URLs from 5/20/08

Microsoft Office 2008 for the Mac Service Pack 1

Information regarding "endless reboots" on AMD processor based HP computers after installing Windows XP service pack 3.
--HP's official fix for the endless reboot issue- download the utility here.

Sharing a Hard Drive over a Home Network
--Tech.yahoo.com
--Support.microsoft.com

Not booting after upgrade to Service Pack 3 for Windows XP
--Blogs.pcworld.com
--Support.microsoft.com
--Forums.microsoft.com
--Pchell.com

Bit Torrent audio streaming
--News.zdnet.co.uk
--Forums.pfir.org
--Gizmodo.com

Imac Slowing down?

Apple’s market share of PCs over $1,000 hits 66%

URLs from 5/13/08

Ibrahim listens to the Help Desk in Saudi Arabia, via podcast. He emailed a question about a Shuttle PC and what kind of power supply and/or video cards it could support.
--a 300watt power supply is supported by his model (Shuttle SB61G2 V4) PC50 (SilentX 300W PSU)
--List of supported video cards
--Here is information about 400W and 450W power supplies -- but make sure you check if they are compatible with your machine

Internet Explorer only saves files as bitmaps
--Microsoft article #1
--Microsoft article #2

Dell 5150 Overheating and noise

Virus, trojan and spyware protection
--A listener recommends Anti-Malware from Malwarebytes.org. Here's one review, and here's another.
--Combofix
--Avast.com
--Remember: use as many anti-spyware programs as you want, but use only one anti-virus program. Keep all definitions up-to-date (update daily).

Apple - Blackberry
HBO distributed through iTunes Store
Run Comodore 64 stuff on your iPhone
Games for the iPhone

URLs from 5/6/08

AT&T / Yahoo settings for SSL.
--Many AT&T/Yahoo users report getting error messages from AT&T, but the problem won't get fixed.
--MacWorld article referenced in the show
--Answers.yahoo.com
--Uverseusers.com
--Forums.mozillazine.org
--Castlecops.com

Releasing and renewing IP Addresses in Windows (this works in XP and Vista)

How to repair Outlook folders
--Inbox Repair Tool
--Repair tool for Office 2000
--Repair tool for 2002, 2003, 2007

Hard drive data recovery
--Binarybiz.com

Apple 19 Billion money stockpile

Apple worth 4 Dells?

Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard Java Update

AT&T disconnects free iPhone wireless

URLs from 4/29/08

Windows XP Speech Recognition troubleshooting
--Windowshelp.microsoft.com
--Support.microsoft.com

Printing through a Hawking Print server model PS12U through a Dlink DI-624 router
--Macosxhints.com
--Cruzio.com
--Mac.com
--Faughnan.com
--More from Guy Moore: "I would test things connecting your computer directly to your modem. See if the problems all go away...if not then the problem is not in your router. If the problem does go away then we need to look at the router more closely. For the router, you would need to go into the web setup and look at the firmware version of the router. That would allow you to see if there is an upgrade available. I have had new routers with outdated firmware, since they may sit on the shelf for a long time.
--Forums.linksys.com
Another thought might be that DNS service is taking a long time. So when you first try to access anything on the site it takes forever. Once it finds the site it is faster.
--News.com
--Ask-leo.com
--You could try OpenDNS and see if it makes any difference."

RAID array for a photographer
--PCguide,com
--Granitedigital.com

New iMacs
--Insanely-great.com
--Apple.com

Boot camp update required SP3 for Windows XP

URLS from April 22, 2008

Easily show the contents of password fields

Reveal password hidden under asterisks

AVG free personal use antivirus program

Viewing picture previews in Windows XP:

Click the view menu, then select thumbnails

Did you feel the earthquake?  Here is some information on the new Madrid Fault (not computer related).

URLs from 4/15/08

What cameras does iMovie support?

Can you put your keyboard in a dishwasher to clean it?

Backing up Macs to external drives
--Carbon Copy Cloner and other solutions at Mike Bombich's useful site
--Apple's advice
--All the Mac users on the show endorse upgrading to Leopard (OS X 10.5) and using Time Machine to back up on an external FireWire drive. Piece of cake.

Problems with Time Sync in Windows Vista
--Howtogeek.com
--Techguy.org
--Akadia.com
--Tutorials-win.com
--Greghughes.net
More from Wayne Stone:

I had the same problem and did a Google search and found the solution. It turns out the Windows default time servers don't seem to work for a lot of folks. The U.S. Navy runs one that does seem to work for everyone. To solve the problem:

Choose Start, Run, type regedit and hit ENTER (to edit the registry).
Navigate to:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/DateTime/Servers]

Right click on the first line and choose "Modify" and change the data element to 1.
(This will select the first time provider on your list as the default provider).
Right click on the second line, choose "Modify" and change the data element to:

tick.usno.navy.mil

The backup server for tick.usno.navy.mil is tock.usno.navy.mil. These are the servers I use.

You can add more time servers if you wish, for example:

"2"="time-a.nist.gov"
"3"="time-b.nist.gov"
"4"="128.105.37.11"
"5"="europe.pool.ntp.org"
"6"="clock.isc.org"
"7"="north-america.pool.ntp.org"
"8"="time.windows.com"
"9"="time.nist.gov"

Closing the registry editor will automatically save your changes.
Open the Date and Time Properties/Internet time and scroll down the new list.

Hooking up computer to TV in media room
--Apple TV

New iPhone Firmware update allows saving of pictures

iPhone Safari tops mobile browser

Open Mac?

Adobe releases new media player called AMP

URLs from 4/8/08

New Eee PC notebook computer
--General information
--Adding extra memory will not void warranty
--More information on memory
--Still more on memory!

Apple WWDC Sessions Announced

Juice Podcast aggregator (downloader and player)

Quicktime Update to 7.4.5 (possibly to close off security breach)

iTunes Update to 7.6

AVG reports my NTOSKRNL.EXE has been changed
--Forum.grisoft.cz
--Forums.techguy.org

Switching to the Mac from PC
--David Pogue book
--NYTimes.com
--Tmarkiewicz.com
--Techweb.com
--Lifehacker.com

Cleaning computers
--Ehow.com
--Computercleaningguide.com
--Directron.com
--Helpwithpcs.com

Hiding your IP address
--Compnetworking.about.com
--Whatismyipaddress.com

URLs from 4/1/08

Install for CanoScan N1220U

Free audio recording software: Audacity

Problem Playing Downloaded music in Windows Media Player
--Pcuser.com
--Wisconsinems.com

Gmail April Fool's not very funny

URLs from 3/25/08

Windows XP "Not responding" problem
--Ask-leo.com
--Selfemployedweb.com

Install Canon n1220u Scanner on Mac OS 10.4

Windows XP Autologin
--Support.microsoft.com
--Howtonetworking.com
--Windowsxp.mvps.org

iPhone synching overview

Moving from The Palm to iPhone
--Everythingicafe.com
--Brighthand.com

Gartner Recommends the iPhone for enterprise

Safari on Windows PC Magazine Review

Possible BIOS problems for Toshiba Techra M4
--Computing.net
--Toshiba Techra M4 Actual BIOS Update

URLs from 3/18/08

Removing a misspelled word from Word's dictionary
--#1
--#2

URLs from 3/11/08

Windows XP Shutdown Troubleshooter

Windows Movie Maker: How to Use (Microsoft.com)
Windows Movie Maker: Which Format is Best to Save In?
Windows Movie Maker: How to Save as an .AVI File

Office 2007 Service Pack 1 Download

Office 2007 Applications (Word and Excel) Only Printing One Copy: A Couple Possible Fixes

URLs from 3/4/08

Free PDF writers
--Primopdf
--Cutepdf

Ten places not to use your iPod (humorous)

iPod lightning strike

Pacemaker interference

HD TV Converter boxes -- $40 coupons from the Feds for analog TV sets on antennas

Using 2 network cards one for local device the other for the internet
--Softwaretipsandtricks.com
--Duxcw.com
--Techrepublic.com

Kodak Easy Share pictures lost; try file recovery software

URLs from 2/26/08

Control Panel Missing in windows XP

Comcast Tech Phone number

Red X's instead of photos in emails

Here is a list of commands that can be put in the "run" field to launch different applets in the control panel in Windows:
--Watchingthenet.com
--To access the run field, click the Windows key + R.

Switching from Window to Mac
--Hyperreality.wordpress.com
--Apple.com
--Pcmag.com #1
--Pcmag.com #2
--Askbobrankin.com

Belkin Router/ Video Streaming Problems

Lawsuit against Apple about gift cards

Apple's web site the 12th most visited in the United States

URLs from 2/19/08

Delete old files in Windows

Error message: REGSVR32.dll
--Support.microsoft.com
--Forums.techguy.org

Links not working in Mozilla Thunderbird
--Forums.mozillazine.org
--Windowsbbs.com

MacBook Air Painting

Antispammer fined $60,000 for hacking

Is a Mac Obama or Clinton?

Open source political campaign

URLs from 2/5/08

Media center solutions:
--Apple TV
--Windows Media Center
--Mac Mini Media Center #1
--Mac Mini Media Center #2
--Eye TV (for use with the Mac)
--Web based TV & MSNTV #1
--Web based TV & MSNTV #2: Hulu.com

Stinger antivirus

MacBook Air

Apple Boot Camp drivers for Windows 2000
--Discussions.apple.com
--Forum.onmac.net

Integrating Windows & Mac

Getting started with Mac #1
Getting started with Mac #2

URLs from 1/29/08

Mac Office 2008 Permissions problem
--Docs.info.apple.com
--Macamour.com
--Discussions.apple.com
--Insanely-great.com

Windows 98 drivers:
--Support.microsoft.com
--Technical-assistance.co.uk
--Dll-files.com
--Auditmypc.com

Office 2007 document viewer for Office 2003

SATA drive not recognized

Preparing images for email using a Mac:
--Graphic converter (multifunction shareware)
--From iPhoto, select email photo option -- lets you resize the image you send

URLs from 1/22/08

Winbook Laptop Driver Downloads and Support Page

Troubleshooting Winbook Track Pad

GIMP industrial-strength graphics program

Apple announces financial Q1 2008 results today

HBO allows downloading of shows

10 things to love about the MacBook Air

Emailman great resource for converting emailmail & address books from Outlook to Mac Mail

Using device manager in Windows 2000
--Microsoft.com/technet
--Support.microsoft.com

Home recording studio tips
--Tweakheadz.com
--Universal-total-guitar-plus-center.com
--Usatoday.com
--Answers.yahoo.com
--Recordster.com

Windows Restore will not work

Free antivirus programs (Windows)
--Grisoft.com
--Avast.com

Editing PDF file for free

Microsoft lifts the ban on Vista in Virtualized environment

URLs from 1/15/08

Wireless router trouble shooting -- may be channel conflict
--Wardriving.com

MacWorld 2008 Rumors

Caller ID for Macintosh
--Apple.com/downloads/macosx/productivity_tools/callerid.html
--Versiontracker.com
--Apimac.com/

URLs from 1/8/08

Transfering data from XP to Vista
--Reviews.digitaltrends.com
--Laplink.com

Syncing a mobile phone with your Macintosh

Making copies of your home made DVD using Macintosh
--Gbradhopkins.com
--Kenstone.net
--Newschool.edu

Recording voice messages to CD for family
--Audacity.sourceforge.net
--Gentoo-wiki.com/HOWTO_Create_an_Audio_CD
--Xcdroast.org/manual/createaudio.html

Electric Car made with iPod support

URLs from 12/18/07

Microsoft Help Menu not working

Quickbooks Mac Updater Deletes Desktop folder

Quicktime Bug fixed with Security Update
--Macsupport.ca
--Computerworld.co.nz

BBC Mac iPlayer Coming out Christmas

iPhone devil on Readers Digest January cover
--Macenstein.com
--Rd.com

Users Tank Fish Tank Speakers

Holiday Get A Mac ad

Top 10 Reasons that corporate IT will not support the iPhone

Using non-poscript Laserjet 2100 printer on OS X
--Forums.macosxhints.com
--Gimp-print.sourceforge.net

URLs from 12/11/07

Finding a missing Netscape address book:
--Note that the bookmarks file extension is .HTML
--Address book file extension is .MAB

Linksys disconnects and reconnects every 15 seconds
--Forums.wi-fiplanet.com
--Avsforum.com

iMac will not boot; stuck on blue screen
--KB.wisc.edu
--Docs.info.apple.com
--Macs.about.com
--Apple Genius Bar Reservations

CompUSA Closing additional stores after the holidays

Apple announces new stores to open in 2008

Linux interest group from Dayton MicroComputer Association (DMA)

URLs from 12/4/07

What to do with old computers?
1) Donating to worthy causes. Things to remember:
--not everyone can use what you discard. Check first.
--wipe all your personal data off the drive. We recommend reformatting (but see below).
--it will help to donate a machine with a working OS, so you may need to restore it.
--donate all disks with your computer.
2) Recycling
--The EPA has a site for recycling and donating (again, check first, as some info may be dated).
3) Specific local options
--Cincinnaticomputercooperative.org
--Ohio Technology Access Project

Migrating from older versions of Access (part of Office) to newer ones
--Technet2.microsoft.com
--Support.microsoft.com

Backdoor-G-1 error message (possible Trojan)
--Symantec.com
--Expertanswercenter.techtarget.com
--Derkeiler.com
--Pcreview.co.uk
--Symantec.com

iPods for NYPD Police Trainees

MP3 Players: Comparing iPod with the Zune

iPod & iPhone web sites

MacUpdate Promo

Smith Micro Virus Barrier Review

Filemaker 2007 Instant Web Publishing Guide

URLs from 11/27/07

Gift Guides for Techies
--Businessweek.com
--Findthatgiftforhim.com
--News14.com
--Macworld.com

Apple Stores have "gravitational pull"

Winmail problems:
--How to Prevent the Winmail.dat File from Being Sent to Internet Users
--How to read Winmail.dat files PC

Moving from PC to Mac

Internet Explorer has experienced an error and needs to close

Computer shuts off while using Skype

URLs from 11/20/07

HAL.dll errors
--Support.microsoft.com
--Compphix.com
--Kellys-korner-xp.com
--Shanegfowler.wordpress.com
--Extremetech.com
What is a HAL?
--Wikipedia

Troubleshooting Windows Protection Errors

Dell all in one 962 Error "communication not available"
--Dellcommunity.com
--Techarena.in

Serial to USB Adapter
--Radioshack.com
--Usbgear.com

Vista Boot Disk
--Vistahunt.com
--Bootdisk.com
--Msfn.org
Floppy
--Windowsbbs.com
CD
--Msfn.org

Windows automatic Updates
--Updatexp.com
--Support.microsoft.com

USB to IDE Hard drive adapter
--Insidecomputer.stores
--Newertech.com
--Directron.com

URLs from 11/13/07

Can't find power supply big enough for NVidia video card
--SLI Compliant Power Supply Units
--Xoxide.com

New Mac Ads posted on Apples Web site

Web site that tells you information about your IP address

ddeml.dll missing (download)

Video Active X Malware

Drivers for Lexmark Z515

Apple Mail.app error message while creating messages "the message could not be saved"
--Macosxhints.com
--Inertramblings.com

URLs from 11/6/07

Microsoft Office 2007 pPgrade information and pricing

Corrupt Normal.dot file in MS Word causing strange pages

Finding Word templates:
--The location to the template files is c:\documents and settings\current user\application data\microsoft\templates.
--To see this path, you must enable hidden folders:
--Double click “My Computer”
--Click tools and then folder options
--Click the view tab
--Uncheck the box that says “Hide hidden files and folders”

Trojan horse for Macintosh

iTunes 7.5 released

Google Phone Software Info

How to change the default font settings in Outlook 2003 & 2007

Changing default fonts in Outlook Express

Links from 10-30-2007

Office 2007 Beta File Converter for the Mac
--requires Mac OS X 10.4.8 and only supports Powerpoint and Word documents at this time

Blue Screen while installing Leopard (Mac OS X 10.5, new)

iTunes Crashing in Lepoard (Mac OS X 10.5, new)

Myeconlab.com not working on MacBook
--Based on their web site it looks like they must be using activx
--Possible solutions involving Boot Camp:
--lockergnome.com
--askdavetaylor.com

Microsoft Word formats: the new version of Word in Office saves documents in '.docx' format, which may not be readable by older versions of Office/Word in Macs.
--Beta Format Conversion from MicroSoft (for Mac; requires Mac OS X 10.4)
--use NeoOffice (for Mac)
--use OpenOffice (for Mac)

Minimize Button Not Working

Help cleaning up computer with Spyware
--microsoft.com
--networkworld.com
Ad-Aware Download
SpyBot Download

URLS from 10/23/07

Short Films on Tunes - The Tribe

Kaspersky Virus Protection-Reviews
--toptenreviews.com
--pcmag.com
--pcworld.com

Kaspersky Virus Protection-Download
--download.com
--fileforum.betanews.com

Facebook Run Time Error- Windows XP

WMUB Stream Not working in iTunes (Mac):
--Some people have reported success by sorting iTunes by song title
--We have now eliminated the opening message; clicking on "MP3" from the WMUB home page should jump straight to the stream. Or this:
--in iTunes, choose Advanced menu --> Open Stream
--Paste or type the following URL into the URL field and then click the "OK" button:
--http://pubint.ic.llnwd.net/stream/pubint_wmub
--This will also skip the two extra things that normally play before you get to the stream.

URLs from 10/16/07

New Mac OS Leopard will not run on G3 processor

Leopard pre sales (Mac)

Sell your dead iPod

iPhone trademark dispute in Canada

Tips for handling your Mag saf power adapter (Mac)
--CBC.ca
--Apple.com #1
--Apple.com #2

Microsoft Word Vulnerabilities (Mac & PC)

Runing chkdsk (PC)

URLs from 10/9/07

Apple Battery Update for 15 inch MacBook Pro
http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/9463

Uses for dead iPods
http://macenstein.com/default/archives/797

Macinstein
http://www.macenstein.com/default/

Problems with installing Windows 2000 SP4
http://www.tech-archive.net/Archive/Win2000/microsoft.public.win2000.setup_u
pgrade/2004-08/0019.html
http://labmice.techtarget.com/ServicePacks/win2000sp4.htm

New iPod commercials
http://www.apple.com/iphone/ads/ad12/
http://www.macnn.com/articles/07/10/08/new.iphone.commercials/

Dayton Ohio Hackers Convention (Day-Con 2007)
http://www.day-con.com/
http://www.cleveland.com/newsflash/cleveland/index.ssf?/base/news-35/1191909
901303470.xml&storylist=cleveland#continue

URLs from 10/2/07

iTunes for Windows 2000

Sharing/collaborating on word processing files when not everyone has the same software. We discussed several options:
--Open Office free software
--Google's on-line word processing tool
--NeoOffice (Mac only) reads and writes Word files
--Creating pdf files readable (not writeable) on almost any computer. Part of Mac OSX; a Windows solution is Cute PDF Writer
--Use collaborative on-line software: Wiki and WriteBoard.com
--Options for reading MS Word files
--Office Live software

iPhone Human Interface Guidelines

New Version of Gimp

User email Steve Jobs about iMac problems and gets action

Amazon Music store

Belarc Advisor (profiles your system)

Dictionary of Computer terms

Com Port busy message:
--Versiontracker.com
--Virtualserialport.com
--Serial-port-communication.com
--Vicman.net

URLs from 9/25/07

MSN Messenger not accepting .MAC email accounts

Moving songs from iTunes to Windows Media Player

Wireless is working on some and not on others

Spybot anti-virus

'Windtunnel' fan noise in iMac G4

URLs from 9/18/07

iTunes 7.4.2

Getting a certificate error logging into Yahoo Mail via Firefox.

Video DVD won't work in iMac G5.
--Try booting from a system dvd to eliminate software as a problem
--Try logging in as a different user
--Apple.com

Windows External drive clicking after accidental power down while deleting files.
Probably turned off while writing to the directory. Try some recovery software like:
--VirtualLab by BinaryBiz
--Maxtor utility

Wireless does not work after re-format.
The wireless connection is probably missing the proper drivers. See:
--Support.microsoft.com

URLs from 9/11/07

Weird clock problems could be corrupt CMOS

History of email spam

Bayesian spam filtering

iPhone sim Unlocks phone in New Zealand

New iPods

Steve Jobs open letter about iPhone rebate

Spam information
--Dataparty
--Wired.com
--Securityfocus.com
--PCworld.com/article 1
--PCworld.com/article 2
--Radar.oreilly.com
--Puremagic.com

URLs from 9/4/07

Microphone issues in Vista:
--Recording quality is poor when you use a USB microphone on a Vista-based computer that has 4 GB of RAM or more
--Recording devices may not work if the devices have the same name in Windows Vista
--You may not hear any sound when you play back a recording that was recorded by using the Sound Recorder application in Windows Vista

URLs from 8/28/07

Secret Life of Steve Jobs

New Lego Kit "Young Woz and Jobs Playset" August 29th release

Slow access to another computer on a wireless network:
--try a speed test
--try war driving software to troubleshoot wireless connections

Resetting Windows XP Password

Clean Install of Windows XP

Adding Second monitor to new iMac

Pro Tools (audio editing software) will not run on my New Intel iMac
--Gearslutz.com
--Macrumors.com
--DigiDesign.com
--More DigiDesign.com

Dell Inspiron 5300e -- replaced mother board -- won't boot (gives 2 beeps)
--Bioscentral.com/beepcodes/
--Kropf.net
--Winforums.com
--Envytech.co.uk

URLs from 8/21/07

Free or cheap antivirus programs recommended by listeners:
--Avast
--AVG

PC World Anti-Virus Reviews

Entourage (Outlook) messages not showing up even though alert comes through:
--Sometimes the messages get moved automatically into the local inbox, not the Exchange inbox.
Click here for more info.

Refurbished iPhones on Apple Store

Mac or PC Rap Video

How to uninstall Norton Antivirus
--method 1
--method 2

Google earth -- does is cause a problem with sleeping Mac OS?

Netgear - Wirelessly printing to Netgear connected printer

URLs from 8/14/07

Should you use off-brand or refilled printer cartridges?
--On our 8/14/07 show, the statement was made that this is OK. Listeners Lee from Clayton and Bob from Centerville strongly dissent from this advice. Bob points out that Consumer Reports disagrees ("Cheap Inks Don't Pay" is the title of a section in their July 07 issue). Lee, who has serviced printers for 10 years, says:

It might be folly to replace a printer because it costs less to buy the replacement cartridges. It depends on the printer. Often the printer comes with starter cartridges. I have a friend who thinks he is saving by buying new printers. He is a good enough friend that I've never pointed out that the cartridges that come with that particular printer has about 1/4 the ink as the replacements.

The cost of a cartridge tells you nothing about the cost of printing. You need to know the cost/yield ratio of the cartridge. This information is available on line. I know that the Office Depot web site has the yields of all the ink and toner cartridges it sells in the product specifications of the product. There are other sources. Be aware that these data are based on industry standards of coverage and density. They should be used for comparison purposes only. However, I've found them to be very accurate and maybe a bit conservative.

One popular printer takes a black cartridge that costs $35 and has a yield of 200 pages. A competitor offers a similar machine that has a $20 cartridge with a 700 page yield.
Non-OEM cartridges will not void the warranty of your printer. However, if the cartridge damages your printer, furniture or carpet (not uncommon) that must be covered by the vendor of the third party cartridge. Check your vendor for their warranty. Quality and customer service of non-OEM cartridges varies widely.

Stores that sell both OEM and non-OEM cartridges make 3 to 4 times as much profit margin on the third party cartridges over the original manufacturer. They will push the non-OEM cartridges.

Canon and Epson printers are particularly susceptible to failure from use of third party ink and cartridges. Their print heads (jets) are built into the printer rather than the cartridge and if the ink clogs the heads you are pretty much dead in the water.

I simply tell my inquirers to not use anything but Canon cartridges in Canon printers. They have a 2 picoliter ink droplet rather than the 7-9 picoliter droplet of the competition. 100% of the Canon printers I've seen with clogged heads have owners who admit to using third party inks.

And last, I advise my subscribers, "Save money by buying your coffee at McDonald's rather than Starbuck's, buy day old bread and drive a Prius rather than a Hummer, but don't try to go cheap on ink."

Can't write to system root winnt:
--Download a boot disk from boot disk, and then fix it attribute back to read & write. See Bootdisk.com
--Or try the recovery console

Boot hard drive died trying to use second drive as boot drive
--Check jumpers settings for your hard drive

Update for Apple Airport Base Station

Skype for iPhone

How to change the drive letter of your boot drive

HP printers disapearing after reboot

Windows laptop will not hibernate
--Kellys-korner-xp.com
--Notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=51083
--Shivaranjan.com

Dayton Microcomputer Association

URLs from 8/14/07

Hibernate and Sleep issues in Windows XP (tech support articles from Microsoft):

How to troubleshoot hibernation and standby issues in Windows XP

Unable to Use Power Management Features

Drive Letter Assignments:
How to change drive letter assignments in Windows XP (Microsoft Support)

Can't write to Windows system folder- what to do
Try bootdisk.com to get to the command prompt and run attrib command

Or try the recovery console

Boot drive issues:
How to change the letters of your boot drive
Information on hard drive jumper settings

URLs from 8/7/07

Dimension 5100 BIOS downgrade instructions

How Linux keeps track of time
--Tldp.org
--Linuxsa.org.au

Apple sued over iPhone keyboard

Hacking the iPhone

How to recover deleted pictures from a camera flash card
--Thebishop.net
--Pcworld.com

Dell Laptop loose screen
--UCLA article
--Geekstogo.com

Reverting to an older BIOS for CarPuter
--Bay-wolf.com
--Dewassoc.com

URLs from 7/31/07

Syntax for CheckDisk in Windows 98
--Click START and select RUN
Type in CMD and press ENTER
In the Command Line Window, type in chkdsk /f

Care and cleaning of CDs and DVDs.
Our correspondent Liz in beautiful Savannah, who listens via our podcast, mentions two PDF resources:
--Council of Library and Information Resources
--National Institute of Standards and Technology

URLs from 7/24/07

Booting Window XP using a "Clean" boot for Uninstalling programs

iPhone Exploit may allow attackers to take control
--News.com
--Securityevaluators.com

BluEye -- an iPod hack

Q: Can I do wireless printing using a Linksys router & Lexmark printer?
--You could buy a new access point/router (some have USB ports designed for printers)
--Or connect the printer to an existing computer that's always on (the cheapest solution)
--See Pcstats.com article
--Search for Wireless print server

Using restore point to take Windows XP back to an earlier state

URLs from 7/17/07

Vinyl record sales are up 13%
Internet Explorer in Windows opens in too small a size

Setting up a home wireless network with 2 Mac laptops, USB Hard drive, printer
--Tip # 1
--Tip #2

Slow internet speed with Windows 2000 broadband
--We suggested that extra memory might help. Here's a bandwidth speed test.

Word processing compatible with Microsoft Office (esp. Word)
--We suggested the free open-source Open Office

Kevin from Eaton has a Windows 98 machine that won't boot properly. Bryan suggested a review of CHKDSK (Check Disk) procedures.

--Here's Wayne's guide:

--First, a word of caution: some of this may possibly change or impair your system. If you're not comfortable with this, don't do it.

--Try starting in Safe Mode (tap F8 key repeatedly during Startup)

--You can attempt to repair this file by starting Windows Setup using the orginal setup CD-Rom.

Select R at the first screen to start repair.

--Boot from Windows XP Install CD-Rom
Press R for Recovery Console
Select the number for the OS (in my case 1. C:\WINDOWS)
This should result in a prompt C:\WINDOWS
At the C: prompt type:

chkdsk C: /p/r

Then reboot and see if it’s fixed.

--If that does not help then go through the steps above.
At the C: prompt type:

Fixboot C:

Then reboot and see if it’s fixed.

--If that does not help then go through the steps above.
At the C: prompt type:

fixmbr

A warning will display stating the mbr is not standard or corrupt (or words to that effect). At "Do you wish to continue?" type Y for yes.
The new mbr should then be successfully written to the hard disk.
Type "exit" (no quotes) at the prompt. The system will reboot and all SHOULD be well.

A word of warning care should be execised if you multiboot into different OS's as this may prevent the system accessing a custom boot loader, but for single operating systems it should be fine. It works 100% of the time for me.

URLS from 7/10/07

Sun Computer’s Java download page

When surge protectors fail . . .

100,000 iPhones!
iPhones around the world contest

Pure Networks - Network Magic (partitioning software)

Wireless Router Review

URLs from 7/3/07

Free SpyLocked (spyware) removal tool

Sent messages not in the Sent folder in Outlook Express

URLs from 6/26/07

Using ReadyBoost to speed up Windows Vista

Should I use AdAware (spyware removal tool) with Windows Vista? (John in Hamilton)
--No, the web site indicates it will not run, even though the current version is called AdAware 2007. Spybot will run under Vista, and Windows Defender is built into it.

I have multiple partitions on my primary hard drive. Do I have to reformat to make it one again or to make one partition bigger since I am running out of room on my XP partition? (Ron in Middletown)
--No, you do NOT need to reformat. Use Partition Magic, $30-$55 at Amazon.com. Here's more information.

I was given an Apple laptop. I have an old PC at home and want to transfer files. Am I at risk of a virus? (Julie in Darrtown)
--Basically, no. Here's more information. Years ago there were some macro viruses that infected the macros (automated tasks) in Microsoft Word and Excel. Since you indicated you won't use these, you can rest at ease.

I accidentally erased my C drive. My Windows XP upgrade disk will not let me install it again. (Joe in Clayton)
--The Installer is probably looking for the original boot disk. Since your computer came with Windows ME pre-installed, try to find any ME or even a 98 Install disk. Once the XP installer sees an original licensed copy, it should go ahead. Here's information on a clean install of Windows XP.

My daughter wants Vista for her MacBook (to be run under Boot Camp). Should I wait for an upgrade? (Tom in New Castle)
--No. No new versions of Vista are due out anytime soon. We recommend Home Premium, but since she will be entering college, have her check out deals through the school's book store.
--Mary from Oxford had a followup comment: Check with her college tech department. They may make you buy a specific Mac or PC. Prices are much cheaper for software on campuses for students, so do check first.

URLS from 6/19/07

Spybot anti-spyware -- Latest version

AT&T Tech Support Phone Number

Hard drives jumper viewer

iPhone Longer Battery life Announced

Apple World Wide Developers Conference - iPhone developer kit

MacBook Pro Power Adapter Problems

MacBook Pro Battery Recall

Apple PowerBook Battery recall
--Info.apple.com
--general information from Apple

Listener Linda commented that her HP Pavilion seemed to take up a lot of disk space for the HP Recovery utilities. Here's a comment from listener Steven in Dublin, IN:

You are correct that the Compaq/HP systems come with a partition for system recovery. This partition contains everything needed to restore the PC to effectively the state it was when it left the factory.

The reason I say effectively is that when I recovered a Compaq from this partition I noticed some minor changes to the system (e.g. reassignment of drive letters to SD and other memory drives, different shortcuts on the desktop, etc.) The BIOS has an option when booting to restore from this partition.

One suggestion I have for owners of these systems is to run the supplied utility to backup the recovery partition to CD-ROM. While this probably is a violation of the copyright, I used the supplied CD-ROM software to make a copy of these discs because the recovery backup utility sets a flag to prevent it being run a second time.

URLs from 6/12/07

Getting HP printer error ". . . or you are connected to a VPN"

Apple World Wide Developers Conference news

Beta test for Safari 3 (Windows & Mac)

Safari for Windows security bug

Set Windows to "Never dial a connection"

Adjusting volume in Windows XP

Windows XP freezes or locks up (2 callers)
--Techspot.com
--Aarp.org (yes!)
--Theglobeandmail.com
--Forums.cnet.com

URLs from 6/5/07

Windows XP won't shut down; appears to hang up when exiting Adobe Acrobat.
--Try this fix
--or Askmehelpdesk.com

Is it a mistake to install more than 4 GB of memory for XP, as a caller claimed a friend told him?
--Not that we can determine. There is a 4-GB limit, sort of, but even that is not the whole story.
MGAs (Major Geek Alerts) here:
--There are some technical considerations that may have led the friend to this erroneous conclusion. Read about them here.
--More on this topic from the Microsoft Developer Network.
--Codinghorror.com
--Zdnet.com
--Chris.pirillo.com

Apple's iPhone to debut June 29th
--Macpolls.com
--Macenstein.com
--Apple.com

Microsoft's Tabletop Computer

Is the Mac really less vulnerable to attacks than Windows?

I have an iMac and need to connect an older Windows based laptop
--Get virus protecction and spyware protection for the PC
--Wireless card for laptop recommended
--You could use the iMac System Preferences for sharing, internet, airport
--But better than using your iMac would be buying a wireless router. It will also provide a hardware firewall.

Is a 'wireless card' the same as a 'wireless modem'?
No, in the sense that the card itself is not a direct connection to a phone. But neither is a cable modem. The debate rages on.
--Tech-faq.com
--Wikipedia 'wireless modem'
--Wikipedia. 'modem'

My desktop is covered with icons and I can't find a thing!
--To view them as a list on Windows XP:
--Navigate to "My Computer, C:, Documents & Settings, YOUR ACCOUNT NAME, Desktop"
--You can view this as a list.
--To view them as a list on a Macintosh with OS X:
--Open a Finder window, then click on the Desktop icon on the left side of the window.

URLs from 5/29/07

Phishing alert: watch out for schemes to get your money. We've discussed these before, but they're still around. Numerous false emails exist with supposed links to banks, eBay, PayPal, etc. Clicking on the links take you to an authentic-looking site whose real purpose is to steal your confidential information. More info:
--from Firefox
--from the U. S. government

A Place Between: find a place to get coffee (default) between any two locations

Windows Update crashes/SVC Host

Apple One to One Training (Macintosh)

MacBook Pro Memory

Cheap Windows for PC (Windows XP)
--Softwareoutlet.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?
--Amazon.com

Finding Gas Prices on your computer (double click the map to zoom in)

Task Manager Missing Tabs (Windows XP)

Programs showing up twice in my taskbar(Windows XP)
--Solution 1
--Solution 2

URLs from 5/22/07

Richard's Seagate FreeAgent Drive is showing up in Windows XP. Click here for Seagate's page for troubleshooting this issue.

Windows Mobile 6- only available via T Mobile as of today.
The T Mobile Wing, featuring Windows Mobile 6.

Manual Java 6 download

iPhone gets FCC approval

iPhone wins National Design Awards

Quicktime Vulnerability

URLs from 5/15/07

iPod for little ones

Real estate web site designs
--Blitzdevelopment.com
--Garryegan.com

Godaddy web hosting
http://www.godaddy.com/gdshop/default.asp

Recovering lost Word files

URLS from 5/15/07

Microsoft Office Live Free Business Website Hosting: To find out more, click this link.

Here is the Microsoft PR:

With Microsoft Office Live, you can create a professional online presence without the expense of buying a server, setting up a complicated infrastructure, and hiring technical staff to maintain it. Microsoft Office Live is a hosted service – all you need is a computer and an Internet connection.

Real estate web site designs:
http://www.blitzdevelopment.com/
http://www.garryegan.com/realtor-web-development.php

Godaddy Web Hosting

Recover An Unsaved Document When Word Crashes

Recovering Lost Word Files

Ron from Vermilion loves My Function Keys which allows you to map keys to input specific text inputs. Click here for information.

iPod for little ones

URLs from 5/8/07

Getting old software to run in XP

Link to Virtual PC 2007 (FREE):
--This can enable legacy systems to run as a virtual machine on newer ones
--Another link

Apple's new 'Get a Mac' ad

Connecting a Macintosh to a Windows 2003 server
--Server settings
--Connecting SMB
--SMB defined

PCH.dll Process error on startup
--Look up on this web site to find about what this DLL does

Security Protection for Windows Vista Ultimate 64
--Trendmicro.com
--Start64.com

Windows says wireless is not connected when it really is:
--Start -> Control Panel -> Network Connections -> Right click for properties on your connection -> Uncheck the 'Show icon in notification area when connected'
--neowin.net

RoboForm Password Management

URLS from 4/24/07

Copying movies: Is it legal?

Copying CDs & DVDs is it legal?
--News.com
--Utexas.edu/its/bestpractices/music/
--Datadoctors.com

Gold Plated iPod

Zero exploit hack for Safari (Mac)

Quicktime Hack

Apple Security Updates

Playing Windows Media files on your Mac
--Microsoft.com, part 1
--Microsoft.com, part 2

URLs from 4/17/07

Rebuilding an XP system without destroying existing data
--a Microsoft article on the same topic

Mouse Jiggler

Mac OS X Leopard Delayed until October

First apple Store in Alabama - Big Attendance of grand opening

Wireless PCMCIA card for Windows 95 computer
--The caller wanted to know about Internet connectivity on his machine, which is a machine tool unit whose system can't be upgraded. A later cautioned against this -- if it's a critical machine in manufacturing, you don't want to expose it to Internet viruses.

Dell Inspiron b130 has bad DVD Drive
--Google.com
--Ebay

Dell Inspiron b130 bad CD Drive take apart
--Repair4laptop.org
--Laptoprepairguy.com

Keeping young children safe on the internet -- Windows XP
--Windowsmarketplace.com
--KidRocket
--Boutell.com
--Kidswatch.com
--Epic.org
--more from Boutell.com

Keeping young children safe on the internet -- Vista

Digitizing Records on a Mac

URLs from 4/10/07

Connecting to a Windows Shared Printer using Mac OS X

--Printing Overview for Mac OS X 10.4

--Sharing a printer using a Windows computer for a Mac to use

--Hooking a printer to the Mac and sharing it with a Windows computer

Turbotax Glitch Article

Nokia posts isync web page and additional support for phones
--Macscoop.com
--Nokia.com