Not only did the latest version of Google Earth add Sky—it also quietly got a fabulous new flight simulator which flies a virtual airplane (either an F16 “Viper” or SR22 prop plane) from an airport and runway of your choice. To switch into flight simulator mode the first time, launch the latest version 4.2 of Google Earth (free download) and hit Ctrl+Alt+A (Mac users: Cmd+Opt+A.) Choose your plane, airport and runway and go! Well, ok, it’s not quite that easy. Blogger Marco Gallotta explains how to take off: More »
The official blog of ThemBid.com has an interesting write-up on what he installed after Vista made his machine go boom. First on the list? Back up your data. Since I recently had a Vista implosion myself, I read this article with interest. Each program and application is entered in detail here, from tweaking automatic Microsoft updates to installing OpenOffice. If you’ve had to reformat Windows (and honestly, who hasn’t, right?), please share your essential installs in the comments.
What do you install after a Windows re-format? [ThemBid.com]Give your home more appeal to possible buyers with just a few quick and simple improvement tips from real estate blogger Rod Thomas. None of these will break the bank, and in a competitive market, these little touches can really make the difference. For instance, any realtor will tell you that getting rid of surplus furniture and knick-knacks in every room of your house will make the house feel more spacious. You’ll also get a lot of mileage out of a tidy yard, getting rid of personal photos and simply giving your home a thorough cleaning.
10 ways to sell your house quicker [Rod Thomas]If you’ve always wanted to ride your bike to work, but the list of excuses was just too daunting, then this list of commute-by-bike FAQs from the Sietch should get you going. Too dangerous? Too far to ride? Too cold? Nah. Not only will riding your bike to work help you feel better, you will be saving a bit of the environment as well—not a shabby arrangement. If you ride your bike to work, please share in the comments how you got started and what has kept you going.
How To Ride Your Bike To Work [The Sietch Blog]All too often, taking time for ourselves is shoved to the back burner—and for the sake of your sanity, it really shouldn’t be. Productivity blog Lifehack.org has an article that helps you figure out how to find time for yourself, from scheduling a monthly evening out to walking to work. Personally, I get time to myself by waking up extremely early, putting on a pair of headphones when working and taking myself to the movies once a week. How do you get your alone time—and if you don’t get it, how would you propose overcoming the obstacles to that? Thoughts in the comments.
How to Find Time for Yourself [Lifehack.org]You can’t get where you’re going if you don’t know where it is you’re headed, right? Financial site Wise Bread has written up an insightful article that helps you define your version of success via a list-making exercise. Most of us go from day to day just getting through what needs to be done; however, once in a while, it’s extremely healthy to figure out a few long-term goals and how to achieve them. Articulating your ideas of what makes a successful life is definitely part of this. If you feel brave (or otherwise!), please share your version of success in the comments.
Defining Success: If you don’t know what you want, you won’t know when you’ve gotten it [Wise Bread]Whether you’ve been happily buying stuff on the web for years or you’re just getting started, this list of online commerce tips from Tech-Recipes will help you fine-tune your purchasing power. For instance, if a deal seems too good to be true, for the most part, it probably is. You can also double-check killer deals that you find on sites such as eBay on other techie bargain sites, get a virtual credit card number that is good for only one purchase, and use the web to find forums that are discussing either that product or store you’re thinking of purchasing an item from.
Online purchasing and researching tips [Tech-Recipes]
