This webpage shows you how you can make your own “Ten doller digital camera“.

I have never fallen for the Apple iPod. I like to be different and in any case, my iRiver H320 has held all the features 2 years ago that the latest iPod has now. But here is a fascinating look back at the day Steve Jobs launched the very first Apple iPod back in 2001. This is a 9 minute video (from YouTube) of the inspiring launch presentation.

Despite my loyalty to iRiver, this presentation is world class in persuasive marketing techniques. Back in 2001 I would be itching to get my hands on the stylish device, just as big as a pack of cards that could hold 1000 songs. If only I was sitting there in the audience, I could now be quite a rich guy. Just watch out for the next big thing’s launch presentation, whatever it may be.

As a web developer I downloaded Microsoft’s latest browser IE 7 beta 2 to see what’s happening. However, I noticed that when testing websites I could no longer open up IE 6 (still the most widely used web browser). I overlooked the testing factor of designing for a few weeks because I couldn’t figure out how to get IE 6 back - trying to install IE 6 won’t work because you have a newer version installed. So you have to remove and uninstall internet explorer 7 first, which is actually very simple but took me ages to figure out!

To remove Internet Explorer 7:

Go to Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs
Now, check the ‘Show Updates’ box
Scroll down through the Window’s updates and you’ll find IE 7 Beta Preview
Go ahead and remove the program as normal.

Microsoft have just released a BETA version of the new Windows Media Player 11. The new player is looking very nice with a well designed user-friendly interface alongside faster audio file transfers. The display has been cut down to a more simplistic appeal - the classic menus have been taken away (by default) and can now be accessed via right click anywhere on the interface.

You also have more control over and better access to settings for ripping and burning your music. But the slick design alone should be enough for anyone to download and experience Microsoft’s new Media Player. It’s black, glassy, simple and completely sleek. Perhaps a better insight into the skinning for Windows Vista, the next Microsoft operating system (when it eventually turns up..)?

Read more about using WMP 11.
Download WMP 11.

You may have noticed that I have ‘gone on’ about eduX, which is a virtual learning environment (VLE) which I have developed over the past 6 months or so. You may have also wondered what the hell it is. Therefore I am going to write just a brief article on VLE systems.

According to wikipedia:

A Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is a software system designed to facilitate teachers in the management of educational courses for their students, especially by helping teachers and learners with course administration. The system can often track the learners’ progress, which can be monitored by both teachers and learners. While often thought of as primarily tools for distance education, they are most often used to supplement the face-to-face classroom.

Online or virtual education is set to be big and fashionable within the educational sector of the UK, along of course with the USA and many other countries with a mature internet intrastructure in place. Schools, Universities and Colleges are already venturing into teaching online and in fact have been using systems like VLEs for some years. However at present it seems that many institutions are unclear as to the real benefits of a VLE and essentially if it can improve teaching and reduce workload on teachers. The fact is, it is very clear that e-Learning can rise to both requirements. A VLE has so many advantages and additions to the structure of education already in place. An online VLE allows students and teachers to access courses from anywhere in the world and at any time. This encourages students to develop independent work ethic and improves teachers’ organisation and management over their pupils or students. A VLE also increases the degree of interaction between teachers-students and students-students regarding work. eduX features an internal private messaging system and discussion boards for every module.

eduX and some other VLEs also feature an assignments section so students can keep track of work teachers have set over the VLE; a file repository for students to download files which have been uploaded by teachers; a useful website links page; an online workbook companion; online testing and automatic marking; student mangagment and progress report; and finally a discussion board. There are other features that VLEs possess and which eduX is constantly developing to improve the whole learning and teaching experience.

Check out the eduX VLE.
Discover more about virtual learning environments.

This could be the future - Adobe has accquired Macromedia (developers of Dreamweaver, Flash, Fireworks) for £1.8bn or $3.4bn! First I’ve heard of it but at least we can say it’s not Mircosoft. Adobe are seeking a larger market share in the competitive software market bringing some serious competition to the Microsoft giant (wahoo). Let’s see what’s made of it…