Hasta La Gadget! Page not found

May 09

Free PVR TV Guide Service Reaches for your Wallet

Posted in: Linux, Software, Television, tivo, Today's Chili

This article was written on August 10, 2007 by CyberNet.

MythTV There is some bad news for those of you taking advantage of free media center software, such as MythTV or Media Portal. As it turns out Zap2it couldn’t continue to provide the television listings that many free media center applications were using.

As a result Zap2it had announced earlier this year that, starting September 1st, they were no longer going to be providing TV guide updates to users. Without the guides much of what makes a media center so great would be rendered useless.

You can sleep a little easier knowing that MythTV was able to work with Zap2it, and they will pickup where they left off…kind of. The new service will be called Schedules Direct, but being able to use the service is going to cost $15 every 3-months. That’s still less than what it costs to use a TiVo, and their goal is to get it down to just $20 per year.

Many people that I talk to hate having reoccurring fees hanging over their head that they are constantly having to pay. They much prefer to have a lifetime subscription to things like this. Unfortunately Schedules Direct doesn’t think that will be possible, which is something that might make people look towards software like SageTV or even Windows Media Center (which is included with Vista Home Premium and Ultimate editions). Both of those solutions off free guides after the initial purchase of the software.

Despite Linux users being accustomed to getting things for free, I think they would be willing to fork over the $15 every 3-months if only to support an open-source project. In the next few weeks we’ll be seeing how it all plays out though.

Source: Slashdot & Download Squad

Related Posts:

May 08

Nokia’s Ovi Store said to be launching with 20,000 ‘items,’ unknown number of apps

Posted in: application, download, nokia, Today's Chili

The launch of the Ovi Store is just around the bend and, according to reports, Nokia is looking to blow things out a little better than Google, which launched its Android Market with a paltry 50 selections. Nokia is said to have over 20,000 “items” ready for download when things go live, a number that compares quite favorably to the 40,000 apps Apple currently offers through its App Store. However, what remains to be seen is exactly what an “item” is defined as. We’re sure that count includes custom apps and WidSets, and there’s talk about N-Gage games finding inclusion as well. However, video and music downloads seem to be counted and we’d guess ringtones too. So, how many actual applications will it have at launch? That remains to be seen.

Filed under: Cellphones

Nokia’s Ovi Store said to be launching with 20,000 ‘items,’ unknown number of apps originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 May 2009 08:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mar 31

Comodo Firewall 3 – They Did it Again!

Posted in: Features, Freeware, Newly Released, Software, Today's Chili

This article was written on November 21, 2007 by CyberNet.

Comodo Firewall 3 Summary

We’ve always been a relatively large fan of the Comodo Firewall Pro software, not only because it is 100% free but also because of its award-winning reputation. The new version pulls out all stops bringing full support for both XP and Vista 32-bit and 64-bit versions! After playing with this for a few hours I would have to say that they did it again … they created another amazing firewall that has won my heart, and my computer. We’ve got a ton of screenshots for you at the end of the article, so make sure you stick around.

Before I get started I wanted to send out a quick warning to everyone running both Vista and Avast! antivirus. There seems to be a critical issue with Avast! that prevents Vista from loading at startup, and in order to uninstall Comodo you’ll need to boot into safe mode. Updating to the latest version of Avast! will help ensure that Vista can load properly, but the startup time will be significantly longer than normal. For a status update on this issue keep your eyes peeled on this post in the Comodo forum.

I finally ended up getting Comodo Firewall Pro installed after that little ordeal with Avast!, and aside from that rather critical bug the program is stellar. During normal use of my computer Comodo only consumes 3.5MB of my memory, which is amazing when you compare that to some of the other firewalls out there. And I ran several bandwidth tests both with and without the firewall enabled, and I came to the conclusion that the firewall had very little effect on the speed of my Internet.

At first I wasn’t too sure about the redesigned interface, but it is definitely starting to grow on me. The old one was much more vibrant and lively, but the new one makes Comodo feel more like a professional app. And the popup alerts will surely grab your attention.

Personally I’m the type of user that prefers to see what Comodo is doing, and I want to see any alerts that it feels would be good for me to scan. When finishing up the Comodo setup process it will ask whether you want to run the advanced firewall filled with all of the alert goodness, or whether you just want the basic protection where it does most of the authorization itself (there is a screenshot of this below). If you’re installing this for someone else who isn’t tech-savvy I recommend sticking to the basic mode so that they aren’t bombarded with popups that they don’t understand.

Alright, lets take a look at some of the new security features, and then we’ll move over to the plethora of screenshots!

–New Features–

Clean PC Mode – This feature takes a profile of a new PC and all the applications in it and registers them as safe. Then, any new application trying to gain access to a computer will be denied access to the PC unless the user expressly permits it since it is assumed to be potentially unsafe. This feature prevents most types of malware and rootkits from getting installed and keeps a new PC virus and malware free.
Defense+ Host Intrusion Prevention System – Defense+ is one of the most advanced Host Intrusion Prevention Systems available in any desktop security program. This new addition helps to secure desktops and servers against rootkits, inter-process memory injections, key-loggers and more.
Advanced Network Firewall Engine – New features such as Stealth Mode to make your PC completely invisible to opportunistic port scans; Wizard based auto-detection of trusted zones; Password protection of firewall settings; Diagnostics to analyze your system for potential conflicts with the firewall and much more.
Security rules interface – Users can quickly set granular Internet access rights and privileges on a global or per application basis using the flexible and easy to understand GUI. This version also sees the introduction of pre-set security policies which allow you to deploy a sophisticated hierarchy of firewall rules with a couple of mouse clicks.
Training Mode – By selecting ‘Train with Safe Mode’, the firewall will learn how your trusted applications work and silently create rules for them.
Application Recognition Database – Includes a proprietary and continually updated white list of nearly 1,000,000 safe executables. The integrity of every executable is checked against this database to determine whether or not it is genuine before it allows it installation rights. Firewall Pro will alert users of potentially damaging applications before they are installed.

–Screenshots–

(Click to Enlarge)

Comodo Firewall Pro Homepage

Related Posts:

Mar 31

Is Google pulling tethering apps from the Android Market?

Posted in: Android, android market, AndroidMarket, apps, Google, market, t-mobile, TMobile, Today's Chili

According to folks over at Android Community, Google has begun to pull tethering applications from the G1’s Market. One of the contributors to the “WiFi Tether for Root Users” app claims that the company is citing distribution agreements with carriers as the cause of the takedowns. In their words:

Google enters into distribution agreements with device manufacturers and Authorized Carriers to place the Market software client application for the Market on Devices. These distribution agreements may require the involuntary removal of Products in violation of the Device manufacturer’s or Authorized Carrier’s terms of service” Google Developer Distribution Agreement

Of course, this should come as quite a surprise, given statements T-Mobile’s Cole Brodman made to us during the G1 launch last year, and Google’s seemingly rampant interest in being the de facto open source mobile OS. It’s not clear at this point if this is an isolated incident (possibly related to the root nature of the app), or just the beginning of a more widespread move. Google (and T-Mobile to some extent) — we await your response.

[Thanks, Chris]

Filed under: Cellphones

Is Google pulling tethering apps from the Android Market? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mar 28

iPhone SDK News

Posted in: Apple, Gadgets, iPhone, Software, Today's Chili

This article was written on March 06, 2008 by CyberNet.

Apple just got done wrapping up the iPhone SDK event that they had scheduled for today, and they actually had quite a bit to say. about half of the time was dedicated to enterprise users who have been wishing for Exchange support, and the other half walked the attendees through how the SDK was going to work. And they of course had some applications to demo which we’ll cover below.

Note: All images are compliments of Gizmodo’s live blogging from the event.

In this article you’ll find details on the enterprise announcements, iPhone SDK, iPhone SDK demonstrations, and the general availability of everything.

–Enterprise Goodies–

Apple announced today that the iPhone 2.0 software update will add support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync. This includes:

Push email
Push calendar
Push contacts
Global address list
Cisco IPsec VPN
Certificates and Identities
WPA2 / 802.1x
Enforced security policies
Device configuration
Remote wipe

This announcement was expected, but even Microsoft had some positive things to say about the iPhone in their own press release. One thing that struck me from Microsoft’s press release was them saying that after “the iPhone launched, it quickly became one of the best selling phones on the market.” I wonder what kind of courage they had to muster up to say that?

–iPhone SDK–

The iPhone SDK is what developers have been waiting for so that they can start building the wicked-cool apps for the iPhone.

Here’s what developers need to know:

The SDK is available for free starting today.
It will cost $99 to publish an application.
If you plan on charging for the program Apple will keep 30% of the revenue.
You don’t have to pay anything for hosting or credit card processing.
If you are charging for your apps Apple will pay you on a monthly basis.
They have a $100 million iFund to help developers. It’s kinda like Google’s $10 million fund for Android.
No pornographic of malicious applications are allowed.

Here’s what consumers need to know:

You’ll be able to install apps right from your iPhone using the new App Store, or you can use iTunes.
Applications offered for free by the developers will not cost a thing to download and install.
Applications will automatically be updated when a new version is made available.

–iPhone SDK Demos–

Of course Apple had to get some applications ready for the announcement so that they could get the ball rolling, and they did just that. Here’s a rundown of the apps they demonstrated:

Image distortion – Shows off the ability to retrieve images stored on the phone, and then manipulate them using your fingers.
Touch Fighter – Tilt the iPhone to steer your plane, and touch the screen to pick where you want to shoot.
Spore – This is a mobile rendition of the much anticipated Spore game that is supposed to be released for the PC in September of this year.
SalesForce.com – Geared towards sales gurus out there. This monitors monthly sales and keeps track of the things that you need to do.
AIM – I was a bit disappointed that there wasn’t a cross-network instant messaging application announced, but at least we know that it will be possible to create one that looks great. This is an AOL Instant Messenger client:
Epocrates – This is an application for doctors that lists details about all of the different medications available.
Super Monkey Ball – What would the iPhone be without this game?

–Availability–

Apple doesn’t have the iPhone 2.0 software quite ready for release at this time, and they are looking for enterprises to start testing it. You can apply to be accepted into the iPhone Enterprise Beta Program so that you can get the nifty Exchange support, and all of the good stuff that goes along with it.
The iPhone SDK is available starting today from Apple’s Developer Site.
The iPhone 2.0 firmware will be available to the general public by the end of June 2008. That’s not as soon as I was hoping for, but I’m sure Apple is trying to make sure that it gets done right.
iPod Touch users… I’m sorry to be the one to break it to you but you’ll have to pony up some money to get the update. Steve Jobs declined to say how much the update was going to cost, but judging by the last update I would say that it will be at least $20.

Here is the Apple Press Release covering all of the announcements.

Related Posts:

Mar 11

Microsoft unveils Windows Marketplace fees, splits, hopes, and dreams

Posted in: AppStore, developers, Microsoft, Today's Chili, Windows Mobile, windows mobile 6.5, windows phone, WindowsMobile, WindowsMobile6.5, WindowsPhone

Microsoft has begun laying out plans for its version of the App Store — dubbed the Windows Marketplace — with some familiar numbers, and a few unfamiliar tweaks. According to Ina Fried, the company will charge developers an annual fee of $99 to become part of the ecosystem, and an additional $99 for every app they submit (though throughout 2009, they’ll have a chance to submit five apps at no cost). A rep from the big M states that the fee is “an acceptable cost of doing business for [software developers] looking to get in front of millions of customers,” and justifies the charge on the grounds that Microsoft will “run a rigorous certification process to ensure that the end user’s experience is optimal, and that the device and network resources aren’t used in a malicious way.”

Additionally, the company maintains that the process will offer “complete transparency throughout the application submission process,” which indicates the folks in Redmond wouldn’t mind courting devs who’ve been burned by Apple’s opaque, confusing, and sometimes unfair system of approval. Besides the flat rates, Microsoft will take 30 percent of earnings from sales just as Apple and Google do — the lone standout being RIM, who’s generously offering 80 percent to devs (though hasn’t exactly been blowing doors off hinges with its movement on fostering development). Microsoft’s Marketplace will debut with the launch of Windows Mobile 6.5 in Q4 2009, though developers can apparently register come Spring, and start submitting this Summer.

Filed under: Cellphones

Microsoft unveils Windows Marketplace fees, splits, hopes, and dreams originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Mar 2009 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Feb 24

Wine 1.0 CrossOver 7.0 Released Today

Posted in: Freeware, Linux, Mac, Newly Released, Software, Today's Chili

This article was written on June 18, 2008 by CyberNet.

wine birthday Mac; Linux
It took an astonishing 15 years to complete, but Wine 1.0 has finally been released! Wine, for those of you that don’t know, serves as a way to run some Windows applications in Linux without the need for an emulator. The team has done their best to recreate the Dynamic Link Libraries (DLL’s) that are used in Windows, and it all had to be done without an ounce of code from Microsoft.

The project has been very successful, and Wine 1.0 brings thousands of Windows-only applications and games into the Linux world. Take a look at the different rating systems they’ve come up with for the different applications, along with how many programs fall into each category:

Platinum (1300+ programs): Applications which install and run flawlessly on an out-of-the-box Wine installation (ex. Half-Life 2, Photoshop CS2)
Gold (1500+ programs): Applications that work flawlessly with some special configuration (ex. World of Warcraft, Command & Conquer 3)
Silver (1000+ programs): Applications with minor issues that do not affect typical usage (ex. Call of Duty 4, StarCraft Brood War)

Similarly CrossOver 7.0 for Mac and Linux was released today, and it now supports Microsoft Office 2007 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) in addition to the Adobe CS2 line of products. CrossOver 7.0, unlike Wine, will run you at least $39.95, but might be well worth it if you really want to run Office 2007.

Related Posts:

Feb 22

Helpful Tip: Disable UAC Prompt for an Application

Posted in: Screenshots, Software, Today's Chili, Windows, Windows Vista

This article was written on January 03, 2008 by CyberNet.

Microsoft has obviously observed the request from users to bypass the User Account Control (UAC) prompts for specific applications. Just a few days ago they posted instructions on how to get around UAC prompts and a per application basis.

I decided to give this a whirl, and I can say first hand that it does work. There’s just one thing…it’s not quite as simple as a few clicks. The first time you go through the instructions it will probably take 3 or 4 minutes, but each program you setup after that will probably take just a minute since you’ll understand what needs to be done.

I’ve taken the liberty of modifying their directions ever so slightly to make them a bit easier, and I’ve also thrown in a few screenshots to guide you along the way:

Download (10.9MB) and install the Application Compatibility Toolkit.
In the Start menu find the shortcut Microsoft Application Compatibility Toolkit 5.0\Compatibility Administrator. Right click it and click Run as administrator.
In the left hand pane, right-click on the database under Custom Databases and select Create New, and select Application Fix.
Enter the name and other details of the application you want to alter behavior on and then browse to it to select it. Click Next.
Click Next until you are in the Compatibility Fixes screen. On the Compatibility Fixes screen, find the item RunAsInvoker, and check it. Click Next and then Finish.
Select File -> Save As. Save the file as a filename.SDB type file in a directory you will easily find it. Then copy the <filename>.sdb file to the Vista computer you want to alter the elevation prompt behavior on.
Click Start -> All Programs -> Accessories. Right click Command Prompt and click Run as administrator.
Run the command below:
sdbinst <path>\<filename>.sdb
For example, if you saved the .SDB file as abc.sdb in the c:\Windows folder, the command should be like this:
sdbinst c:\windows\abc.sdb
It should prompt: Installation of <name> complete.

I’m *guessing* that, before saving the file in Step 6, you can go back to Step 3 and add more “Application Fixes” to the database. That way you can execute just one database in the remaining steps.

Microsoft Knowledgebase [via x(perts)64]

Related Posts:

Feb 01

Shock 3D Virtual Desktop for Windows

Posted in: Features, Freeware, Software, Today's Chili, Windows Vista, Windows XP

This article was written on September 30, 2007 by CyberNet.

Shock 3D Virtual Desktop

We’ve got a treat for you if you’re a Windows user and you’ve been lusting over a sweet 3D Desktop. Shock 4Way is a free application that gives you four virtual desktops to work with. I wouldn’t say it is quite as good as the DeskSpace app, but it also doesn’t cost $20 to buy.

The screenshot above shows the 3D virtual desktop application in action, and here are some of the features it has to offer:

Screen Manager for dragging and dropping applications from one desktop to another
Blending option to give each of the desktops a transparent appearance
Rotate the cube horizontally by simply moving your mouse (there is no vertical rotation)
Assign a background image that appears behind the “cube”
Customize the hotkeys
System Tray icon for easy access to all available options

One of the things that I would like to see offered in this program is an easier way to move windows from one desktop to another. Right now you have to use the Screen Manager which is nice, but it would be better if I could drag a window to the edge of the desktop and have it move over.

Feel free to give it a shot though because there is a portable version available that requires no installation. You’ll probably keep it on your computer even if you don’t use it, because who doesn’t like to show this kind of stuff off to friends?

Shock 4Way 3D Virtual Desktop (for Windows XP/2000/2003/Vista)
Source: How-To Geek

Related Posts:

Jan 24

Apple’s App Store Rumored to Launch on Monday

Posted in: Apple, gps, iPhone, Today's Chili, Web Sites

This article was written on June 04, 2008 by CyberNet.

iphone app store.png With the WWDC conference quickly approaching, rumors are running rampant about not only the next iPhone, but also when the App Store will launch. News.com is reporting that Apple is ready to launch the first app on Monday and so people are drawing the conclusion that the App Store will launch on Monday as well. Originally it was said that the App Store would launch by the end of June, so is Apple just ahead of the game or will it only be announced on Monday and released later?

There’s so much hype surrounding the App Store because this is the way that people will be able to get their hands on all of the third-party applications that have been developed. Ever since the SDK was made available, developers have been hard at work trying to come up with applications that both iPhone and iPod Touch (assuming they pay the fee to get the update) users will want to use. We already know that an AIM client is in the works, as is a mobile version of Spore, along with hundreds of other applications.

As some of you have probably heard rumored before, the new iPhone is expected to have support for GPS technology. News.com makes a good point and says, “the combination of GPS and faster networking speeds should allow for a whole range of location-aware applications to proliferate on the iPhone, as they have on other competing phones.” Oh the possibilities this brings to the table now!

We’ll be following the WWDC keynote scheduled to start at 10:00 A.M. (Pacific) on Monday, June 9th. It should be an interesting day…

Related Posts:

Hasta La Gadget!

Free PVR TV Guide Service Reaches for your Wallet

Nokia’s Ovi Store said to be launching with 20,000 ‘items,’ unknown number of apps