Free PC Troubleshooter From Microsoft

Microsoft has just come out with a free computer troubleshooter at their FixIt Center. It’s still in beta mode but I gave it a whirl. The video below is a quick demo of the PC troubleshooter…

It works on the following Operating Systems:

• Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3)
• Windows XP Pro (64-bit) Service Pack 2 (SP2)
• Windows Vista, Windows 7
• Windows Server 2003 SP2
• Windows Server 2008
• Windows Server 2008 R2

The tool is fairly limited right now but we’ll see if they expand it in the future.

Two other resources I’ve found for solving computer problems are:

The Windows Secrets Lounge. This is a forum dealing with Windows covering the last 10 years. They’ve just modernized it so it can be spidered by the search engines but there’s still unindexed stuff you can find by searching the forum directly.

Another option if your system is all screwed up and you don’t want to have to reformat and reinstall Windows is called Reimage.

You download and run it on your Windows computer and it ‘refurbishes’ your operating system without having to reinstall all of your data and software.

It used to just work on XP computers but now works on Vista and Windows 7 as well. We’ve used it on several client’s computers and it works like a charm, especially after a virus infection.

It’s less than $50 for one key (good indefinitely on that one computer) or less than $70 for three keys. You can also create a boot CD with Reimage on it for computers that won’t load Windows at all..
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Desktop Arcade Using iPad

Okay, up until now I haven’t been all that impressed with Apple’s iPad. “It’s a huge iPhone” and “Meh” were two of the most common responses to the iPad launch.

Other problems with the iPad:

No Flash

Apple’s iPad OS licensing agreement shows that users will only get one free major OS upgrade and will have to pay for any further upgrades.

Apple claims to have the right to restrict all content on its device

If your iPad requires service due to the battery’s diminished ability to hold an electrical charge, Apple will replace your iPad for a service fee ($105.95). You will receive a replacement iPad that will not contain any of your personal data.

No removable storage

No USB port

Can’t print anything

But, the guys at ThinkGeek.com have come up with a novel way to use your iPad. It’s called the iCade Arcade Cabinet. Just slide your iPad into the slot where it connects to a 30-pin connector, launch the free iCade app and it’s “game on”!

It has professional grade controls and a built-in iPad charger for unlimited play time.

What will they think of next?.
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