Who cares about 64-bit Office 2010?

March 9, 2010 in Info Tech, Opinions, Technology | No comments

[East Africa]AMD Opteron 64-bit processor
I’VE SAID IT BEFORE and I’ll say it again, “who cares about 64-bit desktop app when the average system RAM is around 1 to 2Gb?” Heck, I’m more interested in server apps that are compiled to take advantage of 64-bit processors. Mind you, 64-bit  apps in gaming and virtual reality are 2 areas that can immediately benefit  desktop users. But no one’s writing them, or they’re too few of em.

So I was peeking this ZDNet blog post on the prospect of a 64-bit version of Microsoft Office 2010. I’m like, “who cares?” Everyone’s running to install 64-bit versions of Vista or Windows 7 simply because they have Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD x86-64 chips. But, are they really getting any benefits if they’re still running 32-bit applications like Office 2007, Mozilla Firefox, Adobe Photoshop, Windows Media Player, iTunes et al? Hell no!

Actually, it’s hardware vendors that are “pushing” these 64-bit chips to home users — just like your medical doctor and Big Pharma pushing Chemotheraphy “treatment”  on poor hapless souls with cancer (especially now that we all know that pure Hemp Oil is a cure) because it’s a multi-billion dollar cash cow. Why? Profits, of course…and I understand that.

Show me the server goods…
Now, when it comes to server-based computing (mail/database/file servers, etc.), gimme 64-bits any day of the week. Anyhow, here’s my reply to the above blog post:

I’m more interested in 64-bit versions of MySQL, PostgreSQL, FirebirdSQL, SQLlite, etc. because this is the main area where you’ll see immediate benefits. Why? Because databases rule the world so if you are a company that has large data sets, then 64-bit RDBMS apps are the keys to your speedy success. I can also see 64-bits being advantageous in video/audio processing apps as well as large, complex information systems such as an Enterprise ERP app running on a server.
But Office 2010, Flash, and other desktop apps being 64-bits?? Not really important right now. {source}

Can you imagine running free 64-bit versions of Ubuntu Server Edition, FreeBSD, NetBSD, CentOS, OpenSolaris with free, powerful 64-bit apps like PostgreSQL, MySQL, Exim, Postfix, qmail, OpenERP, etc — and taking advantage of virtualization? Now, imagine if your system was decked out with an AMD Opteron 64-bit chip, 6 Gb RAM, and a RAID setup. Now here’s where some 64-bit “magic” will appear — right in front of your very eyes.

Happy 64-bit computing!

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Solution to Annoying UAC message in Windows 7

March 8, 2010 in Info Tech, Solutions | 2 comments

[East Africa]
IF YOU EVER TRY to run a program from a software publisher that you know is legit, yet Windows 7 gives you that annoying UAC (User Account Control) nag message, then try installing the program somewhere else instead of  C:\Program Files.Giraffes in Samburu National Park - Kenya

I got that tip over here. BTW, here’s that annoying message:

“Do you want to allow the following program from an unknown publisher to make changes to your computer?

Duh, I said yes the last 20 times!! At least remember my selection for this particular program file. In this case, QuickBooks 2003 (file: qbw32.exe). Other than this, Windows 7 rocks!! Really. Yo Micro$oft, what took you so long? Congrats on a fabulous product.

OTOH, I’m still a 100% happy Linux Mint user. This Windows 7 was loaded on my pal’s sexy iMac 24″ system. I’ve simply had enough of Windows’ penchant for nasty “ware” ( trojans, worms, viruses, malware et al). I soon plan on taking PCBSD 8.0 for a spin. I can’t wait to get the full power of Unix — courtesy of the FreeBSD Project — on my desktop in a sleek KDE setup.

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10 Great Open Source Windows apps

February 20, 2010 in Info Tech, Reviews, Solutions | 1 comment

[Gachie, Kenya]
ALTHOUGH I’M NOW in bed with Linux, my sorry-ass Windows buddies still enjoy being punished by trojan/virus/malware/worm infested Windows apps courtesy of Micro$oft’s disinterest in security going back to the early 1990s.

If you’re a glutton for punishment, then go ahead and run their over-bloated Office suite with its bevy of macro viruses and bugs that’ll make the unsanitary conditions of Mathare’s flying toilets green with envy. Ok, maybe I’m over-exaggerating things a little in comparing material waste to digital waste. :-)

By the way, Outlook is such a pussy when its PST file grows unusually large. One screw up and you’re FUBAR — fu!ked up beyond all recognition. All email data — gone. You already know about the gaping security holes in Internet Explorer, right? Well, suit yourself!

Windows is a lot like Kenyan politics: Buggy, bloated & unreliable!

Free, functional & open…
What, you’re still using Windows? Well, try these 10 free apps if you’re looking for some high quality Windows software to get work done — without worrying about bugs. I can personally vouch for VLC media player and AbiWord. The former plays anything and everything relating to video or music formats. If you have a strange media file format, VLC will play it — guaranteed.

What I love about AbiWord is its simplicity and focus on the basics of (ahem) word processing. It’s light on system resources and it just works. Wish I could say the same for MS Word, which can be a pain in the ass at times. Ever heard of couples always fighting with each other over tiny, inconsequential issues. That’s Word for ya. And Word 2007? Can you say over kill?

Happy Windows computing!

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My Visit to the United Nations Complex in Nairobi

February 1, 2010 in Africa, Travel | 2 comments

[Nairobi (Gigiri), Kenya]
I TRULY BELIEVE THAT outings less planned can sometimes turn out to be the most surprising (in a good way!) experiences in life. Well, today, me and my good pal were just going to the Village Market to pick up some stuff at Nakumatt and the Telkom Orange shop. Then, she called her pal (a real go-getter!) who has an amazing position at the UN here in Gigiri to join us for a bite or a coffee.

Instead, we were invited on to the complex for a bite at its Village Market-like cafeteria. My first impression of the complex is simply this: Wow, it’s bloody massive!! That’s gotta be 50 to 80 acres of buildings (offices, gym, cafeterias, library, etc.), green landscape, conference facilities, etc.

United Nations Office Nairobi (UNON) map

In addition, the 3 cafeterias have a wide variety of vendors serving tasty dishes — just like the Village Market. And the prices are amazing since you don’t pay VAT. I also hear that peeps who drive UN red plated vehicles get something like 30% off their fuel costs if they fill up at the UN gas station. And they also get to shop in the duty free stores — no VAT ever! Damn.

aerial view of the massive United Nations Office Nairobi (UNON) complex

In short, I had a great time at the UN today. It’s such a peaceful atmosphere and you get to see citizens from all over the world who are (ahem) “trying” to make a difference. But alas, what a fu!ked up world we live in. Ooops, sorry for the negativity. Here, I’ll smile for ya. :-)

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I Love Soul Kitchen by The Doors

January 29, 2010 in Life, Music, Videos | No comments

[Gachie, Kenya]
I LOVE MUSIC!! This is no secret to peeps who know me from growing up in Ottawa, Canada and my “club buddies” in Toronto (Comfort Zone, System Sound Bar, The Guvernment, Life, Film Lounge, Turbo, Labour of Love) and Montreal (Aria, Gravity, Stereo, Sona, Beach Club, Red Lite, Bal en Blanc, Swirl) where I’m absolutely captivated by the Electronic Dance Music (EDM) scene and its pulsating sounds — especially House music with  Dark, Tribal or Progressive elements by the likes of international mega stars like Dj Vibe and local Canadian talent like DJ Myka, DJ Addy, Dan Medland (retired), Creator, Kenny Glasgow and Manzone & Strong.

Rock on…
However, since I was 8 when I left Barbados, the majority of my friends have been white Canadians during my public and high school years and, well, they love Rock music. I’ve always been a big Doors and Jimmi Hendrix fan though. These 2 artists were definitely waaay ahead of their time. Pearl Jam and Smash Mouth also rock my world — pun intended.

One track by The Doors that really excites me is “Soul Kitchen.” The surreal instrumentals are first-rate and the lyrics as well as the vocals gets me so excited that I’m able to forget about all the crazy sh!t going on in the world — for 3 minutes and 33 seconds. Here, have a listen and see if you feel me on this one.

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GMail Defaults to HTTPS access

January 19, 2010 in Other | 1 comment

[Gachie, Kenya]
AFTER THE FRACAS with the Chinese about Google’s refusal to filter its search results behind the “Great Firewall,” they decided to give its millions of users worldwide HTTPS (HyperText Transmission Protocol Secured) access by default. What does this mean? Well, all of your data communications between GMail’s servers and your computer is encrypted so that anyone eavesdropping will say, “what the heck is this useless gobbledygook?” Once again, Google takes the lead against its rivals (Hotmail, Yahoo Mail, et al) where it matters the most.

Since we’re talking about SECURITY, I’d suggest you take a peek at the OpenBSD project that’s based in Western Canada. It’s an open source Unix-like Operating System (O/S) that’s hailed by many as the MOST SECURE O/S on the planet. It shares a lot of similarities with the NetBSD and FreeBSD projects (which came to life from some of the greatest Computer Scientists at the University of California, Berkeley…BSD = Berkeley Software Distribution), but focuses fanatically on SECURITY. Heck, it’s almost IMPOSSIBLE to hack into a computer system running OpenBSD. Hackers just move on to something that’s a lot easier to compromise — like Windows. Oh, isn’t Puffy, the OpenBSD mascot, a cutie? Don’t mess with him though…he’s armed and dangerous — to hackers. :-) Not even the CIA, FBI or NSA can hack into an OpenBSD system!!!

BTW, the US government secretly envies China for its tight control over its “citizens.” Don’t think for one moment that CIA/NSA/FBI attempts (Carnivore, Echelon, Clipper, et al) to invade your privacy is a laughing matter. The majority of Westerners are so fuc#ing naive most of the time simply because they “elect” their leaders. After watching The Obama Deception documentary (download it for offline viewing via ClipNabber) on YouTube, I really don’t know if “democracy” is all it’s crack up to be.

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Acid Jazz track – The Masterplan

January 16, 2010 in Music | No comments

[Gachie, Kenya]
HAPPY HOLIDAYS & ALL that Jazz. Speaking of Jazz, I’ve been YouTubing a lot lately to find old tracks from waaay back. Everything’s on YouTube! It’s gotta be the largest repository of music, videos and what not in the history of the world. It’s slogan “broadcast yourself” says it all. Way to go Google!

Anyhow, I want to introduce you to a track called The Masterplan by Diana Brown & Barrie K. Sharpe back in 1990. When I first heard it around ’92, I was amazed with its style, lyrics, VIBE, and sheer uniqueness. Heck, 20 years later, this track is still FRESH and timeless. Just listen to it and you’ll see why I’m so excited. I lost this track twice over an 18 year period, but now it’s forever in the archives of YouTube.

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Best KDE Linux Distro?

December 24, 2009 in Info Tech, Solutions | 2 comments

[Gachie, Kenya]
SO, WHAT’S THE BEST Linux distribution that delivers a high quality KDE experience? Well, I don’t really know since I’ve been a religious GNOME Desktop whore after my first experience with Ubuntu and now Linux Mint 8 (based on Ubuntu 9.10 – aka Karmic Koala) but SEXIER.

Mind you, I did take PCLinuxOS 2009.2 for a spin on a LiveUSB but I was not that impressed with its use (it’s a super reliable distro for Windows new commers though) of KDE 3.5, which looked and felt a little stale. You see, the word on the street is that KDE 4.3.x is AMAZING, and based on the screenshots I’ve seen lately, I’d have to concur.

On the other hand, I’m sort of hooked on GNOME’s minimal and functional elegance. In the past (around 1998 to 2004) when I was Linux distro hopping (Corel Linux, Xandros, Mandrake, the reliable Libranet, Puppy Linux, and Vector Linux), KDE was the superior desktop environment for Linux, and GNOME was out to lunch. But things have changed — big time! — for the GNOME project thanks to the deep pockets of Ubuntu’s backers (and razor sharp focus) as well as Novell’s technical expertise.

Anyhow, I suggest you read this article and decide which desktop Linux distro has the best KDE setup.

Get the best KDE Linux distro

Cheers!

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2010 is the year of Desktop Linux

December 10, 2009 in Info Tech, Opinions, Solutions | 1 comment

[Gachie, Kenya]
YOU MAY NOT know it, but when you cruise the Net to read your mail on Yahoo, GMail, Hotmail (ran on FreeBSD before Microsoft purchased it), Mail2Web, or from your ISP (via POP3/IMAP), you’re mostly using a free mail server (qmail, Exim, Postfix, or Sendmail) that’s either running on Linux (CentOS, Red Hat, Debian, SUSE, Slackware, et al) or rock-solid BSD Unix variants such as NetBSD, FreeBSD, or OpenBSD. And what do you think Google is running their profitable multi-billion dollar Search engine business on? Linux!

Great Linux desktops a plenty…
Yes, we know Linux has been a huge success on the server side of things. But thanks to free sexy desktop user interface projects such as KDE and GNOME — as well as Xfce and Fluxbox for older PCs — Linux looks just as good (or better) than XP, Vista, Mac OS X or Windows 7. And things are getting better each and every day.

As a result, Ubuntu, Linux Mint, PCLinuxOS, OpenSUSE, SimplyMEPIS, Puppy Linux (great for old desktops and laptops that run XP slooowly!) and other distros are stepping up to the plate with fabulous desktop solutions for the home or office user. Anyhow, I expect to see some great developments from KDE (4.x) and GNOME (version 3.0) in 2010 that will make more users abandon Windows for good.

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From Ubuntu to Linux Mint

December 7, 2009 in Info Tech, Opinions, Solutions | 30 comments

[Gachie, Kenya]
WELL, IT’S OFFICIAL, I’m now a big fan of the amazing Linux distro called Linux Mint. You see, it’s based on the fabulous work that Ubuntu (which is based on Debian) has already done; that is, making Linux easy for the masses to use, install and manage — just like Windows XP (I hear Vista & Windows 7 are a “lengthy” nightmare to install).

My "sexy" Linux Mint 8 desktop

So, you can look at Linux Mint as a more polished (take a peek at my Mint 8 desktop above!) and kinder, gentler version of Ubuntu that simply does EVERYTHING right out of the box, like:

  • Playing any video or music format (DivX, Windows Media Audio/Video, Ogg, and tons more that I didn’t know existed).
  • Detecting your Nokia celly so you can connect to the Internet with it (on XP you have to download Nokia PC Suite to do this!).
  • Detecting all of your hardware and installing the proper drivers during the install process without you even noticing.
  • Setting up Flash in Mozilla Firefox right off the bat.
  • Ditto for Java!
  • Plus lots of other “little” things that make you say, “Wow!”

Suffice to say, I heart Linux Mint. Really. Things just work on my laptop — or on any other old or new system that I’ve test driven it on. Ya don’t believe me? Well, take a peek at the following screen shot where I’m running the ever popular (and FREE) Evolution email client that was given to the community by Novell. It can connect to my GMail via IMAP or POP3 — and it’s sooo slick. By the way, it’s touted as an Outlook killer in every way — except for all those annoying Outlook bugs. Well, you know deal when you’re using Microsoft products. Oh, Evolution can even connect to a Microsoft Exchange mail server, too.

My Linux Mint 8 desktop with the "Outlook killer" Evolution mail client

Of course I do this to show peeps down here that Linux Mint is a better alternative to Windows from this point of view:

  • Your system is responsive and runs fast since it’s not saddled with layers and layers of archaic, proprietary Windows “technologies” that have, unfortunately, become a nightmare (or headache) for Microsoft in order to maintain backward compatibility — ie. millions and millions of lines of bloated Windows programming code going back to Windows 3.1, 95, 98, ME, XP, Vista and now Windows 7. I truly feel sorry for Microsoft on that note! Have you ever wondered why Windows XP, Vista or 7 takes up so much damn hard disk space?
  • No chance in Hell of catching a virus, trojan, or worm that’s so prevalent on the Windows “platform”. I really believe Symantec, McAfee, Kaspersky, Esset, Trend Micro, Panda, Grisoft and other well known Windows antivirus software companies just love the insecurity that’s built into the Windows architecture starting from the late 1980s to the present — all the way to the bank. If they had to depend on Linux, OS X, or a popular BSD Unix variant like NetBSD, FreeBSD, or OpenBSD, they’d all go out of business. No sh!t.
  • Easy system updates and software installation thanks to its remarkable Debian lineage.

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