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Are There Any Drawbacks to Being a Geek?

Chris — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:58:57 +0000

Are There Any Drawbacks to Being a Geek? is a post from Chris Pirillo

My mouth hit the floor when I read the title of this thread earlier on Geeks. A drawback to being a Geek – what?! Are you kidding me? Being a Geek is the best possible thing to be. We have it all – brains, looks, girls… what more could we want? The looks, well, just because they are funny looks at times means nothing. It’s just part of the total package that makes us so amazingly perfect, right? And the girls – ahhh, the girls – we all know that Geek boys get all the girls, right? Wait, what? You have trouble finding a girlfriend? Well, perhaps if you showered more often, and stopped being so nervous around the fairer sex. Fine. The looks and the girls may be lacking. But we have the brains! And the brains get us the money! And the money gets us more Geeky gadgets! Who needs girls, anyway?

Ok, time to get serious here, my fellow Geeks. Do you actually feel there are drawbacks to being a Geek? I’m interested in hearing your answers. For me – life is good when you’re a Geek. I’m comfortable with who, what and how I am… and I wouldn’t have it any other way. But I know that not everyone would agree, so let’s have it.

There are hundreds of excellent titles available at our downloads site, including games and other fun things to do!

What Do You Read?

Chris — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:05:55 +0000

What Do You Read? is a post from Chris Pirillo

Earlier today, I posted a video (and blog post) filled with tips on how to maximize your comprehension when it comes to whatever you are reading. That video made me reflect on the types of things I tend to read. I don’t often sit down with a book. When I do, though, my concentration is so absolute that I tend to tune out everything else. I let myself become absorbed by the text. This allows me to truly comprehend and digest whatever it is I’m reading.

I also spend a great deal of time reading things online. I’m constantly perusing blogs, forums, website postings, news sites – you name it, and I likely read it if it’s online. Even though it’s something I’m reading on a computer screen, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve my full attention. It doesn’t mean that it isn’t just as important as a book I can hold in my hands.

What do you read the most? Do you spend time curled up with a book, or are you like me… preferring to read what people in the world are up to, thinking, feeling and writing about? If you haven’t been keeping up with what people are doing on Lockergnome and Geeks, now is as good a time as any.

Be sure, as always, to keep your eyes on our downloads pages. We’re constantly updating it to bring you the very best and hottest software and apps at the lowest prices we can get for you!

What Role Do Blogs Play in Your Life?

Chris — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 04:07:21 +0000

What Role Do Blogs Play in Your Life? is a post from Chris Pirillo

Even if you’re not a blogger yourself, chances are you read a few of them. It seems like everyone is blogging these days, including my mom on occasion (so ok, maybe not recently). Heck, even when you aren’t intending to read a blog, you may end up doing so after following a link from a search engine when you’re looking for something specific. Let’s face it – blogs are everywhere.

Obviously, blogging is a central part of my life. The work I do here plays a large part in not only my work life, but my personal one, as well. I like to think I’ve found a good balance between the two, and try to keep them as “equal” as possible here on my site. My friend Robert Scoble is the same way. If you go through his blog, you’ll see that he also has managed to balance life/work/family, and wrap it all nicely into his blog.

To me, that’s the way a blog should be. I’ve seen people who have several different blogs. They may post work-related things to one, personal to another, and social things to yet another. Where’s the sense in that? Why can you not post everything in one central place? Both Robert and I – along with many, MANY others, have managed to do so. If you have more than one blog, why do you? I would like to hear from some of you “multi-bloggers”, and hear your reasons as to why you do things the way you do. Understand that I’m not putting down the way you do things. I honestly feel that maybe I am missing something, and not seeing the whole picture.

In any case, blogs are important. They can be a source of information. They can keep you current on what’s hot – and what’s not. They can give you different viewpoints on matters that you may not have otherwise thought of. And, they can make you laugh. So, I ask you…

How do reading blogs impact your life? For the blogs you go back to time and again, what attracts you? Is it the content itself, or the author’s writing style? Are you gaining information, educating yourself, or just having a good laugh? What types of blogs do you subscribe to – and how many of them?

Our Lockergnome community is devoted entirely to bloggers, with topics ranging from IT to Dogs – and everything you can think of in between. Over on Geeks, we have a large number of bloggers, as well. How many of these people are you taking the time to follow? If you aren’t checking them out, you’re missing out.

I have a team of people working hard every day to bring you updates on all of your favorite programs and apps, and let you know about the best new ones available. Keep your eyes on what’s new every day, so that you don’t miss out on anything!

How are You Carving Your Pumpkin?

Chris — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:26:32 +0000

How are You Carving Your Pumpkin? is a post from Chris Pirillo

It’s that time of year again… the time when my dogs like to play dress-up. I have to sit around looking like a normal dude, handing out candy and entertaining the masses on the live stream. Meanwhile, Wicket and Pixie get to have all the fun! How is that even right?

I love Halloween. It’s just a fun holiday, and a great way to be creative! I’ve been pondering how I’m going to carve my pumpkins. Should I go with something spooky, or something Geeky? Would I be better off trying to get super creative, or do you think I should stick with something simpler? How do you plan to decorate your pumpkins – and your house – this year?

I’ve noticed a lot of people in our community are already gearing up for ALL of the upcoming holidays. People are already talking about not only Halloween, but Thanksgiving and Christmas, as well! Can you believe it’s that late in the year already? I swear it was only a few weeks ago I was happy that summer was finally here. sighhhhhhhh…..

In any case, the end of the year is coming near! Let us know what kinds of plans you’re working on, and check out what others are doing to get some more inspiration.

As always, you can check out our downloads page to see what programs and apps are hot, fresh and (in some cases) even free! We are working hard to find excellent discounts and deals for you, so you won’t want to miss out.

Do Your Research – on Every Topic

Chris — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 05:07:44 +0000

Do Your Research – on Every Topic is a post from Chris Pirillo

Earlier tonight, I put up a blog post discussing the possible trouble you can run into by using generic ink cartridges. Just a few days ago, I talked in another post about what a great deal they can be – for some people. This is why I always caution you to do your research. Not every deal is going to be a good one for every person. Not every brand will work for you. What is “awesome” for one person, may very well be a disaster for you.

It doesn’t matter if you’re buying print cartridges, a new television or computer, or even whether you’re in the market for a new house. Do your research. Find out what others are saying. Know what the strengths and weaknesses are of whatever it is you’re looking at purchasing or investing in. Don’t buy something only because so-and-so told you that you should, even if that so-and-so was me. Buy whatever is going to fit your needs – and your budget – the best.

One great way to find out what is good, and what is not so good, is to read what people are saying on Lockergnome and Geeks.

If you’re in the market for new software of any type – mobile platforms included – be sure to keep an eye on the deals and discounts we pass on to you every day!

Are You a Pack Rat?

Chris — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 07:16:46 +0000

Are You a Pack Rat? is a post from Chris Pirillo

I’ve noticed lately that I seem to save things that most people would simply throw out. I have software that dates back so far, it wouldn’t even install on any computers I currently own. Seriously – some of it is that old! I have cables and cords that won’t fit any plugs. I have clothing that went out of style more than a decade ago. It’s time to face it… I am a pack rat.

However, I just can’t pitch this stuff. There are people who don’t have clothing that I could donate mine to. There are people who have and use older computers, who may be able to use this software. Heck, there might even be someone – some where – who can use some of these damn cords that are lying around!!

My point is, if you’re a pack rat it’s time to clean out. But don’t just throw it all away, guys. Take time to figure out who may really need what it is you no longer want/wear/need. You may just make a big difference in someone’s life, by taking a few moments to donate what you need to get rid of, anyway.

I went through a lot of things today, and wore myself out. I had to take a sanity break to check out what’s going on in our community. It’s a darn good thing I did, or you might have missed out on some of it yourself!

Our downloads team has been working very hard to keep updating the new and hot apps that are available. I hope you’re taking advantage of the savings they’ve found!

Also – the holidays are right around the corner. Our coupon guru is hard at work as well, making sure he’s getting the best and biggest coupons there are! Keep the coupons page bookmarked.. you’ll definitely want to check there often during the next few months!

Walk Loud and Carry a Soft Stick

Chris — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 10:47:57 +0000

Walk Loud and Carry a Soft Stick is a post from Chris Pirillo

Okay, so maybe that’s not how the speech went when Vice-President Roosevelt delivered it. But I like to grab your attention! Saying a popular quote completely wrong is sure to accomplish that.

What does the real quote walk softly and carry a big stick mean to you? I’ve talked to others about this before, and the answers actually vary slightly. That’s one of the things I love about our community. Even when we agree on something, we still have differences in exactly what we’re thinking and saying. One of the best parts of my day is always reading what you guys are up to, what you’re thinking and feeling about things going on in the world. If you’re not making time to read the content others are pushing out, you are definitely missing out.

Are YOU a Social Media Geek?

Chris — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 07:52:38 +0000

Are YOU a Social Media Geek? is a post from Chris Pirillo

I’ve talked quite a lot about social media recently, with good cause… everyone is talking about it! It’s the hot new thing. Wait, no – that’s not right. Social media isn’t “new.” Why do people keep saying it is? The only thing that’s new is the name for it – Social Media. As I said in a video earlier, social media is simply a set of tools we can use to communicate. Heck, we’ve had tools to communicate online for years now. It’s just that today’s tools are so much easier to use, everyone can use them. You don’t have to be a hard-core geek anymore. You simply have to be able to get online, and type something somewhere.

It’s amazing and awesome to me to see the amount of people who are introduced to social media every day. The number of us who just seem to get it is growing faster than I can keep up with. There are those who scoff, claiming social media is a passing phase. HELLO! Where the hell do you get that idea? As I said – I’ve been immersed in social media for about 17 years now. How is that a passing phase?! Those are the people who don’t get it. They are the ones who don’t take understand the immeasurable ways that interacting with others online in this fashion can change their lives. They are the ones who are missing out.

So, I ask again – are YOU a social media geek? Do you get it? What IS social media to you, anyway – and how do you make it a part of your life?

You do know that I have a couple of social media-related sites, right? If you don’t, what rock have you been hiding under? Hopefully, you’re a member of Geeks, and follow what’s being posted on Lockergnome, as well. We certainly have a hell of a lot of people on those sites who GET social media. Why don’t you check us out?

I Get By With a Little Help from my Friends

Chris — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:22:14 +0000

I Get By With a Little Help from my Friends is a post from Chris Pirillo

Do you remember that song? If you’re as old as I am, then I know you’re singing it in your head now, simply from reading the title. It’s true, you know. We ‘get by’ with the help of our friends. Sometimes, they may not even realize they are helping us, yet they do – simply by being there. Life is full of unexpected surprises, both good and bad. We can’t always be superman (woman!) and just handle everything on our own.

It’s ok to reach out to someone when you’re hurting/mad/confused/pissed off. It’s ok to need someone to talk to. It’s ok to need your friends! After all, they need you, too!

So why am I writing about this, anyway? It’s not some deep thought, nor a cry for help, I promise! I just happened to hear the song on the radio a bit earlier, and it made me remember how thankful I am to have such an awesome circle of friends surrounding me. I hope that you have that in your lives, as well!

One great way to make new friends is to reach out to like-minded people on social networking sites, like both Lockergnome and Geeks. Search through titles of posts and read things that interest you. Here, let me make it easy on you!

Geeks can Dance!

Chris — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 06:47:50 +0000

Geeks can Dance! is a post from Chris Pirillo

Different types of dance seemed to be a common theme today when I was browsing around on both Lockergnome and Geeks. We had blog titles with the words Jitterbug, Rhumba and Cha-Cha in them! Don’t tell me Geeks can’t get their groove on! I happen to know for a fact that while I myself cannot dance, many of you can! My friend Andy, for instance, is an accomplished Swing and Ballroom dancer… and he’s a hard-core coder! How do you like those apples?

Can you dance? Do you just shake it in time to the music, or can you do fancy steps with difficult names? Do you step on your partner’s feet, or are you a regular Fred Astaire (or Ginger Rogers!)? Let’s hear it… we promise not to laugh!

What’s Your Favorite Commercial?

Chris — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 16:48:18 +0000

What’s Your Favorite Commercial? is a post from Chris Pirillo

With all the talk of the new Miscrosoft commercials in Europe and the Pre wanting to co-exist with the iPhone, I can’t help but thinking about commercials in general. What’s your favorite technology-related commercial on television? You do remember what TV is, right? Do you love that annoying (yet catchy) Comcast song? Or are you more inclined to watch the Dell laptop commercials over and over? Let’s hear your thoughts!

I Know What You Did Last Summer

Chris — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 02:20:50 +0000

I Know What You Did Last Summer is a post from Chris Pirillo

Ok, maybe I don’t know what you did last summer, or even this summer. Now that we’re closing in on back-to-school and Fall, it’s time to start thinking of warmer clothes and holidays already. Yes – some people are already doing their holiday shopping. Stores are putting out winter coats. Before you know it, there will be Halloween decorations and costumes on the shelves.

So… what have you done this summer? Did you even go outside at all? Even the Great Indoorsman headed out a few times, enjoying the sunshine and scenery. Why not share with all of us what you’ve been up to. Did you travel anywhere cool? Did you visit some local outdoor attractions? Surely there is something!!

When you do spend time at home and indoors, hopefully you are spending at least part of that time reading what everyone else has been up to in our community.

The Go-To Guy

Chris — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:08:00 +0000

The Go-To Guy is a post from Chris Pirillo

Even those of us who are power users or experts with technology need help sometimes. None of us can possibly know everything there is to know. Who do you go to when you get stuck and need an answer, or an extra set of eyes? Who can you call up to pick their brains, hopefully helping to solve your problem? I’m lucky to have a good network of friends that I know I can turn to, depending on what the problem is I’m facing. Being a Geek (and a guy!) – I admit I have a hard time reaching out and asking for help. I tend to research and fiddle, trying to fix whatever it is myself. But sometimes, you just have to wave that white flag and say “Help me!!”. So – who can you count on to give you those answers? Have you ever thanked them for taking the time out of their day to patiently help you? Make sure you do!

So much is going on around here right now. Gnomedex is only a week away, and the team is all very excited. We have an excellent lineup of presenters this year, many fun and exciting things going on in the hallways and in the evenings. I know we’re going to have a fabulous time – but not without a few more days of all of us running around like crazy. To all my volunteers and helpers… bless you, every one. No way would this ever be happening without you all!

Even amidst the hectic days right now, I still make time to check up on all of you. I love reading what you’re up to and what’s on your minds. I hope you make time in your day to do the same.

The Winds of Change

Chris — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 03:27:46 +0000

The Winds of Change is a post from Chris Pirillo

Someone started a discussion the other day on Geeks, asking others if they felt the site has changed too much. The OP was griping about how not every single discussion and blog post was technology-related, and how dare a group of Geeks talk about anything else?! Kat replied, reminding everyone that when we first began the site, we stated from the get-go that it wasn’t only designed for Technology Geeks. A Geek is someone who has passion for something, whether it be technology, gardening, singing or even motorcycles. Therefore, Geeks is a place for anyone and everyone who has some type of passion. How, then, has it “changed”? People are talking about what’s on their minds, and in their hearts. They’re making use of the site the way I intended it. If some people want more tech-related threads, then they will hopefully start them.

I couldn’t help but add something to that discussion myself. Someone pointed out how they don’t like the fact that not every video I record is related to technology. What a sad day it would be if there was nothing more to me than the tech side. Being multi-faceted is one of the best parts of being human. We have many varied interests, passions and thoughts. If we were one-dimensional, the World would pretty much suck.

Personally, I’m quite happy that I’m making changes in my life. I’m opening myself up to new experiences, and having a great time. I’m allowing my mind to go in directions I hadn’t before. Since when is that a bad thing? Why is it I am being judged for broadening my horizons? If you are the same person you were a year ago, I feel sorry for you. Life is about growing and changing, even once you’re an adult.

That thread wasn’t the only thing worth spending time getting involved in around our community today. So many of you are showing your creative, funny and passionate sides with every post and thread you make. Keep them coming!

The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth

Chris — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 09:49:31 +0000

The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth is a post from Chris Pirillo

There’s an old saying in the Bible or some book that I don’t even remember for sure. It says “And the Geeks shall inherit the Earth”. A friend of mine argued with me the other night, claiming that it’s supposed to be the meek shall inherit the Earth. I beg to differ. I know what it says, thank you very much. We all know it’s pure fact that Geeks are taking over the World, and that we will one day ~~rule~~ inherit the World. Why haven’t you given in and joined us yet? You know you’re going to have to!

Seriously, being a Geek is an amazing thing. Geeks are not just computer guru’s, you know. A Geek is anyone who is passionate about something, whether it’s computers, motorcycles, or even gardening. Using this definition, it’s easier to imagine Geeks one day making a huge difference in this World of ours. What am I saying? We already have. Look at some of the strides in medicine, technology and science in just the past few years. There are an astounding number of new inventions, cures and gadgets on a daily basis.

If you could change the World somehow, make an impact so to speak, what would it be? Just imagine for a few moments that you have the brains/money/power to change any one thing. What would you do?

While you’re contemplating, make sure you take the time to check out what others are up to in our community!

How to Handle Remote Tech Support

chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 06:30:00 GMT

Using GoToAssist is the easiest way to view and control another person's computer online. Use it to provide instant technical support to family, friends and customers. Start a session with just one click, and instantly connect with the other party.

Network Tools for Windows

chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:30:00 GMT

You need these network tools, no matter which operating systems and networks you have to support. SolarWinds ipMonitor: Affordable Network Monitoring for SMBs. Get turnkey network, server and application availability monitoring with SolarWinds ipMonitor v9.0. This easy-to-use, reliable solution for SMBs delivers out-of-the-box availability monitoring so you always know exactly what's up with Active Directory, DNS, Exchange, FTP, Web, IMAP, MS SQL Server, and SMTP. Download your free trial today. Or, try their totally free tools! And, through 2/29, save 20% when you purchase ipMonitor 9.0.

Get Your Own Web Site

chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:30:00 GMT

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VMware and Parallels for Virtual Machines

chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:30:00 GMT

It doesn't matter if you're running on Windows or Mac OS X - every power user needs either Parallels or VMware (or both). There's never been an easier way to test software without destroying your primary operating system's stability. Think of how many times you wish you could press a 'reverse' button on your computer. Plus, there's no easier way to try new Linux distributions - see what all the fuss is about. Run Windows in OS X, run Linux in Windows, but the best way to do either is with VMware and/or Parallels.

Coupons for Online Shopping

chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 07:56:13 GMT

This feed is fueled by Lockergnome Online Shopping and Coupon Codes

Before you shop next time, see if we have a coupon first.