News - Christian Dunn

Software News

Latest Reviews

TestWater Research and Development

Details: Category: Software News; Published on Thursday, 24 January 2013 01:00; Written by Christian Dunn

TestWater has had a lot of behind the scenes action lately and some of it will be coming soon.

I am currently testing some fantastic new sample rules designed to demonstrate the configurable power of TestWater.

I have been investigating the viability of an online version of TestWater and this is based on a couple of side projects involving a web based LSI calculator which is currently available to members and a customised CRM tailored for the swimming pool industry that can capture Test Report emails from TestWater and be used to schedule jobs for field staff. There is also a tailored mobile interface to allow staff to update jobs in the field.

I am planning on releasing creator licences shortly.

I am also testing a WYSIWYG preview/editor for rules creation in TestWater.

Not all of these features may make the final release but definitely some exciting new functions soon.

Welcome to 2013

Details: Category: Opinion; Published on Wednesday, 23 January 2013 01:00; Written by Christian Dunn

Welcome back to www.chrisdunn.name in 2013.

I apologies the last month I have been slow on the news front here. I have been kept busy over the festive season enjoying my first christmas with my son, Thomas, catching up on renovation projects around the home and watching grass grow (literally). That doesn't mean I haven't been planning, designing or developing software and scripts over the break and you will see more updates coming shortly.

I hope you continue to enjoy using and reading my site and if you have any questions or suggestions contact me.

WyMI Software Release

Details: Category: Software News; Published on Wednesday, 23 January 2013 01:00; Written by Christian Dunn

WyMI has just been updated to provide an improved interface, better reporting and some new resources. Download it now from my software utilities section. The new version can generate reports in CSV and HTML. You can now easily report on installed programs or find network computers. Some additional error handling and a number of fixes have also been applied improving the stability of this new version. A must have tool for network administrators.

TestWater Updates

Details: Category: Software News; Published on Monday, 26 November 2012 01:32; Written by Christian Dunn

TestWater has been updated.

An error occurred with application signing which may affect auto updating.

To get the latest version run TestWater from the www.testwater.com.au website.

A Help Guide is now available online and the support pages have been revamped.

If you are interested in testing the product's licenced features contact me at Testwater:

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Configure a new Windows 8 machine

Details: Category: Opinion; Published on Sunday, 25 November 2012 23:30; Written by Christian Dunn

Moving to Windows 8 from Windows 7 can be difficult and confusing.

There are a few simple steps you can take when setting up your new machine to make this simpler, installing everything you need and an old fashioned start menu to help you transition.

I am already starting to see computers crossing my floor that require configuration to make them more user friendly after being sent back by frustrated users.

I am going to show you how in an hour you can install all the essential programs you need, setup a classic start menu, cleanup the start screen and update windows.

After setting up multiple Windows 8 machines I have found this to be my trusted solution.

Don't fully turn off the start screen and make sure you customise it as it will become more of a part of future operating systems. As new applications become available in the Windows Store you will find you need this screen back to make the most of them. It will also show more information as you begin using your computer. If you use hotmail or msn it is definitely worth using your microsoft account as this will update data for the start screen.

Follow these steps...

Ninite makes software deployment easy

Details: Category: Reviews; Published on Wednesday, 21 November 2012 00:22; Written by Christian Dunn

Ninite Ninite is an installer or updater that will save you an amazing amount of time in selecting and installing software on your computer.

Everything from Antivirus and Malware protection through to office applications, browser plugins and even a classic start menu for Windows 8 users.

No technical understanding or assistance is required. No bloatware or malware.

Ninite brings enterprise application deployment to everyone.

How hard is it to use?

a) Visit ninite.com and select the programs you want and click Get Installer.

b) Run the small file that was downloaded. All your applications will be installed.

Repeat for updating. A pro version can be purchased to enable automatic updating.

Simple yet amazing! Highly Recommended.

When life gets a software upgrade

Details: Category: Opinion; Published on Friday, 16 November 2012 00:33; Written by Christian Dunn

Many years ago at university I wrote a paper on the 'black box' that was becoming a part of our technology, such as our cars, leaving a knowledge gap between users and specialists. At that time I had owned a Toyota Corona, a VH Commodore and a Datsun 120Y. One thing about those cars is that if they broke, I could fix it, with a screwdriver, a pair of stockings and some duct tape. My concern at the time was the impact that cars and other technologies would have in our life from becoming a hidden black box of circuitry or computer technology that we couldn't fix and tinker with ourselves but required a team of expensive engineers to keep operating.

Well the time has come and passed and it hasn't been that scary. This week I was reminded of that paper when I upgraded the operating system on my bmw 3 series onboard computer. So this is the new tinkering?

This made me think about how the growth of technology and the 'update' capability of electronics has really changed my life.

VOIP is for everyone and almost free

Details: Category: Reviews; Published on Wednesday, 07 November 2012 01:00; Written by Christian Dunn

VOIP (Voice Over IP) used to be more of an experimental phone technology, that most people considered on par with Skype.

Over the last few years VOIP has developed greatly and become a replacement for the common POTS (Plain Old Telephone System).

In fact if you purchased a BOB or BOB2 from iinet then you already have a VOIP phone built into your internet router.

Over the last year I have had the opportunity to play with a wide range of VOIP systems from enterprise grade Cisco, Exetel and iiNet solutions to corporate Asterix systems and domestic applications.

I even have my home phone available on my laptop, desktop, iPod, iPhone, iPad, Android Phone and Android tablet. And it costs me under $10 a month using the account thrown in with my internet connection. I can also call from device to device (even mobile to mobile) using only the internet making it free to call home when I am using Wifi at work or out and about.

Here is my quick and dirty guide to VOIP.

Apple releases iPhone 5

Details: Category: Industry News; Published on Friday, 21 September 2012 09:00; Written by Christian Dunn

Apple has today released the iPhone 5.

Find out more here: http://www.apple.com/iphone/

The iPhone 5 runs the latest Apple operating system, iOS 6, which has in recent days been rolled out to owners of 3G, 4 and 4S iPhones and iPads.

So what's new? Well the iPhone 5 is thinner and taller than the previous iPhone and has a different connector at the bottom to previous iPhones. The headphone socket is also now located at the bottom. That's about it, the rest of the features are part of iOS 6 although some won't work with earlier phones.

Known issues? So far we have heard of some iPhone users reporting of wireless problems in iOS 6 and the biggest complaint from users is the Maps application. Apple has decided to split from Google and build it's own maps application. What they have achieved in a short time is admirable but falls far short of the slick capabilities of Google Maps we have come to expect. As a result it tarnishes the potential of this device. I have had colleagues report of attempting to navigate in local suburbs in Australia of being directed to locations in the United States which were impossible to reach. One US city is shown as being a major hospital. Searching for various items such as hospital, gardens or emergency room produces varied results and nowhere near as many as using Google. Apparently Madison Square Gardens is a garden. Other cities have been reported as being underwater. To add the icing on the cake, Public transport is missing. Apple is working with third party app developers to integrate public transport capability into Apple Maps. Google on the other hand has already incorporated public transport of many cities, including Sydney, into it's search which is then used by the transport system's own apps. While Google has built it all, now Apple wants others to build it for them. Google has advised it is not yet developing a replacement app so if you desperately need to find your way around open your web browser to maps.google.com and you can still get the Google goodness, while Apple play catch up in the map making game.

More for Members

Details: Category: Site News; Published on Wednesday, 29 August 2012 02:20; Written by Christian Dunn

There are more reasons than ever to become a member at chrisdunn.name. I am planning to continue adding more value to the members section and more useful features, maybe even remove some less useful ones, to build a better site for you. Members get access to pre-release software before it is finally released. Sign up, it's free. See the Members section for more information.

Home page error

Details: Category: Site News; Published on Wednesday, 29 August 2012 01:21; Written by Christian Dunn

It appears a problem with the Google weather component caused my homepage to fail for a few hours today.
All other pages and sites remained operational and all services are now restored.

Build a home theatre for under $1500

Details: Category: Opinion; Published on Monday, 27 August 2012 02:51; Written by Christian Dunn

Do you have an office or spare room you dream of turning into a home theatre?

Would you love a big screen and a surround sound system to watch the football, do yoga, entertain the kids, having an adults night at the movies and lock the kids out?

Want to surf the web and watch you tube videos on the big screen?

This is what I believe you need....

Surround Sound
Digital Projector
HDMI
Media Center PC or device
Cables and fixtures

You can do it all and affordably, for under $1500.

Here is my guide to getting the best bang for your buck...

The kids love it too! A great games room for them to surf the web or play playstation. I have 4 nephews who will testify to that. :)

Do you like the new Microsoft logo?

Details: Category: Industry News; Published on Sunday, 26 August 2012 23:06; Written by Christian Dunn

Microsoft has released this video showing it's first new logo in 25 years and the updated logos for the next generation of it's office suit, Office 2013.

So what do you think of this ad?

It definitely has the new 'flat' or 2d metro style look to it to suit the Windows 8 and Phone to be released shortly.

Windows 8 and chrisdunn.name software

Details: Category: Software News; Published on Sunday, 26 August 2012 22:58; Written by Christian Dunn

In preparation for Windows 8 I have been testing my main applications on the new platform.

Good news for users of my software is that at this stage I have identified no major issues and the compatibility features ensure even older applications work.

If you are planning to deploy any of my applications on Windows 8 and have any concerns or issues please let me know and I can confirm the status of that application. After the full release of Windows 8 I will begin updating applications to indicate Windows 8 support.

Outlook.com - The new hotmail

Details: Category: Industry News; Published on Sunday, 26 August 2012 22:55; Written by Christian Dunn

Looking for a new email address? In preparation for Windows 8 and Office 2012 Microsoft has launched the new outlook.com email service.

Hotmail users can migrate their email address to the new site or can sign up for a new @outlook.com alias.

If you want a new email address you should get in early to get a good alias as they are going fast.

Notice the new logo and new look and feel? Outlook.com is designed to suit and match the new look Office 2013 coming soon.

Page 8 of 13

Start

End

Smart Search

Login Form