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Archives for 2013

Google Adds Pandora To Chromecast

Google announced today that it’s adding Pandora to its short list of apps running on Chromecast. The list so far include Google Play Movies and TV, Google Play Music, YouTube, Netflix, Hulu Plus, and now Pandora.

Google can generate so much more interest from this popular streaming player if they release a few more apps like Spotify, IHeartRadio, access to major networks, cable networks like HBO, etc, and access to premium content in major league sports.

Most of all, Google should release an app for playing local media files soon. There’s a work around for playing local files now by simply dragging them into the Chrome browser, but the quality of the stream and speed are not quite there.

I’m not sure why Google is dragging their feet. Google is letting Roku, Apple TV and others react to the initial shock and novelty of the unique features of Chromecast when it was first introduced.

Eventually, competitors will come out with similar features, but the $35 price point is a major selling point for Chromecast in this tight competitive market.

DBAN

DBAN stands for Derek’s Boot and Nuke. DBAN is an erasure software that deletes content of hard drives it can detect. The software prevents identity theft before recycling or selling your hard drive. To get started, download DBAN and create a bootable CD or DVD disk. Boot the DBAN CD or DVD and follow the menu. DBAN will provide an audit-ready erasure report at the end.

LogMeIn vs TeamViewer

LogMeIn and TeamViewer allow for remote desktop control of computers. Although both applications offer similar functions, choosing one over the other, for most part, is a matter of preference. I happen to like TeamViewer, but don’t have any qualms using LogMein. Both require signup on their website for easier control of remote computers. LogMeIn requires the desktop’s username and password for remote access, while TeamViewer doesn’t. It has it’s own temporary or permanent passwords for remote authentication. Both applications use strong encryption. LogMeIn uses 256 bit SSL encryption, while TeamViewer uses 1024-bit RSA and 256-bit AES sessions.

The big difference between the two approaches is how LogMeIn uses the browser for remote access, while TeamViewer uses it’s own application. LogMeIn tends to be a bit snappier based on my initial tests. TeamViewer automatically disables the remote desktop background to speed up remote access. TeamViewer also gives you the option to optimize your connection, choosing between quality and speed. Although, I prefer to use TeamViewer, I highly recommend that you test both applications. Give it a run. Eventually you will come to a conclusion. Choose one that suits your needs and preference.