CellWriter; Handwriting recognition for Linux

I found this via an article at Linux.com.

I have not yet used this, but I thought it worth trying. I will be building it in the next few days and giving it a whirl.

Previously, I had simply run my own printing, which is my normal handwriting, through OCR. I could get away with that because I had such good printing. But as I age and the effects of old injuries to my hands become more pronounce, along with a substantial tremor, normal OCR cannot read my output. CellWriter may be the answer to my prayers.

Jack

Cross-site scripting hole in Firefox

This one is hardly unexpected. A good, solid workaround is given and I'm sure there will be patches to FireFox, related browsers and the JRE, too.

Jack

Only two security updates on Microsoft's next Patch Tuesday

Only two updates, eh? I cannot help thinking that MS will sneak in one or two more at the last minute, but if they don't this won't be the first time I have been wrong about this.

Jack

"Stupid Filter" Software Finally a Reality?

I can think of several forums I visit that could use this and a few of them are in desperate need.

Jack

Brace yourself for Adobe's Photoshop overhaul

This is an idea making the rounds. The folks who write The GIMP are also doing it.

These super-capable graphics programs have simply gotten too complex for the "standard" interface to serve a lot of users well. But, as the article makes clear, removing features is almost never acceptable. So, the folks at Adobe are trying to find a way to allow you to customize the interface in such a way that you won't have to sort through a bunch of options and features you don't use to get to the ones you need. Yet they don't want you to lose features, so they'll all be there, somewhere, waiting on you to need them.

Interesting concepts to think about.

Jack

Open source, Lego-like computer modules run Linux

This one appealed to the "do it yourselfer" in me. I think you will like it, as well.

Now you can computerize your reclining chair, if you wish.

Jack

Multiple Quicktime security vulnerabilities show up

Get the fixes from the Apple link in the article or from your favorite download site.

Jack

My Google reader shared items.

Enjoy the links!

--MissM

ASUS Eee PC: Exclusive Inside Look!

They're not all that exclusive. I got in.

Tweaktown has a nice article where they strip Asus' "EeePC" down and check all the inside bits. Along with that, they'll tell you more about this new mini-notebook with the mini-price.

Jack

Norton AntiVirus for Macintosh causes Mac vulnerability

Well, foot in mouth strikes again, however inadvertantly.

Yesterday I wondered aloud if it was not time for Mac owners who have clueless users which might compromise the system via less than safe conduct to get anti-virus or anit-malware software installed. So far; I am not aware of any threats to the Mac that can happen without user interaction and I am quite sure I have not missed any. But threats requiring user interaction are beginning to pop up, hence my wondering about AV applications for the Mac.

Now, I find out that Norton's AV for the Mac is a problem causer, not a problem solver. Not that I was going to recommend it, anyway, but it surely would be on most people's list of brands to shop.

So much for my being ahead of the curve, eh?

Jack

OnComputers Radio show Podcast 11-04-07

This is the On Computers Radio show podcast for 11-04-07. You can listen live every Sunday from 10AM to 1PM Pacific thats 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) I was talking to Riley a while back he said he was very interested in some of the online radio links I had been putting up, and was looking forward to more. I thought this week I would dip into that folder on my desktop, the one I just call “radio”. I lost some of the older links I had when I last replaced my computer; however I think I have enough to keep even the unemployed busy for a while. The first one is a big favorite of mine, as an old Art bell fan, and one who likes to try to understand science, and physics, especially the new areas involving quantum physics, string theory, nano-technology, you know those on the edge subjects. Regarding these areas, one of my favorite guests from Art’s show was Michio Kaku. If you liked him as I did, this site is for you. He has a one hour radio show called “Explorations in Science” this site archives the last one hundred shows, along with some other interesting tid bits. So, if you are into science, physics, technology, their trends and politics, this is for you. http://www.kpfa.org

2) Next up, let us step a little closer to the edge. This site has some very good paranormal shows and guests, there is a lot here on every subject you can think of from Angels, to Zero Point, not your average mainstream radio that is for sure. http://www.bbsradio.com/

3) Now we have our toes sticking off the edge looking into the abyss, the next site has radio, assorted audio, video, and some links that might challenge your mind set to the limits. It is as I said, the links this week should keep anyone interested in these subjects occupied for quite a while, and this is another very extensive site. http://www.thothweb.com

4) This link is another paranormal radio site, mostly interviews with book authors, speakers, and producers of movies, and paranormal media. It is not as extensive as the previous sites, but still a little more to the mix. http://www.blogtalkradio.com

5) I have to add one more radio site here while it is not in the paranormal or scientific venue. It is still an old favorite. Lots of extreme political content, fair warning if you are a fan of those right wing talk shows, and you has high blood pressure, you may need to take something in advance to help keep your calm, or avoid it altogether. The content extremely varied both politically, and in the music offered. This is about as far from mainstream radio as it gets but if you like to hear more than one side of an issue, and believe in maintaining an open mind, there is some very good information here. http://www.kpfk.org

6) I have to toss in a Gregg Zone item before I go, this is a story about NASA, cities on the Moon, and microbes on Mars. The story dated today 10-31-07, is about the firing of the manager of the Data and Photo Control Department at NASA’S Lunar Receiving Laboratory during the manned Apollo Lunar Program. Now he is spilling the beans, this is a must read for anyone interested in UFO’S, aliens, life on other planets, or any of those related subjects. http://english.pravda.ru/