Windows Software not so Essential

I rarely, if ever, respond to a blog post to counter claims. But this one is just too dear to my heart to let it past. First, I think it is admirable that Trent took the time to point out all the free, or nearly free, software that you can use on a Windows computer. But there are some suggestions that just don't make sense to me:

1. Firefox: I agree 100%.

2. Thunderbird: Only if you have need to access pop3 email or loath Outlook as I do. An alternative is to use Gmail. And no installation required.

3. Sunbird: Ok, this is a pretty decent program, but I would still prefer Google Calendar. No installation required.

4. Abiword: Again, nice application, but Google Docs & Spreadsheets fits the bill nicely. No installation required.

5. OpenOffice: If you have the need for office applications, something more than Google Docs & Spreadsheets, then I think OpenOffice is a decent application. But still requires installing software.

6. ClamWin: I'll buy this recommendation. You could also use the freeware version of Grisoft's AVG AntiVirus.

7. Gaim: Well, I don't really like this application. It's clunky. Doesn't have a lot of features. There are other options. This one works though.

8. BitTorrent: Nagware. I don't mind paying for software that's really good. But we're basically talking about a program designed to share stolen software and music.

9. GIMP: I use this, so yeah I agree 100%. You could also try Paint.Net which I am using more of lately.

10. Gnucleus: Perr-to-peer is so over. To much risk and there is so much crap out there. Pay for what you need.

11. VLC Media Player: This isn't a bad application. Not sure what the reason for an alternative is. Windows Media Player will play just about every type of audio file out there. Not all mind you, but most of the main stream types. If your trying to listen to something other than a standard audio or video file, there are plenty of places that have CODECS for you to install which will allow you to listen/view these other media types.

12: Juice: iTunes... ever heard of iTunes? Ever heard of RSS? Either one of these are far superior to a podcast download program.

13. Audacity: Use religiously. I produce my podcast with it. This is my favorite.

14. RSSOwl: With so many web based RSS readers out there, why would you ever want to install an application just to read RSS feeds? Bloglines and Google Reader are superior alternatives. And nothing to install.

15. FileZilla: Again, a program that I use on a constant basis. I've tried dozens of FTP programs, and nothing comes close to the clean simple reliable features FileZilla provides.

16. Keynote: I'm sorry, but an application written in Visual Basic 3.0 just shouldn't be allowed to live. Of course I don't know what language it was written in, and I'm sure at it's most basic level, UI is the least of it's developers worries. But, I've found a cheap note pad makes for a great system. Then, when I'm back at my desk, I can review the notes, enter the important tasks or notes into me electronic system, then trash the paper. I personally think people who bring laptops to meeting ought to be asked to leave or turn it off. Unless you are going to use it for a presentation, it's just plain rude to be constantly typing as others are talking.

17. MusikCube: I had never heard of this application, and so I spent some time looking at it. Nice. I would agree this is a great alternative to iTunes.

18. Handbrake: Yes, I agree here. Get this application. It's awesome.

19. X-Chat 2: Who the hell uses IRC anymore? This is a must have application?

20. KeePass: Most people really don't have the patience to load an application to look up a password. According to most studies, people tend to use the same password everywhere. Even if you don't, you use a select few. These types of applications seem really cool at first, but trying to use them is just a waste of time.

21. TrueCrypt: I tried TrueCrypt a while back. It was ok. Again, it was a lot of hassle for what I perceive to be little value.

22. PDFCreator: This is a great addition. You should also look at pdfonline.com, where you can convert just about any type of file into a PDF, free.

23. FreeMind: As a must have application? Uh, maybe for some academics. Yes, I understand the technology and what it's uses are. The problem is most people don't want to use a computer to create mind maps. I can do it on a notepad about 100 times faster than I can with a software program. If you want, create the mindmap on paper then transfer it to FreeMind.

24. NASA Worldwind: This is an interesting application. Mostly for the "ahh" affect. There isn't any real mainstream use for mapping sites, unless you need specific driving directions. I have found Yahoo! Maps to be somewhat more reliable in my area than Google Maps.

25. Notepad2: Use it everyday. Nice application.

26. HealthMonitor: Hmm, keep it or leave it. These types of applications are typically used by hardware geeks. The average user couldn't care less about CPU performance or drivers loaded. They just don't.

27. Workrave: Again, not a must have.

28. GanttPV: This is a nice alternative to Microsoft Project. There are also many web based project management tools, no installation required.

29. GnuCash: Sorry, but if I'm going to put my personal financial records on my computer, I'm not sure this would be my choice. I admit I haven't used this application, but I'd be real concerned about encryption and security.

30. True Combat: Elite: Get some... have fun.

So, there you have it from my point of view. One thing I've tried to do recently is remove a bunch of software that needs to be installed and use web based applications when possible. You might think that using web based applications is prohibitive, and to some it may be, but most people these days have high speed access to the Internet, and if you don't, then the applications listed above will work great for you.

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Book Review: The Long Tail

I just finished The Long Tail. Interesting book. I'd give it 3 out of 5 stars. There isn't anything wrong with the book, but it didn't blow my socks off. I got the gist in the first few chapters. I'm seeing Long Tail scenarios all over the place. Funny no one has ever tagged like this before. Read it, but get it from the Library.

The Long Tail: Why the Future of Business Is Selling Less of More

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Open Letter to Seth Godin

Dear Seth,

Long time reader, if this we're going to be on your blog instead of mine, I would be a first time poster. Thanks is in order for your latest book, "small is the new big".

I'm not a marketer, but I recognize the value of marketing which is why I enjoy your books and blog. As Hugh said on TheGapingVoid "Seth, besides being THE MASTER of brevity [I've referred to him in the past as "the Ernest Hemingway of marketing"]". Very well put. I'll agree. And that's the reason I've enjoyed your work so far.

But Seth, this book, it's the best thing I've ever read. I just finished The Long Tail by Chris Anderson (which I blogged about here). What could have been said in about 20 pages went on for hundreds. So, as you asked me to do in the WARNING, I'm going to read a few pages, share them with others, do something with it, then do it again.

Here's my commitment. I am going to pick 10 topics from your book. Share them, internalize them, make them part of my life. Then, after seeing how well this works, maybe I'll pick another ten. We'll see. But for now, it's ten.

If you are reading this post and haven't picked up Seth's book, click right here, or go to Borders, or B&N or somewhere. Get the book. It will be the best money you have ever spent. Trust me. Did you click on the link yet? Well, what are you waiting for.

your friend,

Thom Allen

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It’s Official: Tech Books Are Extinct

I've been watching the technology books on the shelves at my local book store dwindle over the past few years. Especially hard core books for subjects like programming and certification. I know you can buy books online for a fraction of the price and that's where most people are buying books these days.

But in the work place who actually uses tech books anymore? With the Internet at my fingertips and the all knowing Google, do books actually have relevance any more?

Programming

Used to be when I had a programming question I would grab my Professional XML book, or the Programming in C# book. But no longer. Now, I zip over to Code Project for relevant code examples that are based on current technologies. And that's not the only site. There are hundreds of portal sites, blogs, examples, forums and so on. It's a good thing Google knows how to program, because I might not look very good to my customers without it... kidding of course.

Certification

When I started studying for my MCSD, I dusted off a couple of older books I had on the core topics like SQL 2000 Administration, Analyzing Requirements, and C# Development. But even now, I can get as much from study forums and blogs than I ever could reading a book. I can get almost immediate feed back and assistance from the community when ever I need it. A book can't give you that.

Digital Books

In the fast paced world of software development, I don't have time to thumb through a book for help. Some might wonder, if I need a book, should I even be doing this? Well, not everyone has a photographic memory, nor do I have the necessity to remember every little nuance of a programming language. I know a good amount, and don't typically need help, but when I do, it's nice to know I don't have to throw down $70 to have access to a small and typically outdated piece of information.

One more indication that tech books are becoming extinct? My local library. Where they used to have almost two entire rows of tech books, it has been reduced to half of one row. Wow... that was amazing to me.

If you write tech books are you concerned that your efforts may not get the attention it once did a few years ago? Is the effort worth it?

I'd pay for an e-book maybe. They are portable. But as I said. With technology, information becomes outdated quickly. That's why maybe book blogs would be a good idea. Sell an e-book online, then sell upgrades or revisions for a fee. Users would subscribe to an e-book. Then be given periodic updates for a set amount of time. What if an Author could continue to make money on books already purchased? I'd pay for that if I knew the information was going to be updated or improved.

Now I'm just thinking on the fly but it seems to make sense. By the way, I have a shelf full of outdated books that I don't use. Probably a thousand dollars worth. If anyone would like them, let me know. I am planning on donating them to the local library very soon. I'm going digital.

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Canon is most popular on Flickr

Canon seems to be the leading camera among those who post pictures to Flickr.com; by a lot. Canon has 3 of the top 5 cameras. That's good for them. It's also interesting to me, someone who doesn't own a Canon or a Nikon, the other two cameras in the top 5. What am I missing. I need to know more.

I took a few minutes to read through Darren Rowse site about Photography to see if what he had to say about these cameras. As usual there was more than enough for me to read.

Here is the link to the Flickr story and a list of cameras that are in their most popular brands section. But when it comes to Point and Shoot cameras the Canon PowerShot takes the cake. No other camera comes close. The top 5 are all PowerShots. Interesting.

In summary, the top 5 most popular cameras on Flickr are Digital SLR's. Not one Point and Shoot.

DSLR: Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, Kodak and Fujifilm.

The other stat Flickr shows is the use of camera phones. Sony Ericsson started way out in the lead but has basically been caught by Nokia. Camera phones are a little different than point and shoot or DSLR cameras. The quality isn't as good, usually, but you can take and post pictures to Flickr fast. I was in T-Mobile the other day looking for a replacement phone and I think every model they offered had some type of camera built in and had BlueTooth(tm) capabilities.

Point and Shoot: Canon.

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