How to Watch Internet Videos on your TV (Mac only)

Sorry PC users but this post is just for us Mac users. I recently joined NetFlix and wanted a way to watch their instant videos on my 32" HDTV. Here is how I accomplished that.

First of all I am using a MacBook (Intel) with OS X Tiger. If you have a newer Mac I'm sure most of the steps would remain the same. Most newer Macs have what is called a mini-dvi port (it's on the side of mine). So there were a couple of adapters needed to display the videos from the Mac to the TV.


First you need a Mini-DVI to DVI.


Second, you need a DVI to HDMI to hook into the HDMI port on the back of your TV.



Make sure you get a cord long enough to reach from where you wish to place your computer to the back of the TV. Once everything is hooked up turn you TV to the HDMI source corresponding to the port you plugged your cord into. You should see your Mac's background image on the TV.

Now visit your favorite video site. Play the video in full screen and enjoy it from the comfort of your bed or favorite chair. Note that the picture quality will be dependent on your internet connection and the site you are watching it from. It will not be as good as HD but if you are on a decent site it should look ok.

Join me next time for part two. How to program your Apple remote to control the videos.

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Click to Flash - Is this the Answer to Safari issues?

Over the past couple of weeks I have been having major issues with my Apple Mac Safari browser. I love Safari and hated the idea of using another browser but I just had to do it to keep my sanity.

I switched to Firefox and immediately missed one of my favorite Safari functions, the "Merge All Windows" command. I looked on the net to find a plugin that would add this to Firefox, and couldn't find one that worked as good as Safari.

Luckily, I stubbled on a program for Safari that i believe may be the fix I needed. The program is ClickToFlash 1.3 

(for Leopard) http://github.com/rentzsch/clicktoflash/tree/master

(for Tiger) http://github.com/mbaltaks/clicktoflash/

What it does is suspend flash ad, videos, etc. from loading automatically on a website. For some reason Safari and Flash have never like each-other. I've noticed many times that a site containing a lot of Flash messes up Safari while the same site does find in Firefox.

So I installed ClickToFlash and so far so good. When I visit a site any Flash based item has a box around it and says "Flash" in the middle. If I wish to view the Flash I can click on it.

If you are like me and cannot live without Safari but are having trouble with it give ClickToFlash a try. I hope soon that Apple will fix the issues in Safari because it is the best browser out there.

How to Set Up and Customize - Expose For Apple Mac Leopard OSX

How to Set Up and Customize - Expose For Apple Mac Leopard OSX
By Hergo Borelli

Expose For Apple Mac OSX - Best Features - Hidden Features

Expose On Apple Mac is a feature of the leopard OSX operating system which allows a user to show and hide all active and hidden windows, in a single click of the mouse or the press of a button.

So why would this feature on a mac be so useful to somebody, you may ask. well, simply put, as an every day computer user, you may have several applications running all at once and suddenly need go back to one of your open applications.

Expose is perfect for showing you which applications are currently open on your desktop, so that you can switch around very quickly.

Points that will be covered in this article are :

• How to Activate Expose and Customize
• Features of Expose
• Hidden Features of Expose
• How Expose can make your life easier

How to Activate Expose and Customize Expose

Expose can be activated in three main ways:

Hot Keys

Mouse Click

Hot Corners

Hot Keys - By default, F9 on the keyboard activates Expose on Leopard OSX, However this can be configured by going to System Preferences - Expose & Spaces, and then configuring the settings to your own preferences.

Mouse Click - Expose can be activated by the Apple mighty mouse, or any other multi button mouse. On the Apple mighty mouse you can configure Expose to be activated when squeezing the two side buttons. Expose can also be configured on a multi-button mouse by once again opening Expose & Spaces, System Preferences and setting up which mouse button you would like to use.

Hot Corners - ( Hot Corners for Leopard OSX, are areas of the users desktop screen that will activate certain commands when the user however over that part over the screen with their mouse cursor) In the Expose & Spaces System Preferences , you can configure the Hot Corners of your desktop screen to activate Expose.

Features of Expose

All Windows - The feature enables the user to view all of the active windows on the desktop. For example if you, the user had iTunes, Photoshop, and iPhoto open at the same time, activating Expose will shrink all of the active windows, so that all the applications fit onto your screen and you can see all of them in a Birds-Eye view mode.

Applications Window - This feature of Expose allows you to see all of the active windows for a active application, by again shrinking the windows to fit the desktop screen. This feature is different from the All Windows feature, as you can only view the current application windows. For example if you were working on many Pages documents, and had many different files open, activating this feature will allow you to see all of your pages documents at once, however if any other applications were open, they would not be shown. By default this can be activated by pressing the F10 key or changed inside of system preferences.

Show Desktop - By activating this feature ( by Default is F11 or changeable by system preferences), Leopard quickly moves all of the application windows to the side of the screen so only the edges of the application windows are viewable and the entire desktop area is exposed.

Hidden Features of Expose

Expose has some features that are not obvious and have not been, documented on the apple website, but have been discovered by some Mac fanatics, and are quite easy to activate and use.

The Blob - The "blob" is a hidden and undocumented interface to Expose that was discovered by a member of the MacNN forums. When clicked, it enables the "Application Windows" mode. When Option+clicked, it enables the "All Windows" mode.

Slow Motion Expose - When activating Expose, it can be done in a slow motion effect, which is more for fun or for presentation purposes, rather than that of any practical purposes. To use this command, Press down the Shift Key when activating expose, so by default it would be Shift + F9.

How Expose can Make your Life Easier

Once you figure out how to use expose, it will probably become on the most used features, of your mac. The best practice is to configure your mouse buttons to activate Expose, and switching from one application to another will become a cinch. In practical uses, it will allow you speed up your productivity when compared to a windows machine, by allowing quick and easy access, to all of your active applications. And now that you don't have to spend so much time clicking all of the tabs, on all of your applications your productivity, will in all likeliness increase, giving you more time to do other things.

For further information visit http://www.customizemymac.comArticle Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hergo_Borelli

http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Set-Up-and-Customize---Expose-For-Apple-Mac-Leopard-OSX&id=1765824

Mentioned in the Post:
Mac Leopard OSX
Photoshop
iPhoto

A French Press Pot - For the Coffee Geek on Your Holiday Gift List

V-day is coming up soon. Why not get the Geek in your life a great coffee press. Find out more information below in this article.

A French Press Pot - For the Coffee Geek on Your Holiday Gift List

By Michael J. Cross

Want to know the perfect gift for the true java lover in your life? Get him (or her) a French press coffee maker.

I'm sure you've seen this unique brewer before--it's quite distinctive. It's a staple in upscale restaurants (and in the homes of coffee geeks).

It's been around for well over a hundred years, but there's some debate as to whether this brewer actually came from France. Regardless, a French company, Bodum, currently distributes more of these press pots than anyone else in the world.

Here's what it comes with: a cylindrical glass carafe with a pour spout, a metal or rubber handle that encompasses the carafe, and a plunger. Classy. Simple.

So why do java connoisseurs love it so much? Because it uses a direct infusion brewing method.

You take whole beans, grind them coarse (a burr grinder is best for this), spoon them into the bottom of the carafe, add hot water (just below the boiling point), place the plunger on top of the cylinder, let the brew steep for 3-5 minutes, depress the plunger, and voila! You've got heaven in a cup.

There's no automatic drip mechanism, no paper filters tainting the pot. It's an absurdly simple, almost archaic process.

The direct immersion brewing method works so well because it retains the beans' essential oils, virtually ensuring a rich, flavorful cup of joe. Using a French press allows you to get a true appreciation for the flavors of various beans.

I guarantee, if the coffee geek in your life enjoys his brew bold and thick, he'll use his plunge pot every day. It gives you just about the best java you can possibly make at home, a true cafe experience.

But in all fairness, it does take time.

For starters, the beans must be ground fresh. No Maxwell House here!

Then, you have to heat the water separately, too. This isn't as fast and painless as using, say, a Keurig kitchen brewer, popping in a K cup, walking away, and coming back a minute later to a hot beverage. It's a bit more involved.

Another potential drawback is that coffee brewed by a French press may contain sediment from the coarse grounds used. Some models, such as a few offered by Bonjour, come with special pour filters to help eliminate this problem.Another knock? Plunge pots simply don't brew much. A typical model will offer you only 32 ounces, or 8, 4-ounce cups. This is a far cry from the automatic drip machines that routinely churn out two or three times as much.In other words, this isn't made for serving to the masses. It works best for solo java aficionados, couples, and especially, small dinner parties. There's nothing quite as impressive as whipping out one of these elegant brewers after dinner. Your guests will be wowed.Best of all, French press pots are reasonably priced. You can grab a quality Bodum or Bonjour model for less than $50.

The coffee geek in your life will love it.Michael J. Cross is a professional freelance writer and creator of http://www.best-coffee-maker.net . If you're serious about brewing coffee, check out his coffee maker reviews to find the ideal home brewer for your needs.Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_J._Cross

http://EzineArticles.com/?A-French-Press-Pot---For-the-Coffee-Geek-on-Your-Holiday-Gift-List&id=1783676

You, Too, Can Be a GPS Geek

You, Too, Can Be a GPS Geek
By Michael Russell

You know those maps you see at shopping malls and site seeing areas that have that red dot – “You Are Here”. That’s kind of what a GPS is, except it moves with you wherever in the world you are. It’s not restricted to a building or event area. In addition, it helps you find where you want to go. You just tell it the location you want to find and it gives you directions to get there. Newer models will guide you audibly, tell you nearby attractions, restaurants and gas stations and get you back on track when you turn the wrong way.

GPS, or Global Positioning System, is made up of a series of 28 orbiting satellites. It was originally developed by the military, but has spread to consumer use. If you have a GPS unit, it receives satellite signals that help it to determine your location. Consumer GPS units are accurate within few yards or meters, but the military and government models are even more accurate. Your GPS unit can give you instructions to another location if software for mapping is installed, which most for consumer use do.

GPS units can come as standard or extra equipment on new cars. They are available in many rental cars, usually for an extra fee. GPS mapping software for street use is the most common consumer usage today. If your primary purpose in seeking a GPS unit is so you can get from one place to another via a reliable navigation system, this is the type for you. Your dealer can build them in or you can purchase one that will attach to your dashboard. Some available features you may want to consider are voice directions, detailed included maps for your area and any area you know you’ll travel, rerouting when you get lost or detours force changes to the GPS-suggested route and a points of interest database.

The GPS is most commonly found for car use, but that’s not the only type you can get. Think about how you might use your GPS. Perhaps you may need your GPS outside of your vehicle. Handheld GPS units are great for hikers, bikers and sportsmen. There are plenty of GPS units geared toward to outdoors person. Features you may need in these include lightweight, rugged, waterproof, long battery life, tracking (so you can tell where you’ve been), speed and distance measuring and even built in radios and party locators.

Marine GPS’s help you find the fish! If you’re an avid fisherman, this is the type of GPS you’ll want. These are designed to be on the water and are all waterproofed. Look for a bright screen that will be easy to read in the sun. You can get them with water and shore mapping, fish hotspots and sonar. You can get marine GPS units that double as car navigation units, as well.

PDA’s, or Personal Data Assistants, are starting to be bundled together with GPS’s. Most of these are limited at this time, but they will improve as more people are attracted to this combination. For now, it’s recommended to buy your PDA and GPS separately.

There are also GPS’s designed specifically for airplane pilots. If you’re a private or commercial pilot, you already know about these. They give mapping based on what can be seen from the air.

No matter what kind of unit you need, there is one with the features you’re looking for. Your GPS will be a continued source of accurate and helpful information and even a great deal of fun!Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to GPS

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

http://EzineArticles.com/?You,-Too,-Can-Be-a-GPS-Geek&id=763596

Are Geeks Anti-Social?

This post comes for a experience I had at WalMart yesterday. I was minding my own business with a clipboard in hand with my grocery list. Out of the blue a woman comes over to me and begins to talk to me.

What is that all about, I wonder. We chatted, or at least she chatted while I wished I could escape this awkward moment, about coupons and this and that. Finally this unwanted social moment was over.

I am not a people person. I would rather be sitting with my Macbook alone in a WiFi enabled cafe. I am single (probably because I sit alone at a WiFi enabled cafe) and have no problem with my singleness.

Now if the right girl came across my path who required little social interaction I might leave my singleton life and join the world of couples. For now, however, I may need a hat to wear out that says "Un-Sociable Geek, Do Not Disturb."

Geek Computer Gadgets Fix Nerd Cold-Hand Problem Fast

Geek Computer Gadgets Fix Nerd Cold-Hand Problem Fast

By Anna Miller

You don't have to be a NASA Rocket Scientist nerd or Disney Computer Artist geek to experience cold hands working at your computer. Sitting for long hours using a computer mouse can cause your mouse hand to get extremely cold, even if you are a simple stay-at-home or office-junkie computer nerd.

Many heavy computer user "nerds" suffer with a cold mouse hand as soon as the temperatures drop in their work space. It doesn't matter if it's winter or summer, if the work space is cold or drafty, a computer user's hand can become extremely cold. The most common occurrence of a cold hand is by people who sit for long hours at the computer. If a person uses the computer occasionally, or if they are naturally warm-blooded, they may not experience a cold mouse hand. It all depends upon the person, their work space conditions, and their medical history.

Several online forums have surveyed their members about the cold computer hand problem. The majority of responses indicate the cold hand problem is fairly common with the exception being laptop users who do not use a computer mouse when computing.

There's no specific medical condition for a cold mousing hand, but there are medical conditions with cold hand symptoms. The most common of the cold hand medical condition is "poor circulation." Poor circulation is most commonly caused by a progressive blocking of the arteries. Factors for developing poor circulation include a lack of physical activity, smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

The cold mouse hand problem can become very annoying because the longer a person sits and works at the computer, the colder the hand gets making the tips of the fingers and top of the hand numb. There are products on the market to address the cold hand problem which include both USB connected devices and earth-friendly devices requiring no electricity. Depending upon which device you want to use, it's wise to address the problem to relieve discomfort as you work. The only other option is to stop working, and that's not always possible when there are deadlines to meet and computer work to be completed.

The hand warmer geek gadgets available include mouse hand warmer blankets, heated mouse pads, heated mice and mouse hand warmer mousepads. The hand warmer computer gadgets range in price and cost little compared to the price you pay for not using them. Many of the computer geek gadgets to keep your mousing hand warm are available online. Do some online research prior to making a purchase to make sure the items you are buying fit your needs.

One such product designed specifically for computer users is a hand warmer blanket pouch. It is shaped like a pouch and holds a person's favorite mouse (optical or USB connected) and mouse pad, or it works as a covered mousepad with out the use of another mouse pad. It's made of a cozy fleece blanket material which insulates body heat as a person works. There are no cords to get tangled on the desk top because the hand blanket uses no electricity. It's earth friendly in today's energy-efficient world. It's available at many online stores, and not yet available at regular retail stores. So, if you are interested in obtaining a hand blanket, search Google to find online locations or go to one of these websites and search for a mouse hand warmer blanket - Amazon.com, Etsy.com and MadeInUSAforever.com.

Other computer geek gadgets designed to address the cold mouse hand problem require electricity and are also available online. The warming mouse, available in several colors, shapes and sizes, is a geek gadget that heats up after it's plugged in and stays warm until you turn it off. If you purchase an USB connected warming mouse, make sure it's ergonomic enough for your mouse hand. If the ergonomic shape is not suited for your mouse hand, you will end up with a sore mouse hand -- especially if you tend to spend long hours using a computer mouse. Plus, the USB connected heated mouse requires the computer user to manually turn off the mouse when finished using it or the mouse will stay heated and using electricity after you log off and shut down the computer. There's no heat regulator on the warming mouse, so get ready to have a very warm mousing experience. A person's body temp is about 98.6 degrees and most of the warming mice heat up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

Another practical computer geek gadget designed specifically for the computer nerd's cold mouse hand is the USB connected warming mouse pad. If you currently use a metal gaming mousepad, it can become very cold during the winter months when heat is a virtue. Even the most common forms of rubber mouse pads become chilled in a cold work area or office space. So, if you decide to get an USB connected warming mouse pad, make sure the mousepad you purchase fits on your work area and the cords don't get tangled on your desk top. Many of the current USB connected mouse pads also incorporate an additional USB connection strip making them handy to plug in several computer gadgets. The one you choose, depends upon your likes and needs. Just be careful, there's a lot of junk out there, so buy from a reputable seller who stands behind their products, offers return policies and gives a refund if you are not happy with the purchase.

If you suffer with a cold computer hand and haven't taken appropriate action to relieve the problem, hopefully you will now. To learn more about how to keep your cold mouse hand warm search Google, Yahoo! or MSN. There are several blogs dedicated to the cold mouse hand condition. Regardless of the action you take, knowing relief is available may help the next time your mouse hand gets cold.

Anna Miller - Mouse Hand Warmer - http://www.IGMproducts.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anna_Miller
http://EzineArticles.com/?Geek-Computer-Gadgets-Fix-Nerd-Cold-Hand-Problem-Fast&id=1866554

Review of Apple Airport Express

Connecting your internet wirelessly could not be easier than with Apple's Airport Express. You basically take it out of the box, hook it up, and you are ready to go.

The Airport Express is a small white box that plugs into a power outlet. On the bottom is your ethernet port for you to plug your cable router into. You also have a USB port to hook up a printer, and finally a jack to use the Air Tunes feature.

When my old Netgear router bit the dust several months ago I looked at many models. Already being an Apple enthusiast I thought I would give the AirPort Express a try. I have never regretted that purchase.

Apple also offers an Airport Extreme which has a few more features than the Express. But for my needs the Express works just fine. To purchase the AirPort Express at a special price click the ad below.



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