Thursday, December 29, 2005
VideoHelp.com
What is this site about?
This site will help you to make your own VideoCDs, SVCDs or DVDs that can be played on your standalone DVD Player from video sources like DVD, Video, TV, DV, Cam or downloaded movie clips like DivX, MOV, RM, WMV and ASF. We also have extensive lists of Capture Cards, DVD Media, computer DVD Writers, desktop DVD Recorders and desktop DVD Players with features, compatibility information and user comments. Use the menu to the left to navigate our site. Enjoy.
VideoHelp.com
This site will help you to make your own VideoCDs, SVCDs or DVDs that can be played on your standalone DVD Player from video sources like DVD, Video, TV, DV, Cam or downloaded movie clips like DivX, MOV, RM, WMV and ASF. We also have extensive lists of Capture Cards, DVD Media, computer DVD Writers, desktop DVD Recorders and desktop DVD Players with features, compatibility information and user comments. Use the menu to the left to navigate our site. Enjoy.
VideoHelp.com
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Imation releases 4GB micro drive
Imation announced Wednesday it's begun selling a new 4GB version of its Micro Hard Drive.
The $189 product has a padlock-shaped design; its USB connector is a loop that can be clipped to objects such as key chains. It uses a 0.85-inch hard drive from Toshiba and works with Windows, Mac OS X and Linux.
Imation introduced its $159 2GB version of the product in the summer. The 4GB version will be on display at the Consumer Electronics Show's Innovations Plus exhibit at the Sands Expo and Convention Center next week in Las Vegas.
The drive comes with synchronization software and protects all files with 128-bit encryption, Imation said.
Imation releases 4GB micro drive News.blog CNET News.com
Monday, December 26, 2005
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Monday, December 19, 2005
Animated Singing Santa Hack
How to customize a Wal*Mart Santa (by Gemmy) with your own routines.
Animated Singing Santa Hack
Animated Singing Santa Hack
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Step-by-step, secure your home wireless network
from Kim Komando's site -
Wireless is a great choice for a home network. Physically awkward or nearly impossible connections between computers become easy through a wireless network. But wireless comes with its own brand of security worries.
Wireless computers and routers use radio waves to communicate. Those waves are sometimes strong enough to carry outside your house. If your network is unprotected, your information is begging to be hacked.
Many intruders already know this. They'll drive through neighborhoods searching for stray signals with radio equipment. With the right information, they could access your networked computers and files. They could even borrow your Internet connection.
Hackers search for people who use the default factory settings. Those settings usually include low or no security. You can start protecting your network by reconfiguring your wireless router.
But most folks don't even know how to change the router's configuration. I'm going to put you on the right track. The descriptions that follow are general, because different brands require different steps.
Finding your router's settings
Most wireless routers are configured through a browser such as Internet Explorer. First, you need to connect your wireless router to a computer. Yes, you're already connected through your network. You can otherwise connect directly with an Ethernet cable. Ethernet cables look like telephone cords with large-sized plugs.
Now open your Internet browser. To communicate with the router, you'll need its IP address. You can find this in your manual under a heading like "configuration setup" or "manual configuration." Most routers, for example, have an IP address like 192.168.0.1.
Treat that number as a Web address. Type it directly into your Internet browser's address bar. You'll then be prompted for a user name and password. These will also be listed in your manual.
Finally, you'll see your router's configuration tool. It looks a lot like an ordinary Web page. Now, let's work on security.
Changing your router's settings
Wireless router default settings often disregard security. That's because low security makes it forgiving and easy to install. But now you can eliminate the risky downside of easy installation. Change your router's settings to add a strong layer of security. Different brands put these settings under different menus. But you should be able to find each without trouble.
The best way to protect your wireless network is through encryption. Use WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access) for your encryption setting. You'll typically see this setting as WPA-PSK (pre-shared key). You'll be prompted to enter a passphrase of eight to 63 characters--letters, numbers and symbols. The router will use your passphrase to build an encryption key.
WPA2 is the latest and safest version of WPA. It uses AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), one of the few standards approved by the U.S. government. The only weak point of WPA2 is your passphrase. So make it as strong as possible. Here are some tips:
? Use at least 20 characters.
? Avoid words found in a dictionary.
? Include letters, numbers and symbols.
If your router supports only WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), you're not protected. WEP encryption can be cracked within minutes using a few simple tools. Look for updates on the router manufacturer's Web site. If you find no updates for WPA2, it's time for a new router.
Look for a router that is Wi-Fi CERTIFIED for WPA2. Certified routers conform to the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) standard 802.11i. You can find out more about WPA2 certification at the Wi-Fi Alliance Web site. Keep in mind that the computers on your network also need WPA2 compatibility. Check for updates before resorting to new network adapters.
Changing your computers' settings
Now your router is switched to use WPA2 encryption. But your computers don't yet know what you've done. You'll have to update them with the new setup. Here's what to do for each computer you've got on the network:
Click Start>>Control Panel. Double-click Network Connections. Right-click Wireless Network Connection. Select Properties from the pop-up menu. Select the Wireless Networks tab. Under "Preferred networks," you should see your network listed. Select it and click Properties. If it's not listed, click the Add button. In the box labeled "Network name (SSID)," enter your network's name.
Under Network Authentication, select WPA-PSK. Under "Data encryption," select AES. Under "Network key," enter the same passphrase you used for your router. You'll have to enter it twice to confirm it. Then make sure that the checkbox labeled "The key is provided for me automatically" is not marked. Finally, click OK>>OK.
Windows 98 and Me do not have built-in wireless networking. All of the wireless menu options are provided by your wireless adapter software. Each brand implements its features differently. But most should add wireless options to the same place.
And that's all there is to it! Well, OK, it takes a while to get it done. But encryption makes you a less attractive target for hackers. And if your neighbors were secretly using your Internet service, they've just lost their connection.
Komando.com, Website for The Kim Komando Radio Show?, Tip of the Day
Wireless is a great choice for a home network. Physically awkward or nearly impossible connections between computers become easy through a wireless network. But wireless comes with its own brand of security worries.
Wireless computers and routers use radio waves to communicate. Those waves are sometimes strong enough to carry outside your house. If your network is unprotected, your information is begging to be hacked.
Many intruders already know this. They'll drive through neighborhoods searching for stray signals with radio equipment. With the right information, they could access your networked computers and files. They could even borrow your Internet connection.
Hackers search for people who use the default factory settings. Those settings usually include low or no security. You can start protecting your network by reconfiguring your wireless router.
But most folks don't even know how to change the router's configuration. I'm going to put you on the right track. The descriptions that follow are general, because different brands require different steps.
Finding your router's settings
Most wireless routers are configured through a browser such as Internet Explorer. First, you need to connect your wireless router to a computer. Yes, you're already connected through your network. You can otherwise connect directly with an Ethernet cable. Ethernet cables look like telephone cords with large-sized plugs.
Now open your Internet browser. To communicate with the router, you'll need its IP address. You can find this in your manual under a heading like "configuration setup" or "manual configuration." Most routers, for example, have an IP address like 192.168.0.1.
Treat that number as a Web address. Type it directly into your Internet browser's address bar. You'll then be prompted for a user name and password. These will also be listed in your manual.
Finally, you'll see your router's configuration tool. It looks a lot like an ordinary Web page. Now, let's work on security.
Changing your router's settings
Wireless router default settings often disregard security. That's because low security makes it forgiving and easy to install. But now you can eliminate the risky downside of easy installation. Change your router's settings to add a strong layer of security. Different brands put these settings under different menus. But you should be able to find each without trouble.
The best way to protect your wireless network is through encryption. Use WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access) for your encryption setting. You'll typically see this setting as WPA-PSK (pre-shared key). You'll be prompted to enter a passphrase of eight to 63 characters--letters, numbers and symbols. The router will use your passphrase to build an encryption key.
WPA2 is the latest and safest version of WPA. It uses AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), one of the few standards approved by the U.S. government. The only weak point of WPA2 is your passphrase. So make it as strong as possible. Here are some tips:
? Use at least 20 characters.
? Avoid words found in a dictionary.
? Include letters, numbers and symbols.
If your router supports only WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), you're not protected. WEP encryption can be cracked within minutes using a few simple tools. Look for updates on the router manufacturer's Web site. If you find no updates for WPA2, it's time for a new router.
Look for a router that is Wi-Fi CERTIFIED for WPA2. Certified routers conform to the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) standard 802.11i. You can find out more about WPA2 certification at the Wi-Fi Alliance Web site. Keep in mind that the computers on your network also need WPA2 compatibility. Check for updates before resorting to new network adapters.
Changing your computers' settings
Now your router is switched to use WPA2 encryption. But your computers don't yet know what you've done. You'll have to update them with the new setup. Here's what to do for each computer you've got on the network:
Click Start>>Control Panel. Double-click Network Connections. Right-click Wireless Network Connection. Select Properties from the pop-up menu. Select the Wireless Networks tab. Under "Preferred networks," you should see your network listed. Select it and click Properties. If it's not listed, click the Add button. In the box labeled "Network name (SSID)," enter your network's name.
Under Network Authentication, select WPA-PSK. Under "Data encryption," select AES. Under "Network key," enter the same passphrase you used for your router. You'll have to enter it twice to confirm it. Then make sure that the checkbox labeled "The key is provided for me automatically" is not marked. Finally, click OK>>OK.
Windows 98 and Me do not have built-in wireless networking. All of the wireless menu options are provided by your wireless adapter software. Each brand implements its features differently. But most should add wireless options to the same place.
And that's all there is to it! Well, OK, it takes a while to get it done. But encryption makes you a less attractive target for hackers. And if your neighbors were secretly using your Internet service, they've just lost their connection.
Komando.com, Website for The Kim Komando Radio Show?, Tip of the Day
Friday, December 16, 2005
Is Commodore poised for a comeback?
No, Lionel Ritchie isn't signing up with his old band. We're talking about Commodore, the venerable computer brand.
A Dutch consumer media company is hoping it can tap the power of the VIC 20, the PET and the Commodore 64 to launch a new wave of products, including a home media center device and a portable GPS unit and media player.
Yeahronimo Media Ventures, which has offices in Los Angeles and Baarn, the Netherlands, acquired the rights to the Commodore name late last year in a deal worth just over $32.7 million. Earlier this year, it took on Commodore as its own corporate moniker. The rebranded company already has some products available on its Web site, but hopes to make a bigger splash at the Computer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January.
"We are excited to be launching our initial offerings at this year's CES," Commodore CEO Ben van Wijhe said in a statement. He said that the three new products will both advance the well-known brand as well as "uphold the world-class quality of yesteryear's Commodore products."
The company has said it plans to launch three products at the show. The Commodore MediaBox is an all-in-one home entertainment box with an Internet connection, digital TV tuner and hard drive for playing music downloads, games or on-demand video. The Commodore Navigator is a Windows CE-based portable device with a 20GB hard drive for music and video storage as well as built-in GPS and a 3.6-inch touch screen.
"Never before has a brand come out of hibernation and truly reinvented itself to position competitively in an ever-evolving digital media marketplace," van Wijhe said.
This is far from the first attempted comeback in tech, however. The Amiga, Commodore's onetime PC brand, has had its own decades-long history as fans tried to preserve both the computer's operating system and brand despite the lack of strong corporate backing.
Gateway had hopes of reinvigorating the Amiga PC when it bought the name and technology in 1997, but eventually scrapped its plans and sold the brand in 1999. Efforts to keep the computer's OS alive, however, have continued into the current decade.
Another '80s game name, Atari, bounced among several owners before making a comeback earlier this decade. Gamemaker Infogrames acquired Atari's name and game titles in 2001 and began using Atari as its own corporate name in May 2003. Meanwhile, Atari's classic games have also found new life in low-end TV consoles and cell phones.
Napster is perhaps one of the best-known recent transformations, with an authorized music subscription service taking on the brand built as the first of many rebel peer-to-peer file sharing systems.
Commodore
A Dutch consumer media company is hoping it can tap the power of the VIC 20, the PET and the Commodore 64 to launch a new wave of products, including a home media center device and a portable GPS unit and media player.
Yeahronimo Media Ventures, which has offices in Los Angeles and Baarn, the Netherlands, acquired the rights to the Commodore name late last year in a deal worth just over $32.7 million. Earlier this year, it took on Commodore as its own corporate moniker. The rebranded company already has some products available on its Web site, but hopes to make a bigger splash at the Computer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January.
"We are excited to be launching our initial offerings at this year's CES," Commodore CEO Ben van Wijhe said in a statement. He said that the three new products will both advance the well-known brand as well as "uphold the world-class quality of yesteryear's Commodore products."
The company has said it plans to launch three products at the show. The Commodore MediaBox is an all-in-one home entertainment box with an Internet connection, digital TV tuner and hard drive for playing music downloads, games or on-demand video. The Commodore Navigator is a Windows CE-based portable device with a 20GB hard drive for music and video storage as well as built-in GPS and a 3.6-inch touch screen.
"Never before has a brand come out of hibernation and truly reinvented itself to position competitively in an ever-evolving digital media marketplace," van Wijhe said.
This is far from the first attempted comeback in tech, however. The Amiga, Commodore's onetime PC brand, has had its own decades-long history as fans tried to preserve both the computer's operating system and brand despite the lack of strong corporate backing.
Gateway had hopes of reinvigorating the Amiga PC when it bought the name and technology in 1997, but eventually scrapped its plans and sold the brand in 1999. Efforts to keep the computer's OS alive, however, have continued into the current decade.
Another '80s game name, Atari, bounced among several owners before making a comeback earlier this decade. Gamemaker Infogrames acquired Atari's name and game titles in 2001 and began using Atari as its own corporate name in May 2003. Meanwhile, Atari's classic games have also found new life in low-end TV consoles and cell phones.
Napster is perhaps one of the best-known recent transformations, with an authorized music subscription service taking on the brand built as the first of many rebel peer-to-peer file sharing systems.
Commodore
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Friday, December 09, 2005
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Portable USB Apps - TheInfoBox.com
From the site -
Although a lot of people use their USB Flash Drive to take files around with them, you can also load up some cool programs and utilities. You can turn your drive into a portable toolbox filled with all sorts of goodies.
I started looking into portable USB apps when I wanted to have a password manager program that I could use at home and work. As I looked for info on the internet, I found efforts to identify other easily portable programs. Now I have my USB Flash Drive loaded with a password manager, a complete office suite, virus scanner, encryption tools, and a whole lot more.
USB Apps
Although a lot of people use their USB Flash Drive to take files around with them, you can also load up some cool programs and utilities. You can turn your drive into a portable toolbox filled with all sorts of goodies.
I started looking into portable USB apps when I wanted to have a password manager program that I could use at home and work. As I looked for info on the internet, I found efforts to identify other easily portable programs. Now I have my USB Flash Drive loaded with a password manager, a complete office suite, virus scanner, encryption tools, and a whole lot more.
USB Apps
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Want a Web site?
from Kim Komando Cool Site of the Day -
You've probably been taking lots of pictures this holiday season. But have you thought about how you're going to share them?
You could share your digital photos by sending out discs. How pass�. And sending them via e-mail is rude ? it crowds the recipients' inbox. You could also sign up for a photo service. But then your friends and family will have to register.
I think you should do something different, something that shows a little initiative. How about a creating a Web page? It's a great way to commemorate the holiday season. And you can do it quite easily.
Nvu is a free Web design program that works on both Windows and Mac. And for the Linux users reading this, you're in luck, too. It will help you create a Web page in no time. You can use it to showcase all the photos of your family and friends.
And don't forget to include a link to my site. Your family will appreciate my advice just as much as you do!
You've probably been taking lots of pictures this holiday season. But have you thought about how you're going to share them?
You could share your digital photos by sending out discs. How pass�. And sending them via e-mail is rude ? it crowds the recipients' inbox. You could also sign up for a photo service. But then your friends and family will have to register.
I think you should do something different, something that shows a little initiative. How about a creating a Web page? It's a great way to commemorate the holiday season. And you can do it quite easily.
Nvu is a free Web design program that works on both Windows and Mac. And for the Linux users reading this, you're in luck, too. It will help you create a Web page in no time. You can use it to showcase all the photos of your family and friends.
And don't forget to include a link to my site. Your family will appreciate my advice just as much as you do!
Monday, December 05, 2005
SOYO KT333 DRAGON Ultra - Platinum Edition
Since the south bridge is still based on the older VT8233A, USB 2.0 is supported through VIA's discrete VT6202 USB 2.0 controller. It supports an additional four USB 2.0 ports and they are available as headers on the motherboard. With the bundled EBox front panel, you can route a pair of this ports to the front of your chassis. There's also an additional header on the board which supports USB 1.1, so make sure you make the right connection. Anyway, SOYO made it idiot-proof with color connectors, so it's pretty hard to miss them. Thus, in total, you'll be getting up to eight USB ports - an ideal arrangement for those who plan to use a lot of USB devices.
The EBox supplied with the motherboard is a box which fits into any 3.5-inch drive bay. It's a little different from the EBox which came with the earlier KT333 DRAGON Ultra (black PCB). On this new box, you'll find a pair of USB 2.0 ports, a Type I/II CompactFlash (CF) slot and a Smart Media slot.
www.hardwarezone.com? :: Articles - Coolest Hardware, Hottest Reviews
The EBox supplied with the motherboard is a box which fits into any 3.5-inch drive bay. It's a little different from the EBox which came with the earlier KT333 DRAGON Ultra (black PCB). On this new box, you'll find a pair of USB 2.0 ports, a Type I/II CompactFlash (CF) slot and a Smart Media slot.
www.hardwarezone.com? :: Articles - Coolest Hardware, Hottest Reviews
Soyo's KT333 Dragon Ultra motherboard
Ports
1 PS/2 keyboard, 1 PS/2 mouse,
2 serial, 1 parallel, 2 USB 1.1,
2 additional USB 1.1 via expansion headers,
4 USB 2.0 via expansion headers
One of the truly unique features of the DRAGON Plus was its 3.5" breakout box that included two USB 1.1 ports and a Smartcard reader. The connector for the Smartcard reader is still present on the DRAGON Ultra, but the breakout box included with the Ultra board doesn't contain a reader. Instead, it features four USB 2.0 ports plus a couple of LEDs that show USB 2.0 connectivity and LAN activity.
The Tech Report - Soyo's KT333 Dragon Ultra motherboard - Page 1
1 PS/2 keyboard, 1 PS/2 mouse,
2 serial, 1 parallel, 2 USB 1.1,
2 additional USB 1.1 via expansion headers,
4 USB 2.0 via expansion headers
One of the truly unique features of the DRAGON Plus was its 3.5" breakout box that included two USB 1.1 ports and a Smartcard reader. The connector for the Smartcard reader is still present on the DRAGON Ultra, but the breakout box included with the Ultra board doesn't contain a reader. Instead, it features four USB 2.0 ports plus a couple of LEDs that show USB 2.0 connectivity and LAN activity.
The Tech Report - Soyo's KT333 Dragon Ultra motherboard - Page 1
Soyo Dragon Ultra KT333 Motherboard Review
There is also a 3.5? part that comes with a 5.25? bay converter that gives you four USB 2.0 ports on the front of the case. This device comes in very handy for anyone who doesn?t have a case with this features built into it.
PC Perspective - Soyo Dragon Ultra KT333 Motherboard Review
PC Perspective - Soyo Dragon Ultra KT333 Motherboard Review
SY-KT333 DRAGON Ultra
The addition of SOYO's "sigma box" series, which provides either 4 front USB 2.0 ports or combination compact flash/smart media reader/writer and 2 front USB 2.0 ports, sets SOYO apart from the rest of the competition.
[H]ard|OCP -
[H]ard|OCP -
Soyo KT333 Dragon Ultra Platinum Edition Review :: TweakTown
USB 2.0 - Not Integrated, Soyo add it
Since the VT8233A southbridge only supports USB 1.1 ports, and now that USB2.0 is coming into its prime with new devices being released for Hi-Speed USB operations, it?s more than important for you to have support for this new technology. Soyo have used the VIA VT6206 USB 2.0 controller to give you four USB 2.0 ports for 480mbps transfers to and from Hi-Speed USB devices.
Soyo have been shipping bay adapters with their recent boards and this one is no exception. This one does differ from the KT333 Dragon Ultra though. The original Dragon version used a simple four Port USB front panel for putting the USB2.0 ports at the front of the board. The Platinum edition version uses a totally new one. This bay adapter comes with Smart Media, Compact Flash USB reader built in as well as a two port USB hub. Connecting to the green headers on the motherboard this gives you the ultimate in compatibility with Digital Flash media.
Soyo KT333 Dragon Ultra Platinum Edition Review :: TweakTown
Since the VT8233A southbridge only supports USB 1.1 ports, and now that USB2.0 is coming into its prime with new devices being released for Hi-Speed USB operations, it?s more than important for you to have support for this new technology. Soyo have used the VIA VT6206 USB 2.0 controller to give you four USB 2.0 ports for 480mbps transfers to and from Hi-Speed USB devices.
Soyo have been shipping bay adapters with their recent boards and this one is no exception. This one does differ from the KT333 Dragon Ultra though. The original Dragon version used a simple four Port USB front panel for putting the USB2.0 ports at the front of the board. The Platinum edition version uses a totally new one. This bay adapter comes with Smart Media, Compact Flash USB reader built in as well as a two port USB hub. Connecting to the green headers on the motherboard this gives you the ultimate in compatibility with Digital Flash media.
Soyo KT333 Dragon Ultra Platinum Edition Review :: TweakTown
MetkuMods - Because you love your hardware!
Soyo SY-KT333 Dragon Ultra Platinum
Now this I call a bundle! You get all the standard stuff like cables for RAID etc. but Soyo has added Sigma Box that gives you Compact Flash/Smart Media readers and two USB2.0 ports and also a SPDIF audio riser with optical input/output connectors. If one must try to find something missing they might be those additional USB port brackets. With this package you'll get just two USB connectors on back of your computer and two on the front side in that Sigma box.
MetkuMods - Because you love your hardware!
Now this I call a bundle! You get all the standard stuff like cables for RAID etc. but Soyo has added Sigma Box that gives you Compact Flash/Smart Media readers and two USB2.0 ports and also a SPDIF audio riser with optical input/output connectors. If one must try to find something missing they might be those additional USB port brackets. With this package you'll get just two USB connectors on back of your computer and two on the front side in that Sigma box.
MetkuMods - Because you love your hardware!
Review: Soyo Fire Dragon and Dragon Ultra motherboards
The USB 2.0 controller touted on the box is not actually present, but you receive a postcard inside the box to mail out to receive the card, which is very strange.
NewsForge Review: Soyo Fire Dragon and Dragon Ultra motherboards
NewsForge Review: Soyo Fire Dragon and Dragon Ultra motherboards
SOYO KT333 Dragon Ultra Motherboard Review
1 SB-P4SX E-Box, which includes 4 USB ports. Apart from the motherboard the E-box is one of the best accessories I have seen for a long time.
SOYO KT333 Dragon Ultra Motherboard Review
SOYO KT333 Dragon Ultra Motherboard Review
Sabrent 5 Port USB 2.0 PCI Hi Speed Card Adapter
The USB 2.0 PCI 5 Port is a high-speed Universal Serial Bus (USB) host adapter that has more user-friendly features than the current I/O interfaces such as serial/parallel ports.
Sabrent 5 Port USB 2.0 PCI Hi Speed Card Adapter SBT-ALI5Y Adapter Card PC USB PCMCIA Card Adapter-Best Computer Online Store Houston Buy Discount Prices Texas-Directron.com
Sabrent 5 Port USB 2.0 PCI Hi Speed Card Adapter SBT-ALI5Y Adapter Card PC USB PCMCIA Card Adapter-Best Computer Online Store Houston Buy Discount Prices Texas-Directron.com