*CyberCoyote - August 2007*

NEWS, NOTES and NOTICES

*Mr. Modem!*
Read the latest "Mr. Modem!" column online.
http://cybercoyote.org/articles/modem.shtml

TIPS, TOPICS and TWEAKS

*Opening the Vista Box*
My summer assignment is to install Vista Ultimate on our laptop and get some experience with it. (George Jester got Microsoft to give us a complimentary copy.) Opening the Vista box is the first challenge. According to Microsoft, "The box has two security seals that need to be cut or removed before it can be opened." That's a good clue, but you might want to read the rest of their tutorial before you try it. ;-)
http://cybercoyote.org/links/082.html

*Installing Windows Vista*
Paul Thurrott has a new series on installing (or upgrading to) Windows Vista. It's a worthwhile read even if you're buying a computer with Vista already installed. I plan to end up with both XP and Vista installed so that we can use either one. Paul includes this "dual-boot" arrangement in his articles. I haven't gotten around to installing Vista yet, so now I can take advantage of his advice. Who says procrastination doesn't pay? :-)
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/winvista_install_01.asp
See the index to the following parts in the right column of his article.

*Picking a Processor*
Most any present-day CPU is good enough for most purposes, but you may want to be better informed about them if you're looking at new computers. At least 1 GB, and preferably 2 GB of memory is more important than the CPU for most new (Vista) computers.
http://tips.vlaurie.com/2007/all-about-cpus/

*5 safety tips for using public computers*
"Are public computers at libraries, Internet cafes, airports, and copy shops safe? That depends on how you use them! Take these tips to help keep your personal or financial information private." --Microsoft
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/yourself/mobile/publicpc.mspx

WEB PICKS

*Sunscreen*
No surprise, but our trusted FDA -- part of the best government that money can buy -- has been hiding the truth about sunscreens for 29 years. The Environmental Working Group's "Skin Deep" report describes the dangers, and separates the good sunscreens from the harmful ones.
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/sunscreens/summary.php

*Internet Video*
Video is rapidly becoming the medium of choice on the Internet. It has the immediacy of TV, but offers unlimited variety on demand. You can probably gain information more rapidly by reading webpages, but they are one-dimensional. I often get much more out of video. You probably have discovered YouTube, but you should try the new "Miro" video player if you really want to explore online video. Miro not only plays most video formats, but it gives you an organized way to explore video that interest you.
http://www.getmiro.com/

ODDS and ENDS

*Contemporary Sports*
http://www.truthdig.com/cartoon/item/20070729_bonds_retirement_plan/
http://cybercoyote.org/links/081.html

*Games*
Microsoft, Adobe, and Google have recently introduced light weight browser platforms that make it quick and easy to develop applications like games. Here's a couple of examples using Microsoft's Silverlight.
http://cybercoyote.org/links/075.html -- games
http://cybercoyote.org/links/076.html -- story (movie) plus a demo of Zero Gravity

*What your Tattoo says About You*
http://www.funkysmell.com/Comics/fsc79_tattoos.jpg

*Why Everyone Needs a Pet*
A short video that explains it all.
http://www.flixxy.com/why-everyone-needs-a-pet.htm -- best with broadband

*Birdman*
Not quite like Superman did it, but then this is not fantasy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9DWAuqP-CQ -- best with broadband

*That's all, folks.*