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Quick bytes on computing,
tech toys and the internet: Bytessite.com
The
TiVo and Slingbox
What
about the TiVo? The TiVo box functions like a DVD recorder with its
own brain. It will automatically record shows whenever they are on,
and will even skip repeats. There is a search engine for you to define
your interests (e.g. actor, director or category), and there are "to-go"
features for you to download onto your mobile devices. You can even
do last-minute scheduling online from work! As if this is not enough,
you also have the option for it to record 2 shows at once. For this
service, you need the TiVo equipment as well as a subscription to the
service.
And
finally, the hottest and newest, the Slingbox. The new technology is
simple to use, and allows you to watch your movies from your computer
or handheld device absolutely anywhere you are. Very recently, slingmedia
even released compatible software for the UMPC! Basically, you connect
your video outlet to the slingbos, the slingbox player to your network
and then the assocaited software onto your computer. For information,
see http://www.slingmedia.com/.
Instant
Messaging and Video Conferencing
Instant messaging is very easy to use and has more advantages than disadvantages.
You can talk to anyone in the world in real time, once you have an AIM
(aol instant messenger) account and a screen name. Both of you would
need to have high-speed internet access, and list each other as "buddies."
Implicit in this is the fact that the communication is free. You can
do this as a conversation, in lieu of the phone or by text. If you are
typing, it does take a lot of time, but you can save the conversation
as a file. The quality of the sound of the conversation is also variable,
depending on whether you are using internal speakers, or, if external,
whether those are of high enough quality.
The only disadvantage is that you may not always wish others to know
you are online! You can disable yourself or take yourself off the buddy
list, but may risk offending folks!
To set up an instant messenger account (the most common of which is
AIM), go to http://www.AIM.com
, which has free downloads and gives you information on how to set yourself
up to do instant messaging. The site has different downloads for different
operating systems. Best of all, the service (for now) is free.
The
internet (or your computer) is also a way you can reach out internationally
through the phone. A system that has been around for a while is called
"skype." Once you download the software from the site, you can talk
to friends computer-to-computer (like instant messaging) for free, but
more interesting, you can also talk computer-to-telephone for not much
more than 2 cents per minute. For more information, check http://www.skype.com.
Even more interesting and likely to revolutionize the whole telecommunications
business is the program called "jajah." In this case, once you have
signed up, you go through the computer, then when you are ready, you
do the easy inputting, your telephone rings, and you can talk phone-to-phone!
Check http://www.jajah.com for information on this fascinating
technology.
Mac
has a very simple-to-use web camera called the iSight ( http://www.apple.com/isight/).
The moment the little videocam is plugged in, the Apple iChat program
is launched, and the icons appear for your to accept the "call" or not.
Once you accept, you are on video camera. This inexpensive and easy-to-use
program provides many possibilities for distance learning, video conferencing,
watching faraway grandchildren, long-distance dating and just catching
up with friends across the world. The requirements are that each of
you has the Mac and the iSight, high-speed access, and the AIM account,
which is very easy to set up.
In short, once you check out the web sites related to either the PC
or the Mac, you will find many options, some of which would be more
relevant to your lifestyle and needs e.g. video editing software, different
types of monitors, a mouse that may be used with a laptop. Also, related
to computer use would be printers and scanners, and even multi-use machines
(photocopying, faxing, scanning) made by reputable companies that specialize
only in these computing-related equipment like Epson and Hewlett-Packard.
While these are constantly updated, you will find that if you stick
with a major company, online support is good, as is the possibility
of downloads of updates as well as applicable software and what they
call "drivers" for the printers, should you lose your original CD-ROM!
INTERNET SERVICE
Dial-up service is almost a thing of the past, the stuff of dinosaurs.
Frequently, your home TV cable service can do a package for you for
both high-speed internet access (cable modem) together with your TV
cable service. Or check for your local DSL service, sometimes packaged
with the local telephone service also. Prices vary, depending on the
competition for business in your area.
If there is more than one computer user in the household, consider
going wireless. This is extremely convenient, and, with a laptop, also
means you are able to access the internet at many airports and eating
establishments or hotels these days, frequently at no charge. Before
deciding on this, check this non-profit site: http://www.wi-fi.org/
Also, look at this, if you need help understanding exactly how it works:
http://www.howstuffworks.com/wireless-network.htm
All computers are, of course, subject to security issues, and
going wireless is no exception. For home computer security, look at:
http://www.cert.org/homeusers/HomeComputerSecurity/
or the "official" word on security:
http://www.alw.nih.gov/Security/
WEB HOSTING/WEB SITES
If you are considering hosting a web site or getting one or several
domain name, be advised that there is a bewildering number of hosting
companies. It used to be that prices were something to be reckoned
with. Now, it is possible to obtain a domain name for as little as US$5.99
per year. Hosting is additional, of course, and, as with any other commercial
service, it is worth considering the quality of the technical support
and customer service.
Many issues go into your selection of a web hosting company, including
the understanding of the specific needs of your web presence. It is
not a bad idea now to create a family web site or personal news web
site to share pictures etc. There are many different levels of hosting
and web site building, including software programs that are not much
more difficult than word processing. There are many resources now for
both the advanced developer as well as the novice, which will also include
CD-ROMS for the requisite software. Try http://www.samspublishing.com
which has a line of publications that can suit most palettes, including
Scott Mitchell's Create Your Own Website, complete with detailed and
simple explanations, and simple-to-use templates.
Try this also for some more quick information on web hosting:
http://www.webhostinginspector.com/
The topics on computing issues are endless indeed. Included would be
different types of software, whether or not you wish to download music,
compatability with your other tech toys, e.g. your beloved iPod, etc.
Remember, once you have your trusted computer and your fast internet
access, the world wide web is indeed your oyster, with much sand, admittedly,
but also many pearls to be harvested.
Please enjoy
these links and keep checking back.
LINKS
http://www.xbox360dreams.com
http://www.macproguide.com,
The Best Source of Mac Pro information on the Net!
http://www.umpcstyle.com,
where the NET meets for UMPC-related news and information
Improvecreditratings.com:
Simple steps to understand and repair your credit
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