HutchTech Blog

Actually, it may simply be a whole lot of perspiration. If you've not watched it already, you need to take a look at the keynote from yesterday's WinHEC event (click here to view) and see some of the upcoming innovation related to Longhorn and Windows XP 64-bit.

Here's some of what I took away from the demos:

1. Though you might not believe me, you need to watch the keynote and see the SQL 2005 demo on the 64-bit platform. I've always wondered what 64-bit would do, and this is the best visual representation of it I've seen.
2. The new search and smart-folder functions built into Longhorn are impressive. And while the demo is still on pre-beta software, Steve Jobs better look out--the capabilities blow Spotlight out of the water. Yeah, I know, it's still more than a year off, so he's got time to catch-up.
3. The graphical interface and built-in content management are quite visually impressive. Sure, you can get Windows Blinds to do some of the GUI stuff, but you can tell from the demos that using MS Windows out of the box is going to be quite an experience.

That's my take for now. Give the video a look and let me know what you think.

- Hutch

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From Paul Thurrot's blog (www.internet-nexus.com):

The last bite on CherryOS

The thief who ripped off Pear PC and tried to foist in on the world as his own creation announces that Cherry OS is no more:

I decided that [Cherry OS] is not worth the hassle, not now or in the future. [Cherry OS] went to work without brushing its teeth or taking a shower, it was not ready.

Oh yeah, I know ? everyone out there who has their certain opinion about me will have their great comment hour right now. Its [sic] ok I expect that anyway.

As you should. You completely stole intellectual property from some hard working folks, and you deserve every comment you get, jerk.

I agree with Paul: The guys at Cherry OS should be flogged, tarred and feathered, then drawn and quartered. What jerks!

- Hutch

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Dvorak's done it again. No, not the exploding into a million tiny pieces thing. No, he's hit the nail on the head. How many people do you know that can't even do a simple Internet search (you know, with that net-web world-wide thingy on the big blue 'E')? We're not talking about not being able to program the VCR here, we're talking about doing something akin to looking up a phone number in the phone book--oops, is that asking too much?

Read the column yourself with the link below.

Opinion Column by PC Magazine: The Dumbing Down of America

- Hutch

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If you need free and cheap software to fix, enhance, remove, [insert adjective here] your system, then check out this list. I found a couple of real gems--you will too.

PCWorld.com - Supercharge Your Software with These Utilities

- Hutch

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I know, most of the news around tablets lately has focused on Apple's slate patent (Google it if you want more), something they should have been working on for a long time. But according my inside sources, IBM has stayed out of the TabletPC arena, mostly due to pride. That's right, Uncle Bill didn't come to play at their party a year or two prior to the release of the TabletPC spec, so IBM wasn't going to come to Bill's party. Neener Neener. Now that TablePCs are starting to move, and the prices are lowering, IBM is ready to step up. Read the eWeek article below for more.

IBM Develops ThinkPad Tablet PC

- Hutch

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Google hacks are just plain cool. Sorry, I'm enamored of the search engine's continued ingenuity and flexibility. You need to check out this post on Slashdot and see the Chicago crime data for yourself. I guess it's time to consider brushing off my database skills and see what other moves Google knows.

Slashdot Google Map Hack & Chicago Crime Data

- Hutch

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Though he doesn't come
right out and say it, Steve Jobs is tired of waiting on IBM to get
their PowerPC processors up-to-speed. While I'll definitely wait until
next year's 64-bit chips hit the market, things are looking up for both
PC and Mac users. I have a new iBook G4 (1.5Ghz) that just doesn't
compare to my 2-year-old 1.5 GHz Pentium M-based Gateway.

I know IBM spent a lot of money building a brand new plant to
produce the PowerPC chips, and hopefully they'll recoup some of that
with the new powerful game console CPUs they're promising. I think
Steve just got tired of trying to foist the "speed isn't everything"
mantra. I've read several articles that talked about the market share
apple lost when they switched from Motorola's chipset to the PowerPC,
but I doubt this is comparable. I don't yet know how this will help the
end user when it comes to price, but it has got to make a dent. Read
more are the DesgnTechnica.com article below.

Apple Makes a Switch to Intel - Computing News - Designtechnica

- Hutch

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So, you've heard that
iTunes 4.9 is going to have support for podcasts. Yeah! However, if
you're like me you just don't want to wait. Well, you're gonna have to.
All this hubbub, over a recently released iTunes 4.8 hack called "Bad
Apple" that would unlock the podcasting capabilities of iTunes, is a
scam. You heard me. It's going to insert itself into your startup
settings, and change your hosts file (which means you're going to get
some nasty spyware--or worse).

So rather than even try it, just be patient, iTunes 4.9 will be
here soon enough. Oh, and don't blame me for the nasty rash it'll give
you if you ignore my warnings--their is no topical cream. Ouch!

I really had hoped it would be something awesome. Looks like I'm just going to have to wait.

- Hutch

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Our friends at CNet have
an excellent article on the pros and cons of the free TiVo knock-offs
your cable/satellite company are offering--and you might be pleasantly
surprised (see link below). I'm still attached to my ReplayTV, mostly
because I can strip anything I record off as MPEG-2 and copy it to my
PC/Server over my home network. However, I've been toying with building
a Media Center PC (first using Orb--see article below--and then
possibly migrating to the actual MS Media Center OS--since I have my
legit/licensed MAPS version just sitting there ready to be used). Feel
free to talk back in the comments section and let me know what you
think.

Check out the link to the CNet article below.

Fully Equipped: Free HD TiVo knockoff: is it worth it? - CNET reviews

- Hutch

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Back in the day if you
wanted to control those pesky auto-starting apps on your PC, you had
edit your win.ini, sys.ini, and even the registry. Then came the advent
of MSCONFIG.exe for Windows 98 and ME. Even though it didn't come on
Windows NT or 2K, it worked if you copied it to their HDD. You could
easily check/un-check the apps you didn't want to auto-start without
touching the registry. But if you didn't know what you were doing, you
could stop the wrong start-up process and injure your system.

Now you can use the "Advanced Tools" in the FREE MS Anti-Spyware
Beta 1 to control those pesky start-up programs and even find out more
about them (check out the screenshot below). It's easy to use, gives
you all kinds of info about the various programs that start-up along
with Windows, and best of all, it's free!

.

Get the free MS Anti-Spyware Beta 1 (for Windows 2K, 2003 Server and XP only) at http://www.microsoft.com/spyware.
In my personal experience, using the MS product along with Spybot
Search & Destroy, and Spyware Blaster keeps my PC spyware-free. And
believe me, that provides a huge performance boost for any machine.

- Hutch

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TechRepublic is sharing some of the wealth from the 2nd Edition of Windows XP Hacks, published by O'Reilly. I have the book, and these are actually four of the most useful things in it. Take a look at other similar downloads from TechRepublic, as well. I believe they've got several portions of the Hacks manuals available online for free.

Here's the link: Use these four Registry tweaks to accelerate Windows XP - TechRepublic

- Hutch

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If you spend even a
little time in the blogosphere these days you'll note the constantly
shifting technology (blogcasts anyone?), the incessant attacks on the
established media elite (hey, they actually pay two "blog babes" to
read these things on CNN), and the general migration for the original
diary-type blogs to content/topic oriented blogging.

I enjoy blogging, in fact, I wish I could do more of it. Amazingly,
people actually read this stuff (a great big "thank you" is in order
here). Amazingly, the folks at TechRepublic.com are even re-posting
this blog, for free, further expanding the reach of the HutchTech
franchise. Okay, let me clarify, this is not something their doing just
for me, actually they're offering it to all their members. In an
attempt to build a stronger online community, TechRepublic is offering
to upload your blog and show it off to others who might be interested.
As far as I'm concerned, it never hurts to expand your reach. In fact,
the added exposure will probably improve the blog in general.

So, whether you're reading this at hutchtech.blogspot.com or
techrepublic.com, I thank you for your time. I hope you'll read,
research, test, and enjoy. Perhaps you'll even be inspired to try
blogging yourself. If you've got something to say, say it, you might be
surprised who's listening.

- Hutch

UPDATE: Check out this link to the Daily Show video: http://movies.crooksandliars.com/cnn-blogs.wmv

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Okay, except for the snafu causing Snerdware's GroupCal 2.0 to quit working with iCal, my transition to OS X v10.4 Tiger has been very smooth. And like many, I've succumbed to falling in love with widgets. I've used other widget programs before (on both the Mac and PC), but nothing seems to run as smoothly as Apple's version. However, I do have one beef--my iBook screen is just too small to use very many at once. Okay, maybe trying to have 15 of them open (my current count) is not exactly what was intended, but it's what I want. So, we need to virtualize our widget display options. Something like a widget wrangler to allow us to have multiple widget desktops: one for network/communications, another for news/media, another for research, etc. This way I could setup my virtual widget zones just once and not have to keep on removing and adding what I think I need at the moment.function (match)
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Okay, except for the snafu causing Snerdware's GroupCal 2.0 to quit working with iCal, my transition to OS X v10.4 Tiger has been very smooth. And like many, I've succumbed to falling in love with widgets. I've used other widget programs before (on both the Mac and PC), but nothing seems to run as smoothly as Apple's version. However, I do have one beef--my iBook screen is just too small to use very many at once. Okay, maybe trying to have 15 of them open (my current count) is not exactly what was intended, but it's what I want. So, we need to virtualize our widget display options. Something like a widget wrangler to allow us to have multiple widget desktops: one for network/communications, another for news/media, another for research, etc. This way I could setup my virtual widget zones just once and not have to keep on removing and adding what I think I need at the moment.

Just a thought. Please.

- Hutch

This post originally appeared on an external website

Okay, except for the snafu causing Snerdware's GroupCal 2.0 to quit working with iCal, my transition to OS X v10.4 Tiger has been very smooth. And like many, I've succumbed to falling in love with widgets. I've used other widget programs before (on both the Mac and PC), but nothing seems to run as smoothly as Apple's version. However, I do have one beef--my iBook screen is just too small to use very many at once. Okay, maybe trying to have 15 of them open (my current count) is not exactly what was intended, but it's what I want. So, we need to virtualize our widget display options. Something like a widget wrangler to allow us to have multiple widget desktops: one for network/communications, another for news/media, another for research, etc. This way I could setup my virtual widget zones just once and not have to keep on removing and adding what I think I need at the moment.

Just a thought. Please.

- Hutch

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In recent days I've begun
to feel that the blog is turning into a list of Mac related reports.
Sorry, I'll be writing about some more PC/Web-Based/Cross-Platform
stuff in coming days. However, I must begin a rant against the wonder
and horror that is MS Exchange.

I love Exchange. I hate Exchange. For those of you who don't know,
Exchange is the preferred (yes, I'm prepared to defend this term)
method of storing, sending, and accessing e-mail for most larger
corporations and businesses. But Exchange is more. It stores notes,
calendars, tasks, etc., etc. Making all this data available from
anywhere (if you use the web-based options) and to multiple users in a
single Exchange/Domain environment. It's far from perfect, but recent
advances have made it an even more stable and useful tool. That said,
if you plan on using any OS other than Windows forget having a great
experience with Exchange.

I want to use Exchange. I want one calendar, one inbox, one list of
tasks and notes. On my Mac I can use the web to access my Exchange
account, but since the layout is IE 6-centric, the experience is far
from satisfying. I could use Outlook 2001, but sadly it won't work
outside my domain. In other words, it doesn't have the RPC over SSL
capabilities that Outlook 2003 for the PC does. I could use Entourage
(and do for some things), but it only syncs my calendar and mail with
Exchange. And quite frankly, it's not a very nice looking application.
I used Snerdware's wonderful GroupCal product for quite a while (yes, I
purchased a fully licensed version). GroupCal allowed me to have my
iCal program synchronize my tasks and calendar with the Exchange
server, but ever since OS X v10.4 Tiger, which included iCal 2.0,
GroupCal doesn't work--supposedly the developers are working on it, but
we'll have to wait and see.

So, you can see my frustration. I'd love to be able to work
seamlessly in both the Mac and PC environment, and to do so means I
have to have a unified method of getting my calendars, tasks, mail, and
notes. E-mail I've conquered (that's another story), but the others
have a long way to go.

I sure hope the Mac development team at Microsoft is listening. If
they want to help their Exchange compatriots continue to take over the
world they're going to have to.

- Hutch

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One of the keys to a secure desktop is giving users only the amount of power they really need. Many new security threats take advantage of the fact that most users are setup with administrative privileges on their computer. Back in the Win9x days there was really no other option, and because of convenience this practice has continued (by default really) in the Windows XP world (and, yes, those few of you home users that use Windows 2000 need to listen up too). Longhorn promises to move users into the least-privileged universe (Apple has moved OS X there, and yes, I know, Linux has been there for quite a while--maybe since the beginning).

So what is least-privilege about? Basically your day-to-day user account would not have administrative rights on the computer. Meaning that you, and all those vicious worms crawling the Internet, would not be able to install any software. To install software you would have to log out and log on as administrator, or right-click the executable and choose the "Run as..." Option and enter your local admin credentials.

Recently eWeek.com had an article talking about how users can implement this option now, long before Longhorn. I have to say that while this sounds great in theory, most users will end up frustrated by the amount of programs that may not function properly (or at all) for them if they don't have admin rights. I tried it for all of 1 day and had to give up on the idea--too many of the apps I use would not work. Take a look at the eWeek article (see link below) and maybe try it yourself. By the way, the article links to an MS Knowledgebase article with a list of programs that have issues with least privilege, so you might want to start there.

- Hutch

See the eWeek.com article here: Users Overlook XP's Non-Admin Security Option

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I can't believe it took me soooo long to post this, but the Original TSS (The Screen Savers) gang is back, podcasting on This Week in Tech (www.twit.tv). If you miss the old days of Leo, Patrick, Kevin, Yoshi, Roger, Robert, etc., etc. you can get a weekly dose of their posts and podcasts.

- Hutch

Official TWIT Link: this WEEK in TECH | your first podcast of the week is the last word in tech

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I'd seen some initial research that NASA was doing in the On-Demand Airline arena, but never expected to see companies using this model quite so soon. If driving to a smaller, local airport, leaving when you want and landing where you want intrigues you, then check out the link at Release1-0.com below.

- Hutch

Release 1.0 / Fresh Produce / New Ideas that Matter: On-demand air travel

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My ancient, yet beloved,ReplayTV bit the dust a few weeks ago. I've loved my ReplayTV because content was easily accessible via my network on any PC (yes, I could even stream the MPEG2 content via WiFi). However, my few days without it made me realize that I need to upgrade to a PC-based (or possibly Mac-based) DVR hooked to the TV. While the initial hardware investment is extreme (if you're looking for quality encoding you're going to have to pay for a quality video card, or in my case, two of them), eventually you save on not paying the monthly subscription fees for the programming guides. Systm.org recently had a Linux option you should check out. Orb is still bugging me to try out their solution (which I promise to do prior to any other option, I promise). I'm anxious to see how the new Windows Media Center OS measures up. Below is a link to a PCMag.com article on do-it-yourself DVR options. You might also want to check out their sister site extremetech.com for DVR alternatives. Let me know what you think the best options might be.

- Hutch

Solution from PC Magazine: Do-It-Yourself DVR

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NEWS FLASH: The wait is over. Google's purchase of Keyhole has finally led to a new, FREE product: Google Earth. If you've been enjoying the Google Maps, you really need to take a look at Google Earth too. Visit using the link below.

- Hutch

Google Earth - Home

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Earlier in the month Steve jobs announced that the next version of iTunes would support podcasting. I know I'll be reading up on how to begin my podcasts (yes, coming soon, HutchTech Radio). I advise you to use the link below and check it out for yourself.

- Hutch

Apple - iTunes

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Friends, Readers, Techizens, Lend me your ears! With the release of
iTunes 4.9, we finally have a reason to push forward production on our
first weekly Hutch Tech Radio broadcast. We're looking to cover
anything technology related (just look at the blog to see how varied
our topics are). We'll cover both personal and business technology,
interviews (hopefully), network security, product reviews, etc., etc.,
etc. Don?t worry, just because I?m an iTunes fan doesn?t mean you have
to use it to get the podcast. We?ll be encoding in .MP3 format and that
should allow you to download and listen to the broadcast in whatever
way works best for you.

So, what does all this mean to you? As
we begin our foray into broadcasting, we want your questions. The
podcast won?t be anything without your input. To help stimulate you in
this regard we?re going to be giving away a free Hutch Tech T-shirt to
the best question submitted each week. Since this will be a podcast,
we?re looking for audio questions, but you can also send your question
via e-mail. I will endeavor to respond to every question, but
undoubtedly this will become impossible. As we begin, I?ll be giving a
free Hutch Tech T-shirt to the first 5 usable audio questions
submitted. Let me stress usable. You?ll need to e-mail your question to HutchTech@gmail.com.
Record your question in .WAV or .MP3 format. Start out with your name,
where you?re from and your question. Try to keep the length of your
question to 30 seconds or less. Believe it or not, you can say quite a
bit in 30 seconds.

I?m shooting for the initial broadcast to be
released by July 8-9, 2005?but no promises. Send in your questions and
keep checking the blog for further details.

- Hutch

If there are any budding artists out there we're in need of a Hutch Tech logo. I'd like it to be simple enough to use both on the site and our t-shirts. Besides, it would be kind of difficult to give away a Hutch Tech t-shirt without your logo.

The winner will have their design plastered all over the site, as well as the shirts, and I'll gladly give them a plug on the show.

- Hutch

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We're not yet certain if we're going to have to wait for fully integrated IE RSS features until the release of Longhorn, but evidently Microsoft is serious about getting your subscription-based content into IE (and more). Check out the link below for video from Gnomedex where MS previews some of the RSS options they're preparing.

- Hutch

Looking at RSS in Longhorn - News - ZDNet

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I've long felt the guys at Sun just don't live in the same world you and I do. Yes, they had an awesome product back in the day, but their lack of innovation has forced them to turn to Java as the last best hope for Sun-kind. Now they're dissing the "Information Super Highway" and replacing it with the "Participation Super Highway". I'm not sure I agree with them, but they deserve one last gasp at importance.

Evidently your next-gen DVD player will use Java as the standard interface programming language. Sounds cool enough, maybe now we'll get some extra DVD content/games/extras worth our time. Check on the link to a ZDNet video on the Blu-Ray/Sun announcement.

- Hutch

Schwartz: The Information Age is dead - News - ZDNet

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I couldn't believe the following article from eWeek (see link below): E-mail Hoaxes Spread Latest Threats. Are stupid people still opening attachments they're not expecting? Do people still not use up-to-date virus protection? Should stupid people be allowed to have e-mail? Remember, all this is coming from a guy who didn't use anti-virus protection until 2001 because I was smart enough to avoid those things that would infect me--or so I wanted to believe. I never did get infected, but the superviruses and worms of that era made me take another look at my security strategy.

Anyway, perhaps we need to force people to take a test before they get e-mail. Maybe even web-based e-mail services should start using a system requiring user's PCs to meet minimum AV and Spyware requirements before they can even connect to the mail system. On the other hand, maybe these are the same people who are making spam so profitable by actually buying things from vendors that use it. They're the ones still buying stuff from door-to-door salesmen. Caveat Emptor.

- Hutch

E-Mail Hoaxes Spread Latest Threats

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While Google has been amassing forward-thinking technologies and discovering how to give them away and still make money, don't think their rivals have been sitting still, weeping in a corner. Okay, so they have been weeping in a corner, but they haven't been sitting still. Yahoo!, Amazon/A9, and Google have all been putting together some amazing web-based personal portals for your perusal.

Now, as a laptop user, I'm naturally skeptical of anything solely web-based. I need content available offline at anytime. But if I'm really honest, how often do I actually pull out my laptop in a location without some kind of connectivity? Though this isn't a formal statistical analysis, I would bet it's less than 5 percent of the time, maybe even less than 2 percent. So I need to fess up and be honest: I can live without a fat client, local version of my information. But only if I have to.

Your choice of portal (though you can obviously use all three) really depends on what kind of content you want and how you want to use it. Here's a brief rundown on what these top three services offer:

A9 (www.a9.com) - Though you may not have heard of A9, you most certainly know their parent company Amazon.com. A9 really took the idea of personal portal a whole new level. They offer basic search capabilities, but also have range of tools you can select (I prefer to show mine as a list of buttons down the side of the browser window). You can save your searches, comment on various web pages, keep a diary, all with a free, password-protected account. If you've not tried it, take a gander.

Yahoo! My Web (myweb.search.yahoo.com) - Yahoo!'s tool allows you keep an online history and list of links similar to A9, however you can also decide if you want to share certain links with the outside world. Assuming you have friends and family that are interested in what you find interesting, this could be useful. Now you've got to use the Yahoo! Toolbar if you want to take advantage of some of the one-click features, but it could be worth it if you don't find too many web toolbars annoying, and yes, it works with both IE and Firefox. Overall, you can tell the site is still in beta, but it does tie together nicely with Yahoo!'s instant message and e-mail systems, so if you're already using those, consider this another extension to the suite. Another interesting feature is My Web's ability to save stored copies of websites--no more clicking old links that lead nowhere or loosing that really important information when someone updates/edits the site.

Google Personalized Search (www.google.com/psearch) - Still brewing in the labs (labs.google.com) is Google Personalized Search. After logging in and viewing a series of somewhat confusing pages, you'll have the option to choose between Google "classic home" or "personalized search". Now, I'm a huge Google fan, but I have to say that their personalized search is, thus far, just a google-esque version of My Yahoo! or My MSN portal sites from yesteryear. You get personal web news, weather, movie, and stock info while you search. Nice, but not yet impressive. Perhaps the stew's not done yet.

All these services require you to sign up for a free account of some kind which provides you with a certain level of security, but I wouldn't consider using these services to store your important personal information. They do, however, make for great entry points into web searching and storage of favorites, comments, and search history. And let's not forget that free is always a nice price, so why not try all of them and see what works for you.

- Hutch

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I was reading of yet another IE flaw today on a tech website. Nothing new or exciting. An exploit is discovered, reported on. Microsoft responds. Patch is issued. YAWN...

Now, don?t take me the wrong way here, I believe Internet/network security is important (just see my rant against ignorant e-mail users below), but this is hardly breaking news. What really garnered my attention was the long list of comments from readers beneath the story. I didn?t even have to read the actual postings, the titles themselves were impetuous and inflammatory enough to stand on their own. What I don?t understand is the absolute zealotry some people have when it comes to technology platforms. For example, why would an avid Mac user bother to read, let alone comment on, a story about IE flaws? Why are the UNIX guys jumping up and down with glee at every mention of a Microsoft bug?

Let?s face it, right now it is a Microsoft Windows world. Maybe you can get away with running Linux servers on the back-end. Maybe you?re a single box user and prefer the Mac?s Aqua interface. But this doesn?t mean that those who don?t are somehow lesser humans upon which you should heap disdain. I?ve been waiting for a truly beautiful and functional laptop-ready Linux for several years now and it just doesn?t exist. I'd love to fully switch to the Mac, but I have to live in a cross-platform universe. I'd like Microsoft to adhere to messaging/calendaring standards that work with Linux and Mac.

I'm not loyal to any platform--I expect them to be loyal to me. I use both PCs and Macs. I like both for various reasons. If you?ve been reading my postings lately, you also know that I have a love/hate relationship with MS Exchange. However, I?ve looked at the Linux based alternative (yes, it?s cross platform, but commercial), and it cost?s much more per seat than MS Small Business Server (which is where I?m running Exchange now). My point is that technology is not about loyalty, it?s about function. Oh, and before you alternative techies get too high and mighty about your platforms, check out any listing of open-source, Apple, Unix, Linux bugs and security issues from the last 6-9 months and amazingly you?ll see more entries than Microsoft has for the same period. Because these other platforms don?t have as many users they don?t get as much attention. That doesn?t mean they?re immune.

Platform zealots tend to forget that most users of technology are just that: users. They don?t care about the command line. They?re not interested in kernels, compiling, or paying for annual service packs (yes, Steve Jobs, I?m talking to you). In fact, most users aren?t even interested in interfaces, back-end servers, etc. They just want the technology to work. If we put half the energy the zealots have into actually developing more secure and stable options for end-users, what a wonderful world this would be. [CUE SAPPY MUSIC]

Use the platforms you love. I do. But please have the courtesy to remember that your choices may not always work for everyone else. Vive la diff?rence. - Hutch

If you miss your Apple ][ green screen, you're going to have to pull out some old manuals or computer mags, but if your favorite ancient user interface involves actual point-and-click technology, you'll probably find it at the GUIdebook (see the link below--as reported by our friends at Attack of the Show ). While it doesn't have screenshots of my beloved Commodore 64, it does have pictures of some of the best GUIs of yesteryear. Besides, if you really need your C64 fix, go get an emulator and actually use it!

So if you're pining for your old BeOS, OS/2 or even Windows GUI layout, check it out using the link below.

- Hutch

GUIdebook > GUIs

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No, it's not a new horror flick, but it could become one. Zombies attacking zombies does sound like the plotline for the next George Romero film.

Back in the golden days of worm and virus yore (you know, a year or two ago), some enterprising coder decided to turn a worm or two on its head and use it for good. "Why not," he thought, "use the same hole the evil worm is using to force unpatched systems to patch themselves?" At first, I was quite enthralled with the idea until I realized something: What if I'm unpatched on purpose? Perhaps I plan on doing other things to preclude infection and don't want outside interference.

Most of us get inoculated from various diseases when we're young, but at least we see the doctor or nurse and know what's coming. Having someone else invisibly intrude into your tech domain without your permission, even with good intentions, is akin to doctors sneaking into your house at night to administer vaccinations to your children.

Remember, no one would need to do this if we'd all take precautions to protect our own systems to begin with. And I'm not just talking about Aunt Erma who has her DSL hooked up but wouldn't know a firewall if it dropped on her head, no I'm talking about businesses that don't spend enough time on preventive measures and appropriate patching. If you want to use the tech you've got to carry out due diligence and secure your systems.

Check out what Larry Seltzer at eWeek has to say about this tech-ethic phenom with the link below.

- Hutch

Return of the Anti-Zombies

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When I first read reports that Microsoft was planning on purchasing spyware/privacy-invader Claria (formerly Gain) I assumed that it was a hoax. Now it look as if that may have been so much wishful thinking. Whether or not Uncle Bill ever buys Claria, it does seem as if someone is cozying up to the purveyors of anti-privacy programs and downgrading how Microsoft's own AntiSpyware Beta views these badies.

Take a look, if you dare, at the eWeek article yourself with the link below.

- Hutch

Microsoft Downgrades Claria Adware Detections

This post originally appeared on an external website

I've really been enjoying Larry Seltzer's columns recently, and this one on legal issues and the Internet is another gem. I remember back in the '80s when, unless you actually destroyed or stole property, computer crime wasn't truly criminal--at least according to statute. Two decades later and we're still in a legal morass when it comes to cyberspace.

Here's the introductory blurb that caught my attention (add your own "bum-bum" at the end):

In the Internet criminal justice system the people are betrayed by two groups: the hackers and the legal authorities who don't take the offenders seriously. These are their stories.

Take a gander at the whole story yourself with the link below.

- Hutch

Law and Order on the Internet

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Check out the PC Mag review of Slingbox, a standalone DVR device that makes your content available online without a PC. While there are no monthly fees, it does cost $250. I still like the idea of having an actual PC (whether it's Windows or Linux based), but that's just me. What do you think? What do you use? If you're not yet capturing content for use away from your TV, what will it take to move you into that arena? Check out the PC Mag link below and leave your comments.

- Hutch

Slingbox review by PC Magazine

UPDATE: Check out the TechRepublic Blog post from CNet's sMoRTy71 on the new legal challenges Slingbox is facing by clicking here.

This post originally appeared on an external website

When I first read reports that Microsoft was planning on purchasing spyware/privacy-invader Claria (formerly Gain) I assumed that it was a hoax. Now it look as if that may have been so much wishful thinking. Whether or not Uncle Bill ever buys Claria, it does seem as if someone is cozying up to the purveyors of anti-privacy programs and downgrading how Microsoft's own AntiSpyware Beta views these badies.

Take a look, if you dare, at the eWeek article yourself with the link below.

- Hutch

Microsoft Downgrades Claria Adware Detections

This post originally appeared on an external website

When I first read reports that Microsoft was planning on purchasing spyware/privacy-invader Claria (formerly Gain) I assumed that it was a hoax. Now it looks as if that may have been so much wishful thinking. Whether or not Uncle Bill ever buys Claria, it does seem as if someone is cozying up to the purveyors of anti-privacy programs and downgrading how Microsoft's own AntiSpyware Beta views these badies.

Take a look, if you dare, at the eWeek article yourself with the link below.

- Hutch

Microsoft Downgrades Claria Adware Detections

This post originally appeared on an external website

When I first read reports that Microsoft was planning on purchasing spyware/privacy-invader Claria (formerly Gain) I assumed that it was a hoax. Now it look as if that may have been so much wishful thinking. Whether or not Uncle Bill ever buys Claria, it does seem as if someone is cozying up to the purveyors of anti-privacy programs and downgrading how Microsoft's own AntiSpyware Beta views these badies.

Take a look, if you dare, at the eWeek article yourself with the link below.

- Hutch

Microsoft Downgrades Claria Adware Detections

This post originally appeared on an external website

If you blog, or for that matter, surf the Internet-web-thingy, you need to check out the link below and look at the information the Electronic Freedom Foundation (www.eff.org) has put together for you. While I don't think there's any way for you to justify spending hours on the company payroll posting your daily dietary choices, there are some legal issues of which you should be aware.

Now, if you're not blogging (and shame on you if you're not), at least look at how you can protect your privacy while surfing--for free. That's right, the EFF has put together cross-platform options using Privoxy and TOR to help you surf anonymously. Now, let me say right off the bat that if you're using 802.11b down at the coffee shop, as I am right now, then you'll definitely notice a decrease in speed. However, if you're also looking at doing research (or anything, for that matter) that you want to remain anonymous, then you need to use TOR. Check it out at tor.eff.org.

- Hutch

EFF: Bloggers

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Whether we'll admit it or not, all of us have probably made the "silly" upgrade at some point. You know, the $1000 racing tires for the Geo Metro; the time you actually used the mini-bar when the store was right next door; buying a PowerPC Macintosh in the last half of 2005.

As someone enamored with technology, I find it difficult to resist the temptation not to upgrade constantly, but experience (and a real-world budget) can often keep one from the sophomoric mistakes of the past. Either way, take a look at some of the upgrades you may not need to make if you'll really think about them. Rafe Needleman has written an excellent article at the link below.

- Hutch

Works for Me: Silly upgrades - CNET reviews

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WARNING: The following rant will be incomprehensible and offensive to U.S.-based cell phone company management. Read at your own risk.

I won't be purchasing a new cell phone anytime soon. No, it's not the finances, the coverage, or selection of vendors, content, or options. I've got all of these and then some. No, I refuse to purchase any technology that's obsolete before I even get it out of the box. I'm not exaggerating here. Let me explain...

The real issue is standardization. Think about it. When you buy a digital camera to use with your computer, you expect the camera manufacturer to make it's product compatible with your system, and allow you to edit the pictures you take with your choice of software in a non-proprietary format. If you want to use it with a laptop or desktop doesn't matter. If you want to take it overseas, fine. If you move to a region where that company doesn't have a support center, no problem. You also don't expect them to lock down any features that make it difficult, if not impossible for you to use other pieces of hardware with your camera. Competition and free market forces have pushed innovation forward and digital camera prices down.

The phone companies have actually stifled innovation with their proprietary formats, disabling/damaging of promising technology (READ: Bluetooth) and locking various models of phones to their network alone. Consumers don't drive cell phone innovation, phone companies drive the phone manufacturers. Phone companies are afraid of competition and want to hook you into their long-term plans by having a lock on that new, cool model with it's short-term technology you just can't live without--at least until next week, when the next model shows up.

I'm sick of the lack of standardization, inability to choose the phone you want, and lagging behind Europe and Asia when it comes to our cell phone market. Besides, more of the optional uses I have for a cell phone are being overtaken by laptops, music/media devices, and other portable technology. If I ever get ubiquitous WiFi and Skype on handheld, I could kiss my cell phone goodbye. So, [insert cell company name here], when you're ready to actually let me, the consumer, call the shots, gimme a call.

- Hutch

This post originally appeared on an external website

There are a million sordid tales in the wired city. This is one of them.

With the new tech bubble about to expand, I've recently had reason to revamp the ol' r?sum? and begin looking at various job boards and other online job search tools. While I wish I had better news to report, here's the basic lowdown: these online tools are still far behind the technology curve. However, that review will have to wait for another day. Today I need to expose the fraudulent practices of one SoloGig.com.

SoloGig bills itself as an online repository of tech jobs for the freelance technology professional, but it is actually an insidious way of getting your hard earned cash out of your wallet and into SoloGig's pocket. First off, who's behind SoloGig.com? Well, believe it or not, it's non other than CareerBuilder.com. My local paper uses CareerBuilder as its sole online source for displaying job-related classifieds, and I have been very pleased with CareerBuilder's content and services. But free is only nice if it actually delivers, and CareerBuilder has seemed to do that for me. Imagine, then, my surprise as I find out that they're the ones foisting SoloGig's fraud upon unsuspecting tech pros.

I was looking for some solo gigs and therefore thought SoloGig.com would be a great fit. I signed up and paid for the premium service--yes, paid cold, hard cash. While no one can promise you job listings down the street, or even in your own hometown, I expected to find something in the greater Southern Puget Sound region, and was sorely disappointed. Instead, what I noted was that few, if any, of the listings on SoloGig were actually freelance or contract jobs. Most were retreads of online jobs I'd seen elsewhere, and most of these were pretty old to boot. But as I took a look at these listings, and asked the engine to sort them by their posting date, I noted another anomaly: postings were supposedly taking place mere tenths of a second apart. This was true not just of one or two individual postings, but entire web pages full of listings. How was it possible that job listings I'd seen over a week or two ago elsewhere were supposedly fresh leads posted mere moments before on SoloGig? My contention, and one that was never denied in my correspondence with SoloGig.com, was that someone (or more properly a SQL script of some kind) was freshening the listings to make it look like SoloGig had all kinds of new postings.

Because SoloGig is owned by CareerBuilder, I found it odd that they would lag so far behind them in re-posting this data if they were simply sharing it. I decided it was time to Google SoloGig and see what complaints were out there (something I should have done in the beginning). Lo and behold, others had noticed similar issues, and most reported problems with billing and refunds. Well, eventually I had had enough of my time with SoloGig and asked for a refund. I was ready to duke it out with the billing department, but, to my great relief, my refund was posted within 24-hours of receiving my cancellation notice.

While I never expected SoloGig to be responsible for getting me a job, I did expect them to be honest with their data--especially when you pay them to do so.

Though my tale ends somewhat happily (after all I didn't lose my money), it is still a cautionary tale in the murky ways of the web.

- Hutch

Remember to post your comments below. Please write if you've had similar experiences with SoloGig or other paid job search engines.

This post originally appeared on an external website

Straight from a podcast by the geeks at Diggnation.com: You can finally take those media clips you find online and easily save them to your hard drive using Firefox.

Once your media has fully loaded in the Firefox browser, right click somewhere on the page (not directly on the media) and select View Page Info (see Image 1).

 
Next, click on the Media tab and scroll down the list of media (all the buttons, graphics, movies, etc. will be listed, so be sure you find the actual .mov, .wmv, .wma, etc. you're looking for), and click the Save As button (Image 2).

Now enjoy your media online or offline to your heart's content. Couldn't be simpler, and the folks at Mozilla/Firefox had it in there all the time.

- Hutch

UPDATE: I've found that some media files can still give you the slip, so look at the size of the embedded object to see if you're really going to be able to save it.

This post originally appeared on an external website

Yeah, you've got opinions. Sure, they must be right. If only they'd asked you before they:

(a) added that stupid tab at the top
(b) moved that option to another menu
(c) called that bug a feature

Well, your opinions do matter, and now you can sound off...and get free software! It's going to be free Microsoft software, but hey, that's not a bad deal (especially since you're still using that less-than-legitimate license key you got from a friend of a friend of a friend). The Microsoft Usability Group is looking for people to enroll in their program and get free software--with the caveat that you'll fill out their usability reports.

I recently participated in two of this team's projects related to the update of the MS Partner website and scored $250 in compensation (for about 5-7 hours of work). If they're offering free software in lieu of a check, that's works too. Check it out for yourself at the link below.

- Hutch

Usability Enrollment Form

This post originally appeared on an external website

Okay, I know, it can't possibly be that simple. Just because something is popular doesn't mean its insecure. In fact, if you take a look over the last year, I think Apple OS X actually had more critical security flaws than Windows XP (as a budding switcher, I don't relish this reality). But what about Linux? Our oft compiled friend is a bit harder to pin down. Multiple versions, kernels, variations, compilations, and thousands of software packages make it a bit harder to track. While I still don't believe that Linux is a great desktop alternative for most users, it has a well deserved reputation as a robust server platform. However, will all that popularity cause it to become the next big security hole in most organizations?

Please don't think that I'm defending Microsoft--they have their own set of server issues, but the Linux zealots had better make sure they've got their act together, or they're in for some major embarrassment (and I believe they'd hate to give Uncle Bill something to giggle about). Check out the ZDNet story at the link below.

- Hutch

If Linux ruled the world how secure would it be? Open Source ZDNet.com

This post originally appeared on an external website

Yeah, you've got opinions. Sure, they must be right. If only they'd asked you before they:

(a) added that stupid tab at the top
(b) moved that option to another menu
(c) called that bug a feature

Well, your opinions do matter, and now you can sound off...and get free software! It's going to be free Microsoft software, but hey, that's not a bad deal (especially since you're still using that less-than-legitimate license key you got from a friend of a friend of a friend). The Microsoft Usability Group is looking for people to enroll in their program and get free software--with the caveat that you'll fill out their usability reports.

I recently participated in two of this team's projects related to the update of the MS Partner website and scored $250 in compensation (for about 5-7 hours of work). If they're offering free software in lieu of a check, that's works too. Check it out for yourself at the link below.

- Hutch

Usability Enrollment Form

This post originally appeared on an external website

Regardless of your political views on current military actions around the globe, an eye opening two-part series on the technology of warfare is currently airing on the Discovery Times channel (I'm viewing it via Comcast's On-Demand menu). The program is entitled The Perfect War.

One comment made by a military commander was quite telling; here's my best paraphrase: "We fought to beat the sound barrier during the cold war--now we're fighting to beat the time barrier." The show, which I believe is part of a larger series on Discovery Times, gives a very up-to-date inside look at the air, sea, ground, and space technologies being used by the U.S. and its allies. I remember being impressed at the technology we used during the first Gulf War, but this next generation military tech is something else entirely. Take a look at it if for no other reason than to know what's coming to a PC near you in the not-to-distant future.

- Hutch

This post originally appeared on an external website

Technology can be an awesome thing. It can also cause us to lose perspective. These wonderful time-saving devices often eat up more time than we like. Our ability to communicate with anyone, anywhere, anytime leads to unrealistic expectations of our availability. Our world grows smaller, like an ill-fitting pair of pants. Something's gotta give.

So is the answer to turn tech on its head and make it work to secure your time? Well, perhaps, but I certainly can't take it as far as our friends at eWeek. In a recent article (see link below) recalling tips and tricks for the "White Collar Slacker", Marc Saltzman says it's time to make technology work for you. What surprises me is not that someone has come up with a way to defraud their employers of productivity, but that they're publicizing it with such boldness.

There are changes coming to the American workplace, and technology will play a role, but please tell me we're not going to engage in a employer vs. employee cyberwar.

- Hutch

White Lies Help Stressed Computer Users

This post originally appeared on an external website

Remember how zippy that
precious PC of yours seemed the day you plucked gingerly from its
cardboard box? Now it sits, sluggishly whirring as you attempt to open
a 2KB text file. Would you like to reclaim some of it's original
luster? Sometimes it's good to get back to basics and do some simple
Spring cleaning. If you missed this recent downloadable document on
TechRepublic, there's no time like the present to get it and put some
pep back in your PC's step.

- Hutch

Clean up your machine with the help of Degunking Windows - TechRepublic (this document may require you to sign up for a FREE account with TechRepublic before you can download it)

This post originally appeared on an external website

After much anticipation [yawn], Microsoft has finally announced the official name for the next version of Windows (until now, codenamed Longhorn): Windows Vista.

Here's a blurb from www.microsoft.com/longhorn:

Introducing Windows Vista

It enables a new level of confidence in your PC and in your ability to get the most out of it. It introduces clear ways to organize and use information the way you want to use it. It seamlessly connects you to information, people, and devices that help you get the most out of life.

While I'm anxious to get my hands on it (along with some new hardware to really showcase the features), I'm wondering if it will live up to this simple list of promises.

- Hutch

This post originally appeared on an external website

The promise of technology is great. Delivery, however, often stinks. Such is the current state of the cell phone. Even if you have one of those brick-like PocketPC/Smart Phone devices with a 240x320 screen, looking at web pages on it just doesn't bring the kind of joy one should expect. Surely the Jetsons never experienced such angst.

Thanks to our friends over at IYHY.com you can now surf the interweb in text version alone--old school rules! Just sign up for a free account (I suggest doing this on your PC first), plug in a few of your favorite sites and IYHY will keep a list of these available for your account. Once you surf over to the IYHY.com site on your phone, log in and BEHOLD: Your list of sites (and the ability to plug in additional URLs) appears. Click on the link and there's your favorite site all decked out in rich, glorious text.

Thanks to Sarah Lane (at sarahlane.com) for the tip.

- Hutch

This post originally appeared on an external website

As if cyberspace weren't a large enough battlefield, search giants MSN and Google are duking it out over outer space. Their current target: Earth. We've all used those various online mapping sites to get directions, and sometimes those have been less than accurate. Now imagine taking that inaccuracy and adding topographical satellite images that might be more than 5 years old and you've got the picture. [NOTE: Please excuse my overt skepticism, but I hate old data. I understand that security issues preclude real-time satellite images from being available to the general public, but anything older than a year or two should be headed to the historical archive.]

Both MSN and Google are now offering the ability to view your maps with topographical info.

MSN: The Virtual Earth offered by MSN is, simply put, a lame rip off of Google Maps. They attempt to use the same tiling technology that allows you to easily grab and scroll the map your currently viewing, removing the need for clicking the pesky arrows and waiting for a screen refresh. Notice I said "attempt". While the site works, you might as well go to Google Maps. Not only will you find a cleaner look and faster refresh, in my test searches I noticed that MSN's satellite images were older than Google's.

GOOGLE: Topographical mapping comes in two flavors from Google. You can use the standard Google Maps: do a location search and toggle street map view/satellite view. The tiling technology allows you to quickly and easily slide your view and center it the way you want. If you're up for a beefy download, you can install Google Earth (previously Keyhole) for free. This gives you not only the ability to view satellite imagery, but change your view into an almost 3D perspective. You can do a flyover of the area and get a feel for what to expect on your drive.

We've still got a long way to go before the virtual world looks as great as the real one, but for now, if you need to go beyond the map in your glove box, I heartily recommend Google's version of earth. In this war, we all win.

- Hutch

MSN Virtual Earth
Google Maps
Google Earth

This post originally appeared on an external website

YES! Enjoy it while you can. With Google starting the buy-it-give-it-away craze, other's were bound to join in. I don't know how the business model works, but so what. Cool stuff is now free. Konfabulator has now joined the ranks of free cool stuff thanks to Yahoo!. Go get it now, before they have to change their mind.

- Hutch

Yahoo!, here we come!

This post originally appeared on an external website

I've often written about various tweaks, hacks, settings, etc. that you can use to speed up your computer. There never seems to be enough speed to go around. Funny thing is, one of the least examined areas on our computers, our network connection, can be a major limitation to zippy online bliss. We just assume that since our broadband provider keeps upping the speed of our connections that means we're automatically seeing the benefits. A recent article by Matt Lake at CNet gives some very basic hints at how to start looking at your network settings and pepping up your communication on the ol' Interweb (see link below).

- Hutch

Geeks with tweaks - On the Dot - Internet

This post originally appeared on an external website

Words mean things. Or at least they should. Every few minutes a new tech buzzword is born, destined to live out its short life in relative fame, only to end it in relative obscurity.

CNet's Anchordesk has been living in the past this summer, taking time to remind us of what was hip and happening in tech just a short decade ago. In a recent article on buzzwords (see link below), they make the case that our bandwidth really needs a paradigm shift, or we might not get enough eyeballs and end up a dot-bomb. I think you get my point.

- Hutch

Top 10 buzzwords - CNET.com

P.S. Thanks for your patience during my recent hiatus. Sadly, it wasn't a vacation, but my time away from the keyboard has spurred me on to bolder and bloggier things. He's baaaacckkk....

This post originally appeared on an external website

Recently I had the privilege of being profiled in TechRepublic's Blog Roundup newsletter (this blog is re-published on the TR website). So in an attempt to preserve, if not lengthen, my fifteen minutes of fame, here's the text of that write-up:

Blogger Spotlight: HutchTech
Want to read a delightfully tech-centric blog with a great voice? Try The Hutch Tech Blog - Keeping Tech From Stealing Your Pants Daily. HutchTech is an IT Consultant from Olympia, WA. He's one of the community team's favorite people because he's usually talking about something we need to know, or something that's just plain cool. For example, he recently posted about free widgets from Konfabulator.
He blogs regularly and even tags his posts! He's offered answers in the Technical Q & A, and has even posted to a discussion. Great job, Hutch. You make TR a better community.

No, thank you TR and gang--you're response to my musings has made this endeavor worth doing. Just wait until the podcasts begin...you ain't seen nuttin' yet.

- Hutch

This post originally appeared on an external website

Portals, Search Engines, the Desktop. Oh my! Everything techie seems to be embroiled in some kind of eternal struggle. If it's not Mac crusaders duking it out with Microsoft evangelists, then it seems to be portalists, digital cartographers, or greedy search engine tycoons waging war upon unsuspecting netizen's machines. Need I mention the Linux freaks calling everyone names? This being the case, it should come as no surprise that The Great Campaign for Desktop Supremacy has begun. Here's my take on the big three, with some extra thoughts on some of your other options.

Google Desktop Search
Call me predictable, but I tend to love all things Google. However, this is an area where my playdoh-colored friends and I part company. When we first heard hints that Google would be oogling our desktops, I had high hopes. Remember the first time you used Google Deskbar? Up popped this mini-browser (and rather quickly at that, I might add). You could re-size it and even use it to view web pages if you configured things properly. I dreamed that Google would unleash this same type of search capability upon my hard drive. Sadly, friends, it is not so.

In my test searches, I found that Google Desktop Search really wasn't all that quick at returning results. Now, I might be quibbling over a few seconds here and there, but look-and-feel tend to be just as important as function these days (just ask the Windows Vista team about Mac OS X). I found nothing lacking in the actual results returned, but I spend enough time in my browser with Google that having yet another web page full of results just didn't do it for me. Filtering is limited to clicking the categories listed above your search results (e.g. All, Emails, or Files), but if you're just looking for MS Word docs, you're going to have to re-do your Google Desktop preferences to only query for those file types. While you do get a thumbnail preview of some queried files (mostly web/HTML-based files and images), you don't get any usable preview of your files. Maybe they'll get these right in another version or two.

Microsoft Windows Desktop Search
Bucking current trends (and often common sense) I also tend to have high hopes for Microsoft products--if for no other reason than that they know all the secret code and can integrate their apps more tightly into the OS. Even though Windows Desktop Search uses Windows Explorer to bring up results (and I'm using it on a decently robust machine), it still seemed to lag in both returning results and producing previews.

Interestingly enough, double-clicking the taskbar icon doesn't launch the search app, instead you're presented with a menu of options, one of which is Search Now--hmmm, maybe that's what I wanted when I double-clicked the icon!? Once you have the window open, search speed is so-so, and while previews take a few seconds to appear, they are indeed fully readable previews of your files (note that large documents will take a while to appear in your preview pane).

 
My high hopes twice-dashed against the shore of reality, and with the recommendation of none other than PC World's Stephen Manes, I held my nose and turned to Yahoo!

Yahoo! Desktop Search [BETA]
In our pre-Google universe I used to appreciate Yahoo! more, but once Google caught my eye, I seemed destined to never return to my once and former paramour. I think it was the ugly Yahoo! Instant Messenger that drove us apart. All that aside, Yahoo! Desktop Search takes a different approach to displaying your files. When you double-click the taskbar icon, up pops the app showing a full listing of all your files. The other contenders start with a blank slate to fill, but with Yahoo! as you type your search value in the box, the list automatically adapts, cutting those files which don't meet your criteria. Previews seemed to load more quickly in Yahoo!'s Desktop Search, but every once in a while it would auto-resize the document into a smaller, nearly unreadable size. You can right-click and choose Normal under the Preview heading to set things right, but it's still a glitch--hence it's still in beta.

One of the best things about Yahoo!'s tool is how it let's you filter your query results. You can use the handy tabs across the top of the window, or click the refine button to further detail how you want things filtered. While Windows DS has some similar functions they're not nearly as granular, and Yahoo!'s are just handier and laid out better. Another trick Yahoo! manages is allowing you to immediately click on buttons above the preview pane to reply/forward e-mail, or attach and send documents in e-mail immediately. Even Windows DS doesn't allow for that.

However, I do have one complaint. When looking for a word document that was an attachment, I had to look under the attachment tab, not the documents tab. Microsoft's tool does a better job of delineating this and looking at all documents (attachments or not) as docs, but I think I can learn to live with this. I'll just keep reminding myself it's in beta.

Some users of each of these tools have reported issues with the time it takes to index their drives, but I've been running all three simultaneously for quite a while, and I've not noticed any performance issues, nor any long waits for indexing to complete.

Other Contenders
Copernic Desktop Search was actually one of the first free options out there, but I remember it bogging down my system and not exactly being speedy. I'm probably being too harsh and a bit unfair in comparing their product of two years ago with today's new stuff, so I may give it another chance at some future undisclosed date. Updates to follow.

Being a Mac user (about 30% of the time), I've also enjoyed the benefits of Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger's (yes you have to spell it out this way each time or Stevie the Boy Wonder gets all up in your face) Spotlight. It's quick, it's free (if you own the OS), and Microsoft's going to have its work cut out in copying it for Vista--especially sans WinFS. Of course, you can't use any of the aforementioned apps on a Mac, and you can't use Spotlight in Windows, so while Spotlight is cool, it's no real competition. Unless [insert dream sequence segue here]...once Apple goes fully Intel, and the BIOS guys make it ultra quick to switch between OS X and Windows on a dual-boot Apple system, then I could use Spotlight to find stuff on my hard drive...okay, so it's a bit far fetched, but a guy's gotta have a dream.

- Hutch

This post originally appeared on an external website

From somewhere in Bizzaro World in the distant realm of the oxymoron there is a place called the Microsoft Linux and Open-Source Software Lab. I find this as amazing as I'm sure our Linux-touting friends find it vexing. Take the red or blue pill, it doesn't really matter, just give me something for this headache.

ZDNet's done a full write-up which you can read at the link below.

- Hutch

ZDNet: Printer Friendly - At Microsoft, the yin and yang of Linux

This post originally appeared on an external website

This one speaks for itself--I think it's time to fire up VMWare again...

- Hutch

Wired News: Mac Hacks Allow OS X on PCs

This post originally appeared on an external website

Okay, so there still isn't a podcast posted...yet. I hope you'll continue to patiently wait as I slog over the mundanities and realities of life hoping to one day broadcast my golden voice from this lofty perch.

In the meantime, we do have a new Hutch Tech Blog logo [take a peek to right-hand column]. So we hereby give a very gracious "Thank You" to Ms. Megan Irving whose diligent effort paid off: I got a logo; she'll be getting the very first Hutch Tech T-Shirt we produce. Thanks again, Megan.

Now back to the podcast...I have received several written questions/topic ideas, and would encourage you to continue sending them to HutchTech@gmail.com. However, I'm also looking for some audio questions to share in the broadcast. I've established an account with Gizmo (similar to Skype) which can receive your audio questions. I chose Gizmo over Skype for several reasons: Voice mail is free (and let's face it, this blog doesn't pay the bills), it seems to be less system intensive than Skype on my PC, it's cross platform, and did I mention the voice mail was free? You can get your copy at www.gizmoproject.com (Windows and Mac versions are available now, Linux will be supported in September). Leave a message in the Gizmo voice mailbox HutchTech, and who knows, if you're question is used in the podcast, you could end up with a HutchTech T-shirt.

That's the update for now. More to come...

- Hutch

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I love my Windows laptop. I love my Mac iBook. But who wants to have two keyboards and two sets of mice cluttering the desk. Now, since they're both laptops, I don't need the video portion of a KVM switch to share single KB/mousing bliss, nor do I need the expense. Instead, I've found Synergy (see link below).

Synergy allows me to setup multiple (and I mean multiple, up to 9 I believe) systems, each with their own independent monitor, yet share one keyboard and mouse directly over the network. That's right, friends, no fuss, no muss, nothing further to buy. You simply setup one of the machines to act as the synergy server and let it know where the other machines' monitors live in relation to itself (e.g. my Windows laptop is on the left, my Mac laptop is on the right). Once you've got everyone else running the client software (which is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux), you're home free. Now you can use that single keyboard and mouse to dash around to which ever screen you want. It even copies clipboard text from machine to machine, yes, even cross platform. The latest stable build made a huge difference for me--I was experiencing a lot of dropped connections previously. Oh, and yes, the Mac keys maintain their position on my keyboard (the key directly to the left of the space bar is the command key, etc.)

Check it out, because free beats KVM any day, in my book.

- Hutch

Synergy

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Amazon search engine variant A9 has now dipped it's toe into the cold water of the mapping pool (see link below). You may remember that A9 was sending out vans (a paid position with Amazon, I might add) to take pictures of every square block of the universe. This way, when you clicked on a business address you could not only see what the physical storefront looked like, but you could take a virtual walk around the block and look for other nearby shops, parking, etc. The new A9 maps site combines these street-level photos with mapquest. While I still don't like the overall layout compared to Google's version, and there are a lot of cities A9 has yet to photograph, this site could definitely be a contender in the future.

 
HINT FOR A9: Let this one stew in the beta broth for a while, otherwise it could die on the vine. Given enough time, fertilizer, and tender nurturing, it just might survive to actually win the day. Sorry for the mixed metaphors, but I think you get the point.

 
- Hutch

 
A9.com Maps

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Do you remember scanning floppies on your PC for viruses before you actually opened and ran anything off of them? Of course you don't, because nobody did it. No one we knew would have a virus on a floppy disk...[insert tune of wistful yearnings for yesteryear here]...such blissful naivet?.

Ever guilty of chronological snobbery (i.e. "We're smarter now than they were back then"), the ubiquitously popular USB drive threatens to jump right up and bite us in our prideful posteriors. Snearkernet is back and it just might cause you and your PC some problems. Take a look at the CNet Anchordesk article linked below for more details.

- Hutch

Security Watch: USB devices offer an old-school way to steal data - CNET reviews

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Fish and chips, bad teeth, playing video games
in school
. Great Britain's rep is about to improve dramatically. According
to a recent CNet article (see link below), British schools are
experimenting with using video games as part of the curriculum. I'm not
sure if they'll include Grand Theft Auto, or even Super Mario Cart. One
thing I am certain of: Regardless of the results of the of the study,
there are going to be a bunch of very happy children singing the
praises of school--all in proper Queen's English, of course. Who says
we don't need no education?

- Hutch

Computer games enroll in school | CNET News.com

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Mark Miller's recent PC Mag article makes the case that 2006 could be
another watershed year for technology. Dual-core, 64-bit CPUs,
Intel-based Macs, new OS releases all make it hard to argue against
him. So break out the cryo-chamber, I'm ready for 2006 now!

I'm
postponing all my personal technology purchases until 2006. My chief
longing is for the Intel-based Macs in the hope of getting a dual boot
system to replace my current PC and Mac laptops. My 1.5 GHz Pentium M
is still plugging along mightly, and I've seen no reason to upgrade,
especially prior to Vista's release. If I make it until then, that'll
be three years between Intel-based laptops--a personal record.

Though
I don't yet hear the faint chords of auld lange syne, I'm ready to
sing. So what technology promise are you waiting for? What's got you
excited about 2006? Send me an e-mail, post a comment, or leave a voice
mail at Gizmo mailbox HutchTech.

- Hutch

PC Magazine: The Big Shake Up

I just hate it when I have to agree with John C. Dvorak,
but the ol' curmudgeon of computing has it right when he points out
that Apple (and more importantly, Steve Jobs) may be poised to mount an
operating system coup--and soon. Maybe he finally watched Pirates of Silicon Valley, who knows?

Read Mr. Dvorak's musings on the subject of all things Apple with
the link below. Oh, and if you haven't checked out his blog take a peek
at www.dvorak.org/blog. I may not always agree with his politics, but he does have some valuable insight into technology.

- Hutch

Opinion Column by PC Magazine: Apple on the Brink

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I've heard all kinds of
chatter lately (maybe it was more of a clamboring) for Apple to
introduce subscription based options in iTunes. Recently Walt Mossberg
sounded off on why this isn't a great idea (see link below). Agree or
disagree, the fact that Apple posted this on their Hot News page tells me it ain't gonna happen...at least anytime soon.

- Hutch

Smartmoney.com: Mossberg Report: Rent vs. Own

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Like most of you, I guard
my hard drive space zealously. Who knows when I might need all that
space for that video documentary I'm going to produce someday? Recently
TechRepublic gave some hints (link below) on how you can get some of
that space back: compress the system files packed in the Service Pack
folder. I'm not sure if I saved any real space, but if you're looking for anything you can get, give it a try.

- Hutch

Compress the ServicePackFiles\i386 folder in Windows XP

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Larry Seltzer's
just plain right: Home users need a disaster plan. If you don't plan
for security at home, you will get hit--and it could cost you all those
digital photos and years worth of files. Unfortunately, the people who
need to hear this probably don't read eWeek (or this blog, for that
matter). So we're left with only three alternatives:

1. Home users will continue to get hacked, lose their precious
   files, and be used to create a cyberspace back-bone for the criminal
   underworld to exploit.
2. Microsoft, Apple, et al. will have to
   take on an increasingly intrusive security function. At first blush
   this might appear to be a dream come true for home users, but just the
   thought of it causes nightmares for privacy and security interest
   groups.
3. You and I, the tech (whether the "advanced" user or
   technology professional) can spend our free evenings and weekends
   tweaking and tuning grandma's, Mom's, and Uncle Fred's increasingly
   outdated boxes.

I don't know about you, but I really don't like any of these
options. Now, Larry's article (link below) is more narrowly focused on
disaster recovery, and he nobly discusses some of the backup
disaster scenarios that home users may encounter. I'd like to take an
even more pro-active approach and try to preclude the disaster in the first place.

- Hutch

Home Users Need To Plan For The Worst

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Let me share a secret: I
use a "dummy" e-mail account to sign up for access to some web sites.
Shhhhhhhh... Now, obviously it's a real address (I'm going to
have to click on those verification links somehow), but it's not one
I'm going to use to actually get anything I want to read. [NOTE TO TR
EDITORS: My TR account is a usable e-mail address that I actually read.]

While I'm in a confessing mood, I need to come clean and admit my frequent (and ever-increasing) use of bug-me-not.
For the uninitiated, bug-me-not is a repository of usernames and
passwords to assist you in maintaining your privacy while allowing you
access to registered-members-only web sites.

There are evident trade-offs to this: You have access to the
information, but no way to expect feedback, or have your demographic
information measured. Most of the time this is what we want anyway. And
while I don't believe this is much of a moral quandary, it isn't what
the information provider wants (and certainly not what they believe
they need).

Some, however, are pledging to take this a step further in the Fall
and are asking others to do the same by poisoning online login
databases (see link below). This is where my morality compass begins to
move--a bit. It's one thing for me to avoid (for convenience and
privacy's sake) signing up for a free account, it's another to pledge
online database devastation. Or is it? Maybe my lack of honesty here
makes me a less than able spokesman on this subject. Don't worry, it
doesn't keep me up at night.

I know people want demographic information, and they have the right
to ask for that info if I want access, but isn't this trend toward
dishonesty exactly what they should expect to happen? In the age of
spam, identity theft, and increased privacy concerns perhaps it's time
to avoid exposure at all cost. I won't be signing any pledges to
purposely poison online membership rolls. Guess I don't have to--I'm
doing it already.

- Hutch

Boing Boing: Pledge to poison a registration database this November 13!

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I appreciate PC Magazine
(yes, including the ol' curmudgeon John C. Dvorak--off topic question:
Don't only assassins and serial killers use their middle initial?
Sorry, John, I had to ask). Since we'll all be using Windows XP for a
while longer, why not have it running as smoothly as possible? The link
below will take you to the PC Mag article with their list of tips and
tricks. Feel free to add your own in the comments.

- Hutch

Feature from PC Magazine: Top Tips & Tricks For Windows

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When I first heard that
Engadget had a 1980's BBS-ish version of their site up, I thought
someone had simply created a newly themed version of their current
content. However, was I in for a nostalgic surprise--not only was the
overall look of the site two decades out-of-date, but the content was
perfect for the time in question. If you're old enough (or curious
enough) to want to reminisce about bygone tech-days, take a gander at
the link below. For full effect, I suggest turning off your broadband
and dialing-up for access.

- Hutch

Engadget 1985 - Engadget - www.engadget.com

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