by Bob Click
Greater Orlando Computer User Group
From the June, 2007 issue of the I/O Port Newsletter
Lightning Fast Trades
Here’s an interesting article for investors. It explains how modern technology
has progressed to the point where stock trades are now processed almost at the
speed of light. I found it very enlightening :
link.
Microsoft Plays Catch-Up
It’s hard to think of Microsoft being behind the times in technology, but that
is said to be the case in Web interface design. Adobe’s Flash has prevailed so
far, but Microsoft will introduce a competitor called “Silverlight” and some
tools called Expression Studio that sound interesting. After I read about this
in InformationWeek, I saw more in the 5/21/07 “Microsoft At A Glance”
newsletter. They made mention of those products and gave the URL to watch a
video and download the beta version of Silverlight. It is referred to as a
“cross-browser and cross-platform plug-in.” They also included the URL for the
Expression Studio design products http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=6824909 where
you can download free trials. There was other information included in that
newsletter.
Another Use For Wi-Fi
On another note, I have always thought of Wi-Fi as a connection for my laptop,
but one particularly well traveled rail route in southern California will be
getting Wi-Fi for security purposes. Because railroads often traverse very
remote areas, this project is a difficult one and includes some solar powered
nodes. Vandalism is a problem in the area getting that installation. I have
often wondered how good the cell phone service was on some rail routes that are
less traveled and have remote routes. Some cruise ships offer limited cell phone
service and it is slowly being introduced on airlines, but not without
resistance from the public. I know I wouldn’t want the person next to me talking
on a cell phone for the entire trip.
Reminder
Again, the announcements below are written by the PR people and I edit to
shorten them and try to improve on the wording. I have not tried any of these
products so check their Web site carefully and do your homework if you are
interested.
This Add-On For Microsoft Windows Might Help
Addintools announced the release of Classic Menu for Office 2007 v.2.18, a user
interface enhancement add-on for Microsoft Office 2007. The new interface will
replace the system of layered menus, toolbars and task panes with a so-called
Ribbon. It lets users retrieve and show the main menu bar, standard toolbar, and
formatting toolbar that are hidden or moved away from direct view. The program
works with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. All new Office 2007 features remain
accessible in the classic menu and toolbars.
Classic Menu for Office 2007 also lets users add the menus and toolbars to the
Quick Access Toolbar so it becomes possible to minimize the Ribbon and finish
all operations without having to open it again. The program has been optimized
for complete compatibility with Microsoft Office 2007 and supports all major
languages, including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese,
Japanese, Arabic, Korean, and Chinese.
Classic Menu for Office 2007 v.2.18 runs under Microsoft Windows XP/2003/Vista
and costs $29.95 (USD) for a single-user license. User group members receive 15%
discount on the purchase of Classic Menu for Office 2007 v2.18 by entering
coupon code ADDI-CARU into the coupon box on the order page. Licensed customers
are entitled to free updates and technical support for 2 years after the date of
purchase.
File Recovery Product, Might Help In Some Circumstances
Enplase Research Corporation has announced the immediate availability of
MultiStage Recovery 2.8 that will recover any file and back it up to a hard disk
drive. MultiStage Recovery lets users recover all recoverable files (20
gigabytes in 20 seconds!) The program supports all Windows files systems and
comes with a built-in preview for over 60 file formats. Designed as
do-it-yourself data recovery software, MultiStage Recovery will restore all file
types including audio, images, and documents. It supports all FAT12/VFAT/16/32
and NTFS/NTFS5 file systems used by Microsoft Windows. It helps users restore
precious data if files are lost due to a virus, malicious hacker attack or an
operating system crash in which a hard disk drive has not experienced physical
damage, and restores files from any brand of hard disk drive and type of storage
media, including hard disks, floppy disks, flash drives, and digital camera
cards.
I Am Not A Fan Of Screensavers, But Here Is An Announcement
DealsGuy Note: Screensavers have long been known to sometimes cause problems so
I don’t use them. Also, this company only offers a discount for purchasing more
than one, but I am including it because there are certainly fans for
screensavers, and I get asked for deals on them quite frequently.
FancyBytes Software announces the release of Dolphin Aqua Life 3D Screensaver
3.0, Shark Water World 3D Screensaver 1.5, and Mountain Lake Waterfall
Screensaver 1.0. Unique to these screensavers is their dual monitor support and
sleek 3D graphics. If you have two monitors installed on your system, you likely
have already looked for screensavers that can fit your configuration. With
FancyBytes Software you can now enjoy beautiful 3D screensavers with dual
monitor support. Of course, the screensavers will look nice on a single screen,
but with two monitors, you'll receive a continuous panoramic image, showing the
aquatic world in all its beauty. Use these screensavers to make the most of your
dual monitor system. The free trial downloads are available at
http://www.fancybytes.com. Below are the screensavers:
Dolphin Aqua Life 3D Screensaver
Travel to the sea bottom with the most intelligent inhabitant of the sea, the
dolphin. See the amazing play of light on its skin as light creates interesting
patterns on the sea floor, which is covered with age-old rocks and shells. This
dignified creature and a variety of small fishes leisurely swim back and forth,
as you admire the aquatic scenery and take a rejuvenating rest.
Shark Water World 3D Screensaver
Find the remnants of ships that once belonged to unlucky Caribbean pirates who
now lie in Davy Jones' Locker. Chests containing countless riches peacefully lie
on the sea floor, but watch out for the sharks! These hunters guard the
treasures from anyone who would dare steal their gold.
Mountain Lake Waterfall Screensaver
See the pristine beauty of Mother Nature. Stand in awe of the majestic waterfall
tumbling into a clear mountain lake. Unwind to the sounds of murmuring water.
Admire the picturesque lake scenery and nearby forest. Just the kind of place
you've been wanting for some rest and relaxation?
Dolphin Aqua Life 3D Screensaver costs $19.95 (USD). Shark Water World 3D
Screensaver costs $19.95 (USD). Mountain Lake Waterfall Screensaver costs $14.95
(USD). For a discount on two or more of the registered versions of these
products, please visit; http://www.fancybytes.com/orders_special.html. All
prices are for a single-user license. The screensavers run under all versions of
Microsoft Windows. Licensed customers are entitled to the fully functional
version of the product, free technical support and free upgrades. Additional
information on the screensavers, as well as free trial copies are available from
http://www.fancybytes.com.
That's it for this month. I’ll have more new product announcements on my Web
site (not offering a discount). Meet me here again next month if your editor
permits. This column is written to make user group members aware of special
offers or freebies I have found or arranged, and my comments should not be
interpreted to encourage, or discourage, the purchase of any products, no matter
how enthused I might sound. Bob (The Cheapskate) Click bobclick@mindspring.com.
Visit my Web site at http://www.dealsguy.com
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