If you are a Netflix member, you are in for a treat because streaming video is becoming much more easier.  It used to be that you could only stream on your PC and then it was available on the Roku.  Last year, Netflix was only available on the Xbox 360 console with Live Gold member Subscriptions.  Recently, Netflix offered a free disc to members who wanted to stream their content on their PS3.

This week, Netflix announced that it will be available on the Nintendo Wii console as well and you can get your disc request now.

Awhile back, it just wasn’t as easy unless you hooked up your PC as a server and then fed to your consoles with a third party software.  The downside to this is network speed because you will be sending data to your PC and then sending it back to the router and then to the console of choice.  That overhauls the network extensively.

So if you are an owner of a Nintendo Wii or Sony Playstation 3 and a member of Netflix, you can now stream it on your consoles.  Now that is value added!

Links below to directly request your Netflix streaming disc:

Nintendo Wii Disc | Sony PS3 Disc

Since building my new computer, I have been tinkering around with multiple operating systems and for the first time getting lots of play time with Apple’s Mac OS X.  Altogether, I’ve switched to using my Hackintosh for about 8 months now.  I started off using the iDeneb version of 10.5.5 install disc based on the specs of the component parts I used to piece my PC together.  Alas, several weeks ago, Apple released the 10.5.7 update and I had to update because I had skipped out on 10.5.6.

I am a hardcore PC user as long as I can remember but since Vista was such a miserable failure in my opinion, I wanted to try alternative operating systems.  After trying different flavors of Linux, I came to settle on using OS X.  It just feels much more polished than what any other desktop operating system has to offer.  I am still much more familiar with Windows structure but to me, the Mac definitely has plenty of eye-candy as well as useful programs built in that I know I cannot do without moving forward.

Getting used to the Mac took awhile from getting used to the global menu on top rather than every window to using the nice built in programs such as Expose and Spaces.  I love having multiple desktop sessions rather than being tied to only one screen. Here are some of my favorite things about OS X:

• Spotlight – Its a desktop search much like Google’s desktop search but already built into the operating system so I am able to use it any time to find files, pictures, videos, etc. whether clicking on the magnifying glass embedded on the top right corner of the global menu or in Finder (Apple’s equivalent to Window’s Explorer).
• Spaces – As mentioned previously, Spaces lets me have multiple desktop sessions or surfaces to work on.  It is like having multiple monitors rather than just one single monitor.  The great thing about Spaces is I am able to open particular programs in a certain workspace  that dedicate it to.  This is good because sometimes, I do my web development and dedicate a workspace just for the Dreamweaver, Photoshop, etc. programs.
• Quick Look – Underrated feature in OS X is the ability to browse through files in Finder or on your desktop and be able to click the space bar and see a files content or preview it.  Not like the program Preview, everything loads instantaneously.  So if I find a Excel spreadsheet or PDF and as long as the file is selected, I can push space bar and it will load its contents for me to see without even launching Excel or Adobe Acrobat.  This is great to see pictures in larger size rather than flipping through thumbnail versions which are too tiny at times.
• Starting Up – From booting up my machine to log in, it feels a lot faster.  The only downside is since I am dual-booting I have a special loader needed  but once I select my operating system, it loads fast for me to start navigating through the web.
• Look and Polish – The environment you are working in is much more aesthetically pleasing over any other operating system’s experience.  Windows XP and Vista both feel dated.  Linux desktops such as KDE or Gnome feel less polished.  Even with add-ons like Comfiz Fusion, it still feels buggy.  (Windows 7 is nice, but I haven’t had too much time playing with that as the OS X is still a new toy for me.)  The layout, the Dock functions, combined with keyboard combinations just feels like a much more sophisticated and geared towards a modern work space environment.  Although many will say Dock is useless, I like the function of it.

Overall, I am quite happy with the OS X software and it is too bad that the only computers you are able to buy with it installed on it is from Apple unless you choose the Psystar route.  Personally, the downside factor is the limited hardware your able to choose to configure your system from Apple and minor yet effective upgrades like RAM can cost an arm and leg.

I am keeping a close eye on their product line particularly laptops since mine died.  I would choose a MacBook or MacBook Pro but never an iMac or iMac Pro.  However, the cost is still quite high as much as I like the operating system.  I may just end up getting a netbook and loading a OS X version designed for it.  But if you are in the market for a new computer or laptop and are unsure of switching over to a Mac, I would say you should go for it.

After reading this article on Cnet, I have to completely agree with Larry on his observation of his Windows XP machine.  Not only does my corporate issued late model IBM Thinkpad running Windows XP takes forever to boot up, it also suffers from not being able to shut down properly.  Since it is a laptop, my alternative to bypass the wait is to just close the lid and put it into hibernate.  At least that shaves off about 3 minutes wait time for me.  Its quite embarassing when I use my laptop to help troubleshoot the network and if I had to reboot; it’ll take approximately five whole minutes before I can start working my magical tech skills.

As for the shut down problem, I hardly experience that since I almost never turn the damn machine off to begin with.  However, reboots are nightmare as it gets stuck on the “Windows is properly shutting down” screen.  Seriously, how proper does it need to shut down if I actually manually end task for all my programs?  Impatient as I can get at times, I just hold onto the power at times to completely shut it down.  I don’t care, at times, I seriously wished the laptop did crash and die so they can issue me another laptop which is probably going to be at least 3 years old.

I can’t say much for Windows Vista as I completely bypassed that operating system like I did for Windows Millenium.  But you must wonder, what exactly is going on during the shut down sequence for it to take so darn long.  Is it a hardware problem?  As mentioned in the CNet artilce, perhaps other programs that were running are having problems closing out.  However, if Windows, the operating system, is shutting down, shouldn’t it be able to?  Doesn’t seem very efficient to me and quite weak in my opinion of its the operating system thats supposedly managing all the other programs right?

I’m in the same boat as everyone else, anticipating Windows 7 and hoping it will be great.  But til then, I’ll enjoy using my Hack OS X.

I lost mine on my birthday last year and have been settling for using my iPhone.  However, the in-laws are coming to town and so we need one now.  I had the Sony Cybershot N1 model, the original 3 inch LCD touchscreen digital camera.  It was 8.1 mega-pixels and I’d like to think it was cutting edge 3 years ago.  The thing with Sony is that unless you purchase its top of line models, their items are very mediocre.  From television sets to digital cameras to laptops; this runs true.  Another thing with Sony besides it being quite stylish in aesthetics is that it packs way too many fun/uesless features that you’ll never use.

I am now looking for another digital camera which my main goal is to have it as compact and portable as possible.  One thing is for sure, since Circuit City closed down; there really aren’t many places to go check out electronics besides BestBuy or Fry’s Electronics.  I wouldn’t buy anything from BestBuy after reading this article though, which is almost as bad as Fry’s little HDMI switcheroo scam .  So to the net I go, cruising through Pricegrabber, Amazon, eBay, etc.

Features are not important and neither is mega-pixels.  Mega-pixel size tends to be misleading because even though a digital camera can take 12 mega-pixels; the image quality can be crappy because of too much noise or discoloration or glare from the flash.  What is important to me is ease of use, fast shoot time and good image quality.  I can settle for an 8.1 or 10.1 mega-pixel as long as it shoots great casual photos in the day or night time.  My tip is if your shopping for a digital camera, don’t be fooled by the mega-pixel size or all the features you won’t be using.  Also, why spend more than $200 or even $300 for a ultra compact digital camera when it WILL never take photos as well as an Digital SLR.  I’ll invest heavily when I decide to get one of those.  However, a compact camera is still useful

I was about to buy the heavily reviewed Canon Powershot SD1100 because it is quite affordable, under $200 and has great reviews.  However, among all the great reviews, theres also reviews of the dreaded fatal “lens error” problem.  Also, how can different colors of the same model not have the same cost?  I am looking at their newer model, the Canon Powershot SD1200 because hopefully they resolved those error issues.  So far, no reviews and I cannot seem to make up my mind.

Another interesting selection is the Nikon S610 because rarely do you see a compact digital camera come with wide angle lens.  From my experience, having wide angle lens captures images better.  But then I am skeptical about the Nikon brand, as I am reading that people experience yellow imagery on photos taken as well as image quality when loaded onto a computer.  Reason I am mentioning this is because Costco currently has a promotion on of the these models with a $50 coupon.  This model can be had for less than $200 as well.

Other choices for me have been the Casio line of Exilim compact digital cameras; however, there is just way too many models to keep up with what is top of line, what is middle, etc.  I am almost just giving up on them as well.  Regardless, I’ll be picking up either a Canon or that Nikon in the next two days and may write a review of it.

If you happen to read this, let me know which point and shoot compact digital camera your using and share your experience as I am in search of a compact digital camera!

Since my HP laptop died, I have since built a new PC capable of running Mac OS X.  I like OS X.  But I do not want to spend $1,000 plus on a Macbook Pro or buy an iMac.  I do want a portable like a netbook loaded with OS X.  So, the best bet would be to get a netbook compatible of loading Mac OS X right?  Here is a comparison guide of some popular netbooks capable of loading Mac OS X with some hacks.  Some hacks much harder than others, but I completely agree with this CNet article that Apple should look at creating an affordable netbook with full support.  It’ll definitely get more people switching over to their OS.

Here is my experience so far using Mac OS X:

Ever since building my own PC hackintosh to run Mac OS X, I have been using it and learning more and more of Apple’s operating system.  I never had enough time to play with it at the Apple store mainly because I like to customize it and it just felt to unfamiliar.  Now that I have been using it for over 3 months, I can honestly say that it really is a nice operating system.  In comparison to Windows XP, it definitely feels much more modern.  There is just way too many features I like about it but there are also just things still missing.  I haven’t quite converted to full-time Apple because my work laptop runs Windows XP.  Also, there is just more programs available for PC’s.

Aesthetics aside, which we all can safely agree that the Mac just looks much better, there are many functions that just works better than the Windows OS.  I skipped Windows Vista altogether but have also installed Windows 7 beta.  I also have been playing with many flavors of Linux as well.  Overall, Mac feels more modern and polished than then any other OS out there.  My favorite features on the OS X have been Spaces and the ability to preview documents in Finder without launching the application.  Also, adding extra ram is much easier because there is no limitation like the Windows machines 32-bit or 64-bit.

Overall, I may just pick up a Macbook in the near future when my wife’s laptop dies.  Either that or wait to have a full evaluation of Windows 7.  I am sure many people are like me; who are still using Windows XP and looking for the next option.  The market is there; either Windows 7 will be complete and not a mess like Vista was or one flavor of Linux will be polished enough for general population or Apple will offer a Netbook, open its OS onto PC’s or a product that isn’t so tied down like its current mini-Mac or iMac products.

]]> http://designrjc.com/mac-os-x-on-netbook/feed/ 0 http://designrjc.com/streaming-netflix-hulu-television-shows-to-your-ps3-xbox-360-or-wii/ http://designrjc.com/streaming-netflix-hulu-television-shows-to-your-ps3-xbox-360-or-wii/#comments Mon, 09 Feb 2009 07:26:49 +0000 Rudy Chou http://blog.designrjc.com/?p=372 Continue Reading...]]>

Ever since owning a Sony Playstation 3, I wanted to use it as media center instead of just a gaming console.  It already had the capability of browsing the internet with its built-in web browser and wireless/wired ethernet capabilities.  It can handle formats such as Video CD’s, DVD’s and Blu-ray.  It could also handle digtial formats like .avi, mpeg videos, etc. which you can plug a USB flash drive and play off of.  However, I did not feel like constantly using the browser to watch YouTube videos.

Instead, a company called MediaMall came up with an awesome solution allowing me to stream video onto my videogame consoles such as the PS3, Xbox 360 or Nintendo Wii called PlayOn.  Best of all, it allowed access to Netflix, Hulu, YouTube and other internet video sources.  Being that I already am a Netflix member, I instantly wanted to try this software out.  Luckily, they offer a free trial for 2 weeks typically with their software and I am sure you will be hooked right after you set it up.

The set up is simple enough.  As long as you have a PC running a supported Windows platform such as XP or Vista and have Windows Media Player 11 installed.  You will be able to install this software and run it.   You will also have to have a Netflix account in order to log in and also have videos in your “Watch Instantly” queue.  Also, having a decent internet connection is important because your PC will be the one doing all the downloading, processing and then uploading back out to your gaming console devices.  Once you have it all set up on your Windows operating system, just turn on your gaming console and depending on which console, you will have to search for your “video” tab/section.  If you already stream videos off your PC, then this will be easy enough to set up.  Just choose the PlayOn server.

The whole operation is simple enough and I recommend anyone who owns a gaming console compatible to take advantage especially if you have a PC near by.  What drives me nuts is the fact that Microsoft made Netflix available on the Xbox 360, but only to Gold members.  That means I would have to pay twice for something that should already be offered to any Netflix member.

The price of the PlayOn media server software is $29.99 and it ends tonight, February 8, 2009.  However, it is a one time fee and there is plenty of support on its forums.  In addition, it looks like they just did an overhaul on the interface making it a lot more slicker than before.  This is a good thing because these guys actually care about their software and are constantly releasing updates and if you purchase an account, you get these updates indefinitely.  Thumbs up to MediaMall and their PlayOn software.

]]> http://designrjc.com/streaming-netflix-hulu-television-shows-to-your-ps3-xbox-360-or-wii/feed/ 0 http://designrjc.com/5-steps-to-get-rid-of-virus-malware-spyware-etc-on-your-computer/ http://designrjc.com/5-steps-to-get-rid-of-virus-malware-spyware-etc-on-your-computer/#comments Wed, 07 Jan 2009 03:48:25 +0000 Rudy Chou http://blog.designrjc.com/?p=318 Continue Reading...]]>

Yesterday I shared my reasons for not using an anti-virus software in Windows XP.  Today, I want to share how to optimize your PC and get rid of those pesky virus or malware or anything that has made your PC suffer.  Especially those repeated pop ups that appear as your browse or icons that reappear after you delete them and restart your computer.  Typically, a virus will replicate files such as malware, spyware, etc. even after you delete the offending files.  In order to stop a virus, you will need to know what you have been infected with.  Here are 5 simple steps to clean out your computer of any virus, malware, spyware, etc. on your computer:

1. If you don’t have an anti-virus software installed, you can find one available online to do the job for you.  I like to use TrendMicro House Call to scan for virus.  It does take some time but it is effective in identifying the virus and either deleting or disinfecting it.  Other anti-virus softwares offering an online virus scan are BitDefender or Panda Security.  **You may have to use a combination of these scanners to effective remove a severely corrupted system also at times, they do not fully remove all malicious software because it is actually a running process.
2. After you do your virus scan, I suggest downloading both a malware and spyware removal software.  Two really great programs that I recommend would be Malwarebytes and Spybot Search & Destory.  Both software are free to use and are very effective against removing both malware and spyware files.  Another tool to use would be Adaware from Lavasoft to remove adwares, which is also free.  Install the programs and do necessary updates.  In some cases, you will probably not be able to do an update because your system is so corrupted with malware and viruses that its blocking some ports, access, and abilities of your PC.  However, since you have downloaded it, lets go to the next step.
3. Restart your Windows XP and get into its built in diagnostic mode called Safemode.  After rebooting your computer, after the BIOS screens, start pressing F8 right before the Windows XP loading screen.  This should take you to a prompt to let you choose option Safemode with Networking.  Choose that option.  **In Safe mode, you are able to load your computer with minimal drivers that are necessary to start the operating system, which means, none of the virus, malwares, etc. will be able to start.  Once you are logged in, typically as administrator, you should install the programs in Step 2 and do all the necessary updates of definition files.
4. Running through these software scanners will take some time, depending on how fast your CPU, hard disk drive and how many files you have.  You will see how badly your computer is infected after running these scans and hopefully, these programs will remove, disinfect these unwanted files.  It is also common that some files will be deleted upon your next restart so once your done scanning with each program, go ahead and restart your computer as normal.
5. Once you start up your computer, you should have already removed the virus, any malware or spyware that was previously infecting your computer.  However, just to make sure, I would run Malwarebytes or Spybot S&D again in your normal Windows XP environment to make sure it comes out clean.  If it does not, you may have to restart because you did not eliminate the original virus which is still being loaded and replicating the malware, spyware, etc.

With these five steps, you will be able to reclaim your computer and Windows XP environment.  Best of all, this will be FREE.

***Please note that taking these steps will at least remove common corruptions, but you will have to realize that if you have not kept your computer organized for a long time, the corruption may be too great and I recommend you reformatting your hard drive and putting a fresh install of your operating system such as Windows XP.  For the most part, this is pretty effective and easy to do.

Good luck wiping out them viruses!

Before I decided on how to complement my new television set, I did a ton of research on the perfect audio solution for it.  I previously had a Sony receiver paired with a pair of Sony bookshelf speakers and KLH front channel speakers with a Sony subwoofer, but when my receiver became unusable, I decided to invest in a real man’s audio solution… while on a budget that is.  (Note:  It was a 5.1 system pieced together and worked well through my college dorm days.)  Some of the solutions I looked at were those soundbar receivers such as the Yamaha digital sound projector or a regular home theater in a box solution or building it via components.  Alas, I had a limited budget and felt that a sound projector like the Yamaha will never truly equate to true multi-channel sound and that doing a full component system will go over my budget.  Finally, after reading AVS Forums and audiophile reviews, I decided on one of the new Onkyo home theater in a box system.  My choices were the HT-S6100 or the HT-S7100.  I ended up going with the HT-S7100 because it cost the same and the receiver is actually the highly reviewed and touted SR-606 unit.

I have owned both units and played with the HT-S6100 box first for 30 days.  The HT-S6100 is a great system and compared to the specs of the lesser models such as 5100/3100; it is worth considering because its HDMI capabilities actually pass both video and audio.  The lesser models did not even though it had HDMI inputs.  However, my gripe with the HT-S6100 is the receiver itself was not actually the SR-606 unit, which was highly acclaimed.  Instead, the receiver released for the HT-S6100 is by the model SR-667 which lacked several customizable features such as a better crossover function to better tune the sound and the lack of a powered Zone 2.  These two features are important to me because if I were to upgrade in the future for better speakers, I want to be able to fully power those speakers up.  One redeeming thing regarding the Onkyo HT-S6100 is the iPod dock connector, which uses a single special cable to the receiver which supplies the audio and power as opposed to the RCA cable with a separate power adapter such as the dock found in the HT-S7100.  Bad move by Onkyo but the reason may be because the SR-606 receiver is older without the special inputs.  If that were they case, they could have provided the iPod dock with video capabilities then.  Instead, you have to purchase another dock if you want video capabilities.

The HT-S7100 is a sweet system because it includes the SR-606.  The sounds produced by this system is a bit more superior over the SR-667 because it has a better internal crossover letting you choose which frequencies for which speaker will hit.  In addition, the Power Zone 2 is a plus because you are able to listen to another source without even turning on the receiver.  This is a huge feature if you want to offer rich sound to another room, outside area, etc.  Overall, both the HT-S6100 and HT-S7100 are true high definition receivers capable of using its HDMI output to a display source.  This is wonderful because I only need to run a single cable to my television.  It passes both sound and video and works great with the PS3 (only thing is the on screen display does not appear with the PS3).  Another item included with the HT-S7100 are the speaker stands but I decided to mount all my speakers and actually only used a 6.1 set up as opposed to a true 7.1.  To me, the difference is so subtle that I found it unnecessary but you may say I have not push the unit to its full capabilities.

The speakers found for both units are identical in that they are all satellites with a 10 inch down-firing sub.  The sub itself is elegant with a high-gloss finish and will look great in any entertainment room.  It also has a a single light which is red when off and a passive blue when on.  The sub-woofer only has a knob for gain, a single input and power.  The LFE or low pass filter is adjusted via the receiver.  When setting up the speakers for the first time, use the Audessey EQ so that the receiver automatically finds the speakers accordingly.  I find it useful for measuring the distance only as I had to tinker with the crossover functions to get maximum mids for myself.  Also, depending on what gain you have your sub-woofer at, it will also vary your woofer level.  I had to adjust it so it was not in the negative.

Set up of the receiver is simple enough with its on screen display if connected to a television, but if you were to use it from the receiver itself, it will prove difficult unless you have the manual.  The manual included is helpful in getting you all set up.  Finding the right sources for your video game systems, dvd player, cable or satellite receiver and matching it up is easy as well.  The remote that comes with the receiver is nothing to boast about but I got it to work with my television so thats a bonus for me.  It also lets you control an iPod or iPhone that is plugged into the dock.  There could have been an on screen display for songs and simple menu but hopefully that will be integrated in the future.

For the price of this home theater in a box, you cannot go wrong with either one.  It actually includes a great receiver that you will be able to upgrade with better speakers later on and with 4 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output that passes both audio and sound; its definitely ready for the future in home video and audio.  I use my HDMI as pass through where my PS3 upscales any video and I have my receiver decode any audio.  However, both the HT-S6100 and HT-S7100 can upscale your dvd video to 720p/1080i which means, you won’t need to purchase an upscaling dvd player.  I am more than satifisfied with this unit and highly recommend anyone looking for an entry-level priced home theater with features you only get out of a receiver thats worth the entire set.  At $700 and $600 for the HT-S7100 and HT-S6100 respectively, its the perfect home theater system out there, definitely best bang (pun intended) for the buck!

Time to decorate the new home and what better way than to complete it with a brand new Samsung LCD TV.  I picked up a 46 inch LCD 1080p and it is fabulous.  The model is the LN46A540 which is on par with the 580 and better than the 550.  I believe it was exclusively sold at Costco but you can find it from another vendor on Amazon.  I have to admit, I got a great deal on it since it still retails for about $1,800 brand new.  The only downside is that it isn’t 120hz, but I can wait for that later on for my next home.

I am amazed at how well the Samsung works right out of the box.  The QAM tuner to receive digital channels for HD content via the air is amazing.  Unlike my older 37″ Olevia LCD 720p TV, the Samsung gives you a signal strength so you are able to point the antennae and find out what your signal strength is.  Unlike other televisions that are more of a hit or miss.  This television is pure bliss for myself because I pair it with my Onkyo HT-S7100 High Definition home theater system and a PS3 for Blu-Ray movies.  By itself, the picture is clear, but when bundled with the sound and ability to watch a Blu-ray movie, its phenomenal.  I love how it auto detects the signal letting me know, that I am running one hundred percent 1080p (1920×1080 @24hz).

The remote control is large with easy to read and use numbers and functions, all intuitive and more responsive than I remember any other televisions offered.  The user-interface is friendly and I am able to adjust its setting without too much work.  It also has preset setting for Standard, Movie and Dynamic.  These presets help you switch the color, brightness, contrast, etc. with a simple input to whatever you are watching.  So when you are watching a movie, go ahead and set it to Movie and the set will adjust to be darker so you will not feel blind by the awesome brightness in the dark.  When watching sports, set it to Dynamic and you will be amazed at how bright and vivid the colors are.  Nothing beats that, just like nothing beats the Lakers stomping down the Boston Celtics on Christmas Day and ending their winning streak at 19.

The only weak part of this television set I would say is the speakers, not the audio.  The hardware has its limitations and at times, you really have to adjust the volume really high to hear some television shows.  If you hook it up to surround speakers, then you have nothing to worry about.  However, for the price of the TV, I expected better sound than the provided pair of 10 watts per channel speakers.  Another downside is this unit has smooth finish for the screen which appeals for its great looks, but you will need to close your blinds and make sure the room is dark or no light is hitting it straight on because you will see a glare.  I personally can deal with the glare because I do not watch TV during the day and I heard of the picture quality suffering after using an anti-glare film on the screen.

I have seen Sharp’s 52 inch LCD 1080p televisions and the contrast does not compare.  The Samsung is pure sexiness when it comes to displaying blacks, whites and all the colors in between.  Comparably, I found my friend’s Sony Bravia 46″ series to be weaker than the Samsung as well.  From top to bottom, I would go Samsung all around over any other television brand for the time being.  Sony is only great when its their top of the line model, Sharp’s new super-thin LCD technology appears to be the next holygrail, but for the price I got my Samsung and compared to what was out there, I wouldn’t go otherwise.

As I previously shared that my laptop motherboard had died, I needed to extract all the data from the hard disk drive in the unit.  Without any way to power up the laptop, I needed to remove the hard disk drive in the laptop. Removing the hard disk drive is simple enough and many people do so to upgrade their capacity as one of the easiest laptop upgrades.  However, since I just needed the important files from my hard disk drive, I needed an external enclosure.  After reading many reviews, I found one that was cheap and simple.  I went with this Rosewill RX234 IDE interface unit here.  I can only say I am more than pleased by the unit because it is small like one of those passport hard drives and it uses USB to power up.  It looks pretty slick since it is tiny and operates efficiently.

It would have been simpler if  the screen died or I screwed up my operating system installation and need to reformat.  If that is the problem your experiencing, you can connect an external monitor to your laptop to use as a display or if your operating system will not boot and you did not partition your hard disk drive and need to obtain files from the master boot drive, then get yourself a copy of one of the many live Linux distros.  Live Linux distrobutions just means that if you are able to boot from CD or USB, it loads its entire operating system before loading your operating system from your hard disk dirve.  From there, you can either connect an external hard drive or USB flash drive and grab necessary important files and then wipe the hard disk drive and reformatting it with a fresh install of your favorite operating system.