“Open Source” Software – A Threat to Microsoft?
More and more countries, companies, and individuals are taking a look at “Open Source” software as an alternative to propriety computer software. The basic idea behind Open Source software is that if programs are freely distributed, allowed to be modified, bugs fixed, and redistributed by anybody, then the software will evolve faster. All types of Open Source software are available including operating systems, office suites (as good as Microsoft Office or WordPerfect Suites), and more. Even NASA is offering Open Source software code developed as part of our space program, including artificial intelligence, 3D Graphics, and some software even beyond my comprehension. There is even the millionaire, Mark Shuttleworth, who took a space flight on a Russian mission, and is freely distributing Open Source software in his home country of South Africa. He hopes Open Source software will make computers more affordable in the country. Find out more about Open Source software at: http://www.opensource.org/
View Space Shuttle Live
NASA has added a function to their web site that allows anyone with an Internet connection to view live camera footage of space shuttle missions. If you use Windows Media Player, you can view the action on full screen. There are also links to space related images and videos. Go to: http://www.nasa.gov/
Microsoft to Ship All VISTA Versions on One Disk
Microsoft plans to ship all of the proposed Vista operating system
versions on one DVD disk. According to their marketing division, this
will make it easier for people to upgrade their operating system version
if their needs should change. There are so many versions of the new
release that it might be difficult to select the one that’s the best for
you. Vista will not work on all computers. You can download an
evaluation tool from the Microsoft web site to see if your computer is
capable of handling the new operating system. Go to:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/default.mspx
Fwd: Fwd: Fwd: (Are you asking for trouble?)
If your email messages are coming with a subject line that starts with “Fwd: Fwd: Fwd:” then you are putting your computer and its data at risk. Embedded in all of those forwarded jokes, cartoons, or chain letters can be a computer virus or spyware. Even worse, is that if you insist on passing on the message, your email address, as well as everyone else’s address will probably be “harvested” by some spammer. Then, you can expect a barrage of spam messages advertising Viagra, porn sites, and more. Do me and your friends a favor by not forwarding it. Most of the messages I receive are either “folk lore”, urban myths, or hoaxes. You can check any stories that are forwarded to you at: http://hoaxbusters.ciac.org/
You can perform a variety of on-line security checks by going to the One on One Computer Consultants Home page at: ( http://www.1on1cc.com ) and clicking on the link to Symantec Security Check. You can perform a Virus Check, Security Check, and/or Trace a Potential Attack on your computer system.
Windows Live Local
This neat add-on to Microsoft Outlook 2000 through 2003 is a great tool for business and pleasure. When you use the calendar in MS Outlook to schedule an appointment, you can input an address and, in a few seconds have a detailed map of that location. Not only is a street map available, but there are two other options for viewing the location or route; “Aerial”, which gives you a satellite view, and “Bird’s Eye”, which zooms in at a different angle. (I installed it and use it!) You can even click on the “Explore this Location …” button, which connects you to the Microsoft Search Engine: Windows Live Local ( http://local.live.com/ ). You can search for businesses, people, images, videos (beta - but you have to get an AOL screen name for “free” and install some of their software to view them – I didn’t), academic material (beta), and more!
Traffic.com
This web site isn’t really a free download, but can offer some very useful information since we are still in the middle of “orange barrel” season in Michigan. You can view “hotspot” areas were there is reported traffic congestion, pick your starting and ending travel points to check for any traffic problems, sign up for traffic problem alerts and email messages, view area maps, and there are even links to MDOT, Metro Airport, and more. The information seems to be updated on a “real-time” basis and they provide a “jam factor” rating (including trends) for Detroit’s major highways. Go to: http://www.traffic.com/index.html