Pidgin or Trillian: Which one do you use?
For the past many months I have been toying with two different instant messenger tools to test out their differences. As for myself, I have accounts with Yahoo, AOL Instant Messenger, MSN, and ICQ. The convenience of using Pidgin or Trillian will gather all information together into one simple program. There is no need to opening up every instant messenger, instead I only have to open up just one which brings up all of my contacts for each account.
For example when a new user begins an account on Trillian or Pidgin they are presented with a dialog box and asked what account they wish to add. In this example, the user would choose Yahoo. A new dialog box appears which the user then enters their Yahoo account name and password. The tool then begins to see all of the contacts (or buddies) on their list. The user can then follow this same procedure for AOL instant messenger, MSN, ICQ and other accounts which they have.
When the user has completed adding all of their accounts, they can then set all of the preferences of the program or look at the window of the buddy list. The buddy list is long, narrow, and easy to move around. Pidgin and Trillian set up icons in the status bar where your volume control is. To open the buddy window, double click the icon. To close, click the X in the top right corner.
To send someone a message, you need to double click the person’s name, a second small window will appear. You then type a message, press enter or click the “Enter” button then your instant message will then be sent to them. In some cases, your message may not be received. For example, your message will not be read if the intended person is offline, invisible, or if the person is set to away and does not want to speak with anyone.
Two more very important things to note with these instant message tools. Trillian has a basic application version and a paid version. As for Pidgin, it is a free application. The second issue I noticed regarding Pidgin is the application moves a lot faster than Trillian when running.
In essence, it is user preference for what application is used. The best thing I suggest is to try them both out and see which one is liked over the other. Here are the URLs to both web sites to download the free software and learn more about them.
For Pidgin: http://www.pidgin.im
For Trillian: http://www.ceruleanstudios.com
Microsoft Windows 7 Release
Here’s the skinny with the latest on MS 7 and their roll out date. Many have been saying multiple time frames and it has gotten rather confusing so I felt it was a good idea to clear the air on a few issues. When Microsoft is rolling out their project they operate in a way that only select few people are aware of the exact scheduled dates. Why is that done? So the rest of the crew involved doesn’t release the information and give other software competitor a heads up on their current status.
Consider it this way, if you had a product that was due to be released and wanted it to be perfect there would only be a select few who would be aware of authorized information whereas the rest would know confidential information they just would not be aware of the full details. It does not mean those persons are not trusted, it is actually protecting you as a company for purchasing power. It is also protecting those who work for you so they will not need to be aware of delicate information and avoid certain issues in conversations which can become quite stressful.Now down to the nitty with this new operating system.
The first chance of even seeing something for Microsoft 7 is the end of April as Windows 7 RC will be released. For those who are not aware, RC means Release Candidate. Something else to keep in mind as you eagerly await seeing Windows 7, this is the first release of the operating system so there are bound to be updates soon to follow. The first release will be provided to those who supported Microsoft in developing Windows 7. The next release of RC1 shortly after that will be available for the public. In an article I have located, information stated first release is to be expected on April 30 and the next release is to be on May 7th.
I did some further searching and came across a helpful web site that explained everything which Microsoft Windows 7 will have available on it listed with a fairly reasonable definition of each. Here is the link so you can visit and make a copy for yourself and future saving.
Windows 7 Pre-release (M3) Privacy Supplement
Something I have learned using Microsoft since 3.1 came onto the market, there will always be corrections done and there will always be updates available especially if they are critical fixes. Considering how far Windows has been enhanced since back in the day, it has been quite a long distance travel from dialog boxes in ANSI to smooth rounded graphics in C+ including the advancement in multimedia from PC speakers to surround sound Dolby stereo with various drivers.
Software review – Xara Web Designer
Xara (pronounced zara) Web Designer application creates web sites without the designer needing to know a lot of code. Now some may have an issue with that if you’re old school and used to doing everything the old fashioned way. But, if you are a new web designer just starting out and need that extra boost, this software may be something to consider as it will help you gain confidence in what you are doing for a client.
Another important factor to make note of is Xara uses templates but it also allows the designer to import graphics they have made like Front Page or Dreamweaver would. Another benefit with Xara is the software permits the user to publish directly to the URL instead of using an FTP protocol which saves on time transferring files to the designated area. Xara also provides a 30-day trial for the end user to make their own decision before purchasing.
Here is the link to the web site: www.xara.com
Hewlett-Packard offers an awesome deal in laptops again.
Hewlett-Packard has come to my rescue after three months of seeking out options for a new laptop. I hadn’t planned on getting one immediately but due to how the current one was working I didn’t have much of a choice. What was purchased however is excellent for having a mobile system. I haven’t tried everything on it as there hasn’t been a lot of time in my schedule but I am quite pleased with the new system and the performance I am getting from it. After doing a lot of seeking and price decision, the final choice was made on a Hewlett-Packard laptop that is very high on the market. Here are the specs:
- AMD Turion X2 RM-72
- 2.10 GHz, 1MB L2 Cache and can handle up to 4000 MT
- 4096 MB DDR2 Memory
- 250 Gig hard drive (5400 rpm)
- Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit
- Nvidia Graphics Card 8200M
- Three USB 2.0 ports
- 8x DVD R/RW drive with double layer support
- 15.6″ WXGA wide screen monitor
- Wi-Fi certified
If anyone is interested in looking up the model, here is the SKU# for it, HPG60-235WM
In my opinion, excellent clarity in the graphics and it just flies when you download files from the Internet. For example I had to reset up my Internet on it and when I got FireFox again it took no time to complete. I have the laptop as a second system as I also have the desktop as my main computer. Since the prior laptop was four years old it was due to be replaced. Oh and by the way, this was a great price and well worth every penny! Happy hunting if you need to make a purchase for a new laptop. I would highly suggest HP as this one was well worth it.
We have moved.
apageor2 has moved and we are remodeling our blog at the same time. Things will go back to normal in a few days (we hope!). Thanks for your patience!