Jolicloud: Mozilla's entry into the Netbook OS Market

Ok, check it out. I love Firefox. It's great. Constant updates, fast software, reliable. It's awesome in my opinion. I do not own a Netbook (would like one, for novelty sake, don't really need one, but it looks like a neat toy for me). But if I did, I would more than likely be running the Netbook Ubuntu Remix.

But with Mozilla behind this project, it would be tempting to at least check it out. Their site claims that 'Wifi, Bluetooth, and 3G modems work out of the box on a growing list of supported hardware.' Check out the Hardware Compatibility List at: http://www.jolicloud.com/compatibility

Mozilla's goal is to turn the netbook into a 'web device' by using this 'Internet operating system'. By using this Open Source, cloud based solution you can try to combine your web and computing experiences. According to the Jolicloud site it is based on: Ubuntu and Debian Linux (Ubuntu is a derivative of the Debian OS). Which means it should be rather stable. And it looks as though it will be fairly simple to install (which has been one complaint of people who wish to install their own OS on a netbook).

Netbooks (by standard adoption) do not include a physical disk drive, leaving the user to install software via USB Flash Drives or external Hard Drives. Some of this has been addressed by alternative OS installs, but it still is present to those who wish not to use Windows XP on their Netbook.

Personally, this sounds like a pretty tight little piece of software. I will be keeping watch on it, and I have also registered for an Invitation to try out the OS. Which could mean for some fun working with VirtualBox. Swing by their site and check them out: http://www.jolicloud.com

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Windows Scripting with AutoIt

Most techie/geeky people out there have probably heard of writing scripts to automate certain windows tasks. This can be accomplished by any number of ways. However, a simple way to acomplish this goal is to use 'AutoIt'.

What is 'AutoIt'. The answer is simple. 'AutoIt' is a free scripting language that is specifically designed to automate everyday tasks. I recently wrote a quick and simple script that basically allowed my FTP client to open, log in to my webserver, and go into a ready state with a double click of a custom icon. Did it work; yes. Was it pretty easy; yes.

To get started, drop by their website at: http://www.autoitscript.com. Their site has all of the necessary tools to get you up and running in no time. I highly recommend pulling down a copy of Scite for script editing, and have a blast. After tinkering with it for a short period of time, I'm sure you'll be creating automated scripts in no time.


Enjoy!

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App Review of the Week: Remote Desktop Fun!

This week's app review is a two part review involving two programs. These apps are UltraVNC (for the pc) and Mocha VNC Lite for the Ipod Touch. When used together, you can have some fun!

UltraVNC is a free remote desktop solution, which has loads of features. The whole package is a little less than 3 MB's after installing the full version. You can also install just a server or viewer as well. This app has features for optimizing CPU control for better remote sessions, a Java session controller/viewer, and even several plugins to add extra features. I highly recommend due to it's ease of use. Ultra also has a Single Click solution for minimal install when helping others remotely, pretty cool.

Coupled with Mocha VNC Lite for the Ipod Touch, you can control you pc remotely. A nice trick which also has many uses. Mocha Lite is free (full app is around $5 USD). The free app works great.

It's easy to setup and use. Soon I will post how to setup.

UltraVNC: http://www.uvnc.com

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