Look Ma…No Hands! Windows Vista Speech Recognition Software

Stephen L Rose — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 23:24:44 -0400

Windows Vista Speech Recognition software may not have rendered the keyboard obsolete, but it certainly has made it unnecessary for many people. The voice-control software translates speech into text with impressive speed and accuracy. Users can not only dictate, but also open programs, browse the net and do most functions that presently require keyboard or mouse actions in Windows. A compatible microphone and a sound card are needed to run the Speech Recognition in Vista.

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Stephen L Rose — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:23:53 -0400

I wrote two article for Fast Company on using Twitter as a BI tool. Find them here: http://www.fastcompany.com/user/stephen-l-rose

Just when you thought the war was over...

Stephen L Rose — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 23:28:50 -0400

Now with the release of Google's Chrome browser and Microsoft's IE8 Beta, a new era of browser wars has begun. Firefox, Safari and Opera have made a bit of a dent taking about 20% of the market away from Microsoft but Google's Chrome browser threaten to be the first real competitor in the ring since the early days of Netscape.

What's good and bad about the browsers?

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Stephen L Rose — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 23:42:24 -0400

Excellent comments. I might also offer up Microsoft's BitLocker that comes with Vista Ultimate Edition as another cost effective drive encryption tool. Remember, it's not the laptop, but the data on it that is most valuable.

Tips for Home Office Technology

Stephen L Rose — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 23:04:06 -0400

When it comes to technology, every home-based business owner can feel a little bit alone from time to time. There’s no help-desk or IT staff to call when your PC, Internet connection, or other devices are on the blink. It’s your problem. These tech challenges are not something to be taken lightly.

So here are some of the biggest technology challenges for home-based businesses—and some tips for how to make sure you don’t fall victim to them.

1. Hackers, viruses, and malware… oh my!

Essential Tools for PC Users

Stephen L Rose — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:50:35 -0400

My well loved, well used laptop died last week. I purchase a new one and as I was getting it back to a usable state, I opened a list of software I install after purchasing a new PC for my friends and family. After getting everything back to a usable state, I thought that it was pretty good list to share. So, here is my list of five essential downloads to get. The best part, they are all free.

If The Shoe Fits - A look at Zappos.com and the technology they use

Stephen L Rose — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 23:37:47 -0400

Last week I wrote about several different companies using Twitter as a Business Intelligence tool. After I posted the article, I received a Twitter from Zappos.com CEO Tony Hsieh thanking me for writing about his company and their use of Twitter.

For those not familiar with Zappos, their vision sums up their goals as the premier online shoe retailer:

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Stephen L Rose — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 11:34:06 -0400

Hollyecho, Thanks so much for your post. Unsolicited feedback is always welcomed and encouraged. Sounds like MagicJack was a great solution for you at a great price point.

Twitter “Intelligence”? – The New BI Tool?

Stephen L Rose — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 18:46:16 -0400

A few weeks ago, I wrote a post on how Twitter was my new business secret weapon. After discussion that post with several other people and reading some other commentary from fellow blogger's (see Between The Lines- ZDNet 6.24.08) I decided it was time to write a follow-up on additional Twiiter business uses.

Vumber - Your Disposable Phone Number

Stephen L Rose — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 22:53:34 -0400

Vumber does one thing and does it well. Provide a cheap and easy to use, disposable phone number and voicemail product.

Vumber allows you to create a phone number from any area code you want, linked to your home, cell or work phone.

When someone calls your Vumber number you can: A) Answer it. B) Send it to a Vumber Voice mail. C) Give the caller an busy signal. D) Give the caller an out of service message. E) Give the caller an infinite ring, or F) A custom message you create.