Fixing a Computer the Hard(drive) Way

**This post is a departure from my usual Mac centric computer using but I thought it was something worth sharing**

The other day my girlfriends dropped her Dell laptop running Windows Vista. Now I know a good deal about computers but Windows and Vista always seem to perplex me because of their complexity. I tried to find some of the Mac OS X applications I was use to using to diagnose what damage had been done and how I could repair it.

The issue, apart from being dropped, seemed odd at first. The computer would boot up in Safe Mode with things seeming normal but from there things got weird. I couldn’t boot the computer in normal windows mode and occasionally in Safe Mode the system would hang.  I was eventually able to dig out the original OEM disks and ran diagnostic software on the computer but all I kept getting were undecipherable error codes that told me to contact and speak with a Dell technician. That wasn’t going to happen so I went to the technician called Google instead.  After searching for the meaning behind the codes, most posts refer to the same topic, hard-drive failure.  This was not shocking to me, but almost to be assumed.

Now comes the fun part. While I backed up her computer once, I didn’t do it as thoroughly as I should, I just manually grabbed files and pictures that she said she wanted. Therefore I didn’t grab preferences or bookmarks or other items that would have been helpful when restoring her system. Now I needed a way back into her system  especially because I vaguely remember a partitioned backup on her drive but had no way to access it.

On a Mac drive I would have booted the computer as a target disk and connected via firewire to look at the drive and recover what I could but to my knowledge there is no way to do that on a PC, especially a PC to Mac connection.  In browsing different articles about data recovery on a PC, I came across a possible solution.  Booting the computer using a Linux Live CD.  I haven’t played much with the linux OS but it has always intrigued me.  The idea of an entire OS living so neatly on a CD also was a fascinating idea.  I downloaded a copy of Ubuntu 10.10 especially meant for a Live CD.  The site also provided clear and easy directions of how to create your Live CD depending on your OS.

Well after downloading the Ubuntu CD, it became increasing apparent the hard drive in the laptop was dying and if it could have signed a DNR, it would have.  The end result was a purchase of a new drive and reinstall of Windows.  I was able to resuscitate the drive enough in an external enclosure to copy off some information but in the end there was nothing more that could be done.

Thankfully my girlfriend didn't have any important documents that we hadn't already backed up previously on the drive. As a side note, she used my iPad during the time he computer was on the operating table and came away with the idea she might want one of those as well.

Mac Mini HTPC Resources

One of the more popular posts has been my thoughts on using a Mac Mini as a home theater center.  Due to that response I created a list of resources and articles that I found helpful in creating my Mac Mini HTPC.

App Review: Caboose

App Title: Caboose
Grade Level:  Ages 3-5
Purpose: Pattern recognition game

Program Functionality: The game is a basic pattern recognition game with audio and visual feedback.  As the user correctly answers the pattern a train moves along the track, an incorrect answer moves the train backwards one space. Each answer is given auditory response.  After five correct answers the train moves on to a puzzle setting.

Overall Educational Value: The game tests basic puzzle patterns starting with AB patterns and continues to ABC patterns. Patterns are only shaped based though each shape is colored. Easy to use with very little instruction needed.

Cost: Free

Recommendation:  As a free app I think it is very good for basic pattern skills. It would be nice to see additional levels or changing of pattern types (number, color, frequency, etc).  I would recommend this app for younger children learning patterns.  I think older children will become bored in a short time with it.

Classroom Use Examples / Ideas: Pattern practice

Developer Website: http://atreks.com/

iTunes Link: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/caboose-learn-to-recognize/id413839480?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D2