Chris Pirillo » tech

What Technology has Shaped Your Life

Chris — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:33:00 +0000

What Technology has Shaped Your Life is a post from Chris Pirillo

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My cousin, Dr. Adrian Lamberti, is writing a book about technology, and wants your help. She and her co-author are putting together a book about technological history. It will look at watershed moments in communications technology, beginning with the advent of email and the World Wide Web back in the 90s. Take a listen to the video and hear the list they’ve already come up with. Then, leave a comment on the corresponding post in my blog with your ideas. Who knows? You may contribute to the book!

She also lists such things, such as MMORPGs, Google, Flickr, Twitter, blogging, Facebook, and MySpace. Also collaborative media such as Google Docs. They’ve even listed the iPhone and iPod Touch!

They are coming at this from one disciplines’ point of view. It will be radically different than what your list might be. What suggestions do you have for Adrian and her writing partner? What can you think of in the world of tech that has really impacted and/or changed your life?

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What Technology of Today Will be Obsolete Tomorrow?

Chris — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 05:18:41 +0000

What Technology of Today Will be Obsolete Tomorrow? is a post from Chris Pirillo

Earlier on Geeks, I read a thread someone had started asking what basic technology that we use today will not even be around in the future. The author lists such things as the keyboard and mouse, a land-line telephone, public Wi-Fi, and even operating systems! Wait, what? You don’t think operating systems will be around in the future? Well, you could be right, actually. With more and more computing being done in the Cloud, that’s something we may yet see in our lifetimes.

What pieces of everyday tech do you feel will become obsolete in the near future – or at least during your lifetime? It’ll be interesting to see everyone’s lists and reasoning, and to compare our thoughts. You can leave a follow-up comment here, or reply directing in the thread on Geeks.

Even on Halloween, we have some excellent deals (and freebies!) on various types of software and applications. You’ll find thing for your phone, even, so be sure to check them out.

Is Your Head – or Your Computer – in the Cloud?

Chris — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 06:04:43 +0000

Is Your Head – or Your Computer – in the Cloud? is a post from Chris Pirillo

Everywhere you turn, there’s someone talking about Cloud Computing lately. Let’s face it – it’s a hot concept. However, there is a large difference of opinion as to what Cloud Computing even means, much as there is with “Web 2.0″. To some, Cloud Computing is simply another term for virtually anything you do on the Internet. To others, it’s more specifically virtual servers. It gets fuzzy when you try to nail down a full description of what Cloud Computing really is.

To me, Cloud Computing is simply anything I can do online, instead of having to rely on software on my computer. There are full applications available now that cover everything from picture editing to paper writing to handling your taxes… and it’s all done from within your browser. How much easier can it get to simply go to a website and do what you need to do, instead of having to buy and install software, make sure it’s compatible with your system and other software, launch the program every time… you get where I’m going. Cloud Computing, by my definition at least, just makes life so much simpler.

How do you define Cloud Computing, and what are your thoughts on the whole thing?

I keep a fairly close eye on the programs we feature every day on our downloads page. There are some excellent pieces of software there – even a few I found I can no longer live without!

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!

Which Technology Do You Need When You Travel?

Chris — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 09:19:46 +0000

Which Technology Do You Need When You Travel? is a post from Chris Pirillo

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After my trip to Hawaii, Traci was kind enough to interview another one of the local tech enthusiasts for me! Neenz is the chief evangelist for Alltop, spreading the news about them to the World. Alltop is an “online magazine rack” of popular topics. They update the stories every hour. Pick a topic, and they deliver it to you 24/7. Their tagline is: All the topics, all the time..

Traci noted during the early part of the interview that Neenz has such a sense of warmth surrounding her, which even comes across in her blog writing. Traci calls it the Aloha Spirit, and Neenz couldn’t agree more. To Neenz, the Aloha Spirit (also called love and/or friendship) is simply an action word. It’s something that you do, and that you show. You have to be sincere, even online. Be genuine, and transparent.

Neenz was instrumental in making my latest stay in Hawaii such an amazing one. She worked tirelessly helping to put together the Tweetups and other things I was able to do. I sincerely appreciate that! I had a great time, and am looking forward to going back again one day.

Just like with Burt, Neenz has definite opinions on what gadgets you need to pack when you travel. The first conference she went to, she massively over-packed. Her biggest piece of advice is to not do this! The main thing about a conference is to be comfortable.

She always makes sure she has her iPhone, including podcasts to watch on it while traveling. She also never forgets her Incase charger, to help boost the battery life. She also brings her laptop and her HP Mini Netbook. She likes to travel with the Mini because it’s so easy to grab while on the go in order to get things done. Lastly, Neenz brings along her Logitech Quickcam Orbit, so that she can stream (if allowed) what she’s watching through her website.

Now that Neenz has told all of you what tech she packs when she travels, how does her list match up with yours? What gadgets, gizmos and technology do you have to pack when you travel?

Once again, thanks to Neenz, Traci, Hawaiian Airlines and everyone else who made my trip so memorable. For more information about travel in Hawaii, be sure to follow @flyhawaiian on Twitter.

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Tech in Hawaii

Chris — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 04:30:12 +0000

Tech in Hawaii is a post from Chris Pirillo

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Traci was kind enough to interview Burt for me after my trip to Hawaii. Burt is a tech enthusiast of the first degree. His website tagline is “The Intersection of Life, Culture and Technology”. This just goes to show you how big tech is in Hawaii!

Burt currently works for the Hawaii Medical Services Institution. He’s in the group who is responsible for implementing new technologies that can help people collaborate better. They want to promote better communication between their members and providers.

Burt’s background has been with the Telecom industry, and feels fortunate to have seen the evolution with Telecom going from a monopoly to a huge conglomeration of businesses. He was happy to be a part of the movement to more portable and faster media devices.

Many people tend to think that Hawaii is nothing more than sun, fun and beaches. They are always surprised to learn how deeply entrenched in the tech world Hawaiians really are! Burt feels that more people should realize that Hawaii is a technology-minded state, and learn more about the things that are going on there in relation to tech.

Burt reminds us that while it’s important to do things online, it’s also equally (if not more so) important to do things out in “real” life. To this end, he has been hosting monthly lunches around Hawaii. These lunches include many Hawaiian Geeks, and travels between different companies each time. You can catch their monthly shows live at Hawaii Public Radio.

It was a very long flight to Hawaii. As a Geek, I needed to be able to bring certain tech gadgets and gizmos with me. Burt wants all of you to remember that one of the most important things you can bring with you to Hawaii is a good digital camera.

Now that Burt has told all of you what tech he packs when he travels, how does his list match up with yours? What gadgets, gizmos and technology do you have to pack when you travel?

For more information about travel in Hawaii, be sure to follow @flyhawaiian on Twitter.

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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!

What’s the First Thing you do in the Mornings?

Chris — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:59:40 +0000

What’s the First Thing you do in the Mornings? is a post from Chris Pirillo

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My friend Traci records and uploads a weekly Question of the Day on her sites. Often these questions are philosophical and make you really think about yourself and your life. While I was visiting Hawaii this past week, I was able to help record one of the questions! I decided to ask: What is the first thing you do every day?.

The first thing Traci does in the morning is to thank her Higher Power for her life, and the blessings that she has. The first thing that I do, though, is to check my email! Do you honestly think I’m joking! You know me!!

What’s the first thing you do every morning, and why do you follow that particular routine?

Don’t forget to check out the excellent content being posted all around our community.

Heaven on Earth – Geek Style

Chris — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 08:33:54 +0000

Heaven on Earth – Geek Style is a post from Chris Pirillo

Reading a thread this evening on Geeks got me thinking. It talked about how if there were Heaven on Earth, what a wonderful place it would be for us Geeks! Can you even imagine? No more slow computers. No malware, nor any need for malware protection. No more parts that go bad, or become outdated in a matter of months. Ah, the life.

Close your eyes for a moment, and picture it. Now – leave me a comment, and tell me what it is you see in your Geeky Heaven on Earth.

When you’re finished, don’t forget to check out what others in the community are up to, as well!

What Brightens up Your Day?

Chris — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 02:57:05 +0000

What Brightens up Your Day? is a post from Chris Pirillo

Someone asked me earlier what I do to perk myself up when I’m having a bad day. What makes me happy? What makes me smile and want to get on with things, even if the rest of the day has been crummy? There are a lot of things that will do this for me. My dogs can always make me laugh. My live community can always bring a smile to my face. Reading something funny online will make me laugh and lift my mood. I’m a pretty easy-going guy, so it usually doesn’t take a lot to brighten up my day. What does it take to brighten up yours? I bet reading some of what others are writing in our community will get your mind working, and maybe even put a smile on your face.

Weed Through the Spam to Get to the Good Stuff

Chris — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 06:37:01 +0000

Weed Through the Spam to Get to the Good Stuff is a post from Chris Pirillo

During my trips around the community today, I was sighing heavily when I came across a few new spammers on Geeks. I had to ban the members, and delete their comments. I know you all get just as tired as I do of having to look past the spam to get to anything worth reading. However – get past it I do. There is so much good to be found daily on both Geeks and Lockergnome. Think of what all you would miss if you didn’t take the time to get down to the good stuff!

Success

Chris — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:38:59 +0000

Success is a post from Chris Pirillo

Caption This

Chris — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 14:54:47 +0000

Caption This is a post from Chris Pirillo

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

Starting at just $3.99/month, web hosting from GoDaddy includes 99.9% uptime, 24/7 support and free access to GoDaddy Hosting Connection, THE place to install over 30 FREE applications sure to help you get the most from your hosting plan and Web site. Enter code CP2 at checkout, and save an additional 10% on any order.

Plus, as a friend of Chris Pirillo, enter code CHRIS7, that's C-H-R-I-S and the number 7, when you check out, and save an additional 10% on any order. Get your piece of the internet at GoDaddy.com.

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.