What about Bill Gates. Well, IBM looked to other companies while working on the 1550, and one of them was a start-up known as Microsoft. IBM asked them to develop the operating system. By using outside vendors for parts and the operating system, IBM was able to introduce the PC in less than a year after conception.

IBM did not require Microsoft to give it exclusive rights, so Microsoft began developing operating systems for other manufacturers. They produced PCDOS for IBM and MSDOS for everyone else.

The rest is history. Microsoft became the premier producer of operating system and software, making Bill Gates and hundreds of other people millionaires. Continued growth and Bill Gate becme the weathiest person in the world, worth more than 40 billion dollars (USD)

The Nukalert detects Gamma and X-ray radiation 40keV to 2 MeV, and indicates repeating groups of rapid countable chips. A faint clicking indicates all is OK. An audible alarm approximating 61dBA (speaking volume) sounds when radiation is detected. The unit is powered by a battery which lasts 10-15 years (non-alarming), or as little as 3 months when alarming continiously at highest alarm level. I’m just guessing, but I assume this 3 month period would be sufficient to outlive the unlucky owner in such a situation.

The Nukalert is priced at $160.00 USD each or $145.00 each for 2 or more, and is available from their website

Briefly, you build a simple mobile GPS tracking system from a laptop and have the data delivered right to your own computer. With the addition of a Web server—and a Google Maps client-side JavaScript—you’ll be able to see the data via the Web on an interactive map.

The complete article is available on the GeoPlace website

I have not tried Skpye because of the peer to peer operation where your computer becomes a node in the overall network. I want the resources of my computer to be mine, and I don’t want my communication packets to be routed through hardware with unknown security.

I have used Vonage since 2003, and in fact replaced my regular landline service in 2004 after Hurricane Charley wiped out my local Sprint service. After 2 months without Sprint, I called and cancelled. Vonage has served me well.

But, I want free. Enter Gizmo Project. Gizmo offers a VOIP service based on SIP technology, which does not rely on other users computers like Skype. The SIP server is owned by SIPphone, a leader in the technology of connecting VOIP with the POTS (Plain Old Telephone System) They offer free calls Gizmo to Gizmo, provide a free Nevada US number for call-in purposed.

Also available are optional call-in numbers from other US area code, costing as little as $3USD/month. Call-out minutes to any US POTS phone may also be purchased for 1 cent/minute. (Sold in 1000 minute blocks)

I signed up for the service. Gizmo to Gizmo works flawlessly. Gizmo using call-out minutes to POTS numbers works well also. I have had some problems receiving POTS calls made to the Nevada call-in number. The incoming call goes directly to voice mail. I have heard that this is a problem they are working on and should be solved shortly.

I have just purchased a call-in number fron the Indianapolis, IN (USA) exchange. I have heard that the problems affecting the free Nevada numbers do not affect the paid numbers. As soon as my number is validated, I will try and report back.

In the meantime, sign-up for your free Gizmo account and play around. You may get it here.

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