16 Essential PC Applications for Bloggers

Posted by: Jake  :  Category: SGB Reviews, Websites

Over at ProBlogger, they have a well written article discussing 16 different applications that bloggers should use. Some I have used, some I have not, and some I prefer and alternative.  I wouldn’t say this needs to be limited to bloggers, but anyone who likes to customize their web experience.

The first one on the list being Firefox - I couldn’t agree more.  I have tested Chrome, use IE (as required) for work, but live in Firefox.  I would recommend following through and checking out the list of “25 must have Firefox Addons.”

My personal recommendations: Twitterfox, ColorfulTabs, StumbleToolbar, Greasemonkey, Locationbar2, Scribefire, Search Status, SpeedDial, and TinyURL Creater.

Skipping down to SnagIT - I actually would recommend ScreenHunter 5.0 Free.  Smaller, lightweight, free version that does basic cross-hairs screenshots that I prefer.  A lot less options, but that is what I need/use.

The next item on his list that catches my eye is Digsby.  I have tested it and it works, but I am a big trillian fan.  I have used the software since it’s really buggy early days and it has come along nicely.  I do agree with the importance of having an “all in one” IM application though.  With Friends, Family, Clients, Coworkers, etc all on different networks, logins, groups, etc it is very helpful to only have to run a single app.

RSS Bandit is another one that I am not sure about.  It apparently downloads directly from Google Reader for offline reading.  Perhaps it is a better experience than mixing Google Reader/Gears for offline.  I vote no on that because I use Reader both at work and home.  So I prefer the pure web based version.  That being said, if I was still traveling full time as a software consultant, my opinion might be different.

Of course there are more recommendations.  I encourage you to go to ProBlogger and check out the full list.  Comment there or here if there is an app of choice that you like/prefer.  The key thing to remember is that it *is* possible to custimize your web experience.  Once you do, you will wonder why you didn’t before!

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SGB New Theme

Posted by: Jake  :  Category: SGB Tech

Well, I have installed and started customizing a new theme here at SuperGeekBlog.

The idea is to finally make the jump (like I did on OlorinPC.com) to a theme that supported widgets.  Not totally sure about it yet, as the dividers are doing some funky stuff… but I might be able to find the code that is doing that and tweaking it a bit.

So let me know what you think - I might still try a few others before tearing apart the code… but it is a work in progress.

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Eduk8: 100+ Incredible Open Courseware Resources for Science Geeks

Posted by: Jake  :  Category: Websites

For the science geek on a budget, hey even if half your money goes for geeky things, free education is awesome because it saves cash for other geeky things.  I got sent this page this morning from Kelly Sonora.

Science geeks continually on the lookout for more information can hit the motherload when it comes to open courseware classes. No matter what field of science you may be interested in learning about, there are a number of enlightening and challenging courses that you can take absolutely free. From life sciences to astronomy to health sciences and so much more, you are sure to find courses that will teach you exactly what you want to know.

Visit the post to check out the links.  Here are the subject headings available:

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

Earth Sciences

Environmental Science

Astronomy

Aeronautics

Technology

Health Sciences

Social Science

Variety of Scientific Topics

I would say if any of those topics are remotely interesting, check out the post. Might find something worth your time.  They are from a variety of Institutions.  (MIT being a big one.)  Knowledge is power - good luck!

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Username check

Posted by: Jake  :  Category: Websites

I have seen this a couple of times now, but it is a useful service.  Now the intended use is to see what sites your user name is available or taken on.  I would also point out that it is useful to tell if you have lost or forgotten about a site you registered on.

Robin on TechCrunch has a good post on it - and the site itself can be found here.  Check it out and see if your default username is in use somewhere.

Check your usernames

Check your usernames

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Deskstop Space - Wet dream

Posted by: Jake  :  Category: SGB Gadgets, SGB Hardware News

CineMassive OmegaPlex: 27.6 million pixels for $12,995 - Engadget

My first thought when seeing this come up in my reader this morning… if I get a divorce, sell the house, and get a really cheap apartment… could I afford it?  While that answer may be debatable, I am pretty sure my wife and dog wouldn’t appreciate getting kicked out for it.  That being said, this is freaking awesome.

Multi-monitor rigs are always fun.  I myself never go less than duals, but do miss having 3-4 chained across a couple of different PC’s using synergy.

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SGB - What is planned?

Posted by: Jake  :  Category: Uncategorized

What is planned? That is an interesting question. For a while there, this site kind of went stagnant… between other blogs, real life, etc… it just went by the wayside. Well one of the changes I am testing out (after moving hosts, upgrading code again, etc) is some RSS aggregation posts. IE - pulling in geek news from big hitters. (ie the geek of the geek sites.)
Whether or not I will keep doing this, not exactly sure. I prefer to create my own content, even if it is a few comments and a link to another story. (Which is what the aggregation post is doing - title and content all link back to the author of the post.)
SGB is coming back - thats the plan. I need to revamp, and probably reduce or limit the outside content and get back to producing our own here. So I do encourage the readers who are still with us… keep track!

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