My New Webcam

Yesterday I got a brand new USB webcam I ordered. I know, I have an iMac with a camera, and my Macbook has one too, so why is this a big deal. It is because I use my Macbook as my main computer and when it is on my desk at work or at home it is plugged into a monitor and the lid is closed. That means using the built in iSight camera is not an option. I have wanted to buy a camera for a while but most recent USB camera's don't always support the Mac. I didn't want to deal with open source drivers. Thankfully Macally came out with a nice cheap USB webcam, the IceCam2.. It didn't need any drivers, and I was up and running with the camera in about 5 minutes. I placed a test call to my dad via Skype and it worked great. There is something wrong with his speakers because we always get static when doing a call, but the next time I am over there I will take a look at it.

I also got a laptop stand I can keep at work. One of the things I don't like about the Macbook is that when it gets hot the fan run's really loud and it is annoying. The stand should hopefully allow better airflow on the Macbook.

My Blog Entry For Tuesday 6-24-2008

My day at work basically boiled down to me taking part in a meeting with Cisco for most of the morning. The second half of the day was me writing up a proposal for a project we are looking to do. There was a few other quick conference calls in between that. I also think I discussed a network project with some guys on my team. This was one of those days that a few items took up almost all my time. That is good because time goes by quick, but bad because most other items on the agenda are not taken care of.

I did get to kick off some windows updates on my desktop that I am rebuilding. At an old company I worked for we called that an updateathon. It wasn’t so bad but there were allot of Office 2007 updates. I also plugged in a 5 port switch I brought from home yesterday to use in my office. It replaces the 8 port 100meg hub I had received from my group when I asked for a switch. it is weird when I have to bring in better gear from home to work, but this is now the second job I have had that sometimes I need to. On the plus side I do have a sweet ultra portable Sony.

Apparently my cleaning lady (yes I pay to have my apt cleaned every few weeks) was working in my apartment when the maintenance people came over to fix a leak in my bathroom. They sort of freaked her out. Apparently they weren’t very nice, she doesn’t speak english and I didn’t realize she would be around when I put the request in 3 days ago for them to come over and fix the issue without calling ahead. My dad called me a little while ago to tell me about that whole saga. Apparently my cleaning lady called my parents since she knows my mom. She wasn’t home so I get the story from my dad. Lots of drama, but thankfully everyone is ok now.

I didn’t get out of the office too late. I did do something stupid at home though. I thought tonight was the night for a BBQ in my building. Turns out that is next Tuesday. I can’t read. Oh well. I am now relaxing, writing and listening to some music.