When
you're feeling hot and your nose is wet, who are you going to call? A
doctor obviously. But what if it's your PC which is suffering from the
sniffles because you didn't shell out the dough for an antivirus
software?
Enter Housecall--an online malware
scanning and removal tool offered by Sing-Gium International and Trend
Micro--which uses a prepaid revenue model. For
However,
though the trend seems to be heading toward pay-per-scan services,
online scanning should be a complement, and not a substitute, for a
proper antivirus software. Using Housecall is akin to sending in a
special forces team to clear an enemy-infected territory. However, we
feel that proper PC defense should be similar to a police force whose
daily patrols prevent massive invasion.
Not
to stereotype the older folks, but after assisting more than a few
senior citizens who want to relate with their grandchildren by learning
about emails and Internet browsing, we've found it an uphill task, to
say the least. The myrid features and functions of most PCs make it
hard for them to focus on essential information and hence confusion
sets in easily.
According to our blogger, Toekang
IT, Singapore-based company Mee Swa, a
name which means longevity noodles in Chinese, offers a painless way
for those aged over 45 who haven't even touched a PC in their lives to
learn basic computing. Based on Fedora Core 5, one of the flavors of
Linux, the interface for their easyPC computers have enlarged fonts,
big buttons and clearly marked menus. Currently available through phone
orders only, the company has plans to create awareness through senior
citizen groups and in time offer an online store.
By
removing the "fluff" and displaying only essential information, the
learning curve should be greatly reduced, and soon, you may even be
receiving your grandma's secret recipe via email.
Cereal boxes are funny things. They haven't changed much in the last decade. Most times your Wheaties or Cocoa Puffs come in large cardboard boxes with an inner plastic pack. Once open, you had better watch out. Those crunchy flakes aren't going to stay crunchy for long. Ever tried Rice Krispies after they've gone soft? Most definitely a cereal killer. Philippe Meert must have felt the same way with his Weetabix, which may explain his brainwave--the Cerealtop, which is an adjustable box lid that comes with a dispenser flap. It won't win any Nobel prizes but it's a godsend for those who like their Cap'n Crunch the way it claims--crunchy.
These days, even dogs get their own chaise lounge (read: utterly pampered and snooty). So if you don't mind forking out to the tune of US$780 for the ultimate expression in pet style to blend in with your designer furniture, cast your eye over the Contour Dog Bed. Handcrafted, no less, it's actually quite pet- and human-friendly in that the micro-suede cover is removable/reversible and machine-washable in case your mutt decides to do the naughty. Extra designer covers sold separately in case you're in the mood for an interior décor makeover.
Here's footwear that's a shoe-in for night birds and strollers. Designer Alberto Villarreal's creation attempts to put some soul back into soles. Sporting piezo-electric sensors onboard, these convert the impact from running or walking into static energy to power up the electroluminescent polymers. The two lighting areas in the exterior and back surfaces are not only great for illuminating running paths and alerting cars, the shoes look comfy enough on the feet. One small step for man, one giant leap for feet.