I just got myself 2, 19″ wide screen monitors at work. Finally, some desktop, and some desktop, real estate!
Monitor 1 set as the primary, and monitor 2 is the extended desktop. The taskbar however only stays on monitor 1. I found some nice freeware: Oscar’s Multi-Monitor taskBar.
This creates another taskbar on monitor 2. It’s not the pretty XP taskbar but it does do the job. There are hotkeys in which you can flip any window your working on, onto the next monitor or visa versa. There is also a clock similar to the windows clock.
The freeware also puts a button that looks like a play button next to your window minimize/maximize button. This will also quickly move any window you have open to the next monitor.
Multi-Monitor taskbar currently supports up to 3 monitors.
The site boasts that there is no fat in the software. As far as I can tell it has a pretty low footprint as well.
I first had to learn this a few months ago. It wasn’t too easy but I think I’ve learned enough to hopefully help any other unexperienced cablers ;-)
Keep in mind that there are several possible wiring possibilities. You can reverse the wiring of any diagram on 1 end of your cable and make yourself a crossover cable. I also found by trial and error that there is a Cat5e T568B, and a T568A. This matters mostly in how your jacks are wired in your wall. If you are able to pop out your wall jack and check the diagram on the jack to see which you are running.
A Cat 5e Wiring Diagram
You need to make sure that you have cable, cable ends, a wiring diagram, and a network cable crimping tool. Most crimp tools come with built in cutters and strippers. The one I’m using came for free with a 500ft cable. They range from $10-$40. I’ve seen and played with a $25 model since I’ve done this. Personally, I prefer the simpler one.
Cut a good length
The first thing you need to do is strip about 2″ of the shield off. Unfortunately I didn’t know that when I took this picture during my first practice. Then you need to untwist each of the four pairs. ** Caution ** only untwist up to the shield. Twisted pair need to remain twisted to get the most out of it.
Untrimmed
Next, straighten the strands out best you can. Then hold up an end next to the cable. This is a tricky part. Visually measure the length of wire needed to get to the end of the cable end leaving just the right amound of shielded part to go into the cable end. Then cut off the excess. I had to do this about 6 times to get the hang of it.
Trimmed to a proper length
Then using the diagram, put the cables in their proper order, and hold them close together. Hold (Pinch) them tight so they don’t get out of order. Slide them into the clip. Push them firmly in. Push them hard! Some cable ends come with very small harnesses to hold the cables while you do this. This is a very worthwile investment. Ends only cost a few bucks for a package.
Hold em’ tight, and push in
Finally holding the entire assembly place the crimper on it an crimp that sucker! When you are finnished you need to make sure that you can’t pull the end off by hand using a reasonable amount of strength.
I ordered some Cat 6e cable and it has this strange paper ‘divider’ inside of it. I’ve never seen this before. I thought the idea of twisted pair was to keep them together?
I just plugged a Sandisk Cruzer micro into my laptop and low and behold, a new world of U3 and flash drives. U3 is truely remarkable. This technology allows programs you would normally have to install on your pc be installed on your flash drive so they will work on whatever computer you plug into. The programs have to be re-written for U3 compatability of course, but the roster of programs already available is impressive! From Firefox, Trillian, and Open Office to a slew of security and productivity utilities. I have the 2Gb version. The programs run from 2 to 3 Mb to 300Mb each, so you do need to be mindful of what you are adding.
I expect as the Gbs increase on these devices this will become the thing to do. Why bother with a PC when you can have a 250Gb micro flash drive with everything on it and all you need is a vanilla pc to plug into!.
How about a headset attachment for your ipod that will let you watch bigger than life video? According to the article, the device will most likely be available in 2006 for a retail price around $599.
With the proximity of the screen to the eye, and the magnifying effect of the company’s optical technology, the company says that using the headset is akin to watching a 105-inch display from 12 feet away.
At first glance the headset would seem to look odd in public, but as the report notes:
But eMagin executives say they expect people to get used to the appearance, in the same way that Bluetooth headsets are no longer uncommon.
This is the kind of stuff that used to be in popular mechanics schematics…
