All CNET Audio Podcasts

Dialed In 103: Android highs and lows

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:30:00 -0800

The Android onslaught continues with the announcement of Sony Ericsson's Xperia X10 and the rumors of Verizon's HTC Droid Eris. Though we will get to see the Droid Eris in our hot little hands--and for the bargain price of $99--the X10 may never see life in North America. Also, we're not thrilled that the Moto Droid skimped on the finger pinching multitouch. Also in the podcast, Nicole talks rips on the Twitter Peek.

Listen now: Download today's podcast
Subscribe now: iTunes (audio) | iTunes (video) | RSS (audio) | RSS (video)

Xperia X10

(Credit: Sony Ericsson)

Rumor of the week
Leaked docs confirm Droid Eris details: November 6, $99

News
Verizon to raise ETF for "advanced devices"
Android and iPhone price plan comparison
Xperia X10 drawing new lines in Android battle
Motorola Milestone is GSM Droid LG Chocolate Touch to drop on November 5th?
HTC HD2 coming to a U.S. carrier in early 2010
Does cell phone design still matter?

Reviews
Samsung Freeform
Samsung Caliber
Sony Ericsson Equinox

Upcoming reviews
Cricket Captr
Twitter Peek
Samsung Code
Nokia 3711

CNET News Daily Podcast: New York joins Intel pile-on, and more

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:57:00 -0800

Today's tech update includes a new antitrust lawsuit filed again Intel, a legal challenge to Barnes & Noble's Nook e-reader, AT&T sues Verizon over commercials, and more.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Today's stories:

N.Y. antitrust suit accuses Intel of bribery

Spring Design seeks injunction barring Nook sales

AT&T vs. Verizon: There's a lawyer for that

Comcast earnings climb 22 percent

Microsoft cuts 800 more jobs

Microsoft makes over the MSN butterfly

Images: MSN through the years

Twitter translates into Spanish

Hacker breaks into jailbroken iPhones, asks for $7

T-Mobile experiencing widespread outage

BOL 1099: Secret ACTA treaty could break the Internet

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:55:00 -0800

Leaks from the secret negotiations of the ACTA treaty allege that ISPs worldwide would be required to lose safe-harbor protections, implement three-strike antipiracy policies, and worse. We think this is outrageous. AT&T thinks Verizon is outrageous because of its commercials and so is taking Verizon to court. Also, EMI finally got around to suing BlueBeat.com for selling Beatles tracks online. But you can buy a Beatles USB stick for $280. So, you've got that going for you.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe with iTunes (audio)
Subscribe with iTunes (video)
Subscribe with RSS (audio)
Subscribe with RSS (video)

EPISODE 1099

AT&T vs. Verizon: There’s a lawyer for that
http://news.cnet.com/8301-30686_3-10389960-266.html

AT&T sues Verizon over ‘there’s a map for that’ ads
http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/03/atandt-sues-verizon-over-theres-a-map-for-that-ads/

T-Mobile USA says it has fixed voice, data outages
http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20091104-710151.html
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10390097-56.html

Leaked ACTA Internet provisions: Three strikes and a global DMCA
http://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2009/11/leaked-acta-internet-provisions-three-strikes-and-
http://www.boingboing.net/2009/11/03/secret-copyright-tre.html

EMI sues Beatles-download Web site
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8342277.stm

The Beatles catalog being released on limited-edition USB stick
http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/03/the-beatles-catalog-being-released-on-limited-edition-usb-stick/

Nvidia confirms Intel chipsets won’t support USB 3.0 until 2011
http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/nvidia-confirms-intel-chipsets-wont-support-usb-3-0-until-2011/

…So, will Nvidia go rogue with its own x86 chipset?
http://arstechnica.com/hardware/news/2009/11/nvidia-x86-cpu-rumors-resurfaceis-it-a-plausible-scenario.ars

UPDATE: Personal Droid data will cost $30
http://www.gearlog.com/2009/11/personal_droid_data_will_cost.php

Verizon looking to bump early termination fee to $350 on ‘advanced’ devices
http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/verizon-looking-to-bump-early-termination-fee-to-350-on-advanc/

Another Verizon Droid commercial, Stealth, and it's awesome
http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2009/11/03/another-verizon-droid-commercial-stealth-and-its-awesome/

PayPal unveils plans to open payment service
http://www.informationweek.com/news/internet/ebusiness/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=221600183

In test, Windows 7 vulnerable to 8 out of 10 viruses
http://tech.slashdot.org/story/09/11/03/2123258/In-Test-Windows-7-Vulnerable-To-8-Out-of-10-Viruses

E-MAIL
Hi BOL crew!
I love the show but it can be hard to sit and listen to somebody for 5 minutes going on about a software licensing system that should be put into place, when it’s been around for 15 years or so.
It’s called Microsoft Open Licensing with Software Assurance. http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/software-assurance/default.aspx
Small and large corporations can purchase from this programme to license their applications and OS from Microsoft. They can opt in for Software Assurance which means they get any and all paid upgrades at no extra charge during the license period (Usually 3 years)
They also get support and other benefits. Media is sent out when required.
Some versions of the MS OLP allow companies to pay annually over the 3 years rather than up front if that helps their books. It does give you predictable IT expenditures.

When it comes to home users, most IT experts will agree that it’s usually best to use the OS that came with your computer and ignore major OS updates. Wait until you buy a new computer that comes with the new OS. Small updates like Snow Leopard on new computers like my March 2009 iMac make sense, especially at $30!
However, I like Tom, do not want to pay monthly or annually for my software. If it was an option it might be ok, but not the only one I hope.

I repeat, LTS!
Cheers,

Jay Rymal
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

**********

Re: Nook v. Alex. I am not sure what trade secrets were taken from
Spring Design. Judging from the documents filed, Spring Design didn’t
even have a working prototype in the Feb 09 meeting, so the only thing
they exchanged were probably concepts. If B&N did not have a dual
screen e-book reader in the final development phase already, i.e., they
came up with it only after seeing the drawings in Feb 2009, B&N must
have one crack hardware engineering team (or ODM)/Android programmers to
get to a final product in 9 months.

Also, what’s the big deal about dual screens–Nintendo DS (hence the
name) has been around for a long time with split screen functionality.
Expanding it to a tablet size seems like an obvious expansion. Nintendo
lawyers: start your engines.

Dickson

**********

Hey Buzz crew! Bryan the Insurance IT guy here in Springfield, Missouri. I've been listening to the show for several years without writing or calling in, but I was listening to the Verizon/Exchange discussion in episode 1098 on the way to work this morning and thought I'd finally chime in with a couple of tidbits!

First, I administer Exchange and mobile devices for my office, and I can tell you there's no simple way for Verizon or any other carrier to detect and block Exchange ActiveSync traffic. ActiveSync encapsulates all device-server communications in HTTPS packets for security, so the only port that needs to be allowed for ActiveSync to work is port 443 - and you can bet all hell would break loose if any carrier tried to block port 443, as that's the port used for ALL SECURE WEBSITES! One thing they might try is to profile traffic patterns for ActiveSync and block based on that, but I'm guessing that's harder than it sounds and would get very messy, very quickly. Good luck to any carrier trying to pull THAT one off.

Second, I've now been involved in setting up half a dozen users with iPhones in my office, some on personal plans, and some on our recently-established corporate account. NONE OF US is paying the 45 bucks for "Enterprise" data service on the iPhone. For the users who set it up on their personal accounts, that didn't surprise me. I DID expect to get some pushback on the iPhone data plans for the corporate accounts, but in every case, we looked the AT&T rep in the eye and said, "Yes, it's a corporate account, but I'm only going to check personal email", and in every case, they didn't even blink. Maybe this attitude varies by region, but here in Southwest Missouri, at least, I've never heard of a case of AT&T forcing the $15 premium on iPhone users, even on business accounts. Incidentally, there's only one time we've been required to pony up the $45 for the enterprise data plan - AND IT WAS TO SUPPORT OUR LONE BLACKBERRY USER.

Maybe next time I'll call in, but I like to take serious relationships slowly. For now I'm still listening to other shows, but BOL holds a special place in my heart, and maybe one day I'll be able to commit.

The 404 460: Where we turn it up to 11

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:29:00 -0800

404 listeners dressed as Rorschach and Silk Spectre! (Click thumbnail for full size.)

(Credit: Hector)

When you do a daily podcast for two years, you start to realize a strange thing about the daily news cycle: one day there are tons of interesting stories to talk about, and the next day there's nothin'. This is one of those nothin' days, but that doesn't mean today's episode is boring by any means. In fact, the slow news days gives us an outlet to do what we do best--veer off course and offer insight into what's going on in our heads!

To kick things off, Jeff and Wilson educate me on GTA: The Ballad of Gay Tony, the second episode of the popular expansion pack that was just released a few days ago.

After taking time to shake our collective heads at the voters in Maine, we give Robert Zemeckis the spotlight to reveal details about his latest effort, a sequel to Who Framed Roger Rabbit!

The interview shows Zemeckis choosing his words carefully so as not to reveal any details, but some are speculating that the script will tell the prequel story about how Roger Rabbit popped out of the Toon world and into 3D. As usual, we agree with Jeff's cynicism about the project considering the director's sketchy idea to use performance capture a la "Beowulf" and "A Christmas Carol" to bring the characters (not Roger Rabbit, phew) back to life. We're warning you, Bob--if you mess up this movie we will never forgive you, "Back to the Future" notwithstanding.

Next, we hand it over to Wilson, who tells us about a recent U.K. study that reveals sensitive new "metrotextual" trends amongst young men in the 18- to 24- year-old age group. The study defines "metrotexting" as a text message sent from one male to another that offers a message and signs off with an "x," which translates from text-speak to a virtual kiss.

Thanks to 404 listener Jenny Lawrence for this snapshot!

(Credit: Jennifer Lawrence/The 404)

The article goes on to report that metrotextuality is most popular among 18- to 24-year-olds, with an unbelievable 75 percent of males ending texts to their dude friends with an XO, or "hugs and kisses."

We're not sure what's going on in the U.K., but our small experience doesn't reflect the same intimacy with our friends, although we're starting to think that we should spread the love a little more...so Wilson and Jeff, if you're reading this...doing the show for the past two years with you guys has been the most rewarding experience of my life, no lie. I love you guys. /bromance

We've got a lot more stories for you, including a quick book review of Lois Lowry's The Giver, Modern Warfare 2 terrorist claims, a discussion about video game ratings, Nintendo's newest DSi XL/LL, T-Mobile carrier outages, and of course - the third and final round of our virtual Halloween costume parade!

Enjoy the show and let us know what you think in a voicemail (1-866-404-CNET) or an e-mail (the404(at)cnet[dot]com). Have a great Wednesday!

404 listener Halloween costume parade, Pt. 2!

EPISODE 460
Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video

...

Indecent Exposure 67: Interrupting experiences

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:45:00 -0800

Honing your sharpening skills, how you left your ruts in the mud, and your fall foliage photos for all.

Listen now: Download today's podcast
Subscribe now: iTunes (audio) | RSS (audio)

EPISODE 67

...

MP3 Insider 167: The munchies take over

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:38:00 -0800

This week, Donald and Jasmine talk up the new iAudio players from Cowon and how they're going to have Apple shaking in its boots (not), and also take an inordinate amount of time to espouse upon something that has very little to do with digital music: a possible monthly subscription plan for online video from iTunes. Plus, some very unsubtle earbuds from Stonedcandy--er, Skullcandy--and some listener feedback on iPod usage.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe in iTunes audio | Subscribe in iTunes video | Subscribe in RSS audio | Subscribe in RSS video

EPISODE 167

New Cowon players hit retail:
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-12519_7-10388888-49.html?tag=mncol;title
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-12519_7-10389728-49.html?tag=mncol;title

Apple to offer $30 iTunes video subscription plan?

Skullcandy gets subtle...not

More from Skullcandy (since people insist on buying them)

------VOICEMAIL------

------EMAIL-------

Hi guys, I love ya show to bits!!!!

What in your opinion is the best sounding audio player I could buy at the moment. I've been a musician all my life and I'm overjoyed by FLAC but discovered my iPod Nano (4th Gen) is not willing to play these files. Is there a way to hack my iPod? I'm thinking of upgrading to the iPod Touch, would you recommend this for better sounding audio?

I'd love to hear your thoughts & ideas

Your long term fan of the show

Paul

CNET News Daily Podcast: Much ado about extended warranties

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:56:00 -0800

Black Friday will be here in mere weeks, but the extended warranty business runs year round. What are some things to watch out for, and do you really need to buy a warranty for some of the smaller ticket items? We get CNET News reporter (and fellow CNET News Daily Podcast host) Erica Ogg in the studio to give us a breakdown on tech warranties, along with what gadgets you should and shouldn't buy one of these warranties for.

We also talk about Best Buy's upcoming video service, batteries made out of zinc, and a new wireless device that's been made just for Twitter.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Today's stories:

Cisco, EMC, and VMWare make alliance official

Best Buy to launch branded movie download service

Dedicated tweeting gadget TwitterPeek launches

Hulu adds episode release schedule

Zinc air battery maker looks beyond lithium

Barnes & Noble hit with suit over Nook

Spammy scams surfacing on Twitter, Facebook

Inside CNET Labs 67: Kimbo Slice stinks

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:45:00 -0800

Don't tell him I said that please.

(Credit: Touchgloves)

Happy belated Halloween! I know, I know. Halloween is so last week! Still, Dong and I discuss our experiences of the most popular holiday that you don't actually get to stay home from work for.

Then, we move to the toilet. Or more specifically, toilet technology. Even more specifically, we talk about motion detection technology used in the toilet. And by toilet, I don't mean in the toilet, just, you know, in the washroom. Also, clam-shell packaging? Who needs it?

Then we get down to serious business with Dong detailing the WD TV Live and the first 6GBps SATA controller card. I think you can actually hear me snoring during this segment. For my part, I point you directly in the direction of the Monitor Buying Guide.

To subscribe to this podcast, visit us at our main page and click the podcast link on the right. Don't forget to leave us voice mail at 1-800-947-6399 or e-mail us at insidecnetlabs@cnet.com.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe now: iTunes (audio) | RSS (audio)

BOL 1098: Find TuPac and Elvis in Argleton

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:10:00 -0800

The mystical city of Argleton in the U.K. appears on Google Maps but presents a face of green empty fields to people in person. What is it hiding? Druids? Wizards? Copyright protection? We also discuss the hot new XPERIA X 10 and the less hot Droid Exchange data plan. Also we can tell you when to watch Cougar Town on Hulu. We never stop our attempts to serve your every need.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe with iTunes (audio)
Subscribe with iTunes (video)
Subscribe with RSS (audio)
Subscribe with RSS (video)

EPISODE 1098

Microsoft chops price of its hosted software
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10388764-56.html

Want a Droid for work e-mail? It’ll cost you extra
http://www.infoworld.com/d/mobilize/want-droid-work-e-mail-itll-cost-you-extra-575

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 announced
http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/sony-ericsson-xperia-x10-announced-we-go-hands-on/
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2355137,00.asp
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-10389463-94.html

Dutch hacker holds jailbroken iPhones “hostage” for ?5
http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2009/11/dutch-hacker-holds-jailbroken-iphones-hostage-for-5.ars

Best Buy prepares for the post-DVD era
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/03/best-buy-prepares-for-the-post-dvd-era/
http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/03/best-buy-partnering-with-cinemanow-to-stream-first-run-dvds-to-a/
http://news.cnet.com/8301-31021_3-10389016-260.html

Spring Design files lawsuit against Barnes & Noble: Nook violates Alex intellectual property
http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20091102006674&newsLang=en
http://www.tgdaily.com/consumer-electronics-features/44517-start-up-sues-over-nook

Hulu launches Coming Soon, their own TV Guide, sort of
http://blog.hulu.com/2009/11/02/coming-soon-your-resource-for-good-things-to-come/

Feds charge cable modem modder with 'aiding computer intrusion'
http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2009/11/derengel/
http://www.pcworld.com/article/181267/alleged_cable_modem_hacker_indicted_in_us.html

Space hotel on track for 2012 – requires 8 weeks of training
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20091102/od_uk_nm/oukoe_uk_space_hotel;_ylt=AppcrpbEAKVXEHRSsMudbLx0fNdF

Mystery of Argleton, the ‘Google’ town that only exists online
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/google/6474746/Mystery-of-Argleton-the-Google-town-that-only-exists-online.html

VOICE MAIL
Jerry from the fed thinks e-mail and letters are the same

Anonymous G-Man disagrees

E-MAIL
Hey Buzz Crew,

On Monday’s show, you guys took issue with Apple’s argument regarding Psystar’s unauthorized “copying” of OS X when the machines boot and make copies in the system’s RAM.

Although I’m not a lawyer, I am currently a law school student, and I can tell you that the idea that copying into RAM constitutes making a “copy” in the way Apple claims is well established law. See MAI Systems Corp. v. Peak Computer, Inc., 991 F.2d 511 (9th Cir. 1993).

As consumers, we’re given an exception for making RAM copies because we own authorized copies (or licenses) of our software. Apple’s argument (and it’s probably a valid one) is that Psystar is making unauthorized copies, and is thus not allowed to claim the same safe-harbour that allows regular consumers to make RAM copies.

As someone who hopes to build a hackintosh myself one day, I’m not particularly happy to say it, but it seems relatively clear that Apple has got established legal precedent on its side here. Love the show.

Nathan

***********

Someone must have commented that the “Nook” seems to come from Dr Seuss… In “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue fish” There is a part about “I took a look, I saw a Nook, and on his head there was a hook, and on his hook there was a book, and on the book was how to cook…” So when I heard the name Nook as a book reader, it just seemed too obvious. Of course the nook couldn’t read so the nook couldn’t cook so what good to a nook is a hook cook book?

Maybe I missed this discussion?

Love the show

Irie

***********

I have an alternative to the Twitter Peak. I had a “smart” pager back in 1998 and it had a full qwerty keyboard and could send/receive email or send text pages to other smart pagers.

I did a quick net search and these are still available, only now they support two way SMS as well for about $20/month and 2000+ texts/pages/emails. Pagers run $50-150. Who knew.

Probably better for a kid than a medium that by default broadcasts to the whole world. Plus no camera, unlike most cellphones, so no tween-sexting issues.

Love the show.

James

Digital City No. 56: Mixed news for Nintendo, plus the social utility of the iPhone

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:58:00 -0800

Episode 56 of the Digital City, where we discuss Apple's plans for a monthly iTunes TV subscription service; Joey wonders why everyone puts up with poor iPhone service (hint: it's the social utility of shared experiences); and Scott finds out how much laptop $350 can buy.

It's also a mixed bag for Nintendo, with Wii sales down 50-percent over last year, and a lukewarm reception to the larger screen on the DSi XL handheld -- but at the same time, New Super Mario Bros. Wii and targeted games such as Style Savvy may bring in holiday shoppers. Finally, check out a hands-on look at DJ Hero, and see Scott rock a trucker hat straight out of 2003.

>>Watch the Digital City live every Monday at 3pm EST on CNET Live!
>>Subscribe to Digital City on iTunes
>>Join the Digital City Facebook fan page
>>Need more? Follow Dan on Twitter!

Listen now: Download today's podcast
Subscribe now: iTunes (audio) | iTunes (video) | RSS (audio) | RSS (video)

Bonus -- Hands-on video with DJ Hero:

The 404 459: Where we walk the streets at 3 a.m.

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:59:00 -0800

BFI = Brendan the Future Intern

(Credit: The 404/CNET)

One surprise guest on The 404 always makes for a great show, especially when it's Bonnie Cha, who's in town apartment hunting for her big move out to New York at the end of the year! We're so excited at the idea of hanging out with her full-time, and even more stoked to welcome our second surprise guest: 404 superfan Brendan!

Our new underage friend took it upon himself to arrive at the CNET offices in the middle of his N.Y. vacation, bright and early at 3 a.m. in anticipation of sitting in on the show. We're more than happy to oblige, because that's some serious dedication. 404 fans rule; thanks for stopping by, Brendan!

In honor of our two guests, we've got a hilarious show today, literally packed full of awfully random stories from the Internet. It's the first day we're all back together as a family, so Jeff takes a second to tell us about his Halloween adventures and his trip to see Tim Burton's "The Nightmare Before Christmas" in 3D. It sounds like he might be changing his opinion on 3D, although we're all a little wary about Jim Carrey's upcoming 3D adaptation of "A Christmas Carol."

Wilson's next three months.

(Credit: Toys.IE)

Next, Wilson offers two completely off-kilter stories that he dug from the colon of the Web about a creepy new Wii game that forces you to "cram a Wiimote inside a baby," according to Wilson's description, and another story about a bizarre space hotel that will charge guests $4.4 million for a three-night stay that includes majestic views of the rising sun...15 times a day. No, it's not Fhloston Paradise, it's real life, which is much scarier.

Speaking of movies, check out the official trailer for "Prince of Persia" and this photo of a shirtless Jake Gyllenhaal and tell us you won't be first in line when it comes out on May 28, '10.

Also, Wilson tells us Joss Whedon has issued an open letter to the Terminator owners asking to make a $10,000 bid to continue the popular franchise. The guy definitely means business, and we might be onboard were it not for the fact that he keeps referring to himself as a "legendary mastermind." He does, however, offer a throat lozenge for Christian Bale's John Connor if accepted and even puts in $10k for the Batman series while he's at it, so it's clear that Joss Whedon has lost his marbles. Maybe we should just keep it to blood-suckers and wooden stakes, how about it Joss?

Much thanks once again to everyone who sent in photos for our Halloween costume virtual catwalk you see below. If you'd like to be included, send us a photo of this year's get up to the404{at}cnet[dot]com.

Hope you guys enjoy today's show as much as we enjoyed recording it!

404 listener Halloween costume parade, Pt. 2!

EPISODE 459
Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video

...

CNET News Daily Podcast: Web expected to drive holiday sales

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:46:00 -0800

Forrester Research says that while retail sales will probably be flat this holiday season, online sales are expected to reach $44.7 billion, an 8 percent jump over last year. Seventy-two percent of retailers questioned said they expect holiday sales to increase over last year. And the customer experience may be improved as well. Online retailers may also show a new focus on customer engagement and service.

Also on the podcast: The Wii is losing ground, Amazon has finished its acquisition of Zappos, phishing attacks are up, file sharers spend more, and the military is testing new force-feedback packbots.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Today's stories:

Web to drive holiday retail sales

Nintendo president: 'The Wii has stalled'

Amazon laces up Zappos buy

Former AMD chief Ruiz leaving spin-off

Phishing, worms spike this year, say Microsoft and McAfee

Study: File sharers spend more money on music

Creative is latest to tackle e-book readers

Ex-MySpace CEO wants to gamble on social games

Mozilla releases first beta of Firefox 3.6

Military looks for better touch with PacBots

BOL 1097: Beatles Bargain Basement Blowout!

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:11:00 -0800

Over at BlueBeat.com, the best MP3-selling Website you've never heard of, has got it all for your listening pleasure, the entire Beatles catalog in MP3 form for just 25 cents each! Get them while you can (which won't be long). In other news, file sharers might buy more music, Bittorrent might save the Internet, and Apple could save the networks (but kill cable).

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe with iTunes (audio)
Subscribe with iTunes (video)
Subscribe with RSS (audio)
Subscribe with RSS (video)

EPISODE 1097

BlueBeat first with legal Beatles downloads — or at least a hell of a lot of cheek.
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/AheadoftheCurve/beatles-finally-sale-online-bluebeat/story?id=8960464

Study: File sharers spend more money on music
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17852_3-10387976-71.html

uTorrent 2.0 To Elimininate The Need For ISP Throttling
http://torrentfreak.com/utorrent-2-0-to-elimininate-the-need-for-isp-throttling-091031/

DVR, Once TV's Mortal Foe, Helps Ratings
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/02/business/media/02ratings.html

Apple pitching iTunes subscription TV model for $30 a month
http://mediamemo.allthingsd.com/20091102/apples-itunes-pitch-tv-for-30-a-month/

Snow Leopard Update Blocks Intel Atom, Kills Hackintoshes
http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/11/snow-leopard-update-blocks-intel-atom-kills-hackintoshes/

Apple Says Booting OS X Makes an Unauthorized Copy
http://apple.slashdot.org/story/09/11/01/195232/Apple-Says-Booting-OS-X-Makes-an-Unauthorized-Copy

Unconfirmed reports say Droid may also be headed to T-Mobile
http://www.brighthand.com/default.asp?newsID=15838

Nintendo chief: the Wii has stalled
http://news.cnet.com/8301-10797_3-10387926-235.html

Free 3G Wireless For Nintendo’s Next Handheld?
http://games.slashdot.org/story/09/11/02/1530221/Free-3G-Wireless-For-Nintendos-Next-Handheld

An entire baby Wiimote peripheral
http://www.slipperybrick.com/2009/11/an-entire-baby-wiimote-peripheral/

VOICE MAIL
Matt from Orlando: Pagers FTW!

E-MAIL

No, I'm not a lawyer but given that Joe Wilson is my congressman (oh, the pride I feel), maybe I'm a bit more entitled to blurt things out...

I found this text for the beginning of the 4th amendment..
"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated,..."

So what I'm thinking is this: couldn't we define email as an extension of your "papers" I'm not sure what they meant by "effects Perhaps some other member of this BOL community can weigh in.

LTS

(love the show)

Brad Edwards
Columbia, South Carolina

**********

Hey Buzz Crew,

You’ve been getting me excited about the Nook, with its ability to loan a book out to a friend for up to two weeks. But I just heard that not only won’t you have this option for all publishers (which you may have mentioned), but even when a publisher supports it, you can only loan a book ONCE. So if I loan you a book and you’re too busy to even start it, I can’t loan it to you again, and nobody else can benefit from me loaning it out either. Thanks for wasting my ability to loan out that book!

Sources:
http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=60148&highlight=nook+lending
http://webfloss.com/nook-just-turned-down-suckish-road/

Dan Vanderboom
Milwaukee, WI

**********

So three guesses where I went today. I’ll give you a hint it rhymes with the Ficrosoft Smore. Yes, the wait is over and I’m happy to announce (although a I’m tiny bit bitter) that the Microsoft Store is in fact a success. First of all the place is HUGE and loaded with all
the best Microsoft using hardware (and no doubt the most expensive).
In the store there are plenty of Zunes and sleek laptops, but the things that seemed to really seemed to put the asses in the seats were the gigantic touched screened computers, Xbox 360 games as well as some surface like gaming tables. Now this store does look a lot like an Apple store and it would have been nice to see some originality but all in all I have to say that Microsoft did this right. Although I have yet to have seen the new Apple store that is under construction as of now. All I know it that It has swallowed the store next to it and is now twice as big as before. So needless to say I’m freaking out over what’s behind that big black box inclosing it and so are the people judging by how many of them were trying to sneak peaks through the crack in between the doors Apple better come back with something FREAKING AWESOME to top this new store.

- Aaron in OC

The 404 458: Where daylight comes and we want to go home

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:17:00 -0800

"What's so important? What's he carrying?" The newest Podcast from the 404, of course!

(Credit: Props Guy Jim)

Jeff didn't get the memo about daylight-saving time and misses today's episode of The 404 Podcast, but luckily our good buddy Mark Licea of The Green Show set his clock back and helps us out with today's Halloween recap, as well as a few stories from around the Internet.

Wilson stayed out partying with a group of hotties, per usual, Mark hung out in the city, and Justin downed a couple of 40s of Arizona Iced Tea and passed out early, but not before seeing two very disturbing things on the walk home.

Many thanks to all the listeners who sent in pictures of their costumes! Be sure to check out the photo slideshow below and send yours in to the404(at)cnet(dot)com to be included!

The first story of the day is about the iPhone finally arriving in Wilson and Justin's motherland, but with a catch: no Wi-Fi! Since Wi-Fi is banned in the country, Apple's local Chinese partner Unicom (not Unicorn) decided to release a version to the eager Chinese without the wireless Internet services.

Unicom is asking 6,999 yuan, or a whopping $1,025 for the 32GB iPhone 3GS. Fortunately, Chinese technophiles can get their iPhone fix at a cheaper price on the black market who are currently offering the 3GS WITH Wi-Fi at only $835.

Apple-branded bookmarks masked as iPod Nano.

(Credit: iPhone Savior)

We all know Apple is not without a cruel sense of humor, but this Halloween the company played a hilarious trick on unsuspecting mall-goers in Bellevue, Wash.

Shoppers flooded their local Apple Store when they caught a glimpse of employees giving away what they thought were iPod Nanos, which actually turned out to be iPod Nano-shaped BOOKMARKS. Well, at least they weren't giving out copies of Windows 7.

Speaking of grouches, we also have a bizarre story in the today's rundown about a study in the U.K. that claims grumpiness can actually improve memory and sharpen your senses! Whereas positive moods promote the imagination, cooperation, and flexibility, these flights of fancy often distract a person from paying attention to their surroundings.

The study concludes that sadness can actually promote information-processing strategies and force you to be more critical of the world around you! Maybe Jeff is onto something after all...

404 listener Halloween costume parade, Pt. 2!

EPISODE 458
Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video

Video coming soon, check back later today!

...

142: Honda hybrids, Infiniti EVs and punishing driving while texting.

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:07:00 -0700

Honda talks about bigger hybrids, Cash for Clunkers might have been a huge boondoggle, Infiniti will get an electric car, should DWT be punished harder than DUI? And we take you for a ride in the frustratingly fun Scion xB.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe with iTunes (audio)
Subscribe with iTunes (video)
Subscribe with RSS (audio)
Subscribe with RSS (video)

EPISODE 142
SHOW NOTES

• Should DWT being punished more severely than DUI?

• CNET drives the new 2010 VW GTI

• CNET review of the 2010 Scion xB

• World distance record claimed for driving an electric car on a single charge

• Wacky driving robot being developed at MIT

Reporters' Roundtable 8: Future of the book

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:01:00 -0700

This week: Books, future of. With the success of the Kindle and its store, and the announced upcoming release of the Barnes & Noble Nook, there are very interesting question for consumers and publishers: What is the future of the book? To discuss this on the Roundtable I have two experts on digital media. First, from CNET, executive editor David Carnoy, who has reviewed the latest e-book readers and who's an e-published author -- see "Knife Music" on Amazon, a 5-star rated book. And joining us from O'Reilly Media - Andrew Savikas, VP of Digital Media Initiatives and a well-known thinker on the print-to-digital transition.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe with iTunes (audio)
Subscribe with iTunes (video)
Subscribe with RSS (audio)
Subscribe with RSS (video)

Reporters' Roundtable #7: The future of the book

Show notes and talking points...

The reason I picked this topic was the introduction of the B&N Nook, which I think makes the game of e-books more interesting, since it's a serious competitor to the Amazon Kindle. David, overview of the Nook - hardware and store and catalog?

Other vendors overview: Cue, Sony, Apple?

Looking forward: Is the book dead?

Let me ask this another way: What is a book?

With the Kindle and the Nook (and Sony etc)... are we there yet?

What about non-reader access on mobile (or PC)

Andrew: What is Safari, and can you give us a progress report on it?

Discussion of DRM and books: Will it go away, as it did on iTunes?

The concept of books needing platforms, the way software does: What does it mean for the act of reading?

Best market for e-books? (Texts and references, if you ask me.)

What will e-books do to publisher revenues? Authors? Does content necessarily become cheaper when it is digital?

How to sell used books, or lend a book?

What kind of reader do you own / would you buy if you could only have one?

What's next?

Next time on the Roundtable:

I have some ideas... stay tuned.

Comments to: roundtable@cnet.com

CNET News Daily Podcast: Why Verizon is key to the Droid's success

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:15:00 -0700

Motorola has been desperate for a hit phone since the Razr. The Droid, powered by Android 2.0, and available beginning next week, could be the beginning of a comeback for the handset maker, says CNET's Maggie Reardon. She talks about the importance of the Droid's exclusive contract with Verizon, and why it could be the key to its success.

Also on today's podcast: Sony suffers another bad quarter, ICANN makes one of the biggest changes to the Internet in 40 years, Facebook gets a huge judgment against the infamous spam king, and some scary Halloween tech tales.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Today's stories:

Can the Droid save Motorola?

Sony continues quarterly losing streak

Facebook awarded $711 million in spam lawsuit

ICANN approves non-Latin domain names

Will the Chevy Volt make money for GM?

Let's kill the OS upgrade disc

Spooky tech tales to make your computer crawl

BOL 1096: Unzipping your genes

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:04:00 -0700

Turns out those terahertz scanners in the airports are mostly safe, but they do a little unzipping of your DNA. Derek says it's nothing to worry about; you won't grow a third arm in the airport--even if it would be handy for carrying baggage. We also find out e-mail isn't private. Did we need the courts to tell us that? And Facebook gets $711 million it will never see.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe with iTunes (audio)
Subscribe with iTunes (video)
Subscribe with RSS (audio)
Subscribe with RSS (video)

EPISODE 1096

Federal judge says e-mail not protected by Fourth Amendment
http://yro.slashdot.org/story/09/10/29/2257209/Federal-Judge-Says-E-mail-Not-Protected-By-4th-Amendment
http://blogs.wsj.com/law/2009/10/29/on-gmail-and-the-constitution/

Facebook awarded $711 million in spam lawsuit
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10387021-93.html

Internet regulator Icann approves Web addresses in multiple languages
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2009/oct/30/icann-approves-idn-web-addresses-language
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10387139-93.html

Epix launches premium movie channel for TV and the Web
http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/epixhd_premium_movie_channel_for_the_tv_and_internet_invites.php
http://arstechnica.com/media/news/2009/10/studios-launch-epix-high-def-on-demand-movies-site-and-we-have-invites.ars

Google Wave to be opened for federation today! Yes, for you to host.
http://thenextweb.com/appetite/2009/10/30/breaking-google-wave-opened-federation-today-host/

Software that fixes itself
http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/23821/

Microsoft’s Mission Viejo store opens
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/microsoft-store-viejo-2628335-mission-first

Let’s kill the OS upgrade disc
http://news.cnet.com/8301-19882_3-10386856-250.html

How terahertz waves tear apart DNA
http://science.slashdot.org/story/09/10/30/1216230/How-Terahertz-Waves-Tear-Apart-DNA

ReoCities: Because GeoCities is gone, but not forgotten
http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/10/29/reocities-because-geocities-is-gone-but-not-forgotten/

VOICE MAIL
Jason in Marietta calls out a bridge comment

Tony on Net Neutrality

Joe with a way to get around Amazon’s scheme

E-MAIL
Hey crue’de’buzz, I think SoCal or Stanford has an open source 3D printer that only costs around 2K. Aside from the fact that you can swap out the printing medium with cake icing, the coolest part is their goal of making the entire printer printable. If one of the parts is about to break, print a new one! If you’re annoyed with all your friends boggarting your printer, print them one. I think they have about 30% of the parts printable already, and they’re currently trying to replace the few metal parts with printable plastic. Now all we have to do is eagerly await the monopolization of the “periodic feed.”
John Smolik
Austin, Tx.

**********

Hey BOL crew,

Just responding to the email in episode 1095 about using the twitter
peek to stay in contact with your kids.
While I love the idea of a device with “lifetime” service and no
contracts, I’m not a fan of single purpose devices.
However, I can see where this person is coming from as my son is at
the age where a simple text device would be handy and I hardly ever
use the phone myself when I can avoid it, so why bother with another
cellular plan?

So I did a little looking around and found a company called Qwert (qwertcorp.com
) that sells very inexpensive text only plans, no contract, and does
not require you to buy a device, they mail you a sim card!

Considering my (jailbroken) Gen 1 iPhone is getting on in years and I
have been contemplating an upgrade for a while, I decided to pass it
on to my son with service from Qwert.
It works great and he sure appreciates the “extra” features of playing
music and games.

James in Milwaukee

The 404 457: Where Justin gets some tail on Halloween

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:29:00 -0700

MTI, Wilson, and Kenley as a Lt. Dangle/Karate Kid lovechild, a panda, and Sherlock Holmes, respectively.

They said it would never happen, but the day has finally come for Justin to get some much-needed tail....as he dons a skunk costume and becomes Justin Le Pieu for today's very unspooky Halloween episode of The 404! Be sure to check out today's video for all the details. Since Jeff is out today and this coming Monday for who-knows-what, the guys ask everyone's favorite Kenley and Alli to help co-host the show.

Unfortunately, with the Swine Flu hitting New York at full force, nobody in the office is feeling too hot for the holiday, but they do their best and don some shades as they recall last night's CNET's Client Halloween Party. Kenley chooses her top picks for the Best Costume Award and Alli tells everyone a horrifying story that happened on her way to work this morning...trust me folks, NOTHING is scarier than a mouthful of New York trash water.

(Credit: Last.FM/Fool's Gold)

As October slowly fades away, and with great reluctance and tears, we must say goodbye to Beck's Beer and the Semi-Weekly Audio Draft, but not before Wilson debuts our last pick. Continuing in our tradition of introducing new and different genres of music, Fool's Gold plays a unique blend of South African, Ethiopian, and Eritrean influenced music with a twist--lead vocalist Luke Top was born and raised in Israel and sings the majority of the lyrics (although many of the tracks, including our first pick, are instrumental) in Hebrew.

The two featured tracks on today's episode are called "Surprise Hotel" and "Ha Dvash." If you're into the band, you can even win a date with Alli and Kenley to go see the band perform on November 17 at the Bowery Ballroom here in New York! All interested parties should submit a photo, general interests, date ideas, and a brief cover letter to the404(at)cnet(dot)com.

Have a great Halloween folks, and be safe!

EPISODE 457
Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video

...

Gadgettes 160: The Batten Down the Hatches Episode

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:16:00 -0700

Molly's out of the office with the swine flu. In her honor, we cover the tech that allows you to keep yourself germ free. Don't worry. Even if you end up with the flu, we also cover the tech that will keep you entertained while you recover.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe with iTunes (audio)
Subscribe with iTunes (video)
Subscribe with RSS (audio)
Subscribe with RSS (video)

EPISODE 160

Want to steer clear of N1H1? Stay off the couch

Self Sanitizing Keyboard (thanks David!)

Keep your arms dry while you wash dishes (or while you wash everything in your house.)

Designer hand sanitizer

Ericsson’s Spider PC projects the keyboard, screen

Driverless car takes you to the doctor

Time-lapse photography on your iphone

Make your iphone photos look like miniatures with tiltshift

If you’re tooly, pass the time with sports:
Football

or baseball

or even basketball

A Propos (of) Nothing
LED lashes

What a Concept!
Concept Toaster Lets You Watch As It Does Its Work

Gender gap
Air Board

What the Hell?!
Asspeaker (thanks Charlene!)

It’s About Time
Wake Up Light

E-Mail
Hi lovely people of Gadgettes!

I was just doing some of my normal, day to day internet browsing when I stumbled upon…. the most…. hysterically horrifying thing, I have ever seen. Nothing has screamed Gadgettes to me more than the gem that is the Palm Beach Sugar Daddy Ken Doll, complete with white dog and pink leash. I know this has nothing to do with tech, which is why I propose a new segment! D-bag of the week! Enjoy!

Kyle

Hey gals (& guy),
Just listened to “The Bad Marketing Episode” and was slightly amused by the seven patty Whopper. Until I saw the youtube video of some Japanese guy trying to bite it. Then it was hilarious!!!! Here's the link. BTW I wish I could speak Japanese so I could understand what they're saying.:)
Great show, sometimes politically in correct but, always hysterical!

Kahli (pronounced kah-lee)

The Real Deal 185: Road test: Windows 7

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:06:00 -0700

Tom and Rafe discuss life with Windows 7, Entourage, Seagate hard drives, Ubuntu and more.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe with iTunes (audio)
Subscribe with iTunes (video)
Subscribe with RSS (audio)
Subscribe with RSS (video)

Episode 185

Windows 7
Windows 7 Virtualized
XP Mode (for VPN)
NiNite
Entourage

LISTENER ROAD TEST

Hey guys,

Good timing for a road-test episode, as I have been using Ubuntu 9.04 Jaunty
Jackalope (man, I always feel stupid typing out those codenames..) on an old
Toshiba laptop. This was my wife’s old windows machine that (supposedly)
died two years ago. Well, I wanted something to do the other day so I
downloaded the 9.04 ISO and tried installing it on the not quite dead yet
machine.

The install was dead easy, about the same as installing OSX, so a little
easier than windows (for me anyway) and in about 20 min the machine was up
and running. I could not get the Atheros wifi chipset to work, but, alas,
google is your friend and I managed to install (very easily) the restricted
drivers and I was online. Now, understand, I have used Ndiswrapper etc to
get windows drivers to work in linux which is like a special level of hell,
whereas this was simply point and click, no terminal, nothing.

I gave the machine to our eight your old son. He has high functioning
autism, so change is not the easiest thing for him (hell, it is hard on most
people). His desktop machine is an old (and I mean old) machine running
Kubuntu 6.04. He had no problem at all adjusting. Indeed, the UI is so
darned intuitive that he no longer has to ask to connect to the wi fi if he
loses a signal, he figured out right away that he just had to click on the
wi fi icon and select our network and not the neighbours’.

I have of course played with it some too and this machine, an old 1.6 GHz
laptop with 1 GB of RAM runs better than the Dell Inspiron that I have at
work. Applications open very quickly, the media stuff, such as the music
and video player work perfectly with our Freenas home server.

It is so damned slick that my wife now is entertaining the idea of
flattening her vista machine and moving over to Ubuntu. That said, we have
a site license at work for Windows 7, so well, maybe she will try that
first.

Sorry for the long email, but I really am loving this OS, and so is my boy
(so much so that I caught him the first night he got his ‘new’ laptop at
2:45 am watching Youtube videos and reading wikipedia).

Dave (the psychologist)

*******************************

Hi Tom & Rafe,

Having decided to skip Windows Vista like most companies did, we decided that our company would test the waters of W7.
We decided that we would take the “Squeaky-clean Install” approach and install W7 Professional x64 on fresh hardware: A heavily reviewed and highly rated LGA775 motherboard (according to NewEgg, the Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R), load it with 8GB RAM, a 3GHz Core2-quad processor, and a popular but inexpensive (nVidia GeForce 9400) graphics card.

The OS installation went very well. The W7 installer even detected the RAID-1 mirrored system disks we configured using the Intel ICH10R Matrix Storage Manager!

However, two benefits of W7 that were touted by Microsoft didn’t work out for us:

* We were led to believe that W7 would support Vista device drivers. Not so in our case. When we attempted to load the Vista driver for our Kyocera network printer, we were greeted with “Operating system not supported”. We can work around this by using the printer in PostScript mode, but we consider the driver-compatibility claim to be false. To be fair, this may have been Kyocera’s doing.
*

* Has Microsoft has fixed sleep and hibernation as promised? We don’t think so! After allowing the system to enter sleep mode (after 30 minutes of idle time) and waking the system up, we could move the mouse pointer, but little else. The network support did not wake up (couldn’t ping the computer), and open windows would not respond to clicking, dragging, or closing. Sounds like the same old problems we’ve seen in previous Windows OS’s.
*

Both the above experiences were with the newly installed OS with no 3rd party software (except device drivers) installed.

Notwithstanding the above, I like the look, feel and feature set of W7, and think we can make our peace with it.

I think maybe I’ll roll the dice and try an in-place upgrade of my Asus Laptop from Vista Business x64 to W7 x64…. or … maybe not!

Question: Why would someone ever choose 32-bit W7 for a clean install over x64?

Rob from Sedona

*************************

Hey Tom and Rafe,

I know you guys are doing a road test episode this week so I figured I’d contribute. I got the infamous Seagete Momentus 500GB 7200 RPM 2.5 in HDD for my Macbook Pro. I was worried about the reported clicking noise but Tom’s good experience and Newegg’s deal convinced me to get it. I’ve been using it for about a week now and I have no problem with it. The drive is performing very well and I hear no clicking noise yet. So there’s one another person who got a good batch of the drives.

Thanks, LTS,

Sang Park

EMAIL QUESTIONS

Hey Tom,

Lately I have been hearing this new term “Network neutrality” and am kinda confused on what exactly it is and who is taking sides and why? Just a little lost and want to learn more about the reoccurring topic.

Thanks,
K-ski

Answer: We’ll explain.

**********************

I’ve actually got a problem with my external hard drive that I thought you might be able to help me with. I’ve got a 500 GB external USB drive with an HFS partition (for time machine backup) and a FAT32 partition. While I was restoring my information from the time machine backup to a new hard drive I installed in my MacBook Pro, somehow all the data disappeared from my FAT32 partition. I ran a recovery program and it found a partition that was not recognized by OS X that was the same size as my FAT32 partition and it still has all my data on it. The program costs $100 to actually recover the data — is there a free program you could recommend or a command line utility I could use to mount and restore that “hidden” partition?

Thanks for your help.

Austin

Answer: PhotoRec http://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/PhotoRec

************
Hey real deal,
If I wanted to buy a mac and run a virtual windows 7 on the machine as
well, what do I need?

Yours truly,
Cameron Tora

Answer: You need a virtual machine. I use VMWare. VirtualBox is free. You need a legal copy of Windows 7. I’d recommend as big of a hard drive as you can afford. And get the max on RAM.

COMMENTS

I know your thinking only 18% of the market has vista and doing the upgrade from Vista is quite easy and painless so a how to video about this is almost pointless. (I will try to avoid making the comment that Apple only has 5% market share and everyone talks about them!… woops!)

Well your almost 100% right, as compared to the XP upgrade path it is easy.

That said I did notice that items placed on your taskbar in vista don’t move to your Windows 7 task bar. (No idea why that is other then I did it a few times to make sure and they don’t move.)
So taking all your taskbar shortcuts and dropping them in a folder called “taskbar” on your desktop is a great idea before the upgrade. After the upgrade you can pin them back (and set the icons to small) if you want to return to the look at feel you had before.

One other small item I don’t see many people talking about is the fact that the old look and feel of the Windows 95 style menus are GONE from 7. So for some people (like me) who always kicked it old school menus it requires adjustment. Or a utility exists that allows you to get the XP start menu feel back in 7. (More info: http://www.askvg.com/how-to-get-good-old-classic-start-menu-back-in-windows-7/)

NOTE: I didn’t do that but some people may wish to.

I am sure there are quite a few other tips and tricks you can show people about the move from Vista to 7.

Keep up the amazing work… And feel free to ignore my e-mail… I don’t take it personally…

All the best,

Joe Dawson
IT Security Consultant
Canada

*******************

Now live Thursdays at 4 PM Eastern / 1 PM Pacific on http://live.cnet.com/ Call live! 888-900-2638 (CNET)

Next time: Essential software for a new PC

realdeal@cnet.com

forums.cnet.com

CNET News Daily Podcast: Giving plug-ins a familiar car feel

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:05:00 -0700

Automakers don't want people to feel like driving electric means radical changes. CNET News reporter Martin LaMonica talks about what they're doing to make the transition easier for consumers. That, plus Sprint continues to bleed customers, Nintendo unveils a supersized version of the DSi, and much more.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Today's stories:

Sprint losses and customer defections continue

Motorola sees small third-quarter profit

Amazon lets shoppers pay with a phrase

DSi LL: Nintendo supersizes its gaming handheld

Kaspersky tool detects malware in Twitter links

Microsoft puts its 'signature' on PCs

Plug-in electric cars: New technology, familiar feel

Winking robot nav head knows where you're going

Send your questions for Google CEO Eric Schmidt

Mouse costs more than a laptop (almost $1,200)

BOL 1095: The Phrase that Pays from Amazon

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:05:00 -0700

Amazon's trying to compete with PayPal with a new service that brings one-click shopping into the rest of the non-Amazon world. We also kick around a rumor of Netflix coming to the Wii and discuss Google and Yahoo music searches. Oh, and then Cooley and I get deep about business models and copyright. That's near the end, though--if you don't like lectures.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe with iTunes (audio)
Subscribe with iTunes (video)
Subscribe with RSS (audio)
Subscribe with RSS (video)

EPISODE 1095

Google music search announced. Still doesn’t work for Tom
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10385755-93.html

Yahoo yells that it’s had it since June
http://www.ysearchblog.com/2009/10/28/play-that-funky-music-with-yahoo-search/

Amazon to take on PayPal with PayPhrase
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE59S0FH20091029

Confirmed: Netflix streaming coming to the Wii very shortly
http://blog.streamingmedia.com/the_business_of_online_vi/2009/10/confirmed-netflix-streaming-coming-to-the-wii-very-soon.html

Google tells FCC it’s still blocking calls, but fewer of them
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/posttech/2009/10/google_voice_tells_fcc_its_sti.html

Microsoft and Yahoo delay signing search deal
http://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-and-yahoo-delay-signing-search-deal-2009-10
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10385671-56.html

NBA brings League Pass to iPhone, Android; out-of-market package runs $40
http://paidcontent.org/article/419-nba-brings-league-pass-to-iphone-android-out-of-market-package-runs-40/
http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSTRE59S2NM20091029

Twitter users warned about new phishing attack
http://news.cnet.com/8301-27080_3-10385661-245.html

Xerox claims printable electronics breakthrough
http://tech.slashdot.org/story/09/10/29/038210/Xerox-Claims-Printable-Electronics-Breakthrough

40th anniversary of Internet working without a crash
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/AheadoftheCurve/today-internets-40th-birthday/story?id=8945743

VOICE MAIL
Joe about LSU and Gmail

Sloan on his experience in Gmail

RogueTess on the Slate name

E-MAIL

Hey Buzzers, I just read a rather startling article on Slashdot. The article says that amazon has patented a new ‘invention’ that will replace words in all kinds of text documents(book, reviews, etc) with synonyms in an effort to track pirating. As an author I find this very disturbing, I don’t want amazon to go changing my hard work just so they can track piracy.
So my question to you is, is this for real and am I understanding it right. Please advise.

Future best selling author,
JoshuaCaleb

P.S. Keep up the great work.
http://yro.slashdot.org/story/09/10/28/2236235/Amazon-Patents-Changing-Authors-Words

**********

BOL folks:

My son is approaching the age where a cell phone may come in handy for communicating and coordinating activities. Things like “Running 10 minutes late.” “Meet me at Field 3 after soccer practice.” I’ve been looking for a cheap and light texting-only device. Perhaps the TwitterPeek can do that? Hmmm.

Keep on buzzing,
ymt

**********

Holiday Help Desk
November 23-December 23
4 PM ET/1 PM PT
Coming soon to http://live.cnet.com/
More details to follow!

The 404 456: Where we like to strike out

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:19:00 -0700

(Credit: CNET)

It appears all the bacon sandwiches and soda have finally caught up with our very own Justin Yu as he is once again not with us for the show. Instead, we are graced by two special guests.

For the first half of the show our buddy Sean Cullinane stops by to help us understand why there are a lot more Phillies hats being worn in New York City today than Yankees hats and to pick apart our Motorola Droid review sample. What this phone lacks in style points it makes up in weight--it's the heaviest cell phone we've ever held!

For the second half of our program Natali Del Conte joins in for some calls from the public and a discussion about Netflix streaming coming to the Wii. Also, we announce our winner of the Ratch & Clank Favorite Weapon contest!

All this and much more on today's 404.

EPISODE 456

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video

...

Dialed In 102: We've got the Droid

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:13:00 -0700

Yes, we actually have the Motorola Droid in the house, and we couldn't be more excited about it. We dish about Verizon's new Android phone and what it means for the Android platform in general. We also talk about the latest Sony Ericsson phones and go over the week's reviews.

Listen now: Download today's podcast
Subscribe now: iTunes (audio) | iTunes (video) | RSS (audio) | RSS (video)

News
Motorola Droid live review
Verizon, Motorola unveil the Droid
Motorola Droid specs
Droid Eris: Verizon's other Android phone
Google releases Android 2.0 SDK
T-Mobile unveils new contract-free specs
Palm Pixi arrives November 15 for $100
T-Mobile launches Sony Ericsson Equinox
Sony Ericsson Aino gets official

Reviews
Samsung Blue Earth
Samsung Moment
Nokia 2705 Shade
Samsung Intrepid
Verizon Wireless Razzle
Doro PhoneEasy 410

Upcoming reviews
Motorola Droid
Sony Ericsson Equinox
Samsung Caliber
Samsung Freeform

CNET News Daily Podcast: Droid navigates its way to market

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:19:00 -0700

Verizon and Motorola are aiming squarely at the iPhone with today's unveiling of the Droid, currently the only smartphone running the Android 2.0 operating system. At the same time, Google announced its new turn-by-turn navigation software for mobile phones. Does this mean the days of standalone navigation systems are numbered? Reporter Tom Krazit thinks so. He joins today's podcast to talk about today's mobile developments.

Also in this podcast: security threats are up at midsize companies, while their IT budgets remain frozen; Mozilla fixes critical security holes with Firefox 3.5.4; and on its ninth birthday, the PlayStation 2 is still going strong. Get those stories and more in today's daily news podcast.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Today's stories:

Verizon, Motorola unveil the Droid

Google Maps Navigation takes a mobile turn

More security breaches hit midsize companies

Firefox 3.5.4 closes security holes

LA approves $7.2 million Google Apps deal

Virtual goods resellers on the rise

Driverless car also parks itself

Sony recalls Vaio AC adapters due to shock hazard

How the venerable PS2 made it to 9 years old

BOL 1094: Crushing on the Droid

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:55:00 -0700

Rafe is being drawing in to a love story with the new Motorola Droid. Dare we call it a Dro-mance? It's certainly a flashy new phone for Verizon which hasn't always been known for flashy new phones. We also congratulate Google on getting the contract to provide email to the city of Los Angeles. Well congratulate and fear for them. Because if they mess this up, it is so over.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe with iTunes (audio)
Subscribe with iTunes (video)
Subscribe with RSS (audio)
Subscribe with RSS (video)

EPISODE 1094

Los Angeles adopts Google e-mail system for 30,000 city employees
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2009/10/city-council-votes-to-adopt-google-email-system-for-30000-city-employees.html

Verizon and Motorola unveil the Droid
http://news.cnet.com/8301-30686_3-10384994-266.html

Droid Eris: Verizon’s other Android phone?
http://www.cnet.com/8301-19736_1-10384533-251.html

Google Maps adds turn-by-turn to Android phones for free
http://news.cnet.com/8301-30684_3-10384544-265.html

Microsoft to shut down MSN Direct traffic service for GPS (in 2012)
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2009/10/shutting-down-msn-direct-traffic-service-for-gps-units.html

Microsoft Signature computers dump crapware
http://www.techflash.com/seattle/2009/10/microsofts_signature_pc_shows_its_vision_of_computing_perfection.html

Peek silling Twitter-only device. Why?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002R5AG50?ie=UTF8&tag=livedigitally-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002R5AG50
http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/the-twitterpeek-is-a-peek-for-twitter/

FCC Considers Shifting Some TV Airwaves to Broadband
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703574604574499730302393274.html

Stalqer mobile social app finds friends in new ways
http://news.cnet.com/8301-19882_3-10384727-250.html

How to Solve the Net Neutrality Issue
http://www.technewsworld.com/story/How-to-Solve-the-Net-Neutrality-Issue-68491.html

Ares I-X successfully launched
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/constellation/ares/flighttests/aresIx/index.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8330424.stm

VOICEMAIL
Paul on call forwarding

Hey Guys
Remember Redlasso, where you could use their servers that are recording stuff from cable and local stations 24/7 to make clips to emvbed in your blog?
I was on the list for beta testing and they somehow made it back into service this week?
Who’d have thunk it?
J’Tao
in San Francisco
http://redlasso.com/

**********

Hey Buzz Crew,
Yesterday you asked if there is still a Universal Service Fund fee on phone bills, and the answer is YES! I currently work for a telco as customer service, and I get about 10 calls a week asking what that charge is on their bill. And of course no one ever likes the answer. In fact, I often have people tell me that our company should eat the cost of the taxes and fee’s. Yes, it would be nice if the telcos did that, but the taxes and fees are so high many companies would go out of business. If we had enough people complain about the USF fee or taxes to our elected officials we could probably reduce them. But don’t get angry with companies that are required by law to have them. I bet that most telcos would be fine will lower taxes or fees on their customers bills, because a happy customer is a customer who will generally stay. Love the show.

~Justin~

**********

Howdy Buzzians

I know the DMCA is last years hot topic, but I thought people would still enjoy this nonetheless. the EFF (Electronics Frontier Foundation) has set up a new site for their “Takedown Hall of Shame” displaying some of the most insane and ludicrous takedown notices people have recieved. Some of them are downright hilarious while others just make you contemplate the depths of human stupidity. Eitherway thought you guys might enjoy it

Buzz on
~Phillip from the Boonies

P.S. The degree of my adoration for this media outlet is unmatched

http://www.eff.org/takedowns

The 404 455: Where we get Annalytical with Anna David

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:04:00 -0700

The lovely and brilliant Anna David joins the show today to fill Justin's diminutive shoes. Pray for him. He's still not feeling too well. Our beautiful new co-host tells us about her new Web site Annalytical Answers, where she answers your questions about dating, love and--yes--S. E. X. Wilson can barely contain himself.

Look! She's using a computer. That's tech!

(Credit: Eric Fischer)

Before we dive headlong into the questions that have continued to perplex men for millennia, Anna and the crew share stories about the post office and how no one there can smile. We think it's an actual work rule. Justin and Wilson vie for the affection of any lady that ventures onto The 404. In Anna's case, the win and subsequent fail goes to Justin. Justin, who ignores a question about a printer from a hot woman AND he's the printer expert? When is that really ever going to happen again? For shame, Justin, for shame.

We can't recap them all, but we spend most of the show with Anna answering questions from the chat room about dating. Some memorable questions: How do you get out of the friend zone? Does long distance dating ever work out? Is it really OK to date a cougar? Be sure to send in your questions.

All that and more on today's lovely show. If you want your dating questions answered, head on over to Annalytical Answers and sign up! In the mean time, we wish Justin a speedy recovery and be sure to check back for more 404 madness.

EPISODE 455
Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video

...

MP3 Insider 166: It's all digital

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:41:00 -0700

Donald and Jasmine discuss some iPod numbers as well as a troubling issue with the Zune HD that Microsoft appears to be ignoring, at least for the time being. Also on deck is a new music service from Google that's aiming to make your music hunting experience a little easier, and some first impressions on the DoubleTwist software, which has been making waves among Palm Pre and other music phone users. Plus, we have some listener curiosity and hit on the fact that we're not tech support for Dell.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe in iTunes audio | Subscribe in iTunes video | Subscribe in RSS audio | Subscribe in RSS video

EPISODE 166

iPod Stats: New Customers Keep A-comin'

Zune Issues

Google Music Service

DoubleTwist First Impressions

New How Tos:
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-12519_7-10382466-49.html
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-12519_7-10378074-49.html

-------READER EMAIL & CALL-------

Hey, I have a question on a new ipod touch dock that came out. Have you guys of a new dock for the ipod touch that you can use in your car from XM Satellite radio called the skydock, which enables your ipod touch or an iphone to be an XM satellite receiver. It's available at best buy or from Amazon, and from XM directly as well. supposedly it uses this new technology that helps improve FM transmissions into your car from the dock that's plugged into your car outlet. As a satellite radio subscriber, it would help to have less equipment in the car to reduce the crazy thieves that run rampid in large cities. Supposedly this also would work as a regular ipod dock for broadcasting audio from your touch or iphone, or I guess even other ipods minus the shuffle since it doesn't have the apple connector on them. It also will charge the ipod as well. what's your thoughts on an item like this? Do you think combining satellite radio and ipod touches & iphones will make a good market?

James, Flora Illinois

NOTE: WE ARE NOT CUSTOMER SERVICE

CNET News Daily Podcast: Cisco keeps buying expensive things

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:29:00 -0700

Cisco Systems has pledged to spend more than $6 billion on acquisitions this month, the latest of which comes in at a cool $183 million for Web-based security software company ScanSafe.

We also talk about the Apple tablet everyone keeps spreading rumors about, a computer Trojan that's masquerading as an e-mail from Facebook, and a new printing technology from Xerox that prints electronic circuitry on all sorts of things including fabric. Just think about what that's going to do to the T-shirt industry...

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Today's stories:

Cisco to buy cloud security firm for $183 million

More evidence of Apple's nonexistent tablet surfaces

NASA's Ares I-X test flight delayed by weather

Fake Facebook e-mail contains Trojan

Google Voice now (kinda) works with your number

Xerox hopes to print computing smarts on fabric, plastic

Scientists 'unwarp' distorted fingerprints in seconds

Canon 7D photos can show traces of earlier shot

BOL 1093: E-book Mania

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:55:00 -0700

MySpace and Facebook are hooking up? In a way. Maybe. But the real meat of the news today is all the e-book hype. Barnes and Noble will sell the Que, Bridgestone has a color one coming out, and Barnes and Noble may not always have its own Nook eReader. But does anyone want them?

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe with iTunes (audio)
Subscribe with iTunes (video)
Subscribe with RSS (audio)
Subscribe with RSS (video)

Episode 1093

MySpace and Facebook?
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13577_3-10383501-36.html

Google Voice makes steps to work with your phone number
http://news.cnet.com/8301-27076_3-10383573-248.html

Microsoft pulls out of “Family Guy” special
http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=8923276

Plastic Logic Que will be sold in Barnes and Noble.
http://www.plasticlogic.com/news/pr_quedistributedbybarnesandnoble_oct272009.php
http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/que-proreader-hitting-barnes-and-noble-retail-stores-in-2010/

Barnes & Noble won't sell Nook to go in all stores
http://paidcontent.org/article/419-barnes-noble-wont-sell-nook-to-go-in-all-stores/

Bridgestone announces flexible touch-screen color e-reader
http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/bridgestone-announces-flexible-touchscreen-color-e-reader/

Lost Northwest pilots were trying out new software
http://tech.slashdot.org/story/09/10/27/0613244/Lost-Northwest-Pilots-Were-Trying-Out-New-Software
http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/10/26/airliner.flyby/

Japanese OnStar-like system tells emergency responders if you’re just gonna’ die anyway
http://blog.taragana.com/n/now-an-emergency-medical-service-system-that-predicts-callers-fate-201661/

Facebook memorializes the dead…with a profile
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13577_3-10383015-36.html

Nintendo to launch a big screen DS for old people
http://tech.yahoo.com/news/afp/20091027/tc_afp/entertainmentjapangamecompanynintendo

Mantis shrimp eyes could show way to better DVD And CD players
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091025162459.htm

Voice mail
Joe on France’s three-strikes law

Jimmy the clan-jumper is frustrated

E-mail
Hey Buzz crew,

I wasn't sure whether to send this one to mylifeisaverage.com or you guys, but I think I made the better choice

It's my yearly exams this next two weeks, so I went to the school library today to get the CD version of my commerce textbook. I went to the librarian, asked for the CD and she went to get it. When she came back, I told her that borrowing that wasn't necessary because I could just copy the PDFs onto my notebook here and now and be gone.

Then the dragon came out.

She snapped and said, "I don't want to know about it. What you are suggesting is a highly illegal act. You can't copy the files because of copyright law."

I looked at her slightly strangely (for effect, of course) and told her, "That's what we've been told to do with the CDs ever since we came to this school."

She said, "Very well, but borrow this and copy it at home, not at school. If you want to pay the fine, that's your problem." She loaned it out to me and off I went.

I'm still amazed that I had that conversation. Isn't it perfectly reasonable to copy context from the CDs in the back of the textbook to study and peruse when I need to? What are they good for otherwise?

Sean

PS. I went to an empty classroom and copied the files to my hard disk anyway. I returned the disc to the library within the space of fifteen minutes. My life is average

**********

Hey buzz crew,

I was listening to episode 1092 and heard you talking about a survey that shows the time wasted by employees using twitter. Tom mentioned, what about time spent at toilets, as a joke. I would just like to make mention of a stunt pulled by the Australian Government branch know as Medicare where that was just the case.

Workers at the Parramatta centre were actually required to log the time spent on the loo and were also given surprise “pop ins” by their team leaders while doing their “business”.
It ended when the media caught wind of what was occurring, when questioned Medicare denied knowing of the practice then stated “A log of time away from work was only ever a local practice and never a national policy”.

http://safetyinaustralia.com.au/latest/safety-news/151009-nswact-toilet-police-bullying-employees–200910143092.html

– Ian from Australia

**********

Looking at BOL 1092 on the RSS feed, I see that “Kevin” has sent in an email with some invalid assumptions about Net Neutrality, and who has paid for the infrastructure build-out of the existing Internet.

If you look at http://eldotelecom.blogspot.com/2009/09/fcc-more-subsidies-needed-for-us.html you’ll see that in 2009 *alone* the Federal government has provided $7.2 billion in grants and loan subsidies.

If you look at http://www.theamericanmind.com/2008/04/09/study-finds-us-internet-infrastructure-fourth-worldwide/ you’ll see that the US currently ranks 4th in the world for broadband infrastructure. That means to me that, in spite of Federal subsidies and municipal monopoly grants, US telecom providers have NOT brought the American broadband infrastructure forward as rapidly as other nations where the infrastructure is heavily regulated. And the logical conclusion to be drawn from that is that lassez-faire capitalism *does* *not* *work* if you want the world’s best broadband infrastructure. If it did, we could take back all the tax money that has been poured into the telecoms, turn them loose, and have what we want in a year or less.

Net Neutrality means we *all* play on a level field; consumers, competing ISPs, telecoms, content providers, and government. No more secret bandwidth caps (I’m talking to you, cable modem ISPs)), no more blocking content that competes with *your* content so you can charge more (I’m talking to you, Time-Warner/Roadrunner), no more force-moving customers off DSL and onto fiber so you can steal them from third-party ISPs (I’m talking to you, Verizon).

Net Neutrality means *fair* and *real* competition. And that’s what American broadband needs.

– “Morely” aka “Icesnake”

Inside CNET Labs 66: No one wants to raid with that guy!

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:30:00 -0700

No one wants to be Zaboo'd...or do they?

(Credit: The Guild)

What effects do Facebook, other social networking sites, and today's media on have on young people? We have no idea. Neither of us have been young for a very long time. I think we think we know and like always, we're not afraid to discuss it.

Dong goes in for a job interview. Did I say job interview? I meant guild interview. Dong is evaluated and dehumanized in his attempt to join a new World of Warcraft guild.

Dong and I talk more about Windows 7. Dong spouts his first impressions--kinda weird, seeing as he's been using it for months. I don't know. We ~~attempt to~~ make it interesting.

Also, before I forget, contest! Listen to the episode to find out about the rules. Listen quick though!

To subscribe to this podcast, visit us at our main page and click the podcast link on the right. Don't forget to leave us voice mail at 1-800-947-6399 or e-mail us at insidecnetlabs@cnet.com.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe now: iTunes (audio) | RSS (audio)

The 404 454: Where this is not really an Asian podcast

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:01:00 -0700

Kenley Bradstreet and Mark Licea join the show today because Justin Yu is still battling with SARS. We wish him a speedy recovery, but in the mean time, we welcome the presence of two beautiful people. Plus, it's just fun to watch Kenley rock out to today's Audio Draft pick.

(Credit: Kenley Bradstreet and Mark Licea)

On today's show, we recant what we said about Sony yesterday. The company managed to botch up a feature that would have leveled the playing field with the Xbox 360. For those of you who didn't listen, Sony and Netflix announced the arrival of streaming on the console. Sounds great? Not so fast. Apparently, you'll need to plug in a BD-Live disc every time you want to watch Netflix. We know it's only temporary, but come on! It's accessible from the dashboard on the Xbox 360, and you don't need no stinkin' disc.

Audio Draft Pick: Rancid

(Credit: Wikipedia)

It's Jeff's pick today for the Audio Draft, and while traditionally we usually pick smaller bands or unknown acts, Jeff has decided to go the other way and picked Rancid. They've been around for a while, and released a couple of albums. According to Mr. Bakalar, their latest is turning heads. We play "The Bravest Kids" and "L.A. River" from their latest album. Stay tuned for the last Audio Draft pick of the month on Friday from Wilson! It won't be country music this time.

To round out the show, we talk talk a little bit about Droid from Verizon, the company's first Google Android phone. Wilson still thinks the phone is a pretty ugly design, but that it may change the market around considering it's the first non-BlackBerry-Storm smartphone on the network. Still, Apple seems to be the one still innovating in the smart phone market.

In other news today, Kenley tells us that it's the 15th anniversary of the birth of Internet advertising. That's right on October 27th, 1994, Hot Wired ran the world's first banner ad, and surprisingly, it was pretty effective! Mark gets excited about the Tekken 6, while Wilson can't really tell the difference between Tekken 5 or Tekken 6. Jeff adds snidely, "Tekken 4." Think it's hot that Kenley likes to watch guys play videogames? Well send her a message as usual through voice mail at 1-866-404-CNET (2638).

EPISODE 454
Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video

...

Digital City No. 55: PS3's Netflix play; Sony's Vaio X; and Halloween horrors

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:38:00 -0700

This week on the Digital City, we consider the PlayStation 3's awkward Netflix implementation; marvel over the super-thin Sony Vaio X laptop; debate the fate of FireWire in new MacBooks; and review some gamer-friendly Halloween costume ideas.

We also plug the first round of Windows 7 laptop and desktop reviews; mourn the death of Geocities; and find out why Julie and Dan have swapped seats for a week.

Plus -- take an early sneak peek at Dan's Halloween costume -- but it only makes sense if you're over, say, 30 and kind of a geek.

>>Watch the Digital City live every Monday at 3pm EST on CNET Live!
>>Subscribe to Digital City on iTunes
>>Join the Digital City Facebook fan page
>>Need more? Follow Dan on Twitter!

Listen now: Download today's podcast
Subscribe now: iTunes (audio) | iTunes (video) | RSS (audio) | RSS (video)

CNET News Daily Podcast: Students report Windows 7 upgrade problems

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:46:00 -0700

Of the many ways to buy Windows 7, the best deal Microsoft makes available goes to students, who can buy a downloadable upgrade version of Windows 7 for $29. However, a number of students have reported problems when trying to download and install the new version of Windows.

Microsoft says it is aware of several issues that people have encountered. Most common is the fact that folks can't easily go from the 32-bit version of Vista to the 64-bit version of Windows 7. "This appears to be a series of isolated issues that are often related to the user's Internet provider or installed third-party software," Microsoft said.

The company recommends students with products either get a refund or contact Digital River, the company managing the digital downloads, to try to get a physical disc with the operating system. In support forums, Microsoft technicians are also pointing users to a five-step workaround that is said to fix the problems.

Also on the podcast: The White House moves its Web site to Drupal; Microsoft opens up Outlook; Mozilla building a new social in-box; Facebook memorializes its deceased users; Amazon exits the wine business; and more.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Today's stories:

Students find problems with Windows 7 upgrade

White House Web site makes open-source move

Microsoft to open up Outlook data format

Yahoo Mail outages plague some users

Mozilla tries to build the ultimate in-box: Raindrop

Carl Icahn resigns from Yahoo board of directors

AOL names its post-Time Warner board

Universal phone charger OK'd

Nokia pushes back N900 Net tablet

With 'memorialized' profiles, Facebook sees dead people

Amazon suspends wine sales effort

BOL 1092: The slippery Slate

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:59:00 -0700

Bill Keller from the New York Times let slip he's been working on a version of the New York Times for the Apple Slate. Great! What the hell is the Apple Slate? well obviously it's a much-rumored Apple Tablet. We also discuss T-Mobile's unlimited plans and hope against all hopes that they are truly unlimited.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe with iTunes (audio)
Subscribe with iTunes (video)
Subscribe with RSS (audio)
Subscribe with RSS (video)

EPISODE 1092

Bill Keller: Apple Tablet ‘Impending’
http://gawker.com/5389636/bill-keller-apple-tablet-impending

T-Mobile Adds ‘Even More Plus’ Plans
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2354721,00.asp

Netflix Movies Stream to Sony's PlayStation 3
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/26/netflix-movies-stream-to-sonys-playstation-3/

Hollywood wants share of Netflix’s windfall
http://news.cnet.com/8301-31001_3-10382717-261.html

Microsoft Offers Windows 7 on USB Drives for Netbooks
http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Windows/Microsoft-Offers-Windows-7-on-USB-Drives-for-Netbooks-225258/

$180 BlackBerry Storm2 hits the shelves on Wednesday
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9139892/_180_BlackBerry_Storm2_hits_the_shelves_on_Wednesday

Sprint Announces Nov. Launch Date for Palm Pixi
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2354726,00.asp

Mobile net ‘heading for data jam’
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8325634.stm

Verizon profit dips, but wireless stays strong
http://news.cnet.com/8301-30686_3-10382841-266.html
http://paidcontent.org/article/419-earnings-verizon-profit-down-wireless-unit-revenues-jump/

Has AT&T Wireless data congestion been self-inflicted?
http://blogs.broughturner.com/2009/10/is-att-wireless-data-congestion-selfinflicted.html

Surgeon Performs World’s First 4X HD Surgery
http://science.slashdot.org/story/09/10/25/2010236/Surgeon-Performs-Worlds-First-4X-HD-Surgery

VOICEMAIL
Ted from Berkeley on hacking the Pre

Ralph on Windows 7 problems

EMAIL
Hey Buzz Out-louders,

Was on my way to class this morning when I saw this article in the Chicago Sun-Times:

http://www.suntimes.com/news/transportation/1846104,CST-FIN-apple26.article

Apparently Apple may pay to upgrade a station at the North and Clybourn red line L stop. They are set to open a new retail location close to the stop. I live near it and I can say with full confidence that that stop is pretty nasty and run down (like most of the CTA's L stations.) I guess Apple thinks it's not very becoming to have your flashy products available via a not so flashy station stop and is willing to fork over the cash to fix that.

Thoughts?

I've been listening to your podcast for about three years now. Love the show!

-Casey the performing arts management student in Chicago

**********

Hey buzz crew, I don’t if you saw this BBC news item about twitter and other social networking sites costing UK companies 1.4 billion pounds a year. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8325865.stm. The assumption is that because their survey of 1460 office workers indicated that people spent an average of 40 minutes a week on these sites that “such online behaviour clearly had a “productivity strain” on firms.” I call shenanigans, and I wish I could get my hands on the actually study so that I could fully debunk the it, but no such luck. My worry is that I read this at 8 am ET and I am sure by this afternoon mainstream media is just going to run with it with no thought or insight.

Love the show.
Marlon “the guyfromtrinidad”

**********

“Net Neutrality,” not allowing ISP to charge extra for special serves,
will kill the internet. If we don’t allow ISP to make profit from
investing in infrastructure, they will not invest money in
infrastructure. Unlike broadcast television, the internet does not
travel through a common good. Every inch of the internet in America is
built, owned, and maintained by private actors. In order to continue to
have good internet service, we have to allow those actors to make profits.

If you want better service, kill the government interference that
currently exists. Primarily this interference is cable monopolies that
are granted by localities. Since most broadband access comes in via
cable connections this directly hurts the quality of internet access in
America.

Kevin

The 404 453: Where the role of Justin Yu will be played by Mark Licea

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:48:00 -0700

Justin Yu has finally caught the SARS/swine flu that's been floating around the CNET New York offices. It was bound to happen, considering the number of makeout parties we have here. Filling his petite shoes, we have Mark Licea (aka MTI).

This ain't right.

(Credit: beautifulpeople.com)

On today's show, we talk about beautifupeople.com, a Web site that is finally coming to the United States, which only beautiful people are allowed to join. That's right: in order to join this dating Web site, you have to be pretty. Users must submit their pictures, then the community decides whether you're hot enough to join. Unfortunately, Jeff and Wilson will likely get rejected. We'll let you know what Mark finds out on the Web site.

Not cool.

(Credit: Phoenix New Times)

After that, we find out that older men who are less educated than their female counterparts are less likely to get a divorce and are generally happier in their relationships. So we guess all those cougar relationships out there aren't going to work out. We also check out a not cool "illegal alien costume." It might have been funny on "Chappelle's Show," but it's likely to get the crap beat out of you immediately.

Finally, we cover CNN's new Web site and we get to some video game news and commentary. The PlayStation 3 finally gets Netflix streaming after Xbox 360 has had it for almost a year now. Took them long enough, but we think this might start to change the balance of power in the video game console war, because it will be free on the PlayStation 3, rather than having to sell out $50 bucks a year for a Xbox Live Gold membership. Plus, Wilson gets close to beating Ghostbusters: The Videogame. His take? It's fun to watch, a little monotonous to play after a while, but a good buy.

Please, please, send in voice mails. We're running a bit low these days, and we love to hear your feedback. Call in at 1-866-404-CNET (2638). Call! (Especially if you're a lady.)

Episode 453
Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video

...

Reporters' Roundtable 7: 'Dangers' of cloud computing

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:06:00 -0700

This week we are covering the dangers of cloud computing. Get it? With the major loss of consumer data for the Sidekick smartphone users--the Sidekick is made by Danger, a Microsoft company--the whole idea of "cloud" safety has been brought front and center for consumers.

Businesses, likewise, are wondering if they are exposed to similar risks when they put their apps and data in the cloud.

Can we trust the cloud?

Our guests to discuss this topic are CNET senior writer Stephen Shankland and Christofer Hoff, author of the Rational Survivability blog, which is about this very topic. Hoff is director of cloud and emerging solutions at Cisco System and thus has a vested interest in keeping the cloud safe and profitable.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe with iTunes (audio)
Subscribe with iTunes (video)
Subscribe with RSS (audio)
Subscribe with RSS (video)

Reporters' Roundtable #7: The dangers of the cloud

Show notes and talking points...

Shankland, you just came from the Gartner conference, what's the take from there?

Hoff, what happened with the Sidekick outage? Was it a failure of "the cloud"?

There have been real cloud failures. Amazon AWS has had outages, and CTO Werner Vogel had to hit the road to beg forgiveness. What happened there?

Discuss other failures? Gmail, Magnolia, Swissdisk.

A question for small business: is your data safe when it's intermingled with other companies' stuff?

Discuss new and fun ways clouds could fail.

Two kinds of failure: Failure to access and real data loss.

The consumer dilemma: safety vs. lack of privacy, control. Discussion.

The business dilemma: cost vs. control, security and compliance. Discussion.

How do you know you can trust a cloud provider?

What skills are needed by customers?

Hoff recommends: Cloud Security Alliance

Next time on the Roundtable:

Tim O'Reilly and David Carnoy on "The future of the book." Don't miss it!

Comments to: roundtable@cnet.com

141: Lexus fires up its first supercar!

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:37:00 -0700

Lexus is about to put the V-10 LFA into production; Ford puts batteries in the Focus; Nissan swears that goofy Land Glider is for real; we discuss why your cell phone may not work worth a damn in your next new car; and we take a ride in the luxury crossover that started it all.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe with iTunes (audio)
Subscribe with iTunes (video)
Subscribe with RSS (audio)
Subscribe with RSS (video)

EPISODE 141
SHOW NOTES

• Lexus' first supercar is reality: The LFA

• Honda CR-Z coming to the U.S.

• California energy rules could hamper in-car cell phone reception

• CNET's take on the third generation Lexus RX350

• Standard charger for electric cars soon to be adopted

CNET News Daily Podcast: Amazon and Netflix earnings defy expectations

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:30:00 -0700

Amazon and Netflix today joined Apple and Intel in showing surprisingly good earnings results despite most economists' lingering concerns over consumer spending. Amazon's investors responded by sending the stock up 25 percent in trading today.

Also in today's podcast: checking in with both World Wide Web inventor Tim Berners-Lee and security guru Bruce Schneier. President Obama asks Congress to pass energy and climate-related legislation, and Facebook unveils some design tweaks.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Today's stories:

Amazon, Netlix earnings soar

Obama: U.S. needs to lead clean-energy race

Tech advice from Tim Berners-Lee

Security guru warns of marketers and dancing pigs

Facebook pushes out restructured news feeds

DoubleTwist: First Impressions

BOL 1091: The French disconnection

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:33:00 -0700

So the French have passed a three strikes law that will disconnect your Internet if accused three times of piracy. At least there's some judicial review. Also, John McCain moves against Net Neutrality and Windows 7 seems to truly be good news for Microsoft.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe with iTunes (audio)
Subscribe with iTunes (video)
Subscribe with RSS (audio)
Subscribe with RSS (video)

EPISODE 1091

Microsoft: Strong Windows demand helps earnings
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10381774-56.html
http://www.nasdaq.com/aspx/stock-market-news-story.aspx?storyid=200910230938dowjonesdjonline000584

Windows 7 student upgrade installer not working for many
http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/windows-7-student-upgrade-installer-not-working-for-many/

Win 7 users shout: Where’s my bloody ballot screen?
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/10/23/windows_seven_ballot_browser/

Motorola Droid makes appearance on Motorola's Web site
http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2009/10/22/motorola-droid-makes-appearance-on-motorolas-site/
http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/22/motorola-droids-website-published-a-bit-early-with-specs-galor/

Prepare for disconnection! French “3 strikes” law now legal
http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2009/10/french-3-strikes-law-returns-now-with-judicial-oversight.ars

McCain moves to block FCC Net neutrality
http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/174221/mccain_moves_to_block_fcc_net_neutrality.html

Chase Carey: Hulu to charge in 2010
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/blog/ADverse_Atkinson_on_Advertising/23941-Chase_Carey_Hulu_to_Charge_in_2010.php

We have no plans for Blu-ray on Xbox 360
http://majornelson.com/archive/2009/10/22/we-have-no-plans-for-blu-ray-on-xbox-360.aspx

Psystar releases Mac clone software
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-10381419-37.html

Nigeria actually arrests, shuts down online scammers
http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2009/10/nigeria-actually-arrests-shuts-down-online-scammers.ars

Pay what you want for World of Goo
http://hellforge.gameriot.com/blogs/GameRiot-The-Blog/You-cheap-bastards-Pay-what-you-want-for-World-of-Goo-a-success-1

Yellowgold album
http://www.yellowgoldmusic.com

Geocities closes Monday
http://www.webuser.co.uk/news/top-stories/427768/yahoo-geocities-to-close-down
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Lofts/3596/

VOICE MAIL
Mike reports on a new scam

Thomas has some advice for fanboys

E-MAIL
Quick note…actually found myself on the Wolfram Alpha site on my Pre. That might be the first and last time anyone uses that combination…that said, it was easy enough to use and pretty helpful (some integrals for an E&M physics class).

Side note: got an email from my 62 year old Mom saying she is interested in the Nook…I don’t think she’s ever heard of the Kindle. Draw your own conclusions.

Time to run, Professor is looking at me.

-Adam in Seattle

**********

Dear Buzz Crew,

Barnes and Noble has now posted their FAQ, which is actually a bulletin board where they respond.

They say that you will be able to connect to any b and g wireless network. If you are in the store, you will get special offers and reading recommendations, and be able to read any ebook in full-text that they have stocked. If they could enable this for libraries, that would be perfect.

http://bookclubs.barnesandnoble.com/t5/eBooks-Help-Board/nook-Wi-Fi-access/m-p/401505#U401505
–Sam

**********

My concern is that the government’s definition of “Net Neutrality” and
ours/yours is different. I think they’ve hijacked the term. It is my
belief that they will apply FCC like content and access controls (they
have stated as much) to the internet such as the “fairness doctrine” and
“hate speech” rules, turning it into a Government “information”/
propaganda outlet. The devil is in the details and government is very
adept at saying one thing and doing something else when the laws and
regulation are actually written.
I also object to the telcos/cables/satellites being content providers
unless they are completely separate from the pipes and the pipes are
open at the same price to everyone. At least on principle. But that’s
just a money issue.
I object more to the government managing and controlling access to the
pipes. That's a freedom issue.

Sigh… any ideas for another internet like system? Maybe using quantum
networks over dark matter?

Love the show… s

Roger
Palm Beach County, Florida

The 404 452: Where we built this podcast on rock and roll

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:55:00 -0700

Droid Armies invade Cupertino, launch coup d'iPhone

(Credit: Flickr/cnraether)

If you weren't in The 404 live chat room this morning, you missed an insanely '80s dance party! It turned out to be a blast, so we're going to start doing it every Friday. Don't worry if you missed out this time, just be sure to check us out next Friday for more Starship, Outfield, Buggles, etc...

Last week we reported on a story about Pepsi's "Amp Up B4 You Score" iPhone app that offered "helpful" pickup lines targeted at a very specific type of girl. For example, if you choose the "political girl," the app offers several jokes about stimulus plans, global warming, etc...you can use your imagination to figure out the rest. Unfortunately, if you didn't download the app you're out of luck, because Pepsi removed the app from the iPhone store.

All this talk about iPhones brings us to the first big topic of the day: DROID. The TV commercials for the new Verizon phone running the Google Android OS mock the iPhone and its fans, making claims that Android's open architecture and physical keyboard will draw unsatisfied Apple fanboys to its camp, but we're hesitant to jump onboard after the G1 flopped.

If you're currently in the market for a new smartphone but can't decide between an Android phone, the iPhone, a BlackBerry, or Palm Pre, this is the perfect episode for you! For more Droid info, check out this episode of Dialed In, another awesome CNET podcast with Bonnie Cha, Kent German, Nicole Lee, and Jason Howell!

(Credit: Konami)

In sadder news, Hulu may finally start charging a fee to view its broadcast content online. After that cryptic extraterrestrial commercial that Hulu aired during the Super Bowl last year, we figured that a monthly fee would eventually come, but the site definitely needs to offer more incentives before we bite the bullet. If we decide to support the paid version, Hulu needs to offer the entire back catalog of every show in HD and improve the movie selection...if not, then users might be tempted to simply visit another not-so-legal site. Get it, Hulu? Now get to work.

Today's Beck's Beer Audio Draft is my (Justin's) choice and Jeff is pretty surprised because the band plays a fully orchestrated, instrumental-only version of popular video game music! The band is Konami Kukeiha Club, and it features the composers who worked on original Konami games like Gradius III and Contra.

In addition to releasing several original soundtracks (i.e. Silent Hill), the group also makes original music, and it's great for anything active: gym workouts, bike rides, long distance runs, anything that requires you to get pumped up! The two tracks of the day are "Beginning" and "Bloody Tears" off the album "Konami Battle the Best."

Have a supreme weekend everyone!

EPISODE 452
Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video

...

Gadgettes 159: The Bad Marketing Ideas Episode

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:00:00 -0700

With the launch of Windows 7 this week, we've seen a number of product marketing attempts that made us ask "what on earth does this have to do with anything?"

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe with iTunes (audio)
Subscribe with iTunes (video)
Subscribe with RSS (audio)
Subscribe with RSS (video)

EPISODE 159

Windows Cafe in Paris

Windows 7 Whopper marketing promotion

I'm a PC USB keys

Pistachio ad campaign featuring Levi Johnston

Dolce & Gabbana Sony Ericsson Jalou

Regretsy

Belly up to the bar, Sam
Obviously, a Bar Made of a Boeing 747 Engine Attracts Girls In the Skimpiest Dresses (thanks Sam)

iREV (thanks Sam)

This week in Hello Kitty
Hello Kitty anatomy toy

Why Didn't I Think of That
Self sharpening pencil (thanks Clay J!)

Gender Gap
Microsoft Surface turned into the ultimate D&D board

Pretty
Apple Magic Mouse

Ask a Gadgette
Dear Gadgettes! I seek some of your infinite knowledge of tools!

Does owning a Gold Dolce & Gabbana MOTORAZR make me a tool? I do enjoy showing it off, especially when with friends and family, but keeping in mind, I didn't purchase this but in fact found it in the trash, What with my friend having a Pink version, I used her spare battery and flashed the device to a working state. Does owning one of these give me the status of "Tool"???

Love the show! (Welcome back molly!)

Cheers,

NKP, (Australia)

E-Mail
Hey ladies (and one dude):

Remember The Alien Abduction Lamp you guys talked about a loooong time ago (I’m talking from way back–this was pre-Jason, and I think Molly was still on maternity leave) in "The 'is it art?' Episode"? And how it was only a proof-of-concept and not actually for sale? Well good news because now it’s for sale for realz, bee-yotches!

I signed up for the e-mail notifications from the designer, Lasse Klein, ages ago and finally got the news I’d been waiting over 3 years for: the lamp has landed. And it still comes with the adorable little cow abductee from those concept shots way back when. Woohoo! You might need to be quick, though, because apparently they’re only making 2000 of them.

I already reserved mine.

Love the show!

Jackie

The Real Deal 184: Who should own the Internet

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:48:00 -0700

Chris Mitchell from Muninetworks.org joins us to discuss Net Neutrality and who should own the pipes.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe with iTunes (audio)
Subscribe with iTunes (video)
Subscribe with RSS (audio)
Subscribe with RSS (video)

Episode 184
Who owns the Internet

Chris Mitchell from Muninetworks.org joins us to discuss Net Neutrality and who should own the pipes.

Welcome Christopher Mitchell
Researcher for the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, specializing in community fiber networks.

Director, Telecommunications as Commons Initiative
Institute for Local Self-Reliance
http://www.newrules.org/information/
http://www.muninetworks.org

Who actually owns the wires in the ground, and the right of way they go through

Is there a monopoly on networks? How easy would it be for a new company to lay new cable?

Should we treat the Internet like a utility? Should it be public? Private? Mixed?

What's really preventing companies from rolling out faster broadband in the US?

Why should the telecommunications infrastructure be treated like a communal resource?

E-MAIL QUESTIONS

I have been a listener for a couple of months. I have possibly a unique question for you. I live in relatively rural Virginia. There is no cable and phone coverage is pretty spotty even though I live 2 miles from I-95. My question to you is should I get the dish network with its internet use or get Verizon home phone line with its DSL. The reason I am asking you is because, I do not want a home phone line. I don’t need it. But I fear that Verizon will require it. And I do not want TV channels because again I already have netflix and do not need more TV. How am I writing this note on the internet, you ask? I am “borrowing” a neighbors wireless signal. At some point I have to start paying for it, because it is the right thing to do. Can you help me with determining the better options for internet, Verizon or Dish or perhaps something that I have not thought about.

yours,

Jason

PS. Sometimes please take into account your newer listeners. The other day I heard your discussion of software and “socks” while it was fun thinking about the different kinds of sock you were wearing, (Tom with his knee high white socks with blue stripes. Raif with his brown argile socks.) I really did not understand what the heck the entire story was about.

Answer: DSL may be slow, which can be annoying, but satellite internet has latency, which makes a lot of online stuff flat-out impossible. Go DSL. Try to get “naked DSL,” or DSL w/o a phone connection.

***********Install Windows 7 Upgrade edition on PC without Windows***********
Hey Tom and Rafe,

I tried to make it in time to call for last show, but sadly not so will just ask now.

I want to install Windows 7 on my brand new Mac (first ever… its just ok), and I was looking to do this via the upgrade path. I have a copy of XP on a old Dell where the HD is fried (can’t read anything off it). How can I get my windows XP key off that computer if I can’t read the HD? Oh and obviously I have lost my original sticker that had the key, though I do have an install CD.

Also would this be considered a legit windows install, since I won’t use the old Dell. If not can you tell me anyway, so that I may buy a new HD and use the dell and a coffee table laptop.

Thanks for the show that I love (because LTS is reserved for another podcast),
Rick the ED Doc

Answer: First if you can read the drive at all, mount it as an external and try http://download.cnet.com/Product-Key-Finder/3000-2094_4-10694022.html Good tip for folks who have lost their activation code. Outside of that you’re buggered…. unless….

…you have a copy of Windows 7 Release Candidate, Microsoft recently confirmed that it is also possible to upgrade a pre-RTM version of Windows 7 with a Windows 7 Upgrade edition. This means that users who are already running Windows 7 RC (or another build) can buy a Windows 7 Upgrade edition and get a full installation of Windows 7 this way.

There are some limitations on the other hand. No data will be taken over. The installation will move the old data into the folder windows.old from where the files are accessible. Most programs on the other hand will not work unless they are portable.

It also has to be noted that a clean install at a later time requires a Windows XP or Windows Vista installation (or a new installation of a pre-RTM build of Windows 7).”

************

Hi Tom & Rafe, I was going to go out and purchase a copy of Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade.. I’ve been reading that although having a current XP license qualifies me to use the upgrade edition, that I must have XP installed on the system first, and I can’t just boot from the Windows 7 media, and insert the XP disc at some point in the process to validate. Is this true?

If that’s the case then doesn’t that mean that if I ever replace my primary hard drive, or choose to do a complete re-install of Windows 7 at any point in the future that I will have to first re-install XP every time? Which also brings up the question of how far into the XP install do I have to go, before the system is ready for the Windows 7 upgrade disc to be used….

Mark Naudi [mark.naudi@gmail.com]

ANSWER: Yes. The installer used by Windows 7 looks for Windows XP to be installed and activated as part of the custom installation dialog box/process. Even for doing a clean installation of Windows 7 (which is what XP users need to do). You need to have XP installed (or Vista) and activated for the upgrade to work.

**************

Hey Tom and Rafe quick question about windows 7. I am downloading my upgrade version right now and I have a question for you. I currently have Windows 7RC as my windows operating system, and I bought the upgrade version of windows 7. I own a copy of windows vista so I am legal in buying windows 7 upgrade. My question is: Do I need to install vista then install windows 7 or can I upgrade straight from windows 7RC to 7. Thanks for your help

samsnotunix.

ANSWER: You would need to do a clean install, but the RC of 7 would be detected by the installer and let you proceed with the clean install. You don't need to go back to Vista or anything. Just do a clean install on top of the RC.

**************
I recently I have heard tom say that he does not shut down his mac just puts it to sleep . but I have not heard of any one do what can do with my macbook. I found out that if I close the lid to put it to sleep and the lite on the front slowly blinks that I can then remove the battery to completely turn off the laptop so no power is being used , reinstall the battery put the laptop away for days if I need to and when I later open the lid and press the power button It thinks it was just sleeping and within 8 seconds I will be back were I was all my programs still running and ready . I think this is very handy and saves my battery but I have not herd of any one else doing this , or how i am able to .
love the show

Karl the Machinist from MN

Answer: Karl the machinist, you are not crazy. According to the Apple website itself, you can and I quote “swap the battery on your MacBook or MacBook Pro when a MagSafe adapter is not connected, power down or put the computer into sleep mode.” http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1756?viewlocale=en_US

************
Hello Tom,
My name is Austin. I have always wanted to get a mac and I was thinking of getting one for christmas because my HP is getting a little outdated. The only thing is if I get one it will be my ONLY gift and I would have to spend about $800 of my own money to get it. So since you just switched I was wondering is it worth it? What made you switch? If you reply to this do not be afraid to talk techy because I am a computer nerd and will understand.

Answer: [[good dear abbey question]]. This is not a technology question. Technically, you won’t be able to do much more with a Macbook than with a notebook that costs $800 less, thus leaving you with a clear financial and technical answer. But we know how the mind works: You will work hard to love the Mac, becuase it’s your money invested in it. If you get the “free” Windows PC, then you’ll gripe about how clunky it is, since you’re not financially invested in its success. So get the Mac. It’ll cost you more, and you’ll therefore like it more.

Next week on Rafe’s Psychology Podcast…

************

Now live Thursdays at 4 PM Eastern / 1 PM Pacific on http://live.cnet.com/ Call live! 888-900-2638 (CNET)

Next time: Road Test

realdeal@cnet.com

forums.cnet.com

CNET News Daily Podcast: Live from N.Y., it's Windows 7

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:31:00 -0700

CNET News reporter Ina Fried joins the podcast from the Windows 7 launch in New York to talk about how the hoopla compared with the Vista launch and what surprises might be in store even for those who have been following Windows 7 closely. That and other headlines of the day, in Thursday's CNET News Daily Podcast.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Today's stories:

Live blog: Windows 7 debuts in New York

Full coverage of Windows 7

CNET's Windows 7 review

Microsoft starts selling PCs online

Nokia sues Apple for patent infringement

AT&T activates 3.2 million iPhones in quarter

Google strikes a Twitter search deal, too

FCC sets Internet regulation in motion

Sid Meier bringing Civilization to Facebook

Photos: Star Trek, the exhibition

BOL 1090: Screw Windows 7, time to hype Windows 8

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:55:00 -0700

OK yeah, we talk about Windows 7 and it's lovefest but it's so over. Time to get into the rumor mill again for the Windows 8 release. Why is Microsoft being so quiet about it?! We also cover the unnatural marriage of Verizon and Google over Net Neutrality. And Craigslist is not a pimp according to the law.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe with iTunes (audio)
Subscribe with iTunes (video)
Subscribe with RSS (audio)
Subscribe with RSS (video)

Episode 1090

500 people line up for Windows 7 in London
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8319083.stm

Burger King selling a Windows 7 Whopper in Japan
http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/22/burger-king-selling-a-windows-7-whopper-in-japan/

Businesses love Windows 7, survey says
http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/174130/businesses_love_windows_7_survey_says.html

Microsoft adds PC’s and third-party software to its online store
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10381031-56.html

Eight things you need to know about Windows 8
http://www.techradar.com/news/software/operating-systems/8-things-you-need-to-know-about-windows-8-643699

Blu-Ray coming for Xbox, sort of?
http://gizmodo.com/5387238/ballmer-talks-natal-says-blu+ray-add+on-for-xbox-coming

FCC moves forward on Net neutrality rule-making in unanimous vote
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/posttech/2009/10/fcc_moves_forward_on_net_neutr.html
http://www.fcc.gov/

New BFFs Verizon, Google agree on Net neutrality, except for wireless
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/posttech/2009/10/new_bffs_verizon_google_talk_o.html

Google strikes a Twitter search deal, too
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13577_3-10380615-36.html

Coming to Google Labs: Social search results
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13577_3-10380739-36.html
http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/10/21/web-2-0-summit-marrisa-mayer-shows-off-social-search-results-from-your-social-netowrk/

Nokia sues Apple, says iPhone infringes 10 patents
http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/22/nokia-sues-apple-says-iphone-infringes-ten-patents/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8321058.stm

The iPhone is still a good thing for AT&T
http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL/?p=26417

Judge: Craigslist not liable for prostitution ads
http://news.cnet.com/8301-31001_3-10380799-261.html

Standard charging connector for cars about to be ratified
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17912_3-10380010-72.html

Voice mail
Heather has an idea for ebook sellers.

CJ on BlackBerry love

E-mail
Just want mention that most of Sony laptops are not going to be supported by Sony to upgrade to Windows 7. They suggest you by a new one and to shop on their web page to get one. I check many models and was told the same thing. You can upgrade, but Sony will not provide support for there drivers.
I bought my SR series laptop in Feb this year, P8400 dual core 3 gig mem w/Vista Home Prem – no Sony support. But, I could update an IBM C100 (old and slow) – IBM wil provide support. – rgolab

**********

I just received a Kindle as a gift last week from my wife and we went
with the $259 U.S. version for the “new low price” of.. well.. $259. I
considered the International version as we often vacation outside of
the U.S., especially during the holidays but opted out of the $20
premium.

Well, while perusing the Amazon site tonight I noticed that there is
already a thread on the Kindle board discussing the fact that the
“U.S.” (only) version of the Kindle is now gone and the $259 version
is the U.S./International version.

Is it just me or isn’t this a bit weird as the price decrease FOR the
U.S. version was only a week or so ago? New hardware just post-Holiday
season? Hmmmm.

Just thought I would share,

Tracy in Newport Beach, CA (SOOOO much better than Atlanta!)

**********

hey buzz crew!!!

I am a walmart employee and work in their connection center. The prepaid service you have talked about is called Straight Talk, and is owned by the same people who brought you TracFone. The service uses Verizon’s network as well as their data network. The 45 dollar a month plan includes unlimited data, voice and text. We have even gotten new phones, one of which has a slide out qwerty keypad! Our store was a market test store and we have had it for a few months and people are going crazy over it. Very good deal if you ask me. Keep up the good work guys… love the show

Chris Decker in newnan, georgia

The 404 451: Where we take a bite out of a Windows 7 burger

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:50:00 -0700

(Credit: Microsoft/Burger King)

Happy Windows 7 Day everyone! Much to Wilson's chagrin, there is indeed another operating system out there, and the new version just came out today. Users unhappy with Windows Vista can now breath a sigh of relief, as the new OS combines a strong design with an easy-to-use interface that many are calling "Vista done right," but more.

Check out our own Seth Rosenblatt's full review of Microsoft Windows 7 (Professional), then head over to CNET's Windows 7 landing page for full coverage and a live blog of today's launch event.

Most interesting about Windows 7 is Microsoft's impressive worldwide media promotion, which includes Burger Kings in Japan rolling out the official Windows 7 burger. The meaty behemoth actually has seven meat patties and carries a 777 special price for Japanese customers.

The limited-time offer is an effort to promote the software as "leaner and meaner," although we don't get how a heart attack between two buns will get the message out there. Seth MacFarlane is getting in on the viral marketing as well--on November 18, Microsoft will sponsor a full half-hour episode of "Family Guy." Be sure to watch the sneak peak that features Stewie and Brian poking fun at Microsoft's new features.

Today's Beck's Beer Audio Draft Pick is The Audition.

(Credit: The Audition/Victory Records)

Finally, Jeff's pick for today's Beck's Beer Audio Draft is a band on Victory Records called The Audition. Although we agree with Jeff that they might be the pop-iest band we've featured on the show, they nevertheless have a feel-good sound that takes us back to our teenage years. The first song of the day is entitled "My Temperature's Rising" off the band's newest self-titled album.

Unfortunately, the band just got off a tour with our beloved Alkaline Trio, but be sure to check back on their Last.FM page for the latest concert info.

EPISODE 451
Listen now: Download today's podcast

Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video

...

Dialed In 101: Verizon launches Droid attack

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:51:00 -0700

The Droid is coming! The Droid is coming! In case you haven't heard, Verizon's first Google Android phone is on the way and the carrier isn't holding anything back, taking some not-so-subtle swipes at the beloved iPhone. We're not going to lie; it's pretty fun to watch. Also on this week's episode, we take a look at the new BlackBerry Bold 9700 and some new senior- and wallet-friendly cell phones from Consumer Cellular.

Listen now: Download today's podcast
Subscribe now: iTunes (audio) | iTunes (video) | RSS (audio) | RSS (video)

Rumor of the week
Motorola Calgary to be Verizon's second Android phone?

News
Droid is coming to Verizon
Also in Android News
An Android phone by Google? I think not
On Call: Hello, Moto
RIM BlackBerry Bold 9700 announced; T-Mobile and AT&T bound
Doro PhoneEasy handsets to compete with Jitterbug
Two new Samsung phones for U.S. Cellular
MetroPCS nabs its first Windows Mobile smartphone

Reviews
Motorola Cliq
Nokia Mural
Pantech Reveal
LG Bliss
Doro PhoneEasy 345
HTC Tilt2 (AT&T)
RIM BlackBerry Storm 2

Upcoming reviews
Verizon Wireless Razzle
Doro PhoneEasy 410
Samsung Moment
Samsung Blue Earth
Nokia Shade 2705
Samsung Intrepid

Digital City No. 54: Taxi cellphone ban; Nintendo's holiday gamble; and the Ballad of Balloon Boy

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:24:00 -0700

Episode 54 of the Digital City, where we discuss NYC's plan to stop taxi drivers from using cell phones and Washington's suddenly high-tech subway system.

Scott talks about his meeting with Shigeru Miyamoto, and Nintendo's big holiday gamble on New Super Mario Bros., while special guest Jeff Bakalar expresses his frustration with Jack Black's Brutal Legend.

And, in a nod to the hottest story of last week, we show off the very best Balloon Boy Web games (ok, the only Balloon Boy Web games we could find), and host the world podcast premiere of the parody song "The Ballad of Balloon Boy."

Show notes:
>>Watch the Digital City live every Monday at 3pm EST on CNET Live!
>>Subscribe to Digital City on iTunes
>>Join the Digital City Facebook fan page
>>Need more? Follow Dan on Twitter; and Scott

Listen now: Download today's podcast
Subscribe now: iTunes (audio) | iTunes (video) | RSS (audio) | RSS (video)

Podcast: Symantec says beware of rogue security software

podcast@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:50:00 -0700

A new report from Symantec warns about rogue security programs that are not just a waste of money but also a security risk.