Urbin Technology » Internet

When Chatbots collide

Mark Urbin — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 15:37:30 +0000

This is what you get when you point chatbots at each other.

HT to my friend John for this one.

Filed under: Internet

Browser wars summed up

Mark Urbin — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 02:28:25 +0000

I recently “upgraded” to IE 9 on one of my systems. Remember that ”upgrade” doesn’t mean “better.”

This cartoon sums up the browser wars pretty damn accurately.

Filed under: Google, Internet, Microsoft

Google Plus

Mark Urbin — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 15:02:09 +0000

I like the circles concept of google plus. I’ve only been on a couple of days though and and just getting the hang of it.

If you are interested in it and want an invite, let me know.

Filed under: Google, Internet

Local backup of GMail

Mark Urbin — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 14:18:37 +0000

Wired has the details. I’m already using the Thunderbird method.

I’ll probably use the GetMail method on the linux box as well.

Filed under: Geek Skills, Google, Internet

50 Free Apps

Mark Urbin — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 01:25:15 +0000

Life Hacker listed their favorite 50 free apps.

Not a bad list, but I have to disagree with #29. I don’t use iTunes because I want to. It’s just the safest way to move data on and off my iPhone, including managing podcasts. The app itself is kludgey and locks up at the drop of a hat, any hat, anywhere.

There are some apps on the list I use and am quite happy with though.

Chrome, Google Apps, Thunderbird, GIMP, VLC, CCleaner, Skype, 7zip, Pandora, and PuTTy.

Overall a good list, worth checking out.

Filed under: Internet, IT

Tech Tip of the Day

Mark Urbin — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 02:34:56 +0000

This one comes from Crystal and is IMNSHO bloody well spot on!

I was just thinking: If you’re viewing the internet with Internet Explorer, you’re doing it wrong.

Yup, I’ve been using Opera, Firefox & Chrome for years. I tried using the IE the other day, and the thing just felt broken. Just bad UI experience.

Filed under: Internet

Hulu app for the iPad?

Mark Urbin — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 22:17:04 +0000

By way of Apple Insider, is this TechCrunch post about Hulu getting around the lack of flash support on the iPad/iPhone/iTouch by creating a dedicated app.

One rumor I’ve heard from an industry insider is that Hulu is working on an iPad-friendly version of its site that should be ready by the time the iPad hits the market. Hulu itself is still vague about its plans.

Hulu is a major source of online videos direct from the content providers (i.e. quality streaming videos instead of hacked, malware ridden stuff), so having it on the iPad will provide a lot of added value. I still hold that the apps customized to take advantage of the iPad will be a major factor in driving sales.

HT to Vodkapundit.

Filed under: Apple, Internet, iPad, tech rumors

More colleges using google for student email systems.

Mark Urbin — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:57:34 +0000

I reported just over a year ago, that Worcester State College replaced its Microsoft Exchange based email system for Google Apps for student email accounts.

According to the Google blog, they have a lot of company now. I see this sort of outsourcing of a basic IT function as a win for both the students and the colleges. The students are probably already used to the interface, so less of a learning curve for them and reduced training and support costs for the campus IT staff.

It also frees up the IT staff to focus on providing new services. Then there is the plus of less people using Exchange and Outlook. I’ve supported Exchange servers and Outlook lusers. Saving other IT people from that fate is a good thing IMNSHO.

Posted in Google, Internet, IT

Nifty nerd site of the day

Mark Urbin — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 19:07:09 +0000

Convert PDF files to MW Word.

Posted in Internet, IT

Remote PC Access

Mark Urbin — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 17:59:11 +0000

I setup remote PC access on a family member’s computer using gotomypc, and I have to say that it really was as easy as advertised. I tested it using my laptop and was able to connect, and transfer files, right off the bat. The interface is clean and simple to use.

One thing I’ve learned in my years in high tech, making things simple is hard work.

Posted in Internet, IT