Gartner: Windows 7 is 'all but inevitable'

ZDNET is a great source of information and Mary-Jo Foley comes up with some great news and insights. In this article she discusses Gartner’s opinion and the support of that opinion that we need to begin working towards the “inevitable” new desktop operating system, Windows 7.

Gartner: Windows 7 is 'all but inevitable'

Gartner Group analysts are telling business users that they should look at Windows 7 as an "all but inevitable" Windows release. Here's what else Gartner is advising corporate users, regarding when, how and if to move to Microsoft's latest Windows release. Read more

Your Kindle can't do this, local library ebooks now available on the Sony Reader | The Mobile Gadgeteer | ZDNet.com

I love reading but I do so either with an electronic book or I listen to them from my downloads from Audible. Here is a listing of libraries that have registered themselves with Sony Library Finder that carry both audio and electronic books.

I wonder if we are truly headed towards the ability to get all our literature from our local libraries or is this just a part of my very long wish list. The big news this week was Google’s announcement of their making available over 1 million books in the ePub format. EPUB is an open-source format that is readable on a slew of devices, including Sony and Plastic Logic readers, the iPhone, and Google Android. Prior to this news release they were only available in PDF format. Take a look at Google books.

Many people still like the touch and feel of a real book and that is their favorite method of reading a book. But there is something to being able to pick up you SmartPhone, or Ebook Reader and begin reading a book where you left off. This is definitely something to think about. I have been playing with Stanza on my iPhone and the interface is very nice and with the flick of finger I am turning pages with a graphic response that is enjoyable to watch.

So my question that I pose is whether this a way for our local Libraries to maintain patronage, along with their brick and mortar and books in paper formats or is this something that is going to go to centralized storage repositories that can maintain the traffic for downloading requests that might someday be required?

I do love my local libraries, the helpfulness of the library personnel, and the beauty of the physical books on the shelves. I would hate to see this disappear into the ether(net) totally.

Your Kindle can't do this, local library ebooks now available on the Sony Reader | The Mobile Gadgeteer | ZDNet.com

How far has technology made inroads into your life?

I am laying here on our back porch, a little before 10:00 on a Friday evening, my feet up, cocktail at hand, in my hammock. All non-tech so far, but I have my earplugs in, listening to a computer generated playlist of songs, coming to me wirelessly over my home wireless network connection using my cell phone to access it, typing this column on a netbook, connected through the same network back to the internet. Now, is this just a little geeky or is it the place we are all heading.

I was thinking to myself, should  I go downstairs and work on a project, finish installing my I7, or watch some HULU, or catch up on some more podcasts. Or, I could jump in the pool and just take a late night swim and then do any of the above, later… Life can be so terrible, don’t you know.

I was thinking  about how I was able to interact during a meeting I was at this morning, passing along my responses to conversations that I was having with people, doing on the spot research to questions that came up and making sure the people that needed it had the exact information we were talking about. I was able to send them the information so that when they got back to their offices after the meeting, all the information that we spoke about was already there waiting for them to work with right away.

One of the negatives with all of this is that you always want to have that technology at your finger tips, no matter where you are and what you are  doing. You begin to feel lost when you don’t have a connection to the Internet. You begin to wonder what everyone else is doing, and how on earth they are doing it without your input. Just Kidding!

So, if I were to answer the question about how technology has become a big part of my life, well, I guess I have to be honest and say that yes, it is a big part. I love to interact with it. The ease of even, writing this, knowing that with a single mouse click it becomes available for anyone who wants to read it, to read it. The ease of correcting, changing and rearranging my thoughts. The wonderful backspace key that allows me to retract a thought, a misspelling or a completely air headed thought. 

The real fun though, is that I can let it sit until tomorrow morning and say, What were you thinking or I can just let it go and pay the consequences. Or, I can come back later and alter any portion of this as I please. Is technology a big part of life, please…. How about yours?

You are in your car, driving along and then you hear: DING!

Resist… Don’t reach for your smart phone. Don’t take your life and those of you fellow travelers to risk.  DON”T TEXT WHILE DRIVING! Don’t read your email. Don’t become one of those accident statistics. Just say NO!

What is focusing my attention with this tirade is the recent release of a Web Video showing four deaths caused by a young driver who was texting while driving. A debate is raging what the best method of curbing distractions while driving in the U.S.

Many states are considering or have passed laws that ban texting while driving, using your phone at all while driving or even touching your phone while driving. Some experts think that dramatic videos like the 4 minute video produced by local police in Gwent, Wales, in the UK can have an impact in educational settings, especially with young drivers.

17 States and District of Columbia have already banned texting while driving. There are some  initiatives in play  towards educating users on the dangers of the different types of distractions that could cause accidents. A good article in Computerworld today talks about general overview of the problems and what is being done to prevent this real problem. Take a quick look.

The parting statement from the Chief Inspector of the Gwent Police site is very compelling:

Chief Inspector John Pavett from Gwent Police Roads Policing Unit hopes the serious message in this film will hit home to viewers:

“Making and receiving calls and texting whilst driving is still happening on roads not just in Gwent but all over the country.  Seeing a scenario, like the one Cassie goes through, played out right before your eyes makes you realise how extremely dangerous it can be and what devastating consequences it can have.

“I hope that after watching this film motorists will think twice before picking up their mobile phone when behind the wheel and realise that a quick reply to a text message or answering a phone call is never worth putting theirs and other people’s lives at risk.”

It is totally amazing how a simple little electronic device can become such a central part or your life…

Three weeks ago we, meaning Computer Connections, finally bit the bullet and moved everyone over to AT&T (yeah I know) and finally got us into the smart phone race. Some of us got Samsung units running MS Mobile OS and a couple of us got the Apple iPhone 3GS’s. Being one of the lucky ones I began taking a look at what this Apple device could do for me.

First, I don’t know how I lived without the connectivity to all of my mail accounts. I guess I just ignored them and every so often visited to clean up the outdated things that were sitting there. Well they have never been so clean as they are now. One of the benefits (or if my wife is talking to you, one of the problems), of having access to so much is that you can keep up with and react sooner to the things that come across your table, so to speak. I have five fairly active accounts that I use for different purposes and now they are really doing what I set them up for. It sure makes managing the data a lot more easy than it ever was before.

The unexpected difference is that I now actually use the phone. The big joke in the company was how little I used the phone function of the my old Nextel. I used it more as a walky-talky then any of its phone functions. Now, I tend to use it more to even talk to customers because the phone list from my Outlook contacts is right there on the phone. It makes it so easy to call, email and text to whomever I need to.

It didn’t take long to get used to the keyboard, and even though my old arthritic thumbs can’t do the job, like my young counterparts do typing away, my one finger peck is getting pretty fast and furious. All I can say is thank goodness for spell check.

Another feature I just can’t do without is the iTunes podcast functions. Almost everyone is publishing to iTunes so it's easy to pick up on someone you are interested in. This feature became so important early on that I switched the radio in my car to a Sony that supports Bluetooth so I can broadcast both audio and my phone through the radio connection. While my Garmin’s microphone had better noise cancellation then the Sony mike does, it still does pretty good when the top is up on the convertible.

The last feature that I want to talk about is something I am using as I sit hear on the back porch hammering this article out. The Apps that are available for free and at small prices gives so much more value from your phone. I am listening to one of my Pandora channels right now and am totally enjoying this extra thing that the iPhone brings to the total experience.

If you have been reading my articles lately you may have seen some of the reviews of products that I have been testing and begun using in my daily life. I am amazed at how integral this little pocket size electronic wonder has become in my life. Having the world that I work always at my finger tips gives me a little more edge in the things that I try to keep on track with. Hopefully I won’t become like the much laughed crackberry users with this, but I’m sure that I will be working may way there all too quickly.

The nine new rules of media - SmartPlanet

An interesting article to ear mark and keep in the back of your mind. As a member of the horde of online bloggers that are out there it is important to keep in mind that the number one thing that will bring people back to your site is quality content that helps them in their world, whether that is a business world or just a personal one. That has always been one of my goals in producing the content that I do on this blog site. We all go through periods when our content is not as interesting as it could be, but if you write about what interests you or compels you to discuss on a topic then some of that excitement can’t help but show up on what your post.

Anyway, I post some items because I just want to come back to them as a reference point in the future as well. And if I want them, well, maybe they might be interesting enough to you as well.

The nine new rules of media - SmartPlanet

Now You See It, Now You Don’t… We Didn’t Make It disappear!

Both Apple and AT&T are denying that they took down Google’s Google Voice Application to the FCC. A recent article in PCWorld discusses the hearing and the results, none that the FCC commented on. Read more:

Apple Denies Rejecting Google Voice for iPhone - PC World

It amazes me how so many companies can get away with some of the things that they do and in Apple’s case not get the smear of it. However, I think that we are beginning to see some of this “Apple never does anything wrong” attitude wearing thin.

I have been reading and listening to many different comments from people who are of the same opinion that Apple has become more Monopolistic than Microsoft ever was/is. They have been able to duck under scrutiny because their market share has been so minor but in some of their products now, iPod/iPhone, they are the clear winner and have the majority of market share. If they are controlling what can be put on their products by consumers who own those products isn’t that a  little over handed?

Back to the article. AT&T denies that it has any role in Apple’s App Store products, but does concur that their “contractual agreement forbids Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) applications from reaching the App Store unless AT&T agrees.” "From time to time, AT&T has expressed concerns regarding network efficiency and potential network congestion associated with certain applications, and Apple takes such concerns into consideration," Apple said.

The bigger issue I believe is the program’s SMS capabilities that bypass AT&T’s billing mechanism which is  a huge money maker for them. PCMag repots:

AT&T seemed most concerned about revenue and network traffic issues in its reply to the FCC today. "Both parties required assurances that the revenues from the AT&T voice plans available to iPhone customers would not be reduced by enabling VoIP calling functionality on the iPhone," admitted the carrier. "AT&T's wireless service agreement prohibits subscribers from engaging in uses that cause extreme network capacity issues or interference with the network."

All of this makes more sense to me. From a business stand point I see their concerns. From a consumer, I would like my choice. We are paying for services on our phone connection, voice and data, shouldn’t I be allowed to use the data side the way that I want, as long as I am using it for legal purposes? It shouldn’t matter what the data content is, as long as it is not of illegal nature. We pay for a certain amount of bandwidth not function. And while we are on this subject, how about tethering? This is just another form of data/bandwidth usage. We shouldn’t be band from this either, should we? Sorry AT&T if you haven’t built up your infrastructure to allow function, but if you can’t provide the service then maybe you shouldn’t be selling it as a service.

I love TechCrunch’s comment:

Whatever the reasons, it sucks, and as Jason Kincaid says, what's really troubling about this rejection is that it appears that "Apple is now actively stifling innovation." And the whole black box app approval process doesn't exactly alleviate that sinking feeling either. After all, if Google doesn't stand a chance, how does anybody else?

Technology Podcasts that I Love…

We here the question a great deal about how on earth we keep up on all the new products, techniques and other gadget related things that we do on a daily basis. Most of us hear at Computer Connections fill our free time by listening to podcasts that are free to download to your computer or media player, like and iPod, iPhone or Zune. I like the Zune to listen collect and listen to podcasts because of the ease of setting up subscriptions for downloading to the device and the menuing system on it as well. However, I do like the iPhone interface as well.

AppJudgement – A Revision3 property, I just found this podcast this week and I am thoroughly enjoying the comparisons of the different applications available for our smart phones. If you have just acquired a smart phone or you are a long time owner, I think that you will find these shows very informative and help you decide the best applications for your phone for the way that you use it.

Buzz Out Loud – I have been listening to this podcast for years and find it a great way to keep up on daily news. They are part of CNet and CBS News and provide a very good discussion of current technology news topics that are informative and easy to listen to. They have gone to a new format now that has several of their personalities sharing reporting responsibilities on different days of the week.

Diggnation – These guys are real goofs but they can be a lot of fun. If strong language turns you off then don’t watch, it is not kind on your ears. But if you can get past that, then they do present some interesting technical and non-technical news each week.

The Real Deal – This is another CNet property and is a great source for tech products, gadgets and how to’s on fixing and using your machines.

Security Now – Leo Laporte is considered one of the godfathers of podcasting and he hosts quite a few shows that you might be interested in. This one he hosts with Steve Gibson and discusses security issues that could affect your equipment. A good technology  filled show not real good for beginners.

Tech Stuff – This is a great show that discusses how things work in the technology world. Titles like How MP3 files work, How Cloud Computer Works are examples of the type of topics that are presented.

Tekzilla – Another Revision3 product another technology show that runs the gamut of How To and What is new in the technology world. They have a long list of subjects that they discuss that I am sure you will find something that will interest you. Hosted by Patrick Norton and Veronica Belmont.

This Week in Google (TWIG) – Leo Laporte, Gina Trapani and Jeff Jarvis. Brand new and only on its third episode as I am writing this, this podcast is again hosted by Leo and has two other hosts on that discuss the things going on in the “Internet Cloud”. Likes and dislikes, news and some hints on how to do things on the internet and with internet applications. If you are into computers you are starting to see the trend towards internet hosted applications and this show tries to makes some sense of it all.

This Week In Tech (TWIT) – Another Leo Laporte/TWITTV broadcast that has Leo hosting with different sub hosts each week. The people that he has on the show with him are all of the different reporters and developers from the technology world. Great info and very enjoyable to listen to.

Windows Weekly – Leo Laporte and Paul Thurrott get together weekly to talk about Microsoft related products. Whether it software (operating systems, office applications and programming), web based applications and services (Live, MSDN) or hardware (Zune, Xbox) there is a lot going on here that you can find useful if Microsoft touches your world.

These are just a few of the Programs that I use to keep myself informed. Of course there are so many other media sources that we use as well that are too numerous to talk about here. But if ever gave a thought about wanting to find a source for leaning more about your computers and other things, here is a great place to start.

Study: Facebook use fuels jealousy, hurts relationships

I thought twice, maybe even three times before I posted this. It always amazes me that people want to look everywhere but within for the solutions to the problems in their lives.  So….

This study shows that people need to stop looking for others to supply all of their self worth, and to start looking looking within themselves for this reassurance. If your relationship isn’t strong enough with your significant other to be a driving force in your relationship than maybe you are in the wrong relationship. To blame a software program for causing a relationship problem is the same as blaming any kind of distraction as the cause of the breakdown in your relationship instead of going to the source of the problem, you. You have the sole control of your side of all of your relationships. You can’t control anyone else but yourself, so do your best, put your best foot forward. and lead by example. Remember the Golden Rule. Life can be good if you work on making it so. So….

Study: Facebook use fuels jealousy, hurts relationships

Three Smart Technologies to Ease Work/Life Chaos - Smarter Strategies

This is a very interesting article discussing the balances between work and life experience.  It mentions an article written by Forrester Research that suggests the argument that we may all be heading into a vortex of nonstop work.  This article suggests that IT may be a source that can save us from this fate.

I happen to be one of the lucky guys that has a job that also has many roots in the ways that I enjoy my life.  I love and embrace the technology that invades my life and use it for enjoyment as well as help me get my job done.  Technology is so ensconced in my life I really don't know what I would do if you were to strip it from me.  Everything that I do at work and in most of the things at home use electronics and/or software, that they cannot be separated from each other.  Only when I'm doing gardening, cleaning the pool or some other small chores around the house do I escape from technology.  The rest of the time I embrace it because I enjoy it so much.

So back to the article.  The gist of it is that with IT's help, there are several things that you can do to help provide less frustration and keep all your balls successfully in the air.  By implementing job related tools that are available wherever and whenever you need them, you allow people to become more efficient which also gets them back to their personal lives.  The need to access data and ability to communicate with people no matter where you are has become one of the “a must have” functions. As information workers, we need access to corporate data whenever and wherever we are.  Implementing remote access to central information sources is vital.  The access to these services needs to be available 24/7.  The good news is that these technologies are available for implementation and all you need are the finances and the help of a knowledgeable technology professional to get them implemented.

It is funny how in my home office I've been able to set up an environment that includes both office functionality and personal entertainment.  And as I watch myself on the weekends, I see how easy it is for me to switch back and forth between the things I enjoy doing for myself as well as those things that are necessary for the job.  It is also interesting to see those things that have a foot firmly planted in both areas and how they give me a sense of accomplishment as well as enjoyment with all things that I do at the keyboard.  If you focus on the technologies that can enhance your work experience, and you can have a better handle on creating less of a blur of loan line between your life and work.  Good luck, and be successful in both life and happiness.

Three Smart Technologies to Ease Work/Life Chaos - Smarter Strategies

Windows 7 Delivery for Netbooks

There is a lot of worry about how Microsoft is going to deliver Windows 7 to Netbooks that don’t have built-in optical drives. I personally question why this is such a problem. If the operating system is delivered on an optical drive, just take the DVD to  a machine that has a DVD player on it and copy the contents of the disk to a USB Flash Drive. I have made complete article available on how to make a USB drive bootable and to install Windows 7 from a Flash Drive. My experience so far with our customers is that the NetBook is usually not their only computer and that they have another computer available to them. If not try going to your local library. They have computers and they will probably let you do the transfer from the optical disk to a USB Drive if you explain what you need to do.

I know this is an extra step that you probably wish you didn’t have to take, but let’s be reasonable. If you own a NetBook you are either computer savvy already, or, who ever set it up for you is, and will be able to accomplish this for you. This is not the end of the world as some people would have you believe or a very big deal at that… Come on people get real…

About new things and other thoughts…

I am sitting here going through my emails this evening, and it occurred to me that we have really gotten lazy or I have extremely high expectations of my fellow human beings. When I see comments come across the internet asking why companies are upgrading products and making them better, faster and more usable (my definition), I wonder just how lazy and complacent we have become. Don’t you want to progress, learn and become better at what you do? Don’t you want your tools that you use day in and day out to help you to make your job easier and more productive? I can’t understand the attitude of people that look at every possible step forward as something to disdain and fight with all their might. All that energy wasted on trying to stop normal progression when just a small amount of effort will get them to the next level. Hey! Don’t become the Neanderthal in your work group. Embrace, learn and become the better person.  Such a simple thing and so hard for some of us to do. Sorry about the Rant. but if it hits home it sure is worth it!

I look at the skill sets that we all need to have in our jobs and wonder when it was in my youth that I learned that I was going to be a student for the rest of my life. This is something that we all need to realize. In all honesty I can’t wait until the day that I retire and can begin the next part of my life. Because, you see, work sometimes gets in the way of the learning. It is funny how this can happen. There can be so much fun, amazement and improvisation with all these tools that so many magnificent minds provide us. When you begin to allow learning to become fun, then you have finally allowed all of life’s amazing wonders to fill your soul. Let it. You will be amazed at the outcome.