First off, I’ll give you the solution for free.  Then I will explain.

Simple, this is usually a no deal situation.

Ok, so I haven’t quite figured it all out yet.  Anti-social computer nerds are the stuff of science fiction.  I consider myself far from an anti-social technician but I know of some because of close relationship(s.)  So I won’t go into detail about who these people are, but I will research this one and get back to you with more after the break… anyone have any thoughts on this one?

Dear AT&T,

I know you are listening…maybe it’s just your fancy computers, or some exec with time on his hands to review Google searches.

I know the FCC has been contacting you, but it’s not just me that’s complaining here.  Hey, I don’t hold grudges, and I try to forgive people.  But AT&T isn’t just people.  Some of you people with that strange accent are drone-like.

Ok, so the bottom line is always shareholder value…but where is the customer service!!!   I know you are one of the most powerful forces in the Universe so please don’t kill me, but we need some attention over here on earth, yes us, your valued customers…

I really like what you are doing at the AT&T Stores for Wireless, but we need something more for “people” that use your other services.

Sincerely,

Michael Bolanos

aka Hitek Mike

Mad IT Guy

Ok, I’ve been doing IT support for so long now…I can tell you what problems you will have before you have them.

Do you know all your passwords?  Password for your wireless router please?  Password for your computer please?  Oops, you mean I was supposed to have it?

More after the break…I have to think about how I’m going to explain this one to you without upsetting some of my clients.  ;-p

Ok, so I’m back from the break.  I’ve decided this post will try and explain (one of the reasons) why I write my blog.  Over the years I come across the same problems over and over again.  And I can tell you this, they are not computer related, they are people related.  Many people do not realize the source of their computer problems is not the computer itself, but the user.  Call it user error, or the user is just having a bad day.  Either way, it’s something that I have to deal with on a daily basis.

The most difficult clients that I work with are the ones that just simply do not have a handle on what technology really costs these days.  Look, if you are really trying to keep things simple then buy a solar powered calculator and a paper notepad.  Anything more complex might break some people’s budget.

I get people calling me everyday, then complaining about how expensive it is to maintain their technology.  Well, then slow down and assess whether you can really afford it, and have the budget to maintain it.

Ok, even more after the break.

So what’s up with these guys that are supposedly Godlike, or like the Cocky IT Guy in the picture?

Cocky IT Guy

The fact is these guys are so scared to talk to you, it’s just a front.  Most of these types of IT guys that I’ve met are simply immature and/or inexperienced.  Once an IT Guy has been around for a while then he/she knows they will have to either cut the mustard and talk to people in civil terms (or go do webdesign or be a programmer!)  I’m not saying webdesigners or programmers cannot speak to people, no, what I am saying is these IT types are just not ready to be civil.

So, if you have this type of situation what do you do?  The only answer is, find another IT Guy.

The key to your success with technology is, to have a working realtionship with a computer consultant that you trust and that you know you can talk to.  The fact is, as a serious computer user or business owner, you must know some aspects of the technology you are using and/or buying.

Where should I start Google?  You had been so good to me, and then you just banned me from Adsense with no explanation and you even called me a danger to your advertisers.  How insulting.

I’ve been saying many good things about you Google.  Now I see you are just like those guys at AT&T…  I hope if I ever make millions (or billions), that I do not change and become a big behemoth like you.

More after the break…and why you should you reconsider whether you want to put all your eggs in Google’s basket.

Check out this article (from Apple Insider) on how Apple describes fixes to known issues. http://forums.appleinsider.com/showthread.php?threadid=102256

If Apple would admit to stuff like this earlier on, with online support tools then I would have a much easier time doing my job!

I logged into “My Sprint” to make sure I wouldn’t be charged for going over by data usage on my Sprint 3G Data card, and I just found out I am actually still on a gradfathered account. Wonderful! Seems I have a somewhat unlimited data plan since I got in before Sprint (and other carriers) started implementing their data usage limits.

This year I went through web hosting hell, let me tell you… but I’m quite sure many of you may know what I’m talking about.  Let’s see, this year I went through GoDaddy.com, HostDepartment.com, Xo.com/Concentric Networks, and ahhh, finally Register.com.    Plus, I get to try everybody elses web hosting provider in the Bay Area.  None of these hosts are perfect but one of them certainly tries.

My experience with hostdepartment.com was the worst.  These guys sell dirt cheap hosting, and as they say you get what you pay for.  Denial is the first thing that comes to mind with this kind of support.  Basically you have no telephone support and you really need to know what you are doing to set things up.  The problem with their denial is that when it comes time to holding them accountable for problems with their web hosting, their tech support will generally blame you for the problems.

I finally switched everything to register.com two months ago, and let me tell, you what a difference!  I don’t make a penny for telling you this, so listen up.  I don’t care if you have to pay up, or its a pain in th neck…if your current web host sucks, and your website is important, then move (period.)  This is much easier said than done.  But, if you are serious about having a web presence, this is one of the most important decisions you will ever have to make.  Assuming you are involved with this decision.  And no, the company who sold you your domain name does not have to be the same company that “hosts” your website.

Many of my clients simply make the mistake of not researching this, and it is understandable because even your average tech has only an opinion of what he thinks you need, and you never really know what you are getting with web hosting providers until you actually try them, and by that time your committed for 1 year or many more.  Most people would rather just suffer with their current host than try to find out how to make DNS nameserver changes. Yes, I know…the mere thought of having to figure out what DNS is, is dreaded for most people.  So, if you leave it to someone else to decide, then hopefully you chose a tech who knows what he/she is talking about first of all, and second he/she should have experience with a few hosts.  Generally, your webmaster will make this decision for you based on what he/she is comfortable with.  In some cases the office manager or owner may take the lead when a company is started and that is when a domain is registered.  My point is, make the right decision when you choose your web host for your domain.

Let’s get to more technical details later.  For now, just consider the following research I have done and concluded about “register.com”:

• They have a Telephone # you can call (toll free, at that).
• They know what they are doing.
• They offer a good IMAP Mail service (great for iPhone) & not all IMAP is created equal
• They set things up for you
• Their web interface for controlling things is excellent (one of the best)
• They have all the standard features you would expect from a good host (Webalyzer, AWStats, PHP, CGI, etc.., + great web browser editing capabilities, backups, you getting the picture?)

We can go into more detail on many of these features after the break.

Ok, so I can’t really talk about this one much until I seek counsel…

But, I can tell you this…it works well, very well thank you.  Apple?  Are you listening?  We know you are watching.  We need a Netbook, or Tablet or something this fall!!

I’ve tried it on a Dell Mini 9 because of its popularity for running OSX perfectly…errr, well, maybe just some stinking Power Management issues we can live with.

The Dell Mini 9 can actually still be bought from Dell (at this time,) even though they have discontinued it.

All I needed for my Hackintosh was an 8GB Patriot USB Flash Drive, an Apple Macbook Pro, a Dell Mini 9 running Microsoft Windows XP, a Sony (DVD-R)/USB CD Drive, a small phillips screwdriver, a 16GB (or 32GB SSD Flash Drive,) and a lot of patience.

I also heard a rumor (via Gizomodo) that some geek at Best Buy had a Hackintosh running inside the store. Wow, cheers to you mate… I thought that was cool, should raise quite a few eyebrows. But, err maybe that guy at Best Buy should seek counsel too.

Look, if you have to… here is the only link you’ll need to Hackintosh a Dell Mini 9 Into the Ultimate OS X Netbook.

good luck, & see you after the break.

I’ve been searching around for a Media Server to allow me to access and share my Movies, Music, Pictures, etc… from my Mac and my PC.  It seems there really isnt a clear cut leader in this field.  I’ve tried Microsoft Windows Home Server (WHS), Windows Media Center, Apple’s Front Row, boxee.tv, XBMC (Xbox Media Center), and a few others including Nero’s home media solution.

If you want to get technical, then you’re going to have to first learn the difference between true streaming and on demand video streaming.  You’ll also have to consider the new DLNA standard as well as uPnP.

More and more people are building massive libraries of videos, pictures, and music.  This is why a media server that can (aggregate, as boxee.tv says) all this into one interface on your big TV is what most people some to want these days but cannot seem to find.  It seems that there really isn’t a “great” solution yet that does everything.  You have to compromise in some area since not one of these products has everything you would need froma good home media server.

More after the break.