RESQBug.com - Geek Speak to English

The red ring of death isn’t as bad as you think. For anybody who owns an XBox 360 it’s known to be a common problem. The red ring means the motherboard on your Xbox 360 is dead and needs to be replaced. If you are like most gamers, it’s not a reflection that you are spending too much time playing, but more so the poor design of the original Xbox 360’s motherboard. I’m told that if you are looking to buy an Xbox with the new “longer lasting” motherboard make sure it’s using the Jasper chipset, has a manufacturing date (MFR) as early as 2008-08-06, Lot 8031 and up and Team CSON.

TOM-Skype service is now reported to be available in China. While this is great news, it important to remember that the service operates a little differently than here in North America than in China. In China, all text chats are scanned for specific and sensitive keywords and censored as needed. The service also routinely logs and captures both text and voice chats between Skype (almost anywhere) and TOM-Skype (China) users. Ronald J. Deibert, associate professor of political science at the University of Toronto, describes the Skype service in China as “the worst nightmares of the conspiracy theorists around surveillance coming true”. So remember, if you are using Skype in China or talking to someone in China via Skype… Somebody IS watching you.

And finally, would Apple really shutdown iTunes? Fortune magazine has reported that Apple will shutdown iTunes if it “mostly likely” couldn’t make a profit. Click here to view a copy of the statement . After closer review, its more of a veiled threat in the event that iTunes is forced to pay more for music royalties. Is this a coincidence or a well planned public relations shot at the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) and the music industry as a whole? After all, Apple can’t lose because it looks like the music publishers are trying to stick it to the consumer and Apple is fighting to keep prices down. If iTunes shuts down that would leave 160 million iPod owners without anything to listen to or watch and a predictable boycott, protest and public backlash against the music industry. And looking at the U.S. economy who wants that? The reality is the iTunes store has sold over 5 BILLION songs and it’s the largest music retailer in North America. It’s unlikely that Apple would throw that away and I’m betting that the music industry isn’t going to risk losing its largest distributor. So watch for a deal happening soon.

Remember, that the only dumb question is the one never asked. If you have any questions or comments, I look forward to them, please email or call me.

Cheers.

Allan

RESQBug.com Technical Services and PRAD Enterprise
“Managing Your Technology for Improved Workplace Performance”

c: 416.464.1508
e: allan@resqbug.com

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This article is for information purposes only.  It is recommended that individuals consult with an IT professional before acting on any information contained in this article. The opinions stated are those of Allan Waddington and not a reflection of any company he currently works with or has in the past.

Apple does let the consumer pick whatever carrier they choose or do they? Everyone knows that unlocked iPhones are available worldwide, but not sanctioned by Apple. Until now. According to the Apple site, “iPhone 3G purchased at the Apple Online Store can be activated with any wireless carrier, simply insert the SIM from your current phone into iPhone 3G and connect to iTunes 8 to complete activation.” I guess Apple’s desire to sell an iPhone over-rides the official policy.

Australia’s 3 largest ISPs have declared that Net Neutrality debate a solely U.S. problem. Their thoughts are pretty simple. Australian’s have a pay-as-you-go model versus the North American flat rate of truely “unlimited” access to the Internet. And the Australian’s are right, there is no bandwidth capacity issues, just a lack of cash available to North American ISPs who have picked the wrong business model to follow and switching will be next to impossible.

Skype looks to be integrating with Asterisk, an open-source PBX platform. Skype is a web-based telephone service. The product will be known as “Skype for Asterisk”. The combining of these products will provide businesses with low-cost global calling and feature-rich telephone conferencing software (such as voice mail, call routing and phone menus) while using existing hardware and access to Skypes’ 338 million users.

And finally, it was Bill Gates talking at the United Nations, but not to sell something Microsoft to the crowd. Gates was in town to discuss global progress in the fight against poverty. The metrics show the world ahead in some areas and trailing in others,. Gates told the assembly of world leaders that the important thing is that there are now measurable goals for fighting poverty and meeting the Millennium Development Goals. The Gates Foundation is helping to solve a number of problems around the world.

Remember, that the only dumb question is the one never asked. If you have any questions or comments, I look forward to them, please email or call me.

Cheers.

Allan

RESQBug.com Technical Services and PRAD Enterprise
“Managing Your Technology for Improved Workplace Performance”

c: 416.464.1508
e: allan@resqbug.com

Download our toolbar at http://pradenterprise.LoyaltyToolbar.com
Visit us on the Web at http://www.resqbug.com

This article is for information purposes only.  It is recommended that individuals consult with an IT professional before acting on any information contained in this article. The opinions stated are those of Allan Waddington and not a reflection of any company he currently works with or has in the past.

Making investment decisions in the midst of a financial market crisis is very challenging for most individual investors.

This month, the speed of change in the capital markets around the world has been extraordinary – and for many people, unsettling.

These events lead to me think back to my first year working in the financial industry at Merrill Lynch when stock markets crashed in October 1987. The Dow Jones dropped 22.6% on “Black Monday”, the biggest one-day drop in stock market history. An armed guard was posted on the executive floor of Merrill Lynch Canada’s Toronto head office. (The rank and file investment bankers, like me, were left to fend for themselves).

Each financial market crisis is different from the one before. That said, history does provide guidance at times like these.

The history of the markets does show that investors who stick to their investment plan come out ahead. Financial market crises happen from time to time, but markets do recover. An investor trying to time the market to avoid short-term losses could be just as likely to miss gains. Investment returns generally become less volatile over time. So long as you are invested in good-quality, well-diversified assets, then the longer you are invested for, the more stable your returns become.

The evidence for this for Canadian and international stock markets has been captured by Fidelity Investments. If you would like to explore this more closely, you may see an interactive “volatility” website at www.fidelity.ca/volatility.

Throughout periods like these, a sound approach can be to look for opportunities that are in line with your return / risk objectives and your own unique circumstances.

Cameron Duff

Wealth Advisor, ScotiaMcLeod

Cameron_duff@scotiamcleod.com

Cameron Duff is a Wealth Advisor with ScotiaMcLeod in Toronto. To ask Cameron a question about investing, retirement & financial planning, and estate planning, please write to cameron_duff@scotiamcleod.com. This article is for information purposes only. ScotiaMcLeod does not offer tax advice. It is recommended that individuals consult with a financial or tax advisor before acting on any information contained in this article. All performance data represents past performance and is not indicative of future performance. The opinions stated are not necessarily those of Scotia Capital Inc. or The Bank of Nova Scotia. ScotiaMcLeod is a division of Scotia Capital Inc., Member CIPF.

If you work in a trade, chances are better than not, one of your parents worked in that trade, and maybe their parents too.

It means you’re good at what you do, since you’ve been doing it since before you were born.

So naturally there is no room for improvement.

But there is.

The benefit of working in a trade is that you know your business inside out.  No one can care for a lawn, manufacture widgets or de-clog a pipe better than you can. But when it comes to marketing your service or product, your excellence in lawn care, manufacturing or plumbing won’t help you.  This is what is known as tunnel vision marketing.

Too often trades will rely on the quality of their service or product to garner new business, rather than exploring white-collar marketing techniques. This also extends to in-house administration.  For example, the country’s best plumbers are using a software designed specifically for the trade, and when they bought that software, it was the best that money could by.  But while not a lot has changed in the plumbing industry in 30 years, other industries have taken administration and reporting software to new heights.  That same plumber can buy another software, but it will only bring them to the edge of their industry.  Isn’t it time trades overtook the edge?

A trade suffering from tunnel vision, having only ever worked in that trade, and possibly for one company, cannot comprehend the thousands of options that exist outside their workplace to help improve efficiencies on everything from reporting to dispatching.  Why would a company have all their technicians report in person, daily, for their routes when they can be dispatched directly to them?  Why would a pest-control company pay a technician to take down details of a visit manually and then pay a data entry person to input it, when the details could be electronically captured and automatically inputted?  It seems obvious but tunnel vision will easily cripple the leanest of trades.

Sadly, few know where to turn.  Most trades will see an ad agency as a non-option, and they’re right.  The agency model does not support the mom and pop shop with a 10K marketing budget.

If you’re ready to take off your blinders, please drop me an email and I’ll help you find an expert or discuss some cost effective ways to expand your business

Do you like Google’s Chrome? It’s faster and more secure than IE (ok, that’s a given) and even Firefox. Unfortunately, it will be a little bit before Chrome will be on the other platforms, due in part to WTL. WTL is Microsoft’s open-source product that handles the graphical displaying of information. This makes sense, use something native to Windows to achieve greater speed. So in a weird way Chrome is powered by Windows. Google’s Chrome developers appear to have reverse engineered the Windows core operating system to make sure that their code was as secure as possible. In light of these factors, more time will be required to port Chrome over to other Operating systems.

Windows 7 is still at least a year from infecting your computer, but here is an update anyways. The M3 milestone just lets you know that it’s being distributed internally and to some KEY partners (like Dell, HP and HP). Every comment so far has been positive, however, it’s also important to notice that nobody spent a long time with Windows 7. What would make me want to run away from Windows 7 is its Windows Vista-like behaviors … lets hope that it’s more secure and alot faster than Vista, otherwise there’s no reason to buy it.

And to round out the week, Bill Gates and Jerry Seinfeld have been canned by Microsoft. Well, their ads have been anyways. It’s not clear if Jerry will still get any or all of the millions he was promised in the deal. It’s interesting that Microsoft has spent $300 million attempting to refute the bad press over Windows Vista. Personally, if they just spent the money upfront and made the product better, they wouldn’t have to spend EVEN more money trying to beat the bad press. But that’s just my opinion.

Remember, that the only dumb question is the one never asked. If you have any questions or comments, I look forward to them, please email or call me.

Cheers.

Allan

RESQBug.com Technical Services and PRAD Enterprise
“Managing Your Technology for Improved Workplace Performance”

c: 416.464.1508
e: allan@resqbug.com

Download our toolbar at http://pradenterprise.LoyaltyToolbar.com
Visit us on the Web at http://www.resqbug.com

This article is for information purposes only.  It is recommended that individuals consult with an IT professional before acting on any information contained in this article. The opinions stated are those of Allan Waddington and not a reflection of any company he currently works with or has in the past.

Apple’s application store policies are starting to frustrate application developers.  This is due to the fact that Apple isn’t saying much about the criteria being used or that will be used to post applications to the Apple store. What’s the big deal? Take Podcaster for example, they were told that their product “duplicates the functionality of the Podcast section of iTunes,” and as such, can’t be in the Applications Store on the Apple website. Now, if this was Microsoft, people would be up in arms and protesting the injustice.  Is Apple’s new found fame going to their head?  Or are they just another Microsoft in the works.

How would you like some in-flight Internet? So far you are not allowed because of the perceived danger of having individuals down-load inappropriate content. However, airlines haven’t banned people from reading porngraphic magazines or watching there DVD on flights (adult content or otherwise). The true problem though is the easy accessibility to inappropriate content and the limited restrictions on what individual’s down-loading smut.  How do you control the few who show little regard for public morality? As an American Airline’s spokesman has pointed out, the “vast majority” of customers already use good judgment in what is appropriate in flight and what’s not.  Besides, with the privacy laws having so many grey areas now, who knows who will get charged in the end - the person surfing the porn or the person who looked over their shoulder and reported it?

And finally, Best Buy is acquiring the Napster music service for $121 million.  They bought Napster for its technological capabilities and subscriber base in order to reach consumers looking to explore digital music and other forms of entertainment “beyond music subscriptions”. This is just another revenue avenue for Best Buy in order to provide an online service without the start up costs.  Maybe we’ll see the cost of buying music online drop.  It could happen;)

Remember, that the only dumb question is the one never asked. If you have any questions or comments, I look forward to them, please email or call me.

Cheers.

Allan

RESQBug.com Technical Services and PRAD Enterprise
“Managing Your Technology for Improved Workplace Performance”

c: 416.464.1508
e: allan@resqbug.com

Download our toolbar at http://pradenterprise.LoyaltyToolbar.com
Visit us on the Web at http://www.resqbug.com

This article is for information purposes only.  It is recommended that individuals consult with an IT professional before acting on any information contained in this article. The opinions stated are those of Allan Waddington and not a reflection of any company he currently works with or has in the past.

It’s time for the Windows patches & updates for this month.

Microsoft has released 4 new patches to prevent unknown people and programs from taking control of your PC or laptop.

This month’s patches cover the normal security holes found over the course of the month.

Please take a minute and download all of these patches and prevent YOUR computer from being taken advantage of.

WARNING: Service Pack 3 and IE 8 beta for Windows XP is available. As a word of caution, I would pick a test PC to see the impact it could have on your PCs and laptops.

If you need help checking if patches are being downloaded and installed on your PC or you would like me to do this for you, please email or call me.

Also remember to ensure that your anti-virus and anti-malware programs are updated, as they are an integral part of protecting your computer systems.

Remember, that the only dumb question is the one never asked. If you have any questions or comments, I look forward to them, please email or call me.

Cheers.

Allan

RESQBug.com Technical Services and PRAD Enterprise
“Managing Your Technology for Improved Workplace Performance”

c: 416.464.1508
e: allan@resqbug.com

Download our toolbar at http://pradenterprise.LoyaltyToolbar.com
Visit us on the Web at http://www.resqbug.com

This article is for information purposes only.  It is recommended that individuals consult with an IT professional before acting on any information contained in this article. The opinions stated are those of Allan Waddington and not a reflection of any company he currently works with or has in the past.

CNN is reporting that the CIA, FBI and the National Security Agency are testing a social-networking site designed for use by analysts within the 16 U.S. intelligence agencies. While posting thoughts on music, movies and the like, the site, known as A-Space, will share information on terrorist activities and troop movements around the world. Still think it’s a joke? After undergoing months of testing the expected launch is September 22nd. Michael Wertheimer, assistant deputy director of National Intelligence for Analysis had this to say about A-SPACE, “It’s a place where not only spies can meet but share data they’ve never been able to share before. This is going to give them for the first time a chance to think out loud, think in public amongst their peers, under the protection of an A-Space umbrella.” It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the information on the site will be highly classified and won’t be accessible to the general public. Access will be limited to intelligence personnel based on their security clearance.

Google is now in orbit. On Saturday, as part of the US. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency NextView program, the GeoEye-1 was launched into space. The purpose of the USNGIA is to use commercial satellite imagery to support its nation’s security mission. While Google Earth and Google Maps do not have exclusive rights to the GeoEye-1 images, its corporate logo is emblazed on the launch rocket, right below Boeing’s. Because of U.S. licensing restrictions, Google’s picture resolutions won’t be quite that sharp, but the images of the location you are looking for will be more up-to-date than the current 1 year old image.

iPhone applications are the hottest thing around, due largely to the iPhone 3G, built-in GPS and the touch interface and high-speed Internet connectivity. You can now add speech recognition tools. When released, it’s expected to be free and you will be able to give voice commands for services like MapQuest, YellowPages, Ask.com, Yelp and Traffic.com. The idea will be to just select the ‘Say Where’ application and choose the service, such as, Yelp to receive reviews on a restaurant that you named.

Remember, that the only dumb question is the one never asked. If you have any questions or comments, I look forward to them, please email or call me.

Cheers.

Allan

RESQBug.com Technical Services and PRAD Enterprise
“Managing Your Technology for Improved Workplace Performance”

c: 416.464.1508
e: allan@resqbug.com

Download our toolbar at http://pradenterprise.LoyaltyToolbar.com
Visit us on the Web at http://www.resqbug.com

This article is for information purposes only.  It is recommended that individuals consult with an IT professional before acting on any information contained in this article. The opinions stated are those of Allan Waddington and not a reflection of any company he currently works with or has in the past.

Most people don’t think Chrome is something for their PC. Well, Google has changed that. Chrome is a web browser and is currently available for the Windows platform, but will be available for your mobile device and iPhone shortly. Chrome is more of a long-term competitive problem for Microsoft as it is faster than any other browser and at first look could be a good platform for some killer applications. I wouldn’t jump out and install Chrome just yet as it’s not totally clear how your privacy will be impacted.

Microsoft has released their 2nd beta version of IE 8. This is their 2nd attempt at IE 8 in beta released to the public. Like service pack 3 for XP, it should NOT be installed.

Intel is expected to announce the release of the “Dunnington” processor this month, the first six-core processor. While this is a server-class chip and boasts significantly better performance over other chips, it does make you wonder what the Christmas specials will bring for laptop and desktop performance.

And finally, iTunes 8 includes the following features: Genius, browse your artists and albums visually from a new “grid” view, downloading your favourite tv shows in HD and a new music visualizer and sync your media with the iPod nano (4th generation), iPod classic (2nd generation), and iPod touch (2nd generation). While the other features are nice to have, Genius will make playlists from the songs in your library that go great together and even suggest music that you don’t have, but is available from the Apple Store.

Remember, that the only dumb question is the one never asked. If you have any questions or comments, I look forward to them, please email or call me.

Cheers.

Allan

RESQBug.com Technical Services and PRAD Enterprise
“Managing Your Technology for Improved Workplace Performance”

c: 416.464.1508
e: allan@resqbug.com

Download our toolbar at http://pradenterprise.LoyaltyToolbar.com
Visit us on the Web at http://www.resqbug.com

This article is for information purposes only.  It is recommended that individuals consult with an IT professional before acting on any information contained in this article. The opinions stated are those of Allan Waddington and not a reflection of any company he currently works with or has in the past.

It might be the perfect time to add a few technology based resolutions to your list.

Backup Routine: With the increased dependency of digital documents, it is wise to implement a solid backup routine that includes regular testing to ensure that your is data actually being backed up. If you don’t have a backup routine setup, contact your computer technician and talk to them about helping you implement a routine that works with your schedule and needs. If you don’t have a technician or are concerned about the current routine you have, contact Recovery Force for a referral to one of our Authorized Service Partners.

Hardware Diagnostic: Just as you would check the oil or the air pressure in your tires on your car, you should test your computer’s hardware from time to time. As most users won’t have the necessary programs to test all the computer’s hardware, we suggest you have your technician test your hardware once a year. Things that should be tested include the hard drive, RAM, CPU, CD/DVD Drives, Floppy Drive, Power Supply and the System Board.

Anti-Virus: It is a good time to check to verify that your Anti-Virus software is running and up-to-date. You may want to get your technician to scan your drive for viruses and spyware that might have slipped through over the past year. We strongly recommend that you verify that your data is backed up prior to this process.

Security: This is a good time to check for updates for your router to ensure that your network is secure. You may also want to test your wireless security settings, as well as change your passwords to sensitive data.

If you keep up with your backups and system maintenance, you should feel confident that your data will be secure for another year. In the event that your data has been lost, contact Recovery Force customer care at 866-750-3169 for information on how our team can assist you in the retrieval of your data.