Tag: windows

Top 3 operating systems – comparing sound & video over a network

Michael ChalkLeave a commenttechnology

Win, Lin and Mac: It’s true that Windows (TM, microsoft corp) occupies nearly all the computers in the known world, but there are other operating systems, and it’s been my side project over the last few years to find out more about all of them. Thanks to the iPod and the iPhone, Apple mac has bounced back from the lean years to become a major player; everyone knows about apple these days. Their reputation says they care about beauty, elegance and simplicity in their design. The iPod comes with no Read More …

Jumping Ship.. microsoft begone!

Michael ChalkLeave a commenttechnology

Well the organisation may be upgrading to windos7 and ms office ’07.. but i’m jumping ship. Migrate to “The Ribbon“? Send people “docx” files that word’03 can’t open? i say no. (Ironically Open Office can open these word 2007 files, even though microsoft office 2003 cannot.) For operating system, i’ll try Linux and apple. For an office suite, i’ll continue to learn Open Office and google docs. Open Office has a portable version i can run from the USB drive. Every time microsoft upgrades, they try to make life easier Read More …

windos7 ..? ick !

Michael ChalkLeave a commenttechnology

This old work laptop was due to have windos re-installed, so Fraser suggested i try the new “windos7” instead of xp. Things i do like about windos7 Windos “Explorer” (file manager) has a new keyboard shortcut for navigating up the file structure (about time); overall the “my computer” experience is greatly improved with breadcrumbs in the title bar (you can search deep inside folders you’ve just visited); the whole thing is more aesthetic.. some of the themes are almost attractive (i don’t believe it!); windos volume control finally gets some Read More …

Green is for listening? The trauma of windows volume control..

Michael ChalkLeave a commentclassroom, how to, technology

So Tina, one of our amazing English teachers at PRACE, comes in with our box of headsets, “Same question i ask you every Monday.. green is for listening?” This is one of the things that used to drive me crazy when we were running our Can You Hear Us? projects.. (No, not Tina.. the computers!!) (Beware: Rant Approaching.) Most of the windows/pc boxes have a colour coding for the audio sockets (green for listening, pink for speaking), but many headsets use a different colour code for their plugs (orange or Read More …

Running out of room? Try multiple desktops

Michael ChalkLeave a commenttechnology

Here’s an interesting idea.. if you’re running a dozen apps, from web to word, audio, visual and social networking.. and you need some thinking space.. you could: a) close some apps, walk away from the computer and take a break, or b) try a virtual multiple desktop program. Linux has always had this built in.. (along with their far superior “Start menu”) but i’ve never been busy enough in Linux to use it. i was browsing through this list of “40 awesome apps” which are all tiny downloads (2mb or Read More …