CyberNirvana

Sacrifices...A Star Wars fan-made animation

2009-06-26T14:14:00.003Z

Somehow, I felt like posting this clip about a very touching Star Wars fan-made animation called 'Sacrifices' which I spotted ages ago.

Sacrifices is a short animated video that tells the powerful story of a Rebel Pilot returning to Hoth to pay respects to his slain co-pilot. Among fallen AT-AT's, crashed Star Destroyers, and remains of the Rebel Base, the starfighter pilot makes his way to a memorial for those killed in battle there.

LiberKey - Automatic online update of Portable Apps

2009-06-18T10:00:00.001Z

Hey, as a Portable Apps fan, my dear friends, all I can say this is an amazing piece of kit!

There are loads of good thumbdrive-friendly software compilations on the net such as good old Portableapps.com. But this stands out for a simple reason: automatic updates and installations.

One of the drawbacks of standalone programs is that you need often to check them individually (About>Check for update) to see if an update is available. And if it is, you need to download the new version and replace the old one on your flash drive.

But with the Liberkey portable apps suite, things are much better: the launcher programs scans update for ALL the installed apps. Furthermore, it will download AND install them automatically for you: what a time saver!

Finally, Liberkey also has a “associate file extensions” feature which allows users to launch any file whether from a directory or drive without compatibility problems.

The Crisis of Credit Visualized

2009-06-11T11:21:00.000Z

A great animation I found a while back describing in very simple terms how the world ended up in the economic mess it is in now.

The goal of giving form to a complex situation like the credit crisis is to quickly supply the essence of the situation to those unfamiliar and uninitiated.

Blind Search: Test the best Searh engines

2009-06-11T09:46:00.001Z

I am impressed...This is a cool service. With the flurry of activity in the search engine market, this is a neat way to assess with objectivity which is currently the engine which gives you the most relevant information for your needs.

When you search for something on BlindSearch it shows search results from 3 search engines, each in its own column, with their logos hidden. Then you can analyze search results and vote on the best set by clicking on the “vote for this search engine” button. Clicking the button also reveals the logos exposing the engines behind each column.

I tested it using my name and the result was surprising, i.e. Google was beaten!

Web Links 8th June 2009

2009-06-08T16:47:00.002Z

Lectures on Ancient and Early Medieval History - Main

2009-06-05T15:22:00.002Z

I love History...and you know what is so addictive about it? The deeper you study one aspect, the more you get hooked by another in no time: one topic leads to another and the fun keeps on going. My latest craving is Islamic Civilizations. I am keeping off Ancient Rome as I need a break (!).

Whereas one could crawl through Wikipedia on any given historical subjects, it is better to have some structure and a nice foundation to start with.

Experienced lecturer Steven Kreis has come up with the kind of web resources I enjoy: a nicely laid out series of short articles on Ancient and Early Medieval History covering a good range of topics to give anyone a good overview.

Download Portable Freeware

2009-06-02T14:03:00.001Z

I love portable apps...As a matter of fact, I think twice before downloading or installing a program which requires an installation step.

This looks like a neat and easy to navigate directory of of great portable apps. There is even a download basket facility to compile your selection and download them in one batch.

My Five Most Critical Firefox Extensions - 2009 update

2009-05-21T23:19:00.001Z

It has been a while since I posted my opinion on the 3 most critical Firefox extensions I use. Well, folks time for an update!

Sure, I have loads of extensions on my various instances of the browser, but which ones matter the most? Which add-ons are a MUST have as a minimum for me to enjoy a fast and reliable web surfing experience?

Well, the current list stands at 5 and include 2 from my original post.

1. Xmarks (formally Foxmarks) - forget the rest, if I have this one only, I will be still a happy bunny! The bookmarks sync 'par excellence', Xmarks never lest me down, especially for a net addict like me who likes to carry his set of preferred bookmarks accross cyberspace. The extensions seameslly synch my toolbar bookmarks accross my Ffox versions (on my laptop, Flash drive, desktop and netbook)

2. AdBlock Plus - The second add-on which is has constantly proven itself to be a must. I had ads: I have limited time to surf the net these days and I can't staff obstrutive banners getting in the way of web reading.

3. Web of Trust - With the constant paraonoia about net security, there is some kind of warm and fuzzy feeeling knowing that WOT can warn you before you click on a dangerous web page with hidden and malicious intent.

4. LassPass: a recent discovery but an essential piece of kit who consumate web surfer like me. The knowledge that I can access all my secured web pages without typing the relevant security details makes me feel good (somehow!).

5. Multirow Bookmarks Toolbar: OK, I admit, the last one to crop on the list. I thought about this one long and hard: well, I must say maybe not for my netbook (where the tiny screen makes this tool redundant) but definetely for larger sreeen PC's. Basically, I love my Firefox toolbar bookmarks and since it does get crowded I like access them on a regular basis, this add-ons allows me to spread the bookmark links and folders accross several rows for easy access. Watch-out: only up to version 3.3 of the extension appears to work, at least in my current version of Firefox (3.10) and even Beta 3.5. You can obtain the original 3.3 xpi in my blog resource page.

Web Links 13th May 2009

2009-05-13T17:06:00.004Z

Freebyte's Guide to Free anti-virus software

2009-05-11T17:18:00.001Z

Hey I like this...I found this via Google: a friend of mine was looking at best free security products currently available.

This regularly update web page lists free anti-virus software, free firewalls, free email protection software, free virus prevention software, tests of anti-virus programs, links to specialized anti-virus sites, information about virus prevention, useful evaluation versions of anti-virus software, etc.

Can't shake this tune out of my head!

2009-05-07T09:14:00.001Z

In the last couple of days, my head keeps on humming this beautiful composition from the second Star Trek XI teaser trailer...I simply love it. The music reminds me of Holst's 'Mars' movement with a hint of Star Trek VI The Undiscovered Country.

Friday Funny Pix Time

2009-05-01T11:22:00.004Z

On Time Management...A pick of the best in my opinion...

Twitter: OK, I admit, it is Cool...And I have already found my favorite tools!

2009-04-28T08:30:00.000Z

Well, it did not take me long to become a convert since I wrote my rant about Twitter! O well, I could not escape the flow of the hype! I guess, initially, it was more of why should I be excluded from a tool that so many people are using and exploiting from a sharing perspective.

My current objective is sure enough to promote links (rather than musings about my breakfast!) and of course to follow other 'geeky' tweets so I can be notified of any exciting news.

Here are a selection of the best Twitter tools (all browser-based):

Two are simple bookmarklets: WWWitter (a tool that lets you take part in Twitter discussions about any webpage) which I have already covered before and TweetThisText, a tool that makes it super easy to tweet text found on webpages as quotes.

Two nice Firefox add-ons are TwitterFox (Firefox extension that notifies you of your friends' tweets on Twitter) and the elegant and brilliant TwitterBar, post to Twitter from your address bar.

You can follow me on Twitter to find out what gems I find on the net...

Web Links 24th April 2009

2009-04-24T12:29:00.000Z

2009: I am now an official Linux Fan!

2009-04-19T11:00:00.001Z

This is it. After years of hearing about the cute penguin and gloating at the slick interface, the geek in me finally gave in. All I can say, I adore this OS.

Several factors led me to embrace Linux: old PC hardware with sluggish Windows performance, my acquisition of the EEE PC netbook, the rise of portable apps, my hunger for web apps making me OS-independent and it goes without saying, my addiction to Firefox.

Linux for a beginner is easy to get into. There are loads of so-called distros (versions of Linux os packages) in cyberspace. With tools like the brilant UNetbootin, it becomes a child's play to create bootable CD or USB flash disks.

Confused / concerned about Dual-booting? Rest assure, help is at hand: check out The definitive dual-booting guide: Windows 7, Linux, Vista and XP step-by-step.

Of course, some distros stand out like Ubuntu and Fedora. There are even a
netbook-centric versions which I have successfully installed and I am currently using.

If you are still confused on how to choose the best distro for you, check out this article on how to choose the best version of Linux.

Xandro's Presto is an even better worry-free Linux experience. Presto is designed to sit alongside Windows rather than replace it entirely, with it giving you the option of selecting Windows or Presto each time you boot your computer. If you select the latter, you should be up and running in just "seconds".

I have tried the beta version of the distro was free but I love it so much that I am about to fork out the $19.99 asking price for the final product. I think this is a very small price to pay for such a powerful and secure OS.

I found a cool video which gives a good overview:

200 Free Online Classes to Learn Anything

2009-04-14T07:00:00.002Z

Wonderful, Online Education Database has compiled 200 online classes from Yale, MIT, Tufts (a private research university in Medford/Somerville, near Boston, Massachusetts) and other respected institutions where you can learn a great deal without ever submitting an application or paying a cent in tuition.

The categories include:

Natural Science
Maths
Engineering & Computer Science
Language, Arts & Design
Health
Agriculture & Veterinary Medicine
Law & Politics
Social Science
History
Theology
Business & Finance
Family & Education

Last Pass: Secured Password Repository

2009-04-13T08:46:00.006Z

I must admit, it took me a while before I made the jump to this apps. I am paranoia about cyber security and the thought of all my valuable passwords stored online initially gave me the shivers.

However, after some research online and advice from a relative is an 'Ethical Hacker' (God, I would love his job!), I gave it a try...And I love it!

I won't go into the details of the service, which is neatly reviewed by Makeuseof.com.

However, the reasons I like Last Pass are:

I no longer have to remember password for over 40 sites I am registered with.
I can store secure and private notes
The process of auto-logging is seamless
As I do not trust Firefox internal privacy settings, my passwords are encrypted by a 3rd party
Last Pass is so powerful that you can use it without the browser add-on via a bookmarklet
I can access all my secured sites from any browser
It has a slick form auto-filling system too

TED Lecture: Now that's a cool prototype gadget!

2009-04-05T17:52:00.002Z

Pattie Maes & Pranav Mistry unveil a superb game-changing wearable tech in their quest to find the "Sixth Sense". Pattie mentions 10 years before consumers get hold of it: Nope, I can't wait that long!

Web Links 5th April 2009

2009-04-05T17:46:00.002Z

Getting Things Done: Time to choose my best tools!

2009-04-01T14:00:00.000Z

After confirming my web notes app of choice (Evernote), I have been trying to sort out the best GTD apps for my needs. I have confirmed TODOIST as my choice for business/work task application. After careful consideration, I decided to dump good ol' Remember The Milk for my domestic needs.

After testing more than 30 GTD apps one tool stood out, Jjot.

A nice combination between a note-taking app and list making tool, Jjot has wiki-interface making it very fast to input and store data. Certainly not as powerful as Remember The Milk but fast and flexible enough for my domestic requirements.

Ancient Civilizations

2009-03-29T17:10:00.001Z

A nice offering from the British Museum. A very basic but yet good site on learning about ancient civilizations. You can explore facts about cities, religions, technologies, writing and trade from the ancient world. Each piece of information can be accessed via a combined Map and Timeline tool...very clever.

Top 10 funniest news reporter bloopers

2009-03-26T23:07:00.002Z

A nice gift from Webware, I love news reporter bloopers...Some of these made me collapse from my seat I was laughing so much!

Dial2Do: My life simplified via a phone call

2009-03-25T23:08:00.000Z

With Dial2Do you do common tasks by just calling a number and speaking. Use it to send EMAIL or TEXT messages, record REMINDERS to help you remember things, post updates to your TWITTER or JAIKU stream and LISTEN to your favourite internet content.

The service is similar to Sandy (unfortunately expired a while back ago). I have used Sandy in the past though I didn't use it as much as I wanted to whereas I've been using Dial2Do a lot more. The best thing about it is that I've been using it for Evernote , Google Calendar and blogging and it's quite powerful.

What I like about this service is I can just pick up the phone dial the number (a local number by the way) and just record a voice message which can send a note to my EverNote or set an appointment to my Google Calendar which is very very handy.

Dial2Do supports a large number of web services too.

26 reasons this guy likes Opera more than any other browser...

2009-03-22T22:06:00.002Z

I don't think there has been a more exciting time than now as far as browsing tools are concerned. Competition is so stiff...Firefox, Opera, Chrome, Safari, IE...This can only be good for us web consumers!

I was pleased to read Ashish's first post on his blog about why he reckons Opera rocks. I have tried Opera and I must say I do like it a lot. However, I am waiting for good old Foxmarks to implement a sync between Firefox and Opera bookmarks before I spend a lot more time on Opera and sample its delights...

Web Links 22nd March 2009

2009-03-22T19:57:00.001Z