Houstonist Tech Buzz - 072207

Local tech news in a compact, digital format.

iRazoo, Do You?
Four local entrepreneurs have entered the search engine market by creating iRazoo, a search engine that is based on results from users who vote on sites. In turn, users earn rewards for votes. Rewards can be redeemed for merchandise online. You do not need to register on the site to search, but registration is required for earning rewards.

Password Protect Folders In XP
How to protect your porn important files from prying eyes is a question that all techies get asked quite often. In this edition of Jay Lee's HelpLine, he explains how to do it in Windows XP. Keep it secret, keep it safe.

WordCamp 2007
Former Houstonian and creator of WordPress blog software, Matt Mullenweg and crew hosted WordCamp 2007 this weekend in San Francisco. WordCamp is a 2-day conference for WordPress users and developers. San Francisco based Laughing Squid was there and took a bunch of photos. Back in January of 2006, Houstonist did an interview with Matt, you can find that interview here.

BMC Software Buys RealOps
Local software giant, BMC, has purchased Virginia based RealOps, a provider of run book automation solutions. So what is RealOps and what is run book automation? According to Mark Stouse, spokesman for BMC, "RealOps is a big part of what enables us to offer customers complete IT automation in their data centers." So there you have it. Important behind the scenes stuff that we as end users never have to deal with.

Used Computers and You
Dwight Silverman lays down the law for buying a used computer in his Computing column over at the Chron.com. Tech Buzz highly recommends checking out this story before purchasing a used PC.

Technology Bytes Gets Simpsonized
The crew from the local radio show Technology Bytes has put together a photo of themselves as Simpsons characters! You can see it here and if you are interested in the show, you can stream it or download it from their site. You can also tune in and listen live every Wednesday night from 8-10pm on 90.1 KPFT. Technology Bytes is a computer call-in show that answers listener generated computer questions. They also cover computer news and events as well as periodically having guests on the show.