About time for mine

Finally happened: I was using the laptop, upon which I rely for everything, and it *died*. Right there, mid type-stroke, just died. I nearly did as well. But, then I remembered that I am a Computer Professional, and I tried to figure it out.

As I've mentioned before, the laptop runs hot enough to prepare eggs on, as it has an AMD processor. I run SpeedFan to keep an eye on temp, and it regularly runs ~77C. Thats pretty darn hot.

After I waited a few minutes, I was able to turn the laptop back on, so I backed up all the important stuff and purchased a laptop cooling fan. Took 15C off the temp right away. It was $35, and I would recommend you run right out and buy one right now. Just go.

Extra - Make sure all your browsers are up to date. Its getting a lot worse out there for exploits and fake sites that serve up malware. I took a false virus fix off a client's machine the other day, a bit of crapware called "ErrorFix". Google it and you find removal instructions - thats the first clue that it may not be legit.

Don't be afraid to Google things if you don't recognize them. Sometimes Google with the words, Scam or Removal.

Additional Details

We've been named Member of the Month by the Milan Chamber of Commerce .

I'm helping with a seminar on Social Networking for Business on Tuesday, June 16, at the historic Union School building. I'd direct interested parties to the FaceBook event page, but the chamber didn't make one. Hopefully, we can convince them to use these technologies to publicize events in the future.

We were at the Ann Arbor Mayor's Green Fair yesterday, June 12. It was really crowded and a great evening. A lot of people stopped to talk to us, and we had a really positive reaction from the attendees. I think we'll see a few new customers from it.

Also, we have a new tweet: follow @Dr_Inky_Green for printer and cartridge tips and info. I'm using Tweetdeck to keep that account straight; recommended.

Confikerery Doo Da

The Confiker virus is finally awake and doing... no one knows what yet.

ZDNet has an article that describes what they know so far. Also, if you Google for a confiker remedy, apparently there are criminals
using poisoned search results to serve up malware as well. Lets be careful out there.

Upcoming Events

Taste of Milan Tickets Presale
Come on down to Milan for an evening of fun and food. Taste of Milan will be held at 5PM on Friday, May 15th, at the senior center, 45 Neckels Ave. Tickets are on sale now. For more info, call the Milan Chamber of Commerce at 734-439-7932.


York Township Environmental Workshop
The Township of York is presenting a series of workshops from noon to 5PM on Saturday, April 18th, focusing on Garden Design, Home Energy Conservation, and Backyard Habitat. The workshops are free, but seating is limited, so please call ahead for reservations at (734) 439-8842.


NRA Foundation Banquet
The Huron Valley Friends of NRA are hosting a fundraiser banquet to support shooting and educational programs. The prime rib banquet will be held at 5:30 on Wednesday, April 22, at Tri County Sportsmens League, 8640 Moon Road, Saline. Tickets are still available, so call 734-429-9561 for reservations.

Weekendery

We spent the weekend at the Home Improvement expo at the Farm Council Grounds. That sounds so banal. 'Farm council grounds' brings to mind sharing space with livestock...

Anyway, we had a lot of visitors to our humble little booth. We split the space between CallYourHelpDesk, and Cartridge World. I would try to engage folks by asking, "Do you have a computer question?" A lot of people did.

And it didn't hurt that we were in the paper over the weekend.
have a look

So far, several people who met us over the weekend, or saw us in the paper, have come by and tried our services. It can only go up from here.

Checking in

Well, I've successfully avoided posting for about three weeks! W00T!

Sorry, but it occurred to me (ok, it occurred to others to tell me) that my blog was getting a tad, shall we say, Dull? Yes, we shall. It was dull. Anyone want to read about the hard drive or CD I installed? Viruses defeated? PCs and networks set up?

I think not. Not all the time anyway. So I'll break the fourth wall and let you in on what else I've been doing. Its a bit more exciting.

I've joined the Saline City Environmental Commission as an interested community member. I don't actually live within the corporate boundaries of the city, so I can't be a sworn member, but I'm still very interested in the environmental affairs of the city.

I do live within York Township, so I've joined the township environmental commission. We've got a really interesting program on tap for our Earth Day workshops. More info can be found on the township web site or on Facebook. I've created an event page for it; get on Facebook already!

I'm the chairman for our annual Friends of NRA Banquet; it is held on Wednesday, April 22. Funds raised at this event help us at Tri County to have educational and recreational events for the community, for no or low cost. Tickets are on sale now, but don't delay.

We at Cartridge World are manning a booth at the Home Improvement Show at the Saline Fairgrounds, March 20-22. We're also at the Greening of Milan Expo, April 20-21.

Looking to May, I will help organize the Taste of Milan event, on the 14th, then immediately drive to Nashville for our corporate annual meeting, 15-17th.

June, we at Tri County host Women on Target the 13th. Its a good over view-type event for women of all ages who might not have any experience with various shooting sports, but are curious. Since I'm a NRA Certified instructor, I always help out.

In July, we have Celtic fest on the 9-11th. I'm helping with gate control this year.

August, Saline Summer Fest will feature a 5k Run. I've done a few runs, and am proud to have been approached to help out.

See? Lots of interesting things going on. Arguably, I might be stretched a bit thin. We'll see. I'll update status on the goings on of these various events and commissions as things happen.

It won't be boring. Promise.

Hold Tight!

Not too tight.

So what did we do for Valentines, you ask? We went to the Beale St Smokehouse and saw ass-kickin blues courtesy of the Witchdoctors. They were murdering all my favorites, and I mean that in a good way.

This week, there's the usual networking (Morning Edition, A2B3, WRN, HBA), and many evening meetings. Mon - FNRA Banquet, Tues - York Twp Environmental, Wed - Air Rifle and Saline Environmental, Thur - Tri County general membership meeting, Fri - Artini Martini Crawl. Alright, the last one isn't technically a meeting. But there is booze, so theres that.

I even have a couple of virusy PCs to fumigate.

Larger news, we're one of the featured businesses in the upcoming Business Outlook section of the AA News, due out in March. How cool is that?

Peek into the chaos

Lessons from this week:
* If your PC tells you to download some very-convenient solution to a problem you didn't know you had, you're in too deep already.
* If your PC runs any operating system, the age of which can be measured in decades, you need to just let it go.
* Laptop DC Jacks are fragile as hell. I've replaced many of them now and I'm just appalled at how easily they break. Makes for good cash flow over here, but still.
* If you have a server at your business, and I mean a business you own in this case, so the server is your property, but you don't know the server's password... well, where to start? Its like not having keys to your own car.

And so on and so on. Its all common sense stuff, but I think people panic when their computers stop cooperating. We rely so much on the wee beasties that we can't cope when they die. The answer, of course, is to accept their mortality and back up all important data.

This coming week, I've got no scheduled PC work (scary!), and a few networking opportunities. I'm not looking forward to a break in the pace, but we can't always choose, can we?

Heads, Ugly, Ready to rear

A complaint that seems to be re-inventing itself is the dread AntiVirus2009 infection. While relatively minor as infections go, it has started infecting machines from which I had removed its predecessor(s) last year. I'm glad the providers of the anti-virus/anti-spyware apps are up to speed on the latest problems.

Unless they're in on it... very convenient if you ask me.

We've been bloody busy down here. The new name rollout is going smoothly as well. More on that by the end of Feb.

And now for something completely the same

As for amusement, that may have been it right there.

Recent activities include a few dead laptops, several misbehaving desktops, an errant wireless network, and a sloppy wired network. Several appointments for this week already, and not a complaint to be had from me.

Saline Leadership ended last week. It was on a high note (arts n crafts day!) (it was actually better than I made it sound right there). It was an interesting course. I'm glad I did it, and I would actually encourage you to get a second opinion should you consider joining. Not that there's anything wrong, mind you, but the commitment level is not trivial, and you must put some thought into it before hand. More than one person dropped out during the process due (I assume) to time constraints.

What set SLI apart from other Leadership initiatives was that it focused on what skills it takes to be a leader. As a guide, it used the idea of Learning Organizations put forth by Peter Senge. The disciplines he identifies in such an organization are Systems Thinking, Personal Mastery, Mental Models, Shared Vision, and Team Learning. Each has its role in creating a leader. Fascinating stuff, really, but not your typical Leadership Institute kind of curriculum.

Many things on tap for this week. I won't promise to keep up with them, but its a goal.

Ides of Snow

Weren't they a band? 1972?

Sorry, been busy.

Lots of cartridges, and lots of PC support.
Just busy, man, busy. Some hardware replacement, a lot of securing of PCs, keeping the bogeymen at bay. Lots of little stuff, ya know? But it keeps a body moving.

I'll try to think of something amusing soon.

Nary a dull moment

And so freshly back from our brief holiday in the warmer climes, we hit the ground running. We spent the day with much printer supply business, and several computer appointments as well.

I did some maintenance work on a local business' network. Its the one that needs a lot of work; I just can't get it all done in one fell swoop, lest heads explode.

I did a bit of data retrieval on a supposedly dead PC. Funny, it worked fine for me. On the other hand, being dead wasn't its worst feature - it also had zero security apps installed. And even worse, the other two PCs on the home office network were insecure as well. I have an appointment tomorrow (I think) to finish up the other two.

Tuesday, I also have a bit of user training to get done after the breakfast at the Morris Lawrence bldg, with the Ypsi Chamber. Tuesday is almost completely filled.
Thats very good news, indeed.

I'm thinking of re-branding HTTP into something with a bit more cachet, something a bit catchier. The domain is available, too. I won't say anymore or Gary will steal it to hold it ransom. I know his type...

Amazing Plow Stories

I love the snow. Apparently, my tractor doesn't.

It seems the battery was dead; so I went out this morning, in all that snow and replaced it. I had to go visit a local company anyway, so it was convenient to stop at Tractor Supply. They comped the battery, since it was only about a year old.

I replaced the battery and the beast fired right up. I started plowing and got stuck right away, since, as I mentioned earlier, I hadn't put the bloody chains on. So I installed those in the snow.

Good Times!

Then the tensioner pulley came loose, so I crawled around under the tractor and got that put back on.

Then, now having tension upon it, the thrower drive belt snapped. Can you imagine my joy?

I said... well, you know what I said, got changed, and drove in to the store, where I'm sure we'll make... well, nothing. Who is crazy enough to drive out in this for ink?

The good news, and yes there is good news, is that I may have secured a support contract with the business I visited this morning. Sweet!

Update! Whaddayaknow? There were people who really, really needed printing supplies on a day like this. So, all in all, it was worthwhile to go in.

I have to mention that I'm not real impressed with the complete lack of attention to the streets. And it will only get worse - did you read how services will suffer as municipal revenues decrease due to reduced real estate valuations?

Well, at least the power is on.

Inverse ratio: cooks to progress

I was at a local business today, trying to sort out their network. Apparently, I'm not the first to have a go at it. That fact is made all the more tragic when one sees that, of the eight machines I attended to, two had no security at all, two had expired McAfee (which is still no security at all) and the others had a hodge podge of semi-worthless security. Further, although on a domain, they all log in using one of three accounts. There is no back up protocol... I could go on, but I won't. Its mostly better now, but it will still need more work.

And I'm finishing up a PC that had Pro AntiSpyware 2009 and Registry Defender on it. Free Clue: These are malware, and tough to remove. Protect thyself against them.

Looks like I get to use the tractor tomorrow. I kinda dig throwing snow with the Cub. *remembers* Crap. I didn't get the chains on. D'Oh.

And in other news

I would have rather and more immensely enjoyed myself and found my time useful had I begged off of SLI the other day, and gone to AA NetWorks. That is all I will say on that.

On Shuffle: Matthew Sweet, I've Been Waiting. Bubblegum? Yes, yes it is. Still like it tho.

I've got a big ol PC on the test bed, it suffering from the usual malaise of the older PC: application bloat. There's just too much stuff to let a P4 with 512MB work smoothly. Among the gunk was a full set of Norton System and Internet Works. Bloody Hell. Look, seriously, if you must use Norton, don't kid yourself about minimum requirements. Have at least one GB, two would be better.

Shuffle: Pixies, Allison. Jeez, remember the Pixies?

I added 2x256 PC3200 SIMMs that I had laying around, cleared out all the rubble, and it is a bit faster now. Another thing he's running is SQL server and a DB preloader that both take up a fair amount of resources. It should be noted that this PC is not really a server, its a converted desktop running XP Pro SP3.

It belongs to a local small business. I'll be there all morning Monday setting up a new network. Not a proper domain, mind you, but basically a home network used for business, so its a few desktops, peered around a router.

Shuffle: Kristy McColl, Treachery. Cool latin rhythms there, boss.

Our networking group had their Holiday Festivus last Friday. Whereas what happens in Trindy's basement stays; there was rather a lot more groping than I would have thought appropriate.

Appropriately enough, shuffle goes to Ziggy Stardust.

This week, the run up to the Giftivus Holiday, features a few meetings and such, but not much. I will attend a meeting on Wednesday, concurrent to the youth air rifle session at TCSL, with the Saline Environmental Commission. [If you're wondering, the shuffle went to Blues Traveler, The Mountains Win Again. You're Welcome.] Anyway, the SEAC (I think the acronym is) is something I am keen to be involved with. It does affect us all, and what with my participation in environmental affairs in other venues, it could be a very natural fit. I suppose there will be some discussion as to whether I should be allowed to be on such a board, because although I have a Saline address, I live in the hinterlands of York Township. As an aside, I am thinking it might be a good idea to get on the York Twp Environmental Committee (YTEC) or perhaps the planning commission, as well.

We end this narrative as we began, with Matthew Sweet, Nothing Lasts. Hopefully that selection is not appropriate at all.

Comin back around

SO this evening I went to the year-ender party with the Home Builder's Assn.

It was a lovely affair, in their basement, with free beer and all the cool kids. Kinda like being back in high school, but it was OK this time.

I spent a portion of the evening chatting with a fellow with whom I've become acquainted through several chambers of commerce as well as the HBA. He is, as they say, everywhere. He represents a local bank, an he is a friendly, approachable fellow. But, he confided in me, he isn't selling very well. His job is to get customers for the bank, and he isn't, and that worries him. After he spoke for a little while, I told him that just from what he said, it seemed that his heart may not be completely in to it. He has little verve for the bank; he couldn't give me one reason why I should consider switching. Thats not good.

So, trying to be a good guy, trying to give good advice, I advised him to speak to a person we both know in common: Kendra Kerr. This isn't going to turn into a commercial for KK, but she helped me and Laura get where we are now, and she could help him sort out whether he should just chuck it in and go into business for himself. He had mentioned that he had been considering such a thing, so it was appropriate to suggest.

Kendra is co-host of AA Chamber NetWorks tomorrow, and I will miss it, as I will attend Saline Leadership. SL was kicked back one week for... some reason. Its not like the 18th would have really impacted Christmas. Anyway, maybe he'll talk to her, maybe he won't. It can be very intimidating to go into business for oneself; but its worse to be unemployed.

So who else did I speak to tonight? I told you - all the cool kids. Where were you?

Phear This

Our in-store event yesterday (Saturday) went very well. Laura did all the on-air talking; at least twenty minutes worth. We received several calls and some new customers stopped by. All in all, we're impressed enough with WAAM's coverage, and its employees, that we'll very likely continue our advertising.

This coming week has a lot fewer networking events; the holidays are upon us and the business world is slowing down. Ypsi chamber has a coffee on Wednesday at Bombadill's. Later Wednesday is the HBA year-ender party. Thursday is WRN, then Saline Leadership. I've really enjoyed SLI, and I've gotten a lot from it.

I'm looking forward to the days just after Christmas; we're going back to Nassau for a week. It will be so nice to get away for a while...

Timing is everything

Had breakfast with the Ypsi chamber yesterday. As is their custom, they had the high school chorus sing seasonal selections. Very nice way to start the day.

So we're looking forward to Saturday's in-store event. A little nervous, as I've never been involved in anything like it before. Also, the store is kinda small, at least up in the front public area, so the added people and equipment will make for a few hours of tight living.

Things continue apace. Bidness as usual.

Other things, in no particular order:
* The Friends of NRA fundraiser banquet has been moved to April, the 22nd. I'm co-chair this year, so lets see how that goes.
* Air rifle is tonight. We get 12-15 kids per session, which for this activity is extreme success.
* AA Chamber Year Ender party is Thursday. All the cool kids will be there.... just don't stand in front of the shrimp. I've seen terrible things happen in the shrimp line.
* Tri County board meeting is Thursday night, right after the year ender.
* I'll try to get to A2B3 on Thursday. Its been a few weeks since I made that group.
* So what else? In laws come up on Friday and stay a few days; if the weather permits, I suppose.

Yup, My life is exciting. Actually it is kinda.

Beware the Pierogi

Today is Holiday Pierog-a-rama, and the better half has friends of Polish extraction coming over. In a bygone era, it would have been babushka-ville in the house today, but the modern woman wouldn't dare.

Next Saturday, Dec 6, Joe Gagnon from WAAM will be at the store from 11:15 - 1:15. He spoke on-air about the event for about five minutes a little while ago. How cool is that? We hope the event adds a lot of visibility to the store... we could use a little Holiday Shopping bump.

Article on CW here. I think a lot of the stigma about using recycled cartridges is wearing off. People are finding that recycled cartridges aren't junk. Well, they aren't junk, and everyone to whom we've shown the process has been impressed at how detailed it is. There is a lot of there, there.

HTTP-wise, I have a fun project. The son of a local wine merchant built hisself a PC. Problem is, it developed a condition in which it won't stay on. He tried to reinstall the OS, but that didn't help. I took it back to the test rack, and what I found was a loose screw under the motherboard. The screw was causing a short to the case, and the power supply's thermal breaker would trip. Now, I just need to reconnect everything, and retest. I also noticed that he's using XP Home, and has 4GB PC-6400 RAM installed. Also has a dual core CPU. I will counsel the young lad to rethink his OS strategy, as XP won't use multicore efficiently, and its a 32-bit OS, so it won't use all of the 4GB either. I would go with Vista Home Ultimate.

As with the recycled cartridges, there is a lot of misconception about Vista. People are slow to accept new paradigms; I'm just as guilty.

Grumpy, Grumpy

Geez, but that last post was cheerful.

The day at the Ice Cube was largely a bust. One other exhibitor was there, Krishna Mallya from Batteries Plus, and we looked a bit, shall we say, random. We were just standing there, with our displays, next to the WAAM people, who did a spot every twenty or thirty minutes, and that was that. No signs, no tie-in, no obvious reason why we were there. Good Times.

And then we did go to Manchester, where it was cold, and there was some A, but no T to speak of.

I've got one PC to upgrade, when the parts show up, and a software install, which will probably happen next week. If at all.... another story altogether.

Apropos of nothing at all, go look here, if you like. I have a great interest in the effects of modern secular culture, if culture is what it is, and its effects on art are a good way to define it.