Monday, June 20, 2011

Stability

I've been running Windows Home Server for a few years. Very stable. Lately it's been giving me fits.

The server is mainly busy recording video from the 7 security cameras. It also backs up all photos locally and online. Sometimes it locks up. I think it's the security software.

I am debating building a small dedicated security camera computer. The software is great, but the number of cameras really puts a load on the CPU. I think I could get it done for under $250. Hmmm.

My dad still digs his Ipad.

My MPG in my Prius has gone down to 44.5. I think it's lack of driving. With me being on the road 4-5 days a week the car sits a lot. Gas does evaporate. I'm still only buying gas once a month. Kelli is getting 51MPG. Of course her car is newer. Eh.

We are still loving Verizon 4G LTE.

Next big vacation is coming up. A week in New York....in the summer. Should be good.

 

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Pimping my dad's tech

In the last week I've "pimped" my dad's technology.

He hasn't had a cellphone in years. I added him to our Verizon plan. I got him a LG Octane. A mostly basic feature phone. It does open up to reveal a second touchscreen and full QWERTY keyboard. Don't think he'll ever need it.

Saturday we traveled down to spend the day.

His current computer is about 2 years old. It's one I built it. It was decent for it's time. Now antiquated.

I thought long and hard about buying him an Imac. Most of what he does is browse the Internet and a little email. An Imac would be overkill. I thought about simply upgrading his current computer. Eh.

My dad is now the owner of an IPad.

In his 65 years on earth I think he has only used a touchscreen on ATM's.

I was worried it would be too much for him.

After pondering what apps would be easy and useful to him I loaded it up with:

CNN for Ipad

ESPN Scorecenter XL

USA Today

Flipboard

Netflix

Pandora

Two Slot Machine games

Angry Birds

After about 10 minutes he was using it like a pro. He was amazed at how fast it worked and the content he could view.



 

I bought him the Apple Keyboard for Ipad dock. Just in case he wanted to use the Ipad as a "computer". Not sure if he will ever use it, but it's there.

Next month I am going to go down and show him the app store and possibly port his home phone to Google Voice.