The most repetitive and frustrating part of my job is having to install commonly used programs. Very often it’s antivirus programs or updates to Adobe Reader, Java, Silverlight… etc. And getting the software has never been a fun, or easy task. You have to go to the different websites for each of these programs. Find the correct download page. Then spend a good deal of time reading most of that page trying to sift through the random download links and buttons that always seem to be in a different spot each time that you go looking for them.

Once you’ve found and downloaded the setup file, then there’s the actual install. You have to click next at least 10 times for each program and make certain that you’re not installing some random toolbar or unwanted software along with the one you actually need. (This is becoming more common; which, in my opinion, should be illegal to have it default to install.)

Maybe I’m whining a bit, but when you do this as often as I do it all this becomes extremely time consuming and annoying.

That is until a friend of mine showed me the wonders of the Ninite website.

This is a basic website that allows you to choose from a list of commonly used programs and click a download button that will send you a single install file. The install file will download the latest version of the software without any add-ons or toolbars and install it with little user interaction. I’ve been using it for several months now and it makes setting up a new computer a breeze.

::Ninite.com::

Here’s a quick tip for Windows 7 enthusiasts. Thanks to my boss’s incessant whining, (hi Randy) I dug this little tip up. If you think your icons in Windows 7 are too big, or maybe you’re Mr. Magoo and want them even bigger, it’s pretty simple to resize them.

First you’ll need to have your computer sitting at your desktop. Easiest way to do this is hold down the windows key (the key between the Ctrl and Alt keys on your keyboard) while pressing D. You can also do this by holding down the windows key while pressing the down arrow twice.

Second, right click on your desktop, and choose the View option, you’ll have a choice between Small, Medium, and Large.

If you prefer to have a few more size choice: Left click once on your desktop to make sure its selected. Hold down the Ctrl key and scroll up or down using the scroll wheel on your mouse.

That’s it, simple and easy, just like everything else in Windows 7.

(Not only am I a Google shill, but I’m a Microsoft shill as well. I’m just waiting on my bucket loads of money to come in.)

If you have been surfing the web for any amount of time now, you probably frequent several websites, spending a good deal of time checking them daily or weekly for new content. You’ve even probably forgotten to check some of them just because they don’t have a regular update schedule, or it’s been a while since they’ve updated at all. If this fits you, then read on, because I’ve got the answer.

You’ve likely come across a smaller version of the icon on the right on several different websites. I even have it on mine here, in the upper-right hand corner. Most people probably don’t notice it as its usually tucked away on most web pages. Or if you have noticed it you’ve ignored it. Well, don’t ignore it anymore. This logo indicates that the website uses the technology called RSS or Really Simple Syndication. RSS will make your web browsing life simpler, quicker, and just plain awesome.

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If anyone is interested in creating wallpapers for the Droid, I’ve mapped out the layout of the icons, notification bar, and menu dock:

Also, here’s a really good resource for wallpapers, be warned though, some of the wallpapers here are a bit immodest. ::Howard Forums Android Wallpaper Thread::

Since this is a blog, I suppose an update of sorts is needed. While it’s been a busy past few weeks not much has really happened.

I’ve needed a phone upgrade for about a year now. My xv6800 has been all but worn out. Sure a new battery would fix the 2 hour battery life, but it really wouldn’t fix the slowness, the GPS being locked out, or the randomly missed calls. Hint: the phone is supposed to ring when calls come in.

This caused a dilemma, I knew I wanted another smartphone, and I was pretty dead set against another Windows Mobile phone. Microsoft really needs to scrap the whole thing and start back at the drawing board if it wants to get in the game. What I wanted was the iPhone. Problem was I’m on Verizon and still had until January 2010 before I was out of the contract.

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