lifehacker – Our American Life

[Updated] Cut the Cable, hook up the computer w/ TV and enjoy your MEDIA CENTER!

By Brett Holt October 16, 2010Technology2 Comments

Over the last couple years I’ve dabbled in creating a centralized media center for our family. By this I mean a place where I can view my videos/photos and listen to music in one place. Though it may seem easy for some, it doesn’t work that way for us. I keep our photos/movies on our mac tower and keep our music on our laptop (we like to ensure we have our music with us when we travel). There also many options to choose from when it comes to a media center. Some of the popular ones include Windows Media Center and Apple TV. Of course, there are a bit more obscure ones such as Boxee, XBMC, Plex, and Hulu.

So what did we decide? It just depends on what we want to do and, no, we don’t use just one program.

Five of the Week

By Brett Holt September 22, 2010Technology

I’m an avid Google Search, RSS Feed, Wikipedia, web surfer kind of person. I enjoy finding useful tips, as well as continually visiting the same ‘ol ones that contribute to my knowledge base or just plain entertain me. I thought I’d share five of my favorite websites that I subscribe to in Google Reader. These are ones that I read an article or two each day of the week and smile when I’m done.

What’s on your RSS feed?

By Brett Holt November 2, 2008Technology

WARNING: Computer Nerd Alert!

As information inquirers, Laura and I read The Oregonian on a daily basis. While Ethan yacks away and plays with his oatmeal each morning, we share the front page and discuss the local news. It’s a great way to learn a little more about our community and the world we live in.

But for many of us out there, the morning newspaper just doesn’t cut it. We need MORE information. Not just any ‘ol information, but information that is up-to-date, relevant to our interests, and easy to access. This is why I love Really Simple Syndication or RSS feeds.

Computer Geek Alert!

By Brett Holt May 29, 2008Technology

I enjoy working with computers. More importantly, I enjoy using computer programs that improve productivity, improve efficiency, and expand creativity. I’d say over the last couple years, I’ve been able to add an arsenal of programs and internet browser add-ons that have improved my computing experience for social, school, and work uses.