Posts Tagged: burn

Riding Shotgun with Adam — 28 Comments
1
Nov 07

XBox 360 Nyko Intercooler Overheat Problems

This is perhaps a strange thing for our basic computer help website, but it is a pretty serious matter to some people in the computer and electronics business. I couldn’t find a head quarters for information on this problem, so I figured I would try to make one here. Of course we also hope it brings a few new folks to the website.

I bought an XBox 360 about a year after they had been released. Along with my purchase I bought an Intercooler by Nyko. This is a device that plugs into the power of the XBox and blows air past the back fans. The idea and advertised claim is that it would improve the life of my system and cool the inner components.

A couple of weeks ago, my XBox began giving me “the red ring of death,” a series of indicator lights on the front that warn of hardware failure and/or overheating.

I was able to get past the problem by turning off the Intercooler. I told the guys at the local gaming store about the problem and they told me right out that it was a well documented problem on the Internet and it has caused many systems to fail.

After doing some research, I not only found that the problem is common, but it also voids the warranty of the XBox.

Even more research revealed that Nyko has not issued a recall even though the problem is an obvious fire hazard.

My XBox 360 is running fine as long as I have the Nyky Intercooler turned off, but as soon as I turn it back on, the system overheats.

I tried to remove the Intercooler, but it has melted into my XBox and it will not come out. I am hoping that it doesn’t burn down my house. We always make sure that the XBox is turned off when we aren’t in the room.

If you are an XBox user who has had similar problems, please post your comments. I would like to know how widespread this problem is.

I was going to post a bunch of links to sites where others are complaining about the problem, but you can find them all by typing in terms like, “Nyko xbox overheat” or “Nyko Fried xbox” or “Intercooler overheat problem” or Red Ring Nyko” into Google.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-prevent-your-XBox-360-Nyko-Intercooler-from/

Riding Shotgun with Rick — 5 Comments
23
Oct 07

New computer recommendations

At least once a year, I write a short article about my current computer recommendations. The holiday season is upon us, and I haven’t written an article like this in awhile, so here goes.

In the past six months, I ask more questions than I give when approached with this question.

Scenario 1

If I find that the person has a 2-4 year old computer with Windows XP, and just thinks the computer is slow, I go with this advice:

  • Add RAM to 1 GB to existing computer (cost:  less than $50)
  • Reformat computer and install a fresh, clean copy of Windows and only essential software (cost:  free if the user does it, about $150 if a professional does it or $300 of Geek Squad does it)
  • Add DVD Burner (cost:  $75)
  • That’s it, the computer will run like a juiced track athlete again.

Scenario 2 

If the computer user asking the question has a 4-7 year old computer, maybe 256-512mb of RAM and has an interest only in card and puzzle games, email, and some light Internet or maybe some basic digital photography, I try to convince them to:

  • Give up Windows, reformat the computer and install Ubuntu Linux. Great functionality. Solid, solid system. No need to be a computer security expert to keep it running. (cost:  Free if they do it, $60-90 to have a professional do it)
  • Get high speed Internet if they don’t have it already

Scenario 3

Computer user absolutely, positively wants a new PC.

  • IF they are flexible and open minded, I try to steer them into a cheaper Vista machine, then strip it and put Ubuntu Linux on it. Vista machines are selling so poorly, a fast machine (when Vista is removed) with 1 GB of RAM and a DVD burner can be found for as little as $400 or $500 with a 19″ flat panel monitor.
  • If they are flexible, but worried about being too open minded, buy a cheaper Vista machine, buy a copy of Windows XP, then take Vista off and install XP.
  • If they are flexible, open minded, and willing to invest a little more money, I suggest seriously looking at Macintosh iMac all-in-one or a Mac laptop (Macbook). Like Linux, these machines are fast, very secure, and extremely capable

Scenario 4

Computer user absolutely, positively wants a new computer AND it must be Windows.

  • I explain with a lot of animation how important I think it is to stay with Windows XP and consider ordering a new machine with XP pre-installed from Dell, HP, Toshiba or a local computer maker. I recommend getting 1 GB of RAM, DVD burner, and separate video card (not on-board video).

If the user absolutely, positively wants a new computer with Windows Vista, I sigh (on the inside), then explain to them that if they want to have the best possible start with Vista they need to:

  • Get at LEAST 2 GB RAM…preferably more.
  • Get at LEAST a 256mb video card (NOT on-board video with shared RAM)
  • Read up on how to disable 90% of the froo-froo features of Vista to aid in speed it up or get a professional to do it for them.
  • Use AVG anti-virus instead of McAfee or Norton …which actually is the same advice I give for ANY Windows user.
Computer User Group — No Comments
12
Sep 07

Introduction to Ubuntu Linux – September 2007

I have written much about Ubuntu over the past six months, but today was my first public presentation of this fantastic operating system. Because it is different, many computer users tend to look upon it with eyes of confusion, but after discussing the possibilities and the opportunities with Ubuntu, those confused eyes turn to eyes of intrigue.

Getting people to think about an alternative to Windows and computing as we know it today were My only goals for today’s user group presentation. If you missed it, or you attended, here are some links to Ubuntu articles here at HelpMeRick.com and elsewhere:

Hardware Tips — No Comments
23
Aug 07

Install a new DVD Burner – Video Tip

Regular visitors to our site and listeners to our show know that we continually talk about the importance of backing up your computer. Many computer users rely on external hard drives these days for their primary backup. And, yes, external hard drives are quick and convenient, but because they are hard drives and subject to electrical or mechanical failure, I still highly recommend that all computer users backup their most precious data (pictures, address books, documents, etc) on external media like a DVD+R.

DVD+R media prices have dropped dramatically over the past few years and dual-layer DVD burners that can read and write any CD or DVD media cost less than $75 and sometimes under $50. Do yourself a favor, install a new DVD burner in your system if you don’t already have one. The increased capacity and peace-of-mind of DVD backup puts you well ahead of computer users who have to fret if something goes wrong with their computer.

OK, the particulars are out of the way, watch this short video demonstrating how to install a DVD burner (or any optical drive).

Riding Shotgun with Rick — 1 Comment
1
Aug 07

First ALL Internet Program

Video Chat Example Starting tomorrow night (Thursday, August 2, 2007), Adam and I will be broadcasting our show for one commercial free hour right here at HelpMeRick.com from 9:30-10:30pm.

We plan to do the show at that time every Thursday night barring holiday’s  No radio stations, no middle-men, no commercials, just you and us. In today’s article, I’m going to try and lay out how this will work and how YOU can still interact with us to get your questions answered.

First off, when you come to our site on Thursday evenings at 9:30pm (and probably earlier), you will see our video chat window on the left side of our page. If you see just a still picture of Adam and I, that means we aren’t live yet, but if you see us moving around and hear us talking, then we are live and ready to go. Follow these steps to get in on the live action:

  1. You must be using a high speed connection in order for the chat to work right.
  2. Click ONE time on the picture of us to open the chat in its own window (so you can continue to surf the Internet while listening/watching the action)
  3. Type your name or nickname into the chat box and click “Start Chat”
  4. Now sit back, relax, and either type a question to us OR if you want to sign up for an account at Stickam (its free), you can use your own web cam so that we can hear and see you.
  5. You can also still email us through the site and we will be answering more questions from email than ever before. 

That’s it!

Please know that since this will be a public Internet channel, there may be hoodlums trying to cause some havoc from time-to-time, but we have our hand on the eject button at all times and will dismiss/ban any trouble makers from the room. We hope that we will indeed draw new listerners/visitors to the site and show, but very much want to continue our long tradition of helping the every day computer user. 

Our plan is to post the audio of the chat and possibly even the video of the session after the show so you can listen to it as many times as you want, any time you want.

How can you use the audio ANY time

  • Visit the site and click the play button from any computer, any time.
  • Download the audio file and save it to your computer so you can listen any time you want.
  • Burn that audio file to a CD to take with you in the car or play on your home stereo
  • Copy the audio file to an MP3 player.

We can answer more specific questions during the show on Thrusday nights.

Also, you never know when Adam or I will be sitting at our desks and decide to turn on the video chat. Now that we have the technology, the possibility of us being “on the air” will be more frequent.

 

Hardware Tips / Riding Shotgun with Rick — 2 Comments
5
Jun 07

Easily replaced hardware items…

Sometimes I am accused of being too laid back about life and problems. I take that as a compliment and consider my low key approach to life to be an asset not a liability. When it comes to computers, many computer users should also take a low key approach to many hardware problems.

Keyboards and Mice

If you start having a problem with a mouse or keyboard, the first thing to try is shutting the computer off, unplug and re-plug cables, then try again. If they still give you problems, go out and buy a new one. Mice and keyboards can't and shouldn't be repaired…just replace them. Mice and keyboards both can be found for less than $20. If your mouse or keyboard is a cordless one, always check the batteries.

Monitors

Monitor prices have plummeted over the past five or so years. Repairing a monitor is a costly and often futile experience. If you start having monitor problems, check your monitor with a neighbor's or family members computer. If it still doesn't work, replace it. If it DOES work on a different computer, your computer has a different problem and should be checked out by a professional.  When shopping for a monitor, you don't have to buy the same brand you are replacing. All monitors will work any computer…with very few exceptions.

CD/DVD and CD/DVD Burner drives

Probably the most commonly replaced item in a computer, don't bother fussing with these items and losing sleep. If they stop working, pull them out and replace them with a new one. Cost is less than $50 and can be done by  anyone comfortable with a screwdriver.

These are probably the most common and easiest to solve hardware problems. Don't sweat these items when something goes wacky, just replace them and you will save a lot of time, frustration, and probably money too. 

Computer User Group / General Computer Tips — No Comments
8
May 07

Backup – What, Where, When, and How – May 2007

It doesn?t take long to back up your files, but it does take discipline.  Just like getting the oil changed in our cars regularly to maintain its health, it is imperative that a good backup program be put in place for you computer creations. Follow these simple rules for backing up your files and you will be able to face any computer calamity:

  • Save your files in a common folder or directory like My Document or Work
  • Make sub-folders if you have a lot of categories
  • You do NOT need to back up the entire hard disk.  Most of the hard disk is occupied by programs not your data files
  • One easy way to backup is using a flash drive:
    • Open up Windows Explorer (Start | Programs | Windows Explorer), find the folder that you are saving your data files in and RIGHT Click on it?.Now Click Send To, removable disk (drive letter will vary depending on your setup)

That?s it, the entire contents of your important folder will be transferred to your flash drive.

  • Other important considerations:
  • Take advantage of the built in backup programs that come with all financial software, genealogy software, and other specialized programs.
  • Make at least two backup copies of everything you deem important
  • If you have extremely critical data, then keep one of your backups onsite and take another backup to a bank safe deposit box or some other safe place
  • Backup your data at least monthly and more often if you create or change data files a lot

What to Backup

The general rule of thumb I give is backup anything that you created or modified. Here is a non-exhaustive list of items you need to backup:

  • Word processing documents
  • Spreadsheets
  • Photos
  • Email downloads or attachments
  • Address books
  • Financial information
  • Favorites or Bookmarks
  • Downloaded music
  • Email passwords and/or settings

When to Backup

  • At least monthly OR anytime you worked on a large project that you don't want to lose
  • Before vacations
  • Before making major software or hardware modifications to your computer system

Where to Backup 

  • Large amounts of data that doesn't change should be archived onto CDR's or DVD+R's. Examples would be pictures, music or video
  • Items that change often should be backed up using USB flash drives
  • External hard drives (or a second internal hard drive) can be used for more frequent automated backups, but should never be considered your only or primary backup. 
  • Online backup will become more popular as faster and faster Internet speeds become available

How to Backup

  • We already mentioned the easy-to-use "Right click and Send To" method which works well
  • Archiving data requires you to use a CD/DVD burning software like Roxio, Nero, or similar.
  • Automated backup systems can be setup and utilized. Two of my favorite backup systems are:
General Computer Tips / Riding Shotgun with Rick — 1 Comment
19
Apr 07

When to use a CD for backup

Our regular listeners hear us talk about this subject often, but it bears repeating as much as we can talk about it for your data's safety and your sanity. Backing up to CD's is a multi-step process and all the steps need to be followed for it to go right.

CD's work great for archiving data that won't change. This includes pictures, music, your finished novel, etc. CD's should only be burned ONE time. CD-R's have the capability of being written to many times, but this also increases the likelihood of problems with the CD. Burn them once and store them in a safe place.

CDRW's should NEVER be used for any purpose.

The reason we don't like to use CD's for reusable backup is a technical one. When we burn CD's, the CD burning software has to burn extra files to the CD called a Table of Contents (TOC). These files act as the disk's librarian. When inserted into a CD drive, the drive looks first for the TOC so it knows how to read the disk and recall the data. When repeatedly burning the disk, the software has to find and read the old TOC, create a new TOC (that ignores the original) and burn it to the CD. Too many chances for error can occur in this process. We know that many people have had no problems burning CD's and CDRW's multiple times, we just want it to be known why the disk fails using the process. 

For data that changes often like word processing documents, financial program backups, genealogy backups, address books, and other similar files, we recommend using USB flash drives. They are fast, spacious, and durable. Copying information to a Flash drive is a one step process versus the multi-step process required by CD burning.

As always, if you have extremely important information that you really don't want to lose, make multiple copies of your backups. 

Riding Shotgun with Adam — No Comments
18
Apr 07

Windows Vista makes networking maddening

I setup a new Windows Vista machine yesterday on a network with two Windows XP systems. My client wanted Vista to be the main computer that shared files and printers with the other two computers. It only took me 45 minutes to figure out how to set it all up. In Windows XP I can setup a network in less than 15 minutes – probably less than 10.

One of the first complaints I had early on with Windows XP was that it was loaded with too many wizards. This only bothered me until I started using the wizards. Now I depend on them.

A wizard is a feature that leads you step-by-step through the process of a complicated task such as setting up a network or burning to a CD. The Windows XP wizards turned out to be one of its biggest strengths. They made it easy for a friend, family member, or tech support person to walk you through setting things up.

Windows Vista assumes you know what a network is and it tries to control it. While Windows Vista is being praised as a more secure operating system, I have found myself accidentally discovering computers and networks with it that weren't meant to be discovered. This especially happens while using my laptop on a wireless network.

Sometimes all I have to do is switch my network settings from "public" to "private" and I can see the shared folders of other people using the WiFi network.

For every time I find myself saying, "That's kind of a neat feature," about something in Windows Vista, I have three features that make me ask, "Why did they do it that way?"

Windows Vista is bad. It isn't buggy it's just full of stupid features and power hungry options that will likely never get used by most users.

I suspect that the first big service pack to Vista will feature more obvious methods of turning off the stupid features. I hope they put a toggle switch for turning Aero (the prettiness feature of Vista) on and off easily on the task bar. 

Riding Shotgun with Rick — 6 Comments
9
Apr 07

Ubuntu Linux!!!

Ubuntu Desktop - click for larger view Last week I installed Windows Vista on my fine running XP machine (less than six months old) and have been tolerating it since then and learning about its quirks and features. I have actually been using Vista since September and besides the integrated search (which can be added to XP through multiple channels for free), I honestly do not understand what the heck Microsoft did for nearly six years between operating systems. Yes, it is pretty, but who cares how pretty it is…my email is slower, programs are slower, menus, options, and preferences have all been moved to different places…

(You can click the Ubuntu desktop photo above for a full screen picture).

I digress. Today, I want to tell you about something that I never thought I would talk about on our show or on this site; Linux. Linux is another operating system that competes with Windows and Apple's OSX (which is sort of Linux itself also). In the past year, Linux has been making a bigger and bigger splash with the obvious misfire by Microsoft. I see many clients who use Windows Me and Windows 98 and have no desire to spend $800 and up to get a machine that will run Windows Vista with any oomph at all. And I agree with them. However, Windows 98 and Me are rapidly losing their ability to interface with many of today's technologies because of their older code. Photos, high speed web, and even general web browsing all get more difficult every day with those operating systems.

After seeing Vista wasn't going to cut the mustard for me or many of my customers, I promised to look into Linux and Macintosh. Apple Macintosh computers have long been 'cult' favorites, but can be expensive. Linux, on the other hand, is a free operating system designed to work on hardware up to a 1/3 less powerful than what is required for Windows Vista. My goal was to find out whether a Linux upgrade to an older computer would truly be an upgrade for computer users not wanting to shell out hundreds of dollars.

After a little research, I settled on the Ubuntu version (there are many) of Linux.Tux The download is just under 700 megabytes (don't even think of trying it on a dial-up connection). Ubuntu users point out that it will run on a machine with a 600-700 mhz processor and 128 megabytes of RAM (computers built in around 1998-9). For best performance, 256 megabytes of RAM is recommended.

After downloading the file, burning it onto a CD and slipping the CD into my test machine (768mb RAM, 1.2 ghz processor), I was at the Ubuntu desktop in less than 3 minutes. Turns out the download creates a "Live CD" which enables you to try out Ubuntu without actually installing it on your system. It simply runs from the CD…Microsoft would probably kill for that kind of efficiency since their Vista now requires a DVD to install.

I played for a moment, but wanted to install the software on my computer, so I exited and restarted the computer to install Ubuntu to the hard drive. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the entire install process (including formatting the hard drive) required a grand total of three clicks from me and less than 12 minutes! Sorry, Bill, but I honestly said, "Wow", as the desktop booted up in that short time. Then I was even more delighted to see that without doing any other installation whatsoever, I had full Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint capabilities, Firefox web browsing, Evolution email and calendaring (like Outlook), picture management software (I later installed Picasa for Linux), and a full complement of games (including solitaire).

After using Ubuntu for a couple of days, I can honestly say that I am more than impressed. For computer users who only need to browse the web, play a few games, send and receive email, word process, and work with digital photos, Ubuntu should be a consideration. Installing new software is a mixed bag. There appears to be a great deal of software available for the Linux operating system (both free and commercial), but installing it ranges from easier than Windows installations to harder than making cheese.

I will continue to evaluate and learn about Ubuntu Linux and report back here. In fact, I have written this entire story from my "new" free Ubuntu Linux machine.

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