The Tech Aid

X-Drive

2007-01-20T09:36:00.000-05:00

I have created an online hard drive for this site. In case you didn't know, you get 5 gigs of X-Drive space with an aol account. If you would like to download any thing that I have for software email me and I will give you the password for it. The username is itechdrive1.
All you have to do is go to http://www.xdrive.com/ and select AOL/AIM Screen Name then put itechdrive in for the user name and then the password.
Then you will see a green button that says launch X-Drive. This is the online part of the drive so you will need to turn off any pop up blockers. If you are like me you will want an application. There is a free download below that will allow you to interface the X-Drive to your computer. Make sure you select a drive letter that is not taken.
If you have a questions click here to email me

If there is a lot of people asking questions I will post detailed steps on here.

Create ring tones for free

2007-01-13T16:06:00.000-05:00

I found a program that will allow you to create you own ring tones for free. Well it is used for all kinds of things but simply a ring tone is piece of a song. Go to here and click the direct link to down load Audacity. You can then open a song into the program and cut the graph and paste it into a new project. Then save the project into an mp3. (You will need the .dll from this program) If you have any questions on how this is done please feel free to leave me a comment.
The last thing will be to send the mp3 to your cell phone.

Merry Christmas

2006-12-21T06:08:00.000-05:00

Here is a Christmas gift from me to all of you. Click Here Then click on the exe
It is a simple clock but it do other things beside just telling the time. Before you install it make sure you read the Read me file. That will help with any questions you might have.

New Messenger

2006-09-23T23:40:00.000-04:00

Have you ever wanted to play that sim game? Well now is your chance. IMVU is a 3D chat portal. It allows you to chat in a character mode. There is more to than just chatting too. You can make actions. For example you can hug, shake, and body slam the person your chatting with.
It does require a download but it is pretty fun to mess around with. So go to IMVU, sign up and check it out.

How to put a picture on your cell phone

2006-09-10T11:21:00.000-04:00

The first thing you have to have is a connection from your cell phone to your computer. It could be a USB cable or an Email account.
Then what you can do is go to http://images.google.com/ and search for an image that you want. For example I like the Cubs so I will search Cubs.
I found the following image:

On the search page I double click the image and then click "see full-size image".
It then puts the image on a web page. Next you will want to right click the image and select "save picture as".
This will allow you to store the picture in a certain location or folder. You will need to make sure that the image save as type is a JPEG (.jpg).
Then click save.
Now that you have stored the picture in location you will need to send it to your phone.
If you are using email you may have to change the size of the image to be able to open it.
You can do this in MS Paint or you can download Infran View
Infran View does a good job changing the size of an image with out tarnishing the image.
Once you have the imaged saved with the new size email it to your phone as an attachment.
The phone email is usually something like phonenumber@provider.net. If you don't know consult your manual or the provider's website.
When you open you cell phone email you should be able to open the attachment and then store it. Then you should be able to select that image as a background or screen saver on your cell phone.
Then your phone will look something like this.

One Care - Scan for viruses and more

2006-08-19T13:21:00.000-04:00

I ran this program and it cleans all kinds of stuff all in one step. I tried and it found my VNC software that I use to remote into computers. It also lists everything for you so you can look at it before you decide to clean it. There are some active x installations when you install it. Make sure all your pop up blockers are off when you go to install it.

Click Here to get started

Windows vs. MAC

2006-08-17T14:42:00.000-04:00

This guy is PC version of the MAC comercial that has been on TV.
It is hillarious!!!
Video

How to create a Signature in MS Outlook

2006-08-11T08:30:00.000-04:00

Have you ever wanted to add a link or a signature to your emails. MS Outlook makes it pretty easy and it doesn't take long to do.
1. In Outlook click Tools and then Options

2. Click the Mail Format Tab and then click Signatures

3.Click New

4. Name your signature and then click next

5. There are two ways to create your signature
6. After you click finish make sure you have your signature selected as seen in Step 2 above.

VOIP Hack

2006-08-08T15:52:00.000-04:00

This one looks bad if they start doing it. The moral of the story would be to make sure any phone number you call is legitimate. This is very important for people to be aware of because people don't realize what possibilities are with in VOIP. You don't even have to have VOIP to receive the hack.

Click Here

Microsoft Max

2006-08-05T09:15:00.000-04:00

Microsoft Max is a code name for a new program that Microsoft is coming out with. It is essentially a photo album with browser type functions. I loaded the program to try it out (Even though it is in a beta version) and it took probably 20 minutes or more just to get it loaded. Once I got it loaded and opened the program it took up a bunch of my CPU usage and put a big load on my memory. Once it was open it seem to run fine at a normal CPU and Memory level. I then tried loading pictures on it and then it spiked to high level again and took forever to get the pictures. It is also not user friendly. I had to hunt around to find a way to navigate to pictures that I wanted and it didn't tell me where I could edit the name of a list of pictures.
The plus side is that they provide a forum and many features you can use to get help on it.
I usually don't give Microsoft a bad review but this is the worst program I have ever seen come out of Microsoft. The concept is good but it needs a lot of improvement.
Warning: If you dare to install it make sure that you do the updates for it and if you remove it remove all instances of it. Oh and make sure you don't open any thing else while testing it.
Here is the link if you dare
Click Here

Quintura

2006-08-04T22:55:00.000-04:00

I found this program roaming around the internet. This is a nice program because it gives a different look at searching. When you put in your search querry it lists all the search results from different sites plus gives you possble querries that you might use to further your search.
Check it out go to this site and click Free Download.
Then open the program and do a quick search you will easily get the idea because it is user friendly.

Link Fun!!

2006-08-04T21:42:00.000-04:00

Here is a site from Yahoo that gives the top nine websites for every Monday through Friday. It is called The 9 Most of the links are kind of goofy but sometimes there is something in here that you have never seen before. You can also look through the Archives to see if there is anything in there that you missed.
Click Here and see photos of the people that make this site happen.

Need a script?

2006-07-30T20:32:00.000-04:00

I don't know how good they are but it looks like reputable site to get scripts from.
They have all kinds but my link points to the basic logon scripts.
Some are good if you have an older operating system.

Computer Performance

EBay scammers!

2006-07-23T07:55:00.000-04:00

Watch out for eBay scammers. They are sending out emails that look like eBay emails to update account information. Inn reality it is directed to a fake site that send your information to the scammers.
The email looks like this:

From: eBay Inc. [pw-conf@02.ebay.com]Sent: Sunday, July 23, 2006 5:46 AMTo: SisaacsSubject: Update Account Information
Attachments: _AVG certification_.txt eBay Security
Dear eBay User ,
During our regular update and verification of the accounts, we couldn't verify your current information. Either your information has changed or it is incomplete. If the account information is not updated to correct information within 5 days then, your access to bid or buy on eBay will be restricted. Please update your information by completing the form from the forwarded link :
https://www.signin.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?SignIn&ssPageName=h:h:sin:eBaySecurityMeasures
And login to eBay in order to update your informations. As outlined in our User Agreement, eBay will periodically send you information about site changes and enhancements. Visit our Privacy Policy and User Agreement if you have any questions.

Regards,Safeharbor Department
eBay, Inc.

Per the User Agreement, Section 9, we may immediately issue a warning, temporarily suspend, indefinitely suspend or terminate your membership and refuse to provide our services to you if we believe that your actions may cause financial loss or legal liability for you, our users or us. We may also take these actions if we are unable to verify or authenticate any information you provide to us.

As outlined in our User Agreement, eBay will periodically send you information about site changes and enhancements. Visit our Privacy Policy and User Agreement if you have any questions.
Copyright ) 2007 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved.Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners.
eBay and the eBay logo are trademarks of eBay Inc.

Ebay does not do things this way. The only emails you will get from Ebay are advertisements.

Gas Prices

2006-07-16T09:18:00.000-04:00

We all pay for the price of freedom.

read more | digg story

RIAA gives in

2006-07-15T08:51:00.000-04:00

The RIAA lost a court case. Even though they dropped the charges they had to pay for the lawyer fees that not only they encountered but also the defendant's lawyer fees. I think if they are going to make such cases against citizens that they should pay for any lawyer you want up front. Then add the cost to the court settlement.
I honestly believe that people shouldn't take what doesn't belong to them. The problem is that the RIAA has spent more money trying screw the people that help them profit. I think that if they would spend more money making digital music or videos more secure that this would not be such a problem and they will stop hurting the good people that purchase their items.
In this case someone had put their pirated items on a lady's computer. So the RIAA went after her and lost. Now they have not only caught the public eye they have also proved that they are just out for other peoples money.
I think that the RIAA is using this as an avenue to make more money.
I found that I have bought some CDs that are worth buying now. They include insider stuff that you can't get from a download. At least some record labels have found out how to make it fair for the consumer. Maybe that is why those bands can have free downloads of their music.
The RIAA should take a look at Country music. Country Music stars pay more attention to their fans so the fans will help them. Country Music stars have more tours and concert than other genre. They actually work hard for their money and so do their fans.

Hmmm Interesting phrase "Work Hard"

Click Here for the story of this poor lady that got harassed by the RIAA

MSN and Yahoo join IMing forces

2006-07-13T11:16:00.000-04:00

Now when you log on to MSN Messenger(Windows Live Messenger) or your Yahoo Messenger you can add your Yahoo or MSN buddies (Ooops friends) to the list. This is soon to lift off into Voice and video communication also but for now it for text messenging.
The additional features is going to be the big step in getting people back on their service. I can text message who ever I want on Trillian or Gaim.
Those are simple solutions already put in place.
I guess it more of news of old friends getting back together.

Security flaws in Windows and MS office

2006-07-12T11:11:00.000-04:00

Microsoft has announced that there are five new critical security flaws that need address in both Windows and MS Office. The security flaw allows attackers to take control of the computer.
You can go to www.microsoft.com/security to get the latest update or just go to Tools and Windows update in Internet Explorer.

Apple Comercial

2006-07-10T20:29:00.000-04:00

Could you see these two doing the new Apple comercials.
Click Here

Virtual Curling

2006-07-02T08:42:00.000-04:00

This game almost feels like you are playing the real thing.

Click Here and have fun

Fresh UI

2006-07-02T08:18:00.000-04:00

This is an advanced tweak utility. It is a tool that makes registry changes easier for advanced users.
Download Here

Pop Up Blocker Tips

2006-07-01T08:58:00.000-04:00

You will notice on some sites like this one that your pop up blocker will prevent you from clicking on some links.

In internet Explorer you can allow pop ups by going to Tools then Pop Up Blocker and then Settings. Then just add this site to the Exceptions.

In Google Pop Up Blocker. You can click the button on the Google bar for the amount blocked and it will allow pop ups on this site. Hover your mouse over the button and it will tell you.

If you don't want to disable the Pop Up Blocker for the site your on you can hold down the CTRL button and click the link you want to go to. You can also right click the link and open in a new window (New Tab for IE 7 users)

More Piracy Junk

2006-06-29T16:13:00.000-04:00

A computer user is suing Microsoft for the Windows Genuine Advantage tool.
You know that stupid thing they ask you to put on your computer to make sure your software is safe for you to use because it is legit software. Here it is that I am doing something that I think will keep people from stealing my software but come to find out that it is Microsoft's Advantage Tool.
I think if I legitimately buy an operating system Microsoft should have me on record as a legit user and they should bother me. The companies are complaining about software being downloaded for free but are taking there own actions to steal your bandwidth that you pay for so they can search your operating system.

Here is the article

Digital Camera Price will change

2006-06-29T15:45:00.000-04:00

I found this article where a California based company has come out with a digital camera chip that capable of holding an image of up to 111 million pixels. In comparison to the current 12 to 16 pixels.
If this comes out this could change the price of digital cameras today. So start looking to find a good camera that you want. Once they produce this camera with that many pixels you will be getting a sweet deal on something that is $200 or $300 today.

Here is the article

Pluggd

2006-06-23T16:00:00.000-04:00

This is a listing and search of Podcasts.
This could very well come in handy if you are looking for instructions or certain feeds on stuff.
I think I may take this home and have a gander.
I think this one will end up in my links list.
Click Here

RIAA's Mission

2006-06-23T15:20:00.000-04:00

The RIAA is out to invade everyones freedoms.
They are trying to play police for the internet in a grand fashion that could hurt even the innocent. It is amazing how low they have stuped. I think they are doing this more for the money than anything else.

Click Here

Stop Telemarketers

2006-06-23T15:14:00.000-04:00

Here is a nifty little tool along with some insight on how those telemarketing computers work. In other words if you haveto say Hello more than once it is because it is a telemarketer.

Click Here for details

Up to 500 GHz in speed

2006-06-20T16:45:00.000-04:00

Using a transistor printed on a silicon wafer laced with germanium the researchers were able to develop a transistor that clocked in at around 350GHz at room temperature. When they dropped the temperature they got it up to 500GHz.
This essentially could be the beginning of new speeds in Computer Technology. If only Communication speed could catch up with this.
We just got over the Mhz hump and IBM is testing the boundry of the GHz. I think they will have us getting new computers at 500 GHz by 2020. If not THz!!! Yikes!!

Take a look!!

Microsoft Update

2006-06-14T16:56:00.000-04:00

Here is an article on the security vulnerability in Windows. Click Here
You may want to go to the Windows Update page and run the updates to get the most recent patch.
If you have never done this before you may need even more updates.
Go to your Internet Explorer Browser
Click Tools and then Windows Update
Windows will want to scan first.
If you have never done this you will have to install the Active X
Once you are in you will want to pick Express to get all the critical stuff.
I always keep going to it until it tells me I am up to date or there are no more updates.

The custom option is extra stuff you may want. They put updates for drivers and all kinds of extras in there. So if you get time check those out too.
"Always make sure you are up to date with Windows"

Google Spread Sheets

2006-06-06T15:54:00.000-04:00

Here is something new you can try. I submitted my email but I don't know if I can try it out yet.
It worth a gander though.

Click Here

Speed Test

2006-06-04T08:32:00.000-04:00

Here is an easy to use site to test your download speed and upload speed.
SpeedTest

Visit this site to experience the New Windows

2006-06-01T14:34:00.000-04:00

This is a site that introduces Windows Vista.
It also has the new Office package and more.
Check it out!!

Windows Tweak

2006-05-29T08:17:00.000-04:00

This is an add on created by Windows so you can make changes to your Window's looks and features.
Download it and have fun!!

For Windows XP

All Other Windows

Have you run your Ad-Aware anti spy ware? I bet you need to update the definitions when you go to run it. Make sure you run it as often as possible. The quick scan doesn't take long. This will allow your computer to speed up.

Swarmthe

2006-05-26T15:06:00.000-04:00

This is neat. This is web portal that adds new sites to it everytime someone goes to a different one. I am not sure on how it works but it gives a new meaning to surfing the internet that's for sure.
Check it out!!
At your own risk of course!!

IP Phone Technology

2006-05-24T10:17:00.000-04:00

I figured this would be something that people would interested in.
With the price of gas I figure saving money is on everyone's mind now days.
Vonage is a phone that is through your broadband internet connection.
We have Cable internet in our home and we decided that it would be best to eliminate the high expensive phone bill by doing this.
Pros:
I forget that I am even talking on an IP phone. It doesn't sound any different.
I have the same features I would with a regular phone and more.
I even have a 1-800 number people can use to call me for free.
How Much? $40.00 per month

Cons:
Cable is Out Phone goes out!
But (There is always a "but")
All missed phone calls roll over to the cell phone or voice mail.

You make the choice!! Here is the link again. Vonage

Google Note book

2006-05-16T19:55:00.000-04:00

Do you ever see stuff on a website that you want to jot down real quick?
Here is the answer.
Google has some thing called Google Notepad
It is a note pad that sits on your browser and when ever you want to jot something down or copy and paste something to it you can.
Click Google Notpad to go to the website.
Then sign in.
If you don't have a Google account get one, its free.
After you sign in then you will get the down load page.

Favorite of The Day

2006-05-14T18:39:00.000-04:00

Windows Live Local is an interactive map.
You can get pictures of the area you aretrying to look at.
The pictures are outdated of course.
There is a new feature called Bird's Eye were you can get real pictures off the area.
I found that the Bird's Eye only functions on city's but you might find different.
It is a fun tool to work with and great for getting directions.
Have fun!!

Memory

2006-05-14T11:57:00.000-04:00

Is your Computer still running slow after cleaning stuff up?
Here is something to look into.
Windows XP uses virtual memory to give you more memory than what is physically put in the machine.
Where can you find it?
Go to the Control Panel (Start, Control Panel)
Click System (Note look at the size of your Memory)
(Example: Mine is 448 MB of RAM)
Then click the Advanced Tab
Under Performance click Settings
Then click the advance tab
Then go to the bottom where it says Virtual Memory
Click change
The recommended minimum size is equivalent to 1.5 times the RAM on your computer, and 3 times that figure for the maximum size.
So for mine the Initial size will be 672MB and the Max will be 1344MB
Then click set
Then it will ask you to restart the computer.
If it does not ask to restart do it anyway.
When you log back in open up a program and see if the speed of it is faster opening.

For more information on this click Microsoft.

Another Generator

2006-05-14T07:44:00.001-04:00

The Movie Slapper

Another Generator

2006-05-14T07:44:00.000-04:00

The Movie Slapper

Internet Explorer Stops Loading

2006-05-12T12:26:00.000-04:00

At times you may go to a website or log into a website that seems to be running slow.
You start to think that the site is really busy or the server its on is slow.
Some time we forget to try clearing Cookies and Delete temporary files.
In Internet Explorer go to Tools then Internet options.
Then delete the cookies and delete files.
Remember if you have Internet Explorer remembering usernames and passwords you will loose them here.
Hopefully you have them written down or saved some where so you can type it in.
This will clear the congestion up on the site and should allow you to get right in.

Hill Billy Name Generator

2006-05-11T21:29:00.001-04:00

Here is a Hillbilly Name Generator.

http://www.blogthings.com/hillbillynamegenerator/

Here is mine!!

Your Hillbilly Name Is...

Jed Farmer

Hillbilly Name Generator

Create a Gas Station Sign

2006-05-11T21:19:00.000-04:00

Create your own gas station sign.

Click Here

Create your own and then copy and paste the address into the comments.

Here is mine!!

SketchUp

2006-05-11T21:04:00.000-04:00

This a neat 3D graphics program.
It is absolutely free and has tons of tools to go with it.
So if you have time to dabble in some 3D imaging you may just enjoy this program.
Have fun with this one.

SketchUp

Spring Cleaning Tip

2006-05-10T14:43:00.000-04:00

It wont hurt to do this stuff again so I am posting it again.
Do you think Spring cleaning refers to houses only?
1. Go through your files and clean out some of the old stuff. If you have a CD Writer or a Share drive you can store it there.

2. Go through your Emails and delete old ones. Or open the Email up and click File then Save as and save it to a Disk or Share Drive
Got a Share Drive? Ask me how to set up an Archive.

3. After cleaning all those old files and Emails go through your programs. Go to Start, Control Panel, Add and Remove Programs. Uninstall some of them old games or programs you don't use anymore.
Note: Leave the Windows updates and hotfixes.

4. After all that clean up some of the left over junk. Go to Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then Disk Clean Up. It may take a bit to get started up. Be patient!! You will want check mark Downloaded Program Files and Temporary Internet Files. Every thing else is up to you. If your not sure what it is, ask me, or leave it.
Then click Ok and Yes. It take a bit for it to run. Be Patient Again!

5. Defragment!! This will put all the books back on the shelf. Go to Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then Disk Defragmenter. Click Defragment. Then Be Patient Again!!

6. Last but not least!!
Do an Anti Virus and Anti Spyware Scan.
Don't have Anti Virus Software?
Go to http://free.grisoft.com/doc/2/lng/us/tpl/v5 and scroll to the bottom where it says File. Then download the exe.
Dont have Anti Spyware?
Go to http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-SE-Personal-Edition/3000-8022_4-10045910.html?part=dl-ad-aware&subj=dl&tag=top5 and click download now.

7. Want to do this faster. (Warning: For advanced users only)
Save everything you want to keep onto a disk or share drive. Then insert Operating System CD and do a fresh re-install and run updates.

Tip of the Day from March 26, 2006

2006-05-10T13:57:00.000-04:00

Did you get an Email that is questionable or even a phone call that is questionable?
Here is a site you can search and it will give you the truth about it.
http://www.snopes.com/

I go by the rule of "Don’t Trust Any One"
If they ask for you information through Email and there is no security (User name and password) they don't get my info.
Phone: I don't know the person they don't get my info.

If you decide you want to give a company your information make sure that they make you sign in with a user name and password first. That makes sure that you have some sort of security in place before giving out information.

Example:
I had a woman at work that called me asking questions of what to do incase of identity theft.
I ask her why? What happened? She was very embarrassed to say.

She received an Email from Pay Pal. It stated that someone used her account information to purchase $8000 worth of items. The Email stated that it needed her to fill out the following information and send it back. The information was everything she had setup with pay pal and even her SSN.

I have a Pay Pal account my self. I know that they require a user name and password for this info. They also would never send an Email about this. They would call you or write a letter.
Needless to say I told her she will have to Change Bank Info, Change SSN info, Change Credit Card Info, etc...

If you think you are a victim of Identity Theft here is some helpful sites.
http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/con_steps.htm#steps
http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/

Lego Designs

2006-05-10T13:53:00.000-04:00

Click Here to see this amazing Lego Design

Computer Fun

2006-05-10T13:50:00.000-04:00

Here are some programs that you can have fun with.
Make sure you read the uninstall or how to turn off.
http://www.rjlsoftware.com/software/entertainment/

Next Generation of TV

2006-05-10T13:39:00.000-04:00

We started with local airial signal and went to local airial signal with more channels.
Then we got Cable TV with tons of channels and went to Satalite TV with gazillions of channels.
Now we have Interactive TV on the Internet with tons of Channels.
Shhhh Don't tell anyone but it is free right now.
So if you have a broadband connection you will definately like this site.
http://www.channelchooser.com/ (Warning: Includes Adult Channels)

I have two more:
One is from CBS
http://www.cbs.com/innertube/index.php (Safe: Does not have Adult Channels)
It still has room for improvement.

This one has a lot of old episodes.
http://peekvid.com/ (Safe: Does not have Adult Channels)

Tip of the Day from May 7, 2006

2006-05-10T13:30:00.000-04:00

What is RSS? Really Simple Syndication

How do I use it?
I have the perfect site to try this on. Mine!!

If you are using IE 7 all you have to do is click the RSS icon. It is an orange icon that looks like a satellite.
It will add it to your favoites menu and when you click on it it will go to a page with the latest updates.
To refresh it right click the site from your list of RSS and refresh.
To get the additional settings on RSS go to Tools, Intenet Options, Content Tab, RSS, Settings.

If you have IE 6.0 or earlier you will need RSS Feeder
After you download it
Click Add and put this URL in http://tech-aid.blogspot.com/atom.xml
Now you will be updated on the website every time I add something.

All New

2006-05-10T12:04:00.000-04:00

I am going to be using this blog to post most of the tech stuff that I have on my other blog. My other one tends to be slow because of all the stuff I have on it. Plus this gives me an oportunity to try a different form of blogging.
So far I like this one because of the flexability to add different stuff.