Chris Pirillo » update

Should Web Sites Block Old Browsers?

Chris — Thu, 01 May 2008 05:24:46 +0000

Should Web Sites Block Old Browsers? is a post from Chris Pirillo

Add to iTunes | Add to YouTube | Add to Google | RSS Feed

It’s frustrating when you are using an old favorite browser, only to go to a web site that pops up a pretty little box telling you you cannot enter. The site has decided to block certain browsers that they feel are outdated from accessing their site. How unfair is that? If you aren’t using a web browser that hasn’t been updated in the past year, there’s something wrong with you and / or your system. If you keep only one piece of software up-to-date… it needs to be your browser.

PayPal recently stepped forward and decided to block older web browsers. By older, I mean ones that haven’t been updated in the last ten years. I’m specifically talking about those of you still using Windows 98. WHY?! What is the point? You’re dragging the rest of the Internet down. Try using Linux if your old computer can’t handle XP.

Web browsers are important. They are gateways to most of what you’ll discover on the Internet. PayPal is implementing this policy to try and curb Phishing scams. Newer web browsers can stop that from happening, with security that is built in. You can also use something like OpenDNS, which will allow you to place filters on your browser that will help protect you even further.

Personally, I wish more sites would do this. Amazon and eBay need to step up to the plate, and start forcing people to upgrade their browser to use their site. Using old and outdated browsers is dangerous, plain and simple. Your browser is what will get your computer infected, and your information hacked. Is that really what you want? Browsers are free most of the time, and are regularly updated. Why aren’t you updating?

Want to embed this video on your own site, blog, or forum? Use this code or download the video:

iPod Software Update

Chris — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 21:27:29 +0000

iPod Software Update is a post from Chris Pirillo

Add to iTunes | Add to YouTube | Add to Google | RSS Feed

This video was recorded on January 15th, the day Apple announced that new iPod Touch’s software will have five new apps bundled with it, so long as you pay $20.00. I think this was wrong of Apple to do. I personally feel they slapped their community in the face with this. If this were a firmware update, I would be totally outraged at having to pay. But, this is a software update. I can see both sides of this issue. Here are some things for you to consider prior to making up your own mind.

iLife has always been bundled separately. You’d have to buy it off the shelf instead getting it off the shelf. This is the same thing with the iPod Touch. You can get the software already installed now, instead of having to purchase it separately.
You knew what apps came with the iPod Touch if you bought one. You hoped that Apple would release the new apps in the future. They may not be free, but you can now legally buy them, and install them on the iPod Touch.
You may spend $20 on these apps, but the people who don’t want or need them will save the $20. If you don’t want to spend the money, you don’t have to. The $20 is actually very cheap. Just the Maps application alone is worth at least $40.00. When looked at that way, this is a heck of a deal.

One of the Mods in our chat room is Justin. He sent in his top five reasons for buying the update.

For $20 dollars you can get access to tons of software that, before today, was exclusive to the iPhone. Software includes mail, weather, stocks, Google maps, and Notes.
The ability to reorganize the home screen of the iPod Touch. Now you can move items around in any order needed. There is also room for two additional home screens. Perhaps you share the iPod with a family member… now you can both have the home screen just how you like it.
The update allows users to display lyrics to their favorite songs. I have yet to figure out how to work this feature… but it sounds nifty in concept.
“Notepad”. I have always wanted a place where I could put a To Do list or something similar. Now I have such a place.
And my favorite reason of all… the mail application. Now I have easy access to Gmail (without having to load Safari). The mail application also allows for other mail servers such as AOL mail.

Want to embed this video on your own site, blog, or forum? Use this code or download the video:

Is Software Install Order Important?

Chris — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 03:37:31 +0000

Is Software Install Order Important? is a post from Chris Pirillo

Add to iTunes | Add to YouTube | Add to Google | RSS Feed

I received a question today regarding software installation on a new machine, or after a full reformat. LifeJustIs is wondering whether you should download and install Windows updates first, or install an Anti-Virus first?

Dear Chris,
My question for you has to do with Windows Installation. When I normally do a fresh clean install of my Windows Operating system, in my case Windows XP Home Edition, I normally wipe off the entire hard drive with DBAN and then use the Windows Installation setup to configure the drive how I want it, followed by continuing to install Windows.
After that I install all of the drivers for mandatory system components such as ones for the chip set, video card, sound card and etc. My question for you simply is would you recommend installing Windows Updates as soon as that machine is connected to the Internet before installing any software, even Anti-Virus software, or would you recommend installing your applications and Anti-Virus software before connecting the PC to an Internet connection at all? Would love to get an answer to this question as I’ve been wondering about it for a while. I know that you always say download and use what you want but I would like your opinion on this question.
LifeJustIs2007

The answer is that you should get your security software up and running prior to going online for any reason, including Windows update downloads. You don’t know if the install could be corrupted due to “nasties” already sitting on your machine that you aren’t aware of. If you happen to surf the Internet to look for a proper download of an anti-virus, then you are leaving yourself unprotected and wide open to problems and infections. Your best bet if you know you will be re-installing or doing up a new machine is to save the .exe installer for your anti-virus onto a CD, DVD or a USB stick. Install that as soon as possible after getting the machine running, then allow it to check for updates.

Kat was on Ventrilo and live chat with me during this recording, and she apparently almost fell out of her chair trying to get my attention! She wanted to add that it is VERY critical to NEVER update to SP2 for Windows XP if there is any type of Malware on the machine. The SP2 update can and will cause serious issues with your Operating System if you update on an infected machine. So, make sure your machine is clean prior to doing any type of Windows updates, regardless of which OS you use… just to be safe!

Want to embed this video on your own site, blog, or forum? Use this code or download the video:

How to Find Old Software

Chris — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 10:05:22 +0000

How to Find Old Software is a post from Chris Pirillo

Add to iTunes | Add to YouTube | Add to Google | RSS Feed

Have you ever loved a program on your computer, only to hate it after updating to a new version? You go back to the site, and find out the older version is no longer available? Well, thanks to community member FireWireIRA, I want to tell you about a site that will change that.

OldVersion.com is a place that incrementally archives downloadable versions of hundreds of outdated programs. Sometimes upgrading to a newer version can be a good thing. Other times, your computer may not be compatible with the new version, the new version is bloated, or all the options you liked are no longer available. OldVersion.com has been supplying the online community with old versions of various programs since 2001.

OldVersion.com assists computer users who are unable to continually upgrade their computer. Those who find that their machine is not able to run the latest version of a certain application have no choice but to use an old version of the program. Unfortunately, the vast majority of software companies do not offer this opportunity. This site helps, by getting you the older versions that will run with your hardware.

One thing I want to caution you about, is to beware of any security issues that older versions of programs may have. Many times, new versions or updates are issued to address security holes. Take a minute to use Google, and see if there are any known issues with the older version. Trust me… you’ll be happy you took that time to make sure.

I always love getting your emails with tips, tricks, advice and ideas. Even if I cannot reply to every email, I DO read them all. You can send me an email to chris@pirillo.com with whatever is on your tech mind.

Want to embed this video on your own site, blog, or forum? Use this code or download the video:

How to Flash iPhone Firmware

Chris — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 20:55:23 +0000

How to Flash iPhone Firmware is a post from Chris Pirillo

Add to iTunes | Add to YouTube | Add to Google | RSS Feed

I have never had any device that is easier to update the firmware than my iPhone. For anyone who may not be sure, firmware is basically the ’software’ that runs a device’s hardware. That’s the easiest way I can think of to put it. Firmware is a computer program that is embedded in a hardware device. As its name suggests, firmware is somewhere between hardware and software. Like software, it is a computer program which is executed by a computer. But it is also an intimate and vital part of a piece of hardware, and has little meaning outside of that particular hardware.

It’s so insanely simple to flash (update) the firmware for the iPhone. When you plug it in (or Dock it), a message will pop up on your Mac that says “There is a new software update for your iPhone. Do you wish to download and install it now?” Click yes… and you’re done.

That’s it. The end. Nothing more to see or do. That’s all, folks. Fini. Period! Seriously… I’m not kidding! There’s nothing more to do.

If you know of tips and tricks, Top 5’s, or even things that are normally complicated that you know easier ways to do… please send them to me. You can always leave a follow-up comment to any of my videos, or send me an email to chris@pirillo.com

Want to embed this video on your own site, blog, or forum? Use this code or download the video:

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.