Linux users take note: Google knows marketing

While critics and advocates of so-called “desktop Linux” waste their time imagining a world in which some consumer-targeted Linux distro manages to fix all its bugs and then self-proclaimed computer illiterates everywhere download and burn .iso files and then set their BIOSes to boot from CD and install and configure Linux themselves, Google moves forward… Continue reading Linux users take note: Google knows marketing

Where is this dreamland in which Windows “just works”?

First of all, I have to say it is not my intention to bash Windows. I am not a Windows hater. I actually like Windows. I use it at work every weekday, and I have found ways to have a generally pleasant experience with it. I like Mac OS X better than Windows, though, and… Continue reading Where is this dreamland in which Windows “just works”?

The GUI v. CLI Debate

I’ve been helping with online tech support for Ubuntu for over four years now, and every now and then the discussion comes up about whether it’s “better” to use terminal command instructions or to use point-and-click instructions when offering help. Inevitably, some die-hard CLI (command-line interface) fans come out and say that the terminal is… Continue reading The GUI v. CLI Debate

My response to Rory Cellan-Jones

Rory Cellan-Jones recently spent 24 hours with Ubuntu: I installed a few applications – including Skype, and a social networking application called Gwibber. But when I tried to install a free open-source audio editing program, Audacity, it appeared more complex to get hold of an Ubuntu version than the one I’ve used on a Mac.… Continue reading My response to Rory Cellan-Jones

Apple App Store like MPAA?

After reading Appleā€™s FCC Response Infuriates Google Voice App Developer, I’m getting deja vu. Kirby Dick, you listening? (This Film Is Not Yet Rated). I guess with films people can at least view your movie without having to jailbreak their iPhones—though good luck trying to recup your production costs with an NC-17 or unrated movie…… Continue reading Apple App Store like MPAA?

Installing a rooted version of Android is easier than I thought it’d be

When a commenter suggested I “root” Android on my MyTouch 3G phone, I was hesitant to go ahead with it, because it sounded as if it might be complicated and result in a bricked phone. Then I saw this story in Google News: Five Great Reasons to Root Your Android Phone More importantly, I came… Continue reading Installing a rooted version of Android is easier than I thought it’d be

T-Mobile MyTouch 3G First Impressions

Introduction Before upgrading from a “dumb phone” to a “smart phone,” I did a lot of online research. I read reviews. I watched YouTube videos. Unfortunately, most online reviews are kind of useless. They’ll say things like “There’s a nifty little switch over here. And you can press this button. That does this. This also… Continue reading T-Mobile MyTouch 3G First Impressions