“What is” - Everything you Need to Know about Chris

In the Live Chat Room, we have an IRC bot who will answer all of your “what is” questions when asked. People are always wanting to know what kind of chair Chris has, or what the monitors are that he uses. I have gathered together all of the most frequently asked “what is” questions to keep in one place for all of you. So, without further ado:

• What is Chris? Technically speaking, Chris isn’t a “what” so much as he’s a “Who’s Who” in the world of technology. If you ask his dogs Wicket or Pixie, Chris is a master. If you ask people in his chat room, Chris is a geek. You define Chris for yourself. Seriously. Who is Chris to you?
• What is Lockergnome? Lockergnome is the place where it all started. Go there for technology tips, and to read blogs from many contributors. Join the community where you can make money though participation and writing.
• What is Gnomedex? Gnomedex is a real-world conference that Chris produces for bloggers, podcasters, entrepreneurs, and technology enthusiasts from around the world (though it takes place in Seattle). It has been an annual event since 2001. Gnomedex always sells out with hundreds of people in attendance as it’s one of the lowest-priced and highest-value conferences of its kind.
• What is recently blogged? You can read Chris’ recent blog posts on the site each day, or subscribe to his RSS feed.
• What is podcast? You can subscribe to Chris’Podcast.
• What is chat? Chris puts all the various video elements together (chat, topic, logos, etc.) with his Mac mini running OS X freeware: Colloquy for IRC, and CamTwist for live screen captures. He’s explained it all in a video.
• What is audio? For the most part, Chris usually relies on a Canon GL2 DV camera connected via FireWire for video, and a Samson C01U USB Studio Condenser mic for audio. However, there are times when he relies on a Logitech QuickCam Ultra Vision and/or Apple’s iSight for A/V.
• What is chair? Chris’ chair is a Grahl Synchron 8, which is no longer sold.
• What is desk? Watch Chris’ home office tour, and learn about what kind of desk he bought.
• What is display? Chris is sitting in front of two Dell UltraSharp 3007WFP monitors. That’s 30″ inches at 2560×1600 each.
• What is speakers? Chris has Logitech Z-5500 5.1 THX Certified Speakers, and he loves them! You can view the video of the unboxing if you’d like.
• What is tix? The lights above those monitors are TIX clocks. They are a great conversation starter, and just look really cool.
• What is better? Chris recommends you use what you want to use, download what you want to download, try what you want to try, buy what you want to buy. These choices are all personal in nature, so it’s always difficult to answer the question of “which is better” (so don’t be surprised if Chris doesn’t answer your impossible question).
• What is CNN? Chris is live on CNN, every Thursday night at 5:30 pm Eastern time for three-minute tech segments. Yes, you’re invited.
• What is coupon? Chris gets coupons on a daily basis to pass on to all of you. Be sure to check often for new deals. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, email Chris and he’ll do his best to find one for you.
• What is music? Chris downloads all his music through Rhapsody. As his friend, you can get a free 14-day trial with unlimited access. Rhapsody is a personal jukebox that runs within your Web browser. It’s Mac and PC compatible!
• What is Parallels? If you’re using a Mac and need to run Windows, you’ll likely use Parallels. As a friend of Chris’, you can save yourself some money.
• What is registry? Here’s the best registry cleaner advice EVER: Don’t use a registry cleaner EVER.
• What is security? As a Microsoft MVP for Windows security, Kat has many excellent recommendations to keep you safe.