Tech Tips

My kids love playing games on the Wii.
We recently were missing the sensor bar that supposedly receives the signals from the remote controllers and were unable to start

Flash Player for 64 Bit Linux

 Having trouble viewing youtube videos or other flash enabled sites?
Are you running a 64 bit version of Linux?
There is currently an Alpha version of a 64 bit player available.
Follow these directions to install the player

1. Launch a terminal
2. su as root

The following advice can help you assess which technical gear you should (and should not) bring with you to Israel.

Computers: Most desktop computers and laptops will work in Israel as they are 110/220 capable. You will need to either replace the cable or use an adapter to switch the plug. With Desktop systems, be sure to switch the power supply to 220-240 before you bring it to Israel.

    * PCs - If you have a current PC purchased in the last 3 years, I would advise bringing it. You can then install the Hebrew language and get a Hebrew keyboard. If your PC is under warranty, check with the vendor to see if they will honor the warranty in Israel. If you are looking at getting a new PC, it is worthwhile to pay a little extra in Israel to insure that you will have a warranty on the system, with Hebrew pre-configured.
    * Macs - Macs will work in Israel. If you have one, bring it. I would recommend taking out Applecare on the system before Aliyah. IDigital, an Apple reseller in Israel, will honor the Applecare warranty.


GPS: A GPS in Israel will cost at least twice the cost of one purchased in the States. If you have a GPS unit, you may be able to purchase additional maps for it. Contact the vendor or look for third party solutions. If you have an IPHONE 3G, the Google maps will work here in Israel.

Many of the MIO GPS's can be unlocked and set up with the IGO Israel Maps, which work quite well. Be sure to enable special roads in the configuration if you plan on crossing the green line. There are no decent Israel maps for the Garmin.


If you don't mind the small screen, there are GPS capable phones offered by the carriers with GPS service at a significant cost advantage over purchasing a GPS device in Israel.

Cell Phones: Most Unlocked Quad Band-GSM phones will work here in Israel. Your CDMA based phone (Phones without a SIM card) will not work here. IPHONE 3G is now officially supported here by the major carriers. Orange & Cellcom now offer Blackberry Internet service

With this list, I set out to inform you of the steps you can take to secure your systems and data. Once you look through, I think you'll be struck by how little effort is required to make your data more secure.

Backups- Backing up your data to an external disc or other medium is a basic backup method that provides you a copy of your data. Using either a hard drive, CD, DVD, Tape or DLT along with backup software will allow you to retrieve data in the event of systems failure or accidental deletion. Be sure to store your backups in a cool, secure location to increase the lifespan of your backups.

Off site Backups- I recommend performing off site backups in addition to your on site backups. Off site backups allow you to backup your crucial data at an offside location. This provides additional protection in the event of damage to the location of your systems and backups.

For basic home or small office backups DropBox Offers free and low priced automated backups.
For Business backups, including database and application data, I recommend using onlinebackupvault.

Many US and International sites will not work here in Israel. This is especially true with banking sites and streaming media sites.
These restrictions can often be bypassed