Tech Tuesday: The Stuff of Legend

Hello again folks! Welcome to another instalment of Tech Tuesday, my regular (well, somewhat) weekly column dedicated to various aspects of tech that affects the mainstream consumer (yes, that means you and me!), especially games. As noted in last week's post, the Ox is a crazy gamer, and will try anything at least once. (Ahem). Well, enough about me, on with the show!

Software.Ox - Where the ox shares some if his favourite downloads and other cool bits.

We all know how bloated the latest version of Acrobat is (not the reader). Well, for those of you who need to convert your documents pronto without the hassle of loading a slow, ugly monster of a program here's a free piece of software that should just make your day. It's called PDFMoto (no it's not part of the Motorola ad campaign). It's a relatively small (9Mb) download, and it not only converts Word, Excel and Visio documents to PDF, but also can automatically upload it to your website and create an index page that links to the files. Cool, no? It runs on a centralised approach, where it monitors any changes to the files and updates the versions on the website automatically, but what are you doing here still reading this? Get it here.

Image Editors. We all use them in some way or another, and everyone knows how much of a resource (and money) hog Photoshop is. Before you flame me, I agree that it is perhaps the best editing program around. But sometimes, we don't have the space or just plain can't afford it. So here are the Ox's suggestions on cheap(er) and also free alternatives. Personally, the Ox likes Jasc's Paint Shop Pro, and at less that USD100 it will still leave you with some, er, cash. However, for a wonderfully free alternative try Serif PhotoPlus, a fully featured editor that not only supports layers and plugins, but is also user friendly and a small, small download to boot. Highly recommended. Also, go here for a list of image editors you can use. Got any other cheap (or even free) alternatives? Let the Ox know.

Also, for you P2P freaks out there, there is an update to Kazaa. Now in version 2.5.1, it boasts better security so that strange people can't simply send messages to you. I have to warn you though: the newer versions of this P2P app tends to install a lot of piggyback programs that cannot be disabled without also disabling Kazaa itself.

In other news, for people (like me) who are interested in Linux but don't have the time (or expertise) to wrestle with the installation, try this. It's a mini Linux distribution that not only runs off a CD, but is also only a 50MB dowload! That's like a tenth of Knoppix (which is also a very good installation-free distro) but easier on the bandwidth. If you missed the earlier link, here it is again. And finally, here's a list of MS Office alternatives, just so you know. Each is well worth the download, in case you're tired of waiting for Office XP to load up all the shared libraries and what not.

Hardware.Ox - Gadgets that the Ox loveees.

Okay, so yesterday I put out an early Christmas wish list. Yes, the Ox earns about as much as the average fresh graduate, even though he's been working awhile. But we can dream, can't we? For instance, look at this. Wouldn't you just love to bring it to the office? Talk about a Ferrari of laptops.Oh, my God (drool). While we're on the subject, early adopters (read: you rich people out there) may want to check out these offerings. Home entertainment doesn't get more cutting edge than this. Also, before I burst a blood vessel, look at this baby. It's the new Sony handheld, and while I don't really make it a point to buy Sony stuff, this one..just..makes..it..difficult...to breathe.

Games.Ox - Did I mention I love games? Did I?

So you think you're a gamer, huh? Played everything under the sun? Beat Contra on Hard with a blindfold and only your toes? (oh ok, maybe I was exaggerating). Then take this test, please. At least you'll feel better about yourself..or not. For all you FPS fans, prepare to rejoice. The makers of MOH:AA (That's Medal of Honour: Allied Assault) has just given Gamespot a beautiful preview of their new shooter, Call of Duty. Expect massive environments, lots of bloody mayhem, and yes, bolt action rifles. Due out later this year, it's got fans drooling all over the place. Yuck. Erm, check it out here. For more gaming goodness, check back on Thursday. I'll have more news, previews and stuff then.

Whoa. This has been one massive update. Have a good Tuesday, people! And as always, feel free to let me know what you think, drop a comment, or mail me. Bye!