Thursday, July 31, 2008

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2.0


We talked this morning with Tom Hogarty, Product Manager from Adobe on the release of the Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2.0 this week and what enhancements we will find in the product. http://www.techtalkradio.com/software/lightroom2.html
If you are a photographer, have a good deal of images on your computer and are looking for an easy way to batch adjust photos, Lightroom 2.0 is a great way to help in that task as well as organizing and sharing your Digital Images.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Earthquakes

I hate to sound like one of those guys that say, 5.4! I've been through worse! Ok, So I do and I have. I was living in Coachella when the 7.4 in Landers struck and was on the air when the second large quake struck. I still have audio somewhere i will have to try an find of a DJ friend named Sammy that tried as hard as he could to calm himself as well as Carol, the DJ from across the hall. We're glad there were no serious injuries from this quake however my friend Rose who is living in LA going after a career in Entertainment posted this Video she found on YouTube that had me chuckling.

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Red State Update Featured at TechtalkRadio


I had the opportunity to speak with the guys from Red State Update and chat about the new CD "How Freedom Sounds." Jackie Broyles and Dunlap visited to tell us why we should go out and buy the new CD and how it could force Miley Cyrus into Retirement!


The new CD features the same tongue in cheek balsy humor seen by over 10 million YouTube and MySpace Viewers since its beginnings a couple of years ago. Lately, The Red State Update has been featured on CNN and in numerous Newspaper and Magazine Articles. Now, Red State Update tells TechtalkRadio about the Election Season, Technology, The Internet and the talents the guys have.




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Tuesday, July 29, 2008

emergency preparedness

After the earthquake in California, AT&T sent some good advice and suggestions via Twitter:

We are seeing network congestion on both the wireline and wireless networks, which is very common after an Earthquake.

During this high volume calling period, AT&T recommends that people only make emergency or urgent calls.

In times of emergency, AT&T asks customers to use text messaging to let friends and family know you are okay.

Texting is the most reliable form of communication during peak use and keeps lines open for emergency personnel.

Tip sheets and more from AT&T on disaster preparedness available at http://att.com/vitalconnect...

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Their "Emergency Communications Planning Tips" document suggests:

Be sure that you have at least one corded telephone that is not dependent on electricity in case of an electrical power outage.

...that you have a working, battery-operated radio...

Develop an emergency communications plan, including communications methods and individuals to call. Post it on the refrigerator, keep a copy with emergency supplies and provide copies to each family member.

Agree on a physical and virtual meeting place such as a voice mailbox or online chat site. 

Forward your home number to your wireless number in the event of an evacuation...

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Their "Family communications planning" document has templates for cards that you can print for your wallet/billfold/purse/etcetera, and complete with emergency contact information.

The "Holiday Season Safety Tips" document has information about decorating, poisonous and toxic materials, fire safety, dangerous toys, older adult safety, food preperation and safety, alcoholic beverages, and how to avoid stress.
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PC Club closes stores again; second time this year

My friend and manager of the local PC Club here in southern California, just came to my office and said "They did it again...They closed all the stores".
Given only 15 minutes to vacate the PC Club store, he grabbed his personal belongings and left.
I'm on hold now with NAOC Holdings, the investment firm that purchased PC Club nationwide back on May 15th or 16th of this year.
After a brief 'hello, how may I direct your call," I identified myself as the owner of this blog, wanting verification of the closing of PC Club..."Just a moment please..."... ... ... ... ... "Hello, you've reached NAOC Holdings, please leave a message and we'll return your call..."
Well, not a confirmation, but pretty damning if you ask me, to be transfered to the company's general voicemail by the person who ANSWER'S that voicemail, the receptionist.
More to follow...

Monday, July 28, 2008

Gmail now has SSL login by default option

When you are connected to the internet, and use a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), you can use a secure (cryptographic) connection for: web browsing, e-mail, instant messaging, and other types of data transfers.

If you want to use a secure connection to Gmail with a web browser, you can go to https://mail.google.com.

Now, you can force your Gmail account to use SSL at login. When you are logged into your Gmail account, go to "Settings"...at the bottom of the "General" tab/section, look for "Browser connection"...
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Friday, solar eclipse

Friday, there will be a solar eclipse:  the total blotting out of the sun by the moon.  At its peak it will last for 2 minutes and 27 seconds, and can only be seen:  in the northeastern edge of Canada, the tip of Greenland, parts of Russia, China and Mongolia.

It will reach its peak at 7:09 a.m. EDT.  The northeastern part of Maine might be able to see a little bit of it immediately at sunrise.

NASA will broadcast the eclipse live on the Internet.
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Friday, July 25, 2008

Happy SysAdmin Day!

Today/July 25th (the Last Friday Of July), is System Administrator Appreciation Day.

This is the person you should schmooze so that when you break your computers at work, they'll consider fixing it without reporting that you were doing something with it you shouldn't have been...
This is the person that might be able to recover your email you thought was gone forever, and the same person who might not tell what you've been sending out...
This is the same person who MIGHT help you when your personal computer has a problem...

Just like the The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, there's a League of Professional System Administrators (LOPSA).  Except they don't have a cool submarine.  And motor vehicle.  And additional physical abilities (other than their intellect).  But they have a club YOU can't join unless you're one of them.  If you are the boss of a SysAdmin, as a gift, you could pay for their membership...

Don't send 'em a paper card:  they're tech-savy...send an electronic card.

Giftage, even if it's late, is always accepted.  Buy two things this year, and be on time next year.  ThinkGeek is a great "toy store".  (When in doubt, it might be safer to go with a gift certificate.  Don't be cheap about it...)
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Thursday, July 24, 2008

erase it forever

We've discussed how to prepare hard disks before you:
sell your computer...
give it to someone...
or dispose of the hard drive.

Using software is the most cost effective way for most consumers to do it. But if you need to erase hard drives completely, and somewhat often, you may want to consider a degausser.

I found two that Fujitsu produce.

SEM has Magnetic Media Degaussers...one that caught my interest is the Mag EraSURE P3M for "hard disk drives and other magnetic media".

"...the SEM Model ME-P3M...is desgined to
degauss...Hard Drives and/or Magnetic tapes...The unit is operated by a
MANUAL HAND CRANK..."



The Mobile Mag EraSURE degausser is available, as well (and I'm unable to determine what the difference is between it and the P3M (other than style of the crank handle and the metal cover over where the media is placed).

Cost for mobile/portable versions of degaussers seem to be double and triple that over those not intended to be moved...as much as $40,000.
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Wednesday, July 23, 2008

What is this strange product for Slick?

We got a very strange package today for Slick to take a look at. We're not exactly sure what it is? what is does? We can't find an On/Off Switch on it but I am sure it has some kind of tech use that Slick will share with us.

It's from a company called SetGo, we're worried though because it looks like something he would have to wear. With all the gear he has on all the time, its going to look like he's going to jump from an Airplane! Slick, What is this thing!?

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Tuesday, July 22, 2008

War Games 25th Anniversary Screening Thursday!


In a Theater Near You! Fathom and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios are proud to present WarGames back on the big screen after 25 years. Don't miss this one-night-only event in select movie theatres nationwide on Thursday, July 24th at 7:30PM (local).

In Tucson, look for the screenings at the El Con and Park Place Mall, Check the link below for the Theater playing the film near you!

The event will include never-before-seen interviews with cast and crew on how the movie was ahead of its time and its relevance today. Additionally, only at this one night event, get a sneak peek at the making of the sequel – WarGames: The Dead Code.

Movie synopsis: Computer hacker David Lightman (Matthew Broderick) can bypass the most advanced security systems, break the most intricate secret codes and master even the most difficult computer games. But when he unwittingly taps into the Defense Department's war computer, he initiates a confrontation of global proportions World War III! Together with his girlfriend (Ally Sheedy) and a wizardly computer genius (Tony Award® winner John Wood), David must race against time to outwit his opponent... and prevent a nuclear Armageddon.
Check the List of theaters where War Games will be shown near you!

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Steel Series Featured on TechtalkRadio

We have posted the interview with CEO Bruce Hawver and Director of Marketing Kim Rom from Steel Series. The company produces professional products for the gamer and recently produced a mouse for the female gamer, the Iron.Lady Ikari Laser. Carol is raving about this mouse and said it has helped her in Team Fortress 2 gameplay. Even if her computer blows up while she's fragging, she'll go out with an Ikari in her hands! (She needs a new rig!)

Maybe we can get them on the new TechtalkRadio T-Shirts!

Check out the interview at http://www.techtalkradio.com/hardware/steelseries.html

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Monday, July 21, 2008

Guitar Hero-ish shirts

Band Geek Hero (Guitar Hero parody) shirts have over 30 instruments to choose from.  $19 is a bit much for a shirt, but cute and funny. I want the Cow Bell Shirt!

I don't see one for the euphonium (one of the many instruments I played:  flunked Phys Ed...a "straight-A" student in music).
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Intel turns 40 - An Audio Interview with Bill Caldwell

The Intel Corporation, Integrated Electronics Company, began in July of 1968 with Gordon Moore and Robert Noyce investigating technology with integrated circuits and memory. Now in 2008, 40 years later, the company continues to be on the cutting edge of tech and delivers with products that will allow us to carry our tech almost anywhere for longer periods of time without charging or wishing we were on the desktop workstation due to performance.

From the 4004 to the Atom, we talked with Bill Caldwell about some of Intel's greatest moments and how the company is giving back.

Listen in on our interview at http://www.techtalkradio.com/hardware/intel40.html

Thanks!

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Sunday, July 20, 2008

Scott Kelby Interview Posted

We've uploaded the audio from the interview with Scott Kelby! Tune in to find out all about Photoshop World in Las Vegas Sept 4-6th at the Mandalay Bay. Pre Conference Registration ends August 1st.

Congratulations to Bonnie, A Teacher from Arizona that Won a Conference Registration and will be getting into all the great seminars at Photoshop World. We'll have another Registration next Sunday on the Show!

Check out the Audio at http://www.techtalkradio.com/events/scottkelby.html

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Friday, July 18, 2008

Steve Greenberg Audio posted at TechtalkRadio

We had the chance last month to talk with Author and Innovation Insider Steve Greenberg on TechtalkRadio. His book Gadget Nation has been getting great reviews for his insightful look at the American Innovator. We enjoyed every page which we found was full of information on Gadgets for just about every segment of the population. Steve breaks down the idea, the reason, the cost and the profit for many of these innovators.

Visit the Site at http://www.techtalkradio.com/books/gadgetnation.html and listen to Steve Greenberg describe his book Gadget Nation.

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Thursday, July 17, 2008

new write-once SD cards

SanDisk now offers an SD WORM card...a Write Once Read Many (WORM) digital memory card...that can archive data for as long as 100 years.  SanDisk states the cards are available in 128-megabyte capacity, and are expected to be available in higher capacities later in the year.

I think I found one for $9...
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Scott Kelby on TechtalkRadio this Sunday!

Tune in this Sunday 10am - 11am for an Exclusive Interview with the Author of the
#1 Digital Photography book in History, Scott Kelby. We will talk about the Photoshop World Event coming up Sept 4-6 at the Mandalay Bay Las Vegas. We'll also get some insite into the pre conference workshops September 3rd. Early Registration ends August 1st, get in before then and save $100. If your not a NAPP Member, your Registration will get you your Napp membership!

Tune in to TechtalkRadio this Sunday here on the TechtalkRadio Website, KNST-AM site or Ustream.TV/channel/techtalkradio

Andy

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city of San Francisco locked out of computer system

Monday, July 14, 2008

prevent Windows Service Packs from being installed

If you don't want Windows XP Service Pack 3, and Vista Service Pack 1, to be installed consider installing the Windows Service Pack Blocker Tool Kit.  It will temporarily prevent installation of Service Pack updates through Windows Update.

"...This tool can be used with:
    * Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 (valid through March, 2008)
    * Windows XP Service Pack 3 (valid for 12 months following general availability)
    * Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (valid for 12 months following general availability)

"...this toolkit will not prevent the installation of the service pack from CD/DVD, or from the stand-alone download package. This simply prevents the service pack from being delivered over Windows Update."

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Thursday, July 10, 2008

cannot use Internet Explorer (with AOL)

During our radio show we received a call that, after having service performed on his computer, a listener was unable to use Internet Explorer. We did not have enough time during the show to fully triage the situation while on the air. I did received a message from a listener that we should consider an update could be a problem...

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from: Lana Dee

For that gentleman with AOL who couldn't start his explorer...wonder if that happened after the last windows update...it happened to me...if he has Zonealarm..that may be why!

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Thanks for the info, Lana!
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Matt Kloskowski Interviewed

We talked last week to Matt Kloskowski from the National Association of Photoshop Professionals. Tune in to listen and find out about Photoshop World Las Vegas 2008 and What to Expect from this huge conference September 4th - 6th at The Mandalay Bay Conference Center.

http://www.techtalkradio.com/events/mattknapp.html

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Wednesday, July 9, 2008

BlackBerry Messenger service is not free

(Just a warning for shoppers...)

I mentioned that I'm dropping Boost because they will begin charging for incoming text messages (they're free at the moment), so I've been shopping around for free and/or cheap messaging.

I was watching The Early Show on CBS, and wanted to be sure that BlackBerry Messenger service was free. (I know someone who replaced their Palm Treo with a BlackBerry and) After not being able to verify this (via BlackBerry's website), I contacted Brodeur Partners who responded:

"...BlackBerry Messenger...the data the application uses is counted as part of a user’s monthly data usage, which is part of a paid plan with the service provider..."
Blogged with the Flock Browser

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Read On: Life Changing Veggies in Phil Vischer’s Autobiography


I just finished reading a book that a good friend gave to me last week (you know, one of those "you're going to love this book because I did…" offerings you get nine a week of?) that I once I picked it up in earnest, I couldn't put it down!

The funny thing is that I really doubted that this persons taste in literature and mine would be able to find common ground as she is a couple decades older than I am and hates to read.

But then she said the magic words…"It was too techie for me, so most of it went over my head, except at the end."

So she handed me a paperback copy of "Me, Myself, & Bob: A True Story About Dreams, God, and Talking Vegetables," Phil Vischer's autobiography about how he created VeggieTales, BigIdea Productions and how he handled its ultimate downfall and bankruptcy…one look at the cover and I laughed and said "Ok, I'll give this a shot, as soon as I can."

I now have only two regrets: (1) That I waited over a week to crack it open; and, (2) that I'm finished reading it.

Publishers Weekly hit the mark saying "Hilarious even when describing his headlong plunge into bankruptcy."

Not wanting to "give to much away," let me just say this in the hopes that you too might latch onto a copy of this book and then spread it around to friends and family: Until I read this autobiography of the rise and fall of the VeggieTales creator, Phil Vischer, I had no idea that either VeggieTales or Big Idea Productions was ever in any kind of financial trouble, nor that the company was no longer owned by its founder and being run, by 2003, by a media outfit that had bought the company in a bankruptcy sale!

Reading this book I found the answer to several other deep thinking questions as well…like, who is the voice of Larry the Cucumber?

And of Bob the Tomato?

Just what kind of a nutcase could think up all those wonderfully quirky, absolutely uplifting and morally encouraging videos?

Anyway, it goes without saying…EVERYONE should read this…it's about business and how to, how not to, approach and run a company.

It's about a little boy who becomes enthralled with Walt Disney and animation after his first trip through Disneyland.

It's about heart, courage, drive, ambition, unparalleled success, and yes, utter failure…but it doesn't leave you at that point with a "oh well, life goes on…" ending.

So, what's any of this have to do with IT and technology?

Well, it could be all the 'cool stuff' that Phil discovers from 1980 to 2003, how technology changed his life, made his dream come true, outfitted his business.

Or it could be about how important it is to keep current on trends, be fiscally sound in your decisions.

About how to, and how not to, pick your business partners, leaders and co workers and employees; the benefits of solid training…'cuz it's all in there.

But hey, I say, read because you'll be fascinated by living the dream vicariously through Phil; laughing, shouting, cheering, even crying...and only Uber Geeks can interact with a BOOK that way.

So how about it? Are you Uber enough for this book? Get a copy and find out.

Until next time…

Pogo Browser from AT & T

http://www.pogobrowser.com

So today I was "sifting" through my many emails that I receive in my Outlook and I came across an email called "invite" and "pogo"... I opened it up only to find out that I remember a while back that I had submitted my email for an invitation to "beta test" this new browser by AT&T. I was excited to say the least... I thought, "Will there be some competition with a new browser?" Let's see and find out.

So, I went through the "invite" steps and downloaded the new browser. I'll I have to say so far is "WOW!" Well, I'm obviously going to say more... but "WOW!" Just from the few minutes I spent looking around in the browser, I was quite impressed. But hey, I'm easily impressed by new technology anyway.

The browser looks similar to "Firefox" but it's different in many ways. The first thing I like about the browser is that it has this "strip" at the bottom called, "The Dock". On the dock you can open several different websites... you can view up to 12 but it has back and forth arrows that you can scroll through if you have more than 12 websites you are looking at one time and you can "toggle" between those sites. Right now I have the "blogger" site opened, as well as the Pogo Browser site and I am toggling between the two to get some information and then type in the blogger.

When you close the browser and open it again, the websites on "The Dock" that you previous had are not open anymore. However, you can save all the sites you were looking at by adding them to Pogo's "Springboard". By clicking one button, you can look at all the websites on your "springboard" and pick the one you want to visit. I remember Google having a similar feature, but cannot remember what it's called.

Pogo has a few "3-D" features built in... one being "Bookmarking". You can create what is called "Collections" and in these collections you can categorize your bookmarks. When you go into the bookmarking section, the different collections pop up as "3-D". You can scroll through them with your mouse or with the up and down arrows they have on the page. For example, if you create a collection called "Technology", you can store all the technology sites that you visit in this one collection, choose the collection and then choose which site you want to go to by double clicking on it.

The other "3-D" feature built in has to do with your browsing "History"... one button pulls up all your browsing history for the day and it's viewed in "3-D". You can delete certain websites you've visited, you can set a time period of browsing history from a certain date to a certain date. The browsing history even types out the URL of the website you visited.

I have yet to look around at some more features of the Pogo Browser, like the Pogo Fabulous Find or Pogo's Search Player but I like what I see so far. My recommendation one the browser launches is to see for yourself what it can do and what capabilities it has. For me, I like it so far!

One downfall that I did notice is that it's a "memory hog!" Way more than IE7. But for me, what isn't when you have a 5-year-old computer that needs more memory! LOL. You definitely have to have over 256MB of VRAM for this browser.

And what I'm reading, the reviews on the browser have not been so great BUT to each his own. Test it out for yourself and let me know what you think!

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