switching to ubuntu

I am attempting to migrate my computer settings to the Ubuntu free/open source set up. It can be a fresh start from using proprietary or licensed software to using free software for my PC needs. I already have the installation CDs at hand, but I guess reformatting will have to wait a few more days. The PC I'm using is protected with a password. The RAM might not be enough to run the installation CD. I have to check and address these incompatibilities again.

risks in celebrity web search

This news report makes a lot of sense. There are also risks in searching for celebrity information coupled with careless use of the internet. Viruses can infect users' computers and the possibility of information theft crops up.

Internet security firm McAfee Inc. said "Brad Pitt" or "Beyonce" key words are "the most dangerous celebrities" for web searchers.

Information and pictures that people search linking to key words "Pitt" and many others, including related downloads, wallpapers and screen savers, give users' PCs more than 15% chance of virus, spyware, spam, phishing and adware infections.

Searches for celebrity gossip, downloads, wallpaper and screen savers may direct surfers to fake web sites that endanger vulnerable computers or users.

McAfee also lists Mariah Carey, David Beckham, Rihanna, Fergie, Katie Holmes, Angelina Jolie, Katherine Heigl, Jessica Alba, Lindsay Lohan, Cameron Diaz and George Clooney as dangerous key words. Words Pitt and Justin Timberlake top the list for men. Beyonce and Heidi Montag for women.

Viruses, worms and spyware are known to serve marketing purposes or worse, steal sensitive information.

The revelation points to the need for added computer security, antivirus upgrades and users' education.

most affordable cars

The Tara Tiny was reported as the world’s cheapest car, replacing former cheapest car Tata Nano. The Tiny, an electric vehicle, has a 22 volt motor and travels between 80 to 100 kilometers with just one 8 hour charge.

Its two-seat capacity and speed limit of 50 km makes it a nice urban bachelor's vehicle. On the other hand, I haven't read yet if it can survive traffic jams, potholes, humps and flooded streets. I'm guessing it can barely.

The Tata Nano, on the other hand, with its two-cylinder engine, can reach 65 miles per hour and has enough space for four people. The price of a Tata Nano was published as just $2,500 or approximately P100,000. However, it doesn't have any add-ons such as radio and air conditioner.

Such inexpensive cars might attract buyers who also consider purchasing a motorbike or scooter to take a good look at their specs. On my part, I still prefer riding a car than a bike. With that amount, I would consider getting a second-hand car or a custom-built vehicle (a jeep) for more reliability. Of course, the car is not available here yet. Perhaps local car manufacturers can still improvise cheaper vehicles for local buyers. With the technology available nowadays, I'm sure there will be innovators out there who'll try to scale down the costs and at the same time make the add-ons available in a package that gives customers an efficient, environment-friendly and dependable vehicle that can survive local terrain.

My first iPod

A few days ago, Mom sent me an Apple iPod Shuffle with a 1GB memory.

Many reviewers consider the Apple iPod as a revolutionary digital music gadget, while retaining its basic format and design over the years. It remains popular as new models and features come out into the market.

The first generation Shuffle was innovative but the stick design has waned. The second generation Shuffle is a lot better. The polished white plastic used in iPod products has been replaced with an anodised aluminium finish. Colors range from silver, blue, red and other cool varieties. The classic white plastic just lines the top and bottom edges.

The shuffle has a clip made of the same anodised aluminium so users can clip it on their clothes. The clip allows users to attach the Shuffle on their shirt, jeans, bag strap, tie, and its light weight of 15.6g makes it virtually unnoticeable. Anybody can now take this portable player wherever they go and have their favorite music or soundtrack playing non-stop.

The new Shuffle is also much smaller now. It measures 41 x 27 x 10mm. The little switch on the edge controls the playback mode (either random or in order). The circular control buttons change the volume or skip forwards or back a track.

Battery life goes beyond the stated 12 hours as it can play for over 16 hours from a single charge. An iPod shuffle dock is used in charging and synchronizing music files saved in your computer. Small indicator lights just flash when the unit is powered up, green for good, amber for ok, red for low and white for empty.

Now, I can wear almost 500 songs and enjoy a music-filled day without noticing the player.

going dual-core and mobile

I have been searching the net and looking at displays in malls and retail outlets for 'affordable' mobile computers. Dual-Core presently gets my attention rather than the more expensive Core Duo. I am hoping prices would still go down in the coming months.

One of the models I like is Packard Bell’s FO445-U-078 EasyNote. Its processor is Intel Pentium Dual-Core T2080 (1.73GHz, 1Mb, 533MHz) and has a 1.0Gb DDR2 memory. Its monitor is 14.1in. LCD. The hard drive has 120Gb, while its optical drive is a Super Multi DVD Writer. It has a built-in modem, LAN and Wi-Fi. Weighing 2 kilos, it also has Bluetooth, a built-in webcam and card readers. A unit costs PhP 36,000 in malls but a catalog lists it at PhP27,799.00 as the lowest price.

The other model I found is a Toshiba L200. Its specs are Intel Pentium Dual-Core T2330 1.60GHz, 1Mb L2, 533MHz 2.0Gb DDR2. The hard disk holds 160Gb and also has a DVD RW optical drive. It is packed with a wireless LAN and 60-day trial of Windows Vista Home Basic OS. A unit costs PhP 38,999.

The third model that caught my interest is the Aspire 2920Z-2A2G16Mi which has an Intel Pentium Dual-Core Processor T2330 (1.60GHz, 533MHz FSB, 1Mb L2 cache). It boasts of having the most technical specs compared to the previous two models. Its Optical drive is a DVD-Super Multi Double-Layer drive and RW. It has an Audio Dolby-certified surround sound system, built-in stereo speakers and subwoofer supporting low-frequency effects Dolby Home Theater audio enhancement featuring Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Live, and lots of other hi-tech features for video and sounds for maximum entertainment. The WiFi, webcam, modem and all features mentioned earlier for the two notebooks adds to its attractiveness.

It seems I will need this sort of gadget to boost my productivity, whether at home or mobile, or even during power outages expected during bad weather. I am really expecting prices to go lower and it would be the best for us if Core-Duo notebooks would become as affordable as well.

15 year-old sandals

This pair is already 15 years old, according to the footwear owner. Sandals like these are made in the Philippines by skilled backyard craftsmen. The rubber material used is similar to the material in car tires. The wearer gets extra protection against the wear and tear of daily use. Such footwear is also made with no-skid features, dependable material, cool designs, and gives real value for money. Aside from being durable, they are made to order, which means that a customer may give specific designs for the manufacture of ordered sandals. Customers can select from a variety of pre-designed sandals and get the assurance that one's purchase will survive any weather or terrain for many years of normal use.

learning from sci-fi

Two of my Social Sciences professors sometimes referred to sci-fi's such as Star Trek and Star Wars to inspire students in envisioning a better society. Sure enough, we students gained some ideas from these sci-fi's, that we are now able to utilize in making alternative propositions and day to day critiques. The more difficult part comes in applying such theories or ideas in mundane realities. Here are a few lessons from Star Trek.

random thoughts 2

I've been scanning my a.m. radio. I'm hearing:

"Those bureaucrats and big businessmen won't allow any reasonable wage increase, contrary to Madame's empty talk. Since an increase in workers' salaries will decrease their profits, they will dribble the issue until they eventually negotiate an amount barely enough to sustain the workers for the next day's production routine. The elite, the 1% of the population won't be giving up their luxuries for the 99%, for the toiling masses' necessities."

"An increase in salaries will increase the production costs and will lead to price increase, thus neutralizing the gains of wage increase. Small business will close down. Companies might go bankrupt and investors will go elsewhere."

VS.

"An increase in salaries will increase the people's purchasing power. This translates to more purchases, higher consumption and higher demand, which will then push corporations to produce more and in the long run, help sustain the economy."

"Where on earth is Garci?"

"Have we become so tolerant of corruption and decadence? Have we accepted these as part of everyday life that we've become indifferent or numb about what's happening these days?"

"Value-forming institutions such as schools, churches, media, professional associations, and non-government organizations have the responsibility to engage in public affairs, in governance, and make a stand on current events. They, after all, aim for the common good and hope to attain a better society for this and future generations."

technology vs safety

In the age of e-cash, unlimited sms, wireless tapping, bluetooth, echelon, and blogging (wala lang, rhymes with tapping), how safe is safe, and how private is private? Are there enough measures to ensure our security? Of course, you already know that ATM accounts can be tampered, our text messages are logged, and cellphones also serve as tracking devices, among other possible security risks. Imagine the possibilities, and the risks. Years from now, would you want to have your own SIM implant, a number code or bar code, or a centralized national/international ID?