Recent downloads

The architecture of a flexible .NET file processing system -- Part 4

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 09:38:50 -0700

The first three parts of this series concentrated on the overall architecture of the .NET file processing system and how the messages get created and routed. In this installment, Zach Smith explains the role of the task specific processes and describes how to set up the system so that it is easily scalable.

This download is also available as an entry in the TechRepublic Programming and Development blog.

Make your next hire based on past behaviors, not personality

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:35:00 -0700

When you're interviewing job applicants, do you search for traits such as hardworking, confident, and dependable? In this brief introductory chapter from The Truth About Managing People, 2nd Edition, author Stephen P. Robbins explains that traits aren't necessarily good predictors of future job performance -- but past behavior is.

Title: The Truth About Managing People, 2nd Edition
Author: Stephen P. Robbins
Chapter 1: "Forget traits; It's Behavior That Counts!" "
ISBN-13: 978-0-13-234603-0; Copyright 2008 by FT Press. Used with permission of the publisher. For more information, please visit InformIT.

Talent shortage? How to win with what you've got

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 08:26:03 -0700

If you're not finding the talent you need in this super-competitive market, Vince Thompson suggests you look in another direction: toward the staff you already have. As he explains in this FT Press article, you may be able to turn your "losers" into "winners" with a little bit of effort.

Copyright 2007 by Financial Times Prentice Hall. Used with permission of the publisher.

A look at how the digital explosion is affecting your world

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 07:22:57 -0700

Digital technologies have already had a dramatic impact on how we create and share information -- and we're just getting started. This chapter from Blown to Bits: Your Life, Liberty, and Happiness After the Digital Explosion offers a look at the risks and opportunities made possible by new technologies and discusses seven "truths about bits," such as "Nothing goes away" and "Bits move faster than thought."

Title: Blown to Bits: Your Life, Liberty, and Happiness After the Digital Explosion
Authors: Hal Abelson, Ken Ledeen, Harry Lewis
Chapter 1: "Digital Explosion: What Is Happening and What Is at Stake?"
ISBN-13: 978-0-13-713559-2; Copyright 2008 by Addison-Wesley Professional. Used with permission of the publisher. For more information, please visit InformIT.

10 keyboard shortcuts to improve your Linux experience

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:18:36 -0700

A few simple keyboard shortcuts can make your work in Linux far more efficient. Jack Wallen runs through 10 of his favorites, for both desktop environments and window managers.

This download is also available as an entry in our 10 Things blog.

Get a better view of the Windows XP Tree command with Word

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 08:26:13 -0700

Using the Tree command to research the folders on your Microsoft Windows XP hard disk can give you results fast -- too fast for your eye to catch. Greg Shultz explains how you can use Word to view a Tree you can read in detail and at your own pace.

This download is also available as an entry in the TechRepublic Microsoft Windows blog.

Run UAC restricted programs without the UAC prompt

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:03:34 -0700

Greg Shultz shows you how to create a task in Task Scheduler that will launch an application with the highest available privileges in Microsoft Windows Vista, and then he shows you how to create a shortcut to run that application anytime you want.

This download is also available as an entry in the TechRepublic Microsoft Windows blog.

Send mail with eSMTP for a simple, single-user system

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 07:40:45 -0700

Programs like Sendmail or Postfix work great for multi-user systems or servers, but this setup may be more complex than you need for a single-user desktop system. Vincent Danen introduces you to eSMTP, which is a more lightweight mail solution, but that also allows per-user configuration files, making it useful even for multi-user systems.

Learn to access and share Vista network resources

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 06:52:45 -0700

To be truly useful, a home or small office network needs to be configured to allow resource sharing among users. This chapter from Networking with Microsoft Windows Vista: Your Guide to Easy and Secure Windows Vista Networking runs through the basics of accessing shared resources, mapping network folders, creating a network location for a remote folder, accessing a shared printer, and sharing resources with the network.

Title: Networking with Microsoft Windows Vista: Your Guide to Easy and Secure Windows Vista Networking
Author: Paul McFedries
Chapter 8: "Accessing and Sharing Network Resources"
ISBN-13: 978-0-7897-3777-9; Copyright 2008 by Que. Used with permission of the publisher. For more information, please visit InformIT.

How do I... Replace my Apple iPod firmware with Rockbox?

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:57:18 -0700

While the firmware that Apple supplied with your iPod is adequate, it has a certain limitations. By replacing the standard iPod firmware with software from Rockbox, you can add flexibility to your iPod and give it features you wish it already had. Jack Wallen shows you how to install and configure Rockbox onto your iPod.

This download is also available as an entry in the TechRepublic Geekend blog.

Create a quick professional slide show with Vista's Photo Gallery

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 07:42:32 -0700

Using the Microsoft Windows Vista application Photo Gallery, it is possible to create a professional slide show quickly and easily using the Themes feature. In this Vista Report, Greg Shultz shows you how to make it work.

This download is also available as an entry in the TechRepublic Windows blog.

10+ priorities for testing critical systems

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 07:29:15 -0700

Testing is essential to make sure that systems function as expected, but the process can be complex and overwhelming. Rick Vanover looks at some testing strategies that will help you focus on what's important and make your installations and upgrades go smoothly.

This download is also available as an entry in our 10 Things blog.

Geek Gifts 2008: The Roku Netflix Player fulfills the promise of streaming video

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 07:33:17 -0700

Sometimes simple design and small packages can deliver a knockout. This is the case with the Roku Netflix Player. This small set top box delivers streaming video over the Internet into your living room in a manner so easy even your grandparents could understand it.

This download is also available as an entry in the TechRepublic Geekend blog.

10 personality traits of a highly effective independent consultant

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:19:00 -0700

Many IT consultants daydream about branching out on their own without giving much thought to what skills are necessary to succeed as a freelancer. Before you commit to being an independent consultant, read Chip Camden's list of 10 personality traits that he says you need to possess in order to be an effective consultant.

This download is also available as an entry in our IT Consultant blog.

Chroot users with OpenSSH: An easier way to confine users to their home directories

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 06:03:52 -0700

With the release of OpenSSH 4.9p1, you no longer have to rely on third-party hacks or complicated chroot setups to confine users to their home directories or give them access to SFTP services. Vincent Danen tells you how to take advantage of this new addition to OpenSSH.