MikeBenton.org

This us a test post with an image. lets are if it works. If you have some time go to AllShadow.com

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Vista is problematic, too much doesn’t work and if it does it usually costs money (yes Linux I hear you). In the past I have used PDFCreator (the free open source version) on Windows XP/2000 however it doesn’t work on Vista. So in search of a solution I found CutePDF. I just installed it and performed some test prints. It has worked flawlessly so far. So if you just need to print an occasional PDF and don’t want to shell out some dough take a look at CutePDF.

Silverlight is awesome. It is a new web medium that is going to give the internet that final push beyond Web 2.0. The possibilities of Silverlight are endless. It is also directly competes with Flash. If you want to see some of its potential and some HD trailers (even Halo 3 which is awesome in itself) go to Silverlight.net and download the plug-in.

This is a test of a moblogging program.
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I still use Microsoft Word 2007 to post to this blog. Occasionally, I will use the wordpress backend for some minor code adjustments for posts, but for the most part Word 2007 is a great blogging tool. It has the nice neat ribbons interface which is strange at first but you get used to it real quick. Yes, it is better than the old toolbar method. Every so often I explore it a bit and find some neat tools that I didn’t expect to be there.

For instance; over the years, Microsoft has gradually added to the quality and quantity of clip art and shapes available from within their applications. The simple graphic above is what is now called Smart Art. I suppose it’s great for all those PowerPoint Professionals that love to to jazz up their presentations (You know who you are).

The thing is, PowerPoint is abused and not used effectively. The slide show is supposed to enhance your presentation not be it. There are plenty of resources on the web that talk about this and even tell you some dos and don’ts of PowerPoint.

I digress, the Smart Art can be very effective if used right. How is right? I suppose that depends on the material at hand.    

Prices vary from $39.99 at Circuit City to $59.99 at Buy.com and Sears. This is highly anticipated game with many improvements over older more popular games such as completely development tools for the various playing styles that gamers like to exhibit in games. If you like first person shooters and getting up close and personal there is much in store for you. If you remember playing 007 on Playstation and liked setting booby traps then Bioshock is something you should check out.

Check out the Bioshock website here

This time I reviewed V2R’s ActiveUI. Check out the review here.

 

I reviewed Vito Technology’s AstroNavigator II recently. Pretty cool little program. You can read it at pocketnow.com

If you own a wireless device or phone with Java support you can begin using Opera Mini 4 beta today. In comparison to Pocket Internet Explorer in Windows Mobile it rocks. You will need java support on your device. If you are a pocket pc owner and you do not have a midlet manager or java micro environment download and install this. After installing the midlet manager, download and install the .jar file from the Opera site below. I really suggest trying it out. I am very happy with this new version.

Sample Screenshot

The original article about Opera Mini 4 beta is at PocketNow.com

Direct Link to Opera Mini 4 beta

Link to Midlet Manager.

I have another review up on pocketnow.com, this time I poured over PhatPad, a note taking application for the Pocket PC, I was very impressed by its function and usability. Read the review for the details.