Userlandia
Userlandia is the home for the power user. Featuring articles about new tech, old tech, reviews and tech policy commentary, you'll look forward to logging in at Userlandia.
info_outline
VCF East 2024 Review
05/06/2024
VCF East 2024 Review
Vintage Computer Festival East is back for 2024 with more to see than ever before. After a banner crowd in 2023 the show needed to make some adjustments in 2024 to account for more people. Were those changes a success? Join me for a tour of the east coast’s big retro tech expo. Blog Post: -=- Chapters -=- 00:00 - Intro 00:18 - Exhibits, Vendors, and Things to See 13:51 - Panels & Events 20:04 - Consignment Considerations 30:15 - A Change Will Do You Good -=- Links -=- * The Vintage Computer Federation - * InfoAge Science Museums - https://www.infoage.org -=- Contact -=- Follow on Mastodon: Follow on Bluesky: Visit The Website: Join The Userlandia Discord: Theme Song by Space Vixen: Follow them on Bluesky @SpaceVixenMusic: https://bsky.app/profile/spacevixen.bsky.social
/episode/index/show/userlandia/id/31135908
info_outline
An American Visits British Computer Museums
04/08/2024
An American Visits British Computer Museums
Computer museums are a great place to check out the coolest of vintage tech. I’ve been to my share in America, but what about the rest of the world? Join me as I fly across the pond to check out some of the UK’s coolest collections of classic computers. There’s Sinclairs, Acorns, and Amstrads—oh my! Blog Post: -=- Chapters -=- 00:00 - Intro 00:18 - An American Tourist in King Retro’s Court 02:31 - The Centre for Computing History 12:51 - A Colossal Cave Adventure 23:11 - The Best of Britain -=- Links -=- * The Centre for Computing History - * Retro Collective Site - * Arcade Archive Site - * RMC The Cave - * Arcade Archive - * The Sky Skipper Project - -=- Contact -=- Follow on Mastodon: Follow on Bluesky: Visit The Website: Join The Userlandia Discord: Theme Song by Space Vixen: Follow them on Bluesky @SpaceVixenMusic:
/episode/index/show/userlandia/id/30711328
info_outline
Garmin iQue 3600: How A Palm OS PDA with GPS Predicted The Future
02/14/2024
Garmin iQue 3600: How A Palm OS PDA with GPS Predicted The Future
Garmin iQue 3600 We take for granted that we can pull out a phone and get directions to almost anywhere on Earth. But years before Apple and Google gave us the tools to navigate our lives a GPS maker gave us the first pocketable personal digital assistant with an embedded GPS. Featuring dynamic turn-by-turn directions, the Garmin iQue 3600 built an amazingly powerful navigational tool on top of Palm OS. How did it stack up against the competition when it launched in 2003? Can I still get accurate directions from a device released two decades ago? And can I install up-to-date maps to make it even more accurate? Watch to see me put it to the test on today's streets. Blog Post: -=- Chapters -=- 00:00 - Intro 00:16 - The First PDA with a GPS 05:40 - Inside the iQue 12:58 - Navigating with the iQue 21:23 - The iQue as a PDA 26:49 - Take the Long Way Home -=- Links -= * OpenMapChest - https://www.openmapchest.org/ * Replacing the Battery - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iw6cwDAdwjg * iQue Setup CD-ROM image * PathAway GPS for Palm OS -=- Contact -=- Follow on Mastodon: https://bitbang.social/@kefkafloyd Follow on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/kefkafloyd.bsky.social Visit The Website: https://www.userlandia.com Join The Userlandia Discord: https://discord.com/invite/z2jmF93 Theme Song by Space Vixen: https://spacevixenmusic.bandcamp.com Follow them on Twitter @SpaceVixenMusic: https://twitter.com/spacevixenmusic
/episode/index/show/userlandia/id/29947103
info_outline
IBM's 386 Tower of Power: The PS/2 Model 80
01/08/2024
IBM's 386 Tower of Power: The PS/2 Model 80
IBM was late to the 386 PC party, but when they finally arrived they made a statement about what they thought the future of computing would be. With a 32-bit Micro Channel bus and room for six drives IBM aimed this tower directly at the likes of Compaq. But what’s inside this monstrous machine and how can it be upgraded? And what can you do with an old boat anchor like this? Join me as I pull this PC apart to see what you got when you bought a $6,845 workstation in 1990. -=- Chapters -=- 00:00 - Intro 00:35 - Adopting a Micro Channel PC 04:38 - The Case 07:35 - Drive Bays and Power Supply 09:30 - Disassembling the Model 80 13:35 - Micro Channel Slots and Cards 15:53 - Auxiliary Video Extension 18:38 - Token Ring Network Card 19:05 - IBM PS/2 SCSI Adapter 19:51 - IBM Enhanced 80386 Memory Adapter w/ ROM 23:12 - Programmable Option Select 25:31 - Auto Configuration In Action 27:51 - Period Appropriate Productivity 29:15 - XGA-2 Graphics Adapter 34:21 - Conclusion & Outro -=- Links -= * Ardent Tool of Capitalism - * Model 8580-081 Resources - * Tube Time's MCA Tutorial: * The Micro Channel Architecture Handbook by Chet Heath and Winn Rosch: * IBM Museum - * BOPT 16 MB Barrier Walkthrough: https://groups.google.com/g/comp.sys.ibm.ps2.hardware/c/SIRXr3RBBLM/m/4fDpZeg-YtkJ -=- Contact -=- Follow on Mastodon: https://bitbang.social/@kefkafloyd Follow on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/kefkafloyd.bsky.social Visit The Website: https://www.userlandia.com Join The Userlandia Discord: https://discord.com/invite/z2jmF93 Theme Song by Space Vixen: https://spacevixenmusic.bandcamp.com Follow them on Twitter @SpaceVixenMusic: https://twitter.com/spacevixenmusic
/episode/index/show/userlandia/id/29376183
info_outline
IBM PS/2 Model 30 286 - Computers of Significant History
11/15/2023
IBM PS/2 Model 30 286 - Computers of Significant History
What was the first retro or vintage computer you collected? I saved an obsolete PS/2 Model 30 286 from the scrap heap back in 1997. This machine was a footsoldier in IBM’s war to reclaim their ownership of the PC platform they invented. But why did they bring out a machine featuring ISA after hyping up Micro Channel? And where do these machines fit in for the modern collector? Watch to find out. Blog Post: https://www.userlandia.com/home/ibm-ps2-model-30-286 -=- Chapters -=- 00:00 Intro 00:28 The IBM PS/2 Model 30 286 10:18 Baud to the Bone 22:20 The Big Blue Meanies 37:28 Mr. Big Blue Sky 42:49 Outtro -=- Links -= Ardent Tool of Capitalism - Tex-Elec - WinWorldPC AT Diagnostics - CNet BBS Software for Amiga See video credits for image and other attributions. -=- CC Music Credit -=- Time Rider by | e s c p | Music promoted by Creative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ -=- Contact -=- Follow on Mastodon: Follow on Bluesky: Visit The Website: Join The Userlandia Discord: Theme Song by Space Vixen: Follow them on Twitter @SpaceVixenMusic: https://twitter.com/spacevixenmusic
/episode/index/show/userlandia/id/28645353
info_outline
The Vintage Computer Festival Midwest 2023 Report
10/02/2023
The Vintage Computer Festival Midwest 2023 Report
I’m back at the Vintage Computer Festival Midwest for another convention of old and obsolete technology. With tons of retro computers and video games it’s a celebration of old technology and the people that made them. VCF is bigger than ever in 2023, with more panels, more exhibitors, more vendors, and more attendees. But being bigger also means more challenges. Did VCFMW rise to the occasion and conquer the challenges, or did it crash like an old PC running Windows 95? You’ll have to watch to find out. Blog Post: -=- Chapters -=- 00:00 Intro 00:40 VCF Midwest Returns 03:21 Exhibits and Ambiance 15:11 Testing the Limits 20:25 Let’s Make a Deal 29:24 People and Panels 35:12 The Vibe 46:46 Outtro -=- Links -= * VCF Midwest - * The VCF Midwest YouTube Page - -=- Subscribe -=- Apple Podcasts: Overcast: Pocket Casts: Spotify: Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly91c2VybGFuZGlhLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz -=- Contact -=- Follow on Mastodon: Follow on Bluesky: Visit The Website: Join The Userlandia Discord: https://discord.com/invite/z2jmF93 Theme Song by Space Vixen: Follow them on Twitter @SpaceVixenMusic: https://twitter.com/spacevixenmusic -=- Music Credits -=- Astronaut In A Submarine by | e s c p | Music promoted by Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) Paradox by | e s c p | Music promoted by Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) Our Sunrise by Diamond Ace | Music promoted by Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported Autumn Dance by | e s c p | Music promoted by Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) Ambivert by | e s c p | Music promoted by Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) ➞ Artist: Ron Gelinas ➞ Track Title: Curious (Original Mix) ➞ Link to Track: Artist: Ron Gelinas Track Title: Slinky Downtown Walk by | e s c p | Music promoted by Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) Sundown by | e s c p | Music promoted by Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) Parallel Synthesis by | e s c p | Music promoted by Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) Tokyo by | e s c p | Music promoted by Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
/episode/index/show/userlandia/id/28193816
info_outline
Sun, Surf, and Street Fighter: The World of East Coast Beach Arcades
08/17/2023
Sun, Surf, and Street Fighter: The World of East Coast Beach Arcades
Any self-respecting beach town in the United States has an arcade. But there's a certain variety that lives along the northeast Atlantic coast. When kids of all ages tire of the sand and surf, they can hop on to the boardwalk for video games and the chance to win big prizes. Join me as we experience Fun-O-Rama in York Beach, Maine, a classic beach arcade I’ve been visiting for over thirty years. Blog Post: -=- Chapters -=- 00:00 Intro 00:28 Sun, Surf, and VIdeogames 02:16 Inside Fun-O-Rama 05:15 How the Beach Arcade Survived 09:00 Destination: Arcade 13:17 Outtro -=- Subscribe -=- Apple Podcasts: Overcast: Pocket Casts: Spotify: Google Podcasts: -=- Contact -=- Follow on Mastodon: Follow on Bluesky: Follow Userlandia: @userlandia - Follow Dan: @kefkafloyd - Visit The Website: Join The Userlandia Discord: Theme Song by Space Vixen: Follow them on Twitter @SpaceVixenMusic:
/episode/index/show/userlandia/id/27779460
info_outline
The Macintosh SE/30 - Computer Hall of Fame
06/08/2023
The Macintosh SE/30 - Computer Hall of Fame
The SE/30 is a Macintosh that’s larger than life. It's hailed as one of the greatest Macs ever. So when I had the chance to pick one up, complete in box, for free, I couldn’t pass it up. But was it functional or blown up by a battery bomb? Join me as I restore an SE/30 and go through its history and impact on Apple and computing at large. Check the Blog Post for links and more: -=- Chapters -=- 00:00:00 - Opening 00:00:23 - The Ultimate All-In-One 00:04:37 - One Person’s Mac is Another’s Treasure 00:08:41 - Maximizing My Macintosh 00:18:29 - SE/30/30 Hindsight 00:25:08 - Credits -=- Links -=- BlueSCSI - BMOW ROMinator II - GGlabs MACSIMM - PurpleROM - PotatoFi’s SE BlueSCSI bracket - -=- Subscribe -=- Apple Podcasts: Overcast: Pocket Casts: Spotify: Google Podcasts: -=- Contact -=- Follow on Mastodon: Follow Userlandia: @userlandia - Follow Dan: @kefkafloyd - Visit The Website: Join The Userlandia Discord: Theme Song by Space Vixen: Follow them on Twitter @SpaceVixenMusic: Music Credits: Enhance by | e s c p | Music promoted by Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) Neonscapes by | e s c p | Music promoted by Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) Above The Clouds by | e s c p | Music promoted by Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License
/episode/index/show/userlandia/id/27077166
info_outline
The Vintage Computer Festival East 2023 Report
04/26/2023
The Vintage Computer Festival East 2023 Report
Spring has sprung and that means old computers have migrated north once again! Join me for a review of the 2023 Vintage Computer Festival East. What’s changed from prior events? What’s for sale? And what cool stuff could you see? Watch to find out. Check the Blog Post for links and more: https://www.userlandia.com/home/2023/4/vcf-east-2023 -=- Chapters -=- 00:00:00 - Opening 00:01:59 - Exhibits and Events 00:11:01 - Panels & Guests 00:13:36 - Consignment 00:24:12 - The Experience 00:28:28 - Outtro -=- Links -=- * The Vintage Computer Federation - * InfoAge Science Museums - https://www.infoage.org -=- Subscribe -=- Apple Podcasts: Overcast: Pocket Casts: Spotify: Google Podcasts: -=- Contact Us -=- Follow on Mastodon: Follow Userlandia: @userlandia -http://twitter.com/userlandiashow Follow Dan: @kefkafloyd - http://twitter.com/kefkafloydVisit The Website: https://www.userlandia.com Join The Userlandia Discord: https://discord.com/invite/z2jmF93 Theme Song by Space Vixen: https://spacevixenmusic.bandcamp.com Follow them on Twitter @SpaceVixenMusic: https://twitter.com/spacevixenmusic Music Credits: Runaway by Diamond Ace | Music promoted by Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported Tokyo by | e s c p | Music promoted by Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) Too Soon by Diamond Ace feat. Nymbius | Music promoted by Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US Artist: Ron Gelinas Track Title: Midnight Shuffle
/episode/index/show/userlandia/id/26656389
info_outline
Which SimCity is the Greatest SimCity?
03/02/2023
Which SimCity is the Greatest SimCity?
Will Wright's SimCity is one of gaming's all-time hits. The classic original SimCity started on the Commodore 64 and topped out on PCs and Macs. With ports to over a dozen platforms, you can play it on pretty much anything. Even the Super Nintendo and the Commodore CDTV can run SimCity! But which one is my favorite? Well, you'll just have to watch to find out. This episode was originally written as an article for Pixel Addict magazine, but I've expanded it and added so much more to it! You should subscribe to Pixel Addict at . Visit the site at -=- Chapters -=- 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:15 - The SimCity Legacy 00:03:00 - Comparing The Games 00:05:06 - The Contenders 00:07:56 - Outtro -=- Subscribe -=- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/userlandia/id1588648631 Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1588648631/userlandiaPocket Casts: https://pca.st/m4tegn1u Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/79LO3vO9avAt3yCLpNWark Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly91c2VybGFuZGlhLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz -=- Contact -=- Follow on Mastodon: https://bitbang.social/@kefkafloyd Follow Userlandia: @userlandia - http://twitter.com/userlandiashow Follow Dan: @kefkafloyd - http://twitter.com/kefkafloyd Visit The Website: https://www.userlandia.com Email us: [email protected] Join The Userlandia Discord: https://discord.com/invite/z2jmF93 Theme Song by Space Vixen: https://spacevixenmusic.bandcamp.com Follow them on Twitter @SpaceVixenMusic: https://twitter.com/spacevixenmusic
/episode/index/show/userlandia/id/26104254
info_outline
What’s Inside A NeXT Computer Accessory Kit?
11/23/2022
What’s Inside A NeXT Computer Accessory Kit?
Steve Jobs thought he would user in the NeXT generation of computing, but his little black cube of darkness flopped. When you bought a $10,000 computer, what did you get in the box? There’s books, disks, tools, and stickers too. Take the NeXTstep with me as I explore a complete package of NeXT accessories included with the first NeXT computers. See the Blog Post for Transcript and Links: Published November 23, 2022 Thanks to Steve from Mac84 for providing some extra VCF Midwest Auction footage! -=- Chapters -=- 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:24 - Acquiring NeXT Accessories 00:04:43 - NeXT Brochure - Hardware 00:09:14 - NeXT Brochure - Software 00:13:52 - Quick Start Card and Extras 00:15:12 - NeXT Documentation Library 00:21:02 - NeXT Logo Sticker Sheet 00:24:21 - Magneto-Optical Disks 00:24:57 - NeXT Hex Driver 00:26:07 - Conclusion 00:27:05 - Outro & Credits -=- Subscribe -=- Apple Podcasts: Overcast: Pocket Casts: Spotify: Google Podcasts: -=- Contact -=- Follow on Mastodon! - Follow Userlandia: @userlandiashow - http://twitter.com/userlandiashow Follow Dan: @kefkafloyd - Visit The Website: Email us: [email protected] Join The Userlandia Discord: https://discord.com/invite/z2jmF93 Theme Song by Space Vixen: https://spacevixen.bandcamp.com Follow them on Twitter @SpaceVixenMusic:
/episode/index/show/userlandia/id/25107549
info_outline
Adobe and Pantone's Color Apocalypse
11/02/2022
Adobe and Pantone's Color Apocalypse
What happens when two companies don’t get along? Their customers lose. Adobe has let their license for Pantone colors lapse, with the hues disappearing from their apps. Pantone wants you to pay them for digital color libraries with, what else, a subscription scheme. What does this mean for digital content creators and the design industry? I’ve created an FAQ to answer many questions, clear misconceptions, and give an idea of a path forward. See the Blog Post for Transcript and Links: Published November X, 2022 -=- Chapters -=- 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:19 - Who am I, and Why Should You Care? 00:02:18 - What is Pantone? 00:04:39 - Can You Copyright a Color? 00:06:19 - Does UPS Own Brown? 00:07:44 - What Happened Between Pantone and Adobe? 00:08:32 - Why Do Apps Have Pantone Libraries? 00:09:53 - Can I Use Pantone Colors Without Libraries? 00:10:26 - What's In Adobe's Spot Libraries? 00:11:17 - Can I Still Use Pantone Colors in Adobe Products? 00:12:33 - Can I Make My Own Pantone Libraries? 00:13:42 - Why Do People Specify Pantone Colors? 00:14:41 - How Are Pantone Inks Made? 00:15:42 - Pantone Colors and Hex Values 00:19:06 - Determining Hex Values for Pantone Colors 00:20:50 - Why Now? Wouldn't This Annoy Customers? 00:21:27 - What Happens to Pantone Colors in my Files 00:22:23 - Where's Pantone's Competitors? 00:24:35 - Any Alternatives to Adobe? 00:24:55 - Why Is Photoshop Turning Colors Black? 00:25:45 - Will Pantone or Adobe Lose Marketshare? 00:27:19 - Outro and Credits -=- Subscribe -=- Apple Podcasts: Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1588648631/userlandia Pocket Casts: Spotify: Google Podcasts: -=- Contact -=- Follow Userlandia: @userlandiashow -=- Follow Dan: @kefkafloyd - Visit The Website: Email us: [email protected] Join The Userlandia Discord: Theme Song by Space Vixen: Follow them on Twitter @SpaceVixenMusic:
/episode/index/show/userlandia/id/24878001
info_outline
A Visit to the Apple Mothership
10/10/2022
A Visit to the Apple Mothership
Here, in Userlandia, be very quiet. We’re hunting dogcows. Disney has Disneyland. Boeing’s 747 megafactory is the world’s largest building. Apple has infinite loops and spaceships. Join me as I visit both of Apple’s corporate campuses, explore their history, and see if I can find the elusive dogcow. See the Blog Post for Links: Published October 10, 2022 -=- Chapters -=- 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:15 - One Infinite Loop 00:11:14 - Searching for Clarus 00:17:37 - ...And One Ring-Shaped Building Binds Them 00:25:37 - Oh... One More Thing 00:28:31 - Outtro and Credits -=- Subscribe -=- Apple Podcasts: Overcast: Pocket Casts: Spotify: Google Podcasts: -=- Contact -=- Follow Userlandia: @userlandia - Follow Dan: @kefkafloyd - Visit The Website: Email us: [email protected] Join The Userlandia Discord: https://discord.com/invite/z2jmF93 Theme Song by Space Vixen: Follow them on Twitter @SpaceVixenMusic: -=- Music Credits -=- Our Sunrise by Diamond Ace | Music promoted by Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported Too Soon by Diamond Ace feat. Nymbius | Music promoted by Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported Tokyo by | e s c p | Music promoted by Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
/episode/index/show/userlandia/id/24622341
info_outline
2022 Vintage Computer Festival Midwest Report
09/21/2022
2022 Vintage Computer Festival Midwest Report
Here, in Userlandia, my Windows color scheme is Portillo’s Hot Dog. Want to see some of the coolest old computers out there? Take a trip to the Vintage Computer Festival Midwest just outside of Chicago! I visited VCFMW this year to see how it compared to other vintage computer shows, and I’ve got all the details about the people, events, and stuff for sale. See the Blog Post for Links: Published September 21, 2022 -=- Chapters -=- 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:31 - Arriving at VCF Midwest 00:04:51 - VCF Midwest Exhibits 00:11:14 - Vendors, Auction, and Sales 00:17:55 - Panels of Fun 00:20:33 - Stuff! 00:22:44 - Improvements & Final Thoughts 00:27:48 - The Show Must Go On 00:29:13 - Outtro and Credits -=- Subscribe -=- Apple Podcasts: Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1588648631/userlandia Pocket Casts: Spotify: Google Podcasts: -=- Contact -=- Follow Userlandia: @userlandia - Follow Dan: @kefkafloyd - Visit The Website: Email us: [email protected] Join The Userlandia Discord: Theme Song by Space Vixen: Follow them on Twitter @SpaceVixenMusic: -=- Music Credits -=- Jeremy Blake - Sunspots Autumn Dance by | e s c p | Music promoted by Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) Childhood by | e s c p | Music promoted by Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) Dandelion by | e s c p | Music promoted by Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) Paradox by | e s c p | Music promoted by Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) Parallel Synthesis by | e s c p | Music promoted by Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
/episode/index/show/userlandia/id/24440079
info_outline
The Compaq ProLinea 4/33 - Computers of Significant History, Part 3
08/23/2022
The Compaq ProLinea 4/33 - Computers of Significant History, Part 3
Here, in Userlandia, I think I’m a clone now… Compaq was in a crisis in the early 90s. Upstarts were undercutting them just as they had undercut IBM. Facing their first loss, massive layoffs, and the departure of their founder, they needed something special to turn their company around. That something special was the ProLinea, their first PC targeted directly at value customers. Listen to find out how the ProLinea put Compaq on the right path. See the Blog Post for Links: Published August 23, 2022 -=- Chapters -=- 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:31 - The ProLinea Arrives 00:15:38 - The Clone Wars 00:30:56 - Beige to the Future 00:35:47 - Outtro & Credits -=- Subscribe -=- Apple Podcasts: Overcast: Pocket Casts: Spotify: Google Podcasts: -=- Contact -=- Follow Userlandia: @userlandia - Follow Dan: @kefkafloyd - Visit The Website: Email us: [email protected] Join The Userlandia Discord: https://discord.com/invite/z2jmF93 Theme Song by Space Vixen: Follow them on Twitter @SpaceVixenMusic: -=- Music Credits -=- Sundown by | e s c p | Music promoted by Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) Artist: Ron GelinasTrack Title: Simplify
/episode/index/show/userlandia/id/24125646
info_outline
The New Computer Desk Workshop
07/20/2022
The New Computer Desk Workshop
From the desk of Userlandia… What does it take to build a custom computer desk? Sure, people on Reddit say “throw some wood on some cabinets,” but what does that mean, exactly? Join me as I build a battlestation in my home office. See the Blog Post for Transcript for Links: Published July 20, 2022 -=- Chapters -=- 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:31 - A Study in Desks 00:02:40 - This Old Desk 00:09:48 - Frequently Asked Questions 00:18:16 - The Finishing Line 00:25:31 - Fully Armed and Operational 00:29:46 - Why Build One When You Can Build Two For Twice The Price? 00:33:07 - Outtro and Credits -=- Subscribe -=- Apple Podcasts: Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1588648631/userlandia Pocket Casts: Spotify: Google Podcasts: -=- Contact -=- Follow Userlandia: @userlandia - Follow Dan: @kefkafloyd - Visit The Website: Email us: [email protected] Join The Userlandia Discord: https://discord.com/invite/z2jmF93 Theme Song by Space Vixen: Follow them on Twitter @SpaceVixenMusic: -=- Music Credits -=- Runaway by Diamond Ace | Music promoted by Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported Triangles by Diamond Ace | Music promoted by Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported Downtown Walk by | e s c p | Music promoted by Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) Rain, Book And Cup Of Tea by | e s c p | Music promoted by Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Synthetic by | e s c p | Music promoted by Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
/episode/index/show/userlandia/id/23796083
info_outline
The Rise and Fall of Lian Li Aluminum PC Cases - Nifty Thrifties
05/30/2022
The Rise and Fall of Lian Li Aluminum PC Cases - Nifty Thrifties
Here in Userlandia, it’s the case of the Lian Li Aluminum PC Case. Back in the year 2000, Aluminum was the hot new metal for crafting PC cases. Strong, lightweight, and stylish, it took the LAN party world by storm. What made them so great, and why did they fall out of the spotlight? Let’s review a mint condition Lian Li case and find out. See the Blog Post for Transcript for Links: Published May 30, 2022 -=- Chapters -=- 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:31 - Overview of the Lian Li PC-6077 00:12:09 - Internals and Build Considerations 00:21:44 - None Like It Hot! 00:29:54 - This Old Tower, Today 00:36:59 - Outtro and Credits -=- Subscribe -=- Apple Podcasts: Overcast: Pocket Casts: Spotify: Google Podcasts: -=- Contact -=- Follow Userlandia: @userlandia - Follow Dan: @kefkafloyd - Visit The Website: Email us: [email protected] Join The Userlandia Discord: Theme Song by Space Vixen: https://spacevixen.bandcamp.com Follow them on Twitter @SpaceVixenMusic: -=- Music Credits -=- Artist: Ron Gelinas Track Title: Resolve (Clean Guitar) [original mix] Link to Track: Artist: Ron Gelinas Track Title: Curious (Original Mix) Link to Track: Overdrive (By PraxI) by Diamond Ace | Music promoted by Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported
/episode/index/show/userlandia/id/23253695
info_outline
The Mac Studio Report: X Marks the Mac
03/09/2022
The Mac Studio Report: X Marks the Mac
It's time for an off-the-cuff post-event podcast! With Apple's announcement of the new Mac Studio, has the mythical xMac finally come to pass? Will working pros and enthusiast users be satisfied? Or is it just a Cube all over again? Let's find out. Blog Post: Published March 9, 2022 -=- Chapters -=- 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:32 - In Memoriam - 27 inch iMac 00:04:55 - Mac Studio Design 00:12:30 - The M1 Ultra 00:18:56 - The Studio Display 00:23:15 - The Right Spec 00:27:38 - PC Price Compairsons 00:30:23 - The Future of the Mac Pro? 00:34:14 - Final Thoughts -=- Links -=- Mac Studio - Apple Studio Display - PC PartPicker Comparison List - -=- Subscribe -=- Apple Podcasts: Overcast: Pocket Casts: Spotify: Google Podcasts: -=- Contact -=- Follow Userlandia: @userlandia - Follow Dan: @kefkafloyd - Visit The Website: Email us: Join The Userlandia Discord: Theme Song by Space Vixen: Follow them on Twitter @SpaceVixenMusic:
/episode/index/show/userlandia/id/22387136
info_outline
The Apple IIe - Computers of Significant History, Part 2
02/21/2022
The Apple IIe - Computers of Significant History, Part 2
When you think of an Apple II, odds are you think of the Apple IIe. Overshadowed by both the Apple III and Lisa, the humble IIe was Apple’s unlikely savior in its time of need. How did it become the dominant educational computer in America while also being a beloved home and business machine? Listen to find out. Blog Post: Published February 21, 2022 -=- Chapters -=- 00:00:00 : Intro 00:00:31 : The Birth of the Apple IIe 00:17:25 : An Apple for the Teacher 00:25:30 : Mr. Jobs Goes To Washington 00:34:04 : The Head of the Class 00:45:31 : Outtro -=- Links -=- * The Apple IIe - The Centre for Computing History - * The Apple III - * Drop IIIi nches: The Apple III Clock Chip - * SofTalk Magazine volume 3 issue 6 - * Double-Hi-Res from the Ground Up - * Woz Explains why the Apple II Didn’t Support Lower Case - * Jeremy Reimer’s Marketshare Charts - * Apple II Sales Charts - * The Lisa’s Twiggy Drives - * Apple II History - * Smithsonian Oral History of Steve Jobs - * Creative Computing Magazine - Apples for the Teacher - * The Apple IIe Card - -=- Subscribe -=- Apple Podcasts: Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1588648631/userlandia Pocket Casts: Spotify: Google Podcasts: -=- Contact -=- Follow Userlandia: @userlandia - Follow Dan: @kefkafloyd - Visit The Website: Email us: [email protected] Join The Userlandia Discord: https://discord.com/invite/z2jmF93 Theme Song by Space Vixen: Follow them on Twitter @SpaceVixenMusic: -=- Music Credits -=- Forest by | e s c p | Music promoted by Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Goodbye Ocean by | e s c p | Music promoted by Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) Kinetics by | e s c p | Music promoted by Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) Droplets by Pyrosion | Music promoted by Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported
/episode/index/show/userlandia/id/22195559
info_outline
Dropbox Drops the Ball
01/18/2022
Dropbox Drops the Ball
Dropbox has grown from a small indie file sync utility to a giant of cloud storage. During that time many users fell in love with its simplicity and reliability. But with rising prices and difficult software dependencies, it’s hard to keep the flame alive. What happened to Dropbox?
/episode/index/show/userlandia/id/21786575
info_outline
Happy Twentieth Birthday, iMac G4
01/10/2022
Happy Twentieth Birthday, iMac G4
It's been twenty years since Steve Jobs unveiled the first flat panel iMac: the iMac G4. Whether you call it Luxo, iLamp, or Sunflower, it's one of Apple's most distinctive designs ever. He thought it would redefine desktop computing for the next decade. Was he right? Listen and find out.
/episode/index/show/userlandia/id/21722291
info_outline
Aldus PageMaker 4.0 for Windows - Nifty Thrifties
12/28/2021
Aldus PageMaker 4.0 for Windows - Nifty Thrifties
Before computers, page layout was the domain of wax, scissors, cameras, and tape. And maybe some hot lead type. Aldus Corporation’s PageMaker helped kick off the desktop publishing revolution, and I recently discovered a copy at a local thrift store. Let’s run PageMaker 4.0 and experience how computers democratized graphic design.
/episode/index/show/userlandia/id/21586040
info_outline
The Toshiba Satellite Pro 460CDT - Nifty Thrifties
12/07/2021
The Toshiba Satellite Pro 460CDT - Nifty Thrifties
On a quiet August day, I found two lonely Toshiba Satellite Pro 460CDT laptops in a New Hampshire thrift store. Between missing power supplies, BIOS passwords, and other maladies, they needed more than a little work. Join me as I restore these machines to working order and explore Toshiba’s history as a laptop innovator.
/episode/index/show/userlandia/id/21400334
info_outline
The Mystery of Mac OS’ Mangled Image Interpolation Implementation
11/16/2021
The Mystery of Mac OS’ Mangled Image Interpolation Implementation
What is a bug? A miserable little pile of code, or something more? Today we look at a curious quirk in how Mac OS displays images in PDFs. The case: an ordinary strip of colored squares has transformed into a smooth rainbow gradient. Can you channel your inner detective and solve the mystery?
/episode/index/show/userlandia/id/21155387
info_outline
The 2021 MacBook Pro Review
11/02/2021
The 2021 MacBook Pro Review
After years of broken keyboard dreams and disappointing trips to Dongle Land, Apple believes their notebook act is back together. The new MacBook Pro promises maximum power from minimum energy. Plus, all your old friends like HDMI and MagSafe are back in the band! Is this reunion tour the real deal? Can the laptops keep up with demanding users? Listen to find out.
/episode/index/show/userlandia/id/21018809
info_outline
The Vintage Computer Festival East 2021 Report
10/12/2021
The Vintage Computer Festival East 2021 Report
On October 9 and 10 I was at the 2021 Vintage Computer Festival East in New Jersey. I saw lots of neat old computers, bought a few things, and hung out with some cool people. Have you ever wanted to go to a vintage computer show? Listen in to find out.
/episode/index/show/userlandia/id/20783162
info_outline
The Commodore 64 - Computers of Significant History, Part 1
10/03/2021
The Commodore 64 - Computers of Significant History, Part 1
Over the course of four decades I’ve owned many computers, used many more. Most of them are ordinary. Some of them are legendary! These are Computers of Significant History. The timeline starts in October 1982, when the Commodore 64—my first computer, and maybe yours too—was released. I take a critical look at the computer that influenced not just myself, but millions across the world.
/episode/index/show/userlandia/id/20688998
info_outline
Welcome to Userlandia
10/03/2021
Welcome to Userlandia
Userlandia is a place for technology from today and yesterday. If you’re an enthusiast user with a curious nature, then you’ll be right at home. Here's a trailer to get you acclimated. I discuss computers new and old, tech policy topics, and I bring aboard the occasional guest to discuss all things tech.
/episode/index/show/userlandia/id/20688815