Google Maps Street View

Crikeys! Google maps just added a 3D Street View. Therefore, you can see your house, business, or whatever, as if you were standing right there. Check it out. Very scary.

1. Go to http://maps.google.com/


2. Search for an address


3. Click on street view.


4. Drag the yellow little man icon onto a blue highlighted section.

Computer Upgrade - Mission Accomplished

Phew! My new computer is up and running. And its speedy I must say. Well, I havent really tested out how fast it really is by performing benchmarks and having it do some major processing. But I want to get everything stable for now while I load in all my software and transfer all of my files.

My computer boots up extremely fast now. But one speed improvement I wasnt expecting at all is my internet. For some odd reason, my dsl connection feels like a T1. Im guessing its the hard drive that is boosting the rendering of web pages in my IE 7 browser. I thought that it was the internet connection alone which determined the speed of loading web pages, but I guess not. I can also hear my hard drive working fast when loading a web page.

I've learned a lot from custom building my new computer.

1. User Friendly - PC component makers are trying to make it easier for a user to install. Surprisingly, I only had to make 1 support phone call because I had trouble with the case. But other than that, the manufacturers dont want customers calling them 24/7, so they try to make it as simple as possible. How? 1) Installation manuals have lots of pictures. 2) Wires/plugs/components only fit in one way. Its almost impossible to plug in the wrong thing 3) Everything is clearly labeled.
   
   


2. Drivers - In order to get the onboard ethernet, usb, sound working, you need to install the motherboard drivers. Too bad the sound driver that was on the motherboard driver cd didnt work. So I had to download the latest driver from the website.
   
   


3. Startup Crap - I hate software that installs a bunch of useless things to run when your computer starts up. Whenever you install software, make sure you open up the registry or use msconfig to get rid of those nasty startup items. I like my computer booting fast and to keep it that way, I have to make sure that I get rid of these useless start up items.
   
   


4. Carbonite - So they easiest way for me to transfer all of my files would be to transfer them over my network. But that wouldnt work for me since Im using Carbonite to backup my data. If I were to transfer my files from my old computer to my new computer, I would have to rebackup those transfered files on my new computer, since Carbonite has no way of knowing that these are the existing files that it has on its server. So basically, you have to install Carbonite on the new computer and restore your files from Carbonite to the new computer. Its much slower, but that's the best way of doing it.
   
   


5. Software/Driver CDs - I have a binder full of software/driver cds. I've learned that most of them I can get rid of because software can get outdated really fast. Almost ALL software and drivers can be downloaded from the internet. And for those cds that you really want to keep, you can just copy the cd onto your hard drive. That way you can throw away the cd and install it directly from your hard drive.
   
   


6. Shred it and forget it - I had to use some free shredding software to make sure that all my files are permanently deleted and unrecoverable on my old computer. Who knows is it really worked. But since Im selling my old computer, I dont want to leave any trace of me behind.
   
   


7. New Every Two - This Verizon promotion allows customer to get a new phone every two years (actually its just a $100 credit towards a new phone). And I believe that this also applies to technology nowadays. Technology is moving so fast, that you have to upgrade your phone, computer, software, tv, etc almost every 2 years to keep up, if not sooner.
   
   
   
8. Overclock - I've been doing a lot of research on overclocking since a lot of the parts I got are optimized to overclock. But my machine seems plenty fast enough for what Im doing. So I havent decided whether or not I will overclock. But if I do, Ill definitely blog about it.
   
   
   

Computer Upgrade

I've been so busy researching and buying laptops/desktops for my friends/families that I forgot about my own upgrade needs. Last week, I decided that Im going to upgrade my desktop computer. My current Dell desktop works perfectly fine and it is only 2 years old. But so much has changed in the past 2 years in the computer industry that I feel that my computer is being left behind.

• Dual Core Technology - CPU's are so much faster now with this technology.
  


• Vista - Though I love XP and have no reason to migrate, but it is an inevitable upgrade.
  


• Demanding Software - With the new multimedia explosion of the internet (ie. online video), programs need more processing power to edit videos and photos.
  


• Serial ATA - This hard drive interface has been out for a while, but Im still using my old IDE hard drive, because I didnt want to reinstall all of my dozens of software applications.
  


• RAM - 1GB is now the minimum

Im going to be trying something a little different this time around though. Im going to custom build my entire PC instead of buying another full Dell system. In other words, Ill be buying every single component of a computer. This will provide me more flexibility down the road since I'll be able to swap in and out PC components as needed. Usually, it just takes 1 single component to slow down or even break your computer. Therefore, instead of buying a new computer, I can easily just swap out the messed up component. Building your own PC is definitely not for everybody. You really have to be a computer enthusiast and know what every computer component does. Its almost like souping up your car to get the maximum performance ie. spoiler, exhaust, etc.

Since I made my decision last week, there have been some amazing deals. RAM and CPU prices have plummeted. So I took full advantage and my computer is now complete (well...I still have to put it together). The only thing I really splurged (but still got a great deal) on is the Raptor X hard drive. It costs twice as much (at least) than a normal hard drive. But I felt that this was a necessary upgrade because the hard drive would be the only component that would slow or limit the performance, since my CPU, motherboard, and RAM are quite speedy.

In fact, hard drives are the only component that noticeably slows down your
everyday work with your computer. Whether you start or shutdown your system,
open large project files or applications or have the system load level data in
3D games, it is always the hard drive you are waiting for.

And now, I am proud to announce. My new baby...

• Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 2.4GHZ (will attempt to overclock)
• GIGABYTE GA-965P-DS3 LGA 775 Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard
• 150GB Western Digital Raptor Hard Drive SATA (10,000RPM)
• G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
• Antec Sonata II 450W Mid Tower Case
• Antec NeoHE 550W Power Supply
• BFG Tech GeForce 6600GT 128MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card
• Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro CPU Fan
• 300GB SATA hard drive (existing)
• Plextor DVD burner (existing)

My Favorite Free Software

Antivirus

Im currently using Clamwin which is open source. I've used all of the programs below and you should be fine installing any one of them to protect your computer.

• Clamwin
  
  
  
• AVG
  
  
  
• Avast
  

Firewall

Before I used ZoneAlarm, but now I use Comodo. Whenever there was a software update for Zonealarm, I would have to reinstall the entire application. That's just too much work for me.

• Comodo
  



• ZoneAlarm
  

Office Productivity

I've personally never used it but heard good things about it. If you dont have Microsoft Office, I'd defnitely try out this replacement.

• OpenOffice
  

Antispyware

I've used these to clean out some spyware, but if you really have a spyware problem, I highly recommend spysweeper, even though it is not free.

• Adaware
  




• Spybot
  

Instant Messaging

Using Trillian and GAIM, you can log into multiple IM accounts all at once. If you are on a public computer, you can use a web based instant messaging site that also allows you to log in to multiple IM accounts called Meebo.

• Trillian
  

• GAIM (Pidgin)
  

• AIM
  

DVD Backup

Paired along with Slysoft AnyDVD (not free), you'll have the ultimate dvd backups.

• DVD Shrink
  

Utilities

This program cleans up all the unnecessary junk that starts to pile up on your computer when surfing the internet. After performing the cleanup, your computer will run faster.

• CCleaner
  

Remote PC Management

If you need to troubleshoot a problem on another persons' computer, the best (and coolest) way is to take control of their computer. This program is by far the simplest and easiest. Just install this lightweight program on the host and the remote pc and have your friend/family just give you the access code.

• Crossloop
  

File Compression

Need to open a .zip file or to zip files up and send them? If you are going to send someone 10 files, please dont attach all of them in an email. Zip them all up and then send 1 zip file.

• 7-zip
  

File Shredder

If you are selling your computer or you want to permanently delete private files make sure you shred them. That way no one will be able to retrieve them.

• File Shredder
  

Uninstaller

Use this program to completely remove or uninstall programs and leave no trace behind.

• Revo Uninstaller
  

Preinstalled Software Remover

Bought a new PC or laptop and have lots of unwanted software applications preinstalled? Want to get rid of that crap?

• PC Decrapifier
  

Other

Going on vacations, I would always bring my laptop to watch movies on the plane or at the hotel. I would lug around a couple of dvds with me. When I was done with one movie, I would have to swap the dvd out and put the other one in.

But nowadays, I dont need to lug around dvds with me because of a software I found called Alcohol 52%. Dont ask me how they came up with their name. I just extract all the dvds I want to watch onto my laptop before I go on vacation. It only takes about 10 minutes for each extraction and each file takes up about 5gb of space. I extracted a bunch of Wiggles dvds for Caden which is totally a lifesaver. I think it also saves laptop battery life, since it doesnt have to use the dvd player. No need for fumbling around with dvds when you're in economy class and you have Caden sitting on your lap.

• Alcohol 52%
  

Standby vs. Hibernate

What's the difference between standby and hibernate on Windows?

Standby is like telling your computer to go to sleep. Hibernate is like...well...hibernating.

Standby

• Consumes power


• Boots up fast (usually within 10 seconds).


• Wakes up by keyboard or mouse.

Hibernate

• Does not consume power


• Boots up much faster than booting from shutdown


• Wakes up by pressing the power button.
  

Which one should I use? It all depends. Here is what I do.

• Home Desktop - If you have a home desktop computer that is always connected to the Internet, use standby. Why? Because when you computer is on standby, it wont be connected to the Internet. Your computer is more prone to hackers or other bad stuff when your computer connected to the Internet 24/7. Also, the computer wakes up from standby extremely fast (less than 10 seconds).


• Personal Laptop - Use hibernate, that way it wont consume any battery life. Also, set it so that when you close your laptop lid, it will automatically hibernate. That way you dont have to press the power button and then close your lid. It will save you a step. 99% of the time, when you close the laptop lid, most likely it is because you are done using it. Go into control panel -> power options to set this on your laptop.


• Work Laptop -
  



• Although you should ALWAYS save your documents, hibernating should be pretty safe. Dont use standby with unsaved documents.



• If you use a laptop, in power options set it so that when you close your laptop lid, it hibernates. That way when you are done using your laptop you can just close the lid instead of pressing the power button and then closing the lid. Saves a step ;)
  



• 
  

Tips

Hibernate and Standby - Save all your work and close any open files.

Online Bookmarks Project - Demo

Its finally complete! But I would still consider it as Beta. I've set up a demo account. But for you adventurous people, you can create your very own account. Otherwise, you can use the demo account below.

Here are the instructions:

1. <-- Right click on this button and add it to your browser's bookmarks/favorites.
2. Go to any website.
3. Click on the "Add Online Bookmark" that you just added to your bookmarks.
4. Sign in using the following account:
   email: demo@demo.com
   password: demo
5. Name your bookmark and category and click the "Go" button.
6. Go to www.rogerchew.com/bookmarks/demo
   This is where all of your bookmarks will be stored.

Feel free to give me your feedback and any bugs that you find. Check out the FAQ page for more info. Thanks.

April 7, 1969: Birth of That Thing We Call the Internet

Is it mere coincidence that the Internet was born on April 7 which is also the same day I was born? I think not.

April 7 is often cited as a symbolic birth date of the net because the RFC memoranda contain research, proposals and methodologies applicable to internet technology. RFC documents provide a way for engineers and others to kick around new ideas in a public forum; sometimes, these ideas are adopted as new standards by the Internet Engineering Task Force.

Read the full article.

2008 BMW M3 Coupe Official Photos

The official photos are out. I personally still dont like how the 3 series coupe in general. The shape is too elongated. It reminds me of a Mazda MX-6.

Check out the pics.

Read more about the car.

Free Honda Inspection

April 2-30, 2007 Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

We'll inspect your Honda -- at no charge to you -- during Honda Car Care Days. Thanks to this detailed 40-point inspection, you'll know if anything on your vehicle needs attention. How's that for great detective work?

Your convenient 40-point inspection will include:

• A thorough examination of your Honda's engine, brakes, drivetrain, suspension and steering components.



• A detailed report of your vehicle's condition.



• Inspection completed by Honda-trained technicians.



• Open Saturdays.



• Full line of replacement tires.

At participating Honda dealers nationwide. There arent any in San Francisco, but there are some in nearby cities.

Read the forums for more details.

Online Bookmarks Project - Introduction

I've been working hard the past 2 weeks on a project that I decided to take on. I've searched long and hard for a good online bookmarking site, but I didnt find any that suited my needs. So I decided to create my own bookmarking site. I got sick and tired of having my bookmarks all over the place. This included my work laptop, my home laptop, my home desktop and not to mention the different browsers I used. I tried Yahoo and Google bookmarks, but you have to sign in to view your bookmarks. As Stephanie Tanner from Full House would say, "How rude!". Anyways, here is the list of features that I wanted in an online bookmarking site.

• Simple - the process of adding bookmarks had to be simple.


• No install - I didnt want to install anything for my browser.


• Public - I wanted to view my stored bookmarks WITHOUT having to log in.


• One page - I wanted all my bookmarks displayed on one single web page.


• Friendly URL - I wanted a simple and easy url to remember.
  ie. testbookmarks.com/rogerchew instead of testbookmarks.com/user/sdka232akmjc

I do all of my web programming in Coldfusion. So I just thought I would try to google "coldfusion bookmarks" to see if there was anything out there that I could use or repurpose. I couldnt believe it, but the first search result was about someone who created a coldfusion bookmarking application that was very close to how I wanted it. He even documented it and posted all of the files on his site. I download the files and was up and running in no time. Check out the site for screenshots of how it works. But briefly, here is how it works.

1. You are surfing and you like the website you are on and would like to save it.


2. You click on the special bookmark in your browser.


3. You enter a title for the bookmark.

You'll be able to save an online bookmark with 2 mouse clicks. Now, whenever you would want to see a single page of your entire saved bookmarks, you would just have to navigate to something like testbookmarks.com/joesmith. Like it?!

Now how does this solve my problem? Well, now I can just go to a single web page to access all of my bookmarks, no matter which computer, browser, or OS Im using. I can even access all of my bookmarks on public computers like at the library or school.

Stay tuned as I will let you demo the application.