Download it! SDU_Update_Aug_22.pdf (?)
Restarting the Podcast
Tuesday, August 22nd, 2006
To anyone out there who’s still actually subscribed to this, you should know that I’ll be starting this podcast up again. I’ve been re-inspired, and it will be an interesting thing to do.
The main problem with my last attempt was that I tried to update it way too often. This time, I’ll aim for once every two weeks. That way, I have sufficient planning time as well as time to actually find stuff to talk about.
Also, I may soon move to another server to automate the process of uploading and releasing new episodes, but we’ll see how that goes.
There have been a lot of new developments on the web recently, so that will be a good way to kick off Software Destruction Unit, Take 2!
Download it! SDU3.mp3 (?)
Windows Live Messenger Beta currently runs only on Microsoft Windows.
Features:
- It’s the same basic idea as MSN Messenger, with a ton of new features.
- There are now “Sharing Folders”. These allow you to share files with a friend. They’ll be synced to each person’s computer, so now you can easily work on a document with a coworker. When you sign on to messenger, an alert will pop up in the bottom-right of your screen telling you that files in a Sharing Folder have been updated. Plus, they’re always accessable offline.
- The interface has been completely redesigned. It’s now a smooth, clear look. Everything that changes fades smoothly in and out, and it’s all sleek. It looks similar to the Windows Vista style. The main panel color can be changed.
- A box has been added under the contacts list which is the “Video Carousel”. It displays links to videos on MSN Video. If you turn this off, it switches back to ads like MSN Messenger.
- Contact cards are still there. They display basic info on a contact, as well as parts of their MSN Space if they have one. These were in MSN Messenger as well.
- Offline messaging: You can send contacts messages when they are offline. These messages are stored in a buffer. When the contact signs on, they recieve the message.
- Mouseover contact info: When you put your mouse on a contact, it gives additional options on things you can do with them. (Video chat, audio chat, IM, email, etc.)
- Voice clips. This is in the latest version of MSN Messenger as well. If you have a microphone, you can record an audio clip for your contact. It’s not a live audio conversation. Instead, it sends them an audio file that they can play back on their computer. This feature has been in AIM for a while.
Pros:
- Awesome new interface
- All of the new features I mentioned above, and more
- Better organization
Cons:
- It’s still in Beta, so it could be unstable
- Takes more resources because of the better graphics. I haven’t really noticed a problem, though.
- When you install it, it uninstalls MSN Messenger
- Only people who have signed up can sign in with it
- You won’t be able to use many of the new features unless your friends are also using Windows Live Messenger.
- Not Mentioned: No Mac version
Getting Started:
- So far, since it’s in beta, it’s invitation-only. However, you can get invited by Microsoft. Go to http://ideas.live.com/, scroll down until you see “Windows Live Messenger beta”, and click Sign Up. The only requirement is that you have a .NET passport and that your account is not parentally controlled.
- Once you’re signed up, you get 5 invitations to start out with. You can then invite your friends to start using Windows Live Messenger!
Additional Information:
Keep listening to the SDU Podcast! I plan to update it much more often now. And always come to this site for the latest shownotes to go along with the newest episode.
You can contact me at
jefftheman45 at gmail dot com.
Download it! SDU3.mp3 (?)
A huge extension on the previous episode. Extended coverage on...
- Animations
- Organization
- Extra Features
- Lock - Prevents adding/removing icons
- Right-click > Customize for a ton of preferences
- High Resolution Icons
- Internet Explorer
- Mac OS X Mail (Outlook)
- System Preferences (Control Panel)
- Mac OS X Finder (My Computer)
- Not Mentioned: Recycle Bin, full & empty
- Where to get it: Aqua Dock (Courtesy of Download.com)
Download:
SDU2_5.mp3 (
?)
Jeff Stephens discusses the Mac OS X dock imitator, Aqua Dock.
- Supports Windows XP
- Customizable (Opacity, background, auto-hide)
- Where to get it: Aqua Dock (Courtesy of Download.com)
Download: SDU2.mp3 (?)
Just a small update on what's going on with SDU.
Download: SDU_audupdate_1.mp3 (?)
Michael Nye and Jeff Stephens discuss chat programs. We mention Trillian and Adium, as well as the standard messengers that are developed by the network owners.
Download: SDU1.mp3 (