Disable iChat

We believe we found the answer to how to disable iChat on the Mac.

Microsoft Sideshow to compete with iPhone

This week the tech world was given a nice surprise as Microsoft and many partners announced the SideShow device. The SideShow is a PDA-like device designed to be used with a Vista PC. While details are still vague and only prototypes have been shown, the SideShow looks like it may prevent many windows users from switching to iPhone. The SideShow is designed to link up to a computer via Bluetooth and it can be used for chat,...

I want to be a computer teacher on a cruise ship

I love my job as a computer guy. Especially tutoring and teaching average people (seniors, parents, non-geeks) how too use computers. Everyday I meet interesting people, see new challenges and play with new toys. Today I was thinking about what could possibly make my job more fun and I had a great idea. I would love to be a computer guy on a cruise ship. Not to maintain the ship's computers but to teach tourists and help...

When to use CDs , DVDs or flash drives

With so many options for backing up today, people often get confused on which method is right for them. Typically there are three methods for backing up: 1. CD or DVD 2. Flash drive 3. External hard drive The method you choose should depend on the type of backup you are doing. CDs hold 700MB (about 300 pictures) while DVDs hold 4,700MB. But the amount of data that they hold is not as important as what you use the disks for....

iPhone – cool because it’s marketed th...

I saw an iPhone commercial this weekend. The iPhone is Mac’s newest gadget that is being marketed by people who like to all be different in the same way. I can’t decide which new product is worse, the iPhone or the Palm Foleo. Perhaps they are equally bad for the same reasons. Both devices are marketed as the next step in portable data evolution. Both devices make this claim as they are left in the dust by devices...

I am no longer a one-handed man

This is the first post I have written since Monday. I have had my wrist in a splint for the past few days. On Sunday I was on a family bike ride and I thought it would be funny to splash through a big mud puddle beside my kids. As it turns out puddles filled with irrigation water tend to grow scum and scum tends to be as slippery as ice. First thing I knew I was laying on my back under my bike. On Monday my wrist was so sore...

Easy, safe, fun (and useful) Google Images –...

Google offers hundreds of features and most of them go unused by the average computer user. Google Images is one of the coolest features that the monster search site has to offer. Google Images allows you to search the web for graphics or pictures related to any search topic. It's so easy to use: 1. Visit Images.Google.com 2. Type in a word or phrase that you want to search for 3. Hit ENTER key on your keyboard 4. The...

Dang! There’s a computer program for everyth...

In the basic computer classes I teach for the local Parks and Rec., I discuss how computers should make our lives easier, not more difficult. I have often written on this site and talked on the show about how your computer should be a tool and you shouldn't feel obligated to learn features and programs that you don't have any interest in. Anyone can use a computer to make their job or project easier. There are...

How much would you pay for a “simple” ...

This will be our poll question in the newsletter tomorrow, but I wanted to give you time to consider the question. Like Rick, I am constantly on a mission to make computers easier to use. I don't believe it is necessary to upgrade computers every few years if the system you are using now is working well. I hate (strong word, but accurate) the direction Microsoft has taken with Windows. Most people never use all of the...

I’m sure it’s something simple…

Several times each week I will receive messages with the phrase, "I'm sure it's something simple…" What is ironic is that these are usually the calls with problems that are the farthest from simple. I was thinking about this last week as someone left a message that said something like, "Hi I was given your name by a friend who said you might be able to help me. I have a computer that is shutting...

I’ve heard you say that before

Imagine for a moment (you won't have to stretch very far) that your son or daughter comes home past curfew and you say something like, "I told you to be home by midnight." In reply your kid says, "I know I heard you say that." Imagine for a moment that you are an engineer who builds bridges. One day a bridge that you design collapses. You confront the builders only to find that they used half of the...

Simple things to check before you call your comput...

People always apologize all over the place whenever a problem turns out to have a simple fix. Small problem or not, I typically charge a small fee just to cover the higher gas prices and time I blocked out for the appointment. To avoid the small fee or feeling silly, here are a few things to try before calling your computer guy whether you have to pay him or not. 1. Turn the computer off and back on. 2. If you are on...

Compare online map services

I was home sick for the day so I had a lot of time to stumble around the Internet. I found this great site that lets you compare all of the big online mapping services like Yahoo, Google, Ask.com and NASA. I think Google won every time but the site is interesting.

Quickly sort your start menu items – VIDEO T...

Finding the right program in your Start menu can be difficult if the items are all out of order. Here's how to sort them alphabetically. 1. Click Start -> (All) Programs 2. Right-click on any item in the Programs area 3. Click Sort By Name If you need any more help with it, just watch this quick little video tip. ...

Spyblocker: My first nasty Vista spyware and repai...

I am writing this from a client's house. Typically I wouldn't work on the site while I am on the clock but since I have to sit and wait for they repair scan to finish, I might as well tell you why I'm here. It all began with a call this morning. My client said that she could move her mouse but it wouldn't let her click on anything. Luckily I had time available to see her in the afternoon. When I got here I...