Tech Conover

Happy New Year!

Happy new...

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...

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...

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...

The Wireless Spectrum Bid and Google – An Opportunity for Android's Full Potential?

Today Google officially announced that it will be bidding for wireless spectrum in an FCC auction in January. The 700 MHz spectrum is going to be up for auction, and if Google is able to snag a part of it, it could mean a truly open wireless network. It doesn't seem to be any coincidence that this announcement comes right on the heels of Google's Android announcement. With the development of a mobile OS created for open development and communication, the ability to back it with an open...

Sea Term Blog

As part of my training at Mass Maritime, I will be spending the better part of January and February 2008 onboard the T.S. Enterprise, Mass Maritime's training ship, traveling around the Caribbean and the South Pacific. Since I get to have experiences that few people ever will, I have decided to set up a blog for the purpose of recording these experiences, and sharing them with readers. I plan to post pre-Sea Term news and information prior to departure, and then provide an update at least...

Solar Power System at Mass Maritime

The Mass Maritime Green Club took a tour today of the solar power system the school has installed. The system cost about $1 million to purchase and install, and will provide a peak of 81kW to the school. It should complement nicely the 660kW wind turbine that the school put up in 2006. One of the members of the club put some pictures of the solar installation online, which you can see...

YouTube Channel

I've created my official YouTube channel, for use in conjunction with my...

Hurricane Noel

Hurricane Noel (technically no longer a hurricane once it reached us) came through Cape Cod on Saturday, bringing winds in excess of 50 MPH, a couple of inches of rain, and 25-30 foot seas offshore. Mass Maritime had its fair share of issues as a result of the storm, including minor flooding and power outages. I took some pictures and videos during the storm, which I've posted...