credit attributed to http://www.flickr.com/photos/mutednarayan/

This is a guest post by Mick Wanchek.

A while back I wrote an article about Soluto and how it was the winner at “TechCruch Disrupt” award for best new technology. In my article I talked about Soluto and gave a brief background and overview of it; will now I am here to talked about my experiences with it and give my own option on this new “anti-frustration software.”

Once I signed up for the beta, I received an email from them within a few days. The download and install of the software was easy and it took my HP laptop (Win 7 and 6GB of RAM) about 25 mins to install. After it was done, I restarted my laptop and Soluto did its thing. It followed and analyzed my start-up and after it was done; told me how long it took and broke down each of the programs that were running. The first time it ran my laptop took about 2:10 to start-up, after I used the software and changed some programs around my laptop only took 1:28 to start-up. After I used it for about a week, I tired it out on my old Dell laptop. The install took a little longer, but still worked. (I have Wins XP and 1GB of RAM on that machine).

One of the big things Soluto is doing is the “PC Genome”. This project is a way to see why our computers are running slow. It helps all of Soluto’s users by informing them what apps, programs, updates, etc, are causing their computers to run slow. The data collected from everyone using Soluto is stored in one big database. You can’t really see the database it self, but you can tell when you click the “My PC Just Frustrates Me” tab.

Soulto is currently in its beta stage. Anyone interested in trying out this new software for themselves should go to there the main page Soluto.com and sign-up for the beta and newsletter. After trying it out on two different laptops and a desktop, I would have to say Soluto definitely does a great job. I liked how it broke down the start up programs for each of the individual PC’s. If you have Soluto running in the background, it will gain more data and help your PC’s preform better then if you close it after start up.

Mick Wancheck, a Penn State Alum, has a blog on Tumblr – miicko9.tumblr.com – where he jots down his random thoughts.  He also has a Twitter account @Micko9 where he talks sports, technology, and whatever is on his mind.

Further reading:

Software Chat Live On Frugal Brothers

And The Winner Is…Soluto

My Guest Appearance On The Great Tech Debate

Talking Tech On The Tech Buzz Show

credit attributed to http://www.flickr.com/photos/leonardlow/

EP # 254 Tech & Tuesday Frank Angelone 6 22 2010 from FrugalTech on Vimeo.

Many thanks to Bruce Naylor of FrugalBrothers for letting me share this interview.

I recently had the pleasure of being interviewed by Bruce Naylor of FrugalBrothers on his live show.  Not only was the chat room very active, but the discussion was quite lively.  I always enjoy being on a variety of online web shows talking about technology or social media, especially when those in the chat room contribute their thoughts.  During this show, Bruce and I touched on quite an interesting topic.  The primary topic of discussion was whether or not open source software will be the choice of software in the future.  Currently, many consumers prefer proprietary software due to the fact that they are use to paying for a name brand they trust.  However, they fail to realize the outstanding usability that comes from open source software.  Just because it is free, doesn’t make it less of a product.  In fact, I’ve noticed that some free alternatives work just as good, if not better.

For example, Microsoft Office VS Open Office was one of the examples we used to base our discussion around.  I’ve always felt that Open Office is a perfect free equivalent.  It has very subtle differences in my opinion as compared to Microsoft Office to a point where it is easy for a user to adjust.  Now, there may be many of you that disagree with me on this point.  Tell me what you think.  Would you rather used paid software or are you fine with free equivalents?

Bruce continues throughout this interview to ask me some really interesting questions to think about and if you want to hear what they were, listen to the video interview above.  I’m really thankful to Bruce for giving me the opportunity to share my opinions on the show and interact with him and his chat room.  It was an enjoyable experience and talking about something such as software that I don’t get into often, really challenged my thinking.  I’d really like to know your thoughts on how I answered Bruce’s questions and your thoughts on the topics in general.

Further reading:

My Guest Appearance On The Great Tech Debate

Talking Tech On The Tech Buzz Show

Interview With Erica Douglass – Passion For Technology Turns A Profit

Interview With David Risley On Different Aspects Of Technology

credit attributed to http://www.flickr.com/photos/titanas/

I think this is one of the smartest things Microsoft has ever done is giving away software for free, making this definitely worth sharing.  This collection of software isn’t cheap garbage, it’s high quality!  With software being so expensive, most people are hesitant to pay.  However, some are so high tech that we can’t resist.

I have always had this angst towards Microsoft because I feel they always are many steps behind Apple.  It’s almost like Apple has Microsoft right where they want them and that’s why I have always been a fan of Apple.

Anyway, back to the free software.  I think releasing this software package for students offers them some leverage with me.  I mean, I’m no top executive that Microsoft has to answer to, but I’m a potential customer that they are trying to sell too.  I think it’s also pretty neat that you can download individual products instead of having to download all of them to get one.  That right there has moved Microsoft up two “bonus points” with me.  The reason I give them a “plus” is because most software packages will force you to download everything.  However, Microsoft is doing the opposite and something that will appeal to customers.

As much as I have a problem with some of Microsoft’s technical issues, like their operating systems, this software bundle is a way to remedy that with their many tech savy fans out there.  So, how do you feel about getting this software?  Have you used any of it yet?  Let everyone know your opinions!

Microsoft, you did a good job and many students will be pleased with this offer!

Click here for more information to get the software.

credit attributed to http://www.flickr.com/photos/hyku/

Many people love technology.  Although, would you consider yourself a “Geek?”  What I mean, is if you share a passion for talking about hardware, software, games, or anything technology related, then this community is for you.  It was created by well known internet entrepreneur Chris Pirillo.  So, take a look at and join the Geeks community.

You may feel that even though you don’t consider yourself a “geek” persay, there may be something you are very passionate about.  That’s perfect too because most of the people that are a part of this community all have something to share.  It’s a way to get your voice heard and share ideas with others.  There are some people in this community that are music geeks.  It’s a wide variety of people.  Even though it’s predominantly tech enthusiasts, you may learn more about technology and become more interested if you participate!