Archive for April, 2007

How do I sync my Dell Axim X5 in Windows Vista?

Sunday, April 22nd, 2007

Many, many Dell Axim X5 owners are wondering this one as my most recent searches of forums produced little in the way of results but many users lamenting their inability to link their PDA and sync in Windows Vista.

The problem manifests itself with many earlier Windows Mobile 2003 capable PDAs and there is a simple fix. One website suggested turning off any networking function associated with the USB connection as this is often a source of trouble. This proves useless for Axim X5 owners as there is no such option or function in the menus.

I am happy to report my fix for the problem was equally simple, however. Just go into your Start > Settings > Connections > Connections menu and choose any connection other than the USB one. Exit the settings window, open it up again and select USB again. Save your settings, disconnect your USB cable and plug it back in again.

This worked for me. If you still have problems and/or find alternate solutions or more information about the problem, please feel free to leave comments.

Happy synching~ :)

[digg it!] [leave comment]

I should become a farmer…

Tuesday, April 17th, 2007

a Patent Troll - Acacia

… if I continue with my computer science career choice I’m liable to get sued.

Apparently the patent troll Acacia is targeting WiFi hotspot landing pages in its latest lawsuit tirade.

It’s funny to note that the Acacia tree in some regions is known to house colonies of ants in its thorns which protect it from harm by other insects. In the same way, Acacia Technologies Group finds smaller patent owners and thrives due to a symbiotic relationship where Acacia uses it’s clout (or shelter?) to win court battles for them, giving them a cut of the licensing fees. Acacia benefits by now owning the patents to many widespread technologies which are already in use and “ready for the suing”.

I wasn’t aware you could patent software in the U.S. but apparently you can.

This is ludicrous and someone needs to stop this destructive machine now. A company with a big budget and time on their lawyers’ hands needs to first prove prior art for their service, and then sue the pants off Acacia until they can no longer function.

They claim to be the champion of a good cause. Anti-competitive institutions such as the patent are fundamentally bad in my books anyway. If another company can make it better, then so be it. Exclusivity should be eliminated.

Besides which, the landing page and the redirect are DEFINITELY not new concepts, are DEFINITELY technologies with provable prior art and any lawsuit by a smaller company would be thought of as a frivolous attempt by some idiot to make a buck.

It seems Acacia is trying to be a big idiot and make that buck with its clout and make the little idiot feel good about themselves in the process.

I hate morons who can’t see past their own pocketbook into the world they are destroying.

Office 2003 SMRT

Monday, April 16th, 2007

Office 2003 apparently thinks it knows the English language better than I do.

Sometimes it’s right, and sometimes it makes glaring errors like this one:

Office 2003 is smrt!

Now, I can hardly stand it when human beings make this error. I typically want to reach through the monitor and p1mp514p them upside the head.

When a program charged with the task of correcting grammar and spelling for these fools is leading them astray, I now understand why.

I also think ‘creative spelling’ should be abolished, the documents about it burned and its creators dragged out into the street and shot.

It’s Friday the 13th again!

Friday, April 13th, 2007

Friday the 13th video game for the NES

I love it when Friday the 13th rolls around.

Superstitions about it being an unlucky day don’t usually hold for me. Let’s hope that happens today as well. I feel a lot better than I have been.

It will be Friday the 13th again in July of 2007.

The last time it was Friday the 13th was October 2006.

I’d be interested to see whether Friday the 13th is usually a lucky or unlucky day for anyone who bothers reading this. Please click on the ‘comments’ link below and leave a comment.

I suppose this poll will be highly effected by perception but that’s still useful info. Please comment!

April snowstorms bring May… ?

Thursday, April 12th, 2007

Okay, I’m going to use this blog for a place to rant now.

It’s not so much a rant anymore as it’s kind-of funny, but this morning this is the view I saw outside.

April snowstorms bring May… ?

I usually love snowy weather and I didn’t think much of a little snow in April. The problem came when I was about a block away, and I noticed I didn’t have my glasses on. That’s fine, I don’t even need my glasses to drive legally. The world will be slightly fuzzier for today.

The worst came when a schoolbus was driving up the street practically on the sidewalk. Of course it ran straight through the untrodden slush and created a huge wave. I wasn’t on the sidewalk… no, no no! I was in a parking lot about 3 meters away and I still was soaked!

Wow… I’m actually in good spirits really but wish me luck. This looks like it’s going to be an interesting day.

Hah… They actually posted my photo too.