IEPCHELP

The Beginning of the End of FLASH

2011-11-09T11:37:00.000-08:00

TechCrunch's Mg Siegler wrote yesterday about the end of Flash for mobile computing. Adobe has thrown in the towel as far as handling flash web players on mobile devices, and this in fact signifies the end of Flash.

FLASH has been an invaluable tool for online interactive features, providing amazing, visually impacting marketing options for websites, creative outlets for artists and fast yet easier programming alternatives to Java. And now it's going away.

The Good
HTML5 specifications are now quickly becoming adopted with every new version of major web browsers, making vector graphics, data access and more readily available without the Flash (or Java) engines. This will eventually eliminate the need for plugins for web browsers, making web browsing safer and safer as time goes on. No need to upgrade your plugins, you just upgrade your browser if there are new features. No need to worry if you stumble across a web site that says "you need to upgrade your flash player" only to find out that in return they infect your computer. This will be the end of that mess.

The GOOD in a nutshell:

Better security through elimination of plugin requirements.
Better code clarity and open review of coding practices to inspect and avoid new vulnerabilities.
One tool works everywhere and (hopefully) looks the same on all devices (via vector interfacing)
Amazing data management features, including local and remote SQL data access and more
Easier mobile device propagation. Most every mobile device browser will support this.

The Bad
It all can't be good? Wishful thinking. Programmers will have less options in controlling source code, because HTML5 and Javascript is exposed client side (ie: to the web browser), fully readable for vulnerabilities and theft. Web browsers will adopt portions of the HTML5 specification, but not all and not all browsers will have the same features working at the same time, and invariably at least one or more browsers will leave a (major) feature out, making coding that much harder. Flash worked the same (pretty much) for all devices because it was its own browser/platform.

The bad nutshell:

Losing FLASH as a platform limits options for companies. Leveraging FLASH provides licensing protection for media that just cannot be done via HTML5 (as of yet). Licensing is key to services like HULU and NETFLIX (though Netflix is not Flash, same concepts - its a plugin too!)
No source control (yet), as its not compiled nor encrypted, just html,css and javascript.
Business's have no expectation of protecting their code from theft.
Deriving a companies business logic via source review becomes MUCH easier, likely exposing too much information and entry points to gain access to vital data. Hackers will love the ease of access.
HTML5 is a specification, not a rule. Its a moving target with spec changes happening daily.
Browsers will not be equal in support of features, and none will likely support the entire spec, making development insanely difficult compared to the Flash platform.

It's an interesting road ahead for web programmers and companies that rely on the Flash platform. Finding an all new business model that makes sense of migrating to HTML5 from Flash, while maintaining IP (proprietary code ownership) of your businesses is trickier than ever.

iPhone v Android Info Update

2011-10-27T10:05:00.000-07:00

The peeps at "The Understatement" have a great info-graphic highlighting some nastiness regarding the Android platform when compared to the iPhone.

Basically the problem is that Apple is the single point of updates to their phones. This makes updates easier to transfer since there is no one in-between causing havoc when you want to update. Whereas the chain of update custody is complicated, expensive and not really in any business's self interest outside of being good to existing clients.

If you are getting ready to purchase a new phone, this will at a minimum give you something to think about, and at best confuse the hell out of you.

http://theunderstatement.com/post/11982112928/android-orphans-visualizing-a-sad-history-of-support

The Danger at StarBucks!

2011-10-07T16:55:00.000-07:00

Hackers have crafted new tools that give them access to your logins! On laptops and even from your DROID or iPhone!

This is for anyone that has used, or will use a shared public WIFI hotspot, such as a Starbucks, airports or even a "paid for" hotel network - beware! New "hacker" tools allow hackers to gain access to your accounts while you use them, simply at the stroke of a button.

Use this for gmail, yahoo mail and facebook every time!

The fix? Make sure you are using https connections to facebook, gmail, yahoo email, corporate email, etc... Any connection to a secured service (ie: facebook, gmail, etc...) that doesn't contain https: in the browser is at risk on these shared networks.

We've had more than a few customers hacked in this manner lately, from Vegas to Texas, airports and coffee shops, you are not safe. Knowing is half the battle! GI JOE!

To read more on these pesky hackers:

http://codebutler.com/firesheep
http://droidsheep.de/

Time for an iPhone?

2011-10-07T09:52:00.000-07:00

Lifehacker has a nice little article comparing the base contract options from the big three cell phone services.

For the business that depends on voice phone calls, the $240 more for Verizon is just the cost of getting good service. From experience Verizon works where the others don't, and hands down you know that is important when that call comes in for a big job that would ROI that $240 tenfold.

We've heard plans for the casual data user as low as $30 a month for unlimited data, text and a measly 100 minutes of voice, hitting the high notes for teens and possibly the casual cell user who wants an iPad2 or other data connected device up and running on the cellular data plan, specially with the new iCloud from Apple coming out.

Open Letter to HP

2011-10-04T09:06:00.000-07:00

Dear HP, You make some pretty good printers. At least when the hardware is compared to the printers in the printer world, I have to say I prefer your printers performance - usually. That being said - Why is it that while every other companies drivers and software take minutes to install, your "suites" take nearly an hour to install? Seriously, this is one massive complaint for IT support people in managing printers for HP - We know it will take way to long to install and support an HP printer. It's ridiculous. It's nonsense. Your bloatware has to get better than this. Signed- quite bothered IT support person who has spent approximately half the last 10 years dealing with HP printer software installs and issues.

Fire v iPad2

2011-09-28T17:44:00.000-07:00

Saw some interesting news about the color Kindle "Fire" from Amazon. It's essentially a very slimmed down version of the iPad2. So, is it for you?

FEATURE	FIRE	iPad2
Speed	slower	faster
Screen	smaller / not as good a screen	larger / best screen on market
Memory	8gb - not alot of space	16gb min - up to 32gb
Apps	Android market - 240k+ and growing - robust market applications	Apple - Massive application library over 500k
Specific Software differences	SUPPORTS FLASH!	DOESN'T SUPPORT FLASH (Stupidly)
Communications	Wifi only - no camera, no mic, no chatting online via voice or video	Wifi and 3G/4G - Cameras and microphones for video chat with those who have compatible devices
Price	$200	Starts at $400

We are looking forward to a hands on experience with the Kindle Fire soon!

Online TV - Update of September - Oct 2011

2011-09-27T15:59:00.000-07:00

A quick update on the state of the union for the "Cable Cutters" enthusiasts!

A few shows have opted to contract with cable and satellite companies requiring you to log in to view any 'first-run' or 'older than 8 days' shows. So, if its a brand new show "tonight" OR if its a show that was previously broadcast more than 8 days prior you have to be a subscriber to a cable or satellite service.

Worse yet, each production company (ie: House, or Miami Vice) have their own contractual requirements of WHOM you are subscribed to, so for instance while CSI Vegas might require Time Warner and Verizon, House will require Direct TV - Making this a total mess for us CC's (Cable Cutters).

Our request to the mass CC's out there - don't give in! There's so much online in the form of entertaining content that you simply DO NOT HAVE TO GIVE IN! Here are a few links to get you started in viewing online content, from free, partial pay to full pay for:

The Last Shuttle

2011-09-16T09:32:00.000-07:00

Just passing on a link to an amazing documentary of the last space shuttle, Atlantis, and its last mission. The site has 360 views of the cockpit, by itself more than enough reason to visit, as well as amazing pictures and information.

Visit them
http://thelastshuttle.com/index.aspx

A Bump In The Internet TV Road?

2011-09-07T09:45:00.000-07:00

Netflix has begun limiting streaming shows to one device at a time, according to TechCrunch.

The battle cry of foul play will be heard for a few more weeks, as it did when Netflix announced its pricing adjustment a few months ago from $9 a month to $16 a month for the same service of streaming + 1 DVD...

Though not reported, There are issues likely afoot that make these changes critical to Netflix survival and growth.

It's Bad Business
A noticeable loss of income, for example: A family lets their college student use the Netflix account while away in college, all the while you are using the account as well at home - this is theft. It's also a drain on Netflix data pipes, servers and other costs, costs with no return revenue.

Loss of Titles
If a license company, for instance STARZ knows that their highly rated movie will be watched without being paid for in this manner, there is less incentive license your titles, since its clear you won't get the return. Contractually (and programming logic) likely defines repayment to license holders by a "per subscriber" concept, knowing that a subscriber is very well defined and can only watch one title at any given time. This financial return is diluted when consumers hand their account out to family and friends to use at the same time.

Netlix's FAQ on the matter spells it out nicely, but bottom line the plan you own (streaming, streaming +1 DVD,streaming + 2 DVD) define how many simultaneous streams you can consume. The base streaming as well as streaming +1 DVD afford only one device playing at any given time. 2 DVD's out get you two streaming devices, and so on up to 4 DVD's/Devices.

Its Just Growing Pains
Over time this "Gestapo" tactic will fade to some degree, likely Netflix will realize that having at least 2 or 3 devices in a home allows for more consistent - happy - paying clientele than the loss they would have.

But, at $20 a month for 2 DVD's as well as unlimited streaming to 2 simultaneous devices, Netflix still kicks cable TV by a long shot. If these changes make it contractually fertile ground for more license holders to offer more titles and possibly Hulu type same-day-release shows, I can see Netflix being the new juggernaut in many households.

X2 DROID ON THE GO REVIEW

2011-08-28T14:46:00.000-07:00

I'm trying out the blogger app on my new X2 Droid. I already have extensive experience with the android platform so I've learned to replace the default keyboard with SwiftKey, and the default messaging for sms with handcent sms. I've also installed whatapp and a slew of other useful yet geeky toys.

The speed of the X2 overall is excellent. It's much snappier in every way than the Droid, but thats to be expected with the X2 being a dual core cell phone that is faster per core than the original Droid or Droid X.

Video and still image camera quality is excellent. Since the Gingerbread OS update most of my videos have come out smooth and crisp, though occasionally having a hiccup on start and stop of the videos.

Battery life is still pretty bad. You can tell the battery is having a rough time when the body of the X2 becomes abnormally warm.

BUGS
There is an ongoing bug either in hardware or Android Gingerbreads OS that confuses whether you are connected to a charger or not, also affecting battery life, sometimes knocking it down from 100% to 0% in 4 hrs. Not good.

Stability
Speaking of charging, the unit can sometimes lockup on AC charging, so if you rely on the alarm clock feature, don't!

Using the vehicle docking station can cause the unit to lockup and reboot as soon as battery is fully charged, repeatedly rebooting until you unplug the car charger. I've experienced this with the original Droid so I am assuming at this point that this is an OS issue, though logic makes me think hardware.

All in all the X2 is a fine mobile phone platform on the Android side of things. Due to the stability issues I would be hesitant to buy another, but iPhone's poor voice quality and lack of Flash video playback as well as many other codec's lands me squarly in Android territory, as I will take freedom over minor stability issues every time.

The Latest about This Blog :)

2011-08-28T10:09:00.001-07:00

Created by GiftRocket gift cards

Unplugged - The Current State of "No Cable" TV

2011-08-15T19:01:00.000-07:00

I am by no means an early adopter. I try desperately not to be sucked into hype, and my experience has honed my resistance to get the latest gadgets. Waiting only a few months usually shows the real signs of trouble through customer complaints or worse class-action lawsuits.

One of the good things about waiting, however, is that every once in a while there is a gem out there, needing some polish it can shine pretty good and be a good deal.

Recently the "pay for tv" industry has cried that Netflix and Hulu, as well as some deviously talented groups like Crackle have made painful cuts into "cable tv" profit. And we have Windows to thank for it. Not Apple TV, not Roku, Not Google TV. Windows, and specifically Windows 7....

Windows???

Yep. There are an onslaught of devices coming out to make the claim of "KING" in cable cutting, from Apple's Apple TV, Roku, Google TV devices. None can do what Windows can do all in one box without much fuss or issue.

And we aren't even talking fancy Windows. Basic Windows 7 can do more than all of these devices combined, and simpler with exhaustive options. BlueRay, DVD, Media sharing throughout the home, dual displays and full access to software and services such as Hulu, Netflix, Boxee which allow for not only a complete viewing degree but one that can be set up to be as simple as your average DVD player.

Rolling down the options, Apple TV (in its 2nd gen) still cannot play Hulu nor access common media files. Want to watch that media file you made on the PC? Nope. It's right there on the network, and Apple TV can see it, but no, you can't touch it. Sorry. Want to play those files from your Droid phone you recorded last week at the concert? Nope, sorry. On Windows? Sure!!! Anything in fact!

Roku apparently has the same file sharing/serving issue as Apple tv, and though it does support Hulu+, it does not apparently support Hulu free. In contrast Windows again can play it all.

The Google TV platform, such as on the Logitech Revue, has been banned from Hulu. I have to say that Google TV devices are the closest to solving the issues, but it remains as the most complex and expensive, just barely beating out a barebones Windows 7 setup - barely! However, without Hulu and a complete set of playback codecs for all the possible video formats available in the world, it still faulters.

Being a serious proponent of Linux operating systems such as Ubuntu, I have to mention that yes even the mighty Linux fails on this count because sadly there is no Netflix AND some media files cannot be played on Linux either, for instance iTunes is not available nor MS encrypted codecs. If this changes I might have to put Linux back ontop as King of all digital houses.

My mini Windows 7 setup cost $450. It plays HD content but cannot stream it well from Netflix or Hulu because its a low powered CPU device. This is a cost issue, however, not a technology issue for Windows devices. A decent media center for a large format TV using a low end laptop would only set you back $450-$600 from Dell or HP with an HDMI port. Simply install the apps you want (Hulu Desktop, Boxee, Netflix) - media codecs you want to play for MKV or whatnot, set the start up bios settings to automatically use the TV display you wish and to not go to sleep when the lid is closed and voila! You have a low cost-long term-quiet-functional-slim "cable cutting" solution.

This setup over FIOS or other high quality Broadband Internet will save the average home $40-$80 a month. Consider the rental of the cable box, then the subscriptions, then the pay-per-view - all gone. Replaced with this unit and $8/month for netflix, possibly Hulu Plus for another $9/month, and add in the plethora of media online via Boxee and you will never watch cable or satellite TV again.

The windows laptop will be paid off in just over a year at the minimum savings and last a minimum of 4-5 years based on normal laptop engineering. This coupled with the fact that its a laptop you can use for normal computing, file sharing, and more, makes this a much better "return on investment".

New tech - Thunderbolt - LightPeak

2011-03-03T10:33:00.000-08:00

The Apple has dropped a new bombshell on the computing world by delivering the iPad2, but the revised iPad is not not new, and while its amazing and making lots of press, the new technology that should be mentioned is Thunderbolt on the new Mac Laptops.

This new port is "the bomb". 10gbps PCI-E/DisplayPort potential. For everyone not in tech geek land, if you ever wanted to edit HD or even uncompressed video on a laptop with tons of storage at lightning speeds while not going broke into the $20k range, this is it. This interface is amazing.

The LightPeak technology could change everything once it hits the PC market.

from Intel:

Design standalone performance expansion technologies commonly used in desktops and workstations, using existing native device drivers and interconnected by a single cable.
Introduce thinner and lighter laptops, expandable through Thunderbolt technology and its miniature connector designed for mobile applications, without sacrificing I/O performance.
Extend to reach other I/O technologies by using adapters that use widely available PCI Express controllers. It's simple to create a Gigabit Ethernet, or FireWire, or eSATA adapters using existing device PCI Express drivers.

Lightpeak attached storage arrays would make adding high speed data storage simple and fast for video editors, photographers, home media / theater systems, even server platforms could see the potential in hot swapping massive storage arrays at a cheaper price with more reliability.

It is true that this isn't as mainstream sexy as the iPad, but from a techies perspective this is going to be AMAZING for home theater buffs, database storage, archival systems and video editors, especially aspiring but broke techies.

Web design and why its hard

2011-02-22T19:54:00.000-08:00

I love hearing "my kid is learning web design - why should I pay your company to do it". Thats great. If your kid gets good, please give him my number.

What most people do not understand is that just because you can change a tire on a car does not make you a car mechanic. Because your kid took body shop does not make him a master body-man capable of making the bat mobile out of a Pinto.

And that goes for web design. Taking the huge number of possible code libraries and technologies and making them work on IE, FireFox and Chrome is a major task for any web developer making a living at it. Your kid is unlikely to get past IE.

If he does, though, ya please have him call.

Text Messaging on your phone?!

2010-07-23T17:05:00.000-07:00

We all do it - Send messages to friends, loved ones, business contacts. SMS text messaging is one of the most prolific tools we use in technology today, competing with voice and email for dominance as a communication method.

Using your cell phones SMS / MMS capabilities to communicate can be a real threat to your wallet, marriage and legal standing. Reports of SMS text messages being sent to the wrong recipient are on the rise, and at the end of the day there simply is no contractual obligation on the carriers part, nor the cellphone makers part to be accurate, secure or reliable in any way related to your messaging.

A few forum posts with support issues showing more prevalence with the Android platform (link here), however the king of smart phones iPhone (link here) not excluded. Carriers internal systems are also being reported as having issues with routing these messages to the appropriate people.

Nightmares Await You!

Suppose you are discussing your bosses neglectful ways with your wife, while discussing sales numbers with your boss on a separate text message on your cell. Cross contamination is possible, and apparently happens enough to put you into the doghouse with someone.

Sending sexy thoughts or arguments to a spouse can be misdirected to the wrong person, with the results ranging from embarrassing to catastrophic, such as lawsuits, divorce, even jail time.

So while enjoying that wonderful tool we all come to get into, beware! SMS is not as safe and sound as we would love to think! You're still better off with a phone call or e-mail when discussing the reactor with the physicist.

iPhone 4? iOS4?

2010-07-06T13:29:00.000-07:00

There are plenty of pro's and con's about the iPhone 4, as well as other carriers. If you are in the market for a new mobile phone that can do more "computer" related stuff on the fly, here is a great Consumers Report link you shouldn't miss:

Vista Woes? Go Windows 7! Carefully...

2010-01-09T11:52:00.000-08:00

Since the first beta testing of Vista a few years back, Our professional advice for business and home users alike was to stay away from Windows Vista. Our experience has definitely solidified our opinion in the "no" chad category. Even Microsoft has abandoned all hope for Vista, just take a look at the Vista main page containing not less than 80% of the web page dedicated to moving you to Windows 7.

Why?

A small number of our clients purchased Vista machines in the small time line window where there was literally no choice from some manufacturers near and dear to our hearts, essentially forcing some hands into purchasing Vista. In the course of supporting these Vista machines it became clear that Vista, however proudly announced as the second coming of computers, was massively flawed.

Vista was so bad that Microsoft put in place a Service Pack 1 support team dedicated to supporting the service pack 1 install, providing no-cost phone and online tech support to get SP1 installed on the flawed OS.

In one instance we had a laptop, installed with Vista from factory defaults, that would not take a SP1 install... Worse, it would wait 45 minutes (80% or so) into the install before reporting back that the service pack wouldn't install, leaving the user with the tech-friendly error code only understood and deciphered by the best of professionals.

The fix? install another program that repairs the nasty place Vista is in, so that it can take the SP1 install. The program that you install to fix Vista, however, takes up to 3 or 4 hours to run, even on the fastest and most expensively decked out hardware. We cant really say outside of 3 hours how long it took, since we had to call it a day and let it do its job overnight.

Once this update is finished, you can look forward to waiting an additional 90 minutes to up to 3 hours installing SP1. Then, happily, you can install SP2 to the tune of another 60-90 minutes, or more depending on more issues with Vista.

So IEPCHELP in its honesty, when coming to the aid of poor Vista owners, can look forward to explaining the option of paying for tons of support costs for Vista machines, or simply moving on to a brand new Windows 7 machine, either as a fresh retail install on the older Vista machine, or simply getting a new PC. Either option cost in labor as one is the Vista issues, the other is moving a full business process to another machine and uprooting a user, but clearly this is a significant issue that should be addressed up front with a client, as these costs can be incredibly difficult for a business to swallow, even more so when its found that there are more than one machine at risk.

Ahh, but the pain doesn't end for a business owner. Lo-and-behold! While Windows 7 is truly the greatest Operating System Microsoft has ever built, there is one caveat. Not all business software, nor hardware, run on Windows 7... Why? Well, for some business applications it comes down to the software vendor not yet catching up to the modern OS requirements. In other cases the software or hardware vendor has simply gone out of business.

So, where can we help?

Consulting - We look at the entire business process, and help carve a path to the least painful solution. During that time we maintain our review process to ensure that if something changes in the process related to existing technology or new cheaper/better solutions, we inform the client.

Workarounds - While not every workaround will be 100% effective, and each case is different, there are key logically solutions to most every problem with migrating old systems to new Windows 7 related to incompatibility.

Visit www.iepchelp.com when you are forced to leave XP for the new horizon in computer technology. We'll help you get back up and running.

Motorola Droid Review

2009-11-07T12:32:00.000-08:00

I'll be posting a review of this excellent competitor in the smartphone market in the next few days. I'm currently writing this entry via my new Droid @ a local favorite restaurant; )

Firefox, Internet Explorer and Skype Woes

2009-10-05T10:08:00.001-07:00

Hey all you Firefox browser users! We've come across a few snags that are bound to be an issue for some of you out there that also use Skype.

Skype comes with some plugins for FireFox and Internet Explorer, as well as some other installed applications. Most work great, but beware the browser plugins. Skype's browser plugins are designed to provide quick access to Skype calling features when you come across a phone number within a web page. That would be a great boon IF IT WORKED. However sad, the plugin currently causes memory issues, as well as conflicts with many of the features that come with Firefox and its interoperability with webpages and web 2.0 calls.

One clear loser is Google Reader. If you like to get to the news online that fits your mood, Google reader is a must have webpage in your bookmarks! This wonderful website WILL NOT WORK if you have the Skype plugin (as of Sep 09) running. There are other sites that use web 2.0 asynch data requests that will also have failings, but Google reader is a clear dead toolsite.

So, disable Skypes plugins within the plugin section of your Firefox and Internet Explorer browsers. When it does work fully, we'll post it here!

Windows 7 is Coming!

2009-07-31T10:19:00.000-07:00

Many manufacturers are providing a coupon for a free Windows 7 upgrade, so if you REALLY need a PC now, make sure that you get this coupon.

Now, for those of you getting the PC for a business environment, ensure that the Windows 7 coupon gets you the business version of Windows 7. Securing your desktop is still a priority, even with Windows 7.

Your new PC should have a minimum of 3GB of ram, but since you're there and spending the money, go for a 64bit, 6GB ram setup. Ram has become incredibly cheap lately, and this combination makes Vista fly (And so Windows 7 will SCREAM LIKE A COMET! )

Get em now!

Windows 7 - October 22!

2009-06-25T09:29:00.000-07:00

Good news! Windows 7 has been announced available as of October 22nd, 2009. Those of you that have been waiting out the Vista nightmare will likely have a way out to a new PC!

Update on tips and tricks to stay out of PC HELL

2009-06-17T13:22:00.000-07:00

Are you the one that installed that free regcleaner software? Did you play that cool free online game that works on Internet Explorer only? Are you now checking out some porn you found via google/yahoo/enter your favorite search engine here?

Ya, you know you do it. Impulse computer use. We've seen it many times.

It's more frustrating when people install free cleanup tools. It's like lifting the hood on your Honda and inserting a new component you know nothing about into your engine you know nothing about, and expecting everything to be ok because the box says so...

One of the issues we come across is where someone believes their PC is working more slowly than it used to. MANY times the PC has a number of applications installed as service applications (for instance printer monitors, Yahoo and AIM toolbars, etc...) that over time have become overloaded. Even FIREFOX needs to be completely un-installed and re-installed to cleanse the performance issues accompanying FireFox.

In any event, this user will, instead of asking for professional help, will install one of the various free-from-the-internet Spyware toosl, registry cleaners, etc...

These so called "free" tools are a no-no... NEVER use these tools. This is a mantra in our blog, internal training and MANY professional IT support services and tech journals around the globe. These tools, short of a few we have vetted out, have proven again and again to be more damaging than the problem you started with. We have yet to see an automated solution that truly cleans out a PC's real issues and leaves you working correctly with no speed impacts.

So... DONT install stuff willy-nilly. IF things get slow or whacky, call US or another qualified service to review your problem - sometimes this is a problem that is resolved remotely for very little cost!

It will save money- every time!

Windows 7 Feature Update

2009-05-06T08:57:00.000-07:00

Well, just about the time we thought we had it figured out! Microsoft announced that Windows XP programs that would not run on Vista will likely run on Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate (other versions will exclude XP support).

These programs will run under a new process similiar to dos support back in XP, providing a secured memory space that will allow you to run XP programs without the possibility of the application crashing Windows 7.

This is a HUGE issue for Vista users who have been marooned on "it doesnt work anymore and they dont make a Vista version!" island.

Windows 7 is looking more and more like a winner.

Want Windows 7 for FREE?! NOW?!?!

2009-05-06T08:36:00.000-07:00

Until July, Microsoft will be giving away Windows 7 Release Candidate 1 for all of you die-hard Windows Early Adopters. Not only that, but this version of Windows will run for up to 13 months! June 1 2010 is the expiration date on this puppy.

For those that are considering thing due to issues with Vista - Yes, Win7RC1 DOES Eliminate alot of issues you are experiencing with Vista. Win7RC1 DOES NOT:

Alleviate the problem of old programs that don't run on Vista - This will still very likely be a hurdle to be dealt with. Our services can help you with this in some cases.
Make your OLD PC a viable platform to run Win7. Sorry but if your PC is 3 years or more old its unlikely that Win7 is for you.
Run Trouble Free. Our testing so far in-house indicate that Windows 7 is a very strong platform and will run very well for you on even low memory base conditions (we tested with a limited video card profile and only 900mb of ram - still ran fine. Vista would have puked.) HOWEVER! Win7RC1 is just that - Release Candidate! That means theres always a possibility that there is a bug, and that Microsoft will not fix it...

All this aside, I think theres a good option here to be had for quite a few enthusiasts as well as those trying to save some money and their minds from Vista issues. A full clean install is required for Windows 7, so don't expect to have a quick turnaround and be prepared to re-install EVERYTHIN, from Quicken to Photoshop, theres no reasonable way to move any installed-type programs from XP,Vista or whatever you have to Windows 7.

As of today Nvidia, our favorite video card manufacturer, has released a new video driver for Windows 7 to support the Release Candidate. This makes the new Win7RC1 a clear trial OS for those seriously in need of replacing Vista.

For more information visit the Windows 7 website.

IEPCHELP Can help you in this trial move, as well as do consulting on the business end of using this software. Contact us for more information!

PC TV ANYONE?!

2009-04-20T12:12:00.001-07:00

Us geeks read alot of tech stuff. So much so that important stuff tends to darken the roads of less important but fun stuff. We spend ALOT of time on what might be happening to your computer in relation to attacks, or speeding up your computer, and not as much on the entertainment side of the computer revolution.

One aspect of this does interest me enough that I spend some time researching it from time to time, and thats PC TV, or the concept of using a computer as a full entertainment center.

WHATS COMING?

The bright future of watching TV while having some RSS feed streaming somewhere on your HDTV is pretty damned enticing. Enjoying hours of interruption free programming of Mythbusters or CSI would be excellent! Catching full previews of upcoming releases, or simply watching and re-watching that great movie just out on DVD/BLU-RAY would be just incredible. ( I didn't say commercial free - somehow its gotta be makin money or production values suffer!)

Recently a new whole-house networking service was developed called "LIQUID HD" - Capable of getting all entertainment devices on the same network with little trouble and lots of Blu-RAY quality sharing from a central media storage system to all devices on said network. It supports a standard network like some of have built into our homes (Ethernet Cat5/6 etc...), as well as all the variations of wired networks using telephone or power lines. It even supports wi-fi, though inherent issues are used as the warning of less-than-desirable effects from using WiFi.

Whats in the way really?

First, consider the cost. Currently your high-end HD-LCD-TV in your living room probably cost you upwards of $700 or more. Best estimates with LCD resource materials waning in the very near future (2124 by some estimates) means that we will be forced to LED TV and the same cost restart that had us looking and slobbering over Plasma in the 1990's at $10k for a 46" screen. Well, maybe not quite that expensive, but relative.

Now add that computer. At a minimum you are adding $100 for this feature, say adding the ROKU device. Minimum... If you are spending top dollar for the best viewing experience why would you skimp on the computing/feature/resolution power behind that sexy screen? Yes, you're looking at adding $1500 to $3000 to that $4000 display device.

Currently there is no BLU-RAY multi-disc changer concept on the market, so even under the LIQUID HD concept you would share ONE DVD at its current playback in the movie to all rooms wanting to watch the "already in progress" movie. HoHum.

Security and Bugs

Updates? Yep. Bug AND Security updates. With Linux operating systems (the most likely candidate for all this since its a free OS with no real licensing issues for production... Don't believe me? What do you think you're router is running right now for you to view this site? It aint Microsoft! and it aint costing Verizon a dime in licensing fees! ) you'll see at least one every 2 months, and the MS versions well, every Thursday it seems lately.

Whats My Problem?

The PC was intended to do work. The TV is entertainment. I tend to believe that while it would be pretty damned cool to have TV also be capable of telling me I have new e-mail, remind me of stuff, keep me up to date on some stuff I should know about via RSS or a small window feeding me Slashdot.org, I also believe that its a massive distraction and will take away from the reason I went down to watch TV - to WATCH TV and ESCAPE!

Generally we don't watch news on TV anymore. I know few people that do, simply because its more digestible now online. You read more, can cross search information better and come to a conclusion instead of adopting someone elses conclusion, like say on Fox or CNN.

I could always just not use those features of a PC TV that would distract from the show. Yes, that would fix some of the problem. BUT the temptation is there. How many poor bastards (like myself) leave their cellphone on ALL THE TIME JUST IN CASE BUSINESS CALLS! Its terrible. I am sick about it. And yet, I still do it 99% of the time. I am not the only one either.

So its easy to see that we "probably" would setup notifications for business e-mail, Chat notifications from clients or family members, etc... And we would be afraid to turn them off. Ever. And we would not be lost in entertainment, but distracted and missing the art of Star Trek, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, or insert-your-visual-entertainment-favorites-here.

So What Else Is In The Way?

One of the other aspects of the problem here is that the fight for control is really just starting to heat up. Content creators are seeing their massive money makers be reduced, albeit by truly tiny amounts, but they see a day where everyone will watch whatever, whenever with no commercial breaks or large popcorn purchases at the big movie theater - though I truly believe that NOTHING will ever replace the theater experience - in fact I believe this will, in the end, be the only way to avoid the technological world outside and fully invest your imagination in a movie, good or bad.

The music industry is starting to understand the new digital audio world, though being dragged kicking and screaming the whole way. Soon I believe encrypted forms of audio distribution will be replaced by non-encrypted music at slightly higher prices per song, and the music industry will have to put more financial leverage on the live shows, consume more of the profit from other avenues like merchandising that can't be realistically copied. An authors music in and of itself is the marketing for the author. We didn't go to a Billy Joel / Elton John dual concert to hear a single thing new from either them - we went to experience their talent first hand and sing along with our musical love.

Maybe the visual entertainment industries will also see the benefits. So far, between actors guilds fighting for every penny in all aspects (which they should) I believe the fight just got started, and control will be a higher priority as the next few months and years march on.

Who Would Do This Now?

Would I buy into this digital media center in your house concept? Sure! I did, in some small way and intend to keep going the right direction! As new devices that can stream content from a central server become cheaper and output 1080p I will likely purchase one for each room and provide them access to appropriate media from my centralized server.

Where do I get my media? Theres the trick.

I am legally allowed to copy and store any video I purchase. As long as I don't break the encryption code to do so, I am legally allowed to. So, I do. How? CONVERT!

AnyDVD HD + CloneDVD- Convert that movie into a file that your computer can then store as is on your computer. Move those files into the appropriate folders for the viewers in your house. Then link the networked hardware to those appropriate folders.

For instance, SpongeBob is in the kids folders. Teen folder has the teen stuff, and adults of course, queue RAMBO BULLET NOISE! ITS THE PURE VIOLENCE CHANNEL! Oh, excuse me, got to wipe the drool away.... Anyway, these devices will be restricted to those folders.

Each receiver device brand has its own way of network security, so each will have its own directions for you to follow, but the above information outlines the concept. And its legal.

What about TV programs? Well, theres a bit of issue there. YOU ARE ALLOWED TO RECORD AND REPLAY BROADCAST TV! Its LEGAL just as the same above for your purchased DVD's.
So where's the trouble? Digital Cable. HAHAHA! The first line of protection for services such as Comcast or Verizon is the way they store, deliver and encrypt/decrypt the video. It always requires their set top box. And those set top box's aren't accessible via the computer -yet- I hope soon to be able to tell you all how to hook a PC or one of these devices in a way to access and record your favorite shows in pure HD, but currently we are at a standstill with this one.

And there you have it. Overall, with the exception of some elbow grease on your part for every DVD you want to watch and re-watch and protect via storage on a hard drive, or possibly using HULU or whatever streaming lower-than-hd quality video+audio you can find online (with no internet interruption or bit errors, ) the industries move to encrypted closed looped distribution has actually been designed from the beginning to thwart your recording options down to their equipment, their limitations and their control.