The Geeks Blogging Place

NEW BLOG LOCATION

2009-05-05T09:01:00.000-07:00

Hey folks! I've moved my blog, FYI. Find us at http://www.hirethegeeks.com
Just click on "Blog" and bookmark it for all future updates!
The "Tech Tips" Section is really starting to rock also.
Thanks for following...looking forward to your comments!
Jay Petersen - Head Geek In Charge.

Your Company's Virtual I.T. Department

2009-03-17T17:44:00.001-07:00

We hope you like our new push for 2009. We sure do!

We Get IT. DONE.

2009-03-17T14:37:00.001-07:00

Part 1 of our new marketing videos!

What router should I buy?

2009-01-10T20:45:00.001-08:00

I had a woman who saw me on TV ask me which wireless router she should buy for her home.
First, she asked which consumer router had the best support. Unfortunately, I had to tell her that they all had pretty bad support. Then came the more important question: which one has the best signal?
I have to admit, I hate wireless overall. Things like cordless phones, plumbing and metal beams through your house can play havoc on your signal. I prefer hard wire. But that's just not practical for some people, although if you can swing it, I think you'll save money on service calls and you'll save lots of headaches if you just hard wire.
If you must have wireless, put your wireless router upstairs for the best signal spread. The signal kind of has an umbrella effect, so you get the best results with the router up high.
Anyway, I prefer Netgear as a brand, although their support is at least AMONG the worst, if not THE worst. These guys are bad. You should never call them for support. But their routers are alright, and so's the price (usually).
A good model for everyday usage just so your kid's laptop can get online is the Netgear WGR614. It has worked well for us regularly. Remember these two things, though:
1.) Netgear tech support is awful.
2.) Most consumer-grade wireless routers only last about a-year-and-a-half.
Bear that in mind, and you won't feel like you're getting a raw deal.
Talk soon,
Jay

How to reset admin password in Mac OS 10.5

2008-10-21T10:18:00.000-07:00

I was asked recently how to reset an Administrator's password in OS 10.5 without the reinstall disks. Here's how you do it:

First things first...log in to a command prompt in single user mode by holding Command + S when the computer is starting up.
At the prompt, type this followed by Return: mount -uw /
Type this: launchctl load /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.DirectoryServices.plist
Press Return
Type this, then press Return: ls /Users
Look at the listing and note the short name (username) of the affected user account.
Type this: dscl . -delete /Users/username AuthenticationAuthorityNote: Replace "username" with the affected user account's short name you noted above.
Press Return
Type this, followed by Return: passwd usernameNote: Replace "username" with the affected user account's short name you noted above.
At the "New password:" prompt, type the user's password, then Return. Note: It is recommended that the original user's password be used to match the keychain password.
At the "Retype new password" prompt, type the same password, followed by Return.
Type this, followed by Return: reboot

Hope this helps!
Jay - Head Geek In Charge

iTunes 8 won't install on Vista, or crashes Vista

2008-10-16T15:59:00.000-07:00

We've found that iTunes 8 is crashing Vista, or iTunes won't install at all. The main error states: "Itunes installer completed - The installer encountered errors before iTunes could be configured..."
We've found a solution, but this may not work for everybody. Here's a really good link to help you through the steps - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1926?viewlocale=en_US
Make sure you use the recommended tool to remove any traces of iTunes on your system before taking the next step which is...simply...
...don't install iTunes 8 - use version 7.5 instead, downloadable from www.filehippo.com - of course, search for iTunes 7.5.

If anyone else has any recommendations, please feel free to post here.

Thanks,
The Geeks Admin

Fake Antivirus Software

2008-07-17T10:21:00.001-07:00

This is to provide help with some of you who may be experiencing an influx of "Antivirus" programs popping up with notices that you are "infected." These programs go by many names: WinAntivirus Pro, Antivirus XP 2008, SpyAxe, SpySherrif, and others too countless to mention. Go ahead and post your questions or experiences here.

Welcome Bloggers!

2008-03-29T10:57:00.000-07:00

I sure am glad to be able to offer this blog to those of you who would like to share your ideas and thoughts about Hire The Geeks, unusual problems, or technology in general. Let the community know we're here...and thanks for making Hire The Geeks (formerly Computer Geeks) the best computer service company in Central California!