Here I will post a mini review on the new Apple software, iTunes 7, for you, my beloved reader. iTunes 7 was recently released and is a significant upgrade to an already wonderful line of digital media organization. The feature that most strikes me is the ability to download album artwork and view it in a jukebox fashion. It doesn't sound like much, until you try it. I recently added a second monitor to my computer, and now I keep iTunes up on it pretty much all the time.
A great thing about iTunes is the ability to share your music over a local network. For instance, all of my music is stored on disk drives in my desktop computer in my room. But, if I want to listen to the same music in the living room, I can use iTunes to access my music through the network, without having to move or copy the files. This saves space and gives me the flexibility to enjoy my music no matter where I am in the home.
There really are alot of great features in iTunes. Another one that greatly got my attention was the new interface for iPod use. I've been having a 5G iPod Video since the week they came out, and let me tell you that the new iTunes makes using it alot easier. Now when I browse the contents of my iPod I am given a graphical representation of how much space each type of media is taking up. Very nifty!
Really, all I want to do here is to encourage you to give iTunes 7 a spin. The software can be downloaded for free from Apple's website at the following link:
http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/
The software is available for Windows and Mac. Unfortunately there is no version for Linux...
Be sure to give it a try!
Monday, October 16, 2006
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Console Wars Episode I
It seems like us gamers are faced with an ever changing world to contend with. PC gaming is now my favorite entertainment media, but it is hard to get away from my childhood roots with the good old console. It is, in my humble opinion, a far superior method for everyday casual gaming, especially for good multiplayer when the fellas are over.
However, the next-gen consoles are constantly changing into something "more." No longer are they just videogames, but multimedia hubs. Yes, these advances are amazing, but at the end of the day I just want to _play_ games.
I was hardcore leaning towards getting a PS3 when they come out (eventually) but after hearing its launch price, I took a step back. Granted, I can easily afford the machine, but do I really wanna drop $600+ on a console? I can build one heck of a gaming PC for that. Or that new MythTV box I've been wanting to do....
And now comes all the info about the Nintendo Wii. I think I've found my answer friends! The Wii is innovative, fun, and it will definitely be less expensive than its competitors. So, I may have to replace the "Reserved For PS3" sign on my entertainment center soon.
However, the next-gen consoles are constantly changing into something "more." No longer are they just videogames, but multimedia hubs. Yes, these advances are amazing, but at the end of the day I just want to _play_ games.
I was hardcore leaning towards getting a PS3 when they come out (eventually) but after hearing its launch price, I took a step back. Granted, I can easily afford the machine, but do I really wanna drop $600+ on a console? I can build one heck of a gaming PC for that. Or that new MythTV box I've been wanting to do....
And now comes all the info about the Nintendo Wii. I think I've found my answer friends! The Wii is innovative, fun, and it will definitely be less expensive than its competitors. So, I may have to replace the "Reserved For PS3" sign on my entertainment center soon.
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Electronic Static Discharge (ESD) Safety
ESD, or electronic static discharge, can be a big problem in the computer field. When proper precautions are taken though, risk is minimized. Let me start by saying that my elite computer friends consider me paranoid about static and generally do not take as much precaution as I do. However, when I’m dealing with a piece of equipment that I spend my hard earned cash on, you better believe I’m all about being safe.
Your body builds up static naturally. Unfortunately, static can be very damaging to computer components, especially things like RAM and processors. Static discharge isn’t that big of a problem in high-humidity areas (like south Louisiana) but precautions should still be taken. The number one rule is to never work on carpet! You should be somewhere with a nice, well lit table or desk to work on. My desk is wood, an acceptable substance for our purposes. When dealing with individual components, you may want to purchase an anti-static mat to place them on until ready for installation.
There are several anti-static wrist straps on the market, but I generally advise against these. The way they work is to provide a link between yourself and the case of the computer (or some other metal object). The problem here is if you touch the wrong thing, your body is a willing ground for any and all electricity. Personally, the best way I feel to “ground yourself” before working inside a PC is as follows.
With the computer plugged in to a grounded wall socket, touch the power supply inside the computer. Make sure you touch an unpainted metal part of the PSU, not a sticker, etc. Just a second or so is fine - this will allow any static built up in your body to drain off. Also, periodically when I am working on a PC I will touch an unpainted metal part of the case just to make sure that any static I have built up is released (like right before I go to pick up that memory module.
One more thing – when you are not installing that new computer piece, leave it in its anti-static bag! This will help keep dust off your new component, as well as protecting it from static discharges. And when you are done, be sure to save those anti-static bags!! Techs such as myself love these as they are great to store parts in.
Your body builds up static naturally. Unfortunately, static can be very damaging to computer components, especially things like RAM and processors. Static discharge isn’t that big of a problem in high-humidity areas (like south Louisiana) but precautions should still be taken. The number one rule is to never work on carpet! You should be somewhere with a nice, well lit table or desk to work on. My desk is wood, an acceptable substance for our purposes. When dealing with individual components, you may want to purchase an anti-static mat to place them on until ready for installation.
There are several anti-static wrist straps on the market, but I generally advise against these. The way they work is to provide a link between yourself and the case of the computer (or some other metal object). The problem here is if you touch the wrong thing, your body is a willing ground for any and all electricity. Personally, the best way I feel to “ground yourself” before working inside a PC is as follows.
With the computer plugged in to a grounded wall socket, touch the power supply inside the computer. Make sure you touch an unpainted metal part of the PSU, not a sticker, etc. Just a second or so is fine - this will allow any static built up in your body to drain off. Also, periodically when I am working on a PC I will touch an unpainted metal part of the case just to make sure that any static I have built up is released (like right before I go to pick up that memory module.
One more thing – when you are not installing that new computer piece, leave it in its anti-static bag! This will help keep dust off your new component, as well as protecting it from static discharges. And when you are done, be sure to save those anti-static bags!! Techs such as myself love these as they are great to store parts in.
Monday, November 14, 2005
Welcome to the Stephen Dye blog!
Hello and welcome to my blog! Since this is my first official post here, a few words about me. I am a 26 year old guy from south Louisiana. I do alot of things, like attend school at ITT, work for Wal-Mart (electronics), serve in the Louisiana Army National Guard, and I have a part-time job doing PC repair. Whew, that's alot! I also have several hobbies. I play drums, paintball, and I love to build model rockets.
There is alot to know about me, so feel free to visit my Homepage. Also, I have a Xanga blog. I will be adding alot of things here, so keep visiting! I hope you enjoy this site as much as I enjoy creating it!
There is alot to know about me, so feel free to visit my Homepage. Also, I have a Xanga blog. I will be adding alot of things here, so keep visiting! I hope you enjoy this site as much as I enjoy creating it!
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