“Tech Companies” collection
Follow the innovations and strategic directions of the giants that define our digital world, including Apple, Microsoft, Google, and more. This section offers an expert look at the product ecosystems and corporate shifts of the world’s leading technology brands.
HTD Tech Briefs
View all →November 12, 2006
Dual-boot: Mac OSX and Ubuntu (Part I)
OK, I admit it...I was bored. And a bit envious of those Intel-macs that can dual boot to Windows (or run Parallels). So, I figured that I would have some fun with my 12" Powerbook and set it up to dual boot with my favorite Linux flavor (next to OSX, of course) Ubuntu. Yes, don't forget, OSX is unix ((Please…
Read more →November 6, 2006
Way behind on my posts
Just been way to busy. Here are some highlights of things that I have done: Update my activeCollab site to the latest Release Candidate Fixed my wife's computer (issues with RAM upgrade and Windows XP) Helped a friend get reconnected on their wireless network Helped another friend get their Powerbook on their wireless network as well as got them off…
Read more →October 30, 2006
Microsoft Outlook 2003 and ZoneAlarm anti-spam plugin issues
I recently had some issues with my ZoneAlarm install and MS Outlook 2003 and the Anti-Spam plug-in. Whenever I launched Outlook, the ZoneAlarm plugin was not initializing despite efforts to enable (through ZA and through the COM add-in within Outlook). I found a solution that seems to have worked. Basically, you need to fully delete the COM add-in and then…
Read more →October 24, 2006
Installed the keyboard myself!
Well, I figured that I would try to save a little bit of $$$ and get some more notches in the tech belt and install the new keyboard on my Powerbook myself. I used the great guides (as previously mentioned) at iFixIt.com. I definitely recommend them. Anyway, the installation went relatively well, but I had to do it twice (the…
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October 24, 2006
Powerbook unboxing – Part 3
So, I got my wonderful Powerbook back from Apple Care yesterday. Yes, they fixed the issue of the ALS (Ambient light sensor). Now I'm shopping around for a good local vendor to help install the keyboard that I purchased on eBay. I have found a couple of local candidates and I'm just checking prices now. I would have tried to…
Read more →October 17, 2006
Apple Care – Part 4 – back for more repairs (ALS broken)
Well, I must say that I have been getting to know Apple Care a bit more that I really would have wanted to. Where I last left off, Apple had totally "styled me out" by fixing my case with new parts...however, it looks like they forgot to connect the Ambient Light Sensor (ALS) when they put it all together. For…
Read more →October 17, 2006
Windows Update Error 80245003 – Windows Update won’t run on Vista RC2
Updated on 06.25.07: I have added some more detailed steps based on feedback I received. See end of post for further details. I'm playing around with Windows Vista on a test box that I have. So far, it's looking like a fairly nice upgrade to XP. It doesn't feel like a complete overhaul (which, from my understanding, it somewhat is…
Read more →October 13, 2006
Helper apps for the Mac (specifically Remote Desktop Connection)
I'm sure that if you are a mac user and you use Microsoft's Remote Desktop (RDC) to connect to other PCs, that you have become frustrated on how limited the capabilities are. I found a couple of tools that may help with that lack-luster experience. First, there is RDC Menu. " RDC Menu adds an icon to your menubar, allowing…
Read more →October 6, 2006
Apple Care came through with flying colors!
OK, it looks like the saga is over. Today, I finally received my laptop today (see all of the previous posts). Actually, I was pretty impressed with this round. I shipped the laptop this past Monday, it was received and fixed on the same day (Tuesday) and shipped back on Wednesday. I missed the delivery on Thursday, but today, I…
Read more →September 28, 2006
MORE Apple Support madness!!!
So...the madness continues. After all of the fun as outlined here and here, and thinking that "all was well" when I received the laptop package yesterday...all hopes were shattered when I started reading the form letter in the repair box! The words "RETURN: CUSTOMER DECLINED REPAIR" jumped out at me and I wanted to cry. Quickly booting up my "fixed"…
Read more →September 22, 2006
A happy ending to the Apple Support Vicious Circle
Well, I didn't think it would happen...but it did. Finally, I was able to talk to someone live...after being on hold for 35 minutes. This time, when I went through the SAME status line, there was an option to talk to a representative. So, I got that option, was on hold then, nicely, pleaded my case to the rep. I…
Read more →September 21, 2006
Stuck in a vicious Apple support circle
Ok, I just have to vent for a bit here...but first I want to say that I have always loved Macs and Apple computer...I endorse them, support them, fix them and use them. I'm encouraged with their recent decisions, intel chip, dual boot, fun with Parallels, etc. Wish I could get a new Intel-based one....some day. But I digress... Here's…
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