Hacked!
  Everyone knows this, so no mention necessary here. Uneasy Silence has the pics and the list available. NSFW, be forwarn. Oh, and T-Mobile...get better IT guys and security.
  
  Link: Paris Hilton's Sidekick gets Hacked!

So thats it for this weeks edition.
I'm getting the article ready for blocking pics on the web so look out for that.
Thanks to everyone for your loyality to this website. It means a lot to me.
Well, lets stop being sappy, and say the closing....techferret out.

The Tech News For: Feb. 16, 2005

Well, another week, another week of tech news today....

• Astronomy fans can take a look at this website for the "Best Hubble Pics of All Time". I have one on my desktop already.
• Microsoft will offer their MS Windows AntiSpyware free of charge to everyone. Hmmm...Microsoft looks a little scared to me, what with all the free options that work much better and faster too.
• Do-it-yourself expresso maker....need I say more. Take that Starbucks!
• And finally, 3GSM was here this week. Look at Engadget's site for highlights. Awesome phones man.

Well, that will just do it for this week's tech news. Not really all that exciting this week, but then again, no news is good news.

And on a side note, I'm looking into blocking downloads of pictures from the net in the coming days, so look out for that guys. Comments are always welcomed, so feel free to speak your techie mind. Till another week, techferret out.

This Week In Tech For: Look Up.

Ahh...another week, another tech piece.

• Well, first off, Google has been very busy indeed, what with the hiring of Ben Goodger (Lead Firefox Developer) and speculation about their new browser wasn't enough, they now have Google Maps. I was messing with it not too long ago, and it is great. So long Mapquest and Expedia, well not yet exactly.

• Carly Fiorina has been let go. HP has voted to release Fiorina from her duties at HP. CFO Robert Wayman takes over. More can be read at CNET News.

• The "Cell" processor - Very powerful processor created by Sony, IBM, and Toshiba. With speeds up to 4Ghz, very very speedy indeed.
  
  Link: 4Ghz Processor Unveiled

• And finally: kids can have emergency cell phones now!

Well, that's it for this edition of Tech News. A little short, but they'll get better. Til another day, techferret out.

P.S. Check out my techferret pix page. My vacation pics are up from my trip to Santa Catalina Island. See and be amazed.

It Has Been A While

Hi everyone! Well, like most college life, it is long and time consuming, but do not fret...I will continue posting tech on a weekly basis. For those who don't know, I do go to college, and yes I do go out and have fun, but spare time? Not really. Man, a drink would be good right now.

Get Firefox!

I have been browsing around the web with IE, and I'm starting to realize that Firefox is gaining support. Also, my website is better seen with Mozilla Firefox than IE. In short, get Firefox already.

Link: Get Firefox!

Tricks: Speed Up Access Time & Speed Up Rendering

Oh....and don't forget to install Extentions and Themes for Mozilla Firefox

iMac mini = Media Player

To follow up on last weeks post, Engadget has a guide on making your iMac mini into a media player. Instructions are a bit complicated, but having an Apple as a Media Center is worth it.

Link: HOW-TO: Turn your iMac mini into a media center

In an update: still no ten referrals. I have two already that have signed up, but have not yet completed their offer. If you guys help, then free Gmail!!!!! Remember, I need to see green for a Gmail.

Link: FreeMiniMacs.com

Google does Video...What's Next?

Google created another search category today...video. Now, you can use your favorite search engine to find videos on the web. Parent's beware.

Link: Google Video Search

Gaim 1.1.2 Released

If you have AIM, MSN, Yahoo! Messenger, and Jabber, then you have heard about Gaim. Just a heads-up for the veteran...For the newbie, Gaim is an instant messenger that allows you to have one program instead of many (commonly MSN Messenger, AIM, and Yahoo! Messenger). Wonderful application that allows you to talk to all your buddies, no matter if they are in different programs. (psssttt....'plus secret messages are capable')

Link: Gaim 1.1.2
....Oh, and by the way

• Linux version available
• Windows available: this is tricky, but easy. When you click on the link, just look for the "Windows Port" on the right side.
• Sorry, no Mac available. Besides, you got a Mac-grade A software in that box.
  

HP has become paranoid.

Well in a twist, HP will start splitting different markets, regionalizing their ink cartridges. Many more details are in Mark Hachman's article at ExtremeTech. Has the world gone insane or what? Read and come back to post your comments.

Link: It's Time to Figure Out Who Our Friends Are