My Writings. My Thoughts.
Exchange 2010 Craziness!
// February 2nd, 2010 // No Comments » // technology
I promised myself that I would posta a Trackback to this blog for helping me out of a pickle today – exchange 2010 is a bit of a bear when attempting to repair a botched install… r
HP Mini 1000 – Update 1
// November 9th, 2009 // No Comments » // technology
Just received a replacement AC adapter this morning via FedEx Priority Overnight envelope… AT THE OFFICE! Twice on the phone I told HP to send everything to my house because this is my personal computer. How is communication this hard for a huge company? I’m just guessing, but there must be hundreds of thousands of dollars wasted because of their inconsistent or un-followed practices and policies. When the customer specifically requests that he needs to change the shipping address (twice on the same phone call, to the same person) And that person CONFIRMS the request… need I say more?
The speed of them getting this out since my friday phone call was great! I guess there is at least one good thing I can note; alas, I can not test this adapter until I get home – that is where I left my Mini 1000 with the expectation everything would be shipped there.
One more notation: HP has some tight reins on their replacement pieces – I only received the half of the adapter I complained about (the brick and jack that plugs into the laptop) The AC wall plug end-to-adapter cord was left out. Although this may seem like a silly point, HP may be now trying to weed out those who lie about their adapter being broken to get a second adapter for the “road, office, etc…” by only giving out half and adapter (thus requiring you to use the existing plug from your current adapter). This is probably a “smart move” on their part, and they’re saving what, $.10 of plastic cord while dropping $15 in overnight shipping, all so I can feel like i got a somewhat cheesy, half-fix? I’m not really complaining here, but come on… really?
HP Mini 1000 – a mini nightmare!
// November 6th, 2009 // No Comments » // technology
So we’ve had an issue with my wife’s HP mini 1000 netbook ever since I bought it for her for Christmas last year. I just got off a 1:27:23 phone call with HP and figured I’d spend a little time documenting the issues so hopefully none of my excellent blog readers will think twice before they have to deal with the mind-numbing frustration of HP Totalcare’s customer support.
on Oct. 5, 2009 I called HP about an issue we’ve had with this laptop since day-one. When the computer is running idle for an indeterminate period of time (i.e. reading an article on a website, waiting for an e-mail, even after just booting the system and waiting for everything to “start up” so the system is ready to go) the system will freeze for 15 – 30 seconds. During this “freeze” you can move the mouse, click on anything you like (without response) and after the freeze lets-up, the system catches up (like a buffer) and performs all the actions from the first click on. After some research on the web, I’ve determined the issue probably has to do with a “first-batch” of SSD, of which this system has one. Usually SSD’s have very fast random read-write speeds, and some early models have a “lag” which make systems almost unusable. Of course I had no idea this was the case, otherwise I would have spent less money on a unit that didn’t have an SSD (solid state drive).
We also had an issue with the power adapter not fully plugging into the unit like it should (we’ve tried a friend’s and an aftermarket adapter, both work fine, this adapter just has “issues”.
The rep at HP promised it would not be any trouble, that they would ship out a box. Off we go on a path I’m all too familiar with. I’ve had a number of dealings with HP service (I typically rave about their Proliant servers and coupled support) but I had a horrible experience with a Pavillion DV9000 laptop about 26 months ago (the incident that prompted me to buy my first macbook pro) and was hoping things would be better this time.
It took me a week to get the laptop off to HP the first time, and they recieved the unit on Oct. 26, 2009.
I just received the “fixed” unit yesterday (11/5/09). I carefully inspected the condition (The biggest issue I had with my dv9000 was they scratched the top case badly and refused to accept responsibility for the damage.) If anyone knows me, any computer that graces my home stays in protective plastic as long as possible, that’s just how we are 
Anyways, I booted the laptop and noticed on the service papers that came with the unit this detailed description of the fix:
Ok. I tried to be optimistic: maybe they were able to upgrade the firmware of the SSD – that’s software right? I went back to the now fully-booted HP mini and reached for the AC adapter that was returned with the unit – in the same position I sent it in. Did they not even check the power issue? I plugged it in. I was right – they didn’t even look at the power adapter. Trying not to succumb to the sinking feeling that I’d have to DEAL with HP again, I began to use the computer… the freezing issue was still there. I uninstalled AIM6 and adobe reader 8 (for some reason, these come pre-installed with a “software reload” from HP. I installed Microsoft security essentials – it downloaded fast enough, but once the computer sits unused during the install process, the lags begin. Next installed IE8 – the installer (from filehippo) downloaded in seconds, and the install started very zippy – but during the period where the computer scans for malware – and then updates from Microsoft – we’re talking almost 30 minutes into the install, I started to get tired. Next, I downloaded foxit PDF reader – a small, lightweight PDF client to replace Adobe that I uninstalled. 20 minutes into what should have taken about 40 seconds, I closed the computer and resolved to call HP in the morning.
Fast forward to 2 hours ago: I just got off the phone with HP with another frustrating session. Everyone was “very sorry” and I spoke to at least 4 women all non-english primaries and almost unintelligible accents. The best of the group was Prava – I could speak to her in a conversive manner – I didn’t feel like she was searching for the correct “response card” every time I asked a question. At any rate, she assured me that the issue would be taken care of – HP would send me a new power adapter without trouble, and that she would create a “new” order to have the original problem fixed (when an OS reload doesn’t “fix” a computer, the next step is hardware!)
So my last phone call lasted almost 1.5 hours, and 2 out of 4 people I talked to “promised” that I would not have to worry and that HP would take care of me. Here comes the real test – with approximately 1 month left on my original warranty, how long will this “fix” take for the laptop to really get fixed?
I’ll have to keep you posted.
-Ryan “Toad” Walsh
New iPod Nano gets a little videooooo but no stills?
// September 11th, 2009 // No Comments » // technology
Ok, so the latest Apple Jaw-Dropper is the new nano that (dun-dun-dun!) shoots video – how coool is that?!?!
After I got a moment to breathe the other day, once I was able to resist the initial urge to drive straight to the apple store and throw my money at closest dude in a light blue t-shirt at the mall, I was able to do a little lookey-uppy on this cute little wonder.
No photo? What? I can shoot video but no photos? Is this thing even for real? I mean, I would have just been happy with the pedometer, and the FM addition is LONG overdue, apparently the wahoo who was smart enough to bring his ipod with him while he was tubin’ didn’t give a snot about taking a picture of his girlfriend in her heart shirt who wears a matching innertube/bracelet combo. No no no no… video is the FUTURE! I love apple – always pushing the boundaries of what we deem normal
Crazy Sinus Pressure?
// August 25th, 2009 // No Comments » // life
Ok, so i’m about ready to blow my brains out just to see if I can relieve some of the sinus pressure i’ve had for the past few days. Here are a few tips form a few websites I googled last night that have helped me deal a little better with it:
- Blow your nose a lot – this helps relieve the sinus pressure
- Drink a lot of water – this keeps the mucus runny so you can blow your nose alot.
- Repeat
There are a lot of other good things these guys have to say about the subject, but just following this advice has helped me at least not think about the pain constantly.
http://hubpages.com/hub/how-to-deal-with-sinus-challenges
http://www.helium.com/items/1051240-tips-for-relieving-sinus-pressure
Go Blogs!
Truth in advertising?
// August 19th, 2009 // No Comments » // technology
I got some more junk mail this morning, and had to finally write something about what I’ve noticed a few times recently – i get a kick out of the sloppy photoshop work and wonder if companies expect consumers of average intelligence to swallow everything they feed us?
The COVER of CDW’s latest mailer:
Big deal right?
Let’s look a little closer:
Ok, little handy-held windows unit right?
wait a minute:
Yup. That’s OSX’s Safari web browser – not the windows version, but unless someone was using “window blinds” to change the windows shell, we’re definitely looking at a macintosh “command+shift+4, space” screenshot photoshopped onto this unspecting model’s little screen. Easy enough for the marketing department, but on a national mailer? What if I wanted to purchase this fantastic little device that seemingly runs OSX? Could I sue them for false advertising? Probably not – but it does make me wonder just how far they can push the advertising envelope and cut corners just to get their stuff out the door… I guess “pretty” sells, that’s why they dont use phootos of turned-off computers in their glossy sales fodder.
Sure enough, the world hasn’t stopped since I wrote this post, just another observation of impossibility and how easily we’re hoodwinked by the photoshop elite.
Macbook Pro Sleep issue
// June 3rd, 2009 // No Comments » // technology
I had some trouble with my macbook pro going freezing while attempting to sleep after I did a hard drive upgrade and restored my files with apple’s wizard.
It turns out the problem may be related to the way the mac is put to sleep… I followed a few steps on this article and things have been quite stable since:
http://www.windley.com/archives/2007/10/fixing_macbook_pro_sleep_problems.shtml
Good luck with yours!
I’m an uncle!!!!
// April 10th, 2009 // No Comments » // life
Baby Emma Rae Walsh was born April 9 at 11:21 pm. She weighted 8lbs. and 9oz. From what I hear, both baby and mommy are doing well – i’ll update once I get some more details and pics! My brother Reid has just joined the Daddy’s Girl club!
Week 10: iPod & Music
// March 30th, 2009 // 2 Comments » // computer group
Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music. ~Ronald Reagan
Our session this week focused on how we can use our computers to enhance our lives with music. Right at the start of class, Gary gave us the link to a cute little website to listen to oldies: www.tropicalglen.com – not bad if you’re looking for some nostalgia or a quick song fix. The only thing you want to be careful with on a site like that is you don’t want to click on the adds… they will take you away from tropicalglen and you can end up at strage places! With that warning in place, use it at your own risk – that’s the price of free for you.
iPods, iTunes & iThink my head is about to explode!
Apple has dominated the portable music market lateley, and with good reason – their iPods are easy to use, they look really cool and sound great. They’re also relatively cheap considering all that you get! One big consideration when you buy one – You can use apple’s genius bar to get help with your product – the appointments are free, and they have a store right in the westfarms mall. (the only drawback being that you can’t buy smoothies there, haha)
iPods
We looked a few varieties of apples in class, here is sort of the breakdown on the bunch:
- iPod Shuffle – this tiny guy has no screen! it does hold 4 gigabytes of music however (about 1,000 songs), and speaks the title of the song and artist through your headphones on demand – pretty cool!
- iPod Nano – this sleek device comes in about 9 colors. It has 8 gig & 16 gig models (2k or 4k songs), plays music, videos and games, and has a motion sensor – when you want to shuffle your music, just shake it!
- iPod Classic – the unit yours truly uses (mine is actually a 5th generation video iPod) These guys have tons of space and tons of battery life – 120 gigabytes allows you to hold like 30,000 songs, and you can get up to 36 hours of audio playback on a single charge.
- iPod Touch – I dont know how they can even call this an iPod – it has so much more including apps, email, wifi built in, we could even use one to control our projector during worship remotely! I’ll have to take some of my earlier lessons to heart and make some money off ebay before I can jump on board with one of these… I guess I can’t have all the toys eh?
iTunes
Coming soon! I’ll get back to the blog and update once I get a little more time.
Week 9: Yuuguu & Craigslist
// March 28th, 2009 // 4 Comments » // computer group
This past week at Computers & You group we had a good turnout – and a good time learning about more cool things to do with our computers.
Yuuguu
I’ve used a number of tools in the past for screen sharing and support, and this is my current favorite. (my previous being crossloop). Yuuguu has some distinct advantages:
- Cross Platform Support: Mac, PC, Linux, whateva… it’s java based and just works.
- Automatic Screen Scaling: one bid drawback to crossloop was that the VNC software didn’t easily support this feature. This means if you have a big screen, it will make it fit inside mine without having to scroll left and right.
- Built in Chat: you can text chat during the session, freeing up your phone or skype line for other calls.
- No More Numbers: yuuguu accounts are free, and connecting is as simple as inviting a friend using their email. once they have a connection, you get them in your yuuguu contact list and can connect easily from there – no numbers or passwords needed.
- Multicast up to 5 users form one screen – this is the reason we set it up this week – it was actually much easier than setting up the projector.
Craigslist
We spent the last few minutes of class going over craigslist. Craigslist is basically an online classified ads service that doesn’t charge for basic listings. The interface is very basic (some would say minimalist) and adding your listings are pretty easy and straightforward.
Finding what you need
Navigating craigslist is probably the most confusing part of the whole process. The site is actually very interesting in this way: they really don’t care if you don’t get it.
Let me clarify: I went to a public forum about a year ago and Craig Newmark was there (the guy who started craigslist) and during the session, I learned a lot – this guy created the site to “give back” to the world, and he has no personal ambition to commercialize it, grow it, or even run it! He hired someone else to be CEO and he is content to work in customer service… for his own company.
“Who needs the money? We don’t really care,” Craig Newmark said in an interview at the Picnic ‘06 Cross Media Week conference here. “If you’re living comfortably, what’s the point of having more?” Newmark said.
- Interesting read from this blog
So if you’re frustrated trying to learn how to get started, that’s understandable. Let me try to shed light on it for you.
Craigslist is not one big site that holds all the ads, it’s actually a collection of smaller, local sites that each have a separate database. You have to navigate the the geographic location you’re in, and then you can browse or search for stuff. This is different than ebay, which has a national (or international) audience as it’s default.
So let’s say I’m looking for fishing lures – I would have to click “connecticut”, then “hartford” and THEN I can search for fishing lures. If I don’t find any lures in Hartford, I can go back to “CT” and look in New Haven (CT has 5 geographic separations)
Sell it like you mean it
There are 2 ways to sell on craigslist:
with an account
or
without an account
If you are in a rush, feel free to post without setting up an account. You will have to keep the e-mail that craigslist sends you; it’s the only way you can change or cancel your listing.
Creating an account is simple and free, and is the best way to manage all your listings in one place, so I highly recommend setting one up if you’re going sell more than one thing through craigslist.
Cash Only! We talked about this in class, and I want to highlight it – there are a lot of bad people wanting to exploit you, so if someone offers to send you a certified check and wants you to ship your item to zimbabwe, resist the temptation! Also, it dosen’t hurt to pick up a cash marker like this one at Staples.
It’s actually a common thing at craigslist to only take cash. Don’t think you’re being rude by being a stickler about it. You should also plan on paying this way also, unless you are bartering goods or services.
And by the way: if you’re uncomfortable about any part of a transaction, don’t be afraid to walk away. Better safe than sorry, and remember, these are classified ads, not auctions – it’s first come first serve with cash in hand, but the only agreement you’re bound by is the one you make with the seller directly. There is no follow up, no feedback and nothing craigslist can do (really) about a scammer who takes you for a ride.
We’ll talk about Craigslist a little more in the upcoming class. The best suggesion I can give to anyone is to read anything on the screen.
