The convergence of Web 2.0 technologies is rapidly making its way into more traditional forms of media such as print and TV. This paradigm shift has caught some educational institutions off guard with journalism courses still sticking... Read More
Thursday, July 31, 2008
The strange economy of the App Store
The strange economy of the App Store
A few App Store apps have already gotten the public browbeating for tweaking their prices, and here's another: as Johnathan notes, there's a new app on the top of the heap in the paid pile, and apparently the only reason "Units Convertor" (sic) is there is because it used to be free.
We can't necessarily call them out for switching just to sit on top -- what would you do if you had a free app that was being downloaded like crazy and decided you wanted to make some money from it? But being that free apps far outweigh paid apps in terms of distribution, even the #21 free app can quickly jump to the top of the paid pile. We've already posted about how developers might be getting a raw deal out of the App Store (and some publishers have told us personally that they agree), but the economics are very interesting in there right now -- you've got a basically free economy, and considering that most of the apps out now are easy to make, it's just as likely that you'll see a free version of an app that does the same thing as a paid app.
Of course, what's happening in there actually mirrors what's happening out here with software: some of the best applications around are actually being given away for free. We're still in a strange place with the App Store and its pricing, and you have to think that eventually things will settle down and the developers who deserve to get paid will.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Software, Freeware, Apple, iPhone, App Store
A few App Store apps have already gotten the public browbeating for tweaking their prices, and here's another: as Johnathan notes, there's a new app on the top of the heap in the paid pile, and apparently the only reason "Units Convertor" (sic) is there is because it used to be free.We can't necessarily call them out for switching just to sit on top -- what would you do if you had a free app that was being downloaded like crazy and decided you wanted to make some money from it? But being that free apps far outweigh paid apps in terms of distribution, even the #21 free app can quickly jump to the top of the paid pile. We've already posted about how developers might be getting a raw deal out of the App Store (and some publishers have told us personally that they agree), but the economics are very interesting in there right now -- you've got a basically free economy, and considering that most of the apps out now are easy to make, it's just as likely that you'll see a free version of an app that does the same thing as a paid app.
Of course, what's happening in there actually mirrors what's happening out here with software: some of the best applications around are actually being given away for free. We're still in a strange place with the App Store and its pricing, and you have to think that eventually things will settle down and the developers who deserve to get paid will.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
MacBreak 157: MacBreack Studio: The Replicator
MacBreak 157: MacBreack Studio: The Replicator
Alex brings in Mark Spencer to show how to use the Replicator effectively.
Alex brings in Mark Spencer to show how to use the Replicator effectively.
MacBreak 160: MacBreak: Foldit
iJustine and Dr. Kiki fold proteins and aim for the nobel prize with Foldit. Read More
MacBreak 125: Macworld 2008: Lensbabies
Dr. Kiki Sanford learns about Selective Focus SLR camera lenses from Lensbabies Read More
GBTV #0340 (small) | GeekBrief.TV
GBTV #0340 (small) | GeekBrief.TV
Apple announced they've surpassed Wal-Mart to become the number-one music retailer in the U.S. They've sold over four-billion songs to over 50-million customers.
Sony took the title for the worlds smallest full HD camcorder with the HDR-TG1 Handycam.
The Plantronics Discovery 925 Bluetooth Earpiece looks like jewelry and they MEANT for that to be the case.
Blue Lounge has done it again. First, we saw the SpaceStation and now they've introduced The Sanctuary. It's a gadget valet that charges over 1500 different types of electronic devices with 12 built-in connectors and a USB port.
A few weeks ago, we talked about the Sofa-side computer called MEdiaCOre from Pearing Systems. Alexander Grundner brought it to our attention and the attention of enough interested buyers to bring the idea back to life. It's creator had kind of lost interest after launching the site and apparently not getting much of a response. Andrew's story, and perhaps ours too, led Adrian to finally bring it to market. Here's the recorded phone call between Andrew and Adrian. Very cool story.
Geoff Smith has done it again. He created a pro version of our Drobo song that you won't be about to extract from your brain. So Geoff, thanks a LOT for that! :) Use promo code "CALI" to save $50 off a Drobo at DroboStore.com. More details are here.
Apple announced they've surpassed Wal-Mart to become the number-one music retailer in the U.S. They've sold over four-billion songs to over 50-million customers.
Sony took the title for the worlds smallest full HD camcorder with the HDR-TG1 Handycam.
The Plantronics Discovery 925 Bluetooth Earpiece looks like jewelry and they MEANT for that to be the case.
Blue Lounge has done it again. First, we saw the SpaceStation and now they've introduced The Sanctuary. It's a gadget valet that charges over 1500 different types of electronic devices with 12 built-in connectors and a USB port.
A few weeks ago, we talked about the Sofa-side computer called MEdiaCOre from Pearing Systems. Alexander Grundner brought it to our attention and the attention of enough interested buyers to bring the idea back to life. It's creator had kind of lost interest after launching the site and apparently not getting much of a response. Andrew's story, and perhaps ours too, led Adrian to finally bring it to market. Here's the recorded phone call between Andrew and Adrian. Very cool story.
Geoff Smith has done it again. He created a pro version of our Drobo song that you won't be about to extract from your brain. So Geoff, thanks a LOT for that! :) Use promo code "CALI" to save $50 off a Drobo at DroboStore.com. More details are here.
Toss Broken Keyboard to side with Portable On-Screen Keyboard
Toss Broken Keyboard to side with Portable On-Screen Keyboard
In my capacity as “the guy who knows something about computers”, I occasionally get a phone call from a frantic friend or acquaintance to come round and help them fix their computer. Their problems normally come about because they’d thought they’d see what would happen if they deleted the “Windows” folder or because they thought [...]
In my capacity as “the guy who knows something about computers”, I occasionally get a phone call from a frantic friend or acquaintance to come round and help them fix their computer. Their problems normally come about because they’d thought they’d see what would happen if they deleted the “Windows” folder or because they thought [...]
In my capacity as “the guy who knows something about computers”, I occasionally get a phone call from a frantic friend or acquaintance to come round and help them fix their computer. Their problems normally come about because they’d thought they’d see what would happen if they deleted the “Windows” folder or because they thought it was their lucky day when someone emailed them an attachment entitled “nakedBritneySpearsphotos.exe”. I guess you get the idea what kind of people we’re talking about.
Well the other day I went round to an acquaintance to help out with a computer issue and I discovered right away that the keyboard was totally dead, one of the problems being that the pet cat had decided to use it as the toilet (as well as pieces of food stuck between the keys). So if I was going to be doing any typing for this guy to work out his computer problem, I needed a replacement keyboard and fast. That was when I got out my USB stick and fired up Portable On-Screen Keyboard - “a virtual keyboard to go”
Portable On-Screen Keyboard is part of the Portable Apps Suite by John Haller. As you can see, it’s a no-frills interface but who cares as long as it works, right? Basically you just start it up, then open the program you want to type in (a browser, MS Word, whatever), then use your mouse to click on whatever keyboard key you need. Those keys will then immediately show up in your typing program as if you were using a real keyboard - no time lag, nothing.
This lightweight program is an absolutely fantastic and essential program to have on your USB stick, especially if you are in the habit of fixing other people’s computers with dodgy keyboards on a regular basis. Next time you find yourself with a keyboard with broken keys or sticky stains, toss it to one side and use Portable On-Screen Keyboard instead. Plus you can also use it while accessing sensitive online accounts to make sure that no keylogger can grab the username and password letters.
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(By) Mark O’Neill is a blogger, professional freelance writer and the editor of Make Use Of. Check out his personal blog at BetterThanTherapy.net
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- MakeUseOf Directory : Read about up-to 5 truly useful web apps on a daily basis.
- MakeUseOf ‘Geeky Fun’: - Fun Geeky Pics, Cartoons and Videos.
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New Media reshapes the future of journalism
The convergence of Web 2.0 technologies is rapidly making its way into more traditional forms of media such as print and TV. This paradigm shift has caught some educational institutions off guard with journalism courses still sticking... Read More
MacBreak 80: Minute: Mac OS X Software
Kenji shows us an often-overlooked software link in the Apple menu. Read More
T-Mobile 3G service coming October 1 to 27 markets
Filed under: Cellphones
Continue reading T-Mobile 3G service coming October 1 to 27 markets
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsWednesday, July 30, 2008
Netgear rolls out Wireless-N Upgrade Kit
Netgear rolls out Wireless-N Upgrade Kit
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
Filed under: Wireless
Netgear looks to be doing its part to bring every last home network into the Wireless-N fold, with the company now rolling out its appropriately-named Wireless-N Upgrade Kit, which includes a 5GHz Wireless-N HD Access Point (WNHDE111) and that RangeMax Dual-Band Wireless-N USB adapter (WNDA3100) that made an appearance at the FCC earlier this year. Like most such kits, the included Access Point can function either as a standalone bridge (including with a game console or media receiver) or as a full-fledged 5GHz Wireless-N access point when it's connected to an existing router or gateway. There's also not many surprises with the USB adapter, although it does boast some "patented metamaterial micro-antennas," which promise to out-do other non-metamaterial 802.11n adapters. If that's got you sold, you can pick up the kit right now for $149.
[Via BIOS]
[Via BIOS]
GBTV #0370 (small) | GeekBrief.TV
Pandora has an AIR app that give you the option to see what's playing, pause and radio station buttons.
Finally, Starbucks is offering free WiFi for two hours. I think it's about time.
A new study tells us the PS3 and Plasma TVs use more power than a refrigerator over the course of a year.
Canned Bacon. Uh...okay.
Small Worlds is a new site in beta. What do you think?
I'm on the skeptical side of the Remote Control Finder.
Big Trip T-Shirts Read More
Finally, Starbucks is offering free WiFi for two hours. I think it's about time.
A new study tells us the PS3 and Plasma TVs use more power than a refrigerator over the course of a year.
Canned Bacon. Uh...okay.
Small Worlds is a new site in beta. What do you think?
I'm on the skeptical side of the Remote Control Finder.
Big Trip T-Shirts Read More
GaragePay v1.1 adds CSV export, user notes
GaragePay v1.1 adds CSV export, user notes
Software developer iwascoding has released GaragePay 1.1, an update to its PayPal transaction manager. The new update adds configurable CSV export, shopping cart item display and export and Address Book export. It also adds support for user notes in each transaction. GaragePay's CSV export is fully configurable, with field dividers such as tabs and...
Software developer iwascoding has released GaragePay 1.1, an update to its PayPal transaction manager. The new update adds configurable CSV export, shopping cart item display and export and Address Book export. It also adds support for user notes in each transaction. GaragePay's CSV export is fully configurable, with field dividers such as tabs and...
Camp Tune lets you adjust your Boot Camp partition
Filed under: Software, Switchers
Paragon software has made available a pre-release version of Camp Tune, a new utility for resizing your Boot Camp partition without destroying data. While the Leopard version of Disk Utility is now able to perform partition resizing, it is not able to resize a Boot Camp partition without erasing it (although you could back it up and restore it if needed). Camp Tune runs as a bootable Linux-based CD which allows you to boot your Mac and reallocate disk space between your Boot Camp and HFS+ partition.Camp Tune for Mac is presently in pre-release and is being offered as a free download (registration required). The download is a disk image that must be burned to a CD or DVD. Needless to say, you should have a backup for both partitions before using any software of this sort.
[via Macworld]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Bloglines, NetNewsWire most popular RSS readers
After 10 days of collecting votes, we have some results in our Dec. 5 poll that asked you what RSS readers you use. Bloglines was the winner, with 187 votes, followed by NetNewsWire with 163 votes. It's interesting to see the number of readers who are Mac users. FeedDemon, considered tne best RSS readers for Windows by some, only received 34 votes. Readers could vote for multiple selections.
Yahoo received 89 votes, followed by Google's 51 votes. "Other software reader" garnered 94 votes, with 41 votes going to "other online reader." Seven voters said they don't read RSS feeds. Combining Bloglines, Newsgator, Yahoo, Google and "other online reader" indicates that a large chunk of our readership get their RSS-feed information online rather than from software applications.
It suggests to me that they are getting their news, but perhaps are missing some of the extra features found in software apps. But this could be good news for the new Web 2.0 online readers slowly surfacing. They may be able to attract more people than the desktop software developers can, shaking up this growing niche of the software industry.
Permalink�|�Email this�|�Linking�Blogs�|�Comments
The Anatomy of an RSS Feed
Don't text and walk, warn ER docs
CHICAGO - The warning came too late for Barack Obama's adviser: Don't walk and text at the same time. Obama aide Valerie Jarrett fell off a Chicago curb several weeks ago while her thumbs were flying on her Blackberry. "I didn't... Read More
GBTV #0316 (small) | GeekBrief.TV
I start with a review of the N-Gage gaming platform which is soon to be available on the following Nokia phones: N81, N82, N93, N93i, N95, N95 8GB, N96, N78, N95 NAM. I get the sense that N-Gage is about bringing a much richer gaming experience than we seen before on a phone. The graphics are impressive and the games I tried were challenging.
A new Palm Centro is available on the AT&T wireless network. Rather than review it, I'm giving one away to a Geek Brief viewer. The contest details are at www.BigTrip.tv.
Unfortunately Sharper Image filed for bankruptcy. Earth Class Mail is a service that let's you avoid dealing with paper mail if you'd rather go 100% digital. HP will soon have an Ultra Mobile PC that you can get with either Linux or Windows installed. Read More
A new Palm Centro is available on the AT&T wireless network. Rather than review it, I'm giving one away to a Geek Brief viewer. The contest details are at www.BigTrip.tv.
Unfortunately Sharper Image filed for bankruptcy. Earth Class Mail is a service that let's you avoid dealing with paper mail if you'd rather go 100% digital. HP will soon have an Ultra Mobile PC that you can get with either Linux or Windows installed. Read More
Ads in RSS: Obnoxious Works
Don't get me wrong; I'm all for ads in RSS, and have said so for months. I have intuitively felt that inconspicuous ads would probably work best, if only because they would piss off readers less than big, loud ads. However, a study from Pheedo indicates the reverse is true, and it's two layers of bad news. First, ads run as separate RSS feed items are far more successful (generating about eight times the clickthroughs) as ads embedded in RSS items. Then, it turns out that blitzing the feed with ads in every other item is the most successful tactic of all. Of course, you might lose most of your readers, but the remaining ones will be clicking your ads.
Permalink�|�Email this�|�Linking�Blogs�|�CommentsBeverly Hills, 90210 iPod nano
Filed under: iPod Family, Odds and ends
Beverly Hills, 90210 is a show that is near and dear to many people's hearts... at least I assume so, because how else do you explain this Beverly Hills, 90210 limited edition iPod nano? CBS is selling 2000 of these suckers for $269. For your money you get an 8 gig iPod nano engraved with a picture of the 90210 cast and a slogan of your choice (as long as it is 30 characters or less) and all the normal accessories that come with an iPod nano. If a 4 gig iPod nano is more your speed, you're in luck because you can get one of them for $219.I think I'll be passing on this iPod nano, but CBS has a whole line of iPods branded with various shows. They have everything from CSI iPods to Amazing Race iPods. I will pay good money for a Barney Miller iPod nano (which I have helpfully mocked up to the right. Oh, Wojciehowicz, you card!).
[via Engadget]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
MacBreak 24: Remote Control
Emery Wells and guest Ben Durbin show you how to control other computers remotely from your Mac using VNC.
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MacBreak 61: More Conversations with Kwesi
Leo's back with producer Kwesi Collisson to discuss the techniques used to complete a scene from the film 'Conversations with Other Women'. Read More
Alienware slaps NVIDIA's Quadro FX 3600M into Area-51 m15x
Filed under: Laptops
Some five months after NVIDIA took the Saran Wrap off of its professional-oriented Quadro FX 3600M, along comes Alienware patting itself on the back. Why? Because its Area-51 m15x is the first 15.4-inch laptop on planet Earth to offer said card, giving users who practically live in CAD, DCC or other visualization applications an option to still look 1337 (and tap into the occasional 3D game) on their lappie. Unfortunately, such graphical prowess will add $600 to the cost of your rig over the standard 256MB GeForce 8600M GT, but no one ever said that dancing on the cutting edge was cheap.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments An Introduction to the Linux Command Line
Now it’s time to discuss one of the most mysterious and confusing parts of Linux to a Windows user: the command line. To most Windows users the prospect of typing in what you want your computer to do is completely foreign and thus intimidating. It’s so intimidating in fact that Linux developers have poured countless [...]
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Now it’s time to discuss one of the most mysterious and confusing parts of Linux to a Windows user: the command line.
To most Windows users the prospect of typing in what you want your computer to do is completely foreign and thus intimidating. It’s so intimidating in fact that Linux developers have poured countless hours into designing GUIs (graphical user interfaces) to imitate and/or replace text-based commands. But sometimes the command line is still the fastest, easiest, or only way to get something done.
What is this “Linux Command Line”?
A command line is a method of interacting with your computer that involves typing commands (that is, words and phrases that have meaning to the computer) to make it do things. Command line interfaces replaced punch card systems back in the 1950’s and subsequently made room for GUIs. Today all three major operating systems –Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux– have command line interfaces to go along with their GUIs, although Linux tends to rely on the command line more than the other two. (That being said, you can still do plenty with your system without ever touching the command line.)
Why Should I Use it?
Everyone will agree that the command line was a great invention and it served many early PC users well. But with our constant rush for the latest technology, many regard the command line as archaic and useless as a steam powered automobile. I disagree and I’m certainly not alone. Here are a few reasons it may come in handy:
- 1. It’s fast - “productivity” is a word that gets tossed around a lot by so-called power users, but the command line can really streamline your computer use, assuming you learn to use it right.
2. It’s easier to get help - The command line may not be the easiest thing to use, but it makes life a whole lot easier for people trying to help you and for yourself when looking for help, especially over the internet. Many times it’s as simple as the helper posting a few commands and some instructions and the recipient copying and pasting those commands. Anyone who has spent hours listening to someone from tech support say something like, “OK, now click this” knows how frustrating the GUI alternative can be.
3. It’s nearly universal - There are hundreds of Linux distros out there, each with a slightly different graphical environment. Thankfully, the various distros do have one common element: the command line. There are distro-specific commands, but the bulk of commands will work on any Linux system.
4. It’s powerful - The companies behind those other operating systems try their best to stop a user from accidentally screwing up their computer. Doing this involves hiding a lot of the components and tools that could harm a computer away from novices. Linux is more of an open book, which is due in part to its prominent use of the command line.
OK, so what do I need to know?
Truly mastering the command line, like anything, takes plenty of time and practice. Entire books and websites have been written on the subject, but we can at least cover the basics here.
Navigate the file system - Like Windows, Linux uses a system of folders and files to organize data. When you first open a terminal you will be, by default, in the home folder. Enter the pwd (print working directory) command to make sure and it should output something like /home/user_name. Enter ls to list all the files and folders in your home folder. If you’ve been using your OS for a while your home folder is likely full of files and folders.
Rummage through the debris and you should find the Desktop folder. Let’s take a look at that. Type cd (change directory) and the directory name to go to any place on your computer. In this case we want to go to the Desktop directory, but there are three ways of writing its “address”: The long way, /home/user_name/Desktop, and the two shorthand ways, ~/Desktop, ./Desktop. The tilde (~) is shorthand for “/home/user_name,” while the period is shorthand for the current directory. Sound confusing? If so then I suggest just using the longhand way for now.
A few simple tasks - Using the ls command in my Desktop directory returns that I have a couple of cute cat pictures there that I just downloaded. Well, I want to get them off my desktop and into their own folder. So first I’ll enter “mkdir ~/cats” to make a directory called “cats” in my home directory. Now to move the two pictures to the new cat directory I enter “mv ./Fluffy.jpg ./mr-jingles.jpg ~/cats”. It may seem confusing, but it simply tells the computer to move the two pictures (the .jpg files) from the desktop to the “cat” folder in the home folder. You can also use the cp command instead of mv to copy the pictures without changing the originals on the desktop. Should I ever feel the need, I can use the “rm /path/to/files/” command to remove them. Please note, however, that using this command does not put the file in the trash bin, but instead deletes it forever.
A little miscellaneous info - Most commands (if not all) have a variety of options you can use to change the way the command works. Enter “[command] -[option letter]” to use options. Enter “man [command]” to open a command’s manual page and learn a bit about what a specific command does as well as its particular options. Lastly is the concept of root user. Some commands (particularly ones that could harm your computer if used recklessly or with malice) require you to become root user beforehand, using either the su or sudo commands.
A warning - The command line is great, but as Uncle Ben from Spider-Man says, “With great power, comes great responsibility.” So please do not enter any commands that you know absolutely nothing about. Be wary of copying and pasting questionable commands off the internet. Be especially wary of the rm command since you may cause irrevocable damage to your system and data. I hope this doesn’t discourage you, but instead prompts you to use a bit of caution when dealing with the Linux command line.
Where do I go from here?
Those are the absolute basics, but there is still so much to learn. There are plenty of articles both on and off the internet that go much deeper into the subject and even reference guides that list every single command. I suggest you don’t look at them just yet. Instead, I suggest you spend a few weeks or even months getting used to the command line and picking up things as you go along. Gradually you will learn what is useful and what is not so useful, what works better on the command line than the GUI and what doesn’t. This in turn will help you get the most out of your Linux system and maybe even fall in love with computing all over again.
(By) Abraham Kurp was introduced to open source software a few years ago and it was love at first site. When not preaching the virtues of open source he enjoys reading classic science fiction, playing obscure video games, dabbling in programming, and of course writing.
More from MakeUseOf.com :
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