SOHO Technology Podcast

I teach a computer seminar at my local library twice a month. As part of that seminar, I create handouts from PowerPoint for the attendees. They are usually 3-5 pages long and I print out about 20 copies for each class. While I do have manual staplers, I prefer my electric stapler for this routine job. After separating each printout, it quickly staples the sheets together.

If you have never used an electric stapler, here is how it works. When a pile of papers is inserted into the stapler (kinda like a punch clock), a motor drives the stapler down creating a clean, crisp staple. Inside the stapler is a small arm that slides back and triggers the motor. There is a wonderfully loud “thunk” as the staple is driven through the paper.

The model I have only staples about 20 standard sheets of paper. There are larger, more heavy duty electric staplers available. I found many models available ranging in price from $30 to over $300, depending on your needs. Check your local office supply store or online at: www.officemax.com, www.officedepot.com, www.staples.com.

As many of you know, I have been guest blogging over at the Totally Cool Tech website.  I think Norbert does a great job at finding unique items to include in his podcast. It has become apparent that I can’t keep up with all the great stuff he finds. So, I have decided to take a little different approach to my blog posts. I am going to create Top 10(or so) lists. I will do a different list every month and the posts will appear between two and three times a week, with a wrap-up at the end of the list.

For my first list, I took a look around my house and found 10 gadgets that met the following criteria. They had to be low tech and singular purpose. What follows in the next couple of weeks, is my list of favorite low tech gadgets that I own.

If you have any comments, suggestions or ideas for new lists, please post a comment on any of the Top 10 blog posts.

Today is Micrsoft’s Patch Tuesday.  If you have automatic updates turned on you should see updates appear sometime today.

Microsoft also announced an update later this month to its Windows Update Service.  If you remember last year they just updated this service without informing the public and there was a huge outcry from the tech community.  InfoWorld has a nice article on the update located here: http://www.infoworld.com/article/08/07/08/Microsoft_warns_users_of_coming_update_to_Windows_Update_1.html?source=rss&url=http://www.infoworld.com/article/08/07/08/Microsoft_warns_users_of_coming_update_to_Windows_Update_1.html

Please take a few moments and update your computers, by tomorrow the bad guys will know where the problems are and there will be an exploit waiting to take over your computer.

Reading through my RSS feeds, I found this very interesting article.  

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/how-to-print-to-a-pdf-file-on-windows-vista/

If you have ever wanted to create your own PDF files, this article walks you through exactly how to do that.  All the links to software are included at the bottom of the article.

Small Office Home Office Technology Podcast
Monday Night Tech Episode 016 -
Recorded on May 12, 2008

Introduction

Member of  the Tech Podcast Network at http://www.techpodcasts.com
Member of  the Blubrry Network - http://www.blubrry.com

GoToMeeting Sponsorship

Try GoToMeeting free for 30 days!  For this special offer, visit http://www.gotomeeting.com/techpodcasts

GoDaddy Sponsorship 

For a discount on web hosting plans use the code pod64
For 10% off any order use the code: blu64

Live Recording from Talkshoe

The next STP’s Monday Night Tech will be on Monday, May 19, 2008

• Next Week’s Show - May 19, 2008 
  • Recording early next week - Start time will be 10 PM Eastern, 7 PM Pacific
  • Panel Discussion about Open Source Software/Hardare, Is it ready for the small business?
  • Join us on Talkshoe.com -
• Microsoft Updates 
  • Windows Vista Service Pack 1 - Not the reason for Dean’s Computer Problems.
    • If you are running Vista, there are a number of performance improvements
    • Be careful and check to see if you have the video cards that have issues
    • http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/sp1.mspx
  • Windows XP Service Pack 3
    • Not much that is new, just a combination of all the updates
    • http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=68C48DAD-BC34-40BE-8D85-6BB4F56F5110&displaylang=en
• Life of a Computer 
  • How do I remove the information on my Hard Drive?
  • DBAN - http://dban.sourceforge.net/

Contact Me

Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/Dean_Jensen
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=690971206
Email Address: SOHOTechPodcast@gmail.com
Voice Mail: (651) 204-6612
Mailing List: http://groups.google.com/group/SOHOTechPodcast

 

 STP's Monday Night Tech - Service Packs, DBAN - Recorded 5/12/2008 [24:18m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

As Posted on www.totallycooltech.com

I don’t know what it is about this device, but I feel I have to get one. It’s a completely programmable PC-Based device that gives exactly what you want. It plays MP3’s, Shows photos from popular photo sites like Flickr, provides access to your rss feeds, gives you the latest weather via its wifi based interface. It’s linux based and very hackable. I expect to see the functionality of this device skyrocket over the next year. I’m holding out for version two with hopes for a battery pack. Log on to: http://www.chumby.com/ and take one for a test drive with their virtual Chumby.   List price: $179.95

Working in a tough place? Need to take your information with you? Have you crushed a normal USB Thumb Drive? Then you need the ATV from OCZ. OCZ is a leading memory manufacturer, and they have created a ruggedized USB Thumb Drive. This drive has a shock resistant rubber exterior and is waterproof. If you need your data but are in an environment that is not data friendly, now you have an option. So if your job takes you out into the elements, keep your data safe.
Main Company Website: http://www.ocztechnology.com/
Direct link to Product: http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/flash_drives/ocz_atv_turbo_usb_2_0_flash_drive
Pricing: 4GB for $76.81 at Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XBO264?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=cnet-ce-20&linkCode=asn

Join me for a recording of the Monday Night Tech show on http://Talkshoe.com  We will begin recording about 10 PM Central US Time. 

 Topics my include:

• Windows Vista Service Pack 1 - The Non-Story
• Office Networking - Its not just a phone line
• Tottaly Cool Tech Blog posts
• Questions and Answers from the callers

If you have any topics you would like me to cover, please send an email to SOHOTechPodcast@gmail.com or leave a comment on this post.

Direct link to the show: http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=31498&cmd=tc

Small Office Home Office Technology Podcast
MNT Episode 015 - Wireless Routers, USB and Your Company, Purchasing Equipment
Recorded on March 17, 2008

Introduction

Member of  the Tech Podcast Network at http://www.techpodcasts.com
Member of  the Blubrry Network - http://www.blubrry.com

GoToMeeting Sponsorship

Try GoToMeeting free for 30 days!  For this special offer, visit http://www.gotomeeting.com/techpodcasts

GoDaddy Sponsorship 

For a discount on web hosting plans use the code pod64
For 10% off any order use the code: blu64

Live Recording from Talkshoe

The next STP’s Monday Night Tech will be on Monday, March 31, 2008

• Question from the Chatroom
  • Someone was wondering why a Wireless Network would keep dropping the signal 
  • My recommendations to the listener was to purchase a seperate wireless router, and not use the wireless router/internet access device supplied by your Phone Company/Cable Company/ISP.
• Switchblade and Hacksaw USB Keys
  • http://wiki.hak5.org/wiki/USB_Hacksaw
  • Good program if used for good.  Dangerous Program if used for bad intentions
  • Following link is the story I referenced in the podcast
  • http://www.darkreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=95556&WT.svl=column1_1
  • Companies are now providing secured USB drives.
• Follow up on Computer infected with Spyware
  • I found some great computer equipment at http://www.newegg.com
  • A great site to compare prices of computer equipment: http://www.pricewatch.com
  • Also check Amazon for your mainstream and older purchases - http://www.amazon.com

Contact Me

Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/Dean_Jensen
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=690971206
Email Address: SOHOTechPodcast@gmail.com
Voice Mail: (651) 204-6612
Mailing List: http://groups.google.com/group/SOHOTechPodcast

 

 STP’s MNT 015 - Wireless,USB,Purchases - Recorded March 17, 2008 [26:32m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The following was posted on Totally Cool Tech at http://www.totallycooltech.com.

If a thumb drive just isn’t enough, you need the Western Digital Passport. This slim 160 or 320 GB portable hard drive is about the same size as your smartphone. The device plugs into any USB device and works just like any other hard drive. You can also add encryption to this drive and create a safe an secure way to transfer that sensitive date to and from work. You can find more info at: http://www.wdc.com/en/products/Products.asp?DriveID=391 . List prices: 160 GB - $129.99 and 320 GB - $199.99