Did you scroll through that link I gave you? There are some scenarios in there that might help you.

The thing is, it might matter how you've got things hooked up. Here's someone whose hookup meant that two different things were trying to serve up the ip addresses. [link]

The thing is, it might matter how you've got things hooked up.

Okay, we have DSL, a Windows desktop, a DSL modem, a wireless router, a MBP, and an iPod Touch.

The phone line from the wall should plug into the modem and then the modem should be attached to the router, and the router should be attached to the Windows desktop?

It's entirely possible that's actually how it's set up; I'll have to check tonight.

Is there something horrifically wrong with assigning IP addresses manually? Because that, so far, is the only thing that keeps the internet connection from dropping out for all the devices. Does manually assigning IP addresses do something...technologically bad? Am I damaging my laptop and iPod by assigning IP addresses manually?

I suspect that you need to change the band/channel of your router to stop the connection dropping. You probably have a remote that is interfering with the router's wifi and you just need to change the channel.

I had to do that about 2-3 routers ago.

If it is your MBP and your Ipod that are the worst offenders, let us know because Apple does have some airport challenges that have multiple fixes.

If setting the IP addresses manually fixes your problem, leave it that way. I set several of my IPs manually for port forwarding reasons. There's nothing wrong with it.

I suspect that you need to change the band/channel of your router to stop the connection dropping. You probably have a remote that is interfering with the router's wifi and you just need to change the channel.

I did that a while ago, and then I did it again last week. Still kept dropping. Honestly, assigning manual IP addresses has been the only thing that fixed it. I just don't want to screw things up if I shouldn't be assigning manual addresses.

You won't hurt anything. It sounds like your router is kind of broken, but no need to replace it if you've got a good workaround.

yeah, I agree with Gris.

Is this scary? Or no big deal?

Apple patents mobile camera that other people can shut off

An Apple patent describes a system for allowing venue owners to override compliant cameras. The patent describes using an infrared signal that compliant cameras would detect; in the presence of this signal, the device would not allow its owner to activate its record function. It is intended for use at live events and galleries and museums, and it will be a tremendous boon to policemen who shoot unarmed subway riders, despotic armies putting down revolutions as well as anyone else who is breaking the law or exercising coercive power.

This is part of an increasing trend to designing hardware and software that allows remote parties to override the instructions of the owners and users of devices. This trend, coupled with the increasing degree to which devices are privy to our secrets, our sensitive information, and even our biological functions, worries me an awful lot.

I vote for scary.

and useful at parties for those of us who don't like our picture being taken. I can see it now. Mom gets everyone to scrunch together for a group photo. And the emo son taps away at his iOS device and makes the camera not work. Mom looks at the camera exasperated "why does this thing never work for these group photos? I miss my old KodaChrome instamatic with cube flash".