Still As Life

Since upgrading to Windows Vista, I have found more problems with the Vodafone software for the 3G broadband modems.

On Windows XP or Mac OS X, when you unplug the modem without disconnecting the connection first, it will act the same way as if you unplug an ethernet cable and unplug a USB device.

On XP, the network connection changes to a disconnected icon, it makes a disconnected USB sound and says the device has been disconnected. The Vodafone software then displays the “Searching for Hardware”  message.

On OS X, the network connection simply disconnects

However, on Windows Vista it complicates it entirely. If you unplug the modem without first disconnecting the connection, you have to reboot the computer before you can use the 3G modem again.

When you unplug it, it performs the normal disconnected USB notifications, however, it doesn’t change the network status to disconnected, and the Vodafone software just sits there, counting the time connected. If you press disconnect, it does nothing, if you try to close it, it does nothing, even forcing it closed and reopening it doesn’t fix it, it straight up starts counting the connected time again.

Even if you manually disable the network connection it keeps doing this.

Plugging the modem back in doesn’t change anything, you simply cannot press the connect button again because it will not come back up until you reboot.

I am using the latest version of the Vodafone software that is meant to be Vista compatible.

Vodafone have been no help either, the software works, it just does not work correctly unless you remember to disconnect it before unplugging the modem.

Popularity: 40% [?]

I wrote about the Axiotron Modbook back in January, back then, I thought it was one of the greatest idea’s for a Mac, and I still do.

I came across this video review from Mahalo Daily and I have to say, if I didn’t already have my Macbook Pro, the Modbook would be very appealing indeed.

What do you think about it?

Popularity: 16% [?]

If you are using Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard and want to change the look of your dock, try out Dock Library. It’s very simple to use and makes changes to the appearance of your dock very easy. And the best part, it’s free! I’m sure the creator, Pete Callaway, wouldn’t mind a donation though if you can spare it.

It works with custom dock styles from leoparddocks.com and leoparddocks.net and is just a matter of a couple of clicks.

Download Dock Library for free along with the styles you want, then its just a matter of opening it up, importing the zip file from the custom style and then setting it as the dock. When you hit set you will have to enter your administrator password and there you go. Your new dock is there, piece of cake.

My dock is even shinier now, this is a great application and is very easy to use. It doesn’t require any hunting through system files or anything like that. If you want to go back to the default dock, it is listed with all of your custom ones and all you have to do is set it as the dock again. Simple. So if you are into customizing your Mac’s appearance, try it out, completely free!

Popularity: 84% [?]