Logitech EasyCall Desktop
April 3, 2007 | Leave a Comment
How many of us hate the phone? And now there is Skype and Voip and the like. Now the computer rings!
If you are in front of your computer for a significant amount of time, and have thought about trying voip, this is the hardware setup for you. The Logitech EasyCall Desktop.
Not only is it a headset and speakerphone, but a wireless mouse and keyboard as well. All connecting through your USB port.
The setup is extremely easy to install. Just plug everything in, run the CD, and off you go. Skype calls are clear and the speakerphone gives great sound quality.
Now that I have this setup, I don’t think I will go back to having a normal plug in phone!
Microsoft Office 2007
March 26, 2007 | Leave a Comment
I have to admit, Microsoft finally got something right.
At Tech Solution, we develop a lot of different pieces of software for clients. There are web applications, desktop packages, and the like. When Office 2007 crossed my desk though, I was reluctant to even give it a try.
I will be the first to say, I was pleasantly surprised. For the first time in Microsoft’s long and illustrious legacy, they finally figured out how to make their applications talk to each other. Microsoft Access can be directly integrated with Visual Basic.net. Powerpoint has amazing compatibility with excel.
In the end, this is the first office suite that lets you truly pull off interoffice compatibility.
Check it out for yourself, and let me know what you think.
Open Source Server Software
March 20, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Have you ever thought of running your own web server? Maybe saving all that money on hosting plans…
For me, it is enough to keep track of all the different accounts I have domain names under, let alone trying to figure out where they are hosted as well.
Enter Apache Web Server. Apache is an amazing, open source, alternative if you are looking to fire up your own web server. You can run unlimited domains on it (provided you computer meets the minimum requirements) which makes it nice for either a hosting reseller or a business professional.
The downside is you need to have a bit of computer knowledge. I would love to say that it was point and click, but it isn’t. Not saying that it is tremendously difficult, but there is a bit of a learning curve. The beauty of Apache is that everything is documented. Do a simple Google search and your answer is usually right at the top of the pile.
If you are interesting in running Apache, check out their home site. Let me know how everything works! Turning a couple hundred bucks a month for server space into pocket cash is a good thing for any professional!
Microsoft Outlook 2007
March 15, 2007 | Leave a Comment
I have not ever been one to like Outlook. I have always thought that it was basically a glorified waste of time. I have to admit though, Microsoft Outlook 2007 is definitely worth a look.
I have always used Thunderbird, the Mozilla application. It had its bells and whistles, was infinitely customizable, and had a great spam filter, but it lacked on thing - a way to integrate into my newly purchased cell phone, the Motorola Q.
On first boot up, Outlook seamlessly configured with my email clients, all 8 of them to be exact. All I did was type in the email address and password, and it set everything right up for me.
Then, on with the calendar. The calendar and contact lists are both intuitive and easy to use. Move something from an email into the calendar sidebar, and you have a scheduled event.
Probably the most impressive, geeky feature is that you can just drag an attachment right off of the desktop and drop it in an email. It automatically attaches it for you.
For now, I am sticking with Outlook. And if you haven’t upgraded from the 2003 application, now is a good time to do so..