Vook Review: An Enhanced Multimedia Experience

Vook Review: An Enhanced Multimedia Experience

Have you read a vook yet? Vook  a company (vook.com), and a product.

The company was created and self-funded by entrepreneur Brad Inman. The product is a hybrid between a digital book, a movie and online interfaces. It’s a new phenomenon taking the publishing world and readers by storm.

Vook first rolled out in October 2009 with four titles. A year later, the company had forged partnerships with 25 publishing houses and lists more than a hundred multimedia selections in 18 different fiction and non-fiction categories. Some of the offerings are available for purchase no less than five different ways: as an iPhone or iPod mobile app, as a Kindle or an iPad book, or as an online version for a notebook, net-book or desktop computer. Other titles have more limited versions for sale.

Vook is to a standard ebook what a pen and paper are to a word processor a gigantic leap forward.

Like an ebook, the new product enables the reader to enlarge text, scroll up and down, turn pages, place bookmarks and skip to different chapters. The books are offered in full color and can include high-resolution photos.

However, these multimedia publications stray from the standard formula to include embedded videos, hyperlinks of key words and the ability to send comments about the book to the author, publisher and your Facebook and Twitter friends, as well as to connect with other readers of the book. While you’re engaged in clicking and linking, new windows open for exploration while your vook waits on your screen for your return to reading. Select an icon on the top right of the page to make the video full screen. Or click a different icon to minimize the video window and see more text on the page. By choosing the mixed view, the video window is smaller and you can watch while still browsing the text on the page.

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The Skinny on SD Cards

Secure Digital card (SD)
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The Skinny on SD Cards

For nearly every electronic device you purchase, you’ll need to spend a few more bucks on another essential component that’s not included a SD memory card. You may be tempted to grab one based on which one costs the least; that would be a huge mistake. The cards are made in a variety of sizes, capacities and speeds to meet different demands and performance outcomes, so select one that’s compatible with your gadget. Here’s a primer on those little plastic rectangles.

The SD card hit the market in 2000, and today it’s the most widely used removable media storage device in the world. The card not only affects how many shots you can take on your digital camera, it also affects the speed at which the image is transferred onto the card so you can take your next photo, or your ability to shoot continuous, high quality videos.

  • Standard SD cards have up to 2GB of memory.
  • SDHC (High Capacity) cards range from 2GB to 32GB of storage.
  • SDXC (Extreme Capacity) cards offer from 32GB up to 2TB of storage capacity.
  • SDHC and SDXC cards with UHS (Ultra High Speed) provide consistent high writing speeds necessary for recording video. This category is sub-divided by class. For example, Class 2 is fine for standard definition videotaping. However, for high definition recording, you’ll need Class 4, 6 or 10. Live broadcasts and professional-quality high definition footage requires Class UHS-1.
  • MiniSD and microSD cards (also available in miniSDHC, microSDHC and microSDXC) are smaller versions of the SD card that fit into tinier devices, such as mobile phones.

Most digital cameras perform well with 4- to 8GB SDHC cards. High performance cameras require 16- to 32GB cards. High definition video cameras need cards 32GB or higher.

Look up the recommended memory card specifications in the literature that came with your device. The SD Card Association (sdcard.org) also provides helpful guidelines and information.

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Become a Better Filmmaker

For budding photographers and cinematographers (as well as experienced ones), there’s an online community where you can hone your skills, ask questions and critique the work of others. Vimeo.com, a video-sharing site, now offers a free video school.  And there are loads of free tools for playing and editing videos as well like open source software like vlc media player and xvid codec.

The school includes brief but information-packed lessons in eight different categories:

  • Behind the Scenes  storyboarding, shot design, directing, etc.
  • Do-It-Yourself  a hodge-podge of helpful lessons
  • DSLR Cameras  all about digital single lens reflex cameras
  • Gear
  • Lighting
  • Shooting
  • Software
  • Sound

In the Video 101 tab for beginning filmmakers you’ll find lessons on choosing a camera, shooting and editing basics, and making movies with a Mac or PC.

In the Featured Lessons tab you’ll find beginning and advanced classes on capturing good sound, creating a holiday video, a glossary of video terminology and slow motion effects.

The software section provides tips on using and maximizing various programs, such as Windows Live Movie Maker, Apple Final Cut Pro and Adobe After Affects.

Users are encouraged to do a challenge project after watching a lesson to demonstrate their mastery of the topic.

In addition, the school posts tutorials that were created by other members. You can create and submit your own tutorial for consideration. If accepted, your tutorial will be included in the school, with your byline.

You don’t have to register to watch the lessons, but if you sign up you can join in on conversations, get advice or help, comment on others  work and post your own creations. Members can interact in the forum section of the site, where they participate in general discussions, swap stories, organize projects with other members, and share information about contests and festivals. The Wanted and Offered section includes requests for talent and products as well as promoting one’s expertise and ability.

Vimeo has strict codes of conduct for members, and only accepts original, noncommercial work created by members  no commercial work allowed.

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A Tron Tribute

Original sequel logo, from the test footage pr...
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A Tron Tribute

Many people of a certain age were greatly impacted by the original Tron movie, which was released in July 1982 by Disney. Conceived, written and directed by Steven Lisberger, it was one of the first movies to use computer animation along with live action, and it took audiences on an improbable but fascinating journey inside a computer game. This film pushed the envelope of special effects and asked us to suspend disbelief as the hero is teleported inside a mainframe computer and interacts with the strange characters that live there.

Tron (from the word electronic) opened up the world of computers and video games to the masses. Audiences learned such terms as user, hacker, programmer, program, and master control program.  It showed us imagery we had never seen before, and inspired designers, programmers, artists, musicians and animators.

Amazingly, the special effects were created with one computer that had only 2MB of memory, and the storage disk had a 330MB capacity. The movie didn’t receive an Oscar for technical achievement until 1996; apparently, in the year it was released academy members thought the use of computers was cheating.

The movie developed a loyal following, and continued to live on in pop culture when it became an arcade game, a video game, a comic book, and was released as a VHS tape and later a DVD. Tron now has its own wiki site with more than 3,000 pages.

Tron started a conversation about the role of machines in our lives, artificial intelligence, and of course, the little guy standing up to the system/powers that be.

The sequel movie, Tron Legacy, released Dec. 17, 2010, evoked buzz among ardent fans, as well as interest from new generations. The new movie benefits from all the technological and cinematic advances that have occurred since 1982, and brings back original cast members Jeff Bridges and Bruce Boxleitner.

Some originals deserve a sequel: Tron certainly does.

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Net Neutrality Possibly At Risk

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Net Neutrality Possibly At Risk

Turn on your PC, click your browser, type in your destination, and boom there you are.

Unobstructed internet access enables ordinary people to connect quickly and directly to their chosen websites, view online video programs, listen to music and use voice over IP devices and mediums like Skype to talk to others all around the world. The current internet environment also provides an even playing field for small start up companies to compete in the global marketplace, attract customers and grow their businesses.

What we take for granted, however, is being challenged. The Federal Communications Commission is stepping in to regulate how the internet operates. And giant telecommunication companies are pushing for a legal regulatory structure for the internet.

What are the implications? Should the government decide what’s appropriate for its citizens to see and do online? Will internet service providers act as gatekeepers, limiting access or charging extra fees for certain premium sites and activities, or provide faster connections for their preferred sites? Will there be fast lanes and slow lanes? Will regulations be different for plugged-in devices than for mobile devices?

On December 21, 2010, the FCC approved net neutrality rules to prevent providers from blocking or slowing down the delivery of competitive content or charging more for faster connections to certain sites. Sounds good, right?

The FCC chairman has said there currently are no policies about internet freedom and a framework is needed to create rules of the road.

However, net neutrality advocates say the language in the new rules isn’t clear enough, allowing too much room for interpretation. Politicians against the rules plan to overthrow them, saying the government has no right to meddle with online business practices and questioning whether the FCC has the authority to enforce the new rules.

Savetheinternet.com is a nonpartisan coalition of people and organizations committed to educating others and standing up for a free and open internet. Visit savetheinternet.com for loads of up-to-date information.

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Are Your Company’s USB Ports Secure?

USB flash drive
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Are Your Company’s USB Ports Secure?

The Wikileaks release of secret diplomatic cables from the Pentagon has spotlighted the vulnerability of sensitive information to being downloaded from company computers onto a USB drive and walked out the door.

While businesses have adopted data security practices such as password protection, anti-virus software and firewalls, USB ports are often overlooked as a risk.

The ports can be used both for introducing viruses into a network and for extracting sensitive or proprietary data. Viruses introduced to one computer can quickly spread throughout an entire network and cripple operations for hours or days. Critical data that is stolen or lost via a flash drive can expose information to the wrong entities or open the company to lawsuits. Any of these scenarios can be potentially devastating to a business.

A number of software companies offer security solutions specifically for USB port protection. Some packages, like DeviceLock enable a manager to control all the computers in a network from a central console. The software enables different levels of access for groups or individuals in the system.

Other protective programs like HDGUARD provide write protection to prevent data from being loaded onto a memory stick, as well as lock out capability that ejects any kind of USB device.

Some software programs like USB Port Blocker monitor all activity performed on USB ports, generating logs as to the hardware name and identity, IP address and the date and time when data is transferred to the removable device. This type of program can be run discreetly in stealth mode so clients and external users aren’t aware of it.

Windows XP includes a feature that enables a user to set up password protection for files and drives. Data transferred to a storage device become encrypted, making it nearly impossible to access without the password.

As companies review their network security and protection protocols, USB port protection should be included in their plans.

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Virtual Work: A Growing Trend

Manpower Panel on "The World of Virtual W...
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Virtual Work: A Growing Trend

Skilled professionals are taking advantage of today’s technology to start home-based businesses. Some choose to become teleworkers for personal reasons, such as wanting more flexibility, more time with family, less time in the car or preferring more control over their workload. Some are budding entrepreneurs. Others are forced into self-employment because of layoffs.

Whatever the reason, virtual work enables workers to utilize their skills and earn a living from a home office. Programmers, educators, writers, web designers, graphic artists, photographers, clerks and financial professionals are some of the specialists finding an increasing number of opportunities for virtual work.

Here are some tips for those considering telework:

  • Know thyself. Do you have the discipline and organizational skills to stay on task and meet deadlines without a boss standing over your shoulder? Are you a social person who needs a lot of interaction with co-workers?
  • Know your financial situation. Have a realistic view of how much money you need to pay the bills. You may not make as much as you did from a corporate job, especially in the beginning. However, a study by the TeleWork Coalition found teleworkers save about $8,000 a year on job-related expenses.
  • Set up an office and obtain the equipment and software you’ll need to work from home.
  • Cooperation from others in the household is a must. You’ll need quiet time to talk on the phone with clients and complete your work. If you have young children at home, arrange for childcare during your work hours.
  • Develop several versions of your resume to fit the different types of jobs you’re applying for.
  • To assist in your personal job search online, type virtual + your job title. This will help specify your search.
  • Apply for a lot of virtual jobs to increase your chances of being selected. You may also try juggling several and keeping the ones that are the best fit and pays well.
Filed Under: Computers, Design Automation, Internet

We Love Our Electronic Gadgets

We Love Our Electronic Gadgets

According to the Consumer Electronics Association (ce.org), the average American household now has 24 electronic devices.

Twenty-five years ago you’d find one or two TVs, perhaps a cable box, a VHS player, stereo system with a turntable and tape deck, a film camera, a radio or two, a boom box and maybe a tape recorder and VHS camera. That’s about 10 devices, more or less.

Today, the number and capabilities of electronic gadgets is astounding. A well-appointed family of the 21st century conceivably has 40-some devices, such as the following:

  • 5 televisions, with two likely to be high definition flat screen models
  • 1 home theater system
  • 1 or 2 DVD/DVR devices
  • 1 or 2 digital cable boxes or a satellite service
  • Maybe an Apple TV device
  • 1 or 2 portable DVD players
  • 1 or 2 gaming systems, such as Xbox 360 and Wii
  • 1 or 2 portable game systems like a Game Boy to take on the road
  • 4 or 5 MP3 players (one for each member of the household)
  • 4 or 5 mobile phones (again, one for each family member)
  • 2 digital cameras
  • 1 digital camcorder
  • 1 main stereo system and 2 or 3 MP3 speaker systems
  • 1 PC and 2 or 3 laptop computers with a modem and wireless router
  • 1 or 2 printers
  • 1 GPS device
  • 1 tablet device like an iPad
  • 1 ebook reader device, like a Kindle or Nook
  • 2 or 3 digital photo frames
  • 1 or 2 radar detectors
  • 1 digital coffee maker and/or Expresso machine

Things we had never heard of a few years ago, like an iPod or an iPad or Kindle, now are in great demand we don’t think we can live without them.

Just for giggles, take an inventory of your household electronic gadgets and see how many you have.

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Bust Computer Viruses

Like humans, computers are infected, and not by bacteria but by computer viruses. Viruses are very clever and can cause serious harm to your computer. These viruses also metamorphose themselves like bioviruses. Once your computer has been infected by a virus, the best thing to do is to use a software firewall and good antivirus. This can be used to free your computer from viruses that infect them.

When your computer has been under a virus attack, you should act immediately rather than leaving it for later, since it can cause many problems for you and your computer system. If your computer is connected to a network and the Internet, you must remove or disconnect the connection immediately. This is the first thing to do to avoid transmitting the virus and infecting others with it. You may need to remove the network cable too.

Once you have unplugged your system, you can run your antivirus software if you have one installed on your computer. It can clean your computer from viruses that have infected it. But if no antivirus software is installed, it is best to get one immediately. You can get it by downloading it from an uninfected computer, or you can get it from a network administrator. If it still does not work, then you can order one from a dealer through e-mail.

Anti-virus software needs to be installed on your computer, so there is no problem in protecting your computer from viruses. Once the Anti-virus has cleaned the system thoroughly, you could restart your computer. You should follow the instructions provided with the software. You should keep running antivirus software, until there is no trace of the virus remaining. When the computer is cleaned and is infection and virus-free, you could connect your computer to the Internet. You should also check and monitor anti-virus software publishers. This is to be certain that you have the latest updates. If updates are available, you should get one immediately.

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Keeping up With the Latest Advances in Photography

Photo © by Jeff Dean.
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Think about how far technology has advanced when it comes to the way that people view photography. Twenty years ago, people relied on 35mm film capsules and film developing centers. In recent years, 35mm film has started to be phased out and digital cameras and photography equipment have taken its place.

It’s amazing what advances have come to photography. While many photographers believe that these advances have in some ways downgraded the way that people take photographs and view photography, the majority of professional photographers view these advances as helpful and beneficial.

One of the major benefits that has come along with the advance in technology is speed. It used to be that photographers had to take hundreds of different shots, then wait as the film was processed to see if they got that one perfect shot. Now photographers can take photos and see the results instantly on a computer screen or on a small screen on the camera. As long as the computer the photographer is using has the latest driver update, then a person should be able to view the photos instantly and be able to see the results quickly. This has revolutionized photography.

Another major benefit of the technological advances of photography is that a minimal amount of equipment is required for amateur photographers. These people are now able to take photographs with very little equipment. All it takes is a small camera, batteries and a digital card and photographers are on their way. There isn’t the need to have rolls of film, capsules to store used film, and other items that were required in the past.

Technological advances in photography may seem small when compared to other technological advances, but in the grand scheme of things, they have changed the world of photography forever.

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