TPS Consulting: October 2012

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

No Agenda-Flood Edition

A short newsletter highlighting some recent discoveries and initiatives of the No Agenda Show. Listen live every Thursday and Sunday at 9:00 AM PST. Always available for download at http;//noagendashow.com .

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No Agenda

Flood Edition

New Jersey Report (from news sources)
...As authorities rushed to clear loose electrical wires from the paths of emergency vehicles, one public worker cut his leg with a chainsaw as he extricated a tree from the tangled lines. He returned to work after getting stitches. The city also added 20 extra police officers, deploying 14 to direct traffic on chaotic streets, and several drove around pitch-black neighborhoods with their lights on to deter criminals.

“No power means no alarms and no streetlights,” Cattano said.

In Manville, which was devastated by Hurricane Floyd in 1999, Main Street was under water and police requested people to stay out of town. Stores were closed around the state and in Denville, where much of the downtown area was darkened, the Rockaway River was just inches from inundating the Diamond Road Bridge, rebuilt in 2000. Close to 120,000 PSE&G customers in northern and central New Jersey were still without electricity today, including some 80,000 in Bergen County. Atlantic Electric reported 1,972 outages in its area of South Jersey and JCP&L listed 35,000 outages across its area. Power to most of its customers will not be restored until Wednesday.

The Middlesex Water Co. issued a 48-hour boil water notice, and United Water New Jersey also asked its Teaneck customers to boil water after the Haworth Water Treatment Plant suffered power outages. Along most of the Shore, flood warnings stayed in effect today as the boundary between water and land began to blur in coastal communities.

This was reported in The NJ Star-Ledger on March 14, 2010. You can go back and back. It's always the same. Does anyone in New Jersey understand the meaning of “flood plain?”

In August of 2011, just last year, there was flooding. Below is a picture that ran on Sept. 7, 2008 when Hanna flooded Jersey. Before that a big flood occurred in 2006 and on and on. None of this history is even discussed on CNN.

There is a new twist to these floods of 2012 – the election. The Red Cross and Obama are condemning Romney for collecting food when everyone should just be sending money again. But the big twist will be a call for improvements in the power grid as if it had anything to do with it..

On the Thursday show, we discuss this and more as we come off of our 5 year celebration and ask that you help us continue our analysis with a generous contribution to the show on the donation page by clicking here.

Sincerely,
John C. Dvorak & Adam Curry

PS Remember as we begin our fifth year of producing the No Agenda Show we will need your help more than ever. We'd like all listeners to maintain a $12.12 a month subscription by clicking here.

PPS Two months left on the Knight rings. Why don't you become a special 12-12-12 Knight today by clicking here! Everyone wants to be a No Agenda Knight. Now is the time!

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TPS Consulting Daily-Wednesday,October 31, 2012

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

TPS Consulting Daily-Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Monday, October 29, 2012

Biggest Issues I See On a Daily Basis

I am finding all too often, many problems on various client computers that simply don't need to be there and so besides fixing the problem technically, it also has to be fixed mentally, as in educating the user on what NOT to do.

Most of the educating issues are a direct result of the simple fact that people don't like change and are typically stuck in their 'old ways' of doing things. The problem with this is technology is there to expand your horizons and if nothing else, to speed up the process of doing things so that you have more time to do even more! This being said, the normal issues when a new program version are release are that there may be a 'simpler way' of performing the tasks that used to take 3 clicks are now done with just one, but to learn this new way may mean changing the way you think about how you get to the end resulting task at hand. The reason the newer software updates provide you with an easier way due to many users giving feedback on how to improve the program. Granted there may be times when the new way simply doesn't work for you and so that is why every program comes with 'options', a list of changes can usually be found from the "Help/About" section as well you may find the ability to use a 'classic' mode within the program. Let me put it in a simpler way... If you are still using Windows XP for example, then you should be seriously looking to upgrade to Windows 8.. it will cost you $40 and by doing so, will immediately extend your computer's life on the internet for at least another year if not two--depending on other aspects of your computer, such as on board Memory (RAM) and the age of the system's hard drive. Knowing you are using Windows XP and if you have never replaced your hard drive then odds are it is going to crash on you sooner then later and you should be seriously looking to get yourself a new computer... upgrading to Windows 8 would be automatic on any new computer you buy and you would be getting all new hardware so just do it! In the meantime, before you do anything else, get some off-site backup installed. Clicking on this link or on the BackBlaze banner below will direct you to the install page and you will be backed up to the cloud within the day usually (depending on how large the backup is and your current internet speeds). What will this cost you? Less then $5 per month.. I like to put it another way... less then the price of one Starbucks Venti Caramel macchiato per month!

The next big problem is using old technology/programs instead of even trying the new way. The biggest area I see problem here are those still using an email client such as OUTLOOK! It is antiquated and leads to more security problems then I can count on two hands. Get yourself a GMail account at the very least, so that you can implement an IMAP Server when using a program like Outlook. But besides that, I would really just give the web interface a chance. Since with GMail they are constantly creating new features (Labs) to help deal with the email bloat that typically happens on any given client desktop. The old method of creating folders and dragging your message to each one, simply so that you can find it later is crazy. That is what search is all about and nobody does search better then Google! Did you even know that Google's GMail has the ability to retrieve mail from any other email account you may have so that and in doing so will provide you with instant antivirus and malware scanning/cleaning so even if you don't necessarily want to 'switch' to a gmail account, you can continue to use your existing email provider but the only difference is the method in which you retrieve it. It will also allow you to use GMail's archive features which then of course will make the searching for that old message you were looking for a lot easier. You can always contact me if you need help with this and if you are an existing client of mine or wish to become one, then you already know I am a key click away from giving you hands on support!

Without making this in to a RANT and doing nothing more then venting my frustrations on the world, I do want to mention the costs of using your computer. It seems to me it always boils down to the age old question, "what is it going to cost me?" Fair enough question as everyone is worried about throwing money away on programs and services that they will never use or need.. that is hopefully where I can come in and help with any sort of TECHNICAL CONSULTING.. again, you should be contacting me before doing anything rash like spending $2000 on a new computer when you could have been just as happy with a $500 one! The simplest way to look at it is if you have an older computer then you should be expecting to pay more for services/maintenance then if you had a new one. What is the amount of money that you should budget for in any given year will change just like it does when you buy a new car. You wouldn't expect to pay for any maintenance on a new car within 30 days or for that matter, probably within the first year.. so should you be buying an extended warranty when you buy a new computer? No, absolutely not.. if you know one thing for sure, that is tech products are only getting better as in 'more bang for your buck' as time goes one.. the other thing you should be aware of is to never look back on the price you paid for something a year ago and compare it to what that same thing costs today.. same 'bang for buck' theory here. But the reality of owning a computer must come with a price tag and besides your monthly internet provider bill you should be looking at, if nothing else, the price of the off-site backup plan (that Starbucks Coffee per month I mentioned earlier--just click on the banner above or this link to install it if you haven't done so already!)

The other costs will be the routine maintenance. Such as confirming that your data is in fact backed up and that you are using all the latest device drivers for your devices that are plugged in to the computer, and that the software installed has no further updates. The routine cleaning of malware/spyware and optimizing of your computer hard drive from fragmentation, etc... a lot of this you can do on your own and I do provide the links and information on the best programs to use through my TIPS and SOFTWARE/SUPPORT pages, but in most cases these should be done by your local computer tech that I would highly suggest finding in your community if you do not want to use the services of a remote company that can connect remotely and provide you with this sort of thing like I do.

In my honest opinion from my own experience in the field of computer maintenance, one that has the routine maintenance performed on a monthly basis, for example, will require less time to maintain then one that is connected to and maintained every 2 or 3 months.. therefore if your technical guru person does provide you with services like mine then odds are you will find it cheaper to have your computer maintained then if you were to get it done only once every 6 months to a year. For my existing clients, I make it very simple.. whenever they get a notice that updates are available and/or any time they are unsure of something, to simply drop me a line and I will connect and diagnose/repair the problem ASAP, based on my connection policy.

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TPS Consulting Daily-Monday,October 29,2012

TPS Consulting Daily-Monday, October 29, 2012

Saturday, October 27, 2012

TPS Consulting Daily-Sunday, October 28, 2012

TPS Consulting Daily-Saturday, October 27, 2012

Friday, October 26, 2012

Windows 8 Is Officially Here!

...JUST REMEMBER THE WINDOWS KEY ON YOUR KEYBOARD!

I have made a few posts previous to this one with regards to Windows 8 pricing and how great it was sounding if it was in fact sub $50 and then learning OEM versions were still going to be above $100 had me furious. Fortunately the rumors of $39.99 are true! Sure it is considered an upgrade but considering you are more then likely already using some version of Windows operating system, that is all it takes to go ahead and purchase the downloadable version of Windows 8.

I started this post by mentioning the Windows Key on your keyboard and that is pretty much because if/when you install Windows 8 that will be the first thing you are going to complain about.. not having a start button (that is visible and obvious).. but the Windows Key has been around on most keyboards since Windows XP so you will most likely find yourself using it all the time. I know I do as it is a lot easier then messing around with the corners of the screen, especially when using multiple monitor displays!

As I write this I am actually (attempting) to install Windows 8 on a machine that currently is running the Release Preview Windows 8 and even though it has allowed me to start the install process, it now appears nothing is happening and most likely I will find myself performing a fresh install, or at least from windows boot and choosing 'clean' instead of the option I did select which was to keep my personal data. Knowing how easy and great the pre-release versions of Windows 8 have installed on numerous computers I have messed around with, I am pretty sure this one will go flawless once I select the option to perform the clean install.

If you are ready to make/take the plunge you can head over to Microsoft and download your version from here for the USA version or if you are in Canada you will want to go here.

Oh, by the way, if you haven't already got an off-site backup plan in place, I would highly suggest buying one and installing it first and then be sure to allow the backup to complete before the actual install of windows--just in case you do something stupid like wipe your drive and lose all of your data! Click on the banner below or this link and get the best deal at less then $4 per month for unlimited storage backup--including external USB drives attached to your computer.

UPDATE:

I have attempted to install Windows 8 (upgrade) over the Windows 8 Preview without success. It seems to start but then just hangs. I was pretty sure this would happen so a quick install of Windows 7 boot to the very basic install completed what was necessary to perform the Windows 8 upgrade. I would also note when prompted for Windows 7 key I ignored it and de-selected the 'activate when online' option. So long as you have the product key that you purchase during your Windows 8 download, that is what will be prompted upon initial install of Windows 8, even before the download starts! Therefore any question as to whether or not you need to have a previous windows installed would be 'yes' but barely!

Thursday, October 25, 2012

TPS Consulting Daily-Friday, Oct 26, 2012

TPS Consulting Daily for Friday, October 26, 2012

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

TPS Consulting Daily Thursday, Oct 25, 2012

TPS Consulting Daily-Thursday, Oct 25, 2012

TPS Consulting Daily-Wednesday, Oct 23, 2012

TPS Consulting Daily-Wednesday, Oct 24, 2012

No Agenda Anniversary

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No Agenda

Anniversary

Five more years!
We want to thank everyone who is helping us celebrate the five year anniversary of No Agenda. There are only two days left to add your name to the list of $55.55 donations. Please get in on this contribution before Thursday, the day before our actual 5^thAnniversary, which is coincidentally the same day in 1775 that King George III of Great Britain went before Parliament to declare the American colonies in rebellion, and then authorized his military to stamp out the American Revolution. Click here.

This week’s show will discuss the last (thank god) Obama-Romney debate. Do you know that there was an injunction brought against the debate that almost put it on hold? We'll discuss this and other little known aspects of the event.

Also, we were both amused at an Italian judge throwing a six-year prison sentence on some scientists for NOT predicting an earthquake and not warning the public. Greatlunacy in Italy.

John and Adam will discuss their latest predictions about the upcoming election and more on the special 5^th anniversary edition of the No Agenda Show. It’s the only showthat brings unique news analysis and deconstruction. Help us celebrate.

Sincerely,
John C. Dvorak & Adam Curry

PS Remember to visit the donation page to subscribe or donate to keep the show going for another five years by clicking here.

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Copyright © 2012 No Agenda Show, All rights reserved. Thanks for being part of the No Agenda family! Our mailing address for checks and other donations is: No Agenda Show box 339 El Cerrito, CA 94530 Add us to your address book

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Apple Ipad Mini Announcement

As with everyone in the tech industry awaiting the news of the Apple Ipad Mini today I too wait and wonder just how wonderful it will be. I must say, since the passing of Steve Jobs, I feel as though Apple's leading edge with regards to all things new in tech seems to be lost. Using the recent Iphone 5 as an example, there was certainly nothing new here. With a larger phone but nothing like what Android phones have become, with my current Samsung Galaxy Note at 5.3 inches, the Iphone 5 only 4 inches. Certainly nothing new with any other features either since Siri has been out for a while.

I recently picked up the Nexus 7 tablet and must say it is truly one fast little unit. The only thing missing from it is a 3G/4G antenna and I'm sure that is right around the corner. But knowing I can tether my Note's wifi when I am out in the wild means it truly isn't something I will miss. So I guess if the Ipad Mini does manage to show up with a 3G/4G feature then yes, that will truly be unique in the 7 inch tablet field (currently) but what else is there? It is going to be locked down just like all IOS devices are so that is definitely something to consider when comparing to any Android device. Don't get me wrong, I have bitten the Apple and quite enjoy the taste, as I have all three versions of the Ipad 3G (4G on the latest) as well as one of the earlier generations Ipod Touch and Iphone3GS but those were bought when this tech was truly leading edge.

I'm not going to be holding my breath on this upcoming announcement but am hoping for something special....