The Truth About Switching to a Mac

I just had to post this one. Stripped of all the hype, this person's reasons for switching to a Mac are, well, boring, mundane and featureless. That's really what switching from Windows to anything is all about. Sure, there are some hitches. There are some benefits, too. In the end, while I'm happy I'm not using Windows for much, I have to be honest and say that not all that much has changed, either.

And here I expected it to change my luck, my life and my bowling average.

Jack

My Vista Upgrade

I know there are folks who post here who don't think upgrading an OS is a good idea. They go clean install every time. Hear me out on this and it might make you think about at least trying an upgrade.
My main computer in my office was running XP pro. I've had a generic host process crash problems, at start up, for years I could not pin down. It would also knock out the sound card for some reason. I changed almost all the hardware and uninstalled just about every program I have at one time or another. I'd be OK for a day or two and then problem would be back. When vista came out I wanted to try it on at least one computer. Figured why not this one? First Vista install scanner would not work. So, I gave up quick and uninstalled, New scanner driver just came out. So, I tried again. I did have to jump trough a bunch of hoops but, scanner does work now. I had to use the original CD for scanner and Vista got the driver off that. Yes, had to reinstall many programs anyway but, not all. Most important my crash problem seems gone. Done about two dozen reboots and all is well.
My point? I always try an upgrade for an OS. If it does not work well, so be it. I've only lost the time the upgrade took. comments?

Adobe to take Photoshop online | News.com

I know a lot of people that use Photoshop to do image editing, for fun and profit. And I thought that the idea of Photoshop on the web is another interesting step to hosted applications. As the News.com article says:

Hoping to get a jump on Google and other competitors, Adobe Systems plans to release a hosted version of its popular Photoshop image-editing application within six months, the company's chief executive said Tuesday.

The online service is part of a larger move to introduce ad-supported online services to complement its existing products and broaden the company reach into the consumer market, Adobe CEO Bruce Chizen told CNET News.com. Chizen said Adobe laid the foundation for a hosted Photoshop product with Adobe Remix, a Web-based video-editing tool it offers through the PhotoBucket media-sharing site.

Like Adobe Remix, the hosted Photoshop service is set to be free and marketed as an entry-level version of Adobe's more sophisticated image-editing tools, including Photoshop and Photoshop Elements. Chizen envisions revenue from the Photoshop service coming from online advertising.

It looks like Google is inspiring?, motivating? others to offer hosted products. And is this a Picasa killer? Or a free trial, in order to get you hooked by Photoshop for people who have been intimidated by it. I'm curious to know what our photoshop gurus think of the product, and how Adobe handles the new online product, when its released in 6 months, or so.

Adobe to take Photoshop online | News.com
--MissM
[h/t BuzzOutLoud]

Ontrack reveals RAID data recovery secrets

Because of the interest expressed in the chat, I thought that this article on data recovery secrets would be a good read.

Kroll Ontrack, purveyors of data recovery, give a glimmer of hope to those with wrecked RAIDs in Tom's Hardware Guide's 7-page explanation detailing their step-by-step process, including preventative measures, proper handling tips, different types and levels of damage, and an overview of various Ontrack recovery methods.They stress the obvious solution to make a habit of defragging and backing up your data, however if it weren't for the irresponsible / lazy demographic, Ontrack would be counting their food stamps. They also encourage potential data-loss victims to stay calm, as freak-out sessions oftentimes yield impulsive and regretful decisions for data that might be recoverable. "In 2005, Kroll Ontrack processed 50,000 recovery cases. Ontrack was able to complete 40% of incoming orders successfully right away. The remaining 60% had to be taken to the clean room, where 75% of data recoveries were successful." The stats sound promising if you're in need of a serious data resurrection, and as long as you're willing to cough up a good chunk of your savings.

Ontrack reveals RAID data recovery secrets - Engadget

--MissM
image courtesy of Garner products degausser :)

Serious Security Vulnerability in Office 2007

The flaw is in Publisher, so it does not affect all Office users, but most. It allows remote control and execution of arbitrary code, so it is important. If you have Publisher or a reader for Publisher files installed, check the link above out.

Jack

KDE vs. Gnome

When I first started using Linux in 1998, there really were only two choices for the graphic desktop; KDE and Gnome. I chose KDE and stuck to that religiously for a long time. Now, I find myself using Gnome on my primary machine, XFCE on the machine I am using to post this, IceWM on another. Here in my home, KDE is not in sight unless my wife is using Linux. She still prefers KDE. We figure because KDE can be made to work more or less like the Windows desktop, it is easier for new users coming from Windows than some others. That is really the only reason she uses it; she can get around using much of the moves she already has and doesn't have to learn too many new ones.

Linus isn't enamored with Gnome and will tell you why in this post. I just wish everyone would get along. I like it because once I have it I don't really see the desktop at all, much less the window manager. That is how it should be, in my opinion. Others, who use their desktops differently than I do, disagree, and I have to honor that. In the end; it's all about the user and what she/he wants to do, isn't it?

Anyway; this short article contains the crux of the arguments for and against Gnome and KDE.

Jack

OnComputers Radio show Podcast 02-25-07

This is the On Computers Radio show podcast for 02-25-07. You can listen live every Sunday from 10AM to 1PM Pacific thats 1PM to 4PM Eastern. If you prefer, you can download the same MP3 file here via ftp.