Should You consider upgrading to the new iPhone 4S?

There have a lot of articles written in the past few weeks that would leave you to believe that the iPhone 4S is the best smartphone that has ever been made and for a person like myself that love new technology the twinge has started deep inside me to make the leap. I am still sitting on a iPhone 3GS and it still does the job it was designed for fairly well. In all honesty, I really only use the app side of the phone for very limited functions and routinely pull out one of my iPads to do most of the things that I use these types of devices for. The reason is quite simple, I like the bigger screen. In fact, if the iPad was available in a 12 or 13 inch screen I would probably jump on that before upgrading my phone.

So let’s get back to my question. If you are a heavy phone user and want the technology upgrades that the iPhone offers then you may be a candidate. My first question: What are you upgrading from? If you own an Android, haven’t you already made the commitment in that camp to continue with the apps you have purchased and the learning curve of using that particular interface? I would probably stay with Android because you probably are there for many reasons the IOS technology cannot give you. However, if you don’t have a smartphone yet, or have and earlier version of the iPhone, then you are probably a good candidate to make the upgrade except if you are an iPhone 4 owner.

I’m not sure the difference in technology between the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4s is great enough to take the financial hit you will probably take jumping out of you current service agreement. And how will you feel when in 8-10 months from now the new iPhone 5 finally does come out with whatever wonder technology it will bring to the table. I would really be tempted to wait and see in that case.

If you are a proud owner of an iPhone 3GS or earlier then the differences between the devices is much greater. You will get a better camera (8 megapixel) with a better lens, and two cameras at that. MG Siegler noted in his October 11^th post for TechCrunch:

The camera is an even bigger deal to me. As I’ve been following for some time, and Apple noted last week, the iPhone has become the most popular camera in the world if you go by the images uploaded to Flickr. And it’s not even close. This new camera in the iPhone 4S goes above and beyond. And it’s going to push that lead even further.

If the point-and-shoot market wasn’t in trouble before, it will be now.

Much will be made about the upgrade from 5 megapixels to 8 megapixels with the iPhone 4S. But the bigger difference is the engineering behind the new camera. Apple notes with pride that their engineers were able to completely re-architect this tiny camera to produce images that are on par with the nicest point-and-shoots available. They credit five “precision elements” to record incoming light (versus four in the already excellent iPhone 4 camera) and the inclusion of a larger f/2.4 aperture to bring in more light.

Also great is that the iPhone 4S camera can shoot 1080p video for the first time. The iPhone 4 is limited to 720p. The 4S also features video stabilization, to ensure your home videos won’t make viewers want to vomit. Testing this out, it seems to work pretty well.

You will have a much faster processor so that those applications that you are running will run much more smoothly. There is even a big difference between the 4 and 4S which might make you iPhone 4 owners to make the leap anyway if speed is important to you.

You will get Siri, your own personal assistant, though it is in its beginning stages it is really kind of a neat application. In the coming months when Apple opens up the API to its army of third party programmers it will be interesting to see where they will take this part of the 4S. The limitations currently are that there only a few apps that it integrates with and they are all Apple applications. We need to see better integration with some business functions but it is really a fun and interesting start anyway. This one feature will probably be the tipping point for most new buyers and will be the ONE main competitive feature that other phones will need to compete against. The biggest downside with this technology is that it uses server side software to function and this means that you need to be connected to the internet for it to work.

So what do you think?

iPhone 4 owner – if you still have time on your contract this is a pricey upgrade. If the camera, speed and/or Siri are important to you then you may want to do this. If not you will need to wait out your contract and then take a look at what is out there at that time. You will get the IOS 5 upgrade anyway, just not with Siri.

iPhone 3GS or earlier or a new smartphone want-to-be’s – This will be a much easier decision. All of the features, including the IOS 5 will make a big difference in how you work with your phone. For me it’s an easy call. I have the 3GS, the camera will allow me to carry a much better point and shoot with me (I am a camera buff you know), I love faster and love Voice to Text Recognition functions (I use this a lot in my daily work when writing up long winded descriptions). So I will be one of those sitting in queue shortly to get my hands on this new device.

Outlook 2007/2003/2002 Add-in: Personal Folders Backup

The Personal Folders Backup download creates backup copies of your .PST files at regular intervals, in Outlook 2002 and later versions, making it easy to keep all of your Outlook folders safely backed up.

Overview

Backing up your Microsoft Outlook information is quicker and easier with the Personal Folders Backup feature. Personal Folders Backup creates backup copies of your .PST files at regular intervals, in Outlook 2002 and later versions, making it easy to keep all of your Outlook folders safely backed up.

With Personal Folders Backup, you can choose which of your .PST files you wish to back up, and how often you wish to back them up.

Each .PST file contains all of your Outlook folders, including the Inbox, Calendar, and Contacts. You can have a single .PST file (usually called "Internet Folders" or "Personal Folders" in your Folder List), but you might also have an additional .PST file that you use for archiving ("Archiving Folders"). Personal Folders Backup lets you back up any or all of these .PST files.

PFbackup and Outlook 2010

Although the Personal Folders Backup add-in 2007 compatible version (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=8B081F3A-B7D0-4B16-B8AF-5A6322F4FD01&displaylang=en) does not work with Outlook 2010 by default, you may enable it to work with Outlook 2010 by adding the following registry data to complete the backup process at shutdown.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\Outlook\Addins\Microsoft.OutlookBackup.1
DWORD: RequireShutdownNotification
Value: 1

For Windows XP
1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK.

Windows 7 and Windows Vista
Click Start, and in the Search box type regedit, and then click regedit.exe in the search results.
3. Locate, and then click the following subkey:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office\Outlook\Addins\Microsoft.OutlookBackup.1
4. Click on Edit, and then New - DWORD Value.
5. Rename the value to RequireShutdownNotification.
6. Right click on RequireShutdownNotification and then click Modify.
7. In the Edit DWORD Value dialog box, type 1 in the Value data box, and then click OK.

Forge Update: Catch Up with TechSmith's Web Show

Did you miss the latest episode of The Forge? TechSmith's very own, very live web show had an episode on September 8th and covered tips for making great screencasts, the 10 commandments of screencasting, the ScreenChamp Awards, and the screencast of the month.

You can always catch up on any episode you miss on TechSmith's YouTube channel, but there is something to be said for watching a live show. Anything can happen!

Mark your calendar for upcoming episodes of The Forge for an educational, up-close-and-personal look at TechSmith!:

• Thursday, October 13th at 2pm
• Thursday, November 10th at 2pm
• Thursday, December 8th at 2pm

Watch the Latest Episode »

From TechSmith’s Newsletter but this is something that you may want to bookmark if you are interested in making your own videos for training or other purposes.

TechSmith Help: Get Hands-on Camtasia Studio Training

TechSmith Help: Get Hands-on Camtasia Studio Training

Learn Camtasia Studio tips and tricks from TechSmith's top trainers! TechSmith is coming to Philadelphia to give you a one-on-one Camtasia Studio training experience.

Beginner Camtasia Studio (PC) Training Session - 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

This 1-day hands-on Camtasia Studio training will take you through the basics of creating great-looking screencasts. From concept to published video...with lots of editing tricks in between. TechSmith goal: to help you become an intermediate - or expert! - user by the end of the day.

• When: Friday, October 21, 2011 - 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
• Where: Drexel University, Korman Computing Center, Philadelphia, PA - directions to room location will be sent after registration
• Cost: $395 per seat
• Available Seats: 18 - claim your seat quickly!

Have questions? Need more information? Fill out their online form and they'll contact you. Or tweet them at @CamtasiaTips!

Ready to sign up and book your spot today? Call TechSmith toll free at: 888.750.0685 (8:00am-7:00pm EST, Monday-Friday)

New Kindle Family Priced from $79-$199

If you haven’t jumped into the eBook reader environment yet then maybe one of these new Kindle products will entice you to finally make the leap.

Amazon’s new ad subsidized Kindle for $79 has dropped the keyboard, shrunk the overall size, still has Wi-Fi and a faster processor.

• Lighter, More Compact Than Ever-Less than 6 ounces.-Lighter than a paperback, fits in your pocket.
• Holds 1,400 Books-Carry up to 1,400 books-keep your library with you wherever you go.
• Most Advanced E Ink Display-Kindle's high-contrast E Ink display delivers clear, crisp text and images.
• Read in Bright Sunlight-Kindle's E Ink screen reads like real paper, with no glare. Read as easily in bright sunlight as in your living room.
• One Month Battery Life-No battery anxiety - read for up to one month on a single charge with wireless off and a half hour of reading per day.
• Books in 60 seconds-Find a book and start reading in seconds with our fast, free wireless delivery.
• Built-In Wi-Fi-Connect to Wi-Fi hotspots at home or on the road. Includes free Wi-Fi access at AT&T hotspots across the U.S.
• Simple to Use-Kindle is ready to use right out of the box - no setup, no software to install, no computer required to download content.
• Adjustable Text Sizes-Read comfortably with eight different sizes and three font styles.
• Faster Page Turns-Kindle's powerful processor is tuned for fast, seamless page turns.
• PDF and Personal Documents-Email personal documents and PDFs direct to your Kindle to read and annotate on-the-go.
• Massive Selection-Over 1 million books, newspapers, and magazines, including latest bestsellers, Kindle exclusives, and more.
• Low Book Prices-Over 800,000 books are $9.99 or less.
• Free, Out-of-Copyright Books-Millions of free, out-of-copyright, pre-1923 titles such as Pride and Prejudice are available.
• Free Book Samples-Download and read first chapters for free before you decide to buy.
• Borrow From Your Public Library-Borrow Kindle books from your public library and start reading on your Kindle.
• Free Cloud Backup-We automatically back up your library in the cloud, so you never need to worry about losing your books. Re-download wirelessly anytime for free.
• Buy Once, Read Everywhere-Kindle books can be read on your Kindle, iPhone, iPad, Android devices, BlackBerry, Windows Phone 7, Mac, PC, or web browser with our free Kindle Reading Apps.
• Whispersync-Our Whispersync technology synchronizes your last page read, bookmarks and annotations across your devices so you can always pick up where you left off.

Most of these features flow through to all of the new Kindles. Their mid-range unit has a touch screen and still no keyboard. It is priced at $99 for Wi-Fi only and $149 with 3G. The older Kindle unit has the keyboard and is priced at $99/$139 for Wi-Fi/Wi-Fi 3G respectively. The Kindle Fire has a color Screen, is Wi-Fi only and is priced at $199. Battery lengths vary from model to model and if you are concerned about this you may want to take another look at the specs on this page: Kindle Specs. The Kindle Fire only has an 8 hour continuous reading spec compared to 1 and 2 months for the entry level and mid range touch units.

The Kindle Fire also supports playback of movies as well as apps, games, music, reading and more. It is also using the Amazon cloud-accelerated web browser which may not work with security type connections on the internet.

Movies, apps, games, music, reading and more, plus Amazon's revolutionary, cloud-accelerated web browser

• 18 million movies, TV shows, songs, magazines, and books
• Amazon Appstore - thousands of popular apps and games
• Ultra-fast web browsing - Amazon Silk

• Free cloud storage for all your Amazon content
• Vibrant color touchscreen with extra-wide viewing angle
• Fast, powerful dual-core processor
• Amazon Prime members enjoy unlimited, instant streaming of over 10,000 popular movies and TV shows

Quite a few choices. Let me know what you think.

National Cyber Security Awareness Month

Cyber Security Awareness Contest for Students!

Astaro is asking us to join them in their quest to educate students about cyber security! During the month of October, Astaro will be running a contest, giving students the chance to win a free laptop!

The rules are simple: Record a 1-2 minute video answering two important questions: What does cyber security mean to you, and what do you do to stay safe online? Act it out, record a song, make up a dance, or come up with some other way to express your thoughts on cyber security!

Check out some of the submissions now and vote for your favorite!

Cyber Security Month more info

Astaro Promotes Cyber Security Awareness more info

AVG will be ending support for Version 8.5 end of 2011

AVG Service Update

Please be advised that AVG 8.5 will no longer be supported or updated as of 31st December, 2011.

How AVG 8.5 migration works…
AVG have provided you with a step-by-step support guide to help you successfully migrate your customers.
Step 1: Installation of AVG Remote Administration 2012

• Download the latest AVG Remote Administration 2012 installation file.
  • Please select the AVG Edition based on your license.
  • Download the file AVG Admin 2012 for Windows.
• Install the AVG Remote Administration 2012.
  • Your valid AVG License Number will be required during the installation.
• After the installation, follow the AVG Admin Server Deployment Wizard.
  • When asked, perform backup of current database (it is the 8.5 version database).
  • Finish the deployment wizard. It will automatically convert the database.
  • The AVG Admin Server will be started after the wizard.

Visit AVG’s dedicated AVG 8.5 migration support site for a step-by-step guide.

I'm not sure which protection I should choose
If you are currently using AVG 8.5, it will no longer be supported after 31st December, 2011. Find the name of the product you currently have in the table below and pick the AVG 2012 equivalent migration product. Then follow the step-by-step guide to migrate to the new AVG 2012.

Wyse - P20 Zero Client running View 4.6

Wyse - P20 Zero Client - 128 MB RAM - 0 GB HDD

Ken has been playing with VMWare View and we have been tossing around what kinds of hardware we would want to use if purchasing new vs. using older equipment the Wyse P20 could be a good selection. See details below:

For virtual desktop or blade PC environments, the Wyse P class delivers workstation class performance for advanced applications including CAD, 3D solids modeling, video editing and advanced worker level office productivity. Based on a hardware PCoIP engine, this stateless zero client requires no local operating system. Unlike more flexible software-based implementations, this dedicated hardware PCoIP engine delivers the highest level of display performance available. Whilst it's just the size a notebook, the Wyse P class is a fully functional and compact virtual system that eliminates the need for a desktop, yet gives a feeling of a true PC experience. The Wyse P class includes elements for the high end user such as: multiple display support, multimedia playback, HD audio and four USB peripheral ports. The Wyse P class platform resolves the challenges of provisioning, managing, maintaining and securing enterprise desktops. It is offering a truly uncompromised computing high end user experience with the full benefits of an efficient and secure centralized computing environment.

At a glance:

Rich user experience

• Utilizes PCoIP protocol technology enabling the practical consolidation of all IT resources into the data center.
• Delivers an uncompromised user experience to each desk, anywhere, without incurring the security risks associated with transmitting data across a network.
• Supports high performance dual displays for running high resolution 3D graphics and CAD applications running on the server.

Future proof

• Decodes video transmitted over the network from a PCoIP host card or server and is agnostic to video/media format.
• Resolves the challenges of provisioning, managing, maintaining and securing enterprise desktops.
• No local operating system to maintain.

Connectivity

• Four USB peripheral ports.
• Two single-link DVI-I connectors for dual display supports up to 1920 x 1200.
• Completely driverless and stateless.
• HD audio, headphone and microphone.

Download Wyse P20 Datasheet

Quick-Start Guide: Wyse® P Class Zero Clients, Model Px0, Product ...

Intel® Reader

The mobile device that reads print aloud.

The Intel® Reader transforms printed text to the spoken word. It combines a high-resolution camera with the power of an Intel Atom™ processor to read on the spot, or store text for later listening. The Intel® Reader is perfect for blind and low vision customers as well as in an educational setting!

Easy-to-use buttons with audio and visual navigation, and straightforward menus. Weighs just over 1 pound and about the size of a paperback book. Perfect for at school, work, home, or on the go. Plays MP3, DAISY books, and text transferred from a PC. Use with the Portable Capture Station to make it easy to scan, convert, and store multiple pages from a book or magazine.

Click on this link below to see a video of the reader in action.

http://www.careinnovations.com/Products/Reader/Education.aspx

Is it time to start thinking about migrating to Windows 7?

Microsoft has already begun a major campaign talking up its soon to be released Windows 8 operating system. They are positioning it to try to make it relevant for the legions of iPad and Smartphone buyers to reconsider Windows as a choice for their operating system. While it is true that there are still some holdouts that haven’t migrated from XP to Windows 7 yet if you haven’t made the leap you may want to consider it soon. Microsoft wars that there will be no support for Windows XP beyond 2014.

“We are end-of-lifing XP and Office 2003 and everything prior in April 2014,” said Kevin Turner,  Microsoft’s chief operating officer, during a meeting with financial analysts this month. “So for all those companies that have the old products that haven’t quite started the refresh, guess what? ... It’s now time for [XP] to go.”

Typically Microsoft ends support for a product after 10 years which would mean this year but Microsoft extended support until 2014. Don’t expect another extension.

”We’re basically giving it a time-of-death stamp,” Turner said. Once it retires XP, Microsoft won’t offer support or security updates.

There are quite a few things to consider over the next few years. Most of us that are in the Microsoft house have a large commitment to their infrastructure and it would be difficult to make a complete change to another operating system. Windows 7 and the soon to be released Windows 8 are new operating systems, and though they retain some backwards compatibility with previous versions it is ever more apparent that you need to make the leap and either embrace the new operating systems or make a break and move on to something totally new.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this.

Tech note. Repairing a broken windows boot with a missing system32.doc

Repairing an broken windows boot with a missing system32/config file

The easy way.

Ok now we have all done the boot to windows CD and ran chdsk /r and fixboot with fixmbr.

But sometimes it just won’t work, here a quick way that so far has fixed everything I have thrown at it.

• Get a copy of Ubuntu Linix
• Throw your copy in and boot to it on the broken system. The OS will load and then ask you if you wish to try it or install it. Click try, sit back and wait a min.
• Once you get to the desktop click on places>Filesystem
• The file system should have a number in front of it that will the size of your HDD
• Once inside your HDD go to system volume information.
• Once in here look for a folder called _restore-xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
• (xxx should be random numbers and letters)
• Go in here you will see a bunch of RP folders with numbers next to them. These are restore points folders. Find the latest restore point and pick the one before that. Click in there and find a folder called snapshot.
• Once inside here folder your file called _registry_machine_system.
• Minimize this window.
• Open another instance of your HDD (places> File system)
• This time go to Windows/system32/config.
• Find the SYSTEM file and rename SYSTEM.old.
• Now go back to your _registry_machine_system file copy it and paste it in to system32/config and rename the file to SYSTEM.

Once all this is done, go to the top right of the OS and find the power button click it pick shut down, when it asks you to remove the disk do so, and hit enter. Let the system fully power off then turn it back on, with some luck you have ticked the system in to using an older system config file but with your changes from the last restore point. Remember restore points are made with every windows update so worst case you might lose a program that was installed a week earlier.

Hope this helps.

Scott

PR: Astaro V8.201 HTTP Proxy Issues

Since the release of Astaro Security Gateway Version 8.201, we have noticed an increased amount of customer issues regarding the HTTP Proxy. Below is an overview of the issues raised:

• 18771: Passwords with special characters (@, =, etc.) cause authentication to fail when using "Transparent w/ Auth" mode
• 18929: "Transparent Proxy w/ Auth" is not working properly
• 18880: Edir SSO authentication still times out in HTTP Proxy after V8.201
• 18825: HTTP Proxy doesn't reauthenticate AD SSO client after auth exception matched
• 18653: If the HTTPs Proxy is enabled, login to some websites may result in an "Internal Server Error"
• 18936: HTTP Proxy: SSL tunnel handler does not close client connection in all cases

For a complete list of open issues, please refer to our Known Issues List in our KnowledgeBase: http://www.astaro.com/lists/Known_Issues-ASG-V8.txt

We are working on a HTTP Proxy patch package, which we plan to release early next week.

An interesting ergonomic solution to a desk based problem …

I have found over the past few years that I am tending to spend more and more time sitting in front of my computer, stationary for long periods of time working on some project or another. The only time that I move is when I think about it and get up to shake off the stiffness and get my blood flowing again. I find that by the end of the day my legs and lower back a achy and I have actually gotten tired than on though days that I am moving around for one reason or another. My partner has taken some bricks and placed them under his desk legs to place his desk at standing work level and that seems to have helped him quite a bit. So I am always looking for a solution that will help out this situation and I may have found one from one of our venders.

We have been selling Ergotron Solutions for quite a few years and they make a lot of well built and highly effective products for mounting both computers and monitors for many different situations. An email I just received from them introduced a new product called WorkFit-C Sit-Stand Workstation that provides a work area that can be raised or lowered depending on your needs or as your needs change. They have had this product for a while but they have rereleased it with a larger work surface that makes in even more useful.

The product is promoted as a way to keep you healthier and productive while you are computing. The desk is designed with a patented “Constant Force Technology” that allows you to move the desk effortlessly from a seated to raised position, a full 20 inch adjustment. So what does the company say about their product?

Benefits

For Computer Users

• On-demand sit-stand workstation—improve your energy and productivity by standing or sitting as you work, and then switch positions whenever you choose. Standing a little more each day burns extra calories, tones muscles, improves posture, increases blood flow and ramps up metabolism
• Safe, easy-to-use—simple installation and effortless operation
• Designed to meet North American and European ergonomic standards
• Robust weight capacity holds multiple displays, keyboards, books, phones ... whatever you need in your workflow

For IT and Facilities Staff

• IT deployment friendly—simple and quick setup
• Flexible, open-architecture design is scalable for future computer equipment
• Durable, robust structure, designed to ANSI/BIFMA X5.5-2008 testing standards

For HR/Risk Management and Company Cost Savings

• Manage the cost of healthcare premiums by promoting wellness in the daily work routine
• Provide standing work platforms for employees without having to buy expensive height-adjustable chairs
• Comfortable computing offers provable ROI on investment—healthcare costs associated with unhealthy computing and missed time are reduced while productivity increases
• WorkFit helps alleviate back and neck pain, the most costly conditions affecting employees according to the 2007 OE Medicine Journal
• Studies in office ergonomics show productivity increases of 12%–18% following an ergonomic intervention where employees are provided with well-designed ergonomic furniture

The product costs about $899 plus you will probably want to add the Under Desk Keyboard Arm. a Monitor Arm, and the WorkFit Floor Mat for a total outlay of around $1,300. But what price do you put on extending your good health and possibly helping to decrease the cost of your healthcare? Looks like something to look at!

Promotion Announcement: Buy 4 MimioTeach interactive systems Get 1 Free

From September 1^st through November 18^th, for every 4 MimioTeach products purchased, your customers are able to receive a FREE MimioTeach™ (a $799.00* value)!
About the promotion:
From September 1^st through November 18^th, sell 4 of the MimioTeach units (1762261) for just $799* each and your customer can receive a FREE MimioTeach. There is no limit to the number of free MimioTeach products you can receive with this offer.

Terms & Conditions:

• Promotion valid from September 1, 2011 through November 18, 2011.
• The promotion is valid for educational sales only.
• The promotion is limited to residents of the United States and Canada.
• Any product returns (defective replacements & repairs excluded) will result in the forfeiture of the corresponding number of free goods.
• All MimioTeach units being ordered must be on one purchase order.
• This promotion cannot be combined with any other offer, including bundle pricing.
• Each part number must be clearly listed on the purchase order with corresponding price, and an approved EPR/SOR number.
• All free units must be clearly listed as zero-dollar line item including part number and quantity on your purchase order.
• This offer is available for all customers purchasing at standard end-user pricing. Volume discounts do not apply.
• There is no limit to the number of free MimioTeach units received.
• All promotion-eligible purchase orders must be received between September 1, 2011 and November 18, 2011.

PR: Get more for less with funding, bundles or grants

Take a look at this link to learn how to take advantage of the opportunities to equip your classrooms with great, easy-to-use MimioClassroom Products.

Beat the September 30th deadline to use your American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds to purchase MimioClassroom products. DYMO/Mimio offers innovative products and professional development resources. Many schools have already used their ARRA funds on MimioClassroom products. But time is running out! Contact Mimio’s funding department to find out more about using your ARRA funds on MimioClassroom products >>

Stretch your budget even further with the MimioClassroom bundle. The MimioClassroom full bundle includes the MimioTeach™ interactive system, the MimioVote student assessment system (with 24 or 32 handsets), the MimioPad™ wireless tablet, and the MimioView™ document camera. By purchasing the MimioClassroom bundle, your educational institution will be able to participate in our Educator Pricing program while receiving additional savings for purchasing the complete MimioClassroom suite of products.
Get Educator Pricing for MimioClassroom products >>

Last month we announced the latest Mimio grant opportunity: Jump Start Your Classroom into the Future of Learning. This is a competitive grant open until August 26, 2011 to all K-12 education entities within the United States and Canada. Ten winning applicants will each be awarded select MimioClassroom products. Don’t miss out—submit your application today! Learn more about the Jump Start grant >>

*These opportunities are available only in the U.S. or Canada. For resources outside of North America, please contact PAConnect.

PR: Astaro Version 8.2 Released

Astaro has officially released Astaro Security Gateway Version 8.2 which you can now easily install via the Up2Date system in your WebAdmin.

The latest version of Astaro's flagship product includes more than 60 new features. The major ones are:

• A new web reporting engine*
• Support for 3G/UMTS USB modems
• Web Application Security form hardening
• Next Generation Firewall/Application control features
• A technical preview of Astaro Log Management

One of the new features: Application control – gain visibility and block unwanted applications

V8.2 also offers up to triple IPS performance and double VPN performance than former releases, depending on the hardware model. Also the new Application Control engine is twice as fast as the former IM/P2P engine.

Additionally available via Astaro Up2Date, is V8.201 which solidifies the V8.2 release and should be installed simultaneously. You can find more information regarding the latest releases in our Up2Date Blog here:

• Version 8.2 Release
• Version 8.201 Release

Best regards,
Your Astaro Team

*Important Note* -Installing ASG 8.200 via Up2Date from 8.103 will clear the existing Web Reporting Data. This is necessary as the database systems are vastly different. If your Web Security reports are critical, please wait before installing V8.2. We are currently working on an update where web reports can be re-added manually from log files. We will let you know as soon as this feature is ready.

Muse Feature Tour available from Adobe TV

AdobeTv has 24 free video tutorials that will help you get started using Muse. Muse is the free design tool and creation app that let’s you mock-up and publish your website without having to learn any code at all.

Muse is for graphic designers who want to easily create unique and professional websites. See how you can design and publish original HTML websites to the latest web standards without writing code. It’s as easy as creating a print layout in InDesign!

Key Features of Muse

• Plan your project — Easy-to-use sitemaps, master pages, and a host of flexible, site-wide tools make it fast and intuitive to get your site planned out and ready for design.
• Design your pages — Combine imagery, graphics and text with complete control, flexibility and power (almost as if you were using Adobe InDesign).
• Add interactivity — Drag and drop fully customizable widgets like navigation menus and slide shows, embed HTML code snippets to include things like Google Maps, enable tool tips, rollovers and much more.
• Publish your site — Preview your site with Muse to see how it looks and test how it works. Then convert to a live website using Adobe for hosting, or export the HTML for hosting with a provider of your choice.

Download a free copy of Muse. Here are the free video titles:

The Chemical That Makes Food Fresh For Forever

Take a look at this article discussing a food preservative that is found naturally that could extend the shelf life of food by years.. Sounds scary to me and totally unappetizing. Bizin may be finding its way into our food supply within the next three years. While commercially this sounds great, I can’t help but feel there will be something lost in allowing food to stick around for that long.

The Chemical That Makes Food Fresh For Forever

HP giving up on WebOS…

I never saw much hope in the WebOS devices succeeding for HP anyway but they sure dropped this product quicker than I expected. I am now seeing this tablet available from BestBuy on Fire Sales for $99.99 and $149.99 respectively for the 16 and 32GB versions. I was half tempted to pick up the 16GB version but thankfully thought better of throwing money down the drain like that. I really don’t need another museum piece.

Adding to HP’s woes is their discussion of spinning off their consumer PC business as well because of the low profitability. I have read that their margin is a low 5.7%.

Take a look at these links to learn more:

• Hewlett-Packard gives up on webOS - GigaOM — Tech News, Analysis and Trends
• HP will 'discontinue operations for webOS devices', may spin off Personal Systems Group – Engadget
• HP washing its hands of webOS: discontinues tablets, Pre phones - Ars Technica

HELO TC Touch-Controlled Helicopter

Looking for a new toy for your enjoyment that allows you to use your IOS device as a control interface?

I have lately been acquiring different RC controlled helicopters and have had a lot of fun flying them around the house. Griffin has come out with this one that interfaces an infrared device with your IOS device so that you can control the helicopter in one of two methods:

• Touch Control: Use a virtual joystick on your Multi-Touch display to maneuver the chopper.
• Tilt to Steer: Tilt your iOS device to move the chopper forward, backward, and side to side.

Use the app to record and store up to three Flight Plans so you, or another pilot, can easily repeat a favorite flight pattern. Make up routes among the furniture, missions to fly, obstacles to avoid, goals to achieve, and replay them later with your friends.

Ready to Fly?

HELO TC comes complete with a precision twin-rotor remote-controlled helicopter and Flight Deck. The Flight Deck plugs into your iOS device's headphone jack and translates your commands into infrared signals that beam to the helicopter.

HELO TC's intuitive, easy-to-learn controls and twin-rotor design make for stable, controlled flight. And the HELO TC app provides features not available with other RC helicopters, such as Auto Land so you can bring HELO TC down for a safe landing with just a tap of the Multi-Touch display.

Download the free HELO TC app onto your iOS device, load your device into HELO TC's Flight Deck and you're ready to fly. Currently out of stock, this $49.95 device really looks neat. Griffin is well known for their mobile device add-on’s.