This handy article from lifehacker offers up a useful and cheap solution for protecting your data. They walk you through the steps, describe the hardware and software (free) that you need and provide some very useful tips. Why not implement this handy idea as a late New Year resolution.. have you backed up yet this year??? I thought so ;0) See http://www.lifehacker.com/software/geek-to-live/geek-to-live-automatically-back-up-your-hard-drive-147855.php
Archives for February 3, 2006
Volkswagen secures Google to provide Mapping
This from Reuters today… Volkswagen AG of Germany’s American unit on Friday said it is working on a prototype vehicle which features Google Inc.’s satellite mapping software to give drivers a bird’s eye view of the road ahead. The two companies are working with the graphics chipmaker Nvidia Corp. to build an in-car navigation map system and a three-dimensional display so passengers can recognize where they are in relation to the surrounding topography. See http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=1576986
Google’s plan for a private alternative to the internet – could it be so?
Does Google want to have it all?? It sure seems that way at times. Case in point, an article from the Times Online (http://business.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,9075-2023600,00.html) reports that Google is working on a project to create its own global internet protocol (IP) network, a private alternative to the internet controlled by the search giant. They go on to describe recent recruiting efforts by the company to secure talent with experience in negotiation of dark fibre contracts – Dark fibre is the remnants of late 1990s internet boom where American web companies laid down fibre optic cables in preparation for high speed internet delivery – kind of makes you stop and think, doesn’t it?
Google’s plan for a private alternative to the internet – could it be so?
Does Google want to have it all?? It sure seems that way at times. Case in point, an article from the Times Online (http://business.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,9075-2023600,00.html) reports that Google is working on a project to create its own global internet protocol (IP) network, a private alternative to the internet controlled by the search giant. They go on to describe recent recruiting efforts by the company to secure talent with experience in negotiation of dark fibre contracts – Dark fibre is the remnants of late 1990s internet boom where American web companies laid down fibre optic cables in preparation for high speed internet delivery – kind of makes you stop and think, doesn’t it?
Preetha Pulusani retires as Intergrpah VP Security, Government & Infrastructure Division
Looks like there’s more change going on at Intergraph as just today Preetha Pulisani has stepped down from her role as executive VP of Intergraph’s Security, Government & Infrastructure (SG&I) division (PR http://www.gisuser.com/content/view/8064/). The position will now be that of Ben Eazzetta, previously chief operating officer of Intergraph’s SG&I division. Interesting to note that in recent months, the SG&I division has lost several long-time staff members that I know of and the company’s geospatial user conference (GeoSpatial World) has been disbanded and the company has returned to a corporate user conference where all divisions and users come together… this was the norm several years ago. You have to wonder if this all related to the sudden plunge in the company’s stock from over $50 early in Jan to a present price of $38.50 today (See http://www.stock-tracker.net/quote.asp?ticker=^INGR). Good luck to Mrs. Pulusani!
TrailRunner for iPod – route planning software imports GPX tracklogs
Here’s some info about a cool new solution for all people that do long distance sports and need to plan their workout routes. Enter TrailRunner – Route planning for all kind of sports with intelligent iPod directions export. TrailRunner is a route planning software for people who enjoy running, biking, hiking or skiing. The software will import GPX tracklogs or tracklists from GPS receivers and then plot the data on maps. Within the map, TrailRunner can calculate routes for a given distance. You can even export directions as text to a classic iPod or as small NanoMaps to your iPod nano. TrailRunner is free! Check it out at http://TrailRunnerX.com
USGS announces new and improved Website and Earthquake Notification Service and mapping
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has unveiled a new design of its earthquake website and a new Earthquake Notification Service (ENS). According to the USGS, increased demand and server loads have forced their hand and thus the update and redesign.. good idea! Users of the service will find maps to be front and center in the new UI with a World map and USA map featured prominently on the home page. Clicking a map brings up more detail where users can then obtain detailed information on recent events. The “Earthquake Center” section has information on the latest earthquakes, past earthquakes, and earthquake lists and statistics. ShakeMaps, RSS feeds, seismogram displays and other real-time products can also be found here. Check it out at http://earthquake.usgs.gov — for more information about the new application you can see the announcement at http://www.gisuser.com/content/view/8061/
cNet uses Google Earth Imagery in Identify the NFL Stadium contest
cNet (news.com) has come up with another clever contest using imagery from Google Earth.. funny, I could have sworn that clipping and reposting images from Google Earth on a commercial website was against the terms of use?? Anyway, the cool contest is taking advantage of all the hype surrounding this week-ends Super Bowl (you know, Sea Hawks vs Steelers) Users are shown images of a number of NFL team stadiums (very cool imagery actually!) A clue is given on each and contestants must try to match the stadium to a team. See http://news.com.com/Images+Satellite+Super+Bowl/2300-1026_3-6034188.html?tag=nefd.lede