Ok, little known fact about me: I’m a sucker for beta/preview releases. Not sure why. I was playing around with every beta version of Windows 7 as it was coming out, caused me no end of frustration but I dove right in.

Also, little less known fact, Windows 8, Microsoft’s follow up to the smash hit (I said it) Windows 7, has been making tech waves due to it’s new “Metro” style UI. Kind of like a giant smartphone screen on your desktop.

So here’s the deal: Microsoft releases these preview/beta versions of Windows 8 and uses everybody who downloads it as guinea pigs to find all the bugs. Free testing. So why should you download a buggy operating system when your Windows 7 machine is rock solid? Because you should live hard and stop playing it safe with your computer.*

here’s the download page: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/home/

*all seriousness, don’t overwrite your main operating system. Google, “dual boot windows 7 and 8″ and you will find tons of guides of how to run both operating systems on the same computer with (little to) no fuss. And to make you’re life even easier: http://lifehacker.com/5840387/how-to-dual+boot-windows-7-and-windows-8-side-by-side?popular=true

Rdio is an impressive site.  It does many things that others do (Pandora, Last.fm, grooveshark, etc) but does so in a clean, fast, and full service package.  You can read a full review here.

Trust me, if you like music, sign up for Rdio, download the desktop add, link it to your iTunes/Windows Media Player and you will be off to the races.

Rdio is in closed beta but leave your email in a comment and I’ll send an invite (10 left).

My Rdio page: http://www.Rdio.com/boomtown

Fact: the Dell Vostro V13 sounds more like a diesel engine component than a sleek, inexpensive, ultraportable laptop.

Fact: despite its name, the Dell Vostro V13 is a sleek, inexpensive, ultraportable laptop that should top your gift lists

You’re looking for a netbook or ultraportable?  This is the one to get.  13.3″ screen, full size keyboard, 5+ hour battery life, 3.5lbs for a starting price tag of $449?  Boom.

Shipping today in time for the holidays, more details here

Note: I’d lean towards the middle of the pack or fully loaded $649 version.  All capable but the dual core $649 version is worth the extra scratch.

Pretty simple and slick, go to StereoMood and click a word describing the mood you’re in.  Just sexy?  Click “sexy.”  Just woke up?  Click “waking up.”  And so on and so forth.  StereoMood will then compile a nice little playlist right in your browser based on your “mood tag.”

favorite song found so far: You’ve got the love (XX remix)

Enjoy.

Leave a comment saying what you’re thankful for and your email address and I’ll send you an invite to the Google Wave service (8 invites left).  I’ll maybe even send a few Google Voice invites if they are really good things to be thankful for.

Gobble.

Wanna pick up a svelte new Apple product for that loved one  (ed note: yourself)?

• $100 off MacBook Pros
• $100 off iMacs
• $20 off iPod touches
• $20 off iPod nanos
• $20 off Apple TV

Check it out…

If you purchased a PC in the last 2 years, go buy Windows 7. You’re welcome.

In short, Twones is a great way to find new music. I know there are tons of sites out there but this one is pretty impressive.  It’s invite only so if you would like an invite, leave your email address in a comment and I will send the first 10 an invite to Twones.  I’m a giver.

From Twones:

“There are many, many music sites and music related weblogs out there, that all give you the opportunity to listen to great music and discover new tracks and artists. The number of these services is still growing every single day. This is great for music lovers, but the diversity and sheer volume is simply too overwhelming to keep track of all these services.  Twones lets you tie all your music activities from across the web to one place, then share them with friends in real-time. It helps you discover and listen to new music online by bringing the activities of your friends and the people you admire for their musical taste together in one music timeline. At the same time, you share the music you play with your own fans – simply by listening to anything you like.”

So there you go, pretty slick stuff.  Sign up, install a little Firefox add on that follows the music you listen to.  Then you can easily follow other people and Boom…find some new music.

Once you get an invite, feel free to look me up at www.Twones.com/BoomTown

Enjoy.

PS.  Song of the day?  Meet Me Halfway, Black Eyed Peas
PS2.  I lied.  It’s actually Crystalised, The xx

So, as you all may know, I’m a nerd and I try to resist sharing all the “exciting” computer/tech things I learn but this one is pretty darn useful so I thought I would pass it along.

The short story: you change some settings and bam, you’re internet browsing/downloading becomes noticeably faster.  No cost.  No gimmicks.  No ads.  Just life gets better.  Intrigued?  Read on.

First, I recommend this only to home users though people with traveling laptops can also benefit (in other words, please don’t change your work/office computer and blame me when you get fired).

Secondly, go to OpenDNS and follow the step by step directions.  They are extremely simple, detailed directions that anyone with a computer should be able to follow.  If you have a wireless router in your home (i’m sure most of you do) then you should definitely choose that option.  Otherwise, choose “Computer” option.

The whole setup should take you roughly 5 minutes.  Once you’re done, you can go to OpenDNS and if you see a little text near the middle saying, “You’re using OpenDNS!”, guess what?  You’re using OpenDNS and you did a great job setting it up.

As always, leave a comment with any questions!

Amazing game, now available online for free!  Just try it for 5 minutes.  If you’re not hooked then I would appreciate it if you would leave a comment as to why and why you hate having fun.

Plants vs. Zombies (Web Edition)

Obviously when you love the game, you will want to buy the full version so you can save the game and play with some other additional features.