Andy chats about the latest technology and interesting websites each week with Nerissa Pace on the "Talking back the night" radio show, heard across Australia.

 
It's all about Mice!

Who invented the computer mouse - http://inventors.about.com/library/weekly/aa081898.htm

More history of of the computer mouse - http://www.localcolorart.com/search/encyclopedia/Computer_mouse/

Some of the more unusual computer mouse designs - http://www.orianaoriginals.com/mousehole.html

Microsoft's latest wireless mouse with built in fingerprint reader -http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/productdetails.aspx?pid=035


Top 3 websites of the week

Rent a German.
Here's a real conversation starer.
http://www.rentagerman.de

Uses for Plastic Bags
I use em as garbage bags...but sometimes you still have some left over
http://www.bagbed.com/

Guess how old i am
Can you guess someones age by looking at a photo of them. Try the age project.
ageproject.specialsnowflake.com/

 
Tips For Avoiding Spam

1. Establish an Unlisted Email Addresses: Only give this address to important contacts that will not abuse it: family, friends, etc. and let them know that it is the equivalent of an unlisted telephone number and should not be shared.

2. Don't Reply to Spam: Most times, when you try to remove yourself via "unsubscribe" from an unknown source, you are actually letting them know that you have a valid email address at which to send you more Spam.

3. Never click on a link contained within a Spam message: This also could tip off the sender as to the authenticity of your email address.

4. Consider setting up a disposable email address that you can use as a first contact point when emailing organizations or people you’re not familiar with. Yahoo email offers easy disposable email addresses.

Dealing with SPAM

At computer level….

Programs like Nortons Anti SPAM 2005 can identify and delete spam as it arrives in your inbox. You can buy Nortons Anti Spam 2005 at computer stores for around $80 or online for under $70

Dealing with SPAM before it reaches your computer

Most good Internet service providers have good SPAM filtering available on a server level for a few dollars extra per month. This means that the junk email is dealt with before it gets to your computer…so you never see it.

www.bigpond.com customers can get this service for $2.50 per month
www.iprimus.com.au customers can get SPAM and virus filtering for $4.00 per month
www.internode.on.net customers get SPAM and Virus filtering as part of their plan at no extra cost.

If your service provider doesn’t offer any kind of filtering, try a service like www.spamtrap.net.au - For $45 per email address per year, they will filter junk mail from your account. They offer a free 30 day trial and it’s very easy to set up.

Top websites of the week.

What do Women really have in their handbags
This website reveals all, as ladies kindly upload snapshots of the contents of their handbags.
www.bagladies.nl

Not just a Rubber Duck…a Celebriduck!
Just when you thought Rubber ducks all looked the same. This online store sells ducks in the likeness of Celebrities. Check out the Ozzy Osbourne, Mr. T or Mona Lisa ‘ducks’.
www.celebriducks.com

The world’s only caffeinated lip blam
Now, I love my coffee, but I’m not sure if I can see myself using this product….but maybe one day when I have dry lips and feel like a coffee…
www.spazzstick.com

 
Upgrading from Dial-up Internet to Broadband
www.whirlpool.org.au is a great place to help you find the right internet plan to suit your needs.

ADSL - Not sure if you can get ADSL in your area? Check www.telstra.com.au/demand or the website of your current internet provider.

Wireless Broadband - www.iburst.com.au
If you're unable to get ADSL, or are constantly on the move with your notebook computer, iburst mobile broadband may be a good solution for you. Check their website for coverage and to find a provider of their service.

Satellite Internet - www.bordernet.com.au
Traditionally, this isn't the most cost effective way to get fast downloads...however if it doesn't look like you will have access to ADSL any time soon, this may be an option worth looking for (I used it for 3 years).

Playstation 2 massive game launch - Gran Turismo 4 - www.playstation.com.au
4 years in the making, Gran Turismo 4 is the ultimate driving / racing simulation which all ages will enjoy.
With around 700 cars and over 50 tracks to drive on, there's no risk of boredom!
If you really want to get your hands on this game before anyone else, many of the large video game retailers are opening at midnight on Wednesday for the launch.

Top 3 Websites of the week
Waste a few minutes with some free online games
www.freeonlinegames.com

Put a letter in the post...via the Web
www.l-mail.com

Another online Begger
www.emoocher.com

 
Renting DVDs online with Bigpond
http://www.bigpondmovies.com

What are you doing at 9am every day?
http://www.09h09.com/

The web is a wonderful place for useless information?
http://www.gullible.info/

Weird Road Signs
http://www.swanksigns.org/