Thoughts and links from the crew of the On Computers Radio Show as we wander the Web.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Sears rolls out online movie download service
Apple facing class action suit over iOS data collection
The 20 Best How-To Geek Linux Articles of 2010
Recover Data Like a Forensics Expert Using an Ubuntu Live CD
Move Window Buttons Back to the Right in Ubuntu 10.04 / 10.10
How to Create Your Own Customized Ubuntu Live CD
HTG Explains: Which Linux File System Should You Choose?
plus 16 more...
Monday, December 20, 2010
Perfect Xmas gift: Computer Engineer Barbie
Sunday, December 19, 2010
OnComputers Radio show Podcast 12-19-10
There will be no show next week 12/26/10 Merry Christmas Everyone!
We will see you all on 01/02/11
Today's App Corner
One is a very useful app from the US Postal Service. It uses location services to find your nearest post office, and once you have found it, the hours and services offered there. It also shows all the collection boxes in your area and the pick up times. You can also track a package and look up zip codes. One thing that would be nice would be a postage calculator. Maybe in a future version. At least they give you a link to usps.com so you could look up postage rates there.
http://www.usps.com/mobile/info.htm
The other app is from the TSA. It falls short on the wait time feature, since it relies on users to report the wait times. Other than that, it is a nice handy interface with a "Can I Bring" look up, and a handy travel guide. It also includes a US Aiport status map. So while there is room for improvement, if you fly it is nice to keep this one on the phone.
http://apps.usa.gov/tsa-app/
Links from the Gregg Zone
1) This article reminds us just how intensely complex the movement toward replacing destructive planetary processes to soften our effect on the planet can be. I like the idea of using nature to produce the basic materials we need, but at what point do we cross the danger line? Anyway the idea of ‘training bacteria’ to make our plastics from vegetation as opposed to drilling oil wells for plastics. http://green.blorge.com
2) Speaking about environmental disasters just what is up with this; seems that they are going to turn Chernobyl into a sort of Disneyland. There are just so many questions that come to mind about this, I am just going to have to wait and see, and somehow I think the idea of buying stock in the company is not going to be on my investment list. http://www.aolnews.com
3) One of the things I like about this blog I am doing is how it continues to challenge my belief systems, one of the things I have learned over the years is that just because it seems to me to be a sure thing, it isn’t necessarily so. According to this article Einstein was right even though he was convinced he was mistaken, seems you can be in two places at the same. time http://www.independent.co.uk
4) Now to muddy the waters just a little, here is an article about the scientific achievement award of the year goes to the discovery and demonstration of teleportation. Question does that mean I can stay home and transport myself to work? That would mean I can watch the game and still keep the boss happy. http://www.foxnews.com
5) Now for something techy, once again I hope I am not treading on the App Corner’s thunder, but the warning in this article is a little worrying, privacy is a thing of the past, caqn the hive mind be very far off. http://online.wsj.com
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Earl's Cyber Steals and Deals
LCD Monitor w/ DVI & VGA Inputs FREE BUDGET SHIPPING $232.99 buy.com
Newegg has the Seagate Expansion 2TB USB 2.0 External Hard Drive ST320005EXA101-RK for $90 with free shipping. Features built-in power management for energy-efficient operation
Newegg has the Western Digital Elements 2TB USB 2.0 Desktop External Hard Drive WDBAAU0020HBK-NESN
Newegg has the Patriot PGV34G1333ELK Sector 5 4GB PC10666 RAM DDR3 2x2048MB Desktop Memory for $63 - $25 rebate [Exp 12/31] = $38 with free shipping. Includes Patriot Signature PSF4GUSB 4GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive with purchase Rebate at Newegg link under price.
Walmart has the Toshiba Satellite L675D-S7047 17.3" Triple-Core Laptop with Blu-ray for $648 with free shipping. Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit installed. AMD Phenom II Triple-Core Mobile N850 2.2GHz, 4GB RAM, 640GB HDD ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4250, 1600 x 900 Display, 802.11n, Bluetooth 2.1
Newegg has the Patriot PEF16GUSB Xporter XT Boost 16GB Flash Drive (USB 2.0 Portable) for $30 - $10 rebate [Exp 12/31] + $1 shipping = $21 shipped. It has a speedy rating of 200x, with a durable water and shock resistant housing
Office Depot has the HP G72-B60US Intel Core i3-370M 17.3" LED LCD Laptop for $550 - $50 rebate = $500 with free shipping. Intel Core i3-370M Processor (2.40GHz), 4GB DDR3 RAM, 500GB HDD Intel HD Graphics, 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth, HDMI, Windows 7 HP x64 •Memory card reader w. 5 types of memory cards. •HDMI port view videos and photos on your HDTV. •Built-in webcam and microphone •Keyboard's integrated numeric keypad • 5 hours of battery life Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-bit. CD and DVD RW w oightscribe
3BTech has @Cube V200 2-Bay Network Storage Enclosure (NAS) Gigabit net Linux embedded system
Networking TCP/IP, DHCP Client, CIFS/SMB, AFP, HTTP, FTP, NTP, Gigabit Jumbe Frame File System XFS, FAT32, NTFS
• Supports 2 SATA HDD to 2gb in RAID 0/1 • Stream video, music, and photos
• USB print server, BitTorrent client
• Acronis 2011 backup software Only $49.99
Ends today. Newegg has the Patriot PSF8GMCSDHC43P 8GB microSDHC Class 4 High Capacity Micro Secure Digital Card for $14 - $5 rebate [Exp 12/19] = $9 with free shipping. Includes a full size SD Card adapter. Class 4 operation means a minimum transfer rate of 4MB/sec
Office Depot has the Toshiba Satellite C655D-S5048 15.6" Laptop on sale for $380 with free shipping. AMD Athlon II Dual-Core P320 2.1GHz, 3GB DDR3, 320GB HDD 02.11b/g/n, ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4250, Windows 7 HP x64 and memory card reader
For an oolder desktop system - Amazon has the Patriot Extreme Performance Gaming Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memory (PGS24G6400ELK) for $70 - $20 rebate [Exp 12/31] = $50 with free shipping. Features aluminum heat-dispersing shields and timings of 5-5-5-12
Friday, December 17, 2010
Mystery Surrounds Cyber Missile That Crippled Iran's Nuclear Weapons Ambitions
The construction of the worm was so advanced, it was “like the arrival of an F-35 into a World War I battlefield,” says Ralph Langner, the computer expert who was the first to sound the alarm about Stuxnet. Others have called it the first “weaponized” computer virus.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
New scam tactic: Fake disk defraggers | InSecurity Complex - CNET News
"We've all heard about fake antivirus programs, also known as scareware. These programs falsely claim that your computer is infected with malware and prompt you to buy a product that will do nothing for you, except put your credit card number into the hands of criminals."
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
iPhone snitch network launched
Sunday, December 12, 2010
OnComputers Radio show Podcast 12-12-10
Today's App Corner
http://www.fastmall.com/
Links from the Gregg Zone
1) Starting off the week I found an article referring to a online organization about meg-a-cities and urban planning, I have not had time to look into the actual planning site according to the video they have four basic designs for urban planning. One thing for sure is that as we continue to grow we need some serious planning. I am looking forward to investigating this a little deeper, curious about the other three. http://www.guardian.co.uk
2) One of the big scares of the people who follow a literal interpretation of religious doctrine is humans having control over what is considered God’s creation, and grand plan. Well having man create matter and anti matter from a vacuum surly falls into that arena, whether that is in a laboratory or not is not important. This will probably muddy the waters a little more. http://www.physorg.com
3) Wow, doing this blog about Gregg Zone topics on a computer oriented site how could I miss with a headline like “ ’Crop Circles’ in Cyberspace” this actually turned out to be a quite disturbing article about how our financial world is morphing into something entirely different than that we have been used to. I found this to be one of those things that scare me on a level I am not quite sure I understand, but very interesting. http://www.forteantimes.com
4) It seems that the WikiLeaks story has a little bit of something either good or bad for everyone I have my hopes pinned on something interesting coming out along the lines of this article. According to Mr. Assange, there will be some new UFO information coming in the next info dump. This might make for a more interesting news cycle in the near future. http://www.independent.ie/
5) Okay here is something that might be interesting on a geeky level. Seems there is a movement to buy a communication satellite, and move it. Not to sure where they want to move it, or how, the site seems a little lacking on details, but might be worth checking into on several levels. http://buythissatellite.org/
Friday, December 10, 2010
Earl's Cyber Steals and Deals
FREE BUDGET SHIPPING
Buy.com price: $19.95 (expires 12/14/10)
List price: $48.99
newegg.com offers the Western Digital Caviar Green 1.5TB Serial ATA 3Gb/s Internal Hard Drive, model no. WD15EARS, for $59.99 with free shipping. (Click through to newegg.com to see this price.) This "green" 3.5" drive purportedly consumes less power compared to other models and features a 64MB cache.
Walmart has the Logitech MK320 920-002836 Wireless Desktop for $20 with free shipping. Features a full size keyboard and easy-tote mouse.
Newegg has the Corsair 8GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive (CMFUSB2.0-8GB) for $14 - $5 rebate [Exp 12/14] = $9 with free shipping. Features a 22MB/s read and 7MB/s write speed, durable rubber housing for water and shock resistance, and a 10 year warranty.
Newegg has the Rosewill RK-V1TP 2.4GHz Wireless Touchpad Keyboard for $50 - 30% off with coupon code RWUSDEC30 = $35 with free shipping. Works up to 20 meters away from the receiver and has a trackpad so you don't need a mouse
Best Buy has the Dell Inspiron M5030 AMD Athlon II Dual-Core 15.6" Laptop for $380 with free in-store pickup. Shipping option is $15. AMD Athlon II Dual-Core P340 2.2GHz, 3GB DDR3, 320GB HDD 802.11g/n, ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4250, Windows 7 HP x64
CDW has the Lenovo ThinkPad T500 C2D P8700 2.53GHz 15.4" Notebook for $363 + $11 shipping = $374 shipped. Windows Vista Business installed. Intel Core 2 Duo P8700 2.53GHz CPU, 2GB DDR3 RAM, 160GB HDD 15.4" LED-backlit LCD, Intel GMA 4500MHD, DVD+/-RW, Wireless-N, 6-cell
Dell has the Dell Inspiron 15 (N5030) 15.6" Dual Core 2.3GHz Laptop (3D Black) for $400 with free shipping. Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit installed. Intel Pentium Dual Core T4500 2.3GHz, 2GB RAM, 250GB HDD 15.6" LED 1366x768, Intel GMA X4500HD, CD/DVD Writer, 6-cell
TradePub has The Easy Guide To Computer Networks for free. This guide gives step-by-step instructions on how to set up different kinds of networks, how to use them to share internet, files and printers with others
Walmart has the TomTom Model#: XL 335SE w •Premium maps of the US and Canada with Map Share •Announced turn-by-turn directions and street names •4.3" touchscreen interface Model#: XL 335SE $79
Dell Business has the Vostro 230 Slim Tower plus Samsung 2494LW 23.6" LCD Monitor for $469 + $8 shipping = $477 shipped. Core 2 Duo E7500 2.93GHz, 3GB DDR3, 320GB HDD, 16X DVD+/-RW Intel GMA X4500, Integrated 5.1-ch audio, Windows 7 Home Premium
Buy.com offers the Crucial 4GB PC3-10600 DDR3-1333 SO-DIMM 204-Pin Notebook RAM, model no. CT51264BC1339, for $52.45. With free shipping, that's the lowest total price we could find by $3 and the least expensive 4GB PC3-10600 SO-DIMM
Office Depot offers the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000, model no. B2M-00012, for $14.99. Opt for in-store pickup, otherwise shipping adds $9.95. Even with shipping, that's a $35 overnight drop . This USB keyboard features a split-key layout, programmable multimedia keys, and an integrated palm rest. Deal ends December 18
Thursday, December 09, 2010
My Google Chromebook has arrived: First impressions after an hour | ZDNet
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Internet Explorer 9 gets new anti-tracking privacy feature early next year.
Google scores big federal government contract | Digital Media - CNET News
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Bond and Feinstein urge prosecution of WikiLeaks' Julian Assange - -
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been arrested by British police
The US Justice Department is considering charging Mr Assange with espionage offences over his website’s unprecedented release of classified US diplomatic files. Several right-wing American politicians are pressing for his prosecution and even execution, with Sarah Palin, the former vice-presidential candidate, saying he should be pursued the same as al-Qa’ida and Taliban leaders
Monday, December 06, 2010
Wikileaks lists 'targets for terror' against the US. BBC News - List of facilities 'vital to US security' leaked
Sunday, December 05, 2010
OnComputers Radio show Podcast 12-05-10
Links from the Gregg Zone
1) Okay human power is a very cool thing when trying to go green, but there is always a limit. A human powered monorail seems to me to be pushing just a little. Maybe an amusement park for exercise buffs, but I pity the guy stuck behind me poking along trying to catch my breath. Anyway it is nice to see people thinking outside of the box, never know what spinoffs may come from the effort. http://www.energy-dimension.com
2) Here is an article that sums up very well the concerns and problems I see with Google their growth patterns, and market approach has been concerning me for quite a while the commercialization the internet, I believe is aptly described as advertizing pollution of the worlds biggest library. http://www.guardian.co.ukt
3) This is about an item I linked to when the event started, I am still confused and curious just what is going on with this. It you remember it was within a few days of each other they sent the X-37B up into orbit, a program that was snatched from NASA by the military causing much speculation about weaponizing space. At about the same time the sent a far reaching drone into low orbit and then tried to use it to take out a target on an island, it got lost and made the news. I still wonder if they were related, and just what it is all about anyway. http://apnews.myway.com
4) I thought this was just a great little article and video about just how powerful solar power can be when directed properly. http://www.treehugger.com/
5) For my computer link of the week how about just more power and speed. Looks like Moore’s law is poised to make a rather spectacular jump. Makes one wonder if there is any limit to where we are headed. http://www.sciencedaily.com
Earl's Cyber Steals and Deals
Office Depot has the HP Photosmart Premium C309a Wireless AIO Printer for $80 with free shipping. Features a 2.4" LCD, borderless printing, Bluetooth, and prints up to 33 ppm for monochrome and 32 ppm for color prints.
Super Media Store has the
SanDisk 32GB Cruzer USB 2.0 Flash Drivefor $49 with free shipping
Newegg has the Western Digital Elements 2TB WDBAAU0020HBK-NESN Desktop External Hard Drive for $90 with free shipping.
Dell has the Dell Inspiron 15 (N5030) 15.6" Dual Core 2.3GHz Laptop (3D Black) for $400 with free shipping. Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit installed. Intel Pentium Dual Core T4500 2.3GHz, 2GB RAM, 250GB HDD 15.6" LED 13ggx768, Intel GMA X4500HD, CD/DVD Writer, 6-cell
Kingston 16GB DataTraveler 101 Generation
2 (G2) USB Flash Drive (Black) SAVE $8.30 FREE BUDGET SHIPPING
Buy.com price: $22.95
SuperBiiz.com offers the Samsung Spinpoint F4 2TB Serial ATA 3Gb/s Internal Hard Drive, model no. HD204UI, for $94.99. Coupon code "SNOWFLAKE10" cuts it to $85.49. With free shipping, that's $0.04/GB The hard drive features a 32MB cache and runs at 5400 rpm.
Dell Small Business offers the Dell Vostro 230 Slim Intel Core 2 Duo 2.93GHz Desktop PC bundled with the Dell E2210H 21.5" Widescreen LCD Monitor for $439 plus $8 for shipping. Vostro 230 Slim with a 22" display. Intel Core 2 Duo E7500 2.93GHz dual-core processor, 2GB RAM, 250GB 7200 rpm hard drive, DVD-ROM, Gigabit Ethernet, and Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit.
Dell Small Business offers the Dell Vostro 230 Mini Pentium Dual-Core 2.8GHz Desktop PC bundled with the Dell E1709W 17" Widescreen LCD Monitor for $345 plus $8 for shipping. Intel Pentium Dual-Core E5400 2.7GHz processor, 2GB RAM, 320GB 7200 rpm hard drive, DVD-ROM, Gigabit Ethernet, and Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit.
Fujifilm FinePix J40 12.2 MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3-Inch LCD (Includes 2 GB SD Memory Card) $69.00 & this item ships for FREE Amazon Lightning Deal - low quantity & low price
newegg.com offers the Kingston HyperX 4GB PC3-12800 DDR3-1600 240-Pin Dual Channel Desktop Memory Kit with two 2GB DIMMs, model no. KHX1600C9AD3K2/4G, for $69.99. This $30 mail-in rebate cuts it to $39.99. With free shipping, that's $10 under last month's mention and the lowest total price we could find by $35. Rebate ends December 14.
Walmart offers the HP Deskjet 1050 Multifunction Color Inkjet Printer, model no. CH346A#B1H, which also scans and copies, for $20 with free shipping. That's tied with our mention from ten days ago and the lowest total price we've seen for any HP multifunction inkjet printer in two years. Sales tax is added where applicable. It features a maximum print resolution of 4800x1200 dpi, up to 16 ppm black / 12 ppm color, USB connectivity, and more.
IDE DVD Burner $17 at Newegg SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X DVD+R DL 22X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache IDE 22X DVD±R DVD Burner LightScribe Support - OEM
)
Saturday, December 04, 2010
DoT exploring technology that would disable cell phones in cars
Friday, December 03, 2010
Iran confirms Stuxnet worm halted 400 nuclear centrifuges -
Stuxnet Worm Was Perfect for Sabotaging Iran's Centrifuges
Thursday, December 02, 2010
Net neutrality rules: coming December 21
FTC wants "do not track" button on your browser, pronto
- US cable groups win ground on net neutrality rules
WikiLeaks: Interpol issues wanted notice for Julian Assange Founder of Wikileaks
Independent - Despite accusations that Julian Assange is on the run, The Independent has learnt that Scotland Yard has been in contact with his legal team for more than a month but is waiting for further instruction
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
How to run Skype from a USB stick:
Running Skype from a USB stick (rather than installing it) can be very useful, because this "portable" version allows you to run Skype on any computer. If you are away from your home or office PC, you can plug your USB stick with portable Skype into any computer (internet cafe, office, friends, etc.) without needing to install Skype and use Skype as normal. Being portable, Skype runs independently without requiring or leaving any information on the host PC.
1. Make a folder named "Skype" and create a "Data" subdirectory
2. Copy the file "skype.exe" into the "Skype" directory (download the latest version for free)
3. In the "Data" subdirectory, create a text file "Skype.bat" containing: skype.exe /datapath:"Data" /removable
4. Run the program from your USB stick... (Double click Skype.exe)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Download FREE 27 page Skype Guide
Sunday, November 28, 2010
OnComputers Radio show Podcast 11-28-10
This weeks show was cut short by 6 minutes, because if technical problems.
Links from the Gregg Zone
1)
1) Wow sometimes they come up with the perfect solution to a problem. I have been rather critical of gene mixing between species. It just seems such a slippery slope this just goes to show I have my price for jumping on board if this works as advertised I must admit I am for this idea. Trees that glow providing street lighting and producing oxygen while at the same time reducing co2. http://www.dailymail
2) I have to admit that if I had run across the concept of storm chasing in my youth it might have developed into a life path. This is a truly great site about storm tracking, stunning photography, combine with a great story, be sure to click on the pictures with links for the full panoramic view. http://bigstormpicture.blogspot.com
3) There is so much movement in the phone world I just thought when I saw this it needed to be here. You know me I am not a big mobile phone guy. This is not exactly mobile phone but, quite interesting how about the whole desk top just one big phone, sorry seems totally useless to me. http://www.zurmat.com
4) I was torn between this and the link I used as my green link so I just thought I would put it here. I was wondering about this concept for a while now, and I am glad to see someone doing something with it. The idea of just pumping heat energy out of the tail pipe always seemed like a waste to me. http://green.blorge.com
5) Hoping not to steal any of Earl’s thunder, but tomorrow is cyber Monday so I could not resist this article about many deals for my geek spot http://finance.yahoo.com