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I'm a wife, mother and grandmother. I'm opinionated. I contradict myself frequently. Most of all, I love my kids. I believe in them. I fight for them. They're weird and wonderful. If you want to know more, here's a bunch of other stuff from my old site.

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Archive for the ‘tech’ Category

I Give Up

Right now I have three computers that I use daily. (The fourth computer runs Linux and hasn’t been turned on for over three weeks. Shame on me.) On one of these three computers is the information I need for my savings accounts. I don’t know which computer and that makes me angry.

I want to add that account to an online payment site but I can’t do that without the bank’s routing number. And I can’t find the bank’s routing number anywhere. I really wanted to take care of all this today but now it looks like I’ll have to wait until the bank opens in the morning. I need a digital housecleaning, I think.

Web Hosting Resource

I can remember over a decade ago when webhosting was either free and filled with ads or too expensive for the average web user. When I began working for a local ISP, their domain registration was $70/year and hosting was $35/month!! Imagine that! Since I worked there, my site was hosted on their servers for free, which was a huge improvement over the free services I’d used prior to that.

When I branched out with a second domain, though, I looked around for other hosting services and found one that was reasonably priced and seemed like a great bargain. Oh, was I wrong! Not only was my site down more than it was up, but they refused to issue refunds. When a few people attempted chargebacks, the webhosting company turned these people in to the credit bureau! How outrageous is that? Luckily, my next webhost (which is also my current host) has been wonderful. When I say “luckily” I mean that because I had no idea where to find information on the various hosting companies.

I’ve just been reading a few articles at the Web Hosting Bluebook site and noted that along with all the information they offer, they also provide reviews of some of the top webhosting companies. Very nice resource!

Since joining several blogging communities, I’ve also noticed that there are many people who really don’t know much about hosting their own sites. I guess I kind of take certain things for granted, like the definition of a domain name or what is “hosting” in the first place. Web Hosting Bluebook provides information about all these beginner topics as well as articles explaining Frontpage extensions, HTML, and even the differences between Linux or Windows servers.

I find myself answering certain questions over and over for newbies and it’s nice to have such well written answers to the most common questions so well organized. This is one of those sites that you’ll want to bookmark and pass on to others. And do be sure to mention their very helpful forum as well. I only wish I’d known about this resource years ago!

Mouse Mania

Anyone who loves to shop – and especially, to shop online – knows the pure joy of finding exactly what you want at a shopping site and then finding several other items there that you simply must have. Let’s face it, the more you buy, the more you save on shipping and saving means you’re getting more for less. Yes, that’s girl math and I swear by it.

Anyway, as much as I love my computer, I hate the carpal tunnel problems I have. I know it has everything to do with my mouse because the pain is in my right wrist, not my left. Perhaps it’s due to age or just the cumulative effects of more than a dozen years of using a mouse (no mouse here prior to 94 or 95). Whatever the reason, I’ve been on a search for a more wrist friendly mouse.

Not only have I found some really nice computer mice at Xoxide.com, but I found an optical “finger mouse” that I absolutely must try! Both the finger mouse and the Curve Optical Mouse that I want are from Logisys.

But that isn’t all. If you travel, you have to check out this really cool Ultimate Cable Kit with Mini Optical Mouse. Oh, my! That would be so perfect to slip into my computer bag. It includes a headset, ethernet and telephone cords, firewire and USB AM-AF, too as well as 6 different connectors. That’s what I call being prepared.

Before I place an order, I think I’ll look around at what else Xoxide.com has to offer. This girly geek is going shopping!

Fixed My Commnets

Ever since I installed YATCP, because Brian’s Threaded Comments quit working for me with this theme, I’ve had a problem with my comment box. It extended way over to the right, under my right sidebar. It was so frustrating.

I had looked at the page source and determined that the problem was cols=100%. The only thing was, I couldn’t find that reference anywhere. I’ve been able to write my own html for over a decade and I’ve followed the development of CSS since since at least 1999, maybe earlier. I’m still so new to php, though, that I’m not even sure where to begin when looking for something like this. I’ve tried a few times to get a grasp of it but I think I’m having a mental block.

So after several attempts to find the source of my problem, I asked some friends for help. And guess what? Within less than 5 minutes of asking for help, I found it on my own. That’s right, it just slapped me in the face. It seems that if I ask for help, nine times out of ten I find the solution myself. Why is that?

Anyway, it’s fixed. If you comment on this blog now, you will be able to see your comment as you type it. Your words won’t hide behind my sidebar.

Oh, and thanks to Cass to reminding me about this problem and prompting me to revisit it.

Do You Hakia?

Yesterday I mentioned that I’ve been testing a new search engine. I’m still trying to get accustomed to it because it’s different than Google. But so far, so good.

hakia LogoThe new search engine I’m using is Hakia and it is different because it’s a Semantic Search Engine. What that means is that the results you get are based on relevancy. The Hakia About page gives a quick overview but if you want a little more information on the technology, do check out the Benefits page.

Hakia’s CEO, Dr. Riza C. Berkan, is a nuclear physicist and a noted authority on fuzzy logic, natural language processing and artificial intelligence. He’s published a number of articles and is author of the book Fuzzy Systems Design Principles. He also hooked me on his new search engine after I read his Message at the Hakia site.

The one thing about Google that made it hard for me to switch was the convenient search bar in Firefox. I guess there’s benefits to coming late to the party because I read in the Hakia blog that a Firefox version of their “ScoopBar” was released on October 1. That’s really all I needed to be convinced. I installed the bar and I haven’t looked back. Yes, it, it’s taken me a day or so to learn to search the way I talk, or “with meaning” as opposed to with keywords. But I’m getting it. And I’m convinced that others will have no trouble finding what they’re seeking online. And as Dr. Berkan points out, Hakia is tomorrow’s technology. We’ve spent years learning to search the way Google instructed us and now it’s time to go back to searching the way our brains work, in phrases, sentences and questions.

Is Hakia perfect? No. But Hakia is still in beta so I’m sure more features will be added. The Hakia Lab is already looking interesting; I can’t wait to learn more about new developments there. If the R&D team need suggestions, I’ve got a few. For one, I’d love to see mapping. I use Google maps quite a bit and would love to have that integrated into the search engine I intend to use daily. Also, I tried to enter a UPS tracking number and a USPS tracking number (didn’t have a FedEx number handy) and got no results. That’s one of those really nice Google features that I’d like to see Hakia implement.

So, are you looking for a new search engine? Are you ready to un-learn Google’s way and reacquaint yourself with searching the way you speak? Do you want to jump on this bandwagon before it starts getting full? Then come on over to the Hakia way of searching. Look around the site, install the ScoopBar, check out the webmaster tools, and read through the blog. Then, if you’re even a little bit impressed, why not write a blog entry about Hakia? Let’s all get the ball rolling and make Hakia the next big search engine. After all, it is tomorrow’s technology, delivered today.

Barracuda And OIN Join Together

I know that some of you who read this blog are interested in Linux. I remember when the ISP where I used to work paid nothing for their Linux installations. I also remember when they were informed that they’d need to pay a yearly fee for the security updates. At the time, that didn’t sit right with me but I wasn’t the sys admin so I just observed. Still, Linux was supposed to be open source, or at least that’s what I’d been told.

Back in 2005, Open Invention Network (OIN) was launched with the purpose of furthering the Linux System by acquiring and making available their patents. With Linux freely available, not only can developers continue to work and collaborate on the Linux system, but companies can feel confident in using and investing in a system that is driven by innovation. This commitment to an open Linux Ecosystem ensure the continue growth and development of Linux.

According to a recent press release, Barracuda Networks has signed a license agreement with OIN. Barracuda Networks, Inc., is one of the leaders in email and Web security hardware, IM protection, Spam Filter and Firewalls. Operating since 2002, it supplies over 50,000 companies with network protection solutions, including IBM, FedEx and Harvard University. A large number of Barracuda Networks’ products use the Linux OS.

According to the release:

“As we grow the Linux Ecosystem, we are pleased to have Barracuda Networks become a licensee,” said Jerry Rosenthal, CEO of Open Invention Network. “Barracuda Networks is one of a growing number of companies that value the openness and collaborative culture of the Linux and open source communities.”

“Barracuda Networks is strongly committed to promoting the use and adoption of open source software,” said Dean Drako, president and CEO of Barracuda Networks. “We are proud to support Open Invention Network in its mission.”

Barracuda Networks is an active member of the open source and free software communities, donating hardware, code, funds and other resources to fuel open source technology innovation and collaboration. Barracuda Networks combines its own technology with open source technology to provide affordable, easy-to-use and powerful network security appliances.

This appears to be a significant step in the right direction for the further development of Linux. And yes, I am running a Linux OS on one of my machines. If you’re not, what are you waiting for? Pick up an old computer and install it now. Maybe someday, open source will rule the world.

I Want

antecI know my birthday is still months away. Just consider this my way of giving you advance warning. I’m giving you time to save up for it. I want this case from Antec. I’d love it already filled with a kickass machine but I’d be perfectly happy if I just got the case to fill up myself. I’ll gladly pick up the parts I need to build my own machine in that case.

If you can’t tell from that photo, the Antec P182SE is mirrored. That means that I can put the tower right on top of my desk and use it to put on my makeup or fix my hair while I’m surfing online or blogging. And seriously, I do that now but I have to hold the mirror or prop it up on something. This mirrored case would make my life so much easier.

I guess there are guys out there who might like the case, too. But really, this is a case for a girly geek. It’s perfect for someone who keeps her doll collection on the shelves with her Linux manuals. It was made to be on a desk next to the latest Stila palette.

In other words, this case was made for me. I just know that someone reading this really wants to get it for me. Remember, November 12. I’ll be checking the mail for packages.

From Office to Home

I’ve got a nice network going here at home. The kids all have their computers and I have four of my own running all day. Of course, I have to maintain all of them. In this house, the mother knows more about the computers than the kids do.

Right now I’m looking for some intranet software so that I can integrate all these machines and we can all communicate much easier. Yes, we can use various IM software to talk back and forth and I do have access to their machines. But right now it’s a hodgepodge of software while I’m thinking that a smoother integration would be nice.

I’ll keep looking and think about this.

My Secret Passion

Maybe it’s not so secret to those who read my blog regularly but most people in my real life don’t realize how much I love cars. I love to drive fast cars. I love to ride in fast cars. Yes, it scares me sometimes but it’s probably the only fear I enjoy.

Oh, and I love to look at fast cars.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had one favorite muscle car. Oh, sure, I drooled over the 69 Camaro and I envied Starsky and Hutch’s Gran Torino. But my heart never swayed far from my beloved Ford Mustang.

I’ve decorated my computers with backgrounds and screensavers reflecting all the things I love from dandelions and pit bulls to kids and cars. Now I’ve found a really great site with some fantastic Ford Wallpaers and Screensavers. And yes, that includes my dream Mustang. I’m downloading the wallpaper now and can’t wait to combine it with the screensaver. You think my husband will get the hint about what kind of car I want next?

Now maybe you’re not so much into the Mustang. Kind of hard for me to fathom that but okay, it might happen. Well, how about the Ford GT? No, really, is that not one of the most beautiful cars you’ve ever seen? Can you imagine how awesome your monitor would look with that as your background? I think I’d have trouble opening windows, I’d be so mesmerized by the lines of that machine.

Of course, there are other Ford wallpapers available. The Ford Edge is nice but the Iosis really caught my eye. Oh, and the best thing about these great wallpapers is that they’re all free! That’s right, they’re available at no cost to you. Just head on over there and download your favorite wallpaper or the great Ford screensaver. Go on, download one of them. You know you want to. And who knows, someone may just see it and decide to treat you to your dream car on your next birthday. That’s what I’m hoping for at least. ;)

Tech Family Growing

Maybe it’s because I’m a woman. Or maybe it’s just because I’m odd. Whatever. I get emotionally attached to my computers. That means that if I don’t have to toss them out, I don’t. I just figure out a new use for them.

For example, the old Compaq laptop that ran Windows95 now boots to MS-DOS6.2 just so I can remember commands. My old Gateway2000 with a P-133 (yeah, seriously) didn’t have enough oomph for Ubuntu so now it runs DSL (Damn Small Linux).

My current desktop, perfectly capable of running XP, is running Windows 98SE as a protest against Microsofts’s Genuine Advantage stuff and all the registration that was mandatory with Windows XP. Yeah, I know. Like Bill Gates cares about my computer. Especially since my newest laptop does run XP. So much for my protest, huh?

And now I have my newest computer, running Vista, waiting to be set up. I’m going to be doing that in a few minutes. I’ll use my old 19″ CRT for now; I’ll save up more money to buy a nice LCD in a month or so. I’ll just have to hook up my old 98SE machine to a little 15″ Acer. After I get my new monitor, I’m going to get the Acer (which is a Windows 95) loaded with some kid games for Kendyll.

Now, before you write me off as totally crazy, rest assured that my old 286 and 386 are long gone. Nick and I tore them apart as a learning experience a decade ago and I don’t even remember what we eventually did with them. All I do know is that I love my old relics. I love that I can always find something to do with them. And I love that before too long, my office will be wall to wall computers!

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