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Featuring CNET Editor Rafe Needleman

What's hot in Webware Session has ended.

Missed this live event? No worries! Each Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon PT, we'll give you the chance to chat live with a CNET editor. We'll cover a new topic each week, from cell phones to TVs. Get those burning tech questions ready! Click here for the Ask the Editors Live event calendar.

Previous topics: MP3 players Digital cameras HDTVs Portable GPS All topics

Latest questions and answers

Q: Web-based Photoshop?

by TommyVallier - 2/7/08 12:03 PM

Is there something web-based that would be described as, say, a "further stripped down photoshop elements/fireworks". Just something that can create/edit images online?

A: Photoshop it is

by rafe - 2/7/08 12:08 PM

Despite what I said two Q's ago, it looks like an online Photoshop is actually coming soon:
http://www.webware.com/8301-1_109-9813680-2.html

I can't wait to do the head-to-head against the full software version.

A: Last Question!

by rafe - 2/7/08 12:07 PM

Got one last question in the queue, then gonna wrap up.

Q: fireagle

by pc/ppc user - 2/7/08 12:02 PM

What is it useful for besides GPS and friends?

A: Commerce. Emergencies.

by rafe - 2/7/08 12:05 PM

I am a big fan of the Fire Eagle concept (read: http://www.webware.com/8301-1_109-9814165-2.html).

A generalizable geolocation technology, with good privacy/security, will have many applications, most of which we haven't thought of yet. Think commerce. Think emergency notification. Think real-time public transit info beamed to your phone. I really hope this tech takes off.

Q: SaaS - Photo & video editing

by banker0679 - 2/7/08 12:00 PM

I have tried most of the photo and video editing online applications but the quality and speed does come close to the convenience of desktop versions.
When do you think this will catch up like it has for office documents ?

A: Will be a while.

by rafe - 2/7/08 12:03 PM

The key to Web-based media editing is the rich application framework. As time goes on, Web users will end up installing code on their machines -- often without noticing it -- that offloads image processing onto the local CPU even for Web-based apps. Check out the emergence of Flash and Flex and AIR apps (and also Silverlight). There are some really interesting things happening.

But it will be a while before PhotoShop online can hold a candle to the real thing.

Q: 50" LCD vs. Plasma

by jtg1 - 2/7/08 11:57 AM

OK so I've done my research, prices continue to fall, and I think that Samsung Plasma is still the best bang for the buck in the 50" catagory. Am I right? Set me straight I want to jump in to a new TV but want to make sure its the right one. Also - for all of us who work 80 + hours a week and don't watch "Blue Ray" dvds - is 1080p worth it?

A: We have experts

by rafe - 2/7/08 12:00 PM

Check out the CNET audio and video forums: http://forums.cnet.com/5204-7596_102-0.html?forumID=60

Q: X.509 Vs. Managed Info Card for Web Logons

by RTHJr - 2/7/08 11:46 AM

What is your take on the use of X.509 Certificates and Managed Info Cards for authentication in Web applications?

A: Umm, err..

by rafe - 2/7/08 11:57 AM

Just did some quick reading after I got your Q, so I am most definitely not an expert on this.

I don't know about these standards. For Web 2.0 authentication, I am tracking the growth of OpenID. It finally seems to be taking off, and it's very interesting. I'll be doing a Real Deal podcast on the topic (realdeal.cnet.com) on Tuesday.

See also: http://www.webware.com/8301-1_109-9866802-2.html

Q: Pixoo - you profile pic as you like it

by Pixoo - 2/7/08 11:48 AM

Hi,
What do you think of Pixoo (www.pixoo.us) ?
best,
Nancy

A: The business doesn't scale

by rafe - 2/7/08 11:52 AM

Quick take, since it's new to me: $14.95 to spiff up an avatar picture is too much to charge the consumer, and not enough to pay your people to do it. So I'd question the business model.

Prove me wrong, though: Make it work.

Q: Visual bookmarking

by banker0679 - 2/7/08 11:45 AM

With so many new websites and applications on the block, i am still finding it difficuly to bookmark and track them.
I started using Google Notebook a long time back, then a custom solution and now StumbleUpon but it still leaves me wanting more.
Any suggestion on how and what to use (maybe a good visual tagging site) ?

Thanks
Shekhar

A: Flock + Delicious

by rafe - 2/7/08 11:48 AM

I use Flock's integration with Del.icio.us to save stuff for later. Also, check out this new site: http://www.instapaper.com/, which we have yet to review.

Clipmarks is another solution.

Q: Webware?

by welrdelr - 2/7/08 11:41 AM

Why is it called webware whehn the same applications- both client and server- can be installed and implemented on one machine- two or more virtual environments and a "shared network"- or on two machines? In both scenarios there is no or can be no connection to any other host.
Even with flash or java interface- add Zend to that- the applications still don't need a remote host.

A: Simplicity

by rafe - 2/7/08 11:46 AM

We chose the name "Webware" because I think the future of software is on the Web. The Web + Software = Webware.

Nonetheless, there are a lot of traditional apps the require a Net connection to work (like Google Earth) that sort of still fit into the Webware camp.

But it sure sounds better than SaaS and stuff. Plus, we had the domain.

Q: Natural Dry Erase

by lunchbox1972 - 2/7/08 11:39 AM

Dear Rafe,

Given that re-Surfacing Dry Erase is now in place and on the minds of a few important people, do you think Tackboards (e.g. cork, vinyl, etc) will every be replaced in hallyways, classrooms, offices, and other places? Or do you think these will continue to flank Markerboards and Chalkboards, and heaven-forbid, heavy slate-boards.

Thanks,
dale

A: Nothing smells quite like dry-erase

by rafe - 2/7/08 11:43 AM

Dude, I don't know! If it doesn't have a CPU and a broadband connection, it's dead to me.

A: Product or Company?

by rafe - 2/7/08 11:40 AM

We just posted this review of a cool new thing:
http://www.webware.com/8301-1_109-9866897-2.html

Like a lot of Web 2.0 products, we think, "cool!," but then we wonder if the company/product can survive on its own or even if it's valuable enough to get acquired by a bigger company.

What's your favorite service or feature that you don't think can survive as an independent business?

Q: Popularity of Webware

by masanta - 2/7/08 11:33 AM

Hello Rafe,

I find myself constantly checking Webware and reading about new applications and often thinking about how then can help solve or assist in real life business problems. I'm curious, how many unique user hits does Webware get on any given day?

Thanks,

Mario.

A: Lots

by rafe - 2/7/08 11:35 AM

The powers that be won't let me reveal our exact internal log numbers, but I'm working on a post right now about how horribly the metrics panels (Comscore, Neilsen) under-report our actual traffic.

Q: Web 2.0 visual collaboration services

by geoperdis - 2/7/08 11:22 AM

Hi Rafe,

What's your take on the emerging group of visual collaboration services like ConceptShare, Cozimo, Octopz, ReviewBasics? Are they likely to have any appeal for an audience beyond the primary target of creative professionals?

Thanks,

geo

Disclosure: I'm a collaboration evangelist for Octopz.

A: Limited audience

by rafe - 2/7/08 11:26 AM

Our first shill question! JK - We like Octopz.

There is *nothing wrong* for designing a product for a specific, small audience. Especially if that audience has a need that they will pay you to solve. Why would you want to create a general purpose service that people use for free if you don't have to?

Q: Web-based back-up

by RobinSK - 2/7/08 11:21 AM

I just signed up for MOZY to back up about 40GB on my server. I have a DSL high-speed internet connection. The backup takes so long (hours and hours) that I had to reduce my backup to 20GB and it still takes about 14 hours. Is there anything out there that works better?

A: Upgrade your broadband

by rafe - 2/7/08 11:23 AM

I switched from DSL to cable two years ago and couldn't be happier. Much faster upload speed (and lower latency, which helps on gaming and VOIP).

Also, check on real-time incremental backup instead of set-based backup. I like Carbonite.

Q: Will 2008 be all about Widgets?

by Lite Rocker - 2/7/08 11:19 AM

Now that everyone has an API of sorts, will widgets be the big trend in 2008?

A: "Year of the widget?" Maybe

by rafe - 2/7/08 11:22 AM

Widgets enable people to build sites from pieces and parts. And widgets are great for publishers since they, potentially, extend the reach of the content they are creating.

I really like the concept of putting content where your users are, instead of trying to get users to come to where you put it. So, in short: Yes.

Q: Contact Management

by TommyVallier - 2/7/08 10:55 AM

Hey Rafe,

I'm a real big web user (I don't even install office anymore) but seem to be stuck on one item.

Is there anything out there for contact management?

Thanks!

A: Google or Plaxo

by rafe - 2/7/08 11:18 AM

I'm an Outlook user, so I asked Josh. He says:

I prefer Google's as of late. It lets you build your own lists and is in the cloud. For stuff that syncs and pulls, Plaxo is king.

Q: What is your Fav CMS?

by RTHJr - 2/7/08 11:10 AM

What Content Management System do you prefer?

A: Don't really use

by rafe - 2/7/08 11:15 AM

As a blogger, I manage to avoid real CMSes for the most part. But for blog content management, I like TypePad/Movable Type a bit more than Wordpress's default CMS.

Also, I've watched a friend built up Clickability (http://www.clickability.com/) from a small utility into a full-blown CMS. I'd check it out

Q: Vizio Alternative

by jacobshm - 2/7/08 11:08 AM

Hey Rafe,
Do you know any (free) online alternative to MS Vizio, something for basic diagrams and maybe website mockups?

A: Also...

by rafe - 2/7/08 11:13 AM

Also check this out: http://www.mxgraph.com/

Q: Vizio Alternative

by jacobshm - 2/7/08 11:08 AM

Hey Rafe,
Do you know any (free) online alternative to MS Vizio, something for basic diagrams and maybe website mockups?

A: Check out Gliffy

by rafe - 2/7/08 11:11 AM

I covered one of these in 06. Gliffy:
http://reviews.cnet.com/4531-10921_7-6547444.html

Q: Financial Tracking

by Shayna70 - 2/7/08 11:03 AM

I use mvelopes which is similar to the free Mint.com. How trustworthy are these sites that capture all your financial info? Everybody wants you to give them all your other info. I love the ease of one stop shopping, but it scares me.

A: You're right to be scared

by rafe - 2/7/08 11:08 AM

Yes, services like Mint.com do great things, but it's terrifying to put your bank passwords on a startup's server, isn't it? All you have to go on is the company's assurances on their encryption and security. In other words, it's all great and safe and wonderful until the moment that it isn't.

From my perspective, I completely trust the *intention* of Mint never to have a security breach, and the company is certainly funded well enough to invest in security. It helps that I personally have looked the CEO in the eyes and had this discussion. But a smart consumer will do research before putting sensitive passwords on a new site.

Q: Web 2.0 and mobile world

by Lite Rocker - 2/7/08 11:01 AM

Do you see the trend of having a dedicated mobile site continuing? Or will web 2.0 finally become truly mobile-friendly?

A: Publishers should be more mobile-aware

by rafe - 2/7/08 11:05 AM

I'm stunned at how many sites *don't* auto-sense mobile browsers and serve up a simplified site for them. Web 2.0 won't be mobile friendly until site designers take these readers into account. Meantime, some cool services, like SkyFire (http://www.webware.com/8301-1_109-9859030-2.html) are trying to make mobiles more Web 2.0-capable.

Q: What SEO Do You Recommend?

by RTHJr - 2/7/08 11:00 AM

What search engine optimization tool/service do you prefer?

A: Wow, good question

by rafe - 2/7/08 11:02 AM

We have internal SEO experts here, so I just listen to them mostly. When I want to go deep on this topic I read the SearchEngineWatch blog (http://blog.searchenginewatch.com/) to see the latest on the topic.

Q: Twiiter v Pownce!

by Son of Orac - 2/7/08 10:56 AM

Who will emerge the champ? Or room in the ring for two champs? (not thought this boxing thing through.. sorry) :)

Son of Orac.

A: Community vs. Technology

by rafe - 2/7/08 10:57 AM

Pownce is a great platform, but as a Twitter user myself (ID = rafe), nothing beats the Twitter community. Plus, the open API means there are lots of really clever apps that work on the Twitter network.

A: Welcome!

by rafe - 2/7/08 10:53 AM

Hi, Rafe Needleman here. I'm the editor of CNET's Webware.com site, where we cover new Web 2.0 apps. Let's talk about this space. Send in your questions or comments on Web apps, and I'll do my best to reply intelligently.

Incoming questions

Internet Connection
I am using cable modem and SMC router to connect to internet for 2 computers (wired) and use an additional wireless router for 2 other computers. It's been working fien until lately that the connection to internet is slow, and sometimes even shows the message of "cannot connect to the server". I have to click the Try Again button to get to the web page. I replaced the MSC router last week with a Netgear router and it seemed to work fien for 2 days, and then same problem happened. Would that be a hardware problem? Or is it because I've been using BitComet 0.7 to download torrent files almost non-stop, and getting some spy web links? Please help.
by patsmith337 - 2/7/08 12:13 PM
Web-based Photoshop?
Is there something web-based that would be described as, say, a "further stripped down photoshop elements/fireworks". Just something that can create/edit images online?
by TommyVallier - 2/7/08 12:03 PM
fireagle
What is it useful for besides GPS and friends?
by pc/ppc user - 2/7/08 12:02 PM
SaaS - Photo & video editing
I have tried most of the photo and video editing online applications but the quality and speed does come close to the convenience of desktop versions.
When do you think this will catch up like it has for office documents ?
by banker0679 - 2/7/08 12:00 PM
50" LCD vs. Plasma
OK so I've done my research, prices continue to fall, and I think that Samsung Plasma is still the best bang for the buck in the 50" catagory. Am I right? Set me straight I want to jump in to a new TV but want to make sure its the right one. Also - for all of us who work 80 + hours a week and don't watch "Blue Ray" dvds - is 1080p worth it?
by jtg1 - 2/7/08 11:57 AM
Pixoo - you profile pic as you like it
Hi,
What do you think of Pixoo (www.pixoo.us) ?
best,
Nancy
by Pixoo - 2/7/08 11:48 AM
X.509 Vs. Managed Info Card for Web Logons
What is your take on the use of X.509 Certificates and Managed Info Cards for authentication in Web applications?
by RTHJr - 2/7/08 11:46 AM
Visual bookmarking
With so many new websites and applications on the block, i am still finding it difficuly to bookmark and track them.
I started using Google Notebook a long time back, then a custom solution and now StumbleUpon but it still leaves me wanting more.
Any suggestion on how and what to use (maybe a good visual tagging site) ?

Thanks
Shekhar
by banker0679 - 2/7/08 11:45 AM
Webware?
Why is it called webware whehn the same applications- both client and server- can be installed and implemented on one machine- two or more virtual environments and a "shared network"- or on two machines? In both scenarios there is no or can be no connection to any other host.
Even with flash or java interface- add Zend to that- the applications still don't need a remote host.
by welrdelr - 2/7/08 11:41 AM
Natural Dry Erase
Dear Rafe,

Given that re-Surfacing Dry Erase is now in place and on the minds of a few important people, do you think Tackboards (e.g. cork, vinyl, etc) will every be replaced in hallyways, classrooms, offices, and other places? Or do you think these will continue to flank Markerboards and Chalkboards, and heaven-forbid, heavy slate-boards.

Thanks,
dale
by lunchbox1972 - 2/7/08 11:39 AM
Popularity of Webware
Hello Rafe,

I find myself constantly checking Webware and reading about new applications and often thinking about how then can help solve or assist in real life business problems. I'm curious, how many unique user hits does Webware get on any given day?

Thanks,

Mario.
by masanta - 2/7/08 11:33 AM
Web 2.0 visual collaboration services
Hi Rafe,

What's your take on the emerging group of visual collaboration services like ConceptShare, Cozimo, Octopz, ReviewBasics? Are they likely to have any appeal for an audience beyond the primary target of creative professionals?

Thanks,

geo

Disclosure: I'm a collaboration evangelist for Octopz.
by geoperdis - 2/7/08 11:22 AM
Web-based back-up
I just signed up for MOZY to back up about 40GB on my server. I have a DSL high-speed internet connection. The backup takes so long (hours and hours) that I had to reduce my backup to 20GB and it still takes about 14 hours. Is there anything out there that works better?
by RobinSK - 2/7/08 11:21 AM
Will 2008 be all about Widgets?
Now that everyone has an API of sorts, will widgets be the big trend in 2008?
by Lite Rocker - 2/7/08 11:19 AM
What is your Fav CMS?
What Content Management System do you prefer?
by RTHJr - 2/7/08 11:10 AM
Vizio Alternative
Hey Rafe,
Do you know any (free) online alternative to MS Vizio, something for basic diagrams and maybe website mockups?
by jacobshm - 2/7/08 11:08 AM
Financial Tracking
I use mvelopes which is similar to the free Mint.com. How trustworthy are these sites that capture all your financial info? Everybody wants you to give them all your other info. I love the ease of one stop shopping, but it scares me.
by Shayna70 - 2/7/08 11:03 AM
Web 2.0 and mobile world
Do you see the trend of having a dedicated mobile site continuing? Or will web 2.0 finally become truly mobile-friendly?
by Lite Rocker - 2/7/08 11:01 AM
What SEO Do You Recommend?
What search engine optimization tool/service do you prefer?
by RTHJr - 2/7/08 11:00 AM
Twiiter v Pownce!
Who will emerge the champ? Or room in the ring for two champs? (not thought this boxing thing through.. sorry) :)

Son of Orac.
by Son of Orac - 2/7/08 10:56 AM
Contact Management
Hey Rafe,

I'm a real big web user (I don't even install office anymore) but seem to be stuck on one item.

Is there anything out there for contact management?

Thanks!
by TommyVallier - 2/7/08 10:55 AM
Rafe Needleman, CNET's Webware.com editor live!
Ask the Editors Live: What's hot in Webware

Wanna know what's hot or not in Webware? Well, you've come to the right place!

Our next upcoming Ask the Editors Live chat begins at 11 a.m. Pacific Time (2 p.m. Eastern), Thursday, February 7. Our special host will be editor of CNET’s Webware.com, Rafe Needleman, who will be here to answer questions on the best Web apps, software vs. services, privacy, pricing, and other burning Web topics or issues. You name it, Rafe is your Webware man!!

So get your questions ready for him and don't miss out on this live chat event!

Click here for upcoming Ask the Editors Live events and past transcripts of events.
by Lee Koo (ADMIN) - 1/30/08 11:34 PM
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