Windows Live Software Amps Up XP
posted 4-3-08
I decided to download the Windows Live Photo Gallery after reading how it would make XP feel like Vista in regards to photo management.
Once I started downloading it gave me the option to install several other Windows Live programs. I decided against a few of them, but I did install several I had not planned on installing.
To download you can go to windowslive.com
Internet Explorer 8
posted 4-3-08
Review Coming Soon
Layered Content Turns A Decade Old
posted 3-22-08
Yes, it is true. Layered Content is now a decade old. Wow! Ten years ago this site was started in order to post the movie reviews I wrote for the newspaper where I was working. Ten years later I have moved on from the paper and now teach Graphic Arts.
This site has undergone many changes along the way. Largely because of my learning how to build Websites.
When I built my first site it was on free space I got with my Internet provider. The URL was so long I could hardly remember it, much less pass it along to others.
The site was called The Dimension. It was built in Notepad using pure HTML coding. Today, I use Dreamweaver and do very little coding of my own. Much better I must say. Although, the knowledge of HTML has always proven to be so useful, even when building in Dreamweaver.
I would say anyone wanting to take Web page building seriously should learn at least the basics of HTML coding.
Anyway, The Dimension didn't last long before it was changed into Layered Content. Where did the name Layered Content from? I know that is a question that has been plaguing your mind for many years. Well, it was inspired by Photoshop.
You see, I do quite a bit of work in Photoshop, and the one thing I really like about it is the layers. You can layer so many different types of images on top of each other to make a graphic. I saw this site as something like that.
There are many different layers of content that I post. So, there you go. You can rest much better at night now that the empty feeling you had, but didn't really know why, has been filled.
Let us know how Layered Content has been that light in the darkness for you. Comment Here
Tue 3/25/2008 12:27 PM
The Chad wrote:
I remember the early additions and how the fans drove from all over for the fan club meetings. Man those were the days.
Reply to this message
Wed 3/26/2008 9:34 PM
lollygagger180 wrote:
Just wanted to say hey, and the site is awesome.
Reply to this message |
Layered Content Podcasts
Beta Testing Stage
posted 8-10-08
Click Here to visit the podcast page. Keep in mind this is in its infancy stage. I am calling this the Beta Testing Stage. Currently, I am trying to work out the recording, RSS feeds and getting it posted on iTunes.
If you have a chance to check this out then tell me what you think. I am looking for comments on audio quality and ease of use.
Blu-ray Needs Change To Beat DVD and CD
posted 6-5-08
 Blu-ray discs need to be at a more competitive price with the DVD format. If Blu-ray were in more people's homes I could use it with my videography business. The weddings, receptions, sports events, and more that I film have to either be compressed (loss of quality) or separated onto two DVD discs. If Blu-ray were in everybody's homes I could easily give them high quality, uncompressed video. Also, I think transferring all those family videos over to Blu-ray would also be useful. You could technically backup a number of tape based videos to Blu-ray.
It really comes down to money though. At a time when gas is sky rocketing, does anyone really want to spend that $10 to $15 extra on Blu-ray. Keep in mind they either just spent a grand or more on an HDTV or $400 on a PS3. Who has this kind of money in today's economy? The only way I support my video game and high-def movie addiction is through my videography side business.
Most people are already raiding the two DVDs for $5 at Wal-Mart. New DVD releases are $14 when they first release at Wal-Mart. Blu-ray movies are not any cheaper on their first few days of release. All this means that older movies transferred to Blu-ray will have to be cheaper than all the new releases or Johnny Q Public is never going to buy that movie they want on Blu-ray. Why should he?
The formula is simple: Cheaper Blu-ray players + Comparable Blu-ray movies for the mass market. I believe it is really all just a matter of economics. You can either sell 10 apples at $7 each or 3 apples at $10 each. The first yields a return of $70 and the second $30. You may be getting more money for each apple, but the other apples will just sit on the shelf and rot. This is especially true when the guy down the road is selling apples that may not be as red as yours but are priced $5 each. Most people don’t seem to care how red their apples are, just as long as they are red enough and priced right.
I think a good ballpark price for new release Blu-ray movies would be $16.99 for the first two days of release, and then move to $19.99. Older movies transferred over have a harder time to sell since most fans will already have it on DVD. So, you have to entice people to buy those. Older movies transferred to Blu-ray that don’t really have much to offer in terms of special features should not go any higher than $15. Those with a huge fan base and with a good bit of special features should fall under the same category as the aforementioned new release formula.
The movie use of Blu-ray is where it will really catch on first. This goes for the film industry and the home video use. Secondly, they need to make some Blu-ray players for car and home stereos. Producers of games are now realizing just what all they can do with music on Blu-ray. The surround sound features are amazing. MGS4 is supposed to help prove this fact. Audiophiles will pay big dollars to get that crisp sound quality in their home stereos or in their cars.
Once again, price is everything. They can’t just make the players and Blu-ray music discs for the wealthy. It can only work if it is competitive with DVD. Let’s face it; Blu-ray is going to have a much harder time dethroning DVD and CD than DVD had with VHS and cassette tapes.
Comment
Here
Thu 6/5/2008 7:33 AM
The Chad wrote:
Great article. I would just add one additional thought. Drop the price on BlueRay Burners. Technology is driven by business. Businesses aren't moving to the technology, because it is so expensive. You will see more people following the technology if they see it at work. It worked for the CD and DVD. Just a thought.
Reply to this message
Thu 6/5/2008 6:48 PM
klexam wrote:
Great point Mr. President. This article was originally written for PS3fanboy.com and they had a limit of what I could write. I actually only got about three paragraphs listed on that post.
Currently, Blu-ray burners are expensive. I found one on newegg.com for $260 by LG. The Sony versions are running $350 and on up to $400. They are also very slow right now. This is no surprise though since my first DVD burner was expensive and slow too. They are only burning at 2 to 4X.
I paid $400 for my first DVD burner, and then a faster one was released just a few months later. I said then that I would not be an early adopter of a burner again. So far, I have stuck to that statement.
With all my external drives I don't have a great need for a Blu-ray burner now anyway. External HDs are so inexpensive now for so much storage (my last was 1 terabyte for $250). Until they are able to make Blu-ray the standard for movie players in the home, Blu-ray will be a slow accepted format.
Reply to this message
|
Dog
Gone
posted 5-9-08
When I visited a local humane society the other day,
I never thought I would get to see a dog being put down.
A friend of mine had to go by to get measurements for
a project he was going to weld for them. He asked if
I would like to go. How could I miss an opportunity to
get in the back to see the workings of this place?
Making our way to the back, the lady turned to us and
told us they were putting a dog down and asked if that
would bother us. Both of us said, “not at all.”
As we went through the door there laid a black dog with
a shot sticking out of its chest. Walking by I could
tell just how erratic the breathing had become here in
its last minutes.
We went out back to look at the project. While standing
there a little three legged dog came hopping by. Following
him was his fat little dog friend. All this was only
something you could hope for on a visit like this.
Coming back through on our way out I saw that the dog
on the table had stop breathing. The tongue hanging out
of the mouth was a for sure sign the deed had been done.
The only thing I could think of was “dog gone.”
Have you ever seen an animal euthanized? Have an opinion
on it? If so, then Comment
Here
Fri 5/9/2008 9:44 AM
The Chad wrote:
I have never witnessed one. I have had a few pets that had to be put down due to failing health. It is sad. It should also be a sign to others that adopting animals is very important along with supporting your local humane society shelter.
But, I think Bob barker said it best. "Folks make sure to spade and nuder your animals."
Reply to this message |
Firefox
Replaces My
Internet Explorer
posted 5-7-08
To switch Web browsers is not an easy thing to do. Most
people stick with what they have always used. I for one
don’t mind switching if it’s worth it.
The last time I tried to switch, I got burned. Safari
left me lost in a jungle of a horrible browser. I have
since deleted that nightmare.
Recently, I heard of a new beta browser from Firefox.
I downloaded the latest non-beta version 2 of Firefox
so I could compare the differences between this and the
new beta 3. I have used previous versions of Firefox,
but they just never were able to beat Internet Explorer
in my book. Well, the new book I am reading says that
the new Firefox beta 3 has what it takes to be the previous
and IE. I have deleted Firefox version 2 from my computer
and am just about ready to delete the Internet Explorer
icon from my quick launch toolbar.
Firefox 3 beta has so many things that just work. One
thing I love is the new version has fixed their font
problems from the previous. I like the look and feel
too. It is different, but not so different that it doesn’t
turn you off. Firefox 3 has tabbed browsing and the ability
to save tabs you have opened for the next time you run
it. For instance, say you have three sites open and click
your close button. Firefox prompts to find out if you
would like these three to come up automatically the next
time you launch the program.
Now, for the best part, the add-ons. These help to push
Mozilla’s Firefox 3 beta 5 browser over the top.
The disability that really hurt Safari for me is done
very well via an add-on for Firefox 3 beta 5. I am referring
to the bookmark management ability. For someone like
me who scours the Web and has a great many of bookmarks,
a good … no, a great bookmark management system
is a must. I have always thought the new IE7 really did
a good with this tool, but the new Firefox add-on you
can download does even better.
Initially, Firefox’s built-in bookmark tool is
okay. It does have a bookmark search bar, which is a
welcomed addition. If you do decide to take Firefox 3
beta 5 for a test spin, make sure you download
the ‘All In One Sidebar.’ This is what I
consider to be the necessary add-on. This tool not only
gives you bookmark management, but lets you add keywords
to you entries. If you forget just exactly where that
game site was you bookmarked, just search for it from
the search bar in you bookmarks. The other great features
of this are a very excellent download manager, history,
extension manager, Website source code viewer, Site information,
and Add-on quick search.
I have been looking into the known bug list for Firefox
3 beta 5 and have found that none of the bugs should
really bother you. I have been using it for weeks and
it seems to be working just fine.
One of the great things about using Firefox is that
most viruses and hackers go after Internet Explorer.
You would be a little safer by using Firefox just by
default. This is not to say you are completely safe,
only safer. It’s the same mindset as to why Macs
are more secure than PC’s.
Keep in mind that Firefox is an open source application.
It has all these great add-ons because it is open source.
I highly suggest getting Firefox 3. Just make sure you
download the latest version which is Firefox 3 beta 5.
Remember that a beta version is not a full release. It
is a download and install at your own risk knowing that
bugs and issues may occur. With that said, this is a
must have free program that I just think is well worth
your time and effort.
If you do download, make sure you also visit the Firefox
add-on site too. Warning: It is possible to catch add-on
fever. Downloading too many unnecessary add-ons could
cause Firefox to run slower. This would also cause the
add-ons to possible get in the way of the program itself.
I will be posting some blogs about Firefox add-ons in
upcoming posts. This way, if you do download Firefox
then you can just check out the ones I recommend.
Also, I should also note that I installed Firefox 3
beta 5 on two XP machines. I do not own Vista and could
not say how it runs on that operating system.
To download the programs and add-ons mentioned in this
post click on their names below:
Firefox
3 Beta 5 (make sure you click on the right language
version)
All In One Sidebar
Firefox Add-ons
What do you think about this topic? Let us know if you
download it and what you think about it.
Software
Review:
Auslogics Disk Defrag
posted 4-16-08
 If you don’t defrag your computer at least once
a month, you are running much slower than you know. I
actually suggest you defrag at least once or twice a
week. What does defragging do you ask? It makes your
computer run faster. Over time, your computer will move
files here and there. Most of the time the programs that
move them around are lazy and don’t clean up after
themselves. Defragging will straighten your room for
you.
Imagine a room junked up. Chairs turned over, blankets,
pillows and even trash strewn about so much it makes
it difficult to walk. All of these items may belong in
this room, but when it’s out of order it causes
congestion that inhibits your ability to cross from one
side to the other. Cleaning up that room allows you to
move through quicker. Therefore, you speed up the time
it takes you to move from one side to the other. Defragging
is the maid service that comes in and cleans house for
you. Instead of cleaning a messy room, it cleans all
those computer files lying around and puts them back
where they need to really be, thus, making it quicker
to move through the files on your computer.
If you haven’t defragged then you will notice
that your programs open quicker. When you save something,
the time it takes to finish is drastically reduced. Even
your Internet browser will load pages quicker. All of
this will be immediately obvious if you haven’t
ever run a defrag.
Are all defrag utilities made equal? No, they are not.
Windows has a defrag utility built in, but it only “kind
of” does the job. Those of you who don’t
defrag should run this now. It may not be the best, but
it is better than not using anything at all. Windows
defrag utility is located under the Start Menu > Accessories > System
Tools.
Diskeeper.com offers a paid version that can run you
$29.95 to $99.95, according to what version you get.
One of the benefits is that you can tell Diskeeper to
run in the background and defrag in real-time. This means
you get the best performance always without really having
to worry about it. Once you set it up, it does the job.
 Now to the one I have been using for the past week.
It is FREE. If it works, free makes it better. The program
is the disk defrag from Auslogics. It is very plain,
but it does seem to work much better and defrags faster
than Windows built in utility. Auslogics will try and
get you to buy their BoostSpeed for $29.95, but it isn’t
really that pushy. If you install this rather small file
you will be able to use it with ease.
The downside to Auslogics Disk Defrag is that it doesn’t
have a feature that runs in the background. This makes
it like the Windows version. Just from what I can tell,
it does seem to defrag much faster than Windows utility.
After install I went into the programs settings and told
it to use the highest amount of processor speed to defrag
with. It is always best not to use your computer after
starting a defrag anyway. So, you might as well make
it run as fast as you can. I suggest setting it to defrag
right before heading off to bed. That way, it doesn’t
get in your way.
 The con to Auslogics Disk Defrag is the one thing that
may make it good for novice computer users. It is extremely
simple with hardly and type of configuration options.
It also tells you after a defrag that there are a great
deal of junk files. The programs suggestion to fix this
is to buy Auslogics Boost Speed program. You didn’t
think this was free for no reason did you?
The amount one needs to defrag can also depend on computer
usage. If you only turn it on once or twice a week then
once a month is probably fine. It is a good idea to keep
the icon on your desktop as a reminder to run it. Those
who do any kind of graphics work or video will need to
defrag much more often than the rest. Editing a great
deal of photos or video will cause your computer to get
messy quick.
What are you using? If you have another program you
think will work just as well or better then let us know.
Until then, try out Auslogics Disk-Defrag by clicking
here.
To learn more about Auslogics other products click
here.
To learn more about Diskeepers products click
here.
Comment
Here to have your comments posted.
Slew
of FREE Software Coming Your Way
posted 4-15-08
The latest issues of all the PC Magazines have hit the
shelves. In these magazines are a many choices for FREE
software. In the coming days I will reveal this slew
of software. With the unveiling, I will also provide
my opinions of how well they work and if they are even
worth your time.
One of the things I always look at is if it can cause
me to use it instead of what I currently use. I also
decide if the software performs well enough to keep me
from buying software that does the same function. It
is true that paid for software can sometimes easily out
perform the free alternatives.
Free Screen Cleaner
posted 4-3-08
I'm not usually one who promotes this type of computer service, but ... this actually works. The best part about it is that it operates in real-time. Meaning, you don't have to install any software.
Click Here for a demo. Since this is relatively new, comment below to give your review.
Comment
Here
Thu 4/3/2008 8:11 AM
The Chad wrote:
As an IT person, I sent this out to the company as a screen cleaner program I had set up. Needless to say they loved it.
Reply to this message
Thu 4/3/2008 3:34 PM
Unknown
:
Cute :) It works perfectly.
Reply to this message |
|
|
Microsoft Abandoning Vista? Windows 7 On The Horizon
posted 8-10-08
The latest issue of PC Magazine (August 2008) has a big front page teaser treatment for Windows 7. It states the next version of Windows may be the one that produces Bill Gates’ “real legacy.” This should be warning sign for any of you who were thinking about buying Vista. The sign reads, “Don’t buy Vista, it’s just another Millennium Edition.”
Vista has been a major failure for Microsoft. They have so much Macintosh pie on their face, they can hardly see. Since there is not much detail in the way of Windows 7 features, it is real hard to determine if this will be on top or flop.
The article does say the Microsoft intends to create an entirely new GUI. I’m sure touch screen capability will be integrated too. You know their will probably be a new Internet Explorer, along with a whole new Office suite.
There is no official date of release for this new operating system. Microsoft still needs to make more money back on all the cost of developing their failed Vista. I don’t have a lot of faith in Microsoft to produce another solid OS. XP has been the best version of Windows to date. Whatever they produce, it needs to be backward compatible, it doesn’t need to require a behemoth system to run and it has to be as functioning and bug free as you can get. Being pretty on the surface will just not do.
(For more information see the PC Magazine article – “Special Report: What’s Next for Windows.” Edward Mendelson. 57.) or visit www.pcmag.com
Let us know what you think. Do you own Vista? If so, are you happy with it? Will you buy Windows 7 as soon as it comes out or will you wait? How long would be a good time to wait?
Vista
Failing, Failing, but not gone quite yet
posted 4-8-08
Three of my PC's run Windows XP. I only have three PC's.
The point is I do not run Vista. The reason is because
of all the problems that plague this latest operating
system from Microsoft.
I have always disliked those Mac commercials because
I thought they were terribly misleading. Well, the ones
about Windows Vista are spot on. Vista is horrible.
It looks pretty and that is about all it has going for
it. The security is so good that it is actually to good.
It won't do anything without asking you, "is this alright?
What about this? Should I block this? Should I allow
this? I know you want to install a new program, but are
you sure?"
One of the biggest letdowns is the huge compatibility
issues. Printers, digital cameras, and most of all, software
have problems working with it. I mean come on!
Why would
I want to pay all that money for a new operating system
and then have to turn around and buy new software just
so I can use it? If I was going to do that then I might
as well switch over to a Mac and make everything new.
I can't believe I just said that. I guess it was just
a momentary lapse of reason in my congested state of
rage.
 Another big problem is that it has slower file transfers
than XP. Answer me this. How can a new OS be better if
everything is slower? I have multiple PC's and external
drives. I depend on file transfers.
It has always been said that you shouldn't buy a new
OS from Microsoft until their first service pack is released
for that OS. The first service pack is now almost here,
and guest what? It doesn't fix some of the biggest issues.
The new service pack has been said to only really address
corporate security issues. Some things I have read stated
that some, but not all, compatibility issues are covered,
and that the slow file transfers is not fixed. You would
think Microsoft would fix that for sure now since that
pie in their face couldn't be tasting good.
How can a company with all that money,
and I thought talent, not get it right after spending
millions upon millions over many years? Apparently, not
even Microsoft has an answer for that question. You would
have thought after their embarrassing outing with a little
operating system called Millennium, they would have made
sure this didn't happen again.
It was almost like Millennium was a pet project for
someone to get out there until the experienced developers
got XP ready. Well, this may be the case with Vista.
I'll tell you the warning sign that made me believe
this may be the case. I was reading the latest issue
of Maximum PC and they had a little blurb about the "next"
Microsoft OS. It stated there was a possible leak that
said the next operating system from Microsoft may be
pushed up early from 2010 to 2009. Hey, that's just a
year away. Why would I ever invest in a failed OS if
a new, better one is possibly on the horizon?
Keep in mind, this is a "possible" leak and not an official
statement from Microsoft. When asked for comment though,
Microsoft stated they had no comment. We all know that
most of the time "no comment" means it is usually true.
It really is a catch22 for them. If they say it is true
then Vista stock and sales will plummet. If they say
it is not true then they would be nothing more than
untrustworthy to their public. The reason this is important
is because if Vista fails so bad they can't recover they
will need the public to trust them enough to reinvest
"again" in their "I'm sorry" product.
I am currently getting ready to build a new desktop
computer. One thing it has to have is XP instead of Vista.
That is number one. I'm not saying I won't ever buy Vista.
I'm just not about to invest in it if I know it is
a lemon up front. Answer this question. Would
you buy a car that you knew couldn't go over 45mph? Of
course not. So then why would you buy an OS along those
same lines?
One thing I do know, is that I am seriously thinking
about getting a Mac for my next laptop. This way I can
use it on the side to see if this may be the operating
system I want to move to permanently.
Let me what you think about Vista. Do you have it? Are
you happy or do you wish you had XP back? Do you have
a Mac? We would love to hear from you.
Comment
Here to have your comments posted.
Wed 4/9/2008 10:44 AM
The Chad wrote:
First let me say, I am loving all the updates. Excellent articles geared directly at your target audience.
Now, about this piece of crap they call Vista. I was recently asked, aka kindly forced, by the IT director to take Vista and work out the bugs for our system. Little did I know that I would need about a dozen bug zappers to do it.
I was given a copy of Vista, with SP1 on it, to get started. We are a subscriber to their plan and get little bonuses like early trials. Needless to say this wasn’t much of a bonus here. The DVD we burned didn’t work the first three times we tried it. Then I had to install it three times before it actually worked.
Once it was on it would kick out errors every time I booted up about the print spooler. This was because I have printers that are loaded through a script. So I had to track down all these drivers and load them. Then I had to go into the advanced settings for the computer and change them to get them to work. Now this is for Vista Professional. You would think those basic print setting would be there. All of this took two days and for what. A system that I still believe to be inferior to its predecessor, XP.
One of the magazines I get is eweek. They recently had an article that stated only 3% of IT people said the “primary driver for moving to Vista is reliability”. I think that number is a little too high myself. The article also says those same people said the “OS they’re working on now will be what they are using in 2009”. Sounds like they are reading LayeredContent.com (The LC).
The LC is right on with their take. Wait for the next gen of Operating systems and then put it on a Mac! LOL
Reply to this message
|
Shiny
Discs versus Digital Distro
posted 3-21-08
It's been a little while since my last post. I haven't
been resting though. This latest column took days to
put together and is much too long to post on
the front page. So, it gets its own. Click
Here.
Tue 3/25/2008 12:38 PM
The Chad wrote:
I agree with you that the disk aren't going away. VHS went away, because of DVDs. Floppys bit the dust due to cds. Internet downloads will only mean you need a way to back them up. You can check with Blu-ray for that.
Reply to this message |
Digital
Rights: Should You Have Them?
posted 4-27-08
 Apple’s answer to that question seems to be no.
This blog will be half opinion and half software review.
It is hard to review this FREE software without giving
an opinion on this matter.
Do you think that when you buy your music you should
be able to put it on any device you want to put it on?
There is an ongoing debate about legally purchased digital
music. Should we be able to buy music online legally
without protection forced upon us? This protection keeps
you from putting your music on more than one device.
For instance, people that legally purchase music from
iTunes can only install it on their iPod devices or operating
systems that support iTunes. This is because Apple will
not let you upload music as MP3’s. You have to
upload it in their format, a format only readable by
iTunes, iPods, and Apple hardware. This format they use
is called AAC or M4P.
Is it right for the company you legally buy your digital
music from to be dictating just how and where you can
play it? I am of the opinion that they should not be
able to do this. I use iTunes and a video iPod. I buy
from iTunes because it is easy, but I would like to do
more with my music. I would like to be able to transfer
this music I bought over to another MP3 player that is
not an iPod. This way my wife or son can listen to it.
Other places I could use my music would be on my PSP
and Playstation 3.
Recently, I have switched over from iTunes to Amazon.
They were several dollars cheaper on an album I was buying.
The biggest reason I switched is because they sell their
music as DRM free (protection free) MP3’s. Cheaper
and being able to use it where I want is a no brainer
to me. I am going to give a review later on Amazon music.
What if you bought a CD from the store and you were
limited to playing it in only one device. You could play
it in your home stereo, but it wouldn’t play in
your car or your PC. When you look at it in that light
it doesn’t make since does it? You bought it, but
you’re limited because of what they think you might
do with it. We who buy music legally are being punished
because of the people who are file sharing music illegally.
There is always a way around it if you know enough about
computers. So, really the only people who are hurt are
the ones who would never share their music online anyway
because they don’t even know how. People like me
are just bothered by what all I have to do in order to
listen to legal music where I want to listen to it.
There are ways around the iTunes format, but it is such
a hassle. I have always had to turn the music I buy from
iTunes into a CD. iTunes does allow you to make CD formatted
backups from your purchased music. After you burn the
music iTunes sees it as new music you can have imported
into iTunes. Although it is the same music, iTunes doesn’t
know because it is a different format once it is burned
to CD. At this point you can have iTunes import the music
as MP3’s. The default setting for importing is
the ACC. So, you have to make sure to go into the settings
and make the change before you ever import. If you don’t
do this you will have wasted all that time for nothing.
The MP3 conversions from the CD’s are DRM free
once they are imported. The only difference thing is
now you have two versions of each song you do this for.
It will take up more hard drive space.
What about people who have purchased a large library
and don’t have the time to burn and import all
that music. Well, have I got a free program for you.
It is called Double Twist. Once installed, Double Twist
recognizes your iTunes folder and then does what it refers
to as “liberating your media.” The liberation
begins without you having to do anything. Let it run
for a while and then presto, your music is ready to be
loaded onto whatever device you wish to put it on.
 You can then go the Sync section of Double Twist. It
is here where the program will sync your music over to
any digital device you hook up to you computer. I was
able to see all my iTunes playlists in Double Twist.
I hooked up my PSP and Double Twist recognized it immediately.
It was as simple as a drag and drop of my playlist and
then hitting a button that said Sync. I unhooked my PSP
and browsed over to the music and was able to listen
with no problem. It really can’t get any easier
than this people.
I then decided to test out the program and throw a few
curve balls its way. I got my old iLo MP3 player out
of the drawer and hooked it up to my PC. Double Twist
recognized it right away. It synced up my playlist with
no problems. After the iLo I hooked up my older Motorola
phone. It showed up in the list. I synced the playlist.
The list did show up on my phone player, but no song
was in the list.
Double Twist even has a Facebook interface too. If you
have a Facebook account, then you will want to check
this section out for sure.
At the time of this post the current Double Twist beta
was not able to sync video and photos. This is in spite
of the fact their main screen text makes it seem like
it can. I hunted up the FAQ on their site that speaks
to that issue. It said in the coming weeks they would
be adding this ability in an update. It also said that
it would remain free, even after the beta time has ended.
I suggest you read the FAQ section before downloading.
I am looking very forward to the upcoming updates for
this free software. It is going to make my portable digital
life so much easier to manage. I have always wanted an
easy way to have my media loaded across all my media
players. When they finally get the update for video and
photos added we will all have a free piece of software
that makes it happen.
When it comes to music, I am of the belief that once
you buy it legally you should be able to listen to it
on any and all of your devices. I do not support software
like Limewire that allows you to get music illegally
from other people’s hard drives. By doing this,
people are hurting the very musicians they want to listen
to. It will cause artists not to be able to make a living
if no one ever pays for their music. Bands that do not
make their money will not tour and may end up just breaking
up. Concerts will be smaller and fewer with much less
flash. It is beneficial if we will just pay for the music
we want to listen to. So, pay for it, but then liberate
it for your personal use.
To liberate your media you can go to www.doubletwist.com
What do you think about this software and this subject? Comment
Here
Mon 4/28/2008 7:41 AM
The Chad wrote:
I thought you had some very good points in your article. I agree that you should be able to do with it as you please once you buy it.
If I buy a car, Toyota can't tell me where I can and can't drive it. That would be stupid.
I will have to give credit to apple for this though. They are atleast challenging the Music Companies to provide music DRM free. I know some songs even come DRM free, but they are move expensive. Again this doesn't seem logical.
Reply to this message
Mon 4/28/2008 3:23 PM
Kraven Lexam wrote:
Your right, Apple does let you buy DRM free music for a higher fee. It is a few dollars more.
Amazon let me buy the same album from them for a few dollars less than their DRM music and it was DRM free.
I wonder if the music companies are charging them more per song to offer it DRM free. If they are then how is Amazon able to do it? If not, then companies like iTunes who sells DRM free for more are making a great deal of money on the backs of consumers.
Their high prices on DRM free is what caused me to start looking elsewhere. Then again, now that Double Twist is out there, I can just buy from who ever is the cheapest not matter the DRM. This is really why I wrote this article.
Reply to this message |
|
My Answering Machine Has Been
Chuck Norris'd
posted 2-24-08
I know I haven't had an update in several days, but the wait is worth it. Trust me. Did you read the headline? It is true and it is awesome. It's not everyday Chuck Norris graces your household with the wonderment of his voice. Instead of me just telling you about ... how about you take a listen to the message Chuck Norris left on my answering machine. NOTE: By posting this message on Layered Content, it does not mean I am a Huckabee supporter.
Click here to listen to my Chuck Norris message
Check out the links below from some great Chuck Norris Fun Facts:
Chuck Norris Fun Facts (Hilarious Fun Facts)
Wikipedia (Chuck History)
Chuck Norris Official Site (personal welcome from Chuck Norris)
Photoshop Elements Online Gallery
posted 3-6-08
I am starting an online gallery of all my photos. They will currently be posted to an online gallery. I have decided to currently use a service instead of just posting them here.
The reason I am doing this is because of time. It is quicker to let them manage my galleries for me. Also, I am able to allow you to leave comments easier with these services. I have been toying with a few different ones. This post will showcase my higher resolution photos I took of the REAL D glasses in one of my recent posts. If you want to read the post, then just scroll down.
The showcase gallery for the glasses happens to be with Adobe's online photo gallery. I am able to create and upload right from within Photoshop Elements 6. I will have a review of this new photo editing program in a later post.
Also, check out the upcoming reviews on the right column you will see in the upcoming days.
Until then, click below to view the gallery and have fun. Move the slides around. Make sure you leave a rating and a message so I will know you visited and if you like this method of posting the photos.
U23D Real D Glasses People
Hitting Glass Doors Are Funny
posted 3-26-08
Have you ever run into a glass door or window? It may
be one of the most painful and embarrassing things that
could ever happen to a person. Does the embarrassment
outweigh the pain? The link I have on this post will
prove that it does.
I saw this video on G4 the other night and just had to
find it. It is on You Tube and it is hilarious. After
clicking the link you will see more people running
into glass doors on the right. There are many funny
ones. Do a search on You Tube for “Run into glass” or “Glass Door” to
find many funny videos that you can enjoy.
Before you watch this video you need to make sure your
volume is up. The sound this makes is awesome. You will
see that this guy really does run into the glass and
that it is not setup. Some of the vids you find will
be obvious fakes, but not this one.
I love how this guy hits so hard that it could have
knocked him out, but he regains his composure and then
walks on out like nothing ever happened. Without further
ado, click
here.
Comment
Here
Thu 3/27/2008 12:36 PM
The Chad wrote:
That is funny. I don't care who you are. That there is funny.
Reply to this message |
|
