Just A Small Prediction
 | by Drew on November 4th, 2008 in From Our Techs |
Do Politics Recognize Technology
| by Drew on September 29th, 2008 in From Our Techs |
I guess by now it is taken for granted that candidates have websites. In fact, Obama has a website complete with a social network. I guess it is also taken for granted that both sites are best viewed on a high speed connection and include flash elements vital to viewing the site. McCains website begins with a very direct video from VP-hopeful Palin. But I guess the idea that technology does not need governmental aid and support to continue to thrive and (dare I say, advance) is also taken for granted. In watching the debate last week and in preparing for this weeks vice-presidential debate I can’t help but to ask, where do the candidates stand on these issues?
The ASSS (Advancing Science, Serving Society) has recently administered a series of science and technology questions aimed at the presidential hopefuls to help us better understand their positions on this seemingly overlooked category. Their responses to the most relative questions (in the computer fields) are as follows:
INNOVATION Mr. Obama calls for doubling federal budgets for basic research over a decade and supports broadband Internet connections “for all Americans.” Mr. McCain stresses policies to provide “broad pools of capital, low taxes and incentives for research in America,” as well as the streamlining of “burdensome regulations.” Mr. McCain also said Congress, “under my guiding hand,” adopted wireless policies that “spurred the rapid rise of mobile phones and WiFi technology.”
EDUCATION Both candidates advocate policies to develop a highly skilled workforce, partly with cash incentives for teachers. Mr. McCain would put $250 million into a program to help states expand online education.
So, there you have it. That is the full discussion to date on the future of computer and Internet technology as represented in the 2008 presidential election.
If you have heard something more or have other websites for us to read, please do let us know. I am beginning to wonder now if the candidates even understand how much of our nations economy and the burgeoning global community relies on computer and Internet tech.
No Longer Shrouded In Mystery
| by Drew on September 15th, 2008 in From Our Techs, Did you know? |
Remote desktop is one of those infamous creative computing terms that seems to have come from nowhere. It is an incredibly easy concept though. It means exactly what it sounds like it should. Remote desktop allows you to control the desktop - and, indeed, the entire contents - of a computer from another machine entirely. You do this using a sort of a remote control, except in this case the remote control is a software application; native or third-party.
A remote desktop software application turns one computer into the boss of another or a series of others. It is sometimes packaged as part of a suite of other administrative applications; other times, remote desktop is its own entity, doing nothing but what it’s supposed to do. Currently, remote desktop software is available for all computer platforms.
Microsoft makes software that facilitates remote desktop, as does Apple. In fact, Steve Jobs and the gang over at Apple have made a standalone application called Remote Desktop. For those Linux folks out there, you will be glad to know that there are desktop applications that run on Linux as well.
Advanced security protocols are standard practice inclusions in remote desktop software, especially when the network is a wireless and/or Internet one. The latest versions of remote desktop software have 128-bit encryption protocols. Older versions might have protection of a lesser nature. If you are running remote desktop software, even if your connection is direct wired, you need to run advanced security protocols as well. Not to do so is to invite piracy.
Once the administrator has entered the correct password, the remote desktop software enables that administrator to access the target computer. Then, uploads, downloads, file transfers, and software maintenance can take place. Indeed, software maintenance is one of the most common uses of remote desktop software. Often, the administrator will shut down a malfunctioning software application or install a software upgrade using remote desktop software. This saves the time that it would take the administrator to physically insert a CD into the target computer or to do a manual software upgrade download.
The target computer in a remote desktop scenario is still able to access all of its core functions. Many of these core functions, including the main clipboard, can be shared between target computer and administrator, however. Certain safety features can be built into the remote desktop software protocols such that the administrator is not able to delete or otherwise alter files without the target user’s permission. One other rather revolutionary thing that remote desktop software can do is to allow the administrator to run an audio or video application on a remote computer and have the sights and/or sounds redirected to the administrator’s computer.
Small Computer, Big Business
| by Drew on September 6th, 2008 in From Our Techs |
A lot of folks have been wondering how long it would take Dell to join the notebook party. The expectation was not for a full laptop but rather something more smaller. Delldelivered just last week with the Mini 9, a $349 portable computer that weighs 2.28 pounds, has an 8.9-inch screen. It is fit for Internet-centric tasks, like surfing, chatting, uploading photos, blogging, watching videos and listening to music.
This move has a lot of economic challenges including a loss of ground in the pursuit of a smaller, more powerful notebook computer. The move towards these ‘netbooks also challenges some of the biggest American PC companies, given that the pioneers in the category are lesser-known overseas manufacturers, like Asus, the maker of the Eee PC. And it challenges some of the suppliers, like Microsoft, that are tailored for a world of powerful computers, not basic ones that function chiefly as way stations to connect consumers to the cloud.
Indeed, the base model of Dell’s new machine includes a “mini” operating system made by Ubuntu (a $399 model has Windows XP Home). The machine does, however, use an Intel Atom chip. In the art department the Mini 9 comes in two colors (which Dell refers to as “Obsidian Black” and “Alpine White,”). One wonders whether this new category will, over the long-term, challenge the PC makers in their efforts to reproduce their favorite color at the checkout line: U.S. Dollar Green.
Pulling Into Port
| by Drew on August 27th, 2008 in Computer Help, From Our Techs |
- USB - Plugs in printers, keyboards, iPods, speakers, and other computer peripherals. USB stands for Universal Serial Bus and most computers come with at least two of these ports.
- Firewire 400 - Plugs in external hard drives, video cams, and older iPods. The 400 means that 400 megabits per second can be transferred using this port. It’s ideal for large file transfers like video and presentations.
- Ethernet - This port is the most easy to identify as it connects internet systems or networked printers. The ethernet is slightly thicker than a phone cable and grants access to a cable or DSL modem.
- DVI - The digital video interface is native to Apple computers and are a female port. They are used to connect external video viewing sources.
One For the Scrapbook
| by Drew on August 19th, 2008 in From Our Techs |
Now that summer is almost over it is time to decide what pictures to print, which to keep as digital files and which ones are better left in the “archives”. But for the ones you do decide to print, where do you go? It seems like every photo site online offers cheap, easy prints delivered directly to your home. But who has the cheapest prices. As advertised on their individual sites the following is a great beginners guide.
Cost Comparison: online photo-printing services
| 4-by-6-inch print | 5-by-7-inch print | 8-by-10-inch print | |
How Many Days ‘Til School Starts
| by Drew on July 23rd, 2008 in Computer Help, From Our Techs, Did you know? |
Today is July 23. That means that most school systems have roughly 5 weeks before that first Autumn bell rings. For many of us that means nothing. Our school days have given way to 9 hour work days, 30-minute lunch breaks, hour-long commutes, paid vacation (of 10 business days or less per year) and a future of middle management. But to students that means it is time to check out the latest, greatest batch of PCs; desktop and laptop.
2007 was the first year that laptops outdid desktops with 57% of computer purchases being for the former. The lives of todays tech generation is one that is constantly on the go and somehow lugging around a monitor, tower and peripheral devices just doesn’t seem attractive any longer. But how does one know what to buy? What will offer the biggest bang for the buck? What is a solid investment and what is junk that will have to be replaced by mid-terms? Allow me, if I may, suggest the seasons two best purchases - 1 Dell and 1 Apple.
Starting at $499 the Dell Inspiron 1525 is a solid computer. Not only can you choose the color you prefer (I would love to have an olive green laptop…just seems extra eco-friendly for some reason) but you can choose from a bevy of extra options. For this exercise though I want to make mention of the standard features.
- Intel® Celeron® 550 (2.0GHz, 533Mhz, 1M L2 Cache)
- Genuine Windows Vista® SP1 Home Basic Edition
- Glossy, widescreen 15.4 inch display (1280×800)
- Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
- 2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz
- Size: 160GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
- CD Writer / DVD player (Combo Drive)
- Dell Wireless 1395 802.11g Mini-Card
- No Webcam Option
- 6 cell battery
- High Definition Audio 2.0
- McAfee SecurityCenter with anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall, 30-Days
- Microsoft Works
- 1Yr Ltd Warranty and Mail-In Service
- Included 3 GB DataSafe Online Backup for 1Yr
- 6 Months FREE EarthLink Internet Access
- Integrated 10/100 Network Card
- Integrated Modem
- Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 8.1
- Windows Vista™ Basic
- Intel#174; CELERON#174; Processor
For $500 more the stylish student can go for the Macbook by Apple which gives a bit more creative juice to the average computer platform. You can either purchase the PC in black or white and a barebones model boasts:
- MagSafe power port
- Gigabit Ethernet port
- Mini-DVI port
- FireWire 400 port (up to 400 Mbps)
- Two USB 2.0 ports (up to 480 Mbps)
- Audio line in
- Audio line out
- Kensington cable lock slot
- 2.1GHz or 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 3MB on-chip shared L2 cache running 1:1 with processor speed
- 800MHz frontside bus
- 1GB (two 512MB SO-DIMMs) or 2GB (two 1GB SO-DIMMs) of 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM; two SO-DIMM slots support up to 4GB
- 120GB 5400-rpm Serial ATA hard disk drive; optional 160GB or 250GB 5400-rpm drive4
- 24x slot-loading Combo drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW)
- Built-in AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi wireless networking2 (based on IEEE 802.11n draft specification); IEEE 802.11a/b/g compatible
- Built-in Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)
- Built-in 10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45 connector)
- Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard (includes Time Machine, Quick Look, Spaces, Spotlight, Dashboard, Mail, iChat, Safari, Address Book, QuickTime, iCal, DVD Player, Photo Booth, Front Row, Xcode Developer Tools)
- iLife ’08 (includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, iWeb, GarageBand)
You Are In A Helicopter
 | by Diego on June 10th, 2008 in From Our Techs |
I just got this tech support story from one of our techs, Mark Oren. Thought I’d pass it on…
A helicopter was flying around above Seattle yesterday when an electrical malfunction disabled all of the aircraft’s electronic navigation and communications equipment. Due to the clouds and haze, the pilot could not determine the helicopter’s position and course to steer to the airport.
The pilot saw a tall building, flew toward it, circled, drew a handwritten sign, and held it in the helicopter’s window. The pilot’s sign said “WHERE AM I?” in large letters.
People in the tall building quickly responded to the aircraft, drew a large sign, and held it in a building window. Their sign said “YOU ARE IN A HELICOPTER.”
The pilot smiled, waved, looked at his map, determined the course to steer to SEATAC airport, and landed safely.
After they were on the ground, the co-pilot asked the pilot how the “YOU ARE IN A HELICOPTER” sign helped determine their position.
The pilot responded “I knew that had to be the MICROSOFT building because, similar to their help-lines, they gave me a technically correct but completely useless answer.”
Nothing Says I Love You Quite Like Technology
| by Drew on May 8th, 2008 in Minute Tip, From Our Techs, MinuteThought, MinuteFix Team |
There was a day when a simple construction paper card emblazoned with crimson crayon hearts and lovingly misspelled words was all it took to liven up Mother’s Day. But those days are likely gone as a little more is expected from a thirty year old man. Okay, so maybe I am talking a bit too much about my own situation. As much as I think my mother is completely happy with a Hallmark greeting or a dozen imported Tropicana Roses, I know she really wants something a bit more…well, hip. We are talking about a woman who claims OnStar is her best friend and snubbed her nose at a “kind of small don’t you think” 250mb external hard drive. So, this year I am looking for something different and I am pretty sure a few others are as well. So, I have taken a few moments to make a sort of 5 Best Tech Gifts For That Very Special Mother.
Part of being a mom is about being aware of where everyone is and when. So what better way to do that than to have the ability to call and TXT right at your fingertips? But simple cell phones are so…2005. So why not get your Mom the new BlackBerry 8100c Red Pearl? A major update to the popular 7105 brings the BlackBerry experience to a whole new level. The BlackBerry 8100c Pearl is not only thinner and lighter, it also sports a memory card slot, a music player, and voice dialing. Other features, such as Bluetooth 2.0, EDGE high-speed data, and the popular SureType keypad make this a complete mobile office solution. And of course, legendary BlackBerry push email is fully supported on the BlackBerry 8100c Pearl. And did I mention it is red? The color of all those hearts you used to draw on your cards? Service is available through Verizon, Cingular, AT&T and almost all cell companies. The price of the phone depends on the service you sign up for.
You don’t Momma taking her eyes off the road to talk on the phone when driving your younger sister to soccer practice do you? So why not give her a Bluetooth headset to free up those hands? I personally prefer the Motorola HS 850 Bluetooth HS850 which can be purchased here. At about $70 it is a non-evasive little device that will neither mess up your Mom’s hair or cause a silly indentation in the side of her head like those ridiculous headpieces.
Speaking of soccer practice, I am sure that your Mom, if she is like mine, hardly goes anywhere without her digital camera. But with you being somewhere else you don’t get the luxury of seeing all those pictures. That is why a years subscription to Flickr is the perfect Mother’s Day gift. It is inexpensive ($25 for a year), can be purchased online and can help her organize photos into albums and note who is in each one, the year it was taken, and where.
Once you’ve got access to those images there is really only one thing left to do - print them out for deal Mom. Well, I guess it is 2008 so you don’t really need to print them out. You could simply display them digitally or, better yet, let her display them digitally with a Kodak EasyShare SV-710 7-Inch Digital Picture Frame available here for less than $80. Imagine how excited Momma will be to know she doesn’t have to choose one picture for the frame. She can choose up to 250mb worth of images. And that is a lot of soccer shots, piano recitals, Grandbaby pictures and family reunion shots. But if she is, in fact, a little more traditional than perhaps you can take those shots and have them printed in a custom portrait book by Lulu. Let’s face it. If you’re willing to put a little work into, a printed photo album is a very thoughtful and personal gift that any mother will break into tears over. Lulu lets you upload photos and create photo books (in hardcover or paperback) with a minimum of fuss. The real effort is in wittling down her gargantuan photo collection into something more manageable. Hardcover books run a mere $26 for the first 20 pages.
So don’t settle for a cardboard collective of someone else’s poems or an oversized balloon with a cheap carnation. Do something extra special for that extra special woman in your life!
Wi-Fi: When Is Enough, Enough?
 | by Douglas on January 23rd, 2008 in From Our Techs, MinuteThought, Did you know? |
Is it common courtesy to offer free Wi-Fi to your houseguests or to your neighbors? Well, perhaps guests, yes. It is almost the same as offering hot water for a shower or coffee in the morning. Call it cyber-polite. But what about offering free Wi-Fi to the people sitting in the car on the corner tapping right into your network? That is theft, no? They probably aren’t planning on leaving a donation on your doorstep to help offset that months Internet bill.
Well, I recently read an article in Wired where a network security professional deliberately left his wireless network open. This means anyone within range of his wireless network could easily connect. There is no password required nor is encryption enabled. The article takes an in depth look at the security protocol of wireless networks and just how safe open lines are.
Because of the aforementioned article I have thought of some other questions that beg to be answered.
- Can You Have Both Open and Secure Wireless Networks?
Ninety-nine percent of home class wireless routers/access points don’t support multiple BSSID/SSID wireless networks. This means your wireless network is either Open or Secured, but not both.
- What are some solutions?
In my experience solutions are rather easy to come by. In fact, anyone can purchase “business class” networking equipment in order to have two or more wireless networks (one open the other secured). If that isn’t what you prefer you can always upgrade the firmware on your Linksys, Dlink, NetGear etc. to a 3rd party firmware that supports multiple BSSID/SSID networks.
Whatever the case, the reality is still that 54% of computer users (560 people surveyed) admit to using someone else’s Wi-Fi without permission. Are you guilty? If so, did you know that depending on the country and/or state that you live in there are laws regarding the use of other people’s wireless networks without permission.
If you connect to someone else’s open Wi-Fi router and start using that broadband Internet service you are: a) guilty of stealing from the service provider; b) committing an unethical act; c) really cheap; d) not guilty; or e) all of the above. The correct answer is wide open to debate. But the range of possible answers - and there are plenty more, I’m sure - is indicative of the variety of passionately held opinions and legal murk on this question. Whether you run the network or you are borrowing the network the only real solution is for you to decide for yourself when enough is enough.
- MinuteFix Blogs
- Consumer blog
-
You are currently browsing the archives for the From Our Techs category.
- Archives
- Categories
- Anecdotes (5)
- Antivirus and Security (7)
- Computer Help (13)
- Contests (1)
- Customer Service (10)
- Did you know? (7)
- Five For Friday (11)
- From Our Techs (10)
- Minute Tip (3)
- MinuteFix Team (9)
- MinuteThought (24)
- Press (1)
- Questions (4)
- Quotable Quotes (5)
- Testimonials (1)
- Uncategorized (2)
- Updates (12)
MinuteFix is a proud member of the
Help Desk Institute
