It just works

Don't you love it when it just works?

Technology can be so frustrating.

But not today.

Let me share with you 2 things that work for me.

First, the Firefox browser.

"The open-source application already has a cult following (8 million downloads since mid-Sep), a major portion of which like it because viruses and worms aren't written for it in the same number that they are for Microsoft's Internet Explorer. Others like the Google search field that is built into the toolbar. Still others like the tabbed browsing that simplifies moving among different Web sites. "

The download was a mere 4.7 MB. The installation was flawless. It imported all the IE bookmarks without a hitch. More importantly, it also took all the cookies, recent accessed links and all other settings from IE. (My only problem was that I had to manually set the proxy but that wouldn't be a problem for all you proxyless people in the free world.)

Simply put, the Firefox browser allows a better, safer, more secure browsing experience. And it helps that migration is really easy.

Farewell, IE.

It was painful while it lasted.

Second, the Amazon Theater.

When was the last time you saw something you liked in a film or television program?

Chances are, it may not be of those painfully obvious product placements. It might just be an obscure watch the protagonist is wearing, an archaic bookshelf sitting in the corner of the room or a funky clock on the wall.

With Amazon Theater, you can now watch a short film on the Net, find the products that you have just seen as links, click on those that you like and purchase them.

All that without leaving the browser.

Ethical issue aside, I would imagine this would be useful for many of us.

Right now, the list of products is not as exhaustive as I like, but I'm sure it will evolve with time.

Technology can be frustrating.

But today, I have just shown you a way to shop and entertain yourself at the same time in a browser that is safe and efficient.

I humbly accept your gratitude.

But I'd rather have cash.