This is a list of applications that I have loaded and use on my computer.  There are more, but I would re-install these right away in case my system rashed, as they are highly useful!

1. UltraEdit – Text Editor (…need free, try Notepad++)
2. RocketDock – Launchbar
3. Firefox – Better than IE browser
4. KeePass – Password Manager
5. CCleaner – Windows Cleanup Utility
6. WSFTP – FTP Client
7. Putty – Terminal Session utility
8. MediaMonkey – Music Manager
9. Rainlendar – Desktop Calendar
10. Skype – Chat Program
11. IrfanView – Image/Graphics Utility
12. VLC – Media Manager
13. PDF Creator – PDF Printer/Maker for any program
14. E-Sword – Software-Based Bible
15. WinSCP – SCP Communication utility
16. WinZip/WinRAR – Compression utilities
17. Everything – File Search Utility

Other than those, below are some other useful apps, but did not make “the list”

1. GIMP – Graphics software
2. Microsoft Virtual CD Control Tool – ISO Mounting
3. Mailstore – e-Mail backup
4. AutoIT – Scripting Software
5. SyncToy – Syncing of Files and Folders
6. CDex – CD Ripper
7. ColorCop – Color Chooser
8. VMWare – Virtual Machines
9. TightVNC – VNC Client/Server
10. CAMStudio – Screen Recorder
11. DAZ Studio – 3D Graphics
12. Harping – Harmonica Software
13. MP3Gain – MP3 Volume Normalizer
14. ZScreen – Screen Capture Utility
15. Picasa – Graphics
16. YAPP – Picture Browser
17. Audacity – Audio Utility
18. IconTweaker – Desktop Icon Manager
19. DVDx – DVD Conversion
20. BAT to EXE Converter – Utility (f2ko(dot)de)

OK, I integrated the new Facebook Connect to the webRetreat.  If you are a “friend” on Facebook, you should be able to log into the webRetreat as well!  If you are not a “Friend”…I am not sure if you can or can’t?  It was unclear on that point.

In any case, this made it easier to manage visitors than doing it myself!  (always looking for the easy way out)  😉

In the past I have digitized most of our family photos and videos to DVD, but even in that format, you rarely go to the trouble of finding the DVD, and then loading searching for what you wanted to see.

Being curious about these new Media devices and applications (i.e. stream your photos/videos/etc straight to the TV), I started to look around for a good deal.

What I found was that my old Xbox (NOT the Xbox 360 or newer, I am talking the old Xbox) could be converted to a Media center!  Not just a Media Center, but the highest rated Media Center out there right now!  Woohoo!

Its called XBMC (http://xbmc.org/).  It does take some time to “Hack” the Xbox, but once its done, you have a really cool Media Center on your network, for only $30-$40!!!!  Sweet deal, for a cheapskate like me.

If you have some electrical/computer technical ability,  would recommend checking it out.  If you don’t…don’t bother.  Find someone who has already done it, and have them fix ya up!

( …also, if you have a son under 2 years old, keep him away from the Xbox or he will somehow find out how to undo all your changes and remove Linux from your Xbox system in about 1 minute, which took you about 3 hours to load >:-|  )

I saw a neat little article on making retro-comic’s from your photos, and decided to give it a try, while creating a little tribute to my wonderful wife, Lynn!  It came out pretty good, I think…

I use Skype at work for all IM. This is for both business and personal, so if you want to get in touch with me, use Skype and click on the Skype icon at the top of the webRetreat page (little green or grey icon) The icon shows my status. Green is good!

Picked up a nice new theme called DAILYPRESS theme by Blog Oh! Blog

Worked out real nice for a new modern look and feel, as well as easier navigation!

Hope ya like it!

Then hold on for this ride.  Try to watch this without leaning!

This was the performance of this AWESOME song at my church (www.fbcw.org) earlier this year (which they just re-performed last week) What is funny, is if you wait to the end, our Pastor Johnny Hunt had them do it again, it was so great! At first everyone thought it was a joke, then he sat down and they all came running back in, and did it again, even better!

Here I stumbled upon a radio service that amazes me how it picked up my music tastes so quick, and they may be almost out of service due to Royalty issues…just another example of the “old man” too slow to keep up with the new tech!  sigh…

In any case, here it is!