Viewpoint: Digital Review

Collanos Workplace - Think Out of The Inbox!

2009-04-28T11:19:00.000+08:00

We've been recently looking into some online collaboration tools that would allow us to share images, videos and documentations for an ongoing project. We think we found one of the best so far. We needed a program that would allow us to do online collaborations as if we are just face to face with each other, be updated with the tasks development at each phase of the project, share active notes, images and even videos all in one consolidated space.

It had been too time consuming and too tedious to do project task reports/updates specially when we do revisions all the time. Keeping up with the project phases of development is also very critical and due to this critical sharing, know how of all information pertaining to the project is of utmost importance so that nobody gets left behind. Conventionally, what we did was we separated our projects into teams and each team leader would be responsible to report to the executive team the developments of the tasks handled by their respective teams. Doing things conventionally cost us too much time, efforts and money.

With Collanos Workplace, we believe we have found one of the best tool to do things the modern way - online. Each team works differently and Collanos allows unlimited number of members to work, communicate in real time or asynchronously.

Every team project entails countless emails, messages, documents, tasks, comments, versions, revisions, approvals, etc. With Collanos Workplace you can overcome this information clutter by having a single space to share, interact and collaborate with your team.

Single Consolidated Space

Keep all project related content in a single, consolidated workspace. From now on all you need to access is one place to do any project-related activity without the need of going back and forth between multiple tools and channels.

Any Content

We know that projects involve countless files, versions, tasks, notes, document related discussions, and general discussions with one or more team members. Collanos Workplace allows you integrate and share any project-related content (Even images, music and video files) into your workspace using the latest encryption protocols.

Instant Notification

With all the information being communicated across your teams, it's hard to keep track of new content or urgent matters that need to be addressed instantly. Collanos Workplace allows you to send instant messages to team members and alerts you when updates have been made.

Team Work

Each project involves a different team. Each team works differently. Collanos Workplace allows you to invite unlimited team members, communicate with them in real-time or asynchronously, assign them distinct permissions and know their presence status any time. Since every team has their "way of working", Collanos Workplace allows you to create a work structure that truly reflects each team's distinct needs.

Anywhere - Anytime

We realize that a network connection is not always readily available, therefore, have created a peer-to-peer solution that allows you to work on your computer both online and offline. Work wherever, whenever you want without network dependence. Once you get online, your workspaces synchronize transparently with your team members.

Free

Yes, Collanos Workplace is free!

Our goal is to allow our members to install our solutions and collaborate with anyone, without the need to license costly solutions or to be restricted to proprietary networks. Furthermore, stay tuned to our community platform where members will be able to share their templates and user tips.

Watch out for our upcoming review comparing Collanos Workplace with that of Basecamp - the iPod of Project Collaboration and find out which among these two online collaboration tool would do well in terms of reliability, flexibility and accesibility.

The Freedom Plan! Site5's Totally Unlimited Webhosting!

2008-07-31T11:58:00.000+08:00

I am so happy with Site5's services that I have again created a short post about them on this site. They have a promo which is "The Freedom Plan" for only $5.00/month!!!

I could not say more about Site5 except that we are so happy with them.

Check them out. Just click the banner at the bottom and the sides of this page. It would lead you to the world of Site5, where Totally Unlimited Freedom could be Yours!!!

Basic Plan Info	The FREEDOM Plan
	Disk Space	1,250 GB UNLIMITED
	Bandwidth	12 GB UNLIMITED
	Domain Pointers/Websites	UNLIMITED
	Ruby on Rails	YES
	Ultra-Low Number of Sites per Server	YES
	Knowledgeable 24/7 Technical Support	YES
	Instant Setup	YES
	FREE! Setup (29.95 Value)
	Monthly Price	$5.00

Basic Plan Info

The FREEDOM Plan

Disk Space

1,250 GB UNLIMITED

Bandwidth

12 GB UNLIMITED

Domain Pointers/Websites

UNLIMITED

Ruby on Rails

YES

Ultra-Low Number of Sites per Server

YES

Knowledgeable 24/7 Technical Support

YES

Instant Setup

YES

FREE! Setup (29.95 Value)

Monthly Price

$5.00

Key Features	The FREEDOM Plan
	SiteAdmin Account Control Panel	YES
	Enterprise Web Stats	YES
	Unlimited MySQL Databases	YES
	Over 50 Pre-Installed Scripts!	YES

E-mail Features	The FREEDOM Plan
	Enterprise Anti-Virus Scanning	YES
	Unlimited Email Accounts	YES
	Unlimited Forwarders	YES
	Unlimited Auto-Responders	YES
	Unlimited Mailing Lists	YES
	Instant MX Record Modification	YES
	Enterprise WebMail Interface	YES
	SpamAssassin™	YES
	GnuPG PGP Secure Email Encryption	YES
	Account-Specific Mail Filtering Rules	YES

Advanced Hosting Features	The FREEDOM Plan
	Domain Parking	YES
	Subdomains (sub.domain.com)	YES
	SSL Secure Website Access	YES
	Unlimited FTP Accounts	YES
	Web-Based File Manager	YES
	Web Database Manager (phpMyAdmin)	YES
	DNS Zone File Editor	YES
	Cron Job Editor	YES
	Microsoft FrontPage Extensions	YES
	Automated Nightly Backups
	SSH Access	YES
	Downloadable Raw Logs	YES
	Customizable Error Pages	YES
	Password Protected Directories	YES

Servers and Software	The FREEDOM Plan
	Dual 5130 Xeons (4 cores!)	YES
	At Least 4 GB RAM	YES
	PHP 4 & 5 (w/Zend Optimizer™)	YES
	MySQL 4+	YES
	Perl 5.8+ (w/Free Module Installation)	YES
	GD Graphics Library	YES
	cURL Library	YES
	Python 2.2 Language Support	YES
	ImageMagick 5+ Support	YES
	WAP/WML/Wireless Support	YES
	Server Side Includes (SSI)	YES
	CGI-BIN and Site-Wide CGI	YES

Guarantees	The FREEDOM Plan
	60-Day Money Back Guarantee	YES
	Uptime Guarantee	YES
	Support Response Time Guarantee	YES

Pricing Information	The FREEDOM Plan
	60 Months (5 Years) - Best Value!	$5.00
	36 Months (3 Years)	$6.50
	24 Months (2 Years)	$7.40
	12 Months (Annual Billing)	$9.95
	Every 3 Months (Quarterly Billing)	$11.95

Key Features

The FREEDOM Plan

SiteAdmin Account Control Panel

YES

Enterprise Web Stats

YES

Unlimited MySQL Databases

YES

Over 50 Pre-Installed Scripts!

YES

E-mail Features

The FREEDOM Plan

Enterprise Anti-Virus Scanning

YES

Unlimited Email Accounts

YES

Unlimited Forwarders

YES

Unlimited Auto-Responders

YES

Unlimited Mailing Lists

YES

Instant MX Record Modification

YES

Enterprise WebMail Interface

YES

SpamAssassin™

YES

GnuPG PGP Secure Email Encryption

YES

Account-Specific Mail Filtering Rules

YES

Advanced Hosting Features

The FREEDOM Plan

Domain Parking

YES

Subdomains (sub.domain.com)

YES

SSL Secure Website Access

YES

Unlimited FTP Accounts

YES

Web-Based File Manager

YES

Web Database Manager (phpMyAdmin)

YES

DNS Zone File Editor

YES

Cron Job Editor

YES

Microsoft FrontPage Extensions

YES

Automated Nightly Backups

SSH Access

YES

Downloadable Raw Logs

YES

Customizable Error Pages

YES

Password Protected Directories

YES

Servers and Software

The FREEDOM Plan

Dual 5130 Xeons (4 cores!)

YES

At Least 4 GB RAM

YES

PHP 4 & 5 (w/Zend Optimizer™)

YES

MySQL 4+

YES

Perl 5.8+ (w/Free Module Installation)

YES

GD Graphics Library

YES

cURL Library

YES

Python 2.2 Language Support

YES

ImageMagick 5+ Support

YES

WAP/WML/Wireless Support

YES

Server Side Includes (SSI)

YES

CGI-BIN and Site-Wide CGI

YES

Guarantees

The FREEDOM Plan

60-Day Money Back Guarantee

YES

Uptime Guarantee

YES

Support Response Time Guarantee

YES

Pricing Information

The FREEDOM Plan

60 Months (5 Years) - Best Value!

$5.00

36 Months (3 Years)

$6.50

24 Months (2 Years)

$7.40

12 Months (Annual Billing)

$9.95

Every 3 Months (Quarterly Billing)

$11.95

A Lawyer Turned Blogger Finds Help Through Crossloop!!!

2008-07-15T03:53:00.000+08:00

Crossloop is indeed "One of the Best Things that Ever Happened Online" specially in providing help and assistance. I recently got a call from a lawyer friend who eventually turned to blogging for his past time. Being a lawyer, he is not very familiar with the online tools that a blogger uses and he is so interested to learn more about it. He is quite confused on how to be able to put in html/javascript tags on the blog that he is writing on and would like me to go to his office and guide him through.

Fortunately though, there is Crossloop. I just guided him to download the software on his PC and everything turned out to be as wonderful as all my Crossloop sessions.

I was able to guide him how to create, edit and even taught him how to use the numerous blogger tools available to him. He was so delighted that he told me that we could repeat the Crossloop session again whenever he needs any help online.

He wishes that Crossloop could be used in his profession wherein he no longer have to go to his clients and would just sit in front of his PC and just serve client's needs and provide him the legal assistance they need. I jokingly told him that it would have been much better if he no longer needs to go to court and that lawyers, judges and even court folks could just use Crossloop for their sessions.

Do You Need Help? Find Help in the Crossloop Marketplace!

2008-07-14T14:15:00.000+08:00

Almost Everyone online sometimes needs help on something in some of the things that they do. Whether it is a simple software installation, virus removal, PC optimization and or to other tasks such as online tutorials for blogging and etc. Right now, no one needs to get worried on how to be able to get help online!

Crossloop through its ever superb software helps everyone solicit help from anyone online in real time virtually. Crossloop launched its Crossloop Marketplace where everyone who is looking for online help and would like to provide help could meet up and help each other. You could learn more from Crossloop from their "How It Works page" from their site at http://www.crossloop.com/ipage.htm?id=howitworks

Now online collaboration would never be the same as before. It would be much easier and even providing help/assistance could go a long long way since helpers could eventually become online help providers wherein they could market their expertise online while those needing help could solicit, pay and take advantage of the numerous opportunities that numerous Crossloopers around the world could provide.

To give you a brief glimpse on how Crossloop works, posted below are some of the excerpts from their site;

"CrossLoop's underlying technology was created to simplify the process of securely working with others located in different physical locations across diverse network environments. CrossLoop enables you to see the screen and control the mouse and keyboard on a remote computer. It is as if you are working side by side at the same PC. CrossLoop is a powerful productivity tool that enables you to quickly collaborate with anyone in the world.

CrossLoop is powered by the proprietary CrossLoop VIP Tunnel, a secure peer-to-peer data transmission system. CrossLoop encrypts all files and messages exchanged on our network to ensure user privacy. Only you and your invited friends or family can view or share control of your computer. A CrossLoop session can only begin on your computer by explicitly inviting someone to begin a session. All data sent over the CrossLoop network is encrypted at the endpoints using a 128-bit Blowfish encryption. For more detailed information on CrossLoop security, visit our security page.

We have gone to great lengths to ensure that CrossLoop is secure and have designed the application from the ground up with security in mind. If you have any questions regarding CrossLoop security please contact us at info@CrossLoop.com.

The Windows version of CrossLoop uses the TightVNC software plug-in for screen sharing. We have included a binary distribution of the TightVNC program in the installation software of the Windows version of CrossLoop to save you the trouble of separately downloading and installing TightVNC. If you have any questions about your rights related to TightVNC (which is licensed under GPL), please see our detailed description of how we use VNC."

I hope that Crossloop Marketplace would be an online hub wherein Everyone Could Help Each Other. If you need my help, you could find me on this link http://www.crossloop.com/Trexper.

Site5 Web Hosting Service Is Insane!!!

2008-07-14T14:13:00.000+08:00

Site5 recently launched their 5$/month web hosting services with 750GB Premium Web Storage, 7500GB Bandwidth & Unlimited Websites. Quite an impossible treat from a web hosting provider specially in a world wherein profits are more important than anything else. Site5 must really be insane to come up with such marketing plans. Insanity wherein they went all out to provide superb services sacrificing profits just to reach out to consumers and SMEs but without compromising flexibility and quality of service.

They have been our web hosting provider since we started. They have 24/7 Support and they respond promptly to each concerns or request that we raise to them even through email. We encountered no downtime and we are so happy with the service that they are providing us. Ain't it obvious that we really take time to write about them and their good deeds. :)

If you are looking for a web hosting service provider who are insane to provide cost-effective web hosting solutions, sign up with Site5. They have a freakin' awesome plan at a very insane price! It is quite easy to try them out and sign up with them. Just click the button that you see on this site and it would directly lead you to Site5's superb services. Even this blogsite is hosted by Site5 and we are here to recommend that Site5 indeed is the Best Web Host Solutions provider in thePlanet.

Site5.com - No Excess Fat Web Hosting Service!

2008-07-14T14:05:00.000+08:00

SMEs used to spend a lot in marketing, promotions, customer support, human resources, communications & advertisements to be able to maintain their businesses. Lots of effort were exerted to perform those tasks aside from planning, delegating & implementations and much valuable time and resources were required then.

However, with the internet & the web, one could now easily create his business with all the necessary tools needed by doing them online. The internet has been a portal of a lot of business opportunities worldwide. Businesses could do marketing, sales, advertisement & promotions, enable web-based customer support, research & development, even selecting, shortlisting and hiring personnels & even remote conferencing and web based task sharing.

One of the vital tools is the website as we all know about. An entrepreneur who is serious to succeed in his business needs to have a website to do all these things. A website is the representation of the image,credibility & professionalism that a business would want to convey to his prospects, clients or even viewers. The website is the online "business card, brochure, virtual mailbox, virtual message center and entry point for all current and future businesses." There are thousands of benefits that businesses could be able to take advantage of when they are online. It is the 24/7 portal wherein customers, prospects could learn, inquire and verify informations about their offered products or services. It is the public relations tool even when everyone in his business sleeps.
However, a website won't be able to run on its own without a web hosting service provider. For this review, we focused on a web hosting company which is Site5.com. With web host service providers like them one could now easily, economically and flexibly host their sites, register unlimited number of domains with 750GB disk space, 7.5TB bandwidth just for $7.50/month! Any business who would like their websites be seen in the worldwide web could be hosted by site5.com.

Unlike before, merchants spend a lot of money not only for web development but also with web hosting. Today with companies like site5.com one would be amazed on the affordability of web hosting packages. There might be other hosting companies who might offer the same type of hosting packages but probably not as economical, flexible and as service oriented like site5.com. Websites are products of a businessman's visions on how he wants to portray his offered services or products to the global market. It is indeed both a tactical and strategic vital tool for anyone doing business.
"Site5 is a California corporation co-founded in 1998 by Matt Lightner and Rod Armstrong. Site5 is now an industry icon, operating over 200 servers in their own network.Since inception, Site5 has been an industry leader in reliability and innovation. Site5 has been regularly recognized by industry critics as a premiere provider of high end web hosting."Site5 was founded by webmasters, and everyone there loves hosting, technology and the internet that is why when it comes to web hosting, they sure know what they are doing.
SMEs now have the flexibility at the tip of their fingers to extend and push their websites to the limit;

There are NO OVERLOADED SERVERS since Site5 limits the number of account per server so a customer's site is guaranteed to have plenty of room;
THERE ARE NO OUTSOURCED HELP - they know what they are doing and they do it all in-house;
NO GIMMICKS OR HIDDEN FEES - the amount of web hosting service that you subscribed to is the actual amount that you get on your bill and it stays the same way as long as you are a customer;
GET YOUR MONEY BACK GUARANTEED - if a customer is NOT satisfied at all with their service within the first 60 day period, you get 100% of your money back, no questions asked. A guaranteed "No Excess Fat Web Hosting Service!" On top of that, they have their own proprietary application called Backstage which is an account portal that lets you access every single feature of your Site5 service from one place.

Site5 is unlike most web host service providers that are insensitive to their customers. They simply are great when it comes to service unlike some that we have tried before. It might be an "overselling" feat of site5.com to say those things that they claim they could provide their customers. But for us who have tried & tested them out, we are so elated with the innovation, reliability and quality of service that they are giving us. We wish that Site5.com would maintain their status as a "Healthy Hosting Provider" and we know that they would be able to help more SMEs along the way. If you know a web hosting service that could topple Site5, let me know and I would compare them accordingly. :)

BEFSR41 Router-Linksys' Bigtime Failure!

2008-07-14T14:02:00.000+08:00

It is a fact that Linksys/Cisco is one of the most reputable IT/Hardware companies today. They provide several outstanding solutions for both the residential consumers, SMEs and Top 10000 Companies. That I would not rebutt. But for how long are they gonna continue to have a reputable name is my Big Question.

For this particular review, I set my eyes on my Linksys BEFSR41 version 4.0 DSL/Cable Router which I bought last 2005 and have been using in my small home network. I was able to use it without any problems for almost the past two years. Until several months ago, a problem started to show up.

It reboots the network every 30minutes. I am not alone with this particular issue though. Since 2005, there have been numerous complaints about this router posted to several sites on the web. This router used to be the top of the line of Linksys Routers a couple of years back and in fact it still holds second in the SME/SOHO setup. I am just wondering why they have not corrected the errors that they made on this particular product.

In my attempt to recover the functionality of the router, I tried to reset it to the factory settings and updated its firmware to the latest firmware version which is 1.4 but still the router drops the network connection every couple of hours. I emailed Linksys technical support on this concern several times and unluckily for me, I didn't get a single reply from them.

In our office we use other Linksys hardware such as ATAs and we are quite satisfied with them. Now, the question is are we gonna encounter the same fate after a couple of years of using them with the same level of dissatisfaction that I encountered at home? Same situations wherein Linksys won't even care to assist?
Linksys should do something about their support systems to be able to cater to SMEs like us or even to residential consumers who have had problems with their hardwares like the hundreds of posted issues relevant to this topic that was accumulatively posted in the span of Two Years and yet no resolutions were given by Linksys.

Sad to say, they failed on this lilliputian hardware but the cascading negative effect to their prospective end-users and existing clients would ripple probably twice longer than the years that it took their end-users like us to wait for their assistance on a very valid technical issue. Linksys or Cisco should really do something about customer service because if not, these matters would definitely affect their market share.
Right now, the Linksys BEFSR41 that I have is technically dead. I don't know if there are technical service centers who would fix that noting the fact that Linksys despite of several emails failed to return any replies and probably same fate had been encountered by the numerous consumers who posted similar issues as regards this particular hardware.

I am planning to buy the "better version" of this Linksys router which is BEFSX41 which they say could provide better network solutions but probably not and better cut off the plan and probably search for another hardware that could provide a better technical and customer support.

It is probably good to buy Linksys products since they are one of the purveyors of network hardwares but think twice and consider if you would like to succumb to technical service support issues later on. Good judgment on that is totally yours.

Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 - A Two Year Service?

2008-07-14T13:59:00.000+08:00

I have a Windows XP Professional SP2 Licensed last 2005. I have been using it for several years now and I have not encountered any problems on the two computers where I loaded it since the user license said that I could use it in two PCs - one was a laptop and the other one was a desktop PC. Constant updates were all successful and Windows or Microsoft provided superb services when it comes to that.

However, I think I am always a victim of this "Two Year Service Period" term. Just recently, I had problems with Windows that was installed on my desktop. It was still loading the updates as usual but I started to encounter errors like a certain file is missing. My antivirus is also licensed and on constant updates and I checked and rechecked my PC's system and it is still okay. However, when I checked Windows it missed a certain .dll file or something like that. I tried loading my Licensed CD hoping that the error would be corrected.

But suddenly, when I went online after the re-installation with that same desktop PC, Windows' already went very slow in responding. I tried to get a remote support but I was not successful. Then, all of a sudden when I was validating my copy of Windows, it said that my copy has to be "licensed" and to contact the nearest Windows distributor in my area.

Whew! I really lost my temper that time and luckily I could not lash out on anyone. I contemplated if I have to buy another Windows or just email them and ask them why my Licensed copy which I had paid a lot for when I bought it suddenly becomes of "questionable nature."

As regards the one installed on my laptop which I already gave my sister, it is still okay. I just considered that since when I bought it at 2005 it allowed me to use it in 1-2 PCs then probably that is just supposed to be it, the service after two years collapses leaving a single PC whose status I could not check until the time that I hear a problem from my sister. A problem I am hoping would not happen.

I don't know but it is better for me to look at it that way than to gripe and complain. What I did to my desktop PC was to transfer all my files and did a fresh clean Linux Ubuntu Feisty 7.04 installation. Which I gladly value knowing that there won't be problems like what I encountered with Windows. If I encountered one, a fresh clean installation is extremely possible without any qualms and definitely without crying over something that I paid a lot for. So, it's a goodbye to my Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2. No thanks for the headache.

2008-07-14T13:58:00.001+08:00

Open Office is the Open Source counterpart of Sun to Microsoft's MS Office. Open Office is multi-lingual & multi-platform that is compatible with all major office suites with whatever Operating System that suits one's needs. It has all the necessary components in an office suite that any user could get hold of. It has all the major components of MS Office and more.

It has its own equivalent for all major office applications in MS Office. It has Writer while there is MS Word, Impress while there is MS PowerPoint, Calc and/or Math while there is MS Excel and there are still lots of new and impressive applications no longer built-in to an MS Office suite.

Another good thing about Open Office is that it could be used in several native languages. If you are from the Far East or Central Asia, Africa and certain parts of Western Europe & North America wherein several languages and other text input methods are being used, Open Office is the Open Source Software to have. Open Office is the product of years of virtual community works subdivided into several projects with the goal to develop, support & promote the use of Open Office.

From a common user's perspective, Open Office is the open gift of Sun to humans. Before just like what I have posted in my other article as regards Linux Ubuntu (Linux Ubuntu : A Touch to My Spirituality). Open Office is another kind deed for humans as we speak from a collaborative community-based human beings grouped together to provide mankind with better tools to improve the workplace and our way of life.

As what you would always hear from me, before it takes a lot of money to be able to take advantage of softwares that could change the way we live but now with softwares such as Open Office, one is no longer "jailed in a box" wherein there are no other options but to use the other Office Suite that we have all been very much familiar with eventhough it really costs a lot to be able to do that.

It is really heartwarming to know that "Open-ness" is indeed a very ideal word to ponder on specially for those people and companies who have heralded open source applications and literally exposed us to new technologies. New technologies that are openly shared, distributed and promoted for the betterment of mankind whether for personal or business use. While other companies just focused on money making activities to monopolize their markets, some companies notably did not but instead created platforms wherein their products would freely flow in so that it would be openly utilized to provide better solutions not necessarily instantly paid for.

Among them is Sun Microsystems. Sun Microsystems have been one of the best providers of Software & Hardware Solutions globally. They have been very helpful to consumers and businesses eversince. They are able to provide us with so many online tools that shaped, molded and changed the way we look at the internet and business. Online tools that ordinary consumers and businessmen sometimes are unmindful that came from them. Sun I could say is a humble company with "micro" theme in mind but "Macro" as regards their technologies' effect to consumers and SMEs. Above this all, it is really a good thing to note that without Sun, the world might not be the same place to live in as it is now. Similarly, virtually it is also a very good thing to note that Sun's Rays are Upon Us. :)

Trillian - A Messenger with Trillian Possibilities

2008-07-14T13:55:00.000+08:00

I have always been on the lookout for an IM messenger aside from Gaim or Pidgin that could host multiple IM providers such as Yahoo, ICQ, AIM & IRC. In my search for the right messenger who could do this, I chanced upon Trillian by Cerulean Studios. It s a fully featured, stand-alone, skinnable chat client that supports AIM, ICQ, MSN, Yahoo Messenger, and IRC. It provides capabilities not possible with original network clients, while supporting standard features such as audio chat, file transfers, group chats, chat rooms, buddy icons, multiple simultaneous connections to the same network, server-side contact importing, typing notification, direct connection (AIM), proxy support, encrypted messaging (AIM/ICQ), SMS support, and privacy settings.

Trillian provides unique functionality such as contact message history, a powerful skinning language, tabbed messaging, global status changes (set all networks away at once), Instant Lookup (automatic Wikipedia integration), contact alerts, an advanced automation system to trigger events based on anything happening in the client, docking, hundreds of emoticons, emotisounds, shell extensions for file transfers, and systray notifications.
Trillian however comes in two flavors; the first is the Basic and the Pro. Trillian Basic is the free version while the Pro version comes with a fee. With Trillian 3.1 version there are new features and benefits that are both available both in the free and the paid versions. Among them are Flexibility one could now use multiple identities using the new Identities and Connection Manager; Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) - Windows users with UPnP enabled routers will benefit from vastly improved file transfer success rates; Faster and Smaller - Trillian worked hard to speed up their messenger even more, there have been tremendous improvements in start-up times, icon rendering speeds and more.

Here are the comparisons between Trillian Basic and Trillian Pro;

With Trillian, there are Trillian possibilities to which one could chat, IM, do file transfers unlike any other messenger out there with limited capabilities. I hope that Cerulean Studios would continue updating Trillian and make it as one of the world's favorite chat client.

For more informations about Trillian, you could visit their website at http://www.ceruleanstudios.com and try their free version or you may opt to try their paid version.

Miro - The Free & Open Source Media Player!

2008-07-14T13:49:00.000+08:00

It had been quite a while since I last wrote an article here after my terrible accident. Anyway, as I was recuperating from my motorcycle crash, I was able to spend more time watching videos using my PC and this prompted me to check out several different video files from different sources. Some video files that I happen to encounter are not playable to the built-in video players that I have on my computer. That prompted me to check out for some available free-ware and open source video player and this is the time that I found Miro.
Miro is a one of a kind video solution for one who would like to play varied types of video files whether from the internet or videos that were created from elsewhere. I have tested playing various files with Miro and all videos played well. Not only that, the resolution of the videos that I played with Miro were all enhanced thus giving the viewer a much better resolutions for viewing pleasures. Miro is an open media source that enables one to download video files or any kind of file thru bit torrent easily. You could use it to download and play these files all in a single application. Miro has also thousands of channels that you could choose from to be able to watch internet TV. These channels made me relaxed, entertained and amused on my way to full recovery. Moreover, Miro provides more free HD High Definition video contents than any video player that you could find out there. Most of us also would like to view and save you tube videos on our computers. With Miro, we could easily do that and it automatically detects all videos contained in our computers. One could also save in its library favorite videos for easy access and viewing.

Most important of all is that Miro is free and Open Source. Miro and its team of developers are only asking for its satisfied users to get involve with them in four different ways;

1. Translate the Miro Software and Website

2. Join Team Miro: Open Video Love

3. Become A Miro Member

4. Help on Testing and Development

Link: www.getmiro.com

As for me, I would check out how I could best help Miro on their quest to provide Open Media to the World. This is one application that I could highly recommend to anyone whether you are using any type of Operating Systems. Miro is free and open source because OPEN MEDIA MATTERS. I really wish that they would always be here to stay.

Crossloop Could Run in Linux Ubuntu through Automatrix2!!!

2007-12-07T09:42:00.000+08:00

After my last blog regarding Crossloop, I was wondering how I would be able to use it in my preferred Operating System - Linux Ubuntu 7.04 Feisty Pawn. I no longer would like to do dual booting from Linux to Windows XP. Not that I hated Windows but I prefer to use pure Open Source. I almost tried every virtual players that could run in Linux Ubuntu to make it happen but to no avail. Probably, unlike some other fellows who are technically adept in Ubuntu, I am just a newbie in this field and entering commands in the terminal is not that easy for me specially when I encounter errors. I was almost about to give up. But I love Linux Ubuntu and Crossloop and I am already into it specially that I am going to run a virtual assistance business. It is a must that we would be able to run it to be able to provide our customers with a hands-on technical support or assistance.

There was even a time that I was able to install Wine in Ubuntu but along the way when I was about to install Crosloop in my machine, something isn't right so it didn't happen. I persevered for several weeks trying VM Ware, Virtual Box and Wine over and over. I have heard several good feedbacks about Wine but the problem was how to be able to install it in my 64bit AMD PC running in Ubuntu 7.04. Several attempts were made but there is always an error.

I was thinking if I should just run Crossloop in my other PC with Windows or just go again for dual booting using my main PC. But the desire to stay 100% with Linux Ubuntu is bigger and so as running Crossloop. So, I continued my search until yesterday I finally found a site which is actually a blogsite that leads me to the instant solutions that I need.

http://onlyubuntu.blogspot.com/2007/04/install-popular-applications
-in-ubuntu.html

I was so excited and readily installed the Automatix2 and Presto! All the applications that I need to be able to run Crossloop is there. It installed Wine for me the easiest way and after that I was then able to run Crossloop without any qualms. I then tested it to a friend's PC wherein I am the joiner and I could access his computer the way that a Windows PC could access it. It is indeed a very pleasant experience to find out that I could now offer assistance to PC's running in Windows. Great! Since this is the only function that I need to be able to offer remote assistance to who ever it is who needed my help specially in our business.

Whew! Linux Ubuntu and Crossloop are the Perfect Combinations for me. There is really no turning back now except to move and soar forward. I am hoping that soon Crossloop would also run in Ubuntu just like the way that it runs over Windows. :)

Crossloop - Bringing People & Their Computers Together

2007-11-13T12:00:00.000+08:00

I was trying to find an application which would enable me to link, view & control my office PC even when out on field & to just instruct my staff remotely on the things that I wanted to be done . After several attempts on several softwares under freeware, I was able to chance upon Crossloop. I never know much about remote sharing applications that is why it was a must that the software should be easy to use specially for an ordinary computer user like me.

I downloaded it to my desktop PC and downloaded another one on my laptop. After the download, I tried to use it between the two PCs and was amazed with its functionality. I could literally gain active control on either of both PCs. I could set whatever PC would be the host and just note of the access codes while the other PC acts as joiner and vice versa. I was so happy to learn that there is a software like this that exist in the market and taking note that it is actually free.

I was out on field one day and I brought along my laptop and mobile phone to meet some client. As I was doing my presentations, there was a file stored into my removable hard disk drive that I happen to forgot which is of utmost importance to the client and there are revisions on that file that has to be done right away and has to be processed by my staff in the office. I send an SMS to my staff in the office and told her to open crossloop after attaching the removable drive to my desktop PC and inform me of the access code. The client was already a little bit disappointed because as you know there is no excuse for inefficiency specially if the agenda that we would be discussing about are all on that file. Whew! I was never able to utter a word and that client was quite apprehensive on what I was doing at that time.

After my staff had mentioned about the access codes, I instantly got an access to my office desktop and at last I was able to open the file that my client needs. Once I showed my client the laptop with the opened file and was doing the necessary revisions and finalization, he just kept silent and listened and watched to what I was doing. After I had done the revisions and he had seen the final draft. My client still kept silent and told me the draft is okay for processing. So I then called my staff to do the necessary steps to process what we have agreed upon.

My client just stared at my laptop which was just left open in front of us and then he asked me. Ei! Trex, I was wondering what you were doing a while ago. You actually got access to your office PC and what we just viewed on this screen is actually your desktop in the office right? I just nodded and he said "Would you mind if I try it?" I of course agreed and guided him on the application and explained as basic as what I have undestood about Crosloop.

After a while, he asked me to smoke outside. I initially thought that we might probably discuss about some other projects that he have in mind as a next step in our business relationship. To my surprise, he asked me more about Crossloop. He told me that he could use that software for business. He said that it would be able to save his technicians much time if they would just get actual real-time hook up with their clients' PC.

Then, after he inhaled, exhaled & consumed his cigarette, he asked me about the software's name. I told him it is Crossloop. Then he asked me. "How much would it cost me Trex to be able to acquire user licenses for this software?" I almost choked.. I initially thought, oh! this is an opportunity. But no, so I told him "Cesar, it is actually freeware and is free. Just download it to every workstation in your office and install. He was surprised and told me. "Really?!" I said "yes, you could download and use it anytime." He then followed up his question and said "It won't require me to input my credit card details when I download it?" I said "Nope. Just check out their site and download it and just start using it Ces. You could actually hook up with me even when I am in the office and show you the materials of the projects that I am doing for you." He said, "That's cool Trex! First time that I've heard about a software like that. We better head for lunch and teach me more about this Crossloop thing. Don't worry, I would be the one to pay for it. We'll also discuss about the payment for this project that we just finished." There you go and it's all because of Crossloop!!!

Linux Ubuntu - A Touch to My Spirituality

2007-11-09T17:39:00.000+08:00

Eversince I learned how to use the computer, my first exposures were always Microsoft-based. From MS-DOS, Windows 95, 98SE, Windows 2000 & Windows XP. All the while I thought that there are no other computer operating systems in the market aside from those provided by Microsoft. Years passed by and I just got contented with being a user of Windows-based Operating System. Buying new and expensive editions of MS Operating Systems each time a new one comes up. I used to think that when it comes to computers, it would always be Microsoft or nothing else. Probably, other people might also hold the same viewpoint.

I have heard about Linux years ago but I just thought that Linux would just be for servers and would be too costly to get hold of specially for an ordinary consumer like me. It never crossed my mind that I would be able to use any of these Linux OS in its many forms until this year.

I also thought that it would be expensive to get a Linux. In terms of usability, I knew nothing about what & how this Linux system would be. Everytime I buy a new computer whether it be a desktop or a laptop or an ordinary Pocket PC, it has always been Windows running the Operating System show. In the several desktop PCs that I have assembled both for business and personal use, I was able to save a lot on spare sparts since I personally selected them not only based on costs but also as regards its parts' durability and reputation but not when it comes to the Operating System. A Licensed Windows XP could range from US$150 - 250$ in this place where I am in. This is the reason why I just got stocked up limiting myself to buy more computers since most often the software price exceeds that amount of the hardware.

Exactly two months ago, I was browsing a local classified ads website when I saw this ad about Linux Ubuntu posted by another member who was offering it for US$3.00. Wow! I thought that I could save a lot on that Operating System and it would be an opportunity for me to be able to use that OS. So we met so that he could give me the CD for the Linux Ubuntu Feisty 7.04. To my astonishment, I was just supposed to get 1 CD but he handed me 4 CDs. All two CDs were original Linux Feisty for x86 & 64bit; and two CDs were duplicated copies for 64 bit server & sparks. I was even more surprised to find out that what I paid for were for the cost of the CDs used in the duplication for the last two versions earlier stated. It made me wonder why that guy offered me his services technically for free.

When I went home, I installed the Live CD initially using it on dual boot since I really don't know what to expect then. I'd rather try it at first and if it won't work for me, I would revert to Windows XP. When I started using it, the excitement grew to a level wherein I already would like to uninstall Windows XP from my PC permanently which I already did despite of the fact that I paid a lot to buy its license. Each learning discovery that I encounter each day made me more attached to what Linux Ubuntu is all about. It made me understand more why after all these years, like probably most of you out there, have been contented with what we have and were anxious to try a newer system for the fear that we might crash our system or even damage our computers. It made me reach a self-realization why on every distributed Ubuntu CD these words "Linux (Ubuntu) for Human Beings" are etched.

Linux Ubuntu is by far the best Operating System that I ever used. It is so user-friendly & flexible. One could use many supported freeware programs for basic, advanced and special requirements that before were too expensive to get hold of and install not even built-in to a Microsoft Software system. Most importantly, at the back-end of each Linux Ubuntu installed are "real human beings" ever ready to provide all levels of support for all levels of users. They do this through IRC, forums and Ubuntu paste bins and they would immediately respond to each query, technical concern or newbie issue that you raise to them and would never stop until you get what you wanted to do or add to the Linux Ubuntu System. They don't charge any fees in doing that and they are literally there 24/7.

Before, when I have to finish a special task that would require special softwares, figuratively speaking, I needed to open "windows" to seek and learn about a software only to find out once I am already inside that I needed to buy and open another "window" again to be able to get what I want and it kept on and on until I won't be able to finish what I really wanted to do and just wasted my time searching & learning about that particular software that was bought and installed over "Windows."

Now that I found Linux Ubuntu, there is no more turning back. It is going to be Linux Ubuntu for as long as it takes. This is my way of thanking Canonical Ltd and Linux Ubuntu for a Spiritually touching experience that still despite of the fact that everything around us are controlled and overrun by softwares & computers, Linux reminds us that it would still be us human beings that would make the difference. I now fully understood what Linux for Human Beings is all about. It is no longer about opening "windows" but instead guiding humans to doorways and portals where humans have never been before through the spirit of sharing for a better humanity.

Fuji-Xerox Docu Print A-203

2007-11-09T16:03:00.000+08:00

Fuji-Xerox Docu Print 203A is my main printer in my office. At first, I was quite worried about this printer's reliability since I just bought this for a brand new price of US$60.00 from a nearby supplier. I was quite anxious that this might not be able to perform well in terms of quality, reliability and flexibility since I am both using Windows OS and Linux Ubuntu. I am less worried about the Windows OS since most printers are supported but with Linux (wherein I am still a newbie), I was a little bit edgy.

When I installed it with both OS, I was surprised to find out about this printer's flexibility since it worked in both Operating Systems eventhough I didn't install a DP 203A driver for the Linux OS.

I doubted this printer's reliability and durability since it is not even good looking. It looks like a piece of wash basin for kids. But as days went by wherein both normal and unusual office printing needs were demanded, this printer still works pretty well. Its print out is crisp and very clear even if I set it at draft mode. Considering that it is a laser printer and the cost of the toner would be tremendous, I was surprised to find out that after more than three (3) months of using it, the toner level is not even at the 3/4 mark.

Unlike the previous printer that I used, I better not mention the brand and the model here, it always prompts me to change toner cartridge almost every month and the print quality is not even as good as the printout of this DP203A despite of the fact that I set it in draft mode.

I am not an avid fan of Fuji Xerox nor is familiar with their products since before I thought that Xerox are just photocopiers. But with this particular printer despite again of the fact that it is assembled in China, I could say no more... I found a perfect fit printer for my needs.