Naples Florida Webmaster - Personal Diary

Personal diary of the naples florida webmaster, Brian Zajac.

Monday, September 30, 2002

The world’s first AOL computer? Under 200 bucks!

So cheapo? Want to know what you can get for a computer under $200? Well, look no further than the computer maker Microtel. It runs a Linux-based OS system that has some features of Windows. It currently runs a 2.0 version...ok OS for simple stuff...but bare bones, nonetheless. What will this do for current computers? Hmm...rules still apply...you get what you paid for. But in this case, consumers should really discuss what their NEEDS are and what their WANTS are for a computer and their current budget...

Other Links Related to This Story

posted by Brian & Brian at 12:56 PM 0 comments - add your comment here!




Friday, September 27, 2002

iRobot Corporation

Vacuuming with the touch of a button. Great idea...but not publicly traded on the stock market...in a word - doh! I'm sure it would do very well...here's some of the FAQ's on the company:

Q: Can I invest in iRobot Corporation?
A: iRobot is not seeking investment from the public. iRobot is currently a privately held company and is not traded on any stock exchange.


Q: Who is the media contact at iRobot?
A: Please e-mail all media inquiries to: Sharon Campbell
(For more company contact info, please see the Contact Us page.)


Q: Can I request a catalog from iRobot Corporation?
A: The most current information about our products/ projects is posted to the iRobot web site. A price list and catalog of our Research Robots product line can be obtained from sales@rwii.com.


Q: Can I become a distributor for iRobot Corporation?
A: All distribution inquires should be forwarded to info@irobot.com. Please include all pertinent information about your company.


Q: Can iRobot sponsor my Battlebot? Or other competitions?
A: We receive many requests asking for donations, contributions and sponsorships. It is impossible for us to fairly access and accommodate each of these requests. Instead, we offer paid internships to deserving robotics students interested in pursuing a career in this exciting and expanding field.


Q: Why was the iRobot-LE removed from the iRobot web site?
A: The iRobot-LE has been replaced by the Coworker - a robot developed for commercial applications. It is currently in beta test at several well known companies.


Q: How can I obtain information about iRobot for my school or college project?
A: All the information on our web site can easily be downloaded for educational purposes. Also, Dr. Rodney Books, Co-founder and CTO of iRobot Corporation, has a web site especially designed to answer robotic questions. The site even provides information on how to build a robot. Other resources include: www.robotmag.com & www.robotbooks.com


Q: Where can I buy the MY REAL BABY doll?
A: Nearly two years ago this first generation robotic doll was developed by iRobot under exclusive agreement with Hasbro, Inc. If any are still available, try locating one by calling Hasbro’s Consumer Affairs toll-free number at 1-800-752-9755.



For any questions not answered here, please contact info@irobot.com.


Other Links Related to This Story

posted by Brian & Brian at 12:16 PM 0 comments - add your comment here!




Wednesday, September 25, 2002

www.xmethods.net

A fantastic website devoted to the newest web services out there...the next big thing for the internet. As stated:

"Emerging web services standards such as SOAP, WSDL and UDDI will enable system-to-system communication that is easier and cheaper than ever before. This site is a "virtual laboratory" for developers , listing publicly available web services and showcasing new ways this technology can be applied.."

Coming from a designer's view, I see this as the next evolution from java and javascript. Just copy and paste the data...viola! You've got a nice set of modules to work off from...

Other Links Related to This Story

posted by Brian & Brian at 9:28 AM 0 comments - add your comment here!




Monday, September 23, 2002

When porn permeates Web personals

When it comes to business, the porn professionals always "come" up with something new. Their newest scam is to take online personals and redirect them to websites. Although these personals are screened, they get the "ok" because it's mostly done through the email. So, if you find one of these, go to the website and happen to sign up to view "her" picture, you'll be on tons of spam porno lists...and good luck trying to get rid of it!

"HOW TO SPOT TROUBLE
While the ads are tricky to spot, it’s not impossible. They tend to be women in their 20s who have very general information listed in their personal essays, and often leave many personal details fields blank. And of course, an immediate request for a private e-mail address should be suspicious.
One other drawback to falling for the scam — an immediate infusion of pornography spam to the e-mail address."

When it comes to porn, you're playing against the best money making scheisters in the business...

Other Links Related to This Story

posted by Brian & Brian at 12:54 PM 0 comments - add your comment here!




Monday, September 09, 2002

Starting up and getting a loan

What lenders are looking for:
Put yourself in the shoes of your lender – do you appear to be a low risk finance proposition? Remember the lenders’ 4 Cs when they consider loaning you money:



Character: Do you come across as confident enough in your ability to service this loan? Do you appear to know what you are talking about or do you seem on unsure territory?


Capacity: Will you be able to repay your loan?


Collateral: Are you providing security against the loan?


Capital: How much are you trying to borrow and is this amount realistic?


When you do manage to secure a loan, you should ensure that you know how much it is going to cost you, and, if it is a variable rate loan, the impact an increase or decrease in the interest rates will have on your repayments.

Other Links Related to This Story

posted by Brian & Brian at 10:43 AM 0 comments - add your comment here!




Friday, September 06, 2002

Avoid Search Engine Roadblocks in Macromedia Flash MX - Traffick.com

A great site that shows the do's and don't in building a search-engine freindly flash site. Here are some you shouldn't do:

-Do not use Flash for the navigational structure
-Do not have all of your important content contained in the Flash movies
-Do not use huge Flash objects that make the pages too large in size
-You must remember the users on dial-up connections that will not wait 5 minutes to see your Flash movie
-Do not make the site too complicated or too confusing, as this will deter potential customers

Click the title of this article to see the rest...

Other Links Related to This Story

posted by Brian & Brian at 1:47 PM 0 comments - add your comment here!




‘Deadbeat bidders’ dog eBay sellers

Watch out sellers! Anonymity has it's drawbacks. Sellers are now making the fake bids and leaving town...not so good. Right now, the focus is on Cisco routers, but it could be a trend. Some think it's the bored children of today's society. Others think:
"But the source who compiled extensive research on deadbeat Cisco auctions believes something much more serious is happening. He believes the “Cisco Raider” is purposefully ruining auctions by the competition to force bidders towards his own auctions, driving up prices and raising profits."

In any case, it makes for an interesting problem. Any solutions out there?

Other Links Related to This Story

posted by Brian & Brian at 11:54 AM 0 comments - add your comment here!