iPad Impressions

The Apple iPad. Everything you could want in a easy-to-use device with the standard Apple "amazing-ness".

An iPod, e-reader and netbook all rolled into one device that will include apps and have Wi-Fi internet access and, if you want it, the speed of 3G AT&T service (where available). Who honestly could ask for more? That's the question right.

Not exactly.

The question is why did it take so long for Apple to come out with it? I'm a nerd/geek and no one will deny that. I write this blog right? As a nerd, I always want the latest and greatest in technology. I like playing with new technology, utilizing as many features as I can and probably breaking something in the process. It's the breaking things that I enjoy because it lets me learn how the systems work and how to fix them.

With that general idea in mind, I've already got an iPod Touch, a BlackBerry, an Amazon Kindle and a home network that integrates with my Mac, Playstation 3 and my 6 year old Dell laptop. Why do I need a Kindle then? I already have all the features of the iPad spread across several devices and they all work great!

That's the unfortunate part of Apple iPad release. People have already purchased the devices that are combined in the iPad. But it actually makes logical sense.

I think the iPad is now going to be the replacement for when the rest of the devices go to that technology resting place in the sky (more preferably the recycling center). Why not have 1 device that does it all rather than 3 devices that tend to cause clutter both for yourself and the environment? You can just have your iPad and a plain old cell phone. Done.

Consider it for when your Kindle, Blackberry and iPod die.

Thoughts?

Too Much...Too Late?

Forewarning: The following topic may become a hot topic on this blog over the next few months.

On Thursday, the White House released a brief overview of the Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative. Translation: this is  what we plan to do to prevent the recent cyber attacks against Google, Intel and multiple other major corporations.

The initiative is meant to be a protection plan for government agencies as well as the general population. Education may be the crucial point in the initiative. The amount of security that is and will be implemented behind the scenes will be near that "unfathomable" level, but the issue is that there is always a flaw.  What the flaw is has yet to be determined.

The initiative seems comprehensive because it does call on the population to start taking up an active role in their technological security. Antivirus, anti-malware and anti-spyware should be standard on your computer, regardless of if it's PC, Mac or Linux. Yes, even Mac and Linux users are and will become as frequently targeted as PC users. Market share has been increasing with each of these operating systems which has allowed crackers and hackers to start coding malicious code for all operating systems that are used.

All of that in mind, a self-awareness of what passwords are used across your online sites, where your accounts are in place and what information about you is on the Internet. I have been guilty of this until recently. The same set of passwords used across all sites and networks and that was it. I started testing out programs like KeePass and it's proven to be amazing. That comes highly recommended from me. Have a look and let me know if you have suggestions or questions.

As mentioned previously, I hope to be your source for the education mentioned in the initiative put out by the government. Not because the government says so, but because it's becoming a necessity for everyone quickly.

This was very brief opening to a complex topic so please let me know what you would like to hear about.

Have a great weekend!

The Real Reason for the Multi-Touch Switch

Steve Jobs and Apple have had me baffled in recent weeks with the release of the MacBook Air and "redesigned" MacBook and MacBook Pro series notebooks. The "redesigned" aspect includes higher minimum standards to ensure that OS 10.5 Leopard can run seemlessly no matter what machine you have.

The other aspect of design change is the inclusion of the multi-touch touchpad for mouse maneuvering. This is something I never understood. I have the iPod Touch and I am completely in love the multi-touch component of the screen. It allows me to scroll and modify the size and shape of windows and programs. It's an intuitive interface that anyone can pick and use (I truly mean anyone knowing that my grandparents could probably use it and they don't even know what an MP3 is!).

Now, tell me what exactly is the purpose of this on a notebook Mac? Why would I need to be able to use two or more fingers to scroll through documents and websites when I can just as easily click the down arrow with "clicking aspect" of a notebook touchpad or even more simply hitting the down arrow key on my keyboard? Anyone? Answers?

I literally found nothing in terms of definitive answers on this move for Apple and most definitely did not find a decent speculation.

Apple is doing this for a reason but what is it?

Then it hit me: this is for a future purpose and they are simply training all new Mac users for this future upgrade. My speculation is that Apple will be releasing a model of notebook and/or desktop Mac that will have an enabled multi-touch screen/monitor. This is the next step in terms of computing.

Doesn't it seem logical for notebooks? Notebook "mousing" has been an ever evolving entity. Moving from the original IBM "blue ball thingy" between the G and H keys to the classic touchpad to serial and USB mice and now the multi-touch mousepad. The only thing left is the multi-touch screen.

For the skeptics out there. I understand that there have been multi-touch screen tablet PC's and monitors for a couple of years now but they have been plagued with a series of issues and incompatibility problems that no one seems to be able to answer.

Apple is notorious for producing solid products from the beginning and I believe this is the next step for notebooks.

Prove me wrong!

Have a great day!

Linux Madness!

So it's official, I now have a computer with Linux and it's sweet!

This post is moving along the lines of the last few posts in regards to finding ways around laws and corporate style technology.

For those who don't know what Linux is, I'm might suggest a little visit to a wonderful site called The Linux Vault. This site basically offers some explanations as to what Linux is, how it works, where you can find, who offers it and what the benefits to using it are. Basically, it's a catch-all site that does a great job!

For me, Linux has become something of interest because it is a way to have more access to the world of computing and the design is completely open and customizable. Add in the fact that it's not a major brand like Microsoft and it's FREE and I have a complete computing package to enjoy!

I'm using Ubuntu because of the wide following it has gathered over the past several months and for the simple fact that the assistance with Ubuntu is great and easy to use!

You are probably thinking that I'm a bit of an open-minded tech guy and you are pretty much right. I always want to try out the newest thing and just because it says Microsoft doesn't mean it's perfect. But Linux is something that can be used by anyone for any reason!

Do you:

1. Have an old computer that just isn't worth updating to Windows XP or Vista? USE LINUX!

2. Love your Windows but want to have access to a more secure and customizable OS? USE LINUX!

3. Want to just try something new and exciting and FREE? USE LINUX!

4. Hate Microsoft and Apple for no particular reason? USE LINUX!

5. Want to stick it to "the man" because you are a liberal hippy who thinks capitalism is the bain of human existance? Take a long walk off a short cliff or USE LINUX!

If you happen to fall into category #2, you might find this site to be the best option for you. This site (found here) is THE best site for a visual guide and manual on how to dual boot your computer with Windows and Linux! I used this and found it to be great!

So that's a small Linux rundown on how to get a great OS without paying a dime! Give it a try! Linux could very well be the equalizer in the battle between Apple and Microsoft! Basically, Linux = AWESOME!

Prove me wrong and have a great day!

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Back To School Computers and Some Recognition

The days are incredibly hot and becoming increasing shorter. This can only mean one thing: It's time school to start!

Woohoo and Boo at the same time! Great for the fact that it's time to get back to some mentally stimulating work and boo for the fact that this is the last year for me and the boring classes that seem to consume a lot of time are right around the corner.

For those who are going to be sending kids to college or private schools or who are just looking because their children are begging for a computer of their own; I have some suggestions.

Warning!: First of all, figure out how responsible your child is. If they are careful with their possessions and seem to be on the go all the time; buy a laptop. If they don't fit those two qualities, stick with a desktop because you'll thank yourself a few months down the road.

The only reason for that warning is the fact that laptops can be dropped, stolen, misplaced and spilled on and if any of those happen, life for that computer will cease to exist. A desktop is a bit harder to move, pretty hard to be stolen or misplaced and if a keyboard is spilled on, it can be replaced for a very reasonable price. Warranty plans only cover so much unless you spend extra at companies like Dell for a CompleteCare program.

#1. After you've decided on what kind of computer, pick a brand and budget that works for you. Good laptops for a decent price come from companies like HP, Gateway and Toshiba. The warranties are decent, the computers are good for everyday use and it's hard to beat the $500-900 price tag on one of these laptops. If your student is into design and graphics and overall great appearance, buy a Mac. Remember to apply the desktop/laptop warning above as these computers start $900 and go up quickly!  If you are into gaming and lots of modification options, try Dell and use the same warning again and the price range fluxuates as you modify.

BIG NOTE: Almost every university has an agreement with Dell and Apple and sometimes the others companies. Just click on the student area of the websites and you will be asked to select your school and you should recieve a very good discount on almost all products!

#2. The specs! All computers, excluding Mac's, have a standard that should be followed. Desktops should have at least:

-2-3 GB of RAM
-2.0 Ghz Dual Core Processor
-200 GB Hard Drive
-128 bit video card
-if possible, Windows XP.
(This addition will be taken differently but XP has a stronger following and is supported completely by most universities whereas Vista is still in a building block stage.) If you have to pick Vista, choose Home Premium.

For laptops, the same specs would be nice but the price will increase with this kind of setup so at least:

-2 GB of RAM
-150 GB Hard drive
-same processor
-same video card
-same Windows system.

And Mac's require the same thing but the RAM is a little smaller because of faster processors.

That's the small amount of information. Keep in mind that this is coming from a university IT guy and I would rather have students with computers that can adapt over four years rather than fail after four months!

I have one more quick thing. If you like my blog, you will definately like this new blog I've found about tech, programming and books. Have a look at Mega Voltage! I can only hope this blog develops like is has started: wonderfully!

Enjoy and have a great day!

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Entourage and a Blogger's Union???

After a quick trip to the closest Best Buy, I found out that Best Buy is now selling Apple computers! I have very little experience with Apple and Mac but the more I play with these computers, the more I really enjoy them!

With this in mind, I found a program that seems to answer all of the problems that Windows users have been griping about for years! Microsoft Entourage is the Mac version of Outlook that goes above and beyond everything that Outlook has ever been. This particular program has been around since 2004, I believe, and it seems to have made all of my wildest dreams come true with an easy to use interface and complete integration of e-mail, notes, calendar, task center, project and an address book!

This program would be more than good enough reason for me to purchase a Mac (if I happened to have the cash).  This program seems to incorporate all of Google's free, online services of Gmail and documents service. For some reason, I've found something of interest in this program. Let me know if anyone has some experience with this program.

The other note in this entry comes from several of my RSS feeds in Flock. It seems as though many of the journalists including Ashley M. Heher at USA Today, have been reporting on the fact that many professional bloggers are trying to rally to form a union.

I found this to be incredibly interesting because the idea of professional blogging has been developing over the past year or so and now those who have chosen to write online for a living would like to have a standard, a health care program and many more benefits. Interesting to say the least considering the world of journalism may or may not be moving away from incorporated and fully funded sources such as the major news sites and more so towards a wide open opinion based writing base of bloggers.

As a blogger, I think this is great considering the fact that I'm watching my opinion develop a stronger hold on individuals and corporations alike. Globalization transition is making news without actually having the news say it!

Please give the article a read and let me know your thoughts.

Have a great day!

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