Freeware (or free software) has been around for well over a decade. The authors' reasons vary from 'getting noticed', to getting you to visit their webpage (where there are usually ads), to striking a 'deal' with a larger company to bundle their toolbar.
Trialware differs from Freeware in that it sets a time limit on how long you can use it, while 'Shareware', (which for a long time was on a 'trust basis') now usually disables some features after a specific time period or throws up lots of nag screens to 'ask' you to donate to the author. (Some are well worth it).
Some Freeware is outright comparable to commercial products, while others are ongoing 'works in progress' by individuals of teams. Of course, Open Source is still the 'new frontier' and can make an application or API popular withing days. (Read the licenses?!).
One personal example recently (there have been many posted here in the past), is when I switched from AVG's anti-virus free personal edition to Avast. The reason? AVG (which is excellent) was integrating itself into my browser which I found 'annoying'. Over two months with Avast and no complaints.
(Your perception may vary :)
Of course, as I've had a tendency to feature here (a lot), there's also 'beta software'. Beta software is typically 'for developers only' with a disclaimer not to install it on any mission critical computers OR your main box. There's a whole world of Beta (next generation) software, that for techs, is well worth maintaining a separate computer for.
If any of the repositories that feature these types of software have a link to the developer's site, it's usually a good idea to wander over as (1) the version may have changed and there are 'usually' more screenshots and (2) you may not agree with the reviewers. (I usually don't).
Download.com - Perhaps the best known of all the web software sites let's you search by function, operating system, cost and more. Tens of thousands of titles are on this CNET (now CBS) owned long-time website.
BetaNews.com - While there's a few 'strange' reviews by users, BetaNews is now releasing security updates, freeware as well as Beta software and is improving with time. (The site recently ramped up it's Tech News coverage as well).
TechSupportAlert.com is the relatively new home of the long-time favorite 'Gizmo's list'. A new look and LOTS of free stuff. This is a 'keeper' if they don't make too many more changes. Easy-to-navigate and a lot of 'sleepers' are here. (Note: I have also found in the past that my experiences don't always agree with Gizmo's but it's a GREAT spot!). Shareware and Freeware can both be found here.
Lifehacker.com - Part of the Gawker Media web group, Gina Trapani and crew do a great job sifting out some real winners with full reviews. The site also offers some full-feature software on occasion 'for a limited time only'. A GREAT vehicle for 'getting the word out' on a new product.
SourceForge.net is a HUGE open source project site with thousands of current and past projects. The interface recently has gone through an upgrade that makes it somewhat easier to navigate.
Codeplex is Microsoft's Open Source repository that recently has seen increased activity.
Google Code is Google's Open Source home to both user and Google's own open source API's, videos, and more.
If you're curious what a few of my favorites are (if you're new to this blog?). I use CCleaner, Filezilla, Paint.net, Microsoft Pro Photo Tools, ImgBurn, Twhirl and Google's Picasa on almost a daily basis (to name just a few).
If the above sites don't keep you busy, I'm not sure what will?.
Just one note from your employer....
....wait til the weekend :)
Charlie
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Ubuntu 8.10 is officially here
Right on time, the latest version of Ubuntu, one of the most popular Linux-based operating systems was made available this morning by Canonical.
Available in both Desktop and Server editions, Ubuntu Version 8.10 includes a variety of improvements, not only to the user interface but 'under the hood' as well.
The latest release includes an integral virtual machine builder, fully-supported Java stack, 3G wireless support, and more.
You can find out more at the Ubuntu flagship website here.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Windows 7 Preview Video now available from Microsoft
Shortly after the first day of presentations at PDC2008, Microsoft posted a (.wmv format) Windows 7 preview video to the Microsoft Download Center.
The Windows 7 video features Microsoft's Mike Nash, CVP Product Manager, Windows.
The 106MB file can be downloaded here.
Related: The new Microsoft Azure cloud computing website can now be found here.
Update Oct 28 PM: Microsoft's PDC2008 Virtual Pressroom now has numerous online (downloadable) videos, and we are sharing others' coverage, as always, in the 'shared feed' (at right).
The Windows 7 video features Microsoft's Mike Nash, CVP Product Manager, Windows.
The 106MB file can be downloaded here.
Related: The new Microsoft Azure cloud computing website can now be found here.
Update Oct 28 PM: Microsoft's PDC2008 Virtual Pressroom now has numerous online (downloadable) videos, and we are sharing others' coverage, as always, in the 'shared feed' (at right).
US National Weather Service adopts Google Maps
Next to Adsense, the most widespread adoption of a Google API on websites and blogs has been Google Maps.
The US National Weather Service has now adopted the API as the default map product when you do a zip code search from their flagship website, www.weather.gov.
The highly localized forecasts, rolled out last year, now include not only an embedded Google Map but also a direct KML link for use with Google Earth:
Click to enlargeThanks to KT for the 'heads up' on this one.
The US National Weather Service has now adopted the API as the default map product when you do a zip code search from their flagship website, www.weather.gov.
The highly localized forecasts, rolled out last year, now include not only an embedded Google Map but also a direct KML link for use with Google Earth:
Click to enlargeMonday, October 27, 2008
PDC2008 coverage and who am I?
I returned home late this evening and briefly checked for announcements coming from Microsoft's Developers Conference, PDC2008, which kicked off today.
The anticipated cloud computing initiative now has a name. Microsoft's Azure is the big tech story of the day.
It was covered by in-depth by numerous long-time tech journalists and you can find some great articles and a variety of perspectives here.
The buzz? A little background ....
It's been a long road between myself and Microsoft. As with SEO and web marketing in recent years, it's been a 'quiet relationship'. Beginning with MS-DOS 1.0, several of my own small companies, participation in numerous MSFT programs, beta testing, strong support for the Freedom the Innovate initiative, and, as one of their first 'Authorized OEM System Builders'.
I've been a 'buddy', a 'pal', at times, even an outspoken advocate?
After reading Richard MacManus, Mary-Jo Foley and a few others, I headed over to the PDC2008 website to catch-up on the latest and watch Ray Ozzie's keynote.
I found this:
Update Oct 28 AM : Honestly, I was somewhat humbled to see this modest and relatively new Internet space featured on the PDC front page (even though the 'N' is missing from my last name :)
I'm assuming that the 'original piece' that I posted here last night (that was meant to be humorous) has nothing to do with the fact that the 'mention' is no longer there. Hopefully, the web designer just needed the space for today's events.
Update: On a related note, RWW and Channel 10 columnist Sarah Perez has set up an excellent PDC2008 'room' on Friendfeed here.
The anticipated cloud computing initiative now has a name. Microsoft's Azure is the big tech story of the day.
It was covered by in-depth by numerous long-time tech journalists and you can find some great articles and a variety of perspectives here.
The buzz? A little background ....
It's been a long road between myself and Microsoft. As with SEO and web marketing in recent years, it's been a 'quiet relationship'. Beginning with MS-DOS 1.0, several of my own small companies, participation in numerous MSFT programs, beta testing, strong support for the Freedom the Innovate initiative, and, as one of their first 'Authorized OEM System Builders'.
I've been a 'buddy', a 'pal', at times, even an outspoken advocate?
After reading Richard MacManus, Mary-Jo Foley and a few others, I headed over to the PDC2008 website to catch-up on the latest and watch Ray Ozzie's keynote.
I found this:
Update Oct 28 AM : Honestly, I was somewhat humbled to see this modest and relatively new Internet space featured on the PDC front page (even though the 'N' is missing from my last name :)
I'm assuming that the 'original piece' that I posted here last night (that was meant to be humorous) has nothing to do with the fact that the 'mention' is no longer there. Hopefully, the web designer just needed the space for today's events.
Update: On a related note, RWW and Channel 10 columnist Sarah Perez has set up an excellent PDC2008 'room' on Friendfeed here.
PDC2008 keynote is live today with Ray Ozzie
Microsoft's Professional Developer Conference kicks off today with a keynote speech by Chief Software Architect Ray Ozzie.
The keynote will be webcast live at 8:30 AM PST.
The PDC2008 website is now loaded with information, photos from Flickr, webcasts, and more.
Cloud computing will be taking center stage (but don't be surprised if we see and hear a little more Windows 7 :)
The main website for this year's PDC2008 can be found here.
The keynote will be webcast live at 8:30 AM PST.
The PDC2008 website is now loaded with information, photos from Flickr, webcasts, and more.
Cloud computing will be taking center stage (but don't be surprised if we see and hear a little more Windows 7 :)
The main website for this year's PDC2008 can be found here.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Windows 7 Logo Requirements .... already ?
Is Windows 7 coming sooner than we think?
Over the past 8 months or so, Microsoft has posted more 'preview', 'beta', release candidates and CTP products to the (open to all) Microsoft Download Center than they ever have in the past.
Typically 'betas' were delivered on TechNet or MSDN and/or run by much 'quieter' groups of beta testers.
The most recent addition caught my eye.
The Windows 7 Software Logo Program for Client was posted late Friday.
Preview version 1.2. A draft for computer and software vendors to begin getting an idea on what they need to do, to be able to apply to display the Windows 7 logo on their product.
Perhaps this is being released in concert with the 'beta bits' of Windows 7 to be given out at PDC2008 (which begins Monday Oct 27)?. Perhaps it's to highlight the latest partnering with Developer Express.
Possibly ... to get the Windows 7 'buzz' going early?.
Or maybe, just maybe, Microsoft is pushing Windows 7 out faster than a lot of us think?
I'm going to take a shot in the dark and say that Windows 7 is going to be aimed squarely at enterprise users in a manner that will entice them (in a big way) to make the upgrade. The buzz is here, and will get much bigger this week after the Professional Developers Conference.
The 58K Windows 7 Logo document is a quick download if you're curious, and can be found here.
Be sure and check out the PDC2008 link above during the week, as some announcements and keynotes will be being made live from the conference. Could there be a surprise in the works ??
Update: A little more insight on just how fast Windows 7 has been moving along can be found at Stephen Chapman's UX Evangelist blog here.
Great Weekend all
Charlie
Edit - PDC2008 start date 10/27 cba
Over the past 8 months or so, Microsoft has posted more 'preview', 'beta', release candidates and CTP products to the (open to all) Microsoft Download Center than they ever have in the past.
Typically 'betas' were delivered on TechNet or MSDN and/or run by much 'quieter' groups of beta testers.
The most recent addition caught my eye.
The Windows 7 Software Logo Program for Client was posted late Friday.
Preview version 1.2. A draft for computer and software vendors to begin getting an idea on what they need to do, to be able to apply to display the Windows 7 logo on their product.
Perhaps this is being released in concert with the 'beta bits' of Windows 7 to be given out at PDC2008 (which begins Monday Oct 27)?. Perhaps it's to highlight the latest partnering with Developer Express.
Possibly ... to get the Windows 7 'buzz' going early?.
Or maybe, just maybe, Microsoft is pushing Windows 7 out faster than a lot of us think?
I'm going to take a shot in the dark and say that Windows 7 is going to be aimed squarely at enterprise users in a manner that will entice them (in a big way) to make the upgrade. The buzz is here, and will get much bigger this week after the Professional Developers Conference.
The 58K Windows 7 Logo document is a quick download if you're curious, and can be found here.
Be sure and check out the PDC2008 link above during the week, as some announcements and keynotes will be being made live from the conference. Could there be a surprise in the works ??
Update: A little more insight on just how fast Windows 7 has been moving along can be found at Stephen Chapman's UX Evangelist blog here.
Great Weekend all
Charlie
Edit - PDC2008 start date 10/27 cba
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Introducing Gmail Mobile 2.0
Gmail for mobile, Version 2.0 for J2ME-supported and BlackBerry phones.
The announcement came both on the Official Google Blog and the Google Mobile Blog a short time ago, introducing Gmail Mobile 2.0.
The primary intention of the new roll-out is to make GMail faster and more reliable.
In addition to speed, the new mobile version of Gmail will include multiple accounts management, multiple drafts, new keyboard shortcuts, and 'basic offline support'.
Here's the video that was posted earlier today by the Gmail team:
Sidenote: For T-Mobile G1 owners. T-Mobile is expected to roll-out the first software update tomorrow. Numerous people (on Friendfeed :) have already received the highly aniticipated G1 Android-powered phone by mail and T-Mobile began selling them in retail stores yesterday.
Update 3 2:25 ET Oct 23
The announcement came both on the Official Google Blog and the Google Mobile Blog a short time ago, introducing Gmail Mobile 2.0.
The primary intention of the new roll-out is to make GMail faster and more reliable.
In addition to speed, the new mobile version of Gmail will include multiple accounts management, multiple drafts, new keyboard shortcuts, and 'basic offline support'.
Here's the video that was posted earlier today by the Gmail team:
Sidenote: For T-Mobile G1 owners. T-Mobile is expected to roll-out the first software update tomorrow. Numerous people (on Friendfeed :) have already received the highly aniticipated G1 Android-powered phone by mail and T-Mobile began selling them in retail stores yesterday.
Update 3 2:25 ET Oct 23
The downturn could be your best friend
Having lived through a 'few' economic cycles, I thought I'd pass along a few things for you guys to think about. I'm not an expert, but in all honesty, these days, I'm wondering who really is.
There's no denying that the credit mess is effecting a lot of people, perhaps a lot more than many realize, depending on where you are or what you do. It's also important to realize that because of the 'unique' nature of this downturn, driven almost entirely by greed and fear, that the possibility still exists that it will be short-lived. Call me an optimist?
In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to take advantage of the current scenario and help yourself.
Large companies typically become much more 'customer sensitive' during rough financial times. It not a perception. It's a fact. The last thing anyone wants right now is bad press. Even top executives become more accessible.
Been wondering whether or not your warranty claim will hold water? Need a replacement disk? Have a legitimate dispute? Looking to lower your expenses?
Now is the time, and you may get a huge surprise. (In fact, you may only have to push 'zero' once when you call customer service! :)
Call. (.... and if it doesn't work the first time, call again and get a different person).
Those 'things' you've been hesitant to negotiate and / or address in the past may now bring a surprise.
Insurance (of all kinds). Credit card rates (or lowering the interest rate on your existing one). Cell-phone service (some carriers are now 'adjusting' early termination fees). There are many, many more spaces where companies will be willing to work with you (some long-term),where they wouldn't before.
No prescription coverage ? It's not just the 'big boxes' that are slashing rates. Small chains, even local pharmacies are doing it as well.
I'm aiming this piece at the many that are just 'riding the line' (or worse). If it helps ONE, I'll be happy.
In any case, it never hurts to save money.
Assuming you haven't done it, take a look at your monthly bills. In my case (without shopping ... just a phonecall), I slashed my car insurance rates. Many companies are matching other companies' rates.
Important: Screaming and yelling at a customer service person will usually get you absolutely nowhere. Be pleasant, and if you feel you need to (in many cases you will), ask for a supervisor and explain your situation clearly, and why you think you need a resolution and/or you think you deserve a better price.
Finally .... It never fails. You're going to see more software giveaways over the next few months than ever. It happens every time (and the competition among 'the big guys' is HUGE right now).
I'll try to highlight some of those here as they begin to roll-out.
Being a realist and hedging your situation (as much as it's difficult to change people) is a lot better than worrying. In fact, worrying serves no useful purpose other than to possibly make you ill.
Take a day. Make a few phone calls. You may just find yourself crossing that line into 'the black' or going deeper where you can save for college again, and other important things.
This applies to some of our tech 'friends' that are laying off workers as well. Did you do the math and switch to energy efficient lighting (one example) before you laid off that GREAT employee?? I know of a lot of large companies that are.
Food for thought.
Charlie
There's no denying that the credit mess is effecting a lot of people, perhaps a lot more than many realize, depending on where you are or what you do. It's also important to realize that because of the 'unique' nature of this downturn, driven almost entirely by greed and fear, that the possibility still exists that it will be short-lived. Call me an optimist?
In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to take advantage of the current scenario and help yourself.
Large companies typically become much more 'customer sensitive' during rough financial times. It not a perception. It's a fact. The last thing anyone wants right now is bad press. Even top executives become more accessible.
Been wondering whether or not your warranty claim will hold water? Need a replacement disk? Have a legitimate dispute? Looking to lower your expenses?
Now is the time, and you may get a huge surprise. (In fact, you may only have to push 'zero' once when you call customer service! :)
Call. (.... and if it doesn't work the first time, call again and get a different person).
Those 'things' you've been hesitant to negotiate and / or address in the past may now bring a surprise.
Insurance (of all kinds). Credit card rates (or lowering the interest rate on your existing one). Cell-phone service (some carriers are now 'adjusting' early termination fees). There are many, many more spaces where companies will be willing to work with you (some long-term),where they wouldn't before.
No prescription coverage ? It's not just the 'big boxes' that are slashing rates. Small chains, even local pharmacies are doing it as well.
I'm aiming this piece at the many that are just 'riding the line' (or worse). If it helps ONE, I'll be happy.
In any case, it never hurts to save money.
Assuming you haven't done it, take a look at your monthly bills. In my case (without shopping ... just a phonecall), I slashed my car insurance rates. Many companies are matching other companies' rates.
Important: Screaming and yelling at a customer service person will usually get you absolutely nowhere. Be pleasant, and if you feel you need to (in many cases you will), ask for a supervisor and explain your situation clearly, and why you think you need a resolution and/or you think you deserve a better price.
Finally .... It never fails. You're going to see more software giveaways over the next few months than ever. It happens every time (and the competition among 'the big guys' is HUGE right now).
I'll try to highlight some of those here as they begin to roll-out.
Being a realist and hedging your situation (as much as it's difficult to change people) is a lot better than worrying. In fact, worrying serves no useful purpose other than to possibly make you ill.
Take a day. Make a few phone calls. You may just find yourself crossing that line into 'the black' or going deeper where you can save for college again, and other important things.
This applies to some of our tech 'friends' that are laying off workers as well. Did you do the math and switch to energy efficient lighting (one example) before you laid off that GREAT employee?? I know of a lot of large companies that are.
Food for thought.
Charlie
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