JakeMagee.com [Insert Slogan Here]

I noticed that the "Sharpen" effect in Picasa has gotten extremely slow in the newest release.  After a little investigating, I found that this is a new "feature" in Picasa.  The old method would apply the effect to the thumbnail view, which is slightly different than what would be applied to the real image.  The new method applies the effect to the full image and then updates the preview, resulting in a more accurate representation.  However, this results in a much slower preview/slider.

Now for the fix!  Simply hold the shift key when you click on the "Sharpen" button (not while your applying the effect).  Supposedly, this also applies to the "Glow" and "Film Grain" effects.

So, just by chance, I found that the Logitech MX 1100 Cordless Laser Mouse WILL work with the nano receivers from other Logitech mice.  However, I also found though trial and error that it does not work with ANY nano receiver.  If you know of any other combinations that work Logitech mice, please let me know and I will attempt to create a master list.

  WILL WORK WITH  - V450 Nano Cordless Laser Mouse for Notebooks [LINK TO ORDER]
    Receiver for VX Nano, V450 Nano, V550 Nano - P/N 993-000135
  WILL NOT WORK WITH - VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse for Notebooks

With this information, you can go to Logitech's website. click on "Support", select the correct name, click on "Parts", and "ADD TO CART".  Also, you can use the coupon code "Logi_thankyou" to get a 10% discount.

To switch to the nano receiver, rather than the "mini" receiver it comes with, click on "Downloads" rather than "Parts" from the "Support" section.  Choose "Windows XP" and "Logitech Connection Utility" (you do not need to install the larger SetPoint software), download the EXE and follow the instructions.  The "Connection Utility" does not work in Linux with WINE (since WINE doesn't support USB devices).  However, it works fine with VirtualBox and Windows XP.  The easiest route is to find an available Windows box to run the program on (since you only need to set the receiver once).  I am working on finding a better alternative for Linux only people (like myself).  Also note, you cannot have a mouse linked to multiple receivers at once.  You must run the "Connection Utility" each time you switch receivers.

Well, it seems someone finally got a driver working in Windows for the PS3 controller.  It works over USB, and doesn't support the tilt sensors, but overall it works pretty good.
http://www.dcemu.co.uk/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=179397

So, maybe the title is a little off topic but... We have a new Drupal, new server, new database, new year (coming soon).... but the same old (ugly) site!

So, from here out I will try and make weekly updates. Of course this being our last week in the San Jose training rotation.

Check out the pictures section. I have started updating/uploading all the new pictures!

So, here are pictures from the first two days (mainly in Austin TX)
http://picasaweb.google.com/jake.msstate1/AustinVisit

Turns out that Skype works really well for cheap/free video and voice calls.

The video calls and voice calls to computers are free. Voice calls to phones cost 4 cents to connect and .21 cents per minute (1/5 of a penny). Or, you can add a subscription for $3 a month with unlimited calls.

Here is the list of things that will be required.

VNC
Need to connect to existing desktop
Would be nice to create new desktops and still connect if desktop manager is up (no one logged) in
Media reader
Need support for media reader
Picture management
Easy picture management
Software backup
Incase of problems
CD burning

music/video player

support for mp3 player

wireless support

games
Tetris
gamepads

Deciding on a box took much longer than I anticipated... I had

A good sql book
A desk chair
A desk