Episode 27: Video Instant Messenger/Phoning

The future is here! Now you can communicate with friends, colleagues, and family members all over the world with audio AND video using AOL Instant Messenger. We demonstrate how to do this using iChat software and video cameras. You can video chat with one person or have a conference with up to three other people. Save on those long distance phone bills and even see the person on the other end! No extra fees to pay for this service, just a free AOL Instant Messenger account, an interent connection and a video camera. We show you how!

Note that we now have two feeds for our vidoes. One in MP4 format which is compatible with the iPod video (320x240), and a second one that is in a larger format and better quality in an H.264 QuickTime 7 version (480x320): ideal for viewing the videos on your computer monitor.

Have a comment/question? Send us an e-mail at askthetechies@gmail.com. We love hearing from viewers!
Episode 27: Video Instant Messenger/Phoning

Episode 26: Review of PathFinder 4

Thomas Settle gives us a review of the $35 file management application "PathFinder 4" from Cocoatech (free demo available for download from their www.cocoatech.com/pf4/ website). PathFinder 4 includes tabbed file browsing within the OS, an enhanced search tool, and more tools which can help you find your files. If you are as disorganized as we are, this is a tool for you.

Note that we now have two feeds for our vidoes. One in MP4 format which is compatible with the iPod video (320x240), and a second one that is in a larger format and better quality in an H.264 QuickTime 7 version (480x320): ideal for viewing the videos on your computer monitor.

Have a comment/question? Send us an e-mail at askthetechies@gmail.com. We love hearing from viewers!
Episode 26: Review of PathFinder 4

Episode 25: Three New Features of Adobe Illustrator CS2

This video introduces Ashley Stuart who shows off some of the powerful new features of Illustrator CS2 including the toolbar which changes features based upon what is selected, live trace, and live paint.

Have a comment/question? Send us an e-mail at askthetechies@gmail.com. We love hearing from viewers!

Episode 25: Three New Features of Adobe Illustrator CS2

Episode 24: Photoshop Batch Processing

This video demonstrates how to make Photoshop perform repetitve tasks on larger groups of photos. If you have ever used a program like iPhoto or Galerie to create a web page gallery of photos, you will notice that the images are not compressed as well as Photoshop can do. We show you how to take an exported photo gallery and use Photoshop to compress ALL of the images with just a few clicks making your file sizes smaller and faster to download for your viewers.

At the end, we also give you a Mac Keyboard tip on copying files & creating a shortcut in a different location than the original.

These videos are in the H.264 Quicktime 7 format. They are also available in a lower quality .mp4 format as well via the "Ask the Techies (Mp4 Video Podcast)? Send us an e-mail at askthetechies@gmail.com. We love hearing from viewers!

Episode 24: Photoshop Batch Processing

Episode 23: Mac OS X Security, Automator Demo, Democracy TV

A lot has been said about Mac OS X security problems in recent weeks; how serious are these threats and what can you do to be safe? Thomas demonstrates the powers of "Automator" a super simple Mac OS X application that makes it easy to create workflows and even save them as your own applications. In addition to finding Ask the Techies videos on our web page, iTunes, and other Blog readers, D.Lee demonstrates the free program "Democracy" for finding and viewing not only Ask the Techies videos but finding and viewing many, many more on a wide range of topics including comedy, education, health, politics and technology.

Have a comment/question? Send us an e-mail at askthetechies@gmail.com. We love hearing from viewers!

Episode 23: Mac OS X Security, Automator Demo, Democracy TV

Episode 22: Changing Song File Sizes and Formats With iTunes

Are you running out of space on your iPod Nano? Need to fit more songs on it or clear out some space for your other computer files you want to transport with your iPod? Techies Daryl and D.Lee show you how to shrink file sizes down and synch only what you want onto your iPod.

Send us an e-mail at askthetechies@gmail.com. We love hearing from viewers!

Episode 22: Changing Song File Sizes and Formats With iTunes

Episode 21: Securely Format Hard Drive With Disk Utility

Using the built-in Mac OS X program "Disk Utility", the "Techies" explains how to erase/format a hard drive (or USB flash drive) in different formats including a windows compatible format, Mac OS Extended, and Mac OS Extended (Journaled). Also covered: naming hard drives, explaining hard drive partitions and their purpose, creating up to 16 partitions, and secure erasing of data including single pass, 7 pass, and 35 pass secure erasing for the truly paranoid.

Want an iTunes podcast feed in the H.264 format? Have a comment/question? Send us an e-mail at askthetechies@gmail.com. We love hearing from viewers!

Episode 21: Securely Format Hard Drive With Mac "Disk Utility"

Episode 20: Review of Online Map Sources

The "Techies" review several online map services including MapQuest, Yahoo Maps, Rand McNally, Google Maps, Microsoft TerraServer, Windows Live Local, and Google Earth. With these services, you can not only find various driving directions but also satellite images, topographical images, 3D images, and angled aerial photography. These maps can be a great resource for research and presentations on a wide range of topics including Anthropology, Sociology, Political Science, Natural Sciences, and even just to find good hiking terrain for that weekend excursion.

Toward the end of the video, we also explain what a ".dmg" file is and how to use one to launch a program like Google Earth.

Want us to keep providing these videos for free (and advertisement free) or have a comment/question, send us an e-mail at askthetechies@gmail.com.

Submit questions or comments, send me an e-mail at askthetechies@gmail.com

Hosts: D.Lee Beard & Daryl Royer

Episode 20: Review of Online Map Sources

Episode 19: Scanning Basics

Episode 19: Scanning Basics

Using an Epson 3170 scanner, we explain the basics of how to use a scanner. We explain how to set the original image type, selecting only a portion of an image to scan, selecting scanning size and dpi, and saving files in different formats and locations. If you have confusion about how to use a scanner or find that scanning seems to take longer than it should or your scanned files are too large, this video is for you.

Note that a better quality H.264 QuickTime 7 version is available from our web site at http://www.ohio.edu/aac/lab/techies/ (the feed version is in .mp4 format). If you would rather have the podcast feed in the H.264 format, would like to submit questions or comments, send me an e-mail at askthetechies@gmail.com

Hosts: D.Lee Beard & Brandon Jackson

Episode 19: Scanning Basics

Episode 18: HP Pavilion DV8000 Review & MacWorld Review

In Episode 18, D.Lee offers a review of the HP DV8130us Pavilion laptop as well as a review on HP customer service -- sometimes you don't get what you are promised. At the end of the video, there is also a brief review of the MacWorld Expo 2006 announcements.

Note that a better quality H.264 QuickTime 7 version is available from our web site at http://www.ohio.edu/aac/lab/techies/ (the feed version is in .mp4 format). If you would rather have the podcast feed in the H.264 format, send me an e-mail at beardd@ohio.edu

Episode 18: HP Pavilion DV8000 Review & MacWorld Review

Episode 17: Creating Unique Desktop Pictures & PowerPoint Backgrounds

In Episode 17, using Photoshop's filters, D.Lee shows how to easily create your own unique picture from scratch that you can use as a computer desktop picture or a background for PowerPoint slides. Watch this video to learn how to avoid those old boring PowerPoint templates that everyone has seen way too many times before. Stand out from the crowd, makes yours different, and dare to "think different".

Hosts: D.Lee Beard & Brandon Jackson

Episode 17: Creating Unique Desktop Pictures & PowerPoint Backgrounds

Episode 16: Green Screening Video With Final Cut Pro

In this episode, Daryl shows how to do a basic "green screen" effect where a person can appear to be somewhere else. He also shows you some of the pitfalls that can occur when trying to do the green screen effect.

Click here to view Episode 16: Green Screening Video With Final Cut Pro

Episode 15: Digital Copyright Issues

In Episode 15, we discuss what is legal to copy and what is not. Is there a clear answer as to whether it is legal to copy a DVD for backup or to view on my iPod Video? Are there exceptions for instructional purposes?

Hosts: D.Lee Beard
Guests: Barb Nalazek, J.D. & Greg Newton, Ph.D.

Click here to view Episode 15: Digital Copyright Issues

Episode 14: Bevel and Emboss Text with Photoshop

In Episode 14, Brandon shows how to turn two-dimentional text into a more 3-D look by using Photoshop's Bevel and Emboss tools. This tip can make otherwise boring 2-D signs appear more modern and eye catching ...in short, more 21st century.

Hosts: D.Lee Beard & Brandon Jackson

Click here to view Episode 14: Bevel and Emboss Text with Photoshop

Episode 13, Part B: Demystifying Computer Hardware & Upgrades

In this second part of Episode 13, we show you how to locate and upgrade basic computer parts inside several computer cases including towers, iMacs, and laptops. We also showcase some very useful tools when conducting computer upgrades and maintenance.

Hosts: D.Lee Beard & Matt Tragert

Click here to view Episode 13, Part B: Demystifying Computer Hardware & Upgrades

Episode 13, Part A: Demystifying Computer Hardware & Upgrades

In this first part of Episode 13, we demystify the basic computer hardware parts. We explain the differences between RAM memory and hard drive memory as well as how to easily upgrade these basic computer parts. We also show you how to locate the processor, video card, power supply, and more.

In part two of this episode (a separate download), we will show you how to locate these basic computer parts inside several computer cases including towers, iMacs, and laptops. In part 2, we also suggest some useful tools when conducting computer upgrades and maintenance.

Hosts: D.Lee Beard & Matt Tragert

Click here to view Episode 13, Part A: Demystifying Computer Hardware & Upgrades

Episode 12: IBM T43 ThinkPad & Konfabulator/Dashboard Reviews

In this episode, we review the IBM T43 ThinkPad laptop as well as the free widget running program "Konfabulator" (now called "Widget Engine" on both the IBM and an iMac. We also compare Konfabultor to Mac OS X's built-in "Dashboard" application that runs widgets as well.

Hosts: D.Lee Beard & Brandon Jackson

Click here to view Episode 12: IBM T43 ThinkPad & Konfabulator/Dashboard Reviews

Episode 11: SnapzProX Video Capture Software

In this episode, SnapzProX video screen caputre software is reviewed and demonstrated. With this powerful software, you can create movie files of anything you can view on your computer screen!

Host: D.Lee Beard

Click here to view Episode 11: SnapzProX Video Capture Software

Episode 10: iMac w/iSight Review

In this episode, we review and demo the features of the brand new Apple iMac computer with built in iSight camera, remote control, and new Apple "Mighty Mouse."

Hosts: D.Lee Beard & Brandon Jackson

Click here to view Episode 10: iMac w/iSight Review

Episode 9: iPod Old & iPod New

In this episode, we replace the battery on an aging iPod, use an iPod hard drive as a portable storage device with a 1.8" hard drive enclosure, and then offer you a review of the new iPod, with video capabilities.

Hosts: D.Lee Beard, Thomas Settle & Brandon Jackson

Click here to view Episode 9: iPod Old and iPod New

Episode 8: Fixing Photos with Photoshop's Clone & Healing Tools

We fix blemishes, erase powerlines and a mailbox out of a photo using Photoshop's clone & healing tools.

View this vodcast to see how to fix up your photos quickly and easily.

Hosts: Brandon Jackson & D.Lee Beard
Camerawork: Daryl Royer

Click here to view Episode 8: Fixing Photos with Photoshop's Clone & Healing Tools

Episode 7: Screen Capturing Snapshots

In this video podcast, we explain how to take a snapshot picture of your computer screen on both a Mac and Windows. This is a very helpful tool for teachers of all ages wanting to demonstrate how to do something on a computer or for relaying the exact error message to your tech support department.

Host: Daryl Royer & Brandon Jackson
Camerawork: D.Lee Beard

Click here to view Episode 7: Screen Capturing Snapshots

Episode 6: MS Word & Advanced Page Numbering

Need to start your page numbering on a different page and leave some pages blank? This short video will explain how to do it. Host: D.Lee Beard

Click here to view Episode 6: MS Word & Advanced Page Numbering

Episode 5: Final Cut Pro Video Exporting Tips

Final Cut Pro offers three options for exporting videos: QuickTime Movie, Using Compressor, and Using QuickTime Conversion. In this video we discuss when to use each option and the various encoding settings for both video and audio.


Click here to view Episode 5: Final Cut Pro Video Exporting Tips

Episode 3: iPod as an Educational Tool

The iPod is not just for music. You can give PowerPoint/Keynote presentations with it. You can record audio with the additional iTalk attachment. It can also help you keep track of your schedule, phone numbers, e-mail address. Watch this video podcast to convince Mom & Dad to buy you a new iPod!

Click here to view Episode 3: iPod as an Educational Tool

Episode 2: Opening Mac Documents on PCs & Vice-Versa

If you create a file on Macintosh, can you open it on a PC? What if you create a file on a PC, can you open it on a Windows computer? Can you open a Microsoft Works document with a different word processor? Watch this video and find out the answers. Hosts: D.Lee Beard and Daryl Royer.
Click here to view Episode 2: Opening Mac Documents on PCs & Vice-Versa

Episode 1: Portable File Storage Solutions

In this video we discuss the pros and cons of various devices that you can save your files onto including zip disks, USB flash drives, and even iPods!
Click here to view Episode 1: Portable File Storage Solutions