Originally Posted Sept 21 2008

When I am not trying to figure out how to fix a database or a computer I am usually listening to other people trying to fix things - like Click and Clack the guys on Car Talk.  As a matter of fact I subscribe to their show's Podcast so I can listen to their show if I miss it during its regularly broadcast time which is usually the case.  But if you don't want to be limited to being at your computer to listen to your favorite Podcast AND don't have an iPod to sync it to, here's a little trick you can do.

You can create a Playlist with your Podcast, then burn the Podcast to a CD to listen to when you are on the go!

Here's what you do:
In iTunes:
-After you have setup your Podcast subscription
1. File > New Playlist

2. Name the Playlist Ex. Pod

3. Go back to your Podcast
4. Right-click on the Podcast you want to burn to the CD

5. Select 'Add to Playlist' then the Playlist name
6. Insert a blank CD into your computer
7. Press the Burn button at the bottom right-hand side of the screen

Your Podcast will be burned to a CD! 

February 5 2007
Q: I recently bought a laptop that came with Windows XP, but I was wanting to upgrade to Vista.  Do you think this would be wise thing to do?

A: So you think you are ready for Vista?  Do you have a computer that is labeled Vista Compatible?  Well before you take the plunge, be sure you and your computer are ready.

First you can download a handy program from Microsoft that will evaluate your computer's status, recommend which flavor of Vista will be best for your computer, and provide an outline of which of Vista’s new features it will be able to run:  http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?
familyid=42B5AC83-C24F-4863-A389-3FFC194924F8&displaylang=en

Second, prepare to purchase more RAM memory.  Even if your computer is Vista compatible, be sure you have enough RAM.  If you have 512MB that isn't even enough.  You will want to get at least 2GB of RAM (just to start) if not just purchase the maximum amount of RAM memory your computer will hold.

Third, make sure that all your software will run on Vista.  Unlike other software of the past, some programs won't run specifically on Vista:
-ACT! 2006 or older (ACT! 2007 will, but you need a download).  Please see the following from Sage Software:
http://itdomino.act.com/act.nsf/1b3cab81ad2ef30207256bb300662231/
80fc1eeb75b3e71307257272005014ac?OpenDocument&Highlight=2,vista

-QuickBooks 2006 or older with exceptions.  Please see the following from Intuit:
http://www.quickbooks.com/Helpcenter/vista/ProductCompatibility.aspx

-Here’s a statement from Apple regarding iPod and Vista:
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/ptech/stories/
020307dnbusapplevista.9ae915.html

-Here’s some info regarding Palm & HotSync:
http://promosearch.palmone.com/search/promosearch?sp-q-required-1=
1&sp-a=sp10032ba7&sp-x-1=country&sp-q=vista&sp-q-3=knowledgebase&sp-x-2=
Model&sp-q-2=&sp-t=cat_search&sp-q-1=us&sp-x-3=col&sp-p-2=all&sp-i=1

Check all your software manufacturer's websites to verify Vista compatibility or if any additional downloads may be needed.

This is certainly a lot of areas to cover, but the time you save preparing will save you hours of troubleshooting and perhaps some frustration.