POI: Show #36 - 07.01.2007

[Download Show #36 as MP3]

News

The DVD Copy Control Association is working to push an amendment through the legislative branch that would ban ALL DVD copying, even copying that falls under the fair use rules of copyright law.
Basically fair use dictates that you can make a single backup copy of a DVD (or CD) for yourself and also that educators can rip stuff from DVDs to use in class (for educational purposes). This amendment would make these forms of copying illegal.
Since they have unsuccessfully tried it before, it is probably likely that they will fail again, but it is a good idea to write your representatives on this issue.

4GB or 8GB of Flash memory for music/vidoes
Cell Service Provided by AT&T
Cell Data Connection is EDGE (not latest 3G technology)
2 Megapixel Camera
802.11 Wireless so if there is an access point around, you do not need to use your Cell Data plan
Newly Patented Touchscreen Interface called "Multi-Touch"

Software / Hardware / Power Web Picks

Word processors are one of the most commonly used applications on a computer
Everyone has heard of Microsoft Word, but that comes with Office and Office can get expensive ($121 for Home/Student Edition from Amazon)
There is also Open Office, which requires the Java runtime and that does not work well on a slower/older PC

Cross Platform, Open Source, Desktop Application
Has problems importing/exporting Word documents with some more complicated features in use

There are 7 other word processors at the link on our show notes, be sure to check them out

We've talked about the really cool desktop effects you can get in Linux known as Beryl
Beryl was a break off of an earlier project known Compiz and has now merged back to form Compiz-Fusion
This handy little guide walks you through installing the effects, as well as gives you some quick fixes for common problems.

Penny Pinchers

Buying/Installing a quality ceiling fan. Even the most power hungry fan only cost around $10/day if you run it for 12 hours
Install white blinds, drapes, or window shades to reflect light away from the house and close sun facing blinds/drapes/shades during the day
Plant trees and shrubs strategically around the house and over A/C units. Be sure to not prevent air flow. As few as 3 properly placed trees can save hundreds on cooling.
Ensure quality insulation. An increase from 3 inches to 12 inches can cut cooling costs by 10%
One that is not mentioned in the article but in the comments, is spraying your roof with water. I happen to know that this one works quite well from personal experience.

Security & Privacy

Check Your Credit Report Regularly, Look for out of the ordinary credit checks and accounts you do not know about
If you receive a pay check stub, keep it in a safe place. Do not leave it sitting around
Only give your your social security, drivers license number, or account information to reputable establishments

Gamer's Corner

Hinders the entire argument that violent video games leads to violent behavior
Do we think that people under the age of 17 should play games rated "M" for Mature? No, we do not think that
We do encourage that parents police what games their children play and research what the different ratings mean
Video Game Ratings Website

This game is based on a combination of the Quake 3 and Unreal Tournament Engines but has an alien twist
Works on Windows and Linux
We have some a link to Screenshots
Best of all, this game is FREE, the best price of all
The game looks pretty good overall, you can kind of tell that it's "home made" but for free it's better than you'd expect

POI