Buzz, Facebook, or Twitter which do you prefer?

With the recent release of Google Buzz it may seem though the Mountain View search giant has stepped into the micro-blogging scene. It’s hard not to notice as Google embedded Buzz into Gmail and into all its other apps. I’ve started using it since its release, and I have also added a Buzz plugin to my blog’s homepage. Facebook and Twitter are sure on notice of Google’s entry into their territory.  And only time will tell if Google’s new social messaging tool would steal some of their buzz 🙂

So if you are using these one of these services which do you prefer?

Windows 7, a success!

Windows 7 is one of the most successful products coming from the Redmond, Washington (that’s where Microsoft’s HQ is located). The company had it’s problems with Vista and it was the thorn in its side that they couldn’t shake off.  As an IT guy I get a lot of questions about tech stuff ranging from laptops to servers, cell phones to USB coffee warmers and the whole gamut of gadgetry under the sun. As successful as Windows 7 already is many of my friends and co-workers ask about it.

Let’s tackle some of these questions and I’ll (briefly) explain why.

“Isn’t Windows 7 just an updated version of Vista?”
Yes it is, but it’s more than just an updated version. The core code of Windows 7 is essentially Vista, but with the fat trimmed off it as well as adding valued features such as increased security, better GUI, and  multimedia functionalities. Windows 7 is more efficient and less of a resource hog compared to its predecessor, so upgrading to Windows 7 for some may make it seem like their computer has gotten a speed boost (I’m not talking about raw FPS gaming, but day to day usage). Since the core code of Windows 7 is Vista’s many if not all of the drivers from your existing devices on Vista will work on Windows 7. Continue reading “Windows 7, a success!”

Dell Mini 5, iPad killer?

Engadget has some hands-on pictures HERE.

The device currently runs on Android 1.6, but they expect by the time its release (within a few months) it should be sporting the 2.1 OS.  The rumored price for this baby is $1,100. That’s pretty expensive if it aims to compete with the iPad or other tablets and netbooks on the market.

From the pictures alone, and it running the Android OS it’s already more interesting than the iPad. I’m sure it’ll support flash and is able to multi-task.

Google Buzz

As if we don’t have enough micro-blogging sites Google just released Buzz. Google touts it will add more to its location based tools such as Google Maps. Buzz can be linked to other Google sites and and non Google ones. Check it out at http://buzz.google.com

Tech Tip: PHP on IIS 7

The following post is for anyone running Windows Server 2008 and wants to host dynamic webpages using PHP scripting.

A couple of years ago I wrote a step by step process of installing PHP on IIS 6 on a Windows Server 2003. I wrote it because many of the steps they had online were sometimes incorrect, had gaps, missed steps that were crucial in setting up PHP. With the release of Windows Server 2008 Microsoft also updated it’s Internet Information Services to version 7. IIS7 has lots of new features and one of the in nicest addition is its ability to easily install PHP, compared to installing it on Windows Server 2003.

I wrote the following steps a year ago for documentation purposes. It should be the same process for Windows Server 2008 R2. I didn’t add screenshots because I’m assuming you’re familiar with Windows Server 2008’s GUI.

-Add the IIS Web Server role.  Be sure CGI feature is installed.

-Download the PHP binary for Windows at http://windows.php.net/download/

-You will need to download and install Microsoft 2008 C++ Runtime (x86) if your OS is 64-bit

In this tuturial we’ll be using the zipped package rather than the installer.

-Unzip the contents to C:\php

-In C:\php directory rename one of the php.ini-xxxx to just php.ini

-In the php.ini file uncomment and set the vaule of the string to:
(To uncomment a line you just delete the semi-colon at the beginning of of line of code)

upload_tmp_dir = C:\Inetpub\wwwroot\uploads (you will need to manually create this ‘uploads’ folder)
date.timezone = america/tijuana     (be sure to select your correct time zone. You can look up your time zones here: http://us3.php.net/manual/en/timezones.php)

If you plan to use extensions you will need to uncomment the line corresponding to the extension you want to use.

-Open your IIS Manager

-Select your host and click on Handler Mappings

-Add module mapping

-Fill out the Module mapping info

Request path:   *.php
Module:   FastCGIModule
Executable:   C:\php\php-cgi.exe
Name:   php fastcgi

Make sure your php fastcgi is “enabled”

To test your php open up notepad and type in  <? php phpinfo(); ?>
Now save the file as info.php. Place the file in C:\inetpub\wwwroot\
Open up your browser and point it to your info.php file  (C:\inetpub\wwwroot\info.php
If all is successful you should see your PHP info and it’s configuration for your server.

iPad = iDisappointed

Well Steve Jobs finally announce the hotly anticipated Apple tablet. The iPad so it’s called. The unvieling of the new device left me thinking that no matter how shiny and sleek this tablet is it won’t be as successful as its iPhone or any of its other products.

My assumptions were correct that its just a larger version of the iPhone and iPod Touch. I’m very surprised the iPad lacks many of the features that makes it a real tablet. First of all, like its diminutive sibling  the iPhone and iPod Touch it does not multitask. Yup, you can only work with one application at a time. Second, the Sarfari browser lacks Adobe Flash support. For a device that prides itself on providing a great browsing exprience it’s lack one of the more popular features found in all browsers. Third, it’s missing hand writing recognition.

If Apple added at least one of these feature it would have made it a much more desirable device that differentiates itself from the iPhone and iPod Touch. This iPad is a niche product that will probably compete more so with Amazon’s Kindle and other e-readers. As for it being a netbook killer, better luck next time Steve.

iTablet, iPad tomorrow?

Tomorrow is Apple’s most anticipated event. Rumors are flying all over the internet about the upcoming unannounced Apple tablet.  Many of the rumors have been consistent with each other and some big wigs in book publishing have hinted that the tablet will be revealed soon.

I’ve always been a fan of their hardware since they switch from the PowerPC to Intel. As for their tablet I’m still pondering how a bigger version of the iPhone would add something unique to the game. You can probably do the majority of the things with an iPhone than you can with the so called tablet. I don’t think it can compete sucessfully with a tradition laptop or netbook. The lack of a physical keyboard hinders it from being nimble mobile computer.

I think the iTablet will be geared more as an e-reader gadget where it would be competing directly with Amazon’s Kindle and other e-readers. With the right content Apple’s rumored device can hit the ground running if they can provide the vast amount of ebooks and multimedia selection.

I was planning to buy a Kindle during the holidays, but I was holding out on what Apple had to offer. If the rumors are true the only real question is the battery life on this device. If it’s anything like the iPhone 3G(S) I would be hard press to buy something that would require it to be charged constantly.

My Blackberry Apps

For those who have a Blackberry and don’t know what apps to install on their phone here is a list of current apps that I use on mine.  Many of the apps can be download on Blackberry App World or can be download at the developer’s website. The apps listed below may not work with all models. I currently use the 9700, so be sure to check on developer’s website to see if your phone is compatible.

Facebook – Anyone who has a Facebook account will need to have this app. It’s a great app to view your Facebook notifications and post status updates.

Beejive – If you have multiple IM accounts Beejive provides access to all of them in one app. There is a 30 day trial version that is available to check out.

Associated Press – This is my favorite news app. It has a simple and organized GUI. It provides nation, international, and local news.

Amazon – I use this app often especially when I go shopping for price comparison. If you shop at Amazon.com often then you’ll need this app.

Continue reading “My Blackberry Apps”

New Google Phone “Nexus”

googlenexus

A good friend of mine got his hands on the new Google phone. According to him “it is really sleek… it feels nice in your hand” and “the screen res[solution] seems way better than the iphone too”. “It’s screen is slightly bigger and it feels light, yet durable/well constructed.”

The rumors on the interweb has this dropping sometime in January as an unlocked phone. I can’t wait.

I got a change to play with Verizon’s Eris and Sprint’s Hero which look very similar to the Nexus. Both are great phones and I’m sure the Nexus would be just as cool if not better.

BIS Google Contacts Sync for AT&T

It looks like the BIS Google contact sync is working for AT&T. You can set it up directly on your Blackberry though its email setup.

Here’s an image of what you’ll see if you enable it on the AT&T’s BIS site.

gmailsync