It sounds silly, but its true. Google tools are so facinating, I must admit anyhow. Starting from Google home page and then from there on it just sways you away with the day quotes and all the news clippings (you can customize the contents of the Google home page) and then you just get lost into the desktop thingy! Ah! I hate this Google-trap. But I don’t think there is a way out of this and franklly you really can develop some bad habits along the way like visiting CNN or MSNBC less often. So seriously I think that there should be some sort of “surgeon’s general warning” as to limit the usage of Google in a day. 🙂

My notebook. Google Notebook.
Notebook sold me completely. Just when I was thinking that something like notebook would be a cool feature, I came across Google Notebook. Man these guys are mind readers. Its exciting to see how your wishes unfold with Google. Its easy integration with FireFox makes life so simple. I never have to worry about keeping the notes in all the places and moving them or combining them or to move them to another place, etcetra and etcetra. I can have multiple notebooks with multiple sections in it. What more can be asked from a simple notebook. And the best part is that its online, meaning it travels with me wherever I go without carrying the notebook with me.

Now Google Spreadsheet…is there Google Word Processor coming soon too?
And now with the launch of Google Spreadsheet, I mean c’mon Google. Don’t spoil us too much now. I got an invite just yesterday and I have already started to love it. It happens with Google only, falling in love so fast! Any how I’m a frequent visitor to Google Labs and poke my nose around sniffing for new stuff always. It woould be interesting to see Google Word Processor. I don’t know but I sometimes miss Wordstar (if you know what that is), it was simple and fast!! I’m really not happy with MS Word or even OpenOffice Writer, but what can we say. But this spreadsheet is cool. It allows me to share it with others to make mods and adds to it; lets me import Excel files; and comes integrated with using formulae. But mind you its still in beta release so there will be problems hence be patient.

Google Labs: Is it better than the best or what?
Well I must say that Google’s approach of coming up with new tools every once in a while is purely attractive and keeps everyone excited and wanting for more. Its like bunch of kids always looking upto that cookie jar to see what’s coming out next, what kind of cookie may be! Ah! And for Google the internet and its users are a bunch of kids. I like the idea of Google Labs. And I think its a nice way to lay out there and keep that adreline running for everyone. And with the AJAX introduction the web is getting better and better and inexpensive everyday. Some of the tools which I think should get better overtime with usage I believe could be Ride Finder, Reader, Transit, Spreadsheet, Page Creator, Related Links and Notebook.

World without Google?…you must be kidding!
Its hard to imagine how Google has fit into our daily lives so well. I can’t think o internet if I don’t see Google. There’s a lot of emotional attachment with Google for every internet user. I remember back in mid 90’s when I saw Google.com for the first time, gosh it was exciting then; and surpisingly enough, it has been exciting everyone since then! Thank you Google!

It’s almost becoming impossible everyday to free ourselves from this Google-trap!

Technorati Tags: Google, Google Spreadsheet, Google Notebook, Microsoft, Google Labs, Google Ride Finder, Google Reader, Google Transit, Google Page Creator, Google Related Links, AJAX, Web 2.0

It sounds silly, but its true. Google tools are so facinating, I must admit anyhow. Starting from Google home page and then from there on it just sways you away with the day quotes and all the news clippings (you can customize the contents of the Google home page) and then you just get lost into the desktop thingy! Ah! I hate this Google-trap. But I don’t think there is a way out of this and franklly you really can develop some bad habits along the way like visiting CNN or MSNBC less often. So seriously I think that there should be some sort of “surgeon’s general warning” as to limit the usage of Google in a day. 🙂

My notebook. Google Notebook.
Notebook sold me completely. Just when I was thinking that something like notebook would be a cool feature, I came across Google Notebook. Man these guys are mind readers. Its exciting to see how your wishes unfold with Google. Its easy integration with FireFox makes life so simple. I never have to worry about keeping the notes in all the places and moving them or combining them or to move them to another place, etcetra and etcetra. I can have multiple notebooks with multiple sections in it. What more can be asked from a simple notebook. And the best part is that its online, meaning it travels with me wherever I go without carrying the notebook with me.

Now Google Spreadsheet…is there Google Word Processor coming soon too?
And now with the launch of Google Spreadsheet, I mean c’mon Google. Don’t spoil us too much now. I got an invite just yesterday and I have already started to love it. It happens with Google only, falling in love so fast! Any how I’m a frequent visitor to Google Labs and poke my nose around sniffing for new stuff always. It woould be interesting to see Google Word Processor. I don’t know but I sometimes miss Wordstar (if you know what that is), it was simple and fast!! I’m really not happy with MS Word or even OpenOffice Writer, but what can we say. But this spreadsheet is cool. It allows me to share it with others to make mods and adds to it; lets me import Excel files; and comes integrated with using formulae. But mind you its still in beta release so there will be problems hence be patient.

Google Labs: Is it better than the best or what?
Well I must say that Google’s approach of coming up with new tools every once in a while is purely attractive and keeps everyone excited and wanting for more. Its like bunch of kids always looking upto that cookie jar to see what’s coming out next, what kind of cookie may be! Ah! And for Google the internet and its users are a bunch of kids. I like the idea of Google Labs. And I think its a nice way to lay out there and keep that adreline running for everyone. And with the AJAX introduction the web is getting better and better and inexpensive everyday. Some of the tools which I think should get better overtime with usage I believe could be Ride Finder, Reader, Transit, Spreadsheet, Page Creator, Related Links and Notebook.

World without Google?…you must be kidding!
Its hard to imagine how Google has fit into our daily lives so well. I can’t think o internet if I don’t see Google. There’s a lot of emotional attachment with Google for every internet user. I remember back in mid 90’s when I saw Google.com for the first time, gosh it was exciting then; and surpisingly enough, it has been exciting everyone since then! Thank you Google!

It’s almost becoming impossible everyday to free ourselves from this Google-trap!

Technorati Tags: Google, Google Spreadsheet, Google Notebook, Microsoft, Google Labs, Google Ride Finder, Google Reader, Google Transit, Google Page Creator, Google Related Links, AJAX, Web 2.0

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While quite surprising is this news, at the same time its quite shocking as well. Just when we thought that ThinkPad’s were going to be a paradigm shift towards the distribution and installation of open source based operating system and the enterprise community would eventually see a lot new offerings in this area, the whole thing is blown off. Now Lenovo, owner of ThinkPad, claims that they were a committed Microsoft shop before the take over of ThinkPad and they’ll continue to do so. I wonder what are they thinking at this point, with new Vista no where near the picture and its continuous delay in release, Lenovo might have some strategy in mind which probably could get them better opportunities in the near and long term future being an entire Microsoft OEM shop. Lets hope Lenovo is not right.

On the contrary, the opportunity wasted is opportunity gained by someone. I’d like to see other laptop manufactures taking up this Linux challenge. Companies like HP, Dell, Fujitsu, Toshiba, Sony, or even Gateway would be interesting to watch over the next couple of months period.

Technorati Tags: Linux, Lenovo, Microsoft, IBM, Operating System, OEM

While quite surprising is this news, at the same time its quite shocking as well. Just when we thought that ThinkPad’s were going to be a paradigm shift towards the distribution and installation of open source based operating system and the enterprise community would eventually see a lot new offerings in this area, the whole thing is blown off. Now Lenovo, owner of ThinkPad, claims that they were a committed Microsoft shop before the take over of ThinkPad and they’ll continue to do so. I wonder what are they thinking at this point, with new Vista no where near the picture and its continuous delay in release, Lenovo might have some strategy in mind which probably could get them better opportunities in the near and long term future being an entire Microsoft OEM shop. Lets hope Lenovo is not right.

On the contrary, the opportunity wasted is opportunity gained by someone. I’d like to see other laptop manufactures taking up this Linux challenge. Companies like HP, Dell, Fujitsu, Toshiba, Sony, or even Gateway would be interesting to watch over the next couple of months period.

Technorati Tags: Linux, Lenovo, Microsoft, IBM, Operating System, OEM

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I’ve started a new experiment with my essays section and have created a monthly issue article write-up. Its still in its infancy but would love to hear your feedback and comments. Check out the June 2006 issue here. And send your comments at info@rapidblog.com.

Technorati Tags: open-source, magazine, issues, newsletters

I’ve started a new experiment with my essays section and have created a monthly issue article write-up. Its still in its infancy but would love to hear your feedback and comments. Check out the June 2006 issue here. And send your comments at info@rapidblog.com.

Technorati Tags: open-source, magazine, issues, newsletters

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Imagine yourself sitting in BART and downloading songs to your PDA from your home entertainment center, amazing isn’t it, and its very much possible and happening now. You can do all this at SimpleCenter.com. All you do is download their beta version to your PC and create an online free account and you are done! And now you are ready to share and access your pictures, music, movies, podcasts, and other media devices right through the web and within one simple application at mySimpleCenter. And there is no need to upload or download your pictures or music or movies or any other media running at home or office anywhere. And the bottomline, keep running those devices at home in order to be able to access them remotely (just plain logic).

I came across SimpleCenter.com recently, and it just purely hooked me into it right away. Although these folks are in ‘beta’ and the bugs and fixes are done along the way but surely looks like they have a successful road ahead already. These guys have a pretty good and responsive support model through their online forum and mailing lists. Technologies like these aren’t hard to define or create now a days given the fact that there is a lot going on in the Open Source world and else where in the Java and its related technologies world.

Looking at Open Source and the various developments that have taken place in the IT world, is commendable and very niche at the same time. And thanks to Simple Devices, Inc. the company behind this whole SimpleCenter.com that they have made a hats-off attempt by creating a new open source channel SimpleCenter.org to further enhance the capabilities and features of their exisiting technology and getting a bright and large pool of developers to contribute towards SimpleCenter technology. If you want to be a part of this growing community then you should visit their open source website at SimpleCenter.org.

I surely like the concept and would be watching closely what’s up next with them. And am sure you’ll too. And most of all its free and they support and contribute towards open source!

Technorati Tags: Java, JXTA, P2P, Simple Devices, Simple Center, Media Sharing, Media, Music, Movies, Pictures

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Imagine yourself sitting in BART and downloading songs to your PDA from your home entertainment center, amazing isn’t it, and its very much possible and happening now. You can do all this at SimpleCenter.com. All you do is download their beta version to your PC and create an online free account and you are done! And now you are ready to share and access your pictures, music, movies, podcasts, and other media devices right through the web and within one simple application at mySimpleCenter. And there is no need to upload or download your pictures or music or movies or any other media running at home or office anywhere. And the bottomline, keep running those devices at home in order to be able to access them remotely (just plain logic).

I came across SimpleCenter.com recently, and it just purely hooked me into it right away. Although these folks are in ‘beta’ and the bugs and fixes are done along the way but surely looks like they have a successful road ahead already. These guys have a pretty good and responsive support model through their online forum and mailing lists. Technologies like these aren’t hard to define or create now a days given the fact that there is a lot going on in the Open Source world and else where in the Java and its related technologies world.

Looking at Open Source and the various developments that have taken place in the IT world, is commendable and very niche at the same time. And thanks to Simple Devices, Inc. the company behind this whole SimpleCenter.com that they have made a hats-off attempt by creating a new open source channel SimpleCenter.org to further enhance the capabilities and features of their exisiting technology and getting a bright and large pool of developers to contribute towards SimpleCenter technology. If you want to be a part of this growing community then you should visit their open source website at SimpleCenter.org.

I surely like the concept and would be watching closely what’s up next with them. And am sure you’ll too. And most of all its free and they support and contribute towards open source!

Technorati Tags: Java, JXTA, P2P, Simple Devices, Simple Center, Media Sharing, Media, Music, Movies, Pictures

In a story titled “Ingres predicts the end of open source”, Dave Dargo is being interviewed, and his views are expressed as if the end of the open source is coming fairly soon. Where as its already argued a several times that a new model of open source is into penetration. Companies today are realizing that keeping the source code closed is not going to fetch them a lot of flexibility, and moreover the new regulations and mandatory implementations make life tougher for any application management and support department if the vendor for that application is not cooperating with the modification of source code (which rarely is the case as we know it!).

Now, with the flexibility and freedom given to the client with an option of open source code, its upto the client whether they feel competent enough to do the modiication or customization themselves or would be willing to engage the vendor itself for a small fee to make those changes/modifications. But with the bottomline that the flexibility is there and its going to pay the client a long ways.

In this article, Dargo continues to lay out the pretty picture of tomorrow, the beautiful licensing scheme of open source and the very convinient way of updating and the flexibilities it’ll come with. Surely, we can’t expect everything to happen so smooth. There will be bottlenecks, closed door discussions, and more importantly some serious issues on what to do if you are still stuck with closed source!

May be its time now for introspection, not only from the development companies but also from the companies who are going to be the users tomorrow or currently are of such open source/closed source technology . Its not an easy walk for anyone, and we all are learning from our mistakes, everyday, and will continue to do so.

Technorati Tags: open-source, ingres, source+code, licensing, ca, regulations, deployments, dave+dargo

In a story titled “Ingres predicts the end of open source”, Dave Dargo is being interviewed, and his views are expressed as if the end of the open source is coming fairly soon. Where as its already argued a several times that a new model of open source is into penetration. Companies today are realizing that keeping the source code closed is not going to fetch them a lot of flexibility, and moreover the new regulations and mandatory implementations make life tougher for any application management and support department if the vendor for that application is not cooperating with the modification of source code (which rarely is the case as we know it!).

Now, with the flexibility and freedom given to the client with an option of open source code, its upto the client whether they feel competent enough to do the modiication or customization themselves or would be willing to engage the vendor itself for a small fee to make those changes/modifications. But with the bottomline that the flexibility is there and its going to pay the client a long ways.

In this article, Dargo continues to lay out the pretty picture of tomorrow, the beautiful licensing scheme of open source and the very convinient way of updating and the flexibilities it’ll come with. Surely, we can’t expect everything to happen so smooth. There will be bottlenecks, closed door discussions, and more importantly some serious issues on what to do if you are still stuck with closed source!

May be its time now for introspection, not only from the development companies but also from the companies who are going to be the users tomorrow or currently are of such open source/closed source technology . Its not an easy walk for anyone, and we all are learning from our mistakes, everyday, and will continue to do so.

Technorati Tags: open-source, ingres, source+code, licensing, ca, regulations, deployments, dave+dargo

© Manoj Khanna/Open Source World/rapidblog.com 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
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