ashNOLOGY

So I learned a new term today, SlipStreaming. Basically, it means to "create the latest windows installation disc, with the latest drivers/service pack". Its a pretty cool thing actually. I found an article in the LifeHacker Blog that gives you a step by step instruction on how to create your ultimate installation disc. I will actually be making one to use at my work place, and then another one for my personal use. Here is how to Slipstream Windows XP with Service Pack 3 . Enjoy =)

I'm SO excited about this. FINALLY, the google phone is here. You read right, G1 will be the HTC developed phone, who will be carried by T-Mobile. It will be running Android, google's Open Source mobile OS. I read about the Android and downloaded their kit, but didn't get a chance to actually use it yet. Find out more about what we geeks call The gPhone , which will be hitting stores next month or so. Awesome. Google is SO going to take over the world, we will literally by a GoggleEarth. Have a great day.

So a recent job I've applied for had asked if I knew SQL, I unfortunately don't. But they said it was a "preferred" skill. So I thought to my self, well why not learn SQL. I'm already familiar with MS Access, true its not the same, but at least that makes me familiar with the database terminology. So I started searching the net for tutorials on SQL, and I came across an awesome tutorial. Its simple to understand, has examples, downloadable data, and its free. After I finished reading the first section on how to create a database, and populate it, it then gives you a little assignment to try it for yourself. Very neat. If you would like to learn some SQL for an upcoming project, or just to add it as a skill on your resume, make sure to check out the Web Developer's Note: SQL Tutorial , its really quite good, and it provides you with links to free software to use, such as MySQL . Have a nice day. =)

Zune has +1Uped their game. A lot of people were talking down about the Zune, especially the so called "useless feature" of having an FM tuner. Well, now you will know how "useless" it is. With the new 3.0 Upgrade, you will be able to: -Tag music you hear on the FM tuner to download later (not so useless now is it). -Browse and buy music from the Zune Market Place, wirelessly. -And play games, legally =) + other features as well. To download and learn more about the upgrade, just go to the What's New section of the Zune site. Enjoy =)

So apparently there is new open source Photoshop Alternative out there. Its called Artweaver . Its more like a stripped down version of Photoshop, which sounds fine to me. So if you use GIMP this might be a step up, and if you need a free photo manipulating software to play around with, then this is for you. Try it out and feel free to comment back here and let me know what you think. Have a good weekend.

So we all know about the "Academic" version of software, such as Adobe CS3, its less expensive but still expensive. Now there is an even CHEAPER option. Adobe now provides something called the Student Licensing Option, in which you get the FULL version, for a much cheaper price, for example the CS3 Design Standard for $200, or the CS3 Master Collection for $500. That is a pretty good deal considering the original price of the actual software. It would make sense for Adobe to make a step like this, since its products such as the world known PhotoShop, end up being one of the most "Shared" software amongst students. Feel free to research this some more, I had just heard about it and did a quick google search and found this information for you. Information from the Adobe site about SLO could be found [ here ]. Creation Engine provides the software online [ here ]. have a great weekend everyone. -Ash

Peter Rojas(founder of ...) and Ryan Block (editor-at-large of ...) Engadget have joined forces once again. They have JUST launched (today 9/4 was the first broadcast) their podCast called gdgt , this will be a weekly installment of your gadget fix. Enjoy! I know I will =) Take care. -Ash