So here…

This last Christmas (the one a few weeks ago), my totally awesome in-laws bought me something every geek should own, Star Trek: The Next Generation – that’s right, all 179 stupendous episodes (Yes, even “The Naked Now” counts as stupendous… just barely). So when I started messing around with my new Linux machine, I wanted to watch my TNG as I had with the old Compaq. Which brings me to a funny point about Ubuntu: An almost fanatical devotion to Open Source. Open Source means software has to be licensed under particular licenses – and that little piece of software that actually plays back an encrypted (e.g. store-bought) DVD is not under the right sort of license. Therefore, it isn’t available out of the box. Boo! (for the pain… Continue reading

Product Category: Mapping / GPS SoftwareManufacturer: DelormeWhere to Buy: Amazon [Affiliate]Price: $36.95 USDSystem Requirements: Windows XP / 2000 / Vista, DVD DrivePros: Price; Route on desktop Or PDA; No cumbersome copy protection / activation required.Cons: Unpolished interface; Unintuitive; Unable to copy to storage card.Summary:GPS Mapping software for Pocket PC can be downright expensive! In addition, it usually includes no desktop interface with which to route and plan longer trips. Delorme Street Atlas USA 2008 provides not only a desktop interface, routing on the device, and map downloads to Palm, PPC, or iPod – it provides all of this under $40. But does it do the job right, or does the price show through in a mediocre job? Read on for the full review!… Continue reading

• TrendMicro’s Online Virus Scanner (Housecall)
  • http://housecall.trendmicro.com
• John Savill’s FAQ For Windows
  • http://www.windowsitpro.com/windowsnt20002003faq/
• SpyBot Search & Destroy
  • http://spybot.safer-networking.de/en/index.html
• LavaSoft (Makers of Ad-aware)     http://www.lavasoft.de/
• Sites Good For Hardware Purchasing
  • http://www.nextag.com (Comparison Shopping)

• TrendMicro’s Online Virus Scanner (Housecall)
  • http://housecall.trendmicro.com
• John Savill’s FAQ For Windows
  • http://www.windowsitpro.com/windowsnt20002003faq/
• SpyBot Search & Destroy
  • http://spybot.safer-networking.de/en/index.html
• LavaSoft (Makers of Ad-aware)     http://www.lavasoft.de/
• Sites Good For Hardware Purchasing
  • http://www.nextag.com (Comparison Shopping)

People have been asking me for gift ideas for my birthday and christmas. So if you’re one of them, check out the following gift lists:
Amazon
Or
ThinkGeek
Or (If you REALLY like me)
This ultra cool item
Thanks to everyone who cares about getting me a gift! If you’re also shopping for my lovely wife, her Amazon Wishlist is also available.

Note: This list is normally hidden, however I bring it out around xmas time over here at LJ. If you’re looking to get me a gift any other time of the year, this info is also on JonWestfall.Org… Continue reading