Saturday, June 24, 2006
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." ~Charles Dickens
Websites and Databases
That pretty sums up this week's work adventures. Next week marks the end of the fiscal year so things are a little crazy with programs trying to get loose ends tied up before the new year.
All work and no play
Podcasting
In the area of foolin' around (ie. DSL connection went out due to a thunderstorm), I was able to bundle my first "podcast" type recording using the MacBook and GarageBand. The seamless integration of the iLife suite continues to impress me.
Mac OS X and Videoconferencing
The IU has invested heavily in videoconferencing and the exploration of the technology continues. One of the downsides to moving to Apple is that there is not a native H.323 (Video over IP) client - SIGH - .
Open Source Technology is a funny beast. Just when you think there is not a light at the end of the technology tunnel or you've become a roadkill on the Information Superhighway voila there appears an application.
Thus is the case again with videoconferencing, enter X Meeting for Mac OS X. It's not perfect but it works.. Check it out.
Skype
This is not an endorsement for Skype merely, a if you don't know about Skype, you should.
One of the folks I work with, Preston, is camping this weekend at near Bellefonte
. He IM'd me last nite to say he was hanging out at a cabin that had Internet Access (Wireless Broadband). I inquired whether or not the campground's name was the "Hilton." Sha..
The text messaging lead to an attempt to call via video and audio with iChat to go. On a whim, I suggested trying Skype. After a few minutes to download, we were having a VoIP conversation. Success!
Side-bar: Skype is offering free calling across the US and Canada until the end of the year.
That's all for this week. We'll add some project links later this evening.
Ciao,
Tom
Websites and Databases
That pretty sums up this week's work adventures. Next week marks the end of the fiscal year so things are a little crazy with programs trying to get loose ends tied up before the new year.
All work and no play
Podcasting
In the area of foolin' around (ie. DSL connection went out due to a thunderstorm), I was able to bundle my first "podcast" type recording using the MacBook and GarageBand. The seamless integration of the iLife suite continues to impress me.
Mac OS X and Videoconferencing
The IU has invested heavily in videoconferencing and the exploration of the technology continues. One of the downsides to moving to Apple is that there is not a native H.323 (Video over IP) client - SIGH - .
Open Source Technology is a funny beast. Just when you think there is not a light at the end of the technology tunnel or you've become a roadkill on the Information Superhighway voila there appears an application.
Thus is the case again with videoconferencing, enter X Meeting for Mac OS X. It's not perfect but it works.. Check it out.
Skype
This is not an endorsement for Skype merely, a if you don't know about Skype, you should.
One of the folks I work with, Preston, is camping this weekend at near Bellefonte
. He IM'd me last nite to say he was hanging out at a cabin that had Internet Access (Wireless Broadband). I inquired whether or not the campground's name was the "Hilton." Sha..
The text messaging lead to an attempt to call via video and audio with iChat to go. On a whim, I suggested trying Skype. After a few minutes to download, we were having a VoIP conversation. Success!
Side-bar: Skype is offering free calling across the US and Canada until the end of the year.
That's all for this week. We'll add some project links later this evening.
Ciao,
Tom
# posted by Tom McClain @ 10:41 AM 
