Google Latitude

Oh my gosh... Did you see Google's new application call Google Latitude? Here comes big brother knocking. I've been using Insta Mapper which is pretty much the same thing. But with Google having Google Maps built in, it makes it more accessible for looking for someone.
I am totally against this. Talking about "INVASION OF PRIVACTY". This is perfect for those cheaters. Ooops! This should send that TV Show "Cheaters" out of business....


- The Techknowlogist

4 steps to protect your computer

4 steps to protect your computer

Step 1. Keep your firewall turned on

What is a firewall?
A firewall helps protect your computer from hackers who might try to delete information, crash your computer, or even steal your passwords or credit card numbers. Make sure your firewall is always turned on.
• How to turn on your firewall

• How to choose a firewall

• Learn more about firewalls for your operating system

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Step 2. Keep your operating system up-to-date

What are operating system updates?
High priority updates are critical to the security and reliability of your computer. They offer the latest protection against malicious online activities. Microsoft provides new updates, as necessary, on the second Tuesday of the month.
• How to update your operating system

• Microsoft security updates: Frequently asked questions

• Learn about using Microsoft Update

• Go to Microsoft Update

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Step 3. Use updated antivirus software

What is antivirus software?
Viruses and spyware are two kinds of usually malicious software that you need to protect your computer against. You need antivirus technology to help prevent viruses, and you need to keep it regularly updated.
• How to get antivirus software

• Get regular antivirus scanning with Windows Live OneCare

• Get a free safety scan

• Learn about viruses

• Learn more about virus protection for your operating system

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Step 4. Use updated antispyware technology

What is antispyware software?
Viruses and spyware are two kinds of usually malicious software that you need to protect your computer against. You need antispyware technology to help prevent spyware, and you need to keep it regularly updated.
• Get antispyware technology

• Use Windows Defender, free antispyware for Windows XP SP2

• Learn about spyware

• Learn more about spyware protection for your operating system

Sync Google Calendar with iPhone 3G

Today I will talk about syncing Google Calendar with your iPhone 3G (Since I have the iPhone 3G). It is pretty simple and all it requires is a user name and login to a specific site. This site does all the syncing, the only problem I found was it kinda drains battery fairly quickly.

So far I am impressed with this specific site and its rapid syncing capability. Well the site is called NuevaSync. It is a fairly simple process. First what is NuevaSync?

NuevaSync allows direct, over-the-air, native synchronization of certain smart phones and PDA devices with public PIM, and calendaring services including Google Calendar. NuevaSync does not need any software installed on your device because it uses synchronization protocols that are already built in.

So first thing first, is to simple just signup via NuevaSync and create your username, email, and password. You will then receive an email confirmation which ofcourse you will have to validate your email.

The registration process is fairly simple and is very straight forward. So far I have not had any issues with this service. Everything syncs seamlessly and it is a perfect way to stay in control of your schedule where ever I maybe or whatever device I may have.

Well lets get into syncing the service with your iPhone. this works with your iPhone and iPod Touch as long as you have version 2.0. If you do have it then it integrates with ease and NuevaSync provides you a more in depth step by step configuration once logged in. NuevaSync helps you along the way with your installation.

After you have confirmed your email, you will then be introduced to your dashboard. It is a fairly simple dashboard with 4 options, since we are just doing Google Calendar chose “Change” which is the first row. You will then just enter your Google email or Google account id in which you want to sync your Google calendar with.

Once that is done, go to your Settings within your iPhone and you will simple just chose Mail, Contacts, Calendars.

Select “Add Account”.
Choose “Microsoft Exchange”
Under “Email”, enter the e-mail address you used for NuevaSync registration.
Under “Username” enter your NuevaSync username.
Under “Password” enter your NuevaSync password.
Under “Description” you can leave the default or enter a description of your choosing.
Tap “Next”.
When it has finished, it will display a new field, “Server”. Enter “www.nuevasync.com” as the value.
Tap “Next”.
On the next page, turn off “Mail” and “Contacts”.
Tap “Save”
That is it, soon this service will sync with your calendar if not immediately. I found this to be very helpful and ofcourse to be more productive. Also NuevaSync will soon have exchange service for email and that I can’t wait.

Converting Old VHS tapes to DVD

I was issued the task to somehow convert old VHS tapes to DVD. Mmh! May seem like a very difficult task for some of us. However, not that hard at all. You can purchase a Capturing Device that connects directly to your computer via USB, and to the source/VCR. They typically run anywhere from $30 - $150.00.
In my case I bought the KWorld DVD Maker USB 2.0 from Fry's computer in Gwinnett for $37.98. This is fairly inexpensive for those precious memories that you are trying to recapture.
The installation was fairly simple. Connect the device to the USB on the computer; connect the Audio/Video cable to the VCR. Load the drivers and software.... and start importing.


- The Techknowlogist

Iphone App SayWhere

You get used to typing on the iPhone after some time, but punching in addresses to look up directions is by far the biggest drag. Especially when your driving. That now could be kind of dangerous. DialDirections was the first to introduce speech-recognition capabilities to the iPhone with SayWhere, which translates users' speech into queries for Google Maps, Yelp, Traffic or Yellow Pages. It's a nifty app, especially for keeping drivers' eyes on the road rather than the iPhone's virtual keyboard. Download SayWhere Free from the App Store.
I played around with SayWhere for about 10 minutes looking for all my previous home addresses, and was surprisingly intrigued. SayWhere nailed every last one on the head. I even tried the find a business functionality, and it was dead on. Definitely top 5 on my Iphone Apps list. I can't imagine how many times I had to drive recklessly with no hands to type in an address....


- Techknowlogist

Blogging from the iPhone

I just got blogger lite set up on my Iphone. Pretty slick minus posting photos. But it will do for now b/c it's free.

Using your Iphone as a internet connection

Here at Wired.com a few of us were excited about turning our iPhones into wireless modems with the $10 NetShare application -- but none of us could get it to work. Fortunately, we got our connections up and running with some help straight from NetShare's maker, Nullriver. So we've created a step-by-step tutorial in case you're stuck, too.
Before we begin, do note that we could not get FireFox 3 to work with NetShare using Nullriver's settings; the company said it only tested the app on FireFox 2. Safari, however, works just fine. Without further ado, here's our tutorial:
Step 1: Download NetShare

Search for NetShare in the iPhone's App Store (yes, it's there now). Pay 10 bucks and download it.
Step 2: Create a New Network

On your Mac, click on your Airport icon and select "Create Network." Type whatever name you'd like: We used "iPhone tether" with the channel set to Automatic (11). Then click OK.
Step 3: Open System Preferences --> Network

In the Network panel in System Preferences, select your Airport connection and click "Advanced."
Step 4: Configure TCP/IP

Choose the TCP/IP tab. Select "Using DHCP with manual address" and set your IPv4 Address to 192.168.10.2.
Step 5: Configure Proxies

Click the Proxies tab. Now, checkmark the "SOCKS Proxy" box and enter 192.168.10.1 in the SOCKS Proxy server. After the colon, enter 1080 as the port number. Click OK and then hit the Apply button.
Step 6: Select Your Network on iPhone

In your iPhone's Settings app, choose the network you created and hit the blue arrow.
Step 7: Configure Static Settings

Hit the Static tab and enter 192.168.10.1 for the IP address.
Step 8: Disable Sleep

Don't let your iPhone sleep, because you'll get disconnected. In iPhone's settings, go to General-->Auto-Lock and set it to "Never."
Step 9: Open NetShare

Now open NetShare and run Safari on your Mac. You should be able to start browsing the web.
Step 10 (Optional): Confirm Connection

If you want to double check whether you're connected, load Terminal (in the Utilities folder) on your Mac and type "ping 192.168.10.1." If you see some activity, you're all set.