Hola adds proxy service to any platform
Written by Alan Sunday, 19 May 2013 07:00
There are many reasons for users to have a need for a proxy service. There are those trying to bypass dictatorial governments who restrict access and then there are those who want anonymity for less savory reasons. However, the vast majority probably simply wish to use these services for the innocent task of accessing sites that are not available due to location. For instance, those in the U.K. may sometimes want to catch a video on Hulu.
An app called Hola can take care of this for almost any platform. It is not only available for both Windows and Mac, but as a browser plugin for Chrome and Firefox and also on mobile devices running Android (version 2.3 or newer).
The app serves as more than just a proxy. It also promises faster web browsing — “Hola accelerates the web using a combination of technologies – caching, multiple sources, compression, P2P protocols and more. For initial Hola users, the Internet will be fast, but as more people install Hola, the web will get even faster. Faster browsing. Faster Video — While the load on the core network will decrease”.
I have been testing the Chrome plugin over the past few days and found that, not only could I watch BBC content (I am in the U.S.), but also many sites really did seem to load faster. All versions are free.
Saturday Morning Video Fun: Remembering Derek Hersey
Written by Alan Saturday, 18 May 2013 07:00
Editor’s Note: Every Saturday Morning we take a departure from our normal tech coverage for a little internet video fun. We take a look at extreme sports, hot movie trailers, stop-motion animation, and pretty much whatever cool video we happen to come across on the internet.
A long time ago when I was a young rock climber I planned my first trip to Yosemite in California. In the process of planning this I had the pleasure of speaking with British free climbing specialist Derek Hersey by telephone to get some information on climbing there. While I had no intention of tackling my first Big Wall sans safety gear, I was eager for what he could tell me.
Hersey even offered to serve as my guide when I made the trip — with gear of course. Sadly this was my one and only meeting with him. Hersey fell soon after that phone call — I learned of the news in my next issue of Climbing magazine. I changed my plans and instead traveled to Smith Rocks in Oregon that year, but I have always remembered the man, his accent and the way he treated a total stranger when reached out to via a phone call. His death occurred twenty years ago this year.
Start Menu Reviver provides one more Windows 8 alternative
Written by Alan Friday, 17 May 2013 07:00
Microsoft’s decision to strip the Start button and menu from Windows 8 resulted in an entire ecosystem springing up surrounding the capability of bringing the option back. Over the past several months we have looked at several options, including Start8, Pokki and Classic Shell. Now a new one emerges called Start Menu Reviver.
The free app provides the option for mouse or touchscreen use, as well as combining the Windows 8 Metro-style tiled look with what is instantly recognizable as a Windows Start Menu.
“It’s more intuitive, more functional and more customizable than any other product on the market. Start Menu Reviver is the ONLY solution that is truly touchscreen-friendly and ABSOLUTELY FREE” the company claims.
This is perhaps the most interesting take yet on Start menu replacement for Microsoft’s latest operating system. It opens in two stages, first the tiles then the list of programs, which really does add a pleasant feel.
Start Menu Reviver (English) from ReviverSoft on Vimeo.
This is a nice Windows enhancement if you really feel you need to travel this route. I would recommend it if that is the case, but I still do not feel the Start menu is necessary — the OS just takes some getting used to. The app also works with Windows 7.
