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Saturday, September 9, 2006

Tech News

Apple is holding a product announcement event dubbed “It’s Showtime”. The speculation is that they will announce an iTunes Movie Store.

On the other hand, Amazon launched a service called Unbox to allow people to download movies and TV shows.

Apple also released new iMacs last Tuesday using the new Core 2 Duo chips including a new 24-inch screen!

It was discovered that the lonelygirl15 videos on Youtube was faked because emails from the user were coming out of the CAA! Also, there’s even a trademark pending for “lonelygirl15.”

11a-Noon

Q Frank from Culver City - Mom’s looking for a new computer

His mom wants a computer that is DSL compatible, able to do simple photo editing, and able to do some movie downloading and such. If she’s looking at under $1000, look at Dell. If she goes with Windows, she’s going to deal with viruses and spyware and such. However, if you’ll take care of her, she’ll be fine. For Dell, I’d look at the Dell XPS 410.

Q Linda from La Canara - Mac Pro vs. iMac 24-inch

She just bought a 24-inch iMac, but was wondering if she wants to upgrade to the Mac Pro. On my podcast Macbreak Weekly, we were debating this exact same thing. We decided that the iMac is perfect for the majority of people. The main point of the Mac Pro is that professional movie studios and such can use them for 3d-rendering and more. The real advantage of the Mac Pro is a better video card and more expandability. Make sure on the iMac that there is enough room for ventilation.

Q Carol form Palace Verdes - What to do to protect yourself on the Internet

Her computer came with Norton Internet Security. However, the #1 thing you can do to prevent spyware and viruses, change your behavior on the Internet. Moreover, do not click links in email and do not open attachments! Make sure you run Windows Update regularly. Microsoft has a great all-in-one solution called Windows One Care. Spyware is the big problem these days. For a firewall, I’d recommend a router because software firewalls tend to generate problems. If you follow this, you should be fine.

Noon-1p

Q Kevin from Arizona - Disable wireless processes going on with all-in-one printer

It’s transferring more than just printing data. It’s just minor bits going across the networking. It’s the router sending out a beacon. There’s nothign you can do about it but secure your network. Overall it’s not going to make any big difference in performance.

Q Ken from San Diego - iWork vs. Office

Microsoft Office on the Mac is completely compatible with Microsoft Office on the PC. If you’re not working with anybody else, you can use iWork. However, if you are, use Office. Pages on iWork is definitely not Word. If you’re looking at .Mac, buy from Amazon because it is only $79 from there. However, if you want to do backups, I’d recommend getting an external drive and using a piece of software called Super Duper.

Q Terry from Texas - Advice for a web development application

People rarely now design static html. If you’re going to do that, go buy Dreamweaver. The nice thing about it is that it is completely standards compliant. Nowadays, the dynamic sites have databases that merge the database with the layout. It separates data from design. We use these engines because these websites are not created by web designers. If you wanted to make a blog, you could use Wordpress. If you would like to see excellent examples of CSS, go to CSS Zen Garden.

1–2p

Q Looking for a tablet PC/Smartphone

I would look at the Lenovo X Series Tablet. For taking notes, Microsoft has a program called OneNote, but I’d recommend Evernote. It allows you to search through your records using the “ink” technology, not by attempting to convert the ink to text.

Q Martha from West Hollywood - Looking for a wireless Internet radio receiver

Philips makes one, but I’d recommend the Roku soundbridge. You would have to configure it for your father. Also, take a look at the wifi radio by Acoustic-Energy.

Q Dan from Pasadena - Popups coming up to upgrade to Service Pack 2

As long as the computer goes online, you need Service Pack 2. Service Pack 2 upgrades are very problematic. It’s more of an operating system upgrade rather than a patch. The more you install on the computer, the more conflicts. If you install from a disc, it won’t be interrupted. Microsoft has a page to order a cd. You pay for shipping.

Q Didi - Looking for a new computer & printer

You’re looking for something to learn skills with. I often recommend Dells because they are usually easier for people to buy. I would wait to get the computer first before buying a printer. For a premium price, you can get in-home service. For a new user, I would recommend in-home service. For mail-order, I’d recommend either Gateway or Dell. If you go into the store, look at an HP Pavilion. When you get the computer, uninstall all the stuff on the desktop. Also, you will want Office. With everything, I think you’ll run around $1500. Don’t spend more than $2000. Get a 19″ LCD display. For home book-keeping, look at Quickbooks.

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