The Geek Squad Blog

Windows 8 DIY: Demystifying the Start Screen

Windows has been the backbone of the world’s computing experience for decades. With over 400 million users worldwide, people have grown used to some standard elements in their Windows experience — like a Start Menu, for example.

Most previous versions of Windows have had the Start Menu. Going back to 1995, it’s been a given that you could find it at the lower left corner of the screen. For Windows 8 new users, finding out the Start Menu is no longer there may be a bit of a shock.

Before you start to panic, take a deep breath and relax. The Start Menu isn’t really gone — it’s just been transformed into something more useful: the Start Screen.

If you read our previous blog post on Windows 8, you know that Geek Squad has been preparing for this for a while now. Check out our second Windows 8 “Two Minute Miracle” video, “Here Comes the Smart Screen!”

For further tips and walkthroughs on how to use your Windows 8 device, check out Geek Squad’s Windows 8 tips and tricks section (geeksquad.com/Windows8) for 11 walkthroughs and “Two Minute Miracle” videos to help make your transition an easy one.

Windows 8: Coming to a Screen Near You

As you may have heard, this is a huge week for Microsoft. In an effort to integrate the mobile computing experience into its operating system, Microsoft is releasing the most comprehensive reworking of the Windows OS since it put out Windows 95 in, well, 1995.

Windows 8 introduces important changes to both the customer-facing (and back-end) of the system, rolling out a new, touch-friendly user interface meant to work better with smartphones and tablets, a program and file management system designed to make it easier to update software (apps) and manage files in the cloud, and upgraded security features. Some changes you can see, some you can’t — but they will all change the way you work in Windows.

We have been working over a pre-release copy of Windows 8, learning the fine-points of the redesigned OS and figuring out how to help users get a grip on this serious rethinking of Windows. To highlight some of the changes our clients might have trouble with, we created some videos we will be featuring here and posting in the Do It Yourself section of our main website.

To get a sense of what’s new in Windows 8, check out our introductory “Two Minute Miracle” video, “Cool Things to Do With Windows 8.

Tech Up the Holidays: Building Out Your Light Display (Part 2)

In the first article on building your own computerized holiday light show, we discussed the specialized light controller and PC. In this article, we’ll talk about the technological glue that holds those devices together – the software. You will need two software tools (a sequencer and a scheduler) to create your display.

Sequencer Software

At a basic level, a holiday light show is just a sequence of instructions sent to a light controller that synchronizes your light display to your music. There are a number of good free/paid software suites available that include a sequence creation tool. For this year’s show, I am using the sequencer included in the LightShow Pro software suite.

Sequencer software makes the task of creating a show easier. It does this by showing a visual display of the music that helps you create slices of time within the show that you essentially “paint” with various lighting effects using the different light setups in your display.

Making your lights turn on, off, shimmer or flash at just the right moments in your show can take a few hours of work, even for a 5 minute sequence. For those who don’t have the time to craft elaborate shows on their own, there are collections of pre-made sequences available through groups that share their creations. (Professional sites that provide light show equipment also make sequences available.)

Scheduler Software

Once you have your collection of sequences and music, you’ll want to setup a playlist to entertain your holiday guests. Scheduler software allows you to arrange your work on a calendar and repeat shows as often as you wish.

Many scheduler tools will allow you to setup more advanced options, such as having the current sequence selection automatically posted to a Twitter account. (Some even upload webcam footage of the current show to social media or the Web!)

Remote Desktop Software

If your software is properly setup, you shouldn’t need to access the PC while the show is running. As a Geek Squad Agent, I like to be able to troubleshoot issues with the show without having to drag a monitor, keyboard and mouse to the outdoor box housing my controller and PC.

I use the Remote Desktop Connection tools built into Microsoft Windows to connect to the network via my home PC. I have also installed a software tool that works with the Splashtop app that is available for both iOS and Android. I like having full access to view and control the PC using my tablet from anywhere that has access to the Internet. (This explains why my neighbors sometimes see me standing in front of my house at night working my tablet and watching my show.)

Agent Derek has been removing techno-stress from the lives of his Geek Squad clients since 2005. When not providing remote help as an Online Support Agent, he likes to take to the road on a vintage motorcycle for adventures through Ohio country highways.

Agent Tim’s Personal Top Android Game Picks

Mobile phones, tablets and portable computers — oh my!

In a world that is constantly on the go, we are always looking for new ways to be entertained while on the road, in the air or relaxing at home. The Google Play market for Android devices gives mobile app users a wonderland of games to keep them occupied any time of the day. Here a few of my favorites that won’t break the bank!

The Enchanted Kingdom

A fantasy-puzzle game that takes players through a realm of dragons, knights and other fairy tale creatures. With many diverse puzzle games and over 50 levels to adventure through, this free storytelling adventure will pass the time while it helps build your mental muscle.

Horn

A new take on a zombie adventure! In this game you are a blacksmith, and your world has been taken over by a curse. It is up to you to defeat the curse. Your main companion is an ill-tempered , uncooperative zombie head. You have swords, crossbows and a musical horn to complete quests, solve puzzles and beat monsters as you seek to save the world.

Star Splittter 3D

Moving from fantasy into sci-fi, this graphically brilliant star fighter game brings together the worlds of Wing Commander and Starcraft. In this flight simulator game you complete missions, upgrade your ship and destroy space monsters. Star Splitter 3D is not your typical mobile game and will require high-powered hardware to play.

Cosmic Colony

Are you into creating your own world? Then Cosmic Colony may be just the game for you. This Sim City-style game puts you in the shoes of an architect /astronaut who has been sent to build, maintain and expand a space colony on a distant planet. With the help of your trusted scout robot E.A.R.L., your goal is to build your colony while exploring the vast uncharted lands of the Planet Mochwoi.

Angry Birds

In this now-classic mobile game, you advance through levels by using a slingshot to hurl specially-powered birds at a variety of structures. Your goal is to move through each level (using the fewest birds possible) while making sure the evil Pig kingdom members are crushed under the rubble of the buildings you destroy. With many expansion packs, Angry Birds provides players with substantial problem solving opportunities and Pig-ageddon. (It’s a word. Look it up.)

From free games to those that cost a few bucks, the Google Play app market has gaming entertainment for all ages and gamer styles! These are just a small taste of the massive market place, so check out Google Play on your device and make your own top five. You will never have a boring airport wait or family car trip cross country again!

Cracked Screens 101: How They Happen, How to Avoid Them

Ah… portable electronics — the joy of modern technology. The most appealing thing about touchscreen phones, notebooks, netbooks and tablets is their portability. We take them just about everywhere we go. We toss them in our backpacks, our purses, and our pockets. And sometimes… they pay the price.

They Are Breakable

Although they are designed to resist the rigors of daily use, the screens on our favorite mobile devices are actually very fragile.Most laptop and netbook Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs) are less than ¼ inch thick. (Touch sensitive screens of mobile devices are even thinner.) If twisted, poked hard, or if just enough pressure is applied to the back of the LCD assembly, the screen on any of these devices will crack.

None of us are perfect. Accidents happen. What can you do to recover when the inevitable happens? 

Surveying the Damage

If you look at the screen, you might see/feel physical cracks in the tempered glass. Imagine stepping on a frozen puddle in the wintertime and seeing the ice crack under your foot. If you were to run your finger over the cracks, you may feel sharp edges or flakes of glass. Unless you like glass slivers embedded in your flesh, you might want to avoid running your hand across a screen you think is cracked.

You may or may not be able to see anything on the damaged screen when it is powered on. This usually occurs when the device is dropped or the screen is flexed past its breaking point. It can also occur if something is banged against the screen, or if you shut something hard in between the screen and the keyboard.

Sometimes the glass won’t break, but your screen will appear to have a large splortch (it’s a technical term, look it up) of blackness with trails of black that radiate outward like tentacles from the blob. This type of damage is caused by pressure being applied either to the screen itself or to the back of the unit. This damage is common when a device is stepped on or sat upon. The glass doesn’t break, but the chemical inside that renders the image is leaking.At a basic level, your device screen is like those glowsticks you get at Halloween. Inside the plastic tubing is a thin glass container with a chemical. If you apply enough pressure, the container will shatter and the chemical inside comes out. The same principle applies to your LCD screen.

Protecting Your Screens

1. Protect your device when carrying it by putting it in a sleeve, padded bag, or a hard plastic case. This will protect your phone when it falls out of your shirt pocket (and your laptop when you toss it in your car).
2. Avoid putting larger, heavier objects in places where they can fall or somehow end up on top of your device. Screen damage caused by heavy objects is why it’s never a good idea to put your phone in your back pocket, or toss your laptop bag in the trunk and put suitcases on top of it. If you are traveling with your device, carry it on the plane with you to avoid it being smashed or damaged in your luggage.
3. Don’t leave your laptop or phone on the bed with you when you sleep. And never place it on the floor. If you do, when it falls off the bed (and it will), or if you step on it when you wake up, you’re likely to damage the screen.
4. Try not to lift laptops or netbooks by the corner of the screen. Always pick them up by the bottom of the device.
5. Be careful with liquids around mobile devices. Spills can damage the screen.

No matter how well you care for your product or how careful you are, accidents will happen. The best way to protect yourself against accidental damage and cracked screens on all mobile devices is to purchase a repair or replacement plan that covers accidental damage when you buy the device.

Agent Kate B is a 3 year veteran of Geek Squad, currently on assignment at Geek Squad City. Follow Kate on Twitter @AgentKateB.

Tech Up the Holidays: Building Out Your Light Display (Part 1)

While holidays may bring out our creative side, they also bring out our crazy side. Few things bring out both like holiday decorating. As a Geek Squad Agent I love to use technology, which in this case means one thing – a computer-controlled holiday light show. Here’s a break-down of how to to put together this year’s Halloween show.

To setup your own light show, you’ll need some components to add to your digital decorations.

Light Controller

The first item on your light show shopping list is a light controller. The controller is the heart of the show. Controllers are either available as ready-to-go-devices or (if you like to assemble your own technology) there are number of good light controller kits on the market.

Because the industry has a few established standards, most controllers can be mixed across brands. In my case, I went with a D-Light ACx16 controller, which allows me to setup up to 16 different “channels,” each channel running a single set of lights.

The light controller’s purpose is to send a pre-programmed sequence of instructions on when to send electricity to the various lighting decorations in your display. They control how much electricity is sent to the light setups (allowing dimming or shimmering effects, and with the right setup of lights, animation). The controllers can also run other electrical devices, like actuators to move animated figures, and specialized devices like fog machines.

When the instructions sent to the box match up with music that’s played at the same time, you get the holiday light show many of us are familiar with. Most consumer-grade controllers will need a PC of some sort to make that happen. If the light controller is the heart of the show, the PC is the brain.

PC

The requirements for a PC to be used with a light show are not very high, but my experience has taught me that its best to make sure the PC running a show meets (or exceeds) the specifications required by the controller hardware and software. For most setups, this means a Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 PC, with a processor that’s clocked at 1.5GHz or faster, and has 1 GB of RAM. Many home setups get away with using an old, hand-me-down PC that’s been cleaned up and put into service as a secondary computer.

Of course,(being a Geek Squad Agent), I didn’t want to just go with an old PC. I wanted to push things on the tech side. That didn’t mean getting the biggest or fastest PC I could find. since this PC needed to be running constantly and would need to be placed in a sealed box to protect it from the elements, I looked for simple and small.

I found my simple and small components in the form of a “nettop.” Nettops are the desktop equivalent to netbooks. I purchased a Foxconn nt-A3700, which is a “barebones nettop” that is roughly the size of hardcover novel and weighs less than a pound. The system is considered “barebones” because it comes with the case, motherboard and processor, but no RAM or hard drive.

An advantage of nettops like this one is the AMD E-450 processor uses very little electricity. The system as a whole uses a 65W power supply, which will help when placed in that protective box with other gear. The processor is not very powerful, but you could easily use it to surf the Internet and play many reasonably sized multimedia files, which it will do as the brains of the light show.

To complete the computer, I added 4GB of DDR3 system memory. I could have gone with far less, but RAM is one of the cheaper upgrades for a PC and extra RAM will help with performance. I also added a relatively inexpensive solid state hard drive (SSD).

Solid state hard drives feature no moving parts, which means they can be made smaller and lighter than traditional hard drives. Using a solid state drive also means I don’t have to worry about something bumping the box and causing a problem, a distinct possibility with a traditional hard drive. SSDs also tend to be faster, which will be helpful in a system with a basic nettop processor that has to process multimedia files for the show.

In the next article, I’ll cover the light show software setup, as well as how to control a PC in a box on your front lawn remotely with your tablet PC from the comfort of your home.

Agent Derek has been removing techno-stress from the lives of his Geek Squad clients since 2005. When not providing remote help as an Online Support Agent, he likes to take to the road on a vintage motorcycle for adventures through Ohio country highways.

Windows 8: Just Around the Corner

Windows 8 is designed to work effectively on a variety of devices and make it easy for users to share and interact with their friends and family.

A New Look

The first thing you notice about Windows 8 is the new look. At startup, you are no longer presented with the desktop screen cluttered with icons you keep meaning to clean up. You now get to see the ‘Modern UI’ start screen:

Designed to work well with tablets and smartphones as well as computers, it’s a lot different than the startup menu we are all have become familiar with. The Start screen’s open, task-oriented layout gives you easy access to your favorites websites, pictures, emails and just about anything in your machine. But traditionalists need not worry – once you get past the new Start screen, the old fashioned desktop is still there.

More Security

We all hate viruses and malware. As by far the most popular operating system in the world, Windows has always attracted the attention of hackers, spammers and other cyber troublemakers. Luckily, Windows 8 has beefed-up security behind the scenes and a better preferences interface so you keep track of what’s going on with your computer.

Windows 8 comes with Security Essentials, a new antivirus software tool from Microsoft created to make the Windows browsing experience more secure. Over the past few years, ‘rootkits,’ a new type of malware, have found their way onto the information superhighway. Rootkits infect computers at a deep level and in ways a normal antivirus can’t remove. Windows 8 uses a new hardware feature called UEFI that makes it a lot more difficult for rootkits and other kind of malware to get into your system.

A New Way to Get Programs

An added bonus to Windows 8 is that it is tightly integrated with the Microsoft App Store. Just like the app stores that feed your smartphone, the new Windows system makes it easy to download games and apps straight to your computer. While the Microsoft App Store is still in the process of building its offerings, it can be a great way to get that cool new app everyone has been telling you about. Best of all, you can link it to your Microsoft Live account and put the same app in up to five devices.

Stay Tuned for More

As we get closer to the launch of the Windows 8, be sure to check the Intelligence blog for more updates on Windows 8 with tips and tricks on getting the most out of the new operating system. We have also posted information on Windows 8 in the Self Help section of Geeksquad.com.

Double Agent Devin C can be found trekking in his Geekmobile in North Carolina and policing technology on a daily basis. When he is not saving clients from their technology issues, he can often be found glued to his computer chair with the warm glow of the monitor providing all the artificial light he needs to power his robot brain.

Don’t Let System Slowdowns Ruin Your Game

For gamers, few things are as aggravating as losing a game because your computer lagged at the wrong moment. Getting the most out of your PC gaming system doesn’t mean you have to buy the most expensive hardware available. You can reduce slowdowns and increase your fun with some basic computer optimization.

Tip #1: Too many programs means too many slowdowns

Check through the programs installed on your computer and look for ones that are setup to automatically start up when the system does. (Instant messaging programs commonly do this.)

Change the settings under the program preferences to not start when Windows boots. If you find you never really use the program, go ahead and uninstall it.

Tip #2: Stop malicious software from ruining your fun

Viruses, spyware, adware and other forms of malware can compromise your private information, cause issues with your files, and tank your system performance. Make sure that you have an antivirus protection program that is up to date and set to scan your system at least once a week.

You can also double-check that your system is clean by using the free scanning tools we have on our Do It Yourself page.

Tip #3: Software drivers for your hardware

Your video card can may be powerful, but it is still limited by the software drivers that allow the computer to talk to it. Make sure you have the latest software drivers for your video card by checking the update site from the company that makes your video card.

Use our Drivers and Updates page to find the resources for your hardware. Don’t forget to check for updates for the rest of your system, like your sound cards.

Tip #4: Check your online speed in multiplayer

Your computer can be running at peak performance, but if the data bits going into and out of your house are slower than expected, it can make your game appear lagged. Use a free online site like Speedtest.net to check whether your broadband speeds are up to what you’re paying for. If not, give your Internet Service Provider (ISP) a call to have them check into your connection issues.

These tips will help you get the most out of the technology you already have. Still need more help getting your PC into top performance shape for your latest frag fest? Our Agents at the Precinct in your local Best Buy, online at support.geeksquad.com or at 1-800 GEEK SQUAD can help.

Agent Derek has been removing techno-stress from the lives of his Geek Squad clients since 2005. When not providing remote help as an Online Support Agent, he likes to take to the road on a vintage motorcycle for adventures through Ohio country highways.

Baby Shower: Gifts Everyone Will Love

Steam Sterilizers

If you have ever tried to sanitize baby bottles the old-fashioned way (dunking them in boiling water on a hot stove), you understand it can be a little tricky. If you want a real challenge, try sterilizing a bottle in the middle of the night with a fussy baby wailing and your partner worried about an important presentation in the morning. Do your expecting friends a favor and help them avoid that kind of late-night drama. Give them a steam sterilizer.

Steam sterilizers allow parents to safely sterilize several bottles, nipples and bottle rings at a time so they will be ready to use during midnight feedings. They can also be used to sterilize pacifiers, hard plastic teething rings and chew toys for older infants. Some sterilizers are made to be used in a microwave and others are stand-alone electric units made for the countertop. For safety’s sake, look for products that are BPA Free and Phthalate-free.

Travel Bottle Warmer & Chilled Bottle Bag

Travelling with an infant is always challenging. Making and preparing warm bottles can be difficult on long car rides. Consider giving your prospective parent a travel bottle warmer that plugs into the car’s power port. Generally they work in minutes and include an insulated bag to keep the bottle warm after heating.

Chilled bottle bags use removable, re-freezable gel packs to keep liquids chilled until needed. This gift is perfect for traveling to visit relatives, walks or excursions out.

Digital Thermometer

Let’s admit it – no parent likes to have a sick baby. And sick babies do not like parents who try to stick pokey things in uncomfortable places. But a digital thermometer is an essential tool for every parent to have on hand. There are three types of digital thermometers: regular (stick-type), tympanic (in the ear), and temporal scanners (forehead).

Regular thermometers are considered to provide the most accurate readings on infants when the temperature is taken rectally. But this can be uncomfortable for both parent and child.

Tympanic thermometers work by measuring the heat of the blood vesicles inside the eardrum. Slightly less accurate than regular thermometers, the temperature range can be 1-2 degrees cooler when taken in the ear. But this type of product is generally more comfortable for kids and caregivers to use.

Temporal scanners are the newest type of thermometer on the market. These scanners register the baby’s temperature by taking infrared readings of blood vesicles under the skin. They are the least invasive and the most comfortable, especially for infants and toddlers who may not enjoy having a thermometer in the ear. They also allow you take readings while the child sleeps.

No matter which thermometer you chose, it will be a welcome gift.

Think King Stroller Hooks and Buggy Cups

One thing you discover when you have a child is parenting keeps your hands busy. Which make the Think King Stroller Hooks one of the best inventions ever for parents. These small hooks attach to stroller handles, shopping carts, etc. and give mom or dad (or grandma) a place to hang the diaper bag, the purse or tote bag while out on walks or taking trips to the grocery. Removable Velcro straps allow you to place the clips on virtually any cart, buggy, or pram, and anti-slip backing helps keep the clip where you put it. Think King also makes a Buggy Cup, a pouch with a drawstring top that can be mounted on a stroller and used as a cup holder or pouch for keys, pacifiers or any of the many things parents need.

Manicure & Pedicure

When it gets close to the big day, chances are that mom may not be able to even SEE her feet, let alone paint her nails. So give mom (and a guest) a technology-free gift she can enjoy before the baby comes. Treat the special lady (and a guest) to a manicure and pedicure at a local salon.

Agent Kate B is a 3 year veteran of Geek Squad. Currently on assignment at Geek Squad City. Follow Kate on Twitter @AgentKateB.

Dorm Life 101: Handy Appliances for a Healthier Student

Dorm Fridge

Ranging in size from 1.2-3.0 cubic feet of storage space, a dorm fridge is considered a “must have” by most college student. These small refrigerators can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 and come in a variety of configurations, so it’s best to shop around to make sure the fridge works with your students eating habits. Appliances can come in a surprising array of colors – so be careful not to pick a fridge the color of your student’s archrival school. Some dorm fridges even come with a keyed lock to help your student keep his snacks safe!

Having healthy ingredients on hand for late night meals helps your student avoid the temptation of ordering a pizza or stocking up at the vending machines — and can also help them save money. Couple a fridge with a gift card to the local grocery store so your student can stock up on fruit, veggies and healthy drinks.

Microwave

Another must-have for dorm life is a mini-microwave. Small, inexpensive microwaves come in a variety of colors and range in price from $60 – $100. Most feature pre-programmed, one-touch settings to make cooking and reheating a no-brainer. Be aware that very small microwaves may have limited space on the interior for dishes and cookware.

Coordinate the microwave color and dimensions with the mini-fridge, throw in some microwave-safe cooking utensils and you will be doing all you can to keep your student healthy and happy.

Electric Grill

Having a delicious, fresh cooked meal doesn’t require a stove anymore – a good electric grill is often all a person needs. Ranging in price from $20 – $200, electric grills give students the option of ‘home cooked’ over ‘food service.’ A basic grill has a cooking surface of about 9′, a wipe-clean non-stick surface, and can be easily stored away in a Rubbermaid container under the bed. Some electric grills feature adjustable temperature and cooking time settings, flat or angled cooking surfaces, removable and interchangeable cooking plates and allow for cooking meats, grilling vegetables, baking pastas, and making waffles, pancakes, and muffins.

Electric Tea Kettle

Last, but not least, there’s the ever-popular electric tea kettle. There’s few better ways to keep your student warm on those cold nights than giving them an inexpensive kettle ($20 – $40) they can use to make a hot cup of coca, tea, or coffee made fresh in his or her room. And let’s not forget Ramen noodles – the standard late night snack for most college students.

Electric kettles boil water faster than microwaves and use less electricity. Safety features on most models currently available include automatic shut off, stay cool handle, and spill resistant lids. Some electric tea kettles whistle when the liquid is ready, have on-off power control switches, and a water level indicator to let you know how much is left in the pot.

Before shipping the appliance off to the dorm, be aware of your product’s manufacturer warranty. Most products come with a limited One to Three year warranty. Dorm life can be kind of tough on devices, so it may be a good idea to consider a replacement or service plan for more expensive/higher end items. You will definitely want to include a surge protector with any appliances you give your students. Finally, each university has different rules governing what kinds of cooking appliances are (and are not) allowed in dorm rooms. Check with your student’s school to be sure they can use the appliances you are considering in their room.

Agent Kate B is a 3 year veteran of Geek Squad. Currently on assignment at Geek Squad City. Follow Kate on Twitter @AgentKateB.