Hide in Plain Sight with BoxCryptor

BoxCryptor is a FREE for non commercial use, cross platform, cloud encryption utility.

https://www.boxcryptor.com/

BoxCryptor secures your data in the cloud – no matter if you use Dropbox, SkyDrive, Google Drive or any other cloud storage provider.
   
Access your encrypted files on all devices. BoxCryptor is available for Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone and iPad. Also compatible with EncFS-Linux.
   
Secure your files the quick and easy way. And what is best: BoxCryptor is free for non-commercial use. Download and try it now!

https://www.boxcryptor.com/

This is encryption end to end for your most important data. You may want to share your password with a trusted friend or family member if the data stored needs to be accessed in the event you can't.

Sky Dive? Not Really Sky Drive? Hell Yeah

Mapping Windows Sky Drive to get 25 GIG of free online storage can' t get easier but requires some voodo to pull it off.

Open your browser, and navigate to http://skydrive.live.com/.

Login and then click on a folder to get your CID
https://cid-1234567890abcdef.skydrive.live.com/.Documents

or with office live

http://cid-1234567890abcdef.office.live.com/documents.aspx?sa=895693244
Copy the UID part of the displayed URL

Sign in with your Windows Live ID.

Leave SkyDrive open, and take note of one of your folder names.
Open Windows Explorer.

On the left sidebar, right-click on Network. Choose Map network drive.
Enter the following URL:

Right Click on Network and select Map Network Drive

Note: Replace “Documents” with “^2Documents”, and “Public” with “^2Public”.
\\docs.live.net@SSL\1234567890abcdef\^2Documents

Replace “XYZ” with the folder name you noted and that you want to map.

Choose a drive letter, and submit the dialog.



You will be prompted for your Windows Live ID. Sign in.

Then, you can access all the files and subfolders within your SkyDrive folder, including copying and pasting. You can even open and edit files directly!

Mock Me with Mockingbird

http://gomockingbird.com/

Mockingbird is an online tool that makes it easy for you to create, link together, preview, and share mockups of your website or application.

No flash is needed to run this.

What is that on the horizon?

Cool tip for safer browsing

Google looks at web sites and maintains a 90 history of a site's security profile.

http://www.google.com/safebrowsing/diagnostic?site=sitename

example:

http://www.google.com/safebrowsing/diagnostic?site=bitgravity.com

gives us:

Safe Browsing

Diagnostic page for bitgravity.com

What is the current listing status for bitgravity.com?

This site is not currently listed as suspicious.

What happened when Google visited this site?

Of the 197 pages we tested on the site over the past 90 days, 0 page(s) resulted in malicious software being downloaded and installed without user consent. The last time Google visited this site was on 2009-12-15, and suspicious content was never found on this site within the past 90 days.

This site was hosted on 2 network(s) including AS40009 (BITGRAVITY), AS33070 (RMH).

Has this site acted as an intermediary resulting in further distribution of malware?

Over the past 90 days, bitgravity.com did not appear to function as an intermediary for the infection of any sites.

Has this site hosted malware?

No, this site has not hosted malicious software over the past 90 days.

Next steps:

• Return to the previous page.
• If you are the owner of this web site, you can request a review of your site using Google Webmaster Tools. More information about the review process is available in Google's Webmaster Help Center.

Feeling diabolical? But your the good guy? Your ISP won't think so.

http://www.measurementlab.net/measurement-lab-tools

MLAB is attempting to provide users with the tools to test their broadband connections by briefly communicating with a server elsewhere on the Internet.

I could have a lab like Dexter if it wasn't for the high cost of maintenance and power. Besides I don't have a basement.


Ping testing doesn't really tell you that much about your connection. You get your response time and whether your packets made it or not. The ISP world treats ICMP packets (PING) with very low priority. Also routers do more than route these days. High speed routers forward packets in hardware with very little processing required allowing them to handle more data faster.

Your packets are queued, buffered, and prioritized based on many factors. In many ways its like a first class ticket on a plane. The more you pay the better your treated. But imagine if the plane was loosing fuel and they needed to loose weight or they will crash. Imagine if they decided to throw third class passengers out the door.

The plane analogy doesn't describe the Internet very well. Its more like a highway with a HOV lane for the rich, When traffic is flowing good everyone is treated the same. When traffic is congested the HOV cars get through. The reason I like the plane analogy because in the HOV analogy all cars make it to the destination. In reality on the Internet your packets get tossed out to prevent the situation from getting worse for everyone.

Now you have the tools to see if your being treated like a customer or a criminal.

Network Diagnostic Tool
Test your connection speed and receive sophisticated diagnosis of problems limiting speed.
Glasnost
Test whether BitTorrent is being blocked or throttled.
Network Path and Application Diagnosis
Diagnose common problems that impact last-mile broadband networks.
DiffProbe (coming soon)
Determine whether an ISP is giving some traffic a lower priority than other traffic.
NANO (coming soon)
Determine whether an ISP is degrading the performance of a certain subset of users, applications, or destinations.


The PlanetLab Consortium joins Google and the Open Technology Institute in creating Measurement Lab (M-Lab), a distributed server platform for deploying Internet measurement tools. M-Lab is designed to empower the public with useful information about their broadband connections.

Don't let the ISPs run away with your re-concatenator/assembler high speed compression port adaptor.

I'm seeing things a bit more clear

I introduced DeadPixelBuddy some time ago for testing that flat screen monitor and looking for lighting defects as well as dead pixels. Onile monitor test seems to go a few step further allowing you not only to look for defect but to make adjustments to get the best quality picture.

I saw a few more benchmarking and testing sites when watching DL.TV

http://tft.vanity.dk/

Here is what they say about the different programs offered at their site:

The monitor test can be run directly in 3 different modes:- Ordinary HTML window (maximize with F11)- Full screen HTML (opens in 1280x1024 but can be resized to fit any resolution)- Executable fullscreen program for any resolution (no installation required) To download a zipped version of the excutable use this link

The input lag test can be used to test for input lag if you have 2 monitors connected. You will need a camera to record the counter. The procedure is as follows:
- Set your two monitors in clone mode- Run either the program or open the html document- Start the timer- Take a picture with your camera with both monitors i focus- If the input response is different on the two monitors, the number on each screen will be different

Another interesting product is a test DVD you can bring with you to the store before you throw down that suit case full of cash in exchange for that high tech wonder you will spend more time with than your wife. Since you don't have time to date that 60inch LCD before you buy it you might want to spend some quality time before you take it home. Look at it like picking up a puppy from the pound.

http://www.tvblink.com/i_dvd.html

Ever wished you can be two places at once?

https://www.foldershare.com/

Maybe you can't be two places at once but your files can.

From my testing this application allows you to work from multiple locations on the same folder. The changes you make no matter where you are are updated everywhere. You can create shared or personal libraries. The website uses encryption and your file transfers are encrypted.

To get started click the INSTALL link at the top right of the website. This will allow you to create your account and form relationships between computers. Once this is done you select the folder you want to share and synchronize.

I created a TEST folder on 2 machines and put 2 files in each with the same name but different data. I allowed automatic synchronization and instead of randomly writing over my file the system on each end added a second extension for the duplicate file names and then synced up. So now the files from both machines are now on both machines without and random file overwrite.

I use the same terminal application on 2 machines. I have built in command folders and files to track notes. If I'm working from one machine and want to add notes it updates on both.

A word of caution! Before you synchronize 2 folders it would be best to start with a empty folder and a folder with files and let the application copy them over.

Take back control of your in game desktop

http://www.playxpert.com/

http://www.playxpert.com/web/guest/product

PLAYXPERT is a next-generation in-game community management tool set developed for PC-based and MMO games. Built around a completely unique in-game overlay technology, PLAYXPERT brings the tools that gamers use into the games they play.

Basically it is a kernel level widget that embeds itself into you directx stream. By doing this it will bypass any and all protections or restrictions that your game environment might have. It allows you to pull up web pages, communicate, take notes, or do just about anything you can think of. You can access Itunes or Winamp for example. This is possible because the developers have ported .NET functionality. We are going to see lots of game database tools.

Of course this is directx 8 - 10 compatible. It appears to be in a closed Beta and I'm not sure what this might cost if anything apon release.

http://www.playxpert.com/web/guest/press/news

Registration is open but the client download is currently disabled.

Sorry. The client download link has been temporarily removed while we prepare a new version of the product.

SkyNet Goes Live

http://skydrive.live.com/

Ok, I'm not sure how much intelligence is behind this but if Microsoft is behind it you can bet it will work much better than similiar services. Yes I am a big fan of Microsoft for good reason.

Store files from multiple sources. Store and access your personal files from anywhere online.

This can augment the use of a USB key and eliminates the need for you to back up the USB key which is very easy to loose. All you do is create a Windows live ID. Then once you are in the site then set your permissions to private unless you have a reason not to.

When uploading you can use the standard web upload method likely using ASP which allows you to load a few files at a time or you can install a upload tool that allows drag and drop.

The rare and exotic warm blooded human customer service rep, on display for a limited time.

Press 1 to piss you off.
Press 2 to get hung up on.
Press 3 for more menus.
Press 4 for useless information
Press 5 for background music
Press 6 for a language you don't understand
press 7 for more options not contained on 3
press 8 to listen to these options again
press 9 if you are a gluten for punishment
press 10 if you don't know want (since you have to hit 1 to press 1 0 then see above)
If you want to speak to a customer rep then hang up and pray.

File Sharing Made Easy

http://drop.io/

This is a simple no hassle file sharing service. You upload the file and send the link to the person that needs the download. That simple.

A private place for storing and sharing photos, video, audio, notes, docs, etc. Each is accessible only to those whom you tell exactly where to look.

No signup and no 'account'. We don't even ask for your email. Create as many drops as you want, and access each at: drop.io/thedropname

Useful for:

• privately sharing pictures & video
• transferring files to yourself
• sharing documents with co-workers
• creating 'instant' collaboration space
• posting your resume privately
• and more!

We can learn a lot from Uncle Buck

Nutrition has Just Gone High Tech


http://www.mypyramidtracker.gov/

This website is designed to allow you to select the products you eat and compare that to the activity you engage in. The food intake section has a listing of commercial and generic products that you select. Then you choose a serving size and number of servings. It will output the complete nutritional information for the food you consume.

You compare this to a just as extensive listing of physical activity to get daily totals.



The site has this description:

MyPyramid Tracker is an online dietary and physical activity assessment tool that provides information on your diet quality, physical activity status, related nutrition messages, and links to nutrient and physical activity information.

The Food Calories/Energy Balance feature automatically calculates your energy balance by subtracting the energy you expend from physical activity from your food calories/energy intake. Use of this tool helps you better understand your energy balance status and enhances the link between good nutrition and regular physical activity.

Keep track of your energy balance history and view it up to one year. MyPyramid Tracker translates the principles of the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and other nutrition standards developed by the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services. Click here for a tutorial on MyPyramid Tracker.

No Fuss, No Muss, or should I say mess.

(potentially not work safe!!!)


http://www.videocodezone.com/

(potentially not work safe!!!)


Online Tools Convert And Download Your Favorite Videos (For Free!!!)


VideoCodeZone and other similiar services (some listed below) work by entering a URL for the FLASH or MEDIA or browsing to a file on you PC. Then like your toaster you simply push the button and wait. Some of these services notify you by email when they are done with the conversion process.

Home Video Conversion and Download
Convert and download videos from popular websites without installing any software.

These services allows you to download and convert videos to many popular formats available today. Some of these sites also allow you to browse videos converted by other which could be in conflict with your employers code of conduct.

This is a online flash video converter where you copy and paste the URL of the video, select the output format and click the Convert/Download button.

You can also convert any flash video from your own files as well. Select the file and click the Convert/Download button.

Other sites:
http://online.movavi.com/
http://vixy.net/
http://www.flvix.com/ - not work safe
http://media-convert.com/
http://www.zamzar.com/

http://www.all2convert.com/index.html - choose your poison (very simple interface)

http://mux.am/

http://heywatch.com/page/home - registration required (supports Adobe Flash 9 H.264)

Pocket PC into a Graphical calculator

Turning your Pocket PC into a graphical calculator is easy and free.

Can you use it on that test? I'm sure you can argue your case. Bare minimum you will get some Geek respect from that math teacher.

http://www.hpcalc.org/ has the links you need. The newest addition section has the link to the download.

Here is the link to download.

http://www.hpcalc.org/hp48/pc/emulators/emu48m114.zip

There are variations to the base calculator.

Here is more to look at:

HP calc programs turning you Pocket PC into a graphical calc
http://www.hpcalc.org/best.php

more online calculators
http://www.1728.com/

Starbucks and Tmobile are too COLD for my blood

Free Wireless Hot Spots - what you need to know before you hit the road.
Starbucks make some damm good coffee but they make some good money as well. I pay enough for the coffee so how about some free WiFi. Starbucks is partnered with Tmobile providing WiFi for the Insane, I mean insanely rich, I mean at insanely high prices. The only thing good for you and your wallet at Starbucks is the water (from the tap), everything else will cost you in one way or another.

When your out of town make it a bit more of an adventure. Look at it like finding that hidden treasure and try something that you don't do everyday at home. This is your opportunity.

My favorite:
http://www.wififreespot.com/
You just add the state code like shown below for NC.
http://www.wififreespot.com/nc.html

The site is easy to follow providing links to the shops offering the free service where available.


Jwire has it all.
http://www.jiwire.com/

Free Offline and Online tools:
http://www.jiwire.com/jiwire-downloads.htm

With JiWire Hotspot Helper for Windows XP adds security, email help, and Hotspot locations that you can lookup without being connected.

Wi-Fi Hotspot finder works with XP and Mobile devices, including the IPHONE.

ToolBars and Widgets add support for the MAC and Support for SKYPE.
_________________________

WiFi Zones
http://www.wi-fi-zones.com/

HotSpot Haven
http://www.hotspothaven.com/

MSN
http://hotspot.msn.com/web/SearchView.aspx

http://www.wifinder.com/

____________________

Here is a eweek article with more listings:
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1611879,00.asp

YouTube to MyTube - Capture that Flash

Update - Get Down with Download manager

This is a firefox extension.

________________________

http://vixy.net/


Online FLV Converter : Download online videos direct to PC / iPod / PSP. It's free!

The service lets you submit a URL. The site will extract the video and decode it. You can then download later for personal viewing.
_________________________

Ok lets say you might want to be a bit more discrete.

It's going to cost you a bit but well worth it. This thing is like magic. It captures everything in the background so you do need to have a little focus to clean up when your done surfing.


Applian Replay Media CatcherVersion: 2.10.00.00
http://www.applian.com/
http://www.media-catcher.com/replay-media-catcher/index.php


The Ultimate FLV & MP3 Capture Tool
Record all kinds of FLV format Flash Videos.
Capture streaming MP3 files.
Automatically names songs and video files.
One click recording.
MP3 tag editor.
Works great for hard-to-capture sites using RTMP protocol.
Free Trial! - $40 to buy
_____________________________


Another online capture solution. Again free, my guess is not for long.

HTTrack Website Copier - FREE

http://www.httrack.com/

It allows you to download a World Wide Web site from the Internet to a local directory, building recursively all directories, getting HTML, images, and other files from the server to your computer. HTTrack arranges the original site's relative link-structure. Simply open a page of the "mirrored" website in your browser, and you can browse the site from link to link, as if you were viewing it online. HTTrack can also update an existing mirrored site, and resume interrupted downloads. HTTrack is fully configurable, and has an integrated help system.

Free online tools and APPS

• Flickr Toys


• Flickr Tool List - The master list of all things Flickr.


• Trading Card Maker


• Picture Captioner


• Rock You - Create image slideshows with captions


• Bubblr - Make comic strips of your photos a la Comic Life.


• Bubble Share - Similar to Rock You, but without the myspace feel.


• Pixoh - Edit your images online.


• AjaxDraw - Draw pictures online.


• Citation Maker - Create work cited pages online.


• Gabbly - Chat with anyone who is on your website.


• Gliffy - Organize your thoughts graphically online.


• goOffice - Write Word documents and do desktop publishing. (Spreadsheet and Presentation creation is coming.)


• iRows - Create spreadsheets in a fully functioning online Excel clone.


• Conversate - Collaborate on new ideas and writing projects.


• Rally Point - Similar to Conversate, but with more extensive saving and writing options.


• Zoho Writer - Create Word documents without Word.


• Writeboard - Another way to create and collaborate on written documents.


• Think Free - The most extensive and beautifully laid out Office replacement.


• Writely - An online word processor that has the support of Google.


• Jump Cut - Create and Edit movies in real time without buying video editing software.


• Ajax Translator - Translate your words into another language in real time.


• Jot Spot Live - Take notes collaboratively.


• Ning


• Vaestro - Make an audio forum online.


• Yack Pack - Similar to Vaestro, perhaps with an easier interface.