Crabtree Consulting LLC
Fixing computers since 1995.
Boot camp Windows 7 repair for “missing operating system” error
So you've installed Windows 7 on your Mac using Boot camp. Then you decide that you need more space on your Windows partition. So you use the Mac's Disk Utility on the partition tab to shrink the MacOS partition. Then you fire up a live CD of GParted to expand the...
Zyxel USG20 firewall hole
There is a hole in the firewall of the USG20 in its default configuration that you need to plug. The entry in the firewall looks like this: There isn't anything dangerous about this hole. It won't allow your computers inside your network to be attacked. It...
Disable SSH, telnet, and FTP access to the Zyxel USG 20
Sadly it is very common to see SSH brute force attacks. Unless you really need SSH access to your Zyxel router, just disable it. Log in, click the gear, click System, click SSH, then uncheck the box and click apply. Do the same thing for TELNET and FTP. You will...
Manage wireless networks in Windows 8
Microsoft removed the tool to manage wireless networks in Windows 8. This was a useful tool for setting the priority for which access point to connect to first, and was often required if you change the security type for your wireless network. The only way to manage...
Uploads saturate internet connection with Time Warner and the Motorola SB6141 modem
We recently switched to Time Warner (Roadrunner) for internet service. I chose to 20mbps download and 2mbps upload plan. I decided to buy my own modem rather than lease one from Time Warner, so I chose the Motorola Surfboard SB6141 which is on Time Warner's list of...
Zyxel USG 20 WAN IP address from DHCP from a cable modem
Today I realized that my Zyxel USG 20 would not automatically get an IP address (assigned by DHCP) from my cable modem after being disconnected. (I have a dynamic IP address from my ISP.) I would have to log in to the dashboard and click the "Renew" button under...
Port forwarding and NAT loopback on Zyxel USG20
The Zyxel USG20 is a complicated router. As I mentioned here it is a wonderful router for a highly connected household if you desire content filtering and bandwidth management. But this router isn't for the feint of heart. Port forwarding on a traditional consumer is...
Internet security and traffic management
Like many of you, we have a bunch of devices connected to our home internet connection. A couple phones, tablets, laptops, a game console, TVs, etc. And more wifi devices keep coming! (You can get WiFi enabled thermostats and light bulbs now!) You need a fairly...
Replacing the VHF/UHF final transistor in a Yaesu FT-857D
What does this have to do with computer repairs? Well, it doesn't, technically, but I am also a casual ham radio operator and recently the VHF/UHF final transistor in my radio blew. So what happened? I bought a 2 meter amplifier off of eBay and while I was testing it...
What is the big deal with JAVA?
Java has had a lot of press lately. So what is going on? Java has been around since nearly the beginning of the internet. It is a powerful platform and most users know of it as a plugin for their web browsers. It is a lot more than just a plugin, but we are only going...