LogMeIn

Have you been looking for a secure way of logging into a PC on your local network, on the road, in the airport, or from the basement? LogMeIn can be a free resource if you are just looking at a way to get information off your computer or check a file on your home PC. You just need a machine (PC, Mac, PocketPC) and an internet connection on both sides. When you set up your account, and login through their secure servers, you control your machine no matter where ever you may be. After researching multiple options, this one just made sense. We even signed up for an account before downloading the software...

We connected and installed LogMeIn in probably the laziest way possible...since one machine is an XP Home machine and lacks Remote Login, we sent a remote assistance request through Messenger earlier that day, and connected from our Vista machine...yes, the Vista machine...It worked, but wouldn't be practical on a continuous basis. So, once we took control of the machine, we opened up Firefox and navigated to the LogMeIn site...went straight to the download area and chose LogMeIn Free version. OK, so you can choose the Pro or IT versions if you need them, but if you are just using it to get personal files, stick with the free version. The others will be there if you change your mind at a later time.

The program installed within a brief time. It registered the computer to our account. We knew this because we had another Firefox window open on the Vista machine and just clicked the "Refresh" link and the PC showed online. We clicked on the machine and went through the login screens. Within moments, we were connected to the XP Home machine on the LogMeIn connection. The Messenger connection was quickly executed.

After going upstairs to deactivate remote assistance from the XP machine, we continued to navigate the XP machine from the Vista machine for about an hour. We tried as much as possible, using everything from Open Office to Microsoft Outlook, to Apple iTunes streaming to remote speakers. All seemed to work just as if we were on the machine itself.

Next came the true test...would it be as easy to connect from a Mac or PocketPC...? The answer is it was easier since everything was already set up. With one download to each device, the system worked just the same. So, OK, the pocketpc was a bit small, but it would definitely work in a bind if we needed to send a file to ourselves. And, yes, there is an and...the Mac (an older iBook G3) doesn't have a decent right-click function for some options...But, all in all, it works great! Others have posted elsewhere that Safari was not acting kindly with the interface, but we did not experience any challenges.

On a final note, you can even reboot the PC, log out, or shut it down from LogMeIn. You just have to wait for it to start-up and hit refresh when logged into the LogMeIn site. Once the machine is back up, you can login from the web page and you are off again. If you "support" other PC users, this could be a great way to help them out from where ever you may be. Life gets a little easier with products like this.

Enjoy...

Windows With Answers

There are many, many sites out there that "talk" about windows and its many variations. There are also many sites out there that are just a waste of bandwidth. It is difficult to determine which ones to trust and which ones you should dismiss. There is one site that I have used and review every couple of days to see if I missed something in my adventures with any version of windows, it is Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows

Paul writes books, does podcasts, provides reviews and tips for the masses. Most of all, he is a "normal" human being. He plays XBOX 360. He spends time with his children. And, he uses many products he shares. If you have questions about Window products, search Paul's site, read one of his books or blogs, or listen to his podcasts. If you don't find it somewhere there, it may not be worth the adventure.

Amazon MP3 Downloads

So, does iTunes really have all the good music? They may have the most, but the new Amazon MP3 download section is much better than you would think and much better than your run of the mill online store. While they do not have the variety of iTunes, they do have DRM free music...you have to love that...listen and enjoy. We will be featuring some links and previews in future posts...enjoy...

Reba Duets

It is not always good to start a review with, country is not necessarily a personal style...but Reba picks songs that not only evoke emotion and elaborate on a longer story, but engages and empowers her listeners. If you haven't heard Reba before, listen to these great choices and purchase a DRM free album to enjoy on most of your favorite MP3 players.

Windows Vista...Really Not That Bad...

OK, OK, so you are probably thinking to yourself that the storyteller finally lost it. You are probably thinking that there is no way that someone could actually like Vista...well, I will tell you, Vista is really not that bad...

Well, actually, the Basic version is down right awful, I will give you that, but on a newer computer, Home Premium is working well and has been working well since I did a full install in February. The computer had XP Media Center on it originally when we purchased it last November (2006). It came with the free upgrade. While the wait for DVD was a pain, the install was a snap since we basically wiped everything out except for the restore part of the drive. I know, I know, why would I keep the restore section if everything is going well? Why would I not just save the section, ehh, who knows...for some reason I left it.

There were a few challenges with the driver for the wireless card we had left over from an old machine initially, which the Vista upgrader showed. However, since the care we had was slower, it gave me justification to purchase a newer and faster card. This install gave us a clean install of everything without the bloatware. No extras from Compaq/HP...this was great. HP even sent a disk with the additional items and the SR2050NX drivers can be found on the HP/Compaq website.

The updates have kept us comfortable and secure. The UAC can be a pain at times, especially when trying to update Joost. That darn pop-up is just annoying, especially when it takes a few moments for it to pop up and the screen hangs a little. However, logic told me to run Joost as administrator when updating. After it updates, normal mode is fine.

The look and feel has been good. The graphics have been better than expected. The rating Vista gives me a rating of 2.1 on my graphics card, so I am pretty sure that you can't say that the card is "high-end." In fact, it plays back video well.

While we wait for Service Pack 1, I think we are still OK with using it with Microsoft products such as Office 2003 and games. It is good for office and casual use. It is a workable operating system that helps move the Microsoft camp further into user-functionality.

More to Come..

Night At the Museum

Night at the Museum is hilarious. Ben Stiller avoided his ridiculous antics and was funny for the entire movie. From a monkey to Robin Williams, each character adds to the humor. This movie brings back creativity and a sense of fun to movie and storytelling. Rent or buy, you will enjoy it.

Harry Potter - Years 1 - 4

The last Harry Potter book is out. The first four movies are out as well...well, OK, actually, the first five movies...however, only four are available to view at home...legally, that is...

Harry Potter brought back a sense of wonder in storytelling. J.K Rawling weaves her tales to truly evoke and engage the readers and viewers emotions and imagination. While many movies fall short of the books they represent, the first four movies held true to the storylines and intensity of the books.

Follow Harry and his friends through formative years toward adulthood and wizardry...

Fraggle Rock - First Season

The Fraggles, Gobo, Mokey, Wembley, Boober, Red, et al...ready to reminisce or just jump into the magic of the embracable characters with a vivid imagination.

These wonderful creatures remind us what good storytelling and creativity. Go on adventures and see a new world. Great for kids and adults trying to remember when what it is like to be a kid.

Amazon Unbox

Are you looking for a way other than iTunes too download your favorite movies or TV shows? Amazon Unbox may be the method for you. It has some classic and recent movies that you can download right to your PC. While this service is not for everyone, it provides an alternative for you. Since we have a couple of Macs and iPods, this service is not necessarily for us, but may be the only way to get the next season of The Office...Click on the "Read More" link to see some previews of the videos...

The Muppet Show - Season One

Who doesn't remember the Muppets? Well, I am sure it is many people...however, if you grew up with the antics of these unique characters, you will be reminded of the good times they brought. From the opening number and its catchy tune to each guest star, this Season One set is filled with laughter and good times.

I had forgotten that many of the guest stars where international back then. I had also forgotten what made some of them stars. As I watched each episode, some of the details of the star status and the much more simple times of childhood came back to me. It wasn't until the second season that many US stars emerged on the sets and became a part of the magical transition from puppetry to celebrities. This set was a good way to introduce some of my childhood favorites to my own children. Enjoy.

Vizio HDTV

OK, OK, so this is not so much a gadget as it is an investment. The Vizio 37 inch LCD television is an excellent buy for the cost-conscious and those that want a good flat screen television. We have had this tv for about 9 months now and have been incredibly happy with the quality of the picture with all analog, component, and hdmi inputs. The sound is pretty good as well and consistent even if the signal is not. Whether mounted on the wall or resting on the stand, the Vizio brand tvs can be viewed well at any angle. Check out the television online or at your local Sam's Club. You will notice a difference in picture and performance.

Vizio HDTV

OK, OK, so this is not so much a gadget as it is an investment. The Vizio 37 inch LCD television is an excellent buy for the cost-conscious and those that want a good flat screen television. We have had this tv for about 9 months now and have been incredibly happy with the quality of the picture with all analog, component, and hdmi inputs. The sound is pretty good as well and consistent even if the signal is not. Whether mounted on the wall or resting on the stand, the Vizio brand tvs can be viewed well at any angle. Check out the television online or at your local Sam's Club. You will notice a difference in picture and performance.

Buying an iPod and Catching the bug...

When my wife bought her iPod over a year ago, I was a little jealous. Not because of the really cool things she could listen to or do with the iPod, but because she had a gadget that I did not.

So, we bought SLVRs at a great discount from CompUSA. I used it on many airplane trips for work and many car rides to and from work...It wasn't enough. It is a good phone, which I am now using for Jaiku and checking stocks and such online. However, a great music player and such it was not. It has an adapter that is needed to even use headphones. Still, good phone...

It took over a year, but I managed to justify purchasing one myself. It was more like, the right time than a justification. It has been a great "investment". I use it everyday for music, podcasts, and watching those tv shows I missed at night. I listen to podcasts on technology, writing, business ideas, and storytelling...I even throw in there some good Irish Folk music podcasts every now and then.

To help others catch the "bug" check out the iPod from you local retailer or below: