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A previous client in Pacific Palisades called for computer repair. The computer service call was about a PC that was having issues running Internet Explorer 7. I had worked on his 2 other computers previously, but not on this particular machine. When I scanned the computer, I found that it had many high threat viruses such as trojans, malware and specifically Vundo. Due to the nature of the viruses, there was potential risk in removing the viruses because in doing so, it could damage some system files. That is exactly what happened. Apparently, I was getting an error message regarding 2 files in the system32 folder; icm3232.dll and gdi3232.dll not being valid Windows images.

The first step was to try to repair the XP Home installation using a Windows CD. The repair was rather slow since the computer was an older model Sony Vaio PCV-RX670. During the installation, numerous error messages came up regarding the icm3232.dll and gdi3232.dll files. Another error message was titled grpconv.exe - Bad Image and mmc.exe - Bad Image, regsvr32.exe, logagent.exe, unregmp2.exe, cmd.exe - bad image, unloadm.exe, migrate.exe, wmpenc.exe, drmupgds.exe.

After the repair, the computer was still running a bit funny. It would freeze up and not boot properly intermittently. After consulting with the client, we decided a data migration and reinstallation of the operating system would be the best solution. The client said to go ahead and take the computer back to our office and bring it back when it was finished.

I copied about 40 GB of data from three user accounts making sure to save everything including their documents, pictures, movies, music and favorites. It took a long time to copy so it was good that it didn’t have to be done on-site. I then scanned all of the files I was going to migrate to ensure I wasn’t also migrating the virus.

I reinstalled Windows XP, installed all of the drivers necessary, installed the security applications for them, installed the software they requested; (Microsoft Office, iTunes, Rhapsody, Mozilla Firefox, Picasa and some other extras). Then I migrated the data from their old system to the newly installed system and proceeded to migrate their iTunes library and other data into programs. We want the computing experience to be as seamless as possible for the client.

After talking to the client, we decided that it would be a good idea to also upgrade the RAM and install a backup drive. I installed the memory and the internal hard drive. I also used a backup program to automatically image their entire system in case of a hard drive crash. I also setup an online backup for their important data. The online backup was setup to backup nightly in case something happened to the entire computer; the client could just re-download their files.

The computer was ready to go after only 1 day at the shop. The client said that they would be busy and that they would rather me bring it in the next day. I returned the computer and the client seemed very happy with the results. I had to reinstall their printer and re-setup their Internet, but I was only there for another 20 minutes max. It was a fun experience for me. I was glad that the client was satisfied. They ended up also signing up for a Maintenance Plan with us to ensure that problems like this would be prevented in the future. Smart move on their part.

If you’ve ever wanted to stream your music collection and online radio stations through your home stereo system or have had the urge to find some new music but didn’t know where to start, E-Geniuses has some suggestions.

Pandora radio is the personalized internet radio service that helps you find new music based on your old and current favorites. Easily create custom web radio stations, and listen to full songs for free and without commercial interruptions.

For starters, just visit www.pandora.com and fill in an artist and/or song that you enjoy listening to. Pandora will analyze aspects of the song (up to 400 attributes!) and play songs that consist of similar musical qualities. To customize your radio station further, Pandora allows you to assign a "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" which it will take into account for future music selections, thus creating a truly custom radio station for you.

Now imagine streaming your custom radio stations in addition to the music library you already have all throughout your home. E-Geniuses can configure your home stereo and wireless network with Logitech’s Squeezebox player to stream the music through your speakers. With the Squeezebox, internet music streaming services are even available when your computer is turned off.

Once in a while you may hear the term Digital Convergence. In simple terms, this is the merging of two devices, the computer and the TV. This could also refer to the merging of two distribution models; the mainstream media, specifically TV, and the Internet. If you’re paying attention, you will notice that many networks such as ABC, CBS, FOX and others are beginning to stream their shows on their website. The main difference between traditional mainstream media and the web is that people can communicate and exchange ideas with one another whereas television broadcast is a one way communication. The TV is meant to deliver content from the source to the masses. The viewer cannot respond back nor can they discuss their opinions with others in real time like they can on the Internet. Producers of TV shows rely on focus groups to let them know what the people want to see, but they are not always effective in accurately depicting reality nor delivering the facts.

What effect will the ability for "viewers" to communicate with one another have on people’s opinions of TV programming? The fact that the viewer can offer their opinions and receive feedback from other viewers means that they play a much larger role in determining what the networks choose to air. When the audience in sitcoms do not respond to the punchlines, a laugh-track replaces the silence. This will not be as easily accomplished on the Internet since the "audience" will demand to be heard; they know others are listening. The Internet and the people using it can make more informed decisions when others post their opinions, insights and thought processes. A thumbs up or thumbs down response may be sufficient for some, but others prefer a comment to go along with the vote.

Another thing to consider is whether the content that the mainstream media has to offer is actually "better" than the user submitted content available online. They may find that users submitting content to YouTube are now their competition. They are on the same playing field. When I say better, I mean better in the sense that people find it more entertaining and are willing to spend their time and attention on. It is going to be difficult for an individual to make a better production that a major studio, but it is not impossible. Already, there are music artists who are recording their own records and doing the distribution themselves. Take note of how many Tower Records are closing down and you’ll understand the effects of this phenomenon.

It is much easier for the individual to be in touch with his audience. He can change much faster than the large corporations. If the media conglomerates want to compete with the individual, they are going to have to find a way to be more in touch with their audience and be able to respond accordingly. The alternative is to do what they do best, make large, high quality productions, and leave the other genres and "narrow casting" to the individuals.

What do you think?