Relatives and Their Computer Problems

Posted by Clayton Lewis on December 26, 2008 under Blog Articles, Mac Tips, misc | Be the First to Comment

While I was living in Salt Lake City, I enjoyed the break and being away from friends and relatives who would always hit me up for free computer advice or have me take a look at their computer problems while I was “off-duty”. Now that I’m back in DC and visiting the relatives again for the holidays, I’m back to being the “go-to” guy for computer issues. I get asked all sorts of questions, such as…  “Can you tell me why my computer is running so slow”? or ” I think I have a virus.. can you take a look at it?”. Since most of my relatives are PC users, my first response is always… “Toss it and buy a Mac.”

LifeHacker’s Gina Tripani, has posted an article on this very subject, just in time for the holidays called “Helping Clueless Relatives with Their Computer Problems“. It gives great advice on how to deal with the most common questions I get asked as I’m trying to choke down my Christmas ham.

1. Why does my computer take so long to start-up?
2. I keep getting a pop-up from my anti-virus software asking me to pay, what do I do?
…and more.

So, if you’re the family “go-to” person for computer problems, read the Lifehacker article and arm yourself this year for when the relatives come-a-calling.

Let me add that I am a big fan and supporter of the Free AVG Antivirus when it comes to protecting a Windows machine. I have taken off every version of Norton or MacAfee from every relative’s PC and replaced it with AVG Free.

Also for those long distance relatives that need support after the holidays are over, check out LogMeIn. They offer a FREE version that will allow you to connect and control any remote computer, Mac or PC. Just sign-up for free account and install the client software on any computer you want to control. Makes phone support with the relatives SO MUCH easier.

So, while I’m in the middle of my holiday vacation with my relatives, I’m properly armed for any questions that might get thrown my way. But my first response will always be. .”Dump that POS and get a Mac”

Just kidding.

Happy Holidays & Happy New Year

Posted by Clayton Lewis on under misc | Be the First to Comment

I’d like take a moment to wish everyone a joyous holiday season. I’m spending this season with my wife and kids and other family members in Williamsport, PA area.

Helvetica: the documentary

Posted by travis on December 21, 2008 under Blog Articles, News, Announcments & Rumors, misc | Be the First to Comment

Helvetica
This documentary is a must see for any Mac fan, graphic designer, artist, etc.

LaCie 6TB Ethernet Disk is Time Machine Compatible

Posted by Clayton Lewis on under Blog Articles, News, Announcments & Rumors, misc | Be the First to Comment

LaCie announced a very slick 1U rack mountable Ethernet Disk (NAS). Coming in three variations (2TB, 4TB and 6TB) and starting at $749, this device makes for a very attractive backup solution for workgroups with lots of data.

Running Windows XP embedded, LaCie has included keyboard, mouse and vga ports and support for Active Directories, a total of 100 users with customizable access rights to different shares and up to 25 concurrent users.

via SlashGear

Upgrade Your Life – Life Hacker Book

Posted by Clayton Lewis on under Blog Articles, misc | Read the First Comment

I’ve recently tuned into LifeHacker.com and instantly became a fan of all the tips and projects that can be found there. It’s got so many interesting articles for not only a Mac user like me but for Windows, Linux and even the non-tech person. I’ve become so obsessed with LifeHacker that when I stumbled upon an ad for a book that had all the best Life Hacks in one collection, I immediately RAN to my local Borders Book store and picked up a copy.

“The most precious thing anyone has in this life is time. Spend more time doing things and less time fiddling with your computer. This book shows you how.” – from the introduction of the book.

Upgrade Your Life
The Lifehacker Guide to Working Smarter, Faster Better

a book by Gina Trapani which compiles the best material from Lifehacker.com,
an award-winning daily weblog on software and personal productivity.

The MacTech is Back in DC

Posted by Clayton Lewis on under ALERTS!!, Blog Articles, News, Announcments & Rumors, misc | Be the First to Comment

Hi Everyone,

Just a quick note to let you know that I’m back in the area and I will begin posting more tips, how-tos, etc on the site real soon. Thanks for everyone’s patience while I was on hiatus and I hope you enjoy the new look of the site.

A Mac User’s Love for Pez

Posted by Clayton Lewis on January 31, 2008 under Blog Articles, misc | Be the First to Comment

During last night’s TMT Live Chat show, I met a young man who has taken his love for Pez dispensers online. Going by the name Nick, a graphic design student enrolled at Luzerne County Community College in Wilkes-Barre, PA, he began to describe to me his website and how he buys and sells vintage Pez dispensers through his site and eBay. Pezcast.com is a podcast for Pez collectors.. by a Pez collector.

Nick has a number of photos of his huge collection with some vintage Pez dispensers that I never new existed. Along with his podcast and photos (called the Pez Room), he gives a bit of history about Pez which I found rather fascinating. He spends his time at local stores, buying up their Pez and says most of his eBay bidders are from the UK. They are nuts for his dispensers. Using the normal tools of any graphic designer, he looks to Illustrator and Dreamweaver to keep his site up to date.

Anyway, I found Nick to be a fascinating young man and I enjoyed talking to him. Check out his site and take a look at his collection.

Here is a bit of trivia… How long does Pez candy last?… I saw it last forever since it’s wrapped in that nuclear resistant foil. In the end, all that will have survived will be Pez candy. Pez will become the world’s new currency.  [jk]