Sunrise, Sunset, Swiftly fly the years ....

 I was made aware of the fact that I don't post much to this site.  Guess I need to take some dust photos sometime.  Until then, here are two photos our our clouds.  The first is sunrise and the second is sunset.  Both beautiful times here in the Summer.  Enjoy

ebay presentation

We have one of ebay's top sellers in the Park - Herb Simpson. He has agreed to a presentation on February18, at 10:30 am (either the Prickly Pear Room or the Ballroom). Herb has been using ebay for some time, so he knows all about it. If you're interested in the presentation, please so indicate on the interest sheet currently hanging on the Activities Signup Board.

Pre-Christmas Update

Since my last posting, I've uninstalled the Windows 10 tech preview from all my machines.  They tried to warn me when I downloaded it, but I thought it'd be ok.  Well, some of the updates caused device failures, among other things.  Then I read that this next update would require even more perturbations, so I decided to wait until the software is a little more mature.

I found another pc to play with!  This one is the Microsoft Surface RT; the first one Microsoft offered.  It's only 32gb (half of that memory is taken by the operating system), but the price was good.  I'm discovering it's a great way to force me to learn more about Windows 8.1.  It's not speedy, but the larger screen helps when reading the newspaper or magazines.  Does anyone else have one?  Let's get together and discuss what we've found out about it's peculiarities.

Ok, on with some recent links I've discovered.  Let me say, again, that Feedly is a great way to get bit-sized information on a variety of subject, especially techie stuff.

HOW MUCH IS YOUR INBOX WORTH TO CYBERCRIMINALS?

I'm concerned about this stuff, and this article just makes it a little more scary.  Read it all the way through.  And, good luck!
http://gizmodo.com/how-much-your-inbox-is-worth-to-cybercriminals-1672678042


WATCHING A USB HACK MAKES ME NEVER WANT TO LEAVE MY COMPUTER

Another scary scenario.  The bad guys are everywhere!
http://gizmodo.com/watching-a-usb-hack-in-action-makes-me-never-want-to-le-1672704228


PI MUSICBOX - A PI MUSIC PROJECT FOR SPOTIFY, ETC.

I have a Raspberry Pi I'm not using; this might be fun to try.
http://pimusicbox.com/prerelease.html#sthash.ooWsnxDC


10 SECRET FEATURES OF WINDOWS 7 THAT 95% OF USERS DON'T KNOW

http://news360.com/article/270386570


DO YOU WANT A MACINTOSH - THEN BUILD ONE

http://www.cultofmac.com/302922/how-to-build-gaming-hackintosh-part-1-hardware/


BUILD A PVR USING KODI

Would you like a Video Recorder for the new Dish Network?  You can build one from a pc.  This is a Maximum PC article on the subject.
http://www.maximumpc.com/getting_started_xbmc_2014

AND NOW, SOME MORE INTERESTING LINKS TO TRY
http://goo.gl/96nmgp
http://goo.gl/grKWiR
http://goo.gl/fsQm0D
http://goo.gl/yHPtZj
http://goo.gl/9Qgmyq
http://goo.gl/3YiOhv
http://goo.gl/NxLxjj
http://goo.gl/G9SwW7
http://goo.gl/2nyQ
http://goo.gl/d4yhC0
http://goo.gl/yBlf5
http://goo.gl/pfpRsE
http://goo.gl/bcNgDZ

There you are.  Have fun!  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Steve

Windows 10

Hey!  Something new to play with.  Anybody gonna try the technical preview?  I haven't had a computer crash in some time, so I may give it a shot.  I'll let you know how it goes (assuming I don't lose the whole computer in the attempt).

I've been getting a few texts over the past week, and have appreciated MightyText.  If you don't know about this little program, go here to give it a try - http://mightytext.net/R3Jy8ZV.

Another Sunset

Recent sunsets have been spectacular.  This one is nice.

Maxthon Nitro is FAST

Do you want to try a really fast browser?  Then give Nitro a try.  You can download it here.  http://usa.maxthon.com/mxnitro/

The down side to all this speed is the lack of features.  But, if you want what seems like the fastest speed on a browser, then you should like this one.  Give it a try and let me know what you think.

I'm not sure how I can use it as my main browser - don't think you can have bookmarks, and don't know yet how to change the homepage.  It's fun to play with.

Nice Sunset

Pretty nice sunset - was a little late for the light, but the colors (hdr) turned out well.

Sony a6000 and So Much More ...

I know my posts are not prolific - someday I'll post daily.  Did I say "daily"?  Let's change that to "almost daily".  Anyway.

I've got my eyes on a new camera - the Sony a6000.  All the review have been positive about the two things I really want in a new camera.  Fast focusing and great low light capability.  I've been using the Sony NEX-3N for a while, but it doesn't have a view finder, and that's something I've discovered that I miss greatly.  It's very difficult to focus in bright sun.  And we have bright sun in Arizona!

Here's a picture of the a6000.  Oh, I should mention that the lenses used on my 3N can be used on the a6000.  Another justification.

Pretty, isn't it?

On to other techie things.

Lifehacker - The Complete Guide to Avoiding Windows Crapware

As you know, Lifehacker is my favorite site, so I do tend to reference them when I can.  Anyway, I have seen a computer or two whose web browser looks like this --

This happens when a user downloads software and does not read each installation page (and the fine print) and let's the installation install these added goodies.  Sometimes the installation questions are very confusing - hoping that you'll give permission to install more than you really want.

Give this important guide a read - http://goo.gl/5tvKhJ

Logitech K480 Keyboard

Another site I like is drippler.com.   It gives me a daily "drip" applicable to the device.  This particular "drip" discusses a Bluetooth keyboard that could be used for several devices.  Interesting.  Go to http://goo.gl/rBostn

Western Digital My Passport Wireless

Oooo, I think I want one of these.

According to the post from AnandTech, this toy does it all!

The Lifehacker App Directory Windows

I think this has been around for awhile, but it's worth repeating.  A great list Windows Apps, and some are free!!

How to Stream Your Media Anywhere ..

Another Lifehacker posting - http://goo.gl/8D4W6d

RVing Tech Sites

I stumbled upon a couple of RVing site you might find useful.  Snowmads (might not be updated frequently) and Technomadia.  I must also tell you about www.geeksontour.com.  This couple has made a business of providing information for the RVing Geek.  Seems to have a LOT of useful stuff, some of which is free.  I'd recommend "following" their blog.

Guerrilla Mail

Every need an email address to complete some sort of registration, but you didn't want to give out yours?  This temporary email address service may be the solution.  I haven't tried it, so let me know if you do and how it works out.

Speaking of Email ..

Here are some add-ons for Gmail you might find useful.

Useful Websites

Not sure how useful these might be, but it could be fun.  Use at your own risk!

Nifty Inventions

Why didn't we think of these?

Ok, that's it for now.  I might post again tomorrow - maybe.

Texas Rain Storm

Traveling across the Midwest a few days ago gave us an opportunity for some far-horizon pictures; something we don't always see in the Phoenix area.  Here's a picture, with some post processing, just off I-40 near the New Mexico border.  It's a multiple exposure shot - thus the resulting extra blades on the wind turbines.

Computer Classes by Howard Dym

Howard just posted this on facebook regarding this year's computer classes at the Park.

Computer Classes will begin in September and end go through March and will be offered every other week. You can sign-up in the Computer Lab for a PRIVATE 15 minute session on any topic you'd like. We'll try to have a handout for you before the session. Please bring all necessary computers, tablets, phones, or software to the session. Other residents can stay for the entire session of all others but cannot interrupt the private session. All sessions are FREE.

Heard of CryptoWall? You better this.

Cryptowall is one of those pesky ransomware viruses, and I do mean pesky.  Down right mean!

Here's a very good description of the beast and how you might get rid of it.  My advise - don't get it to begin with.

http://goo.gl/pyzpxq

Tonight's Sunset is Fine!

Android Email Apps

Drippler (drippler.com) sends me daily posts regarding my Android device.  Today's information concerns email programs - http://goo.gl/EIKv7A.  I've tried K-9 and, of course, gmail.  I think all in their list are certainly worth a try.  I've settled on Aquamail (aqua-mail.com); you may want to try it, as well.  If you only have one email account, then these programs may not be of benefit.  They are useful for multiple email accounts.  You have nothing to lose; give them a try.