The latest version of Firefox, 3.5, was released today. Tons of new features and bug fixes: location awareness (if allowed), faster browsing, a privacy mode, and new video, audio, and HTML support, to name a few.
How to get Firefox 3.5
Download via Softpedia or Filehippo
At the time of writing, the release is official, but Firefox’s main download page hasn’t been updated just yet.
What is Firefox?
Well first, what is a browser? A browser is an application that loads web pages. You probably know Internet Explorer (IE), well that is a browser by Microsoft that comes with Windows. Just because it came included, doesn’t mean it is the best option. There are others… Netscape (gone), Safari, Chrome, and more.
Watch the video to see a short walk through of the new features.
Microsoft has developed and now testing a free anti-virus application for Windows. The name of this generous piece of software is “Microsoft Security Essentials”. Microsoft claims that this program was developed as a replacement for their subscription based anti-virus program known as “Live One Care” which was 49.95 per year. If they can offer the protection, we may soon be free of annual subscription fees.
Screenshot:
Security Essentials is currently in beta and full. We’ll let you know as soon as its open again for download.
In the news… The Air Force will train more unmanned aircraft pilots this year than fighter and bomber pilots combined. Wow… technology to the the extreme. Continue reading…
Remember, a netbook is an inexpensive, ultra-portable laptop. Not to be confused with a laptop replacement. They’re low-performing and for me, often too small to get anything done besides browsing the web and checking email. However, this is all you need while on the go sometimes.
In the news… Have you seen Microsoft’s new search engine, Bing? I’m still a Google fan, but it’s pretty interesting. Try it here.
The latest version of Windows is just around the corner. Windows 7 will be available for purchase on October 22nd.
Microsoft offers a guarantee on new computers purchased near the release date of their latest operating system. Probably around the end of June, new computers will include a free, or discounted upgrade to Windows 7. If I were in the market, I’d wait until then to buy.
Have Windows Vista now and interested in upgrading to 7? Rumors suggest upgrades may be as little as $50 – $100, depending on your version of Vista.
Why Windows 7?
Most reviews share high opinions of Microsoft’s latest operating system. Faster, smaller, ready for touch screen and multi-touch interfaces, and tons of additional visual features, to name a few.
iPhone OS 3.0 should be available June 17th. It includes copy and paste, MMS, landscape keyboard in more apps, rent/purchase movies from your iPhone, tethering for Internet on your computer, and much more. Conference notes… (tons of photos) or see some new apps.
New iPhone 3GS: 3MP video camera, 20% better battery life, 2-3x faster processor, voice control, and much more! Most likely available for purchase June 19th. Conference notes…
Significantly reduced pricing for some iPhone models
MacBook Pros received upgrades and reduced pricing
Safari 4 out of beta. Available today for all platforms (Tiger, Leopard, Vista, XP)
OS X Snow Leopard, $29, received new features and improvements. Read more…
Sometimes we forget to attach a document or file before sending an email. The following tools look for keywords in your email to determine if anything is attached. When you hit send, a popup reminds you if you didn’t attach anything (if you didn’t intend to attach a file, no popup will appear). Pretty smart.
Choose one of the following to install that best fits your needs:
Microsoft released Vista’s latest update, Service Pack 2. Service packs are major updates to Windows. Often, as in this case, they include new features, and a lot of fixes to known problems. Notably, Vista’s SP2 includes better Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, increased performance, and over 700 repairs.
How to Update
Vista SP2 will not automatically download just yet. You can install it by downloading here, or waiting a few weeks for it to be distributed with your other routine Windows Updates.
More Updates
Just in case you missed it previously, Office 2007 also had its release of SP2 adding some extra features including saving files as PDF built right in. This is now available through Windows Updates. Something Fun
Don’t care about Windows Updates? Original Super Mario Brothers 3 is an easy online game: play now
These online maps of zip codes and area codes makes it easy for quick reference. Just enter your area code or zip on the search box across the top after clicking one of the following links:
Circuit City was going out of business, but CircuitCity.com is now up and running again. They were acquired for $14 million and re-launched online only. Interesting business direction.
Skype is awesome. Traveling international? Call home anytime for pennies. The call quality is great. You don’t need a webcam to just use for cheap voice calls around the world. Learn more…
Know your power options…
Road Trip: Power inverters convert your automobile’s cigarette lighter plug into a standard electrical outlet. This can be very handy for keeping a laptop battery charged, cell phone, or DVD player (kids!). A basic one can be purchased easily at a local store: Wal-Mart link
International: Voltage and plug adapters vary between countries. Know before you go! If your appliance supports both 110V and 220V (see the power label), you only need an adapter, and not the whole clunky inverter!
Get your voice mail. Traveling abroad makes it difficult to access your voice mail. Use youmail.com (free) to a listen to your messages online. Just turn off your phone, people are immediately directed to your voice mail, and then receive an email with the message. (Use when home too – you can check as usual from your phone). Learn more…
See it before you get there. Google Maps (or Earth), zooms you down to see actual images of streets and places you will see in person soon. Why not take a look around and be prepared? Learn more…
International Fees. Travel abroad and you might be surprised to learn Visa adds 3% on all your purchases! Use Capital One’s No Hassle card to avoid these fees. No annual fee, offers some rental car insurance, and can earn points/cash. (see their site for details). Learn more…
Speed through airport security. Clean up BEFORE you enter the security line. Place your cell, wallet, coins, and other items in a bag or carry-on luggage before entering the security line. Now just walk up, place your bags on the scanner, and walk through. On the other end, you can grab your bags and walk on, later re-locating things.
Watch your TV. Not home to see your favorite show? Point your laptop to hulu.com to watch almost ALL major networking shows from ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, etc. For example, 24, Lost, SNL, and all the others. (free, but only works in the USA) Learn more…
Check reviews. There is power in numbers. Use tripadvisor.com to learn where to stay, what to do, and where to eat. Others place their tips so you know what is best and what isn’t!
Flying wisely. Use kayak.com or tripeedo.com to find the lowest rates. They search other popular sites to give you an over-all view. Use farecast.live.com to see forecasted flight rates to know when to buy. Seatguru.com shows plus and minuses of every single seat on the plane.
Google just added new “Search Options” to help you quickly find exactly what you’re looking for. To enable, click “Show options…” at the top left of any Google search page.
A few examples…
Narrow results by reviews only
Show results only updated in the last 24 hours, or view a timeline
