Diamond Dave ~ The Techie's Tech Guy

noreply@blogger.com (Diamond Dave) — Mon, 19 Aug 2013 17:21:00 +0000

I'm not dead yet.
DDTG

Unpacking New Drobo's Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Diamond Dave) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 20:38:00 +0000

We just received our two new Drobo Elites at work...time to unpack, then set them up!

Sprint Says No Android 2.3 For HTC EVO 4G…Yet.

noreply@blogger.com (Diamond Dave) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 22:48:00 +0000

After doing a fairly thorough search of the interweb, I discovered that there have been a plethora of answers to the question “when will my HTC EVO 4G (on the Sprint Network) receive the next version of Android, 2.3?”

But none of those posted appeared to be ‘official’ or actually FROM either Sprint or HTC.

So I wrote to Sprint customer service this morning and surprisingly received a rather candid answer in the afternoon!

And this is what Sprint Customer Service had to say:

“Thank you for contacting Sprint regarding Android 2.3 version.”

“At present, we are only offering Android 2.2 Froyo version for the HTC
EVO phone.”

“We keep on upgrading our phone’s software time to time. Right now, I am
unable to inform when the Android 2.3 Ginger software version will be
available for our customers. Whenever the new software update is
available, you will be able to see the information on our website
www.sprint.com/downloads “

“For further information, you can always call Sprint Technical Support at
1-888-211-4727 and follow the technical prompts. Our representative will
be happy to help you. We value your business and appreciate the opportunity to answer your
questions.”

While this news isn't what I wanted to hear, it isn't a decisive and devastating 'NO!' either...and if you want to filter the above first-hand experience through the hopes and wishes of other posters, it would appear to be popular OPINION that we EVO users will 'feel the love' sometime before Android 2.4 becomes the 'standard' on newly released smart phones.

Soluto Solves Slow Startups

noreply@blogger.com (Diamond Dave) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0000

A quick trip to the Soluto “Anti-Frustration Software” site, an 80 second video, a small download and an easy install, netted this user over a 25% savings on start up times to an already speedy system!

The entire process is quite intuitive and user friendly, offering both beginner and advanced options to guide you step-by-step. With the end results listing all the programs that run at start up and exactly how long it actually takes.

As you can see above, my system took a little over two minutes to load, with 80 applications running AT BOOT UP (I had no idea).

The green section shows “No-brainer” applications to remove from the boot up list…to be delayed or paused to be more precise, and hovering over any of the slices reveals a drop drown information window that tells you how long that program is taking to load up, the name of the program and a recommendation to either pause or delay that program on future start ups.

After spending a couple of minutes deciding to either delay a program or pause it all together, I restarted my computer shaved off nearly 30 seconds from previous start ups.

Soluto‘s goal is “ to bring an end to the frustrations PC users encounter”; however, there are so many different programs, with so many different people – who have various levels of skill – being used in so many different configurations, that the task itself seems overwhelming…Enter: The PC Genome project.

“Soluto's PC Genome is a knowledgebase of PC frustration data built automatically through the usage of Soluto software. Its objective and statistical information, gathered and analyzed by Soluto, is also editable by the community.”

Included in this beta version is even an option to let Soluto know when you’ve been the victim of some computer operation or lack there of. You simply right click on the Soluto icon in the systray, and click on “My PC just frustrated me” and the program sends a report back to the PC Genome project, with ‘Frustration Suspects’ that will be analyzed and ‘mapped’ in order to provide a future solution.

Who knows, maybe one day soon, we will live an a frustration free world…but until then, there’s always Call of Duty or Whack-a-mole for a therapeutic outlet. ~ DDTG

noreply@blogger.com (Diamond Dave) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:34:00 +0000

Listening to the Engadget podcast from 1/24/11

Game On: Steelseries Gaming Mouse “WoW's” User’s With Ultra Configurable High Res Device

noreply@blogger.com (Diamond Dave) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 12:00:00 +0000

steelseries, is best known for making devices to enhance your daily experience using your computer, whether it be for work or play, such as the Z-Board (with customized ‘keysets’) & Iron Lady branded devices.

But if you are one of the 11 million plus gamers addicted to…um…I mean, who occasionally play, World of Warcraft, then you are in for a special treat.

Blizzard teamed up with steelseries to offer an officially licensed and customized WoW MMO Gaming Mouse with ALL the bells and whistles you could ever want…and then some!

“The World of Warcraft MMO Gaming Mouse was designed specifically for World of Warcraft® by Blizzard® and steelseries,” claims the websites product description. “The World of Warcraft MMO Gaming Mouse provides remarkable benefits to all MMO gamers, regardless of level or play style. The mouse features incredible customization options to accommodate personal preferences. Seamless integration between software and hardware will provide an amazing in-game experience that provides superior performance, comfort and control. The World of Warcraft MMO Gaming Mouse is fully scalable to meet and exceed the requirements of even the most discerning World of Warcraft® gamer.”

Quick Overview

- Macros up to 160 characters
- A total of 15 programmable buttons
- Over 130 predefined commands for drag-and-drop macro creation
- 16 million illumination choices with 3 intensity and pulsation levels
- World’s first gaming mouse designed exclusively for World of Warcraft®

Once you’ve downloaded the most recent installation package from the website (a must for Windows Vista users, as instructed by a stand alone, can’t miss, post card inserted in the packaging) setting up pulsating wonder is not nearly as daunting a task as you would think it would be, as I was pleasantly surprised to discover.

The software setup interface is simple to understand, laid out simply and intuitively, and ready to reach out and download your character info from the Blizzard® authorized “WoW Armory” into one of the 10 provided customizable slots. (Note: Characters do not get picked up by the armory until they reach level 10, so if you’ve just started a toon, you can still use all the features of the MMO mouse, but you’ll need to get to work on your skill level before assigning to a slot.)

THE SOFTWARE INTERFACE

As you can see in the screen shot below, all 15 programmable buttons are clearly marked and its assigned action or function is labeled.

Each button can then be programmed by simply selecting an action from the predefined drop-down list of WoW commands, change the dpi or character profiles on the fly, or even create custom macros by just “recording” the normal keystrokes you would use in-game and assigning a set of actions to a single button.

While having 15 buttons may seem like more than you can possibly remember, especially if you have multiple characters on multiple servers, all with different actions needed to complete a task, I found that using it on my primary and secondary toons becomes easier and more intuitive the longer I play them…and frankly I find that I use about 6 or 7 button frequently and with good results.

Of course you can always use the mouse for everyday left and right clicking, scrolling the wheel to your hearts content as needed; with up to 3200 dpi resolution available to you, pinpoint accuracy is assured in any game or desktop editing program.

GAME ON!

Technorati Tags: Cool Gadgets,Gaming,WoW,Mouse,Steelseries

The Last DVD and Blu-Ray Ripping Guide You'll Ever Need | Maximum PC

noreply@blogger.com (Diamond Dave) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 08:04:00 +0000

Maximum PC editor-in-chief Will Smith Twittered earlier today that he had just posted “ The Last DVD and Blu-Ray Ripping Guide You'll Ever Need | Maximum PC “

And after checking it out…I do believe he is right! Head on over there by clicking the link above and leave a comment of your own…Oh! And tell’em DDTechGuy sent ya :)

Game On: Steelseries Gaming Devices

noreply@blogger.com (Diamond Dave) — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 19:35:00 +0000

Got GEAR?

From headsets to gaming pads, game and gender specific accessories for every gamer, steelseries wants you to know that they’ve got the gear you want and need!

Their line of headsets is quite impressive and includes something for every gamers personal preferences in size, type and style of device…guys or gals! Like the iron.lady full sized headset is a fav for the gals; fully loaded AND awesomely pink!

And guys, the next time some orc you’ve just pwned with your vicious pyroblast accuses you of having ‘big brass ones,’ tell them “Aw-hells-no! I’ve got the steelseries World of Warcraft custom Zboard, keyset & gaming mouse*!”

* Look for a more in-depth review of the World of Warcraft set next!

The steelseries ZBoard is truly an innovative idea that has revolutionized and customized the gaming experience like nothing since the “mouse” was introduced decades ago! And steelseries notes: “With its ability to adapt for any game through removable keysets the steelseries Zboard is a completely unique gaming keyboard. The “anti-ghosting" feature allows for 7 simultaneous keystrokes opposed to the standard 2-4 on other keyboards.”

From the moment I unpacked the Zboard I knew I was about to a have truly unique experience AND expected to travel along a steep and arduous ‘leaning curve’ before I would be able to even use this new toy, let alone master its use…but when I opened the package I found a small folded sheet of paper, with a few paragraphs of simple instructions (in many languages) which included the words “Check for Keyset Updates” (This comes into play in a moment).

I inserted the included CD, which loaded the “ZEngine” software, onto my Vista Home Premium, Q6600 quad-core based gaming rig, and loaded the interface that assists in customizing the board to your personal wants and needs. (Side note: the Zboard comes with a fairly standard QWERTY ‘keyset’ insert AND an advanced gaming ‘keyset’)

Each keyset has its own ROM or ERROM chip so ‘programming’ can really be simply changing the keyset out from one pre-configured keyset (like the FPS keyset included) to another (like the WoW-WotLK keyset) and in and of itself is completely reprogrammable! Once you’ve got your keyset in place, you can customize every key to do whatever is possible in the game to do with a keystroke or set of keystrokes…and you can simply save your setup, naming it whatever you want (CoD4 set) and make another customized set for another favorite game (like Team Fortress 2). Once set up, this leaves the gamer to PLAY the game to his or her fullest potential, without having to remember key combinations for different games…awesome!

My only ‘hiccup’ was that as soon as I plugged in the Zboard, the interface started and failed! But please, don’t take that out on steelseries …the Zboard I reviewed says plainly on the box that it supports UP TO Windows XP…and the instructions plainly say “Check for Keyset Updates,” and a quick trip to the download section of the website and I had the latest, VISTA compatible ZEngine up and running without another hitch. (Darn you RTM folks out there! LOL)

So the next time you get PWND by “EZTarget” in Call of Duty or Team Fortress, you’ll know I’ve traded my ‘big brass ones’ in for pair of steelseries tools…the Zboard and MMO Gaming Mouse!

Game ON!

My Review of SanDisk® 8GB Sansa® Fuze™ (Silver)

noreply@blogger.com (Diamond Dave) — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 04:21:00 +0000

Radio Shack

The new Sansa® Fuze™ from SanDisk® is your portable music machine with 8GB of storage.

8GB & MindSD for extra storage goodness!

DDTechGuy Sunny Southern California 2/13/2009

Pros: Easy To Set Up, Great Sound, Sleek/Compact, Lots of Storage

Cons: Short Battery Life

Best Uses: Anywhere

Describe Yourself: Avid Listener

Primary use: Personal

My daughter's had a Toshiba Gigabeat, Microsoft Zune, iPod shuffle, & a multitude of 'off brand' MP3 players...and has been disappointed in all of them.
Then she got the Sansa Fuze, 8GB with a MiniSD slot for up to an additional 16GB (per card!) that plays music and video (comes with a simple program to convert movies and music to what it needs to play whatever back!) and sounds great to boot!
No complaints whatsoever!
Thanks Sansa and RadioShack for this awesome, low cost-high quality music & video player.

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TestON: Win7beta on an old Dell Latitude D810

noreply@blogger.com (Diamond Dave) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 03:50:00 +0000

Just thought someone would like to know that I dropped the beta DVD I made into the drive of my 4 to 5 year old Dell Latitude D810. Booted. Ran Full install and was AT DESKTOP and running Win7beta in less than 30 mins!
Not a single driver was requested...So something MUST be busted, right?
Nope. (At least I haven't found it yet)
Win7beta immediately went online and d/l'd the update for itself...two clicks and two minutes later I was able to join the laptop to my network domain (I'm the ITGuy at Southwest) and was crusin' the WIRELESS system without a hitch.
Another couple of clicks and I've got the company's enterprise antivirus running (not a single complaint about version issues from Trend Micro's Officescan) and no noticable performance hit. (will check on that more during an acutal scan)
All the "comes with" programs I've tried so far have only barked at me a couple of times about my security habits and seems to be learning quickly when to pipe up and when to shut up! LOL But over all, not a hitch. (What's the catch? When's the other shoe gonna drop?)
So now I'm at my HOME...popped open the laptop...signed in. Click the wireless icon in the tray, there's more wireless networks available then I've ever seen before in my neighborhood! And my secure router at the top of the list - click - passkey - internet. Bam!
I think I'll blog about this and/or try World of Warcraft (from my portable USB drive) next! :)
Dave "The Techie's Tech Guy!" Petrie
http://ddtechguy.blogspot.com
http://www.techtalkradio.com/blogger
http://www.techtalkradio.com/forum
http://ustream.tv/channel/techtalkradio (6pm Wed eve's/9am Sunday mornings; PST)

Kevin "Skip" Osgood - Dec 4th, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Diamond Dave) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:13:00 +0000

To my dear friend Skip: I'm sorry it's taken me so long to write this – and with your passing from this life, to the next, Dec. 4th, I supposed it's now really meant for me and those who knew and loved you, and those who WILL come to know you posthumously – and while I know I've expressed some of what is to follow to you, Linda and the girls, in person over the years, I was not able to more recently, when last face-to-face, what an impact your friendship has had on my life…so now I'll tell the world instead.
Skipper, you have always been a good friend and a great dad & husband…you lived a life of love, joy, peace & happiness that had to end with a joyous exclamation mark as you closed your eyes for the last time here on earth and opened them to gaze upon our Savior; hearing for the first –surely not the last – time, "Well done, My good and faithful servant!" Stepping from your broken earthly vessel, into the arms of Jesus.
Oh what a party there must be in Heaven this week! (I'm sure with you there Skip, the party may well go on for all eternity, for a more joy-filled servant will not easily be found in His Kingdom, now that you are there!)

That you lived your life selflessly is an understatement.
When my mother went home to be with the Lord, December 4^th, 1997 (yes, on the anniversary of the very same DAY you earned your perfect new body) you and Linda lead others in prayer over me, loved me, hugged me and helped me through the emotional ups and downs that followed. Without prompting you would offer a hug, a prayer, an encouraging word whenever we ran into each other. I really loved that about you bro!
While you were the throws of your own battle with cancer, instead of seeking the pity and sympathy of others, you rallied the body of Christ to raise awareness of the need and funds for another young couple where the wife, a new mom, was diagnosed with a painful and rare form of cancer. You stood in the food line, not getting, but serving others who had come to a barbeque on the lawn of our local church; barked out 'Be sure to buy some of those cookies and cakes over there too! It all goes to the family…"
When you took me for a ride in your cool sports car (a Cobra, wasn't it?) it wasn't to show off your success and your toys…it was to share a laugh-filled ride with me, your friend!
When my wife and I tearfully opened the gifts & card from our wonderful friends, who gathered together to raise money to send us to Hawaii for our 20^th wedding anniversary (And knowing that if it only cost a quarter to fly around the world, I couldn't afford to cross the street! LOL) there was your and Linda's fond wishes and congratulations written therein.
When you were trying to figure out how to use "this stupid computer…can't get it to work or do anything!" you could have called anyone to handle the issues, but you trusted me and blessed me by allowing me to help you and your family get it working. (By the way, you never told anyone about me showing you WHERE to kick computers to make them work, did you? I don't usually give trade secrets like that away, ya know! J)
I can only hope to honor your life by serving your family in whatever way the Lord and they allow; by serving others as selflessly as you did, to love others as completely as you did. You've left some might big shoes to fill and I doubt any dozen men could combine their 'talents and treasures' to equal your goodness and kindness.
While I know you have been completely healed, that your earthly suffering will be completely overshadowed by your eternal perfect life, I still can't help but miss you. I've promised myself to only spread the Good News, as you did; to laugh wholly, as you did; to love completely, as you did; especially when sharing about how your life intersected and influenced mine…but today…
Today you will have to forgive me, as I weep deeply over the loss of a good man, a godly friend and the closing of a wonderful chapter in my life, and from whom the lessons I've learned I hope will not be soon forgotten.
Until we meet again, dear friend, may God tell all the angels and citizen's of Heaven of His good works through your life; and may the heavens burn brighter in remembrance of the laughter and joy you spread here before joining them, forever and ever…Amen.

AT&T To Take A Gamble In Reno, Nevada, Capping Limits Of Internet Services

noreply@blogger.com (Diamond Dave) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:33:00 +0000

AT&T serves up a new 'trick' and takes away the 'treat' in Reno, Nevada
as noted in an October 31^st letter to the Federal Communications Commission by AT&T's General Attorney, Jack Zinman, where in AT&T outlines its' intent to place limits on the amount of usage any one account can upload or download each month.

With all the uproar over Comcast's 250GB limitation recently imposed on their customers, Reno AT&T Internet Service customers are sure to want to beat the house when they discover that their ISP has raised the table stakes by capping their 'unlimited service' at only 20GB for some users and 150GB for others.

"For customers that exceed their bandwidth allotment more than once – the size of which varies based on the service level, starting with a 20 GB limit for 768kbps customers and topping out at 150 GB for 6 mbps lines – they will find an additional charge of $1 per gigabyte on their monthly bill," reports Tom Corelis, blogging for Daily Tech.

The filing notice points out that only a small minority of customers "consume a disproportionately large amount of the total bandwidth available," and that as of now (The letter says this "trial" begins "in November.") customers who exceed 80% of this cap will be notified that they are getting close to their limit and be reminded of the usage tier and that additional charges will apply if they exceed that limit.

The letter does state that new and existing customers not willing to participate in this "trial" run, will be permitted to "cancel their broadband internet access service without an early termination penalty."

I don't know about you, but this is a bit distressing for "Joe the Plumber," and others that I've spoken to about this issue of limiting "unlimited" service.

AT&T is promising an online meter that customers can monitor usage with in order to avoid an overage, but if their problem is with "a small minority" of their clientele, why set up the majority for potential problems except to profit from it?

Can't they just deal with the high-rollers by tossing them out of the game on a case-by-case basis?

What do you think about all this and how might a 20GB/150GB cap effect you?

Tech On: Coolest PC Rig, In More Than One Way!

noreply@blogger.com (Diamond Dave) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 22:40:00 +0000

So I'm cruzin' through my daily heap of computer related news and gadgetry when I come across Andy Salisbury's article on MaxPC's news feed about a computer completely submerged in mineral oil.

Ok, ok…so this isn't really NEW news; many of you have heard about tech heads playing with concept for awhile now, but this is the first time I've seen the YouTube video (I'll link here, in case the embed fails) and been offered a way to buy a DIY kit from the nutz…er…I mean geniuses at Puget Systems!

Here's a shameless plug right off the website J : "By offering these DIY kits, we are saving you very large amounts of time spent on research, ordering, and mistakes. The end cost of the project is much lower, because you can get in the right parts, the first time. Since we are ordering in the parts in bulk, we are able to get the parts cheaper, which allow us to make the margin we need to fund the project, while continuing to offer them at a lower price than you'd get if ordering them one at a time from various sources. It's a win for everyone! We are offering the kit in two separate modules: the main aquarium module, and a cooling module. We also offer all the components for sale individually on our parts store."

Ok, so as cool as this is (no pun intended) you need to know that utilizing this kit will void your warranty; and, the peeps at Puget being the upstanding citizens that they are, point it out clearly with this warning on their website: "Submerging your hardware in mineral oil will void your warranty. Do this project only at your own risk. Puget Systems is not liable for any hardware problems or damage to your personal property. Mineral oil is very difficult, if not impossible, to clean from your components once they are submerged."

With that being said, you should also know that Puget claims to have been running a system for over a year in mineral oil, without any ill effects.

But WHY would someone WANT to do this? Cuz its COOL!

Not just cool LOOKING, Puget has set up everything from a cheap-o experimental rig up to the newer system in the video, to run at the fastest speeds possible and have maintained an uber cool, practically noise-free (those darn bubblers are loud, don'tcha know! LOL). And even more recently, they've tossed an overclocked Intel QX9770 into this oil bath and kept it at well under 50c! (click HERE and scroll to the bottom of the page)

I'll be following the progress and changes that this crew puts into place as new tech comes out and will be sure to update you as well!

Tech On!

New and Improved Walmart Music Site Features DRM Free Downloads

noreply@blogger.com (Diamond Dave) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 21:40:00 +0000

Walmart announced yesterday that they are relaunching a "New and improved MP3 Music Download Store."
Heading to the music download site will net you MP3 tracks starting at just 74-cents,and according to Walmart officials, they will "...give customers greater value and an even bigger selection in digital music."

But the best news for most of our readers is that this will be DRM FREE music, and Walmart is offering a new social features to easily display albums on social networking sites and blogs, as well as enhanced search and refine features to make it easier to find favorite titles and discover new music.

Customers can visit the new and improved MP3 download store today at http://www.walmart.com/mp3.

G1 + Walmart = Savings starting 10-28

noreply@blogger.com (Diamond Dave) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:37:00 +0000

Several news agencies and multiple techie bloggers have been reporting rumors of the new Google G1 phone coming to Wal Mart stores soon...well, the wait is reportedly over.
Today the Dow-Jones newswire reported that Wal-Mart will indeed begin selling the Android based G1, available through T-Mobile, beginning tomorrow, Wednesday, October 29th...and at a discount!
"Wal-Mart will carry the Google Inc. (GOOG) G1 phone, sold through Deutsche Telekom AG's (DT) T-Mobile USA, in 550 Wal-Mart stores at the reduced price of $ 148.88 for new customers, or existing customers eligible for an upgrade, who sign up for a two-year agreement," Wal-Mart spokeswoman Melissa O'Brien reportedly told the newswire.

Sprint brings WiMax to Baltimore: Will it be in YOUR neighborhood soon?

noreply@blogger.com (Diamond Dave) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 18:13:00 +0000

AFP reported in Google News that Sprint has stepped up and implemented its XOHM WiMax service in Boston...Will it come to YOUR neighborhood next? We'll have to wait and see!

Here's the complete article:

WASHINGTON (AFP) — The eastern port of Baltimore became the first major city in the United States on Monday to be blanketed with a wireless broadband network that uses next-generation mobile WiMAX technology.
US telecom provider Sprint Nextel Corp. announced the start of the WiMAX service, known as XOHM, which allows computers to access the Internet wirelessly at faster speeds and with a wider reach than Wi-Fi technology...
Complete story...http://snipr.com/40xuo

From Pocket Protector to Pocket Projector!

noreply@blogger.com (Diamond Dave) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 17:49:00 +0000

Dell Puts SVGA Projector in Your Pocket for Only $500
Posted 09/25/08 at 10:39:41 AM by Paul Lilly

Back in July, a leaked Powerpoint slide surfaced revealing Dell's plan to release a pocket projector, but it didn't say when or for how much. Those questions are answered today, along with a list of final specs.

For less than what some early adopters paid for a first-gen iPhone, Dell will sell you a pocket projector capable of an 858x600 (SVGA) resolution. The $500 Dell M109S On-the-Go Pocket-Sized projector checks in at 0.80 pounds (down from the Powerpoint slide's target weight of 1.1 pounds) and will fit in the palm of your hand. Dell rates the M109S at 55 ANSI Lumens with a projection distance of 94.5 inches. And to keep the clutter down, the pint-sized projector uses the power adapter from a Latitude or Vostro laptop. True to the slide, the shipping version remains green with a mercury free LED source Dell says will last up to four years.

Look for availability in the US right away, with a global roll out in the coming months.

Reposted with permission from MaximumPC

Strange Innovations to solve problems

noreply@blogger.com (Diamond Dave) — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 20:43:00 +0000

It's been said that necessity is the mother of invention and we've all heard that "Everything is possible…the impossible just takes a little longer," but often times one needs to come up with some innovative or unusual "workaround" to solve a repeatable problem or simplify a task.

The other day we were working on inventorying computer/network assets for our annual audit when I found that whoever 'tagged' our network switches, had done so by applying the little white bar coded sticker to the back of the device…which I guess wouldn't be too much of a problem IF WE HAD A BAR SCANNER! But we don't and the only way to identify these units is by retrieving the tiny number under the barcode.

Oh, did I mention that the switches are rack mounted to a WALL? Yeah…so there's like 3 inches between the back of the units and the wall…no open sides…nothing.

So, how am I supposed to read the tag? (Even the Dell Service Tag is on the back and no one thought to document which tag went to which switch ID so the "SW-1" was useless to me)

Being an ex-plumber (Ya, ya…insert your own "Jack of all trades" joke here) I remembered using my handy-dandy 'mirror on a stick' to see my solder joints on the backside of the pipes; unfortunately IF I still have that, it's in a bucket at my house in the **GULP!** garage from Hades. (Tools check in, but they never check out!) – So I asked as many purse-totin' peeps as I could find if they had a pocket mirror I could borrow. No luck there either.

Fortunately for me I happen to work with one of the most brilliant and out-of-the-box thinkers I've ever met: My boss. "I've used my cell phone to take pictures behind the racks before," says the wise young sage and IT Director.

So, with a positive 'whatever it takes' attitude, I did just that…and viola! (ok, so it took ten plus tries to find and get a recognizable picture; hey, it worked so nnyah!)

Anyway…that's my story and I'm sticking with it!

And I end with this saying, reportedly in the words of Mother Teresa (I kid you not): "We the willing, led by the unknowing, are doing the impossible for the ungrateful.We have done so much, with so little, for so long, we are now qualified to do anything, with nothing"
What about you? Have any 'workarounds' that others haven't thought of and would garner a strange look from an unknowing passerby? Share them here J

Online Vehicle Registration Renewal: If only EVERYTHING at the DMV was this easy!

noreply@blogger.com (Diamond Dave) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:51:00 +0000

Techies and internet shoppers will love how easy it is to renew your vehicle registration online…at least with the California Department of Motor Vehicles!

Even if you need to get a smog check done before you can register, it's still a breeze, as the smog check station electronically relays the results to the DMV immediately upon successful completion of the process.

Step 1: Enter vehicle or vessel/boat information - So once you've determined whether or not you need a smog check (and done so if applicable), just check your renewal notice for instructions on how to register online…it's literally three steps from being a done deal at that point!

Enter the "Renewal Identification Number" printed on your notice into the allotted box, enter your license plate number (on the notice too) in its box and click 'Ok.'

Step 2: Record Verification and Payment Information - Once you confirm the info about you and your car, enter your payment method (I punched in my ATM number) and hit 'Enter.'

Step 3: Transaction Confirmation - The third and final step is the confirmation/receipt…print it, click "Finished" and you are done!

"CONGRATULATIONS! - Your online registration renewal was successful! The Registration Card and Year Sticker will be mailed to you within 5 business days. The information from your transaction will update on the vehicle registration record after settlement of the daily transactions. This usually occurs during the next business day."

Have a nice day…I know I am going to enjoy the two to four hours I just saved; heck, even had time to blog about this! J

Time for a vacation…

noreply@blogger.com (Diamond Dave) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 21:17:00 +0000

Well, it's been too many years since I've taken more than a day or two; or a long weekend, off.

So this year the Mrs. and I are packing up the truck with our kids, a bunch of outdoors stuff, and driving up the hill, to Big Bear Lake, CA

Even if there IS internet up there, you'd find me skinned alive and hanging from a tree if I try and USE it (well, at least until my wife starts jonesing to check her email; then ALL BETS ARE OFF! J)

Anyway, I'm looking forward to at least of couple of those days to be actual peace and quiet; so I can "Be still and know He is God…"

I'm also looking forward to reading some more of my buddy Catherine Martin's books.

If you ever need help finding quiet time with your Creator, you need to visit Cath's website and read her blog!

I guarantee that reading ANYTHING this woman of God has written will change the way you think about having quiet time with the God of the universe. (And if you're NOT spending time daily with He who created the air that you breath, she'll walk with you, virtually hand-in-hand, and show you step-by-step how to begin a "radical intimacy with God."

See y'all in a couple of weeks!

China to allow uncensored internet at Beijing Olympics

noreply@blogger.com (Diamond Dave) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 22:50:00 +0000

Maximum PC online contributor Pulkit Chandna posts today that "The Chinese have acceded to international media pressure and agreed to loosen their vice-like grip on the internet just for the Beijing Olympics. The international journalists will no longer have to contend with a censored version of the internet. It is very unusual for a country’s premier to himself hold a press conference and more so for the Chinese President."
Full Story: HERE

PC Club closes stores again; second time this year

noreply@blogger.com (Diamond Dave) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 20:31:00 +0000

My friend and manager of the local PC Club here in southern California, just came to my office and said "They did it again...They closed all the stores".
Given only 15 minutes to vacate the PC Club store, he grabbed his personal belongings and left.
I'm on hold now with NAOC Holdings, the investment firm that purchased PC Club nationwide back on May 15th or 16th of this year.
After a brief 'hello, how may I direct your call," I identified myself as the owner of this blog, wanting verification of the closing of PC Club..."Just a moment please..."... ... ... ... ... "Hello, you've reached NAOC Holdings, please leave a message and we'll return your call..."
Well, not a confirmation, but pretty damning if you ask me, to be transfered to the company's general voicemail by the person who ANSWER'S that voicemail, the receptionist.
More to follow...

Saying ‘good bye’ to a friend

noreply@blogger.com (Diamond Dave) — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 05:03:00 +0000

I don't know about you, but some of us in IT often refer to ourselves as 'firemen' and talk about 'putting out all the little fires,' and we grumble and complain how that keeps us from getting to a place of being more proactive
and less reactive.

I've been in paid ministry for nearly eight years now; always in tech, the last five focused primarily on information technology.

And prior to that, I spent most of my off-work time (I was a Domestic Water Serviceworker for 14yrs) trying to figure out ways to use the gift God had given me working with computers to help people in ministry figure out ways to spend less time at the mundane tasks and more time doing ministry.

Up until around the mid 1990's, I couldn't figure out why God had given me such an affinity towards computers; certainly I didn't foresee today's incredible reliance upon technology as having much to do with doing ministry—outside of getting paperwork processed more efficiently and databases to help track people and events—for if I did, I think I would have been more keenly focused on their eventual effect in peoples everyday lives instead of on my Quake skills!

But then again, we are rarely able to glimpse the BIG PICTURE that God has for His creation; occasionally we are blessed, in hindsight, when we realize how a series of apparently nonrelated events, over a long period of time, all culminate into a present situation to bless another. (see Romans 8:28)

Today I lost another friend to cancer.

Tragically she was only 21, and up until a few months ago, full of life, living every moment for the Lord. And her life had an eternal impact on all those around her. Even her battle with cancer brought people closer to God.

Her family was with her every step of the way…her friends, prayer warriors all over the world were praying for her healing; and God chose to bring her Home, the ultimate healing some would say.

So what does any of this have to do with "Church IT" you ask?

Besides the times Lindsey ran PowerPoint for me during CLASS events, nothing really.

Except that I know that she "fought the good fight" (1 Timothy 1:18)…"ran the race to win" (1 Corinthians 9:24) will all her soul and all her might (Matthew 22:37) lived to be an example to all of us who do anything for His Kingdom.

For me that means I need to be a 'fireman' sometimes…and I need to do that without grumbling and complaining; without regret because I'm not doing what *I* think is more important, and I always need to do it with the love of Christ.

I'll miss you Lindsey; my heart is sadden by your passing…yet I breath in joy from the knowledge that I'll see you again someday, when the Lord chooses to heal me eternally.

Thank you for finishing well…I can hear the Lord even now saying to you, "Well done, my good and faithful servant…enter into my presence and Let's celebrate together!" (Matthew 25:21)

Lindsey Sowles: born February 3^rd, 1987; entered into the Lord's Presence July 24^th, 2008

Got Elf? TTR Sends Christmas Cheer

noreply@blogger.com (Diamond Dave) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 01:25:00 +0000

This pretty much says it all…

<div style='background-color:#e9e9e9; width: 425px;'><object id='A380337' quality='high' data='http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/client/zero/ClientZero_EmbedViewer.swf?external_make_id=ZY3cSnTbxCaBkxjp&service=sendables.jibjab.com&partnerID=ElfYourself' pluginspage='http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' wmode='transparent' height='319' width='425'><param name='wmode' value='transparent'></param><param name='movie' value='http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/client/zero/ClientZero_EmbedViewer.swf?external_make_id=ZY3cSnTbxCaBkxjp&service=sendables.jibjab.com&partnerID=ElfYourself'></param><param name='scaleMode' value='showAll'></param><param name='quality' value='high'></param><param name='allowNetworking' value='all'></param><param name='allowFullScreen' value='true' /><param name='FlashVars' value='external_make_id=ZY3cSnTbxCaBkxjp&service=sendables.jibjab.com&partnerID=ElfYourself'></param><param name='allowScriptAccess' value='always'></param></object><div style='text-align:center; width:435px; margin-top:6px;'>Send your own <a href='http://www.elfyourself.com'>ElfYourself</a> <a href='http://sendables.jibjab.com/sendables'>eCards</a></div></div>

Alive and well...relatively anyway!

noreply@blogger.com (Diamond Dave) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 23:46:00 +0000

I swore I'd never go a week without a story, highlight, How To, etc...Then LIFE smacked me with a two by four and someone cranked up the time-space continum machine and POOF! Here we are at the end of June with barely a word published.**SIGH!**

July will be a great month for news, reviews and fun stuff!
See ya after the fireworks displays cool off...