2008 January

Add to iTunes | Add to YouTube | Add to Google | RSS Feed

Recently, I did a video with tips on note taking during class. Here are some tips for getting your homework done, as well as some for getting good grades.

Read more on How to get Homework Done…

Add to iTunes | Add to YouTube | Add to Google | RSS Feed

Just like every week, we recently gave away another web cam… courtesy of ustream.tv. We do this every week, and the requirements to be eligible are simple. What are you waiting for? Join us, and you could win something, too!

Read more on Giveaway Night…

Add to iTunes | Add to YouTube | Add to Google | RSS Feed

This video was recorded on January 15th, the day Apple announced that new iPod Touch’s software will have five new apps bundled with it, so long as you pay $20.00. I think this was wrong of Apple to do. I personally feel they slapped their community in the face with this. If this were a firmware update, I would be totally outraged at having to pay. But, this is a software update. I can see both sides of this issue. Here are some things for you to consider prior to making up your own mind.

Read more on iPod Software Update…

• Newegg – Halo 3 only $36.99 + Free Shipping – Posted on 1/28/08 and Expires on 12/31/15
• Buy.com – Halo 3 only $38.14 + Free Shipping – Posted on 1/28/08 and Expires on 12/31/15

Find More Coupons

My review of Halo 3:

Brendan Sheehan believes he’s figured out the “perfect” Copy & Paste solution for Apple to implement on the iPhone…

Firstly, I think the reason we haven’t seen a solution to this problem yet is that Apple is unsure which method to use so that “all” users can grasp it. And they really want to get it right first time. Seeing as they are developing a new kind of user-interface here that will no doubt extend well past the realms of the iPhone, I think they are nervous they would add a feature that wasn’t as good as the current mouse interface method for performing the same task. This UI is newer, so in theory it should be even easier to use. If it’s not then people may ask why.

Read more on iPhone Copy and Paste?…

I asked how much I should get. Andru answered:

Figured, I’d drop you a piece of advice as far as the RAM goes in the new Penryn-based Mac Pros (which I have.) I saw you were talking about having 2, 8, 16, or 32 GB in there. However, you aren’t limited in that fashion… not sure why you think those are your only options. Your RAM needs to be installed in pairs, and you get up to 4 pairs. Those 4 pairs do NOT have to match each other. I have 3 pairs of 2GB modules and 1 pair of 1GB modules in there, totaling 10GB.

Read more on Mac Pro Memory: 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB RAM?…

That was the subject line of an email that Ben Wright just sent to me:

I have installed Linux on 2 out of three of my computers, not because it is the most compatible operating system, not because it’s the “best” operating system, well it is in my opinion but that’s beside the point. Freedom is why I use Linux, not because it is free. I use Linux because I believe in the freedom to learn, the freedom to do what I want with the software. Linux was made for programmers by programmers, the whole purpose of Linux is to provide a suitable development environment for developers. Windows is a dead end, the general user may not want to use Linux, but the internet is 90% Linux. You may not understand this but 90% of the servers are Linux.

Read more on Linux: It’s Not About Winning…

Add to iTunes | Add to YouTube | Add to Google | RSS Feed
Are you a local Computer Technician? Being in business for yourself in this area can be difficult… but it can also be very rewarding. Here are some excellent tips to help you be the best Techie you can be.

Read more on Being the Perfect Techie…

Add to iTunes | Add to YouTube | Add to Google | RSS Feed

What do we need in order to have “perfect” software? What can companies do to achieve this lofty goal? Here are some excellent tips sent in by a community member. Software manufacturers… pay attention!

Read more on How Can Software be Perfect?…

Add to iTunes | Add to YouTube | Add to Google | RSS Feed

Have you ever been hacked? Are you sure you haven’t been? I was once, through my own stupidity. It’s easy to have it happen to you. Fortunately, it’s honestly easy to keep from getting hacked, as well.

Read more on Protect Yourself from Getting Hacked…

Add to iTunes | Add to YouTube | Add to Google | RSS Feed

Liam is 14 years old, and from the United Kingdom. He definitely has a bright future ahead of him. He sent in this top 5 list, with his tips on buying an external hard drive. Pay close attention to these tips if you’re in the market for one of these devices. Liam’s advice is right on target.

Read more on How to Buy a Hard Drive…

Add to iTunes | Add to YouTube | Add to Google | RSS Feed

Community member Zachary is the Webmaster for RuneTomb, INC. Here are his top tips for stopping Email spam if you are a website Developer or IT person.

Read more on How to Avoid Spam (Junk Email)…

Add to iTunes | Add to YouTube | Add to Google | RSS Feed

Erin writes: “One thing that always gets people stressed during the various birthdays and holidays throughout the year is finding the perfect gifts for friends and family. I am a big believer in making gifts for people. I always find that people really appreciate a homemade gift. Here is my top 5 list of homemade gifts.”

Read more on Homemade Gifts…

Once again, Christopher Alexander offers food for thought… or drink, to be precise. What coffee’ish beverage do you sip, if anything?

• Latte – Steamed Milk and Coffee, usually 1:1 ratio
• Cappuccino – Espresso, Steamed Milk and Foamed Milk at a typical ratio of 1:1:1

Read more on Types of Coffee Beverages…

Christopher Alexander caught a few of my random tips about making coffee and espresso last week. He submitted a milktacular addendum for latte lovers:

For steaming milk – which is the most critical part of making a latte (which btw, shouldn’t have any foam in or on the beverage) – cappuccino’s contain foam, so does a macciato – but it’s not critical which one does or doesn’t unless someone has requested something specific from you. StarBucks doesn’t seem to know 100% that a Latte shouldn’t have foam – to which I typically order “Latte – no foam, wet, extra shot” meaning I do not want any foam on my Latte, wet means “seriously, no foam please”, and please add an extra shot of espresso” – I don’t tend to like weak coffee… ;) Dry on the other hand would indicate more foam – than milk – which is more Cappuccino-like.

The section on how to produce the milk foam, while instructional and will produce good foam, there’s nothing like getting a Cappuccino from someone who is a master barrista – and knows that the relationship with your coffee starts with perfect foam. Tiny bubbles, silky smooth combination of milk, bubbles, and a smooth transition into your coffee is what makes people come back for more. Producing milk by moving the cup or frothing jug around the steam wand tends to produce large bubbles as does frothing from the bottom of the jub / cup. Drinking a Cappuccino with bubbles larger than our eyeballs like the ones we’ve all made as kids – tends to reduce the experience. Keeping the cup / frothing jug stable and allowing the steam to circulate the milk in the vessel allows us to heat the milk evenly – and produces smaller bubbles. Point the steam wand at an angle into your steaming vessel, along the edge – so it circulates the milk simply by the current it produces.

If you’re seeing larger bubbles while you’re steaming your milk – you can turn off the steam wand, and tap the jug on the counter to burst those bubbles and then return to frothing your milk. Also, allow the steam tip to sit just below the surface of the milk – and your foam quality will increase. NB: Before you begin steaming, remove the ‘water’ from the steam tube before inserting it into your milk by turning on the wand for a few seconds without the steam wand in your milk – you want steam, not cold water or condensation from the steam wand. I’d venture to say the same thing about your espresso – run the hot water through it before pulling your first shot – or even better pull your first shot – and do as the Italians do – toss it – it’s a nice tradition to ensure you’re getting the best quality coffee from your large investment.

Hold the frothing vessel with both hands, until you can no longer hold onto it – you might be able to smell the point at which the milk begins to carmelize – this is bad – and you want to take it off the steamer before that happens – then again, you might like that as I do from time to time. Deeper richer flavours are just at that point – but some people find it offensive.

Read more on How to Steam Milk…