Pimp up Google Reader with 15 Firefox hacks

I've enjoyed using Google Reader ever since I switched from Bloglines. I guess the best thing about Google Reader that I like is that it keeps track of the individual article in the feed rather than a full page of feed. The mobile version which I use on my Palm browser is also quicker.

Anyway, here're 15 things that you can do to make your Google Reader experience even better when you're using Firefox.

No such thing as playing games ironically...

A bad game is just bad. Nothing more nothing less. In fact, that is the argument put forth by Wired writer Clive Thompson that while you can have movies that are "so bad that they're good", the same can't be said for games. Bad games are not fun and they make you want to just hope that you can somehow get back those wasted hours of your life back. I totally agree and in my years of gaming, I've played a few really bad games and I just want to erase those bad experience from my memories.

Essentially, games are for fun, and if it is not, it's worthless.

Guitar Hero III v. Rock Band

Wannabe guitar players are in heaven with the impending release of Guitar Hero 3 and Rock Band. Both titles are rhythm-based games where you can play a "fake" guitar. Rock Band, of course, turns the whole thing up a notch by letting players play as a band. So which is better? The linked article is an interesting read as it argues that Rock Band is about the pure music experience while GH3 is aiming for a more "gaming" experience. Regardless, I think I'll be getting both when it comes out. I just wanna rock out.

CodecInstaller-for all those A/V codecs

If you're a media junkie, you'd know that having the right codecs is important, or otherwise your media won't play! Software such as VLC has become must-have media players because they can play many different media format. But if you want more, then CodecInstaller is one that you need to analyze your audio/video files.

History of Zelda in English

If you're a Zelda fan, check this out. A Jap documentary on the History of Zelda is now available with English translation courtesy of the fansub community. Amazing, the power of otakus.

Run Windows apps on Ubuntu

This is for the Ubuntu geeks who still needs some Windows apps. The guide supposedly teaches you to set up the running of Windows apps, running the OS in virtual machine. Minus the time to install Windows, it should only takes up 10 minutes of your time.

iPhone flaws?

On the HowardForums, there's a thread that looks at a list of the failings of the iPhone. Granted, the iPhone hype is enormous, the arrival of the device means that folks can actually try it out and find out the pros and cons of the device. This list certainly gives one an idea of some of the "thumbs down" bit of Apple's "Jesus-phone".

How to build a BitTorrent box

This is another DIY project that you can do with Linux. The article on Nerdica details how you can build a dedicated, headless BitTorrent client computer. Using Ubuntu, Azureus, Hamachi, and Samba, the instructions will let you have a box that you can use for your BT downloads and also share the files after that. Interesting stuff if you want to get some hands-on action over the weekend.

Wii Transfer

I just discovered this interesting software that allows you to transfer movies, music and pictures to your Nintendo Wii. Written for the Mac OS, this one will turn your white console into a multimedia machine. It may not turn your Wii into the wonderful XBMC, but it's still pretty cool, since it uses the Opera browser to let you browse pictures and listen to your tunes.