2008 June 17 updated

This PRoComputing TOOLS Webpage is devoted to Software Tools

When we use our computers (hardware) IBM-compatible PC's, Linux, Apple )
we are really using software "Tools"

In fact, we should be choosing our hardware based on what tools
(software) are available for that hardware.

Granted, "Newbies" will have difficulty making wise decisions
prior to purchasing their first computer.
Over 90% of the world uses Microsoft Windows (95, 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP, etc.).
However, there are precious few programs (software) that
only run on an Apple Macintosh (hardware)
that would encourage someone to buy a Mac over a PC (IBM—compatible).
So this Tools webpage is predominantly
devoted to PC's (IBM—compatible)/Windows,
and software (programs/TOOLS) that run under Windows.
Okay — So you can buy an Intel (CPU)-based Macintosh that will run Windows...
BFD:  The extra cost for Microsoft Windows "Genuine" Operating System (OS=software)
plus the high-cost of an Intel-based Apple Macintosh computer should frighten newbies
as well as computer-knowledgeable users/buyers away.

And anyway, where does any Apple Macintosh owner
plan to find qualified service ???

And ALL Apple machine's overheat because
Apple (Steve Jobs) doesNOT want to hear the sound of a fan
(FoF ==> Form over Function)
Hawaii (warm to hot, year round) is a bad place
for an improperly cooled Mac.
Just ask [WGe] with EXTRA hard drives in his super Mac!!

PRoComputing own's a mac-mini,
withe power switch in BACK
the “pimple-switch” is hard to find
and difficult to operate.
ALL the USB ports are in BACK, also.

But isn't pretty, Stevie J.???
BullS--T.
Form over Function is why Apple buyers pay more.
And why Mac's are HARDER TO USE.  Period.

And Apple's come with a one-button mouse,
because Apple (Steve Jobs)
thinks that Mac owners are too stupid to handle
a two, or three button mouse

PRoComputing owns a fairly new Intel-single-core Mac Mini
running OS X (10.4.8) with XP-Pro grinding along under Parallels.
installed Open Office 2.4.0 for OS X using Xterm (X.11) -- April 2008

The first PRoComputing Mac Mini (non-Intel), after a week or so,
failed to boot, and was returned to Apple.

Replaced w/1.5GHz Intel Core Solo w/1.0 GB DRAM

Mac Virus - Macintosh Viruses

the Month of Apple Bugs

This “TOOLS” webpage, therefore is devoted to
Windows and Windows—compatible software

—except for the crazies that intend on using Windows Vista in 2006-2007+
on their primary machine ==> “Bleeding—Edge” (a pun on “Leading—Edge”)

Oh, “Bleeding-edgers:”
it will take several months for Microsoft
to get the bugs out of a new complex operating system (OS).

Watch out, Micro$oft and Apple==> Google (and other software developers, like Mozilla) are changing
the software paradigm ==> PROVIDE PROGRAMS FREE OF CHARGE
AND CHARGE JUST FOR $ERVICE.
Looks like we could do nicely with a simple Linux box running Open Office
(example: $199 WalMart gPCgOS w/keyboard+mouse+speakers+cables MINUS MONITOR)
and a high-speed connection to the Internet running Google, and,..., software off the 'net.

ThinkFree Online

1. Create Microsoft Office compatible word processing, spreadsheet
   and presentation files or edit existing documents.
2. Use the tools you need to share the stories you want anytime, anywhere.
3. Complete your work.  Add life with images, maps and graphs.
4. Get input from others to perfect your ideas on the road or at home.
5. Best of all it is free!

For all you Gmail users, free or Premium (see below) ==> http://www.getgspace.com/ Gspace by Rahul Jonna, tnarik More previews… “This extension allows you to use your Gmail Space (2.8 GB and growing) for file storage. It acts as an online drive, so you can upload files from your hard drive and access them from every Internet capable system. The interface will make your Gmail account look like a FTP host. After the installation, you'll get an option called "Gspace" in your "Tools" menu, which opens the GSpace window. It's great for storing/sharing files with your friends. Also very good to backup photos and music files (as you can view/listen to them from Gspace). If you have any problems with the extension, please look at the FAQ page (http://getgspace.com/faq.html). If your question is not listed or the solution doesn't apply to your specific question, please email the current developer (tnarik). Works with: Firefox 1.5 - 2.0.0.* ALL Install now (102 KB) fixPlatformLinks("1593", "Gspace"); Version 0.5.6, released on Mar 3, 2007. Developer Comments FF 2.0.0.2 and 1.5.0.10 broke the extension (a bug has been filed and it's being fixed). A new Gspace version (0.5.5) has already been released at www.getgspace.com (the extension homepage). What to do? * Please disable "NoScript" extension (if you use it) while using this extension as there is a conflict with "NoScript". * After installation, click on "GSpace" from the "Tools" menu. A new tab will be opened with GSpace window. * Enter your user name and password to login. The remote view will remain empty until you login. Once you login into the system, the remote view should say "gs:/" in the textbox. * Select the folder or file you wish to add and click the "Upload" button (the right arrow). That's all. Your files will be uploaded to your account. Similarly, the files or folder can also be downloaded. * There is a button called "Filter" which filters the files based on the filesize. When enabled, it shows only the files less than 10 MB as the max attachment size is 10 MB in Gmail. LEGAL ISSUES: * THIS IS NO WAY AFFILIATED WITH GOOGLE AND GOOGLE DOESN'T ENDORSE IT. SO, INSTALL IT AT YOUR OWN RISK. * I AM NOT HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY FILE LOSS OR ANY DAMAGE DUE TO THIS EXTENSION. * IF GOOGLE MAKES ANY CHANGES TO GMAIL, THIS MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. Usage: * Do not upload/download many files in a single day. You may get your account blocked for 24 houres. It seems this happens if more than 1GB of data is transferred in a single day. * The best thing is to upload files and folders that are NOT critical. Anyway, since file is available as an attachment on an e-mail, they will always be available through the Gmail interface, and they should be as safe as your e-mails. * Creating a new user account is highly recommended because that won't affect your regular account.

( PNG image ) CODING HORRORS programming and human factors by Jeff Atwood I just added this to my Google Home page and read an excellent treatise on the PNG image format ==> Getting the Most Out of PNG Remember GIF (our old, simple friend) is property of CompuServe Incorporated. The above article discusses the strengths/weaknesses of GIF, PNG, & JPG. (note: http://procomputing.org  is using more and more PNG's)

But along comes Microsoft to create a new, improved(??) image format:

GIVEAWAY OF THE DAY Each day offers a shareware title, as freeware, for a 24 hour period. Yes, a gimmick to get you to visit each day -- but the software is free(trialware) The real advantage to GotD are the comments for each GotD Examples: http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/elprime-clock-pro/#comments where VJ (comment #25) showed us the Germany website: http://www.programming.de/worldclock.php

XP MYTHS==> There are numerous Myths floating around the Internet regarding Windows XP, especially relating to Optimizations and Security. Hopefully this site will debunk some of these.

Microsoft Sets New Patch Record, Fixes 26 Flaws The flaws, more than half of which received a "critical" rating, run the gamut from Internet Explorer to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Informationweek article

“Oh no, Apple is perfect, and does not have security problems like Micro$oft.” How many minutes do you think it took for the OS X (10.4.8 - 147 Meg!!!) update? (& PRoComputing uses an Oceanic-cable-broadband internet connection)

PRoComputing on ==>