Mail PassView - Recover Email Passwords
Mail PassView is a small password-recovery tool that reveals the passwords and other account details for the following email clients:
Outlook Express
Microsoft Outlook 2000 (POP3 and SMTP Accounts only)
Microsoft Outlook 2002/2003/2007 (POP3, IMAP, HTTP and SMTP Accounts)
Windows Mail
IncrediMail
Eudora
Netscape 6.x/7.x
Mozilla Thunderbird
Group Mail Free
Yahoo! Mail - If the password is saved in Yahoo! Messenger application.
Hotmail/MSN mail - If the password is saved in MSN Messenger application.
Gmail - If the password is saved by Gmail Notifier application, Google Desktop, or by Google Talk.
Uniden DECT1080
Abstract
A nice, no-nonsense, durable, highly usable multi-handset phone system. Using DECT at 1.9GHz to avoid interference with other devices, this phone system offers an answering machine, and allows up to 6 handsets (ships with 1, 2, or 3, depending on package). Gets the job done. Good build quality. I recommend it.
Summary of product
DECT1080-3: DECT 6.0 Cordless Digital Answering System with Caller ID and 2 Extra Handset and Charging Cradles
Utilizing the newly ratified DECT 6.0 frequency band, this phone provides the clearest voice reception available and can easily be used with Wireless Home Networking (WLAN) systems without negative impact. This phone offers state-of-the-art technology that provides brilliant sound and maximum voice security without interference from other wireless devices.
Expected/Wanted Usage Model
- I hate cordless phones. Typical complaints: battery life, poor reception, poor user interfaces
- Replacing an old Siemens 2.4 GHz system that interfered with 802.11b/g networks.
- I have 802.11 a/b/g networks in use, so a system that did not interfere was critical.
- Scalability is key
- UI and build quality is essential. I need phones that last, and I need my parents to be able to figure out how to use the phones.
Initial Comments / Build quality
- Sweet. These keys remind me of the HP calculator keys. They click in. Nice tactile feedback.
- UI is intuitive; I programmed the whole thing, plugged in all the handsets around the house, set the OGM, configured all 3 handsets with descriptors in under 10 minutes.
- Nice UI feedback
- I miss the headphone jack. I knew it didn't have one, but this was an acceptable loss of functionality.
Product Documentation
http://www.uniden.com/pdf/DECT1080-2om.pdf
http://www.uniden.com/products/productdetail.cfm?product=DECT1080-2
Advertised Capabilities
DECT 6.0 Interference Free Cordless Frequency - (1.9 GHz Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications)
Extra Caller ID Handset and Charger Included
Digital Answering System - The product utilizes microchip technology (no more tapes or moving parts.) This ensures clearer recordings and longer life.
Clearest Voice Reception
Brilliant Sound
Maximum Voice Security
Whole House Coverage
Wireless Network Friendly
Expandable - Register 6 Handsets to 1 Base
Multi-Base Feature - Register 1 Handset with up to 4 Bases
Conference Call - You can hold a 3-way conversation (conference call) between your handset, an external caller and another internal handset user.
Caller ID/Call Waiting* - (*Requires a telephone company service subscription)
Handset Speakerphone - This feature gives you the freedom to use the handset as a speakerphone.
V-Quad Technology (4 Way Voice Enhancer)
Intercom or Call Transfer Between Handsets
Talk Time - 16 Hours
Standby 7 Days
Personalized Ringers
Last 10 Number Redial
100 Handset Phonebook Numbers
30 Caller ID Handset Memory Locations
Copy Phonebook from Handsets
Clock Display
Reminders & Alarm
Trilingual Menu Displays - English / French / Spanish
NiMH Battery Included
Discussion
First, let me explain, in case you didn't know: I hate gadgets. I hate toys. I don't own a cellular phone, and I don't walk around with any technology except my analog kinetic wristwatch from Seiko (because I'll never have to change the battery in it.)
Cell phones with cameras, colour screens, and games are a waste of time. I want a phone with good battery life, good reception. Features that don't contribute to battery life, usability, or reception are useless to me. New cellphones lack any of these improvements.
I'm the same way with cordless phones. To be truly 'cordless' - the battery needs to last sufficiently long that I forget about the fact that there's a bettery inside. If I can get a better user experience in a corded phone (like a Vista 3xx series phone) - I'd rather have that. I'd rather have a speakerphone with EXCELLENT noise cancellation. So, $30 cordless phones are cut. Out of the question. I'm using an ancient Bell Vista phone on my desk - because the thing works. It has a nice, heavy handset that reminds you that you're holding onto a phone. I love it. Period.
I like this phone set. The buttons are properly built - excellent tactile feedback. Nice weight distribution. Reported/advertised talktime is quite decent. (Yes, battery replacements are necessary every few years... that's fine.) I haven't tried remote retrieval of phone messages.
It seems a bit small - but I think it's still a decent size - not too small, not too big. Nice to grip onto with one hand while talking.
Nice ring selection - nice speakerphone/ringer unit.
Almost immediately detects line use on another extension/handset. And it properly displays system status/state with icons, and text. No nasty LEDs. Nicely backlit screen - never obtrusive.
Well written manual - gets to the point. Concise yet informative. I flipped through for reference only. I didn't discover any features that didn't already make sense to me, or any features that I hadn't already configured. But if you're not able to figure it out - I think the manual would be quite helpful. I also love that it's available via PDF. =)
What I liked
- DECT. Sound quality seems really good; range is excellent, as far as I can tell. It meets my needs.
- NiMH batteries. Good. No nasty NiCd.
- Build quality. Battery attachment/compartment seemed a bit sketchy, though. Oh well. Won't be opening the door much.
- Ability to check phone messages on any phone unit.
- Nice processor. I type phone numbers in fast, and there's NO lag on this unit. I can type as fast as I want, and it doesn't lose my input.
- Ability to secure base station with 4 digit PIN to avoid rogue handsets.
- Got another phone line? Get another base station. Each handset can register to up to 4 base stations. That's nice. (I haven't tested the use of TWO base stations simultaneously, though.)
What I didn't like
- Screen seems limited. Could be higher resolution; would certainly deliver a nicer user experience.
- Lack of a headphone jack. (But you really should get a GN Networks cordless headset if that's what you intend to use it for, you know?)
- I wish it used AA NiMH instead of AAA NiMH
- I wish it would sync with my Outlook phone contacts. (Yeah right! Not at this price range!)
- I wish it would automatically add inbound calls to my phonebook, since I'm never going to manually transfer phone numbers into the thing.
Conclusions and Recommendations
Stop buying the $30 cordless phones. Invest in one of these units, or go to Bell and find a Nortel corded phone, with a nice speakerphone.
The buttons are nice and solid. Good tactile feedback, and good UI to drive the phone. CDN$185 after all damages for 3 handsets, digital answering machine, digital cordless phone on DECT 1.9GHz. I recommend it.
Got mine at costco.ca with membership.
On the Utility of Access Connections in Windows Vista
Executive summary: It works now - Version 4.41 (build 7RCN26WW) properly manages network connections in Windows Vista. I recommend it.
Background: Windows Vista, along with most OSes have a poor/incomplete facility to manage network connections, especially on laptops. When multiple WLAN profiles are necessary, additional software, such as Access Connections helps to manage the switch between networks, allowing users to save "profiles" which can be applied automatically once a certain network is detected in range.
Problem: Don't you hate having to jump through hoops to static your IP on one network, and have to jump back to DHCP on another? Don't understand what a dynamic IP is? Just want your computer to work when you connect to a new network?
Recommendation: Try it if you have a ThinkPad running Windows XP or Vista. Set your network profiles up. You'll wonder how you survived without it.
Discussion: Designed to completely eliminate the need to 'fuss' with settings upon changing locations, Access Connections brilliantly offers to change every relevent setting upon the application of a network profile. It will change your proxy settings, automatically open a VPN tunnel, and run scripts/programs upon the detection and application of a network profile. It handles dial-up profiles, home page settings, wireless encryption keys such as WPA2, as well as changing your default printer.
Program is available via System Update or here: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/MIGR-67283.html. Click here to download the Deployment Guide. Click here to download the Administrator Profile Deployment Feature tool. Click here to download the Access Connections client configuration policy plug-in for Active Directory.
The Best Tool Ever: The Norton Removal Tool
The Best Tool Ever: The Norton Removal Tool uninstalls all Norton 2007/2006/2005/2004/2003 products from your computer. Before you continue, make sure that you have the installation CDs or downloaded installation files for any Norton products that you want to reinstall. Also, if you use ACT! or WinFAX, back up those databases and uninstall those products.
Which prompts the question: Why would you want to reinstall a Norton product?
2000/XP/Vista: ftp://ftp.symantec.com/public/english_us_canada/removal_tools/Norton_Removal_Tool.exe
ME/9x: ftp://ftp.symantec.com/public/english_us_canada/removal_tools/Norton_Removal_Tool_9x.exe
via http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039
BBC Planet Earth: HD DVD with David Attenborough
Yes, HD DVD with David Attenborough. From BBC: Planet Earth
In case you haven't seen this: I highly recommend it.
Review: Creative Zen Vision W
I recently purchased a Creative Zen Vision W.
Usage
- To watch media while travelling. Yes, I usually use my laptop for this, but this specialized device allows a simplified experience, a nice interface, and a perfect size, allowing me to watch movies/videos even in cramped spaces. The laptop may not have room to open up, and causes too many hassles.
- MP3 capability, recording, FM radio. Not necessarily available in a laptop. =)
Initial comments
I never thought I'd consider a Creative device. Just never seemed good enough - always missing some critical features that I wanted in products. This one looks good on paper, and handles well. UI isn't awkward at all, surprisingly.
Build quality
- I'm impressed. Seems solid, with a decent Hitachi harddrive in it. Should be reliable, certainly if compared to Toshiba drives.
- Nice LCD - nice viewing angle.
- Buttons seem flimsy, but I'm used to a ThinkPad. These buttons won't fall apart - they just don't have the travel I'm used to. (Keep in mind, I use an IBM Model M keyboard.)
- Speakers – nice volume. Could be louder... but headphones are going to be used anyway. =)
Advertised capabilities
- 4.3″ WQVGA high-resolution LCD screen - View 480 x 272 resolution in a wide aspect screen at up to 262,144 colors or output video and photos to an external display at a maximum of 720×480.
- Holds up to 240 hours of movies - ZEN support formats such as AVI, DivX 4 & 53, XviD4, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG4-SP, WMV9 and Motion-JPEG
- Store up to tens of thousands of photos - Complete with a thumbnail gallery and zoom capabilities.
- Up to 15,000 songs - With 5-band EQ or 8 preset EQ settings and 96dB signal-to-noise ratio.
- TV output - Connect the ZEN to a projector or TV with the bundled AV cable for everyone to see.
- FM radio - Listen to more music with the integrated FM radio with 32 station presets.
- Personal organizer - Syncs your contacts, calendar, and tasks with Microsoft Outlook.
- Voice recorder - Record meetings, lectures, even voice memos.
- Long lasting battery - Enjoy up to 13 hours of music, or 4.5 hours of movies.
- Offload digital photos - Transfer pictures from your camera to ZEN without a computer
- Audio Playback Format: MP3, WMA, WAV and Audible
- Photo Format: JPEG, *GIF, *TIFF and *BMP *To be transcoded
- Video Playback Format: MPEG1/2/4-SP, XviD, DivX™ 4 and 5, AVI, MJPEG and WMV9
- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
- Audio Output: 3.5mm stereo mini-jack
- Audio/Video Output: Composite TV, stereo audio out
- 5.27" 2.95" 1.04" (60GB)
- 10.48 oz (60GB)
- Up to 13 hours of continuous audio playback. Up to 4.5 hours of continuous video playback
Comments
- USB interface is nice and fast.
- The headphones act as antenna for the radio. Cool.
- It remembers where movies are stopped - even if you play multiple movies. Can't seem to find the "return to beginning option" - so you just hit rewind.
- Fast forward, etc works really nicely. Much better than what an iPod offers.
- A really nice UI. Clear status indicators on screen, and I always know where I am. Excellent HCI principles being followed, with easy navigation through long lists of movies sequentially and also alphabetically. I find the iPod's limited interface somewhat restricting sometimes; the additional buttons here are quite welcome. I quite like it.
- Usability: I have yet to open the manual. Enough said.
- Customizability: Menu customizations are possible - very cool.
- Unicode characters work - Chinese titles are properly displayed.
- Fast OS - bootup is noticeable, but once started, device is quite responsive.
- Outlook syncing, microphone record. Microphone is decent; the IBM ThinkPad's is better. I haven't tried synching yet... but it doesn't seem very useful. Maybe the contacts =)
- FM radio - relatively easy to switch frequencies.
- Battery life test - I haven't done any tests yet.
- I've charged the battery, removed it, and just run off utility power with power adapter. Kinda wish there was cover that could cover the back with the battery removed.
- Where’s the kickstand? Will have to prop this thing up somehow...
- Mentioned this earlier - Navigation buttons seem flimsy; they won’t break, just not the same kind of travel as with ThinkPad buttons, etc.
- Excellent screen - nice brightness, and nice viewing angle.
- Fingerprint issue on screen – unavoidable
- This model has a 60 GB drive – lots of space.
- Compact Flash I/II slot - use it to copy pictures onto the device. Nice to offload pictures off your camera.
- Sync directly in Vista and XP. Just drag files over. No dirty software; Vista has drivers. Just encode, and drag 'em over in Explorer; the device mounts as a drive with all folders fully visible.
- Compatibility
- Documentaries played instantly, most downloaded with MP3 audio played instantly
- No AC3 support. Argh. I've had to re-encode stuff - just the AC3 audio though.
- DivX and XviD works well, as far as I've seen...
- Encoding
- AVIs
- Virtual Dub to convert existing AVI DIVX/XVID AC3 to just MP3
- Ripped to WAV, and reprocess to LAME ACM MP3 with video direct stream copy
- DVDs
- Slysoft AnyDVD HD 6.1.3.6 to remove CSS/Macrovision on DVDs
- Xilisoft DVD Ripper Platinum to reencode VOBs into XviD movie
- AVIs
- Nice zoom features on screen/display. Works nicely to fit video on the widescreen.
- Hitachi 60 GB drive
- The drive, made by Hitachi, is a 3.3 v, 1.8″ Travelstar C4K60 Slim. Should be reliable.
- Hardware details
- http://onemansblog.com/2007/01/08/creative-zen-vision-w-teardown/
- Screen shield - http://www.shieldzone.com/custom-orders/
- Creative Zen Vision W 60 GB
- (Wide screen)
- 9.7cm wide
- 5.5cm tall
- http://onemansblog.com/2006/12/26/creative-zen-vision-w-review-60-gb-personal-media-player
- http://onemansblog.com/2007/01/08/creative-zen-vision-w-teardown/
- E-Book reading - http://www.epizenter.net/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?6792
I didn't like
- The price. It is expensive. You get what you pay for though. It's not just a portable harddrive. Time was put into designing the interface. And it plays videos quite nicely.
- The navigation buttons; I miss my ThinkPad's UltraNav buttons. These buttons have no travel.
- The fact that there is only 1 headphone jack. I wish there were two headphone jacks built-in for sharing, or at least that it shipped with a splitter.
- The screen coating. Ship the things with a protective covering!
- The lack of a stand. How do I prop it up? How about a battery cover when you choose to play with just AC power with no battery installed?
- The lack of AC3 decoding of video. Most AVI clips are encoded with AC3 audio. This is a minor issue.
- Lack of audio file support: MP3s work fine. These don't seem to work: M4A, OGG, APE, and FLAC. Damn.
Final word
ThinkPad T Series - 20078JU
It's done. The laptop has been ordered.
IBM/Lenovo T60p ThinkPad T60p 2007-8JU (Experience Index 4.3)
- Intel Core 2 Duo T7600 at 2.33GHz (Score 5.2)
- 1x1GB DDR2 667MHz PC2-5300 RAM (Score 4.5)
- 100 GB SATA @ 7200 RPM (8 MB cache, 4.2ms latency, 11ms seek) (Score 5.1)
- 24X DVD Recordable (8X DVD+R)
- ATI FireGL V5250, GDDR3 256 MB PCIe (Graphics 4.3, Gaming 4.6)
- 56K V92 modem
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Mini-PCIe
- Bluetooth
- 3 USB ports, docking, external display, headphone, microphone, RJ11, RJ45
- UltraNav + Eraserhead
- 31.75mm x 335.28mm x 238.76mm
- Windows Vista Enterprise x86
February 17 2007
- Will get RAM upgrade to 2x1GB in a week or so
- Latest drivers/utilities updated via System Update
Tomato - Replacement firmware for Linksys' WRT54G/GL/GS and Buffalo WHR-G54S/WHR-HP-G54 routers
Tomato is a small, lean and simple replacement firmware for Linksys' WRT54G/GL/GS and Buffalo WHR-G54S/WHR-HP-G54 routers. It features a new easy to use GUI, a new bandwidth usage monitor, more advanced QOS and access restrictions, enables new wireless features such as WDS and wireless client modes, raises the limits on maximum connections for P2P, allows you to run your custom scripts or telnet/ssh in and do all sorts of things like re-program the SES/AOSS button, adds wireless site survey to see your wifi neighbors, and more.
IBM ThinkPad T60
Design and Build
The ThinkPad T60 is a premium product with a durable build. For somebody that travels a lot or relies on their notebook to earn a livelihood, the difference between a sub $1,000 starter notebook and a premium workhorse is obvious. The ThinkPad T60 stands out with its durability via choice of components, very sturdy case material and a strong protective chassis. You pay a lot more for these features of a T60, but if you're on the road, away from support, and miss a time sensitive opportunity because of hardware problems -- you might just wish you had spent extra dollars for a better built notebook such as the T60.
So how does the T60 excel build-wise? Basically the same as its predecessor T-series notebooks did. The T60 body is a rugged plastic that does not flex. The magnesium reinforced lid won't flex and provides amazing protection for the screen. The keyboard does not flex -- at all. The thick metal hinges that attach the screen are very rigid and ensure the screen does not wobble. The keyboard is spill proof and has two drain holes to make sure if you do happen to spill your morning Starbucks coffee, the liquid is carried away from sensitive components and out through the bottom of the notebook. The hard drive is shock mounted and the entire chassis is a newly designed magnesium "roll cage" (it offers 30% more protection that past T-series chassis), and even if your T60 is dropped and broken the Active Protection System (APS) will stop hard drive activity to prevent data loss. The double screen latch system locks securely to make sure the screen stays down when being carried around. In other words, there's no shortcuts being used in build quality from past ThinkPad notebooks since the Lenovo takeover of IBM -- only enhancements.
Aesthetically the ThinkPad T60 remains pretty much the same as past ThinkPad T series notebooks, meaning from a few feet away you'd be hard pushed to tell the difference between a T40, T41, T42, T43 or T60 (assuming they're all the same 14" size -- the 15" size was not introduced until the T42 came about). But with the T60 there are definitely some changes in overall layout and aesthetic looks.
Full Reviews
http://laptoplogic.com/reviews/detail.php?id=112&part=full&page=1
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=2767
http://techreport.com/reviews/2006q3/thinkpad-t60/index.x?pg=1
http://laptopmag.com/Review/Lenovo-ThinkPad-T60.htm
dasBlog 1.9
The dasBlog 1.9 release comes almost a year since the release of dasBlog 1.8 and brings a number of new features, fixes, and some new themes. This readme file assumes that you have already downloaded the dasBlog 1.9 Web Files (if you downloaded the Source, please download the Web Files unless you know how to build the source yourself).
Release date: September 21st 2006
MaxiVista 3 (beta) Is Great on Vista RC1
I've been beta testing MaxiVista 3.0.22 (beta) on Vista RC1.
Previous betas had driven me insane on earlier builds - and it was only in the past two weeks that I've started using it again.
I love it. If you have more than one computer at your desk (or can have more than one!) this program makes it worth your time. I have a desktop machine with dual 15" NEC MultiSyncs (two old 1545Vs) and my T40 connected together, and using this application, I can work on all three screens simultaneously.
It also offers clipboard synchronization (with file transfer support) as well as remote control capabilities on the secondary/tertiary screens. The viewer software runs as a system service now.
I'd recommend it for anyone who wants more than two monitors attached to their system. And yes, there's scientific research to support the increase in productivity too, to help justify the cost.
Need a Wireless Router?
Looking for a wireless router? Don't just buy a random unit. Know what to look for:
If you can get ahold of it new, still: any WRT54GS version 1.0 to 3.0. You can tell from the serial number of the unit; you want prefix (starting with) CGN0, CGN1, CGN2, CGN3, CGN4, or CGN5. (as per http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wrt54g#Hardware_revisions) These units all have 8 MB of flash memory with a 200+MHz processor. Note that units with CGN6 or higher are not upgradeable to 3rd party firmware and therefore not recommended. Buy the more expensive WRTSL54GS (for even more features, like a USB port for a HDD to be shared on the network), or the cheaper WRT54GL, and add on the "Speedbooster" via dd-wrt, or equivalent firmware.
If you can't find these 'older' revisions, get the WRTSL54GS, with S/N prefix CJK0. This is also a solid looking device. Canada Computers has this router listed at $119 + tax. This unit has a USB port on the back, allowing you to put a HDD on the network, stream video, etc.
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=009794&cid=NT.489
The Asus WL500G Premium is also good, although I haven't personally used any Asus router hardware. I'd still be tempted to go with a Linksys one, just because I've used their stuff (yes, brand preference - guilty as charged.) I understand that the Belkin units have lifetime warranty, so the Belkin F5D7230-4 (v1000, v1010, v1111) may also be worth considering.
If you still can't find any of this hardware, consider: (in order)
- Asus WL 500G Deluxe
- Buffalo WHR G54s
- Linksys WRT54GL
I would check up on reviews for all of these products, paying attention to the reception/performance/distance. I know that the WRT54GS v1-v5 and WRT54GL are very good for range; the WRTSL54GS with only 1 antenna may have distance issues. Check out http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Installation#Supported_Devices for some other options.
I'd stay away from N routers until the technology is ready. I'm all for using the latest stuff - but make sure you don't lose functionality! Most tested draft-n devices (Netgear, Buffalo, and Linksys) are showing WORSE performance than comparable MIMO pre-n devices. Go figure.
Of course, these devices I mentioned are the powerful ones. That means you can load DD-wrt on them. (http://www.dd-wrt.com/) which, as of v23 SP1, seems quite usable to me. I don't have any complaints yet.
Bottom line: Tight budget? Get the WRT54GL. (Retail at $69 CDN, with a rebate. Should bring it down to $49 CDN + tax.) If you can't afford that, then you should probably get some ethernet cable =).
Alternative (cheaper) devices will probably compromise your wireless experience, and will result in constant/frequent disconnects and reboots. Fun, eh?
OpenDNS
Some DNS servers - if you know your ISP's DNS servers are causing problems. Perhaps useful as secondary/tertiary DNS servers?
208.67.222.222
208.67.220.220
Safer = OpenDNS can identify and stop sites trying to phish (steal) your personal information or money.
Faster = Huge DNS caches in Seattle, New Yor, washington DC, and Palo Alto
Smarter = .og becomes .org
The catch = OpenDNS makes money by serving clearly labeled advertisements on search results pages where we cannot resolve your intent (i.e., not a known typo).
System status page = http://208.67.219.60/
Home = http://www.opendns.com/
What we do = http://www.opendns.com/what/
FAQ = http://www.opendns.com/faq/
sudoWn
superuser do for Windows
Using a Limited account during your everyday work protects you from malicious software infection and
accidental misconfiguration. But installing software or changing some system settings can be difficult
in a low privileged environment.
The sudoWn project can execute individual programs (or even a whole Windows shell) with temporary
Administrator privileges under your user profile. This means you can use a low privileged environment and
elevate your rights transitionally for software installation or systemwide configuration comfortably
Polycom Communicator
Polycom Communicator gives you the ultimate hands-free Skype experience. Based on the same technology used in Polycom’s legendary line of triangular SoundStation conference phones, the Skype-certified Polycom Communicator enables crystal-clear, natural conversations when using Skype. Enjoy the freedom of not wearing your headset for hands-free Skype calls, or plug into the built-in stereo headphone port for private conversations.
The Polycom Communicator delivers high-fidelity wideband voice quality that sounds like you are in the same room with the people you’re calling. Two high-quality microphones provide excellent range for group conversations with up to four participants. Polycom’s Acoustic Clarity Technology eliminates echoes and feedback, maximizing your Skype experience.
http://www.polycom.com/products_services/1,1443,pw-34-14992-14993,00.html
IBM Drivers - T40 and Essential System Utilities
Software Installer = http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-4ZKMCT
Audio = http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-61604
Intel Ethernet Drivers = http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-54046
Chipset = http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-46058
Intel Wireless B = http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-59438
Power Management = http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-4GXPEG
Battery Tools = http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-44226
Video = http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-41918
LCD = http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-44320
Trackpoint = http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-4KMUYL
UltraNav = http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-42487
IBM DRIVER MATRICES (ALL PRODUCTS)
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/DRVR-MATRIX.html
F-Secure Client Security v6.01 = http://www.f-secure.com/anti-virus/webclub/eng/files/fsavcs/601b11441/fsavcs601.exe
Memtest86+ = http://www.memtest.org/
HDD Fitness (Bootable ISO, Windows diskette creator, binary diskette image) = http://www.hitachigst.com/hdd/support/download.htm
ISO Recorder = http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/isorecorder.htm
wget for Win32 = http://users.ugent.be/~bpuype/wget/
Samsung YP-U1Z - Recommended Flash MP3 Player - 1 GB
Just purchased one of these.
First thing I did was plug it in to charge, and flash the firmware. Easy to use, painless.
Very nice UI - clean, intuitive (never had to touch that manual). Got exactly what I wanted.
I'm still walking around with a 256 MB USB key for my work - and this product made me replace it.
At $120 CDN for 1 GB, compared to $70 for a just a 1 GB key, I'm sold. Given the price of just the memory, the premium I'm paying for the 'player' functionality is minimal, and it delivers a wealth of features!
Excellent sound quality, clean and fast. (USB 2.0).
I had feared that the little swing out USB port would be sketchy - not the case. Well built, solid.
I had feared the UI would be hard to use - but Samsung has pulled it off. They make great LCDs, and this player is no exception. I got the songs I wanted quickly. The way I figure it is: The battery life will diminish with use - worst case scenario: you're still stuck with a very nice USB key!
I'd definitely recommend this, unless you feel you need to walk around with more than 1 GB of music. No moving parts in this one - which has always been one of my biggest concerns with these players. This is well built, and solid. Does voice recording too. Comes with a pair of headphones.
Installs without drivers on Windows XP - shows up as removable disk. You can drag on your own files into folders.
On player, you tag songs into a playlist, or just play the whole folder. Full ID3 support.
If you currently don't have a player, I'd get this one. Feature set is good, and it doesn't require you to install any software. Just drag over files and you're done. End of story.
No Apple markup. No Apple bloat, no DRM. I move files over MY way, and organize stuff my way. No flimsy Apple products for me.
Details
Model code: YP-U1ZW/XAC
1GB built-in flash memory
OGG(up to Q9)/MP3/WMA/WMV
WMA DRM
White LED-4Line(128x64)
SRS WOW Optimization
Voice Recording (built in Mic)
USB Direct connection to PC
Headphones included
Playback Time: 13Hrs (Li-poly), PC charge
WXHXD (mm): 23.8 x 87.8 x 13.5
Weight: 30g
Product Homepage: http://www.samsung.com/ca/products/digitalaudioproducts/digitalmediaplayer/yp_u1zwxac.asp
Quick Guide: (more images - click on "Location of Controls")
http://downloadcenter.samsung.com/content/EM/200508/20050810163653046/EN/main.html
Answering Machine Software: IVM Phone Answering Attendant Software
IVM is a telephone answering machine, voice mail, call attendant, and interactive voice response (IVR) program for Windows. It connects to the phone using a standard voice modem, professional telephony board or even directly to a VoIP service.
This software is an effective voicemail, call attendant, info-line, audiotext or autodial solution for small to medium businesses. For example, IVM can redirect in-coming calls during office hours or act as a PC answer machine and take messages for a number of voice mail boxes after hours. All calls (including those answered by you) are logged with date, time and caller ID. The recorded messages can be played at any time, forwarded to an email address, accessed via the internet or, if necessary, saved for future reference.
IVM can redirect in-coming calls during office hours or take messages for a number of voice mail boxes after hours. All calls (including those answered by you) are logged with date, time and caller ID. The recorded messages can be played at any time, forwarded to an email address, accessed via the internet or, if necessary, saved for future reference.
IVM can also be used very simply as a computer answering machine. Just run the install file on your PC and it will be ready to answer calls. But, when you are ready, you can explore the advanced key response and programming options to create a sophisticated telephone interactive response system. You will find many exciting ways to use IVM to provide information, serve your customers and save time.
Tight. Runs as system service with control interface. Earlier versions were a bit sketchy, not properly handling terminal services logins on the box running the answering machine. But version 3.0 onwards were great for me. Emails you MP3 attachment. Works great with decent hardware.
DefilerPak - Video and Audio Codecs
The DefilerPak is a minimalist collection of video and audio codecs designed to keep you up to date with the latest developments
Antivirus - Recommended: F-Secure Client Security/Internet Security
”Because of its awesome real-time protection and overall performance, Anti-Virus Client Security 6 received the highest score of the ten products reviewed.“
InfoWorld, September 2005
”I tested the product in our Syracuse University Real-World Labs and found it to be a top-notch enterprise security bundle.“
Secure Enterprise, August 2005
Product page
http://www.f-secure.com/products/anti-virus/fsavcs/
Comments
I have found F-Secure antivirus, in its latest iteration, to be an absolutely fantastic product. I would never recommend or install anything else for my clients. I have used F-Secure antivirus for Exchange for several years now, and have since been convinced, with their latest product release, that their products are ready for prime-time enterprise deployment.
I had used/recommended corporate editions of Symantec for years; CA eTrust was also a suggestion due to its frequent updates and clean scanning engine. Compatibility problems, LiveUpdate nightmares, and eTrust's horrible interface left me looking. F-Secure is a welcome change.
F-Secure is superior as it responds to the latest spyware threats, provides a nice logging and management interface, and delivers the latest production against viruses.
Bottom line: If you're using McAfee, Symantec, or CA eTrust, you're not moving down in the world by switching. You're getting a far superior detection engine, with excellent/timely updates, and excellent spyware detection/removal routines. I've loaded websites to 0-day exploits for IE, and have F-Secure respond by blocking HTTP traffic before it reached my browser.
Tight.
Reviews
Support for real-time protection also varies among vendors. McAfee’s, Trend Micro’s, and Tenebril’s versions allow the malware to install, but prevent it from executing, thus leaving it installed but neutered until a removal scan is started. Others, such as Sunbelt CounterSpy, block most malware installs while missing others, and, like Trend Micro, remove existing traces on next scan. F-Secure did the best job of preventing initial installations, blocking all spyware and malware attacks.
F-Secure Anti-Virus Client Security 6, Excellent 9.3
Computer Associates eTrust PestPatrol Anti-Spyware Corporate Edition r5, Good 7.6
Eset NOD32 2.5 Antivirus System, Good 7.2
LANDesk Security Suite 8.6, Excellent 8.7
McAfee VirusScan Enterprise 8.0 with Anti-Spyware Enterprise Module 8.0, Very Good 8.2
Sunbelt CounterSpy Enterprise 1.5, Very Good 8.5
SurfControl Enterprise Protection Suite - Enterprise Threat Shield, Very Good 8.3
Trend Micro Anti-Spyware for Small and Medium Business 3.0, Very Good 8.1
Countering spyware, Infoworld
September 2005
http://www.infoworld.com/article/05/09/19/38FEspy_1.html
Response Time: BOZARI.A
Kaspersky 2005-08-16 21:57
QuickHeal 2005-08-16 22:48
ClamAV 2005-08-16 23:12
eTrust-INO 2005-08-16 23:51
BitDefender 2005-08-16 23:52
F-Secure 2005-08-17 0:03
AntiVir 2005-08-17 0:19
Sophos 2005-08-17 0:44
Trend Micro 2005-08-17 0:44
Kaspersky 2005-08-17 1:06
McAfee 2005-08-17 1:34
eTrust-VET 2005-08-17 1:53
Fortinet 2005-08-17 1:54
Symantec 2005-08-17 3:05
Command 2005-08-17 3:40
Panda 2005-08-17 5:24
Dr Web 2005-08-17 7:04
Ikarus 2005-08-17 7:41
eSafe 2005-08-17 7:50
Avast 2005-08-17 8:04
ClamAV 2005-08-17 9:02
Norman 2005-08-17 9:14
AVG 2005-08-17 11:33
F-Prot 2005-08-17 12:16
Hauri 2005-08-17 13:45
VirusBuster 2005-08-17 14:32
F-Prot 2005-08-17 14:57
QuickHeal 2005-08-17 15:09
McAfee 2005-08-17 15:29
Command 2005-08-17 15:32
Norman 2005-08-17 17:35
Nod32 2005-08-17 18:33
eTrust-INO 2005-08-17 20:27
eTrust-VET 2005-08-18 5:35
F-Secure 2005-08-18 6:32
Proland 2005-08-18 11:16
ClamAV 2005-08-18 13:35
McAfee 2005-08-18 14:15
Fortinet 2005-08-18 16:18
Beta definitions
McAfee (BETA) 2005-08-16 21:19
Symantec (BETA) 2005-08-16 22:07
eTrust-INO (BETA) 2005-08-16 22:13
eTrust-VET (BETA) 2005-08-16 23:15
F-Secure (BETA) 2005-08-16 23:46
Trend Micro (BETA) 2005-08-17 0:45
Fortinet (BETA) 2005-08-17 1:58
eTrust-VET (BETA) 2005-08-17 2:20
F-Secure (BETA) 2005-08-17 6:01
eTrust-VET (BETA) 2005-08-17 6:22
McAfee (BETA) 2005-08-17 11:36
McAfee (BETA) 2005-08-17 14:35
Panda (BETA) 2005-08-17 15:49
McAfee (BETA) 2005-08-17 17:35
eTrust-INO (BETA) 2005-08-17 19:00
Fortinet (BETA) 2005-08-18 9:25
Disk Usage Statistics Viewer - WinDirStat
WinDirStat- http://windirstat.sourceforge.net/
WinDirStat is a disk usage statistics viewer and cleanup tool for Microsoft Windows (all current variants).
WinDirStat reads the whole directory tree once and then presents it in three useful views:
The directory list, which resembles the tree view of the Windows Explorer but is sorted by file/subtree size,
The treemap, which shows the whole contents of the directory tree straight away,
The extension list, which serves as a legend and shows statistics about the file types.
Audio Player - foobar2000
Tight. foobar2000 - http://www.foobar2000.org/
- Foobar2000 is an advanced audio player for the Windows platform. Some of the basic features include ReplayGain support, low memory footprint and native support for several popular audio formats
- Audio formats supported "out-of-the-box": WAV, AIFF, VOC, AU, SND, Ogg Vorbis, MPC, MP2, MP3, MPEG-4 AAC
- Audio formats supported through official addons: FLAC, OggFLAC, Monkey's Audio, WavPack, Speex, CDDA, TFMX, SPC, various MOD types; extraction on-the-fly from RAR, 7-ZIP & ZIP archives
- Full Unicode support on Windows NT
- ReplayGain support
- Low memory footprint, efficient handling of really large playlists
- Advanced file info processing capabilities (generic file info box and masstagger)
- Highly customizable playlist display
- Customizable keyboard shortcuts
Geocoding / IP Address Lookups
Using the IP Addresses database - IP Address Lookup
If you're going to be doing a lot of Geocoding or IP Address Lookups, please take a feed instead which will preserve both our bandwidth and your bandwidth.
Paste the following code into your HTML to get a country flag of the ip address. The database is significantly more accurate (it ought to be 100%) for countries than for cities. It would be nice if y'all would make the flag a link to the www.hostip.info home page (http://www.hostip.info/) so they can come by if they're interested - it'll only benefit you in the long run. After all, the results get more accurate as more visitors submit their IP addresses!
Flag of visitor's location:
<A HREF="http://www.hostip.info">
<IMG SRC="http://api.hostip.info/flag.php" BORDER="0" ALT="IP Address Lookup">
</A>
Flag of any IP address:
<A HREF="http://www.hostip.info">
<IMG SRC="http://api.hostip.info/flag.php?ip=12.215.42.19" ALT="IP Address Lookup">
</A>
http://hostip.info/use.html
Recommended BitTorrent Client: µTorrent
An efficient and feature rich BitTorrent client for Windows sporting a very small footprint. It was designed to use as little cpu, memory and space as possible while offering all the functionality expected from advanced clients.
Typical memory use less than 4 MB
Incredibly small: 94 KB
Multiple simultaneous downloads
Smart bandwidth usage
File level priorities
Configurable bandwidth scheduling
Global and per-torrent speed limiting
Quickly resumes interrupted transfers
UPnP support (WinXP only)
Supports popular protocol extensions
Localized to different languages
Hitachi / E7K100 / 100GB / 7200 / 8MB / 2.5" Mobile / Hard Drive
The Travelstar E7K100 expands Hitachi’s secondgeneration 7200 RPM 2.5-inch hard drive series with further design enhancements for data intensive applications requiring round-the-clock operation. The E7K100 provides leading-edge capacity, performance, durability and power utilization on a proven platform for quality and reliability. With its 100GB capacity, the E7K100 offers 66% more storage space as well as a 33% boost in sustained data rate over the record-setting Travelstar E7K60. Optimizations in the femto-based actuator/suspension enable the E7K100 to endure 300Gs of operat-ing shock, 1,000Gs of non-operating shock and 600,000 load/unload cycles, contributing to the Travelstar E7K100’s highly durable and rugged design. This combination of capacity, performance and shock tolerance enables the E7K100 to satisfy the demands for rugged, reliable storage in non-stop environments
Oh wow - 300Gs of operating shock. $472 CDN + tax. This is ONE TIGHT drive - something that you'd pull out of an old laptop and move into a new one, simply because of its rugged design.
Serious case of technology envy here. =)
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1597437
ImgBurn = DVD Decrypter
ImgBurn can write most types of CD / DVD images and it supports all the latest writers (including booktype / bitsetting on many of the major ones - i.e. BenQ, LiteOn, NEC, Plextor, Sony). You can even use ImgBurn to erase / format your rewritable media!
ImgBurn will try its very best to burn your DVD-Video double layer images using the layer break you've specified in the IFO files, but it can also calculate the best place for you, to save you the trouble.
Desktop Search Engine - Hebbian Recall
Desktop Search Engine - Hebbian Recall
Hebbian Inc. provides search ranking technology that emulates human memory, allowing it to predict relevance of search results based on previous user behavior.
The result? The more you use your computer, the more accurate your searches become.
Our activation based ranking technology can be used in a number of situations that require the computer to identify what data is important. Maybe you want only the most important data synched to your PDA. Maybe you want to clean up your computer by getting rid of documents you don't need. These are only a few examples of situations where activation based ranking can help.
The most obvious application is for desktop search. Search tools are everywhere. Why are we different? Most search tools match keywords in documents. We do this, but we do it better. We don't just search your files - we determine which ones are more important to you.
What's our secret? Simple: If you worked on something yesterday for the entire day, it's likely to be more relevant than something you worked on two years ago for an hour. Toss in the latest advances in human-computer interaction, cognitive modeling, and studies of human memory, and what do you get?
Introducing Hebbian Recall, combining Hebbian principles with traditional search algorithms to give you the most relevant results first. Learn more.
I like this desktop search engine. Its fast, tight, clean, and efficient. There appear to be some minor glitches, but the software has dramatically improved my computing experience!
Hebbian desktop search is providing me with Googlesque accuracy for searching that I have not seen with ANY other competing product - Google Desktop Search, Yahoo!, MSN, and Copernic all do not deliver the same kind of accuracy that I've seen.
I recommend Hebbian Recall as your desktop searching engine.
Voice Modem for Answering Machine
I went looking for a modem to handle a software based answering machine.
Came up with this one:
Multi-Tech MultiModemZDX MT5656ZDX-V
56K Technology V.90, V.92
Cables Included 1 x phone cable
Compliant Standards FCC Class B certified, CE
Connections 1 x serial - RS-232 - 25 pin D-Sub (DB-25)
Connectivity Technology Wired
Data Compression Protocol MNP-5, ITU V.42bis, ITU V.44
Depth 5.7 in
Device Type Fax / modem
Enclosure Type External
Error Correction Protocol ITU V.42
Fax Compatibility G3
Features Auto answer
Height 1 in
Humidity Range Operating 25 - 85%
Interface Type Serial RS-232
Interfaces 1 x modem - phone line - RJ-11 - 2 ¦ 1 x microphone - input - 1 ¦ 1 x speakers - output - 1
Localization Canada, United States
Max Fax Transfer Rate 14.4 Kbps
Max Operating Temperature 122 °F
Max Transfer Rate 56 Kbps
Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
OS Required Microsoft Windows 95, SCO OpenServer, Linux, Microsoft Windows NT, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows 98/ME/2000
Protocols & Specifications ITU V.34, ITU V.90, ITU V.17, ITU V.92 , Hayes AT command set
Service & Support 10 years warranty
Service & Support Details Limited warranty - parts and labor - 10 years - carry-in
Software Included Drivers
Utilities
Voice Communication Support Voice mail, speakerphone
Weight 0.4 lbs
Width 4.3 in
Weight of Product 1.5 lbs.
Manufacturer Part Number MT5656ZDX-V
Web Product Description V.92 VOICE/DATA/FAX MODEM
Manual: http://www.multitech.com/DOCUMENTS/Collateral/manuals/S000248G.pdf
I'll post more up once it arrives... and how well it works, etc.
Update: Excellent modem. Drivers were a bit annoying to install, but the product is rock solid. Excellent fax/data modem with basic voice functionality. If you're serious about voice, get a USB or dedicated PCI voice card. This was perfect for my home answering machine though! =)
MP3 Compression Tools for Windows
Compiled LAME MP3 encoder http://lame.bakerweb.biz/
Exact Audio Copy (GUI) http://www.exactaudiocopy.de/
FoxIt PDF Reader and Editor - Cut Adobe Acrobat out of your Diet
Originally posted June 25th 2005
I'm fed up with Adobe Acrobat. I'm fed up with users telling me their PCs suck because they can't open a PDF document properly in their browser. I'm fed up with the Adobe Acrobat bloat, and the constant security patches.
FoxIt PDF reader is free, and the editor is a steal. It's fast, smooth, integrates instantly, and functionally identical.
Tight FTP Server for Windows - zftpserver ?
I just went searching for a tight, small little FTP server for Windows.
ZFTP server runs as a system service, small, tight, and, as far as I can tell, performs better than IIS 5's FTP Service. I'm testing this on a slow, slow Pentium 1 running at 120 MHz (with MMX!) =) There are marginal improvements in IIS 6... but still no user-based IP access control.
Bloat becomes instantly apparant on limited hardware. This thing is fast. Highly recommended. (Oh, and its free!)
http://zftpserver.serveftp.com/
Update: Had a crash with this ftpd last night. Under heavy load, it seems to lock up. Can't kill the system service. Can't end task. More on this later, when I have time. For now, I can't even reboot the box, so this piece of software is stuck in memory. Strange, it didn't do anything weird when I initially load tested it; just bombed out over time I guess. Hold off on this one until I see what the problem is. Yes, I'm running the latest build via autoupdate. =)
Update: Latest build has fixed this bug. Server is excellent. Highly recommended. No crashes yet! =)
Antivirus for Exchange Recommendation: F-Secure Antivirus for Exchange
I really enjoy F-Secure's Antivirus for Exchange product. It just silently, quietly cleans up junk from mailboxes. It's nice to have it pick up unusual phishing scams. I've never had any headaches with F-Secure. It's fast, efficient, and doesn't create any noticeable load on the server. The distributed scanning ability makes it something I'd definitely recommend. Updates happen very often too!
Contrast this with Symantec or McAfee for Exchange - both of which just give the server a very bloated feeling. Strange crashes, slow access times... F-Secure has yet to cause me a single headache. It's properly implemented, and just feels clean and tight. Functions completely transparently without the need of constant intervention.
I've implemented and deployed at least 5 installations of this product for clients. I'm sold. I would never use another product on my Exchange boxes.
Use F-Secure Antivirus on your Exchange boxes. Nothing else.
Product Page
http://www.f-secure.com/products/anti-virus/fsavme/
http://www.f-secure.com/products/anti-virus/fspame/
2005-06-02 13:20:23-04:00 SERVER SERVER\Administrator F-Secure Anti-Virus for Microsoft Exchange
Malicious code found in:
Source: CharterOne online banking
Destination: Username
Subject: Information for CharterOne bank customers.Read Inside.
Folder: /MBX/USERNAME/Inbox
File name: text/plain
File size: 1239 bytes
Scan result: Trojan-Spy.HTML.Bankfraud.hl
Action: Dropped
Quarantined filename: infect\FSAVMSE200506021320237121