More VirtualBox Tips

Key for this post

• os:  operating system
• vbox: VirtualBox
• Host:  the main os you installed vbox on
• Guest: any os installed inside vbox

Following on from this post about vbox click here I thought it great to add this extra tips. If you have a legal copy of Windows, (not in use on any computer) you can also install and run it in vbox along with Linux os. There are 2 additional things needed to make your vbox installs run at their best.

vbox Guest additions: this is necessary to get full functioning of the os inside vbox.

1. setup and install your operating system 
2. boot into the operating system.
3. click on the “Devices” menu in the virtual machine’s menu bar
4. select “Install guest additions”

thats it Guest additions are installed. for more information in guest additions look in chapter 4 in the manual click here

usb 2.0 support: for usb 2.0 support in your guest operating system you need to install the “usb 2.0 extension pack”

1. install the extension pack for your version of vbox click here
2. click on the installed package and a Network Operations Manager window will appear, guiding you through the required steps.

I hope this helps you  get the most out of  vbox. this is by no means the end of vbox and what it can do. Will post more later.

How to setup and verify your url with google.

Today we are going to show you how to setup your domain url and verify it with google. we will be using a url purchased from http://www.namecheap.com.  We will pointing this url to a “Google Sites” website.

purchase a url (there are many places you can do this we used namecheap clcik here they are cheap and provide good services).

• log into “Google Webmaster Tools”  using your google account click here
• click on the red button ADD A SITE near top right of page.
• enter your domain url you purchased and add
• on the next page click on the “Alternative methods”  tab and find namecheap.com (or your domain provider where you purchased your url).
• follow the instructions on that page for your domain provider
  here is googles instructions for namecheap
  Follow the steps below to create a DNS (Domain Name System) record that proves to Google that you own the domain.
  1. Log in to your account at www.namecheap.com.
  2. Go to My Account>Manage Domains and choose the needed domain name from the domain list.
  3. Select All host records.
  4. Insert the @ character into the hostname tab under Subdomain settings.
  5. In the IP Address/URL field copy and paste the number below:
     (This code is unique to your google account you will need to use the one you are given).
  6. Choose TXT record as the record type in the drop down menu.
  7. Click on Save changes.

  Congratulations! Your new DNS TXT record now contains your security token. Keep in mind that changes to your DNS settings can take up to 24 hours to propagate through the Internet, but depending on your host, this can happen faster
• Now in webmaster tools click verify if after 24 hours if things still dont verify contact your domain provider for further assistance.
• Next log into your “Google Sites” website you want to add the url
• in the top of the page n the right hand side click on more from the dropdown menu click “manage site”
• on the left side panel click on web addresses
• type your url in the box provided and click add.
• if all has gone well you should now ba able to use your url.

Blogger Widgets – Blogger Widgets

Here is a list of extra tips and tricks you can apply to your blogger site.�

Blogger Widgets – Blogger Widgets.

itunes 11 – The new look and feel.

itunes 11 has a new look and feel. This can make it annoying for all of us long term users.  Things are not so bad.  here is a link with some tips that can help you again use itunes. click here

Training.

here is an online it training course. You can do this training at your own pace and get qualified click here

Kindle Cloud Reader: Kindle on your pc.

    You may have a kindle reader or kindle on your tablet or smart ph but did you know about Kindle
Cloud Reader. I just found out about it and it rocks.

Kindle Cloud Reader lets you read ebooks instantly in your web browser – no Kindle device
required.

To start using the kindle cloud reader or any kindle device you need an amazon account.

1. go to the amazon website click here.
2. login to your account or create one if you dont have one.
3. then buy or find free books and get them.
4. then log-in to Kindle Cloud Reader  click here
5. you will be prompted to setup cloud reader for offline use if you like ane you can download the books you want to read from your account.

Enjoy reading your books on your pc in your web browser and have fun.

To all Mac, Windows and Linux users “This guy has a point”.

Was looking around Youtube for the latest on mac, windows & linux stuff and came across this guy. He made a valid point among his ramblings.

I agree totally with his views that it does not matter what computer, operating system or device you use. use what works for you. Don’t slam others that have a different view, or way of doing things. Yes have your own views but don’t force them on others, or think less of them for having a different way.

Now I Have always had the view that all operating systems have a place out there. I like all operating systems for different reasons.

1. Windows: This is the best widely used gaming platform. This is due to the game developers building on the  windows platform more. some have mac ports which are ok . Usually linux does not even get a look in. Windows are cheeper
2. Mac/Apple/osx: Generally Mac has always been at the top of the professional Music and Graphics side of the market Mac is simple easy and has less tweaking. It just works. they do cost more but they are made really well.
3. Linux: Linux is generally for people who like tinkers. Linux can be tweaked and rebuilt for the users equipment/hardware or the exact needs the user may have. There are many different operating systems built on the linux platform.

Price:  How much money do you have to spend,/want to save.

• PC computers: You may prefer to get your pc due to the cheeper price.  if you get a pc you are free to get one with windows preinstalled, one with no os(put your own on), or build your own from scratch.   either way with your pc you can choose to run windows, linux or dual boot and have 2 or more operating systems on the same computer.
• Mac Computer: Mac computers are expensive to get but updates and apps are generally cheeper, once you have one. Mac also make great computers that are built to last

At the moment I have a Macbook pro running osx 10.8 Mountain Lion and am happy using that.  I have an few linux os running in a virtual machine (vbox) and that suits me fine. I dont own a windows pc, and have an old XP copy that the license no longer works. so i dont have windows so to speek. I will not be buying the full Windows 8 just to have it. I would get the upgrade if i had a working windows os already. its cheep atm.  upgrade = $89 full = $189 (nzd).