The Microsoft System Configuration Utility (MSCONFIG) is a program that comes free with Windows XP and Vista. This tool allows you to select which items you do or do not want to load when your computer boots up. This can be very handy when trying to diagnose boot problems or software conflicts.

To access this program just click Start and type MSCONFIG into the run dialogue box.

For more information on how to use MSCONFIG read more at about it at netsquirrel.com

AVG from Grisoft is a good anti-virus program we mention on the show quite frequently. You can pick up the free version at free.grisoft.com. Licensing allows for the free use of this software on one computer per household.

You should also check out their anti-spyware tool which is also available for download from their site.

For Windows users, the CHKDSK command is a useful utility for verifying the integrity of a hard drive as well as the data it contains.

To run CHKDSK simply open a command prompt and type chkdsk /f and hit enter.
If you are using Windows Vista you will need to execute the command prompt as an administrator.

Click to see larger image

Once you run the command you will get a message saying something along the lines of not being able to get full access to the drive would you like to run the drive to be checked the next time you reboot. Answer “yes” and reboot the system and let it run.

CHKDSK will scan the drive for errors and by specifying the /f it will also repair any it finds.

CHKDSK can only do so much. If the drive is in the process of failing it may not work at all.

Photo by Groovehouse

phliKtid monitors the system.
Photo by Groovehouse

Phones worked fine, but there was no display of the callers on hold in the control room so phliKtid was calling them out in his own unique and humorous way. Dwight brought one of the Alasus EEE PC’s to look at. Lots of hardware calls this week. Failing power supplies and spontaneous system reboots. All in all, a fun show and worth a listen. Groovehouse was snapping pics like crazy which should be online a bit later.

 

 Standard Podcast [120:40m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (334)

If you are a member of Facebook be sure and stop by and become a fan!

Tecnology Bytes on Facebook

If you are on Myspace be sure and add us as a friend!

Technology Bytes Myspace Page

Photo by Groovehouse

Jay Lee, Barrett Canon and Dwight Silverman

Photo by Groovehouse

A new Macbook Air for phliKtid prompts a discussion about whether or not applying stickers or other ornamentation to a laptop is acceptable or an act of self inflicted vandalism.

 

 Standard Podcast [120:40m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (319)

First post fund-raiser show. Always a joy not to be begging for dollars. Particularly fun program tonight.

Topics of discussion:

1. Dwight gets pooped in the eye by a grackle
2. Mac vs. PC
3. Battlestar Galactica and Buck Rogers

 

 Standard Podcast [120:40m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (333)