I've photoshopped a few files in my time. What? I can't say that? Oh great. I've just used the term "Photoshop" illegally.

According to Adobe Systems Incorporated Terms of Use, there are specific ways to use Photoshop. No, not the actual program, but just the word for it. Yes Adobe, we understand that trademarks are important for corporations and the identity of products.

Unfortunately, you do not have control over terms, if they become generic enough. If I say, "Can I have a coke with my meal?" that could refer to a number of carbonated beverages. Coca-Cola may be happy or sad that the name of its biggest soft drink is used in that fashion. Apparently, Adobe is going to try to stop its Photoshop app from the same fortune.

And I'm going to guess that the company will fail at this.

Naming your new company

Do you have a great idea for a new invention? Do you have the perfect business plan to make millions? Do you have the means to bring peace to the world and bring a fortune to yourself?

I have good news for you: You don't need any of that to start The Next Big Thing. The only thing you need is a name for your new company. And here's the better news: You don't even need to come up with that on your own. Just try the Web 2.0 Company Name Generator. In mere seconds, you'll have the greatest selection of names since the advent of the Internet.

Of course, you will need a bit more than just a name. You'll need a domain name as well. Guess what: You don't have to come up with that on your own, either! The Dot-o-mator can create a domain name for you.

So basically, I have just given you the tools you need to become the next Bill Gates. Don't forget to look me up when you strike it rich.

Free phone for your computer?

A large portion of people, including me, have tossed away a home land line in favor of just using a cell phone. Of course, that can be problematic on occasion, especially if your cell phone service is bad.

There might a remedy available, even without going through on of your local telecom companies. Gizmo (not to be confused with the little guy on "Gremlins" touts itself as a free phone for your computer.

Saying that it's free is a bit of a stretch, unless you are placing calls to others using the system. There are different plans to utilize, but the only thing that doesn't cost a dime is a call to another Gizmo user.

I suppose that means if everyone is using it, then it would, indeed, be free. I've signed up and played around a bit with it, but it's not really viable if no one else I know is on it.

Maybe I'll just wait until that occurs. Until that time, I'm stuck with my cell phone service, which isn't to bad right now anyway.

Learning the guitar made easier

Let me stop you first before you begin reading this brief story. This isn't a tale about how a 6-year-old became so good at the video game "Guitar Hero" that he is now joining the Led Zepplin revival tour.

While "Guitar Hero" is an option for someone who is mildly interested in the guitar, it's not going to be a "Stairway to Heaven" and teach actual chords and music. A Fretlight Guitar, however, could be the answer to teaching yourself how to play.

From the website, the product is a real, six-string electric guitar that uses an interactive light system, which enables the player to learn notes, scales, chords, etc. It comes with initial software to get started, and there are numerous other applications (both PC and Mac) that work with the system as well.

A video game is much, much cheaper, as the guitar models run $400-900. In the end, it comes down to whether or not you want to learn the instrument, or you just want to play around. If you're ready for the real stage, Fretlight might be your next step.

Check out Ben's latest book, The Developers (The easiest thing to find on the Internet: crazy people.), which is now in stores across the country. Send comments and suggestions to info@benwoods.com.