Falling Skies is freaking awesome!

Ok, I know I have commented before about my affinity for the show "Falling Skies".  But as I watch this week's episode I can't help but think that the show's writers have hit gold with it.  I'm sure next week's 2 hour season finale will be very bitter swe...

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Mortal Kombat Legacy Ep. 9, first season down...

So now that the first season of the "Mortal Kombat Legacy" web series is over, what did you think?  Personally, it left me with a lot to be desired.  I hung on every moment of the first episode and honestly wished it would have kept it's steam going through all 9 episodes.  But for me it didn't. The Sub-Zero and Scorpion episodes were good enough, and the first episode was great.  Not to mention the short teaser that was released before the series started aimed to approach the...

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Importance of Backups...Part 3

Part 3: Drive Imaging/Cloning Well, this is it.  That's right, the last article of the "Importance of Backups" series.  In this article, we're going to talk about a third method of performing backups (i.e.: making Hard Drive Images).  If you have purchased a name brand computer within the last several years, you'll know that there is a good possibility that your computer didn't come with any Restore Disks. Different vendor's handle this matter in different ways.  In one case,...

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Now Taking Reader Questions!

I am now taking Reader Questions!  That's right I'm striving for a deeper level of interaction between myself and my readers here at TechieSmarts!  So, if you have a question that you have been itching to ask someone about computers, Linux, gaming, Android, or any other computer question...I want to know about and I want to try and help you. I enjoy computers and all that is contained therein.  And would love the opportunity to answer your questions. So you can leave me...

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Virtual Boxes-No Install Required?!

That's right, now live is an awesome archive of preinstalled VirtualBox operating systems images.  If you're not familiar with VirtualBox don't fear.  VirtualBox was created by Sun MicroSystems and is no owned by Oracle (don't frown, I know Oracel blows).  Anyways, it is an open source Virtualization solution.  Meaning, you can install the Windows Client of VirtualBox and install other operating systems within your Windows install by creating these "virtual machines".  Basically...

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Backing Up Your Data...Part 2

The Importance of Backups-Part 2: Local/Offline Backup So in our first article of the 'The Importance of Backups' series, we covered one of the easiest methods of backing up your personal data (Online Backups).  Today we're going to cover how to do a local backup on some form of external media.  There are several options for performing a local backup: -Using a file sync program to do periodic backups of user specified files and directories -Using an automated method of performing...

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ASUS Transformer Getting Honeycomb 3.2...Today?!

Actually I guess owner's of the supported ASUS Transformer tablet will be getting the Honeycomb 3.2 update rolled out today (7-28-11).  This is great news for proud Transformer owners.  It was released a few weeks ago that Honeycomb 3.2 was being tested by Motorola and ASUS for the tablets: the Xoom and Transformer (respectively). Meanwhile, those of us proud owners of the Iconia a500 (made by the other company whose name starts with the letter 'A'; just received the Honeycomb 3.1 update....

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While We're on The MMO bandwagon: DCUO DLC!

If you're into DC Universe Online you've got some good stuff heading your way with the "Fight for the Light" downloadable content pack which includes non other than the Green Lantern and a set of Light abilities.  So take up your recruit ring and give it a spin. ...

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Google Music...What is it?

If you're a fan of digital music you have no doubt heard of Google's attempt to become a player in the music sector; Google Music.  How?  By making "cloud storage" available for storing a user's music collection.  That user could then you any Android device running Android 2.2 "Froyo" or higher. So why would you want to use it?  Simple, if you have a music collection ranging from just a few songs to a huge library of music files, than you know what kind of pain it is to sync...

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Just another Star Wars: The Old Republic Trailer

Couldn't resist, here's a trailer from Comic-Con. "Join The Fight". ...

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Star Wars: The Old Republic PreOrders Happening Now!

If you've been eagerly anticipating the release of the latest Star Wars MMO "Star Wars: The Old Republic" than fear no more, preorders are now being taken.  Here is the pricing breakdown: -The standard boxed copy is $59.99 -The collector's edition retails for $149.99 If you preorder you get early access during the beta events slated for September, and a color stone that will change your weapon's effect.  The Collector's Edition comes with: -an exclusive Darth Malgus statue -Collectible...

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The Importance of Backups...

Article 1: Online Backup Solutions This past week I had been working on a computer for some friends.  They had managed to get some form of virus/malware infection which rendered their computer useless when booting.  It would simply restart every time it attempted to actually boot into Windows.  One of their first concerns was whether or not they have lost all of their files.  Their files included office documents, school work, and digital pictures from their camera (about 9GB's...

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Android App Update: Cordy Gets More Levels!

Just a quick heads up for anyone looking for an awesome platformer for their Android device.  SilverTree Media's 'Cordy' has been updated recently and in the process has been given a handful of new levels.  And the game continues to amaze me.   Seriously, this game contains some of the best graphics and gameplay in a mobile app that is available. The base game is free (first 10 levels), and the rest of the game can be purchased from within the app. Android Market: Co...

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Honeycomb 3.1 on my Acer Iconia a500 Review

I have been using my Acer Iconia a500 tablet for a couple of days now since it updated to Honeycomb 3.1earlier this week.  I feel like I've had enough hands on to develop an initial impression of it, even if I may miss some features.  I'll hit the high points that I have encountered with my brief hands-on time. It's no secret that the update process was somewhat painful (if not self induced by me) as you can read in my previous posts concerning the matter.  However, all the trouble...

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Vista troubles no more!

Well it looks like I'll be resting well tonight without Vista causing restless nights.  After a brief reinstallation using the original Dell Operating System Disk and Driver Installation Disk, the troubled Dell XPS 420 is alive once again.  Now the only thing left to do is let Vista download it's updates and patches.  And restore the backups from their My Documents folders (pictures and office documents).  Otherwise, it is ready to go home, and I am ready to look forward to a...

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Vista PC Pain...

Well, after trying every bit of advice I could possibly find.  Still no luck with this infernal reboot problem I am stuck with on a friend's computer. So, after receiving a phone call last night from the computer's owner and being informed that they located their Reinstallation disks. I have since paid them a visit and picked up the disks and am now attempting an Operating System reinstallation.  So far so good, the process is going along better tha it has all week. Hopefully, I'll have...

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Vista Hardships...

Well, just a quick follow up on my progress with the demon infested Dell XPS 420 I have been working on.  The Vista Recovery CD I found (from a mirror from NeoSmart's solution which is now offline) didn't work.  In fact, it broke the Vista boot altogether.  Using instructions to try and diagnose/repair the BCD store on the hard drive, the Vista partition was completely hidden from booting.  Fortunately, I made a backup copy of the BCD file that I restored using an Ubuntu Live...

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Visa Issues...I know, Vista right?! LOL

Well, a friend of mine called me up and sent their computer with me yesterday for some help.  It's a rather interesting problem, so I figured I'd chronicle the work here to help others through my thought process. Here's the problem with their Dell XPS 420; from powering on the desktop computer it splashes up the Dell loading screen and continues through to a screen that prompts you to either launch a 'Startup Repair (Recomended)' or 'Start Windows Normally'.  Other issue, I have no way...

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Acer Iconia Tab a500 Update Complete

So after downloading a hefty 356MB download, and sitting through the install, my a500 is rocking Honeycomb 3.1.  Some apps have been added: Movie Editor, Google Videos, Nook reader to name a few. I'll get some more hands on with it tonight and tomorrow and then I'll post up a quick review of the update and a couple of the ap...

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Acer Iconia Tablet a500 Update Woes...UPDATE is Green Lighted!

Acer Iconia a500 users who have yet to get the Honeycomb 3.1 Update, go ahead and manually check for the update.  I just did and I'm downloading it right now.  Hopefully the install will go smooth and 3.1 isn't too far away. More to come so...

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Feeling Jilted over NetFlix? There are other choices out there...

I have no problem letting it be known that I was more than a little torqued off about the 60 percent Netflix price hike.  Personally, I have been a NetFlix subscriber for quite some time now.  We only occasionally would rent a physical DVD, and between my wife and I; I was the primary user for the NetFlix streaming through my Wii and PS3 (occasionally through the iPad).  The previous pricing for their subscriptions was nice.  Basically, streaming account with one DVD...

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Acer Iconia Tablet a500 Update Woes...Weekend Update

Still no news as far as the Honeycomb 3.1 Update goes.  But to be fair, I haven't had a lot of time this weekend to bug Acer Support about my update woes.  I'll be hot on the trail again on Monday afternoon, so more to co...

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Teaser: 'Serious Sam 3 BFE'- The Headless Kamikaze Trailer

I saw this the other day and thought it was great.  Checkout the teaser/commercial for 'Serious Sam 3 BFE' and the Headless Kamikaze. ...

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Movie Review: 'Harry Potter: The Deathly Hallows Pt.2'

So today I broke down and saw the new Harry Potter film.  What did I think about it?  Would I recommend it to others?  2D or 3D?  Read on for the details.  And for anyone who hasn't seen it yet, I'll be as spoiler free as possible. Now to be honest, I'm not a huge Potter fan.  I haven't read the books, and all I know about the characters is based off of how the movies portray them.  And the movies have been mostly hit or miss for me.  Most of them I like...

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PC Exclusive: Hard Reset

It's almost a rare thing that a title become a PC Exclusive anymore.  Unless it is an MMO (and even that is starting to change).  However, there are still some companies out there who believe (like myself) that PC Gaming isn't quite a dead genre. So take a glance at the first reveal trailer for 'Hard Reset'.  The game appears to be a take on a grim future that tends to resemble something you'd see in a sci-fi movie starring Harrison Ford (not Star Wars).  I'll be watching the...

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Element14.com: Open Source Hardware Mods

I discovered this site today while listening to 'The Tech Guy Podcast' with Leo Laporte (it was an older episode from a few weeks ago).  He directed a caller there due to the nature of the caller's question about modifying a laptop/tablet scenario he had going on.  Figured I'd check it out. They seem to cover a lot of info on Alternate Energy, Arduino, and Open Source Hardware.  Such as home automation, smartphone info and more.  If you're into DIY projects, I'm sure you'll...

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"Honeycomb 3.1? Not for you Acer a500 Owner! " -Acer

Well, got home from work today and thought for some crazy reason I would check and see if my Iconia a500 tablet had prompted me for the Honeycomb 3.1 update...And nope, still nothing.  Also, it still says my device is up to date when attempting to manually search for the update as well. It's about time for a scathing email to be sent to support and possibly another Live Chat just for kicks.  Also, the unveiling of the new 'Mad-Droid' is no...

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Software of the Week: MalwareBytes

Continuing on our Anti-Malware/Anti-Virus recommendations this week I have picked MalwareBytes to be our software of the week.  So what is it?  Why would you need it?  How much does it cost?  Does it work?  Read on for more information. The word Malware is becoming more wide known with each passing week.  In my day to day dealings with people from both my work and personal friends, I am quickly understanding that this is a word being used almost more than 'virus' nowdays....

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Memory: Call it Soft, Squishy, or Jelly Like?

Researchers at NC States University (located in my home state, way to go guys); have developed a technology they are coining as a 'memristor'.  Simply put it is a memory device made of a "water based gel using iridium and gallium alloys" that can act as a form of memory due to it's capability to be electrically conductive or resistive. No capacity information is available for this tech but it's pretty cool (and maybe a bit scary).  Think of it this way, with leaps and bounds being accomplished...

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New F2P Game: FireFall

I stumbled onto this game a while back, and thought it looked awesome.  It wasn't until I read an article on Massively today that I thought I'd post a copy of the trailer which looks crazy good.  I've signed up for the Beta, but I'd definitely look into this one a little more. Here's the link to their site: http://www.firefallthegame.com/ Firefall Cinematic from Red 5 Studios on Vim...

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New Captain America Clip

Another Captain America clip has hit the web.  See below (borrowed from IGN). I'm a huge fan of all things comic book related (or at least most things comic related).  And as awesome as the Iron Man series was, (I have yet to see Thor); I have really high hopes for this flick.  However, I just have this striking feeling that it will leave us wanting/needing more from the experience.  The movie has a top billed cast of actors:-Chris Evans as Steve Rogers/Captain America-Hugo...

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Space MMO 'Black Prophecy' goes live in NA!

'Black Prophecy' by Gamigo has gone live in North America.  I have been watching the progress on this game for quite some time.  Now it looks as though we can give it a whirl.  This title is being offered as a F2P MMO.  And I must say it looks awesome. 'Black Prophecy' is being touted as a space MMO with more focus on action than on economy ahem, EVE Online reference?).  Either way, with this game looking as awesome as it does, and being F2P it already sounds enticing to...

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Acer Iconia Tablet a500 Update Woes... UPDATE

At 11:00pm eastern standard time, still no update. Did find a blog that rumored Acer estimates the Honeycomb 3.1 update to not be completely rolled out until sometime in August.  I'm not sure of the credibility of the blog, but I hope that isn't so...

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EA Shutting Down Game Servers

Announced yesterday, EA will be shutting down game servers used for online play for the following titles in two phases.  The first phase in August 2011 and the second in October 2011: First Phase: -Army of Two for PS3, Xbox 360 (also includes the Demo for the 360) -Battlefield 2142 demo for PC -Battlefield 2: Modern Combat + Demo for Xbox 360 -Medal of Honor Airborne for PSP -Medal of Honor Heroes 2 for Wii and PSP -NASCAR '09 for PS3 + Xbox 360 (in North America, you mean other countries...

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Update on the Non-Update for my Acer Tablet...Tick-Tock

Just checking in with an update.  My Acer Iconia Tablet a500 still has yet to notify me of an update for Honeycomb 3.1 floating around out there anywhere.  If anyone has seen a lost update walking down the street, how about doing me a favor and sending it my way.  LOL. Seriously though: As of 5:10pm Wed. (7-13-11) still no update.  I'll give it one more day before contacting Acer Support aga...

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Netflix's New Deal? Yep, sucks for those who like DVD's.

Looks like Netflix is going to be raising the price of their Streaming/DVD offering.  For those of us who still get DVD rentals from Netflix and are using the Unlimited Streaming + 1 DVD Rental at a Time offering.  Well we're fixing to get screwed.  In a big way.  Netflix raised the price of this offering not by some measly 25 cents or a simple $1.  But by a whopping 60%.  That takes the price from $9.99 a month to $15.98. This price is said to include both the $7.99...

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Acer Iconia Tablet a500 Update Woes...

A quick update on my issues with receiving the Honeycomb 3.1 update after selecting "Remind Me Later" in the notification dialog box that popped up on my tablet. As of 1:00am on Wed. 7-13-2011: Performed numerous manual checks throughout the day and evening.  Still no update available. Per my live chat dialog from yesterday, the Acer Representative I chatted with told me to not be surprised if the update rolls out to my device "either tomorrow or the next day".  Well, looks like "the...

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Movie Reboot: The Evil Dead?

Seems that Sam Raimi has decided to proceed forward with a reboot of 'The Evil Dead'.  Yes, this is the same Sam Raimi from the SpiderMan film fame.  If you're not familiar with 'The Evil Dead' series, than shame on you.  Just kidding, but seriously what rock do you live under? 'The Evil Dead' was original released in 1981 and has since developed a huge cult following an spun off 2 other films 'Evil Dead II' and 'Army of Darkness'.  All three films chronicle that awesome adventures...

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Batman Arkham City Trailers

The devs have been dropping trailers for the upcoming 'Batman Arkham City'.  Graphically it looks to be in the same style and quality as it's successor.  Which is great, because 'Batman Arkham Asylum' looked fantastic.  So while they tease us with info of Penguin, Catwoman and Robin's appearances, we also get to watch some trailers for the Riddler and Catwoman.  So enjoy the latest trailers below. Riddler Catwoman Happy Surfi...

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Age of Conan: Unchained F2P

Well, despite everything I have been reading the last couple of weeks about Age of Conan I have decided I will go ahead and download the F2P (free to play) game client and begin a test drive of the game.  I attempted to try the game out once before and had some issues getting to that point. Personally, the game looks like it has a lot of potential.  Once I have installed the game, my goal is to give it 30 days of play time before reporting back on my time with the game.  So check...

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Acer Tech Support

Last week Acer rolled out the update to Honeycomb 3.1 for my Acer Iconia Tab a500 (which is an awesome tablet btw).  On Tuesday of last week, I was thrilled to see that the notification for that an update was ready for download had popped up on my tablet's screen.  However, I wasn't at home and my battery was running low, so I checked the 'Remind Me Later' option.  All the while keeping my hopes up that I would be able to come back and manually check for the update which at that point...

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New 'The Secret World' Trailer: Savage Coast

Posted yesterday on Machinima's YouTube Channel is the newest trailer for upcoming MMO 'The Secret World'.  This trailer is entitled: 'The Savage Coast'.  I'm really looking forward to this MMO being released.  I know it's going to be jumping into a steady stream of already successful MMO titles and that may make it hard to pickup momentum.  But hopefully it'll be as unique as the devs are promising.  So, checkout their newest vid of Solomon Island. ...

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Sony Network Pass? What the crap?

Hey PS3 owners, are you looking forward to getting Online Pass codes in your games?  Well, looks like it's going to happen.  Later this year (with the release of Resistance 3) games part of the Online Pass program will include a code that will grant you access for the online components of the games you buy.  If you buy new games, no big deal. But if you are buying a used game, get ready to pony up around $10.00 for the online code to let you play the rest of the game you just bought....

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Facebook: Skype Chatting?

So Google released Google+ with the Hangout feature (videochatting).  So the natural progression of things means that now Facebook has to do it too, right?  Seems that way.  Appears that they are working in conjunction with Skype (which is  Microsoft owned).  Is this communication bliss for Skype fans?  Or a fiendish deal set up between one of the largest software companies in the world with the largest social networking company on the world? So, how does...

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Google+ You = New Social Network?!

One of the big items in tech news over the course of the last few days has been the debut of Google+.  If you've been hiding away from the news for the last several days; then you may have no clue what Google+ is.  Simply put, it is another Social Networking site (much like Facebook and the now mostly ghost towned MySpace). So what is Google doing differently? Well off hand, I'm not sure.  Reason being, they are limiting access now in what appears to be a sort of beta testing phase....

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Progress Update: 'Duke Nukem Forever' for PS3

I just wanted to throw a quick update out there for anybody interested in my take on 'Duke Nukem Forever'.  I have been playing through the single player campaign (and dabbled with the multiplayer modes very little so far). I'm currently located in 'The Shrunk Machine' chapter.  Progress is going good and despite what all of the other reviews were trying to make me believe, I am having fun with the game. I'll save my input for a full review.  But to give the game a fair assessment I...

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Software of the Week: Combofix

Ok, I have to give props to the guys at Bleeping Computer and sUBS for Combofix.  I have had to use it twice this week and both times it has come to my rescue.  If you have never heard of Combofix, check it out.  It's pretty sweet (and free, so that makes it all the more awesome).  Combofix is a tool that will scan and help remove malware for Windows. It supports the modern Windows Operating Systems back to Windows XP.  And uses the Windows Recovery Console for part...

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Quick TV Review: Falling Skies

I'm ashamed to admit that I have just watched the 'Falling Skies' premiere episodes (well all but the last 20 minutes).  And I must go on the record to say that I really enjoyed what I have seen thus far. The show is well written and well put together.  It's not quite on the same level as 'The Walking Dead' was during it's first season.  But it's close. What's the deal? The show picks up about 6 months or so after an alien invasion of what becomes known as the 'Skitters'.  And...

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F2P News: Age of Conan: Unchained

Fans of MMO's everywhere should be on the edge of their seats...Why?  Because another MMO has adopted a free to play model again.  This time it is Funcom's Age of Conan.  Now, I know a lot of players have their own opinions on AOC; however, I haven't personally played it.  Now that it has a Free 2 Play offering, I may check it out.  I'm an avid fan of Big Bang Theory (the geeky TV show for those not in the know).  And one of the episodes from an earlier season revolves...

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