Journal 11, Microsoft Security Essentials

Microsoft has released their own version of Anti-virus and spyware software called Microsoft Security Essentials. The best part is that it is free and good. Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) was a beta software for just three short months. It offers real-time consumer antimalware solution for fighting viruses, spyware, rootkits, and Trojans. It is available for Windows XP 32-bit and up. It should not be installed along with other antimalware applications. It will also disable window Defender completely so there will freeze those annoying “Your computer is at risk” notifications. The only price it has is that your computer will have to pass a Windows Genuine Advantage validation test. MSE has the simplest and easiest user interface. The goal was to make it non obtrusive unless required. The program has a green banner when everything is “ok” but if there is a virus detected that green turns to red. Of course MSE updates itself automatic so users will not have to manually update the virus database. Microsoft is cracking down on virus's because if a virus is detected on MSE on anyone's computer the information is sent to Microsoft. Hopefully there will be an update out quickly and sent to all other users so that the virus is then quarantined.

Article on MSE

Microsofts Website

I have downloaded Microsoft Security Essentials and I am a fan. I have been a long time user of AVG free edition until the beginning of November. The problem with AVG was that when you get the free version, the scan speed is much slower than the purchased edition. MSE scans very quickly and quietly. The other problem with AVG free was the fact that it would bog down my CPU and make it hot. I think that the reason Microsoft is making this free is that PC has been getting slammed on the amount of virus's compared to Apple computers. If Microsoft can produce a close to virus free PC their sales should rise and boost the users of Windows 7.

Journal 11, Microsoft Security Essentials

Microsoft has released their own version of Anti-virus and spyware software called Microsoft Security Essentials. The best part is that it is free and good. Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) was a beta software for just three short months. It offers real-time consumer antimalware solution for fighting viruses, spyware, rootkits, and Trojans. It is available for Windows XP 32-bit and up. It should not be installed along with other antimalware applications. It will also disable window Defender completely so there will freeze those annoying “Your computer is at risk” notifications. The only price it has is that your computer will have to pass a Windows Genuine Advantage validation test. MSE has the simplest and easiest user interface. The goal was to make it non obtrusive unless required. The program has a green banner when everything is “ok” but if there is a virus detected that green turns to red. Of course MSE updates itself automatic so users will not have to manually update the virus database. Microsoft is cracking down on virus's because if a virus is detected on MSE on anyone's computer the information is sent to Microsoft. Hopefully there will be an update out quickly and sent to all other users so that the virus is then quarantined.

Article on MSE

Microsofts Website

I have downloaded Microsoft Security Essentials and I am a fan. I have been a long time user of AVG free edition until the beginning of November. The problem with AVG was that when you get the free version, the scan speed is much slower than the purchased edition. MSE scans very quickly and quietly. The other problem with AVG free was the fact that it would bog down my CPU and make it hot. I think that the reason Microsoft is making this free is that PC has been getting slammed on the amount of virus's compared to Apple computers. If Microsoft can produce a close to virus free PC their sales should rise and boost the users of Windows 7.

Journal 10, Motorola Droid vs iPhone

Motorola is taking a shot at Apple's iPhone with the Motorola Droid. The iPhone 3GS is known for its speed and the Apple sexy style which makes it an attractive purchase. Motorola has juiced up their internal performace in the Droid compared to other Motorola devices. This is the first handset that truly realizes the full potential of Android. (Android is Google's Operating system that runs on the Droid phone). The Motorola Droid uses a processor chip like the iPhone's. It is based on a new architechture called Cortex-A8. This chip provides about a 3 times performace boost over the others. It has a 550 MHz processor and a 3.7 inch screen. The biggest hit that Apple will take from this is that it will be sold on the Verizon Network. This will most likely attract people who were going to switch to AT&T for the iPhone. With a phone that does just about all of the same things people will most likely stay on their plan. Verizon has been looking for an iPhone killer because that is what has kept people with AT&T. Verizon though that the Blackberry Storm would kill the iPhone but it didn't even make a dent in their sales.

Cnet Article

I have to hand it to Apple for their iPhone. When it came out it blew people away on how smooth and sexy it was. When a person buys a phone the first thing they go for is the look of it. The iPhone has just about nailed that. I don't think that the Motorola Droid is going to do much for Verizon honestly. The Droid is ugly. I looks fragil and just like any other smart phone. When someone pulls out and iPhone everyone knows what it is. It has that special look to it that know other phone has. Apple has that all over their products though. I am not an Apple OS fan but I will admit that their laptops and desktops look very smooth and attractive. The only way Verizon is going to beat AT&T is getting phone that is very sexy and great internal performance.

Other CNET Article

Journal 9, Google Wave

Google wave has been announced. It will be a better“personal communication and collaboration tool”. It was announced May 27th, 2009 at the Google I/O conference. It has a strong collaboration and real-time focus supported by extension that can provide. An example would be a great spelling/grammar checking system or an automated translation between 40 languages. It is initially released only to developers, a “preview release” of Google Wave was extended to nearly one million users beginning September 30, 2009. Google Wave will help communication and conferencing with business and personal interests. It is written in Java using OpenJDK. The thing that is different about Wave is that when you send an object it doesn't send the whole package. Google Wave breaks up the object into many objects known as waves. This will allow many users to work on a project simultaneously. One person could be adding information into the cells of a spreadsheet while the other is writing the code for the spreadsheet operations. This will also be an Open source project meaning that anyone who wants to participate in the development of Google Wave can download the software and edit the code.

Wikipedia
Long Google wave video

This will be an intersting product to watch and use. I use Google documents for class because it does not matter where I save it. I can always get to it where ever I am. Now that companies are taking a lot of their business online, employees will not forced to come into the office if there is a conference. They could all just sign into Google Wave and have the work conference right then and there. The biggest thing is that they can work on a project via the internet and not be in the same room or same country. I think that that is a major step into internet production and conferencing.

Journal 8, WIndows 7

Windows 7 is going to be shipped this week and people are timid. If you are looking for an excuse to buy a new computer or laptop then purchasing Windows 7 would not be a bad excuse. Windows 7 is much more sleek and attractive. It is disigned to work more efficently so that projects can be completed faster and easier. The best part about using windows is that there is such a large market of compatable hardware. If you have a nice computer and are happy with Windows vista then springing for windows 7 might not be the best choice unless your are positive or just eager to use it. The taskbar has been changed a little to now you can clip most used programs instead of using an icon. Your documents and music has been changed into libraries so that it can be spread over several hard drives. The new arrangement makes it easier to make a backup. Windows 7 has marked the transition to a 64-bit operating system. This means that computer will be able to use more RAM for streaming or editing videos and pictures.

Tech News World

Being in Computer Science I got the early download of Window 7 Professional. I am going to give my opinion on Windows 7. Windows 7 should have been Windows Vista because the Vista is junk. Window 7 is much faster and uses less RAM. The best part is that it WORKS!! I have lost respect for Microsoft because I should not have to applaud a company for selling a product that was finished. Windows 7 is very good though. Vista's sleep mode would freeze when booted back up forcing me to kill the power and start from the beginning. A huge software change they have progressed on is plug'n play. I have not had to install one driver because windows 7 will go online and download the driver automatically. It takes away a lot of frustration that used to exist with earlier Operation Systems. Windows 7 has make it to where you can arrange windows very quickly. All in all, Windows 7 is a great buy. I recommend that if you are using Vista switch to 7.

Cnet

Journal 7, Microsoft Courier

It is about time for Microsoft to answer back to Apple with a new sexy product. The Microsoft Courier is a sleek new tablet computer. When it is closed it looks like a leather notebook. When it is opened up it displays two screens with a tablet pen. It is all mulitouch screens so it will act like a iPod touch. You will be able to flick, write, draw with the pen and your fingers. There is a camera on the back along with wireless internet. The Courier is in "late prototype" stage development but hopefully there will be enough demand to push it through the market and to consumers.

I don't think this is going to change the way we live our lives or anything but I think that it will open up new ideas in that direction. There is a video on it displaying the different uses. Imagine sitting in class with a notebook that can connect to the internet. Finally you can challenge the professor on topics and maybe get kicked out of class for it. The Courier will be able to record the class audio for study reference rather than reading the book. You will be able to put together different notes in different notebook files and share them with other contacts so that if you unfortuantly miss a day in class you will still get the notes. With this new sharing idea the professors will have to enforce the attendance policy. The Courier is just a prototype that is really just an answer back to Apple that Microsoft can make a sexy product also. I don't think that it will change the way we live but it could change the direction of some technologies.

Article

Journal 6, Electric Car

The problem with electric cars was that they were too slow and didn't last very long on one charge. Tesla Motors has unleashed the Tesla Roadster. Anyone who is into cars has heard of this vehicle. It is not a hybrid, the Tesla is fully run on lithium ion batteries. The batteries alone weigh almost 1000 pounds. This means that you can go about 220 miles on one charge. Another great feature and probably the most attractive is the fact that the car will do 0 to 60 in 3.9 seconds. That is really fast and anybody can to it. It is like driving a golf cart, just push the peddle to the metal. There is not shifting gears or anything. The car also redlines at 14,000 rpm. The average car redlines around 7 to 7.5 rpm. Since the car is electric there is not a sound when you stomp the gas. All you hear is the very quiet electric motor.

I love cars so this one was very interesting to me. I would love to have a car that would fly and didn't cost as much as owning a gasoline sports car. I have a sports car right now and paying for premium fuel is getting annoying. When gas was high I had to go easy on the throttle at the stop lights. I am not in love with the car just because it is electric though. I am not the "going green" person. I think that if Tesla can sell enough of these and get people exposed to them it it will show that electric cars can be fast, sexy and practical. Practical will also help sell the car. Another big reason that needs to be stressed is that the keep up will be nothing compared to a gasoline engine. You will never need and oil change, fluids or belts changed. Imagin never having to go to a car shop and worry about getting stiffed out of your cash. The Tesla is the most promising first leap into usable electric vehicles in America.

Tesla Motors