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Filed under: Blogging

Today's the day: Blame Drew's Cancer with the all-day Blame-A-Thon!

by Adam Maras Sep 9th 2009

A few months ago, we brought you news of Download Squad's long time friend and blogger Drew Olanoff's Hodgkin's Lymphoma, as well as his efforts to get everyone to blame everything on it. Since then, almost 12,000 people have credited Drew's cancer with more than 26,000 of their unfortunate or ridiculous happenings.

At midnight this morning, Drew and his crew of blamers kicked off the Blame Drew's Cancer Blame-A-Thon party/benefit concert in Philadelphia. The blame games will go on for 24 hours, during which time Drew and company will be Livestreaming the event for all to watch and chat about.

The Blame Drew's Cancer team has put together a few ways of helping to support LiveStrong during the Blame-A-Thon; blamers in Philadelphia can purchase tickets to the second portion of the event, which will be located at North Star Bar and begin at noon. Supporters can also purchase a raffle ticket for a Twitter raffle going on during all 24 hours of the event. If you simply want to donate, the blame squad encourages you to donate directly to LiveStrong on behalf of Blame Drew's Cancer.

Tags: cancer, charity, donations, drew olanoff, DrewOlanoff, livestrong, support

Filed under: OS Updates, Office, Microsoft

Say goodbye to free support for Windows XP

by Brad Linder Apr 16th 2009

Microsoft may have extended the retail lifespan of Windows XP several times to accommodate computer makers selling low powered netbooks that balk at the system requirements of Windows Vista. But that doesn't mean that Microsoft wants to keep supporting an 8 year old operating system forever. And it won't.

As of today, Microsoft no longer offers free support for Windows XP Home Edition. The company is also ending free support for Office 2003. You can still pay for extended support for either product through 2014, but don't expect to get any free answers to your questions from Microsoft.

The company will still be sending out important security updtes to Windows XP and Office 2003 users.

Tags: office-2003, support, windows-xp

Filed under: Windows, Office, Microsoft

Free Microsoft support for Windows XP, Office 2003 ends next month

by Brad Linder Mar 25th 2009

Microsoft will end official free support for Windows XP Home Edition and Microsoft Office 2003 on April 14th. That doesn't mean the help center on your computer will stop working, but you won't be able to get free answers to your questions from Microsoft anymore. You will be able to pay for extended support for both products through 2014.

Microsoft will also continue providing free security-related hotfixes to non-subscribing customers. So unless you frequently make calls to Microsoft support, the April 14th deadline might not really affect you.

[via ZDNet]

Tags: office-2003, support, windows-xp

Filed under: OS Updates, Microsoft

Microsoft to support Windows XP through at least 2014

by Brad Linder Jun 25th 2008

Microsoft may finally be phasing out Windows XP sales, but the company is telling customers that it will offer support for the operating system through 2014.

June 30th is the last day you'll be able to pick up a retail copy of Windows XP. But you will still be able to purchase a computer running Windows Vista Business or Ultimate editions and ask the computer maker to downgrade the system to XP for you. Some PC makers may offer this option for free while others will charge a fee.

Microsoft is also making an exception to the no-sales-beyond-June 30th rule for some low-cost, low-power devices like the Asus Eee PC. So it makes sense for the company to offer a few more years of support. Add to this the fact that Windows Vista adoption has been slow in some sectors, and it honestly seems like Microsoft didn't have much choice but to offer extended support for an operating system that was first released in 2001.

Tags: microsoft, support, windows-xp

Filed under: Internet, OS Updates, Linux, Novell, Open Source

OpenSUSE traffic report: Merged forums open, drive to 11.0 on schedule

by Kristin Shoemaker Jun 10th 2008

This morning, the good folks over at the openSUSE project announced the official launch of the merged forums. Prior to this, English speaking openSUSE users had a bit of a confusing ride when it came to joining a support community specifically for their distro -- they had the support forums at the Novell openSUSE site, suseforums.net, and suselinuxsupport.de to choose from. The merged forums, located at forums.opensuse.org, are archived and searchable, and the new forum is open for posting (openSUSE members with an account for the wiki or bugzilla will be able to use their existing accounts on the forums, but suseforums and suselinuxsupport users will need to create new accounts).

Those who have never used openSUSE might have difficulty grasping the significance of this. It seems like a little thing, really... But the real strength of Linux (and any distro) is the knowledge and experience of the community, its experiences with different bits of hardware in different configurations. That strength is undermined when the community is divided between three sites -- even if they're three very, very good sites. If a user asks a question on one site, but the person who knows the answer is on one or two of the others (or doesn't have endless hours a day to comb forums), it is a real disadvantage to the person asking, those searching for an answer to the same problem, and ultimately the distribution in general.

The openSUSE project hopes to add more languages to the merged forums in the near future. Okay, it probably won't happen anywhere near in time for the openSUSE 11.0 release (on schedule for June 19th), but we're guessing that most people really won't mind, being much too distracted with a faster install process and a new and improved version of Zypper.

Tags: community, forums, linux, novell, opensuse, support

Filed under: Business, Productivity, Troubleshooting

Things GTD app expires, causes stir amongst users

by Jay Hathaway May 16th 2008

Things, the popular personal organization application from Cultured Code, is still in testing, but it already has a large userbase that is thoroughly addicted to its attractive to-do list features. It's no surprise, then, that when the clock turned to midnight in Australia and Things suddenly expired, users were up in arms. Hours later, users in the US experienced the same problem. Several people congregated on the official Things help forum, which had nearly 50 postings on the problem as of 2:30 this morning.

Cultured Code hasn't yet responded with an explanation of why Things was set to expire. The application is still free, but users have already come to rely on it, with more than one person posting that they would gladly pay the $49 pricetag Cultured Code will charge for the 1.0 release to continue using Things right now. Why the expiration, though? We expect to see either a quick fix or an update pushed out this morning -- as the app is currently at version .9.1.1, the highly anticipated 1.0 release is possible, but not likely.

If you're a Things user, visit the help forum for some unofficial ways of resolving the problem. So far, most people are either setting their computers' dates back or using a hex editor to change the expiration date. Despite all the fuss, this could end up working in favor of Cultured Code. Our take: any publicity is good publicity when people are this frantic about your product.

Update: Version 0.9.1.2 is now available.

[via Duncan Riley]

Tags: cultured code, CulturedCode, GTD, problem, support, Things, troubleshooting

Filed under: OS Updates, Windows, Microsoft

Microsoft offers free phone support for Vista SP1

by Brad Linder Mar 24th 2008

While most Download Squad readers who took part in our informal poll say that Windows Vista SP1 has either improved their Vista performance, or at least hasn't broken their PCs, some folks are bound to have issues with any upgrade. And over 100 of you told us that Vista SP1 has caused some problems for you. Fortunately, it looks like Microsoft is offering some help.

The company will offer support for Vista SP1installation and compatibility issues through March 18, 2009. You can either submit your questions via email, login to a support chatroom, or call 1-866-234-6020 to receive free telephone support.

Or you could just uninstall Service Pack 1 and wait for Service Pack 2 or Windows 7, whichever is released first.

[via ZDNet]

Tags: support, vista, vista-sp1, windows-vista, windows-vista-sp1

Filed under: Internet, Mozilla

Mozilla launches live chat support

by Ian Dumych Dec 31st 2007

Mozilla, the company responsible for the Firefox web browser, recently unveiled a live chat feature on their support page. The service is staffed by a handful of volunteers, and is currently only open for a few hours a day.

We spoke with one of the volunteers, who informed us that the service is still "very much in beta." If the service is a success, Mozilla is sure to expand it in the future.

The chat is only open part of the day, so check the cute fox mascot on the right hand side of the page for hours of operation. Please bear in mind that the service is currently only for Firefox related issues.

Tags: Firefox, Live Chat, LiveChat, Mozilla, Support

Filed under: Business, Internet, Open Source

SourceForge launches open source tech support Marketplace

by Brad Linder Dec 6th 2007

Open source project hosting service SourceForge is launching a marketplace for users to sell their services. No, SourceForge won't be charging for access to the 160,000 projects hosted on the site. Instead, users will be able to charge for support and advertise other services they provide.

For example, say you've got an open source business application hosted on SourceForge. Users can download it and use it for free. But where do they go for tech support? They could rely on the usual tools of the open source community, turning to message boards, email, and IRC channels for support. Or they could pay you a fee and receive priority support.

Or if you're capable of developing applications, you can advertise your services. It's free to post a listing, but SoureForge will take a percentage of any resulting transactions, usually around 10%.

Right now there are only about 700 listings in the marketplace, which just emerged from beta testing. But SourceForge has 1.7 million registered users, so that number could grow very quickly.

[via InfoWorld]

Tags: sourceforge, sourceforge-marketplace, support

Filed under: Internet, Productivity, Social Software

Find a support community with DailyStrength

by Ian Smith Oct 1st 2007

Mix one part MySpace with one part 43Things and one part AA and you end up with DailyStrength.

DailyStrength is a collection of communities focused on users supporting each other in whatever hardships they are facing in life. From Lung Cancer to Depression to Parenting: there is a community for everyone. Communities are built around members with sections for posting discussions, recommendations, advice, and news. You can even send each other virtual hugs, which are like Facebook pokes but without the antagonistic feel.

There is even a community for Internet Addicts, which, clearly, is how we find the site in the first place.

Tags: addictions, goals, social network, SocialNetwork, support

Filed under: Business, Windows, Productivity, Analysis, Troubleshooting

Majority of Support.com users confused with Vista's new features

by David Chartier Jul 23rd 2007

Todd Haselton at Ars Technica's 1 Microsoft Way journal is reporting that the majority of Support.com's customers are confused by some of Vista's significant new changes. After opening their doors for service in June, a tally of that month's support calls revealed that a whopping 77 percent were to get help with Vista, with a surprising 30 percent of those calls simply asking for help on how to navigate Vista's controversial new Aero interface.

Considering that Support.com is a commercial service, we're going to agree with 1 Microsoft Way that their greater constituency is probably more on the newbie side than your typical Flash drive-slinging, Google-searching computer nut. That said, Support.com's report of confusion among the mainstream ranks can be taken in a number of ways, depending on whether you're a fan of the significant changes - some arguably for the sake of change alone - that Microsoft made with Vista. The findings become even more significant when you consider the fact that Windows users - people who have already been using the product for months, years or perhaps decades - are getting lost when they sit down and try to navigate through the new translucent black jungle Microsoft introduced.

Still, Support.com is but a drop in the bucket of the mainstream Vista reaction, so it would be interesting to see support request results from larger players like Dell and Best Buy's Geek Squad for a much larger gulp of the big picture.

Tags: support, Support.com, Vista, Windows Vista, WindowsVista

Filed under: Business, Design, Developer, Internet, Utilities, Web services

Helperoo launches a simple and affordable email support system

by Chris Gilmer Jun 26th 2007

Helperoo is a free email support system made especially for small no nonsense businesses that has just launched today. No extra features, no confusing interface, and forget about that 500 page manual needed to get started; everything a small business needs for email support is here.

Helperoo was started as a way for companies to handle simple email support without sifting through other feature rich applications that take time to learn. They stripped out all of the features that would never normally get used by smaller companies and built their simple core system. The Helperoo support system does not require any special installations or maintenance, and they look after everything by storing all information on top grade web servers. Helperoo claims that your data will be secure by using leading encryption and backup services. The system works by accepting your forwarded standard company support emails, which are then protected by industry leading spam and virus protection, to your account on Helperoo. From your Helperoo account you can then reply to, forward, close, open, hold, or create new support issues. No dedicated applications necessary, to use the support system application all you need is a browser, so you can stay in touch with issues wherever you may be.

There are two plans offered. A free 200 email per month plan that is ad supported, and a pro unlimited email plan for $12 per month.

And Yes, this is a Canadian web application.

Check out some Helperoo interface screenshots.

Gallery: helperoo

Tags: business, email support, EmailSupport, helperoo, SUPPORT, system

Filed under: Business, Google

Google Apps Calendar Maintenance

by Chris Gilmer Apr 24th 2007

Calling all Google Apps users, your schedule might not be spot-on this Thursday.

Users of Google Apps can expect some downtime during routine maintenance of the Google Calendar Thursday April 26th, from 8AM to 9PM. As is expected with any sort of maintenance, downtimes may and will occur and in this case Google Calendar might not be accessible for some time. Scheduled maintenance during daylight hours, what gives, Google?

This blow to users scheduling sure does make us wonder if Google Apps is worth using for our main scheduling application. It is understandable that system upgrades have to occur in order to improve services, it just sucks that we are now forced to suffer.

For Google Apps support you can check out http://www.google.com/support/a/

Drop a comment on Thursday to let us all know if you were affected by the maintenance and approx. how long your downtime lasted for.

UPDATE: More info on the scheduled maintenance from Google:

Why are we doing an upgrade?
We are updating some of our servers as we continue to improve Google Calendar. This is a normal maintenance update, and as with all updates we look to minimize the impact to our end users.

How will this impact my end users?
The impact to your users should be minimal. Only a subset of your users should be affected by the upgrade. These users may have trouble accessing their Google Calendars for a short period of time, generally less than 5-10 minutes each.

Will Google Calendar be down from 8AM to 9PM PDT?
No. This is the window of time that the maintenance upgrade will take place. During this time some users will experience issues accessing their calendar, but only for a short period of time each.

Tags: apps, calendar, domain, google, maintenance, schedule, support

Filed under: Internet, Mozilla, Browser Tips

Mozilla ends support for Firefox 1.5

by Brad Linder Apr 23rd 2007

Just six months after Firefox 2.0 was released, Mozilla is ending support for Firefox 1.5. And you thought Microsoft was short shrifting customers by phasing out Windows XP by the end of this year. At least Microsoft offer support and updates for about 5 years.

April 24th is the last day Firefox 1.5 will be officially supported. The developers have moved to a consumer-oriented model with a short product lifespan and regular browser upgrades. While this isn't great for corporate users who are slow to implement updates, it's worked pretty well in terms of keeping Firefox on the cutting edge.

About 40% of Firefox users are still running version 1.5.0.x, so this might be a good time to upgrade.

Update: It looks like Mozilla will support Firefox until mid-May, but is encouraging everyone to upgrade to Firefox 2 now.

Tags: firefox, support

Filed under: OS Updates, Windows, Adobe, Microsoft

Adobe provides info on Vista compatibility

by Sheila Ward Feb 20th 2007

If you are using any of the Adobe products and have the itch to upgrade to Windows Vista, you might want to check out the How Adobe Products Support Windows Vista document (pdf alert). Adobe applications are listed with their current status concerning Windows Vista support and any workarounds that might be needed until official support is available. Adobe plans to keep this document updated as product support for Vista evolves. OS upgrades are so much fun.

Tags: adobe, compatibility, os, support, upgrade, windows vista

Graveyard Shift - zombie-busting Time Waster

With Halloween fast approaching, it's a great time to get in some practice defending your territory against zombies. In Graveyard Shift, you take aim at zombies and other creepy-crawlies, blasting them into splatters of cartoony green guts. It's a casual first-person shooter, and it's very easy to get the hang of - use the mouse to aim, click to fire. Graveyard Shift has at least 15 levels, and it might even have some secret stages I haven't unlocked yet. They key to getting good at Graveyard Shift is learning to use ...

View more Time Wasters

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Download Squad bloggers (30 days)

#	Blogger	Posts	Cmts
1	Jay Hathaway	114	5
2	Lee Mathews	84	33
3	Sebastian Anthony	57	189
4	Brad Linder	38	7
5	Jason Clarke	24	0
6	Dolores Parker	8	2
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12	John Burke	2	0
13	Download Squad Staff	1	0

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