It is not easy to get anything for free any more in terms of music downloads.  If you find a site offering free music, chances are it will also come with spyware, viruses, or pop-ups.  So, for legitimate free iTunes music downloads, where can you go?

Here are the top 3 sites you can go for iTunes free downloads:

1. About.com provides a list of free iTunes music, videos, and shows.
2. Emusic allows for 25 free songs after submitting your info.
3. Facebook provides free songs when you join the iTunes Discussion Board.

Enjoy your legitimate free music downloads and try to stay away from those pirate sites.

What do you do if your Verizon DSL modem is not working?  

Obviously, you need a replacement fast since your home or office is not Internet operational.  But, what is the fastest way you can get one?  If it is during the week, it is worth a shot to call up Verizon and see if your current modem is under warranty for a replacement.  They can overnight one to you if you get a reasonable rep and if you do some begging.  Typically, they’ll send one out in a few days but you could get lucky. 

If your modem is down during the weekend, you’ll need to be a little bit more creative.  Your options are either going onto eBay and hoping someone is selling a new modem or you can hop into BestBuy since they carry a supply of modems as well.  You need to get a Verizon-specific and supported brand, including the following:

• Actiontec Gateway 929 gt7 modem - Combo modem/router/switch found in Best Buy stores
• Westell 2200 - no configuration necessary with a router 
• Westell 6100 - need to configure in bridge mode
• Westell 6110 - no configuration necessary with a router — touted as the best
• Westell Wirespeed - no config necessary with a router

The Best Buy stores will carry the Actiontec modems while the Westells may be bought on eBay or by getting lucky through another third-party site that carries them.  Otherwise, your only other way is to buy them through a Westell distributor during the week or Verizon itself.  Verizon mentions that select Verizon wireless stores may offer the Westell modems, but that is not the case in New York City. 

Keep in mind that the all-in-one modem/switch/wireless routers, such as Actiontec, are good products, but you will need to configure them accordingly, and might need a technical support company, like New York Computer Help, for further assistance.

If you notice that your Internet connection is intermittent, and you’ve already replaced your router, you should really replace your modem before you’re totally down.

In the light of the Consumer Electronics 2008 show and the MacWorld Expo, New York Computer Help would also like to showcase some cool gadgets.  These are the gadgets that are not the productive beasts like a the MacBook Air or TouchScreen Dell Laptop; however, these are the gadgets that will breathe some life and personality to your computer environment.

Here’s our top 5 tech gadget favorites:

1. Laptop vacuum:  A mini vacuum to clean up all of your keyboard crumbs, dirt, and left-over snacks
2. Aroma diffuser:  How about a little nice aroma while you’re working.  Plug this into the USB and say “Ahhhhh.”
3. Desktop light:  Need a little light at night while at your computer.  This Homer light will give you light.
4. Procrastination protector:  If you like to play games or goof off at the office, this stealth switch allows you press it to clear your screen quickly of your unprofessional windows and another step brings it all back.
5. Cool power surge protector:  A fancy outlet strip and one all cords can fit into

Apple also announced at MacWorld, a convention geared towards the new mac technology, a new way to watch movies.  For $3.99, new movies can now be downloaded to iTunes.  The newest movies will be come available for rental download 30 days after they are out on DVD.  Old films are going for $2.99 and high-definition movies are $4.99. 

These movies may be then be watched off your computer or Apple TV.  With updated software, the iPhone and iPod touch can also show these movies.  Our technology is now gearing more towards watching movies via existing computers.  However, we haven’t had a standardized software or technology yet that will show new movies on computers.  Well, not legal ones at least.  The movie industry will have to sacrifice a lot of sales for that to happen since many viewers will not need to watch movies in the theatres any more.  We are getting closer to watching newly released films on our computers; however, more negotiation will need to occur with the movie studios.

Microsoft Outlook has become the prevalent e-mail solution for companies, small businesses, and home offices.  But, should you give Lotus Notes some consideration?  Perhaps, if you have a technical support person by your side.

Lotus Notes is the software installed on your computer, like Outlook, and will require a Domino server (not Microsoft Exchange), to administer the email accounts.  We will discuss the Lotus Notes pros and cons below since most of you are less familiar with this e-mail software than Outlook.

Here are the positives with Lotus Notes:

1. Includes diary, calendar, email, to-do list (like Outlook)
2. Ability to create databases for workflow management (like public folders in Outlook)
3. Mobile users may access e-mails remotely via VPN or webmail (like Windows remote access)
4. It’s very secure (a plus over the more vulnerable Microsoft environment)
5. Domino tech support is reliable

Now, for the negatives of Lotus Notes:

1. Notes is a clunky looking interface similar to Outlook 97
2. Navigation is awkward (think Netscape browser from the 90’s)
3. Any type of workgroup creation, e-mail addition, or changes requires a technical administrative support person.  This is the biggest negative.  Out of the box, Lotus needs a lot of manipulation.
4. Domino and Lotus Notes must be constantly updated and backed up for optimal processing (not as crucial with Outlook and Exchange Server).

Overall, we like Outlook over Lotus Notes.  Outlook allows for an intuitive mind to get by using Outlook and with the proper permissions, allows for creating public folders, share e-mails and contacts, and for more overall flexibility.  Lotus Notes typically needs to be administered through the Notes server for many options.  Also, Lotus, due to its limited user base and thus slow software updates, is prone to running into database corruptions. 

The world’s thinnest laptop is now available, and it’s called the MacBook Air.  Steve Jobs announced his new baby at Macworld 2008.  Here are the specs:  it’s only 3 pounds, has a 13″ screen, ranges from .16 - .76 in thickness, comes with 1.6GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, and a 80GB hard drive.  It’s wireless runs 802.11N, has a full sized keyboard, and has an external CD/DVD drive.

The cool factor:  At 3 pounds, it is rare to have a full-sized keyboard and large mousepad.  But, Jobs was all about not minimalizing the typing experience although the overall laptop is ultraportable.  On the optical drive end, you can wireless connect to your DVD drive and other PCs and Macs’ optical drives.  The iSight camera is still integrated, like other macs, and you can move pics up and down like the iPhone.

At $1,799, these macs should be flying off the shelves.  Don’t run to the stores just yet.  They’ll be available in 2 weeks.

If you have TimeWarner RoadRunner Internet service, there is a good chance that you can upgrade it for free.  TimeWarner is offering a free upgrade for a limited time to those who currently own Internet basic service (384kb download / 196kb upload speeds) and own Digital TV with 2+ cable boxes, you are eligible for a free upgrade to RoadRunner’s standard Internet Service which is 10mb download / 3mb upload speeds). 

All you have to do is call up TimeWarner at 800-OK-CABLE and request the free upgrade from Basic to Standard service.  You’ll be happy you did since your Internet speed will increase almost 10x.  Your overall computer performance and speed will be faster since your computer will be able to load and provide Internet pages much faster.  If you’re not sure what your Internet speed is, you can go to Speakeasy to test your Internet speed.

The Pleo, created by Ugobe, is the newest companion robot.  It is a dinosaur that reacts to your movements and expressions.  If you hug it, it will say “Ahh” and vibrate.  If you throw it, it will cry.  If someone runs up to it quickly, it will bark like a watchdog. 

How does it work?  It actually has an operating system running in it called Life OS.  Life OS, as Windows XP and Mac OS 10.4, has been programmed to its consumers’ lifestyle.  Instead of programming Internet Explorer or Microsoft Word for productivity, Life OS is tailored for reactionary emotions, and even allows consumers to train the dinosaur how to act when given certain movements or expressions.

At $350, this robot could now be more of a reality.  This might be a good present for kids, adults, or those who just need company.  Who knows - this might replace the everyday dog or cat companion.  For those who watched iRobot, and may be cringing right now, let’s just hope there’s not a bad chip out there.

There are three things to factor in for a website: the domain, web host, and e-mails. They all are associated and need to be all considered when moving your website to another host or if you want to move your e-mails or domain to another provider. The best practice is to move all three of them when considering to move one. Why? Because, if you move your e-mail host and not your domain, your emails will point to where the old domain host is for direction when sending and receiving. If you have issues, you will be speaking with 2 companies who will most likely point fingers to the other one. To have a solid computer support plan for your site, go with one company, such as GoDaddy.

In terms of the scheduling of the process, you should expect downtime no matter what. Here is the time it takes for the emails, host, and domain to switch to the new provider:

1. Domain: First, you have to request a switch with your current domain registrar. It will take app. 5 days for approval. Then, the new domain host will take another 5  days to transfer.
2. Web host: The text book answer is 24 - 48 hours for the old and new servers to find themselves on the world wide web. Then, the mx records of the old host points to the new host, and then finally the new host takes over. It really takes between 4 - 8 hours.
3. E-mails: The e-mails usually take 6 - 10 hours to start being able to send/receive emails with the new email host provider.

It is wise to speak with your new host to ensure all is going accordingly to the above plan.

Backing up your Outlook Express e-mails could be an arduous task if you’re not sure where to start.  Further,  you must not forget to back up your address book as well for your important contacts.  The textbook approach will have you perform many different steps that will have you scratching your head at the end.  To just back up your emails and address book is really just a simple task.  It is recommended to back up you Outlook Express to an external hard drive or other media to ensure your data is available in case of a hard drive crash.

Here’s how to back up your Outlook Express:

1. For the e-mails, go to: C:\Documents and Settings\\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\ i.e. {37118E75-BE35-4208-915D-3225236303EE}\Microsoft\Outlook Express
2. Copy and paste this Outlook Express Folder to an external hard drive or other media.
3. For the Addresses, go to: C:\Documents and Settings\\Application Data\Microsoft.
4. Copy and paste this folder to an external hard drive or other media.

That’s it!  No need to export, compact, or configure anything else.  Following the above steps will help you back up your Outlook Express.