A Simple Question

I just wanted feedback...are you loving the iTunes info or not? I'm debating whether to or not to remove it. Comments welcome.

techferret's back/ Konfabulator2

Today was my last day of finals, so I can finally focus on my blogging again. I'm hoping to do a bit more updating this time around, so look for some good stuff coming soon. I'm currently evaluating Konfabulator2 and I'll tell ya, this is eye candy. They have many widgets which are pretty nifty to work with. Oh sorry, a widget is a type of GUI which uses symbols and program code to do a specific function (Dictionary.com). It is nice for broadband users who like to keep an eye on the weather, or for users who want to see their cpu statistics. It costs money, but using the trial version is no different. I would suggest it if you are tired of your dire windows desktop and want to spice it up a bit. Visit pixoria.com for more information.

It Has Been a While....

I would like to say sorry to everyone who has been coming to my blog for their news these past two weeks. It is that time of the semester where my college likes to have finals, so it has been stressful. I will be back in full form soon, but for now I will take a short break from blogging to focus on my studies. Education is a good thing. Well, until I write again, take care everyone. Keep looking, I may make an apperance now and then.

techferret
signing out.

Bonus Tech News on April 25, 2005

Hi-di-ho everyone! I seem to have more freetime today than usual, so I'll get to some tech news...

• Apple Ships Tiger Early
  Well, well. It seems like we have gun-jumpers around the industry. A fortunate few recieved their pre-ordered Mac OSX 10.4 on the weekend, which caused Apple to flinch. Anyone out there have it installed in their Macs? Leave comments if you like telling us PC users about the good life.
  

• Happy Birthday To You....
  Apple's iTunes Music Store will turn into a toddler this upcoming thursday, reaching the terrible twos. Last year's hoopla involved free music downloads from popular artists. Lets hope that this birthday celebration is a blast, and possibly a discount on thursday (are you listening Apple?).

• Windows XP Professional 64-Bit Edition
  Today, Microsoft has finally released the 64-bit edition of Windows XP Professional. Users of XP who have 64-bit processors will be eligible for a free upgrade. Tom's Hardware Guide has all the details.
  
  Link: Intro. of WinXP 64-bit

Well, thats about it. A short burst of news, I know, but stay tuned for another dosage of Tech News on the normal day, Wednesday. Alright mi amigos....

techferret out.

Daily Tech for April 20, 2005

Hi everyone and welcome to another week of tech news. Another dull week in the technology world, so its going to be brief again.

• Free Opera Browser v7.54 License
  There is a magazine in Germany that is offering their readers a free copy of Opera v7.54 online. An alternative browser to IE, this could be used instead of Firefox when you need IE-only content and want to avoid Microsoft. Dynatech has all the details.
  
  Link: Free Opera Browser

• Google Maps in UK
  Google has now released Google Maps and Local for our UK citizens. Have fun seeing your home and Buckingham Palace from the sky, and finding iPod clubs in London.
  
  Link: Google Maps UK
  Google Local UK
  
  
• Apple OSX "Tiger" Gold Master Online
  Well it seems like the "Tiger" is online for Mac-ites to download, well only the Developers and any Apple employee. Remember this is illegal and can get you in trouble. For the ones who have no guilt, here's the link with a warning from smash's world 6.8c.
  (FYI: Gold Master is the title given to the final version of a software)
  
  Link: Apple OSX "Tiger"
  
  
• Adobe accquires Macromedia in Deal
  Adobe Systems Inc. will buy rival Macromedia Inc. for $3.4 billion. Adobe is the creator of the PDF file, as well as Photoshop (photo editing). Macromedia creates the Flash protocol that we are all familar with. Extremetech has the rest of the details.
  
  Link: Adobe and Macromedia Deal
  

Well thats about it for this weeks edition of the Daily Tech...This has been techferret and I hope you have a great day.

techferret out.

Daily Tech For April 13, 2005

Good morning and welcome to the Quick Wake Up Call Edition. Grab your cup of coffee or tea and enjoy the morning news...

• Tungsten E2 & Treo 650
  Fans of Palm products will be happy that the new Tungsten E2 is released today. I wouldn't get a PDA alone, but a PDA/Phone like the Treo 650 which will be available to Verizon Wireless soon. Sweet.
  
  Link: Tungsten E2 Offically Launched
  Verizon Treo 650 On April 20th

• Security Update!
  Well, it looks like Microsoft released another set of patches today. Update your software.
  

• Systm and the broken
  Switcherman has behind-the-scene footage of both Systm and the broken...take a look.
  
  Link: Switcherman

Well, I told ya it was quick. Had to cut it short. Well, have a good day, and happy surfing.

techferret out.

Making Your Internet Experience Safe

As one may know, Microsoft owns everything in the computer world. From the OS you use (assuming you are reading this from Windows XP) to the very browser you surf the web with, Microsoft is everywhere. People hate Microsoft, this is obvious (Google-ing will tell you), and thus poor uninformed users are attacked from everywhere. Though the internet is dangerous, with proper protection, one can avoid the viruses and hacking.

Firefox

The browser that is taking back the web, Mozilla Firefox 1.0.2, is the best thing to come to the browser world since Netscape Communicator 4. It is encouraging competition and its army is strong, 25 million plus downloads, showing that innovation is needed in the computing world. Many techies and I use Firefox for its innovations including pop-up blockers, ad-blocking, tabbed browsing, and extremely fast interface. Though the internet is playing catch-up, the control IE has is shrinking. Less prone to the attacks and holes found in IE, it is safer and ensures a positive internet experience. Once you go to Firefox, you won't want it any other way.

Link:
Mozilla Firefox 1.0.2

Anti-Virus

It seems that now-a-days new computers have anti-virus software installed, but for those who don't have any, get it. There are many anti-virus software available, and if you have the money then reach for the McAfee and Symantec. No money? No problem. There are two perfectly good anti-virus software that costs nothing. Avast 4 Home Edition and AVG Antivirus Free Edition are great programs and protect you from the viruses out there. Don't download and open anything unless you are sure it is free of viruses. Like wise, don't open e-mail attachments at all. Unless you know that person, avoid it; even then, use your anti-virus to make sure. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Links:
Avast 4 Home Edition
AVG Antivirus Free Editon

Firewall

With an effective browser and anti-virus, the next step is to aquire a firewall. Windows XP SP2 users are lucky--they already have one built in. That is just find and dandy, but it is just not enough. Two of my favorites, Sygate Personal Firewall 5.6 and ZoneAlarm 5.5, are recommended by the top tech users. For average joes, this software is not that difficult to control at all. Each one has easy to use interfaces, and are capable of learning your browsing habits, granting that you help it learn. Both question every program, so this can be a bit annoying, but checking a box solves that. I recommend them both, just choose one and march on through the internet.

Links:
Sygate Personal Firewall 5.6
ZoneAlarm 5.5

Anti-Spyware

Now with the best browser, an anti-virus, and two firewalls your thinking I'm safe right? Wrong. There are programs on the internet that attach spyware, which can kill even the best computer out there. Fear not, for the killer tools are a click away. Take your pick: Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition, Spybot Search & Destroy 1.3, and Microsoft AntiSpyware (Beta) (formally Giant AntiSpyware). Each one is free and will protect your computer as well as any paid software outthere. Each one is award winning and will do a good job of nuking the baddies. I personally use Ad-Aware SE Professional Edition, and it is good. I also run MS AntiSpyware once in a while to catch something. For the daring, try HijackThis 1.98, a spyware removal tool that will kill everything in its sight, even the good ones. With this in your arsenal, the internet should take cover.

Links:
Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition
Spybot Search & Destroy 1.3
Microsoft AntiSpyware (Beta)
HijackThis 1.98

Remember the main things:

1. Update regularly: Updates always come with fixes and patches which protect you even more. For Windows users, this is a must!
2. Be cautious: Check and check again. Safe is better than sorry.
3. Check for Viruses and Spyware once a week.
4. Enjoy the internet.

I hope this was useful to you, the reader. As this is the first "article" I have written, I could have left something out. Feel free to comment and share your tips with the rest of the community, everyone is welcomed. Have a nice day everyone.

techferret out.

Daily Tech News for April 6, 2005

Well, its back to the old routine again. Ahh...only two months left till another extended vacation. Well lets get to the weeks tech news...

• Peeping Tom to The Next Level
  Well it looks like Google had a reason for buying Keyhole. Their Google Maps now supports satellite images, so you know what you are looking at. I was able to see my house from the top...scary stuff man.
  
  Link: Google Maps
  
  
• Fantasies of iPod movie
  Over at Engadget, they have posted a link to a story about a deal Apple made with UK based Alphamosaic for multimedia chips. Can you just think of Quicktime Movie Store and iPod movie...oooo.
  
  Link: Multimedia iPod(s) by End of 2005?
  
  Also, Scopetech have an article dealing with what if? Read it, very intriguing.
  
  Link: The iPod movie+Quicktime Movie Store
  
  
• iMac mini Available At Best Buy
  For those of you who live too far from an Apple Store, that sucks. If you wanted an iMac mini and don't trust internet purchases, you can go to your local Best Buy and pick up one there. Apple computers in a Nationwide chain...cool.
  
  
• DotNets...Huh?
  I was just looking at my college newspaper, Daily Titan, and they have an article talking about how the DotNets generation are more tolerant than the Gen X and Baby Boomers. Nothing to do with tech really, but what caught my attention was that anyone aged 18-25 right now are DotNets. Interesting...DotNets. "Coming soon to your workplace...DotNets! Available in many different colors and sizes, find one that fits your workplace today."
  
  Link: DotNets Are a Tolerant Bunch
  
  
• Geek Speak is Confusing to the Average Joe
  It looks like many computer users that are not geeks are confused by the jargon used today on the net. Slashdot has the link to the BBC story.
  
  Link: 'Geek Speak' Confuses Net Users
  

Well, thats about it for this weeks edition. My past news is found using the archives, for those people who missed the blocking picture post. Well, I have to run...

techferret out.

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.