Saturday, April 30, 2005
Cool software for the week
Here's some software (and an ebook platform) that I'm currently exploring.
StyleTap - a software for the Windows Mobile Pocket PC that allows you to run applications created for the Palm OS!!! This is very good news indeed - there's hundreds of thousands of free software available for the Palm OS and StyleTap opens the flood gates for me to use them on the Axim. Check out this software at www.styletap.com
EReader - this website and accompanying reader software provides hundreds of ebooks for download. All of them are priced ofcourse, but the selections look good and very current. Check out EReader at www.ereader.com
SkypeHeadset - and here's yet another killer app that makes Skype easier to use. This allows you to use your bluetooth headset with Skype. So you could, for example, use the mute or answer button on your bluetooth headset to control the appropriate function on Skype. Its not clear if this would work with Skype for the Pocket PC that I have loaded on the Axim, lets see how this work out. Check out the software at www.skypeheadset.co.uk
Thats it for this week. See you around. :-)
StyleTap - a software for the Windows Mobile Pocket PC that allows you to run applications created for the Palm OS!!! This is very good news indeed - there's hundreds of thousands of free software available for the Palm OS and StyleTap opens the flood gates for me to use them on the Axim. Check out this software at www.styletap.com
EReader - this website and accompanying reader software provides hundreds of ebooks for download. All of them are priced ofcourse, but the selections look good and very current. Check out EReader at www.ereader.com
SkypeHeadset - and here's yet another killer app that makes Skype easier to use. This allows you to use your bluetooth headset with Skype. So you could, for example, use the mute or answer button on your bluetooth headset to control the appropriate function on Skype. Its not clear if this would work with Skype for the Pocket PC that I have loaded on the Axim, lets see how this work out. Check out the software at www.skypeheadset.co.uk
Thats it for this week. See you around. :-)
Sunday, April 24, 2005
Editing ID3 tags of downloaded podcasts
Here's a program I used today to set the genre on all the podcasts (over 30) I downloaded today. I find that each podcast classifies itself differently but its more convenient to view them on my Zen Xtra if I can have them all grouped into the "Podcast" genre. This program called MP3tag seems to do that pretty quickly and easily.
Friday, April 22, 2005
LogMeIn
I discovered logmein.com today and found it to be pretty good for remote access to my Windows PC. I could even use my Axim to connect remotely to the Windows desktop. All this without having a static IP address assigned at either end. This is sort of like GoToMyPC except that they have a completely free version available that allows remote access. The "Pro" version comes with lots of other goodies such as remote transfer of files, sync'ing between PCs etc. Check it out at www.logmein.com
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Heavenly thoughts
Just a thought - the new Pope looks cute and when I look at him on TV or his photo in the paper it seems to instill a sense of security and calmness. I guess thats why they chose him.
The whole process of choosing the new Pope is very ceremonious and interesting. The Cardinals gathering for a secret meeting, the concept of black smoke / white smoke, the bells ringing, and so forth.
The whole process of choosing the new Pope is very ceremonious and interesting. The Cardinals gathering for a secret meeting, the concept of black smoke / white smoke, the bells ringing, and so forth.
Books, tons of them
The "Rapid Development" book finally landed in Chennai yesterday along with the Axim (and yes I got the Post-It notes as well). The book looks pretty good (and pretty heavy) based on an initial read. I think its an essential reference for every project manager that works on software development or IT projects.
Other than this I also paid a visit to the friendly neighborhood bookstore (Landmark) and bought these books:
1) Lateral Thinking - Creativity Step by Step (Edward de Bono)
2) Capitalising on Customers (Patricia B Seybold, Mitchel I Kramer, Dr Muhamed Muneer)
3) Business beyond the box (John O'Keeffe)
4) Delegating (Julie-Ann Amos)
All of them look interesting and I'll be reading them during the course of the next century.
Other than this I also paid a visit to the friendly neighborhood bookstore (Landmark) and bought these books:
1) Lateral Thinking - Creativity Step by Step (Edward de Bono)
2) Capitalising on Customers (Patricia B Seybold, Mitchel I Kramer, Dr Muhamed Muneer)
3) Business beyond the box (John O'Keeffe)
4) Delegating (Julie-Ann Amos)
All of them look interesting and I'll be reading them during the course of the next century.
Axim at last
The Axim x50v finally arrived yesterday!!!! The wait is over and I'm into the big bad world of the Pocket PC (as opposed to the Palm that I toted around all these years).
One of the first things I noticed was that unlike the Palm most Pocket PC software is priced. The Palm has tens of thousands of free software available. Preliminary looks reveal only few sites that cater to freeware on the Pocket PC platform. If anyone knows any good download sites for the Pocket PC please send them to me.
That apart, the Axim is awesome! I will write more about it as I continue to explore.
One of the first things I noticed was that unlike the Palm most Pocket PC software is priced. The Palm has tens of thousands of free software available. Preliminary looks reveal only few sites that cater to freeware on the Pocket PC platform. If anyone knows any good download sites for the Pocket PC please send them to me.
That apart, the Axim is awesome! I will write more about it as I continue to explore.
Eye care for dummies (and even those who are not)
After arriving home from my visit the eye doc I read the pamphlet that he had given me and realized that it was actually sensible advise, especially for those that spend long hours in front of a computer monitor. Computer Vision Syndrome is an "occupational hazard" for knowledge workers and here's how you can minimize or maybe eliminate it altogether.
But first . . .
What is Computer Vision Syndrome? (CVS)
It is a symtpom complex consisting of vision related problems and posture related problems due to prolonged computer usage. Over 75-90% of computer users have this problem.
How do I know whether I have CVS?
Tired eyes, burning, redness
Dry eyes
Headaches
Loss of focus
Double vision
Blurred vision
Light sensitivity
Neck, back and shoulder pains
Contact lens discomfort
What can you do about these problems?
1) Make a conscious effort to blank more often. Put a note on your computer if necessary.
2) Take a break several times per hour. Take a minute to look around at things that are at varying distances from your computer, like a clock on the wall or something outside a window. Or take one big break, about 15 minutes, per hour.
3) Use eye drops, usually lubricants, as advised by your eye doctor.
4) Position your computer so that windows are to the side of the monitor, rather than in front or the back.
5) Adjust the contrast of your computer monitor for comfortable viewing. Monitor should be placed below the level of your eyes.
6) Adjust window blinds so that sunlight is away from your screen and your eyes.
7) Turn off overhead lights that are too bright and if they are too bright switch over to lower wattage bulb or use a desk lamp.
8) Move your desk lamp to a spot where it doesn't reflect on the screen or shine on your eyes.
9) Attach a glare filter to your screen.
10) Mouse and keyboard should be placed below the elbow level preferably on an extension board. The chair should be provided with arm rests which can be used while typing for long hours.
11) Monitor should be turned slightly away and below the level of your eyes, like when you hold a book while reading.
And finally . . . Remember the 2020 rules
For every 20 minutes you work on computers
1) Stop and blink 20 times.
2) Focus on an object more than 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
3) Make sure you have 20/20 vision and wear glasses if required.
[end of sermon]
But first . . .
What is Computer Vision Syndrome? (CVS)
It is a symtpom complex consisting of vision related problems and posture related problems due to prolonged computer usage. Over 75-90% of computer users have this problem.
How do I know whether I have CVS?
Tired eyes, burning, redness
Dry eyes
Headaches
Loss of focus
Double vision
Blurred vision
Light sensitivity
Neck, back and shoulder pains
Contact lens discomfort
What can you do about these problems?
1) Make a conscious effort to blank more often. Put a note on your computer if necessary.
2) Take a break several times per hour. Take a minute to look around at things that are at varying distances from your computer, like a clock on the wall or something outside a window. Or take one big break, about 15 minutes, per hour.
3) Use eye drops, usually lubricants, as advised by your eye doctor.
4) Position your computer so that windows are to the side of the monitor, rather than in front or the back.
5) Adjust the contrast of your computer monitor for comfortable viewing. Monitor should be placed below the level of your eyes.
6) Adjust window blinds so that sunlight is away from your screen and your eyes.
7) Turn off overhead lights that are too bright and if they are too bright switch over to lower wattage bulb or use a desk lamp.
8) Move your desk lamp to a spot where it doesn't reflect on the screen or shine on your eyes.
9) Attach a glare filter to your screen.
10) Mouse and keyboard should be placed below the elbow level preferably on an extension board. The chair should be provided with arm rests which can be used while typing for long hours.
11) Monitor should be turned slightly away and below the level of your eyes, like when you hold a book while reading.
And finally . . . Remember the 2020 rules
For every 20 minutes you work on computers
1) Stop and blink 20 times.
2) Focus on an object more than 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
3) Make sure you have 20/20 vision and wear glasses if required.
[end of sermon]
20/15 vision
Oh yes it was that time of the year (and in my case that time which comes once in 7 years) and I had to finally schedule an appointment with the eye doc. So I chose yesterday. It was Tuesday, a nice day, a day after Monday.
I was a bit apprehensive about the whole thing. Like I said it has been over 7 years since I went to the eye doc (the last time I went was for getting contact lenses affixed to my eyes, which is a long story that will have to wait for another day) and I was not sure what exactly lie in wait for me. I reached the doc's office well in time for my appointment and was told to wait. I waited for over an hour and in the process realized why people that visited a doc were called patients. We had to be patient and wait our turn. No point complaining about it. I finally got my turn and shuffled nervously into the doc's room. The doc looked cool enough while he reviewed my past reports and I managed a weak smile. He then proceeded to test me with a hundred different lenses one eye at a time. I realized that he no longer uses the alphabet and that I had to instead read out numbers. I guess this has something to do with the fact that with the alphabet he needs to have one set for each of the possible 50 odd languages that exist in India whereas the numbers, well the numbers are more or less universal.
After a long time switching lenses and trying to make me contradict myself, he finally chose a pair that seemed to have a particular liking for me. Relieved that the ordeal was finally over I managed to beam happily at him but that was shortlived. He announced that he would like to dilate my eyes and proceed to ring the bell for his assistant. The assistant came, shoved my head back and proceeded to squirt some liquid into my eyes. I was then told to wait. I then waited for about half an hour, most of which time was spent with my eyes closed (obviously because the liquid squirted into my eyes was hurting a lot) and some of which was spent looking at the world around me with liquid squirted eyes which made everything look pretty interesting.
Finally the doc called for me and proceeded to do something with a piece of equipment which basically was thrust into my face and which looked pretty empty but suddenly projected a three dimensional picture of a house at a distance. It then proceeded to take several photos of my eye which was surprised by the sudden apperance of a house. This was repeated with the other eye. Then the doc proceeded to tap away at his computer for some time while I sat twiddling my thumb.
After a period of contemplation he told me that I will need to change my glasses and that I was a victim of the Computer Vision Syndrome. Aha! I knew I was a victim of something. He then gave me a pamphlet on the syndrome. Well, simply put the "syndrome" was brought about by the fact that I was staring at a computer screen for long hours without blinking. He also advised me to use some eye drops at regular intervals to keep my eyes lubricated.
Thankful to get out of this in one piece, I left the place as jubilant as I could look with eyes that still had blurred vision due to the liquid being squirted into them.
I was a bit apprehensive about the whole thing. Like I said it has been over 7 years since I went to the eye doc (the last time I went was for getting contact lenses affixed to my eyes, which is a long story that will have to wait for another day) and I was not sure what exactly lie in wait for me. I reached the doc's office well in time for my appointment and was told to wait. I waited for over an hour and in the process realized why people that visited a doc were called patients. We had to be patient and wait our turn. No point complaining about it. I finally got my turn and shuffled nervously into the doc's room. The doc looked cool enough while he reviewed my past reports and I managed a weak smile. He then proceeded to test me with a hundred different lenses one eye at a time. I realized that he no longer uses the alphabet and that I had to instead read out numbers. I guess this has something to do with the fact that with the alphabet he needs to have one set for each of the possible 50 odd languages that exist in India whereas the numbers, well the numbers are more or less universal.
After a long time switching lenses and trying to make me contradict myself, he finally chose a pair that seemed to have a particular liking for me. Relieved that the ordeal was finally over I managed to beam happily at him but that was shortlived. He announced that he would like to dilate my eyes and proceed to ring the bell for his assistant. The assistant came, shoved my head back and proceeded to squirt some liquid into my eyes. I was then told to wait. I then waited for about half an hour, most of which time was spent with my eyes closed (obviously because the liquid squirted into my eyes was hurting a lot) and some of which was spent looking at the world around me with liquid squirted eyes which made everything look pretty interesting.
Finally the doc called for me and proceeded to do something with a piece of equipment which basically was thrust into my face and which looked pretty empty but suddenly projected a three dimensional picture of a house at a distance. It then proceeded to take several photos of my eye which was surprised by the sudden apperance of a house. This was repeated with the other eye. Then the doc proceeded to tap away at his computer for some time while I sat twiddling my thumb.
After a period of contemplation he told me that I will need to change my glasses and that I was a victim of the Computer Vision Syndrome. Aha! I knew I was a victim of something. He then gave me a pamphlet on the syndrome. Well, simply put the "syndrome" was brought about by the fact that I was staring at a computer screen for long hours without blinking. He also advised me to use some eye drops at regular intervals to keep my eyes lubricated.
Thankful to get out of this in one piece, I left the place as jubilant as I could look with eyes that still had blurred vision due to the liquid being squirted into them.
Sunday, April 17, 2005
WMP 10
Maybe its just me, but I'm through with using Windows Media Player 10 to manage my music. The software is so... hare-brained. It leaves files all over the place, it doesn't auto-sync with my Zen Xtra, it messes up tags and moves files to the wrong genres, ... I'm going right back to iTunes and Notmad Explorer to manage my digital music. Oh, I wish I had an iPod.
Monday, April 11, 2005
Zen Xtra fast forward / rewind
OK I found out how to do this. I need to press and HOLD the fast forward or the rewind button so that it goes forward or back within a track. If I just press and LET IT GO then it would just skip to the next track in the playlist. Talk about user intefaces... BTW I also upgraded to the latest firmware for the Zen Xtra last week. And that was a painful process as well which involved fiddling around with the Zen Xtra's reset button with a pointy edge of a pin.
Almost random thoughts
Alright its countdown time again. Just over 4 days to go for me to get my hands on a brand new Dell Axim X50v. The PDA comes with a lot of goodies the least of which is a brilliant color screen.
I upgraded to Windows Media Player 10 after a long wait. Looks pretty good and one thing I noticed immediately was that even video files of low resolution (320x320 or around that) I had downloaded earlier looked better even when the player was maximized to full screen. It also seems to have got sync facility with my Zen Xtra (this was one reason why I didn't upgrade earlier, after reading horror stories about how Media Player 10 and the Creative driver messed each other up, but now they seem to have cleaned up their act). But I still can't figure out how to make it auto-sync.
Talking about figuring out stuff, on the Zen Xtra I'm wondering why I can't find a skip option. That is, while its playing I cannot fast forward or rewind to a certain location in the track. This is almost a given on media players. Maybe I'm not looking at the right place...
BTW if anyone has a Yahoo 360 invite to spare please send me one. I can't wait to check it out.
Check out Google Maps - looks like a cool service in the making. Combines Google's "fuzzy search" with a Mapquest-like maps database and a Terraserver-like satellite database to create something that is pretty easy to use and fast. Just like the Google search.
For those that spend endless hours at the PC (or laptop) try WorkRave - I downloaded it now and it looks neat. A free program, it reminds you when to take a micro-break, coffee break and take off for the day.
And finally here's a new theme for Firefox called Phoenity.
I upgraded to Windows Media Player 10 after a long wait. Looks pretty good and one thing I noticed immediately was that even video files of low resolution (320x320 or around that) I had downloaded earlier looked better even when the player was maximized to full screen. It also seems to have got sync facility with my Zen Xtra (this was one reason why I didn't upgrade earlier, after reading horror stories about how Media Player 10 and the Creative driver messed each other up, but now they seem to have cleaned up their act). But I still can't figure out how to make it auto-sync.
Talking about figuring out stuff, on the Zen Xtra I'm wondering why I can't find a skip option. That is, while its playing I cannot fast forward or rewind to a certain location in the track. This is almost a given on media players. Maybe I'm not looking at the right place...
BTW if anyone has a Yahoo 360 invite to spare please send me one. I can't wait to check it out.
Check out Google Maps - looks like a cool service in the making. Combines Google's "fuzzy search" with a Mapquest-like maps database and a Terraserver-like satellite database to create something that is pretty easy to use and fast. Just like the Google search.
For those that spend endless hours at the PC (or laptop) try WorkRave - I downloaded it now and it looks neat. A free program, it reminds you when to take a micro-break, coffee break and take off for the day.
And finally here's a new theme for Firefox called Phoenity.
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Books anyone?
A friend recommended Rapid Development by Steve Mc Connell. The book looks good judging from the preview I got here.
So what did I do? I went and bought the book on Amazon.com. And that was my first Amazon.com buy. (fanfare) Alright, I'm a disgrace to humanity for not having bought anything from Amazon.com for so long. Well atleast I made a start now. And Amazon.com being what it is promised to give me free shipping to anywhere in the contiguous United States if I bought a Post-It Notes pack. So I went and bought that as well and now the book and a pack of 300 Post-It Notes are on their way to an undisclosed location in the USA from where they'll be sent via underground channels to India. Let me see if thats cheaper than asking Amazon to ship direct to here.
And while I was trying to add the book to my AllConsuming.net list I found that the service was down. Its a pity. I've posted a note there offering to help setup their server again. Lets see what happens.
So what did I do? I went and bought the book on Amazon.com. And that was my first Amazon.com buy. (fanfare) Alright, I'm a disgrace to humanity for not having bought anything from Amazon.com for so long. Well atleast I made a start now. And Amazon.com being what it is promised to give me free shipping to anywhere in the contiguous United States if I bought a Post-It Notes pack. So I went and bought that as well and now the book and a pack of 300 Post-It Notes are on their way to an undisclosed location in the USA from where they'll be sent via underground channels to India. Let me see if thats cheaper than asking Amazon to ship direct to here.
And while I was trying to add the book to my AllConsuming.net list I found that the service was down. Its a pity. I've posted a note there offering to help setup their server again. Lets see what happens.
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
About ActiveWords
Just one detail - I uninstalled it. It was too counter-intuitive (maybe I could not remember the 20000 words that an average human being could) and kept swallowing up my keystrokes at random leading to lots of frustration.
Administrivia
Yes yes, I know. I've taken to blogging once a month. Hopefully I'll remedy that soon but the fact that I'm posting at 1am in the night tells you what is going on with my life. No I am not suffering from insomnia, rather I have too much to do. But I shall never stop blogging - more power etc!
In other news, I pruned my blogroll (what you sent under the "Blogs I read" list on the right side) because my Bloglines list was getting too big (75 blogs at last count). So I went and bought FeedDemon. And I didn't regret it. Its worth every penny. This excellent program provides an Outlook like interface to read blogs in and has built-in support for podcasts! What more could one ask for? So henceforth I'll use FeedDemon for reading blogs and use Bloglines only to provide the blogroll on this site. And if you really want the list of all of the 75 blogs that I read regularly, then post a comment or email me and I'll send you the list.
There was something else that I wanted to post about but I forget.
In other news, I pruned my blogroll (what you sent under the "Blogs I read" list on the right side) because my Bloglines list was getting too big (75 blogs at last count). So I went and bought FeedDemon. And I didn't regret it. Its worth every penny. This excellent program provides an Outlook like interface to read blogs in and has built-in support for podcasts! What more could one ask for? So henceforth I'll use FeedDemon for reading blogs and use Bloglines only to provide the blogroll on this site. And if you really want the list of all of the 75 blogs that I read regularly, then post a comment or email me and I'll send you the list.
There was something else that I wanted to post about but I forget.
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