Tech Conover

Setting Up a Custom PHP.INI File on GoDaddy Hosting

I've gotten a number of e-mails in response to a comment I made on a post about installing Wordpress on GoDaddy hosting. Given the response I've gotten, I thought it was a good idea to provide my PHP.INI file that I've set up to other people looking for this. You can download it below. The file is a complete PHP.INI file with all the configuration options you'd find in a full PHP installation. I've changed a few key settings that I found most important, such as max upload size and post...

Deluge: The BitTorrent Client I've Been Looking For

I've been using Azureus for years as my BitTorrent client, but I've been increasingly dissatisfied with its performance.  I often had trouble getting downloads to start (even with no proxies or encryption enabled), and it was hogging system resources it didn't deserve.  It's become more bloated with each new release, and it got to the point that I didn't even want to use BitTorrent anymore because my client was frustrating me so much.  Then I discovered Deluge, and that all changed. Deluge...

Why I Host with Dreamhost

I switched hosting companies at the beginning of December, because I needed hosting with a little more power and flexibility than I had. I looked at some of the hosts listed on the Wordpress site, which all seemed like good options. Then a friend of mine recommended Dreamhost, so looked it up, and was impressed by just the numbers I saw: 500 GB disk space 5 TB bandwidth $5.95/month I looked a little deeper, and found all the standard stuff that the other big guys offer - unlimited...

Qik: The Coolest Video Service Since YouTube

I just discovered Qik, and it makes me want a phone with a data plan even more. Ever since I got a camera phone that could record video, I've wanted to find a way to have live video streams, or ultimately have video calling. Well, Qik has finally answered the call for live video streaming. Qik is a new service that allows you to stream live video from your phone to viewers around the world via the Internet. It uses software installed on your phone to stream the video captured by your...

New Year's Blogging Resolution

I have decided that in the year 2008, I'm really going to make my blog a priority. I'm resolving to add a new post at least every other day, and will hopefully be able to make it every day. That's why between now and January 1st, I'm going to devote time to coming up with new topics and post ideas to provide fresh content to readers on a regular, frequent basis. I'm planning to make some posts between now and January 1st as well, so don't worry, you won't be left hanging for a week. Not...

End of the Semester Means Fewer Posts

This coming week officially starts final exams here at Mass Maritime.  However, many teachers have decided to either give their final exam early, to alleviate the stress of having all finals in one week, or to give the last test of the semester.  As a result, the past two weeks have found me busy studying for tests and finishing projects.  All this has resulted in a lack of updates to my blog, due to a lack of time both to find new topics to write about, and to actually write about them. ...

GMail and AIM Partner to Make One Sweet Instant Messaging System

Google announced yesterday that they have partnered with AOL to allow GMail users to sign in to their AIM accounts in the GMail Talk interface, and chat with them right from there. I decided to try it out, and I have to say, it's wicked cool. Once you sign in to your GMail account, and are brought to your inbox, you simply go over to the Google Chat buddy list and click Options, then sign in to your AIM account. It prompts you for your AIM screen name and password, and then you're good to...

Verizon's Open Network Has Promise, but Initially Doesn't Seem to Change Much

Verizon's recent announcement to open their network to all CDMA handsets, as well as applications, marks a major transition in the mindset of wireless carriers in the U.S. and presents a great opportunity for innovative development. With the option for consumers to use any handset they like with Verizon's service, manufacturers and developers will have fewer hoops to jump through when it comes to bringing their product into the market mainstream. Plus, people won't be forced to use the...

WildCharger: The Coolest and Most Useful Charger Ever

WildCharge has developed a charging device designed for use with any device.  That's right, any portable electronics you own can all be charged by one charger.  And the best part: there are no wires!  They've developed a charging pad which uses wireless electricity.  All you have to do is set your electronics on it, and they start charging. The WildCharger is capable of charging up to 5 devices at once, and is powerful enough to even charge a laptop.  Each device needs to have either a...