Episode 68: How to Create an Animated Gif

Photoshop wizard, Brandon Jackson, explains how to create an animated gif from your images and from video. More specifically, he explains how to limit the number of times/cycles your gif animates, how to specify the duration of each specific frame in your animation, and how to automatically add in between images - tweening.
Animated gifs are a great way to express information in place of just a single image and even works on older computers and web browsers (unlike Flash).

Episode 68: How to Create an Animated Gif

Episode 67: Macworld 2008

D.Lee Beard clarifies out Second Life system requirements. D.Lee also offers a review of Apple's Macworld 208 announcemnts including the MacBook Air, Time Capsule, Apple TV and HD movie rentals. Should you get the new MacBook Air? He fills you in on what Apple didn't tell you to help you make an informed decision.

Episode 67: Macworld 2008

Episode 66: "Second LIfe" Orientation & Introduction 1-Hour Special

Chris Keesey of Ohio University joins host D.Lee Beard in explaining the popular online 3-D world known as Second Life.

They explain what Second Life is, some of the basic terminology, how to get onto Second Life, what is in Second Life that makes it special (including a visit to Babylon 5), how to move around and navigate within this 3-D world, how to communicate with others, and more as they walk you through a personalized demo of Second Life.

There was so much to cover that the techies made this a bonus 1 Hour long special!

Join D.Lee Beard and Chris Keesey in Second Life for a special Second Life LIVE EVENT Friday, January 25th at 1pm Eastern Time (USA) on the Ohio University Second Life Campus Auditorium D.Lee and Chris will be answering LIVE viewer questions about Second Life and technology in general.

Go to http://AsktheTechies.com for a quick link to this Ohio University Second Life event location.

Episode 66: "Second LIfe" Orientation & Introduction 1-Hour Special

Episode 65: Support the Techies & Viewer Question Marathon

In this episode, D.Lee Beard announces the independence of Ask the Techies as a private company.

D.Lee also goes on a viewer question marathon answering questions on: creating a web site including domain registration and hosting; how to format a hard drive for Mac System 8; suggestions for video telephoning; is Windows Vista bad; is Mac OS X more secure; viewing magazines online; and he shares viewer comments on previous episodes including leopard and a solution for a wireless USB hub for Mac. This is a long episode, but there were just too many good questions this week. (50min 36sec)

Episode 65: Support the Techies & Viewer Question Marathon

Episode 64: Feliz Navidad & Viewer Questions

In this episode, Viewer Questions are answered on how to defrag a Mac hard drive, problems erasing an NTFS hard drive on Mac OS 10.4, how to uninstall programs and their related files on a Mac, problems with Parallels, and how to create a wireless USB hub.
Hosts: D.Lee Beard & Brandon Jackson

Episode 64: Feliz Navidad & Viewer Questions

Episode 63: Mac OS X Leopard 10.5 Final Review

Is Leopard the new Vista? Should you upgrade now or wait? In this episode, Brandon and D.Lee present the last part (3) of their Mac OS X Leopard review.
Among the topics discussed are Parental Controls, Safari 3 features, the ever changing dock icons, PhotoBooth video, improvements to Preview, spaces, guest account, and more. 40min 50sec. http://AsktheTechies.com
Episode 63: Mac OS X Leopard 10.5 Final Review

Episode 62: YouTube Us Your Questions, Mac OS X Leopard Review Part 2

D.Lee and Brandon invite you to send us your question via video. They show you how and for free! Also, where else to find video internet shows including iTunes, Joost, Miro, Veoh, and Blip.TV Their review of the new Mac OS X Leopard continues with information on how to instantly view files without having to open a related application, the new cover flow feature for viewing a folder of files, Dock feature new and missing, record your video chats using iChat, how to create your own widgets, and cool new hidden features of the new DVD player built into the Mac OS X Leopard.
Hosts: D.Lee Beard, Brandon Jackson
Camerawork: Cody Moore

Visit us at: http://AskTheTechies.com

Episode 62: YouTube Us Your Questions, Mac OS X Leopard Review Part 2

Episode 61: Photoshop background blur and Mac OS X First Looks Review

In this video: How to blur the background of an image in Photoshop CS3. Also, the Techies offer their first look at the new Mac OS X Leopard operating system. This is NOT your "fanboi" review. They point out some of the best features AND tell you what Apple was afraid to tell you.

Episode 61: Photoshop background blur and Mac OS X First Looks Review

Episode 60: Parallels 3 Review: Windows Apps on a Mac - Now Easier!

D.Lee Beard and Brandon Jackson demonstrate some of the more powerful features of Parallels version 3 such as "Coherence" which allows you to run Microsoft Windows applications along side your Mac applications without having to view a Windows desktop. (24min 44sec)

Hosts: D.Lee Beard, Brandon Jackson
Camerawork: Cody Moore, D.Lee Beard

Become a "Techie" yourself:
Share your comments, knowledge and experiences as well on the Ask the Techies Blog!
(requires a free Google account)

"Ask the Techies" hosts will be posting to the Comments section as well.

NEXT WEEK: Photoshop background blurring tip, Mac OS X.5 Leopard: a first looks review, how to erase and format CDs and hard drives on a Mac, plus how to resize a partition using Apple's Disk Utility.

Visit us at AskTheTechies.com

Episode 60: Parallels 3 Review: Windows Apps on a Mac - Now Easier!

Episode 59: iMac Glossy Review, Hard Drive Recommendations, French Videos (ooh la la), How to Zoom in a Screen, & Viewer Criticisms

D.Lee Beard presents a review of the glossy screen 2007 iMac: this is not your typical "fanboy" review.

This video is also chock-full of viewer e-mail including questions on hard drive brand recommendations, watching French fromatted videos, how to zoom in the computer screen on Macs and Windows, and criticicsms on the Techies video sizes & Mac vs. PC review. (38min 56sec)

NEXT WEEK: Run Windows on the iMac with Paralles: in-depth

Visit us at AskTheTechies.com

Episode 59: iMac Glossy Review, Hard Drive Recommendations, French Videos (ooh la la), How to Zoom in a Screen, & Viewer Criticisms

Episode 58: Questions from the Podcast and New Media Expo

Brandon Jackson joins D.Lee Beard to discuss his trip to the 2007 Podcast and New Media Expo in Ontario, California. While there, D.Lee videotaped some viewer questions on removing pops and clicks in audio, video editing Linux, and are cookies safe for your computer to eat? D.Lee and Brandon answer these questions and also share some of their experiences in american airports. (24min 53sec)

Hosts: D.Lee Beard, Brandon Jackson
Camerawork: Cody Moore, D.Lee Beard

Become a "Techie" yourself:
Share your comments, knowledge and experiences as well on the Ask the Techies Blog!
(requires a free Google account)

"Ask the Techies" hosts will be posting to the Comments section as well.

NEXT WEEK: Glossy iMac 2007 review and gobs of your viewer questions.
Send us your questions: AskTheTechies@Gmail.com

Visit us at AskTheTechies.com

Episode 58: Questions from the Podcast and New Media Expo

Episode 57: iMovie HD '06, Part II

In part 2, D.Lee Beard continues to explain how to use iMovie 06 (iMovie HD).

D.Lee explores the "Editing" tab to demonstrate how to add titles, themes, video effects, audio effects, transitions between video clips or photos, and apply "Themes" as another type of title effect to your video. He also explains how to add "Chapter" markers for longer videos burned to DVD, or exported for iPod, so that one can skip a section of the video the same way one skips sections on a professional DVD. Speaking of DVDs and iPods, D.Lee explains how to burn your video to a DVD disk that can play in a TV DVD player using iDVD, how to export your video as a QuickTime movie that can be played on an iPod (or not), and how to even export it to videotape.

Stick around to the end and you'll see a short (and very silly) video that was edited entirely in iMovie 06. Hopefully this will inspire you to see what you can do with even simple editing techniques. It is a tribute to the Monty Python "dead parrot" skit although we use a "dead computer" being brought into the local "Geniuis Counter" at the local computer store. Smiles everyone! (29min 35sec)

Host: D.Lee Beard

NEXT WEEK: Questions from attendees at the Podcast and New Media Expo in California!

Like this show? Go to your e-mail program and send us an e-mail. We want to hear from all of you. AskTheTechies@Gmail.com

AskTheTechies.com

Episode 57: iMovie HD '06, Part II

Episode 56: iMovie, Part I

In this two part video, D.Lee Beard explains how to use iMovie 06 (iMovie HD).

He explains how to import video, how to arrage, and reaarange clips. D.Lee also shows you how delete unwanted portions of video you imported.

Did you know you could make an entire movie out of just photos? D.Lee shows you how including using such features as the Ken Burns effect.

Since no movie is complete without audio (even silent movies had music being played live in the theater), D.Lee shows you how to import multiple audio files and sound effects into iMovie as well as how to edit their volume levels. (27min 23sec)

NEXT WEEK: Part II on iMovie, with advanced features.

Host: D.Lee Beard

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

Visit us at AskTheTechies.com

Episode 56: iMovie, Part I

Episode 55: Frequently Missed Internet Skills

In this video, D.Lee offers suggestions on how to do credible research on the internet from Wikipedia and Citizendium to university library resources.

E-mail etiquette is sorely lacking these days, and D.Lee gives you some tips on how to avoid being rude.

Computer security is always a concern, and D.Lee offers some tips regarding you anonymity (or lack thereof) , some tips for working with USB flash drives, and more.

Viewer questions are also answered on using Rosetta for the Shockwave player for Mac, and microphone hookups for older Macs.

(20min 11sec)

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

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

Episode 55: Frequently Missed Internet Skills

Episode 54: Mac vs. Windows PC

Should you buy a Macintosh or a Windows computer. In this video, D.Lee Beard explains why we have two different major operating systems by taking a brief look at computer history. He then explains some of the differences between the Macintosh operating system and Windows. Hardware choices for Macs and Windows are explored as well as the ability to run Windows on an Apple computer with Parallels. (21min 44sec)

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

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

Episode 54: Mac vs. Windows PC

Episode 53: TV Pilot

In this video:
•How to compare different aerial photo maps, like Google's and Yahoo's, with just one click.

•How to tranfer huge amounts of data from one computer to another quickly, Mac or Windows!

•Viewer Questions are answered on recharging an iPod and choosing a RAID storage format.

Hosts: D.Lee Beard , Brandon Jackson, Tim Welsh (27min 10sec)


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).

Like this show? Go to your e-mail program and send us an e-mail. We want to hear from all of you. Our e-mail address is really simple, AskTheTechies@Gmail.com

Episode 53: TV Pilot

Episode 52: The "Twenty Farce" Century

In this video:
•How to insert video into a PowerPoint presentation on both Macs and PCs and how to avoid cross-platform snags.
•Using Photoshop’s extraction tool to extract a face out of one document and insert into another.
•Gettings songs onto an iPod including using the iTunes music store and digital rights management.

Hosts: D.Lee Beard , Brandon Jackson, Tim Welsh (27min 58sec)


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).

What's up with the New Look?

As many of you know, we have produced over 50 videos explaining technology, offering unbiased reviews of products, and answering viewer questions. This has been a mostly volunteer experiment. This project has appeared to be successful with thousands of viewers.

Still, it seems that we have the possibility to assist even more people if we were on TV. We have already done this already with some distribution on local university television. There are a lot of people who need help using technology but who don't even know what a podcast is, much less how to subscribe to one. If these people could tune in to our show on their television sets, we stand to teach a lot more people with our efforts.

Reaching a larger audience would also help us locate underwriters of the show to make Ask the Techies not only sustainable, but to improve the video quality and content.

To that end, we partnered with our local PBS television affiliate, WOUB, to produce two pilot episodes of Ask the Techies for television. The next two videos we will be putting out are the result of that effort. I welcome your feedback, comments, and suggestions on this project. What do you think of the improved quality (i.e. is video production quality even important to you)? Would you prefer to watch these on TV or as a downloadable podcast? If TV, would PBS be your first choice for viewing Ask the Techies or would you prefer some other choice such as a cable channel?

This is the point where you, the viewer, have a chance to make a difference ...to make things happen.

Let us know if you like this idea. This is not a done deal. We only shot 2 pilot episodes. Further episodes are not planned at this time.

The e-mails from you, our viewers, in support of our show is what can convince the powers that be to support our show so we can provide more content to you to better empower you with technology.

Go to your e-mail program and send us an e-mail. We need to hear from all of you. Our e-mail address is really simple, AskTheTechies@Gmail.com

From Podcast to Broadcast" ...

Episode 52: The "Twenty Farce" Century

Episode 51: Podcasting the Next Frontier

Episode 51 is a complete video recording of D.Lee Beard's presentation, "Podcasting the Next Frontier", at the SEOCATS Spring
Conference in March 2007.

In this video, D.Lee explains what podcasting is by comparing podcasting with magazine subscriptions (as opposed to books).

He spends a great deal of time explaining how podcasting can enhance education, increase enrollment and involvement.

He also points out the similarities between the television revolution in the 1950's and the current podcasting revolution. Podcasting is often compared to TV the same way TV was compared to movies in the 1950's (e.g., poorer quality, smaller screen, etc...).

At the end of the presentation, he answers many attendees questions. Have a comment or question of your own, send him an e-mail at: AskTheTechies@gmail.com

(52min 27sec)

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

Episode 51: Podcasting the Next Frontier

Episode 50: How to Shoot Pro Video, & Should You Fix or Redo an Old Web Page?

More viewer questions are answered. What makes pro video look good; D.Lee and Brandon give you some tips on how to shoot better quality video including some funny special effects.

Have a web page to fix that someone else created? Would it be easier to just tweak it or just give up and start over from scratch? We help you decide. (18min 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).

Hosts: D.Lee Beard & Brandon Jackson

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

Episode 50: How to Shoot Pro Video, & Should You Fix or Redo an Old Web Page?

Episode 49: Mac Files You Can Trash & Sorting Bookmarks

Brandon Jackson is back with D.Lee Beard to answer "What files are safe to trash on my new Mac to clear out hard drive space." What files are the biggest hogs? Have you really tashed all the files you thought you had? Also in this episode: how to sort web browser bookmarks.

(34min 14sec)

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

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

Episode 49: Mac Files You Can Trash & Sorting Bookmarks

Episode 48: How Secure/Private is a Public Computer? Subscribing to Ask the Techies

In response to viewer questions, D.Lee Beard explains how to subscribe and view the two versions of Ask the Techies via iTunes and the Democracy Player & explains which version you should be subscribing to.

Is someone secretly and remotely watching what you are doing on your computer without your knowledge? This can easily happen on public computers. D.Lee shows you how someone can watch what is happening on another computer or computers using VNC or Apple Remote Desktop software without the user even knowing! Learn how secure you are (or are not) in this brief review of VNC and Apple Remote Desktop software to connect Macs & Macs and Macs & Windows computers with virtual remote desktop software VNC. (21min 45sec)

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

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

Episode 48: How Secure/Private is a Public Computer? Subscribing to Ask the Techies

Episode 47: Windows Remote Desktop

In this video, Nathan Galieti explains how to use Microsoft's Remote Desktop software to remotely connect to a Windows computer from another Windows or even Macintosh computer. With this software you can visually interact with the remote computer the same way you would if you were there: just click on icons, print to your localprinter, send e-mails, & copy files.

Remote Desktop is a great way to connect to that home computer while you are on the road or, since you gain full control of the computers with your local mouse and keyboard, for remotely fixing a computer for someone.

Want to see us make a video on how to remotely connect to a Macintosh computer? Send us an e-mail at AskTheTechies@gmail.com

(37min 04sec)

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 & Nathan Galieti

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

Episode 47: Windows Remote Desktop

Episode 46: Computer Use Ergonomics

In this video, D.Lee Beard demonstrates some equipment and strategies for reducing computer use related injuries. Reviewed in this video are the Evoluent vertical mouse, the Kinesis keyboard, and the NeutralPosture N·hancement keyboard and mouse tray. (17min 00sec)

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).

Host: D.Lee Beard

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

Episode 46: Computer Use Ergonomics

Episode 45: iWeb Part II-Advanced, Cross Platform File Encryption, Setting up a Home Wireless Network

In this video, Tim Welsh and D.Lee Beard explain advanced features of iWeb for creating ePortfolios.

Nathan Galieti and Jason Rybicki explain how to set up a home wireless network.

D.Lee Beard explains how to encrypt files and folders with AES 128-bit encryption for free on a USB Flash Drive that can be decrypted and encrypted regardless of Operating System including Windows, Mac, Linux, and even Solaris! Cross platform file encryption made easy and cheap!(36min 17sec)

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, Tim Welsh, Nathan Galieti & Jason Rybicki

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

Episode 45: iWeb Part II-Advanced, Cross Platform File Encryption, Setting up a Home Wireless Network

Episode 44: ePortfolios Made Easy With iWeb, Plus Network Hardware explained!

In this video, Tim Welsh and D.Lee Beard explan the basics of iWeb for creating ePortfolios. Nathan Galieti and Jason Rybicki explain the basics of networking hardware. Special thanks to Radio Shack of Athens for lending us some equipment for the network hardware segment! (29min 02sec)

Next week, we will cover advanced features of iWeb and how to set up a home wireless network.

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). Click on the episode title or image above to view this video.

Hosts: D.Lee Beard, Tim Welsh, Nathan Galieti & Jason Rybicki

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

Episode 44: ePortfolios Made Easy With iWeb, Plus Network Hardware explained!

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