Random Thoughts - Computers

Why I like vicious, anonymous online commenting...

ERTorre — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 14:09:08 GMT

...according to Matt Zoller Steiz at Salon.com:

http://www.salon.com/life/feature/2010/08/03/in_defense_of_anonymous_commenting/index.html

What the fuck does he know?!

Seriously, I'm squarely behind Mr. Steiz's comments. There are times I find myself laughing out loud at some of the more vulgar, opinionated (duh), and vicious comments on the web. Not that I may necessarily agree with said comments, but as Mr. Steiz puts it so eloquently:

(These anonymous comments) shows us the American id in all its snaggletoothed, pustulent glory, with a transparency that didn't exist before the Internet.

Thus, these anonymous comments DO at times give us an unfiltered look into people's raw opinions. But, are they an accurate measure of what people think or are they exaggerations posted more for effect? I suppose there lies the question and, maybe, the reason some really dislike these very same posts.

But like 'em or not, I suspect they're here to stay, despite the attempts of many websites to curtail them.

Apple's Rotten Response...

ERTorre — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 18:59:33 GMT

At the risk of sounding like another "Apple basher", I just wanted to point out this article that, I feel, is probably the clearest, best thought out opinion piece regarding the current controversy about the Apple iPhone 4, and Steve Jobs' response in particular:

http://www.newsweek.com/2010/07/16/apple-s-rotten-reponse.html

Apple, the company, has produced some truly wonderful items. But what has bothered me about the company is the fact that they seem to be creating a (for lack of a more elegant word) cult like mentality about their products. When they're released, whatever product it should be, the word is out that this product will be completely, truly, incredibly revolutionary. And many, many people have bought into this...cult. They stay in line for hours (if not days) for the most recent release of...whatever. And then they speculate and build up ideas of what's coming next, only to go through the whole procedure again when said new product finally is released.

Which pleases Apple -and the company's bottom line- to no end.

But with all success, there comes the risk of hubris, and if there's anything this current situation regarding the iPhone 4 has proven its that Mr. Jobs, and by extension Apple itself, may be victims of this malady.

Wanna play really sophisticated video games, but have a crappy computer?

ERTorre — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 12:27:55 GMT

Interesting article regarding a new internet gaming service that apparently can help you do just that:

http://www.slate.com/id/2257825/

A couple of interesting tech articles...

ERTorre — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:13:26 GMT

...both of which came from Salon.com.

First up, an article concerning the creativity -and perceived lack of acknowledgment from the community at large regarding this creativity- of video games:

http://www.salon.com/books/feature/2010/06/20/tom_bissell_extra_lives_interview_ext2010/index.html

I think the thesis is a valid one...are/can video games be "art"? With each new wave of games, one has to acknowledge that some serious creativity is behind certain works. Not all, mind you, but certainly more than a few. Some of the role playing games, in particular, show a great deal of ingenuity and beautiful artistry.

This second article is from a Mac "devotee" who is getting a little fed up of the whole Apple scene and is moving to Linux. His reasons for ultimately rejecting Apple hit pretty close to what it is about Apple that I don't particularly like. While friends were stating the joys of owning an Apple product and how evil/bad Microsoft was, I always felt that the two companies were more alike than dissimilar. And I felt that Apple, if anything, was a more closed system that forced its buyers to spend money on Apple approved/controlled products. The ultimate goal, which the author of the article notes, is a locked in system where Apple maximizes their profits and controls everything that comes in or goes out.

But you can read the article and decide for yourself...

http://www.salon.com/technology/dan_gillmor/2010/06/20/from_mac_to_linux/index.html

Nintendo: Apple products represent "the Enemy of the Future"

ERTorre — Fri, 07 May 2010 19:38:49 GMT

In case you haven't yet realized that computer/entertainment companies (and all companies, for that matter) view their competition as nothing less than villains to be dispatched, then take a look at this intriguing article:

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/technology/article7118570.ece

Like great Greek tragedy, one must always be on the lookout for too much hubris. I suspect the Nintendo quotes, regarding Sony's Playstation, might qualify.

But, like all things, time will tell.

Going to Israel? Have an iPad?

ERTorre — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 12:53:17 GMT

Then you may want to read this article:

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1983236,00.html

Seems iPads are being confiscated upon entry into Israel, and there seems to be no clear explanation as to why. So if you're planning a trip to that country and you posses an iPad, you may want to leave it behind...

...at least for now.

iPad rival...

ERTorre — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 12:43:40 GMT

A few days ago, it was iPad all the time. Bored the hell out of me.

Not that I'm a Luddite or anything...I love new technology in general, but based on some of the more cogent (ie non-hyped) analysis of the product, it appeared that the iPad was a device lacking many features that would make me interested in giving it a look see. Of course, with time and future generations of the product, I suspect the iPad will become something more worthy, but for now I just didn't see the need (the latest review of the iPad I've read can be found here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/04/12/1575521/60-second-review-apple-ipad.html).

A further complication, at least in my case, to fully enjoying Apple products is that, while I cannot argue about their quality, I find it difficult to swallow the whole hype machine that follows every new release. Apple fans don't make it easier, btw, spouting this "us vs. them" tirade. I've worked on Apple computers and PC computers, and while there was a notable difference at one time, there isn't one now (and am I one of the only people out there that didn't think Vista was that bad?! Guess I am!).

Anyway, competition for the newly created "tablet" market appears to be heating up quickly, with the following product, deviously named the "WePad" due to be released shortly:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/04/12/wepad-tablet-to-rival-ipa_n_534226.html

Facebook blamed for rise in...syphillis?!

ERTorre — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:57:00 GMT

Just goes to show...the more people you meet...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/24/facebook-syphilis-link-si_n_511683.html

How to suss out bad tach predictions

ERTorre — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:16:49 GMT

Fascinating article from Slate magazine concerning wrong headed predictions about the future, and why they might be made. Particularly interesting are the thoughts on Clifford Stroll's 1995 prediction that the internet wouldn't amount to anything:

http://www.slate.com/id/2246515/pagenum/all

11 Best video game sequels...

ERTorre — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:14:24 GMT

According to Entertainment Weekly:

http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20336031_20342707,00.html

Unlike movies, it appears that sequels to video games are just made to be "built upon". You have all the general ideas and, in some cases, sophisticated enough graphics that can be reused or simply tweaked (such as characters, scenarios, etc). A focus can be made, therefore, on expanding your original ideas. This is unlike the movies, where you essentially start from scratch with each new film.

(Btw, I'm enjoying Mass Effect 2. Never played the original, but love the sequel. Same goes with Uncharted in all respects...never played the original but loved the sequel. On the other hand, wasn't that big of a fan of BioShock and therefore am not so interested in the sequel. The visuals were stunning, but the game itself just didn't grab me. To each their own!).

(Btw Part 2: Some of the best "sequels" I ever played were the Ultima games. Thought the first (yes, I AM that old) was decent enough, but Ultima II, which I played in high school, absolutely blew me away. Years later, at which point they were up to Ultima VI or so, I revisited that game and couldn't believe how...primitive it was compared to what was out there. I know Ultima became an online experience, but haven't really followed it since that point).

> > >

Driver's license for the Internet?

ERTorre — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 21:48:19 GMT

This idea might prove to be a solution for many of the thornier issues regarding the internet:

http://curiouscapitalist.blogs.time.com/2010/01/30/drivers-licenses-for-the-internet/

It's been a while...a link to a Heather Havrilesky article...

ERTorre — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 15:18:45 GMT

I generally love her articles for Salon.com (her reviews of TV shows are never less than very clever...and sometimes brutally devastating).

Here, she ponders our current information age:

http://www.salon.com/entertainment/tv/frontline/index.html?story=/ent/tv/iltw/2010/01/30/frontline_digital_nation

Somewhat off topic, but it is something that's eating at me:

A few days ago Apple introduced the (very unfortunately named) IPad. There was much rejoicing among those present at Mr. Job's announcement, even if many critics subsequently found reason to complain about the machine's deficits.

But the thing that sent shivers down my spine was that Steven Jobs felt this machine would be a rival to other e-readers.

Those who read this blog, and I know the number vary wildly from day to day, do so, I hope, because I offer interesting links to interesting articles.

I am also an author of, to date, five works available on amazon.com (the link to them can be found on the upper right of this page).

For my latest novel, Mechanic, I decided to release it both in regular print and through Amazon's Kindle. I figured that would open up the possibilities of wider readership.

What I didn't realize was that it also opened me up...possibly...to the dreaded reality of illegal downloading. One day, either a google or bing search by me found one of those file sharing sites that allegedly had the book (in four different versions) there for download, and, according to the site, the novel was downloaded a little over 26,000 times. At $5.99 a pop for the legal download at Amazon, a purposely low price, it nonetheless means I'm out an awful large amount of money...

...if this is indeed the case. I haven't downloaded the files and can't help but wonder if indeed it is my book there, or someone simply labeled a file as such and posted who knows what in its place.

So, as I near completion of my latest novel (I'm hoping to finish it up in the next month) and will soon enough post it on Amazon, I'm left wondering if its worthwhile to offer the book via its Kindle services, or if by doing so I'm essentially slitting my own wrists.

Like the music industry, it appears the book market is also facing off against the juggernaut that is the internet.

Digital Piracy hits e-books

ERTorre — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 12:41:15 GMT

I suppose it was only a matter of time...

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/01/01/ebook.piracy/index.html

In many ways, its a terribly depressing time to be someone trying to make a living via creative endeavors such as music, art, or writing. While the internet and the technology related to it has afforded authors/musicians/artists a means of getting the word out about their works in a way that was impossible before (check out my very own ertorre.com for information about my books or art or whathaveyou!), the fact is that internet piracy and file sharing have also cost the same creative individuals plenty of residuals they should be making but are not.

I recall back in the stone age, ie at the dawn of the CD, when people noted how Pink Floyd's album The Dark Side of the Moon was a regular heavy hitting seller via records. Why? Because records eventually got scratched or developed hisses and pops and those who loved the album had no choice but to buy it over and over again to hear it as it was intended to be. When the CDs took over, word of continuing sales of that album all but ended, I suspect because now people were able to buy the beloved album once and not have to return to their local music store (remember those?!) to pick up a new, "clean" copy.

But with the internet and piracy, you don't even have to buy that album, or any album, should you be of the mind to simply "get it" free.

Movies have been appearing online, even before they reached the theaters (see the Wolverine film) and it comes as little surprise, given the rising popularity of e-books, that now novels are starting to show up.

My own novel Mechanic is available as an e-book via Kindle, but I've been reluctant to make my other novels available as well. And I've been debating whether to go that route with my new novel, which should be ready in the next couple of months.

The world changes quickly, and I suspect that this problem will only get bigger with time. The only real solution is for the authors/artists/musicians to find alternative ways to make up for the lost revenue...or hope for some future, better protection of their copyright material.

And now a look back at the video game industry...

ERTorre — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 12:57:22 GMT

...at least what happened the past year:

http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/2009-12-29-vidgames200929_ST_N.htm

Like the article I just posted regarding music in the past decade (you can assess it here), this article focuses on the general trends for the video game industry in the past year, where things were good and where things fell off.

Most fascinating to me is the fact that video games seem to be moving closer and closer to becoming "interactive movies". Batman: Arkham Asylum and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 were essentially first person movies (although the plot of Batman was a little easier to follow, IMHO, to that of Call of Duty, which veered into truly odd areas...did the airport scene really have to be there? And what's with all those betrayals...what were the characters' endgame?!).

Regardless of the quibbles, video games keep pushing the boundaries, and I'm certainly curious to see what comes next.

12 things that became obsolete this decade...

ERTorre — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 22:37:39 GMT

You mean my beeper was already obsolete?!? ;-)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/12/26/obsolete-things-that-expi_n_402674.htm

Pretty fascinating stuff. Just goes to show how technology is moving ahead...

Attack of the Show skewers Tony Hawk Ride

ERTorre — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 12:57:31 GMT

Now and again I try to catch Attack of the Show on G4. Its a breezy, fun show, mostly focused on new technology and/or entertainment with occasional forays into other topics. The hosts, Olivia Munn (not featured in this particular clip) and Kevin Periera are a delightful duo, and often make me laugh out loud during their (deliberately) cheesy skits.

This past week, Mr. Periera and Morgan Webb (co-host of X-Play on the same channel, a show devoted to reviewing video games), did a very funny trashing of Tony Hawk Ride, which, given this review, appears to be a pretty lame video game available for the holiday season.

Sometimes, the sadist in me loves a good skewering:

Will piracy crackdown bring iPod border checks?!

ERTorre — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:11:02 GMT

Fascinating article by Bob Sullivan:

http://redtape.msnbc.com/2009/12/laptop-computers-examined-by-border-guards-looking-for-pirated-software-ipods-seized-at-airport-security-lines-on-mere-suspi.html

On the one hand, I can understand the need to do something about copyright piracy. The fact is that right now, to many there is no reason at all to bother legally buying any music, and movie piracy is certainly on the rise. The amount of money both music and movie companies lose as a result of this is astronomical and, worse, may lead to less investment in future products and, thus, less for consumers to enjoy. I think I've said this before: Imagine if a new band with the potential to be, as the cliche goes, the "next" Beatles comes around, but because their initial album sells poorly, perhaps in part because of illegal downloading, the company supporting them decides to release them.

Similarly, why would a movie company invest millions of dollars into a film when profits diminish because people can illegally download the film often on the very day it is released into theaters? Worse, some films (Wolverine or the Ang Lee Hulk film) found their way online even before their official release!

HOWEVER, having said all that, some of the proposals being floated in the article linked above are, frankly, scary. I worry when agencies that are not in law enforcement are granted law enforcement privileges. While I doubt that there will be a "laptop and iPod" check at the borders (there are simply too many people with said items traveling each day), some of the other possibilities are no less chilling.

Then again, one is reminded of the myth of Pandora's Box. Once opened, its so very hard to close it again...

Google Street View: funny scenes caught on camera

ERTorre — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:53:17 GMT

Pretty funny...although...they're watching us...they're watching us!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/15/google-street-view-funny_n_357433.html

Framed for child porn - by a PC virus

ERTorre — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:38:26 GMT

Very scary stuff, this article, from msnbc.com:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33778733/ns/technology_and_science-security/

As if we don't have enough to worry about with regard to viruses or other malicious code on the net. Now one must be very careful that their computers don't pick up viruses whose function is to make it appear you're visiting and downloading child porn from the internet.

The end result can be, as it was for Michael and Robin Fiola (they're mentioned in the article) quite devastating.

Let's kill the OS ugrade disc

ERTorre — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:49:09 GMT

Rafe Needleman at CNET offers some great comments regarding all the upgrades that hit computer users every few years. He's prompted to write this article, of course, because of the brand new Windows 7.

Thus far I've upgraded several computers, mine and other family members (legally!!!) with the new Windows 7 and have had only one major/minor problem thus far. I'm happy with Windows 7, although I've noted before that Vista, at least to me, was never quite the clunky OS that others seemed to so intensely dislike. On the other hand, Windows 7 operates quicker and has a few interesting new features (my favorite is their much improved search function).

But, having said that, I'd be lying if I said that this version of Windows is some radically improved operating system. It is an improved, perhaps even much improved, version of Vista, but an improvement (not a complete reworking) nonetheless.

So why force us to pay for an upgrade?

And this is the crux of Mr. Needleman's article, which also goes after OS X Snow Leopard.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/10/30/upgrade.pricing/index.html

A little more on Windows 7

ERTorre — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 14:38:48 GMT

Rather short article that talks (briefly) about Windows 7, the latest version of the Windows operating system:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/10/24/windows7.tips/index.html

I upgrades my computers with the new system, and it was pretty easy. Only real problem was that my wireless HP printer driver had to be re-loaded. Because the software I had was outdated (it was for Vista but not Windows 7), I had to go to the HP website and download the latest driver software and then install it.

However, once that was done, all worked well.

Windows 7: 10 things that still need fixing

ERTorre — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:12:58 GMT

It seems most reviews have been kind regarding the upcoming (October 22nd!) release of the latest version of Windows, Windows 7.

MSNBC offers a list of 10 things they feel still need improvement:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33335161/ns/technology_and_science-tech_and_gadgets/

As I've said before, I might be one of the only people out there who hasn't had many problems at all with Vista. Nonetheless, I purchased Windows 7 a few months ago when it was being offered for the ridiculously low price of $49.99.

Now that its coming my way, I admit I'm a little nervous about upgrading my whole system. Gotta make sure to backup everything! ;-)

We'll see how it goes...

Digital "dirt" can haunt your job search

ERTorre — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:28:43 GMT

Another sign of the times. As the internet becomes more and more a part of one's life and world, the things you post online might both help...or hurt...you when searching for a job...

http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/worklife/10/12/cb.digital.trail.job.search/index.html

I suppose people who make their presence online should consider it what it is: A very public forum that almost anyone can see...should they wish to.

Sport related lawsuits against Electronic Arts

ERTorre — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 20:59:30 GMT

Fascinating piece here regarding the recent spate of lawsuits against Electronic Arts, particularly involving their various sport games, which feature likenesses of various people who apparently didn't offer permission for the company to use them...

Instant boot ups

ERTorre — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:51:31 GMT

Interesting article from CNN, although I suspect the subject matter is rather obvious:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/10/05/computers.bootup.speed/index.html

Yes, believe it or not, computer manufacturers are trying to cut down on the initial boot up time for computers. You know, the time between turning the computer on and being able to actually use it.

Myself, I don't mind the wait. It runs to maybe a minute or so and I'm a fairly patient man. Still, I can see others who want to get on right now, and sit impatiently before their computer while it works through its routines.

I suspect that minor wait will eventually be gone, just as the article notes.

Wikipedia tries to be more trustworthy

ERTorre — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 13:05:17 GMT

Interesting video via CNN about Wikipedia's attempt to legitimize its information.

A note: I like Wikipedia, but I've heard the horror stories so when I use the website, I try to make sure the information I'm looking for is more "dry" and hopefully, less prone to mischief. However, considering the vast amount of information offered relatively easily, I hope the service cleans up the kinks and makes itself even better than it already is as a source of general information.

Illegal books through Kindle

ERTorre — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 13:25:06 GMT

A while back Amazon.com came under some fire for soliciting/selling illegal copies of legitimate books through their electronic Kindle service and, more importantly, the way they dealt with the problem.

They dealt with the problem by remotely "deleting" copies of the books in all the users Kindle machines (those, obviously, that paid and downloaded the surely unknown to them illegal copies).

Anyway, Amazon is making restitution. Better late then never:

http://scitech.blogs.cnn.com/2009/09/04/amazon-returns-deleted-kindle-books/

Batman: Arkham Asylum

ERTorre — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:53:51 GMT

Based on the Amazon.com reviews (check them out here), I seem to be in the majority regarding my delight with the new Batman: Arkham Asylum video game. It's been a while since I bought any computer games, and in the past two weeks I've purchased two: Wolfenstein (two weeks ago) and Batman: Arkham Asylum (last week).

Wolfenstein comes from the company that once electrified the gaming world with their DOOM games. Alas, Wolfenstein, while fun, is more of the same, without much new (at least that I've stumbled upon).

B:AA, on the other hand, is everything the hype lead you to believe it would be. This is a MASSIVE game, with games within games within games, and a storyline that would make any comic book fan happy.

If there is one quibble, it is this: The game seems to want desperately to be an "R" rated version of Batman. However, its obvious that editorial decisions were made to not go quite that far, but at times the boundary is skirted, and it is jarring. Now, I could be wrong, but didn't one of the characters at one point referred to Harley Quinn as a "bitch"? Not the worst word in the vocabulary, but still...

Also, there's a segment where Dr. Zsasz holds a female doctor hostage. He has a knife to her neck and, if as Batman you don't take him out the right way, the game abruptly shifts to the Joker laughing and noting Dr. Zsasz killed his hostage. But the graphic shift is so abrupt that I can't help but wonder if the programmers made that grisly death sequence, then wisely chose to...uh...cut it out. Granted, this sequence (if indeed it ever existed) may have been removed, but you're still left to imagine the gory details of what just occurred. Only seconds later, when you successfully get past this point, the same hostage character meets an explosive end, and this one is presented visually.

Further, there are many dead people on the grounds (police) as well and a fitting sense of horror given that we're trapped in an asylum.

So, I recommend the game, but would caution parents regarding allowing their younger ones to play. This is most certainly not the Batman animated show come to life.

Top 10 odd ebay auctions

ERTorre — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:08:45 GMT

This list comes from Time Magazine, and more than a few of the entries are doozies.

Particularly liked the first one, on the link below, as well as the camera that featured some rather...interesting...images still on its memory card:

http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1918340_1918344_1918380,00.html

Out today: Batman: Arkham Asylum

ERTorre — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:30:07 GMT

It's not often I'm intrigued with video game releases. I tend to enjoy the car racing games (Paradise City and, more recently, Midnight Club are favorites).

But I also enjoy the first person action/adventure type games, and today arrives one that is very anticipated, Batman: Arkham Asylum.

http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/2009-08-24-batman-arkham-game_N.htm

My understanding is that the platform version to get is the one for the PS3, for that one features one option the others (XBox, PC) don't have: The ability to play as Batman's nemesis, The Joker.

Interestingly enough, after nearly a year or so of not buying any first person games, I'm in the position of buying two in two weeks. Last week I picked up Wolfenstein, the latest version of that old WWII action game (I played the very first version of that game way, way back in the early 1980's on an Apple II. For its time, it was a stunning achievement). So far, that game is pretty good, although I would further add that there's nothing terribly different about it compared to, say, the previous Wolfenstein game that appeared a couple of years back.

Then again, I'm still in the early levels! ;-)

Most dangerous celebrity search name

ERTorre — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:18:06 GMT

A while back I posted a link to an article about the most dangerous searches (or some such) one could make online. The results and links presented after the search usually yielded many links to sites that could have either virus or malware waiting to pounce on your computer.

I found a similar article this morning, this one focusing on the "celebrity" with the most dangerous search name. ie, look her up on Google or Bing or Yahoo and, as a result, you'll find plenty of potentially dangerous websites presented.

The celebrity? Jessica Biel. You've been warned!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32533198/ns/technology_and_science-security/

50 Best Websites of 2009

ERTorre — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 12:47:58 GMT

Time magazine offers their take on the top fifty websites of this year, starting with the one presented in this link (scroll down for the link to the other 49):

http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1918031_1918016,00.html

Interesting choices, and some worthy of investigating!

Undecided upon upgrading to Windows 7?

ERTorre — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:53:05 GMT

The article below offers seven reasons to do so:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/08/19/microsoft.windows7.pros/index.html

As I've noted before, I must be one of the very few people who had practically no problem at all with Microsoft's Vista. However, early word is that Windows 7 is (according to many of those naysayers) a much better system.

I'll see in October!

Judge orders Microsoft to stop selling Word

ERTorre — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 12:42:07 GMT

Fascinating article from USA Today regarding a tiny company, Toronto-based i4i (30 employees), who have won a ruling that "Microsoft violated an obscure patent related to Extensible Markup Language or XML." Further: the judge in the case "order(ed) Microsoft to pay $290 million in fines and stop selling Word in the U.S. in 60 days."

I suspect there are many Apple users out there cheering any misfortune that falls to Microsoft (seriously, why all the hate? I've used Windows and Apple and the difference between the operating systems used to be noticeable, but now its minimal), but consider this, the final sentences from the article (the emphasis on the very last bit is mine):

No one expects Microsoft to actually pull Word off the market. It's a big company with deep pockets that has faced many legal challenges over the years. It could win the appeal, settle with i4i, or even buy out the company.

The article follows:

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2009-08-12-microsoft-lawsuit_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip

Laser Mapping of Mount Rushmore

ERTorre — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 13:28:02 GMT

Around the time Myst first appeared, it occurred to me that the technology was finally arriving wherein we could recreate different historical places and immerse viewers in an interactive view of past landmarks. I could see people walking the streets of a digitized ancient Rome or Athens, walking the decks of the Titanic or stepping into the Hindenberg. Perhaps one day I can finally "walk" through the 1939-40 New York World's Fair and even enjoy some of the rides. Afterwards, I might just take a stroll through the streets of 1939 New York...

I mention this because a company is laser mapping Mount Rushmore (they have laser mapped other historical areas, and interesting video of their previous work is included in this link)

I find the whole thing absolutely fascinating. Granted, the folks involved in this are mapping current conditions, but maybe one day...

http://news.aol.com/article/cyark-laser-mapping-of-mount-rushmore/598753?icid=main|htmlws-main|dl1|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fnews.aol.com%2Farticle%2Fcyark-laser-mapping-of-mount-rushmore%2F598753

Apple tries to boost ITune music sales

ERTorre — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 17:11:40 GMT

An interesting article regarding Apple's attempts to boost their ITunes music sales. Something about a new computer focusing on this, perhaps like the Amazon Kindle?

For those curious:

http://247wallst.com/2009/07/27/apples-aapl-plan-to-pump-up-itune-sales/

Curious about Windows 7? Looks like its just about ready...

ERTorre — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 12:08:26 GMT

I must be one of the only people in the world that hasn't had any big (or even little) problems with Microsoft Vista. Nonetheless, the early word on Windows 7 (note how Microsoft is forever banishing the world "Vista" with this title...this operating system, after all, could have been called Vista 2.0, had Vista been popular! ;-)) is a good system that improves on Vista and offers a quicker running platform.

I already pre-ordered my copy when it was first available for the cheap price of $50, but if you want it now, you're going to have to pay the full price.

Regardless, for those curious about Windows 7, the article follows:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/07/23/cnet.microsoft.windows/index.html

Facebook at 5: Will it still be around five years from now?

ERTorre — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:43:22 GMT

Interesting article about Facebook, which is now in its fifth year of operation and, in turn, all the other social network type websites.

Facebook has an incredible amount of traffic and users. However, the bottom line with this business, as with every business out there, is how much revenue it produces. How much profit has Facebook made to date?

Apparently none at all.

What are the odds that Facebook still exists five years from now?

http://www.newsweek.com/id/207843

World's greatest music service?

ERTorre — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 18:28:46 GMT

It's called Spotify and, as noted in the article below, is only available in England. It sounds really, really good, and may lead to a decline in illegal downloading of music.

Maybe.

http://www.slate.com/id/2223018/

I've used Pandora Radio (http://www.pandora.com) and found it a fun streaming service. I'm curious about Spotify. But, until it shows up in the U.S...

Microsoft Office 2010...coming soon

ERTorre — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:52:38 GMT

I'm a fan of Microsoft Office (and I'm not being paid to say that! ;-)), so I'm curious to see what's new with the product in its 2010 version. I've read that Microsoft plans to release a "free" version on the web, but that more features will be available (natch) on the paid version. Here's one article about the upcoming release:

http://blogs.usatoday.com/technologylive/2009/07/microsoft-unveils-office-2010.html?poe=HFMostPopular&loc=interstitialskip

While this article focuses on the "free" part:

http://www.pcworld.com/article/168306/office_2010s_free_web_versions_fend_off_google_docs.html