A couple of months ago we set out to start a new podcast for the community of people who are interested in desktop customization, skinning, and just tech in general. When we started I was using a inexpensive Logitech USB mic. It’s a very good mic for the price, but it’s not up to any type of professional recording level that I now need. With that I sought out an alternative which was insanely expensive, but still had a very good sound quality. I read review after review and did quite a bit of research before deciding on which one I should purchase. The choice I made was the Samson C01U USB condenser mic.
I chose this one for several reasons. One being it was was on the very few condenser mics on the market that was USB, which is a big plus because I didn’t want to have to buy a mixer, and I liked the ability to plus it in to pretty much any computer. On Windows Vista and OS X Leopard, it’s basically just plug and play without any additional software or drivers needed. The next reason was price….less than $100 which a great deal considering the specs on this mic. Depending on where you shop, you can find this with a decent discount.
Included in the box is the microphone itself, a desktop stand, and quite a long USB cord which is very nice, and sometimes uncommon with electronics. If you are on Windows XP there is software that is included that adds an Input Level Meter, and some other features, but it’s not compatible with Windows Vista. The only problem I had during setup was the mic was recognized, but I could not adjust the sound. After 20 minutes of scratching my head I realized I needed a driver update from Windows Update. No big deal, but be sure to check to make sure you have the latest updates when installing.
I used the mic on both a podcast and the recording of a screencast. I was pretty blown away by the quality of sound, and it was a complete difference between the C01U and my previous USB microphone. Background noise was minimal and my voice came through as clear as I can imagine it sounding. I used a few different applications to record the sound including Camtasia Studio 5, and although I configured each application for its own sound settings, the results were basically the same across the board. I didn’t have a problem configuring the C01U for use with these applications other than making sure the mic was the selected recording device.
Obviously, there are better mics out there, but they will also cost you a significant amount more. For the money and quality, this mic gets the highest rating I could give it. I have no problem recommending it for anyone who need a good, but inexpensive mic for podcasting or other recording types. For more information visit the Samson C01U product page.
Brightkite, the "location-based social network" has been getting quite a bit of buzz lately. I like and use it because you can check in at your current location, and have that location broadcasted in one of several ways. Posting your location to Twitter is something I am seeing more and more of.
I was reading their blog this morning and saw an update they labeled as "notifications for your ego". You can now be notified via e-mail or text message if someone uses your username in a post. While it might be good for your ego, it is a cool way to keep up to date on what is being said about you.
Brightkite is still invite-only, but I have a few invitations. Just send me your e-mail address and I will get you hooked up.
The great people over at The Vista Forums have a contest going on where you can win an Xbox 360 Elite, and several other prizes. This is to celebrate them reaching the 30,000 member mark, and entering the contest is easy. All you have to do is write a review of a Microsoft hardware product, or anything listed as Vista capable. More details and rules can be found at the link below.
NetworkWorld’s Tyson Kopczynski gives a review of WindowBlinds 6. It’s a quick review but right to the point and seems to give a great recommendation for anyone wanting to change their desktop appearance.
The WinCustomize SkinCast has made it to episode #4, and the momentum keeps going and the support so far has been great. Both Zoomba and I are still relatively new to this whole podcasting thing, but I think we are getting the hang of it. Just a quick recap of what the SkinCast is exactly for people just now seeing this. The WinCustomize SkinCast is a podcast dedicated to basically all things related to desktop customization, the technology behind it, and the community that drives it.
In the last month or so, many Twitter users (including myself) were bombarded with friend requests from Twitter accounts that were obviously spammers. I was glad to see the reports that Twitter will start blacklisting these accounts, although I wish there was a more convenient way to report spammers/abusers. This past weekend I was tipped off to several Twitter accounts that are being used to distribute links to illegal copies of software and games (warez). So far, I have only found a few Twitter accounts that seem to be doing this, so I hope this is something that can be nipped in the bud quickly.
I have sent DMCA notices to Twitter regarding the posting of software related to the company I work for, and I also informed Twitter about these activities in hope the accounts will be removed completely, not just the offending posts. Now normally I don’t give dealers in warez any type of public attention, but I feel that since Twitter is becoming more and more popular, and is heading for the so-called “mainstream” status, that this is something that needs to be addressed. I am personally a big fan of Twitter, and I am not putting any type of blame on them, I just hope they are prepared to deal with situations like this.
So now we just wait and see how Twitter deals with these people, and I will be sure to keep everyone updated on the situation.
Have you ever been writing that important report for your boss and suddenly, Word just “unexpectedly” stopped working? Or maybe the spreadsheet you have been working on for weeks gives you that strange corrupt file error? Regardless of the reasons, I’m sure it’s safe to say all of us have had some type of similar experience regarding losing important data.
Backing up data is always one of the first things people tell you to do, but lets face it, many of us just forget or don’t make a steady routine of it. So what do people like us, or anyone for that matter, do to ensure our data is kept safe and can be easily restored if needed?
First thing you need to do is grab yourself a copy of KeepSafe. KeepSafe is an application from Stardock that provides real-time backup of your data, and provides an easy to use interface for managing and restoring your saved data. You can choose to backup specific document types, or entire folders, and KeepSafe will only backup when the files are changed, saving disk space.
Once installed, KeepSafe will present you with a wizard for a quick and easy setup of commonly used files. You can always select more, and have access to more options in the full configuration window.
The main configuration window is where you can add and configure more file types, and also specify directories for backup. It’s not just for backing up document and spreadsheet files, you can select it to save nearly anything including media files.
One new feature in KeepSafe 2.0 is the ability to set a secondary backup location to an external hard drive or USB drive. save to local storage temporarily and copy to secondary drive when connected. There are also many different configuration options that lets you choose how often, or specify a backup size, allowing you to save even more space if needed.
If you are one who likes to keep tabs on what is being saved, and how much space it’s taking, then don’t worry as KeepSafe also has an easy to read Statistics section. This section gives a variety of options to view all your KeepSafe statistics.
In the event that you do lose some of your data, getting it back is what really counts. Another new feature in KeepSafe 2.0 is newly designed user interface of the recovery wizard. This makes recovering any of your lost data a snap. You can search through saved filed by time, file type, name, and more. Once you find your file you then have the option to open or save it.
KeepSafe works with both Windows Vista and XP. A free trial is available and you can find more information at the Keepsafe website.
HP is working with 31 different technology sites, offering 31 prize packages, one a day for 31 days. Each participating website will have its own competition with its own prize, each a HP HDX Dragon Entertainment Notebook loaded with features, software, movies, and games.
Stardock is pleased to announce the “official” public release of MyColors. MyColors makes applying premium suites a snap. A MyColors theme includes everything a user needs to completely and safely transform the Windows experience - a new Windows GUI, a new set of icons, gadgets, wallpaper, etc.
Now available on CNET, MyColors includes the “Diamond theme” which gives Windows XP and Windows Vista users a glimpse at Aero Diamond (one of the concepts Microsoft considered for Windows Vista before going with Aero glass).
The included Diamond theme is free, and MyColors itself is free as well. Additional suites can be purchased such as themes licensed by the NBA, NCAA, Ford, and others. Even if you don’t purchase additional themes, you still get a phenomenal suite for both Windows Vista and XP.
Today is a great day in the world of skinning and desktop customization. Why you ask? Well today we debut the very first episode of the WinCustomize SkinCast!
The WinCustomize SkinCast is hosted by myself and Zoomba, and will cover misc topics from all around the skinning and tech communities. It is our first one, so we have a few things to work out still, but we will have guests, interviews, and all the good stuff you come to expect from WinCustomize.
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