ibannieb Tech Support

Please Visit My New Blog

2010-12-23T08:03:00.000-08:00

For the new year I decided to change my blog to WordPress. Same great content, just located elsewhere on the net.

Please visit my new blog by clicking here.

Template Update

2010-12-22T07:22:00.000-08:00

I had to update this blog template so I can import it into my new blog.

So if it looks a bit different that's why.

Predictions for 2011

2010-12-22T06:06:00.000-08:00

Lenovo's "Inside the Box" blog, makes predictions for 2011 regarding everything from All-In-One desktops to USB 3.0 and serial ports. (huh? what's a serial port used for?) Read on...

(Click on Me!)

How Much $$ for a Holiday Gift?

2010-12-21T05:22:00.000-08:00

A survey conducted by Consumer Reports (if that really matters) suggests if you're going to give a holiday gift, stick with cash, instead of gift cards or food. Give self-employed, lower-wage earners the equivalent of what they would earn in one session, or a week's wages. Mail carriers can't take cash, but can take gift cards worth $20 or less. Here's a handy cheat sheet for ya:

(Click on Me!)

Lunar Eclipse

2010-12-20T06:34:00.000-08:00

The eclipse will happen Monday night on the West Coast and during the early hours Tuesday on the East Coast.

According to NASA, although the eclipse is not central, the total phase should last about three and a half hours when it begins as a partial eclipse at 1:33 a.m. ET and it will finish at 5:01 a.m. ET. The totality phase -- when the moon is entirely inside Earth's shadow -- will last a little approximately 72 minutes. Read on...

(I am starting out the New Year with a new BLOG. Check it out!)

Windows Phone 7 IT Guides

2010-12-19T06:05:00.000-08:00

Even though it might be another 7 months before getting a Windows Phone 7, won't hurt to have the IT guides handy. Read on...

(I am starting out the New Year with a new BLOG. Check it out!)

Microsoft Security Essentials 2.0

2010-12-19T03:51:00.000-08:00

Microsoft has released version 2.0 of Security Essentials (MSE), its anti-malware and virus protection software for Windows. The major update includes a number of new features and improvements.

Microsoft Security Essentials 2.0 features a new anti-malware protection engine with enhanced detection and clean up capabilities, better Windows Firewall integration, and enhanced protection for web-based threats through its integration with Internet Explorer. Oh, and it's FREE!

Issues with Recent Update for Outlook 2007

2010-12-18T04:04:00.000-08:00

Already got the first call on this issue. Seems a Microsoft update (KB2412171) has created several issues that include not connecting to your GMAIL account, performance issues and auto archive isn't working. Oopsie! Read on...

Tron Legacy - Official Trailer 3

2010-12-16T07:31:00.000-08:00

Oh boy! Tomorrow is the big day!!!

Copy USB Drive Automatically to Your Hard Drive

2010-12-15T05:54:00.000-08:00

Wouldn't that be a handy tool if you could just plug in your USB stick to your computer and it automatically copies the contents to a pre-designated folder on your hard drive?

You can with USBFlashCopy. USBFlashCopy automatically copies everything on your USB drives to your hard drive without even a click of the mouse. Go get you some of that! Read on...

Digital Camera - Update

2010-12-14T05:01:00.000-08:00

It's been a few years since I looked at camera specs or anything in general about a camera. (my blog post)

Obviously I am not a camera person and have a propensity to rely on the cell phone camera for my snaps.

So, just to keep up to date on what's up, here is a current gift guide for the "best camera for every budget". Note* camera's are up to 14.5 megapixels, have HDMI ports, and can shoot HD video (1280 x 720). Nice! Read on...

Free Outlook Christmas Day Countdown Add-in!

2010-12-14T04:11:00.000-08:00

Could you use Outlook to better prepare for our Christmas shopping, events and general planning… How about a handy add-in? Sure, why not! Read on...

There are also several icons that you can click to:

Play some Christmas music!
Send an e-mail to Santa!
Plan your holiday events!
Organize your shopping list!
Create your Christmas card mailing list!

Geminid Meteors

2010-12-13T04:40:00.000-08:00

Astronomers believe the annual Geminid meteor shower will be especially dramatic this year because the phase of the moon means the sky will be at its darkest.

The meteor shower will be best observed between midnight and 4am on Tuesday and Wednesday when there will be no moon. Read on...

Ninite & Task Scheduler

2010-12-12T07:20:00.001-08:00

Batman brought to my attention a sweet tool that he uses on his own machines and when he is doing a new equipment setup. Here's how to use Ninite with the Task Scheduler. Read on...

I can use at least 5 of these apps on every system I work on. Check out Ninite!

HP 7210/7310/7410 "New HP Photo Print Cartridge successfully installed" Pop Up

2010-12-11T07:30:00.000-08:00

I was out at a clients the other day and every time we printed a page, we would get 3 pop up screens, stating: "New HP Photo Print Cartridge successfully installed" "Genuine HP print cartridge installed", then an OK box. Annoying eh?

Here's how to get rid of it:
Open the registry (regedit)
Go to Hkey_local_machine\software\hewlett-packard\HPDJ printing system config\hpofficejet7400series
Look for hpdjenablestatusclient
Double Click on it
Change the value data from 1 to 0
Click OK
Close regedit

IdeaPad and IdeaCentre Spare Parts

2010-12-08T09:06:00.000-08:00

Here’s some welcome news for IdeaPad and IdeaCentre owners who want to do their own repairs outside of warranty: IdeaPad and IdeaCentre spare parts are now available for purchase. Visit Lenovo's new website. - www.lenovospareparts.com

Office Replacement Installation Disks and Keys

2010-11-29T08:03:00.000-08:00

Microsoft offers various ways to obtain new installation media or license keys for free. In some cases, a proof of purchase or a shipment fee will be required.

If you need to reinstall your Microsoft Office 2010 software, you can do so from this site. To download or order a backup DVD you will be required to provide a valid Office 2010 Product Key.

For more information, Read on...

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T10:49:00.000-08:00

Hope you all have a great Thanksgiving!

Windows Phone 7

2010-11-08T05:59:00.000-08:00

Windows Phone 7 becomes available today, but alas, only to ATncrap, T-Mobile, Telus and who cares...Here's the list of phones available.

I upgraded my TP2 from Windows 6.1 to 6.5, which was a no duh improvement. My new phone, the HTC 7 Pro, will have a better phone OS, a 1.0GHz SnapDragon Processor, 288 RAM and 8+ GB Storage. That definitely is better than the TouchPro 2 wimpy specs. But still, seriously...will I need the HTC HD3, with 1.5GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, 32GB Storage and a 4.5-inch Super AMOLED multi-touch screen with 1280×800 resolution? I don't know.

What I do know is, it doesn't matter. Verizon isn't joining the Windows Phone 7 band wagon until 2011 and I've got 7 months more before I can upgrade. We've got 7 more months to follow the HTC 7 Pro to Verizon!

Create Your Own Comic

2010-11-03T17:51:00.000-07:00

Create Your Own Comic from Marvel is pretty cool. It's a full-featured comic strip generator. You can either create a comic strip or an entire comic book. They offer a number of possible layouts, backgrounds, characters, objects, dialogue bubbles, and "sound effects". Play on...

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T06:10:00.000-07:00

Here's a pretty cool interactive animation for your Halloween delight! Enjoy! (thanks go to Ja)

Office 365

2010-10-27T07:18:00.000-07:00

Microsoft announced a beta trial of a new hosted suite of services, dubbed Office 365. The new suite combines Office Web Apps, SharePoint Online, Exchange Online, and Lync Online into a single bundle for small businesses (less than 25 seats) for $6 per seat per month. Read on...

Kaspersky Hacked

2010-10-21T09:09:00.000-07:00

Seriously! What hope do we have about keeping scareware off our computers when leading anti virus providers can't even do it.

Kaspersky confirmed that it was hacked. Users trying to download anti-virus products were redirected to an external page which pretended to perform a virus scan in a bogus "Windows Explorer" browser window. The page also tried to simulate an infection and scare visitors into downloading a program.

And Lenovo websites has been having issues for awhile, trust me. Now it seems that their site is infected and is spreading the hackload.AD trojan. Read on...

Sony Unveils the First Google TV

2010-10-13T08:52:00.000-07:00

Sony announced high-definition TVs that allow users to surf the Internet, use apps, stream online content and better organize and search programming.

They start at $600 for a 24-inch model and range up to $1,400 for a 46-inch. Sony is also launching a $400 set-top box that has the same functionality as the TVs, and also includes a Blu-ray player. Read on...

HTC 7 Pro

2010-10-12T08:45:00.000-07:00

I remember not to long ago I was jonesing about the HTC Touch Pro2. Didn't take but a short 2 years later the options are endless. The HTC Incredible is just that...incredible! ("HTC Droid Incredible takes pole position as Verizon's top smartphone and is now the Android device to beat.")

Rumors are still out there that Verizon is due up for the iPhone in a few more months.

In steps the HTC 7 Pro. My next phone. The Pro 7 will feature a full QWERTY keyboard for messaging and e-mail. Up top is a 3.6-inch touch screen with a 800x480 resolution. Check out these pics.

Sprint is expected to release it first on the CDMA network and perhaps Verizon will put it into production later next the year.

Bye Bye BIOS

2010-10-01T08:25:00.000-07:00

The new BIOS replacement is known as UEFI, or Unified Extensible Firmware Interface, is going to be the default in new PCs by 2011, bringing lots of benefits including serious speed enhancements. Read on...

Free Security Essentials for Small Businesses

2010-09-25T08:56:00.000-07:00

Microsoft is making its Microsoft Security Essentials available to small businesses on up to 10 PCs for FREE, beginning in early October! By providing Microsoft Security Essentials to small businesses free of charge, Microsoft extends its commitment to help these companies save money and grow their business by offering no-cost protection from viruses, spyware and other malicious threats. Read on...

Internet Explorer BETA 9

2010-09-16T12:29:00.000-07:00

The blogs are a buzz about the release of the BETA IE 9.

Maybe this could be the "Win7" browser!

I've had my share of IE browsers:

Thumbs Down for IE 7
Internet Explorer 8 Overview
Internet Explorer 6 Crashes

I do like the Hardware Acceleration, Download Manager and Streamlined design. Read on...

PC to TV Wireless Experience

2010-09-08T07:02:00.000-07:00

Warpia has a display adapter that allows you to do the following:

• Watch and share ANYTHING from your laptop on your HDTV
• Wirelessly connect your notebook or PC to a flat screen TV or projector
• Browse the Internet, stream internet video, share pictures & programs
• Multi-task - watch online movies on your TV while working on your laptop
• Wirelessly connect to a projector to display presentations for meetings

Now that's technology we like! Read on...

Hotmail and Exchange ActiveSync

2010-08-31T08:32:00.000-07:00

Today's Microsoft buzz is all about Exchange ActiveSync for your Hotmail account.

Starting today, you can get your email, calendar, and contacts pushed automatically to your phone using Exchange ActiveSync (EAS). EAS keeps everything in sync between your phone and Hotmail, so whatever you do on your phone, like delete an email, add an appointment, or update one of your contacts with a new number, will also be reflected on the web, and vice-versa.

I considered using it for a brief moment, then realized that I would have to delete my current Activesync setup that I use for my phone (currently syncing pictures, files, OneNote, etc). Then I remembered the numerous service interruptions I have been experiencing with Hotmail.

Let me know how it goes for you. Read on...

Chose a Wakeup Song for NASA's Last Space Shuttle Missions

2010-08-25T06:11:00.000-07:00

NASA is letting the public chose the final wakeup songs for their space shuttle missions. Listen to and vote on your favorite song from a list of 40 previously played wakeup songs.

The two songs with the most votes will be played during the STS-133 mission. Read on...

Free LPGA Virtual Tour

2010-08-19T05:42:00.000-07:00

The LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) and the World Golf Tour (WGT) are giving golf fans a taste of the pros with the launch of the LPGA Virtual Tour. Anyone will be able to play in free online golf tournaments on HD photo-realistic versions of some of the top professional golf courses. Read on...

iPhone4 vs HTC Evo

2010-08-18T08:02:00.001-07:00

Farm On Mars

2010-08-18T07:27:00.000-07:00

Too bad NASA has budget problems...they already have the engineering to put a base on Mars and then they could plant a farm. Wonder how their tomatoes would grow? Read on...

Darth Vader Calls the Emperor

2010-08-13T13:44:00.000-07:00

Hey Batman

2010-08-10T07:11:00.000-07:00

This post is for you! Read on...

Five Robots to Watch

2010-08-04T08:04:00.000-07:00

I like robots. Can't wait for A.I. robots to hit the streets. In the meantime, here's a few videos of what robots are up to today! (I like the BigDog!) Read on...

SanDisk Cruzer Blade

2010-07-30T07:08:00.000-07:00

What's the size of a paper clip and weighs the same as a penny? That would be SanDisk's newest flash drive. Read on...

Computer Controlled Fountain

2010-07-25T08:42:00.000-07:00

This Japanese mall fountain uses a long row of individual water streams that can be turned on and off, via a computer, with extreme accuracy. This allows it to show individual letters or even pictures that fall into the collecting pool. Read on...

TRON Legacy

2010-07-23T06:43:00.000-07:00

Disney has got TRON Legacy in the works, slated for release in December of this year.

Not sure about you all, but this sneak peak looks pretty awesome. I know I liked the original and this will be a must see! Read on...

Scan Websites for Malware

2010-07-21T08:18:00.000-07:00

Once in awhile I need to find an answer or tool and start clicking recklessly on search results. Yes, I should know better and my anti-virus typically warns me.

Now I can be super safe by allowing URLVoid.com to check the website first for malicious software. It only takes a few seconds to run the scan. Read on...

Treadway Mobility System

2010-07-14T10:47:00.000-07:00

Sign me up for beta testing!

I already figured that I would need a "wheel" for my bum ankle one day and now it looks like (albeit not as stylish as I hoped) they are working on it. Read on... (scroll down on the Read on link to see all the pictures)

Reminder: End of Support for Windows XP SP2

2010-07-13T07:51:00.000-07:00

Today is the day that your Windows XP SP2 is no longer supported by Microsoft. (Additionally, Windows Vista with no service packs will no longer be supported, along with Windows 2000)

An unsupported version of Windows will no longer receive software updates from Windows Update. These include security updates that can help protect your PC from harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software, which can steal your personal information. Update also installs the latest software updates to improve the reliability of Windows—new drivers for your hardware and more.

The easy fix is to install XP Service Pack 3. Read on...

Check Status of Web Sites/Cloud

2010-07-09T06:14:00.000-07:00

If you ever have problems connecting to your Gmail and wonder why, check out Google Apps Status Dashboard. That would have come in handy the other day when one of my users couldn't access their account.
Of course, you may have a Windows Live Mail, Yahoo Mail, a Blog hosting-site, Twitter, FaceBook and if you aren't able to access it, check out the Down Right Now site.
And if you suspect a regular Web site is down for the count, type in its address at downforeveryoneorjustme.com to to see if it’s the site or you with the connection problem.

Seagate 3TB External Hard Drive

2010-07-05T07:08:00.000-07:00

Even though most computers may not be designed to fully utilize a 3TB drive, (a 64-bit operating system is required to fully utilize the drive's 3TB capacity) Seagate went ahead and launched “the world's first 3 Terabyte (TB) external desktop drive.” According to Seagate, the 3.5-inch FreeAgent GoFlex Desk external hard drive can hold up to 120 HD movies or 1500 video games. Read on...

Geek Tool of the Day

2010-06-28T06:48:00.000-07:00

CurrPorts is network monitoring software that displays the list of all currently opened TCP/IP and UDP ports on your local computer.

In addition, CurrPorts allows you to close unwanted TCP connections, kill the process that opened the ports. Read on... (the tool download is at the very bottom of the "Read on" page)

Microsoft Store

2010-06-25T06:48:00.000-07:00

Microsoft opened its fourth retail store yesterday here in Diego. The newest store is in the Fashion Valley Mall.

Nice to see Microsoft going retail, but they are a bit behind the 8-Ball, considering that Apple has over 280 retail stores. Read on...

McAfee Removal Tool

2010-06-19T08:47:00.000-07:00

Time to update your McAfee Removal Tool! This tool removes all 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 versions of McAfee consumer products. Read on...

Lenovo 3D IdeaPad

2010-06-18T07:19:00.000-07:00

Lenovo announced the Lenovo IdeaPad Y560d, the company’s first multimedia laptop with a 3D display. The Y560d features the TriDef® 3D technology solution, which includes a 3D screen, software and glasses, so users can experience the unique sensation of visual immersion within their favorite movies, pictures and games. Read on...

No More Windows XP Netbooks

2010-06-13T13:48:00.000-07:00

As of October 22, 2010 you will no longer be able to buy a netbook with Windows XP. And most of the netbooks I've seen lately have Windows 7 Starter version.

Starter does not include:

Aero Glass, meaning you can only use the “Windows Basic” or other opaque themes. It also means you do not get Taskbar Previews or Aero Peek.
Personalization features for changing desktop backgrounds, window colors, or sound schemes.
The ability to switch between users without having to log off.
Multi-monitor support.
DVD playback.
Windows Media Center for watching recorded TV or other media.
Remote Media Streaming for streaming your music, videos, and recorded TV from your home computer.
Domain support for business customers.
XP Mode for those that want the ability to run older Windows XP programs on Windows 7.

So if you want a netbook, find one that is at least running Windows 7 Home Premium.

Office Web Apps on Windows Live

2010-06-08T07:12:00.001-07:00

If you have a "Hotmail" account you can head over to Office.live.com today to start viewing and editing Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and OneNote documents right in your web browser – and share them with your friends. Read on...

Happy Birthday

2010-06-04T05:18:00.000-07:00

Just a shout out to my twin, Happy Birthday!

British Scientist Implants Infected RFID Chip

2010-05-28T11:12:00.000-07:00

Dr. Mark Gasson implanted a virus infected RFID chip into his hand. Atta boy! (Be sure to watch the video)

He was able to pass on the virus to an external control device in his trials, and he warns that the eventual real world implications could be far more dire. Gasson is particularly concerned when it comes to medical implants, which he says could potentially become infected by other implants in the body, and even pass on the "infection" to other people. Read on...

Asus Eee PC Keyboard

2010-05-25T06:24:00.000-07:00

That's right folks! It's not just a keyboard, it's a PC!

Asus found spots for a 16-gigabyte solid-state drive, a gigabyte of RAM, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips, plus video outputs (including HDMI) and U.S.B. ports. Processing power comes from an Intel Atom chip. The computer runs Microsoft Windows XP version. Read on...

Get Off the Phone

2010-05-17T07:17:00.000-07:00

Ever wished you could end a boring phone conversation, but not sure how to do it gracefully? If you're in front of a computer while you're on the phone, just visit SorryGottaGo.com. This Website allows you to play a wide variety of sound files via your Web browser window.

It offers basic stuff like a doorbell, a crying baby and a second phone line ringing. But it also has some wacky choices, such as the sound of a car accident, sneezing fits and visits from outer space.

Violin Playing Robot

2010-05-15T07:47:00.000-07:00

Is it real? A robot playing a violin? Read on...

Best Cell Phones

2010-05-14T08:35:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for a new cell phone? Take a look at these top-rated phones, sorted by carrier. Read on...

Bing for Windows Mobile

2010-05-11T14:25:00.000-07:00

Whoo hoo! Bing for Windows Mobile has just received an update to version 5.1, which brings one excellent feature – Live turn by turn voice navigation. Read on...

Virtual Land

2010-05-10T09:09:00.001-07:00

On April 15, four Second Life property owners filed a class-action suit against Linden Lab, the online world's creator, alleging the company misled players into thinking they owned their virtual lands. People pay real dollars to Linden Lab for access to virtual land.

The complaint says Second Life tried to lure people into the virtual world by promising it would be a unique place where residents actually owned their property. Then the virtual world unfairly changed its rules, the suit says. Linden Lab's rules now say the land is a service the company controls and can cancel.

Plaintiffs seek at least $5 million in damages. Read on...

Time to toss your computers out the window and go take a walk, ride a bike, fly a kite!

Seriously people! (of course you all who live in the virtual world with tainted and immature social skills may disagree)

My Newsletters

2010-05-07T10:24:00.000-07:00

It has been 4 years that I have been knocking out a monthly newsletter. Wow! That's dedicated huh? Just in case you haven't signed up, here it is! Read on...

US Treasury Web Sites Hacked

2010-05-05T06:13:00.000-07:00

Three US Treasury web sites were hacked the other day. Hackers had added a small snippet of virtually undetectable iframe HTML code that redirected visitors to a Web site in the Ukraine that then launched a variety of Web-based attacks based on a commercially available attack-kit called the Eleonore Exploit pack. Read on...

CDBurnerXP 4.3.2.2140

2010-05-03T04:43:00.000-07:00

If you are using Windows 7 and need a Geek-o-licous freeware CD/DVD-Writer program, go get CDBurnerXP.

You can use the CDBurnerXP to write CD-R, CD-RW DVD+R/RW DVD-R/RW discs, and burn your data, audio, ISO's disc, or make copies of discs.

I have been using it for all my burning needs since NERO or Roxio costs coinage and I am all about the freeware. Read on...

Free Anti-Virus Protection and Backup for Blackberry

2010-05-02T16:36:00.000-07:00

No, I don't have a Blackberry, but if I did, this might be worth checking out.

Lookout provides anti-virus protection, ability to securely wipe your Blackberry if it is lost or stolen and back up. Read on...

Why I Don't Use McAfee

2010-04-22T06:28:00.000-07:00

Seems McAfee has sent out an update that hoses out Windows XP SP3.

The most recent DAT update for the antivirus suite caused the scanner to identify the benign Windows svchost.exe file as a virus. The antivirus' course of action is clear; it deletes the file. The result is a lot of crashed PCs and unhappy IT departments. This isn't even the first time McAfee has had an error like this.

Way to go! Is anyone testing this stuff before you roll it out into production? Seriously!!! Read on...

More Fix It - Beta

2010-04-20T07:25:00.000-07:00

Microsoft quietly launched this week a beta of a new Web site and service designed to help users diagnose and troubleshoot problems with their Windows PCs and servers. Oh and its FREE! Read on...

Fix It Center scans your device to diagnose and repair problems, then gives you the option to “Find and Fix” or to “Find and Report,” according to the site.

Fix It - HOSTS File

2010-04-11T06:48:00.000-07:00

Had a client with a mysterious issue. Search engine Google and Bing wouldn't work. Of course we scrubbed for viruses, but it still wouldn't work.
Must be the HOSTS file, but how am I going to walk a user through correcting that without having to do a Remote Session? Here's how...Read on...

The Masters

2010-04-09T08:13:00.000-07:00

Not that I'm a fan of Tiger's anymore, but to commemorate the Masters at Augusta this week, check out this site that lets you play "Tiger Woods PGA Tour Online" for free. Read on...

3G MicroTower

2010-04-07T05:22:00.000-07:00

I was at a clients yesterday and they were talking up the new AT&crap 3G MicroCell.

The 3G MicroCell works by tapping into an existing DSL or cable Internet connection and essentially becoming a mini-tower on AT&T’s 3G network. The signal on the device can cover an area up to 5,000 square feet, and it gives access to up to 10 AT&T phones.

Sure, it costs $150, but if you have the crap network and want that iPhone to work (finally) in your house, its a possible solution. Read on...

Turn a YouTube Video into a Ringtone

2010-04-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

Just in case you need an extra special ringtone, with this free service called Tube2Tone, you can turn any part of any video on YouTube into a ringtone. Read on...

Gazelle - A Site That Pays You to Recycle

2010-03-29T05:17:00.000-07:00

Gazelle will pay you to recycle your old products. The company buys a range of items that includes computers, cell phones, MP3 players, LCD monitors, external hard drives, digital cameras, camcorders, and more.

The site will ask a few questions about the condition of the item and whether you have the original accessories like cables and AC adapters. It then prices your gadget based on current market value and immediately returns a figure. If you want to sell the gadget, click the Add to Box button. The company will even send a postage-paid box for easy shipping. And if your gadget has no market value, Gazelle will still recycle it. Read on...

Iomega iConnect Wireless Data Station

2010-03-23T07:18:00.000-07:00

For $100, Iomega has created an inexpensive way to wirelessly share all your USB drives and create a network-attached storage device without investing a lot of time and money.

Not only can it run wirelessly, you can set it up for remote access via any PC. Not that I'm a fan of Iomega, but they have the right idea! Read on...

Facebook Virus, Again!

2010-03-20T08:12:00.000-07:00

From time to time I think about going back on Facebook. But I really know better, it's the root of all viruses.

McAfee estimates that hackers sent out tens of millions of spam across Europe, the United States and Asia since the campaign began on Tuesday. The emails tell recipients that the passwords on their Facebook accounts have been reset, urging them to click on an attachment to obtain new login credentials. Just don't do it! Read on...

Avira AntiVir Rescue System

2010-03-15T08:15:00.000-07:00

Avira AntiVir has a Linux-based application that allows you to boot up and recover data, repair it and scan the system for viruses. Nice! Read on...

Power Users Guide to Google

2010-03-12T06:29:00.000-08:00

Here is an article that gives you all the information you need on using Google. From maps to apps, to Docs and Calendars. Good info! Read on...

Typical Window Users Patch Every 5 Days

2010-03-05T17:11:00.000-08:00

I regularly get asked about what to update, what to patch, what about this pop-up or that (Adobe, Java, Media, HP..etc)

With viruses running amok it's just sometimes safer not to do anything, but there has to be an easier way, or maybe there will be soon.

Secunia has stepped up to produce a patching tool that will eventually handle 70% to 80% of the software on consumers' Windows machines. Course you'll have to wait until the end of the year for it, but it makes sense to me. Read on...

Skinput

2010-03-03T07:15:00.000-08:00

Here's an interesting concept. Why not turn yourself into a touchscreen?

Chris Harrison at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, along with Dan Morris and Desney Tan at Microsoft's research lab created a system that allows users to use their own hands and arms as touchscreens by detecting the various ultralow-frequency sounds produced when tapping different parts of the skin. Skinput uses microchip-sized “pico” projectors to allow for interactive elements rendered on the user’s forearm and hand.

Check out the video too! Read on...

Modesto Google

2010-02-28T08:12:00.000-08:00

Modesto, my old hometown, is putting their hat into the ring and asking if Google will let them be the guinea pigs and have that ultra high-speed Internet access.

Come on Google! They need something good up there! Read on..

CCleaner Portable 2.29

2010-02-27T11:38:00.000-08:00

CCleaner is a freeware system optimization, privacy and cleaning tool. It removes unused files from your system - allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. Read on...

Best Buy Oxymoron - (a.k.a. Optimization)

2010-02-21T08:53:00.000-08:00

Would you pay $39.99 to improve your computer's processor speed by 200%? What about software updates that would take you two days to perform on your own? Or how about services that take an "incomplete" computer and make it more useful? Good deals, right? Just one problem: None of these claims - made by real Best Buy sales clerks about the company's Geek Squad optimization services - is true. Read on...

Kingston USB 256GB Flash Drive

2010-02-19T17:37:00.000-08:00

A 256GB flash drive? Remember your first one was like 64MB's? Sure it's a bit pricey at $1,108.00, but more than likely the price will come down as the 750GB or 1TB flash drives come on the market. Unbelievable eh? Read on...

Computer Engineer Barbie

2010-02-13T13:59:00.000-08:00

Here's a Barbie doll that I actually may have played with back in the days.

Computer Engineer Barbie still has her trademark cascade of blond hair, impossibly small waist, feet frozen on tiptoes to slide into her high heels and a whole lot of hot pink. Read on...

Atlona VGA to HDMI Converter

2010-02-10T07:38:00.000-08:00

If your desktop or laptop lacks an HDMI output, look what's coming available.

The Atlona AT-HDVieW is designed to take video and audio signal from a PC or Laptop and upscale it to digital HDMI output of wide-range HDTV and PC resolutions, up to 1080p. Not only is it Plug N Play, it is USB powered. Interesting... Read on...

More Windows 7 Themes

2010-02-09T07:01:00.000-08:00

Brighten up that shiny new computer you just got with some awesome Windows 7 themes. You can even make your own theme! Read on...

Microsoft Small Basic

2010-02-05T07:27:00.000-08:00

Microsoft Small Basic is a project that is aimed at making computer programming accessible to beginners. Should be fun for kids and big kids too! Read on...

Smartphone Bracelet

2010-02-02T07:30:00.000-08:00

Asustek has been playing around with some radical design ideas, including a sophisticated wrist-top computer, a laptop that folds like a newspaper and a TV that works with gesture commands. Read on...

Check out the video.

Starship Theme Wallpapers

2010-02-01T07:36:00.000-08:00

Yes, I'm a geek who likes Starships. And if you ever need to get your SCI-FI on, here some great Starship wallpapers for your desktop. Read on...

Tonight: Year's Biggest Full Moon

2010-01-30T07:43:00.000-08:00

The 2010 "wolf" moon will appear 30 percent brighter and 14 percent larger than any other full moon this year, because our cosmic neighbor will actually be closer to Earth than usual. Howl on...

World's First 3D Photocopier

2010-01-25T06:24:00.000-08:00

Ortery has launched a new office machine called 'Photosimile' or what it claims to be the world's first 3D product photography machine.

Photosimile is effectively a photocopier that creates virtual 3D replicas of whatever small artifact you like. Read on...

Firefox 3.6

2010-01-22T07:11:00.000-08:00

Mozilla released Firefox 3.6 today. Firefox 3.6 is more than 20 percent faster than Firefox 3.5 and includes extensive under the hood work to improve performance for everyday Web tasks such as email, uploading photos, social networking, and more.

If you use Firefox (and you should be) just click on HELP on the toolbar and then click on Check for Updates. If you are not using Firefox, download it by clicking here.

Safe browsing!

Windows 7 Easy Transfer

2010-01-20T07:12:00.000-08:00

Here is the "How To" migrate the data from your XP computer to your brand new Windows 7 machine. I've used it numerous times and it works really well. Read on...

Unstoppable Copier 4.3

2010-01-13T07:19:00.000-08:00

This program is great for recovering files from scratched CD's or defective floppy/hard disks. Normally when your computer is unable to copy a file from a damaged disk it will abort and delete the portion of the file it has copied. This program however will continue to copy the file right to the end. Read on...

Lenovo Thinkpad W510

2010-01-09T08:33:00.001-08:00

Oh yes! This is way over the top for a laptop and the average joe wouldn't need it. But I like it!

Here's the specs:

Intel® Core™ i7 Quad Core Extreme i7-920XM, 16GB PC3-10600 1333MHz DDR3 RAM, 15.6" (396mm) FHD (1920x1080) color, anti-glare, LED backlight,
242 nits, 16:9 aspect ratio, 500:1 contrast ratio, 95% Gamut, and the NVIDIA® Quadro® FX880M, PCI Express® x16, 1GB memory GPU.

Full specs at http://www.lenovo.com/psref/pdf/tabook.pdf. Order this bad boy at lenovo.com.

TimeLeft

2010-01-07T08:40:00.000-08:00

TimeLeft is a basic alarm clock app with features like countdown, reminder, clock, stopwatch and more! If you need something like this to keep you on schedule, check it out! Read on...

Windows 7 "God Mode"

2010-01-05T09:13:00.000-08:00

The “God Mode” folder for Windows 7 supplies a tidy place to find nearly everything you can do within the Windows Control Panel.

To access the special capabilities of the God Mode folder, create a new folder anywhere on your Windows 7 computer and name it:

GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}

I like it! Read on...

Top Target for Hackers in 2k10

2010-01-01T07:13:00.000-08:00

Adobe Systems' Flash and Acrobat Reader products will become the preferred targets for criminal hackers in 2010, surpassing Microsoft Office applications, a security vendor predicted this week. Read on...

DX3 Digital Dictionary

2009-12-29T09:39:00.000-08:00

The DX3 is a small device with a camera that you point at whatever word you want defined. It then looks it up and displays the definition on its screen. Read on...

Google Times 4

2009-12-28T07:06:00.000-08:00

Today we take a look at googlegooglegooglegoogle.com which lets you run four Google searches in the same tab. When you go to the page you will have four different Googles where you can begin searches in each.

If you’re looking for a way to keep more organized while doing research, this site can come in very handy. Read on...

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T06:55:00.000-08:00

Brrr chilly this morning, however nice enough to go put in a golf day.
Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!

Giveaway of the Day

2009-12-24T07:28:00.000-08:00

Every day, Giveawayoftheday.com gives away a new software download that would normally cost anywhere from $10-$50. There is no catch—no adware, no nag screens, no accounts to register, and no download limits.

Simply visit the site between 12:00 AM-11:59 PM Pacific time any day of the week, download the day’s software, extract it and install it before the stroke of midnight. We like free stuff! Read on...

Fun and Games

2009-12-23T09:02:00.001-08:00

If you enjoy decorating your home for the holidays, why not your computer desktop too? This free Christmas Tree app puts a twinkling, decorated tree (or ornament, or stocking) on your desktop, with a countdown in days, hours, and minutes to Christmas Eve, Christmas, and more. Read on…

Also, pick up the Elf Bowling 3 game while you are at it!