Windows Vista SP2: Readers Report Big Increases in Free Disk Space - PC World

"Windows Vista Service Pack 2 went final earlier this week, with numerous fixes and tweaks to improve performance, bolster security, and squash bugs. But some PC World readers are seeing another welcome change to SP2: a lot more free disk space."
Everyone should upgrade and install Vista's Service pack 2, this is just another benefit.

AlaskaJoe

OnComputers Radio show Podcast 05-31-09

This is the On Computers Radio show podcast for 05-31-09. You can listen live every Sunday from 10AM to 1PM Pacific that's 1PM to 4PM Eastern. Join us for the live show and chat. If you prefer, you can download the same MP3 file here via ftp.
The link to the web site on the video editing Greg Jetter and Buzz talked about in the third hour are at AlaskaJoe.com/video

Earl's Cyber Steals and Deals

New: Dell S2309W 23" 1080p Widescreen LCD Display for $169 + free shipping
Dell Home offers the Dell S2309W 23" 1080p Widescreen LCD Monitor, model no. F906G, for $169 with free shipping. That's a $20 drop since our mention from three weeks ago, although it was slightly less in April. Sales tax is added where applicable. Features include a native resolution


Altec Lansing BXR1120 2-piece Speaker System w/ iPod/MP3 Player Cradle, 6W RMS, Black $14

Links from the Gregg Zone

1) Okay this seems just a little weird, even to me. Link one from the Gregg Zone if I can find one is usually green, and a car, or power source. So this week I start off with a Hummer? Oh no Mr. Bill, well it is a 100 mpg electric hybrid hummer. When I first saw this I looked at several links that kind of put it down, but I thought where there is smoke and all. This is a possible keeper, I need to keep an eye on this company, when you go to the link be sure to watch the video, I was impressed with the potential of their product. After all I do not care if you want to drive a motor home to the 7-11 to buy beer, if it gets 100 mpg that’s okay with me. http://www.physorg.com
2) Another green car link, well maybe not so green but defiantly different Seems the Termite has landed. This is about a wood burning car the article I found is here http://www.sunjournal.com/ this caught my curiosity because I remember quite a while ago the news following a wood burning car cross country, but they were pulling a trailer and using a chemical reaction to create the wood gas. I have been trying to find something on that for quite a while now. If you have any info please contact me. This is the termite main page about their journey http://blog.safehandling.com/
3) This is for the news junkies, of which I am one I just found this, and I kind of like the format. Called a News Map you just move your cursor around for the headline, click on it and it will take you to the story, want to change the map just click on the subject links at the bottom. This is really just a different format for looking at the news but I have to admit I like it. http://newsmap.jp/
4) This is one sent to me from Troll, I am afraid I do not have much to say about it now, as I keep checking it out after dark, and looking at a black box. Due to the timing of the show I am sure I will be looking at it during my segment. I will offer more on it then. It is a Bald Eagle web cam, comments coming tomorrow. http://www.nwf.org
5) Okay this is about as geeky as I get, I am not sure I am ready for this, I may request the planet stop and let me off. It is common knowledge how I feel about cell phones, and GPS they are in the same folder labeled save for next reincarnation not this time around. Now I read about cell phone enhanced reality, I am sorry when life turns into a museum tour complete with head phones telling me what I am looking at, well it is just too much. But, because this is just me doing what I do for your enjoyment, if you have not seen this check it out. Point your phone at an object, and get a history and total run down on it, http://www.newscientist.com

Microsoft Update Quietly Installs "Dangerous" Firefox Extension

This update adds to Firefox one of the most dangerous vulnerabilities present in all versions of Internet Explorer: the ability for Web sites to easily and quietly install software on your PC." Perhaps a bit over dramatic, but most Firefox for Windows users are anti-Internet Explorer, and would take umbrage at Redmond monkeying with their browser in any way.

Vista SP2 Now Available for Download

Start->Windows Update will find the 343.9 MB download that contains Vista's SP2.

OnComputers Radio show Podcast 05-24-09

This is the On Computers Radio show podcast for 05-24-09. You can listen live every Sunday from 10AM to 1PM Pacific that's 1PM to 4PM Eastern. Join us for the live show and chat. If you prefer, you can download the same MP3 file here via ftp.

Links from the Gregg Zone

1) Okay, back to starting off with my favorite subject green cars. I was watching Jay Leno earlier in the week when Jay mentioned the new Aperta car. I have always liked clicking around his site anyway so I thought I would take a look at it. This is an extremely interesting car, looks like the future to me; even if it does not fly I sure would like one. The link goes directly to the video on the car, short commercial 30 sec. but worth the wait. http://www.jaylenosgarage.com
2) I think it was Troll that got me started on this, usually I would say thank you, and this time I am not so sure. Warning if you are a half hour either side of eating dinner, you might want to wait before opening the page, photos are not exactly easy on the eye. This is the official site of the Montauk Monster, these keep popping up in the news, from Texas to Long Island New York. I have not settled on an opinion yet, but if Big Foot, Yeti, Nessy, etc. why not. Seems to be more proof on this than those. Anyway, an interesting read, albeit with some mighty ugly pictures. http://www.montauk-monster.com/
3) The fields of science, religion, and metaphysics seem to be blending more and more these days. Science seems to come closer and closer to answering the question, though I still think it is the understanding of what the question is that more precisely defines the quest. This is a link to an article in Discovery Magazine with the title, “Is Quantum Mechanics Controlling Your Thoughts?” Quite an interesting article gets into some rather interesting areas. Some of the things going on these days are just stunning, I am so happy to have the opportunity to live in this time of enlightenment. http://discovermagazine.com
4) I am sorry if I am getting in a little deep this week when it comes to the big questions, but when I found this I just had to pass it on. The concept of human consciousness has been one of my biggest interests as long as I can remember. The knowledge that every atom in my body has been replaced many, many times over my life time without any notice of the process in my conscious thought, just makes me want to know where in/or out of the body does my awareness of self reside. This has to be the most extensive site on the net for perusing this subject over five thousand free on line papers, not pages full papers. Fantastic if you are into learning about who you really are check this out http://consc.net/online/
5) Geek link for the week, Google is switching to tricycles for their street view mapping. In some areas that are just not right for the vans, if it was not human powered, I could see myself enjoying this job. Just touring around the countryside in the open air, this would have to be on the coolest job list. http://www.autoblog.com

Earl's Cyber Steals and Deals

Free subscription to NASA Tech Briefs Magazine TradePub.com, get a free subscription to NASA Tech Briefs Magazine in exchange for information about you and your company. NASA Tech Briefs Magazine has exclusive reports of innovations devloped by NASA

Plantronics Explorer 222 Bluetooth Headset for $14 + free shipping New Ad Sunday Morning Buy.com offers the Plantronics Explorer 222 Bluetooth Headset, model no. PLAN222, for $13.99 with free shipping. It's the lowest total price we could find by $8, This 0.5-oz. headset features up to six hours of talk time, 200 hours of standby, and an AC charger.

USB 2.0 to IDE / Serial ATA Converter Cable for $12 + free shipping
eForCity.com via Buy.com offers this USB 2.0 to IDE / Serial ATA Converter Cable, model no. PCABUSBX0017, for $11.99 with free shipping. 2.5" or 3.5" IDE or SATA hard drive into a USB hard drive.

New: Westinghouse 26" Widescreen LCD Display from $200 + $15 s&h, Costco offers its members the Westinghouse 25.5" Widescreen LCD Monitor (pictured), model no. L2610NW-SP, for $199.99 plus $14.99 for shipping. (Non-members pay $10 more.) 1920x1200 native resolution, 5ms response time, 3,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, HDMI and VGA inputs.

TWO Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 1.5TB Internal SATA Hard Drive (2-Pack) $199.99 Free Shipping, Dell Home has the Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 1.5TB 7200RPM/32MB ST31500341AS (2-Pack) for a low $199.99 after Coupon Code: P0HD43$HB$DLDR (Exp 5/26, 1500 uses). Free Shipping.

D-Link DES-1105 5-Port 10/100 Ethernet Switch $4.99AR Free Shipping, Newegg has the D-Link DES-1105 5-Port 10/100 Ethernet Switch for $4.99 after rebate. Free Shipping. Tax in CA, NJ, TN, PR.
$10 rebate Exp 6/30/09

New: D-Link DPH-50U Skype USB Phone Adapter for $5 after rebate + free shipping Frys offers the D-Link DPH-50U Skype USB Phone Adapter Plug any standard phone into the adapter and connect it to your computer to make Skype calls. Not compatible with 64-bit versions of Windows Vista. Rebate ends June 30.

CircuitCity.com has been relaunched as a shell site powered by Systemax,

In Store Fry's Deals
FREE USB to 2.5" IDE drive adaptor Free after rebate

Lawyer: RIAA must pay back all $100M it has collected

Harvard Law professor Charles Nesson is active in a case, where Nesson and a former student demand the RIAA pay back all $100 million it has collected in settlement money over the years.

New bill wants fiber conduit built into every road project

Here's a great idea. Lay conduit for fiber when the road is torn up anyway. This still won't solve the so-called last mile problem, however if this idea were adopted on a more local level it could help.

Where is Vista SP2?

The title says it all. Where is it? When will we see it? Does anybody out there really care? Hey, "Earth to Redmond"...

Windows 7 RC's 'free' reign to end with auto-shutdowns Starting March 1st

Users must buy the OS by March 1, 2010 or face no-warning reboots

Verizon Expands 7Mbps DSL Availability to 9.7 million households in 21 States and DC

Verizon announced this morning, May 20th, that they've continued to expand availability of their 7Mbps DSL service. According to the telco, by July, 9.7 million households in parts of 21 states and the District of Columbia will be able to order the faster DSL service -- quite a jump from the 400,000 or so users back in December of 2007.

Transformers USB flash drive is ready to ravage your files, bring carnage to your desktop

Prices have been dropping on USB drives so at $42.99 for 2 GB it is pretty pricey. But it is a cool as it is pricey. So for those who need to relive their childhood, or who simply like this awesome cat, here is a USB drive to reckon with.

Web attack that poisons Google results gets worse

Another attack that makes safe sites unsafe. Once again the advice to keep your system updated and use a good anti-virus, is still good.

OnComputers Radio show Podcast 05-17-09

This is the On Computers Radio show podcast for 05-17-09. You can listen live every Sunday from 10AM to 1PM Pacific that's 1PM to 4PM Eastern. Join us for the live show and chat. If you prefer, you can download the same MP3 file here via ftp.

Windows 7 RC 32 bit gets its first bug, and it is sigificant

The first documented bug in the Windows 7 Release Candidate (build 7100) is a doozy. Microsoft provided details of a problem that affects the 32-bit (x86) English-language version of Windows 7 build 7100: a problem in which the installer incorrectly sets access control lists (ACLs) on the root of the system drive.

Links from the Gregg Zone

1) Okay right off I am going to use my green spot to bring up an old worldwide improvement that the advent of the computer promised us years ago. But, seemed to miss the mark. Supposedly there would be a major reduction in paper usage due to e-paper, well that sounded good; unfortunately along with computer advancement came printer advancement. Now I ran across this announcement yesterday and I think the future they promised may be emerging at last. I would like to have one of these if they can get the price down http://www.amazon.com This is an article on whats coming to improve them with color http://www.newscientist.com
2) That old question about us being alone in the universe may have an answer very soon now. Seems the new telescopes coming out will have the ability to spot exo-planets by looking at the atmosphere and detecting traces of air breathing life, This should offer an easy method to map out a few places to go when we burnout the Earth, if we are still around, and providing we also find a way to get there. A interesting new technology though, article here http://www.sott.net
3) In the event you thought the happenings in the Bermuda Triangle are just something out of the past, and put to rest due to weather anomalies, this is a serious site with some interesting reading. They keep up with the latest news on the subject, along with explanations of past events. http://www.bermuda-triangle.org/
4) The advancement of technology verses the size and scope of the world population may cause some interesting questions regarding the evolution of man, and ethics. The question of our splitting into different lines of the evolutionary tree at an increased rate due to the have-have not aspect of our society. Who gets the new medical treatments is already an issue, just look at the difference between us and most third world countries. Now enter the abilities to increase brain power with new technology and we may see a new area of separation in our own country with even greater implications. Very interesting article here http://www.newscientist.com
5) For my geek link this week I am going to pose the hypothesis that the next world war, if we have one, and providing we are not in it at the moment. Will be fought entirely by geeks. Look at what is going on in Afghanistan right now, the air attacks being flown right now are piloted by people here in Las Vegas. They drop a bunch of bombs on targets that were determined by surveillance of the countryside, all from here. Then stop for a buffet on their way home, every thing is done remotely. This article is not about that, but helps make my point we do not need tanks, and AK-47’s anymore. We need geeks sitting in little dark rooms looking at monitors, using computers to keep us safe from the other guys sitting at their computers. http://news.cnet.com

Earl's Cyber Steals and Deals

Samsung Spinpoint 1TB SATA 16MB Cache Drive $75 at NewEgg.com Click Here
NewEgg.com has the Samsung Spinpoint F1 HD102UJ 1TB SATA 7200 RPM 16MB Buffer Hard Drive OEM for $75 with free shipping. Covered by a 3-year warranty. Average latency of 4.17ms, average seek time of 8.9ms.

Westinghouse M2401 24in Widescreen Flat-Panel LCD Monitor with 3.5in Digital Photo Frame $199.99, BestBuy has the Westinghouse 24" Widescreen Flat-Panel LCD Monitor with 3.5" Digital Photo Frame for a low $199.99. Free In-Store Pickup. 1920x1200 in 16:9 format; 5ms; 1000:1; 300nits; DVI w/HDCP & VGA;

Magellan Maestro 4200 Portable GPS System $93 at Buy.com Click Here
Buy.com has the refurbished Magellan Maestro 4200 Portable GPS System with 4.3" Wide Touch Screen for $93 + $0 shipping = $93 shipped.

IOGEAR GCS14 4-Port MiniView Compact KVM Switch Kit w/Cables - Retai Price: $29.99 Free Shipping at Newegg
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