*CyberCoyote - July 2007*

NOTES

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

*SmartComputing*
Read the latest Smart Computing Newsletter online.
http://cybercoyote.org/articles/smart.shtml

TIPS, TOPICS and TWEAKS
*Mysteries of HDTV*
The FCC, manufacturers and retailers have conspired to make High Definition TV hard to understand. You can easily make a bad choice, and possibly never know it. For example, even though it sounds smart, you probably don't want a "digital cable ready" HDTV set.

CNET's "HDTV 101" course -- you don't actually need to sign up -- should help you figure out what you want. "High definition TV is a brave new world of specialized hardware, programming, DVD players, and other considerations. Before you dive in, learn all the options so you can get the most bang for your buck. And if you've already taken the plunge, this course will show you tricks on how to optimize your HDTV system."
http://hdtv-basics.classes.cnet.com/

*Quickly Resize Photos for Email*
When you email pictures to friends and relatives you can do them a big favor, especially if they're on a dial-up connection: Resize/resample them before you send them. VSO (Image Resizer free) is simple to use because it's focused on a single task. XnView (free) is a more powerful image resizer and also a manipulator, but it's still relatively easy to use.

TIP 1: Don't miss the expanded "Resolution" options [>> More...] in VSO. Tip 2: Use IrfanView next if you need to rotate the picture left or right to orient it correctly.
http://www.vso-software.fr/products/image_resizer/ -- VSO Image Resizer
http://perso.orange.fr/pierre.g/xnview/enhome.html XnView
http://www.irfanview.net/ -- IrfanView

*11 Color Inkjet Printers*
"This is the first in a series of four planned buyer's guides on consumer-oriented printers available for use with computers. This guide covers the most-popular color inkjet printers, with a special emphasis on units suitable for home or SOHO use. Upcoming guides will cover multi-function printers that copy, print and fax (and sometimes scan). We will also look at color and monochrome laser printers as well."
http://cybercoyote.org/links/074.html

CYBERSPACE

*Laptops are Killing Us*
Well, crippling us, if not killing us: If you use a laptop more than an hour or so a day, take a minute to consider the alternatives.
http://cybercoyote.org/links/070.html

*Program Compatibility on Windows Vista*
Programs that have not been updated for Vista are likely to run into compatibility problems, even though they worked fine on Windows XP. Microsoft has done several things to help people work around the limitations, and they are nicely summarized in this blog entry.
http://direct2dell.com/one2one/archive/2007/06/08/17705.aspx

*Life Explained on Film*
"How to Patch Drywall", "Texas Hold 'EM", "How to Moon Walk, "Tips for Keeping your Horse Happy"...you get the drift.
http://www.videojug.com/

*Apple iPhone Dissected*
Don't try this at home. :-)
http://www.anandtech.com/mac/showdoc.aspx?i=3026 -- examiner view
http://www.anandtech.com/mac/showdoc.aspx?i=3025 -- consumer view

ODDS and ENDS

*Living CDs*
The human genome contains the equivalent of about 750 megabytes of data (about one CD). In contrast, the King James Bible only amounts to about five megabytes.
http://cybercoyote.org/links/072.html

*Cousins*
Assuming you're a 3rd generation Smith, Jones or whatever. Which generation would your 2nd cousin once removed would be in? How about your 1st cousin twice removed? It's all quite logical, if a bit ecclesiastic. :-)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:CousinTree.svg -- diagram
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_chart -- explanation

*May not be Politically Correct*
"God knows I love the South"
http://cybercoyote.org/links/071.html

*How Presidents Stack Up*
I usually avoid politics in this newsletter, but the WSJ has an interesting chart. Which President would you say bucked the trend? (When you get there, the "Next" button will bring up more details.)
http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/info-presapp0605-31.html

*That's all, folks.*

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