Software

Skype Gives Us 10 Person Group Video Calling

Skype gives us group video calling (up to 10 people) with it’s latest  beta release  of version 5.0. Give it a try here.

Verizon Wireless Customers Get Skype Mobile

Verizon and Skype  just announced an exclusive deal giving Verizon customers(with Android and Blackberrys)unlimited free Skype to Skype calling and IM. The free app is now available in the Android Market.  Blackberry users can get it from Skype here.

Microsoft Security Essentials

Stop paying for antivirus.  When my antivirus subscription ran out and was up for renewal, I made the switch to Microsoft Security Essentials. I have tried AVG and some of the other free solutions and was not happy with the slowing effect it had on my machine.   I have been a very pleased customer of Nod32, but when Microsoft put out a free and very lightweight Antivirus with pretty decent reviews, it was time to make the switch.  I have been using it for about 6 month and I am now ready to recommend it.  Make sure you uninstall any current antivirus that you may have on your system, them go to Microsoft to get Security Essentials here.

Switching to Google Chrome

Now that Chrome has opened their doors to extensions, I think it is finally ready for prime time. Also the internet is quickly moving to html5, which Firefox does not yet support. The two extensions I have been waiting for are, Xmarks and Roboform. Xmarks syncs all your bookmarks browser to browser and computer to computer and storing a copy on the internet. Roboform is a great password manager.

Blackberry Profiler

Is your Blackberry waking you up at night?  Did you forget to turn your ringer off during a meeting?  Try Profiler by Toysoft.  You can schedule your Blackberry to automatically change profiles. For example, have your Blackberry switch to “phone only” at your usual bed time, then switch back to “normal” or “loud” at your wake-up time.  You can also set up  keywords to switch profiles anytime that word shows up in a calendar event.  Get this app over at Crackberry.com on sale now for $4.95. You can also try it free for 14 days.

Ubuntu

If you have an extra computer lying around and it’s getting a little long in the tooth, give it new life with Ubuntu.  The latest version 9.04 of Ubuntu is a FREE version of the Linux operating system that comes packed with all the software you need to get started.  It’s also very easy to install and use while being secure, lightweight and runs great on older hardware.  Makes a perfect PC for kids.  Before you decide to install, you can try it on your computer using the “live cd” feature without altering your current setup.  Head over to www.ubuntu.com to get started.  Oh, did I mention it’s FREE?