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WeatherBonk.com: Weather, Traffic, and more!
2007-02-02 04:18:10
Weatherbonk.com is a great all in one resource to check out before you head out the door in the morning, or on your way out at night.  The site collaboratively takes information from various site and packs it into one easy to use page so you can see live weather conditions, monthly averages of temperature and rainfall for your area, and you can see nearby webcams of traffic near you so you are all ready before you head out the door. The site uses Google Maps to show where cameras are located around your city so you can check your whole route out before you leave, as well as weather from The Weather Channel.  This should be a great resource for anyone that lives in a very heavy traffic city. Check out their site! WeatherBonk.com
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How to: Identify unknown devices in Device Manager
2007-02-02 04:18:10
Ever have a device in your system that you need a driver for and just don’t know what it is or what driver to get?  Here’s a simple way to find out. 1) In a browser open this website: The Linux PCI ID Repository 2) Open Device Manager , right click your unknown device, go to Properties, then click the Details tab.  If it is not already there, you may need to drop the drop-down menu to: Device Instance Id.  You will see a line that looks similar to this below. 3) You’ll notice the 2 arrows pointing to the VEN and DEV, this is what you’ll need. Now go to the website you opened earlier and look for the Ven ID #, in my case: 1095.  You will have to click the first number of the Ven ID # on the page directly under All Vendors, mine is 1095, so click 1, once there look for your number. 4) Once you click the Ven ID #, you’ll come to a page with the known (and documented by the owner’s) Devices for that Vendor. In my case 3512. You now know what device ...
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Vista Tip: Do a clean Vista install with the upgrade CD
2007-02-02 04:18:10
As read on TechPowerUp! : Paul Thurrott of Paul Thurrott’s SuperSite for Windows managed to find out how to do a clean install of Vista using the upgrade CD without having to use a previous version of Windows. A few days ago we had a post about the new upgrade process for Vista requiring a previous version of Windows to be installed and activated before upgrading. Here are the steps for you to accomplish this: 1) Boot from Vista Upgrade DVD 2) When prompted for Product Code, leave blank, and click next. 3) Select your version of Vista (Important! Be honest otherwise it won’t work), and install. 4) Upon initial boot to desktop run Vista setup in Windows, now enter your Product key. 5) When asked if you want to do Upgrade or Custom, select Custom and choose Clean Install. Windows will install for a second time and you should be able to activate. Other source: DailyTech
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How-to: Host your own webserver
2007-02-02 04:18:10
So you want to host your own webserver from Windows?  Want to add Blogging, Forum, and Wiki software into the mix?  It’s all possible with a little patience, all you’ll need is a WAMP (Windows, Apache, MySQL, PHP) based server suite such as the Web-Developer Server Suite found over at devside.net, the suite is open source and free to download with support packages ranging from $40/year for 1 year up to $50/hour for premium if you need support.  On the devside website they say the software is great for local development and deployment of Joomla, Drupal, WordPress, MediaWiki, phpBB, and more.  The folks at devside are gracious enough to provide guides on how to perform basic setup actions as well as articles and forums to assist you in your questions and setup. Worried about having a dynamic IP address, they also offer a package for DynamicSide.NET with support for $29.95/year, otherwise you can manually register on the DynamicSide site and manage this yourself. This looks...
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Technorati WTF in online :)
2007-02-02 04:18:10
Technorati has finally launched their own social networking site, the new site is codenamed: Technorati WTF, which stands for Where’s the Fire? I know what you were really thinking.  WTF lets users to leave explanations on various hot topics they see floating around the net by providing information and resources.  Similar to Digg, Reddit, and others, the site allows users to vote on the best stories with the top posts being the first to show up in search results.  This model allows users to validate and push the stories that are actually useful and exciting to read. Check it out and throw up your throughts @ Technorati WTF
More About: Techno , Tech , Technorati , Online , Nora

Say Adios to Clean Installs with Vista
2007-01-30 04:17:06
It used to be that if you wanted to do a fairly clean install of XP from an upgrade disc, during the install it would simply ask you to insert your Windows 98 or 2000 CD during the installation, however, this is not the convenient truth for Windows Vista . The new procedure for Windows Vista upgrade users is to do a full install of Windows XP, then activate, then run the full upgrade to Vista thereby close to doubling your install time for the full installation.  Although this is an important step for Microsoft in the war on anti-piracy of their O/S, it is a strong inconvenience for those wanting to do just a simple upgrade.  Just make sure you keep this in mind when your out to purchase your new copy of Vista.
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What if XP had a tabbed interface?
2007-01-30 04:17:06
If you love having tabbed browsing in your browser, then you’ll love this also, there is a small free utility that adds tabbed browsing and other features to your Explorer in XP.  The tabbed interface also neatly displays extra information about your folders and files that you should find helpful.  There are a few little known commands that XP has also been coded with that the application simplifies such as Multiple File Rename which easily allows you to rename numerous files at once sequentially.  If you’re heavy on the file thrashing this may be the perfect utility for you.  Check it out on the Explorer XP homepage.             
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Vista Tip: Disable ?A program needs your permission to continue? prompt
2007-01-30 04:17:06
With Vista finally available to the public and as installations go through the roof I’m sure everyone will share the same question.  How do I turn off the irritating User Account Control pop-up for the prompt: A program needs you permission to continue, well here are the steps. 1) Click the Start Menu > Click Control Panel > Click User Accounts and Family Safety > Click User Accounts > Click “Turn user Account Control On or Off” > then uncheck the box on the next screen, hit OK, and restart. 2) Now you’ll notice there is a Security Center warning in the system tray next to your clock, double click the icon to bring up Security Center, in the left column you’ll see a line that says “Change the way Security Center Alerts Me“.  Click this line, and click the last option “Don’t notify me and don’t display the icon (Not recommended)”, once you are done with these you should be good to go so you can enjoy Vis...
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YPOPs! Check your Yahoo! mail in your favorite e-mail client
2007-01-26 10:13:06
YPOPs! is a multiplatform compatible application that allows you to check your web based Yahoo ! account e-mail in any one of your favorite software e-mail clients.  The software acts as a gateway acting as a POP3 server for the software on your end and an HTTP client for Yahoo! on the other end.  Pretty Clever! YPOPs! Homepage
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Like SnagIt, but not the price? Try FastStone
2007-01-26 10:13:06
Everyone that edits pictures or runs a webpage knows just how important screen capture software is.  I have always been a huge fan of SnagIt and use it religiously at work, however, I wanted it at home and never got around to purchasing it.  Well… along came Fast Stone , a perfect alternative to SnagIt but without the price! That’s right, FastStone is FREE :)  So far from basic usage it seems to have all of the great basic features of SnagIt but with a smaller weight, I have yet to find a feature I use daily in SnagIt that is not in FastStone. For more info, click here: FastStone Screen Capture
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The Pirate Bay is moving to Plan B
2007-01-26 10:13:06
This is an update to a previous article about The Pirate Bay who were previously attempting to purchase Sealand as a base for their operations to avoid legal issues.  Well…  this plan has failed and they are moving on to their next plan, they are hoping to purchase an island that they can claim as a nation so they can run their operations without worry.  They have raised over $20,000 to help out with their operations and that number appears to be on the rise. For anyone that has kept up with this story, check out their Buy Sealand page
More About: Moving , Plan B , The Pirate Bay , Plan

Matrox presents the Extio F1220
2007-01-26 10:13:06
TechPowerUp originally posted about a new gadget that Matrox announced today known as the Extio F1220, the new device is an external box that connects to a PCI or PCIe optic card you install in your PC.  The F1220 allows expansion of one or two additional screens to your current setup for a larger desktop across multiple screens. Their higher end series the F1400 and F1420 allow up to an additional four screens for your system.  Some other specs for each are an additional 6 USB ports, 2 Firewire ports, as well as integrated audio with optical S/PDIF.         For more information, go to the Matrox Remote Graphics Units Page
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Curious how well your site is ranked? Check SEOMOZ.org
2007-01-26 10:13:06
SEOMOZ.org has a great free tool that will tell you just how well your site is ranking on the internet, similar to Google’s PageRank .  Their Page Strength tool will help fulfill the curiousity of webmasters, surfers, and marketing professionals by giving you details based on the relative importance and ability to rank in search engines as well as potential strength and ability to rank.  Amongst other information, it will give you data on popularity and mentions across the web.  After searching for your site you will see a breakdown by sources such as Technorati, Google, Alexa, Yahoo, DMOZ, Wikipedia, and more. A few weeks ago, this site ranked a Page Strength of a 1.0 (the site is a little over a month old), now it ranks a 2.0, something I’m quite happy to see.  Hopefully before long techtoppicks will be much higher.  Go to their site and check out your rating, please feel free to post results here Here’s the link: SEOMOZ.org Page Strength
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Run Windows Updates in Firefox
2007-01-25 16:11:05
IE Tab is a Firefox extension from Taiwan that allows you to run Internet Explorer embedded within a tab in Firefox.  The extension uses the rendering engine from whatever version of IE you are running giving you the ability to run and install Wind ows Updates from within Firefox.  Every once in a while you’ll come across a site that still isn’t FireFox friendly, just a click, and you’re running IE.  I use this extension daily especially when testing for browser compatibility when editing sites. To get this extension, click here.
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Locate and fix dead pixels on LCD screens
2007-01-25 16:11:05
UDPixel is a very small freeware program, approximately 156 kB in size that was written to help you in fixing stuck pixels and possibly even dead pixels, now there is no guarantee by the author (obviously), but this is a great first step in attempting to solve that little solid red pixel in the middle of your screen.  You need to run the program for a few hours in order for it to be effective, probably as your going to bed.. (unless the screen is in your room). Download the utility @ UDPixel
More About: Screen , Cat , Dead , Locate

T-Mobile to offer Vista users free Wi-Fi
2007-01-25 16:11:05
Microsoft-watch.com posted an article today that as part of Microsoft’s push of Vista it has contracted with T-Mobile to offer Vista users 3 free months of wireless internet at any North American T-Mobile hotspot.  The offer stands from January 30th until April 30th, however, Microsoft-watch found out the setup will be live on January 26th (Friday). For extra info, check out the Microsoft-Watch article.
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Adobe Reader bogging you down? Try Foxit Reader for Windows
2007-01-25 04:10:13
I used to have lots of issues with Adobe Read er a few months ago, it was slow and tended to crash a lot.  I did a little research and came across a great utility by Foxit Software Company called Foxit Reader.  The utility is a direct replacement for Adobe Reader that is much smaller in size (~1.5 M), and has a blazing launch speed in comparison.  There are numerous reasons to at least give the software a try, for a full list of features, check out the FoxIt Reader main page.
More About: Windows , Wind

Use you GMail account as an extra hard drive
2007-01-25 04:10:13
GMail Drive is a shell extension for XP that allows you to use your Gmail account as an extra mountable hard drive for extra storage.  The extension will actually create a new drive in your My Computer folder allowing for drag and drop use.  The extension creates an e-mail and posts it to your account and then periodically checks your account for new files and to rebuild the directory structures. The one downside… the extension is experimental so the filename size must be less than 65 charachters, and if the Gmail system were to ever change their system, the tool could be rendered useless. For a close look check out the authors page at: viksoe.dk - Gmail Drive Extension
More About: Hard , Hard Drive

Hacker releases Blu-Ray ripping utility
2007-01-24 04:09:06
Muslix64, the same encryption hacker that wrote the decryption scheme for the HD-DVD standard has released yet another decryption utility for the other famous standard Blu-Ray .  The new utility named BackupBluRay was released in its very early development stage with very limited capability as the user must know the CPS unit key in order for the decryption to work.  Muslix64 uses the Doom9.org Forums for his releases and statements, where other statements can be seen with people claiming to have used his utility successfully.  Apparently, Muslix64 was able to successfully decrypt the content of the BD-Rom (Blu-Ray disc) from the contents of the disc and by using a memory dump.  Muslix64’s previous utility for decrypting HDDVD is now hosted on the SourceForge site, and surely his new utility will make its way onto the site as well. For more information, check out the links below. WesleyTech, SourceForge, as well as the Doom9 Forums
More About: Hack , Hacker , Release , Utility

Halo 3 release date and pricing released by Activewin.com
2007-01-24 04:09:06
Activewin.com has posted the release date with pricing and box shots on their site for the upcoming Halo 3 game by Bungie.  According to their sources, the game will officially be released on November 15th, 2007, just in time for the Christmas rush of 07. There will be initially three different box sets upon release, a Regular Version, a Limited Edition, and a Legendary Edition, each having their own benefits over the other.  The Regular version will be priced at $59.99 and will be just the game and case itself, followed by the Limited Edition ($69.99) which will contain additional “bonus” content for Halo fans.  Then last but not least, the Legendary Edition which will sell for $99.99 and treats the owner to such exclusive items as three bonus discs of extra content, and a collectible replica of the helmet worn by the main charachter. Bungie is working very hard on making the new Halo release the best yet, especially in plot and interactivity, especially in online play....
More About: Released , Release , Halo 3 , Lease

Origen AE releases it?s S21T HTPC case
2007-01-24 04:09:06
             Want the hottest home theater in town? On January 17th, Origen AE announced their long awaited case the S21T. With such features as a motorized 12.1″ motorized touch screen TFT display supporting 1920×1080, removable motherboard tray, and support for up to 10 hard drives, the new should make great waves in the HTPC community for anyone that wants a great theater server with a lot of wow and flash appeal.  Pricing is not fully known yet, but various sources appear to claim it will cost ~$900-$1200 upon release. Check out extra pics and information at the Origen AE site.
More About: Release , Case , Lease , Ease

UbuntuStudio Multimedia OS to release in April
2007-01-24 04:09:06
UbuntuStudio is a new flavor of Ubuntu Linux designed for audio, video, and graphic multimedia editing for the enthusiast or professional.  The distro will be based on the upcoming base distribution Feisty Fawn Ubuntu, and will run the Gnome interface.    The development team is busily working on codecs and software for what they hope will be a complete distribution for release in April .  Unlike many flavors of Linux in which the developers throw on a bunch of random applications and re-release it, the team behind UbuntuStudio are hoping to create a package based solely on productivity around multimedia.  This should be a great, and welcome release. For more info, check out the Wiki site: UbuntuStudio                 
More About: Media , Multimedia , Ubuntu , Time

Charter Communications is having a special ending January 31
2007-01-16 16:02:03
Charter Communication s is having a special ending January 31st, 2007 for anyone that needs new cable modem service, or if you’re looking to lower your bills. Here are the specs:  -The service is 3 Mbps -14.99 for 12 months, after that the rate returns to regular pricing. -Cable modem is free after rebates ($89.95) -No Contract For all terms and conditions and the signup page, click here -> Charter Communications Source: Techbargains
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After the recent lawsuit with Cisco over the iPhone name, Ap
2007-01-16 16:02:03
After the recent lawsuit with Cisco over the iPhone name, Apple is renaming its newly released phone under the new name of iTouch Mobile.  According to source Madshrimps.be, attourney’s specializing the in the case said that Cisco would likely have won the case if it were to end up in court. Apple, probably in a very smart move, decided not to take the risk and renamed the phone.  This, amongst other news and issues, is making the iTouch/iPhone a hot topic all over the world right now.  Apple really seems to have its hands full with all of the surrounding controversy surrounding their new product.  Hopefully things will pull together soon as this looks like it will be a great ground release for new future cell phone technologies. Do you plan on buying the new iPhone / iTouch Mobile upon release? Yes! No! Maybe... Already have a phone...sorry View Results ...
More About: Lawsuit , Iphone , Laws , With

If you use Linux and your preferred browser is Firefox, you
2007-01-16 16:02:03
If you use Linux and your preferred browser is Fire fox , you should check out Swiftfox.  Swiftfox is a Firefox distribution project for Linux run by Jason Halme over over getswiftfox.com, the broswer is recoded for optimization with your particular processor including AMD CPUs.  They are very good about keeping up with Firefox releases and distributing Swiftfox shortly after if not the same time as the initial Firefox release. The distributions are not targeted at any single version of Linux and should work equally with all distributions; plug-in compatibility is also not of any concern either. Get SwiftFox              
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On January 9th, 2007 DisplayLink announced two new products
2007-01-16 16:02:03
On January 9th, 2007 Display Link announced two new products the DL-120 and DL-160 capable of pushing video over wireless USB.  The DL-120 is capable of delivering 1280×1024 and the DL-160 allows for 1600×1200 resolution wirelessly. DisplayLink claims the wireless connections will deliver 32-bit true color quality and DVD quality video in realtime without loss of quality or color.  Applications will include multiple monitors from one computer, wireless control of photo frames, and more. The chips are currently in production with no distribution release date on their site.  This is the beginning of many new products to come from DisplayLink in 2007. Source: DisplayLink
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Porn Industry picks HD-DVD
2007-01-12 21:59:07
HD DVD has won a big battle against Blu-Ray as top adult entertainment producers such as Digital Playground have made announcements that they are going to drop their original plans to use Blu-Ray and will now use HD DVD instead. Why worry about what they are using?  The adult entertainment industry raked in over $4 Billion dollars in 2005, according to sources.  Sources also say that at least 35% of these sales are affluent individuals with incomes over $75,000 who can afford Hi-Def players. When you see the final numbers you begin to understand just how big this win is for the HD DVD standard, the same standard currently used in the XBox 360. Sources: HardOCP, TechpowerUp, and AVS Forums
More About: Industry , Dvd , Pick

The Pirate Bay planning to start it?s own country
2007-01-12 21:59:07
The Pirate Bay, a well-known file sharing site is looking to buy the Principality of Sealand, a man built World War II gun platform 6 miles off the coast of the UK.  With the purchase of the island, they are hoping to build a copyright free land in which file sharers can unite to legally use their service. If the bid for Sealand fails, they are going to point elsewhere and buy another island to create into a nation so they can accomplish their goals. Check out the site for Pirate Bay’s Sealand here.
More About: Country , Planning , Start , Star

Second Life Viewer Released as Open Source
2007-01-12 09:58:01
Linden Lab the creator of the virtual world Second Life is releasing the source code to its viewer application in a move to grow the community as an open extensible platform for development.  The viewer is the application that the end user runs to allow them to access the virtual world controlling their avatars, sending IM messages, creating content, selling and purchasing goods, and more.  This is a great move on their end to involve more people in the project and create more of a user and developer base with customised interaction. Download the API here.
More About: Open Source , Second Life , Open , Source

Use Farecast.com to save on your airline tickets
2007-01-12 09:58:01
Farecast.com is a powerful computational engine that crunches billions on airline prices in its database and runs them against 200 rules that affect everyday airline ticket prices to figure out when and whether or not it will be a good time to buy airline tickets. Time.com rates this site as one of the next and upcoming Web 2.0 YouTubes on their site, after checking out their site, I think may may have a good point.  Below is an image from their site showing what airfare prices were from Atlanta, GA to various locations.  The company is not an airline or travel agency however, you still pay directly to the airline; Farecast is more simply a reference as to whether ot not purchase the ticket you’re looking at. Farecast.com: Airfare Predictions             
More About: Your , Tickets , Cast , Save , Line