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I know this news comes from the Dark Side but it's good news nonetheless for those who use Windows XP. Service Pack 2 will be released soon (like in the next two months). It will be a 100MB download but there's a "free" CD available, just pay for the shipping.

Features according to Internet News are: "technologies for network protection, memory protection, secure e-mail handling, secure browsing and PC maintenance. It features a brand-new Windows Security Center that allows the monitoring of firewalls, Automatic Update and third-party anti-virus software. It also warns customers about the need to apply patches."

Sounds perfect for my 1.7MHz P4 backup system.

Posted by Joel at 11:05 PM | Permalink

I've updated my gallery but this time it's now found at the Suplido Gallery.

Nono was able to show me his gallery. Carlo shared his too.

What do these galleries have in common? They show pics taken by a Canon Digital Rebel!

Posted by Joel at 10:52 PM | Permalink

I've been busy with work and my camera: the Canon Digital Rebel. Well, all I can post today is my gallery at .mac...

http://tinyurl.com/2vjcj

Be kind.

Posted by Joel at 03:00 PM | Permalink

Opera is not affected by the security holes recently reported. On OS X, go to http://bronosky.com/pub/AppleScript.htm ... this would activate a harmless script.

Posted by Joel at 05:31 PM | Permalink

Just for posterity, I'm putting that screenshot of my current Gmail account space. Nice huh?

(Apparently, Gmail is having some glitches in its system and this 1Terrabyte space is a known problem.)

Posted by Joel at 08:18 PM | Permalink

These are the three things that should only be discussed with people close to you. If these are discussed in public forums be prepared to have flame retardant suits ready. Ideas for these three topics are so varied and subjective that any objective discussion cannot be expected. Be careful out there.

Posted by Joel at 07:17 AM | Permalink |

I just tried the new Camino browser release. It's pretty fast but I think the cache is affecting how I perceive its speed. In any case, it's turning out to be a nice looking browser for OS X.

Posted by Joel at 11:17 PM | Permalink |

When I first saw this Chunc wheelchair, I immediately remembered a former student of mine, Dickoy. I remember him as someone who's easy to talk to and get along with, always cheerful, inquisitive, and sensitive. Not really one of the most well-behaved in class but hey, that's first year high (8th grade) and uniqueness comes in many forms at that age. I'm happy to see that he's grown to be someone I'm proud to have taught. Dickoy has a blog. Check it out.

Posted by Joel at 01:29 PM | Permalink |

So now Yahoo is countering what Google will be offering soon. Yahoo!Mail will be upgrading existing accounts from 4 to 100MB. Premium subscribers who pay a yearly amount will get "unlimited" space. Now I don't know why the word unlimited is in quotes in this news release but I'm thinking it's not really unlimted space but shared space among the members.

Now that Yahoo!Mail has revealed its plans for this summer, I wonder what .mac is going to offer for its members soon. Most probably there's going to be an announcement at Macworld SF.

Posted by Joel at 06:00 PM | Permalink

Found this at Gizmodo:

So I go to Apple's site to watch the trailer for the new Pixar movie 'The Incredibles,' and I noticed something interesting. Now instead of 'Quicktime Required', they are saying 'iTunes 4.5 Required.' Sneaky. Quicktime, in case you didn't know, is the codec library (and more) that happens to power iTunes, and is installed everytime you install a new version of iTunes. But you don't need iTunes to play Quicktime movies (at least, you never did before), so it's sort of shady for Apple to imply that its somehow necessary for people to install their MP3 Media Library program just to watch a trailer.

Update: So I, you know, actually watched the trailer, and it opened in iTunes. Is iTunes going to be the new Quicktime player now?

Update: Oh, I get it now. It's only the Fullscreen version, which was (as J. Atwood explained) previously a Quicktime Pro-only feature. So you're actually getting something for free (well, free if you install iTunes) that you previously had to pay for. Not so shady after all.

Posted by Joel at 12:02 AM | Permalink

I just want to post these cool pictures of TH55 size comparisons. The TH55 is put side by side with the Playstation Portable and the Vaio U70.

I'm seriously considering getting a Playstation Portable. Thiking about playing Gran Turismo 4 on this machine is way too exciting. But I won't be getting the Vaio U70. It's an interesting device but I already have a Powerbook. Now if Apple offers a similar device then it's going to be something worth looking into.

Posted by Joel at 07:59 PM | Permalink

To my brother Reggie who sacrificed time at home (and not to mention, sleep) to help with our school site: Thanks! Check your email for something for your iPod Mini. Enjoy!

Posted by Joel at 08:40 AM | Permalink

Macworld UK has learned of a dangerous malware that deletes the Home folder on a Mac. The file is cunningly disguised as a Word 2004 for Mac demo – from the forthcoming Office 2004 for Mac suite.

A Macworld reader alerted the magazine to the malware after he downloaded the file from Limewire. The reader told Macworld: "I downloaded the file in the hope that perhaps Microsoft had released some sort of public beta. The file unzipped, and to my delight the Microsoft icon looked genuine and trustworthy."

However, he added: "I clicked on the installer file, and to my horror in 10 seconds the attachment had wiped my entire Home folder!"

Posted by Joel at 11:57 AM | Permalink

Premium gas is at $2.35/gallon over here in Guam. Timothy has collected cartoons about the gas prices.

Posted by Joel at 11:37 PM | Permalink

Every gadget and geek site is all abuzz about the new Playstation Portable.

Engadget pretty much sums it up:

"... the unit itself is 170 x 74 x 23 mm, 260 g, with a 480 x 272 16:9 TFT LCD and stereo speakers. It has the same keybad layout as PS1, with a D-Pad, an analog pad, the circle, square, triangle, x buttons and 2 shoulder buttons. Downloads and connectivity over USB 2.0, Memory Stick Duo and 802.11b. And as Sony announced before, the games come on a 1.8 GB UMD (Universal Memory Disc) - which Dolph Lundgren and the other undead Universal Soldiers will guard with their lives, as well as unique 128 bit key."

The picture comes from Gizmodo.

Posted by Joel at 01:13 PM | Permalink

I'm for dedicated devices because more quality would be focused on the function of that device.

Sony's doing well by having different departments for different devices. Sony Ericsson for phones, the Clie for PDA's, and the PSP for handheld gaming (not to mention the VAIO, Cybershot, and Walkman lines). Each of those are works of art in my book.

I think an all in one device (phone, PDA, gaming for example) would not fare well because of a limited market it would create. Besides, how much would someone be willing to pay for such a quality device?

Sony's definitely not screwing up.

Posted by Joel at 11:26 AM | Permalink |

I was with tech support for close to an hour late afternoon yesterday. We were trying all possible ways to connect to the DSL line... from trying out different cables to different connection settings to using the PC and the Powerbook. All to no avail. The tech support guy suggested I bring the PC to their office today. I agreed out of frustration because I know that the problem is in the DSL line and is not found in my computers. Just to confirm, I connected the Powerbook to the DSL modem (which was directly connected to the main DSL wall jack). The PPPOE connection settings in the Powerbook wasn't able to find a signal.

Obviously, tech support is standing by their decision that the problem is not at their end. I don't know how extensive their line test was but how can a new Powerbook which works great here in school suddenly fail to work at home?

I think I have to convince them to do battery of line tests this time.

Posted by Joel at 10:30 AM | Permalink

Yesterday was Mother's Day.

Dash and I treated my mom to brunch at Tony Roma's in Tumon. On special was lobster tail with a quarter rack baby back ribs, two side dishes, salad, bread, sparkling wine, and a chocolate rose. Of note was the table near us, with four generations of family members!

During dinner, my mom cooked crab and steamed rice with crab fat.

Yeah, I checked my weight this morning. Still 140 lbs, 20.4 fat content.

Posted by Joel at 02:43 PM | Permalink

One of my students said that she likes Blogger now. She said something about "it looks nice." I thought she was just comparing it to how Xanga looks and how her other classmates' sites all look so cramped and bloated.

Anyway, I just came from blogger.com and it DOES look cleaner and more appealing. I'm still using ecto though but it's nice to see Blogger having a facelift.

Posted by Joel at 02:34 PM | Permalink

Our DSL connection's been down since Thursday night. I personally went to check with customer support about what the problem could be but they could not pin it down. We did a password reset and checked the DSL modem for problems to make everything work. It did work at the main office but it still did not at home -- even if there were no modem lights indicating there's a problem.

The decision was to do a line test but since the telephone line guys do not work weekends, we have to wait until today. So hopefully, the line would be ok by tonight.

Posted by Joel at 11:00 AM | Permalink

I slept past 12 again. The last time I did this was when I got my first ever Clie. I did my first hard reset, I'm not sure, but I think Titan Class mucked up my time zones. Multiple syncs with my PC and Mac could have "confused" the TH55 too. Anyway, it's all fixed now.

Yesterday, I was in a meeting with our boss. She was thinking about going into getting PDA's for our students. I showed her the TH55 and we set up another meeting so that she can see the TH55 better. We went through the PalmOne and SonyStyle sites. Well, it turned out she was planning to get one for herself. Since she was an extreme newbie for PDA's, I ended up recommending a Tungsten T3 to spare her the intricacies with syncing with the Mac, with later hopes of making her switch to an OS6 Clie.

I have come to an informal conclusion that Clies are best for those who have prior experience with Palm devices. Clies seem to be the natural choice for an upgrade after having gotten your feet wet with PalmOne devices. (I know this issue begs to be argued but hey, it's what I feel. :)).

Posted by Joel at 11:34 AM | Permalink

As I write this, I'm waiting for the TH55 to sync with the Powerbook via Bluetooth. It is slow. It is compounded by the fact that I'm running late for work. Lesson learned: never sync when you're in a rush.

HotSync 3.2 started 5/6/04 6:08:51 AM
HotSync Complete 5/6/04 7:10:34 AM

Sheesh. More than an hour! A later hotsync was faster:

HotSync 3.2 started 5/6/04 8:42:29 AM
HotSync Complete 5/6/04 8:58:23 AM

Posted by Joel at 02:05 PM | Permalink

My TH55 has arrived. I had to drive and get it directly from the Customs division of the main post office because it seems like there's a crackdown on misdeclared packages (mostly food and car parts from Asia).

Anyway, I've already charged it (11:45AM - 3:45PM) making this the first ever Clie that I've strictly first-charged. I was playing with it immediately... I can't believe how nice the form factor really is. Pictures don't do it justice at all.

When I got home, I decided to put a screen protector on the screen. I didn't expect it to be that difficult. After about an hour (no thanks to rogue dust specks), the ARM Crystal Touch edition screen protector was already in place.

Next came the installation and first Hotsync. Of course, I had to update the Clie Organizer before I installed my other favorite apps. I also tried figuring out how to do a WiFi Hotsync again. This time I got so lost with the sequence which someone from another website outlined. So I searched Cliesource (where information about all these Clie stuff is, after all) and based my settings on the UX50 forums at Cliesource, and now all's well.

I installed AppShelf and Datebk5 but was surprised to see that though they're fast, the new Clie Organizer seems to be nicer to look at.

Tomorrow, I'll try to tackle Phoebe and the TH55 (I have think of a name!) Bluetooth sync.

Posted by Joel at 11:31 PM | Permalink |

After close to a month, I've decided to turn on my aging PC again. (Aging is defined as a Pentium 4 1.7 MHz). I'm testing a program for my Clie and found that I needed some files in my PC's shared folder.

It was easy to connect. All I had to do was click on Network, selected MSHOME, and my PC. It was fun to see Windows' yellow folders now aquafied and of course, copying files were simple drags and drops.

Posted by Joel at 07:56 PM | Permalink

Apparently, OS X can record HDTV broadcasts. Here are the details at MacOSXHints.

Posted by Joel at 02:43 PM | Permalink

I've just installed the new security update. The update delivers several security enhancements and includes updated versions of AFP Server, CoreFoundation and IPSec.

Just to be sure, I also ran Cocktail after the updated restart.

Posted by Joel at 01:08 PM | Permalink

My Garmin Forerunner 201 has just arrived. There's no excuse not to exercise now!

Posted by Joel at 05:27 PM | Permalink

I can't believe I missed downloading Annie Lennox's "Pavement Cracks." Now I have to buy it at 99 cents. This is a game after all, and since I lost that turn, I have to pay for it. Why am I determined to get this song? It's to complete the iTunes first year anniversary list of free songs.

Sure, it's easy to find this song in Limewire but that's going to be unfair not only for the producers but to my conscience as well.

Posted by Joel at 08:17 PM | Permalink

When I opened up Gmail in Firefox a few minutes ago, I noticed a new link: "Invite A Friend."

I tried it and was surprised to see two available invitations for anyone I want. I sent these to Reggie and Dash. Hopefully I could get more so that I can share these to my other family members and friends.

By the way, Gmail invites have found their way in eBay. The price has averaged at $150 but I'm not going to sell something that's given for free to test. If I'm going to do it, I'm sure the money I'd get would just bring me bad luck.

Posted by Joel at 07:16 PM | Permalink

The guy who I won the CD-R's from wrote back. He, in turn, was complaining that I should have contacted him about the damaged CD-R's before I posted the negative comment. To make a long story short, I offered that both our comments to each other be retracted. In the end he offered a refund for the damaged discs. I refused because it didn't feel right to be refunded 100% for 4% which were damaged. So that's it, both parties happy. I hope that one day, I could get that green traffic light when I'm running late!

Posted by Joel at 05:45 PM | Permalink

I've been a member of Aqua Soft since November 2002 (Aqua Soft is one of the oldest Aqua emulation sites). I remember I used to be so obsessed hunting for any sets of files that would make my WinXP look and feel like OS X. Entire weekends were spent tweaking Windows' system files, doing Photoshop jobs, and assembling various visual styles. (Trivia: At one point, a Japanese developer was directly asked by Apple to stop his project. Y'z Dock was the closest anyone ever got to emulate the OS X dock.)

All my interest in this literally stopped overnight when I got my first Mac. When I began to use OS X full time, I began to understand that even though you can get your WinXP to look like OS X, there's no way you can make it feel like one.

Something good has been turning out of all this. Even though there are some Mac users who continue to bash Aqua emulation, Aqua Soft is one community which has made others switch to OS X.

(Re: the Wired article, Duckie is one of the founding members of Aqua Soft. He's one of the best emulation artists around. Congrats to him for getting Wired's attention!)

Posted by Joel at 08:24 AM | Permalink