The best things on your USB key are free. The open-source PortableApps Suite is a free 89MB download that installs Firefox, the Thunderbird e-mail client, the Gaim instant messenger, the Sunbird calendar app, and the OpenOffice.org office suite—basically all you need to get work done on the road. If you are using a smaller USB key, a 30MB “Lite” version uses the more compact AbiWord word processor instead of the full OpenOffice.org. A “Base” edition that is less than 1MB includes only the basic menu and a backup utility, so you can add your own portable applications from the PortableApps.com site. Any USB key with 512MB or more can use the full version, and it’s an obvious first choice when you’re outfitting a USB key. From the same site you can add a few dozen other applications, including the superbly capable VLC media player. (Free, www.portableapps.com,
3. Meanings of any word in an instant Now you do not have to carry a dictionary or install a dictionary software just for the purpose of finding out a meaning of a word. With the wealth of information in Google’s hands, its a piece of cake to find out the meaning of the word. Just use the define: keyword. The meaning would of course be displayed but also a set of other links which might have an alternative definition are also given out with the link to read more about it.
Also: if you’re not using the Google Toolbar, you should be. Besides instant access to Google searches, you get many other features. My favorite other feature: a spell checker for any text entered into an online form. I find myself using that one feature several times a day.
I was not a Boy Scout but like most small boys (and big ones alike), I had an interest in the Boy Scout tradition of Pinewood Derbys. Now, this guy has developed what looks to be a fool proof method of winning a Pinewood Derby using physics (unless of course your competition also follows his method). One key:
Most of the hotshot fathers shaped their cars to look like formula one racers, low slung, aerodynamic. When the fork tangs were pivoted forward and down by the Starter, the low slung cars stood still until the tangs were nearly rotated 90 degrees.
My car was shaped like a landing barge, a funny sight to see: A landing barge beating the formula one racers.
The landing barge shape meant that when the tang of the starting fork had moved 10 degrees my car was already moving and ahead of the low slung car, next to it. At 45 degrees my car was already .75 inches ahead of the opponent. Some of the heats were only won by .75 inches. The other guy must have done a good job with his wheels and angular momentum. Still, he lost because the beast will beat the beauty … if the physics is right.
I just noticed a search for “best motherboard for Windows Home Server” had led to this site. I would say from my experience: one that supports SATA 300 (sometimes called SATA II). Makes life easier when installing the big new hard drive(s) you are going to want.
On another WHS note: installing the connection software on a network computer automatically creates a shortcut to the shared drives on the server. However, does not automatically map those drives. Mapping must be done manually. Once a drive is mapped, I recommend a program like Microsoft SyncToy 2.0 beta or Replicator from Karen’s Power Tools. Both free tools do an excellent job of keeping files synced between local computer and mapped drive on the home server.
Once installed, all Home Server operations are performed remotely using the Windows Home Server Control Panel. The install preconfigures shared folders for Music, Photos, and Videos. Each new user is automatically assigned a personal folder. Screenshot here.
All of the initial setup is very user friendly. If you want web access to your files and even remote access/control of any defined computer on your network you need to open the necessary ports on your router. If your router supports UPnP as most new ones do, WHS can configure the router. If your router does not have that support, you will need to do this manually.
I have been running my server for just about a week now and so far no issues. I have not tried any of the add-on’s, there seem to be very few available at this point. I suspect many more are in the works and hope to try a few soon. Overall, I am very pleased with my decision to build this server.
Welcome to my little corner of the web. Sit back, relax and, enjoy the show.