Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Have money to throw away?

Click the link below and you will find another rip off from my friend Best Buy...Check out the price they will charge you for doing this. Then if you are thinking who would pay this amount for this click on reviews...and take a look.

Best Buy Rip off again


Ubuntu 9.10 Web Surfing slow?

Try this:

Open Firefox and put about:config in address bar and hit enter.

In filter type network.dns.disableIPv6 and hit enter:

double click on line and it will change to:
network.dns.disableIPv6;true

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Why not? Everyone else is.

While my wife and I went out to the store (wife driving) I noticed
this and just had to get a picture. A paramedic texting and driving.
Yes I saw him stearing with his legs and txting away.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

HP Tech Support


So many of you may or may not know I went out and got a HP Netbook a little over a month ago. Well about a week ago the internal cooling fan started making noises when it turned on. Knowing that this was normal I found time to call the HP tech support line.

I call them up and I get some person named Jill from India, she gets all my info and the computers info. Then she asks what my problem was with my netbook. I explained to her that once I have the computer on for a bit the internal fan will kick on and it makes a very loud noise. It still spins but it is very loud. She then tells me I am sorry to hear that you are having problems with your new netbook and I will be happy to help you right now over the phone to fix your netbook. So I go get a piece of paper and a pen thinking that I will be now writing down information on how to return the netbook to them or taking it to a repair shop....Oh was I wrong..

First she asks me if I installed any third party software? I was like yes....then she told me am I running a anti-virus program I said yes....and then she asked me was it up to date. I stopped her at this point and I was asked her what does this have to do with a noisy internal fan? Her reply back to me was "Sir you may have a virus and this would be causing your problems" I was like waaaah? I then said I do not have a virus my system is clean, I just need a RA # to send this computer back to you for repair can you do this for me? She said sir the only way I can help you is if you let me go threw everything first..I shut up and then said ok now what would you like for me to do? She then tells me to go to HP's website go to drivers enter my computer info in the search and she wants me to update the Bois for my netbook. I then laughed as hard as I could and said lady you are joking right? I am telling you right now that I do not have a software problem I have a internal Motor that is making a loud sound when the computer tells it that the system is to hot and to turn on. She then again told me that I have to listen to her steps...So needless to say I downloaded the BIOS update, slicked on it to install it and guess what it was the same version I already had, I told her this and she told me just install it anyways.... After I do this she says reboot the netbook....guess what it is still noisy go figure hehe...Now keep in mind this did not all happen this fast as what you are reading at this point I am into this phone call about an hour. Because I could not understand her nor could she understand me. Now she tells me I will now have to ship the unit back to the company for repair because I have a bad fan...I was like no crap lady... so I then get put on hold and transfered to a dept that handles returns. Give them even more info over the phone and then they ask me for my credit card number? I asked them why are you sending me a new one? She told me no even if the unit is still under warranty I must pay for them to ship me a box so I may ship it to them $20 + dollars that I had to pay for a defective product had this unit for lil under 2 months? Ok I got fed up 2 hours now on the phone...I just give her the credit card info. I then got the box a few days ago and I shipped the the netbook back to HP. We shall see how long this is going to take for me to get my pc back. Will it be a reburb unit that they send me or shall they repair mine? So keep this in mind people when dealing with HP leave at least two hours open. Have your credit card ready,then make sure you run out and get a external Hard Drive because Hp says back up all your info that you need because you may or may not have it again when they return a computer back to you.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Best Buy At It Again...



Yet another reason why the government needs to get involved with the pricing of Best Buy's Geek Squad. Really $129.00 to install my game system? And to think people are doing this...


Source

Monday, September 7, 2009

Atari 2600

I was having a flash back a few days ago and I spoke to a few people about how great the Atari 2600 games were. Well I did a little search and I came across a site that will allow you to play those old games right from your browser. The name of the site is 2600Online

Should we have to take a Broadband test?


Should everyone take a test if they want to have high speed internet in their homes? After reading about Twitter and FaceBook and how attacks from Zombie computers took them out/ slowed them down to snail speed. I think the broadband companies should make everyone of their users take a broadband test. What am I talking about? Let me explain.....
Anyone can buy a computer and lets face it most of the computers sold today are Windows machines. Just about everyone that buys these computers does not know how to protect themselves or if they do they are just to lazy to keep their computers up to date. You think I am wrong? Look at all the computer repair places...the Geeks at Best buy just for example. People are willing to pay $100.00's of extra dollars so these so called geeks can install the protection for them...But these people can still pay all they like for you can't buy something that will fix stupid...
What I mean by stupid is something like a popup comes on their screen and they believe it and download the file install it and now they become a part of a botnet that will be sold on the black market to either spam people or help take down a service. Nice huh?
So what believe all the broadband company should have is a broadband test...something like:

1) If a Pop Up shows up on your screen while entering a website what should you do?

A. what is a popup?

B. Panic and believe you are infected and download the file they want you to, so it may be removed.

C: Ignore it/close it

2) If you get a email telling you that you need to log in to your bank to update all your info...

A. Click on the link and update that info

B. What the heck is email?

C. Ignore it

Now I know I am just being silly but you know as well as I do how many people out there do all the wrong things. Because if everyone did do the right thing we would not have all of these virus, botnets etc....etc... So if these broadband companies did have a test and have people take the test something simple ans short everytime you wanted to use the computer it would I believe cut back on these attacks and make the internet much better for the rest of us...

No I am not saying if you do not pass the test you do not get internet I am saying we shall give you access like refer you to Netzero
Yes this is silly but we need to start either craking down on stupid or shutting them off. Please step away from the computer sir!

Saturday, September 5, 2009



Ok, I have seen it enough now I have to talk about it. Iphone users are you really that simple? I have seen I would have to say 20 people so far that when talking on there Iphones they hold the phone up like they are talking on a CB radio...When they have there ear buds in....Please look at the pic...your mic is built into your earbuds you do not have to put the phone anywhere near you mouth...these are smart phones not cb's...you want a cb please try Nextel :) I have also seen a ton of my friends that are getting the Iphone here at work. And when I ask them have you put your phone on your computer to sync with Itunes? And I always get the same answer what is that..and why should I do that...Have we reached the point where people are just buying things because everyone else has one? And when we buy these products we can't even read the owners manual on the products? I noticed that company's are not even giving out full manuals anymore..I got two netbooks last week and both of them had paper thin manuals, I had to go online to get the complete manual in PDF..Have we become that lazy that we do not want to read up on what we just paid hundreds of dollars for?

Saturday, August 22, 2009

How to use Google Calendar in Ubuntu



Download the Lightning Addon for Mozilla Thunderbird

Download the Google Provider Addon for Mozilla Thunderbird

Then simply follow my instructions in the video.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Tom Tom on the IPhone?

I do not know about you but if I am going to dish out $100.00 for a
gps it is not going to be for a gps app on a phone. I know in the past
from my Blackberry if I lost cell coverage I lost the gps program on
my Blackberry. Are you willing to spend $100.00 to rate this app?

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Whales Gets the message out

Whales puts out the message why you should not text and drive.


Weather Channel app down for the count




This App for the iphone has been like this all day today. I guess you get what you pay for.

AcidRip For Ubuntu




In this video I show you how to use a program in Ubuntu called Acidrip. I show you how to take a dvd and convert it to a avi file.

Best Buy, Netbook Rip Off's





The Geek Squad....we shall take your money for something you can do yourself...if you can't you deserve to pay the Geek Squad stupid tax...also known as the fees that they charge..here is a link to the Geeks website....check out on top the prices for things...Get a cheap computer walk out paying the Geeks crazy money to put in cd's for you.... Geek Squad Webiste

New Netbooks offered by wireless company's. You will end up paying 1,000's for your hundred dollar netbook in the long run. Listen to the podcast for more info.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Why update your computers?

Simple answer for most of us. But I have noticed more and more people do not update there computers or phones. Take these examples from what people have told me.

Don my computer is running real slow and I do not know why.

So I take a look at the computer and find out they are just running XP service pack 1. When I ask them why they never updated the computer they gave me that confused puppy look. Or they just came out and told me that they shut off the automatic updates because they were getting sick of the computer telling them they had updates....Smart huh? I even had a person tell me why update I do not go on the Internet that much?..?.? I even get people telling me that the store that sold them this never told them anything about updates.

People let me tell you this the Geek Squad is a joke, yes I said it...they are there to pray on the computer challenged. I can't tell you how many times I see the sales people/ so called geeks talk old people into computers that they will never need. $2000 bucs for a computer so a grandmother can send pictures to her daughter that lives out of state. $80 cables that you can get online for $10 instead of $80 yes monster cable (monster rip off)

When I am at these stores (not to buy anything just to look then go online to get it 1/2 price) and if the sales person breaks away from the poor person that is going to dish out hundreds/thousands of dollars. I ask them, "What will you be needing a computer for?" 9 times out of ten they tell me email nothing more. Then I point them to the computers that they will need not the gamer computer. I also give them names of programs to use other than what these stores are trying to sell them also. Free anti-virus (AVAST) free office program (OPEN-OFFICE). See not only does these large retail companies want to sell you something that you will not need they also try to scare you into thinking you HAVE to buy the commercial version. Why do you they want you to buy the commercial? So they can tell you for such and such price we can install it on your new computer.....so grandma goes in pays 2000 for the computer, 2 to 3 hundred in software and then the geeks will install software for you? Very nice deal huh? And these people get away with it all the time.

Ok enough of that and back to what I wanted to talk about, why update? These may be the same people if there is a recall on there car they will not take it in....why when it it running just fine....right?.? Wrong! EVERY operating system Windows, Linux, Unix, Mac. All have holes in there operating system yes ALL. And the only way to patch the holes is update update update. No virus program or spyware program is going to protect you from these kind of holes. So people updates your operating system. This should be the first thing you do when you go home with your computer UPDATE not shut the updates off. Yes computers are complicated and I believe some people should not even own one :) This is the reason why most people that make all those bad programs attack windows users. These windows users are the ones like grandma or pap that have no clue what to do other than type and click send for a email. So they all get infected and become some part of some huge Zombie Bot Net
The same goes with cellphones, as an example the Iphone came out with a update for a hole that would allow people to get all your info/take coontrol of your iphone with just a simply text message.

So people please if you see grandma in the store getting ready to spend way to much money on a computer she does not need. Help her out.

Dish Network *UPDATE*

I posted on Twitter my problem that I was having with Dish Network and them removing the two dishes they left on my roof. Well Someone from Dish replied back to me and wanted me to call them. I now have the company coming out next Monday (Aug 17th) to remove both dishes free of charge. It's amazing the power of Twitter and Blogs.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Email/ Reply from DishNetwork

Ok, here is my email and Dish's reply. 
Kinda messed up huh?


Thank you for your e-mail. We apologize for the inconvenience this may have caused you. The LNBF/EYE or the part of the Dish is optional If you are not able to remove it or if it may cause harm on your part. If you would like us to retrieve the equipment from your residence we can schedule a service call for $99.00. If the equipment is not returned you will automatically be charged, and/or a hold placed on your credit card with respect to an equipment and installation service charge as outlined in your Customer Agreement.

We realize that in today's competitive world you have a choice in services. We thank you for your continued support, and your business is greatly appreciated and we thank you for allowing us to be of assistance to you. If you have any further questions or concerns, please refer to www.dishnetwork.com <http://www.dishnetwork.com/>  or reply to this email.

DISH Network is committed to providing world class customer service to our customers. In an effort to continually improve our services, we ask that you take time to complete this short survey to let us know how we are doing. We appreciate your time in evaluating our performance.

Click on the link below to start the survey:

http://www.dishnetwork.com/data/services/csat/survey.aspx

 

 

Sincerely,

 

Charles Drake V. OPID:SD2

TID : OR-Cadillac

DISH Network eCare

 

Please include all previous correspondence when replying.

 

_____________________________________________
From: 





I had your service for yours and we decided to get rid of your service about a year ago after your contracted installers refused to remove the older dish from the chimney. So now we have a junk yard on our roof with two of your dishes. One the older style on the chimney and one the larger HD style on the lower portion of the room almost right on the old one. I have posted the pictures on Twitter, Blogspot, Facebook, And Myspace warning people of the install from your company.  I was told by your installers that they are here to install only and not to remove. And if I wanted to hire them to remove they would give me a est. I now have Comcast Cable and now I am stuck with TWO dishes on my roof from your company. If you would like to see the picture of my roof feel free to look at my blog at http://donfritzjr.blogspot.com/


 

Tuesday, August 4, 2009


Upgraded to HD with Dish Network many moons ago. I was told at the time from the person that installed it they are payed to install only. So they left the older smaller one attached to my chimney. I do not have Dish Network anymore so now my roof is a junk yard of dishes. Thanks Dish Network. Keep this in mind people when ordering this service from them, tell them to put it in a spot where you can remove it easy and will not have to patch your roof after you remove it.

Mobile Podcasting over the Iphone

Great little app to do mobile podcasting. Check it out at audioboo.fm

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Google Gear?

Came across a October 2001 Magazine and I noticed a ad for Google Gear. First thing I thought was huh Google back in the day made computers and some how ended up becoming a search engine. So I went on google and this was my first hit...


Sunday, March 15, 2009

Movie Rating/Info

Have kids? Do not know why a movie is rated PG-13 or Rated R?

Well I found a site that will give you detail information on a movie so you will know..

The site is called : Kids-in-Mind

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Yet another computer repair story.

Here is another funny video of a few computer repair shops




Wednesday, January 21, 2009

What does Phishing mean?

Do Not Get Scammed Into Giving Away Your Information.


Wednesday, January 14, 2009

IPhone

Someone from work told me that they ran over there IPhone 16 gig with a truck. I had to take a picture of it...funny thing is it still rings...





Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Cam that works in Ubuntu Hardy



*UPDATE* I installed Ubuntu 8.10 today and everything worked fine also with this camera. I made the mistake of going right to the Skype web site and downloaded the deb file and installed that. This did not work so I had to uninstall Skype. And then install the version that came with 8.10.