All Narfed Up photography and words by Bryan Villarin

Work


How to split huge PDF documents for free

At work, one of the attorneys had a humongous PDF document she needed to email a lot of other attorneys outside the office. I tried extracting pages with an old version of Adobe Acrobat (v5), but the original file still kept the same size (despite having deleted the pages).
With open source (free) software, I [...]

Deep cleaning the HP LaserJet 4250tn

I cleaned the laser scanner of a HP LaserJet 4250tn and it was the scariest hour of my week.
At work, one of our HP LaserJet 4250tn printers started to have a print quality problem. The print down the middle would be extremely light compared to the rest of the page.

I tried using a different toner [...]

When average computer users pick and choose

Don’t choose to divulge which details you think are relevant when you don’t know.
The Story
Our remote office had problems with their T1 connection to us. VOIP phones weren’t connecting, they couldn’t see our server, and so on.
My boss worked on trying to figure out the problem all day yesterday with our T1 provider.
Today, everything “miraculously” [...]

First day back at work in 2008

Today is the first day back at work in 2008. I check my work email, which fortunately isn’t swamped.
Then, Scot comes in and says, “Check Harry’s computer - it’s dead.”
I reply, “Happy new year, right?
Indeed.

Asking politely or forcing guilt?

This could be a stretch, but the following sentence (or any variance of it) bugs me:
“Would you be kind enough to…yadda yadda yadda?”
This applies to anyone. I’d like to think I’m a nice guy, and that I love helping people whenever I can. Don’t decorate the question — be upfront and ask me! Elaborating the [...]

Our office soon to switch to Office 2007

At work, Scot told me to install Microsoft Office 2007, watch the demo, get used to it, and be ready to answer staff questions. Boy!
If you’ve got any pointers for me, leave a comment! (I use OpenOffice at home, so I’ll have to deal with Microsoft Office three times a week.)

Sigalert’s Route Retriever Beta

Before I go somewhere that requires freeways, I’ll now be using Sigalert’s Route Retriever (Beta) to see the fastest way to get there. The site seems really quick, too!
Note: Sigalert is California-based.

When the server dies

For a moment, I hit a brick wall. Metaphorically speaking, of course.
I’ve been “away” since last…Thursday. You know, trying to write and keep up with my news reader. It’s been pretty crazy at work. I’ve had a lot to do, but it probably didn’t take as much brain power as it would to restore a [...]

Don’t annoy co-workers with the intercom

If you’re calling people within your office on the same phone system, don’t use the intercom. When people do that to me, here’s my view of that person:
“Hi, I’m more important than anything you’re doing. You need to listen to me NOW.”
You’ve got to be kidding me.
Just call someone how you normally should. If they [...]

Huge PHP email form needed

I need to create a form nearly identical to this [link removed], but more secure and with PHP. I’m using an online contact form generator, but it’s very basic (and doesn’t include dropbox boxes). I’ve been working very slowly, using the basic fields available and adding more manually within Dreamweaver MX. I lack PHP knowledge, [...]

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