I came across this really interesting article on iPodWizard.net which goes over steps to modify the firmware (v1.0) of the iPod nano to be able to display menu item icons. This is really cool so I thought I'd give it a try.

I followed the article step-by-step and went on to read the in's and out's of how to accomplish this truely awsome thing. I had to make sure I had the correct iPod updater software (correct version and whatever) and I also had to download the relevent files to carry out this mod from the site. I patched the iPod updater with the supplied files, then replaced my iPod's current firmware with this newly created one, and presto....brand new nano menu's.

Now I must point out (and the article also points out) that modifying any part of your iPod firmware will possibly VOID your warranty with Apple so don't try this unless you are absolutely sure on what you are doing and follow the instructions carefully.

This article was written to mod the iPod Nano, but it is pointed out that doing this on any other iPod will probably work also, but do so at your own risk.

Its always fun to tinker with your favourite technology and I think this Menu Icon mod is right up there with Linux for the iPod.

Ok guys, here's the first Monday TechQuestions post ever.

Q:
I am thinking of setting up a wireless network in my house as I have 4 computers in total across 3 different rooms. I don't really want to run cables across my whole house, so what wireless networking equipment will I need and what do you recommend? Thanks.

Michael, Melbourne Australia.

A:
Well Michael, thanks for your question. I think installing a wireless network is a great idea and will give you a whole new level of flexibility, especially if your using a laptop. By the sounds of it, you are only using desktop PC's which is fine, a wireless network will work great.

To set up a home wireless network, you will need the following:
- Wireless router (aka Wireless Acess Point)
- Wireless PCI Network Cards for each PC
- Network cable (from your router to main PC + internet connection)

I recommend two brands for wireless networking equipment, one being Linksys the other being DLink. The both make pretty good wireless routers and wireless PCI cards for your PC's.

In case you are unsure on how to set up a wireless network, I found a really great article on O'Reilly Wireless DevCenter which should help you out.

As many of you know, a few posts ago I stated that I was going to get a new digital camera, well I have it now, YAY!

Photography is a great hobby of mine and anytime I get some free time, you'll probably catch me out and about snapping away. I have been meaning to get around to starting an account with Flickr which for anybody who doesn't know is an online photo storage and sharing site where people from all over can view any photos you have uploaded to your collection, or just so you can better organize yourself.

I was playing around with my new camera today and decided to mess around with the aperture and shutter speeds to get some cool pics, and I uploaded the best one to my flickr photo collection. The collection only has that one image at the moment, but in the next few days I'll be going out to shoot the Melbourne Springtime :).

Finally got a new camera which is great, have needed a new 'tool' for a while & anybody interested in what I'm shooting, be sure to bookmark my photo collection at Flickr. I highly recommend Flickr to anybody who has a photo collection they want to share or just organize better, and all you need is a current YahooID or just sign-up for a flickr account. So Easy!

Thanks Guys, until next time...

I know a few friends and fellow students from some of my classes that will do almost anything to hide their identities whilist their on the internet in an attempt I'm assuming to cut any connection with their name to what they are doing. Trust me people I know aren't the only one's deliberately providing false or misleading information to hide themselves on the internet.

According to a recent study of Canadian Teenagers, 6 out of 10 teens "are disguising their identities on the Internet". This article on globe and mail pretty much covers what I'm talking about here. From experience in using IRC (Internet Relay Chat) I have definately noticed many people experimenting with their age for example, making themselves look older or younger and most times its just people's curiosity about what other people think about you when your just a bit older or younger (social experiment I guess lol).

This article then goes on to say "We should not get too hysterical about it, because there's some developmental stuff that is happening that is totally typical of the age group" . I think this is crazy becuase not only teenagers are doing this, but I've seen adults also doing this aswell.

I don't think that disguising your identity is a bad thing, but people do make it out to be bad for some reason (well some people anyway). I think its a great idea becuase people want to increase their level of security anyway they can when they're online, however I do see the importance of accuate information in some circumstances so people should be aware.

With the increasing numbers of victims of identity theft these days, its no wonder why people are resorting to hiding their personal information.

A few posts ago I gave some information regarding the release date of MSN Messenger 8 to be sometime in November 05. I've done a little more reading and now MSN 8 is expected to be released sometime in 2006 and not this month, so sorry about that guys. I do however have a brief list on some of the new features of MSN Messenger 8 which are:

• Change of Messenger Skins


• Real-time Emotions


• Messenger Built Internal Windows Media Player 10


• Pause/Resumed File Transfers (File Blocked Extension Applied)


• Detailed File Transfer (Download/Upload Speed)


• Animated Display Pictures (.gif .jpg .png (File Support under Consideration))


• Mood Status


• Faster Contact List Loading and scrolling


• Public Profile and MSN Spaces Combined


• More MSN Space features


• New Hotmail and MSN Messenger Integration


• Downloadable MSN Messenger on Mobile News Updates according to Location


• Top 10 MSN Music Radio


• New Stylish Notifier Pop Up


• Downloadable Skins for MSN (Contact Window & Conversation Window)


• Complete Integration with Windows XP® & Windows Vista® Codename: Longhorn®


• Offline Voice/Message Machine


• Animated Buddy Icon Helper


• Display Picture Ratings

Source:  Neowin.net - MSN Messenger 8.0 feature list leaks to web

I won't go into any more details on MSN Messenger 8 as I went through it quite thoroughly in a previous post entitled MSN 8 - Don't worry, its better than you think!. Thanks guys, and once again sorry about the release date.

Hey guys, thought i'd share something with you guys for today's post. Digital photography is a relatively new hobby of mine taking it up a few months ago and I have been able to achieve some pretty good looking photos, but now in the next week or 2, i'll have a new addition to my photography arsenal, a shiny new digital camera.

I have been looking at the FujiFilm FP S3500 4.23 megapixel Digital-SL R camera and I think I'm going to go with it, its a greally great camera with great image quality and customization on this camera is a big plus. Here are the specs:

FujiFilm FP S3500 Digital SLR Camera

4.23 million pixel CCD

6X optical zoom lens (39 – 234mm, 35mm equivalent)

Programmed auto exposure

Auto, red–eye, forced, suppressed and slow sync flash modes

Movie capture (320 x 240 pixel) movie mode

High quality 1.5 inch TFT (62,000 pixel) LCD screen

xD–Picture Card™ compatible

Webcam facility

This camera will be great and I can't wait to see what it can do. Well I just thought that I'd share that with you guys for today, after all it is technology related nonetheless lol.