When my Mac restarts, it's after one of two events: a power outage (Desktop Macs only) or a software update of some kind, generally an OS or Quicktime update.

But with a relatively slow DSL connection and a pokey 1GHz processor, the first time I launch dashboard, it's a bit sluggish getting all the widgets loaded. So here's my solution: run Dashboard at launch!

"But how, oh guru of esoterica, do you get it to do this," you ask, "For Dashboard doesn't run like typical applications and already runs at login?"

Funny you should ask!  read more »

Teresa's back from the East Coast but suffering from what we can only call "bus lag." Also, a bunch of stories just didn't make it for lack of time. Find the "deleted scenes" in our Extras section at techtalkforfamilies.com/extras.
Other announcements:

• Full Disclosure
• Win a Free iPod (Complete Rules)

Recalls and Safety Information:

• Do your children's toys contain phthalates?

Tech News:

• Google Maps: My Maps allows for customization
• Congress wants iPhones for all!
• Amazon Unbox movies and shows for TiVo users

Toy News:

• Leapfrog Clickstart My First Computer
• Plenty of Harry Potter Toys to go around

Interview

This week, we have an informative and funny interview with Drew Janssen, President and CEO of Perhejanssen, Inc. Drew is one of only a handful of drive recovery experts in the country and gives us lots of insight into how to avoid having to call him! Drew has a great sense of humor, so while most discussions about hard drive backup and recover would seem dry, Drew will keep you smiling and learning at the same time.  read more »

You'll find below the full interview with Drew Janssen with lots of great tips on hard drive maintenance, backups, and some funny stories that got cut simply for time.

11.midway
0:32 minutes (169.93 KB)

Another Episode 10 deleted scene: Midway's announcements at E3

9.360 Compatibility list
1:50 minutes (504.16 KB)

More family games from the XBox are now compatible with the 360.

7.harry potter toys
2:11 minutes (594.65 KB)

Another Episode 10 deleted scene. Lots of new Harry Potter toys out there. No big surprise.

5.TiVo Unbox
2:13 minutes (604.83 KB)

Another deleted scene from episode 10. TiVo and Amazon partner up.

3.google mymaps
1:30 minutes (416.41 KB)

Another deleted scene from Episode 10. Google Maps becomes more like Google Earth.

4.iphone
1:52 minutes (514.71 KB)

Here's a "Deleted Scene" that didn't make Episode 10. Congress wants their iPhones!

4.iphone
1:52 minutes (514.71 KB)