LEHSYS Side Notes…- The fight to save Windows Live WriterThe bumbling dance moves Microsoft makes in their existence is just astounding... When Windows Live Writer was released, I'm sure it was meant as a complement to the blogging service that Microsoft was planning to offer to its users/members, in the form of Windows Live Spaces. Overall, Microsoft has a real problem with project concept and follow through […]
- Use Google Drive to sync blog posts with Windows Live Writer 2011I believe everyone has the same issue with Windows Live Writer; it's sync'ing the blog posts, recent and drafts to some place that can be sync'd across machines. Well, now that Google has released Google Drive you can now use Google drive to sync your data with them; beating Microsoft to the punch on their own service [postulating]… What you n […]
- Wow. There was an update to Windows Live Writer 2011…I was surprised to see there was an update to Windows Live Writer before Windows 8 came out. Honestly, I'm not able to even fathom why they did this, but only to find out if there's any bugs in it from the Windows Live Essentials team. The previous version of Windows Live Writer was v15.4.3538.513 the new version is 15.4.3555.308. In the grand sche […]
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Software Reviews Archive
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Review: Windows 8 Voice Recognition Interface Continues To Disappoint
Posted on April 4, 2012 | 3 CommentsWhen Windows 7 was release it has voice recognition in it. My initial thoughts on the voice recognition was that it was good, but the user interface was for crap. Now, when I did that review, it was on a beta version of Windows 7; it was a release candidate— I recall thinking, this is so bad, they’re going to have to update this to make it usable… but when Windows 7 was released officially, Microsoft had done absolutely nothing to it to improve the GUI. I have always said that the voice recognition of Microsoft was good, but the GUI is the biggest problem with it. It’s like trying climb a range of boulders with a skateboard; it’s clumsy at best. So, when I downloaded the RC version of Windows 8, one of the first things I wanted to see was the GUI of the voice recognition. And what a disappointment it is. Microsoft has done NOTHING to it to make it more user friendly. But I need to explain… -
Uploading images to Facebook [easy]
Posted on March 21, 2012 | No CommentsIn a previous post I talked about things with Facebook that are lacking and one of those things is the ability to upload images to Facebook. Now, apparently Facebook finds it more important to provide an Instant Messenger for Facebook, but not an easier way to send photos. In relation to that, I had a relative asking me how to upload photos to Facebook. Contemplating that process of how photos are actually uploaded to Facebook, and then contemplating how to upload them with the method they have now; it doesn’t sound fun. But there applications out there that can help you, and they can make it really easy… I have a really easy option for you… -
The Best and Worst of Windows 8 Consumer Preview
Posted on March 12, 2012 | No CommentsThe Windows 8 Consumer Preview has given all of us a much clearer picture of what Microsoft has in store for its next-generation operating system. This time around, it truly is “next-generation;” in fact, it’s the biggest change since DOS grew a GUI. Already, the spectrum of responses have ranged from gushing love to seething hatred — with plenty of room for gray-area confusion in the middle. Let’s take a quick look at five of the biggest reasons why Windows 8 is (or will be) a success, followed by another five indications that Redmond has made a terrible mistake. And keep in mind we’ve still got at least half a year before the finished product. -
Android: TeamViewer 7 – Remote Desktop Access [Free]
Posted on January 23, 2012 | 1 CommentDo you find yourself in awkward situations with friends and family needing you to connect in to their systems and fix their problems? I mean if you don’t have a problem with helping people with their computer problems, but don’t want to be tied down to the desk to be able to help them; you are really going to like TeamViewer 7 and the Android application they offer. I’ve used TeamViewer in the past and found that the interface is so easy to use and the service they offer is top notch; I had never used the Android application before and I figured I had wasted enough time on not using/trying it. So, I got out my Android phone and downloaded the TeamViewer application and I was so completely surprised… -
![I have to admit I’ve never used a ‘music maker’ before, but I was recently very surprised when I downloaded a free version of Magix Music Maker [silver]. It’s been so fun to make my own music, my wife has even found the process very creative. If you’ve never created music on your own, thinking the process maybe too complex to even attempt; you have a pleseant surprise ahead of you with Magix Music Maker. I don’t have the high end version of this software, but I still find all the things I can with it very nice. And not only can I create music with it, I can import music from other sources and edit those; making them my own and using them in my own compositions, which is very exciting to have it all come together.](http://www.lehsys.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jw4mij4w.jpg.pagespeed.ce.YLjJvvW5WC.jpg "Review: MAGIX Music Maker – Silver")
Review: MAGIX Music Maker – Silver
Posted on January 4, 2012 | 2 CommentsI have to admit I’ve never used a ‘music maker’ before, but I was recently very surprised when I downloaded a free version of Magix Music Maker [silver]. It’s been so fun to make my own music, my wife has even found the process very creative. If you’ve never created music on your own, thinking the process maybe too complex to even attempt; you have a pleseant surprise ahead of you with Magix Music Maker. I don’t have the high end version of this software, but I still find all the things I can with it very nice. And not only can I create music with it, I can import music from other sources and edit those; making them my own and using them in my own compositions, which is very exciting to have it all come together. -
PaperPort 14: Batch Converting MAX files to PDF [easy]
Posted on November 14, 2011 | 5 CommentsThis is a post for the use of the PaperPort application to convert the MAX files to PDF. Nuance decided with the release of v14 that they’d start using PDF files as a standard; which is good, since they now have a strong offering for a PDF viewer. A lot of users have complained about the lack of conversion tools for MAX files, and MAX files for the most part are completely non-standard and the only way to read MAX files is with the PaperPort MAX file viewer; something that’s just not very fun to deal with. But I believe after Nuance listened to to their customer base, they furnished a batch converter. I haven’t been able to find this converter on the Nuance website via a http page or FTP; I just can’t find it. And it maybe because they want customers to upgrade to v14 and as part of that, get the conversion tool. I don’t know; but seems logical. Although, I don’t see them offering this, because the option to make the converted PDF seaarchable, and I don’t know if that’s something that’d be backwards compatible… But I have this video for you to watch… -
![This is just a random review and video of an app that was listed in AppBrain for Android. From time to time I’ll drop in to AppBrain and see what the random top application of the day is, just to see what’s trending. For this post, I’ve got a application called Assaulter. It’s an 80′s style game with fast action and explosions. The game play is linear; it’s not FPS or anything and reminds me of the old games like Pitfall and Mario Brothers [just with lots of weapons]. You can get in to the game really quick and start playing— there’s very little delay there. I have created a video to show the installation and game play of the application.](http://www.lehsys.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/vevwvyh0.jpg.pagespeed.ce.ByhEvxiIHF.jpg "Random application: ASSAULTER")
Random application: ASSAULTER
Posted on November 10, 2011 | 1 CommentThis is just a random review and video of an app that was listed in AppBrain for Android. From time to time I’ll drop in to AppBrain and see what the random top application of the day is, just to see what’s trending. For this post, I’ve got a application called Assaulter. It’s an 80′s style game with fast action and explosions. The game play is linear; it’s not FPS or anything and reminds me of the old games like Pitfall and Mario Brothers [just with lots of weapons]. You can get in to the game really quick and start playing— there’s very little delay there. I have created a video to show the installation and game play of the application. -
![Working with video is great when you have a video editor that handles your video, but in some cases you might find yourself in a situation, like with Windows Live Movie Maker, where the application doesn’t know or handle your video format— then things become complicated. The task falls to you to find a way to get the video in to the video editor and that typically means finding the codec [where possible] or converting it. Where a codec will give you the ability to read the file natively, having to convert it is just another step to getting your instant bliss… so, converting video should be, fast, easy and give youexactly what you want. So, I have some suggestions for video conversion. I have used all three of these video converters and think are are very good; and easy to use. They all have the video conversion options you’d be searching for and handle plenty of formats— and they’re all free. A video converter is great if you can’t find the right codec, and need to get moving on your project.](http://www.lehsys.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/o5uh42xc.jpg "Suggestions: Free Options For Converting Video Fast And Easy")
Suggestions: Free Options For Converting Video Fast And Easy
Posted on September 27, 2011 | 5 CommentsWorking with video is great when you have a video editor that handles your video, but in some cases you might find yourself in a situation, like with Windows Live Movie Maker, where the application doesn’t know or handle your video format— then things become complicated. The task falls to you to find a way to get the video in to the video editor and that typically means finding the codec [where possible] or converting it. Where a codec will give you the ability to read the file natively, having to convert it is just another step to getting your instant bliss… so, converting video should be, fast, easy and give youexactly what you want. So, I have some suggestions for video conversion. I have used all three of these video converters and think are are very good; and easy to use. They all have the video conversion options you’d be searching for and handle plenty of formats— and they’re all free. A video converter is great if you can’t find the right codec, and need to get moving on your project. -
Free Place for demos and presentations with FREESCREENSHARING.COM
Posted on September 15, 2011 | 2 CommentsI received an email notifying me of this new service that allows for desktop sharing for demos and presentations, for FREE. I like to see what free offers from time to time. I didn’t notice any pop-ups, banners or intrusions during the session that I was using. This service is free; a very simple account is required, but nothing intrusive at all. If you have an extra 10 seconds, you can establish an account. All you need is a name, an email address and a password of your choosing. Again, the service is FREE, and in addition to the space for the demos/presentations, you get a free conference room as well. So, participants can dial in to the demo and listen and talk, and ask questions; making it very interactive. -
![One of my favorite plug-ins for Thunderbird; it’s actually the plug-in that saved Thunderbird from being replaced by something else [for me]. SocialMail is a plug-in that mimics the functions of Xobni. Xobni has openly said that they have no interest in creating a plug-in for Thunderbird, and doing for Thunderbird what is Xobni has done for Outlook. If you’re a user of Thunderbird, you can’t be without this plug-in. It changes the whole dynamic of the application, it makes Thunderbird little more fun to use and it makes it definitely more interesting. Using the plug-in you can quickly access, previous conversations, all attachments exchanged and any URL’s that have been used. Senders eMail addresses can be linked to an image; like on Facebook. It’s also compatible with Skype and Twitter.](http://www.lehsys.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/vqhem0fi-115x115.jpg "Mozilla Thunderbird Plug-in: SocialMail 0.6.2b")
Mozilla Thunderbird Plug-in: SocialMail 0.6.2b
Posted on September 13, 2011 | No CommentsOne of my favorite plug-ins for Thunderbird; it’s actually the plug-in that saved Thunderbird from being replaced by something else [for me]. SocialMail is a plug-in that mimics the functions of Xobni. Xobni has openly said that they have no interest in creating a plug-in for Thunderbird, and doing for Thunderbird what is Xobni has done for Outlook. If you’re a user of Thunderbird, you can’t be without this plug-in. It changes the whole dynamic of the application, it makes Thunderbird little more fun to use and it makes it definitely more interesting. Using the plug-in you can quickly access, previous conversations, all attachments exchanged and any URL’s that have been used. Senders eMail addresses can be linked to an image; like on Facebook. It’s also compatible with Skype and Twitter. -
![As anyone that’s in document imaging should know v14 of PaperPort has been released; conveniently skipping version 13 [superstitiously]. I f you don’t know what PaperPort is, it’s the best document and image organizer in the consumer market right now. There are a few applications that make an attempt complete with it, but for the direct consumer market; nothing compares to the ease of use it offers. Recently, I was critical of PaperPort because I felt it was missing some points with customers and missing the interoperability to the web that I believe that it should have. I felt the overall evolution of PaperPort was really required and the function of the application really needed to be increased. I’ve been attempting to ensure I do a techie review of PaperPort with each new major release to the public. And my version of a ‘techie review’ is a overall evaluation of the application, how it works and if the application is something you’d be willing to buy for your home or office. I like to dig into all the major features and options that are offered by the application and give my overall opinion of everything that’s offered.](http://www.lehsys.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/e4zq4b1z-115x115.jpg "Techie Review: Nuance’s PaperPort Professional v14")
Techie Review: Nuance’s PaperPort Professional v14
Posted on August 17, 2011 | 29 CommentsAs anyone that’s in document imaging should know v14 of PaperPort has been released; conveniently skipping version 13 [superstitiously]. I f you don’t know what PaperPort is, it’s the best document and image organizer in the consumer market right now. There are a few applications that make an attempt complete with it, but for the direct consumer market; nothing compares to the ease of use it offers. Recently, I was critical of PaperPort because I felt it was missing some points with customers and missing the interoperability to the web that I believe that it should have. I felt the overall evolution of PaperPort was really required and the function of the application really needed to be increased. I’ve been attempting to ensure I do a techie review of PaperPort with each new major release to the public. And my version of a ‘techie review’ is a overall evaluation of the application, how it works and if the application is something you’d be willing to buy for your home or office. I like to dig into all the major features and options that are offered by the application and give my overall opinion of everything that’s offered. -
![Did you buy a Motorola Xoom and think about making phones calls as one of the things you could do with it, as well as all the other cool stuff. Well, I find Google finnicky in the fact that if you have a Motorola Xoom you don’t have an option for Google Voice [at least not yet]. On May 1, 2011, it appears a new application in the Android market place is going to fix that for you and there’s not ROOTING required! All you need is your Google voice number. If you don’t already have a Google voice number, it works with your existing Google account and you can sign up for Google voice at http://www.google.com/voice. using Google voice you can make unlimited phone calls to United States and Canada using your data connection plan on your mobile device; it doesn’t count toward your mobile minutes, but make sure that you have a data plan that can support it. The application is designed to function on any android device. Even if you have an old android phone with only Wi-Fi, using this application, you can turn it back into a fully functioning portable phone.](http://www.lehsys.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/2xpabfot-115x115.jpg "How to make Phones calls from your Motorola Xoom")
How to make Phones calls from your Motorola Xoom
Posted on May 31, 2011 | 1 CommentDid you buy a Motorola Xoom and think about making phones calls as one of the things you could do with it, as well as all the other cool stuff. Well, I find Google finnicky in the fact that if you have a Motorola Xoom you don’t have an option for Google Voice [at least not yet]. On May 1, 2011, it appears a new application in the Android market place is going to fix that for you and there’s not ROOTING required! All you need is your Google voice number. If you don’t already have a Google voice number, it works with your existing Google account and you can sign up for Google voice at http://www.google.com/voice. using Google voice you can make unlimited phone calls to United States and Canada using your data connection plan on your mobile device; it doesn’t count toward your mobile minutes, but make sure that you have a data plan that can support it. The application is designed to function on any android device. Even if you have an old android phone with only Wi-Fi, using this application, you can turn it back into a fully functioning portable phone. -
Techie Review: OmniPage Professional 18
Posted on May 26, 2011 | 33 CommentsIf you are in enthusiast that’s driven on productivity and being organized; and doing things the smart way— document imaging is the way to go. Whether you’re applying document imaging at home or at work, it’s going to be of benefit to you at some point. As an individual who has been using document imaging since roughly around 1998, I can truthfully say that having documents in an electronic form, being able to search them very fast, or just being able to locate an e-mail information to various destinations is a huge bonus. But even more so is being able to convert printed textual documents into an electronic form that can be edited— this is where Nuance‘s OmniPage really shines. It’s an absolute must-have for office environments. -
![Somehow in the process, I was not included with the beta testing process, so I wasn’t able to get an advance copy of Dragon NaturallySpeaking 11, but seeing as how much I use Dragon NaturallySpeaking it’s really a given that I would be upgrading to a newer version; especially since Nuance has decided to update the GUI a bit. The latest version has some very nice amenities that all previous versions lacked; help. If you’re a novice to voice recognition you’ll immediately be skittish about using it and the results you’re going to get, but with this latest version I believe you’ll find a pleasant surprise. Nuance seems to have listened to their customer base and stepped outside the box and refined the GUI to be much more friendly, useful and all around smarter. From here, I start my techie review of Dragon NaturallySpeaking 11 [Home]. My version of a techie review is an overall evaluation of the application, how it works and if the application is something you’d be willing to buy for your home or office.](http://www.lehsys.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/xab0olsz-115x115.jpg "Techie Review: Dragon NaturallySpeaking 11")
Techie Review: Dragon NaturallySpeaking 11
Posted on May 18, 2011 | 3 CommentsSomehow in the process, I was not included with the beta testing process, so I wasn’t able to get an advance copy of Dragon NaturallySpeaking 11, but seeing as how much I use Dragon NaturallySpeaking it’s really a given that I would be upgrading to a newer version; especially since Nuance has decided to update the GUI a bit. The latest version has some very nice amenities that all previous versions lacked; help. If you’re a novice to voice recognition you’ll immediately be skittish about using it and the results you’re going to get, but with this latest version I believe you’ll find a pleasant surprise. Nuance seems to have listened to their customer base and stepped outside the box and refined the GUI to be much more friendly, useful and all around smarter. From here, I start my techie review of Dragon NaturallySpeaking 11 [Home]. My version of a techie review is an overall evaluation of the application, how it works and if the application is something you’d be willing to buy for your home or office. -
![The Windows operating system comes with a default text editor. Some users may not know it’s there, but it’s been virtually unchanged since Windows 95 came out. The average point and click user would basically never see it, but when you start dealing with higher echelon users a text editor is a powerful tool. And if you are a power user, and you need a ‘power tool’ you don’t want to be stuck with the default Windows notepad. The Windows notepad by default handles text files with the worst level of resource management. A perfect example of this, find a TXT file with 2-3Mb in it [like a log file], notepad for Windows will show you just how robust it really is; at the same time wondering why your system isn’t responding anymore. Yeah, you’re going to need a notepad replacement; like Notepad++](http://www.lehsys.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/4zwtffak-115x115.jpg "Default Action: Replace Windows Notepad with Notepad++")
Default Action: Replace Windows Notepad with Notepad++
Posted on May 7, 2011 | 2 CommentsThe Windows operating system comes with a default text editor. Some users may not know it’s there, but it’s been virtually unchanged since Windows 95 came out. The average point and click user would basically never see it, but when you start dealing with higher echelon users a text editor is a powerful tool. And if you are a power user, and you need a ‘power tool’ you don’t want to be stuck with the default Windows notepad. The Windows notepad by default handles text files with the worst level of resource management. A perfect example of this, find a TXT file with 2-3Mb in it [like a log file], notepad for Windows will show you just how robust it really is; at the same time wondering why your system isn’t responding anymore. Yeah, you’re going to need a notepad replacement; like Notepad++
