Techno stuff

Those who want to move from the beta version of Windows 7 to the upcoming "release candidate" version will be able to do so, but it is going to take some work.

In a blog posting on Tuesday, Microsoft said that it is offering two options for going from the beta to the newer test version, which is due shortly. Neither is all that easy.

The recommended approach, Microsoft said, is to go back to Windows Vista and upgrade from that. Microsoft asked testers to follow this approach as it will help the company get more feedback on the experience that the typical user will have in going from Vista to Windows 7.

Those who really want to upgrade directly from the beta to the release candidate will be able to do so, but only using a series of convoluted steps.

"We know many people (including tens of thousands at Microsoft) are relying on the pre-release builds of Windows 7 for mission critical and daily work, making this step less than convenient," the company acknowledged in its blog. "We're working hard to provide the highest quality release we can and so we'd like to make sure for this final phase of testing we're supporting the most real world scenarios possible, which incremental build to build upgrades are not. At the same time everyone on the beta has been so great we wanted to make sure we at least offered an opportunity to make your own expert and informed choice about how to handle the upgrade."
The company also cautioned that the same hassles will apply for those moving from the release candidate to the final version of Windows 7.

We've grown to be pretty big fans of BlueAnt headsets over the past year, especially with the BlueAnt Z9 and the BlueAnt Z9i. Both Bluetooth headsets impressed us with excellent sound quality, while the Z9i improved upon the original with extra features like better audio and the addition of multipoint technology. However, just when we thought we've seen the best from BlueAnt, it surprised us with what is possibly one of the best Bluetooth headsets yet. The BlueAnt V1 is what BlueAnt is calling the world's first voice-controlled Bluetooth headset. It combines the excellent sound quality of the Z9i with an incredibly intuitive "voice user interface" that is a snap to use. Not only that, but we also think a voice-controlled headset like this is especially useful in areas with hands-free calling laws, since you can make and answer calls with just your voice. We definitely highly recommend the BlueAnt V1. The V1 is available for $129.99 retail, but you can get it for about $100 if you shop around online.
If you've seen the BlueAnt Z9 or the BlueAnt Z9i, then you'll know exactly what the V1 looks like. Indeed, the V1 looks identical to those two headsets; except that the V1 has a pinstripe exterior while both Z9 headsets are black. Measuring 1.61 inches by 0.68 inch by 0.44 inch, the V1 is small and lightweight, but since it looks so similar to the other two, we can't say it has a very innovative design. Like the Z9, the V1 has the multifunction button on the front toward the top, while the two volume buttons are on the right. All buttons are easy enough to find and press.
Turn the V1 over and you'll find an earpiece along with a flexible metal ear hook. The earpiece is a little different from the Z9; it comes with rubbery ear gels that dip a little deeper in the ear canal. We actually like this because the fit feels more secure and the audio quality is improved, but we can see how this might feel uncomfortable for some people. If you want, the BlueAnt V1 also comes with two foam tips instead. As for the ear hook, we did find it necessary and not optional, since it doesn't feel as secure without it. The V1 comes with translucent plastic ear hook as well, if you don't like the metal one. We found both ear hooks to be pretty comfortable to use. Also on the back of the V1 is a tiny clip that can be clipped on to a tie or a shirt.
We paired the BlueAnt V1 with the Apple iPhone 3G, and we didn't have to look up the user manual to find out how. Simply wear the V1 headset, turn it on, and it will automatically tell you a step-by-step tutorial on how to pair your phone. The process isn't too different from other Bluetooth headsets, but having a voice telling you what to do is really nice especially for those who are new to Bluetooth headsets. If you want to manually pair a phone, all you have to do is say "Pair Me." Note that you have to press the multifunction button once to activate the voice control mode.
Aside from that, there is no voice recognition tutorial--just start talking. With the voice control mode on, we found we didn't need the user manual at all. If you want help, you can say "Teach Me" and it'll guide you through the different voice commands. If you forget the commands, you can say "What can I say?" and it'll go through the commands again with you. You can say "Answer" to answer a call, and you can say "Ignore" to reject a call. Other voice commands include "Redial" for last number redial, "Check Battery" for the battery status, and of course you can say "Call" followed by Home, Office, Voice mail, speed dial numbers, or any other number. You can even say "Call Back" to call the number of the last incoming call. One of our favorite commands is "Call GOOG-411" which automatically connects you to Google's free 411 service.
Audio quality was pretty incredible, and we think it's on par with the Jawbone 2. The voice isolation technology really helps to isolate our voice so that callers can hear us really clearly, and the echo-cancellation means we can hear our callers' just fine as well. Like with the Z9i, the V1's voice-isolation sensor has two modes--Standard and Max. Standard is for everyday situations, keeping the regular noise suppression but also maintaining the sound of the natural voice. Max is for extremely noisy situations where natural voice isn't as important as increased noise reduction. We tested both situations: one in a car, while the other was in a busy food court. Indeed, the Max mode resulted in a more robotic sounding voice, but callers could still hear us just fine.
Aside from the features mentioned, the V1 also supports call mute, call waiting, and the capability to transfer calls from the headset to the phone and vice versa.
The BlueAnt V1 has a rated battery life of 5 hours talk time and 8.3 days standby time. It also comes with a USB charging adapter as well as an AC adapter.

Small Business Server Business TipsTop 3 Ways to Maximize Your Small Business Server Consulting ProfitsOver the past 7 years, Microsoft Small Business Server (SBS) has gained traction as a widely-respected Small Business Server networking suite.As a result, many small business computer consultants, systems integrators, and value-added resellers have jumped on-board the Microsoft Small Business Server bandwagon. However, before you go ahead and bet YOUR company on Microsoft Small Business Server, consider the following three Small Business Server Business Tips... so you can maximize your Small Business Server consulting profits.

(1) Most small businesses in your area have never heard of Microsoft Small Business Server. Although there may be hundreds, if not thousands, of small businesses in your area that would be excellent candidates for Microsoft Small Business Server, don’t make the ultra-common mistake of assuming that the typical non-technical small business owner even knows what Microsoft Small Business Server is. If you want to maximize your consulting profits and avoid commodity price wars, you’re much better off leading off with a pitch for something that’s more universally recognized... such as getting rid of computer viruses, stopping SPAM, or preventing computer security breaches.

(2) Sell your small business prospects on YOUR company first.The real money in Small Business Server is NOT in reselling the Microsoft Small Business Server software. The real money comes from selling the RELATIONSHIP with the small business. So your company essentially becomes your clients’ outsourced IT department. Remember, no small business owner is going to wake up in the middle of the night, in a cold sweat, craving Small Business Server. However, small business owners DO constantly lose sleep over what will happen to their companies if their computer systems fail them. Become the solution to the more primal, survival instinct and you’ll get plenty of opportunities to sell Small Business Server, once you’ve established a solid client/consultant relationship.

(3) Microsoft doesn’t value computer consultants as much as they sometimes say.Little known fact: the first version of Microsoft Small Business Server, planned in 1996 and released in 1997, was code-named

CNET EDITOR'S REVIEW

With the public release of its second beta, Microsoft said it intends for the Internet Explorer 8 browser to be more customer-oriented than previous versions of its browser. Our initial impression of Internet Explorer 8 Beta 2 is positive: we think Microsoft has not only caught up with Opera, Safari, and Firefox, but in some cases even surpasses these other browsers with its innovative new features. IE8 offers people several enhancements like color-coded tabs, increased privacy options, and greater security features baked right in. Most of the new features require systems to be running Windows Vista SP1 or Windows XP SP3. The final version of Internet Explorer 8 is expected in November 2008.

The user interface hasn't changed much since Internet Explorer 8 Beta 1, except to add a Security pull-down menu between Page and Tools on the main toolbar. In addition to blocking phishing sites, IE8 now highlights the main domain of any Web site you visit. Thus, if something other than eBay.com is highlighted, chances are you are on the wrong Web site. Perhaps the most anticipated addition is Internet Explorer's new antimalware protection. Opera 9.5 and Firefox 3 both recently added antimalware protection. Safari has so far not announced plans for similar protection. Using mostly its own antimalware technology, Microsoft will block emerging threats by masking the entire IE 8 browser screen with a warning to users. The addition of malware protection to the existing antiphishing protection will be rebranded as the Microsoft SmartScreen filter.

In another feature, known as InPrivate, Microsoft allows the browser to suspend caching functions while you surf. Some scenarios for using InPrivate might be when you're using someone else's computer, when you need to buy a gift for a loved one without ruining the surprise, or when you're at an Internet kiosk and don't want the next person to know which Web site you visited. While you can currently clear the browser cache with a mouse click, it's an all-or-nothing action. InPrivate temporarily suspends the automatic caching functions, allowing you to keep the rest of your browsing history intact.

IE8 also contains a cross-site scripting filter, one of the first in a mainstream browser. Cross-site scripting allows an attacker to execute script on a user's browser without them knowing. When the IE8 filter finds a Web page with a cross-site scripting request, it changes the content on the page with a notice. Users are not presented with an option; IE simply blocks the malicious script from executing and displays the rest of the page.

IE 8 Beta 1 has already introduced several changes when handling ActiveX components. Components will be installed per user, which eliminates the need for everyone to have administrator privileges. In addition, you must acknowledge or opt-in for the component to run, eliminating drive-by downloads. Components will be per site and will only be available from the site of origin. Finally, site developers can request killbits, code that identifies a particular ActiveX control, from Microsoft which can be sent via Windows Update to terminate risky or outdated components. Killbits look for a specific identifier; if the identifier is missing or marked bad, an application will not run within Internet Explorer until the developer issues an updated version of the application.

Getting back to the customer experience, there's an underlying assumption by Microsoft that everyone wants new tabs. For instance, opening a bookmark means automatically opening a new tab. To re-open a closed tab, you need first to open a blank tab; same if you want to restore a previous session within IE8.

Fortunately, IE8 has included a new color-coded tab system that interrelates tabs. If you are on one page and click a link to open another tab, the two will appear side by side and share a color. This may work for casual users, but for a power user who needs 10 to 15 tabs open with tools and sites frequently visited, the proliferation of new tabs becomes unwieldy--whether or not they are grouped and associated by color.

IE8 provides what Microsoft calls an "accelerator." Here's how it works: highlight any word or phrase on a Web page and the browser will prompt you with a blue arrow icon. Now, use that icon to associate that word or phrase with a Web 2.0 service, such as Google maps to conveniently find an address. You can customize the options. Your accelerated item will appear in a new tab that is color-coded and adjacent to the original reference tab.
All this is good news for loyal Internet Explorer fans, but loyal Firefox fans still retain the customization edge--for every new feature in IE8, there will undoubtedly be another Firefox extension produced soon enough. If anything, IE8 will serve notice to the other browsers that the sleepy giant has awakened. The browser wars have reignited.

Content obtained from www.cnet.com

Many Webmasters have never bothered to view their website's server log. Ignoring your server log is like flying with a blind pilot. You may still be cruising along, but you have no idea where you are or where you're headed. If your website is on a free host, you probably don't have access to the server log. However, if you pay for your web host, or if you own the server, you almost always have some access to the server log. In this article, you'll learn what kind of information a typical server log provides, how to analyze that information, and how to use that information to steer your website in a direction for growth and success.

The actual data in the server log is just that, data. Data is of little use without an application to compile, categorize, analyze, and turn it into useful information. The power of server log analysis software varies depending upon the web host, and it's not related to how much you pay for hosting service. I have seen some very low budget web hosts with powerful server log analysis software, and some expensive web hosts that provide only a limited utility. The importance of the server log analysis software is second only to up-time reliabilty when it comes to web hosts. A web server log can tell you who is visiting your web site, where they're coming from, what operating system and web browser they're using, what pages of your website they are viewing, and much more. A smart webmaster performs a regular monthly analysis of the valuable information contained in the server log. Hits

Some webmasters brag about the number of "hits" their website receives, but hits themselves are not important. For example, when a search engine spiders your website, it generates a hit for every page it visits. There are ways to generate millions of hits on a website without anyone ever actually viewing a single page. The important statistics are "page view hits" and "unique visitors". Server log analysis software should tell you how many times each page was viewed. Anaylyzing the popularity of individual pages tells you where to place your most important advertisements, and what kind of new content you should add to your website. The king of all statistics is the number of unique visitors your web site receives. When it comes to selling advertising or joining the most exclusive affiliate programs, a high number of unique visitors each month is the statistic that gets respect. Good analysis software will tell you how many pages each visitor viewed and how long they stayed on your website. The goal is to develop content that gets your visitors to stay longer, a quality sometimes referred to as "stickiness".