Flagship - Why I started this blog

My daughter told me that my first blog post should be the "flagship" post. I'm not sure if that is an official blog thing or not, but I've learned to trust her when it comes to things like this.

From time to time - daily or at least weekly - someone asks me to help them with a computer problem, asks for computer advice, or shares something about computers or technology. The questions or information may come to me thorough work, but also will come from friends or family.

I've been working with computers for quite some time. I don't want to tell you too much, but let's just say that my first "PC" was not a "PC", but a Morrow Designs personal computer. That computers was loaded with 64k of RAM (random access memory), 2 - 5 1/4" floppy disk drives, and a 8080 processor and used the CP/M operating system (computer program for microprocessors).

For your information: I will try and include the real names for things computer - not just the acronyms for them.

If you are wondering how much hard disk space I had on this computer, well that would be none - who would have thought that you would ever need more than a floppy or two of disk space.

I graduated from college with a degree in computer science. How I got into computer science is a story within itself that I might share later, but that said, I love computers, technology, and solving problems.

I decided that others might value what I have learned and the problems I've solved for myself and for others. One thing I have realized is that no problem is unique. If you have a problem, then someone else has had that problem also. This is one reason that the internet is such a powerful tool - we can share our problems and solutions.

So ... I will share some of the problems and solutions that can help others. My goal is to make your life better from a technology standpoint. I hope to share solutions in understandable ways - understandable to those experienced, but mostly to the vast majority of computer users who just expect it all to work.

I like all kinds of computers - netbooks, laptops, desktop computers, servers, you name it!
I like Mac's and PCs - I believe we can live in a world where both exist just fine. In fact, I have both sitting on my desk sharing files, printers, and the network.

I like Microsoft Windows XP, but I like Microsoft Vista better. I actually feel that Vista has received a lot of bad press. When I've looked at "Vista Problems", I've normally found the problems to not be Vista related.

I like Apple OS X, but admittedly am less familiar with Apple operating systems than with Microsoft operating systems.

I like computer programs - spreadsheets, word processors, presentation programs, design programs, browsers, databases, and even games.

I hate that we need utilities like anti-virus and spyware detection programs.

I like hand held computer devices especially the i-Phone. I would love to write a killer i-Phone application, but people with more time keep beating me to any new application I can think of.

I like IP telephony or VOIP (voice over internet protocol) or as Oprah would say Skype; which is also considered video over IP, and I like that also.

I like other technology including home theater and DVRs (digital video recorder). I find it very difficult to watch TV without the ability to pause and skip.

Then, what will we discuss? The list is quite broad. I'm not going to be too narrow. If I think a solution is valuable, then I will share it. Hopefully the web search engines will find my solutions and lead those seeking answers to the posts.

If you have a question or problem, just leave me a response and I may provide you with an answer.