When XP doesn't recognize your flash drive.

Try Microsoft's Fix-it Center, a free download or online, program that can fix this nagging problem.  It is typically a result of corrupt registry files on your system.  It also addresses dozens of other common, irritating issues that arise with using Windows.  Also works with Vista and Windows 7.  Good luck!

Battle of the cloud music services

Google introduced their cloud music service today, Google Music.  In true Google nature, it's Beta.  It's also free for now, but by invite only.  You can request an invite by going to the website.  You must have a gmail account to get one.  Last month, Amazon introduced their cloud music service.  Regardless of which you may choose, the ultimate benefit is that you can now access your music collection anywhere now.  By computer, smartphone or tablet, you can listen to what you own anywhere.  To see how both services compare, check out this comparison chart by CNET. 

How well do you know classic movies?

Check out famousobjectsfromclassicmovies.com.  The site is a must if you are a movie buff.  The objective is simple, you are shown a famous object from a classic movie.  Identify the movie.  Simple.  I know, I know, it's not tech in nature, but it is so much fun. 

An explanation on virus protection and why you may get one, despite your best efforts

I included a page intended for everyone who has asked me the simple question, "If I have an anti-virus program on my computer, why did I get a virus?" I get this question so often that I am kicking myself for not addressing it completely before.  I always stumble trying to explain what happens.  It's not a simple explanation or one that most people want to hear, but you need to know.  In short, the name anti-virus is misleading.   If you read any information on any anti-virus program you will find that none gaurantee that you will not get a virus.  There is no way for the anti-virus program to know something is bad BEFORE you click on it. How could it? It hasn’t scanned it, and doesn’t even know you will click on it until you do.  In short, this is why you may get infected.  Check out the article for a full explanation for the mechanics of how virus detection and removal works. 

A greenspan... a new recycling source

Well they are not new in the business, but new to me.  A greenspan, located in Sharpsburg, is a green recycling company that will recycle almost any kind of electronic.   Televisions, computers, monitors, microwave ovens and more are among the items they will recycle.  They do charge a small free for each, but it is more responsible to recycle these items then to put them in the trash.  For computers, if the computer is usable, they will try to refurbish it and sell it to schools, churches and non-profits.  If it unusable, they will strip the computer of the precious metals and ensure that all parts are recycled properly.  For more information, check out their website.

Tomorrow is Free comic book day

If you are a fan of the comic book genre, tomorrow is your day.  It is National Free Comic Day.  Many comic book stores honor the day by allowing every customer a free comic book.  Click here to see a list of what comic books are available for free and the stores listed below are all participating in the Free Comic Book Day.  Happy Comics!

PHANTOM OF THE ATTIC IN OAKLAND 406 SOUTH CRAIG STREET PITTSBURGH, PA (412) 621-1210
PHANTOM OF THE ATTIC 3766 WILLIAM PENN HIGHWAY MONROEVILLE, PA (412) 856-4403
EIDE'S ENTERTAINMENT 1121 PENN AVENUE PITTSBURGH, PA (412) 261-0900
THE COMIC BOOK INK! 116 SMITHFIELD STREET PITTSBURGH, PA (412) 263-2002
NEW DIMENSION COMICS 2 3075 CLAIRTON RD #940 CENTURY III MALL 3RD FLOOR WEST MIFFLIN, PA (412) 655-8661
THE GEEKADROME 534 BROOKLINE BLVD PITTSBURGH, PA (412) 344-2494