ars Technica - Virtual schools and tutors offer students new opportunities
Virtual education seems to be gaining ground as high speed internet connections and inexpensive off-shore tutors become available. Parents find that paying for a $2.50 per hour tutor over the Internet can be just as good as a in house tutor costing much more. More and more colleges and universities are offering online education which has sparked much debate as to the necessity of a physical classroom. Proponents of both sides argue the validity of their own method and the shortcomings of the other. Using any one particular method exclusively would not give a person a balanced perspective on life due to the nature of our world and our experience. Finding the right balance between the two parents and educational institutions can maximize learning for their students.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Monday, September 25, 2006
ars Technica - More universities banning Skype
ARS Technica - More universities banning Skype
Skype, a simple and widely-used Internet phone program, is being banned from San Jose State University due to the amount of bandwidth consumption. Many students and faculty have been upset by this decision to block such great communications software that is and can be used for educational purposes. eBay owned Skype is looking to meet with the university to find a better solution to cut down on the amount of bandwidth used by the Skype clients which become supernodes. The makers of Skype also made Kazaa, a peer-to-peer file sharing application which began the use of fast-connected computers as supernodes to transfer network information between other nodes. By default any Skype client can become a supernode which will allow one's computer and bandwidth to be used for the greater good of the Skype network. It is because of this "feature" administrators of San Jose State University have decided to ban Skype. In addition to the excessive bandwidth uses of supernodes, the Skype End User License Agreement could easily be interpreted in such a way that would violate the university's network acceptable use policy.
Skype, a simple and widely-used Internet phone program, is being banned from San Jose State University due to the amount of bandwidth consumption. Many students and faculty have been upset by this decision to block such great communications software that is and can be used for educational purposes. eBay owned Skype is looking to meet with the university to find a better solution to cut down on the amount of bandwidth used by the Skype clients which become supernodes. The makers of Skype also made Kazaa, a peer-to-peer file sharing application which began the use of fast-connected computers as supernodes to transfer network information between other nodes. By default any Skype client can become a supernode which will allow one's computer and bandwidth to be used for the greater good of the Skype network. It is because of this "feature" administrators of San Jose State University have decided to ban Skype. In addition to the excessive bandwidth uses of supernodes, the Skype End User License Agreement could easily be interpreted in such a way that would violate the university's network acceptable use policy.
BetaNews | Final Windows Vista Build Gets Closer
BetaNews | Final Windows Vista Build Gets Closer
Microsoft released another interim build of the upcoming operating system Windows Vista. The build number is in the range of 5700 which supposedly is setup aside for the RTM build. This may mean that what you see with the current Vista builds will be what all of us will be living with for the next few years. Hopefully Windows Vista will be a much more dynamic operating system unlike Windows XP. While Service Pack 2 greatly changed Windows XP, there could have been many changes to Windows XP to keep it "modern." Perhaps with the modularity of Windows Vista, Microsoft will learn to "keep up" with the fast-changing world of technology.
Microsoft released another interim build of the upcoming operating system Windows Vista. The build number is in the range of 5700 which supposedly is setup aside for the RTM build. This may mean that what you see with the current Vista builds will be what all of us will be living with for the next few years. Hopefully Windows Vista will be a much more dynamic operating system unlike Windows XP. While Service Pack 2 greatly changed Windows XP, there could have been many changes to Windows XP to keep it "modern." Perhaps with the modularity of Windows Vista, Microsoft will learn to "keep up" with the fast-changing world of technology.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
BetaNews | New AIM Worm Making the Rounds
BetaNews | New AIM Worm Making the Rounds
You know the old saying, "Don't ever open an attachment from someone you don't know." Nowadays it's, "Don't ever open attachment, even if you think you know them." With the popularity of Instant Messaging communication, now users need to be wise on receiving file attachments through IM clients, specifically AOL Instant Messenger. This latest threat disguises itself as a request to send you a picture from one of your own buddies. Once the file has been transferred and activated it installs into the system and continues to self-propagate. The virus also leaves your computer open to SMTP relaying (used to spam others) and possibly more attacks.
You know the old saying, "Don't ever open an attachment from someone you don't know." Nowadays it's, "Don't ever open attachment, even if you think you know them." With the popularity of Instant Messaging communication, now users need to be wise on receiving file attachments through IM clients, specifically AOL Instant Messenger. This latest threat disguises itself as a request to send you a picture from one of your own buddies. Once the file has been transferred and activated it installs into the system and continues to self-propagate. The virus also leaves your computer open to SMTP relaying (used to spam others) and possibly more attacks.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
BetaNews | Microsoft 'Soapbox' Takes On YouTube
BetaNews | Microsoft 'Soapbox' Takes On YouTube
Microsoft has joined into the Youtube-like online video sharing services with their beta product called Soapbox. The site allows users to create profiles and share uploaded video clips with other users. Many of the same features in YouTube are available in Soapbox like tagging, sharing, and RSS feeds. Currently Soapbox is only available by invitation.
Microsoft has joined into the Youtube-like online video sharing services with their beta product called Soapbox. The site allows users to create profiles and share uploaded video clips with other users. Many of the same features in YouTube are available in Soapbox like tagging, sharing, and RSS feeds. Currently Soapbox is only available by invitation.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
FileForum | Mozilla Firefox for Windows
FileForum | Mozilla Firefox for Windows
Be sure to allow Firefox to update to the latest version 1.5.0.7 sometime within the next day or so. To force an update click Help, Check for Updates.
Be sure to allow Firefox to update to the latest version 1.5.0.7 sometime within the next day or so. To force an update click Help, Check for Updates.
BetaNews | Wii Launches Nov. 19 in US, Dec. 2 in Japan
BetaNews | Wii Launches Nov. 19 in US, Dec. 2 in Japan
The much anticipated next-generation gaming console from Nintendo entitled Nintendo Wii will be released November 19 for an initial price of $250 USD. Nintendo's bold strategy to redefine the video game experience extends beyond the "Wii-mote" and the free online gaming. The price of the console is starting $50 less than the Xbox 360 Core system and may be half of the cost of Playstation 3 whenever Sony gets their act together. The launching of the Nintendo Wii may change the whole landscape of the gaming industry and with it whole new demographics of players.
The much anticipated next-generation gaming console from Nintendo entitled Nintendo Wii will be released November 19 for an initial price of $250 USD. Nintendo's bold strategy to redefine the video game experience extends beyond the "Wii-mote" and the free online gaming. The price of the console is starting $50 less than the Xbox 360 Core system and may be half of the cost of Playstation 3 whenever Sony gets their act together. The launching of the Nintendo Wii may change the whole landscape of the gaming industry and with it whole new demographics of players.
BetaNews | Windows Vista RC1 Open to Public
BetaNews | Windows Vista RC1 Open to Public
Microsoft's next-generation operating system, Windows Vista, took another step closer to RTM with the announcement of the general availability of Windows Vista RC1. Release candidate software from Microsoft is pre-release software that is almost ready for release, but still needs further testing. Microsoft's bold move to allow anyone to download and install Windows Vista allows them to have a wider testing environment as well as more publicity before this ever-delaying product is launched Q1 2007.
Microsoft's next-generation operating system, Windows Vista, took another step closer to RTM with the announcement of the general availability of Windows Vista RC1. Release candidate software from Microsoft is pre-release software that is almost ready for release, but still needs further testing. Microsoft's bold move to allow anyone to download and install Windows Vista allows them to have a wider testing environment as well as more publicity before this ever-delaying product is launched Q1 2007.
BetaNews | Microsoft Officially Unveils Zune
BetaNews | Microsoft Officially Unveils Zune
Ever since the dawn of the iPod, every other hardware manufacturer has sought to create the ever-elusive "iPod-killer." Unfortunately nothing has been able to chip away at Apple's dominant market-share in the portable mp3 player product. The rumors surrounding Microsoft's upcoming portable media player device called the Zune were finally answered as Microsoft debuted their own iPod-killer. The 30 GB wireless mp3 player also sports an FM receiver and a 3-inch screen. The wireless connectivity in the Zune is for temporarily sharing songs and pictures with other Zune owners. The sharing is designed to promote more interest and thus more sales of songs through the Zune marketplace where Microsoft Points will be accepted.
Ever since the dawn of the iPod, every other hardware manufacturer has sought to create the ever-elusive "iPod-killer." Unfortunately nothing has been able to chip away at Apple's dominant market-share in the portable mp3 player product. The rumors surrounding Microsoft's upcoming portable media player device called the Zune were finally answered as Microsoft debuted their own iPod-killer. The 30 GB wireless mp3 player also sports an FM receiver and a 3-inch screen. The wireless connectivity in the Zune is for temporarily sharing songs and pictures with other Zune owners. The sharing is designed to promote more interest and thus more sales of songs through the Zune marketplace where Microsoft Points will be accepted.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
New Asterisk Set to Ring
New Asterisk Set to Ring
Asterisk, an open-source Linux-based Voice-over-IP telephony PBX system, announces version 1.4 with new features including instant messaging, integrated messaging with fax, email, and voicemail, as well as a graphical user interface. Asterisk's corporate sponsor Digium is making hardware appliances available to install in your business for a cost-effective alternative to proprietary PBX phone systems.
A PBX system provides the ability for businesses to reduce costs by sharing phone lines using private extensions within the company with the ability to transfer calls, voicemail, and other call features.
Asterisk, an open-source Linux-based Voice-over-IP telephony PBX system, announces version 1.4 with new features including instant messaging, integrated messaging with fax, email, and voicemail, as well as a graphical user interface. Asterisk's corporate sponsor Digium is making hardware appliances available to install in your business for a cost-effective alternative to proprietary PBX phone systems.
A PBX system provides the ability for businesses to reduce costs by sharing phone lines using private extensions within the company with the ability to transfer calls, voicemail, and other call features.
BetaNews | Apple Adds Movies to iTunes Store
BetaNews | Apple Adds Movies to iTunes Store
"One more thing" Apple announced yesterday along with iTV, iPods, and iTunes was the immediate availability of downloadable movies through the iTunes store. Currently only Disney and subsidiary studios' (Pixar, Touchstone, and Miramax) movies are available totaling 75 films with more being added each week. All videos will are available at near DVD quality 640x480 resolution for $14.99 for new releases and $9.99 for older movies. Unlike other movie download services, the film once purchased can be kept indefinitely, but currently Apple restricts making DVD's of the purchased movies.
"One more thing" Apple announced yesterday along with iTV, iPods, and iTunes was the immediate availability of downloadable movies through the iTunes store. Currently only Disney and subsidiary studios' (Pixar, Touchstone, and Miramax) movies are available totaling 75 films with more being added each week. All videos will are available at near DVD quality 640x480 resolution for $14.99 for new releases and $9.99 for older movies. Unlike other movie download services, the film once purchased can be kept indefinitely, but currently Apple restricts making DVD's of the purchased movies.
BetaNews | Apple Refreshes Entire iPod Lineup
BetaNews | Apple Refreshes Entire iPod Lineup
While there is no "true" iPod video device from Apple, they did announce product updates for the iPod, iPod nano, and the iPod shuffle.
iPod
iPod nano
iPod Shuffle
While there is no "true" iPod video device from Apple, they did announce product updates for the iPod, iPod nano, and the iPod shuffle.
iPod
iPod nano
iPod Shuffle
iTunes 7 with iTunes Movie Store announced! - Engadget
iTunes 7 with iTunes Movie Store announced! - Engadget
As expected, and much anticipated, Steve Jobs announced the availability to purchase and download movies through the iTunes store, no longer named iTunes Music store. With this announcement comes a refresh to the iTunes application version 7. Notable changes include a minor facelift, rebranded iTunes Store, blue and silver color theme, movie purchasing and playback, browsing your music library by album covers (album art can be downloaded automatically now), games for the iPod, an organized download manager for pausing and re-ordering your downloads from the iTunes store, and a revamped iPod interface.
You can download and learn more about iTunes 7 from Apple's website.
As expected, and much anticipated, Steve Jobs announced the availability to purchase and download movies through the iTunes store, no longer named iTunes Music store. With this announcement comes a refresh to the iTunes application version 7. Notable changes include a minor facelift, rebranded iTunes Store, blue and silver color theme, movie purchasing and playback, browsing your music library by album covers (album art can be downloaded automatically now), games for the iPod, an organized download manager for pausing and re-ordering your downloads from the iTunes store, and a revamped iPod interface.
You can download and learn more about iTunes 7 from Apple's website.
BetaNews | Apple Previews iTV Media Center Device
BetaNews | Apple Previews iTV Media Center Device
In an unusual fashion Apple announced an upcoming product which will not be available until Q1 2007 which for now is named the iTV. The iTV is Apple's answer to getting your iTunes media, now including music, TV shows, songs, and movies, to your TV. Half the height of a Mac Mini, the iTV sports HDMI and component video outputs as well as optical audio out to connect your media to a HDTV with surround sound system. In addition the iTV has built-in USB, ethernet, and 802.11 wireless networking. The available resolution for the iTV was not divulged at the press event.
Many media and hardware companies have been vying for the media center spot in the living room. The bridge from the digital content on your computer to your living room will soon be complete. Products such as TiVo and other DVR's are making steps towards downloadable content through cable and satellite providers. Soon media-on-demand will surpass traditional content and the way in which people consume TV, video, movies, radio, etc. will be drastically changed.
In an unusual fashion Apple announced an upcoming product which will not be available until Q1 2007 which for now is named the iTV. The iTV is Apple's answer to getting your iTunes media, now including music, TV shows, songs, and movies, to your TV. Half the height of a Mac Mini, the iTV sports HDMI and component video outputs as well as optical audio out to connect your media to a HDTV with surround sound system. In addition the iTV has built-in USB, ethernet, and 802.11 wireless networking. The available resolution for the iTV was not divulged at the press event.
Many media and hardware companies have been vying for the media center spot in the living room. The bridge from the digital content on your computer to your living room will soon be complete. Products such as TiVo and other DVR's are making steps towards downloadable content through cable and satellite providers. Soon media-on-demand will surpass traditional content and the way in which people consume TV, video, movies, radio, etc. will be drastically changed.
Friday, September 08, 2006
Facebook | Facebook Blunder
Facebook | Facebook Blunder
Many Facebook users were accosted by a new social feed "feature" this week on their profile. Users were up in arms about the "overwhelming and cluttered" change. Mark
Zuckerberg, the creator of Facebook, announced the addition of privacy controls to limit what content goes into the news feeds. Zuckerberg has started a new Facebook group entitled Free Flow of Information on the Internet to discuss how and why people should be able to share information with others over the Internet.
Facebook is a social network originally designed for college students to connect and share information. Since then high schools and workplaces have been allowed to join. Unlike Myspace browsing others profiles are limited to your friends and your local network (i.e. school or @domain.edu). Facebook has a simple and clean Web 2.0 interface with limited advertising which has helped it gain great success.
Many Facebook users were accosted by a new social feed "feature" this week on their profile. Users were up in arms about the "overwhelming and cluttered" change. Mark
Zuckerberg, the creator of Facebook, announced the addition of privacy controls to limit what content goes into the news feeds. Zuckerberg has started a new Facebook group entitled Free Flow of Information on the Internet to discuss how and why people should be able to share information with others over the Internet.
Facebook is a social network originally designed for college students to connect and share information. Since then high schools and workplaces have been allowed to join. Unlike Myspace browsing others profiles are limited to your friends and your local network (i.e. school or @domain.edu). Facebook has a simple and clean Web 2.0 interface with limited advertising which has helped it gain great success.
Amazon's Unbox video download service goes live - Engadget
Amazon's Unbox video download service goes live - Engadget
Although downloadable movie services have been available for quite some time now, Amazon has beaten the venerable iTunes "Movie" Store to the punch. Unbox provides full-length movies, TV shows, and other videos for various price points. All movies are copyright-protected using Windows PlaysForSure DRM technology. According to Betanews take on the event the price and lack of support for many portable media players to transfer the video files to may hinder a quick adoption into the mainstream. While Amazon may have beat Apple to the punch, Apple may still prove to stay on top with whatever they announce September 12.
Also see ARS Technica's article for more details.
Although downloadable movie services have been available for quite some time now, Amazon has beaten the venerable iTunes "Movie" Store to the punch. Unbox provides full-length movies, TV shows, and other videos for various price points. All movies are copyright-protected using Windows PlaysForSure DRM technology. According to Betanews take on the event the price and lack of support for many portable media players to transfer the video files to may hinder a quick adoption into the mainstream. While Amazon may have beat Apple to the punch, Apple may still prove to stay on top with whatever they announce September 12.
Also see ARS Technica's article for more details.
BetaNews | Sprint to Stream Movies to Cell Phones
BetaNews | Sprint to Stream Movies to Cell Phones
The media-everywhere movement takes another step in the United States as Sprint announces the availability to stream full-length movies to your cell phone for as low as $3.99 for a one-week's viewing time. Someone is going to make a lot of money by making the bumper sticker "Watch the road, not your cell phone."
The media-everywhere movement takes another step in the United States as Sprint announces the availability to stream full-length movies to your cell phone for as low as $3.99 for a one-week's viewing time. Someone is going to make a lot of money by making the bumper sticker "Watch the road, not your cell phone."
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Apple spec bumps iMacs, minis, adds 24-inch iMac - Engadget
Apple spec bumps iMacs, minis, adds 24-inch iMac - Engadget
A full week before Apple's September 12th upcoming announcement, the company revamped their iMac and Mac mini product lines including a new 24" widescreen iMac starting at $1999. With such a great announcement this week, one must hope Apple doesn't disappoint anyone come next week.
A full week before Apple's September 12th upcoming announcement, the company revamped their iMac and Mac mini product lines including a new 24" widescreen iMac starting at $1999. With such a great announcement this week, one must hope Apple doesn't disappoint anyone come next week.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Linspire.com - Setting Linux Free
Linspire.com - Setting Linux Free
More and more people have heard about the software known as Linux, an alternative operating system beyond Windows and Mac. Due to the technical nature of Linux, your average user has either never heard of Linux or wouldn't know where to start if he has. Linspire's goal has been to make Linux available as an simple, intuitive desktop PC operating system. Just recently they have announced that they will be making their operating system and now their software subscription free charging only for optional premium service and products. With the price of Microsoft Windows Vista climbing as high as $400, the idea of free and competitive software sounds better and better. Linspire's ($49) free counterpart, Freespire, is available from freespire.org.
More and more people have heard about the software known as Linux, an alternative operating system beyond Windows and Mac. Due to the technical nature of Linux, your average user has either never heard of Linux or wouldn't know where to start if he has. Linspire's goal has been to make Linux available as an simple, intuitive desktop PC operating system. Just recently they have announced that they will be making their operating system and now their software subscription free charging only for optional premium service and products. With the price of Microsoft Windows Vista climbing as high as $400, the idea of free and competitive software sounds better and better. Linspire's ($49) free counterpart, Freespire, is available from freespire.org.
BetaNews | Snocap, MySpace Ink Music Store Deal
BetaNews | Snocap, MySpace Ink Music Store Deal
Now music artists can sell their songs in MP3 format through their MySpace profile.
Now music artists can sell their songs in MP3 format through their MySpace profile.
BetaNews | CBS Taps TiVo For Series Preview
BetaNews | CBS Taps TiVo For Series Preview
TiVo and CBS have created an interesting twist on time-shifted television. Instead of recording and watching the show after it airs, you can download and watch the show before it airs on your TiVo.
TiVo and CBS have created an interesting twist on time-shifted television. Instead of recording and watching the show after it airs, you can download and watch the show before it airs on your TiVo.
Microsoft announces Vista pricing
Microsoft announces Vista pricing
Microsoft has officially released the pricing for the next generation operating system called Windows Vista. With the new operation system comes new editions including the Ultimate Edition for $399. Somehow paying $399 for an operating system seems outrageous. Only time will tell how successful Windows Vista will be, whenever it debuts.
Microsoft has officially released the pricing for the next generation operating system called Windows Vista. With the new operation system comes new editions including the Ultimate Edition for $399. Somehow paying $399 for an operating system seems outrageous. Only time will tell how successful Windows Vista will be, whenever it debuts.
Slashdot | Podcasts of University Lectures?
Slashdot | Podcasts of University Lectures?
A staff member from "a major university in the US" sparked a debate about the legitimacy of podcasting class lectures for students if they don't come to class. With every new technology in the educational arena comes new opportunities and new challenges (i.e. email, Internet access in the classroom, forums, blogs, social networks, and now podcasts). The question of how is typically easier to answer than the question of why. It is easy to be tempted to jump on the bandwagon of new technologies and incorporate them into the classroom without determining how it might affect the institutions philosophy of pedagogy. In regard to podcasting one must assume that what you are distributing is worth listening to or watching in the case of a video podcast. If the professor/proctor lectures are available on demand, then the format of the classroom and interactivity will change. As time-shifted media becomes more common place, the attitudes of students will change. They will want what they want when they want it, whether that be music, radio, television, movies, or classroom lectures.
A staff member from "a major university in the US" sparked a debate about the legitimacy of podcasting class lectures for students if they don't come to class. With every new technology in the educational arena comes new opportunities and new challenges (i.e. email, Internet access in the classroom, forums, blogs, social networks, and now podcasts). The question of how is typically easier to answer than the question of why. It is easy to be tempted to jump on the bandwagon of new technologies and incorporate them into the classroom without determining how it might affect the institutions philosophy of pedagogy. In regard to podcasting one must assume that what you are distributing is worth listening to or watching in the case of a video podcast. If the professor/proctor lectures are available on demand, then the format of the classroom and interactivity will change. As time-shifted media becomes more common place, the attitudes of students will change. They will want what they want when they want it, whether that be music, radio, television, movies, or classroom lectures.
iPod Movies Unveiled
iPod Movies Unveiled
Rumors exist in the technology realm as much as they do in pop culture, but when Apple rumors are let out, lots of people get really excited. For a long time now rumors have been going around about Apple selling digital movies through the iTunes Music Store. How and when are the questions still to be answered. Apple is preparing an announcement on September 12 that may reveal some new products and services, but then again maybe nothing at all.
With all these changes to the iTunes product and the iTunes music store adding video, television, and soon movie content, the brand iTunes may become confusing. iPodhub.net proposes a brand name change to go into effect in stages.
Rumors exist in the technology realm as much as they do in pop culture, but when Apple rumors are let out, lots of people get really excited. For a long time now rumors have been going around about Apple selling digital movies through the iTunes Music Store. How and when are the questions still to be answered. Apple is preparing an announcement on September 12 that may reveal some new products and services, but then again maybe nothing at all.
With all these changes to the iTunes product and the iTunes music store adding video, television, and soon movie content, the brand iTunes may become confusing. iPodhub.net proposes a brand name change to go into effect in stages.
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