RealNetworks

Wow….

So I was reading today a little on the Best Techie website, they cover quite the topics. One of them that I read today was RealNetworks forced to stop selling their DVD copier. I found that… idiotic.

Why?

Why can’t people have the ability to copy DVDs and CDs? Some scramble feature prevents us from doing this? Eh, I copy all my DVDs, wait excuse me, rented (if you didn’t know, you don’t OWN the DVD even though you BOUGHT it) DVDs to my hard drive all the time. Why isn’t the manufacturers of the DVD-ROMs being sued?

I absolutely hate putting in a DVD in each time for when I want to watch something. Besides, if I can copy all my TV Shows to the computer, then rip individual episodes back onto a DVD, making it more of an enjoyable playlist for a trip, why aren’t I allowed to do that? The RealDVD does nothing different than what ffmpeg, mencoder, mediacoder (ffmpeg/mencoder frontend), and a handful of other applications do — so what’s the hold up here?

I think the MPAA is just upset because they aren’t making their bucks – How sad. On the flipside, look at all the other artists/movie makers that are going for a more independent/open approach. I wish more would do this – The experience is much more enjoyable, knowing that there’s no restrictions, and a risk of being sued for just making a backup onto your machine.

By distributing the RealDVD product, just makes for a hardware piece sitting in your house–pop the DVD in and wala… how simple is that? It’s not exactly going to your computer, however you do have a copy. It’s the same thing as these others that allow the same thing.

Personal Video Recorders

OK SO! What about these tools? Why aren’t they outlawed? Is it illegal to record my OWN TV too? I can’t make a backup with it? If so, then TiVo should be illegal too, and so should rented DVRs from television providers. RealDVD can’t do it right? Or is it: “Hey, let’s make up our own laws,” huh?

Support

I, for one, am disappointed in this, and hope for the best towards RealNetworks. This is half the reason I don’t really care about newer movies now-a-days. Bunch of repeated stories, and hyped trash. … Hollywood has destroyed a lot.

Read my other post on Media usage

Read the BT post

So recently I’ve had quite a few people ask me when the next podcast is (not just the people I’ve been recruiting for the next one), so I’m here to tell you!

The next podcast will most likely be held sometime in March. This month I’m quite busy. It could be sometime before March, but the odds are in March.

That’s all -

I believe that when using an OS you should use whatever that OS is meant for. Linux to Linux, Windows to Windows, OS X to OS X, AmigaOS to AmigaOS, SkyOS to SkyOS, and the list goes on. Obviously some of these can use cross-platform applications that have libraries that’ll work on either-or-whatever–That’s not the issue.

The issue comes in when people expect an OS such as Linux, to run applications it wasn’t meant to run in the first place, such as Windows applications. Of course WINE is there (and developed) to help Windows applications run on Linux–it’s evident not every Windows app is going to work, simply because Linux doesn’t support this by default.

I’m not sure whether this is a bad or good thing – What I do know is, that a lot more alternative or even in some cases better applications can be used on Linux. I frown to see when people are frustrated that their favourite Windows application does not work on Linux, but such is Life–I direct them to a Linux app that serves the same purpose. Sure it may not look as pretty, may not do every single thing in some cases, but it’s still there&usable.

Time is to Tell the Future

With the progression Linux has been making in general (from the kernel, to the Desktop Interface, to the distributions such as Ubuntu), Linux has came along way (I have many more to thank because of this such as Red Hat, Slackware, and Debian) – I’d say that from what I can see, that it is very much possible that Linux will have a wide-selection of applications that serve any one user’s needs. If you pay close attention, you can see that is happening–not as much as you’d think, but it is. On an average basis, it already is.

The balance and OEM outlook

‘cuz the production of prebuilt computers being sold&shipped from major manufacturers I think that with time more people will become aware of Linux – With that being said, there will be a higher demand for more um, average use applications. Look at System76, selling machines with Linux. There is probably other city shops that are doing the same thing.

Personal Side-note

I’ve setup a family member with Ubuntu, and they have seem to caught onto within just a week. He used Windows for the entire time of ever using a computer. I think that on average if this is possible, then just taking a little more time, and effort from everyone, well, I’m sure you know.

Ubuntu has brought a new light to the Linux world, and I’m happy for this.

I think I’m a little off-topic, but oh well

WINE by itself

WINE obviously serves its purpose. Running some Windows applications. Microsoft Office, handful of games (Crossover thrives the most in this in my opinion since it’s aimed at Paid support (some things don’t always have to paid, but because this is, it works out as it should (how do you expect them to buy the games?))), and of course, some developers actually use it to create Windows applications (yes, it’s true).

However WINE is not meant to be a replacement for Windows applications. Sure, some people can think of it that way–but in all reality, it only serves for some applications & games.

It’s what I always tell people: “Don’t come to Linux expecting to run Windows.”

People

People are obviously not stupid, they’re just sometimes un-aware of the options that are out there. Other than Ubuntu, Red Hat, and Fedora, Linux has no real Batman light beaming about. Month-by-month, or year-by-year Linux is getting more and more light.

The advertisement for Linux is obviously not as much as Windows, or OS X, but if you take a look at the ZDnet video of how people thought KDE was Windows 7 without actually knowing what Windows 7 looked like–you’ll notice what I said earlier (on average basis) is happening.

Don’t worry, we’re not trying to fool people, just let them know there is other options. If these options do not suit you and you like what you’re using, then continue to use it. You don’t see me going around giving false information about other OSs though.

When I fix computers and they happen to have Windows on them, I keep it as is. If they are curious to know what is out there I give them those options and help support them for their new journey. Occasionally I do bring up other solutions anyway, just for conversation. Anyway…

The last line outcome?

I think that with how Linux is being set now, will eventually have major affect later. What chart says this?–Heck if I know. I do know that I’m starting to hear more people talk about Linux more than ever since Ubuntu swept the market.

Recently I purchased a 1TB My Book Essential HDD. I’m quite happy with it. But I think I will get a longer USB cable maybe. I bought the HDD $100. I would’ve purchased the 2TB instead, but no.

Drawbacks/Drawforwards

As I’m a Linux user, the software that comes on the hard drive is useless to me. With a few workarounds I can accomplish the same task by using TrueCrypt, and rSync. Obviously I bought the hard drive for backup use.

I’m not complaining of the HDD software – I even tried it out using it on the XP machine that I have setup.

I’m awaiting to see if I encounter any issue

Buy/view the My Book Essential 1TB WD

Some pics:

Which can be downloaded from Mandriva’s download page

Mandriva 2010 video

To point out some things, this is a great linux distribution to start out with. Even people who are not so savvy with computers can click on next during each step of the install process and still have a working system. Though this is not the fastest operating system on the block its simple to maintain, use and understand. To say at the least this would probably be the equivalent to windows in the linux world. Everything is really done by gui. I will finish off with saying, how much more simpler could computing get with Mandriva?

1. SMC Fan Control – This is a good for laptops, you can adjust your fan speed. It sits up at the top telling you some useful information, your current temperature and current fan speed. Also you can customize a little and make your own preference’s and change the reading out between Celsius or Fahrenheit.

** Download SMC fan control

2. Magnifique – Not much to this, this just lets you change the color of things like the toolbar. I got this because i was tired of having default colors.

** Download Magnifique

3. Geektool – I found this to be extremely useful. After you install, there is a preference in your preference panel. This allows you to display log files, run system command, display image files which you can use to show a weather map on your desktop. While having a log file shown or running a command it shows a borderless, scroll bar free terminal on your desktop, in terms it looks like built into the wallpaper. One thing i do not like about this is once you exit out of the Geektool preference panel you can no longer interact with the Geektool widgets. I still highly recommend this if you use os x.

** Download: Geektool

4. WaterRoof – If you’re lazy like me then you probably want to avoid doing stuff the hard way, which is exactly what this application does. This is a IPFW GUI front end. To keep it short and simple this lets you do some neat things like view your net connection, set Internet rules, deny and allow connections etc. If you have a ssh, ftp, http or any kind of server up then i would get this.

** Download: WaterRoof

5. Transmission – This is a great torrent client for OS X, unlike other torrent clients this doesn’t hog resources. Also shows a a little icon on your dock with stats of how much you are downloading and uploading.

Download Transmission

6. Onyx – Onyx is a system tool that lets you do system maintenance on your OS X. It allows you to do clear log files, clear browser data, smart status check, fix file permissions, view man pages and a couple of other neat things. This is something worth checking out if you have not already.

** Download: Onyx

7. Fink -

The Fink project wants to bring the full world of Unix Open Source software to Darwin and Mac OS X

With Fink, it opens the world even more when you want download software. It’s simple even though you use the terminal. I was never able to get Darwin ports to work, so i decided to use Fink and remove Darwin ports.

** Download: Fink

8. KisMAC – If you want to test out wireless security then this is the tool for the job.

** Download: KisMAC

If you have any handy applications that you like to use, let us know!

For some time now I’ve been using proxies on and off–heck, I even host a proxy server for myself, and a few of my friends. But who is to say that maybe one day their information could be leaked? I wouldn’t betray them, but… what happens if they didn’t know me? Do you think they would trust me as much?

The last few months I’ve been pandering on just how private proxies really are. I’ve came to the conclusion that proxies are no more private than not using a proxy. That just seems crazy doesn’t it?! Let me lay it out…

Without a Proxy

Obviously people will have your real IP and will be able to tell that you are you. That to some people is just fine. You can go anywhere on the Internet and still be singled out at any given time–you are completely fine with that. Besides, your ISP has a hawk-eye on you too.

With a Proxy

Ok… so now you want to become hidden in such a way that you cannot be identified by IP–that’s completely fine. At the same time what exactly do you think you’re hiding? If you can’t answer that with 3 simple reasons then I suggest reconsidering using a proxy.

If someone wanted to be completely evil to you, that proxy host (server) could possibly redirect you, phish you, … shall I say more?

OR: You are doing some online banking. Do you REALLY want to use a proxy?! I’d rather only my ISP know where I was.

With the bare effects

Okay so, yes, proxies are needed on some occasions, but things like VPNs have more usability, and offer more than just a jacket over your chest. Proxies are often used for caching too (if you didn’t know that). And also for reversing connections… so on, etc.

I just wanted to blurt out that random information. I’ve seen quite a few people go all-out with proxies recently – and had some people ask me a few questions about proxies awhile back.

Another Wordpress host? (It’s me this time)

So for awhile I’ve wanted to launch a hosting company, but a simple yet affective one (isn’t that everyone’s dream?). After taking my time and learning more than I already did, I got up enough courage to give it a sure-go.

I’m now providing Wordpress hosting at an affordable rate. For $4.00/month you can basically get the whole suite (the kitchen sink isn’t included though). The other plan I also offer is $20.00/month, but that’s mainly for people with very high-end traffic.

Why “SocialWP”?

I wanted to offer a way for wordpress bloggers to be more interactive with each other, and their users. .. thus SocialWP .. Social Wordpress.

Four Dollar

You get 500MB of hosting space, and 10GB of bandwidth transfer. Doesn’t seem like a lot?–I think it is–Why?; I’m not overselling my services. That just makes it worse for me and later on my customers. I’d rather play a fair game and give reasonable plans.

I offer tons of Plug-Ins, and even on request add more. This goes for themes as well

Other stuff

Since this is in beta, automatic blog sign-ups are disabled. I will gladly read every blog sign-up, accept, and activate.

So go check it out, http://socialwp.com/

Referral

I’ve been thinking of setting up a private referral system for selected users. I don’t want to overload myself at first because I don’t want to exhaust my services. Maybe I’ll just make it for paid customers only.

Anyway,

So I put the flash player on pause, packed up my take-with-me stuff, and headed out the door. Only to receive a phone call a few hours later complaining that my laptop was making strange sounds.

At first I thought it was my Hard drive, or maybe the fan broke, but then I asked if the sound was coming from the speakers. Thankfully, it was.

So I had them just close the browser.

What happen?

I’m sure some of you can guess, Firefox/Flash became so ….. cluttered(?) that it just started randomly skipping and playing other stuff. Not sure if it was the player or flash …..

I just think flash thought it was Halloween.

Anyway, that was a short blurb, eh?