IP-pie-chart

The internet re-launched today. Nobody noticed.

Posted on by Orion Williams
Blog, Tech, Uncategorized

Did you know that today, June 6th, 2012, the Internet launched a newer better version of itself?  It sounds implausible, sensational even, and definitely parodic.  But it actually happened, and it took the efforts of several major Internet Service Providers and other Big Media sites to make it happen.

What’s different?

Mostly nothing, unless you are a computer, or a mega extreme nerd (don’t worry, we love you too).  What’s changed is the “address” that the sites and computers connect to the internet.  For 30 years, all of our addresses have looked something like “196.251.133.217”.  Computers and other networked devices read this and know exactly where to send data.  This protocol for digital communication is called Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4).  The new IP scheme is IPv6, this is what launched today. Continue reading →

What is Xbox SmartGlass?

Posted on by Orion Williams
Blog, Games, Tech

It’s not glass.  Heck, it’s not even a physical “thing”.  What it is though, could be of benefit to gamers, movie lovers, and television aficionados alike.  And it will do this by incorporating your iPad or iPhone, Android, or Windows 8 tablet or Windows Phone and the content viewed within and your television set.  There is one catch though.  You will need an Xbox 360. Continue reading →

Archery Hits the Pop-Culture Bullseye

Posted on by Melissa Miller
Blog, Movies/TV

Before we get into the article, let me take a minute and apologize for my sad pun of a title. To be fair, you should all be thanking me because I could have used a pun involving the word “quiver” and I think we all know that would have gone horribly awry.

 

Anyway… 2012 is officially the year of the archer. By the time autumn rolls around guys and gals alike will be clamouring to get their hands on a bow and arrow and take aim at a target. Preferably a stationary inanimate object, and not, say, their sibling or spouse. But either way, chances are a good portion of the population will be ready to draw back that string. Continue reading →

How to secure your web browsing with LastPass, and why.

Posted on by Orion Williams
Blog, Tech

You like browsing the web.  You frequent myspace, facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.  You check your email through Gmail or Live mail, or Yahoo!.  You find it convenient to do some online banking.  And you definitely love to do some shopping.  And for all these sites you manage multiple passwords, always using strong passwords, and never using the same password on any two sites.  Right?

Wait, don’t tell me you use the same password on every site!  Uh oh, we need to have a talk.  I can’t believe you are not using “protection”.  It’s time I shared something with you.  It’s called LastPass, and it might just save your life identity.

Continue reading →

What to expect when purchasing a home security system.

Posted on by Orion Williams
Blog, Tech

If you’ve ever been stung by the loss of property in your home due to a burglary.  You may already be the reluctant purchaser of a home alarm system.  On the other hand, if you have never been burglarized, then it may be time to consider upping your defenses while you still have a perfect record.  The intent of this article is to take away some of the mystique of purchasing a home alarm system and to educate yourself to reduce the chance of becoming a victim.  Continue reading →

google-moog-birthday

Celebrate Robert Moog with this google doodle.

Posted on by Orion Williams
Music, Tech

Electronic music pioneer Robert Moog received the honor of having a Google Doodle created in celebration of his 78th birthday.  We could talk about the gear he created and the music he made and inspired, but you should read up on that after you mess with this synthesizer.  Mess with the filter and oscillator knobs, and record your own jam.  Enjoy it here!

After playing with the Moog Google Doodle (Moogle?), you can read more about the man, here.

free-amazon-mp3-credit

Free 2$ MP3 credit at Amazon.com

Posted on by Orion Williams
Deals, Music

Silly Amazon.  There you go again, giving away stuff again.  Granted, this is digital stuff, and therefore may not actually exist, but it’s definitely free.

Go here and follow the instructions (hint: you must have a facebook account).  Share your current favorite song and redeem your free MP3 credits.

You must redeem the credits by 11:59pm PST May 24th 2012.  Blast, there had to be a catch.

Free Xbox 360 with Laptop purchase for students.

Posted on by Orion Williams
Deals, Games

A new program has launched to no doubt help spur Xbox 360 software sales.  If you are a student, and you visit a participating retailer, and purchase a laptop for college any reason, then you get a little pleasure to go with your business.

This news is good for those who are looking for a new laptop and like themselves some games.

source: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/microsoft-announces-return-of-pc-and-xbox-360-offer-for-students-152018795.html

If your power supply is dead, count your screws.

Posted on by Orion Williams
Blog, Computer Repair

Hot Comedy

Some years ago, I was watching The Complete Sam Kinison on my original Xbox, sharing some laughs with a friend.  25 minutes or so into the show, I heard a sparking sound.  The video of Sam on the screen turned to a digital photograph, and flames shot forth from my beloved Xbox.  Apparently a bug had crawled into my gaming console seeking warmth, and shorted two points on the motherboard that he shouldn’t have.  This left the charred remains of an insect and the burnt carcass of an Xbox. Continue reading →

Off to a rough start.

Posted on by Orion Williams
Blog

This morning I started off optimistic.  I ate a lazy breakfast of generic cereal and proceeded to buy myself a website and hosting plan.  I was looking forward to developing a new website for people to be educated and entertained.  A place where you can look at recent video game reviews, or learn how to fix a computer problem.  Then my day took a different direction.

I came home to find my back door kicked in, and my two laptops and all of my wife’s jewelry gone.  I now type this clumsily on my ipad(it was located safely on my bible) with a new resolve.  I will continue making this site, and I will make it as good as I can with help from whoever I can coax it.  And I propose a toast.  May the following days involve the filing of fewer police reports than this.