A Tale of 2 Routers!

I just updated my home network and i figured i'd post the results.

Equipment:
Cisco/Linksys E1200 v1 Router - Setup as an AP
Cisco/Linksys SE2500 (5) Port Gigabit Switch
Cisco / Linksys WRT610N v2 Router - Running as a Router
Motorola SBG6580 Docsis 3.0 Cable Modem - TWC Approved - Setup in Bridge Mode w/o WiFi

Firmware:
DD-WRT on the (2) routers and whatever the latest from TWC on the Motorola

Topology:
Cable Connection --> SBG6580 --> WRT610N --> NETTALK, PLAYON Server, & SE2500 --> E1200, PCs, Wireless Devices

Method:
Follow one of the many FAQs available on setting up your SBG6580 for bridge mode and disable the WiFi.
Change out the stock firmware to DD-WRT for the Cisco/Linksys routers.
Verify you have 2 clear wireless channels.
Setup the WRT610N to DHCP Static Assign an IP to the NETTALK and PLAYON Server.
Setup the Wireless Stuff for the WRT610N (SSID, Encryption, Channel, etc.)
Put the NETTALK IP into the DMZ on the WRT610N.
Static assign the IP for the E1200 with a laptop b4 you connect it to the rest of the network.
Disable the WAN & WAN port and DHCP Server on the E1200.  It's now a AP & 5 port switch!
Setup the Wireless Stuff in the E1200 (SSID - blah blah blah)
Make sure your wireless AP and Router have their WiFi on different channels.

Connect it all together as follows:
Cable --> SBG6580
SBG6580 --> WRT610N WAN Port
WRT610N Port 1 --> NETTALK
WRT610N Port 2 --> PLAYON Server
WRT610N Port 3 --> SE2500 Switch
WRT610N WiFi --> Roku
WRT610N WiFi --> PS3
WRT610N WiFi --> Wii
SE2500 --> PCs, NAS, & Printers
SE2500 --> E1200 old WAN port for Up-Link
E1200 Port(s) 1,2,3 --> 10/100 Ethernet Segment (not hooked up to anything but, I wanted to make sure the wires were hot at this point... just in case... I have a lot of hard wires downstairs in my house for devices)
E1200 WiFi --> Phones, Tablets, & Everything Else!

Done! - You now have a complete and rock solid "Cisco" network @ home!  This setup has been holding up perfectly for me with a ton of VOIP and Streaming traffic.  Most people won't need the SE2500.  I needed it due the shear number of devices that I have connected to my LAN.

Total investment: Less than $70 for the hardware and cables!  eBay is your best friend.

Note: I still have to have Joe come over and optimize my Router & AP for streaming and VIOP.  It works perfectly but, I love me some overkill!  I get around 70 MBPS actual read/write speed from my PC to my NAS on the Gigabit Segment.  The internet speed on my 15 MBPS cable connection clocks out at 14.6 MBPS outside one my deck from my laptop with 0% loss.

Important: Follow the DD-WRT instructions exactly or you will brick your devices!!!  I can't stress this enough.  When they tell you to wait etc. - do it!

Today's Random Post

1. To the person who mowed my lawn and put out my trash - Thank you doesn't even begin to express how grateful I am!  I was speechless!  For those of you who know me you know how huge that is.

2. Coupons!!!!
http://eas.com/special-offers

3. RC Balloons! I ordered 1 for each of my kids... the ones that speak to me anyway.

Paranoid Geek Tip of the Day:

I've been asked about this quite a few times so I figured people would want to know.  A lot of people have noticed that during the setup, upgrade, & update to 8.1; Microsoft really wants you to associate your computer username with a live ID.  This keeps your settings, emails, address book, etc. in sync with you live account and with their free cloud offering - it makes a wipe and reload a lot less scary.

Well, there are various reasons that you wouldn't want to have it associated.
1. You are concerned about your privacy.
2. You totally ganked your copy of Windows.
3. You're tired of giving away your personal info for free.

All of the above are legitimate reasons except #2.  Shame on you.

Anyway, When it comes time to setup your account just enter someone@somewhere.com and a password of password.  If it's a 7-8 upgrade or first time setup: you'll be able to choose to create a "Local Account".  If it's prompting you after the 8-8.1 upgrade then you can choose to use your existing account.  In both of those instances you have to look for the text - there is no button.  If you already associated with your live account and want to switch it to a local account:

http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/windows-and-office/quick-tip-change-microsoft-live-to-a-local-account-in-windows-81/

That howto is from the awesome peeps over @ Tech Republic.

Awesome free stuff Quickie!

OK, I just got this email and I wanted to get it out there.  EA / Origin is giving out free copies of Plants vs Zombies just like they did with Dead Space last month:
https://www.origin.com/en-us/store/on-the-house

You have to install the Origin Client (see Steam - LOL) and get a free account.  After that the button on the web site associates your "purchase" with the account and you're good to go... 4 ever!

I'll be posting whenever they give away a new game so stay tuned or sign up for their newsletter.

"Food for Thought": On a completely random note: Anyone try the "Big King" @ Burger King?  yeah... 2 all beef patties - Special Sauce - Lettuce - Cheese - Pickles - Onions - on a Sesame Seed Bun... Sound Familiar?

Steal These Links . . .

To make things easy and to show just how much cheap or free entertainment is on the web; we are going to continue with some links to where you can watch TV and movies on the cheap. Many of these will be already known to many but, a collection of good links is always welcome. Many of these have commercials but hey, when you want to be entertained on the cheap, sacrifices shall be made.

• Crackle-  So you can see what's Crackling.
• Youtube Free Full Movies. You can also rent movies on YouTube.
• Hulu - Most of us are already aware of this one.
• Snag Films - This is a new one to me discovered while researching this article.
• Popcorn Flix - Not much to say other then another place you can look in your quest for entertainment.
• Movies found Online - Not the most imaginative name but hey, they got free movies.
• Openculture - 675 Free Movies Online: Great Classics, Indies, Noir, Westerns, etc.
• Free movies cinema - This site happens to have a colourized version of the classic night of the living dead. Clearly this is a must see.
• Netflix - Free month offer page.
• Amazon -  You need Amazon Prime or you can rent here. Really great if you already are a Prime user. I wouldn't bother if you already have Netflix.  There is a lot of similar content.
• Redbox - You can reserve movies and games at your local Redbox here.
• Xfinity TV go - Some links go to HULU, some you need a memberhip, some you have to rent.
• Retrovision -  Retro TV and Movies.
• UBU - A collection of avant-garde film and video.
• Classic Cinema Online - The name says it all.
• Pratt Library - A collection of links for Public domain film and video.
• Pratt Library II - A collection of links for free documentaries.
• ABC - TV shows from ABC.
• CBS -  TV shows from CBS.
• CW - TV shows from CW.
• FOX - TV shows from FOX.
• NBC - TV shows from NBC.
• Sidereel - lots of TV new and old.
• OVGUIDE - Lots of movies and TV.

This is far from an exhaustive list, but should suffice to get you started, and keep you entertained, even if it's just looking for something to watch.

Streaming video for the rest of us...

I just wanted to share this bit of information out there for those of you with a PC, Laptop, or tablet that you can/do connect to your TV for streaming services.

1. Consider the Roku / Playon setup I discussed last month.  It's cheap, stupid simple to use, and versatile.  I'm all about simplicity and not having to mess with something when I just want to kick back with my beverage of choice and a bag of Doritos.  This setup will run you about $100 (software & hardware) and while the Roku uses almost no electricity; the PC sucks it down like an alcoholic @ Oktoberfest.

2. The next option: XBMC - This one is pretty exciting!  XBMC doesn't need a PC to work.  It's basically a dashboard with a slick interface that runs directly on your device.  I'm going to link the setup instructions for a PC / Laptop.  If you'd like it on another device: Google is your best friend.   I also want to make you aware of the fact that you can get pre-built / modded devices right off eBay.   So, if you're not really tech savvy or don't mind spending $100-150 for the better ones - Grab a pre-modded Apple TV 1st gen with the crystal video and XBMC already installed or a pre-modded Apple TV 2.  The Ouya game console is also an excellent option and adding XBMC is pretty easy.  I picked those devices out of the bajillion out there b/c they are the most reliable and well supported by the community.  The fact of the matter is: you can get any old quad core android and it'll probably work for the most part.  I'm saying quad core b/c a lot of the dual cores just can't cut the video rendering.

XBMC PC SETUP INSTRUCTIONS

XBMC SUPERREPO

XBMC ADDING THE ADDITIONAL REPOS

NOTE: I purchased this android unit from Amazon for testing:
MINIX NEO G4 Android 4.0 Dual Core RK3066 DDR3 1GB RAM / 8GB ROM Google TV Box Mini PC Dongle Wi-Fi / IR Remote
It worked very well with the exception of the keyboard functions in XBMC.  IDK if it was something I wasn't getting right or if it just hated the remote this thing comes with.  You can snag this keyboard/remote:

Hausbell ® Mini H7 2.4GHz Wireless Entertainment Keyboard with Touchpad for PC, Pad, Andriod TV Box, Google TV Box, Xbox360, PS3 & HTPC/IPTV (Black)
or this one:
Logitech Wireless Touch Keyboard K400 with Built-In Multi-Touch Touchpad
Either of these work on standard PC's and Laptops

Or if you're like me, you'll just say screw it and use a USB mouse or keyboard for the initial setup and forget about it afterward b/c you don't need one after the initial settings.  I added a Start-up manager APP from the Play Store and set it to load XBMC on boot after I finished my testing.

  

Daily Quickie!

Free stuff from the web!

I have had a thing lately that when I go for my walk I have been listening to Audio books; specifically H.P. Lovecraft's stuff as of late. Lovecraft's written works are all available for free on a few sites. You can get his written works here: http://www.dagonbytes.com/thelibrary/lovecraft/.

The real reason I am posting is to make people aware of this site http://www.flvto.com/. This site will convert any .flv to mp3 and then in turn allow you to download it. There are other formats available so it is not limited to audio only. You provide a link to where to find the file you want converted and hit just go!  It really doesn't get any simpler than this. I will leave where you find this stuff up to you.

Something old and something new.

I just recently rediscovered Foamy the Squirrel.  My buddy Rob showed these to me way back when.  A lot of the Foamy stuff is really hilarious, poignant, and just awesome.  Then there's the stuff that's just wrong on too many levels to discuss.  So, there's something for everyone!!!

  I'm going to throw out some links to my personal favorites:

WARNING NSFW! or around kids etc.
People and Animals
Bullies
Smokers
Game Trade-ins
Online Shopping
Social Networking
Values
Politics
Go Green!
Tech Support
New/Used
Battery Low

You can see all the rest on http://www.scarysquirrel.org/special/movies/foamy/ and illwillpress.com

Samsung Galaxy S5 Review

This is my second "smart phone", the previous one being the apple I4. This is a quantum leap forward in processing power, camera, interface, and every other regard I can think of. I shouldn't be surprised Apple is so behind in speed & things, and has been for this century. I was giving them the benefit of the doubt when it came to phones the I4 did serve me fairly well. So onto The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly . . .

The Good -
This thing has the usual array of functions and features we have come to expect from any smart phone.
Phone, messaging, front facing and rear facing cameras, GPS, and I believe they are planning a blender pop up function in a generation or two.
The Galaxy S5 has improved group messaging.  For many I'm sure this isn't a big concern or possibly a concern at all.  In my case, my work has me sending texts that would make a 14 year old school girl proud. Which the Galaxy steps to the task very well. I have a group of 150 people that I send information to. I also have many smaller groups I send to as well. The easy to use interface had me doing this within minutes setting up groups with the native software. Coupling this feature with swipe texting and the ability to put a signature on all of my texts really impresses me. The one thing that I thought was odd was having to go into contacts to send a group message rather then being able to from the messaging app. It also comes stacked with lots of apps from Google & Samsung. I was a little underwhelmed by the lack of organization of some of the apps out of the box; in its defense: the interface for setting up folders and moving icons around is simple and intuitive given you have used any smart phone in the past.

The Bad - I have had one lock up so far in my use of this phone.  Shutting it down and turning it back on as with most cases did the trick.

The Ugly - The ugly of this for me has been the transition from Apple to an Android device. This is an extremely common problem and when I say common I mean it happens every time. I-phones cannot send their I-messages to a new user of Android who just left Apple. This makes the Apple user switch to text messaging to send a message to you until you win a small war with Apple and get them to release your number. I am currently still engaged in this conflict as of this writing. It also makes me wonder if they did this to try and break people by frustrating them into staying with Apple, or is it so they have a direct finger on the pulse of the market and monitor to see if people are leaving them.

Clearly I like the Galaxy.  It has many many features I didn't even touch on.  I can only say try it , ditch Apple and get the N.S.A. out of your pocket.

Disclaimer - All offensive and derogatory remarks about Apple were intentional and I hope this does hurt their feelings in some small way.

Disclaimer for the previous Disclaimer (LMFAO) - The views expressed in this review and previous disclaimer are the authors OPINIONS and do not necessarily reflect the views of this blog or associated entities.