Seagate’s Free Agent Go Review - portable desktop to go!
June 27, 2007
Seagate FreeAgent Go
This is a portable storage device like no other! This is not just a hard drive, “plug and go-do what you will” solution, but rather a portable datacenter!
The Seagate Free Agent Go combines the best of portable storage, personal preferences, and portability. There are several models with 80Gb, 100Gb and 120 gigabytes of storage. There is also a home solution of 320Gb, 500Gb and 750Gb. The portable product line works on PC’s and MAC’s, however the bundled software called Free Agent Tools is only Windows compliant. Mac users can use the format utility to enjoy the storage space only.
For the musician, this is the answer. Try tracking your band and taking those tracks with you. USB memory sticks just don’t have enough space to be practical. You may even have been forced to dither, or reduce the sample rates, or worse, convert your data to less popular format.
May Vista be with you!
June 25, 2007
May the Vista be with you!
Windows in all it’s versions eventually will die. The lifecycle of an operating system is designed that way. Just as the computer industry forces you to upgrade and update, so do the software manufacturers. The rumor is that Windows XP will not be supported by Microsoft by the end of this year. These are unsubstantiated, but nevertheless, the outcome is inevitable. This is nothing new. Windows 95, 98, 2000 and XP all have a lifespan of about 5 years from release to retirement. Some however, like Windows Millennium had even less of a lifespan. WinME is like the ugly duckling of Microsoft Operating Systems. Sweep it under the carpet and forget about it.
What does the term unsupported really mean? Well, it means that Microsoft will no longer release patches and fixes, nor support the product (for free) via their technical support lines, websites, and forums. You will be able to purchase support, and will of course be able to use 3rd party services for support. Bottom line, if you have a problem with a driver, or a software conflict, you’re on your own to resolve it. There may be some exceptions to patches being released – if there are major security issues or events that warrant a patch. Microsoft of course will make those determinations on a case by case basis.
All Things Ipod!
June 22, 2007
The ipod has quickly transformed itself into a household word, such as Duracell, Kleenex, the walkman, qtips, and coke. These are not the actual names of the product, but rather the brand name. Brand recognition is what every company aspires to achieve. Apple, once again has succeeded in a best way possible. The ipod is the defacto portable audio device to own.
Your ipod can be used as a portable hard drive with this tip, you can put an operating system on it with mojopac, and of course there are many software packages to organize your playlists, update your album art, and synch your music.
Now you can use the power of the internet to enhance your ipod. Several new services have launched on the internet in the fashion of web 2.0 products and services. All of them geared towards integrating your musical tastes into the internet, and you daily lives. Share your playlists, or download someone else’s; check out what others are listening to, or discover new music. These are some of the newest websites and services. This list below is worth a… listen!
ipod recording with the Xtrememac!
June 20, 2007
XtremeMac Ipod Recorder
Finally, a portable recording solution that integrates into your everyday life without any extra gadgets or power supplies and cables! For the commuter, the public transit user, or the “quick…record it before I forget it” like me, the XtremeMac Ipod recorder is a welcomed innovation! Can you tell I love it? even before I’ve used it? Not at all obvious!
The recorder plugs into the bottom of the ipod (with video, and nano 2G)and seamlessly integrates with it. It has a built in speaker, as well as a standard 1/8” mini (3.5mm) stereo jack. Included is a flexible mini goose neck type microphone that can be detached from the unit. You may choose to use a line in signal from your computer sound card, or from any other low level input source. There is a line and mic input selector switch to handle the impedance and input levels. You may also purchase a lapel microphone, or use a different condenser microphone. I find it especially useful for recording a band, my lyrics or memo’s. The included mic can be easily propped up and ready to record anything.
The included microphone records in mono with two quality settings. The specs are here
Modchips 101!
June 20, 2007
Modchips, just add salt!
The music and movie industries have always implemented methods to prevent copying and illegal redistribution of their products. Obviously, they do this to create jobs, and make money. Although, some would argue that they do this simply because they can. Unfortunately, these methods of protection limit our free use and often dictate what we can do with items we have purchased. Let’s not get into the legalities here. One side of the argument is the purchase and use of computer software - you do not own it, you are merely licensing it for your use. With music, movies and games, the same thing applies. We are purchasing the right to play and use the product for our personal enjoyment. Not to copy or broadcast. Ok, fine. The consumer’s main argument has always been what right doea a company have to tell you what you can do with something you have purchased – like your car, can you be told where when and how you can use it? In relation to software, what happens if your original media is damaged, can you get a replacement copy without having to purchase the product again? The answer is of course no. Well that just doesn’t sit right for the average consumer. Why can we not copy or backup our purchased products for safekeeping? Well, simply put, because there is no way to legitimize your damaged media claim, and secondly, because they can make more money.
Jewbuntu - Ubuntu for Jews
June 17, 2007
Originally from http://www.jewbuntu.org/
What is Jewbuntu?
Jewbuntu is a variant of a variant of the Ubuntu Operating system designed specifically for Jews. Like the editions put out by the goyish communities, such as Ubuntu CE and ME, Jewbuntu takes the best that Ubuntu has to offer, and adds special open-source software and packages that appeal to a Jewish Audience.
Features and Benefits
- Jewbuntu is Free!
- Jewbuntu contains the Torah in its original Hebrew form, as well as the entire liturgy for the entire year!
- All religious text are denominationally aware - for example, if you are Conservative or Reform it will remove the portions of the Torah not acknowledged by your denomination, and utilize the proper liturgy.
- In addition to the Security tools in standard versions of Linux, Jewbuntu comes with Insecurity tools that were specially designed to encourage users to keep their system up to date. Instead of displaying a simple ‘New Updates are Available message’, it prompts you with - ‘ Go ahead, don’t patch me, it’s not as if I’m important enough to be hacked, and even if I am, what’s the worse that can happen - so you lose a few pictures of the Grandchildren that you haven’t sent you Mom yet, she’ll live.’
- Did we mention, it’s F-R-E-E!
- Jewbuntu can also be configured to automatically update your computer, and then notify you that it updated itself - because G-d only knows that if it had to wait for you, it would never get done.
- Jewbuntu also comes with the Mamaloshen Open Mailer program (MOM) for short. This program not only manages your e-mail and calendar, but also analyzes the events on your calendar and provides you with custom, helpful, and timely reminders (Heaven forbid you should listen). At random intervals during the day MOM will review your e-mails and calendar and offer advice tidbits. Here are some samples: “You have a date with Allison this evening - where is this going? Hey, why is it marked as an overnight event?”; “Funny, I browsed your whole schedule and noticed you didn’t have a single entry for ‘Call Mom’ so I took the liberty of adding it as a recurring event - hourly.”
- The system comes complete with RSS feeds of Classic Yiddish Insults, MP3 Hebrew Word Pronunciation Guides, and excuses for not calling your Mother.
- Once, again, there is no cost for Jewbuntu!
- Jewbuntu also has the Instant Advocacy script - this script searches the net for public opinon polls about Israel, and automatically votes once every five minutes based on your political preferences.
- It’s FREE so what are you waiting for? Download it already!
Variants:
Jewbuntu has several variants including:
- JAP Edition - has a special payment service that automatically charges Daddy’s credit card
- Mixed-Marriage Edition - Combines the best of Ubuntu CE and Jewbuntu. Also includes ‘Jewish tips for Goyim’ MOTD; The only caveat is that you can’t install the Orthodox Denomination
- Goojubuntu - Are you a Googler? Want the best of Jewbuntu, but also the best of the Goobuntu distro? Goojubuntu combines both in one easy to download package. BONUS - includes a special translating tool - GooGooGaJew - which changes all long U sounds into the Google-Kitschy oo - i.e. Kugel and Bubbaleh become Koogle and Boobaleh respectively.
Technical Support Attitude!
June 15, 2007
(part of an ongoing saga. See the previous articles, as well - here and here)
Just because you buy a PC form a certain manufacturer, that doesn’t entitle you to owning the tech. Owning – as in - I called tech support and Owned the tech, or The customer called me and I owned him – both examples do NOT apply. The only thing you own is the pc, nothing more, and not even the software on it. You are only allowed to use the software, you don’t own squat. Remember that the next time you call for technical support. And all you technicians out there in help desk land, you need to listen as well. You don’t have the right to be rude, or talk down to the customer no matter how much you may think they deserve it. You don’t own anything either – You both need each other! No tech = no support, No customer = nothing to support = no job.
Nothing turns a tech support call south than attitude, whether it’s the customer - either out of frustration, or a false sense of superiority, or the technician from a long day at the office, or inability to deal with newbies. Communicating technical support problems and solutions is not easy by any means. It takes a special knack to fix a problem without seeing it, and describing a problem to a technician when you’re not a technician. Try it sometime, as a test, maybe try telling your spouse of children how to make a sandwich over the phone, and give them every detail of how you want it made. Harder than you think!
Customers – Do not challenge the technician, let them initiate the call, and go through their procedures. They do this every day and are trained to deliver a speedy solution. Let the technician speak, and keep your answers to a minimum yes or no. The technician will take you through the steps to get you off and running as quick as he can.
If you do not agree with his solution, or feel that he has not completed the task, politely explain your concerns and continue the call. If you are polite and explain your concerns calmly, you will be able to work with them until the problem is resolved.
If the solution provided is not acceptable, or inadequate, again say so. If you have reached the end of the road, then ask to be escalated to 2nd level support. Note that you cannot just haphazardly ask to be escalated. It’s like a get out of jail free card, use it wisely. Make sure you are entitled to the support you are requesting. Make sure the product you are having problems with is indeed covered under your support warranty.
No, Microsoft Office does not come with Windows! So forget about yelling at the PC manufacturer because they won’t support you for free. Call Microsoft.
Don’t even think about getting angry or name calling! Technicians have enough stress fixing problems, let alone social working. Want to end a call and get nowhere? Try raising your voice or calling a tech a name. And don’t think they don’t share information. They can easily put a note in your history that says rude, or irate, or that you name call. See what kind of support you get the next time you call. And you know what, You deserve it. You ever call your mechanic a name, how about your doctor? I think you get the point. Respect and love your tech! It’s all good!
Technicians – Not every caller is stupid, and they are people too. Try putting a smile on your face before you answer the call. Believe it or not you mood is transparent to callers, and a bad mood can turn a routine call into a supervisor’s glare in an instant. Your tone of voice can be misinterpreted and sound like you are a computer god – dictating to your minions. Vocal inflections, or worse yet a monotone voice will convey the no-care , I’m better than you attitude. You’re there for 8 hours, might as well relax and stay awhile.
Bored, feeling burnt out? Been on the same product queue for months, ask to be cross trained and breed some new life and interest into your tech support abilities. If you know you’re going to be in this product queue for a while, find ways to make it interesting. Try to streamline the common answers. Think about the questions you often solve. Think about the questions and answers you ask the customer and find a way to improve the process. If you ask questions and the customer asks you to repeat it, then reword it.
If your call is too cold and stiff, try making light, talk about the weather, offer some friendly advice to avoid problems such as the customer is experiencing. Offer some links, or websites for reference – check with your employer’s policies first though, make sure you’re not breaking any rules, or sending them to the competition!
If you don’t know the answer – say so. Don’t bother confusing the matter. Tell the customer you don’t know the answer, and try to find the answer. If you cannot, offer them some tips to finding it themselves. Or call them back with the information – again, if your company allows that practice.
Scripts – By now, you must have the caller greeting script permanently forged in your brain. Try changing it slightly to suit your personality. That can work wonders in your attitude and customer perceptions. You’re not a robot and we know that!
Let the man speak – by god man! We know its frustrating listening to a non technical person explain their problem. They get emotional and tell you everything except what you need to hear to fix the problem. Regardless, part of your job – admit it or not – is to counsel and advise. You have to help the customer as well as the problem they are experiencing. This takes a good ear, some compassion, and some patience! You never know who is on the other end of the phone. Respect the customer, and all is good!
Without customers, there are no jobs. And of course, we’re all someone else’s customer at some point.
