snag it - i'm impressed

Tuesday night, I stayed up way too late trying to figure out how to capture flash video that wasn't contained on a page with a URL. I needed to capture a flash video that I made with JibJab's new Starring You applet for a project I was working on. I downloaded two programs, Replay Media Catcher and FLV Recorder, but neither would capture the video with our faces instead of the JibJab actors.

The reason I stayed up so late was because I knew there was a way to do it because I saw some of these videos on YouTube. It really drives me nuts when I know there's a way to do something and I can't figure it out. So, I left a comment on one of the YouTube videos to ask what program they were able to capture the video with then went to bed.

The next morning, I checked my email and had a reply to my comment; the guy used a shareware program called Snag It. I anxiously downloaded the program which is about 13 MB and ran it. It has a GUI user-friendly interface and did exactly what I needed. I was able to window in on the region I wanted to record and the quality of the AVI video output was much better than I expected it to be.

I was really impressed with the program - it's simple to use and simple to save your capture. The program also offers an editing feature which I haven't yet tried, but probably will in the future. The software offers a free 30-day trial and from what I could tell, you get to use the program without limitations. It's only $39.95 to buy and register, so it's affordable as well. I'm goin to play around some more with Snag It during my 30-day free trial; especially the capture editing features, and plan to buy the software after my trial ends.

PDF to HTML to DOC - Oh My!

I am experimenting with converting Adobe Acrobat .pdf files to either .doc or .xls in order to import them to a database.

Here's myproblem: The inspection program that the company I contract for requires me to run does not allow it's users to print any information to text files including open inspections or history regarding completed orders. I'd love to be able to keep information on properties I've inspected previously in a database or at least a spreadsheet or word document so that I could refer back to it once I receive a request to complete another inspection on the same property. Mainly, so I could quickly see a photo, remember what the property looks like and where exactly on a particular street it's located, and the condition it was in at the time of the last inspection. Basically, I'd like to have all the information in one place and the software provided to field inspectors does not allow you to lookup any info on previous inspections except for date completed and order number.

I was thinking, though, if I got my order list converted from .pdf to .doc or .xls format, then I should be able to import that information into a database. Once there's about a month's worth of data is in the database, I should be able to maintain it with little effort which would save time and effort on my part of going through the same iterations of printing, cutting, pasting, scanning and re-printing every few days.

So, while perusing my options, I discovered that GMail allows you to convert a .pdf to .html quickly using their 'See it now' feature. All you do is this:

1. Login to your Gmail account and compose a new email
2. Put your own gmail email address in the 'To' field
3. Attach the .pdf file you want to convert to .html and click 'Send'
4. The message will appear in your Gmail Inbox. Click it, then choose to view the attachment as .html
5. One step further and you can convert that to a .txt file. While viewing the .html file from step 4, just click 'File' then 'Save As' and choose to save the file in .txt format

Neat little feature - and the best thing is, you don't have to install any new conversion software and it's free!

Netvibes Customizable Homepage

It's been around for some time, but those of you who are new to the net or are new to having multiple computers may find Netvibes a useful tool. It's a customizable homepage that you can access from anywhere (if you register which is free).

Welcome to Netvibes!

This is your personalized page, you can now modify everything: move modules, add new RSS/ATOM feeds, change the parameters for each module, etc. Your modifications are saved in real-time and you'll find your page when you get back on Netvibes.com. If you want to be able to access your page from any computer, you can sign in (at the top right) with your email and a password.

Cool! My buddy Ron told me about this site and I'll be spending some time setting up my custom home page.

SecureZip

I have many files on my PC which I often transfer from one PC to another - from work to home PC's and back again. I sometimes use a jump drive to transfer files, but often I like the convenience of using Microsoft Outlook to email files that I use on multiple PC's as well. Many people just assume that the process of transferring files from one place to another is safe merely because of the security of our networks, but everyday there are hackers trying to figure out how to get your information. All it would take to steal someone's identity or empty a bank account would be to decrypt a single file like a tax return or bank statement, but with an app like SecureZIP, you can transfer files through MS Outlook with confidence and security.

SecureZIP - The next generation of ZIP sets the standard for desktop data security. It is the best solution for protecting email messages and attachments, as well as data stored on hard-drives, laptops, and portable media. SecureZIP is a true security application, providing file level security that is as strong as any security application in the world, while it continues to leverage all of the benefits that come with compression.

Right now, the full version (not a trial) of SecureZIP is available for download here.

Stolen Laptop

Boy that would really make me steamed if someone stole my laptop, but it's occurring more and more since people are using them more publicly in coffee houses and airports with wifi hotspots. I was configuring a system (**dreaming**) at Dell's site and noticed that they have an option to add-on LoJack which is security software that runs in the background.

Computrace® LoJack® for Laptops is a theft protection service that tracks, locates and recovers stolen laptop and desktop computers.

Software installed on your computer works behind the scenes to silently and securely contact our Monitoring Center, and if stolen, reports its location using any Internet connection.

Our Recovery Team then tracks your computer’s location and partners with local law enforcement to get your computer back. If your stolen computer is not recovered in 30 days, you’ll receive a full refund for the purchase price of the software.

Cool, huh? Their website states that they recover 3 out of 4 stolen laptops. I know I was impressed and you can get a year for about $50 bucks which is cheaper than most of those extended warranties. The software can also be installed on desktops and tablet PC's.