S.O.S.

Picture courtesy of:
http://news.cnet.com/i/bto/20091127/
handbrake-logo.png

 

Handbrake: ever heard of it? It's a program designed for Mac and Windows to convert DVDs into an iTunes compatible formats. I've heard from lots of people that it has worked wonders for them and so I started using it with high hopes. However, I came out of it with my dreams shattered. I was impressed that it actually was able to convert my whole DVD onto the computer (most of the programs that I had previously tried had yet to do so). I was not so impressed with the quality of video that came from it. It was practically unwatchable; the picture looked like an unfinished jigsaw puzzle and the sound was very very choppy. If I hadn't already watched those movies, I'm pretty sure that I would have had no idea what was going on. Even then, I tried going on YouTube to try out different setting but nothing has worked yet. So, my advice to you: unless you have a sure fire way of using Handbrake and would like to enlighten me, hold off until I can find a way that works better...

Time to Bust Out the Popcorn

Picture courtsey of:
http://gigaom.com/apple/goflex-satellite-review-
stormy-weather-for-this-personal-cloud/

So, let me tell you about this cool new thing that I got. It's called the GoFlex Satellite. It's basically a wireless network that you can link up all of your media to. People can access it through their WiFi and you can share your media with your friends in little to 0 seconds. Bam. Awesome, right? I like it because you don't have to keep uploading all of your business to every single piece of technology that you can get your hands on. You just put it on this satellite and then people can download it right to their iPad--or whatever--and access it through the Seagate Media app. (BTW, this app is FREE and who doesn't enjoy buying a product that doesn't need a bunch of expensive add-on accessories?!?) And, GET THIS: This device is totally geared towards iPad users. But, I use it with my iTouch and my PC and it's absolutely fabulous! So, not an iPad user? Not a problem.

One thing that I don't like about this satellite is that it can get cluttered with all of the sample video and pictures. But, have no fear! You can totally delete those and then just go back onto YouTube and find them again. (http://www.youtube.com/user/SeagateTechnology) I would recommend not deleting any of the set-up software documents, though. That may be a mistake that could cost you another $200 to buy a completely new satellite... Speaking of the software that it comes with, it kinda stinks. No offense, I mean. But, seriously? It really just works better to put your media directly onto the satellite. And then, there's the fact that it's not the best thing if you're a movie/picture freak. Here's a little advice: stick to using this device for mostly video. You can upload up to 300 videos on this device which will then free up a lot of storage space on your iWhatever. Then, just use your iWhatever for all of your pictures and music. You can still take all of them wherever you go because, oh yeah, I forgot to mention that this satellite is totally portable. I just stick it in my purse, pull it out, and watch what I've uploaded whenever I want to. No catch. And, awesome fact about it #143: you can also take this satellite with you in the car! Road trip where everyone wants to watch a different movie?!? BARRRRRING! No problem. Bust out the GoFlex Satellite and their wish is your command. Take note that only 3 people can access this device at the same time so it's not key for big parties/social events. Unless your guests aren't very picky. And, if you're not interested in inviting picky guests, you probably shouldn't invite your satellite... What I mean is that it's kind of picky when it comes to which videos formats it will allow. There is an instructional video that suggests different formatting programs to use when trying to fix this. I'm working on finding one that works without basically costing you your house. Hopefully, I will help you conquer the world before bedtime. But, no promises... So, yes, it's awesome. Yes, it's got some kinks. But, yes, it's worth it.

How to Conquer the World

Basically, the one thing that I hate about iTunes is that you can't upload your DVDs. You can do that with your CDs, right, and it's no big deal at all. But, plop in a DVD and everyone's worried about copyright details and if that's legally yours and all that business. Well, here's the deal: Yes, I did buy that DVD and yes, it legally belongs to me. Why shouldn't I be able to upload it onto my iPod and take it with me everywhere? Explain that to me iTunes.
Anyways, until they get some sense knocked into them, I've taken it upon myself to find a way to do just this. I've tried a few ways already but none of them seem to work every single time. So, my new goal for life: conquer the media world by finding a sure-fire way to make all videos accessible.

Common Sense is Key

Let me be honest for a second. There are times when technology and I are not BFFs. Times when I really wish that these devices weren't so expensive so that I could demolish them into a million pieces to let them know how much they are really upsetting me. Well, I'm assuming that I'm not the only one who feels like that at least on some occasions and so, I've come up with a few tips and tricks to ease the transition from mortal enemies to cordial acquaintances.

Step #1: Breathe.
Patience really is key when you are working with technology. If you get impatient and frustrated with it, then you're going to get nowhere. Take a deep breath and even step away from the device if you need to. Go for a walk or take a nap or chow down on some popcorn. Clear your head so you can handle it calmly.

Step #2: Task Manager!
Do you ever have those days when your computer feels like your best friend who is having a terrible day but just won't stop complaining about it?!? Like, when you get onto the Internet, and the connection is slow and the program isn't responding, and then you try to exit out of it and it's too busy complaining about how it's not working to actually shut down. Well, let me introduce you to my friend, the Task Manager. Basically, this program is the end button on your cell phone that lets you end the conversation without getting into too much trouble with your whining friend. For PC users, all you have to do is press (at the same time) Ctrl, Alt, and Delete. Try it out! The Task Manager should open up. Once it's displayed on your screen, a list of the programs that you are running will come up. Best part: It'll tell you which ones are "running" and which ones are "not responding" (Not like it really needs to tell you. You already know which programs are not responding. Duh dumb computer!) Then, to close those stubborn programs, all you do is click on them and then click the "End Task" button. To highlight multiple programs at a time, you hold down the "Ctrl" button which clicking on the unresponsive programs. Then, click "End Task" and say "Bye, bye frustration."(Unfortunately, I'm not a Mac user but, if you are and you'd like to shed some wisdom on this situation with how to use the Task Manager for Macs, feel free to enlighten us in the comment box!)

Step #3: Turn it off.
If everything is freezing and nothing is going right, just turn the computer off!!! Press and hold the power key or unplug the power cord if you must; just turn the computer off! Let it sit for a little bit and then come back to it. Computers are just like humans; whenever we've had a long day, it's completely useless to even think about sprinting a million miles to the moon. We're too tired. What we really need to do is sit down, take our shoes off, and relax for 30 seconds. Computers are the same way. After it's been working for a while, it gets temperamental and needs a break. LET IT HAVE A BREAK! Save whatever you're doing and shut the computer down. Let it be for a few minutes and then come back to it. It basically acts like a power nap. Turn it back on and it'll be ready to go again.
*Disclaimer: This pulling out the whole power cord method isn't really endorsed by technological goo-roos. And, that's okay. But, for the normal person who doesn't know how to import the Greek Alphabet into the Fundamental Theory of Calculus, it works. But, it should probably be a last resort. Just, be smart, okay? Make sure that you're not unplugging important things and that you don't blow a fuse or catch on fire. Sound good? Awesome. :)

So, while these things don't work as sure-fire ways to get fix any of the major problems, they're a good place to start. Enjoy!