TechnologyIQ

Do you ever need to collaborate with someone halfway across the planet? Thinkature might just be a solution. Another Cool Tool I discovered in my RSS feeds last night. Thinkature - real time web collaboration Thinkature is a pretty cool web collaboration service which gives you built in voice chat (hmm…interesting), plus all the other stuff like a real time whiteboard with annotation, images etc etc. It’s nicely responsive and has a very simple interface. What we need now is for some enterprising company to develop a [...] (Via The Red Ferret Journal .) Technorati Tags: creativity , technology , presentations , presenting , present , software , computers , high-tech , cool , free , drawing

Learn how to find, play and subscribe to podcasts in this program for those new to podcasting, recorded live on May 26, 2007 Listen to Podcasting: The New Radio, The New Television, The New World (Listen Backup) Support TechnologyIQ: iTunes Review | Digg.com | Podcast Alley | Reader/Listener Line @ 206-338-5832 $2 per month donation One Time Donation Technorati Tags: DIY , howto , how-to , tutorial , technology , windows , macintosh , software , computers , email , high-tech , podcast , podcasting

Learn all about podasting with founding podcaster, Douglas E. Welch Saturday, May 26, 2007 @ 3 PM Sherman Oaks Branch, Los Angeles Public Library 14245 Moorpark St., Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 - (818) 205-9716 [ map ] FREE Learn about the thousands of shows available for your entertainment and education, all of them delivered right to your own computer...for FREE. Enjoy shows by major media producers such as NPR, BBC, National Geographic, The Wall Street Journal and CNN. Discover great new shows produced by people just like you! Your neighbor might just be a podcast star! Technorati Tags: california , howto , how-to , podcast , podcasting , tutorial , events , losangeles , high-tech

Keep in touch with your world and keep in touch with the world Listen to Live from the Library - May 24, 2007 (Listen Backup) Link: Previously on LIVE from the Library Support TechnologyIQ: iTunes Review | Digg.com | Podcast Alley | Reader/Listener Line @ 206-338-5832 $2 per month donation One Time Donation Technorati Tags: DIY , howto , how-to , tutorial , technology , windows , macintosh , software , computers , email , high-tech

Join us LIVE Thursday, May 24, 2007 for our next Internet Seminar at the Sherman Oaks Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library . Join us LIVE! Need more information on joining out LIVE shows? You can listen to past sessions and other TechnologyIQ audio by clicking below Technorati Tags: california , howto , how-to , podcast , podcasting , tutorial , events , losangeles , technology , learning , education , library

Here is another Real World Example, this time from my own office printer. After changing the print cartridge in my HP OfficeJet 6110xi All-in-One, the printer wanted to print its alignment page. This is to insure that all the print heads line up and produce a crsip image. Instead, though, it started giving me an error that the paper loaded was not "plain paper". Well, said I, of course it is, I am looking right at it. After re-trying the print several times I went to HP.com to check on the support information for this printer. Working through their troubleshooting checklist, I came up with this tech note. While it didn't directly address my problem, it did let me know that the error can be caused by a damaged or blocked sensor on the printer. After a bit of poking around, using the diagram as a guide, the printer finally recognized the paper type correctly and I was able to print the document that started the entire process. Lesson: When checking online support databases,...

Contributed by: Dana Eklund, Teen Librarian on 3/5/2007 What : Create Your Own Free Web Page! Provided by: Sylmar Branch Los Angeles Publ Free class: Learn the basics of web page design using free resources on the Internet: create a profile, upload pictures, start a blog, advertise your business, network with friends, and more! For free instruction, please call Dana at Sylmar Library (818-367-6102) to schedule an appointment. This free demonstration class is geared for teens and young adults, but all ages are welcome. Where : Sylmar Branch, Los Angeles Public Library, at the Information Desk When : To schedule a free appointment, call Dana at Sylmar Library: 818-367-6102. Event Dates: This event takes place every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 4/14/2007 through 12/29/2007. ( Found on ValleyNews.com ) Technorati Tags: california , build , make , DIY , howto , how-to , events , losangeles , technology , web

Another great interview from Tech Nation on the nature of email. A great listen and the books is now on my "to read" list. Dr. Moira Gunn speaks with David Shipley and Will Schwalbe, authors of "Send: The Essential Guide to E-mail", about e-mail in the modern age: what it's become from its simple beginnings. LINK: Listen to this interview at IT Conversations Technorati Tags: technology , technation , itconversations , email , book , books

Once again, I hear about Symantec Norton products causing major issues. These problems occured in China, but clearly point up the problem that Norton products can cause. Let me be clear and say that I used to recommend Norton products exclusively for my clients, but growing problems with their software has made it impossible for me to continue recommending them. Instead, I usually offer an open source solution like ClamAV for Windows . It doesn't try to do everything and maintains a much lower profile on your computer. While it is great that they have a work-around for the issues, I wonder how many of my clients could copy files off their original Windows install disks. What this means is that clients would have to pay me to come in and repair their machines. Somehow, I don't see Symantec offering to cover my fees, even though their software caused such a dramtic problem. At what point do attempts at security override the basic functionality of your computer? Is this a case of ...

Listen to this episode | Listen Backup I know that most people don't know this little tidbit, as I always get such a response when I mention it during an Internet Seminar or with a client. The next time your computer stops responding, and they all do at one time or another, you will need to turn the computer off completely. In the old days, when PCs had big, red, mechanical switches, this was easy. Throw the big red switch and all power was removed from the computer. Flip is again and the computer started up. These days though, computers (and many other pieces of technology) have electronic switchs. You may not know it, but your computer is always "on" in some small way. If you open up the case, you may even see LEDs glowing, even though the computer is supposedly "off". So, how do you make your computer turn off completely, so you can restart it afresh? (In the old days we called this a "cold boot.", by the way). Well, you can do what many of my clie...

Real Word Example is an on-going series detailing real support calls and their resolutions. Look for more RWE's in the future -- Douglas I received this late night call from a client, explaining that she had been on the phone with her ISPs tech support all day trying to resolve a problem with her Internet connection. Even after doing my standard troubleshooting procedure of powering off both the cable modem and router, she still had no connection. I remembered that during the initial installation of the router, I had some trouble with interference from the number of other wireless routers in her area (10+). Here were the steps I took, over the phone, to resolve her issue... 1. Had her check the network settings shown in System Preferences, Network, Airport, TCP/IP These settings showed an IP address of 10. 0.1.2. I knew she had a Linksys router, so these settings didn't look right. Linksys router uses the IP address range of 192.1.68.1.x. 2. Checked the Airport menu to see to ...

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Click for larger image As if in reference to my GoDaddy post of a couple of days ago, Dilbert by Scott Adams hit the nail on the head with this comic from Friday. I must admit that sometimes I feel I am talking to Dogbert when I call any tech support line. Technorati Tags: comic , support , tech , technology , dilbert

If you frequent the Sherman Oaks Branch of the LA Public Library, like I do, you will want to be aware of some traffic changes on Moorpark Street at Tyrone, especially as you approach the library eastbound on Moorpark. Up until a few days ago, there was a turn lane the middle of Moorpark Street, which allowed you make a left turn into the library parking lot. Today, I was very surprised to note that what had been a bi-directional turn lane is now an extended left turn lane for westbound traffic onto Tyrone. Google Map showing change This now makes it unsafe to attempt a left turn into the library parking lot. I noticed a lot of folks doing what I did, which was to go up one block to Katherine and either make a U-Turn at the intersection or find a place to turn around on Katherine. I think this change has made entering the library much more dangerous, even if it has eased westboound traffic on Moorpark. I can imagine that the neighbors are going to be upset with all the new turnaround ...

While my web site uptime has been fairly good, I have had a variety of issues with GoDaddy's service in the year or so I have been with them. This isn't necesarily odd, though. Look up an ISP or web host on the net, and you will find someone who has has a bad experience with them. That said, there is one issue that always rubs me the wrong way when dealing with GoDaddy email tech support. The responses I receive are often unhelpful, or just plain wrong, as in the case with the response below. Even worse, although they always claim there is "no problem", the issue I am experiences usually clears up soon after my email support request. Here was my initial email to them this morning... ftp access to site welchwrite.com appears slow. Transfers are slow to begin and complete. Ftp updates from Blogger.com also appear to be having issues as my (b)logs are not updating when posting a new entry. ...and here is their response... Thank you for contacting online support. It sound...

Video, video, video and More Listen to Live from the Library - May 10, 2007 (Listen Backup) Watch the video we streamed live from the class. It is a bit jerky (the video. not the host (LAUGH), but lets you see me in all my teaching glory! (SMILE) Link: Previously on LIVE from the Library Support TechnologyIQ: iTunes Review | Digg.com | Podcast Alley | Reader/Listener Line @ 206-338-5832 Technorati Tags: DIY , howto , how-to , tutorial , technology , windows , macintosh , software , computers , email , high-tech

Join us LIVE Thursday, May 10, 2007 for our next Internet Seminar at the Sherman Oaks Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library . Join us LIVE! Need more information on joining out LIVE shows? You can listen to past sessions and other TechnologyIQ audio by clicking below Technorati Tags: california , howto , how-to , podcast , podcasting , tutorial , events , losangeles , technology , learning , education , library

Kreg over at Valid Syntax , a podcast reviewing open source projects and software shared this link in his latest show -- the Open Font Library. From their web site... Open Font Library Type Casting. The Open Font Library is a sister project of the Open Clip Art Library. The goal of this project is to collect public domain fonts so that they may be used freely. Currently, the Wiki for this project has the most information. Please submit your fonts here! (Via Valid Syntax .) Link: Open Font Library Technorati Tags: make , DIY , podcast , podcasting , creativity , presentations , presenting , powerpoint , high-tech , free , sketch , art , drawing , web

glumbert.com - Kinetic Sculpture These "beasts" have been around for a while, but I am always amazed when I see them in operation. If you haven't seen these elsewhere, check out the video for an amazing look. You can also find more videos on YouTube and other video sharing sites. Technorati Tags: robot , robots , technology , video

Kreg over at Valid Syntax , a podcast reviewing open source projects and software shared this link in his latest show -- the Open Clip Art Libary . From their web site... Drawing Together: This project aims to create an archive of user contributed clip art that can be freely used. All graphics submitted to the project should be placed into the Public Domain according to the statement by the Creative Commons. If you'd like to help out, please join the mailing list, and review the archives. So head on over, sign up, see what's available and maybe even share some of your own work. Link: Open Clip Art Library Technorati Tags: make , DIY , podcast , podcasting , creativity , presentations , presenting , powerpoint , high-tech , free , sketch , art , drawing , web

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Joost is the new Internet Television Service, still in beta, that allows you to watch a variety of channels and a variety of shows on demand. The selection of shows is a bit slim at the moment, but I have watched a few documentaries that I know I never would have seen anywhere else. Click to watch the What is Joost? video You need an invite to check it out, but all of us Joost Beta Testers now have around 999 invites to pass out, so all you have to do is ask. Send a blank email to welchwrite+joost@gmail.com and I will send you an invite so you can check it out. Technorati Tags: technology , windows , macintosh , software , computers , high-tech , free , video , television , tv , joost

Yep, its true, at least according to this press release (PDF) from the LA Public Library web site. Great news and a big step toward getting wireless access to all who can take advantage of it. Of course, remember, the LAPL also offers computers for Internet browsing and other tasks at all its branches, too! LAPL : Wi-Fi now in all branches The L.A. Public Library just put out a release saying that free wireless is now available to laptop users in all 71 branches as well as the Central Library downtown.... (Via L.A. Observed .) Technorati Tags: california , losangeles , technology , computers , high-tech , free , kids , children , wifi , network , networking , library

Now that TechnologyIQ is a full member of Friends in Tech , we have our own discussion group on the Friends in Tech Forums . Bring your technology questions, comments and quandries. Let's talk tech! Join the TechnologyIQ Discussion (FREE) at Friends in Tech!

Listen to Computing for the Everyman - Part 5 - Preferences (Backup Link) Support TechnologyIQ: iTunes Review | Digg.com | Podcast Alley | Reader/Listener Line @ 206-338-5832 Transcript: If you remember the theme of this blog and podcast, it has always been to "Control your technology, don't let it control you!" In light of that, today's article is on how to make your computer and your programs act the way you want them to act, not the other way around. First, every computer, every piece of software and every online service you use will have some preferences that can be altered by you. Sure, there will be default settings that work for the basics, but there can be anywhere from 1 to 100 different options that you can turn off and on, depending on how you want the program or service to operate. The main reason I am writing on this topic is that nearly everyone I meet, whether friend or client, has some complaint about how their computer or software operates. Micros...