NWA-PCUG Newsletter Article, July 2007
The Deals Column
by Bob (the Cheapskate)Click, The Dealsguy
Greater Orlando Computer Users Group
bobclick@mindspring.com
(click to email author)


Lightning Fast Trades
Here’s an interesting article for investors. It explains how modern technology has progressed to the point where stock trades are now processed almost at the speed of light. I found it very enlightening http://www.informationweek.com/showArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=R3M3IYXUGJSZGQSNDLOSKHSCJUNN2JVN?articleID=199200297&queryText=Richard+Martin.

Microsoft Plays Catch-Up
It’s hard to think of Microsoft being behind the times in technology, but that is said to be the case in Web interface design. Adobe’s Flash has prevailed so far, but Microsoft will introduce a competitor called “Silverlight” and some tools called Expression Studio that sound interesting. After I read about this in InformationWeek, I saw more in the 5/21/07 “Microsoft At A Glance” newsletter. They made mention of those products and gave the URL to watch a video and download the beta version of Silverlight. It is referred to as a “cross-browser and cross-platform plug-in.” They also included the URL for the Expression Studio design products http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=6824909 where you can download free trials. There was other information included in that newsletter.

Another Use For Wi-Fi
On another note, I have always thought of Wi-Fi as a connection for my laptop, or a broadband installation of some kind, but one particularly well traveled rail route in southern California will be getting Wi-Fi for security purposes. Because railroads often traverse very remote areas, this project is a difficult one and includes some solar powered nodes. Vandalism is a problem in the area getting that installation. I have often wondered how good the cell phone service was on some rail routes that are less traveled and have remote routes. Some cruise ships offer limited cell phone service and it is slowly being introduced on airlines, but not without resistance from the airlines and from the public. I know I wouldn’t want the person next to me talking on a cell phone for the entire trip.

Reminder
Again, the announcements below are written by the PR people and I edit to shorten them and try to improve on the wording. I have not tried any of these products so check their Web site carefully and do your homework if you are interested.

This Add-On For Microsoft Windows Might Help
Addintools announced the release of Classic Menu for Office 2007 v.2.18, a user interface enhancement add-on for Microsoft Office 2007. The new interface will replace the system of layered menus, toolbars and task panes with a so-called Ribbon. It lets users retrieve and show the main menu bar, standard toolbar, and formatting toolbar that are hidden or moved away from direct view. The program works with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. All new Office 2007 features remain accessible in the classic menu and toolbars.

Classic Menu for Office 2007 also lets users add the menus and toolbars to the Quick Access Toolbar so it becomes possible to minimize the Ribbon and finish all operations without having to open it again. The program has been optimized for complete compatibility with Microsoft Office 2007 and supports all major languages, including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Arabic, Korean, and Chinese.

Classic Menu for Office 2007 v.2.18 runs under Microsoft Windows XP/2003/Vista and costs $29.95 (USD) for a single-user license. User group members receive 15% discount on the purchase of Classic Menu for Office 2007 v2.18 by entering coupon code ADDI-CARU into the coupon box on the order page. Licensed customers are entitled to free updates and technical support for 2 years after the date of purchase.

Product page link: http://www.addintools.com/english/menuoffice
Direct download link: http://www.addintools.com/english/menuoffice/Setup_OfficeMenu.exe (2.62 MB)

Company website: http://www.addintools.com

File Recovery Product, Might Help In Some Circumstances
Enplase Research Corporation has announced the immediate availability of MultiStage Recovery 2.8 that will recover any file and back it up to a hard disk drive. MultiStage Recovery lets users recover all recoverable files (20 gigabytes in 20 seconds!) The program supports all Windows files systems and comes with a built-in preview for over 60 file formats. Designed as do-it-yourself data recovery software, MultiStage Recovery will restore all file types including audio, images, and documents. It supports all FAT12/VFAT/16/32 and NTFS/NTFS5 file systems used by Microsoft Windows. It helps users restore precious data if files are lost due to a virus, malicious hacker attack or an operating system crash in which a hard disk drive has not experienced physical damage, and restores files from any brand of hard disk drive and type of storage media, including hard disks, floppy disks, flash drives, and digital camera cards.

MultiStage Recovery 2.8 runs under Microsoft® NT 4.0 (with SP4), 2000, XP, 2003, Vista and costs $39.95 (US) for a single-user license. User group members get 20% off by using the coupon code 8192 (making it $31.96) at http://enplase.com/pages/BuyProduct/ProductName-MultiStage+Recovery.html. For other types of licenses, please refer to Enplase's Software Store at http://enplase.com/pages/Purchase.html. Additional information on the product, as well as its free evaluation copy is available from http://enplase.com/.
Product page link: http://enplase.com/pages/MultiStage+Recovery+description.html.

I Am Not A Fan Of Screensavers, But Here Is An Announcement

DealsGuy Note: Screensavers have long been known to sometimes cause problems so I don’t use them. Also, this company only offers a discount for purchasing more than one, but I am including it because there are certainly fans for screensavers, and I get asked for deals on them quite frequently.

FancyBytes Software announces the release of Dolphin Aqua Life 3D Screensaver 3.0, Shark Water World 3D Screensaver 1.5, and Mountain Lake Waterfall Screensaver 1.0. Unique to these screensavers is their dual monitor support and sleek 3D graphics. If you have two monitors installed on your system, you likely have already looked for screensavers that can fit your configuration. With FancyBytes Software you can now enjoy beautiful 3D screensavers with dual monitor support. Of course, the screensavers will look nice on a single screen, but with two monitors, you'll receive a continuous panoramic image, showing the aquatic world in all its beauty. Use these screensavers to make the most of your dual monitor system. The free trial downloads are available at http://www.fancybytes.com.

Below are the screensavers:

Dolphin Aqua Life 3D Screensaver
Travel to the sea bottom with the most intelligent inhabitant of the sea, the dolphin. See the amazing play of light on its skin as light creates interesting patterns on the sea floor, which is covered with age-old rocks and shells. This dignified creature and a variety of small fishes leisurely swim back and forth, as you admire the aquatic scenery and take a rejuvenating rest.

Shark Water World 3D Screensaver
Find the remnants of ships that once belonged to unlucky Caribbean pirates who now lie in Davy Jones' Locker. Chests containing countless riches peacefully lie on the sea floor, but watch out for the sharks! These hunters guard the treasures from anyone who would dare steal their gold.

Mountain Lake Waterfall Screensaver
See the pristine beauty of Mother Nature. Stand in awe of the majestic waterfall tumbling into a clear mountain lake. Unwind to the sounds of murmuring water. Admire the picturesque lake scenery and nearby forest. Just the kind of place you've been wanting for some rest and relaxation?

Dolphin Aqua Life 3D Screensaver costs $19.95 (USD). Shark Water World 3D Screensaver costs $19.95 (USD). Mountain Lake Waterfall Screensaver costs $14.95 (USD). For a discount on two or more of the registered versions of these products, please visit; http://www.fancybytes.com/orders_special.html. All prices are for a single-user license. The screensavers run under all versions of Microsoft Windows. Licensed customers are entitled to the fully functional version of the product, free technical support and free upgrades. Additional information on the screensavers, as well as free trial copies are available from http://www.fancybytes.com.

Product page:
http://www.fancybytes.com/about_dolphin_aqua_life_3d_screensaver.html http://www.fancybytes.com/about_shark.html http://www.fancybytes.com/about_mountain_lake_waterfall_screensaver.html

Direct download link:
http://www.fancybytes.com Click the Download buttons for the desired file.

That's it for this month. I’ll have more new product announcements on my Web site (not offering a discount). Meet me here again next month if your editor permits. This column is written to make user group members aware of special offers or freebies I have found or arranged, and my comments should not be interpreted to encourage, or discourage, the purchase of any products, no matter how enthused I might sound. Bob (The Cheapskate) Click bobclick@mindspring.com. Visit my Web site at http://www.dealsguy.com

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