Sunday, November 16, 2008
Stream Pandora Radio in Your Car
Friday, November 14, 2008
The iPhone is Perfect for a Whole House Music System
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Apple iPhone 3g
Monday, June 23, 2008
Panasonic's New Plasma Line
It got a nice review on Cnet and features an improved anti-reflective screen and SD-card input slot that is compatible with the gallery player adapter.
Other features include:
- "720p" native resolution (42-inch: 1,24x768; 50-inch 1,366x768)
- 15,000:1 native contrast ratio
- Three HDMI inputs
- Game mode
Friday, June 13, 2008
Home Theater Paint
Here's a list of do's and don'ts from Dennis on Home Theater Paint:
- Choose a high-quality paint
- Do not use a gloss or semi-gloss - stick with flat (best) or satin.
- Avoid blues and reds, as they will give off a colored glow during bright scenes.
- Stick with neutrals and browns.
- Test samples of wallpaper with your projector on before purchasing to make sure that it doesn't reflect too much light.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
How to Sync Google Calendar with Outlook
Its easy to install, simply install the app from google, enter your gmail username and password, and select 2-way or 1-way syncing. 2-way syncing updates events on both calendars to match each other. 1-way syncing updates either your Google or Outlook calendar exclusively. You can also select how often you want the sync to occur. The default is 120 minutes.
That's it. You should notice your google calendar updating immediately with your outlook events. I tested putting a new event in the google calendar to see how it would work. The same event popped up in Outlook seconds later. Pretty nice. I plan on using this feature with the new iPhone so that I always have access to my up-to-date Calendar.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Windows Vista Keyboard Shortcuts
Here are some other Vista shortcuts you may find useful.
F1 | Display Help |
CTRL+C | Copy the selected item |
CTRL+X | Cut the selected item |
CTRL+V | Paste the selected item |
CTRL+Z | Undo an action |
CTRL+Y | Redo an action |
DELETE | Delete the selected item and move it to the Recycle Bin |
SHIFT+DELETE | Delete the selected item without moving it to the Recycle Bin first |
F2 | Rename the selected item |
CTRL+RIGHT ARROW | Move the cursor to the beginning of the next word |
CTRL+LEFT ARROW | Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous word |
CTRL+DOWN ARROW | Move the cursor to the beginning of the next paragraph |
CTRL+UP ARROW | Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous paragraph |
CTRL+SHIFT with an arrow key | Select a block of text |
SHIFT with any arrow key | Select more than one item in a window or on the desktop, or select text within a document |
CTRL with any arrow key+SPACEBAR | Select multiple individual items in a window or on the desktop |
CTRL+A | Select all items in a document or window |
F3 | Search for a file or folder |
ALT+ENTER | Display properties for the selected item |
ALT+F4 | Close the active item, or exit the active program |
ALT+SPACEBAR | Open the shortcut menu for the active window |
CTRL+F4 | Close the active document (in programs that allow you to have multiple documents open simultaneously) |
ALT+TAB | Switch between open items |
CTRL+ALT+TAB | Use the arrow keys to switch between open items |
CTRL+Mouse scroll wheel | Change the size of icons on the desktop |
Windows logo key | Cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Windows Flip 3-D |
CTRL+Windows logo key | Use the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Windows Flip 3-D |
ALT+ESC | Cycle through items in the order in which they were opened |
F6 | Cycle through screen elements in a window or on the desktop |
F4 | Display the Address bar list in Windows Explorer |
SHIFT+F10 | Display the shortcut menu for the selected item |
CTRL+ESC | Open the Start menu |
ALT+underlined letter | Display the corresponding menu |
ALT+underlined letter | Perform the menu command (or other underlined command) |
F10 | Activate the menu bar in the active program |
RIGHT ARROW | Open the next menu to the right, or open a submenu |
LEFT ARROW | Open the next menu to the left, or close a submenu |
F5 | Refresh the active window |
ALT+UP ARROW | View the folder one level up in Windows Explorer |
ESC | Cancel the current task |
CTRL+SHIFT+ESC | Open Task Manager |
SHIFT when you insert a CD | Prevent the CD from automatically playing |
Windows logo key | Display the System Properties dialog box | |
Windows logo key | Display the desktop | |
Windows logo key | Minimize all windows | |
Windows logo key | Restore minimized windows to the desktop | |
Windows logo key | Open Computer | |
Windows logo key | Search for a file or folder | |
CTRL+Windows logo key | Search for computers (if you are on a network) | |
Windows logo key | Lock your computer or switch users | |
Windows logo key | Open the Run dialog box | |
Windows logo key | Cycle through programs on the taskbar | |
Windows logo key | Cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Windows Flip 3-D | |
CTRL+Windows logo key | Use the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Windows Flip 3-D | |
Windows logo key | Bring all gadgets to the front and select Windows Sidebar | |
Windows logo key | Cycle through Sidebar gadgets | |
Windows logo key | Open Ease of Access Center | |
Windows logo key | Open Windows Mobility Center | |
Windows logo key | Open the Quick Launch shortcut that is in the position that corresponds to the number. For example, Windows logo key |
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Why I'm Going to Pass on Blu-Ray
Now that HD-DVD has ceased to exist, I've contemplated whether or not to buy a Blu-Ray player. So far I've opted not to, and I will probably maintain that position. The reason is that I see movie downloads taking over in the near future. I have always been able to download a small selection of HD movies on my Xbox 360, but it takes a long time for the download to complete. But a couple of new options may soon change that.
Apple TV allows you to stream HD movies on a rental basis. From what I understand, HD movies begin playing within minutes with a fast broadband connection rather than hours. Furthermore, Apple recently signed contracts that enable them to offer downloads of movies on the same day the DVD is released. Its a great little device, but the prices are a bit expensive in my opinion. New HD releases are currently $4.99, but I've gotten used to paying a monthly flat fee at Netflix for 3 rentals at a time.
Netflix last week released a set-top box made by Roku that is HD capable. Free movie downloads are included with a regular Netflix membership and movies start playing right away. The downside is that HD movies are not currently available and the selection of films is currently very limited.
Apple TV clearly has the better library of new films, but I love the Netflix monthly membership model. Its only a matter of time before these services become full featured movie boxes with quick downloads and huge film libraries at low prices. If this happens soon, I'll be skipping Blu-Ray altogether.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Running Out of DirecTV Cables?
The new Swing Wire LNB from directv solves this by giving you the ability to run signals to all of your directv equipment from one wire using a standard high-bandwidth splitter. This equipment is not out yet and should eventually be worked into new installs. However, I'm curious to find out if this piece is compatible with my current dish. I'm not excited about installing an entirely new dish but I would consider a modification.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
RF Remote vs. IR Remote
There is another technology, however, that offers a far better range in terms of distance. RF remotes use radio frequencies that travel far and can easily pass through walls and floors. You can put a piece of equipment in the basement or top level and control it from the main floor. The advantage of this type of remote is the ability to hide your equipment for a better presentation. You could keep all of your equipment in a closet that is easily hidden from view but still have full control over your devices.
Most consumer electronic devices do not come equipped with this technology. Directv HD receivers do have this option built in, but most equipment does not.
There is a way to add this feature with an RF remote that comes with an RF wireless extender. The Logitech Harmony 1100 Universal Remote with Color Touch Screen
The extender works with the remote by taking the RF signals and translating them into IR signals that will communicate with all of your components. You can keep all of your devices in a cabinet up to 100 feet away from your television. This can be critical if you are trying to install a flat panel tv on a wall while hiding all of the wires and components in another room.
When comparing IR remotes vs. RF remotes, they each have distinct advantages. IR remote devices are nearly universal and work with nearly every relevant consumer electronics device. However, RF remotes offer great advantages when controlling a device from a large distance or a device that is tucked away in a cabinet.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
How to Create an Obituary Online
If you are looking for sample obituary formats, try the funeral directory . Free obituary templates are available at obituaryguide.com.
Its not a tool you want to use often but it is available to help when needed.
Locate a cell phone on a map with Iphone
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Roku Netflix Player Looks to Revolutionize Home Movie Downloads

Netflix has partnered with streaming media specialist Roku to create the Netflix set-top player. Its a very cool $99 device that allows you to stream Netflix instant watch movies for free if you have a Netflix account.
Netflix has about 10,000 movies available for instant streaming. Up until now, you could only watch these movies on your computer, or by hooking your computer up to your pc. Its a nice option when I want to download movies and watch them on my laptop instantly. But this box frees Netflix from the computer and allows you to access and play full length free download movies on your TV.
The box is about the size of a paperback book and is HD capable. You can connect the box using a HDMI, component, or s-video cable and it includes an optical audio cable.
Early reports suggest that fast-forwarding and rewinding doesn't work well yet. You also need to add movies to your queue in order to see them available on your set-top box.
The only other downside I see is the lack of new movies. Lots of new releases are not available for streaming at this point. Also, HD is not yet an option.
Will a low-priced subscription model eliminate But if Netflix can boost the movie count and include HD, it could gain a big following.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Set Up Email Forwarding in Gmail
Yahoo Mail also offers this feature but you need to sign up for mail plus for $19.95 a month. Hotmail allows you to forward to one other email address but does not give you additional options.
Email Forwarding for Gmail:
Log into gmail and select settings. Click the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab. Select Forward a copy of incoming mail to and
You can also archive gmail's copy or delete gmail's copy.
To set up a filter, select settings, filter, and create a new one. You will see the following selections:
Choose search criteria Specify the criteria you'd like to use for determining what to do with a message as it arrives. Use "Test Search" to see which messages would have been filtered using these criteria. | ||||
From: | Has the words: | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
To: | Doesn't have: | |||
Subject: |
Show current filters |
After selecting your criteria, you will see the following options:
Choose action - Now, select the action you'd like to take on messages that match the criteria you specified. | |
When a message arrives that matches the search: from:tiger | |
(Archive it) | |
Show current filters |
Click the forward box and type in the email address that you want this filter forwarded to.
How To Set Up Google Apps For Your Small Business
Overall, its very easy to set up. I moved my company email over to the Google mail server because of the cheap storage and all of the great features included in Gmail, particularly Imap which lets you sync your email account with either a mobile device (Google app iphone) or outlook, rather than download multiple copies like a POP server. If you send a message on your mobile device, it will automatically update and show in your gmail account.
- Gmail with customer email addresses using your domain and almost 7 GB of storage per user. Plus, mobile access, integrated contacts and calendar, virus and spam protection, and IMAP, POP, and email forwarding.
- Google Calendar - Share events with other employees.
- Google Talk - IM contacts
- Google Docs - Create and share word processing documents, spreadsheet, and presentations.
Imap or POP can easily be set up by logging into your new gmail account and clicking settings. Simply, enable IMAP and then set it up on whatever client you will use it with such as Microsoft Outlook. If you want to know, how to setup an smtp for email forwarding or IMAP for outlook, visit the Google help center for specific instructions related to your email client.
Calendar is a great feature that allows you to share meetings and appointments with other employees. Anytime someone updates a calendar, you can see it on your own calendar. Great feature, especially for free.
Google docs allows you to share documents and spreadsheets with other employees. You can start a spreadsheet and select who you want to share the document with. Then another employee can make changes or finish the document.
For a small business, these are great tools that would cost hundreds to thousands of dollars to purchase software for. Its easy to set up and manage and will give your employees great flexibility.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Gallery Player is Stocking World Galleries Photos
But they do offer a level of convenience and quality that is tough to beat. I've searched the web for other options and there is simply nothing close to the service that gallery player provides.
The only downside is that you must either connect your computer directly or own a Panasonic compatible HDTV. You can download Gallery Player software on your computer for free and get 10 free HD images to get you started.
Tivo Sunrise Earth for a Great Photo Show
Here is an alternative to using Gallery Player for a photo show on your hdtv. Simply record a few episodes of Sunrise Earth on Discovery HD Theater and play them back on your flat panel TV. Each show is an hour long and features still video shots of a particular location from sunrise through the morning.
You may have to restart an episode every hour but it runs commercial free and features relaxing ambient sounds from the featured location. Or you can mute the sound and play music as well.
Build a photo gallery web site

In my last post I discussed Flickr as a great source for digital photography that you can stream to your flat screen television. But its also a great place to build a photo gallery web site.
Its free to set up and account. You have a 100MB limit per month and a 5MB limit per photo with the free account. Photos can be marked as public (for everyone to view) or private (you choose who can view it....friends, family, or just yourself).
Its a great way to easily build a photo gallery web site for free and I suggest you try it out. Its also fun to spend hours browsing the millions of photos that have been uploaded by other people.
Use Your HDTV as a Digital Picture Frame
After hanging my LCD TV in the dining room, I decided that it would work really well as a digital picture frame. Fortunately, the DirecTv HR21 DVR receiver comes built in with the ability to stream photos from your computer. This option worked great for me, however, there are a couple of alternatives available for you as well.
If you have an Intel Vivv PC you already have the necessary setup to stream photos and music to your TV via the directv receiver. If you don't have Intel Vivv, a simple install of Windows Media Player 11 should enable it as long as you have a relatively up to date computer. My Windows vista PC worked without any extra steps involved.
Simply connect your directv receiver to your internet router via ethernet cable and navigate to the network function on your directv box via the menu key on your remote. After clicking on network, press the setup key and the receiver will take care of the rest. It should recognize any computer on your network that is set up to stream media. On your directv remote press menu and select music, photos, and more. You should see the name of your pc listed under my computers.
You can then stream music and photos via the menu. It will automatically find your photos and display them for you in a slide show. I also used Flickr software to create photo gallery of great images uploaded by thousands of users on the web. There are some real great finds on that site.
If you don't have the directv HR21, there are other options. I selected this option because I could stream photos without having to attach any additional devices. But you can also use an apple TV, xbox 360, or a playstation 3 as a photo streamer. Or you can simply connect your PC directly to the tv. However, if you are unable to hide the additional cables, it does lose its "wow" effect a bit.
Finally, Panasonic LCD's and Plasma TV's now have the built-in ability to play gallery player hd images with the use of an SD card. This is a nice option if you have one of these TVs. You'll have thousands of images to choose from.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Long Run HDMI Cables - 45 feet
When I received the cable, I thought it looked very sturdy and solid. Unfortunately, I couldn't get a picture when I hooked it up to my LCD tv. Monoprice was very nice about providing a return. I thought about exchanging the cable, but I decided instead to return it and try a different brand.
The second cable was from a company called Cables to Go. It was significantly more expensive. I went with a 45 ft sonic wave cable. It also was packaged very well, nicer than the monoprice, but more importantly, it worked when I plugged it in.
Here is a tip. Before you run cable through a wall, plug in all of the components and make sure everything works first. It will save you a lot of time.
I've heard a lot of good things about monoprice. Cnet has a great article on the merits of buying cheap hdmi cables. Unfortunately in my case, it did not work out. However, I believe that they do have a cable of similar length and of higher quality for just a bit more.
Cables To Go
Friday, May 16, 2008
How to Wall Mount a Flat Panel LCD TV - Part 4: Install Wall Mount and Hang TV
The last step of this project, wall mounting and lcd tv, is to install the LCD wall mount, hang the television, and connect the cables. In many ways, this proved to be the easiest step. See part 1, part 2, and part 3 to learn about necessary equipment and hiding the hdmi cables and power cord.
To recap, I selected a Samsung LN32A450 32" LCD
The next step was to secure the lcd mounting bracket to the back of the unit. This is a simple process of screwing it on, but again do not overtighten.
The final step is to hang the lcd tv onto the end of the mounting bracket. It literally slips onto the top of the mounting bracket and then snaps in. One screw at the top secures the tv in place. This is really quite simple and just a matter of following the included instructions.
The rest is easy. This mounting bracket includes a nice cable management system that can hide 2 cables in the arm of the mount. Run the cables through the arm channel and plug in the hdmi cable in the back of the lcd tv. Plug the other end in the back of the directv receiver. Plug in the power cables and you'll be up and running.
You may want to spend some additional time hiding the cables. A twist tie can help give you a cleaner look. Also, make sure your tv is set to the proper input to receive a signal from your directv box.
Have fun and good luck.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
How to Wall Mount a Flat Panel LCD TV - Part 3: Installing HDMI Cables
The key to any great flat panel installation is to hide the cables in such a way that you only see the TV. This is the most challenging part of the flat panel lcd tv installation. To do this, you will need to accomplish 3 tasks.
First is to install a new electrical outlet directly behind where you will be mounting an lcd tv. I'm no electrician, so I'll provide a link here to a site that helped me out. If you are unsure about how to do this, please hire a professional. I was able to run a new wire up from an existing outlet directly below where I installed the tv. This was an easy solution because the outlet was inside the same stud bay.
Second is to run an HDMI cable from the location of your receiver to the LCD or Plasma tv. I use Directv, so it was necessary to use a receiver box, but if you have basic cable you may be able to run the coaxial cable directly to your LCD depending on the tv. By running an HDMI cable from a receiver, I am able to maintain a lot of great features like HD DVR.
The best location in my house for the receiver was in the unfinished basement. I found a nice spot for the receiver and then ran a 45 ft CL2 rated (In-Wall Installation) HDMI cable (see part 2) up through the floor and directly into the center of the drywall on the main level where my tv would hang. The directv receivers have a built in RF remote that easily passes through walls and floors so I did not lose any remote functionality by installing the receiver in the basement and I saved myself a lot of work.
Its important to measure very carefully and mark all of your studs inside your wall where you will mount your tv. A stud finder is pretty much essential for this job. Find a location on the wall where you want to mount your TV and mark all of the studs that are in the vicinity of that location. You will need to install your tv mount on the studs, but you will install the new outlet and hdmi cable box between the studs. In my configuration, I installed the tv mount on 1 stud with the new outlet directly to the right of the stud and the new hdmi cable box directly to the left of the stud.
Once I located the spot on the wall for the HDMI cable, I took an electrical box and drew an outline around it. I then used a drywall saw to cut through the outline. In the lower level I drilled up through the floorboard directly below the section of the wall where I cut out the drywall hole. I then dropped a string through the drywall hole using a washer for weight. From the lower level I pulled the string through the hole, tied it to the HDMI cable, and then pulled it up the wall using a string. I threaded the hdmi cable through the electrical box and then left about 15" of slack hanging outside the wall.
The most difficult part of this job is measuring properly. Make sure you are directly below the proper spot when drilling through the floor.
Part 4 will finish this series with installing the wall mount and hanging the lcd tv.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
How to Wall Mount a Flat Panel LCD TV - Part 2: Supplies
I needed to gather quite a few supplies in order to wall-mount my flat panel lcd tv. Here is a list of everything I used while installing it.
- TV - Samsung LN32A450
- Wall Mount - Peerless Articulating LCD Wall Arm for 22 inch to 40 inch LCD Screens - Black (SA740P)
- Directv HR-21 Receiver
- 2 New Work Electrical Boxes
- 1 Electrical Outlet and plate
- 1 length of 12 gauge electrical wire
- Wire Nuts
- 1 cable plate
- 45ft CL2-Rated (In-Wall Installation) HDMI cable from cablestogo.com - SonicWave
- 50ft length of coaxial cable
- Dry Wall Saw
- Stud Finder
- Power Drill
- Screw Driver
- Large Wood Bores - for drilling through floorboard.
- Drill bits
- String and a small key to fish the hdmi cable through the floor.
Part 3 will cover the process of installing the HDMI cables.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
How to Wall Mount a Flat Panel LCD TV - Part 1: Planning the Cable Routes
I finally decided on a spot to wall-mount a new flat panel LCD TV. I have an open floor plan in the house and I found a spot on the dining room wall that would be visible from every part of the room. I wanted to mount it the right way, that meant on the wall with no cords showing at all. I have directv so I had to work out a plan to hide the receiver in another part of the house.
The first thing I did was plan out the route for all of my cables. I knew I needed to do 2 things. Install another outlet directly behind the spot for the tv and run an HDMI cable from another part of the house to a spot directly behind the tv. If I couldn't get the cables routed to the right location, the entire project would be scrapped. I did not want cables running down the wall, even if I could hide them behind a plastic cover.
I considered a number of areas, but I finally decided that it would be best to leave the receiver in the unfinished part of the basement. The directv HD receivers come built in with an RF remote so it would not be a problem to have the receiver on another floor. The RF signal easily passes through walls.
Having the receiver in the basement meant that I needed to run an additional coaxial cable from the satellite to the receiver, and then run an extra long HDMI cable from the receiver, through the floor and up into the drywall on the main floor.
I already had an electrical outlet directly below where I planned to mount the TV, so installing a new outlet off of the existing one would not be too difficult.
I also needed to decide what size TV would fit the best. To do this, I cut out cardboard pieces for TV's sized 32", 37", and 42". The 32" was clearly large enough for the space and seemed to just fit the best. After doing research, I decided on the Samsung LN32A450 for both the quality and styling. I wanted a nice looking TV since I would be hanging it in a prominent location.
In part 2 of this article I will discuss the list of equipment needed to install a flat panel LCD.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
How to Surf the Web without a Computer
Another option is a wifi enabled portable device. These devices can connect to any hotspot and give you Internet access. Here are some examples.
- Ipod Touch - Has email and an excellent Safari browser that displays full webpages - currently lacks flash support.
- Nokia N810 Internet Tablet - Has a slide-out keyboard but it is expensive.
- Sony Mylo Com-2 - Can play flash videos in websites.
- Nintendo DS (with opera browser cartridge) - Slow, but it does give you web access.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Do You Use Google Documents?
If you are a google docs user, there is now a great firefox extention that allows you to access all of your google docs in a sidebar. Pretty cool. If you haven't tried google docs yet, give it a spin. If you have a gmail account, you can access google docs right from your email.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Don't Buy Itunes: Free Your Music with Amazon Mp3
- DRM Free - There are no restrictions to how many times you can burn or copy your music files unlike Itunes.
- Mp3 format - Mp3's are compatible with any digital audio player, including the iPod. Itunes uses a protected AAC format which can only be used on the iPod. Buying in mp3 format ensures that you are not locked into the Apple system for life.
- Ability to purchase CD's. Unlike Itunes, Amazon also has a phenomenal selection of new and used CD's. CD's still offer the best quality sound and you can make your own high quality mp3 files as well.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Skyfire Browser: The Internet on your Phone?
The Skyfire mobile Internet browser is entering beta stages. The company has released a video of the browser and it looks fantastic. Unlike Safari, it supports all of the modern Internet technology like flash and Ajax. You can literally surf the same web pages on your phone that you do on your computer, and at similar speeds. This clearly looks like a next-generation mobile web browser. You can sign up for the Skyfire beta here.
Tweak Windows - Improve Performance
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Throw All of Those Remotes Away
I've tried this out at home and I'm hooked. You set up the remote by plugging it into your computer and entering the model numbers of all of your equipment (TV, Receiver, Cable/Satellite box). Once it downloads the codes for your equipment, you simple follow a simple wizard to set up "activities." The activities show up on a screen on the remote as "watch tv," "watch movie," "play xbox," "listen to music." You just let the remote know what devices need to be turned on for each activity and what input they need to be set on (AV1, AV2...). The wizard will load all of these activities onto your remote and your ready to go. Just press "watch tv" and each device will turn on in seconds. Press the "off" button and everything turns off.
I've been using it for months and it works great. For each activity the screen will display relevant buttons like guide, menu, etc. You can customize buttons on this screen using the software if you would like to add some features that do not automatically appear when you set the system up. It controls nearly everything, including light dimmers if you have a home theater. And its available in various price ranges from the $100 Xbox Harmony remote to the touch screen Harmony 1000. They all get the job done.
Its a great system and I highly recommend it. Your home theater experience will be much more enjoyable and pain free. Even guests will be able to control your home system without any instructions.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Netflix Streaming Home Movie Theatre
I tested this service out using season one of Heroes. I was immediately impressed by the quality of the picture. After a quick install, the show started playing within seconds inside of Internet Explorer. A click on the full screen button enlarges the video to fit your screen in widescreen format. Though 10 episodes I saw no stoppage in play. The quality resembled that of a DVD and overall I was impressed with the picture quality.
I hooked my laptop up to a 24" monitor that I use as a small TV. A VGA connection will produce a much better picture than S-Video if you have this option on your TV or monitor. Apparently, Netflix is developing a set-top box built into a blu-ray player to make the TV connection easier in the future. Most people may have difficultly setting this service up for your TV without a set-top box. Connecting a laptop to a TV is not ideal, however it works.
Its a great service overall and I only wish they supplied more movies. If Netflix worked on building up their catalog, I may never rent another movie on disc again. It simply works that well.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Save Hundreds of Dollars by Reinstalling Windows
But what about all your files? The easiest solution for this is to install a second hard drive in your desktop, or buy an external hard drive for your laptop. If you have a desktop, you can make this second drive your primary drive for all of your files like music, documents and videos. Then, you can format and reinstall windows on your first drive without having to worry about losing your files. You can also keep a copy of all of your drivers on this hard drive too which will save you some time reinstalling them after Windows has finished installing. If you can't find copies of your drivers, many computer manufacturers like Dell keep them available to you on their website. You can also check the manufacturers website for updated drivers as well.
The only other step is to reload all of your programs. This isn't usually a problem if you have the disk, but if you downloaded software from the internet, make sure you have your original setup file or you may lose the program. Some software download services offer you the ability to re-download the software at any time. Make sure you check this before formatting your hard drive. I find that its always easiest to have a backup disc of any program for this very reason.
If you have days to spend looking for a problem, or you are a windows expert, then this may not be your best solution. However, reinstalling Windows usually fixes many problems and gives you a clean slate, and it can save you hundreds of dollars in computer repair costs.