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Issue #2 20th November 2007 |
| 0845 0945 870 | info@headsnet.com |
The November Update
Welcome back to the second edition of Headstrong Update. Last month's Update received some great feedback - hopefully you'll find this edition just as informative and feature packed!
In this issue we have web based image editing, a retro mobile phone, loads of great software recommendations as well as the latest developments at Headstrong - read on to find out more.
Regards
Ben Roberts
Editor
Web based image editing with SplashUp
"Desktop image-editing power in a web browser, going where you go."
SplashUp is a browser based image editing application, that supports quite a few advanced features, including layers, layer effects, filters and brushes.
It certainly contains all the functionality you might want for general image and photo manipulation. It's not a huge application like Photoshop, but it does what it does well - the fact that it is free, and that you can use it anywhere are big advantages over a traditional image editing application.
Headstrong News
New FAQ section launched on Headstrong web site.
We've just launched a new FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section on the web site. There's various questions answered on the page already, and we'll be adding to it regularly over the coming months. If you'd like to suggest a question to be answered please let us know.
New referral system for Headstrong Update
Also new this month is a referral system for Headstrong Update. You can see it in action just underneath this section. If you know anyone who might be interested in Headstrong Update you can quickly and easily let them know about it using the referral form - all they will receive is a simple text email letting them know you've recommended Headstrong Update to them.
Recommend Headstrong Update
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We really appreciate any referrals you submit - thank you for helping make Headstrong Update a success.
Other News
Guardian America is launched
The Guardian newspaper has launched Guardian America - to cater for it's American audience. What is really interesting is that they are writing it in British English, or more accurately, adhering to the English Guardian's style guide.
It's interesting to see such as established media company take the leap across the Atlantic into an equally competitive market, but global reach is not such an uncommon goals these days is it!
Guardian America
The argument for using British English - elegantly explained by Inigo Thomas
Data Protection Act compliance
All UK business have to comply with the 1998 Data Protection Act. This is relevant if you store any kind of data about your clients, suppliers or customers. This is especially relevant to businesses that trade online, as almost every web site collects emails addresses, stores order and customer data, or saves contact enquiries. The requirements for handling all of this collected information can be somewhat confusing. The following links offer both a quick summary that you can use to check your compliance, and more in-depth detail about the DPA.
DPA Summary
DPA In Depth (Information Commissioner's Office)
Forgotten Tech: 15 years since Nokia launched first digital mobile
"Fifteen years ago tomorrow, ladies and gentlemen, Nokia launched the world's first commercially available GSM digital phone, the Nokia 1011, the model number coming from the launch date: 10 November 1992."
"However, the 1011 lacked that crucial component of all modern Nokia's: the infamous Nokia ringtone. This jingle wasn't introduced until 1994."
Full article (The Register, 9th November 2007)
Efforts to keep up with Moore's Law
As computer chip manufacturers push the capabilities of silicon to its limits, they are now having to come up with some ingenious new techniques to allow the industry to keep up with Moore's Law - which states that computer processing power should double every 2 years (first published in 1965!). Now the chip makers are looking at nanotubes, new oxides based on the metal hafnium, and memristors. And this is without even stepping into the arena of optical processing. It appears there may be quite some life left in silicon chips yet!
Full Article (BBC News)
Software Selection
i.Scribe
i.Scribe is a cross-platform low-footprint mail client, that comes complete with spam filter, contacts and calendar functionality. It's small, fast and does not need installing - making it perfect for running from a USB pen drive. Best of all it's free!
i.Scribe homepage:
http://www.memecode.com/scribe.php
Wrike
"If you send an e-mail with a task, you risk that it might be forgotten. Not with Wrike. Simply add wrike@wrike.com to the recipients of your e-mail, and Wrike will keep track of the task for you."
Wrike basically allows you to carry on managing your projects with email, but adds accountability, tracking and reminder functionality, which email alone sorely lacks.
Wrike homepage:
http://www.wrike.com/benefits.html
Workrave
Workrave is a small application to help prevent Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). Some people might find it irritating, whilst others might find it a useful tool - it's quite popular by all accounts. Essentially all it does it prompt you to take breaks at regular intervals, encourage you to walk around and stretch your limbs and get away from your computer. I'm sure some workaholics might find this a welcome interruption! And for those of you that like useless statistics, it will even tell you how many miles you've clocked up moving your mouse.
Workrave homepage:
http://www.workrave.org/welcome/
That's all for this month
Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed this issue. If you know anyone who might appreciate this please take a moment to refer them - it will be much appreciated.
Until next time,
Ben Roberts
Editor
Contact Information
Headstrong Update is published by Headstrong Internet Services
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