Thursday, January 31, 2013

HTPC

What is it?  Home Theater PC.  Quoting Wikipedia - "Home Theater PC (HTPC) or Media Center computer is a convergence device that combines some or all the capabilities of a personal computer with a software application that supports video, photo, audio playback, and sometimes video recording functionality."  The HTPC just might be the device to cause you to disconnect cable TV - well, maybe.


Next week Dave Peterson will demonstrate his HTPC - The Roku.  I don't know which model he has, so the extent of it's capabilities will only be revealed next week.  I've ordered a Pivos Xios (http://www.pivosgroup.com/xios.html) that should arrive by then, but I may not be in a position to demonstrate it.

So, if we can get good wifi in the Prickly Pear Room, we should have a lively discussion.  See you there.


Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Next Week - DAVE!

Another very good meeting today.  Let's keep it up.  Next week should be even better.  Dave Peterson has "volunteered" to demonstrate his new Roku box.  If you're not sure what a Roku is, take a look here, and then go to their web site.

We did discuss Android today.  So now you know it's my operating system of choice.  Read more about some of it's features here - http://goo.gl/EgH8h.

Have a good week and be prepared to ask Dave lot's of questions.  Dave, don't chicken out.

Monday, January 28, 2013

Security Update

Just found another site you might find useful.  It's associated with the Internet Crime Complaint Center - part of the FBI.  Here it is - http://goo.gl/LSyts

Credit Card Problems

Quite a few folk have been victims of, or know someone who has been a victim of, recent credit card fraudulent usage.  I hear lots of rumors regarding where these thefts might have taken place, but it seems there is no consistent source of the problem.  I can't find anything on the internet except this blog about a new credit card scam - http://goo.gl/GCzIb.  Does anyone remember getting a phone call like this?

We've talked to bank employees and they think it has to do with a credit card clearing house (or something like that - whatever that is).


Monday, January 21, 2013

10 Free Tools

TechRepublic is frequently a good source pc-related tools and fixes.  Today's email referenced a previous post describing 10 Free Tools to help with computer problems.  Take a look at them here.  I've used some in the past.  I haven't tried ComboFix, but will check it out.

PS - I just read about ComboFix.  My recommendation is to leave it alone, unless you feel very comfortable interpreting it's results.  AND, you don't have trepidation about having to possibly re-install Windows.  If you try it, let me know how it goes.

Saturday, January 19, 2013

OCGG Meeting on 23rd

Next week's OCGG meeting will be held in the Saguaro Room (January 23rd only).  The Prickly Pear room is being utilized for Hillbillies construction.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Java

Lot's of press regarding Java that past few days.  Here's an article on how to disable that "nasty" program.

Note this Java test site wherein you can determine if Java is running on your machine.  If Java is not running, be careful about the "Download Java Now"

Great "How To" Site

TechRepublic always has interesting links.  Today's is -

 http://www.wikihow.com/Main-Page

Enjoy!

Flu!

Note tweet regarding tomorrow's meeting.  See you next week - I hope.

Monday, January 7, 2013

Friday, January 4, 2013

A Few More Techie Links -

Here's a list of techie-type links I've been saving up --

How Windows 8 came to be - http://goo.gl/axxIW
The best of Lifehacker in 2012 - http://goo.gl/43Ntg
10 Simple Things to protect your privacy - http://goo.gl/dw2cd
Best astronomy picture of the year - http://goo.gl/FDDXB
How to make your own home screens for Android - http://goo.gl/VA0rz
How to get the most out of Google Chrome - http://goo.gl/aKb6Y

That's all for now.  Enjoy