Miles Petering

Synctoy is free backup software for windows.

You can setup folder pairs to copy the contents of on folder to another.
An example would be to setup your 'My Documents' folder, and copy it to a folder on an external drive.

Not only do I use it to copy important files to my DropBox folder, I use the windows scheduler to automatically run the software and copy all folder pairs at midnight.

Use this path as a guide to run All folder pairs in scheduler.
"C:\Documents and Settings\[WINDOWS USER]\Local Settings\Application Data\SyncToy\SyncToy.exe" -R

Download it HERE

Being a fairly avid listener of podcasts, I find the Ricky Gervais Show a refreshing and clever transition from it's original audio format to an animated video.

I've seen Leo Laportes Tech podcasts go through the roof in the past 2 years. For example, MacBreak Weekly was on my weekly audio podcast list, and now, I download and can watch the video podcast version on my iPhone, MacbookPro or on my televison via my Apple TV.

I fear my Foxtel subscription is heading for a severe cut back in the coming months.

This song always hovers around the middle of my Top Ten.

Download "Up The Junction"  (PDF):  

I have added Distant Suns to my colection of Astronomy apps.
It has a good interface and a huge amount of data and images.
At a price of around $10.00, it by far the best astronomy app I've come accross.

Paste this HTML code to embed this gadjet.

<script src="http://www.gmodules.com/ig/ifr?url=http://static.die.net/moon/gadget.xml&amp;up_size=large&amp;up_info=1&amp;up_date=0&amp;synd=open&amp;w=320&amp;h=170&amp;title=Moon+Phase&amp;border=%23ffffff%7C3px%2C1px+solid+%23999999&amp;output=js"></script>

DropBox is a great way to backup important files. Once installed, you simply drag your files to your dropbox folder. You can access your files via a web interface, or by installing DropBox on other machines.

DropBox gives you 2 gigabytes FREE storage. You can pay for more storage as required.

Check it oou HERE

Rule number 1 is obviously 'GET A MAC'. However, if you are forced, as am I, to use windows machines from time to time, here are Six Basic Rules For Safe Computing'

1. Don’t open email attachments; even if it’s from someone you know. If you do get something from someone you know, make sure that they really sent it to you. Email attachments are the number one way viruses and trojan horses get into your email. You might also want to turn off HTML email in Outlook and other programs. HTML emails are just as dangerous as rogue web sites, and can spread infections just by previewing them.

2. Don’t click links in email. That link could lead you to a phishing site, or the link may lead you to install malicious software. Copy and paste links into your browser, or type them in by hand instead. Another reason to disable HTML email - the HTML hides the real destination of that seemingly innocuous link.

3. Don’t download files from places you aren’t absolutely sure are safe. Stick with the well known sites. Teeneagers who use filesharing software like BitTorrent, Azureus, etc., often unwittingly download spyware and trojans.Also don’t click on links that strangers send you in social networking sites. Don’t accept links to update flash. Go directly to Adobe and let it determine if you need a new version of flash.

4. Update your OS regularly! Turn on automatic updates in OS X and Windows. Apply all critical updates immediately. Criminals often create hacks within 24 hours of Microsoft’s patches (these are called zero day exploits), so you need to protect yourself the day the patches appear.

5. Use a firewall. The best firewall is a hardware router - the kind you use to share an internet connection. Even if they’re not billed as firewalls, they are, and they’re quite effective. I also recommend turning on your operating system’s firewall - even if you have a router - but I don’t recommend third-party software firewalls. They cause more problems than they solve.

6. Have inexperienced users run as limited users.

 Click Here for details

This free software is great for converting video files to *.mov format for use with iMovie

Click Here for details

Click Here for details

Thomas Dolby is a recording artist that I have admired for many years.

This radio podcast is an excellent insight into the way Thomas Dolby became who he is, from busking in the Paris metro, to making albums, to inventing the synthesiser that creates the ring tone in your mobile phone, to making films and then finally back to making albums again.

Whilst not a huge fan of twitter, Thomas is one of the few people that I follow.

You can listen to the podcast by hitting play in the player below.