Windows Vista has not been an easy transition for many people. One of the problems with Vista is USB support, or lack of. If you are having USB problems with Vista then please read on.

Several months ago Microsoft released hotfixes for Vista for some badly-needed improvements for USB operation. Most notably is the problems, conflicts and issues related to USB and audio components.

Microsoft plans to officially address the USB issues with their SP1 due out in early 2008, but in the mean time lets check out the Microsoft roll out update page.

If you are using Vista and having problems be sure to double check the device manufacturer update before using the Microsoft updates, your solution might already be out there.

Peter Kirn provided a couple valuable tips while diving into your problems, please read (more…)

Reading an article from Crave, I realized the very obvious… I should have written about this topic months ago…maybe years ago. Turning a typical USB hub into a power center for all those electronic gadgets.

The key is getting a USB hub that has a dedicated AC Power adapter which plugs directly into the wall. This way a stable supply of 5v will be streaming to all ports. You can grab a 4 port, 6 port or 7 port hub for only a few dollars.

The power hub via USB is a perfect illustration of the potential of such a setup: pretty much anything that accepts USB charging (iPods, Blackberries, cellphones, headsets, Xbox 360 controllers, and the like) should be compatible.

You should be able to power up non USB charging devices as long as they are (more…)

The Mac can easily and quickly become a DVR with the right software and hardware. This Mac only tip comes just in time for this season’s prime time TV.

Using a Mac, other than the one pictured, with a USB TV Tuner (like EyeTV Tuner) along with some DVD Burning software (Toast) you can watch, record and burn every season premier your wife demands while you’re watching real TV (Football and Baseball).

For all the details jump to Macworld. Thanks LifeHacker.

I’m not a Mac guy, but I can spot a [good] nugget of info when I see it. The Keychain utility on a Mac is designed to safeguard your important passwords, credentials, log-in info, and all those financial records.

So how can you maximize your Keychain security - well at Nevali.net they marry up the Mac Keychain and USB drive for some good-ol-fashion USB security where even the most paranoid can sleep well at night.

If interested, make the jump.

Photo courtesy of Jaron Brass.

Do you have an iPod that is unresponsive? Occasionally an iPod may freeze or fail to respond to your commands. There are a few things you can do to troubleshoot this.

Here’s an email from a MethodShop.com reader about an unresponsive iPod:

“I’m using a 40GB click-wheel iPod in Windows 2k. It is unable to fully boot up. When I turn it on, the Apple symbol comes up and the hard drive sounds like it begins to spin, and then it stops. Occasionally it gets to the folder w/exclamation point screen and then the hard drives stops and then starts again, going back to the apple screen. The iPod update application either doesn’t detect the iPod or it freezes my whole computer. I have tried resetting, and since Windows/iPod update don’t detect it, I can’t restore either (even in disk mode). I have been unable to get the disk scan working.” ~ dan

You most likely dropped your iPod or hit it pretty hard. This happened to a friend of mine (Bill) when he threw his backpack on the floor. His iPod was inside the backpack and the jolt from hitting the floor physically damaged the iPod’s hard drive.

Unfortunately, if your hard drive is physically damaged, there’s only one way to fix it - get it replaced. If your iPod is still under warranty or you purchased extended AppleCare for your iPod, then have Apple replace or repair your iPod. If your iPod is out of warranty, there are several third-party companies that can fix your iPod like these guys.

But before going through the hassle and cost of sending your iPod off to be repaired, try these free iPod troubleshooting tips first. Good luck!

BeSocial: methodshop

Even with the inexpensive USB fans available sometimes it’s just more fun to build one yourself. Here is a quick video tutorial whereby you need two CDs, a motor, some cable a lighter and a little time and you’ll be cool (although not looking) at the click of a USB connection.

Source: Click here if you can’t view the video: YouTube

Over the years I think we’ve all gathered some extra power supplies and wall adapters. Here is a quick guide to a home brew USB charger or USB power supply. This USB tutorial is from the Hacked Gadgets website and Alan runs a good site - check’em out.

This unit is great for charging your iPod, PSP or any USB device and only costs pennies to make.

The main unit needs to run from a regulated 5vdc wall adapter with at least 500ma or higher. These are very common and I’d think most households have at least one extra laying around.

You’ll also need:

• 330 ohm 1/4 watt resister
• 10k ohm 1/4 watt resister
• 3mm LED (any color)
• USB type A jack (female)

So this is what we have for total parts: (more…)