Category Archives: Technology
SQL Saturday #57 – Houston
I attended/volunteered at the first SQL Saturday (57) Houston. The event took place this passed Saturday at the Bammel Church of Christ and with about 185 in attendance (350 registered), the event was a success (IMO).
Main Picasa Photo Set for SQL Saturday #57
My Picasa Photo Set for SQL Saturday #57
Photos taken by Sri Sridharan of SQLRocks.com
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Below is a roundup of SQL Saturday 57 recaps and reviews. I will update it as I see new posts come up.
- SQLSaturday #57 Thanks – @NancyHidyWilson
- SQLSaturday #57 Recap – @NancyHidyWilson
- SQLSaturday #57 – @sqlrocks
- SQL Saturday #57 – Houston – @midbightdba
- Review – SQL Saturday #57 Houston – @sqlavenger
- Wheeling, WV to Houston, TX – A SQL Saturday #57 Recap.. – @johnsterrett
- SQLSaturday #57 – @ryanjadams
- SQLSaturday Round-Up (Jan. 27-Feb. 2)
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Can’t wait to see what the next Houston SQL Saturday holds…
Article: Your Photo Tips | Photography-Related Apps for the iPhone
The kind people at Your Photo Tips allowed me to do a guest post for them. Feel free to head on over and check it out.
Photography-Related Apps for the iPhone
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“There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs.” -Ansel Adams
GFI Software Looking for Reviewers
GFI Software, the makers of GFI Backup, is looking for tech bloggers to review their new GFI WebMonitor Software. They have a competition going that has some pretty appealing prizes.
Details for the competition => Software Reviewers Wanted
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Happy blogging!
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Camera+ = Pretty Nice Little App
I was going through the Photography blogs that I subscribe to and noticed a mention of an iPhone app named Camera+.
I’ve been on a mission lately to learn better composition and use more than just my D90 to shoot photos. That means my Canon Powershot S3IS and my iPhone 3GS. The Camera+ app is the creation of photographer Lisa Bettany. It has tons of features and effects to let you really experiment with the photos you take with your iPhone.
I was playing around with the app this weekend and below is the before and after of one of my photos.
Before After
There are so many features, I have barely scratched the surface.
Additional Information
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Happy shooting!
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Glass – Interesting Add-On for FireFox
While attending South by Southwest 2010 (SxSWi), I ran across a booth in the Exhibit Hall that offered an interesting add-on for FireFox.
The add-on is called Glass and it allows you to create a floating window (or virtual canvas as stated on the Glass Blog) over a website. You can type something about the site you are on and send that to a contact.
When that contact sees the notification, they can go to that website and see that window with your message.
If you are both on at the same time, it becomes like an Instant Messenger. Of course, both parties need to have FireFox as well as the Glass Add-on installed.
This is a cool concept and I can see where it would be a great collaboration tool. I’m all about collaboration.
Glass is in Beta status right now. I suggest trying out the tool if you can get an invite.
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Tools That I Use Daily
There have been quite a few posts lately where people list the tools that make them productive throughout a given day, so I thought I would share some of the tools that I use on a daily basis.
Rockscroll – Extends the scrollbar in Visual Studio to show a syntax highlighted thumbnail view of your source.
Search .NET – Great .NET search engine
C# Search .NET – Great search engine for all things C#.
Console – A Windows console window enhancement. Features include: multiple tabs, text editor-like text selection, etc.
SlickRun – A free floating command line utility for Windows. Once you create your shortcuts, it is a big time saver.
SyncBack – Great automated backup application. Hear about this on the Mike Tech Show podcast.
UltraVNC – a powerful, easy to use and free software that allows you to remote control another system
LogMeIn – allows you to access your pc from anywhere (like GoToMyPC). They have pay versions as well as a free version. This is great for logging into the office from home. Saves gas 
.
FileZilla – Good FTP client from Mozilla. Works well for Secure FTP sites.
NotePad++ – A free source code editor (and Notepad replacement)
Foxit Reader 2.0 for Windows – Light-weight PDF viewer
TaskArrange – A simple utility that lets you rearrange the buttons of the Windows taskbar. This is helpful if you are like me and like to have certain applications show up first on your task bar. I like to have my email app and my work log app open first then everything else.
FastStone Capture – A powerful, flexible and intuitive screen-capture utility
UltraMon – Utility for dual monitors (30 day trial, then $39 – well worth it)
PingMe – A free, web-based reminder tool. It is easy to set up one time or recurring reminders to be sent to email or texted to your phone. I use this religiously.
Jott – A tool that allows you to capture thoughts, create to-dos and set reminders with a simple phone call. Since I drive 80 miles a day, this is very helpful. You’d be surprised at how many things come to mind while driving. There are pay versions, but I still use the free plan.
Evernote – Awesome note-taking software that allows you to sync notes from any pc/laptop/mobile device to the web. That way my notes are with me anywhere I go.
Windows Live Writer – Desktop application that makes it easier to compose compelling blog posts
Twhirl – A great desktop client for social networks such as Twitter, FriendFeed and Seesmic.
Texter – Text substitution application.
Stickies – Computerized version of post-it notes.
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The above are the tools that I use on a daily basis. See my Tool List for a full list of tools I like.
Review: Samsung Propel (A767)
I purchased the Samsung Propel (A767) this weekend and I have to say I am quite happy with it. I previously owned a regular flip-top phone with no web access and limited texting capabilities, so I guess you could say I am in heaven at the moment.
Once I learned my way around the menus, navigation is pretty easy. The querty keyboard works well for me; however, I believe someone with bigger finger tips may run into issues as the buttons are pretty flush with the surface and the top keys do come close to the edge. The battery life is great as long as you are not on the web too much. Seems to go down pretty quick when you are listening to music or watching video – which is logical to me.
Here are the best video reviews that I found for the Propel.
I have to say that Ozzy had nothing to do with my purchase . I just did not want to put out the bucks for an iPhone and could not jump the ATT ship to go to TMobile to get the G1. I am looking heavily at the G1 for the distant future.
Review: Sandisk MobileMate SD+
I just purchased Sandisk MobileMate SD+ Memory Card Reader. It works with both Mini and Micro SD cards. I have found this gadget quite convenient for being able to get pictures from someone’s camera card with little to no hassle.
The size is a little bigger than normal USB flash drives, but in my opinion, the convenience overshadows just about any drawbacks of the device. It is a must-have tool if you deal with SD cards often.
The price is also good. With shipping and handling, I paid around $13.
Great New Podcast
I have listened to the new podcast Deep Fried Bytes and I have to say I have found another favorite podcast. In Episode 2, they talk about interviewing and being interviewed. I enjoyed listening to all of the stories, but have to agree with The Coding Geekette on not really caring for the comments of making interviewees cry.
Other new podcasts that are full of information
My top 6 tech podcasts at the moment
- .NET Rocks
- Hanselminutes
- Deep Fried Bytes
- The Thirsty Developer
- PowerScripting Podcast
- The Mike Tech Show
Here is my full list of podcasts. These are the ones that I listen or have listened to and like.
Good Podcast Episode on IT Tools
I listen to podcasts like .NET Rocks, Hanselminutes and Run as Radio on a weekly basis. This week I am listening to last week’s episodes. Last week’s episode of Run as Radio was very informative to me because I love to hear about tools for developers and IT pros.
The interview was with Doug Toombs who is very knowledgeble about his tools. They talked in depth about the following tools:
I thouroughly enjoyed the episode and recommend giving it a listen.
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