Author Archive

• What is a Creative Commons License and why you should use one

  Date: 2009.12.03 | Category: How to, Reviews | Response: 0

  According to Canadian Copyright Law, any piece of writing you produce, any photo you take, or any image or video you create becomes copyrighted to you automatically. No formal copyright notice or a © is required, although it does help to include one. Neither are you required to submit a formal claim of copyright to a state agency.

  The purpose of the Copyright Act is to protect the intellectual property of the Copyright holder. The Copyright Act also has a “Fair Dealing” clause that allows limited reproduction of copyrighted work, provided that the reproduction does not border on infringement. This “Fair Dealing” provision is situation-specific and technically difficult to enforce.

  With the rise of digital media and the Internet, reproducing copyrighted material has become stupendously easy. A photo posted on Facebook can find its way all across the Internet. A video posted on YouTube may spur several remixes when it gets popular. A well written blog post may be extensively quoted by other bloggers, sometimes in its entirety.

  The creators of such digital content generally frown on any kind of reproduction whatsoever as it can open the possibility of copyright abuse. On the other side, those that seek to reproduce copyrighted digital content clamour around the Fair Dealing clause, sometimes stretching it into a wormhole when their purposes go beyond “Fair Dealing.” 

  If you create digital content, and if you acknowledge (and maybe appreciate) the easily reproducible nature of digital media, you can modify your traditional copyright to be less adversarial towards those who will share your content by using a Creative Commons License. There are several reasons why you may want to use this tool.

  1. Outlining the rules for reproducing your content can give your content more exposure. This can be critical to if your profession depends upon exposure of your content, such as the profession of photography and blogging. Google® Image Search and Flickr® have the ability to restrict searches to content that is licensed under Creative Commons. This gives people immediate access to content that they can readily incorporate into their work.
  2. Being vague about the rules for reproducing your content can scare people from making “Fair Use” of it. People may assume that you intend to bring down the hammer of the Copyright Law on any kind of use, and may avoid your content altogether. It is not prudent to assume that most people have the time to email you for clarification.
  3. Setting out the rules for reproducing your content under a Creative Commons License can inhibit misuse of your content in some situations. While a Creative Commons License does not override the Fair Dealing provision of the Copyright Act, it makes your specifics clear for those intending to use your content. For example, if you use a Creative Commons license that prohibits commercial reproduction and reproduction without attribution to your name, those that intend to use your content will have clear guidelines to go by.

  A Creative Commons License can be applied to almost all kinds of digital content, and even software code! But for the sake of example, we will assume that we intend to use a Creative Commons License on a digital image that accompanies a blog post.

  The Creative Commons website gives us a tool that allows us to generate a snippet of code that can be placed in the blog post. You get to choose a number of variables that make up the license. Specifically, you get to choose

  1. Whether or not you allow commercial reproduction
  2. Whether or not you allow others to make derivative works
  3. Whether or not you demand an identical Creative Commons License for work created through reproducing or modifying your work (if you chose to allow so)

  You can choose from a combination of these factors to create a license that fits your needs. And you can always create a new one for new situations. Regardless of which Creative Commons License you create, use of a Creative Commons license implies that you wholeheartedly allow reproduction for non-commercial purposes. All Creative Commons Licenses insist on attribution to the original author though. Though there is a special Creative Commons License called CC0 that allows you to waive all your rights, should the rare need arise.

  A Creative Commons license reduces the anxiety associated with sharing, allowing you to share your digital content online while protecting your rights.

• Which smart phone OS gives the best local PIM synching?

  Date: 2009.11.21 | Category: Mobile, Reviews | Response: 2

  For many people, a smart phone also doubles up as a personal information management (PIM) tool. A typical smart phone is expected to have at least an address book, a calendar, email storage and the ability to configure alerts and reminders.

  Many students and employees also use their email client software as a personal information management tool on their computers. Such smart phone customers want their smart phone to wholeheartedly synchronise with the personal information management software on their computer. But here’s where the limitations of the smart phone OS, the computer OS and the computer email client come into play.

  This table is meant to compare the PIM synching capabilities of different smart phone OS’s across different platforms and different email clients. Please note that PIM synching is different from a backup. A backup produces a single fat file that is meant to restore data back to the phone or another phone, in case the original is stolen. Also note that it is possible to carry out PIM synching using third party software not supported by the phone manufacturer, in addition to various hacks and tweaks. But this table is limited to computer software provided by the phone manufacturer. Because the aforementioned alternatives are generally beyond the means and capability of the average user.

  Online PIM synching that uses the cloud computing model is included in the table for reference purposes. In some cases, online PIM synching can in turn be synched with a local computer application. For example, An email message on a Windows Mobile smart phone can be synched with a Microsoft Exchange server via ActiveSync. And an email client on a Linux computer can download the message. Or, a calendar entry on a Blackberry can be synched with a Lotus Domino server and a Windows computer with Lotus Notes can download the calendar entry. Or, a contact entered into an iPhone can be stored online through the MobileMe service. And an Address Book on a Mac computer can connect to the Internet and download it. But unless the smart phone OS manufacturer specifies that this can be done with a particular program for a particular operating system, it will be considered unsupported and will not be given a check mark. Our focus is on one step PIM synching with a local computer (docking), which I consider true PIM synching.

  Some smart phone OS’s allow direct synching of files stored in the phones internal or external memory every time the phone is connected to the computer. But in most smart phones, these files are meant to be manually copied to the computer.

  Please note that the specifications listed in the table are based on a cursory review of information on the manufacturer’s website. Errors and Omissions are very likely (And I would appreciate if you bring them to my attention). In order to verify for accuracy, we did try to contact the manufacturers before publishing this post. This table is no substitute for an exhaustive analysis involving actual lab tests. And the specifications listed below tend to change by the month. Please consult the manufacturer before making any critical decisions.

  All cell phone OS names, symbols and logos are registered and copyrighted trademarks of their respective owners. They are reproduced here under the Fair Dealing provision of the Canadian Copyright Act.

  	iPhone OS	Windows Mobile	RIM OS	Android	WebOS	SymbianOS
  Local Computer Synching Platform	iTunes	Windows Mobile Device Center	Blackberry Desktop Manager	Some smart phone makers provide custom software but there is no consistency.	Palm suggests purchasing  third party applications for Windows and Mac.	Some smart phone makers provide custom software but there is no consist -ency.
  Windows
  Mac
  Linux
  What Gets Synched & which Desktop application it gets synched to?
  Emails		Outlook	Outlook Lotus Notes Mail Entourage
  SMS
  Contacts		Outlook	Address Book Outlook Lotus Notes
  Calendar Entries		Outlook	iCal Outlook Lotus Notes
  Tasks /To-Do		Outlook	Outlook
  Stickies/ Notes	Mail Outlook	Outlook	Outlook
  Bookmarks
  Music & Video	iTunes iTunes		iTunes iTunes Windows Media Player
  Files

  The table below indicates online PIM synching that in turn can be synched with Desktop applications (where officially supported by the manufacturer). Please note that with the exception of the Blackberry Enterprise server, online PIM synching is done through unencrypted transfers via the Internet. Cloud computing has its dangers.

  	iPhone OS	Windows Mobile	RIM OS	Android	WebOS	Sym-bian
  Online Synching Platform	MobileMe(sub-scription based service)	My Phone (free and premium)Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync (requires an exchange server)	Blackberry Enterprise Service (Paid service geared for a corporate IT department)	Android provides built-in synching functio-nality to several online Google services. But there is no emph -asis on desktop clients.	Palm allows users to export PIM information from their desktop applications using its Synergy feature. This information, along with information from several other major online services can then be accessed on the phone. The focus is on keeping information in the cloud, not getting it synched back to the computer.	Some smart phone mak-ers provide special servi-ces but there is no consis -tency.
  What Gets Synched & Which local application it can  be down-loaded to?
  Emails	Mail Outlook	My Phone offers online access & backup only. Exchange ActiveSync allows emails to be  synchronized to: Outlook Outlook.	Outlook Lotus Notes Mail Entourage	NA	NA	NA
  SMS		My Phone offers online access & backup only.		NA	NA	NA
  Contacts	Address Book Outlook	My Phone offers online access & backup only.Exchange ActiveSync allows contacts to be synchronized to: Outlook Outlook.	Address Book Outlook Lotus Notes	NA	NA	NA
  Calendar Entries	iCal Outlook	My Phone offers online access & backup only.	iCal Outlook Lotus Notes	NA	NA	NA
  Tasks /To-Do		My Phone offers online access & backup only.	Outlook	NA	NA	NA
  Stickies/ Notes			Outlook	NA	NA	NA
  Bookmarks	Safari	My Phone offers online access & backup only.		NA	NA	NA
  Music & Video		My Phone offers online access & backup. Files may be individually downloaded to computer.		NA	NA	NA
  Files	iDisk iDisk (all files)iPhoto(photos)Aperture(photos)iMovie(personal videos)	My Phone offers online access & backup. Files may be individually downloaded to computer.		NA	NA	NA

  Conclusion

  The iPhone OS gets commendation for its versatility. Apple has done an uncharacteristically good job at reaching out for the needs of non-Apple users.

  Windows Mobile is still trying to stick to Windows, and is truncating its user base in the process. And in typical Microsoft boorishness, Windows Mobile will only synch PIM information to Microsoft Office Outlook (NOT Windows Live Mail or Outlook Express). Mind you, Office Outlook is not included in the economical student edition of Microsoft Office.

  RIM OS is emerging as a force to reckon with, considering the fast developmental response of the people at Blackberry. Let us not forget that this is a relatively new company. I would not be surprised to see RIM OS to be the first smart phone OS to offer PIM synching compatibility with Linux, in the near future.

  Other small players have tried to sidestep local PIM synching by wholeheartedly adopting the cloud computing model. Cloud computing has its risks.

• Happy Windows 7!

  Date: 2009.11.03 | Category: Trends, Windows | Response: 0

  This is our belated contribution to the Windows 7 launch party. Windows 7 is arguably the best OS Microsoft can offers.

  

  Windows 7 versus Windows Vista

  A high quality version of the above graphic can be found here. Feel free to download and use it.

  
  Windows 7 Versus Windows Vista by www.techtangerine.com is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 2.5 Canada License.
  Based on a work at www.techtangerine.com.
  Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.techtangerine.com/2009/11/03/happy-windows-7/.

• What to consider before buying a GPS device

  Date: 2009.08.31 | Category: Reviews, Shopping | Response: 0

  Not all GPS devices are created equal. Some will give you seamless service for years to come whereas others may end up in an Kijiji fire sale, a testament to your lack of diligence.

  Before buying a standalone GPS, ask yourself whether you really need one. Are you looking for turn-by-turn directions or do you just need general directions? If you just need general directions and you already have an Iphone, Blackberry or a Windows Mobile Smartphone, you can download and install Google maps to the device. Even without an inbuilt GPS or a separate “navigation plan” from your wireless service provider, Google maps can give you a rough approximation of your location using “My Location,” a technology that uses cell phone towers to determine your approximate location. This can be done without your phone being “GPS capable” or a separate “navigation plan” from your wireless provider. You still need a data plan. Though the amount of data transmitted using “My Location” amounts to miniscule Kilobytes per use.

  “My Location” may not be feasible for turn by turn directions while driving, which requires the use of GPS for more accurate positioning. Should you choose to use the phone’s GPS, remember that you are not restricted to the “navigation add-on plan” provided by your wireless service provider. Your phone’s GPS will still require the data plan of your wireless service provider. But it can operate on GPS services independent of your wireless provider. For example, you could install Wayfinder Navigator to your phone and pay a subscription fee for their service. Wayfinder offers near global coverage (which most standalone GPS units don’t). The best part is that you get to update the maps for free.

  Obviously, a smart phone can never substitute for a standalone GPS unit. But a good dashboard mount and a car charger can get you going. Nevertheless, 98 per cent of smart phones use A-GPS (short for Assisted GPS) rather than standalone GPS. A-GPS utilizes data connections to location servers over the wireless network. These servers are in turn, connected with satellites, that use information transmitted from the cell phone to inform you of your position. The entire operation is dependent on the wireless network, and therefore, A-GPS is also dependent on wireless network coverage (read: urban areas). The very term A-GPS  is somewhat of a misnomer, as there is usually no GPS receiver on the cell phone. Just some technology capable of better handling cell tower telemetry.

  If you really need a standalone GPS unit, make sure you get your homework done.

  Check out ConsumerReports.org for results of lab tests conducted on popular GPS units (requires subscription).

  Should you ever choose to use the unit abroad, make sure the unit is capable of being used as such, and that the manufacturer provides maps for the country where you intend to use it (without charging the price for another unit).

  Compare additional bells and whistles provided by different manufacturers (real-time traffic info, number of points of interest, ability to share and update points of interest etc.).

  Make sure your GPS unit allows you to upload additional data to it through the computer. For example, many parks are now providing files that can be uploaded onto GPS units to better feature these areas on the device.

  Lastly but not the least, check what it takes to get the maps on your GPS device to be updated. If updates are available at half the cost of the device, try another manufacturer. The manufacturer’s website can give you a good idea of how seriously they consider updating their maps. For example, Nextar, a little known brand sold by the Canadian retailer Canadian Tire is as pricey as its major league competitors. But as of this date, its website displays map updates only for a few select models. Where are the map updates for the remaining products? Here’s what Nextar had to say in response to an email inquiry regarding a GPS device purchased a few years ago:

  We are sorry, but there are no updates or upgrades for this product at this  moment.  We are currently working on updates but do not have a scheduled release date.  When available, the update/upgrades will be posted on our website (listed below) . For now, please do not use any upgrades other than Nextar upgrades, or the product will malfunction and your warranty will be voided.

  Such DO NOT WANT moments can be easily avoided with diligence on behalf of the buyer.

• An Introduction to Linux, for Windows n00bs

  Date: 2009.08.07 | Category: How to, Linux | Response: 3

  

   

  When I first started considering Linux, I could not obtain answers to some very basic questions. Neither Wikipedia nor the Linux documentation were of much help. This article intends to fill those gaps. It is intended for Windows users who are considering Linux for the first time. This article is non-technical and fairly opinionated as opposed to those consensus driven Wiki articles.

  Why you may need Linux

  You may consider Linux as an alternative for Windows for several reasons, such as,

  You want to use a computer just for email and browsing.

  Most Linux distributions come bundled with Mozilla Firefox and Mozilla Thunderbird. Anything that you can do with these applications on Windows, you can do in Linux. The pioneering ASUS EEE netbooks dramatically cut costs by offering a Linux alternative, considering the fact that most netbook customers just wanted to browse and check email.

  You want to use a computer just for basic word processing.

  Most Linux distributions come loaded with OpenOffice. While not as feature-rich as Microsoft Office, OpenOffice does the job quite well. And its documents, spreadsheets and presentation files are compatible with Windows as well as Microsoft Office.

  You have no access to Windows

  Lets suppose you cannot afford a legitimate copy of Windows. Linux is as free as water Linux is more free than water. Or lets suppose you do not have the technical means of installing an illegitimate copy of Windows.

  You want to try something new.

  Assuming you are tired from looking out of the same “Window” again and again.

  You want to save on Antivirus and Anti-Spyware subscriptions, while optimizing performance.

  Suppose you are OK with Windows but you detest forking extra money for paying for antivirus and anti-spyware, which ultimately slow down your system. Unlike Windows, Linux does not have vulnerable components like the Windows Registry. And installing (malicious) code on Linux requires administrative (root) access as it does on Windows. But obtaining these credentials in Linux is far more complex than it is on Windows, which ultimately makes Linux safer. And since malicious code reflects market proliferation of the OS its intended to be used on, most viruses are built for Windows, rather than Linux. Linux thus offers you a more safer computing experience without having you pay for third party antivirus and anti-spyware, which can ultimately slow down performance.

  You want to save on expensive hardware upgrades

  If you bought a “state of the art” computer in 2003, chances are that it cannot run Windows 7 (unless you commit yourself to expensive upgrades). On the other hand, Linux can be installed on almost all of the most barebone hardware configurations that exist.

  You want a transparent computing experience.

  Unlike Windows, Linux source code is available for scrutiny to every Tom, Dick and Rosenthal. A lot of updates to the Linux operating system are a result of people pointing out vulnerabilities in the source code, rather than actual security holes. In contrast, Windows source code is proprietary, and only a select bunch at Redmond gets to see it naked. While Microsoft does its own audits, Windows security holes are usually discovered when an advanced user

  1. Stumbles upon the security hole.
  2. Notifies Microsoft.
  3. Microsoft acknowledges the presence of the security hole after some dickering.
  4. The special group at Redmond that has access to the Windows source code creates a patch for the security hole, and the patch is released via Windows Update.
  5. Microsoft PR releases a vague “security bulletin” publicly acknowledging the vulnerability. Since Windows source code is proprietary, only Microsoft can truly judge how the vulnerability affects Windows. The rest of us are expected to trust them.

  While Microsoft has considerably streamlined its Windows Update process, most Linux distros have a fairly sophisticated update engine as well. Linux security updates are extensive and timely. Linux updates are not limited to the operating system, and extend to practically all applications installed. On the other hand, Windows Update only updates Microsoft products, such as Windows OS, Microsoft Office and Internet Explorer. You have to manually update non-Microsoft applications such as Firefox and iTunes.

  You have “special needs.”

  You may want to run special software that can only be run on Linux.

  Why you don’t need Linux

  You should not consider Linux for the following reasons,

  You want a perfect substitute for Windows.

  If you are looking for a substitute for Windows, you will be disappointed. Linux was never meant to be a Windows substitute and originated as a tool for developers. Linux obviously cannot run or install programs that are meant for Windows (and vice versa). It is technically possible but requires tinkering. And since Windows has a much bigger market proliferation, most of the programs available are for Windows. Add to that, downloading and installing a program in Linux is more complex than it is in Windows. The range of programs available for Linux  can pretty much cover all your computing needs, in addition to some seriously advanced programs that are Linux-only. But limited market proliferation takes its toll. Programs for Linux can be rudimentary and lacking GUI features. Most of the programs available for Linux are open source. But as Linux grows more popular, commercial programs are being offered for Linux as well. For example, Skype is now available for Linux. Linux also comes preloaded with drivers for most computer hardware that is available. I have installed Linux on three different computers and in all cases, Linux was able to load all the required drivers. Its even better than Windows at this!

  You want to save costs in a networked environment

  Lets say you want to cut corners in a school or office by installing Linux on several networked computers. There are several reasons to avoid this. Users may insist on a Windows environment. In addition, troubleshooting any issues that may arise will require extensive Linux-specific know-how.

  You want to take advantage of the advanced features of your computer hardware.

  Suppose you have a pricey scanner and its Windows software is choc full of sophisticated features. These features may not necessarily be available on Linux. But check with the hardware manufacturer. Many hardware manufacturers now offer software for Linux as well.

  You want to look cool.

  Given the ease with which Linux can be installed, nobody really cares these days. And contrary to urban legends, running Linux won’t give you hax0r powers.

  What else you should know

  Whatever you learnt from Windows will be good for Linux only on a basic level, such as navigation. Linux has its own learning curve, philosophy and jargon. The following are some Linux terms you are expected to be familiar with, even when you start considering Linux.

  Distro

  Short for distribution. The Linux operating system is open to modification. Therefore different groups have created different distributions of Linux, based on their needs. There are dozens of them. For example, BackTrack is a Linux distro packed with security tools. And within these distributions, you will find different versions, analogous to Windows 95, 98, Me, 2000, XP and Vista. Choosing a distro is a touchy subject and depends upon your needs. You can find a list of available distros here. If you are new to Linux, I suggest the Ubuntu distro. It is highly evolved, and comes bundled with everything a beginner would expect.

  LiveUSB

  Linux is very versatile. It can be installed on a hard drive as expected. It can also be installed on a Windows hard drive while creating the option to boot as Windows or Linux upon start-up (dual boot). It can be installed on Windows in a non-intrusive way, just like another Windows program functioning within Windows (Wubi). It can also be run from a CD (LiveCD). But the most non-intrusive way to use Linux is to install it on a USB thumb/flash/key drive (LiveUSB). This can be done in a Windows environment, provided you download and install UNetbootin and you also downloaded the Linux installation file (.iso) to your Windows Desktop.

  Repository

  When you want to install a program in Windows, you go to the program website, download and install it. While this is possible in Linux too, it requires some mastery of command line (Referred to in Linux as terminal). Most popular programs for Linux are available through “repositories” instead of isolated websites. A repository is a website that hosts updated and malware-free versions of software provided by the software developer. To search several genuine repositories and to install programs from them in Ubuntu, you go into the “Synaptic Package Manager.”

  root

  A distinguishing feature of Linux is a strongly enforced user account control. Only one account, the root (aka superuser) has the ability to modify the system outside the limited scope granted to other user accounts. This account will be created when you install Linux and you will be asked to set a password for it. For example, when you install new software or make configuration changes, Linux may prompt you for the root password. This contributes to more safer computing, as malware and spyware cannot surreptitiously install itself as it does in Windows.

• In-game advertising; T-Mobile Sidekick in Need For Speed Undercover

  Date: 2009.07.30 | Category: Trends | Response: 0

  

  T-Mobile Sidekick on a billboard in Need For Speed Undercover

  This is a screenshot from the popular PC Racing game, Need For Speed Undercover. The billboard for the T-Mobile Sidekick is not the only instance you encounter this device in the game. During the game, the player is informed of his next assignment through phone calls. Whenever these calls come in, a small T-Mobile logo flashes on the screen. The villian, Chau Wu, also flips out a Sidekick in one cut scene, and starts typing an email.

• Wallpapers themed on original Mughal Paintings

  Date: 2009.07.26 | Category: Wallpaper | Response: 2

  Based on the design guidelines outlined in a previous post, I have created some more wallpapers themed on original Mughal paintings.

  Mughal paintings are associated with the Indo-Islamic civilization of the 15th-17th century. Since they were patronized by Mughal Emperors, many of those that survived depict the activities of Mughal royalty.  There is a rare elegance and originality about them.

  I have taken three original Mughal paintings and used image editing software to combine various aesthetic elements.

  The tree, which is the center-stage of the wallpaper, is considered to be one of the most beautiful pieces of Mughal Art. It was painted by one of Emperor Jahangir’s official painters. The painting is currently owned by the India Office Library. The painting was originally titled “The Chenar Tree.”

  The floral design on the right comes from another painting from the reign of Emperor Jahangir. The painting is now owned by Mr. Chester Beatty.

  A background is used in some of the wallpapers. It depicts Emperor Aurangzeb’s participation in a tiger hunt. This painting is currently owned by the Louis V. Bell Fund.

  They are meant for 1024 x 768 pixel monitors, but can work for other monitors as well. Usage is covered by a Creative Commons License (see below).

  

  

  

  

  
  Mughal wallpaper by Hamad Subani is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 Canada License.
  Based on a work at www.techtangerine.com.
  Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.techtangerine.com/2009/07/26/wallpapers-themed-on-original-mughal-paintings/.

• How to use Windows Defender to manage your start-up programs and speed Windows start-up

  Date: 2009.06.22 | Category: How to, Windows | Response: 0

  You have probably heard of this one before………that tweaking msconfig can help prevent unnecessary programs from starting up when your computer boots, thereby increasing the boot speed.

  This is an essential part of computer maintenance. Because when you install programs to your computer, many programs surreptitiously add themselves to the Start-up folder, even if it is not necessary for these programs to always start up when Windows does.  And of course, there is no law against a program unnecessarily slowing your computer’s boot.

  Among the most notorious of such programs are those that come bundled with printer/scanner software. While it is necessary for some components of such programs to always be active, you may notice that other components, such as those that check for new updates for the software also start running when Windows starts up.

  While msconfig has been a classic when it comes to managing the Start-up folder, the purpose of this post is to suggest a more interactive alternative, Windows Defender.

  In case you haven’t heard, Windows Defender is a free anti-spyware program offered by Microsoft. It comes bundled with Windows Vista. XP users can download it here.

  A little known feature of Windows Defender is is its ability to manage the start-up folder. To reach this interface, go to Tools, then Software Explorer and select “Start-up Programs” from the drop down list next to Category. Then click the “Show for all users” button at the bottom.

  You will see all of your Windows start-up programs neatly listed, grouped under their respective publishers. You have the option of disabling them, or removing them from the start-up list. You can also re-enable those that you disabled.

  Note that many programs in the start-up list are critical for your computer to start-up and perform as expected. Disabling them or removing them from the start-up list can adversely affect your computer and/or its components. Your computer may not start up. Or it may not perform as expected. In my case, I found more than 50 per cent of the programs in the start-up list to be legitimately there. Before you disable a program or remove it from the list, check what ProcessLibrary.com has to say about the program. You can do this by entering the File name of the program in question (see picture below) into the search field at ProcessLibrary.com.

  

• Optimised Wallpaper for your Desktop!

  Date: 2009.06.04 | Category: Wallpaper | Response: 2

  Desktop wallpaper is meant to increase the functionality of the Desktop. And not meant to be artistic or distracting.

  I have found that the only wallpapers that generally match such criteria are the wallpapers that come bundled with Sony VAIO laptops. As well as the abstract wallpapers bundled with Windows 7 RC1.

  Wallpaper that is specifically designed and optimised for your Desktop interface will bear the following criteria:

  1. It will not be too detailed so as the distract from the desktop icons.
  2. It will not be too bright so as to make the Desktop icons less noticeable.
  3. Its design elements will be clustered towards the right, since Desktop icons are usually clustered towards the left.
  4. The background for the Desktop icons will be dark, so as to make the icons more easily noticeable.

  Armed with these criteria, I have designed a 1024×768 wallpaper for my readers. Feel free to download and use it.

  Update: Please also see wallpapers themed on Mughal Art here.

  
  

Autumn Wallpaper by Techtangerine.com is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 2.5 Canada License.
Based on a work at www.techtangerine.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.techtangerine.com/2009/06/04/optimised-wallpaper-for-your-desktop/.

• Ten Reasons Why Cloud Computing is a Bad Idea

  Date: 2009.06.02 | Category: Cloud Computing, Trends | Response: 50

  If you haven’t jumped into the Cloud Computing bandwagon yet, here are ten reasons why you should reconsider.

  

  Note:The above image is licensed under a Creative Commons License. Feel free to use it. You can get a high quality image for printing here.

  Cloud Computing makes your IT excessively dependent on the Internet

  Cloud Computing exists on the premise that the Internet will always be as robust and reliable for all time to come. While one can be fairly optimistic, there is always the danger of the unforeseen. For example, Congressmen in the United States are pushing for bills that can shutdown/limit Internet traffic in the event of war, so that the sheeple stick to their prescribed content on television. If a Company loses Internet connectivity to its Cloud even for a few days, as a result of an Internet outage affecting either it or the Cloud Computing Service, there could be very damaging consequences. I am not talking about your E-store going offline. Suppose the daily activities of your Company were on a database on a Cloud? In such a scenario, you may wish your servers were in that makeshift bunker in your backyard, rather than on the Cloud.

  And because of its dependence on the Internet, Cloud Computing can never perform as a substitute for in-house servers. For example, there are speed limits, related to hardware and bandwidth, when transferring data to and from the Cloud via the Internet. Using VPNs and SSL tunnels can further slow the speed.

  Cloud Computing will attract clients mainly from Western markets

  Cloud Computing implicitly assumes that the Internet is as robust throughout the world as it is in North America, Europe and some parts of Asia. But clients from countries where Internet connectivity is sporadic will be discouraged from boarding the Cloud. And no, I am not talking about Namibia. IT powerhouse India still has sporadic Internet connectivity. The general speed of the Internet is still very poor. The infrastructure is so haphazard that most Indian Internet subscribers prefer the limited speeds of wireless mobile Internet from the cell phone companies, rather than trust the cable/landline infrastructure. In addition, uninterrupted supply of electricity is still unrealised in India. A power outage affecting any intermediary can cripple access to the Cloud. Indian IT giants have learnt the hard way not to trust state infrastructure, even for electricity. They keep their own backup power generation on site. Adopting any trend that makes them more dependent on state infrastructure will require more than a leap of faith.

  Cloud Computing makes you dependent on the goodwill of your ISP

  Cloud Computing may require gratuitous bandwidth for the client, depending on what the client is hosting on the Cloud. And the same ISPs who are clamouring for bandwidth caps may charge and arm and a leg if the client exceeds his or her bandwidth quota.

  Cloud Computing can expose you to the unethical practices of your ISP

  Major ISPs have come under fire for spying on their customer’s P2P networks on behalf of the Recording Industry. Can these ISPs be trusted with sensitive traffic to and from the Cloud? We are told that everything will be encrypted through VPNs. But still, given the tainted role of ISPs, can ISPs be trusted for non-encrypted traffic?

  Cloud Computing is against the spirit of Personal Computing

  Personal Computers were meant to empower individuals, make them more independent and productive. Most of today’s industry heavyweights owe their success to living up to these expectations. Microsoft and IBM’s unexpected touting of Cloud Computing is more akin to Toyota adopting the business model of a car rental agency (If that were to happen, Toyota may likewise rebrand itself in the fashion of Silicon Valley, as a subscription based Transport Service Provider).

  Cloud Computing makes your Cloud Data subject to American law

  Since most of the major Cloud Computing servers are operated by companies based in the United States, data you put on your Cloud is subject to American law. And the American law in turn, is subject to overrides, loopholes, “Patriot Acts,” and exceptions, depending on which governmental agency (or which person/interest) wants your data. You may not even be informed that your data was compromised for the same reason Jack Bauer gets away with torturing his hostages/prisoners (national security).

  And before reaching the Cloud, your data will pass through American ISPs that provide the Cloud with uptime. It could be intercepted by State Agencies even before it reaches the Cloud.

  A case point is that of Amazon Web Services, a flagship of the cloud computing model. Amazon Web Services quietly booted whistleblowing website Wikileaks off their cloud computing servers. This was done without any court order. Looks like Amazon Web Services is also a flagship of the American government.

  Cloud Computing can expose your Confidential Data to “Corrupt Elements” (and no, I am not talking about hackers and identity thieves)

  Since corruption in Western society is more of an invitation-only club, most people refer to it only in couched terms. But unless you are really naive, it is a reality you must be prepared to deal with. Back in 2004, a Utah guy got an application for a major credit card. The problem was that the name and address on the application had only been provided to the Registry of Motor Vehicles.

  The bad news is not that American State Agencies have backdoor access to American corporations. Rather, American corporations have an incestuous relationship with American State Agencies. If suppose you are a non-American corporation with your Cloud hosted by an American corporation, and your main competitor is an American heavyweight with backdoor access to the State Agencies, your confidential data on the Cloud may be just a few phone calls away. American corporations are known to use the State Agencies as personal armies, although very little of this gets documented. Worse, if the CEO of the Company that hosts your Cloud and the CEO of your competitor belong to the same fraternity, your confidential data on the cloud may be just a handshake away. Of course, your data on the Cloud is encrypted and cannot be accessed by anyone other than yourself. But then, there are always exceptions.

  Amazon Web Services is considered to be a flagship of the Cloud Computing model. In July 2009, Amazon.com sneakily deleted etexts off its users Kindles. Ironically, the extexts deleted were George Orwell’s Animal Farm and 1984. Both these books deal with the suppression of dissent by totalitarian regimes. The furore that followed the move was attributed to the fact that Amazon.com had remotely deleted files that were on the user’s own device, and therefore the move was like a hacker-style intrusion. But if suppose the Kindle followed the Cloud Computing model, where ebooks were read and stored online instead of the device itself, Amazon.com would probably never get caught. And the unavailablity of these titles could be attributed to an innocuous server outage.

  In April 2010, China hijacked the Internet for 18 minutes by “tricking” other telecom routers. Nearly 15% of all American civilian and military Internet traffic was quietly redirected into Chinese networks before being rerouted without delay. If your cloud data transfers were included in this traffic, there is a possibility that it is being dissected somewhere in Beijing. Regular users of cloud computing should be warned that their data transfers can fall into the hand of whichever nation that goes on a bandwidth sucking rampage.

  Cloud Computing is sounding more like a Lobby than a Trend

  Suddenly, all ringers, gurus, and experts are clamouring for Cloud Computing. Articles are appearing in respectable publications weighing the pros and cons. Business heads are flaunting how they managed to cut costs. Does this remind you of Big Tobacco, Big Sugar, Big Science and Big Pharma? Do you buy into the pitch? Are you willing to “invest” your data in the scheme?

  Cloud Computing may be of little consequence for the Average Small Business

  The May 2009 issue of WIRED carried an interesting article on Cloud Computing, highlighting pros and cons. The key example cited in favour of Cloud Computing was an Eli Lily information consultant, who as a client of Amazon Web Services uses his iPhone to run “genomic analysis” on the Cloud. How many businesses executives can picture themselves doing this?

  Cloud Computing may not contribute to your national economy

  When you buy the hardware, software and technical expertise for setting up a server locally, you are supporting several local businesses. With Cloud Computing, you bypass all of these. But aren’t the major Cloud Computing providers American owned and American based? Yes they are. But when they get things figured out, they might consider outsourcing. And Cloud Computing is very feasible to outsource. Given their track record, they don’t exactly cherish employing Americans, unless Obama forces them to do so.

  Update (An Eleventh Reason?): Cloud Computing may not be as reliable as touted.

  To quote AP News 21/04/2011,

  Major websites including Foursquare and Reddit crashed or suffered slowdowns Thursday after technical problems rattled Amazon.com’s widely used Web servers, frustrating millions of people who couldn’t access their favorite sites.

  Though better known for selling books, DVDs and other consumer goods, Amazon also rents out space on huge computer servers that run many websites and other online services.

  The problems began at an Amazon data center near Dulles Airport outside Washington and persisted into the afternoon. The failures were widespread, but they varied in severity.

  HootSuite, which lets users monitor Twitter and other social networks more easily, was down completely, as was questions-and-answers site Quora.

  The location-sharing social network Foursquare experienced glitches, while the news-sharing site Reddit was in “emergency read-only mode.”

  Many other companies that use Amazon Web Services, like Netflix Inc. and Zynga Inc., which runs Facebook games, appeared to be unscathed. Amazon has at least one other major data center that stayed up, in California.

  No one knew for sure how many people were inconvenienced, but the services affected are used by millions.

  Amazon Web Services provide “cloud” or utility-style computing in which customers pay only for the computing power and storage they need, on remote computers.

  Lydia Leong, an analyst for the tech research firm Gartner, said that judging by details posted on Amazon’s AWS status page, a network connection failed Thursday morning, triggering an automatic recovery mechanism that then also failed.

  Amazon’s computers are divided into groups that are supposed to be independent of each other. If one group fails, others should stay up. And customers are encouraged to spread the computers they rent over several groups to ensure reliable service. But Thursday’s problem took out many groups simultaneously.

  

  Screengrab from an Amazon Web Services customer, Streetfire.net. Dated 22/04/2011 @ 9:21 PM AST.

  Update (a 12th reason?): Michael Chertoff Loves Cloud Computing

  In 1999, an obscure conspiracy theorist, David Icke,  made a startling claim. He stated that the ruling elite of the Western world were actually shape-shifting lizards. This theory became a laughing matter and was even used to smear genuine conspiracy theorists. But no matter how much time passed, the theory would simply not die. Ask any follower of Icke, and they will point you to images of the ruling elite, such as this photograph of Michael Chertoff (Secretary of homeland security from 2005 to 2009). That is supposedly the face he makes before shape-shifting into a ten foot lizard. Even we are to dismiss the claims of Icke’s followers, the generally accepted consensus among the alternate media is that the man exists to defecate on the liberties of the American people. In a February 9th 2012 op-ed in the Washington post, Chertoff can be seen whining how EU privacy laws may “balkanize” the Internet, because American Cloud Computing providers will not be allowed to invade the privacy of their European customers.

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• How to convert documents into PDFs, and how to split existing PDFs….for free!

  Date: 2009.05.08 | Category: How to, PDFs | Response: 0

  While the base version of Adobe Acrobat starts at a price $299 USD, you can convert documents that support printing to PDF into PDFs for free using Acronis CutePDF Writer. You can also use CutePDF Writer to split pre-existing PDFs.

  First, download and install the free Acronis CutePDF Writer as well as the free open source converter provided.

  After installation, you will notice a new entry called CutePDF Writer in the section that allows you to choose a printer when printing a document.

  To convert a document to PDF (provided that it supports printing to PDF), simply select CutePDF Writer as your printer and hit print. You will be asked where to save the new PDF file and what you want to name it.

  To split a pre-existing PDF file, open it using Adobe Acrobat Reader and print it the same way as above. But this time, specify the page(s) you want to print.

  As an economical alternative to the basic version of Adobe Acrobat, Acronis CutePDF Professional is recommended.

• Built-in Obsolescence in Inkjet Cartridges?

  Date: 2009.05.05 | Category: Inkjets | Response: 2

  

  This is what an Epson T088320 magenta color inkjet cartridge looks like from the inside. It was split open by “Inkdaddy” in his effort to ascertain how much ink was in the cartridge.  It contains around 3ml of ink. But this is not obvious because the transparent plastic cover that you are seeing is actually masked by the product label.

  The cartridge contains a network of multiple intricate sub-compartments, instead of a single compartment. Ink comes to the nozzle from two separate compartments! Obviously, Epson does not want you (or the guy at the mall) to experiment with poking needles to refill the cartridge. Nevertheless, there are techniques for the undaunted.

  Though not pictured here, the cartridge is also said to contain two chips. And once the ink dries, they supposedly render the cartridge useless.

  This built-in obsolescence in inkjet cartridges is becoming a sad trend these days.

• The Easiest way to Insert Tables into a WordPress blog post

  Date: 2009.04.27 | Category: Windows Live Writer, Wordpress | Response: 5

  

  As WordPress users may be aware, the Write Post dashboard in WordPress does not give the option for creating tables.

  The alternative is to paste tables as pure HTML. This will only work as desired when pure HTML is inserted. Pasting the HTML of a table created in Google Docs appears to work flawlessly. On the other hand, creating a table in Microsoft Word, saving it in HTML, and then pasting the HTML will get you the table, but there may be all sorts of inconsistencies. Such as the table spilling over the entire blog page and the loss of format elements.

  Another alternative is to use a WordPress plugin that can import tables created in Microsoft Excel.

  An expert-only alternative is to manually modify the WordPress Write Post dashboard to include table features! It is possible.

  But so far, I have found that the easiest way to create tables in a WordPress blog post is to take advantage of the advanced format options available in Windows Live Writer.

  This table was created in Windows Live Writer.	Isn’t it cool?
  1.	No more messing with HTML
  2.	WYSWIG editing
  3.	No more tweaking plugins

  
  

  

  Of course, The simple Table Editor packaged with Windows Live Writer is no match for the one that comes with Microsoft Word. For example, you cannot edit the colors of the table borders or the cell backgrounds. You cannot merge cells. But you can adjust the height of rows, columns and cells. You can adjust the alignment of values in the tables. You can add/remove rows and columns on a pre-existing table. You can insert pictures into the table as well. This is definitely a more convenient workaround until WordPress gives us a table feature. The picture on the left is a screenshot of the dropdown menu under “Table” in Windows Live Writer version 14.0.8064.206.en.