R.I.P. Windows XP...sort of

Well today is the official day of the death of Windows XP...sort of. What today really means is that after today, Microsoft will no longer provide large PC manufactors (Dell, HP, Toshiba etc) copies of Windows XP. The real death of Windows XP won't come until about 2014 when Microsoft will totally stop supporting it. But if you plan on sticking with Windows XP in 2014, I've got an awesome deal for you on Windows 95 right now! ; ) But for now if you buy a new PC you'll be forced to get it with...dun, dun, dun.....Windows Vista! OMFG!

But before you jump out a window (no pun intended) and run for the hills, let me tell you Windows Vista isn't as bad as all the negative press. To the average everyday user it won't affect you too much, yes you'll have to get used to some new paths and menus but it's not too different from what you're already used to. Yes the 20 versions of Windows Vista is can be confusing, but Windows Vista won't blow up on you and no it won't eat your files or your childern. There are some semi-annoying things about Vista but didn't we all complain about this when we went from Windows 98 to XP? Same growing pains. But despite all the flaws and negative press you can use Windows Vista and not fall into some vortex of evil. It'll work just the same.

I'm not suggesting that you go run out the door and grab a copy of Windows Vista to UPGRADE! No I wouldn't go that far. But if you're buying a new computer and it comes with Windows Vista don't be alarmed you'll be just fine.

Better yet buy a Mac and you won't have to worry about all this XP/Vista hubajub... ; )

iPhone or iRemote

By now everyone pretty much knows the capabilty of an iPhone and that I'll be one of the first A-Holes to have one, but did you know that soon July 11 (when the iPhone 3G releases) 3rd party applications will be allowed to be installed on the iPhone?! Personally I'm pretty excited about this becuase there will be so many great applications out there. One that I'm really excited about is the abilty to use your iPhone as a remote in your house to control your iTunes that's hooked up to your stereo or even your Apple TV. So you could be having a party at your house or just listening to music at home and instaed of useing a regular remote which you'll have to have a line of sight to change music you can just use your iPhone to control music not only to chnage tracks but to change play lists browse your music, and since it will use WiFi technoly you don't even have to be anywhere near your computer as long as your hooked up on the same network.

This is just the begining, soon you'll be able to have sling box, have web cams and all kinds of crazy stuff. It's gonna be pretty damn sweet!

Why Fi? (WiFi)

So a friend of mine calls me today and asks me "what kind of wireless router should I get?"  

This is a favorite question that a lot of people ask me.  I've uses a lot of different brands of routers, Belkin, Netgear, Linksys, Buffalo, and DLink.  They're all about the same in my opinion, of course it will depend on your particular environment.  Such as how large of an area are you trying to cover?  Are there lots of other WiFi networks around?  Are there a lot of cordless phones or baby monitors around?  What WiFi protocol does your WiFi appliances use, a, b, g or n?

You'd have to ask yourself these types of questions because certain wireless routers will perform better than others depending on your environment.  For most people the cheapest run of the mill $40 dollar 802.11g wireless router will work, I'd personally recommend the standard Linksys WRT54GS wireless "g" router.  It's cheap, pretty much plug and play and great for everyday use.  

If you want to cover a larger area, have other WiFi networks, or have a lot of cordless phones around you'll need something with a little bit more power because all of the things I've mentioned all operate on the 2.4 gigahertz spectrum and will defiantly interfere with your wireless signal and speed.  Now don't get me wrong the $40 Linksys WRT54GS router will probably work as well, but if you really want to blast our your neighbors and ensure your speed range, and stability of your connection I'd get the Linksys WRT110 "N" router.  Why?  Because this router supports the b, g and latest draft "N" protocol, and uses MIMO technology. 

What this means is in english is that it will give you the maximum range and speed and will automatically adapt to your equipment for b, g, and n protocol.  

And it doesn't matter if you have DSL, Cable or any other kind of internet (except dial up) you can use routers on just about any kind of internet services and is compatible with Mac or PC.  Even if your internet service provider forces you to use theirs and you want to know how to streaghtne your signal for more coverage.  That's a whole other conversation I can tell you how to do that as well, if you want to know send me an email.  richmlee@gmail.com

So your next question might be "Well what the hell does all that other crap mean MIMO, a, b, g, n protocol, ethernet, gigabit" that's a lot of nerd speak and if you really want to know drop me a line richmlee@gmail.com and I can tell you but I want to keep my blogs shot enough and in plain english so people don't get bored and confused.  

Hope this helps got other networking question?  Email me richmlee@gmail.com

To iPhone or not to iPhone...

Yes, there is a new iPhone coming out on July 11th. And a big question everyon is aksing me is so what's new?

Well first what's not different, the front looks exactly the same, still has the nice 3.5 in widescreen display with glass suface which is very resitent to scratching. All the buttons are still in the exact same place but the side buttons are different color.

So the new differences are:

• Enterprise support for Exchange


• 3G chip for faster cell network wireless internet (not to be confused with wifi)


• Apps store to wirelessly download apps


• GPS chip for those of us that get lost a lot like me


• All plastic back your choice of black or white


• Flush headphone jack, used to be recessed and needed an adaptor to use 3rd party headphones


• 1 millameter thicker but with tappered edges so it acutally looks a bit thinner but really it's a tiny bit thicker
• Also support for mobile.me, a cool push services for contacts, photos, and email, so that all your personal data is synced between your iphone and computer all wirelessly. Email me for more info about this. It's acutally pretty cool.

So these are the main differences. Am I going to get one? Well that's like asking do pigs oink. Yes, I will be getting one and I'll give a full review. Should you get one? Depends on if you think you would use it that much. I love having the internet everywhere and ipod and my email. It's also awesome to have your pictures with you too. So ask your self , would you use those features a lot? Got any other questions? Email me: richmlee@gmail.com

Dick's Help Desk Is Open

Hey Everyone, I get a ton of questions related to computers and electronics. Like what is the best digital camera? What kind of lap top should I get? Why doesn't my wireless internet work? My iPod froze how do it fix it?

I find myself answering the same questions all the time. So I've started this Blog to help my friends ask me questions about whatever they want so I can keep an archive of these questions and answers. I'll also post helpful hits and cool things that are coming out soon. I'll also answer questions to emails I get here too. So check often for updates.

Hollar!