The DOT Doctor: Cure for all your compliance ills - Web Site Management

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The DOT Doctor: Curing your compliance ills. Offering DOT Compliance, logbook auditing, DQ Files & tax filing (IFTA, 2290, UCR) services beginning at $7.50.

Web Site Management

KOKOPELLI KOMPUTER SERVICES

Kokopelli Komputer Services and The DOT Doctor offers web site design, web site marketing, web site editing, web site updating and web site content. We will BETA test your site pages for proper link management, multiple browser compatibility, viewability and more.

KKS/The DOT Doctor will optimize your Meta Tags and handle the search engine submissions so that you gain optimal placement. We can estable pay per click, imprint ads, banner link exchange and various other promotional programs for your web site. Obtain coveted ALEXA ratings through our service offerings.

Sign up for our web site management package today. We provide the service and you enjoy the rewards.

Domain registration available. Domain registration and hosting is included in our Small Business and Presidential Web Design Packages.

For initial service choose service level package desired along with subscription button.

Note: Small Business Package collects set-up Deposit. Actual amount will be adjusted once service is rendered.

To qualify for the multiple package discount; be sure to add both packages (marketing and design) to the cart BEFORE checking out.

Tip: Add Set Up and/or Design Fees to cart before subscription to check out all at one time.

The DOT Doctor will custom tailor an ad campaign to fit your budget.

Personal Web Site

Hobby Web Site

Small Business Web Site

Presidential Web Site Package

1-5 page site

Up to 10 page site

Up to 50 page site

Unlimited pages on your site

Mega tag optimization

Mega tag optimization

Mega tag optimization

Mega tag optimization

Submittal to 200+ search engines every 30 days

Submittal to 200+ search engines every 30 days

Submittal to 200+ search engines every 30 days

Submittal to 200+ search engines every 30 days

Site testing for compatibility

Site testing for compatibility

Site testing for compatibility

Site testing for compatibility

Pay per click ad campaign with $50 month credit

Pay per click ad campaign created and managed

Choice of one:

Choice of three:

All of the following:

       Alexa submission

       Alexa submission

       Alexa submission

       IP Tracking of visitors

       IP Tracking of visitors

       IP Tracking of visitors

       Exchange link / feeds

       Exchange link / feeds

       Exchange link / feeds

       Banner design

       Banner design

       Banner design and submittal

$ 50* one time set up fee

$ 100* one time set up fee

$ 10 /page one time set up fee or $5/page with Small Business Web Design Package (see below)

$ 500 one time set up fee or $250 with Presidential Web Design Package (see below)

$10 / month

Initial subscription is 12 months - cancellation available via e-mail with 30 day notice

$35 / month

Initial subscription is 12 months - cancellation available via e-mail with 30 day notice

$100 / month

Initial subscription is 12 months - cancellation available via e-mail with 30 day notice

$100 / month + click fees

(monthly billing set at $150 - click fees over $50/month will be collected in addition)

Initial subscription is 12 months - cancellation available via e-mail with 30 day notice

* set up fee waived when you purchase one of our web design packages

Successful Marketing 101

The idea is not to just attract traffic to your website but to attract targeted readers and potential clients. With our proven system your website will not just increase in visitor count but will increase in visitor count with a true interest in your product or service. Try us today!

Personal Web Design	Hobby Web Design	Small Business Web Design	Presidential Web Design Package
1-5 page site	Up to 10 page site	Up to 50 page site or 350 MB (whichever comes first)	Up to 50 initial pages on your site or 350 MB (whichever comes first)
Creation of website from choice of pre-created styles	Creation of website from choice of pre-created styles	Creation of website from choice of pre-created styles	Creation of website from choice of pre-created styles
Mega tag optimization	Mega tag optimization	Mega tag optimization	Mega tag optimization
		Domain name registration	Domain name registration
Hosting	Hosting	Hosting	Hosting
	Simple Logo Design and Integration	Simple Logo design or submit your own / Logo Integration	Logo integrations with basic logo design or upload of your own logo
		Basic Word template with Logo	Basic Word template with Logo
	1 Email address established through a free email service such as Yahoo or Hot Mail	5 custom email addresses w/ SPAM Blocker available through your Outlook with set-up support	10 custom email addresses w/ SPAM Blocker available through your Outlook with set-up support
		Mail list generator	Mail list generator
		1 Auto mailer per month	2 Auto mailers per month
	1 site change included per month	Up to 10* site changes per month	Up to 15* site changes or page ads per month
			Monthly export of email addresses of subscribers to your mailing list
		Up to 2 external RSS feeds implemented into site	Up to 5 external RSS feeds implemented into site
			Website BLOG upload with RSS feed (max. 20** month)
	1 PayPal Button	Basic PayPal integration	PayPal integration including Shopping Cart (100*** item max.)
			Background music or sound file add-on option
		Left or Right Side Bar	Left and Right Side Bars
	Incorporation of 1 Pre-registered Affiliate Program ad	Incorporation of up to 2 Affiliate Program ads	Incorporation of up to 5 Affiliate Program ads with option of up to 3**** monthly change outs
Site testing for compatibility	Site testing for compatibility	Site testing for compatibility	Site testing for compatibility
Monthly management with Webmaster link	Monthly management with Webmaster link	Monthly management with Webmaster link	Monthly management with Webmaster link
$ 150 Design fee	$ 250 Design fee	$ 1000 / Design fee	$ 1500 Design fee
$10 / monthly maintenance Initial subscription is 12 months - cancellation available via e-mail with 30 day notice	$25 / monthly maintenance Initial subscription is 12 months - cancellation available via e-mail with 30 day notice	$75 / monthly maintenance Initial subscription is 12 months - cancellation available via e-mail with 30 day notice	$100 / monthly maintenance Initial subscription is 12 months - cancellation available via e-mail with 30 day notice

* additional site changes or page ads available for an additional charge
** additional BLOG uploads available for an additional charge
*** additional items available for an additional charge
**** additional ad changes available for an additional charge

For Initial Set-up Choose Plan Level to add to cart as well as Subscription Service Button in the table above.

Add-On Services

(email for pricing)

Resume creation for Personal Site
Monthly export of email addresses of subscribers to your mailing list for your Small Business Site
Side bar added to site
Background music or sound file added to site
Additional Photos or Files (.jpeg, .gif, .doc, .pdf, .xls.......etc) [We support MS Office 10 Documents]
Creation of .pdf file from your document
Photo uploads and/or scans from non-digital files
Content creation and authorship or technical writing
Creation of your Blog Talk Show content
Incorporation of Sales Affiliate Programs into your site / revenue streams
Establish Affiliate Program / revenue generation program
Establish a web based / email retreival voice mail box service
Establish internet phone service
Establish 800 # service
Website redirect service
Translation Service Button
Mirror Site
Duplicate Site in Alternative Language
Additional customization services
Additional market services other than listed in table above

Screen Shot of 1st Page Placement

Still not sure if our marketing services will do the job?

In under 3 months, thedotdoctor.com, has reached 1st page and often 1st place ranking under numerous search terms.

Our Alexa ratings moved to under 4 million (lower is better in this system) in less than 2 months. We began at almost 900 million. TIP: Alexa rating is the key to search engine placement.

Our techniques are successful while easy on the pocketbook. We did not pay for expensive pay for click ads. Our maximum bid was under $2/click. Most key words were under $.50/click.

The DOT Doctor used a combination of approaches uniquely designed for success. Through years of research, trial and error; The DOT Doctor has developed their own unique marketing program with proven results. Click on the file above to see for yourself. Test a few keywords as they relate to our site in the search engine of your choice and see how we rank.

Ready to boost your rankings and your sales? Then click on our marketing package of your choice and let our experts get to work for you.

Random Access

Change the Default Directory in Command Prompt

To change the default directory in the Command Prompt, you can either do a change directory command or permanently modify the directory using Registry Keys. The Command Prompt directory normally shows the user's documents and settings path as the default...

Back to School Geek Gear

It's that time of year again when you say goodbye to the sun and spend hours sitting in front of your computer or in a classroom feeding your brain. There are a few new gadgets that can help you make the time more bearable and maybe even make you the envy of your peers. This year's list of gotta-have back to school tech is...

Acer Aspire Timeline 4810T-8480

I had an opportunity to take a look at one of the new Acer Aspire Timeline 4810T-8480 notebooks. Currently there are three families of Timeline notebooks with a variety of model-specific features in each family. All are larger than the current generation of netbooks, but manage to keep some weight off and all have a feature of providing up to 8 hours of use off of a single charge...

Tripod Buying Guide

Whether you want a stable platform for a camcorder or the ability to shoot in low light with a camera, tripods are an essential piece of equipment. Tripods come in all shapes, sizes and price ranges depending on their use. Your first tripod is likely to be a basic one, just enough to steady your shot. But once you learn the basics, and figure out what you want from a tripod, there are several features that you'll want to consider when buying your next tripod. Hopefully this article will save you time and money before you buy...

The Geek Atlas: 128 Places Where Science & Technology Come Alive

30 Second Review

Have you wondered where the World Wide Web was born? Or wanted to see where Leonardo de Vinci spent the last years of his life? The Geek Atlas is the ultimate travel book for techies, organized by country...

Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor

Windows 7 is coming in a few months but will you be able to run it? Make sure with Microsoft's Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor. This free program scans your system to see if it's ready for Windows 7, and alerts you about any known compatibility issues...

Microsoft Internet Explorer 8

Have you taken the plunge and upgraded to IE8 yet? If you are like me, I wait patiently for the 1.1 version before installing. So, after Microsoft announced the beta version of Internet Explorer 8 last February, I was anticipating to try some of the new features offered in this revamped update of Internet Explorer. Some of the noted new highlights are Accelerators, SmartScreen filter, InPrivate Browsing, Compatibility View and Add-Ons. Microsoft also promised a faster browser to make surfing more efficient...

Summer Lightning

I was rummaging around my storage closet the other day trying to find an extra power cord. I found a spare cord, and something else. One of the bags I was digging through in the shadowy recesses to the closet had several ring-shaped cold cathode lights pulled from some computer fans. What caught my attention was that every time I shifted around in the bag, these ring lights flickered! The static electricity generated by the plastic bag was causing the gas within the fluorescent tube to glow either from the induced charge or through the shielded wires connected to the bulbs...

Safe Surfing with WOT

The Internet can be a wonderful place, full of information, entertainment, social and family contacts. But there is also a darker, more insidious side of the Internet where viruses, spam, and identity theft lurk. Many evil websites can look professional and seem reliable. How can you know if a website is safe? Riding to the rescue is a free browser plug-in for IE and Firefox called WOT. WOT (which stands for Web Of Trust) determines the safety of a site by using ratings from its community of users and trusted lists of fraudulent sites...

Blue Microphones iPod Mikey Recorder

30 Second Review

Blue Microphone has introduced a better way to record music using your iPod with the Mikey iPod Recorder. It offers advanced gain settings to pickup crystal clear sound from either something as loud as a concert or as quiet as dictation. The Mikey is a simple plug-and-play microphone that works with most models of iPod, and has a built-in speaker in the back...

What is AES?

AES or Advanced Encryption Standard is a cryptography standard used for government-level security. This system is based on a 256-bit encryption using a symmetric-key algorithm. Unlike a public keys, symmetric keys use keys that are only known between the sender and receiver...

Content Management Made Easy

If you have ever dabbled in web design, you may have come across many acronyms like HTML, XHTML, CSS, or CMS. CMS or Content Management System is a fancy term for a easier way to develop web sites without needing a degree or spend hours sloshing through HTML guides. With CMS, the difficult tasks are done for you behind the scenes - all you have to do is point and click where you want your images, videos or text to go on the page. Got a Facebook or MySpace page? You are already have been utilizing the benefits of CMS...

eBook Evolution

I have mentioned eBooks before, back in January of 2005, and I'm pleased to report that they are still out there. Software readers for computers, PDAs and mobile phones continue to make eBook reading portable and convenient to us gadget lovers. Meanwhile, eBook readers such as the Amazon Kindle have made the public more aware of the whole eBook concept. Unlike a notebook or PDA screen, most electronic eBook readers use E Ink® (AKA "e-paper") technology, so they can keep running for hundreds of hours between charges...

Project Natal - Motion Control for Xbox 360

E3, the annual Electronic Entertainment Expo, is usually the site of game announcements and previews for upcoming games. This year, the most exciting announcement was for Project Natal, Microsoft's controller-free method to interact with the Xbox. Imagine playing a game where you can punch and kick the air to fight bad guys or wave your hand to cast a spell. Project Natal may very well be the future of gaming....

Seagate BlackArmor 320GB USB Secure Hard Drive

30 Second Review

Running out of hard drive space can be a pain when you are in the middle of a critical project. When a flash drive isn't enough, an external hard drive works better, but can be bulky and not practical for mobility. Maxtor offers a portable and secure solution: BlackArmor. Not only do you have 320GB of space, but it weighs less than 1/2lb. Plus, this drive is loaded with AES encryption technology to lock down your files...

Transferring Files from Mac to Mac

There are several options available to transferring your files and applications from an old Mac to new Mac. Apple has a built-in software assistant to help facilitate the process, or you can use a more manual approach such as burning files onto media. Depending on your version of Mac OS, some methods may not be a viable solution, and you may need to take a more hands-on approach to moving data. The following is a list of options to facilitate the process...

Installing a Print Server

Tech Take-Apart

Over the years, my home network has grown to include so many computers that I have a constant problem sharing printer functions between them. Swapping cables between computers or weighing down one system to control all printer sharing chores can be tedious. To simplify my printing issue, I decided to add a print server to my LAN, so I can print, scan, or fax anywhere to my all-in-one. A cool feature of a print server is that it works beyond just print sharing - you can print from any location where you can access your email account...

From the Mailbag: Troubleshooting, Hard Drives and Drive Letters

Ron from Florida writes: "I've been working on a seriously abused Compaq Presario 1620NX (17 different virii, about 180 Trojans, uncounted malware and tracking cookies, etc.) I managed to get everything cleaned up, about 10-12 different virus and malware scans all come clean."
After several reformats, disk wipes, and reinstalling Windows twice, he still has "a problem where usbport.sys is forcing 100% CPU usage... Is there any way I can disable the onboard USB so I can run a PCI USB peripheral board instead?"

Easy Panoramas with Photomerge

While on vacation, you may visit any number of wide-open vistas that span an entire horizon. How do you capture these landscapes and locations without a super-wide-angle lens? You don't need a bunch of fancy hardware and software, just a few simple techniques. This edition of Geek Candy explains how you can show off a wide view of your world...

HD Web Cameras

30 Second Review

New for camera geeks: portable HD cameras with web-friendly features. One such camera is the Pure Digital MinoHD which is ultra-light at 3.3oz, and provides up to 60 minutes of recording time with 4GB of memory. The Mino is also available in an Ultra version including twice the recording time - 120 minutes - and 8GB internal memory...

What is an eBook?

An eBook is a digital version of a printed book, and requires either a PC or digital book reader to display the text. Certain eBooks are available in PDF format, and can be read on any PC. Other eBooks use a proprietary format like AZW, but there are services available that allow free downloads or previews of books such as Project Gutenberg and Google's Book Search...

Creating PDF Forms with Adobe LiveCycle

Back in 2007, I introduced some new features of Adobe Acrobat Professional such as building paperless forms for online content. In order to make PDFs interactive for online use, Adobe has another suite of products that provides advanced features to develop forms for websites called LiveCycle Enterprise Suite. This software consists of several components to build, host, and manage interactive forms on your server. This software is based on Adobe PDF and Flash technology that makes this interactivity possible. In this article, I'm going to focus briefly on one particular part of the LiveCycle suite, LiveCycle Designer, and Acrobat Professional on how to create input fields for data...

TRON Case Mod Part 2

Last month I started a case modification project inspired by the movie "TRON" and the "TRON 2.0" game. I covered modification of the side panels, added glass tile to the top, and installed a brighter LED ring in the front panel assembly. Since then, I have moved on to the inside features and finished up the drive bay door...

Save Green With Technology

Economic times being what they are, everyone wants to get the most out of their hard-earned dollar. What most people realize is there are lots of little ways to save money by being smarter with their computers. At the same time, using your computer resources more efficiently will reduce waste and help the environment. Here are 9 tips that will make your wallet and Mother Nature happier...

New iPod Shuffles

30 Second Review

The newly re-designed iPod shuffle now has even more features inserted into a smaller case. The highlight of the upgraded shuffle is the built-in controls with the earbuds, plus a VoiceOver feature. Now, you can control the volume and skip songs right from the earbud wire using the touch-sensor button, and the iPod reads the song title, artist and playlist back to you...

What is Twitter?

Twitter is a type of communication service similar to blogging with which you can network with other members. To use the service, you are required to set up an account, and your postings are limited to 140 characters only. The benefit is that it allows quick updates for your network, and even offers an option to send text messages. In addition...

Financial Survival Tips

Tech Take-Apart

Have you ever wondered where all of your money goes by the end of the month? All you have is a pile of receipts, and nothing to show for it. Worse yet is finding undocumented (or unauthorized) charges to your accounts. Don't get stuck in a quandary here are a few helpful tips to help you get on track...

TRON Case Mod Part 1

At the end of my article in February's In The Lab, I mentioned that for a unique one-of-a kind case, you will have to build or modify it yourself. If you have read some of our other case mod articles, you know that some of the modifications you can do can be very simple, such as adding a window, installing case lighting, or replacing air cooling with water cooling. You also probably noticed that some of my case mods have been very elaborate shells over a standard frame or chassis - everything from carved wood with stained-glass inserts like the Art Nouveau Case (Part 1 & Part 2), to engraved and bejeweled limestone in the EgyptMod Case. My latest case mod project is inspired by the Disney movie "TRON" and the computer game "Tron 2.0." As change of pace, I decided to build one that requires a bit more conservative alterations for those of you that can't run out to buy all sorts of specialized tools to play with...

Reset Lost Windows Passwords

Here at Random Access, we get emails all the time asking how to access a computer when someone has lost their Windows password. There are several legitimate scenarios when you need to basically hack your own computer.

"I've forgot my Administrator password on Windows Vista, can you help me out?"
"My employee quit on me without telling me her password. How can I get access?"

Today, I'll walk you through how to regain access to a Windows account with Offline NT Password & Registry Editor...

Griffin Technology AirCurve for iPhone

30 Second Review

Amplify your iPhone without extra power! This uniquely designed speaker system uses built-in acoustics to play your iPhone and no cords are needed. The AirCurve's translucent construction compliments the iPhone, and includes a port to run your sync cable to your phone, if needed...

Windows Crash Reports

When a program on your Windows XP or Vista system crashes or becomes unresponsive, the OS will bring up an alert box asking whether it should report the crash to developers. The data it sends is composed of a memory dump at the time of the crash for use in debugging. If you choose to send Microsoft the error report...

Specialized Computer Cases

Build Your Own PC

When you build a new system, you can choose exactly what goes into it and what components or features you really want. For example, maybe you want a small form-factor PC that could sit in an entertainment center, or perhaps an open case for when you're building a configuration, or even a case with water cooling built-in. Case manufacturers do listen and it shows in some of the specialty cases you can get with many of these features designed in...

Digital TV Transition: Are you ready?

If you have ignored the warnings until now, you will be in for a surprise if you haven't already upgraded to digital TV. On February 17 the FCC was supposed to be going forward with the mandated transition from analog to digital, but due to recent legislation, the transition date is being pushed back to June 12th. For those of you who may be wondering how this will affect you, here are a few key points to know...

Slipstream Simplicity

I had a slick, freeware utility program pointed out to me recently that really simplifies the Windows slipstream process: nLite. Slipstreaming is a process to take a version of the Windows installation CD, merging the newest service packs, and then creating an updated CD with which to install Windows. In addition to giving you a GUI-driven selection tool for merging service packs into a Windows XP, 2000 or Server 2003 installation, nLite allows you to pre-install device drivers, change some of the installed Windows components, and even tweak the user interface in advance...

SDHC Memory Details

SD memory cards have become the most widely-used flash memory card standard for digital devices. Now, there are SDHC cards that look just like SD cards. In this issue of Random Access, I'll discuss how this new card with a familiar look is trying to replace the older generation, and how that might just be a good thing...

Photoshop CS4 Workflow: The Digital Photographer's Guide

30 Second Review

Tim Grey, one of the foremost authors on Photoshop, has introduced his latest installment of Photoshop Workflow for CS4. The book takes you step-by-step through workflow foundations to advanced color and masking adjustments. Photoshop Workflow is unique from other Photoshop books in that it demonstrates how to use not only Photoshop, but also the accessory applications such as Adobe Bridge to create an efficient system for editing your images...

Understanding Registry Keys in Windows

Registry keys are essential system components that store settings for a computer's operating system. This includes critical OS functions and options for installed applications as well as user preferences. Registry keys are organized in a hierarchy of folders containing keys for specific system functions...

Computing New Year's Resolutions

The start of a new year comes with the opportunity to clean up your computer and take out the digital trash that is slowing your system down. An optimized computer not only runs smoother, it will make for a happier experience. Also, you can keep organized and focused with a few productivity tools to track your schedule and to-do lists. Here are a few suggestions to make your computer healthier for the new year...

Build Your Own "Blue Screen of Death"

Prices on hard drives, video cards, and processors continue to fall, and memory prices aren't too bad either. I assembled what should be a decent performance system, using an EVGA 780i motherboard, an Intel 9600 series CPU, 6GB of Corsair 1066 DDR2 memory, a pair of NVIDIA 9800 SLI video cards, and a couple of 1 TB hard drives. What occurred during the OS setup phase were a series of minor annoyances, resulting in enough delays to prevent me from documenting the system for our December newsletter. On the other hand, it allowed me to document few tips that might make your next BYO task just a bit easier...

Wireless USB

Are you tired of all the USB cables cluttering your desktop? Do you ever wish you could have your USB devices further than 6 feet away? Are you tired of plugging and unplugging multiple USB devices? Today I'll introduce you to a new technology that is solving these problems and more: Wireless USB.

DLO HomeDock HD Docking Station

30 Second Review

DLO has introduced a sequel to their iPod-to-TV streaming solution, iPod HomeDock Deluxe, with the release of HomeDock HD. This device upgrades your streaming iPod video to HD resolutions up to 1080i / 720p, and includes a wide selection of ports...

Panasonic Lumix G1

Coming soon to a Micro Center near you - the new Panasonic Lumix G compact digital camera. It uses next-generation technology by taking the traditional SLR design totally digital. Panasonic has introduced a new "Micro Four Thirds System" standard that replaces the old mirror / prism optical viewfinder for a 1.44Million dpi live viewfinder...

Micro Four Thirds

Six years ago, the Four Thirds system was introduced to standardize camera lenses and make them interchangeable among different manufacturers. With the launch of the next generation DSLRs, a new system has been brought forward by Olympus and Panasonic called "Micro Four Thirds."

Free Email Client Options

One of the most critical funtions that computers are used for is email. Most users stick with the standard Outlook Express application provided by Windows. But, there are many free options available that give you the same basic tasks with a few unique extras to help your productivity...

From the Mailbag: Scanners, Service Packs, and Hard Drives

From the mailbag, Joanna asks:
I am looking to start scanning some old negatives, old b&w pics as well as family photos. What is a good quality scanner? I am also looking to go paperless at home so I need a good scanner to do things like save taxes, receipts, bills, legal stuff (we don't pay our bills online). Is there one good scanner or am I better off with two separate items. At this time I don't plan on making my own prints. Thanks for any help, it's very confusing.

Netbook Overview

The first "portable" computers were not very convenient. They were huge and awkward to carry. The Osborne 1, the first all-in-one computer you could get, weighed over 23 pounds. Portable computers have come a long way since then, shrinking with each generation. Portables evolved into notebooks, then came subnotebooks. In 2007, ASUS introduced the successful Eee PC which has come to define the next step in portable computers, the netbook. But what is a netbook and what can it do for you?

2008 Holiday Geek Gift Guide

It's that time of year again... when geeks show their appreciation for other geeks and buy them something special. Whether you're getting something for friends, family or that person that you're always doing some tech support for, there's a gadget for everyone. Here are eight gifts for your favorite geek (or for yourself!)...

Finding Special Characters

If you do much writing, you may have run into situation where you couldn't find a special character. Some programs like Word have built-in symbol menus; other programs have special key commands (if you can remember them). Windows XP operating system includes a custom application for managing special characters called Character Map...

Cloud Computing

Many of you may have been hearing about the latest buzz word in the tech industry: cloud computing. Is this some mysterious nebulous cluster of servers residing in an undisclosed location? Essentially, cloud computing is a fancy term for utilizing the Internet for storage and application support. This gives you more mobility and flexibility to access your information anywhere, any time...

Use Bluetooth Headsets with your PC or Notebook?

From the mailbag, Bob in Chicago asks: How can I set up a Bluetooth headset and microphone to my PC? Many notebooks include built-in Bluetooth wireless, or you always have the option of using a USB Bluetooth dongle to add the feature on computers or notebooks that do not. However, even with Bluetooth support, you may not be able to connect every type of Bluetooth device to your system...

Buffalo DriveStation FlexNet NAS

30 Second Review

If you have been indecisive about switching to a NAS (network attached storage) drive, Buffalo has introduced a new type of drive that allows both USB functionality with the option of network connectivity. FlexNet is a new technology that toggles between USB direct connection or Ethernet port, and it's as easy as pushing a button...

Fix a Stuck Pixel

Flat screen LCD displays are a great leap ahead from CRT displays that were bulky and tended to flicker. Seemingly, the only flaw to LCDs is when they develop a tiny black spot, also known as a dead pixel. An LCD is made up of millions of tiny pixels that are turned on or off with transistors. If one of these transistors is defective, the pixel it controls will fail to function. But not all black spots are pixels that have died forever. Sometimes they are simply stuck (to either always black, always white or always some other color) and can be reset...

Internet Radio

For over a decade, Internet radio has been available for little or no cost to users. It's an excellent way to get your news or enjoy independent music for a minimal fee. Online music services work by streaming audio from an Internet connection. One of the disadvantages of this media is that it can monopolize a significant amount of memory and processor time on your computer. To solve this issue, there are other options available for enjoying Internet radio while keeping your computer free for your other applications...

What to do in a Power Crisis

A couple of weeks ago, the remnant of hurricane Ike passed through Indiana, well west of central Ohio. At the same time, a regional cold front that was moving through the aggravated the unstable conditions to produce sustained winds of up to 75 miles per hour for several hours. Very little rain or lightning was involved but high winds battered the area, removing the tops of trees, breaking large and small branches, and downing some very large trees. Power, telephone, and cable lines were snapped. American Electric Power (AEP) reported that up to one million customers in Ohio were without power as a result...

Chrome: Google's Shiny, New Web Browser

On September 2, 2008 Google released a beta of Chrome, a free web browser. Chrome is the newest big-name browser to come out since Apple's Safari in 2003. Will Chrome be able to convert users to become a real threat to Microsoft's Internet Explorer or Mozilla's Firefox? I'll walk you through Chrome's features and explain why Google may have another hit on its hands...

LaserShield Sparrow Broadband Alarm Adapter

LaserShield Sparrow Broadband Alarm Adapter

A couple months ago, I introduced LaserShield's Instant Security System for home and small business use. Now, LaserShield has launched an accessory for the security system called the Sparrow Broadband Alarm Adapter. This device works with your VoIP phone for connecting to the Rapid Response Monitoring service through the master alarm unit (MAU)...

Media Receivers: Which one is right for you?

Media Receivers: Which one is right for you?

Home theater systems have evolved significantly over the past several years. Instead of using tangible media like DVDs, next generation media receivers utilize streaming media from your home computer. Choosing the right equipment for your home entertainment can be challenging when considering the many options available. There are receivers that act solely as a conduit between your media files and HDTV and other systems that provide DVR capabilities...

Best of 2600: A Hacker Odyssey

Best of 2600: A Hacker Odyssey

For fans of the classic 2600 Hacker's Quarterly magazine, this tome of hacking history is a great read. The Best of 2600 features stories from teleconferencing to phreaking to social engineering, spanning from the magazine's launch in 1984 to the present...

Removing Windows Components

Under the Add or Remove Programs menu in the Control Panel, there are additional options for disabling Windows components. These components include extra functions such as accessories and utilities, fax services, indexing services, and so on. Some of these programs are activated by default with your standard Windows setup but not all are necessary...

Mostly Harmless - A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Case Mod

I provide computers and system support for a local SF convention's (Marcon) art show. At this year's con, I tried out a NAS drive enclosure as the file server. All of the systems could access the drive over the network just fine, but when it came time to start processing data in and out of the shared database, the file quickly became corrupted. I ended up moving the database to a spare notebook system (running Windows XP Pro) to resolve the access problems. I then decided that I needed to assemble a small, dedicated file server that would provide some data redundancy and handle the necessary client connections. The other phrase that kept crossing my mind during the setup and troubleshooting was "don't panic..." That started me thinking about using the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (AKA HHGG or H2G2) as a case mod theme for the project...

Computer Ergonomics or... How to Exercise at Your Computer

While it's easy to sit at a desk all day, doing so can lead to bad posture, muscle pain, stiffness, or repetitive stress injuries. Here are some simple things you can do to ease your work day...

Using Windows Safe Mode

Windows Safe Mode is an alternative boot mode for troubleshooting your system. When safe mode is activated on your computer, it only utilizes the minimum tools to start the operating system. Any extraneous extensions or drivers are disabled so that all of your peripherals won't work except for your keyboard. This technique is effective if you suspect that your system is infected with malware...

LaserShield Instant Security System

Physical security of your computer equipment is just as important as protecting your data inside. LaserShield has developed a convenient way for anyone to set up a home or small business security system at a low cost. Their Instant Security System's Starter Kit has everything you need to get started - a master alarm unit (central console), a wireless detection unit (detection unit) and two keychain remotes. Just plug the base into a phone jack, subscribe to the monitoring service and the system is ready to go...

Photography Workflow With Adobe Photoshop Lightroom

The best tip I can give you to become a better photographer is to get out and shoot more. No, more than that. Shoot a lot. When I go to an event or destination I shoot 300 to 400 pictures in a session (isn't shooting digital sweet?). Of those shots, only about 10% are really worth showing off. What's the best way to find the diamonds amongst the rocks? In this article I'll share my workflow and show off some software that will help you find your own gems...

Kensington iPod/iPhone Accessories

Kensington Accessories

If you have ever been caught with a dead iPod or iPhone with no power outlet available, the Kensington Mini Battery Pack can be a lifesaver. It adds up to 30 hours of music, 6 hours of video or 3 hours of talk time. The battery is designed with an LED meter to track your power level and includes a retractable USB charge cable to add more juice...

From The Mail Bag - SD Cards, Hard Drives, Servers, Sleep Mode & DDR

Q: What exactly is the basic use of an SD flash card. (What is the SD)?
A: There are numerous uses for flash memory cards. The most common is as storage media for digital cameras. At the same time, more desktop and notebook computers are coming with one or more flash card readers as standard equipment while floppy drives are becoming less common. SD stands for Secure Digital and is just one type of flash media card...

Adding a Whitelist to Outlook

Have you ever had valid emails from friends and family go into your junk email folder? There is a way to tame over-zealous spam filters; whitelisting. A whitelist is a list of legitimate email addresses that will never be treated as junk email. Let's look at the options Outlook has for managing a whitelist...

Big Book of Apple Hacks

Big Book of Apple Hacks

Expanded from the original Mac OS X Hacks, the Big Book of Apple Hacks now has even more fun modding projects for your Mac. This book covers both OS X Leopard and Tiger with lots of work-arounds to customize Safari, Dashboard, iLife and even iPhone. Some highlights include using Time Machine to back up different folders on different disks...

High Definition Video Capture under Vista

It's officially summer and many readers will be venturing out to view fireworks, attend festivals, visit renaissance fairs, or just take some time off to get away from it all. If you take your camera or camcorder with you to record memories, consider transferring the results to the computer for processing...

Antivirus, Antispyware & Firewalls: What's the Difference?

Choosing security software for your system can be confusing with all of the options available. Besides the many brands of software on the market, each one offers different levels of protection against malware. What does anti-spyware do that anti-virus cannot? What about a using an all-in-one product? The key to knowing what you need is understanding how the software works...

Give Your Old Hard Drive New Life

With hard drives so inexpensive and with more and more data to store on your computer (for me it's digital images), there's never been a better time to get a new, huge hard drive. But your existing hard drive is a terrible thing to waste, especially when it can be put to new use so easily. And what's the best way to transfer files from an old hard drive to the new, roomier one? Today we'll look at options for giving any internal hard drive a second life as an external drive...

What is a worm?

A worm is a specialized type of computer virus that can act independently of user interaction. Normally, a virus needs to be installed on a system in order to initialize the program so that the virus can propagate. Worms are more malicious, because they are self-contained and can affect an entire network of computers with little detection...

Notebook Travel Survival Guide

Notebook Accessories

Now that warmer weather is here, it's time to hit the road or the airport to visit the family, beautiful parks or favorite vacation spots. But vacation doesn't mean you have to leave your computer at home, nor should you. A well-equipped notebook can fill many roles while you're away from home. Outfit your notebook with these travel essentials...

Image Editing in a Cinch: Using Photoshop Actions

Since you have put that new digital camera to use, you may be wondering how to edit all of your photos efficiently. Photoshop offers not only professional-level editing tools, but also a way to automate editing functions. This is done through the Actions menu where you can record each step of your photo correction process. Depending on your version of Photoshop, some of these features may different, but the basic Action functions are included with earlier versions...

IceRage Mice

When you are on the go, your computer peripherals can weigh you down between packing your laptop, mouse and other accessories. Virtuu USA has developed a line of compact mice that make perfect travel companions for your laptop...

Comic Challenge Case Mod: The Stark IMD

I wanted this case to incorporate aspects of several types of Iron Man armor, starting with his original dull gray steel. Although rivets were not always in evidence, these would add to the effect of heavy plate on the panels. Starting with the case itself, I anchored short lengths of aluminum angle (L brackets) to the top and front edges of the chassis. These were used as anchor points to attach two curved steel panels at the bottom front and top rear of the case...

Understanding System Processes

If you are experiencing slowdowns in your system, it may be due to additional processes running on your system. This can be caused by unnecessary software or even malware monopolizing processor time and reducing speed. In order to verify which processes are necessary, check the current services functioning on your computer through a system utility manager...

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Take Better Photos of Smiling Faces

Take Better Photos of Smiling Faces

Let's face it: casual photographers take more pictures of people than anything else. Now that cameras have at least 7 megapixel resolutions (more than enough for flawless 11" x 14" portraits), camera manufacturers are packing all sorts of technology into their cameras, big and small, that can help you take better pictures of family and friends...

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Swann Communications DVR4-Pro-Net Combo Kit

Back in 2005, I reviewed how to set up your own security system using a Swann Commuincations monitoring system. Since then, Swann has offered a new line of security products incorporating new features such as DVR. The Swann DVR4-Pro-Net Combo Kit provides a complete home or small business monitoring package including 4 multi-function cameras, color LCD monitor and DVR unit. This kit can provide up to 55 days worth of recording plus Ethernet to connect to your computer for online monitoring...

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Camera Tips

The month of May is our digital imaging month, so I decided to put together a few tips for all you digital photographers out there. When working with a digital camera instead of a film camera, many of the same operational concepts still apply. Even with basic digital cameras, you usually have the ability to adjust when and how to use the flash, and you may be able to select different distance modes for close-up, normal, or landscape settings. Some cameras allow you to manually adjust focus, exposure, or select special filter modes...

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Kensington iPod LiquidFM Deluxe FM Transmitter

Kensington has released a newer and more efficient version of the typical iPod FM transmitter. The receiver is designed in a compact unit with a digital display incorporated with the 12V auto power adapter connector...

» Read More

ASUS Eee PC

The Eee PC line from ASUS packs basic computer needs into a compact, rugged 2lb package. The Intel® mobile processor is built for low power consumption and a 7" 800x480 display is flanked by a pair of stereo speakers.

Top Ten Vista Tricks

Microsoft Windows Vista has been on the retail shelves for just more than a year now, and if you bought a new computer during the last year, odds are that it came with some flavor of the Vista OS. Magazines and web logs have been full of suggestions and tips, many of which appeared in the first month or two of release. The tips and tricks that were offered might be organized into two main groups, those that make Vista look and act more like Windows XP, and those that showcase new features and advantages included in the new release.

Introduction to XML, Part II

XML

In last month's article, I introduced some of the basics of XML. I covered how to design a custom XML file and use DTDs and schemas to define your data. This month, I'm going to elaborate on how to style your XML to be readable within a HTML page using CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) and XSL (Extensible Stylesheet Language).

OpenOffice.org

OpenOffice.org Writer

Office programs are essential for productivity, not only on the job but at home. But not everyone has $400 to throw down for a copy of Microsoft Office, especially if it's for a second or third PC. What do you do if your budget can't handle the price tag? No, you don't install a single copy on multiple systems. There is another way. This month we'll look at a replacement for Microsoft Office's Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access. The best part? It's free!

Cookies

You may have heard the term "cookie" referred to when working with your Internet browser. A cookie is a piece of text stored in your browser that is unique to you. Cookies are mostly used for authentication (verifying usernames and passwords), tracking activity, site preferences and shopping cart contents within a single website. A cookie may contain personally identifying information (name, address, etc.) that you have supplied to a website so it is a good idea to clean out your browser cache on a regular basis.

Burnout Paradise

Burnout Paradise

The latest installment of the Burnout franchise takes you to Paradise, the ultimate playground for automotive battles. The open-world environment means there are no breaks for loading new races or challenges. To start a new race, you just pull up to a stoplight for that type of race and hit L2 and R2. This environment also means there is no set race course or laps. It's up to you to find the quickest route through the city.

Accessibility Tools

Both Windows and Mac have several built-in accessibility tools to help individuals with physical challenges operate the computer more effectively. These tools are included as part of the operating system and can be accessed through the control panel or program folders.

Digital TV is coming. Are you ready?

The future where everything is digital is an unstoppable juggernaut. At midnight, February 17, 2009, TV stations across the country will go 100% digital and stop broadcasting in analog. Many people have questions about what will happen and how it will affect them. In this Random Access article, I'll try to make everything clear.

Introduction to XML, Part I

For many years, XML has been talked and written about by a lot of web gurus and programmers. Some may be asking: What can XML do for me? The answer: Efficiency. In last month's toolbox tip, I introduced using XML with an Excel spreadsheet. This is just one of the many ways in which this technology can be applied. When designing websites, XML can be a handy tool for updating lists.

BioShock Deco Case Mod

This case mod was inspired by the art deco elements found in the underwater city of Rapture in the hit game BioShock. The world of Rapture (from the architecture, furniture, equipment and even the ambient music) creates the noirish, dystopian mood of a city trapped in time while slowly succumbing to the elements. The case mod started with a very basic steel case. A front bezel frame, top and side panels were cut from MDF (medium-density fiberboard) and the edges rounded on a router.

Mega Storage

After the holidays are through, you may find yourself overwhelmed with gigabytes of family photos and movies. Keeping these files on your computer can slow your hard drive down to the point that running applications is nearly impossible. Try archiving your files on Western Digital's new My Book World Edition Network Storage System with remote access.

DirectX Gaming

We held a Clinic on DirectX Gaming in early December, which gave me a reason to play several of the recent demos as well as full versions of several new game titles. I was trying to identify differences one might find between playing your game under Windows XP (DirectX 9) or under Vista with and without DirectX 10 compatible video. There is a whole set of features that is available to programmers who wish to exploit the features supported by the DirectX 10 command set when using compatible hardware and OS.

Color Profiles in Photoshop

Last month, I reviewed some basics about color management and how to calibrate your monitor for the best quality images. This month, I'm going to give a brief tour of color profiles and how they are used in Photoshop. To begin, let's review some of the color management terminology...

Hard Drive Wiping

Whether you're selling, recycling, or donating your old computer, don't let it go without wiping all of your files from the hard drive. I'm not talking about simply dragging your files into the trash and emptying it. Deleting files doesn't permanently remove them from your system; it only removes the link to the file and hides the file from the operating system while it waits to be over-written by new data. Deleted files can be recovered by various unerase and recovery utilities. Wiping your hard drive clean is the only way to keep someone from getting to your old files.

Import XML into Excel

Excel offers some powerful tools for managing XML documents. It can assist in creating XML schemas, updating XML data and formatting XML into a readable document. To begin, start with an existing XML document. You can create a simple XML document using Notepad or any other basic text editor. In this example, I've created a simple XML document in Notepad and verified my XML in Microsoft IE...

Create your own eCard in Outlook

Writing paper greeting cards can be a drag between finding the right mailing address and paying for all that postage. You can save time and help the environment by sending a custom eCard instead. To build your own electronic holiday greeting, follow these steps...

The Penguin Palace Mod

How about a customized clear acrylic case with a frosty outlook and some 'cool lighting effects' for a holiday project? This case mod is the end result of what started as a vague idea that it might be interesting to run coolant through the side of the case. This was a "quick" case modification, meaning I spent only 40-50 hours from the time I started to pick up tools.

Phishing

Phishing (pronounced just like catching fish) is a scam designed to use authentic-looking emails and websites to steal your personal information.

Everyone has surely received account notices from a bank, vendor or other online business that want you to log into their website to update account information or other details. These emails usually have company logos and the same disclaimers you always see on an official communication. Don't be fooled by looks. Images and text are easily copied. The big question for Internet denizens is: when you get an email from a company, how do you know it's really genuine?

Introduction to Monitor Color Calibration

During the holidays you can accumulate a lot of photos from parties, family reunions, and company gatherings. Editing all of those photos can be a daunting task, but even more important is to get the best quality prints. For good prints, you need to start not with your printer settings - but your monitor settings. On screen your photos may appear okay, but an uncalibrated monitor can mislead you on what the actual hues are in your images. Worse yet, you may end up with a pile of photos looking dark or off-color.

Geek Gifts under $30

Missle Launcher

It's difficult to find interesting gifts for the geeks on your list when they have every game and gadget. Here are a few suggestions for some unique ideas:

The geek on your gift list will have hours of fun with this USB missile launcher. Using the provided Windows software, you can rotate the launcher a full 360° and tilt the missles up to 45°.

Dual Monitor Wallpaper

For those of you with two monitors and an extended desktop, you have a wide vista to cover with your wallpaper. What if you want to have one scene that covers both displays? It can be done. Here's how:

First, determine how much screen real estate you have to cover. Do this by right-clicking on your desktop and selecting Properties. In the Settings tab you can see what resolution is being used for each monitor. Add the widths of both monitors to get your final width. Then use the tallest resolution for your final height.

ESET NOD 32 Antivirus

ESET NOD 32 Antivirus

ESET NOD 32 Antivirus
The Internet can be dangerous for your computer, but you don't have to worry with NOD32. The core of this software is ESET's ThreatSense® technology that gives your system protection against viruses, spyware, adware, phishing and more...

November Geek Quiz

geek quiz Here's a chance for one of you, our loyal readers, to win an official Random Access T-shirt. Use the Geek Quiz form to answer the following question.

Question: What device was used in the 1983 hacker movie WarGames to connect David Lightman's modem to the phone?

Give Your Answer Here

Quiz fine print: Submit your answer before midnight 11/9 EST. We'll pick one winner at random. One entry per person. No cheating.

Apple iPod nano

Apple has given the iPod nano a facelift. Not only does the nano have a new wider look, it also has expanded features. The most notable is the screen that sports a 320 x 240 resolution for enjoying the new video capabilities included in this version.

Wireless Networking with Windows Vista

Connecting to an unsecured network such as one you might find at Panera, Starbucks, or other "hotspot" is fairly straightforward. As with Windows XP, choosing to connect to an unsecured network will create a connection profile that will be used whenever you come within range of that same network (or another with the same name and configuration). Connecting to a secure network may be almost as easy if Vista identifies the type of security, and if you have the appropriate password for access.

Copyrighting your Photos using Photoshop

Whether you are a professional photographer or a novice picture taker, your images should be protected though the use of a copyright. According to the U.S. Copyright Office, pictorial images deemed as an "original works of authorship" are automatically protected upon their creation. This fact does not necessarily protect your work from being copied, especially if you post your work online. With the help of several ingenious tools in Photoshop, you can add some features to your images that discourage plagarism.

Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard

Apple has finally released their fifth major update to Mac OS X, and this one is absolutely packed with features. Let's look at some of the big ones...

Spaces
Your computer is used for all sorts of tasks and it's easy for your screen to get cluttered with open application windows. Spaces lets you organize your windows into function-specific workspaces that are easy to switch between...

What is a MAC address?

A MAC (Media Access Control) address is a unique ID that is embedded into the ROM of an Ethernet network card. This unique 48-bit address is encoded into the card by the manufacturer and is represented by a 12-digit hexadecimal code. A typical MAC address has the following format: 00:10:14:20:64:D4. Each section is called an octet and is separated either by a colon or dash.

October Geek Quiz

geek quiz Here's a chance for one of you, our loyal readers, to win an official Random Access T-shirt. Use the Geek Quiz form to answer the following question.

Question: What Linux distrubution comes from the Southern Africa ethic for community and sharing?

Give Your Answer Here

Quiz fine print: Submit your answer before midnight 9/14 EST. We'll pick one winner at random. One entry per person. No cheating.

Changing Your Default Browser

Changing Your Default Browser
The default browser for your PC can easily be changed through the browser options menu. In Internet Explorer 6 or 7, go to Tools -> Internet Options. Or, you can use the Control Panel -> Internet Options to get to this menu. From here, select the Programs tab and at the bottom, click "Internet Explorer should check to see whether it is the default browser."

Firewall Defined

A firewall is software or a hardware device that filters information coming in to a computer network. They are installed most commonly between different network zones of trust. For example, a home network is a zone and the internet is another zone. In this age of hackers and viruses, there's no way to trust every request that comes across a network (especially from the Internet) to your computer.

Highlights of Adobe Acrobat Professional

Many of you are probably familiar with Adobe Acrobat Reader - the free PDF document viewer software. The full version of Acrobat includes powerful tools that can be useful for editing print documents and presentations. The newly released Acrobat Professional 8 offers some noteworthy extras such as redaction text and paperless forms. In this demonstration, I am going to discuss several sleek features of Acrobat.

Networking with Windows Vista

Networking under different operating systems has pretty much the same requirements both in hardware connections and in the network settings you need to communicate. Wired networking is generally easier to configure and troubleshoot, let's start there.

Write Brothers' Writer's Dreamkit 4

If you have been putting off that creative writing paper for class or your autobiography, try Write Brothers' Writer's Dreamkit software. It helps you organize your thoughts by assembling the elements of your story in a hierarchical structure.

Geek Quiz

geek quiz Here's a chance for one of you, our loyal readers, to win an official Random Access T-shirt. Use the Geek Quiz form to answer the following question.

Question: Which company made the first hard drive that catapulted Apple into such huge successes in the digital music player market?

Give Your Answer Here

Quiz fine print: Submit your answer before midnight 9/14 EST. We'll pick one winner at random. One entry per person. No cheating.

What is RSS?

RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication and is an XML file (feed) with which websites publish frequently updated content such as news, product updates, headlines, blogs and podcasts. These files are stored on a website and users subscribe to the feed with a client program called an aggregator.

Geocaching - Find Treasure with your GPS

So you?ve got a GPS unit. It can get you to and from unfamiliar parts of the world, but where's the adventure? The excitement? How about finding treasure? Try 'geocaching,' a new type of game that uses coordinates to guide seekers such as yourself to hidden or buried treasures with a GPS unit.

Apple iWork'08

With the launch of Apple's new iMac line, they have introduced an improved version of the iWork software package. In addition to re-vamping two existing programs - Keynote and Pages -Apple has added a new spreadsheet program called Numbers.

System Performance

My system at home has been acting a bit sluggish lately, but only in certain tasks. I have some ideas about what is causing it, but have not bothered to isolate the offending program since I will probably be swapping the system shortly. I say offending program in this case, because I know it is one of a handful of programs that have been installed in the last six months or so.

Personal Safety on the Go

Doberman Security has developed a line of personal security products (featured previously in Random Access) to help you protect you and your belongings. One of the new products available is the Alarm Combo, a two-piece system that offers mobile protection using both sound and light to distract potential threats.

Art Nouveau Case Mod, Part 2

Last month I described some of my construction activity on my Art Nouveau style carved wood case. This month I describe the wrap-up of the construction and get on with the computer portion of the build, and find out what will fit and what won't. The second case window was assembled by the same process I detailed last month, starting by cutting a paper template that fits inside the recessed opening on the back of the wood panel.

Optimizing Microsoft Internet Explorer 6

If your Internet Explorer is operating slowly, it may be due to a combination of plug-in and cache issues. To keep your browser running smoothly, here are some tips to help clean up IE's act...

Multi-Touch Computing

Future tech. If you can dream it, you can make it. The promise of sci-fi movies. Multi-touch displays is one of those technologies. As seen in Minority Report in 2002, Tom Cruise's character is able to manipulate data with both hands on a huge virtual display. It seems fantastical but the real thing isn't that far off. In fact, there are products with similar technologies already.

What are Digital Certificates?

In last month's Random Access, I briefly covered how to set up a digital certificate in Outlook for email encryption. With the help of Outlook's tools, it is fairly easy to protect your email communication, but there is much more that goes on behind the scenes. This month, I'll explore some of the fundamentals of digital certificates and signatures.

CoolIT USB Beverage Chiller

LP to Digital Recording System

Maintaining an ample supply of caffeine power-drinks is an essential component to the geek lifestyle. The CoolIT Beverage Chiller can help keep your favorite drinks cool all day long. Just plug it into any external USB port and you have an instant drink cooler!

Encrypting email messages in Outlook

To protect private information being sent via email, Outlook offers an encryption option for outgoing mail. Outlook uses "digital signatures" to verify a recipient's identity in order to pass messages. This process is initiated by obtaining a certificate through a select certificate authority or CA such as VeriSign. The certificates work by sharing a set of keys - one public - available to anyone and the private - available only to selected contacts. The email recipient must have both keys to decipher the encrypted email.

Anywhere Computing: Remote Desktop

Imagine this scenario: You're at home, it's the weekend and you just remembered there's a file you forgot to send a client. If the client doesn't get this file you'll likely loose your job. This file is stuck on your computer but the office is closed for the weekend. What do you do?

Rather than breaking into the office to save your job, you can make your computer accessible from anywhere with Remote Desktop. Remote Desktop is also a handy way to manage servers that are in another building or have no monitor or keyboard connected.

Mac OS X - Learning the Terminal

The Mac OS X Terminal gives you access to the core UNIX shell to perform a myriad of tasks from creating new directories to checking system statistics. These commands are fairly simple to learn and execute by following a few rules. The first rule to know is that these commands are case-sensitive, so it is important to check your commands to achieve the right output.

Art Nouveau Case Mod, Part 1

My latest project is inspired by the flowing drapery and organic aspects found in art nouveau design. I am not a carpenter by any stretch of the imagination, but that won't stop me from creating what amounts to a fancy wood shell that depends on an existing case shell to provide support and the mechanical functionality of a desktop case. To tie the project elements together, I decided to incorporate flowering dogwood blossoms into the design of the wood panels and windows. I want the natural wood grain to be obvious, and it should also fit with a color scheme of pink and white. I settled on Bubinga for the wood, and obtained a nice selection of this "African rosewood" from the neighborhood Woodcraft store.

LP to Digital Recording System

LP to Digital Recording System

Whatever happened to those classic albums that were the soundtrack of your youth? They?re probably sitting in your basement collecting dust. It?s about time for you take those albums out of storage and bring them into the digital age. Audio Technica offers an LP to Digital Recording System as a simple way to digitize your favorite old songs.

Adding Fonts

A new font can add flavor to an otherwise boring memo, invitation or newsletter. Whether you get your fonts from CD collections or from a website, it?s easy to add them to your system.

TV Anywhere with Slingbox

No matter where you go, you can watch your home TV like you were there. Hotel rooms, stores, laundromats, airports, planes, trains, automobiles... anywhere in the world that you have an internet connection is now a place you can watch TV. How does this magic happen? With a Slingbox ? a small device that connects your home theater (basic cable, digital cable, satellite, or DVR) to the Internet.

Blogging Tools

With social websites taking over the planet, blogging is more popular now than ever. It's an easy way to share your opinion on the latest gossip or the ramblings of your day. Blogging can also be a powerful tool for promoting yourself to potential employers or advertising your amateur art skills. One of the keys to using blogging to your advantage is having the right tools to make your postings go from run-of-the-mill to the envy of your fellow bloggers.

Multi-Boot, the Apple Way

Okay, just one more multi-boot and then I can move on to other things. Boot Camp is scheduled to be included in the next major release of OS X (Leopard), but for those who can't wait, the current Apple Boot Camp Public Beta release (version 1.2) is available for download from Apple right now.

Biolock

Biolock

Biometrics - the science of authenticating identification through unique biological signatures such as fingerprints - is becoming a popular choice for security. Sequiam Corporation has designed a line of everyday biometric devices for the average consumer to use in their home.

Multi-booting - The Hard Way

Multi-booting Vista Step-by-step

Last month I presented the preferred method of creating a multi-boot configuration with Windows XP and Vista. Simply put, this requires little more than installing each OS to its own partition or hard drive, starting with the oldest OS version first and installing the next newer OS version next until all Windows versions have been installed and appended to the start menu. But what if you bought a new computer that comes with Microsoft Windows Vista already installed?

Summer Vacation Survival Gear

Summer Vacation Survival Gear

Summer is already here, and it's time to hit the road. Don't leave home without having a few essentials to help you along your way. Here are few recommendations to pack when traveling...

Expand Your HDMI Connections

In this era of high-definition video, it's a necessity to have the correct inputs to keep your signal purely digital. However, most HDTVs include only one HDMI input (two if you're lucky) for all of your HD peripherals. What do you do if you have a Playstation 3, XBOX 360 Elite, Apple TV, HD DVR, and other HDMI devices? You could go through the whole unplug/plug ritual, fishing behind your TV to find that tiny port. A better solution would be to get a switchbox for all of your HDMI sources...

KVM: Attaching multiple computers to one monitor

To connect two or more computers to a monitor, use a KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switch that can integrate multiple devices to the same computer. These switches are available in many varieties with several different cable combinations.

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