Googletalk vs Skype

I updated googletalk to get the most recent update today. Great stuff -- it's not quite mature enough yet, but it's a great step in the right direction. I've used Skype in the past also, I enjoy the maturity of the program, and it's more extensive feature set.

What I look for is the ability to: chat, record a chat, have voice capability, conference, and FTP. I don't care about major frills -- just the functionality of the product. Not major requirements, right?

Let's compare:

Googletalk

I use googletalk because it's free, I've got a friend on it, and it's google -- they always come out with some cool new stuff. If you'd like read my previous post on it's functionality. Download (1.23mb) is small too.

The recent update brought the ability to leave voicemail. I love the "meep" -- funny stuff (remember monty python?), the ability to transfer files, and other "enhancements". The Voice quality is GREAT. That's what kept me with it (better quality, and it's easier to use when on STEAM.

Skype

Skype has all of the above features, along a kick ass interface. It also has the ability to conference multiple users, which googletalk doesn't, something that is important, especially when you want to conference others during a meeting, and would rather wear headphones or listen to speakers. Skype is offering free calls to landlines, and cellphones until the end of the year (an offering you prev had to pay for). Voicequality is quite good, and the filesize is ~ 10MB.

Result

I'm still using both. Googletalk meets my expectations/requirements about 75% now. All it needs is conferencing. I can't wait to see more improvements. Googletalk does win for voice quality. Skype beats out googletalk in it's great interface, conferencing ability, and its calling feature (espically since it's free until EOY).

I'm busy

Wow... It's been a busy week (so far). Back to the grind again on both counts.

Ran out of native backup capacity at the end of last week, dove into a backup plan to keep me going for the next couple of weeks (redefined my backup job). Picked up a nice external drive. Reviews say that it's quite reliable. The install on my w2k server went quite flawlessly (picked the latest driver set off of Sony's website, installed the drivers, and didn't have any conflicts -- with the OS anyway.

What I learned today: Get upgrade insurance for some software packages, especially when the software depends on the hardware used(No, I'm not talking about OS's in this instance).

Calm after the storm

Went to my last cubs game of the year yesterday... My fav player kicked ass. 7-5 WIN (2006 = 2-5). I've now got two wins under my belt for the year. Last year, I didn't have any (2005 = 0-7).

So here's the latest of the craze:

Side Stuff: This is what the calm after the storm refers to. It seems everything worked itself out in the end, and I'll be sticking with it. Need some questions answered though -- but I think I'll like the 15th of this month regardless of what happens in the end.

Thursday

I couldn't think of a great title -- bear with me.

Side Stuff: It's dropping like AOL (my feelings about it). Whatever happens, happens. I should not be going over what I want my decision to be for the entire week. I need to make a decision, and stand by it (It's amazing how easier it is to write this, than to actually perform the function).

Work stuff: Things have to change, and they are getting better (maybe it's just this week) -- I just wish something would go my way. I received a call from my CDW account rep this morning -- apparently my "pre-screened" mail didn't make it to my desk (SURPRISE!!) -- I was chosen to enter a "contest". Cool stuff -- made my morning.

A part of a 401k made a jump today (for those that don't view it today, it jumped 13% due the beating estimates (after exclusions, this time), about 70% for the year :). That is nice. I personally worked for them for 3 years, the wife, 10+. Glad to see they're turning themselves around a bit, corporate wise. They must be doing something right.

Cubs: Matt Murton is my favorite player on the cubs -- has been for the entire year, as I've been waiting for him to "come into his own." I hope he starts more (over Angel Pagan -- over-rated bench player). Here's to hoping to see Murton in left field next year. If he happens to read this (doubt it), your game kicked ass today

Dell

I'm not a fan of Dell. Here's why:

Personal: I build my own stuff.

Business: My company had two Dell laptops. Halfway from one burning straight to hell (inherited shit), I found something that would control the fans, as the particular laptop didn't control it quite well without help, which fried one laptop. I was able to keep another alive for another two years (with help of the fan control software (specifically made for the model I was having issues with)).

Pissed me off to no end. Switched to HP's for desktops, and HP / Acer for Laptops (I tested Toshiba, which works well, but didn't meet my needs (installed too much of it's own stuff too).

Now I found this. I realize that they probably get their batteries from an outside source (and that it may have been only a certain batch). This is a Horrific PR event.

Update: Finally, a recall.

People talking about you behind your back.

I had a instance today when a "manager" at my office was bitching about me behind my back, under the assumption that I was not around the corner, and in earshot.

I chose to be nice, considering that they were with their friend at the time, but they were around other employees.

I'm not a big fan of this -- though, I'm not at all surprised to see behavior such as that by that person. I've finally learned not to take everything personally -- so it really doesn't bother me -- however, why couldn't the person just approach me? Poor management decision on their part.

I'd imagine that the best course of action is to confront them. Haven't had a chance yet. It'll be interesting.

Best quote of my day: "You can't teach an old dog new tricks"

Deadline.

Regarding the last post -- still mulling the options. Someone close to me is telling me that I seem to be trying to run away from something, however I don't believe that's entirely the case. But who knows? I'd like to make my decision soon, so I can stop worrying about it (great trait I seemed to inherit from my side of the family).

Trade Deadline Notables:

Cubs traded away Greg Maddux to the Dodgers -- sad to see him go, but glad we could get a "defensive wizard" in Cesar Izturis. Our probability of turning successful double-plays just increased and if he becomes the player of 2004, it will be a fine addition (here's to being hopeful that Rothschild will be replaced by Maddux in the near future).

Cubs traded Todd Walker to the Padres -- He's been supposedly on the block for the last year. Always seemed to play hard in my opinion. Hopefully the trade works out for both of us. Cubs received Jose Ceda. From a Jim Hendry interview, he throws in the mid 90's -- might be a bust, but only time will tell.

Decisions.

I have decisions to make in the coming week.

My current "other" job is causing me a fair amount of stress -- continue or resign? I don't feel like an active player anymore -- It can compared to being an everyday player versus a guy on the bench who doesn't seem as he's making any sort of contribution.

My current "actual" job -- This will depends on how things pan out in the near future.

Weekend -- Cubs game. great stuff. (Oh, and if you haven't heard -- the Cards are 0-10 at the Friendly Confines. Beautiful).

I believe that every one's life is like a boat. Sometimes it's calm, then a storm arises from nothing,rocks the boat, sometimes even being overrun by waves. That's essentially how it's been for me since January (due to the first and second paragraph).

I just wish that for one day I can see everything clearly enough to make a good judgment. That's what I'm hoping for this week. Good and sound judgment.