Posts Tagged Technology
Anyone Using Microsoft Office 365 Beta?
Posted by Peter in Technology on May 4, 2011
Several days ago, I signed up for Microsoft Office 365 Beta, and I just completed the set up. I haven’t migrated anything yet, and before I do I was wondering about the experience of others.
I’m currently using Gmail, Google Calendar, etc., and I like it well enough, but the prospect of having all of my documents, files, email, calendar, etc. all in one location and accessible from anywhere is very tempting.
Thoughts, concerns, comments?
Microsoft Office 365 Beta
Initial Thoughts on Firefox 4
Posted by Peter in Technology on March 24, 2011
Firefox 4
Which browser do you use and why?
I’ve been using Firefox 4 for a few days now, and here are a few of my initial thoughts:
- It’s definitely faster as advertised. If you are a Firefox user, you will notice immediately.
- Oddly, the new Tab Bar is by default above the Tool Bar. Luckily, this is easily fixable (“right click” in the tool bar are and uncheck “Tabs on Top”).
- The Menu Bar is replaceable by a button. I’ve read reviews that indicate the button is the default look, but my Menu Bar was in tact. I’ve removed it to see what it was like without it, but I’ve since replaced it.
- The monochrome default skin isn’t terribly attractive, IMHO, and is strikingly similar to Chrome’s.
- Not all of my add-ons made the cut because they were not compatible with Firefox 4. I assume it will only be a matter of time before the add-ons catch up, and I probably needed to pear down my add-ons anyway.
- I have enough buttons on my Tool Bar that it shrinks my address more than I’d like, especially with so many of the newer and longer favicons. I’ll get over it, but I prefer long address bars. I could create another tool bar, but that would defeat the following.
- There’s certainly more screen real estate, so that’s a plus.
I didn’t intend for this to be a critical post, even though it sounds that way. I have and will continue to use Firefox as my go-to browser. And I have used IE, Chrome and Opera. For a short while, I even used Opera as my primary browser, but it was an “outside-the-box” phase I was going through.
Actually, my best user experience was with Firefox cousin Seamonkey which I used for a few years. It was the all-in-one suite I needed (think Firefox + Thunderbird + an html composer and more). I only reluctantly stopped using Seamonkey when I started using Gmail to import all of my other email accounts. In fact, if you use Outlook and Firefox, I would encourage you to give Seamonkey a try. I have even given serious consideration to returning to Seamonkey now that it is Windows 7 ready, but I think I would be returning for all the wrong reasons.
A bit of a ramble, sorry. Browser thoughts, anyone?
Smartphone User Stereotypes
I thought this was hilarious, despite being an iphone user. I saw it one CNET’s Technically Incorrect, but it was originally on C-Section Comics.
Guest Post on Monday Morning Review
Posted by Peter in Bible, Blogging, Christianity on July 19, 2010
Regular readers will know that from time to time I write my pastor’s Monday Morning Review on his blog of same name.
It’s typically a recap of the previous day’s sermon and the goings on of our church. However, all of you non-member, iPhone/smartphone users might be interested in my short list of free Bible apps (there’s 5 to be exact) about midway through the post.
Enjoy!
Best Free Software Site
Posted by Peter in Cool Stuff on March 26, 2010
I don’t think I’ve written about Gizmo’s Freeware (aka techsupportalert.com) before here, but I should have. It is my favorite (and, in my opinion, the best) free software site out there. If you’ve never visited it, you should. If you have, you know what I’m talking about.
It is not a megasite with every freeware program known to man, so you don’t have to sift through pages and pages of junk. It is simply a repository of the best freeware available categorized, reviewed and culled to the top free programs in each category.
I have yet to try this completely (primarily because of my dependence on WordPerfect and PowerPoint), but I am convinced you could survive without ever paying for software again by simply relying on this site. And the pickers, choosers and reviewers know what they are talking about.
I have found numerous gems that I use regularly. I found my screen capture utility, pdf reader/editor and writer, photo editor, anti-virus software, cleanup utilities, and much, much more. And now that there is a free Bible study software category, I feel compelled to recommend this site. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Note: About the only thing I did not find here was free or open source Church multi-media software, but I do now know of such a program if you happen to need one.
Electrical Outlet with USB Plug
Posted by Peter in Cool Stuff on December 8, 2009
I rarely ever use a triple exclamation point (!!!) on anything. But, I did in a comment on a post over at bryanlopez.com today because of this:
How cool is that? You can pre-order today.
Personal Website Redesign
I’m in the middle of a site redesign for my law firm’s website: petermlopez.com. It is still in the very early stages, and content is sparse, but the basic look and feel is there. Please visit, have a look around, and feel free to offer thoughts, ideas, suggestions, tips, pointers, cash, or anything else you think might be helpful.
I am using SquareSpace for the site construction and hosting. The website tools are quite remarkable and easy to use. I would highly recommend it. If any of you are familiar with SquareSpace, please let me know, I would love to pick your brain about it.
My design skills are somewhat lacking, but I’ve played around with one of the templates I liked, and I think the foundation is there for a decent site.
Techies Take Note-The Glo Bible
Posted by Peter in Bible, Cool Stuff, New Testament, Old Testament on October 12, 2009
Thanks to Bitsy, who got it from Stephen, who probably got it from Kevin Bacon, but this looks really, really cool.
Here’s the rub, it requires a Windows-based PC, which is fine for me because I use PCs, but it kind of has that Apple/Mac feel, which is a relatively minor point I suppose. But, it also requires 18GB (yes, GB) of free disk space, a dual-core processor, and either 1 or 2GB of RAM depending on your Windows version, and an internet connection.
When you check out the Glo website, you’ll know why. There are over 550 360° virtual tours, 3.5 hours of HD videos, over 140 interactive maps, thousands of high-resolution photos, and over 7,500 articles, and a whole lot more. It’s quite the ambitious project. The cost is considerable, but not oppressive, $89.99(USD).
It’s hard for me to tell who the potential audience is, or isn’t. I would love it, but it’s not something I would use everyday like my trusted paper Bibles. It would be great for presentations or research, and I could see a younger audience liking the interactivity, but I would be interested to see how it is incorporated into regular Bible reading/study habits.
I would be curious if any of you have previewed a review copy since it’s not available until October 15, 2009. I would definitely like to test drive it before I bought it, but I might trust someone else’s test drive.
Here is the official Glo website and other links that might be of interest:
Internet Addiction Detox
Addicted to the internet?
If you’re reading this, you probably are. And there’s good news for your addiction.
A CNET blog is reporting America’s first internet addiction detox program, appropriately named reSTART, is open for business. The Heavensfield Retreat Center’s “Internet Addiction Recovery Program” provides “treatment for internet, gaming, texting and video game abuse.”
What, no blogging? They’re missing out on a huge pool of addicts, aren’t they?
However, for a mere $14,500 you too can spend 45 days in Heavensfield, located outside of Seattle, WA, and kick your internet, texting or video game addiction. Bloggers, too bad.
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