Tips, tricks and guides
How to Convert a PDF File to Word, Excel or JPG Format
The easiest methods with the least amount of software
How to Reset or Unfreeze an iPod Nano, iPod Touch, iPod Classic, or iPod Shuffle
Stop it from interrupting your workout
OTT Explains – Why ISPs Assign Dynamic vs Static IP Addresses
A great ice breaker at your next party
How to Make YouTube Videos Smaller
It's pretty simple and quick to do
Recently a friend asked me how to make a YouTube video smaller for his posting to his blog, so I did a little bit of research and gave him a […]
Best Online Buying Guides to Consult Before Making a Purchase
These sites are free and can help you save $$
Planning on buying a new computer, a new DSLR camera, a new power tool, a new appliance, or a new piece of furniture? If so, you should always take your […]
OTT Guide to Codecs, Container Formats and Transcoding
An explanation that won't make your head hurt
If the title of this article doesn’t already make your head hurt, then the rest of it definitely will. Well, hopefully I can explain it in a way that makes […]
OTT Guide to Creating a Strong Password
It has something to do with mathematics
It’s so common now, that we all do it without even thinking about it: create a password that’s at least x characters, has at least one number and one symbol […]
OTT Explains – What is Port Forwarding and What is It Used For?
And how to use it to access cameras, printers and more from outside your network
Most people live their lives not having any idea what port forwarding is and what it can do for them. I recently bought a Foscam IP camera that connects to […]
How to Use the Command Line to Kill a Program
Can be used for good or for evil
Everyone knows how to kill a program using Task Manager in Windows or Force Quit in OS X, but sometimes it’s useful to kill a program using the command line. […]
How to Properly Setup Recovery and Backup Options for Two-Factor Authentication
There is both frontend and backend things you must do
I’ve always been a big proponent of two-factor authentication and it seems these days you really need to use it. Just look at the recent Apple security hole that allowed […]
What’s the Difference Between a Virus, a Trojan, a Worm, and a Rootkit?
Plus the difference between spyware and malware
Pretty much everyone has heard of the terms spyware, malware, virus, trojan horse, computer worm, rootkit, etc, etc, but do you really know the difference between each of them? I […]
How to Get Your Antivirus and Gaming PC to Play Nicely Together
Stay safe while you are killing zombies
I recently installed Call of Duty 4 on my Mac and was pretty annoyed at how choppy the game play was. Granted, I have a 2009 MacBook Pro, but I […]
Why Does Windows Have More Viruses Than Linux and OS X?
A detailed explanation that may surprise you
I’m writing this post because I recently overheard a conversation between two friends where one recommended that the friend switch from Windows to Mac or Linux because the latter operating […]
7 Ways to Child Proof a Computer
Tips to protects from toddlers to tweens
I have an 8 year old daughter and I have realized the importance of child-proofing my computer! The second I turn around, she runs to my desk, jumps on the […]
What are PC Drivers and Why Do You Need Them?
Hint: it has nothing to do with political correctness
Your computer contains all kinds of hardware, such as disk drives, DVD/CD-ROM drives, network adapters, and sound and video cards, as well as external devices, such as printers, keyboards, monitors, […]
Understanding LAN Network Data Transfer Speeds
Especially important if you are transferring really large files
I recently bought a NAS (network attached storage) device from Synology, connected it up to my network and started transferring files. The first thing I noticed was how slow the […]
Best Software to Clean Up Your Windows PC
These are the safest ones that won't install malware
There is a multi-billion dollar business built around selling PC and Mac cleaning software. They come in all shapes, sizes and prices and tout the necessity to clean, tune, and […]
OTT Guide to Troubleshooting Printer Problems
We can send a man to the moon but still can't print across the room
Printer problems can be extremely annoying and frustrating. One of my friends just posted a status that sums it up pretty well, “We can send someone to space, robots to […]
OTT Guide To Repairing Your Own Computer Instead of GeekSquad
Unleash your inner nerd and save $$
So I recently had a friend come over to my place and ask me if I could take a look at his computer because it suddenly started giving him an […]
OTT Explains – What File Format is Best for USB Drives?
It all depends on several different factors
I was recently asked by a friend what the best file format would be formatting his USB drive. When I started to explain it, I realized that it wasn’t actually […]
