Chaos Manor User's Column Archive 2009

Computing at Chaos Manor, January 9, 2009 -
After starting by missing both CES and MacWorld, Jerry discusses Celiac disorder, looks back on 2008 both personally and professionally, presents the Chaos Manor Annual Orchids and Onions Parade, and winds down the January column with books, games, and movies.
January 19, 2009 Mailbag -
The mailbag sees the beginning of the Windows 7 deluge, some issues with Seagate drive firmware, monitors and aspect ratios, WordPerfect, and an assortment of other topics.
Computing at Chaos Manor, February 12, 2009 -
Column fodder this month starts with the TED conference and the coming revolution. The middle bits have the new Kindle 2, the HP Smart Media Server, and Filemaker coverage. Book reviews wind up the month.
February 22, 2009 Mailbag -
February's mail has much correspondence on the topic of single-user databases, some further thoughts on the Kindle 2 and the capabilities thereof, as well as an iMovie endorsement and some administrative feedback.
Computing at Chaos Manor, March 11, 2009 -
The topics start small this month: iPhone 3G and Kindle 2. Things get bigger quick, with the big ruckus that the new Kindle's text-to-speech feature brought out, and larger still, with some details of Larry Alderson's home theater setup.
March 22, 2009 Mailbag -
The mailbag has items on upgrading (or retiring) a T-41p, and on storage, Linux, and the intersection thereof. There's some VoIP, batteries and battery failures, DRM and Kindle 2. And the mail finishes with an interesting economics question, sure to generate mail for next month.
Computing at Chaos Manor, April 7, 2009 -
Jerry heads out of the starting gate with some thoughts and input on the Conficker virus. The big issue this month is the death of Encarta, the long term implications thereof, and assorted topics (from copyright terms to patent trolls) that evolve from that conversation.
April 27, 2009 Mailbag -
After a late start, the mailbag roars in at the finish with commentary based on the column, from encyclopedias to intellectual property to software KVM solutions to OS X tools. A bit of something for everyone this week.
Computing at Chaos Manor, May 10, 2009 -
The column opens with Conficker and swine flu, leading into how to protect yourself when connected to the Internet. Windows 7 gains some traction, and garners a few complaints. The Kindle DX is discussed, as is Journalism. Many books are read, and commented upon, wrapping up the month.
May 19, 2009 Mailbag -
Following several comments on prior columns, most of this mailbag is a long and possibly fruitful discussion on Education.
Computing at Chaos Manor, June 11, 2009 -
The column opens with a look at economics, forecasts for recovery, and drivers that may get us there. Then Jerry examines search engines (including Bing), passes along a review of Apple's WWDC with commentary, and revisits the "Google Grab." Wireless networking problems and the ASUS Eee PC make appearances. Books and a movie round out the month.
June 29, 2009 Mailbag -
A fecund mailbag this month, the highlights include eBook readers, Eee PC vs. Acer Aspire, tethering the iPhone and other devices, Ubuntu revisited, and a conversation with Dr. David Friedman. Enjoy!
Computing at Chaos Manor, July 7, 2009 -
Jerry starts the column by asking why we don't "stimulate" some broadband connectivity. From there, the Google Grab ... grabs more attention, then Jerry's monitors are all afflicted with a fatal plague. The recovery therefrom is instructive. Phil Tharp chats up his new Asterisk PBX. Winding down includes some recommended programming/CMS design books.
July 31, 2009 Mailbag -
Readers remark (and Jerry comments thereupon) about Vista on Mac hardware, monitor death, Google vs. copyright, and many other topics besides.
Computing at Chaos Manor, August 13, 2009 -
Jerry asks if Twitter will save the world, then proceeds through trials and tribulations on the path to getting the MSDN Windows 7 Ultimate RTM release installed on Emily. ReadyBoost, Firefox, and the death of Word are also discussed.
August 24, 2009 Mailbag -
Jerry fields comments mostly about Microsoft vs. Governments, and Firefox vs. updates, along with several other messages of interest in this month's mail.
Computing at Chaos Manor, September 8, 2009 -
The column opens with a discussion of patents, intellectual property, and standards, framing the recent (and recently lifted) injunction against Microsoft over i4i's XML patents. Other topics include Snow Leopard, Windows 7, and Roberta's troublesome computer.
September 27, 2009 Mailbag -
Other than a couple of token items on tab handling in browsers and keyboards, the main thrust of the mailbag this month is Windows 7 vs. That is, Windows 7 vs. pricing and version proliferation, Windows 7 vs. Snow Leopard, and Windows 7 install vs. upgrade.
Computing at Chaos Manor, October 7, 2009 -
October finds Jerry interested in the activities at the FTC, as well as installing Windows 7 on just about anything with a CPU, reconfiguring wireless networking at the beach house, and finding time for plenty of good book recommendations in between.
October 28, 2009 Mailbag -
The big rocks in this month's mailbag are building a new system, the FTC Truth-in-Blogging regulations, and a long-ish discussion on virtualization. Enjoy!
Computing at Chaos Manor, November 9, 2009 -
Network Neutrality may be back on the menu on the Hill in the coming months, Jerry's interested in understanding why. The column then ranges through Microsoft Security Essentials, Windows 7 and Office 2007, Snow Leopard, and Python to several books of the month.
November 29, 2009 Mailbag -
The mailbag opens with an Advisors discussion on RSS->email gateways that led to a programming commentary. Thereafter, topics include failures of the App Store, building a new system, Firefox problems, IPv6, and network neutrality.
Computing at Chaos Manor, December 7, 2009 -
Jerry made it back from DC in time for most of Microsoft's PDC. He's got Snow Leopard installed across all the Intel Macs at Chaos Manor, too. Also in this column: Doing a live video TWiT, Christmas gift suggestions, and Manga Guides.
December 28, 2009 Mailbag -
A conversation about the Black Screen of Death story opens the mailbag. Other topics include CPU coolers, security products, Google's Go language, the Droid phone, eReaders, Clippy, and still more.

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Chaos Manor User's Column Archive 2009