Windows 8 is getting closer

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Category: Industry News

Published on Thursday, 31 May 2012 23:40

Written by Christian Dunn

Word on the grapevine is that we are likely to see a new preview release of Windows 8 from Microsoft in the first week of June.

Given an October launch date, this is highly likely and may even be the release candidate.

Watch this space.

TestWater Upgrade

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Category: Software News

Published on Thursday, 31 May 2012 23:34

Written by Christian Dunn

TestWater is back on the work bench. I have decided I am going to open up licencing to be a free self service model where users can register the application themselves, generate a key and begin creating and sharing TestWater licences. This process is currently under way and I hope to have a new release available online shortly at www.testwater.com.au.

Samsung Galaxy SIII Released (Android)

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Category: Industry News

Published on Thursday, 31 May 2012 23:20

Written by Christian Dunn

The day has come! Samsung has launched the Galaxy SIII in London with great fanfare.

With a massive 4.8" gorilla glass AMOLED screen (bigger even than my SII) an 8MP camera and still at only 133grams, is this the new iPhone killer?

Available in marble white or pebble blue brushed cases the Samsung is light to hold and stunning to use.

The Galaxy SIII also includes a range of intelligent features including

• Smart Stay recognises when you are looking at the phone.
• Direct Call knows when you want to talk.
• Smart Alert reminds you if you missed something.
• S Voice (it's not Siri) means you can talk to your phone.
• S Beam let's you transfer data between two SIII devices in close proximity.
• and more....

Check it out here - Samsung Galaxy SIII

Apple gives security another miss

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Category: Industry News

Published on Thursday, 24 May 2012 18:24

Written by Christian Dunn

I know I sound like a broken record, and don't take me as a strong opponent to Apple (I do have an iPhone and iPad and an OS X virtual machine), but they need to improve their Enterprise credentials.

Latest news is that Apple has now turned down Kaspersky's offer to create Antivirus for the iphone. At this stage they have not allowed any major vendors to bring antivirus to iOS that is approved by apple.

So what is Apple's logic? Well, in theory you should not be able to get a virus on a properly secured device, and if your device is jailbroken, then you are not using it how Apple recommend so you are operating outside their standard design, so it is your problem, not theirs. It does kind of make sense, in a semi deluded way, but the underlying premise is that iOS does not get viruses. While this is a great concept in this day and age all devices are a potential concern. The rate of malware/virus/spyware development always exceeds that of software and the bigger you are the bigger target you are. This means that as the popularity and volume of Apple devices increases, they become a more popular target, which means more people are trying to find ways to break it, which means you are more likely to get infected.

Popularity always kills and in this case, it's true. Microsoft may seem to release a lot of updates to their software but that's because they have listened to the Enterprise and developed and adopted a measured strategy to mitigate risk by developing regular cyclical updates and supportive applications to ensure that their OS is up to date.

Now, it is nice to say that if you jailbreak your device you are not covered, I get that, but if Microsoft said that any user who didn't install every update, who modified their registry, or who installed a program they didn't approve of was not their responsibility then we would have millions of viruses/malware running around infecting computers because Microsoft didn't see it a concern, as the user was using it incorrectly.

In the end who loses? Apple and consumers. It is their reputation at stake and ultimately if a major virus or malware outbreak occurred that found a way to infect iOS today, they would be in very very big trouble. Why? because they are in denial there is a problem, which means no one is looking for a solution.

It's not a matter of if but when, I just wish Apple would consider the risk and potential impact on their customers before they make decisions such as refusing Antivirus for iOS. Their customers will thank them later.

Microsoft Outlook 2010 Basic Training

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Category: Reviews

Published on Thursday, 24 May 2012 18:15

Written by Christian Dunn

Sometimes some sensational videos actually end up on YouTube.

Here's one I stumbled across recently that I wish I knew existed so I could have sent it to every friend and family member who asked me to help them get started with using the latest version of Microsoft Outlook.

This 15 minute video provides all the basics you need to know to get started with Outlook 2010.

So, if you have just upgraded to Office 2010 and you want to familiarise yourself with the world's #1 email client, Outlook, then watch below...

How to? Howcast!

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Category: Reviews

Published on Thursday, 24 May 2012 18:01

Written by Christian Dunn

Have you ever wanted to find a video that could show you how to do something?

Let me introduce Howcast. Think of it like YouTube but with only helpful stuff (no idiots performing dangerous stunts or singing badly here).

So how does it work? Just like YouTube you can search and find information in a wide range of categories including topics such as:

• Food
• Style
• Tech
• Recreation
• Fitness
• Health
• Home
• .... and more

So how useful is the information. Well let's have a look at some tech topics for example:

• How to find out how much memory your computer has (see below)
• How to use computer software
• How to use a USB port
• How to troubleshoot a computer
• How to setup internet
• How to network computers
• .... and more

I have found it so useful I am recommending it to customers and my engineers to use it as a repository for basic steps to help familiarise yourself with a new application, service or process.

So here's a Howcast video to get you started...

Love it. Saves me trawling through youtube to find the educational videos... not easy..

AARNET Traceroute tricks

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Category: Reviews

Published on Wednesday, 16 May 2012 00:07

Written by Christian Dunn

AARNET, Australia's Research and Education network has some really handy tools available online to help you check just how far you are from the network and how well your links are performing.

Did you know you can run a traceroute from any AARNET external node to any host?

Try these:

• Sydney
• Melbourne
• Brisbane
• Perth
• Adelaide

You can also let them automatically choose the nearest node using their On Net/Off Net and Looking Glass Tool

So what is AARNET? The AARNET3 network links all major capital cities with a backbone extending from Brisbane through to Perth and additional links running both to Hobart and Darwin, via Alice Springs.These run a 10GBps network which connects into overseas Tier 1 links.

In other words, these guys are very well connected.

Why Apple is bad for business

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Category: Industry News

Published on Friday, 11 May 2012 19:21

Written by Christian Dunn

Don't get me wrong, I don't have an Apple aversion, I have an iPhone and I use OS X as a play toy, but there is something that has always bothered me.

Steve Jobs said it many years ago, "Apple make great consumer devices". And he was right.

In this rapidly changing world and in Australia, one of the countries with the fastest technology adoption rates, Apple has seen a massive rise in popularity on the back of the iPhone and iPad.

This has led to many users wanting to bring what they use at home into work, leading Apple into the enterprise market, like it or not.

Enterprise companies however have a different focus to consumers, where consumers like features and function, the enterprise likes security, stability and control.

Apple does the former and unfortunately fails at the latter.

The best example came to light recently in their handling of some major virus/malware situations.

The following article indicates how an enterprise company, Microsoft, should handle security, and how a consumer company, Apple, doesn't.

Read it and make your own judgement, but I think it is clear, Apple is not yet ready for the enterprise..

http://m.zdnet.com/blog/bott/what-microsoft-can-teach-apple-about-security-response/4987?tag=nl.e539

Wolfenstein 3D is back

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Category: Industry News

Published on Friday, 11 May 2012 19:18

Written by Christian Dunn

Wolfenstein 3D, the game that is widely regarded as the first to define the first-person shooter genre is back, long after it's original 1992 launch.

To celebrate it's 20th birthday this year, Bethesda Softworks, whose parent company bought ID Software (the original Wolfenstein 3D creator) in 2009 has now released a browser based version.

AWESOME!!!!

Check it out here... just as I remember it...

browser-based version of the game

Samsung Galaxy SIII Announced (Android)

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Category: Industry News

Published on Saturday, 05 May 2012 23:32

Written by Christian Dunn

It's coming...  Samsung is now announcing details of the new Galaxy SIII. The next generation of their Android powerhouse.

As an owner of the Galaxy SII, which I must say is the best phone I have ever had (yes I also use an iPhone 4S). Personally I find my SII faster, more flexible and featured than my iPhone. Why? better apps. Yep, Polaris office means I can actually create and edit office documents, Social hub keeps my up to date with my friends, Google Currents means I get beautiful magazines to read, my photos and messages are automatically synched to Google and of course I have Google+ and my Google Drive. I can access everything on my phone from my laptop using Kies Air, Remote Web Workplace or AirDroid. I have flash. The built in navigation app alone makes the Samsung more desirable. Include Google Tracks and you have a complete GPS solution. Did I mention that they were all free? Yep, I haven't paid for an app yet.

And I have a dual core processor with a massive screen that is super bright and clear and now with IceCream Sandwich an amazing feature set including a built in data use monitor.

And now someone tells me they are making a new one....

Check out the specs here at Android authority.

Specifications

• 136.6 x 70.6 x 8.6mm
• 133 grams
• Display: 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED (1280×720) Pentile (no Plus)
• Processor: Exynos 4 Quad @ 1.4Ghz for HSPA version
• 1GB of RAM
• Rear Camera: 8MP Autofocus, Flash, Zero Lag Shutter BSI Image sensor
• Front Camera: 1.9 MP HD, Flash, Zero Lag Shutter
• Video: Full HD 1080p Recording and Playback
• Storage: 16GB/32GB/64GB
• 2,100mAh battery
• GPS with GLONASS
• 802.11n Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth 4
• microSD expansion
• 21Mbps HSPA, LTE supported
• Micro SIM

So, what do I think... 
Well it's bigger, yes this could be a problem in those tight jeans, but that screen is awesome. If I had a $1 for every time I switched from my iPhone to my Android to take advantage of the largest screen I would be a rich man. Just like my SII it is actually lighter than my iPhone and while bigger the new one is the same weight.
Quad core processor gives me double the grunt, maybe if they combine in with the Motorola Xoom style laptop dock, I could use this as a netbook instead of my laptop.

Some other great features include Near Field Communications (NFC) so you can make payments by tapping your phone and while currently HSPA compatible, rumours indicate there will be LTE support for 4G which may make this an actual 4G phone for Australia. Add a barometer and improved proximity sensor and clever features and this phone is tough to beat.

I have to agree with most early reports that I am not a massive fan of the rounded look or shape in the same way I found the iPhone 3 didn't feel as good to use as the 4, but let's wait and see what hits the market. I am sure I will cope as long as I can get it in any color EXCEPT white.

While these are all good, it is the final feature set that wows users and samsung has left no stone unturned. Simple features such as detecting whether you are looking at the phone, or not turning off the screen while you are reading may sound sensible, but why haven't we seen them before. Given the close relationship between Samsung and Google I bet many of these features will also appear on coming versions of the Nexus and One.

In summary, the SIII is really the next generation phone. Combining performance, features and functionality I can't see any reason not to upgrade as soon as I can.

Want to win one? Enter the Android Authority competition before the end of May to get your chance.

Losing your identity

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Category: Opinion

Published on Saturday, 05 May 2012 23:18

Written by Christian Dunn

Identity theft is the newest big problem online and this week I was the target, well kind of. Fortunately they only got as far as my email.

I discovered this week that my email account had been hacked to send out spam, apologies to anyone who received an email from the UK Metropolitan Police that may have come from me promising a lot of money. It's not until you don't have email for 24 hours that you realise how much you miss it.

After having to change my password 6 times it made me think how hard it is to remember all the passwords we have.

Do you have more than 1? Are they the same? Well if someone breaks into one of your accounts, then do they have the password to all your other accounts?

Fortunately I use different passwords, but definitely food for thought. After a couple of nights of long tech support calls from Australia to the US and changing passwords on multiple accounts I can now rest a bit better at night. As the 'cloud' becomes more prevalent and we are all becoming slaves to web based applications globally then all it takes is someone to break into your hotmail account, facebook, twitter or your gmail account to literally make your life a nightmare.

Now that I have scared you... go change your passwords.

Sonic PDF Creator GiveAway

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Category: Reviews

Published on Saturday, 05 May 2012 23:15

Written by Christian Dunn

Looking for a PDF creation AND editing tool that doesn't cost an arm and a leg? What about if they decided to make it free on Facebook?

This is Sonic PDF Creator. This program has every PDF editing and creation feature you'll actually ever use....(if you are like me)

• Create PDFs
• Create Secure PDFs
• Print to PDF
• Split and Merge PDFs
• Add pages, text and images to PDFs
• Rotate Pages
• Add Bookmarks
• Create Booklets, Handouts and Powerpoints from PDFs
• Attach Documents

Ok, so it doesn't have every feature of Adobe Acrobat X, but do you really use them all?
Marketing department, look away... nothing to see here..
If you are like me and all you need to do is merge some documents, add or remove a page here or there and maybe insert a logo or some text then this is perfect for you.
All the stuff you actually use without all the extra features and thingamyjigs that you never know what they actually do.

I have used it for a bit and can't really fault it. Probably not enough time for a good review, but times are tight, $50 is $50 and when that $50 is free on facebook then you have $50 more to spend on saturday night. So for free software this is awesome.

I tried it out (hence the review) but I always worry about offers on facebook, personal data blah blah. All you have to do to claim the offer is 'like' their page to get a code for a software download. 
This means they can only see the public side of my facebook page (not even a friend), so they will probably get my email address but very little else.
Since then I haven't yet had to enter any personal information at any stage.

By now I was already starting to like the software then I found something cool... They also have online PDF convertors on facebook enabling you to convert both to and from PDF to Word, Excel and Powerpoint. Cool huh? Although, are you allowed to use facebook on company time? Why don't you ask your manager for Adobe Acrobat X Pro and when they baulk at the price, tell them if they gave you facebook access you could get free software. You might almost be the most popular person in the office for the time it takes to download and install.

Visit the Investintech Facebook page to claim your free copy of Sonic PDF Creator.

Or check out all of the Investintech products on their website.

A changing world needs a changing site..

Details

Category: Site News

Published on Sunday, 29 April 2012 01:26

Written by Christian Dunn

Frequent visitors may have noticed recent changes to my site.

I am now in phase 3 of my website upgrade project which involves removing the remaining remnants of the old site.
This began a few weeks ago and significant sections of the site have now been removed.
Important old links are now redirected to the new site and changes will continue as systems are all migrated.

So why is this interesting?

I take your feedback very importantly. I realise the design of the new site initially was very old fashioned and I thank those visitors who pointed it out to me.
Some more succinctly than others.

As a result I have also begun the final phase of the project in enhancing the new site and implementing new features.

Some of the recent improvements include:

• clearer black on white content for easier reading, especially on mobile devices
• simpler, less cluttered interface making content the primary focus
• new members homepage and additional member features
• new menus and site links
• new translation feature for my international software users and guests
• improved google listings
• new icons and links
• updated CNET listings for core applications
• improved site analytics and reporting capabilities

I hope you enjoy these improvements and the focus of my ongoing development is making my site simpler to use but more useful than ever.

Let me know your feedback as you can see it goes immediately into effect on new changes and developments.

Which OS is that?

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Category: Opinion

Published on Sunday, 29 April 2012 01:00

Written by Christian Dunn

I know I have been quiet lately but that's because I have been testing.

In the last few weeks I got the chance to play with a range of operating systems so here's a quick rundown on what's hot, what for and what not....

• Windows 8 Developer
  • The best preview demonstration of Windows 8 including some great sample gadgets. Some features in this version are not in the consumer version. Looking forward to this operating system, just wish my laptop had a touchscreen. Developers can download this from Microsoft for free.
• Windows 8 Consumer
  • This is the consumer preview demonstration for Windows 8 and while very limited in included features is fun to play with. If you have a spare computer at home you can give this a try. Remember not everything works and it isn't the final software so don't upgrade your main computer now. You can download this from Microsoft for free. See my review for how to install this as a virtual machine to test it without affecting your computer.
• Server Hyper V 8
  • This is the Hyper V dedicated version of server 8. Looking forward to finally seeing a competitive alternative to VMWare.
• Server 8
  • This is the fantastic new Windows server to come with Windows 8. The ability for a full and server core installation and great cloud enabled features provides a real competitor in the server market. Server 8 can compete for use in the secure core only style appliance or hosting markets and with full installations in the virtual desktops and traditional windows networking environments. This can be downloaded from Microsoft Technet.
• Windows Server 2008 R2
  • The current standard in Windows server the latest iteration provides some great new features and improved security and compatibility with Windows 7.
• Windows Server 2008 R2 Foundation
  • This limited version of windows server is designed for small micro server appliances or cloud focused businesses. It provides no support for Sharepoint or Exchange and the ability to support up to 15 users.
• Windows Server 2003 R2 x64
  • Old operating systems may appear dead but if you have an old computer that doesn't support the latest operating system you may be in trouble. This version of server 2003 enabled me to bring an old server back to life to use as a backup server when 2008 R2 could not support the raid or processor requirements.
• Mac OS X Lion
  • I have been building virtual machines and playing with OS X with both Entourage 2008 and Office 2011 in both domain and workgroup environments. I love the usability and simplicity of the operating system. Integration into a windows domain network is getting easier but there are still some tricks for beginners. I do admit I enjoy using it and keep playing with it.

Science is Cool - Tesla does Sweet Home Alabama

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Category: Industry News

Published on Thursday, 22 March 2012 23:41

Written by Christian Dunn

You just have to watch this.

This may have been done by a uni student but I think scientists everywhere should be proud.

Tell me if you can stop this before the end, it is very addictive to watch, like watching a lava lamp with music...

This would be really cool at a party, except you would hate to get close and the women would all complain about their hair.

Here it is... Tesla performs Sweet Home Alabama