The Problem with Mac's

I like the Apple line of products, first it's designed in Cupertino California in the good ole USA, even though it's manufactured just about everywhere else in the world but here, and no matter how much a fan you may be of Microsoft Windows the Mac user interface has never been surpassed by any other operating system. Also, once you have your Macbook or iMac set up with all the peripherals you need and the software you use is installed, it's about as stable a product as you will find anywhere. The reason is the Mac operating system is UNIX based (means very robust) and will hardly ever crash or stop working. However, if after a couple of years you decide to add a new software package or external device to your Mac then this is where your troubles could begin.

So basically any software that "needs" to be updated, like tax programs, financial software or programs that are still under development may cause you major problems. I think that part of the reason is that Apple computers are still in the minority and also Apple does make fairly frequent updates to it's operating system so software companies that write software for Apple computers not only will not see as large a return on these Mac versions but they quickly find they have problems when Apple decides to update their operating system.

I was recently reminded of the problems with a fiasco that panned out at one of my recent clients. My customer, had been given an iMac by his daughter a couple of years ago. At that time the operating system was version 10.3.9 and the CPU or the "brain" of the computer was a Motorola Power PC chip. Now this customer, new to the computer, wanted to write his biography but not being a typist asked if there was any other way to enter the text. So having installed many "Dragon Naturally Speaking" software packages on regular PC's I went to their web site where I found a Mac version that stated it ran on Mac Operating system version 10.3. Great, so I obtained a copy for the customer. Now you have to understand that these older dictation software packages took hours of personal commitment to "train" the computer into recognizing your particular voice and speaking style and this customer I know put hours into this exercise. However when he clicked the button to analyze his hours of speaking the software promptly crashed.

Upon calling the company they sadly told me that the Mac version only worked on Mac Operating systems up to version 10.3.6. Now that stinks! But wait it is not over yet... Okay so during this "learning" exercise I discussed with the same client applications that can be used to put his book together, applications that can format and flow text and graphics that eventually can be sent to a printer. In the publishing industry the two main players are Quark and Adobe. After some research we opted for "InDesign C3" by Adobe only to find that the minimum Mac Operating System required is version 10.4. So the bottom line was that his iMac was too new for one piece of software and too old for another.

Finally there is another company that has released an acclaimed dictation software for the later version Macs and using the same core technology as "Dragon Naturally Speaking". However, go to their web site and they will quickly tell you that their software only works on Macs with Intel Multi-Core processors.. you will recall my client's Mac is a Power PC. He ended up buying a new iMac for about $1500. So the next time someone raves about the Mac and Apple products remember nothing in this world is perfect and when it is we won't need computers anyway.

By the way I run a Mac mini, and I love it, but there again I love all computers.
So if you need help with your PC or a Mac just give me a call.

Until then Ctrl - Alt - Delete

Steve Holder
Office: (201) 652-7108
Mobile: (201) 294-8355
P.O. Box 462
Paramus, NJ 07653-0462

If you ever felt stupid read this...

This has to be one of the funniest things in a long time. I think this guy should have been promoted, not fired. This is a true story from the WordPerfect Helpline, which was transcribed from a recording monitoring the customer care department. Needless to say the Help Desk employee was fired; however, he/she is currently suing the WordPerfect organization for 'Termination without Cause.'
Actual dialogue of a former WordPerfect Customer Support employee.
(Now I know why they record these conversations!):
Operator: 'Ridge Hall, computer assistance; may I help you?'
Caller: 'Yes, well, I'm having trouble with WordPerfect.'
Operator: 'What sort of trouble??'
Caller: 'Well, I was just typing along, and all of a sudden the words went away.'
Operator: 'Went away?'
Caller: 'They disappeared'
Operator: 'Hmm. So what does your screen look like now?'
Caller: 'Nothing.'
Operator: 'Nothing??'
Caller: 'It's blank; it won't accept anything when I type.'
Operator: 'Are you still in WordPerfect, or did you get out?'
Caller: 'How do I tell?'
Operator: 'Can you see the 'C: prompt' on the screen?'
Caller: 'What's a sea-prompt?'
Operator: 'Never mind, can you move your cursor around the screen?'
Caller: 'There isn't any cursor; I told you, it won't accept anything I type.'
Operator: 'Does your monitor have a power indicator??'
Caller: 'What's a monitor?'
Operator: 'It's the thing with the screen on it that looks like a TV. Does it have a little light that
tells you when it's on?'
Caller: 'I don't know.'
Operator: 'Well, then look on the back of the monitor and find where the power cord goes into it. Can you see that??'
Caller: 'Yes, I think so.'
Operator: 'Great. Follow the cord to the plug, and tell me if it's plugged into the wall.
Caller: 'Yes, it is.'
Operator: 'When you were behind the monitor, did you notice that there were two cables plugged into the back of it, not just one? '
Caller: 'No.'
Operator: 'Well, there are. I need you to look back there again and find the other cable.'
Caller: 'Okay, here it is.'
Operator: 'Follow it for me, and tell me if it's plugged securely into the back of your computer.'
Caller: 'I can't reach.'
Operator: 'OK. Well, can you see if it is?'
Caller: 'No.'
Operator: 'Even if you maybe put your knee on something and lean way over?'
Caller: 'Well, it's not because I don't have the right angle -- it's because it's dark.'
Operator: 'Dark?'
Caller: 'Yes - the office light is off, and the only light I have is coming in from the window.'
Operator: 'Well, turn on the office light then.'
Caller: 'I can't.'
Operator: 'No? Why not?'
Caller: 'Because there's a power failure.'
Operator: 'A power .... A power failure? Aha. Okay, we've got it licked now. Do you still have the boxes and manuals and packing stuff that your computer came in?'
Caller: 'Well, yes, I keep them in the closet.'
Operator: 'Good. Go get them, and unplug your system and pack it up just like it was when you got it. Then take it back to the store you bought it from.'
Caller: 'Really? Is it that bad?'
Operator: 'Yes, I'm afraid it is.'
Caller: 'Well, all right then, I suppose. What do I tell them?'
Operator: 'Tell them you're too damned stupid to own a computer!'

“Help my Internet is down!”

“Help my Internet is down!” I hear it all the time… technology takes time to stabilize and I am sure that eventually not being “connected” will be a thing of the past or at the very least a rarity. I know I am going to regret saying this but I have had Verizon FIOS for over a year now and it has NEVER gone down. Verizon have had their share of problems with failing Actiontec Wireless routers, but I think they have now resolved that issue. I have been asked more than once ”how long should a router last?” It's a strange question because in a perfect world these totally electronic devices “should” last forever but they don't and I replace 1 per week on average. “In a perfect world” is the key here, I can tell you that in most cases customers are not using a good “surge suppressing” power strip. Spend at least $30 on one of these power strips from a company like Belkin and it will pay for itself.



On the subject of Verizon FIOS, I, like many of you, signed up for the $99 TV, Phone and Internet package a little over a year ago. Since my year was up my June bill went up by a whopping 45%. However a quick call to Verizon and my agreement to stay with Verizon for another 2 years brought my costs back down to within a couple of dollars of the original promo price. So call, it is worth it.





So what can YOU do today when you have no Internet? Well there are a few simple tests and procedures that you can perform and in many cases will get you back on line. The following is broken down based on the type of Internet connection you have.



DSL (In our area Verizon, AT&T, Earthlink and AOL provide DSL service)

DO NOT PRESS THE HIDDEN RED RESET BUTTON AS IT WILL RESULT IN LOSS OF ACCOUNT NAME AND PASSWORDS ESSENTIAL TO ACCESS THE INTERNET VIA DSL.

DSL stands for “Digital Subscriber Line” and is based on a technology that sends high speed data down the same wire used for your “Plain Old Telephone System” (POTS). As with all diagnostic procedures you have to remember that it “was” working and so either someone changed something or something has broken. First check that nothing has been added to the phone line, a new phone, a fax or someone removed the in-line filter on one of the phones. No changes? Okay now go find the DSL Modem/Router, usually a small black, cream or silver box with a phone line plugged into it and another cable connecting it to your computer. These devices have multiple indicator lights on them. First check you have the power light on and if not, make sure the device is powered on. Next check the Ethernet or USB light and if you don't have either check your connection to the computer.



Now check the DSL light, it should be on and NOT flashing. If it is off check you have a phone line plugged into the device and that there is a dial tone on the phone line. If the light flashes slow then fast then slow again this means the DSL signal is not strong enough to pass high speed data. Pick up any phone on the same line and make sure there is no “crackling” on the line “behind” the dial tone sound. If there is call your telephone and DSL provider.



Finally if the previous 3 lights are lit but the Internet light is not, then power cycle the device by unplugging and plugging in or, if the device has one, use the power switch. This is usually a rocker switch. Wait 1 minute and if you still do not have the Internet light lit or access to the Internet call your DSL provider.

DO NOT PRESS THE HIDDEN RED RESET BUTTON AS IT WILL RESULT IN LOSS OF ACCOUNT NAME AND PASSWORDS ESSENTIAL TO ACCESS THE INTERNET VIA DSL.



CABLE (In our area called Optonline, and provided solely by Cablevision)

The cable Internet system uses the same cable used to provide you with a television signal to connect you to the Internet. If you have no Internet check that no one has changed anything like an additional set top box, or TV. Check no one has changed or added devices to the cable splitters that distributes the cable throughout your house. It is highly recommended that the “Cable Modem” (a black or cream device with indicator lights) be connected to the first two way splitter as the cable enters your home. The more splitters present before the cable modem, the weaker the signal and the more likely you will have problems. If you purchased phone service from the cable company you can also pick up a house phone and check for a dial tone. If you have dial tone restart your computer and check the connection between the cable modem and the computer. If you still do not have Internet connection ensure the indicator lights on the cable modem are illuminated. Power, Sync (or Internet) and Ethernet should all be lit. You can try power cycling the cable modem but wait for the sync light to go solid before trying the Internet again. NOTE: If you change the computer or router attached to a cable modem you must power cycle the cable modem after each change. Leave the modem off for 30 seconds each time you power cycle.



FIOS (In our area provided solely by Verizon)

Verizon FIOS (FIber Optic Service) is a new medium that utilizes an optical fiber about the thickness of a human hair to deliver TV, phone service and Internet via transmission of light through an optical fiber. When the fiber arrives at your home an electronic box converts the light of various frequencies (colors) into a TV cable signal, Telephone signal and Internet signal. All these signals are distributed within your home using conventional copper wire methods. The Internet signal is sent via ether TV cable or Ethernet to a router. Although it is rare to have problems with FIOS you will from time to time have to power cycle the router.

DO NOT PRESS THE HIDDEN RED RESET BUTTON AS IT MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF ESSENTIAL SETTINGS THAT ARE REQUIRED FOR PROPER OPERATION.

If power cycling the router (Black Actiontec box or others) does not resolve the loss of Internet connectivity, check you have TV and of phone service. If your TV and or Phone are working you may have a defective router and you should call Verizon FIOS support.



Summary

These high speed network connections to your home are complex and problems are not often easy to fix. In general you need to be methodical and patient and remember the problem may not be in your house, so if you know a neighbor that uses the same provider, speak to them to see if they have an Internet connection.



If all else fails, call your provider and if that becomes too frustrating for you I am always here to help.



Until then, Ctrl - Alt - Delete

Still looking for Windows XP?

You need to read this..

http://www.pcworld.com/article/148450/article.html?tk=nl_wbxnws

Coming soon

• Protecting Your PC - What can I do to protect my PC, am I doing enough, am I spending too much. How to protect your PC and not spend a fortune.
• The Internet - How it works. Internet Phone directories, Server farms and routers.

Are we ready for Vista?

• Fact, every new operating system released by Microsoft has been slower than the previous version when tested under exactly the same conditions.
• Fact, when you purchase a desktop PC or laptop with Windows XP installed, part of the cost is for the Windows XP license.

So you might ask “Why would I even consider Vista?”... Good question, I also ask the same, but Microsoft is in the business of selling software licenses and if everyone stayed with Windows XP what would they sell?

The majority of the world is running on Windows software and despite what you may feel about Microsoft, Windows XP at least has become a well understood and stable operating system. So it’s now been more than a year since Vista was released and if you go to your local technology store you will only be able to purchase a PC or Laptop with Vista preinstalled. However the major computer suppliers such as DELL, HP etc, still offer computers to their business customers with Windows XP preinstalled. This fact alone must make you question the need to move to Vista. Businesses have learned that changing an operating system can cost them millions of dollars in retraining, license fees not to mention lost revenue when the computers go awry. The popular publishers of computer magazines say that Microsoft has to support Windows XP through 2014 and by then who knows Windows Vista may be as well understood, bug free and as stable as Windows XP is today.

From the end user standpoint who has never used Windows XP buying a computer with Vista preinstalled is a pretty innocuous affair. They will blissfully turn it on, follow all the instructions, read all the warning screens and hopefully make the right decisions about whether to “Allow” or “Not”. If they don’t make the right decision, and it’s easy to do, they can be into hours of fighting a computer that will no longer let them get on the Internet or do much else.

For the rest of us Windows XP users, buyer beware, with Vista you will have a new user interface to learn, and it’s not always intuitive, it’s slower, it asks questions that you never had to answer before, and many programs are still not updated to work with Vista, especially some of the high end gaming programs and specialized business programs. So what are the pluses?

1. You get a cooler user interface with semitransparent windows, why I have no idea.
2. It has an advanced memory manager that not only supports larger amounts of memory but it will also learn what programs you use frequently and will try to keep them in the faster memory rather than having to continually load them from the slower spinning hard drive.
3. Security is improved, however they still do not supply an Anti-virus with the operating system, and you still have to buy or download one of the free versions. Many of the security issue are totally transparent to the everyday user.

So I guess you know by now that I am advising you to steer clear of Vista. If you need to buy a new computer then go online and find a company that will still offer computers loaded with Windows XP. As I previously mentioned, DELL offers XP to both its home and business customers. Let me know if I can help.

Until then Ctrl – Alt – Delete.

Steve Holder

Email Demystified

Why is email so difficult to understand? Not the concept but the way we use it today. Did you know that the first ever electronic mail was sent on May 24th 1844? The content? "What hath God wrought?" I assure you this was the first email and it predates all of us. After receiving a $30,000 grant from the then US Congress Mr. Samuel Morse was able to lay 40 miles of cable between Baltimore and Washington DC and was able to send this first historic message. Within 10 years more than 23,000 miles of telegraph cable would be laid around the world changing the way we communicate forever. Telegraph, telegram, telex, fax and now email, instant messaging and phone text messaging have all followed. There was a time in between where we actually used a device called a telephone to use the spoken word to communicate but that is fast becoming far too intrusive in our very busy lives. Who has time to chat on the phone when all you need to tell someone is that you just bought a new computer and found a great guy to install it.:-)

The first electronic telegraph as transcribed by Samuel Morse. Click to enlarge.

I digress, but you see the point, email is not so new, it's been around for 164 years so why is it so difficult? Well like all things computer there are just too many options. The concept is just as simple as that first message sent by Samuel Morse 164 years ago but the human interface used to send and receive those messages is varied and sometimes confusing.

So to start let's talk about the concept or how email works. Just like that first telegraph message from Baltimore to DC email is sent from one location to another. In those days it was referred to a "terminus" and today it is referred to as a "domain" or “point of presence”. Examples are verizon.net, optonline.net, gmail.com, hotmail.com, yahoo.com etc. The main difference between then and now is that in order for that message to get to and from the terminus in 1844 a boy would be dispatched by foot or on horseback. Today in order to get the message to and from the "point of presence” we simply need a computer and a connection to the Internet from our home or place of work.

The other major difference between then and now is that the “terminus” was in a physical location, i.e. Baltimore and Washington, DC, whereas an email server or point of presence can be in any (or many) physical locations anywhere in the world so long as it is firmly connected to the Internet.

Many of these domains or points of presence allow you to create one or more email addresses, the only proviso being that the address you choose is unique to that domain name. Therefore johnsmith@hotmail.com and johnsmith@yahoo.com may coexist on the Internet and be two totally different people. Consequently when you do apply for an email address using your real name or a common word you should not be surprised when the server comes back to you saying the “address is not available” with suggestions that you pick another like johnsmith1 or johnsmith2 etc.

So having established your email address and protected it with a password so no one else can retrieve your email you have probably been guided to one of two methods of sending, receiving and maintaining the names and addresses of your favorite recipients.

WEB MAIL

If you are on AOL, Google Gmail or Yahoo mail you are probably viewing your mail through an Internet browser like Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox or the AOL Interface. This method is particularly useful if you move between various computers and or locations. This method leaves the sent and received emails (as well as your address book) on the domain’s server so that you can view it from any location by simply signing in with your email address and password. The disadvantage? There is always a limit to the amount of email these domains will allow you to store on their servers; exceed this limit and future emails will be rejected. Some will simply delete older emails even if you wanted to keep them. Finally the email experience or performance associated with opening emails will be totally controlled by the speed of your Internet connection and how busy the domain’s email server is at that time.

EMAIL APPLICATIONS

The alternate way to send and receive email is to use an application such as Outlook Express, Outlook or Mozilla Thunderbird specifically designed to go to the terminus, sorry I mean “Point Of Presence” (POP) server and from time to time and “download” your email to this application on you personal computer. The advantage being that the server will never get overloaded with your email and the experience of sending and receiving will be totally independent of the Internet or Server performance after the download is complete.

Conversely once the email is downloaded from the email server it can no longer be read from another computer or location. There are special conditions and systems that combine both the above options but require a more advanced setup and are not employed by the majority of home and small business user.

So to summarize, email is a simple concept made complicated by computers. On a recent trip to visit my son in Florida the local Marriott Courtyard had a business PC set up in the lobby with a vastly simplified user interface to read email and browse the Internet. I hope eventually this type of approach will become a de facto standard for everyone

Until then

Ctrl-Alt-Del

Steve Holder