One of our favorite groups, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has filed 717 new lawsuits against peer to peer (P-to-P) users allegedly trading music for free. I call them favorites because they are about the only group of folks I know that sue their best customers.
This new round of lawsuits include 68 alleged song-swappers using 23 university networks to distribute music files, more than three times the number of university users sued when the RIAA announced 754 such lawsuits in mid-December. The RIAA said it is stepping up enforcement of copyright violations on college campuses.
Among the universities targeted in this latest round of RIAA lawsuits are Georgetown University, Harvard University Medical School, Old Dominion University, Ohio State University, the University of Kentucky, Michigan State University and the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor.
Users of the Kazaa, eDonkey and Limeware P-to-P software were among the 717 people sued, according to the RIAA.
With the new round of lawsuits, the RIAA has now sued more than 8,400 alleged file-swappers since September 2003.
RIAA officials noted people who want to pay for music online, instead of using P-to-P software to exchange music for free, now have about 230 vendors to choose from. About one million songs are now available on "legitimate" pay-per-download sites.
Friday, January 28, 2005
Microsoft's New Plan to Stop Piracy
Microsoft wants to crack down hard on counterfeit software. Later this year, the company plans to require all customers to verify that their copy of Windows is genuine before downloading security patches and other add-ons to the operating system.
For the past few months, Microsoft has been testing a tool that can check whether a particular version of Windows is legitimate. The checks have been voluntary, up to now. If you downloaded a copy of Microsoft's Anti-Spyware software that I wrote about recently, you ran into this as part of the download procedure. They didn't mention that it was voluntary, but I was able to bypass the verification procedure and directly download the anti-spyware software.
But, beginning on 2/7/05, the verification will be mandatory for many downloads for people in three countries: China, Norway and the Czech Republic. In those countries, people whose copies are found not to be legitimate can get a discount on a genuine copy of Windows, though the price varies from $10 to $150 depending on the country.
By midsummer, Microsoft plans to make the verification mandatory in all countries for both add-on features to Windows as well as for all OS updates, including security patches. The program, known as Windows Genuine Advantage, also offers perks to those who verify their copy of Windows. Those who do can get free software as well as discounts on other Microsoft products and services.
It is estimated that of all the software in use today, roughly 1/3 of it is pirated, with annual losses totaling $29 billion. Microsoft does not have an estimate for its losses, but does say that over the last 10 years, the company has lost billions of dollars.
For the past few months, Microsoft has been testing a tool that can check whether a particular version of Windows is legitimate. The checks have been voluntary, up to now. If you downloaded a copy of Microsoft's Anti-Spyware software that I wrote about recently, you ran into this as part of the download procedure. They didn't mention that it was voluntary, but I was able to bypass the verification procedure and directly download the anti-spyware software.
But, beginning on 2/7/05, the verification will be mandatory for many downloads for people in three countries: China, Norway and the Czech Republic. In those countries, people whose copies are found not to be legitimate can get a discount on a genuine copy of Windows, though the price varies from $10 to $150 depending on the country.
By midsummer, Microsoft plans to make the verification mandatory in all countries for both add-on features to Windows as well as for all OS updates, including security patches. The program, known as Windows Genuine Advantage, also offers perks to those who verify their copy of Windows. Those who do can get free software as well as discounts on other Microsoft products and services.
It is estimated that of all the software in use today, roughly 1/3 of it is pirated, with annual losses totaling $29 billion. Microsoft does not have an estimate for its losses, but does say that over the last 10 years, the company has lost billions of dollars.
Thursday, January 27, 2005
Yellow Pages Like You Have Never Seen Before
You have got to see this!!
Amazon subsidiary A9 has rolled out a new Yellow Pages service that allows users to view pictures of the storefronts and locations of businesses in 10 cities, including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas, Seattle and cities in the San Francisco Bay area.
"We allow people from their computer to look at the street, to walk to the left, to walk to the right, to see the neighborhood, to see parking. It's virtually like you're there," A9 President Udi Manber told Search Engine Watch. "Pictures get you information faster than any other way. Very often you remember a place but not its name. This is a very easy way to find it."
Indeed, search on "Art" for instance, and the site returns a list of stores in the city you select, a map showing where they are, and a photo panorama of the city block in which each of those businesses is located (pedestrians and all). Click on the photo and you can virtually stroll down that block, getting a feel for the neighborhood while thanking fate that you weren't one of those poor camera-equipped interns sent out to document the urban landscape.
So what's in this for Amazon? Right now, not much more than the satisfaction of stealing a march on Google, which owns its own digital mapping company, Keyhole, and is no doubt cooking up something that involves search, maps, pictures and ads. I suspect one day it may take commission fees for referrals to bricks-and-mortar stores. Or it will begin charging for "Click to Call, " a feature that lets customers phone a business at the click of a mouse, for free.
Says John Battelle, who runs the widely read Searchblog: "This is one small step away from a pay-per-call model, which is one of the most sought-after features from businesses."
Others see an untapped market for a mobile version. "This service should be formatted so that cell phones can access the service, not just computers, because the chance of using this on a cell phone will be much higher," Mark Anderson, the publisher of the tech newsletter Strategic News Service, told the Seattle Post Intelligencer. "I think we need the info, but I am not sure that it has been offered in a way that has been useful, such as in the right devices. I think these things are kind of spontaneous, because I am more likely to be in the streets when I want to know where the nearest Italian restaurant is."
To see an example, go to:
http://www.a9.com/art
This will take you to a search on art stores. From here, you can type any subject you want and the city you want to search. Have fun.
Amazon subsidiary A9 has rolled out a new Yellow Pages service that allows users to view pictures of the storefronts and locations of businesses in 10 cities, including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas, Seattle and cities in the San Francisco Bay area.
"We allow people from their computer to look at the street, to walk to the left, to walk to the right, to see the neighborhood, to see parking. It's virtually like you're there," A9 President Udi Manber told Search Engine Watch. "Pictures get you information faster than any other way. Very often you remember a place but not its name. This is a very easy way to find it."
Indeed, search on "Art" for instance, and the site returns a list of stores in the city you select, a map showing where they are, and a photo panorama of the city block in which each of those businesses is located (pedestrians and all). Click on the photo and you can virtually stroll down that block, getting a feel for the neighborhood while thanking fate that you weren't one of those poor camera-equipped interns sent out to document the urban landscape.
So what's in this for Amazon? Right now, not much more than the satisfaction of stealing a march on Google, which owns its own digital mapping company, Keyhole, and is no doubt cooking up something that involves search, maps, pictures and ads. I suspect one day it may take commission fees for referrals to bricks-and-mortar stores. Or it will begin charging for "Click to Call, " a feature that lets customers phone a business at the click of a mouse, for free.
Says John Battelle, who runs the widely read Searchblog: "This is one small step away from a pay-per-call model, which is one of the most sought-after features from businesses."
Others see an untapped market for a mobile version. "This service should be formatted so that cell phones can access the service, not just computers, because the chance of using this on a cell phone will be much higher," Mark Anderson, the publisher of the tech newsletter Strategic News Service, told the Seattle Post Intelligencer. "I think we need the info, but I am not sure that it has been offered in a way that has been useful, such as in the right devices. I think these things are kind of spontaneous, because I am more likely to be in the streets when I want to know where the nearest Italian restaurant is."
To see an example, go to:
http://www.a9.com/art
This will take you to a search on art stores. From here, you can type any subject you want and the city you want to search. Have fun.
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
Google Goes Video
Google has added another search engine service this week..."Google Video." This new search engine that Google has quietly been developing for some time now allows users to search the text of TV shows. Currently, the service will scour programming from PBS, Fox News, C-SPAN, ABC, and the NBA, among others, making broadcasts searchable the same day that the shows are aired.
For instance, you can search on a term, such as "Bush Inauguration," to find the TV shows in which it was mentioned, a still image of the video and closed-captioning text of that particular segment of the program.
However, people will not be able to watch the video clip, nor will the Web pages contain the company's signature text advertising, at least for now. But Google expects to add video playback down the road, after ironing out the complexities of broadcasting rights and business models with various content owners.
The search engine uses the closed-captioning text that accompanies video for its searches. Closed-captioning is usually hidden from view for most people. We only see it at our house when we push the mute button.
In response, Yahoo said it will begin promoting the video search engine it introduced in December by adding a tab from its home page. Also, the company has teamed with TVeyes to begin searching closed-captioning text of Bloomberg and BBC programs. That partnership will add to Yahoo's core capability of searching Internet video, putting Yahoo's service more on a par with Google's.
Broadcasting video of any kind is tricky because of unions, contractual relationship, royalties, owner's right, etc. So it may be some time before actual video is attached to a search engine, although there is little doubt that it will come some day. Personally, I can't think of one TV show that I want to run a search on, so I won't be using Google or Yahoo's video search engines much, if at all.
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Technology Headline News
It is Sunday, and besides some of my normal weekend tasks, I will be occupied with the AFC and NFC Championship football games. So rather than write a whole blog, I am going to give you the headlines of some recent interesting news and link them to the full stories. That way, if the story interests you, you can read it. If not...well you get the idea. Here goes:
The "Evil Twin" of Wireless Hot Spots could Steal Data From Your Computer.
Phishing Attacks Increasing in Frequency and Deviousness.
Internet Explorer Use Continues to Fall.
More Info on Intel's New Centrino Chip for Laptops.
Update on the Best Satellite Radios
Google's Releases New, Free Version of its Photo Organizer
Maxell Introduces Scratch-Resistant DVD's
Saturn's Moon Titan Contains Oceans of Liquid Natural Gas.
Learning to Live Without Microsoft Office.
A Free, Easy-to-Use Alternative to Microsoft Office.
The "Evil Twin" of Wireless Hot Spots could Steal Data From Your Computer.
Phishing Attacks Increasing in Frequency and Deviousness.
Internet Explorer Use Continues to Fall.
More Info on Intel's New Centrino Chip for Laptops.
Update on the Best Satellite Radios
Google's Releases New, Free Version of its Photo Organizer
Maxell Introduces Scratch-Resistant DVD's
Saturn's Moon Titan Contains Oceans of Liquid Natural Gas.
Learning to Live Without Microsoft Office.
A Free, Easy-to-Use Alternative to Microsoft Office.
Wireless Outpacing Wired
Wireless technology, known as "Wi-Fi," has surpassed Ethernet cables as the main technology for wiring home networks, according to a new research report.
The survey, by research firms Parks Associates, found that 52 percent of U.S. households with a home network were using wireless technology, compared with 50 percent for Ethernet and about 5 percent for power line networking via electrical wires. (The numbers don't add up to 100 because some homes use a combination of technologies.)
It's the first time Wi-Fi has outpaced Ethernet, which the report attributes to growing Wi-Fi support among broadband providers. Most major broadband companies offer to help you hook up a new account via Wi-Fi equipment, an attractive option for those who haven't set up a home network yet or want to do more than the Ethernet setup allows.
This may become more significant in the future as companies from Intel to Whirlpool are pushing media gadgets, appliances and other devices that require a connection to the Internet, a central PC or both. Having wireless makes these products far more attractive since you don't have to run more wire throughout your house.
Our home uses both Ethernet and wireless technology for connecting computers to each other and to the Internet. The main reason we chose Ethernet was we were wired long before wireless was available at a reasonable price. Adding wireless technology has allowed me to use my laptop anywhere inside the house or on the patio during warmer times...and it allows our guests to connect to the Internet. I think if I were going to start over today, I would use wireless only, as it is so much easier to setup ( I hate crawling under my house to run wire).
If you want to consider a wireless network for your home, you might consider one of these three routers. We use the Netgear and it has performed flawlessly.
The survey, by research firms Parks Associates, found that 52 percent of U.S. households with a home network were using wireless technology, compared with 50 percent for Ethernet and about 5 percent for power line networking via electrical wires. (The numbers don't add up to 100 because some homes use a combination of technologies.)
It's the first time Wi-Fi has outpaced Ethernet, which the report attributes to growing Wi-Fi support among broadband providers. Most major broadband companies offer to help you hook up a new account via Wi-Fi equipment, an attractive option for those who haven't set up a home network yet or want to do more than the Ethernet setup allows.
This may become more significant in the future as companies from Intel to Whirlpool are pushing media gadgets, appliances and other devices that require a connection to the Internet, a central PC or both. Having wireless makes these products far more attractive since you don't have to run more wire throughout your house.
Our home uses both Ethernet and wireless technology for connecting computers to each other and to the Internet. The main reason we chose Ethernet was we were wired long before wireless was available at a reasonable price. Adding wireless technology has allowed me to use my laptop anywhere inside the house or on the patio during warmer times...and it allows our guests to connect to the Internet. I think if I were going to start over today, I would use wireless only, as it is so much easier to setup ( I hate crawling under my house to run wire).
If you want to consider a wireless network for your home, you might consider one of these three routers. We use the Netgear and it has performed flawlessly.
Friday, January 21, 2005
Be Aware of These Two New Worms!
There are two new worms making the rounds these days. One plays on your fear of having hidden pornography on your computer...the other on your sympathy for tsunami victims.
The first is a new mass-mailing worm that tries to spread itself by fooling users into believing that they have pornographic content on their PCs. The "Baba-C" worm travels by e-mail and includes the words "Windows Evidence Checker has found XXX material on your computer." The e-mail claims that people can clear their PCs of this material by running a program called "Evidence Cleaner" attached to the message, but does not actually look for porn. When activated, this program runs malicious code that allows hackers access to the data on the computer.
The second worm, also spread by e-mail, poses as a plea for aid to help the victims of last month's Asian tsunami disaster. The worm appears with the subject line: "Tsunami donation! Please help!" and invites recipients to open an attachment called "tsunami.exe," which, if opened, will forward the virus to other Internet users. It could also initiate a denial-of-service attack against a German hacking Web Site, in which the site's server would be bombarded with messages, putting it out of action.
While using the tsunami disaster to spread a virus marks a new low for virus writers, this virus is not the first attempt to take advantage of people's sympathies for the victims. Another worm earlier this month spread the message that the tsunami was God's revenge on "people who did bad on earth."
There have also been a number of mass e-mails sent out in an attempt to steal money, many of them versions of the so-called Nigerian Letter scam, in which readers are invited to reply with their details, apparently in order to help transfer large sums of money and receive a cut themselves.
One appears to be from a wealthy Thai merchant suffering from a fatal disease who has lost his family in the tsunami disaster and needs someone to collect millions of U.S. dollars from a European security firm to distribute it to charities.
"I need a God-fearing and trustworthy person that will be able to travel to Europe, to collect this deposit from the security company," the mail reads.
The first is a new mass-mailing worm that tries to spread itself by fooling users into believing that they have pornographic content on their PCs. The "Baba-C" worm travels by e-mail and includes the words "Windows Evidence Checker has found XXX material on your computer." The e-mail claims that people can clear their PCs of this material by running a program called "Evidence Cleaner" attached to the message, but does not actually look for porn. When activated, this program runs malicious code that allows hackers access to the data on the computer.
The second worm, also spread by e-mail, poses as a plea for aid to help the victims of last month's Asian tsunami disaster. The worm appears with the subject line: "Tsunami donation! Please help!" and invites recipients to open an attachment called "tsunami.exe," which, if opened, will forward the virus to other Internet users. It could also initiate a denial-of-service attack against a German hacking Web Site, in which the site's server would be bombarded with messages, putting it out of action.
While using the tsunami disaster to spread a virus marks a new low for virus writers, this virus is not the first attempt to take advantage of people's sympathies for the victims. Another worm earlier this month spread the message that the tsunami was God's revenge on "people who did bad on earth."
There have also been a number of mass e-mails sent out in an attempt to steal money, many of them versions of the so-called Nigerian Letter scam, in which readers are invited to reply with their details, apparently in order to help transfer large sums of money and receive a cut themselves.
One appears to be from a wealthy Thai merchant suffering from a fatal disease who has lost his family in the tsunami disaster and needs someone to collect millions of U.S. dollars from a European security firm to distribute it to charities.
"I need a God-fearing and trustworthy person that will be able to travel to Europe, to collect this deposit from the security company," the mail reads.
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
What About Those Rebates?
How many times have you walked into a store or went to a retail outlet on the Internet to buy some item at a great price, only to find that you had to pay full price at the store and then send in for a rebate?
It has happened to me more times than I care to remember. Although I have never been cheated, I still don't like the fact that you have to do it in the first place. I set up a system at home so that when I send in for a rebate, there is always something to remind me that it hasn't come in yet (I think it is called a tickler system). When the rebate check arrives, the tickler is deactivated (so to speak).
Of course, the reason rebates are used rather than giving the customer a lower price at the checkout is because so many people forget to send them in, thereby saving the manufacturer a great deal of money. I have forgotten to do that with a couple of small rebates.
Rebates are often used in the technology business. I once got a $100 rebate on a printer and a $50 rebate on a hard drive. You bet I sent those in...and got them, too.
Here is a true story: I once had a $5.00 rebate coupon for an item and was about ready to send it in. Then I read the fine print: They wanted a check included for $4.50 for a handling charge. My net gain of 50 cents was obviously not worth it.
The reason I bring this up is that I recently read two interesting articles about rebates in one of the technical journals I subscribe to, so I thought you might also find it interesting. Click here for the first article, then scroll down just a very short way and you will see it.
When you are done, click here for a followup article with true stories from readers about there experiences with rebates. It is definitely worth it.
It has happened to me more times than I care to remember. Although I have never been cheated, I still don't like the fact that you have to do it in the first place. I set up a system at home so that when I send in for a rebate, there is always something to remind me that it hasn't come in yet (I think it is called a tickler system). When the rebate check arrives, the tickler is deactivated (so to speak).
Of course, the reason rebates are used rather than giving the customer a lower price at the checkout is because so many people forget to send them in, thereby saving the manufacturer a great deal of money. I have forgotten to do that with a couple of small rebates.
Rebates are often used in the technology business. I once got a $100 rebate on a printer and a $50 rebate on a hard drive. You bet I sent those in...and got them, too.
Here is a true story: I once had a $5.00 rebate coupon for an item and was about ready to send it in. Then I read the fine print: They wanted a check included for $4.50 for a handling charge. My net gain of 50 cents was obviously not worth it.
The reason I bring this up is that I recently read two interesting articles about rebates in one of the technical journals I subscribe to, so I thought you might also find it interesting. Click here for the first article, then scroll down just a very short way and you will see it.
When you are done, click here for a followup article with true stories from readers about there experiences with rebates. It is definitely worth it.
Monday, January 17, 2005
Free Fax Machine in Windows XP
I'll just bet you did not know that there is a FAX machine included in Windows XP. Actually, it is not really a fax machine as much as it is a FAX component. And the reason you probably don't know about is that Windows XP does not automatically install it.
Of course, to make it work, you still need to have a fax/modem installed in the computer, connected to a regular phone line. But, if you have one and want to install the FAX component, here is how you do it.
1. Click Start, then Control Panel.
2. Then, open the Add/Remove Programs applet.
3. Click Add/Remove Windows Components.
4. Then, in the list of Windows components, scroll down to select Fax Services and check the check box.
5. Click Next. You may be asked to insert the Windows XP installation disk. Click OK (you can also specify a network path for the XP installation files).
That's it. I hope it works for you.
Of course, to make it work, you still need to have a fax/modem installed in the computer, connected to a regular phone line. But, if you have one and want to install the FAX component, here is how you do it.
1. Click Start, then Control Panel.
2. Then, open the Add/Remove Programs applet.
3. Click Add/Remove Windows Components.
4. Then, in the list of Windows components, scroll down to select Fax Services and check the check box.
5. Click Next. You may be asked to insert the Windows XP installation disk. Click OK (you can also specify a network path for the XP installation files).
That's it. I hope it works for you.
Saturday, January 15, 2005
Two New Products from Apple
Apple Computer fans descended on San Francisco this last week to see and hear the latest news and products at the Macworld Expo. Apple Computer CEO Steve Jobs introduced a new budget PC dubbed the Mac Mini during his keynote address at the expo, promising that the machine will expand Apple's audience well beyond the current Mac faithful and make the Mac more appealing to us folks who use Windows-based computers. The Mac Mini, which will retail for $499, is a tiny machine with a processor, a hard drive and an optical drive. But you must supply the monitor, mouse and keyboard.
However, while the the starting price is low, it still costs about $100 more than similarly configured PCs from Gateway, Hewlett-Packard and others, according to analysts and price checks. And, when one market researcher started to add in all the normal options things that buyers want on their computers, the final price came to $1,300
However, while the the starting price is low, it still costs about $100 more than similarly configured PCs from Gateway, Hewlett-Packard and others, according to analysts and price checks. And, when one market researcher started to add in all the normal options things that buyers want on their computers, the final price came to $1,300
The other new Apple product that Jobs introduced was a new version of its popular music player, the iPod Shuffle, priced as low as $99. Based on flash memory, rather than the more expensive computer-like hard drives that have been the centerpiece of all other iPods, the new player is aimed at the low end of the market.
The Shuffle comes in two sizes. The $99 version has 512MB of storage and holds about 120 songs; the $149 version has 1GB of storage and holds about 240 songs. Unlike most similar devices, the Shuffle has no display screen to show songs or playlists; it consists only of a slender white rectangle with the trademark iPod navigation wheel on one side.
Friday, January 14, 2005
Reviews of Microsoft's Anti-Spyware Software
I couldn't resist it. It was free. Even though it was a Microsoft product, I just had to try it out. As mentioned here in a couple of my blogs, Microsoft's Anti-Spyware (MAS) software is available free for a short time. So, I just had to try it out and see if my Spybot-Search and Destroy was better. I had every reason to believe it was.
The early reviews by a couple of other users like myself sounded favorable. A new review by PC World, just out today, also gave it good notices. In reading their review, I felt like I was reading my own review as we both found many of the same things.
Downloading it was a breeze, although Microsoft says that you need to verify first that you have a genuine Microsoft Operating System. You can skip that part, which I did, because my system is genuine, but I don't want to give Microsoft the satisfaction of knowing that. Installation was also easy and right after installation, it automatically ran a complete systems check.
I should mention at this point that just before I installed it, I updated my Spybot software and ran a systems check with it. I did this both on my desktop computer and on my laptop. Spybot found no infections on my desktop and two new infections on my laptop. I removed them both.
On my desktop, MAS found three threats previously undetected by Spybot. One was adware and the other was spyware done on my IE explorer as a plug-in. They were removed. The other were 106 Kazaa entries in my registry, which I found strange at first since I don't use Kazaa, but rather Kazaa Light. Then I figured out that these were fake entries done by Kazaa Light to fool Kazaa into believing I was using the real Kazaa product. So, I left those in place.
When I ran the same scans on my laptop, I didn't find the Kazaa entries as it is not on the laptop, but I found the same two adware/spyware found on my desktop plus one additional spyware. I took care of them also. MAS, like Spybot, immunizes you from existing threats. But, better than Spybot, MAS goes out in the middle of the night to Microsoft's web site to see if there are any updates for the program...then it scans your system, whether there is a new update or not. Very nice.
One thing I didn't like was that after I removed the IE plugin that was really spyware, it reset my browser's home page to MSN. I had to go back and reset my home page. Also, MAS does not check for other browser's possible spyware. By other browsers, I mean Opera, Firefox and Netscape.
There are some good things about Microsoft's new software, especially the free part. I would give it a try, if I were you, but keep Spybot around to check also. For more info, I encourage you to read the PC World Review at:
http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,119300,00.asp
The early reviews by a couple of other users like myself sounded favorable. A new review by PC World, just out today, also gave it good notices. In reading their review, I felt like I was reading my own review as we both found many of the same things.
Downloading it was a breeze, although Microsoft says that you need to verify first that you have a genuine Microsoft Operating System. You can skip that part, which I did, because my system is genuine, but I don't want to give Microsoft the satisfaction of knowing that. Installation was also easy and right after installation, it automatically ran a complete systems check.
I should mention at this point that just before I installed it, I updated my Spybot software and ran a systems check with it. I did this both on my desktop computer and on my laptop. Spybot found no infections on my desktop and two new infections on my laptop. I removed them both.
On my desktop, MAS found three threats previously undetected by Spybot. One was adware and the other was spyware done on my IE explorer as a plug-in. They were removed. The other were 106 Kazaa entries in my registry, which I found strange at first since I don't use Kazaa, but rather Kazaa Light. Then I figured out that these were fake entries done by Kazaa Light to fool Kazaa into believing I was using the real Kazaa product. So, I left those in place.
When I ran the same scans on my laptop, I didn't find the Kazaa entries as it is not on the laptop, but I found the same two adware/spyware found on my desktop plus one additional spyware. I took care of them also. MAS, like Spybot, immunizes you from existing threats. But, better than Spybot, MAS goes out in the middle of the night to Microsoft's web site to see if there are any updates for the program...then it scans your system, whether there is a new update or not. Very nice.
One thing I didn't like was that after I removed the IE plugin that was really spyware, it reset my browser's home page to MSN. I had to go back and reset my home page. Also, MAS does not check for other browser's possible spyware. By other browsers, I mean Opera, Firefox and Netscape.
There are some good things about Microsoft's new software, especially the free part. I would give it a try, if I were you, but keep Spybot around to check also. For more info, I encourage you to read the PC World Review at:
http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,119300,00.asp
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
My Week with Thunderbird
A week ago, I decided to try living without Microsoft's Outlook and installed the new Thunderbird e-mail software from Mozilla. I have mentioned Thunderbird in this column on a few occasions and have even posted links to reviews by industry publications, all of which were favorable. In fact, here is another one from eWeek. Those good reviews got me excited enough to give it a try.
So with that all said, here is my review:
First, I found it easy to install and use. It automatically went to my Outlook program and imported all the e-mail's, both from the in-box and from other sub categories I've created over time. It also easily imported all my addresses flawlessly.
It worked fast and efficiently whenever the mail came in. I love the way it blocks all pictures included in many e-mail's since those can hold hidden codes, especially the junk mail and pornography. You have to click on a button to let the pictures be seen. Thunderbird really works hard to protect your privacy.
Changing the options was a little tricky, just because I wasn't used to it. I found it difficult at first, for instance, to find out how to use signatures. But after I figured it all out, it was easy. And there are plenty of options to make the program work your way.
One thing that drove me crazy on the first day was that the program told me I had new messages, but it wouldn't show them. What I finally figured out was that the software was checking my e-mail server to see if I had messages, but it wasn't downloading them. Once I checked that option in the setup, all the mail came right in just like it did with Outlook.
There are many good things to like about this program. But there is one feature and one feature only that did not work well enough for me to warrant keeping this program. And that was its junk mail feature.
As mentioned here before, I get 500-600 junk mails a day. So having a filter to take care of them is very important to me. And while Thunderbird did well in that department, it did not do well enough for me. The software claims that the junk mail filter learns as you continue to mark software that comes in as junk or non-junk. Well, I think it must be a slow learner.
I have been training Thunderbird for a week now and it still misses far too many. I have seen it take my own web log e-mail's and put them in the junk file. One morning I found my daily updates from the New York Times and ZDNet in the junk file, while some obvious spam and pornography e-mail's were still in my in-box.
Experience tells me that a good junk e-mail filter takes about a week to train. After a week, it should be picking off 95-99% of all junk mail. After a week with Thunderbird, I am at about 60%. Obvious spam and pornography e-mail's are still slipping through. And some of the same e-mail's that I have already marked as junk many times keep slipping through.
Going through and marking spam after every e-mail download is time consuming for me. Doing it over and over is getting tiresome. So, I am afraid I will have to back to Outlook. If you don't get very many spam mails, Thunderbird is a great program and I recommend you give it a try...at least for a week.
So with that all said, here is my review:
First, I found it easy to install and use. It automatically went to my Outlook program and imported all the e-mail's, both from the in-box and from other sub categories I've created over time. It also easily imported all my addresses flawlessly.
It worked fast and efficiently whenever the mail came in. I love the way it blocks all pictures included in many e-mail's since those can hold hidden codes, especially the junk mail and pornography. You have to click on a button to let the pictures be seen. Thunderbird really works hard to protect your privacy.
Changing the options was a little tricky, just because I wasn't used to it. I found it difficult at first, for instance, to find out how to use signatures. But after I figured it all out, it was easy. And there are plenty of options to make the program work your way.
One thing that drove me crazy on the first day was that the program told me I had new messages, but it wouldn't show them. What I finally figured out was that the software was checking my e-mail server to see if I had messages, but it wasn't downloading them. Once I checked that option in the setup, all the mail came right in just like it did with Outlook.
There are many good things to like about this program. But there is one feature and one feature only that did not work well enough for me to warrant keeping this program. And that was its junk mail feature.
As mentioned here before, I get 500-600 junk mails a day. So having a filter to take care of them is very important to me. And while Thunderbird did well in that department, it did not do well enough for me. The software claims that the junk mail filter learns as you continue to mark software that comes in as junk or non-junk. Well, I think it must be a slow learner.
I have been training Thunderbird for a week now and it still misses far too many. I have seen it take my own web log e-mail's and put them in the junk file. One morning I found my daily updates from the New York Times and ZDNet in the junk file, while some obvious spam and pornography e-mail's were still in my in-box.
Experience tells me that a good junk e-mail filter takes about a week to train. After a week, it should be picking off 95-99% of all junk mail. After a week with Thunderbird, I am at about 60%. Obvious spam and pornography e-mail's are still slipping through. And some of the same e-mail's that I have already marked as junk many times keep slipping through.
Going through and marking spam after every e-mail download is time consuming for me. Doing it over and over is getting tiresome. So, I am afraid I will have to back to Outlook. If you don't get very many spam mails, Thunderbird is a great program and I recommend you give it a try...at least for a week.
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Yahoo's New Desktop Search Utility
Yahoo is now the latest search engine company to offer a desktop search utility, following similar launches by rivals Google, Microsoft and Ask Jeeves. Although still in beta, Yahoo Desktop Search, appears to be a bit more comprehensive than rival offerings.
For starters, it indexes some 200 file types, among them Microsoft Outlook e-mail, Word files, Adobe PDF documents, and audio and video, and allows users to preview them as well. That's a compelling feature and one that really gets at what Yahoo's vision of desktop search is all about.
"The notion of a 'desktop' is changing," Bradley Horowitz and Jeremy Zawodny write in the Yahoo Search Blog. "Most products are built with the premise that your desktop is just a way of seeing what's on your computer's hard disk. But in today's world, many of us create, find, use, and share information that lives in many places. Some of it lives on your computer, some lives on Yahoo and other online services, some may live on other computers or devices on your home network. We don't think you should have to think about where your stuff is stored in order to find it. That's where this is all headed. And as YDS evolves, you'll see that becoming more and more clear."
Since its release a few months ago, Google Desktop Search utility has received rave reviews from several sources. However, the Google tool only lists 8 file types that it searches, while the new Yahoo tool will work with 200 file types. If the Yahoo tool turns out to work well, it will set the new standard for all others to follow.
To download the Yahoo Desktop Search Utility, go to:
http://desktop.yahoo.com/
For starters, it indexes some 200 file types, among them Microsoft Outlook e-mail, Word files, Adobe PDF documents, and audio and video, and allows users to preview them as well. That's a compelling feature and one that really gets at what Yahoo's vision of desktop search is all about.
"The notion of a 'desktop' is changing," Bradley Horowitz and Jeremy Zawodny write in the Yahoo Search Blog. "Most products are built with the premise that your desktop is just a way of seeing what's on your computer's hard disk. But in today's world, many of us create, find, use, and share information that lives in many places. Some of it lives on your computer, some lives on Yahoo and other online services, some may live on other computers or devices on your home network. We don't think you should have to think about where your stuff is stored in order to find it. That's where this is all headed. And as YDS evolves, you'll see that becoming more and more clear."
Since its release a few months ago, Google Desktop Search utility has received rave reviews from several sources. However, the Google tool only lists 8 file types that it searches, while the new Yahoo tool will work with 200 file types. If the Yahoo tool turns out to work well, it will set the new standard for all others to follow.
To download the Yahoo Desktop Search Utility, go to:
http://desktop.yahoo.com/
Monday, January 10, 2005
What is the Future of the Internet?
OK...what is the future of the Internet? My stock answer is:
"Darned if I know."
Oh I may have some thoughts on it, but I have never really sat down and analyzed it closer so that I could come up with some intelligent answers. But, thank God some other people have. And you can find their thoughts on-line.
Imagining the Internet is a joint web site done by Elon University and the Pew Internet & American Life Project. They have taken great care to survey knowledgeable people to get their views and record them in a database. You can read the results of their most recent in-depth surveys.
But even more fun is to look back at predictions made in the 1990's. Some are right on and some missed the mark completely. But, best of all is that you can participate in the project and enter your views.
Take some time to glance at this web site and see what the future might possibly hold. Go to:
http://www.elon.edu/predictions/
"Darned if I know."
Oh I may have some thoughts on it, but I have never really sat down and analyzed it closer so that I could come up with some intelligent answers. But, thank God some other people have. And you can find their thoughts on-line.
Imagining the Internet is a joint web site done by Elon University and the Pew Internet & American Life Project. They have taken great care to survey knowledgeable people to get their views and record them in a database. You can read the results of their most recent in-depth surveys.
But even more fun is to look back at predictions made in the 1990's. Some are right on and some missed the mark completely. But, best of all is that you can participate in the project and enter your views.
Take some time to glance at this web site and see what the future might possibly hold. Go to:
http://www.elon.edu/predictions/
Sunday, January 09, 2005
Highlights of the Consumer Electronic Show
The biggest annual technology trade show in the world just finished its 5 day run in Las Vegas. As usual, a lot happened and a lot of new products were released. I would write about them for you, but other more qualified experts have already done it, so I am going to let you read their roundup. There are some pretty exciting things coming our way, so you might want to take a few minutes to browse through some of them.
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has grown in leaps and bounds from its early days as a showcase for such things as TV's and stereos and other forms of home entertainment. Actually, there used to be two huge trade shows in Las Vegas: Comdex in November and CES in January. Comdex did all the computer things, leaving home entertainment to CES.
But, over the years, Comdex got greedy. It started charging outrageous fees for show floor space. Then, as more and more consumers got into the show (it used to be for computer industry folks only) more and more of the large computer companies like Microsoft stopped buying floor space. They still came to Vegas for Comdex, but they took hotel suites rather than show floor space to meet with the regular and potential customers. It was much cheaper for them.
Comdex started to die. It took a few years and it is still not officially dead, but it is close. The last show was 2003 and attendance was way down. In the meantime, computers and home entertainment started getting closer and closer to the point today where they are almost integrated. So computer-related companies now show their wares at CES.
In a way, that is sad for me. I attended several Comdex shows over the years and usually came back with hundreds of dollars of free goods and I enjoyed my 3-5 days in Vegas. I never have been to CES, but maybe sometime in the future. I can't say Vegas interests me much these days.
To read the CES roundup, go to:
http://www.cnet.com/4520-10602_1-5579129-1.html
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has grown in leaps and bounds from its early days as a showcase for such things as TV's and stereos and other forms of home entertainment. Actually, there used to be two huge trade shows in Las Vegas: Comdex in November and CES in January. Comdex did all the computer things, leaving home entertainment to CES.
But, over the years, Comdex got greedy. It started charging outrageous fees for show floor space. Then, as more and more consumers got into the show (it used to be for computer industry folks only) more and more of the large computer companies like Microsoft stopped buying floor space. They still came to Vegas for Comdex, but they took hotel suites rather than show floor space to meet with the regular and potential customers. It was much cheaper for them.
Comdex started to die. It took a few years and it is still not officially dead, but it is close. The last show was 2003 and attendance was way down. In the meantime, computers and home entertainment started getting closer and closer to the point today where they are almost integrated. So computer-related companies now show their wares at CES.
In a way, that is sad for me. I attended several Comdex shows over the years and usually came back with hundreds of dollars of free goods and I enjoyed my 3-5 days in Vegas. I never have been to CES, but maybe sometime in the future. I can't say Vegas interests me much these days.
To read the CES roundup, go to:
http://www.cnet.com/4520-10602_1-5579129-1.html
Saturday, January 08, 2005
Update on Avast!
Last month, I wrote about the free anti-virus software called "Avast!". In that article, I wrote that I was currently using it on my laptop only and would keep testing it. In about three weeks, my main desktop computer's subscription to Norton Anti-Virus will run out and I will have to make a decision whether to re-up my Norton subscription or switch to Avast!.
Well, the decision became much easier yesterday. Let me give you a little background that will help you understand.
On my e-mail server, I am also running Norton Anti-Virus. Its job is to pick off viruses in incoming e-mail's before they are sent on to anyone having a corkrum.com mail address. Since late October when I set it up on my new mail server, it has worked just fine. No infected e-mail got to any user...that is until yesterday.
I was sitting down in my office working on a new painting on my main computer with the large 19" screen. My laptop was also on and was sitting off to my right, monitoring the stock market. All of a sudden, I heard a series of alarms go off on my laptop as I have never heard before!
When I turned to see what was going on, there was a large notice on the screen that Avast! had detected an incoming virus attached to an e-mail. It was a virus whose name I didn't recognize, so I assumed that it may be a new one.
So what had happened? Obviously a virus had slipped through the Norton Anti-Virus protection, but it was caught by Avast! How had that happened? All I can figure is that Norton was not up-to-date with its virus definition. I don't know if that is true, but usually Norton updates its definitions once a week, while Avast! does it on the average of 4-5 times a week.
Again, I don't know if any of this true, but whatever happened, I am certainly impressed with Avast!. I also recently read that Norton is a system's resource hog and will slow down all but the fastest computer.
I think I am very close to making my final decision now. Any guesses as to which I will choose?
Well, the decision became much easier yesterday. Let me give you a little background that will help you understand.
On my e-mail server, I am also running Norton Anti-Virus. Its job is to pick off viruses in incoming e-mail's before they are sent on to anyone having a corkrum.com mail address. Since late October when I set it up on my new mail server, it has worked just fine. No infected e-mail got to any user...that is until yesterday.
I was sitting down in my office working on a new painting on my main computer with the large 19" screen. My laptop was also on and was sitting off to my right, monitoring the stock market. All of a sudden, I heard a series of alarms go off on my laptop as I have never heard before!
When I turned to see what was going on, there was a large notice on the screen that Avast! had detected an incoming virus attached to an e-mail. It was a virus whose name I didn't recognize, so I assumed that it may be a new one.
So what had happened? Obviously a virus had slipped through the Norton Anti-Virus protection, but it was caught by Avast! How had that happened? All I can figure is that Norton was not up-to-date with its virus definition. I don't know if that is true, but usually Norton updates its definitions once a week, while Avast! does it on the average of 4-5 times a week.
Again, I don't know if any of this true, but whatever happened, I am certainly impressed with Avast!. I also recently read that Norton is a system's resource hog and will slow down all but the fastest computer.
I think I am very close to making my final decision now. Any guesses as to which I will choose?
Friday, January 07, 2005
Internet Explorer Flaws Just Got Very Serious
A security company is warning all of us that three unpatched flaws in Internet Explorer now pose a very high danger. Their emergency warning comes after code to exploit one of the issues was published to the Internet.
The company, Secunia, has raised its rating of the vulnerabilities in Microsoft's browser to "extremely critical," its highest rating. The flaws, which affect IE 6, could enable attackers to place and execute programs such as spyware and pornography dialers on victims' computers without their knowledge. Exploit code for one of the vulnerabilities, a flaw in an HTML Help control, was published on the Internet on Dec. 21.
The exploit code can be used to attack computers running Windows XP even if Microsoft's Service Pack 2 patch has been installed. The company is advising people to disable IE's Active X support as a preventative measure, until Microsoft develops a patch for the problem. It also suggests using another browser product.
According to Secunia, Microsoft has known about these flaws for three months, but has not issued a security fix yet. Microsoft said it is investigating the public reports of the exploit, adding that the delay in fixing the IE patch was related to the extensive work needed to produce an effective patch.
Secunia offers users the ability to conduct an online test of their systems to see if they are vulnerable. But it just might be time for you to change browsers.
The company, Secunia, has raised its rating of the vulnerabilities in Microsoft's browser to "extremely critical," its highest rating. The flaws, which affect IE 6, could enable attackers to place and execute programs such as spyware and pornography dialers on victims' computers without their knowledge. Exploit code for one of the vulnerabilities, a flaw in an HTML Help control, was published on the Internet on Dec. 21.
The exploit code can be used to attack computers running Windows XP even if Microsoft's Service Pack 2 patch has been installed. The company is advising people to disable IE's Active X support as a preventative measure, until Microsoft develops a patch for the problem. It also suggests using another browser product.
According to Secunia, Microsoft has known about these flaws for three months, but has not issued a security fix yet. Microsoft said it is investigating the public reports of the exploit, adding that the delay in fixing the IE patch was related to the extensive work needed to produce an effective patch.
Secunia offers users the ability to conduct an online test of their systems to see if they are vulnerable. But it just might be time for you to change browsers.
Laughing At and Learning with Bill Gates
First...a good laugh filled with ironic truths:
According to Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates, 5 percent of Windows machines crash, on average, twice daily. If that is true, it would only a matter of time before Gates found himself standing before an audience of thousands with the infamous Blue Screen of Death behind him. And that's exactly what happened on Wednesday.
In his annual keynote address at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Gates re-iterated Microsoft's ambitious vision of digital entertainment, in a presentation filled with technical gaffes ranging from a frozen digital-photo slideshow to the aforementioned Blue Screen of Death. Gates, it should be noted, handled the errors particularly well, graciously suffering the quips of celebrity guest Conan O'Brien, with whom he shared the stage.
"I don't know who's running things here," O'Brien joked during Gates' ill-starred slide show. "Who's in charge of Microsoft?" he asked, looking at Gates. "Oh."
Now...Part Two...Learning where Microsoft is headed:
Here is an interesting interview with Bill Gates done just before his keynote address. I always find it interesting to listen to what the main man has to say. Enjoy.
According to Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates, 5 percent of Windows machines crash, on average, twice daily. If that is true, it would only a matter of time before Gates found himself standing before an audience of thousands with the infamous Blue Screen of Death behind him. And that's exactly what happened on Wednesday.
In his annual keynote address at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Gates re-iterated Microsoft's ambitious vision of digital entertainment, in a presentation filled with technical gaffes ranging from a frozen digital-photo slideshow to the aforementioned Blue Screen of Death. Gates, it should be noted, handled the errors particularly well, graciously suffering the quips of celebrity guest Conan O'Brien, with whom he shared the stage.
"I don't know who's running things here," O'Brien joked during Gates' ill-starred slide show. "Who's in charge of Microsoft?" he asked, looking at Gates. "Oh."
Now...Part Two...Learning where Microsoft is headed:
Here is an interesting interview with Bill Gates done just before his keynote address. I always find it interesting to listen to what the main man has to say. Enjoy.
Thursday, January 06, 2005
How is Your Cell Phone Service?
Most of you who read this web log probably have cell phones. Susan and I each have our own cell phones. So, how do you feel about your cell phone service and your provider?
Recently, a nation-wide survey was conducted that asked the same question. I thought you might be interested in the results...and rather than have you read my abbreviated version of the story, I will just let you read the whole thing yourself. Go to:
http://news.com.com/Consumers:+Cell+phone+service+still+stinks/2100-1039_3-5512458.html?
Recently, a nation-wide survey was conducted that asked the same question. I thought you might be interested in the results...and rather than have you read my abbreviated version of the story, I will just let you read the whole thing yourself. Go to:
http://news.com.com/Consumers:+Cell+phone+service+still+stinks/2100-1039_3-5512458.html?
The Best TV is Yet to Come
If you have been to Best Buy or some other store where they have a massive display of HDTV's you had to be impressed with the$5,000-$8,000 plasma HDTV's. They are an absolute knockout!! I still dream of watching an NFL game on one of these babies in my den(my art is selling well, but not that well).
Well guess what? A better quality TV is under development...and it will be cheaper than plasma. Several companies are working to perfect the technology behind a new type of flat-panel display that will use diamonds or carbon nanotubes, two forms of pure carbon, to produce images. Theoretically, these "field effect displays," or FEDs, will consume less energy than plasma or liquid crystal display (LCD) TV's, deliver a better picture and even cost less.
Well guess what? A better quality TV is under development...and it will be cheaper than plasma. Several companies are working to perfect the technology behind a new type of flat-panel display that will use diamonds or carbon nanotubes, two forms of pure carbon, to produce images. Theoretically, these "field effect displays," or FEDs, will consume less energy than plasma or liquid crystal display (LCD) TV's, deliver a better picture and even cost less.
Electronics giant Samsung has already produced a prototype of a TV-size display made with CNI's nanotubes. Televisions based on the new screens will nudge onto shelves in late 2006. Meanwhile, Advance Nanotech is developing a similar panel that relies on specially doped diamond dust. The company hopes to have working prototypes in 18 months to two years.
Even though prices falling on HDTV's, it still might be worth waiting for these carbon-based TV's to come into the market.
Microsoft's Free Anti-Spyware Software
As mentioned in a previous web log entry last month, Microsoft plans to offer its new anti-spyware software for free. Beginning today, ordinary folks like you and me can go to their web site and download the package. By the way, its official name is, "Microsoft Windows Anti-Spyware." To get the software, go to:
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx
As for me, I am in sort of an anti-Microsoft mood (more on that in a future blog), so I am sticking with "Spybot-Search and Destroy."
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx
As for me, I am in sort of an anti-Microsoft mood (more on that in a future blog), so I am sticking with "Spybot-Search and Destroy."
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Speeding Up Your Windows
I found this great article on Cnet this week about how to speed up your Windows XP computer. Some of the tips listed here also apply to other Windows Operating Systems. It is worth a read. Go to:
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-10165_7-5554402-1.html?
And while we are talking about speeding up your Windows, have you ever cleaned out your registry files? Gosh, I hope not because unless you really know what your are doing, you shouldn't even consider fooling with your registry.
Like a lot of things that Microsoft touches, it doesn't do a good job of self cleaning the registry and over time, improper and un-removed lines in the registry will pile up as you add and remove programs. After a while your registry becomes a complete mess, causing errors, sluggishness, and even crashes.
What is the solution? Get yourself a utility program that will look for unneeded lines and remove them safely for you. There are a few out there, but I recently found one for free that does a great job. It is called RegScrubXP and it is made by Lexun Freeware. I have used it on both an XP-based computer and a Windows 2000 computer with no problems. To get a copy for yourself at:
http://www.lexundesigns.com/LexunFreeware/
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-10165_7-5554402-1.html?
And while we are talking about speeding up your Windows, have you ever cleaned out your registry files? Gosh, I hope not because unless you really know what your are doing, you shouldn't even consider fooling with your registry.
Like a lot of things that Microsoft touches, it doesn't do a good job of self cleaning the registry and over time, improper and un-removed lines in the registry will pile up as you add and remove programs. After a while your registry becomes a complete mess, causing errors, sluggishness, and even crashes.
What is the solution? Get yourself a utility program that will look for unneeded lines and remove them safely for you. There are a few out there, but I recently found one for free that does a great job. It is called RegScrubXP and it is made by Lexun Freeware. I have used it on both an XP-based computer and a Windows 2000 computer with no problems. To get a copy for yourself at:
http://www.lexundesigns.com/LexunFreeware/
Monday, January 03, 2005
TV - When and Where You Want It
TiVo has rolled out its TiVoToGo, a service that allows subscribers to transfer television programs from their TiVo box to a PC or laptop...as long as the shows are not specially tagged with copy restrictions. This means that TiVo, who originally pioneered digital video recording as a new way of watching television, now offers TV both when and where you want it.
In the near future, users also will be able to copy shows onto a DVD, although it is not clear when this additional service will be added.
Digital video recorders let viewers record TV shows onto hard disks, fast-forward through commercials and pause live broadcasts. TiVo subscribers account for about a third of the estimated 6.5 million of the nation's households that have DVRs.
For TiVo, which faces ever-increasing competition from the cable industry, the new service could be an ace in the hole...one that taps into a consumer market accustomed to transferring music to portable digital players and expects the same flexibility with other forms of entertainment. According to the company, about 50 percent of consumers are interested in watching recorded TV shows when they're on the road.
TiVoToGo will be an automatic, free service upgrade for subscribers who own standalone Series2 TiVo DVRs. It will not work for subscribers owning DirecTV-TiVo satellite boxes. Also, the technology will work only with computers based on Microsoft Corp.'s Windows XP or 2000 operating systems, although a version for Macintosh computers is planned, according to the company.
Friends who have TiVo or some other digital video recording system like those offer for DISH satellite receivers, tell me it has changed the way they watch TV for the better. I believe them, especially the part of skipping the obnoxious commercials that plague our sets these days.
In the near future, users also will be able to copy shows onto a DVD, although it is not clear when this additional service will be added.
Digital video recorders let viewers record TV shows onto hard disks, fast-forward through commercials and pause live broadcasts. TiVo subscribers account for about a third of the estimated 6.5 million of the nation's households that have DVRs.
For TiVo, which faces ever-increasing competition from the cable industry, the new service could be an ace in the hole...one that taps into a consumer market accustomed to transferring music to portable digital players and expects the same flexibility with other forms of entertainment. According to the company, about 50 percent of consumers are interested in watching recorded TV shows when they're on the road.
TiVoToGo will be an automatic, free service upgrade for subscribers who own standalone Series2 TiVo DVRs. It will not work for subscribers owning DirecTV-TiVo satellite boxes. Also, the technology will work only with computers based on Microsoft Corp.'s Windows XP or 2000 operating systems, although a version for Macintosh computers is planned, according to the company.
Friends who have TiVo or some other digital video recording system like those offer for DISH satellite receivers, tell me it has changed the way they watch TV for the better. I believe them, especially the part of skipping the obnoxious commercials that plague our sets these days.
Saturday, January 01, 2005
Free Wireless at Las Vegas Airport
Are you heading for Las Vegas in the future? Well, you should know that you can now connect to the Internet with your laptop for free when you are in the Las Vegas Airport. The McCarran Airport, which is among the 15 busiest airports in the world, is the first of these large airports to offer the service at no cost to travelers.
There are several regional airports around the country that offer the free service, such as my local airport in Moses Lake. However, the big ones all charge a fee to use their wireless services.
Several wireless hot-spot providers such as Wayport Inc. and T-Mobile U.S.A. Inc. offer Wi-Fi at multiple airports. Customers have a range of payment options ranging from $6 to $10 for a single connection to $30 to $50 per month for frequent fliers, depending on the contract agreement.
Actually, Las Vegas did consider ways to charge customers for using their wireless, but airport officials said they could not find any revenue models that seemed fair to passengers.
There are several regional airports around the country that offer the free service, such as my local airport in Moses Lake. However, the big ones all charge a fee to use their wireless services.
Several wireless hot-spot providers such as Wayport Inc. and T-Mobile U.S.A. Inc. offer Wi-Fi at multiple airports. Customers have a range of payment options ranging from $6 to $10 for a single connection to $30 to $50 per month for frequent fliers, depending on the contract agreement.
Actually, Las Vegas did consider ways to charge customers for using their wireless, but airport officials said they could not find any revenue models that seemed fair to passengers.
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