Life At The Helpdesk

Having problems installing Windows 7?

Adam — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:39:46 +0000

Did you get student deal of Windows 7 for $30 frim Win741.com (DigitalRiver)? If you are having problems installing it, or having the unboxing application crash at the end, here a gret site with some helpful tips.

http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/10/22/how-to-make-a-dvd-of-that-student-only-windows-7/

Coming soon!

Adam — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:28:07 +0000

I know, it’s not really “tech” relasted, but as a huge SciFi fan, I’m really looking forward to season 2 of Legend of the Seeker. Here is a short preview of what is to come in season 2.

I don’t know about you, but I’m really looking forward to November!

How to set up a file server on the cheap.

Adam — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:34:11 +0000

Sorry for the long delay in posts, but I’m hoping this post makes up for.

http://www.intac.net/build-your-own-server/

The above link is a very in nice visual flow-chart on how to set up a headless (no keyboard/monitor/mouse) file server based on Debian linux. They use a variation of Ubuntu in the instructions, but remember, Ubuntu is a variant of Debian.

The great thing about this type of file server is that it is accessible from various operating systems on your home network, without really having to worry about host operating system or drive format issues.

Hopefully the link above can assist you in your hosting needs.

What Google Chrome will mean for cyber-security – tech – 19 July 2009 – New Scientist

Adam — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:46:05 +0000

The gauntlet has been thrown!

While further details on the Chrome OS are scant, Linus Upson, Google’s engineering director, made one major promise: “We are completely redesigning the underlying security architecture of the OS so users don’t have to deal with viruses, malware and security updates. It should just work.”

Will running an desktop portal style OS in the Cloud really allow a secure Internet experience, or is Google making much the same claims as Apple when it released OS X? Granted, by its design nature, it will be inherently more secure than Windows is now, but I have a hard time believing it will put an end to the issues we currently see. Check the article for more information.

What Google Chrome will mean for cyber-security – tech – 19 July 2009 – New Scientist.

For all you iPhone/iPod Touch users

Adam — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:42:45 +0000

I myself do not own an iPhone (thanks for having no coverage in my area AT&T!). I also do not own an iPod Touch, as there is the rumor of Verizon getting an iPhone. Just because I don’t own one, does not mean I don’t keep up to date on them. As such, when I came across this, I wanted to share. It’s the top 7 Games for your iPhone/iPod Touch.

New machine finally ordered

Adam — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:46:59 +0000

Just a quick post to let you know that I have finally ordered a new laptop. Make and model are being kept under wraps for now, but expect to see a hopefully decent writeup on the unit when it arrives. It’s not the biggest/best unit available, but it sure will beat anything I currently own.

If there are any special tests you are interested in seeing me run, just let me know in the comments and I’ll be happy to give it a go.

–adam

A new laptop with old devices

Adam — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:00:15 +0000

I’m in the market of upgrading my oldest computer, a 10 year old Apple iBook. Although the unti still runs, it is at its limit in handling todays web standards, and I’m looking at a portable solution for video editing as well. I plan to upgrade to a MacBook Pro in the next month or so. The biggest issue is that I have several external Firewire 400 drives as well as a digital camcorder that supports iLink. I’ve been looking at several options, and finally found what I think is the best solution, but don’t take my word for it. Watch the video and learn more.

Chris | Live Tech Support | Video Help | Add to iTunes

Great review of a great movie

Adam — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 21:35:33 +0000

I know, several of you have likely already seen this, but I just had to share it anyways. Enjoy!

Trekkies Bash New Star Trek Film As ‘Fun, Watchable’

Windows 7 RC 1 is out

Adam — Fri, 08 May 2009 14:53:47 +0000

If you have a machine capable of properly running Windows Vista, and you don’t mind a little experimentation, I highly suggest you give Windows 7 a try. Windows 7 is available from Microsoft and can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/windows7

I plan to give my thoughts on the new OS after I have had a chance to run it through some tests over the weekend. If you have it installed, let me know what you think of it. I have been running the beta for awhile now, and I must say, the RC (Release Candidate) performs very nicely. I just wish I had the hardware to be able to run all of the features that Windows 7 offers.

Give Windows 7 A Test Drive

Adam — Fri, 01 May 2009 14:56:24 +0000

Starting next week, provided the servers stay up, expect to see Windows 7 RC 1 available from Microsoft for the low price of free. It’s just a release candidate, but it will give you a good idea as to what the final product will be. The Release Candidate will allow you to be up and running until the 1st of June, 2010.

For those of you that are still on Windows XP, Windows 7 offers many performance improvements, including enhancements to security and changes to the Graphical User Interface (GUI). Similar to the change from Windows 98 to Windows XP, it takes some getting used to, but for many users of Vista, it should be a pleasant change. For those running and happy with Windows XP, I really can’t tell people to upgrade yet. DirectX 10 features that are not supported on Windows XP would be the only reason to upgrade, which mostly pertains to gaming right now.

If you have a spare machine, or don’t mind possibly have to re-install your current OS in June, I’d recommend giving it a try.

–adam