Firefox 29 Philippine Launch

The earliest Firefox version I've ever use was 3.2. I guess I've seen the banner of Firefox in one of the blogs that I was following. That was circa 2007 I guess. Ever since then, I've been a Firefox user & promoter. I find FF (shortcut of Firefox) as the fastest browser in the market today.

Now, I'm here at the launch party of Firefox at Alphaland Southgate Mall, Magallanes. The latest version of this amazing browser is 29 & it gives a lot of improvement. This event is organized by Mozilla Philippines -- the local branch of the Mozilla Foundation (US).

I'm glad that Mozilla PH is active in promoting the browser in the country. This is one of the several events organized by the foundation in order to educate Internet users that there's a better alternative to Internet Explorer.

In my job as a call center agent, I try to educate our US customers that IE are not the sole browser available. I also inform our customers that the best way to isolate a browser issue is to use another browser -- like Mozilla Firefox!

The party is about to begin. I hope that the organizers would talk about the status of The Browser Wars, the latest companies switching to Firefox & exciting prizes for being a loyal FF user & associate.

One of the key features and the future of Firefox is that HTML5 will be fully integrated into the browser. They even showed some shooter games that run on Firefox.

This event is not only about the official lunch of Firefox 29 but also about the status of Firefox OS -- the OS for mobile phones. It's currently at version 1.4 but version 2.0 is already in the works. Mozilla Philippines is also encouraging Pinoy app developers to create new apps for the Firefox Marketplace for the smartphones & future tablets.

Here are some of the things that Firefox & Firefox OS promotes (as noted by Aaron Cajes):

• Alternative – Delivers amazing experience to users and developers.
• Open – An operating system built on the principle of Openness.
• Privacy – Made by a Non-profit Organization that puts YOU first.
• Innovation – Everyone can get involved, contribute and share.

The Philippine Launch of Firefox version 29 was held at the Bali Function Room of the Alphaland Southgate Mall in Magallanes, Makati City.

The theme of the party was Mexican – thus, the Dynamite!

Faye was one of the speakers of the Firefox 29 Philippine Launch. She talked about what Firefox is and a history of the browser that we love.

Mozilla’s Mission: To promote openness, innovation and opportunity on the web. The head of the T-Rex is an icon of the Mozilla Foundation.

Firefox OS (Mobile) and Google Android has a good, working, relationship.

Like, Tweet, Follow and check out the pictures of the Mozilla Philippines Community.

The highlights of the new Firefox v29.

Aaron Cajes talked about the Firefox OS – for smartphones. I would definitely buy one once it’s released by Smart.

I won a Firefox knapsack in the raffle.

Members of the Mozilla Philippines Community where I also belong.

BuzzNet Tags: Firefox 29 Philippine Launch,Mozilla Philippines,Firefox OS

My Experience with Cloud Technology

My first encounter with Cloud technology was with SkyDrive -- the online storage of Microsoft. This was in 2009 when I started to backup my Office documents on the Cloud instead of burning it on a CD. It was also very convenient since I can download my documents on any computer that is connected to the Internet. It's an alternate way instead of backing up on a flash drive which has the tendency to get corrupted.

 

Then I met the program Dropbox, which is very similar in concept to SkyDrive. I was able to backup even more files on the Cloud. Dropbox also gave the option for a public link to the files that's on my Dropbox storage. This allowed me to share those files to my friends by sending the unique link. The free storage provided by Dropbox (2 GB) is smaller in comparison with SkyDrive (7 GB).

At the same time that I discovered Dropbox, I also discovered Google Drive and Photobucket. I haven't tried Google Drive extensively yet but I'm currently backing up my photographs on Photobucket. I've been using Photobucket almost the same time as I played Ragnarok (2003). In fact, my earliest screenshots are stored there. It's also a great Cloud storage website.

I also discovered Zoho.com sometime in 2011 wherein I could type a document and save it on the Cloud. This made me realized that the trend in Word processing (and other Office applications) is slowly shifting towards Cloud technology. In fact, after the release of MS Office 2013, Microsoft released the web-based equivalent of that and named it Office 365. I haven't tried Office 365 yet but I'm guessing that it's almost identical to Office 2013 but all the installation files will be saved on the Microsoft server.

When I worked for Samsung last year, I discovered the use of Google Docs and Google Drive (online storage). We use it to share documents among our peers since our email program is not as good as Outlook. By the way, I’m only using the Word Processing software of Google Docs.

Now that I'm working for Microsoft, I just discovered today the Microsoft Office Web Apps! It's the equivalent program of Google Docs. It's very much similar to the look and feel of the desktop Office 2010 that I'm using. I like the interface of Office Web Apps better than Zoho and Google Docs.

The most prominent feature of Microsoft Office Web Apps (Word) that I'm using right now is the Word Count that is on the bottom of the page. This is very helpful in writing essays that requires a minimum number of words. I also notice that the default file extension of this Word document that I'm typing right now is .docx which means that it can be opened by MS Word 2007 and above only. It's also good to know that both Google Docs and Microsoft Office Web Apps come with Spelling checker.

Customers will be delighted to know that they have an alternate to Office 2013 (in case they don't want to purchase it) if they are only using the MS Word for simple word processing. I believe the Internet is indeed moving towards a society with almost-everything-is-free software.

What Cloud technology software are you using?

Technorati Tags: Cloud Storage,Cloud Technology,SkyDrive,Dropbox,Photobucket

My Computer And Windows 8

We’re receiving a lot of calls lately at the office from customers who purchased Windows 8 and are having problems with the drivers mostly with the Wireless LAN driver. I’m beginning to think of upgrading to Windows 8 as well to be updated with the latest operating system (OS) to better assist our customers.

I went to the Microsoft Philippines website and checked the price of the Windows 8 Pro. It’s being offered at $69.99 which is equivalent to P2,875.19 (based on the BSP website and a conversion rate of 1US$=P41.080000). It’s not that bad considering that I purchased my Windows XP before at roughly P4,000.00.

So I downloaded and run the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant and it listed down some of the programs that are not compatible with Windows 8. These are minor programs so I can live with that. My only concern is that my favorite games like Ragnarok Online and DotA (based on the War Craft III game) is not yet compatible with Windows 8. Other than these two games, it seems that almost all the programs on my PC is compatible with Windows 8.

My computer meets the minimum system requirements of Windows 8 but to perform well with Windows 8, you have to double your computer’s capacity like 4 to 8 GB of RAM.

I was surprised to find out that Windows Live Essentials and Microsoft Security Essentials are both listed as not compatible. These are program that were created by Microsoft, the same company that created Windows 8. I also went to the support site of my laptop Asus K40IJ series to check if there are drivers for Windows 8. Since this laptop was purchased almost 2 years ago, I wasn’t able to find drivers for Windows 8. I’m pretty sure that I’ll have problems with the sound, wireless connection, video or the touchpad, just like our customers, if I upgrade to Windows 8.

I find iTunes to be the best in playing MP3 and Windows Live Writer is part of Windows Live Essentials. I also need to change my anti-virus program since the Microsoft AV is not compatible with Windows 8

Please bear in mind also that Windows 8 is designed to work best with a tablet PC that supports touchscreen technology. This OS is Microsoft’s way of battling the Apple iPad and other tablets that runs Android OS. I’m a Windows user so I’m sure I’ll enjoy this new operating system. However, I suggest to those who purchased their computers two years ago, to keep it that way. To those who purchase their computer this year, I’m pretty sure it can handle Windows 8 and their computer manufacturer would probably release Windows 8 drivers soon. Those who are purchasing a new computer this year, try a touchscreen tablet for a change. I guess all PCs would eventually be upgraded to this technology.

Are you planning to upgrade to Windows 8?

Technorati Tags: Winsows 8,My Computer And Windows 8,Windows Live Writer,Windows Live Essentials

I’ve Rediscovered Photobucket

Photobucket was the first website I’ve used to upload my pictures. I learned about this software through Ragnarok Online. At that time when Facebook is not the norm, we upload our pictures (screenshots) of the game on Photobucket before we post it on the Level Up! Forum.

Everything changed when Facebook knocked Friendster as the Philippines’ #1 social media. That was around 2009 when I finally created a Facebook account along with my Ragnarok friends. We created a group and we then posted our screenshots of the game through this popular networking site.

Unlike Friendster, Photobucket continue to reinvent itself and is very much alive these days. Since I got hooked to the forum of Pinoy Guy Guide and Digital Photographer Philippines (which are both forum), I have to revert back to my old Photobucket account and upload my pictures there before sharing it on this two popular forums.

I discovered that Photobucket now has the capability to automatically upload your pictures to their website similar to Dropbox. All you have to do is specify a folder where Photobucket will upload the pictures from. It’s pretty easy to install and use and I’m pretty sure that you’ll rediscover this great website.

They also integrated a lot of new features on their website to make it more competitive with Flickr. You can now edit your pictures on Photobucket’s website. You can now adjust your pictures, put some effects, overlay, border, stickers and texts. They even have an app for your mobile phone that’s very similar to Instagram called Snapbucket. It’s also compatible with Facebook and you can even add pictures from you Facebook account.

What are you waiting for? Create an account on their website today to know more about the Photobucket Desktop for Windows.

BuzzNet Tags: Photobucket Desktop for Windows,Flickr,Dropbox,Photobucket

New Look For Nuffnang Philippines and Live Writer

I was a bit surprise when I went to the website of Nuffnang Philippines today – it has a new look! I must say that it also looks better. I later received the email in Thunderbird about the features of the new Nuffnang Philippines website including:

• FLIPBOOK – Will let you Flip through the webpages and see the latest happenings in the Nuffnang Blog and Twitter account
• HTML5 Mobile Friendly design -- Allows bloggers to view the Nuffnang Philippines website on a Smartphone!
• Checking your Earnings -- “Buffered Earnings” is now combined and can be found under “CPUV Earnings”. In CPUV Earnings, bloggers can spot 2 columns that represent the status of their earnings:  "Credited" or “On Going" (previously Buffered Earnings).

I was also surprise when I ran my FileHippo Updater today – there’s a new version for the Windows Live Writer and it’s already 2012. I haven’t seen the difference from the earlier version though but I’m sure there are.

Both Nuffnang Philippines and the Windows Live Writer are essential in my blogging hobby. They are indispensable for me actually.

Technorati Tags: Nuffnang Philippines,New Look,Windows Live Writer 2012

It’s More Fun With PhotoScape

I’m not a big fan of Adobe Photoshop. I have Adobe Photoshop CS5.1 installed on my computer (courtesy of torrents.to) and the only thing I can do with it is to crop my photos. So I make it a habit to compose my pictures on my Canon EOS 1100D to avoid cropping it in Photoshop.

Around 10 years ago, there were software called Aldus PageMaker and Print Artist. Those are the software that I used to create college projects, print out Christmas cards and do certificates. Let’s fast forward to 2012 in the age of Photoshop. The most popular image-enhancing tool is Photoshop. I tried to self-study it but I really can’t figure it out even after following tutorials from YouTube and Google.

Luckily, I’ve discovered this free software called PhotoScape. It was elements that are very similar to Aldus PageMaker and Print Artist and I’ve learned to do things in PhotoScape that I can’t dream of doing in Photoshop. I started out with simply putting texts on my photos. It’s very easy! Then I started out with the “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” meme. It’s a bit late but better late than never. I was actually surprised at my works! The only thing I can’t do at the moment is to create the word Philippines in rainbow colors.

Then I started spoofing the Penshoppe, Bayo and Bench ads. I have tons of fun doing it on my former team mates! Now, since it’s a HOT topic on this blog about my recent bad experience with the Facebook group “Bawal Mag-Shoot Dito”, I tried to channel the negative energy into positive output – I tried to spoof their logos and I’m very satisfied with the results.

Overall, I fell very satisfied with the free software PhotoScape. I’m using it to add texts to my pictures and I’m also using Picasa to add watermarks. I also use Picasa to organize my pictures.

How about you, what software are you using to add texts to your pictures?

It’s More Fun in the Philippines

The next models of Bayo, Penshoppe and Bench.

“Bawal Mag-Swardspeak Dito” – Quoted from Mel Cortez, founder of “Bawal Mag-Shoot Dito”.

Technorati Tags: Bawal Mag-Swardspeak Dito,Photoscape,Picasa