A new version of Google Maps has just been recently released.  Among the new features of Google Maps version 2. 3.0.9, one of the most noteworth is “Street View”.  Street view basically turns the map into a 3-D picture of what the street actually looks like.  This lets you actually see the area you are going to visit before you get there! 

Download the .cab installation file

The new version of Google Maps also caters to VGA  resolution (480×640) screens.  The text is much more crisp when zoomed out and many more details are displayed, such as points of interest and street names.

One other cool feature I noticed was that Google has taken individual buidlings into account when making their maps.  For example, if you search for the Empire State Building, Google Maps will show you the street map along with an outline of all the buildings in the surrounding area.

The average computer user is aware of anti-virus and anti-spyware programs, but do they really work at removing your infection?  In my experience, they do not work, at least not 100% of the time or even close to that.

If you ask any experienced and competent IT professional what to do about an infected system, they should only give you one answer: format your hard drive and reinstall your operating system.  Why skip straight to the format/reinstall and disregard the anti-virus and anti-spyware removal tools?

1. Formatting and reinstalling your operating is the only 100% guaranteed way of removing an infection.  Formatting your hard drive will, for all intents and purposes, remove all data from your hard drive, including any malicious code.  Anti-virus and anti-spyware applications can almost never find and remediate every single infection (that is why you may have heard to use multiple anti-spyware scanning tools).
2. Virus and spyware removal can take many, many hours to complete.  First you have to scan your computer, then you must remove the infections.  If  you’re using multiple anti-spyware applications, you will have to scan and remediate with each piece of software.  The usual run time is about 1-2 hours depending on the speed of your computer and the size of your hard drive.  Add in multiple scans and you can easily see how this can take up lots of time.
3. Formatting your hard drive and reinstalling your OS does not take as much time as you think it would.  An average format/reinstall should be about 2 hours on the high end.  This is probably less time than it would take you to run your anti-virus and anti-spyware programs.
4. In my experience, use of spyware and virus removal tools can lead to no results, unexpected results, or even a completely unusable computer.  Say you have an infection on your computer and you run an anti-spyware application.  The program may not completely remove the infection, leaving it to populate on the next reboot.  Even worse, the scan can trigger some malicious code and leave the computer completely unusable (e.g. locks up at the log on screen, wipes entire hard drive and partition tables).  Because of these headaches and uncertainty, it is best to just skip ahead and do a format/reinstall.
5. Computer security is proactive, not reactive.  The point of anti-spyware and anti-virus programs is to keep malicious software off of your computer, not to remove the infection once it starts.  It is much easier to identify malicious software and keep it off of your computer than it is to remove the infection.  Everybody’s computer is different and there is no way to accurately provide remediation options for every single piece of malicious software.  Look at it in terms of probabilities.  While there may be a 50/50 chance that your anti-spyware/anti-virus program will remove the infection, there’s a definite 100% chance of removing the infection by formatting your hard drive and reinstalling your operating system.

To sum it up, there is no guarantee that anti-spyware and anti-virus programs will remove an infection.  The only guaranteed infection removal method is to format your hard drive and reinstall your operating system.  Formatting your hard drive will remove all data from your hard drive, including any malicious software you may have acquired.  On top of that, a format and reinstall usually takes less time, and can save you the headache of running a full fledged scan with multiple pieces of software.

Remote Desktop is a great feature of Windows which lets you remotely control your desktop from a remote location.  Many IT professionals and users utilize this free feature in Windows 2000/XP/Vista.  Remote desktop is a huge time saver because you do not have to physically be at the computer workstation to control the computer.  Basically, this post will go over how to enable Remote Desktop as well as how to use DynDNS.com’s services to automatically update a chosen host name with the remote PC’s IP address.  The end result: you’ll never have to remember the IP address again.

Enabling Remote Desktop on a Windows PC is fairly straightforward.

For Windows 2000/XP:

1. Right click on “My Computer” and choose “Properties”
2. Go to the “Remote” tab
3. Check the box that says “Allow users to connect remotely to this computer”
4. Click “OK” at the bottom of the window.

For Windows Vista:

1. Right click on “My Computer” and choose “Properties”
2. Click on “Remote settings” in the left “Tasks” menu
3. Choose the radio button which says “Allow connections from computers running any version of Remote Desktop (less secure)”
4. Click “OK” at the bottom of the window.

The last step is to figure out what IP address the remote PC has.  If you’re connected directly to your modem and not using a router, you can view your IP address by going to http://www.whatismyip.com.  If you have a router, you will have to log in to your router to view the IP address.  You will also have to forward port 3389 to the PC you wish to remotely connect to.  Since there are many, many routers out there, you will have to consult your router’s manual or website for instructions on how to do the latter.

To connect to your remote PC, you will need to use the Remote Desktop Connection program.  This is typically found in Start -> Programs -> Accessories.  Once the program has opened, enter in the IP address of the remote PC which was described in the paragraph above.  Click on “Connect” and it should connect you to your remote desktop enabled PC.  If it asks you for a user name and password, use the credentials you usually use when you log on to your PC.

However, the problem that most residential users run into is with their dynamic IP address.  Most residential internet connections are assigned a dynamic IP address which can change over time.  This means that everytime your IP address changes, you will have to use that new IP address to access your remote computer.

Why is that bad?  Well, if you have your old IP address and are unaware of the new IP address, connecting to your remote PC would be impossible.

DynDNS.com solves this problem by letting you choose a free host name to use and associate with your dynamic IP address.  Using DynDNS.com, you can create a host name, such as “myipaddress.home-ip.net” and assign that name to point to your IP address.   Now you only have to enter “myipaddress.home-ip.net” in the Remote Desktop Connection program instead of the IP address.

Then, using the DynDNS updater utility, you can automatically update DynDNS.com with your new IP address (if it changes).  Therefore, you only have to remember the “myipaddress.home-ip.net” address instead of the numerical IP address (e.g. 74.123.124.83).  You also will never have to worry about your IP address changing because the dyn-dns updater utility will automatically update your host name with your new IP address.  The updater utility is available on DynDNS.com and I would highly recommend to use the utility to update your host name with IP address changes.

If you setup a host name with DynDNS, you will never have to remember your home IP address again.  The updater utility takes care of the times when your IP address changes and updates your host name with the new address.  Therefore, using only your host name such as “myipaddress.home-ip.net”, you can connect to a Remote Desktop enabled PC even if you don’t know the IP address.  This process has been working for me for over a year with no problems at all.

Let’s face it, the stock screen protector supplied with the HTC Touch Pro sucks.  It’s too difficult to install since it leaves very little room for error.  If you are off by 1mm, the screen protector will hang of the side just a little.  Over time, the edge of the screen protector will pull up and  all the dust and lint inside your pocket will dig into the screen protector.  Eventually, the whole screen protector will come right off the screen, leaving it naked and prone to scratches.  This is exactly what happened to me after 2 weeks of using the stock screen protector.

Scratches along the top (click to enlarge)

When I first got my HTC Touch Pro, I immediately looked at an InvisibleSHIELD product to protect my device.  However, they didnot have one developed at the time the HTC Touch Pro was released.  I just checked their website recently, and to my surprise, they finally have them in stock.  HURRAY!

Supposedly, the same material used in the screen and body protectors are also used in helicopter blades to protect them from debris.  The film is only .2mm thick (2 tenths of a millimeter) and is scratch-proof.  The video on their website is more than enough proof of the InvisibleSHIELD’s capabilities.

Scratches around the bottom and a dent from being dropped onto wood floor from 4ft high (click to enlarge)

Not only does the InvisibleSHIELD protect the screen, it also protects the entire body of the phone.  This is extremely important to me because I don’t use a belt clip or holster and I hate bulky silicone cases.  Bulky cases seem to defeat the purpose of having a small, portable phone.  However, with the InvisibleSHIELD installed, the phone won’t get any thicker and it becomes protected from drops.   I can’t count the number of times I’ve left my cell phone in my lap while driving, then eventually getting out of the car and having the phone fall from my lap onto the pavement.  With the InvisibleSHIELD, I can finally put my worries to ease.

I put my order for an InvisibleSHIELD in today.  It should be here sometime next week or the week afterwards.  Once I get it, I’ll write a review and post some pictures.  In the meantime, take a look at the pictures to see what I’m griping about.

While the HTC Touch Pro comes with an array of applications loaded by default, there are a few good programs they left out, like Google Maps.  After sorting through tons of applications for Windows Mobile, I’ve come up with a list of useful programs to load onto your virgin Touch Pro.

• Advanced Configuration Tool - This program allows you to tweak all sorts of settings
• CorePlayer - Media player.  Plays almost all music/video formats and has better streaming capabilities than the stock Windows Media Player.  TCPMP is not working on the Touch Pro (yet), so this is the next best thing.
• Diamond TF3D Config - Although the program was made for the Touch Diamond, it will work on the Touch Pro.  If you’re using TouchFlo3D, this program will allow you re-arrange the tabs as well as remove unwanted tabs.
• GMobileSync - If you use Google Calendar, this program will allow you to sync your Google Calendar to your phone.  You may get an error after syncing, but don’t worry, the calendar entries will sync.
• Google Maps- Surprisingly, this wasn’t included in the list of stock programs.  Google Maps is almost a no-brainer; it lets you search maps, get directions, show traffic, etc.  Better yet, Google Maps even works with the Touch Pro’s built-in GPS.  Using GPS with Google Maps will let you create a route from your current location, but it does not automatically re-route in the event of a detour.
• Kevtris 2- Tetris for your phone, ’nuff said.
• PdaNet- A must have program if you plan to tether (use your phone as an internet connection).  You can connect via bluetooth or USB connection.  Supposedly, the program disguises your data usage so it looks like you’re browsing from the phone, not from your computer.  Most carriers have a tethering fee in addition to the standard data charges.  PdaNet basically lets you evade those tethering fees by disguising the traffic.  I’ve used PdaNet on and off for over a year and have had no tethering charges or additional fees.
• PHM RegEdit - Registry editor for Windows Mobile.  A must have if you plan on doing any advanced tweaks.
• Remote Desktop for Windows Mobile 6 - This is just what it sounds like, a remote desktop program for Windows Mobile which lets you access your remote desktop enabled PC while away from it.  Why they did not include this in the stock ROM is beyond me.  Remote Desktop comes in handy if you need to access a PC, but don’t have a computer available.
• SPB Mobile Shell- An alternative to TouchFlo3D.  Mobile Shell basically replaces your home screen with its own interface.  I use SPB Mobile Shell because I find TouchFlo3D to be laggy at times and cause overall sluggish performance.  Installing Mobile Shell helped performance overall and there’s also a ton of customization that can be applied to suit your liking.
• SPB Insight - An alternative to the default newsreader “RSS Hub”.  RSS Hub is pretty good, lightweight, and fast, but it lacks a few things.  One is the lack of images, the other is how RSS Hub only downloads part of an article, making you visit the site to read the rest of the article.  SPB Insight not only downloads images, but it also (most of the time) downloads the entire article for offline viewing.
• SPB Pocket Plus - A very powerful today screen plug-in.  Lets you add all sorts of plugins and shortcuts to your today screen with lots of other features.  I use Pocket Plus as one of the tabs in SPB Mobile Shell.
• Sprite Backup - This program backs up your phone, contacts, programs, etc.  Backups can be scheduled and only take about 5-6 minutes to run.  It is always a good idea to have backups!
• TorchButton - Lets you use the camera’s flash function as a flashlight.  The application is lightweight; you just run the program to turn on the light and run the program again to turn it off.  By default, the LED light will only stay on for 30 seconds to prevent burn out.
• Total Commander - A feature filled file explorer program with too many features to list.  This is a definite must have program because you will never know when you’ll need it.
• VNC Viewer - Exactly what you think it is.  Will let you connect and control the desktop of any VNC server.
• vxUtil- Network utilities such as ping, traceroute, whois, etc.  Network administrators may want to look into this program; it could come in handy and save you time.

My Touch Pro Today screen with SPB Mobile Shell and Pocket Plus	Recently used programs tab in SPB Mobile Shell
Weather Tab in SPB Mobile Shell	SPB Insight Tab with News Feeds

By itself, Firefox is a great browser, but what really sets it apart from all the rest are the addons available for Firefox.  Addons are basically widgets within Firefox.  There are many, many extensions out there that do all sorts of cool things, but I’m going to focus on my favorite and most useful addons.

Here is the list of addons I use the most:

1. ForecastFox - An addon which tells you the weather.  Displays information in the bottom status bar.
2. SearchStatus - Sits in the bottom status bar and reports the currently displayed page’s PageRank and Alexa Rank.  Very handy for webmasters to get a quick glimpse of where their pages are.
3. FoxMarks - Every person who has more than one computer should have this addon.  FoxMarks syncs your bookmarks across multiple computers to a central server.  Comes in handy when you use multiple PCs throughout the day.  If you bookmark something on one PC, it will not transfer to your main PC.  This is where FoxMarks comes in handy!
4. FasterFox - This plugin basically “turbo charges” your Firefox browser and can speed things up quite a bit.  It doesn’t speed up your internet connection, but it does prefetch links (load links in the background) and allow you to tweak Firefox network settings.  With FasterFox, you can grant Firefox more connections to use when connecting to a web server.  Do the web admins a favor and don’t turn this too high.  If you’re unsure of what to do, leave it at the default!
5. Web Developer Toolbar - A toolbar with lots and lots of functionality.  Mainly gives information, like CSS info, dimensions, etc about the page being viewed.  A must have for any web master because of the simplicity and huge functionality.
6. DownThemAll - The best download manager in my opinion.  This download manager will allow you to download anything at a very high speed.  It works by downloading multiple parts of the file simoultaneously, then reconstructing the file as a whole once all the parts are finished downloading.  DownThemAll also opens up multiple connections per download, similar to the way FasterFox speeds up web browsing.

Finally, here’s a screenshot of my browser.  At the top, you can see the Web Developer Toolbar.  At the bottom status bar (from left to right), you can see FasterFox, FoxMarks, SearchStatus, and ForecastFox.

To all you coffee drinkers out there, you’re going to love this.  Vietnamese style single cup filtered coffee is extremely flavorful that packs an extreme kick.  Think of this type of coffee as espresso, but instead of a shot, you’ll have a whole cupful of delicious, strong iced coffee at a fraction of the price you would pay at Starbucks for a “gourmet” cup.

You will need the following items and ingredients:

• Glass cup
• Single cup filter
• Coffee grounds - it is best to get dark roasted, coarse grounds.  Trung Nguyen and Cafe’ Du Monde make excellent choices
• Sweetened condensed milk - DO NOT get evaporated milk, they are not the same.
• Additional cup with ice
• Hot water (near boiling temperature)

First, pour about 1-2oz.  of condensed milk into the glass cup.  The condensed milk adds sweetness to the coffee to offset the bitterness.  You can use more/less condensed milk based on your preference.

Then, measure out your coffee and insert it into the bottom of the single cup filter.  Typically, I use 2 heaping spoonfuls, but this can be adjusted based on how you like your coffee.  More grounds for a stronger brew, less grounds for a weaker brew.

Here’s a picture of the coffee grounds in the filter.  Try to get the grounds as even as possible, but you don’t need to be perfect.  Note, the stainless steel filter is not inserted at this point.

Insert the stainless steel filter over the coffee grounds.  How much you screw the filter down will also determine the strength of your coffee.  Screw it tightly for stronger coffee or lightly for weaker coffee.  However, if you screw it down too tight, the coffee will take a long time to brew (over 10 minutes).

If you cannot screw the metal filter down because you used too much coffee grounds, then just set the filter in and give it a firm push.  This will compress the grounds and keep the filter in place while brewing.

Now, place the filter over your cup.  Add a small amount of hot water (near boiling temperature) to the filter.  About a 1/4 inch of water would be good.  Let the water seep through the filter until there is no water left.

Here’s what the brewing would look like in the initial stage.  After the initial 1/4 inch of hot water is finished brewing, you’ll have a small amount of brewed coffee as shown in the picture.  You’ll then want to fill up the filter to the brim with hot water, then put the top cover on.

Now, just sit back and wait for your coffee to brew.  This should take 4-5 minutes.  If your coffee is brewing faster, then you either need to add more coffee grounds or adjust the tighten down the filter.   If the coffee is taking longer than 4-5 minutes to brew, then you’ve probably screwed down the filter a little too tight.

Here’s what the process will look like after the coffee has finished brewing.

Stir the coffee and condensed milk until the condensed milk is completely dissolved.

Then, pour the coffee into a separate cup with ice.  You don’t want to use the same cup you used to brew the coffee because the overall temperature of the cup will be hot, which will melt the ice quickly.

You can either enjoy the coffee hot or cold.  I prefer cold because the coffee tastes smoother and the melting of the ice helps even out the bitterness.

Enjoy your full flavored, espresso strong coffee!  The key to getting the brew you like is to experiment.  Adjust the amount of condensed milk to adjust the sweetness.  Adjust the amount of coffee grounds to adjust the strength of the coffee to suit your tastes.  In my opinion, this coffee is more like a cold treat than a cold drink.  It is very, very tasty with a huge caffeine kick!

If the boot loader to your Windows Server 2008 machine gets corrupted or deleted for whatever reason, it really is a painstaking process to get it fixed.  The boot loader to my machine got deleted somehow while I was resizing partitions.  After scouring the web, I could not find anything on rebuilding the boot loader for Windows Server 2008.  All I could find were instructions to restore a Windows Vista boot loader, but luckily, the process for Server 2008 is similar.

Due to the lack of recovery tools on the Server 2008 installation CD, the boot loader must be rebuilt manually.

For this guide, I’m going to assume your installation has a drive letter of C:.

Insert the Server 2008 installation CD into your DVD-ROM.  Restart your computer and boot from the CD.

Choose to repair your computer, then open the command prompt.

At the command prompt, use the following commands:

c:
cd boot
bootsect /nt60 c: /force /mbr
bootrec /rebuildbcd

After using the “bootrec /rebuldbcd” command, you will be prompted to accept a Windows installation.  Accept the installation, then wait for the process to finish.  Once it’s done, reboot your comptuer and you should have a boot loader ready to go.

If you do not have a “boot” folder in the system C: drive, then copy the “boot” folder form the Windows installation CD to the C: drive.  Use the following command which assumes E: is your DVD-ROM

mkdir c:\boot
copy e:\boot\* c:\boot\

Afterwards, just use the boot restore commands to rebuild the bootloader.