So, you decided to jump in head first and give Linux a spin, but discovered that there was this commercial Windows app you need. Maybe its time to upgrade an aging software package and you are interested in seeing if you can use open source software to save on upgrade costs. Possibly you've had a change of heart about that pirated software you are running, but don't have the cash to go legit. No matter what the circumstance, OSalt has you covered. Featuring one of the largest and easiest to use directories of free and open source (FOSS) alternatives to proprietary, closed source software I have ever seen. OSalt is the place to go for anyone looking for FOSS alternatives to commercial software. Whether you are looking for a Photoshop replacement, an Office suite, or an enterprise grade database, OSalt has the open source answers you are looking for.

OSalt [via MAKE:Blog]
computers, software, open source

I have to admit, I am not a big camera geek. Most of the digital cameras coming out lately all seem the same to me. What caught my eye about the new Olympus Stylus 770 SW is that it is the toughest freaking camera pocket shooter that I have ever seen. In a world where pocket shooters are pretty much all the same (go to any store's camera department and you'll see what I mean), the 770 SW sets itself apart by being nigh indestructible. You can take this beast swimming or snorkeling down to depths of 33 feet (no more of those damn underwater disposables, just take your digi-cam with you), drop it from up to 5 feet, crush it under 220 lbs and it will still take amazing pictures just like the day you bought it. (At least thats what the marketing materials say, I would love to get one of these and put it through the ringer.) The Stylus 770 SW looks like it is the perfect camera for anyone with an active lifestyle (or that is incredibly tough on their gadgets).


Product Page [via Gizmodo]
gadgets, cameras, underwater, Olympus, Stylus 770 SW

If you follow Apple, then you know that they have purchased ad space during the Super Bowl. Presumably, it is to make some sort of announcement. What I want to know is what you think Apple is going to announce. The poll will be available for the next week. After which, we'll take a look at the results, I'll interject my own two cents and we can sit back, crack open a cold one and see if we're right.

(If you can't see the poll, click here to take it via an alternate method)

computers , gadgets , Apple , Super Bowl , poll

Recently TrustedID launched StolenID Search, a nifty little search engine that lets you check to see if you social security or credit card numbers have been posted online. Sounds great, right? But wait, you have to type your social security or credit card number into the site for it to search. Trust issues aside, this is a horrific idea. By getting its users to enter their information on the site StoledID is conditioning them to give out sensitive personal info online. How long before ID thieves and phishers set up site ostensibly offering similar services? With a pool of users being trained to give up the most private of personal information, I can't see it taking long. All in all, I think this is a really bad idea. Even if TrustedID had only the most noble of intentions in launching this service (though personally, I think they launched the StolenID as a way to scare people into using their identity theft prevention products, which in and of itself is despicable) they missed the mark entirely. Instead of helping to make the net more secure, they have created something that will end up helping ne'r do wells in their illicit endeavors. I think launching StolenID was short sighted and irresponsible. For what it is worth, I have included a link to StolenID below , so you can look at the site, read their FAQ's, and ultimately make up your own mind about the service (which I would love for you to share in the comments).

StolenID Search [via TechCrunch]
 Internet, security, identity theft, TrustedID, StolenID