[TIPS] Stop what you're doing and watch this!

http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/224 This will change EVERYTHING we know about our life in our solar system. It will change the way our earth and space teachers teach. This is... almost beyond words in its leap into the future and what it does for our understanding of the universe. Here is the descriptive paragraph from the Ted site itself: "Science educator Roy Gould and Microsoft's Curtis Wong give an astonishing sneak preview of Microsoft's new WorldWide Telescope -- a technology that combines feeds from satellites and telescopes all over the world and the heavens, and weaves them together holistically to build a comprehensive view of our universe. (Yes, it's the technology that made Robert Scoble cry.)" (http://scobleizer.com/2008/02/27/what-made-me-cry-microsofts-world-wide-telescope/)...

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More spelling and grammar information from Word

I doubt many people do not make use the spellchecking facility in MS Word. Most people probably run a grammar check too. Nevertheless, few people will use Word's readability statistics report.To switch this report on, open the 'Tools' menu in Word and click on 'Options', select the 'Spelling & Grammar' tab, tick the 'Show Readability Statistics' box, and click 'OK'.Now, when you click on the 'Spelling and Grammar' button (shown left), Word will go through any errors it finds in the selected text, or the whole text if none is selected, and then it will show you the 'Readability Statistics' report.This report is particularly useful to anyone...

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Posted in: Word Processing

[TIPS] Open PD

http://drapestakes.blogspot.com/2008/02/openpd-what-why.html   Darren Drapper (The guy behind the “Paying Attention” video) has been conducting Open Professional Development sessions for some time. He uses the social tools to teach ABOUT the social tools and it’s been an amazing success, with people from around the world tuning in to participate.   That link includes a video he just released that talks about this efforts and includes clips from those who have been participating.   Something to think about… we’ve got the tools to collaborate and learn ANYTIME and ANYWHERE. When we think about education in 100 years will it be some form of this model? ...

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[TIPS] Google going wiki?

This just in... http://www.ncs-tech.org/?p=1170 Two things about this post. First, there's the google sites news itself. This looks incredible! Note the google pages site - this is... well, read Jarrett's post and then go check it out for yourself. The second thing about this is how I first heard about it. I went to Twitter to find someone to ask a question and I read his "tweet" about this post. Y' gotta luv it!!!...

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[TIPS] Another GREAT assignment

I’m a lucky man – for many reasons. But one reason is that I’ve been lucky enough to have found some excellent blogs written by some excellent educators. I’ve written about Anne Smith before. I won’t bother linking to all the posts I’m written that mentioned her and her students. But, here’s another great assignment that she gave to her students.   http://learningandlaptops.blogspot.com/2008/02/self-portraits.html   English teachers, take note of this one. I’d LOVE to hear what you think about it. Send it along to your favorite English teacher. I think they’ll appreciate the thought.   Anne’s post also pointed me to another teacher’s blog and I really enjoyed this post: http://21cgaffney.blogspot.com/2008/02/my-guilty-conscience.html   See what you think.  ...

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LiveScribe Pulse Smartpen-Language Translation

I have made several posts about the LiveScribe Pulse Smartpen and can't wait to get my hands on it. The LiveScribe Pulse Smartpen is a new computing platform with tremendous promise. In the video link you can see the Pulse Smartpen in action as it translates from English to Spanish, English to Mandarin, and English to Arabic. It is really exciting to see the Pulse Smartpen in action. Just think of the power and the application that this computing platform has to off...

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Posted in: livescribe,pulse digital pen

[TIPS] would YOU fall for this?

You get a phone call from a man with a heavy Indian accent. He says that he accidentally withdrew $480 from your account and he’s SO VERY sorry. But, the honest chap will gladly put it back. All he needs to make it happen is your bank account number.   PLEASE tell me that you wouldn’t fall for that. NO WAY, right?   Well, give this a listen. http://consumerist.com/360921/man-records-phishing-call It’s almost 9 minutes, but you’ll get the idea after just a couple, I’m sure.   YOU may be smart enough to avoid these scams, but your son or daughter or parent who is new to the web may NOT be. PLEASE have “The Talk” with them. Tell them that even if it IS true that they got your money, it’s cheaper to let them have it than to risk divulging your account number. ...

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Show Branch Alone in MindManager 7

There are times when you have developed a rather complex MindManager 7 map, that all you want to do is just focus in and isolate that branch so that you can attend to the information that is on that topic. The Show Branch Alone command is a great feature which lets you do just that. All you need to do is click on the Topic and go to the View Menu and select Show Branch Alone. You can accomplish the same thing by Pressing the F4 key. The F4 key when you have a Topic selected toggles between Show Branch Alone and Show Other Branches. I have created a short screencast in Camatasia Studio 5 to show you how it works. ...

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Posted in: camtasia_studio,mind mapping,MindManager,Show Branch Alone

Xdrive -Free 5GB of Online Storage

If you are looking to store your files on-line you may want to take a look at Xdrive which will provide you with a free 5GB account. Xdrive announced the release of the Xdrive Desktop Lite client that has been developed using Adobe Air, which once installed lets you drag files from your desktop or USB drive right into your Xdrive account. I installed the Xdrive Desktop Client today and it worked like a charm. Within minutes I was able to drag my files and have them stored on-line. By setting permissions for files you can easily share files with friends and family. Once your files are stored you can access them with any computer with any internet...

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Posted in: Adobe,Adobe Air,file storage,Xdrive

CoverItLive blogging session

OK. Karl can't have all the fun. I just HAVE to try this! So, On Tuesday morning at 9:00 I'll be giving a 45 minute presentation to about 175 science teachers in the area. The topic will be on the need for change, and what the change might look like, etc. At one point in the talk I mention CoverItlive. Now that I've actually seen in I'd like to try it.I'll have a guest author assigned to my blog who will take notes and moderate the coveritlive chats, making them public when appropriate. We'll just have to see how it works with the filter. It may end being a total flop - which is why I'm not telling anyone but you. ;-)So, come back here on Tuesday if you'd like to try this out with us. Who knows, someone may even hold an audio skype call so others can hear, too. But, the important thing here...

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Posted in: coveritlive

The 2nd Carnival of Computer Help and Advice

Firstly, let me thank everyone who submitted an article for inclusion on this carnival. I received forty-eight submissions and I am sorry that I could not include them all.Getting us started this month, Ashutosh Mishra presents an article containing fourteen tips for making Windows run faster in Speed Up Your Computer at PC TON!C. In a similar vein Jose DeJesus MD gives advice for Tuning up Windows on his Physician Entrepreneur blog. Jose also identifies a common problem and a software solution for it in his article, Renaming All those Files Your Camera Makes.While we are on the subject of software, "Here's a very useful free pdf download for...

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Posted in: Blog Carnival,Blogging

Starting Out in Computer Support Jobs

When you are starting out as a consultant looking to get involved with computer support jobs, you might only have basic desktop support level tech skills. But you have to make sure you get paying clients – computer support jobs that fit your current tech skills comfort level. Which clients should you pursue first?You need to start out working with home offices and small stand-alone businesses and companies with very small peer-to-peer simple networks. This way you will get some paying clients as well as reference accounts.One-Shot Deals Can Lead to Better Computer Support JobsEven if you start out by doing one-shot deals, you have to go beyond. Your business will be successful when it is built on recurring revenue that comes from retainer agreements and very complex dedicated server solutions....

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Posted in: computer support jobs

Windows Folder Options Explained (Part 4)

Continued from part 3...File TypesThis tab contains a list of all the file types that Windows knows about and which programs are configured to open them if you double-click on their icons.As the image shows, if a .doc document is double-clicked on it will open in MS Word. You can change the program that is associated with a file type by selecting its entry and pressing the 'Change...' button.Occasionally you might want to delete file types from the list, if you do not use files of a certain type any more. Highlight the entry for the file type and press the 'Delete' button. This will reduce the size of the Registry (a file that contains most of...

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Posted in: Windows Explained,Windows GUI

Fix Central: A central place to get your Informix fixes

In this article I'll cover one of the sites that IBM uses to improve it's interaction with customers. As many Informix customers know, traditionally we would only have access to the normal releases.Theese would be like IDS 10.00.FC8, or CSDK 3.00.TC1 etc.I won't go into details explaining the meaning of all the release code fields, but you probably know that any two letters and one numeric digit following major and minor versions (FC8 and TC1 in the examples) mean that this is a standard, generally available release level (internally called Interim Release). It includes mainly code fixes, but can also include some new features and they are cumulative (FC8 should include all the corrections and features that went into FC7).But, if you ever hit a bug and contacted support, then you probably...

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Windows Folder Options Explained (Part 3)

Continued from part 2...View Settings continuedHide protected operating system files (Recommended)This option is selected by default, to protect users from themselves, as is explained in the warning message that appears if you try to switch it off.If you click 'Yes' on this dialog box you will be able to see these special system files. The image below shows various system files that are required by Windows to run, such as 'pagefile' which is the swap file which Windows users to manage memory. As the setting suggests, most users will want to leave this option selected.Launch folder windows in a separate processThis setting, if selected, changes...

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Posted in: Windows Explained,Windows GUI

[TIPS] another great Ted video

http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/223 This one isn't about education or discovery or technology or about ANYTHING - except fun. These two jugglers are flat out amazing - and pure fun. When you get a few minutes for yourself, watch it. I laughed out loud and even applauded. Enjoy!...

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How To Steal Hard Disk's Data

Question:-How I can steal Data from A Hard Disk?Answer:-Steal Data from Hard DiskSAN FRANCISCO — A group led by a Princeton University computer security researcher has developed a simple method to steal encrypted information stored on computer hard disks.The technique, which could undermine security software protecting critical data on computers, is as easy as chilling a computer memory chip with a blast of frigid air from a can of dust remover. Encryption software is widely used by companies and government agencies, notably in portable computers that are especially susceptible to theft.The development, which was described on the group’s Web site Thursday, could also have implications for the protection of encrypted personal data from prosecutors. The move, which cannot be carried out remotely,...

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Posted in: Hard Disk

Windows Folder Options Explained (Part 2)

Continued from part 1....View SettingsThe 'View' tab has two sections. In the first section, 'Folder Views' you can either set Explorer to show all folders according to the current settings using the 'Apply to All Folders' button; or, by clicking the 'Reset All Folders' button, Explorer can be set to display folders as they were when Windows was first installed - this excludes any changes made to the toolbars.The second section has a number of 'Advanced settings' to change the look and the behaviour of Explorer.Automatically search for network folders and printerIf this setting is selected Explorer will hunt round the local network for any shared...

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Posted in: Windows Explained,Windows GUI

[TIPS] new library search tools

This one came to me in the "Neat New Stuff" mailing. Sign up for yourself at, http://marylaine.com/neatnew.html - - - http://www.collegedegree.com/library/college-life/25-awesome-beta From the site: "If you're tired of using the same old search box on your local library website for research projects, it might be time to broaden your horizons. Try out one of these in-the-works betas sponsored by world-class libraries around the world. From academic libraries like that at MIT or renowned research centers like the Library of Congress, the following beta research tools feature innovative tricks to connect you with the most relevant, valid results on the Internet and in their card catalogs. Melvil Dewey would be proud." ...

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Cheetah 2: The cat is out for it's second open beta...

As the title suggests, IBM has just made available the IBM Informix Dynamic Server (IDS) 11.50 (codenamed Cheetah 2) for anyone wanting to test it. It's the second open beta of an IDS version (the first happened last year with 11.10 - Cheetah).The process is a little bit more complex than the previous beta. This time you have to send and email requesting access. The system will provide you with an access code and you'll receive a copy of Carlton Doe's book on IDS 11.Again IBM proves it's commitment to Informix technology and to it's customers, by providing a new release available in about 1 year.This beta program includes a non-disclosure agreement and we cannot talk about it... But I'm sure as soon as the new features are announced we'll see a lot of articles about them, and I plan to cover...

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Windows Folder Options Explained (Part 1)

In the 'Tools' menu of any Explorer window there is a 'Folder Options' item. This opens a dialog box that enables us to change the behaviour and the look of Explorer windows. This series of articles explore these various settings. The first part will deal with the 'General' tab.Note: This article refers to Windows Explorer, the in-built file manager program, not to Internet Explorer, the web browser.General SettingsThe 'General' page has three settings, and a 'Restore Defaults' button that you can press to return to Windows' original settings.TasksThe first setting, 'Tasks', can be used to either show or hide the left hand pane in Explorer windows....

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Posted in: Windows Explained,Windows GUI

[TIPS] email no-no

For the fourth time this week I have received an email in which my name appeared - along with about 100 others - in the TO: field of the email. This is a DEFINITE no-no! If you need to send an email to a lot of people there are lots of ways of doing that while still protecting their privacy. In the to: field, put your OWN email address, for example. Then, in the BCC (NOT the CC) field, put all the other addresses, That way nobody else will see all those addresses. Have you ever received a forward from someone and  you've had to scroll down through several pages of headers that contained dozens and dozens of email addresses? Talk about a spammer's dream! There is a website (that I've mentioned before) called ThanksNo (http://www.thanksno.com) that you might consider sending to the...

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Chuck Frey Has Posted the Results of Latest Survey

Chuck Frey has posted the latest results of the whats "Hot & Not" survey on his blog. I had a chance to read it and was surprised at some of the findings. If you have the chance take a look at the findings and let me know what you thi...

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Posted in: Chuck Frey,survey

February Mindjet Newsletter is Out

If you are a MindManager User then take a look at the just released Mindjet February Newsletter. You will notice that the newsletter has been totally redesigned with lots of great MindManager information and articles. You will find great maps and articles by Jamie Nast, Stephanie Diamond, and CJ Cornell. Each month I will contribute a video tip demonstrating how to do use one of the many MindManager features. The new Mindjet Newsletter not only looks greta but is chock full of great tips and information. Enjoy!PS: Additionally, I am available to help your organization create video tutorials for in house training using state of the art screencasting...

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Posted in: brian friedlander,Mindjet Newsletter,MindManager

[TIPS] Schools blamed for society's ills?

http://www.coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080215/OPINION04/802150313 This is a brief article, but an interesting one. It's probably something that we've all been thinking - or maybe even saying to anyone who would listen. That is, NCLB is punishing schools for the problems of our society. Is there an achievement gap? Yes. Is it the fault of the schools? Read the brief article for one man's opinion. ...

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IT Sales Copy to Get You Going

Effective IT sales copy is essential to any marketing plan. If you want to get customers to the next step, you need to get maximum impact with your copywriting.If you create compelling text, long IT sales copy is fine; you can even have a letter that is several pages long and includes endorsements and testimonials. Just stay away from jargon and IT speak and focus on BUSNIESS, which is what your prospects will know. You should also show with IT sales copy that your business guarantees satisfaction. Personalize your letter and create a common connection to make sure you are creating compelling reasons for prospects to get in touch.Make Sure Your IT Sales Copy Gets ThroughA lot of IT sales letters can end up in the garbage, because a lot of people read their mail near the garbage can. If...

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Posted in: IT sales

Andrew Wilcox Starts MindManager Blog

Noted MindManager User and Trainer Andrew Wilcox has started a blog focusing on MindManager solutions. Andrew is quite active on many MindManager Forums and runs Cabre, a UK-based training firm that provides training on MindManager . It will be great to have Andrew write regularly about MindManger. I for one am looking forward to his blogs and pos...

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Posted in: Andrew Wilcox,Cabre,MindManager

Freeware round-up

To celebrate six months of Bloody Computer! I have decided to list all the freeware software mentioned here blog so far (partly to prompt me to update the 'Quality Freeware' list in the left-hand column - now renamed 'Recommended Freeware') So, without further ado, here is the list...Audacity: audio file editor.AVG anti-virus free edition: anti-virus software.Beneton Movie GIF: An application to create animated GIFs from a series of images, like a flickbook.CamStudio: record what you see on your screen.CCleaner: removes many non-essential files that Windows and other programs leave on your hard-drive.dBpoweramp: convert audio files from one type to another.dscaler: view television on your PC, if you have the appropriate hardware.Foxit Reader: a fully featured PDF reader and a much slimmer...

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Posted in: Freeware

[TIPS] PowerUP - game to Save the World

This was on the ASCD SmartBrief:   http://www.powerupthegame.org/home.html   From the site: "Teachers, do you dream of a learning resource that will grab your students’ attention and engage them as thoroughly as the video games they play at home and on their mobile phones? Are you looking for a classroom resource that will motivate your students to apply science and math concepts to real world problems? Would you like to spark your students interest in pursuing a career in Science or Engineering?   Enter the world of PowerUp, a free, online, multiplayer game that allows students to experience the excitement and the diversity of modern engineering! Playing the game, students work together in teams to investigate the rich, 3D game environment and learn about the environmental...

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Informix user authentication: PAM for the rescue (part 2)

I hope you had the chance to read and eventually follow part one of these series of articles related to IDS authentication using PAM. If you did, you already know the basics of PAM and how to setup IDS to authenticate against an LDAP or Active Directory server.But there are still several topics we need to cover to fully understand IDS PAM authentication:Challenge/response and implicit (no password) connectionsHow to setup distributed query environments using PAMCan we develop customized PAM modules?What are the current IDS PAM limitations?Challenge/response and implicit connections:Most of us, people working with Informix, know that besides the usual user/password connection we can establish what we usually call implicit connections. These connections are based on trust relations between the...

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