Episode 43: Special Spy Episode, Plus Merging w/Gradient Tool, & iStat Pro Widget.

In this vodcast, Brandon Jackson shows how to merge two images with the Photoshop gradient tool to create a banner montage.

Doug Grammar joins D.Lee Beard again, this time to explain spyware, adware, and keylogging. They explain what these threats to your privacy & computer speed are as well as how to prevent and get rid of them.

Speaking of security, Jason Rybicki shows one way to tell if your privacy is being compromised on a Mac using a free widget. (30min 02sec)

Hosts: D.Lee Beard, Doug Grammer, Brandon Jackson, & Jason Rybicki

Have a comment/question? Send us an e-mail at AskTheTechies@gmail.com.

Episode 43: Special Spy Episode, Plus Merging w/Gradient Tool, & iStat Pro Widget.

Episode 42: Free Stock Photos, Computer Viruses, & "msconfig"

In this video, the techies show how to find high quality free photos (i.e., "stock photos") online for use in such things as PowerPoint presentations. Stop using MS clip art and make your presentations look great!

Doug Grammar joins the techies to explain how to tell if you have a computer virus, what to do if you do have an infection, and do Mac Users have to worry about computer viruses.

Want to speed up your Windows computer on start up? Jason Rybicki explains how to turn off unneeded programs by running "msconfig." (31min 10sec)

Hosts: D.Lee Beard, Doug Grammer, Brandon Jackson, & Jason Rybicki

Have a comment/question? Send us an e-mail at AskTheTechies@gmail.com.

Episode 42: Free Stock Photos, Computer Viruses, & "msconfig"

Episode 41: Firefox vs. Opera Browser Shootout

Brandon fights for Firefox while D.Lee Beard fights for Opera. Which is the better browser? Brandon and D.Lee compare features to help you decide. Be sure to watch the credits ;-). (32min 42sec)

Available in the MP4 iPod Video compatible format
& in a much higher quality H.264 format for viewing on a computer (requires QuickTime 7 Player installed).

Hosts: D.Lee Beard & Brandon Jackson

Have a comment/question? Send us an e-mail at AskTheTechies@gmail.com.
Episode 41: Firefox vs. Opera Browser Shootout

Episode 40: Importing Cellphone Pictures w/Bluetooth, Digital Camera/Camcorder Buying Guide, & Where to Buy Electronics

In this episode we show you how to import pictures off of your Bluetooth capable cellphone and onto an iMac.

Should you buy a digital camera or camcorder? What features should you look for? The techies give their input on what to look for in making those decisions.

Along the same theme, the techies offer some suggestions on where to buy electronics including digital cameras and camcorders. (31min 59sec)

This instructional video podcast is available in the MP4 iPod Video compatible format & in a higher quality H.264 format for viewing on a computer (requires QuickTime 7 Player installed).

Hosts: D.Lee Beard & Jason Rybicki

Have a comment/question? Send us an e-mail at AskTheTechies@gmail.com.
Episode 40: Importing Cellphone Pictures w/Bluetooth, Digital Camera/Camcorder Buying Guide, & Where to Buy Electronics

Episode 39: iPod Video to TV, Parallels Review, & PowerPoint Presentation Remotes

We show you how to play video you download from the internet on your TV using an iPod Video and remote dock ...no need to wait for the iTV device from Apple.

Then we give you an updated review on Parallels software which enables the use of Microsoft Windows and Windows applications on the Mac at the same time that the Mac OS X is running.

The last segment presents a review of a couple of models of PowerPoint presentation remotes from Keyspan PR-US2 and Interlinkelectronics RemotePoint Navigator 2.4. We also show how to setup a cellphone as a presentation remote using Bluetooth. (24min 42sec)

This instructional video podcast is available in the MP4 iPod Video compatible format & in a higher quality H.264 format for viewing on a computer (requires QuickTime 7 Player installed). Both versions are now available in the larger 640x480 sized video.

Hosts: D.Lee Beard & Jason Rybicki

Have a comment/question? Send us an e-mail at AskTheTechies@gmail.com.
Episode 39: iPod Video to TV, Parallels Review, & PowerPoint Presentation Remotes

Episode 38: iTunes 7, New iPods, Database Search Tip w/Terminal, Firefox IE Plug-In

In this first episode of our 2nd season, we cover four topics. First we review the new iTunes 7 & iPods, and we clue you in on what Apple didn't say.

Then we show you how to sort through huge files of text information and count up how many times a word appears (this is a great way to count up number of hits to certain files on server logs or to count up replies to a survey completed on computers where responders can select more than one choice.

Nathan Galieti also shows how to view web pages in FireFox as if you were using Internet Explorer for Windows. (37min 11sec)

Note that we have two feeds for our vidoes. One in MP4 format which is compatible with the iPod video (320x240), and a second one that is in a larger format and better quality in an H.264 QuickTime 7 version (480x320): ideal for viewing the videos on your computer monitor.

Have a comment/question? Send us an e-mail at AskTheTechies@gmail.com.
Episode 38: iTunes 7, New iPods, Database Search Tip w/Terminal, Firefox IE Plug-In

Episode 37: Computer Buying Guide Basics

Are you going to be buying a new computer? Need to know what specs you should look for? The "techies" explain the key things to consider when buying a computer including operating system, hard drive space and speed, RAM, ports, weight & size, portability, and where to buy. (21min 25sec)

Note that we have two feeds for our vidoes. One in MP4 format which is compatible with the iPod video (320x240), and a second one that is in a larger format and better quality in an H.264 QuickTime 7 version (480x320): ideal for viewing the videos on your computer monitor.

Have a comment/question? Send us an e-mail at AskTheTechies@gmail.com.
Episode 37: Computer Buying Guide Basics

Episode 36: iFrogz iPod Video Protector

Episode 36: iFrogz iPod Video Protector

Owning an iPod video can be a powerful educational tool so it is important to protect that multi-hundred dollar investment. D.Lee Beard demonstrates how to apply an iFrogz iPod cover followed by a post 1-month user review. He also explains why he chose this brand of case for his 60GB iPod Video (please note that iFrogz did not pay for this add - this is not a paid advertisement). (13min 25sec)

Note that we have two feeds for our vidoes. One in MP4 format which is compatible with the iPod video (320x240), and a second one that is in a larger format and better quality in an H.264 QuickTime 7 version (480x320): ideal for viewing the videos on your computer monitor.

Have a comment/question? Send us an e-mail at AskTheTechies@gmail.com.
Episode 36: iFrogz iPod Video Protector

Episode 35: Video Podcasting: What it Takes

Episode 35: Video Podcasting: What it Takes

This video consists of about 14 minutes sampled from a 75-minute presentation D.Lee Beard gave at the New Media Consortium's 2006 Summer Conference in June. The New Media Consortium (www.nmc.org) is an organization made up of nearly 200 colleges, universities, and museums as well as a few corporate partners, who work to encourage the use of technology to spark "innovative learning and creativity."

The title of the presentation was "Video Podcasting: What it Takes". We apologize in advance for the poor quality, but it was a static camera setup in very low light conditions. (14min 49sec)

Note that we have two feeds for our vidoes. One in MP4 format which is compatible with the iPod video (320x240), and a second one that is in a larger format and better quality in an H.264 QuickTime 7 version (480x320): ideal for viewing the videos on your computer monitor.

Have a comment/question? Send us an e-mail at AskTheTechies@gmail.com.
Episode 35: Video Podcasting: What it Takes

Episode 34: Creating Rollover Swap Images & Dialog Boxes in Web Pages with Dreamweaver

Brandon Jackson and D.Lee Beard explain how to use Dreamweaver "behaviors" to make a web page more interactive with swap images on mouse rollover, pop up new browser window with restricted features, and a drop down dialog box from a title bar.(14 min)

Note that we now have two feeds for our vidoes. One in MP4 format which is compatible with the iPod video (320x240), and a second one that is in a larger format and better quality in an H.264 QuickTime 7 version (480x320): ideal for viewing the videos on your computer monitor.

Have a comment/question? Send us an e-mail at AskTheTechies@gmail.com. We love hearing from viewers!
Episode 34: Creating Rollover Swap Images & Dialog Boxes in Web Pages with Dreamweaver

Episode 33: How to Use Multicam Editing with Final Cut Pro 5

Episode 33: How to Use Multicam Editing with Final Cut Pro 5

Daryl Royer explains how to use the multicam editing feature that is new to Final Cut Pro Studio 5. With multicam editing, you can view and cut video from multiple sources in real time saving valuable post production editing time. (23 min)

Note that we now have two feeds for our vidoes. One in MP4 format which is compatible with the iPod video (320x240), and a second one that is in a larger format and better quality in an H.264 QuickTime 7 version (480x320): ideal for viewing the videos on your computer monitor.

Have a comment/question? Send us an e-mail at AskTheTechies@gmail.com. We love hearing from viewers!
Episode 33: How to Use Multicam Editing with Final Cut Pro 5

Episode 32: Running Windows on a Mac using Boot Camp & Parallells, Plus Intel MacBook Pro Review

D.Lee Beard and Matt Tragert explore the feasibility of running Microsoft Windows on a Macintosh computer including Virtual PC on a G5 processor Mac, the new Boot Camp solution from Apple for the new Intel processor Macs, & Paralells software.

Matt also offers a personal review of his new 15" MacBook Pro laptop with the Intel CoreDuo processor.(Stick around to the end of the video for a humorous outtake). (30 min)

Hosts: D.Lee Beard, & Matt Tragert

Note that we now have two feeds for our vidoes. One in MP4 format which is compatible with the iPod video (320x240), and a second one that is in a larger format and better quality in an H.264 QuickTime 7 version (480x320): ideal for viewing the videos on your computer monitor.

Have a comment/question? Send us an e-mail at AskTheTechies@gmail.com. We love hearing from viewers!
Episode 32: Running Windows on a Mac using Boot Camp & Parallells, Plus Intel MacBook Pro Review

Episode 31: Importing Analog & Digital Video Into a Computers

D.Lee Beard and Daryl Royer demonstrate how to import video into a computer and export back out to video tape. Using an analog to digital video converter (Canopus ADVC-100) the Techies explain how to import video from a VHS video tape. They also demonstrate how to hook up a Sony GVD-1000 MiniDV video tape deck and import video from a digital camcorder tape (note that a digital camcorder works the same way, but our lab does provide thee MiniDV decks so you don't have to bring your camcorder with you to import your video).

In addition to hooking up the equipment, they show how to actually import video into both iMovie '06 & the more advanced Final Cut Pro 5. (19 min)

Note that we now have two feeds for our vidoes. One in MP4 format which is compatible with the iPod video (320x240), and a second one that is in a larger format and better quality in an H.264 QuickTime 7 version (480x320): ideal for viewing the videos on your computer monitor.

Want to see more of these videos produced? Send us an e-mail at askthetechies@gmail.com.

Episode 31: Importing Analog & Digital Video Into a Computers

Episode 30: iPhoto 6 – Editing and Sharing Photos

D.Lee Beard and Ashley Stuart review the iPhoto `06 software. The "Techies" show iPhoto's powerful, yet easy-to-use, editing features including: Rotate, Crop, Enhance tool, Red-Eye removal tool, Retouch tool, and the Effects and Adjust tools.

The "Techies" show how to rotate an image, adjust exposure, apply effects like boost color and sepia tone, retouch an image such as erasing power lines from a photo, & removing red-eye from an image.

iPhoto's organization features are also explained including using keywords and automatic "smart albums".

Once edited, you'll want to share your photos. The "Techies" show how to share your photos as computer image files, as a slide show, as a movie file, and as a web page.(41 min)

Note that we now have two feeds for our vidoes. One in MP4 format which is compatible with the iPod video (320x240), and a second one that is in a larger format and better quality in an H.264 QuickTime 7 version (480x320): ideal for viewing the videos on your computer monitor.

Have a comment/question? Send us an e-mail at askthetechies@gmail.com. We love hearing from viewers!
Episode 30: iPhoto 6 – Editing and Sharing Photos

Episode 29: Dreamweaver Web Page Creation Basics

The Techies explain the basics of how to use Dreamweaver to create a web page including: how to set up a site, inserting & formatting text, inserting & formatting images (including text wrapping), inserting tables, and merging and splitting table cells. (39 min)

Note that we now have two feeds for our vidoes. One in MP4 format which is compatible with the iPod video (320x240), and a second one that is in a larger format and better quality in an H.264 QuickTime 7 version (480x320): ideal for viewing the videos on your computer monitor.

Have a comment/question? Send us an e-mail at askthetechies@gmail.com. We love hearing from viewers!
Episode 29: Dreamweaver Web Page Creation Basics

Episode 28: Computer Security, Part II

In Part II of Episode 28, Josh Thomas and D.Lee Beard talk about choosing good passwords & web browser security. Other topics include, unmounting networked storage drives, securely emptying trash, using multiple user accounts, e-mail attachments, turning off e-mail images, and virus software. (29 min)

Note that we now have two feeds for our vidoes. One in MP4 format which is compatible with the iPod video (320x240), and a second one that is in a larger format and better quality in an H.264 QuickTime 7 version (480x320): ideal for viewing the videos on your computer monitor.

Have a comment/question? Send us an e-mail at askthetechies@gmail.com. We love hearing from viewers!
Episode 28: Computer Security, Part II

Episode 28: Computer Security, Part I

In this two part episode, we bring in Josh Thomas from Ohio University's Communication Network Services to talk about personal computer secruity. In Part I, we discuss the biggest security threat often called "social engineering" and "phishing". We also explain Windows and Macintosh operating system software updates. (27 min)

Note that we now have two feeds for our vidoes. One in MP4 format which is compatible with the iPod video (320x240), and a second one that is in a larger format and better quality in an H.264 QuickTime 7 version (480x320): ideal for viewing the videos on your computer monitor.

Have a comment/question? Send us an e-mail at askthetechies@gmail.com. We love hearing from viewers!
Episode 28: Computer Security, Part I

Episode 27: Video Instant Messenger/Phoning

The future is here! Now you can communicate with friends, colleagues, and family members all over the world with audio AND video using AOL Instant Messenger. We demonstrate how to do this using iChat software and video cameras. You can video chat with one person or have a conference with up to three other people. Save on those long distance phone bills and even see the person on the other end! No extra fees to pay for this service, just a free AOL Instant Messenger account, an interent connection and a video camera. We show you how!

Note that we now have two feeds for our vidoes. One in MP4 format which is compatible with the iPod video (320x240), and a second one that is in a larger format and better quality in an H.264 QuickTime 7 version (480x320): ideal for viewing the videos on your computer monitor.

Have a comment/question? Send us an e-mail at askthetechies@gmail.com. We love hearing from viewers!
Episode 27: Video Instant Messenger/Phoning

Episode 26: Review of PathFinder 4

Thomas Settle gives us a review of the $35 file management application "PathFinder 4" from Cocoatech (free demo available for download from their www.cocoatech.com/pf4/ website). PathFinder 4 includes tabbed file browsing within the OS, an enhanced search tool, and more tools which can help you find your files. If you are as disorganized as we are, this is a tool for you.

Note that we now have two feeds for our vidoes. One in MP4 format which is compatible with the iPod video (320x240), and a second one that is in a larger format and better quality in an H.264 QuickTime 7 version (480x320): ideal for viewing the videos on your computer monitor.

Have a comment/question? Send us an e-mail at askthetechies@gmail.com. We love hearing from viewers!
Episode 26: Review of PathFinder 4

Episode 25: Three New Features of Adobe Illustrator CS2

This video introduces Ashley Stuart who shows off some of the powerful new features of Illustrator CS2 including the toolbar which changes features based upon what is selected, live trace, and live paint.

Have a comment/question? Send us an e-mail at askthetechies@gmail.com. We love hearing from viewers!

Note that a better quality H.264 QuickTime 7 version (480x320) is available from our web site at http://www.ohio.edu/aac/lab/techies/ (this feed version is in the .mp4 and smaller iPod Video format). There is also an "Ask the Techies H.264" format available via podcast viewers like iTunes and Democracy TV.

Episode 25: Three New Features of Adobe Illustrator CS2

Episode 24: Photoshop Batch Processing

This video demonstrates how to make Photoshop perform repetitve tasks on larger groups of photos. If you have ever used a program like iPhoto or Galerie to create a web page gallery of photos, you will notice that the images are not compressed as well as Photoshop can do. We show you how to take an exported photo gallery and use Photoshop to compress ALL of the images with just a few clicks making your file sizes smaller and faster to download for your viewers.

At the end, we also give you a Mac Keyboard tip on copying files & creating a shortcut in a different location than the original.

Want an iTunes podcast feed in the H.264 format? Have a comment/question? Send us an e-mail at askthetechies@gmail.com. We love hearing from viewers!

Note that a better quality H.264 QuickTime 7 version (480x320) is available from our web site at http://www.ohio.edu/aac/lab/techies/ (the feed version is in the .mp4 and smaller iPod Video format).

Episode 24: Photoshop Batch Processing

Episode 23: Mac OS X Security, Automator Demo, Democracy TV

A lot has been said about Mac OS X security problems in recent weeks; how serious are these threats and what can you do to be safe? Thomas demonstrates the powers of "Automator" a super simple Mac OS X application that makes it easy to create workflows and even save them as your own applications. In addition to finding Ask the Techies videos on our web page, iTunes, and other Blog readers, D.Lee demonstrates the free program "Democracy" for finding and viewing not only Ask the Techies videos but finding and viewing many, many more on a wide range of topics including comedy, education, health, politics and technology.

Want an iTunes podcast feed in the H.264 format? Have a comment/question? Send us an e-mail at askthetechies@gmail.com. We love hearing from viewers!

Note that a better quality H.264 QuickTime 7 version (480x320) is available from our web site at http://www.ohio.edu/aac/lab/techies/ (the feed version is in the .mp4 and smaller iPod Video format).

Episode 23: Mac OS X Security, Automator Demo, Democracy TV

Episode 22: Changing Song File Sizes and Formats With iTunes

Are you running out of space on your iPod Nano? Need to fit more songs on it or clear out some space for your other computer files you want to transport with your iPod? Techies Daryl and D.Lee show you how to shrink file sizes down and synch only what you want onto your iPod.

Want an iTunes podcast feed in the H.264 format? Have a comment/question? Send us an e-mail at askthetechies@gmail.com. We love hearing from viewers!

Note that a better quality H.264 QuickTime 7 version (480x320) is available from our web site at http://www.ohio.edu/aac/lab/techies/ (the feed version is in the .mp4 and smaller iPod Video format).

Episode 22: Changing Song File Sizes and Formats With iTunes

Episode 21: Securely Format Hard Drive With Disk Utility

Using the built-in Mac OS X program "Disk Utility", the "Techies" explains how to erase/format a hard drive (or USB flash drive) in different formats including a windows compatible format, Mac OS Extended, and Mac OS Extended (Journaled). Also covered: naming hard drives, explaining hard drive partitions and their purpose, creating up to 16 partitions, and secure erasing of data including single pass, 7 pass, and 35 pass secure erasing for the truly paranoid.

Want an iTunes podcast feed in the H.264 format? Have a comment/question? Send us an e-mail at askthetechies@gmail.com. We love hearing from viewers!

Note that a better quality H.264 QuickTime 7 version (480x320) is available from our web site at http://www.ohio.edu/aac/lab/techies/ (the feed version is in the .mp4 and smaller iPod Video format).

Episode 21: Securely Format Hard Drive With Mac "Disk Utility"

Episode 20: Review of Online Map Sources

The "Techies" review several online map services including MapQuest, Yahoo Maps, Rand McNally, Google Maps, Microsoft TerraServer, Windows Live Local, and Google Earth. With these services, you can not only find various driving directions but also satellite images, topographical images, 3D images, and angled aerial photography. These maps can be a great resource for research and presentations on a wide range of topics including Anthropology, Sociology, Political Science, Natural Sciences, and even just to find good hiking terrain for that weekend excursion.

Toward the end of the video, we also explain what a ".dmg" file is and how to use one to launch a program like Google Earth.

Want us to keep providing these videos for free (and advertisement free) or have a comment/question, send us an e-mail at askthetechies@gmail.com.

Note that a better quality H.264 QuickTime 7 version is available from our web site at http://www.ohio.edu/aac/lab/techies/ (the feed version is in .mp4 format). If you would rather have the podcast feed in the H.264 format, would like to submit questions or comments, send me an e-mail at askthetechies@gmail.com

Hosts: D.Lee Beard & Daryl Royer

Episode 20: Review of Online Map Sources

Episode 19: Scanning Basics

Episode 19: Scanning Basics

Using an Epson 3170 scanner, we explain the basics of how to use a scanner. We explain how to set the original image type, selecting only a portion of an image to scan, selecting scanning size and dpi, and saving files in different formats and locations. If you have confusion about how to use a scanner or find that scanning seems to take longer than it should or your scanned files are too large, this video is for you.

Note that a better quality H.264 QuickTime 7 version is available from our web site at http://www.ohio.edu/aac/lab/techies/ (the feed version is in .mp4 format). If you would rather have the podcast feed in the H.264 format, would like to submit questions or comments, send me an e-mail at askthetechies@gmail.com

Hosts: D.Lee Beard & Brandon Jackson

Episode 19: Scanning Basics

Episode 18: HP Pavilion DV8000 Review & MacWorld Review

In Episode 18, D.Lee offers a review of the HP DV8130us Pavilion laptop as well as a review on HP customer service -- sometimes you don't get what you are promised. At the end of the video, there is also a brief review of the MacWorld Expo 2006 announcements.

Note that a better quality H.264 QuickTime 7 version is available from our web site at http://www.ohio.edu/aac/lab/techies/ (the feed version is in .mp4 format). If you would rather have the podcast feed in the H.264 format, send me an e-mail at beardd@ohio.edu

Hosts: D.Lee Beard & Daryl Royer

Episode 18: HP Pavilion DV8000 Review & MacWorld Review

Episode 17: Creating Unique Desktop Pictures & PowerPoint Backgrounds

In Episode 17, using Photoshop's filters, D.Lee shows how to easily create your own unique picture from scratch that you can use as a computer desktop picture or a background for PowerPoint slides. Watch this video to learn how to avoid those old boring PowerPoint templates that everyone has seen way too many times before. Stand out from the crowd, makes yours different, and dare to "think different".

Note that a better quality H.264 QuickTime 7 version is available from our web site at http://www.ohio.edu/aac/lab/techies/ (the feed version is in .mp4 format). If you would rather have the podcast feed in the H.264 format, send me an e-mail at beardd@ohio.edu

Hosts: D.Lee Beard & Brandon Jackson

Episode 17: Creating Unique Desktop Pictures & PowerPoint Backgrounds

Episode 16: Green Screening Video With Final Cut Pro

In this episode, Daryl shows how to do a basic "green screen" effect where a person can appear to be somewhere else. He also shows you some of the pitfalls that can occur when trying to do the green screen effect.

Note that a better quality H.264 QuickTime 7 version is available from our web site at http://www.ohio.edu/aac/lab/techies/ (the feed version is in .mp4 format).

Hosts: Daryl Royer & Brandon Jackson

Click here to view Episode 16: Green Screening Video With Final Cut Pro

Episode 15: Digital Copyright Issues

In Episode 15, we discuss what is legal to copy and what is not. Is there a clear answer as to whether it is legal to copy a DVD for backup or to view on my iPod Video? Are there exceptions for instructional purposes? Note that a better quality H.264 QuickTime 7 version is available from our web site at http://www.ohio.edu/aac/lab/techies/ (the feed version is in .mp4 format).

Hosts: D.Lee Beard
Guests: Barb Nalazek, J.D. & Greg Newton, Ph.D.

Click here to view Episode 15: Digital Copyright Issues