Solution to iOS 5.1 Download Problems

Looks like Apple's servers are taking a pounding with all of the demand for iOS 5.1.  If you have gotten the error, "There was a problem downloading the software for the iPhone.  The Network connection timed out.", find the solution below:

MAKE SURE TO BACKUP YOUR DEVICE BEFORE UPGRADING.

1.  Download the IOS 5.1 Firmware directly from Apple by clicking on the links below, save the file to your desktop:

iOS 5.1 (build 9B176) is compatible with iPad 1, iPad 2, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod touch 3rd & 4th gen, and iPad 3. Additional builds are available for Apple TV 2 and Apple TV 3.

• iPad 1
• iPad 2 Wi-Fi
• iPad 2 GSM (AT&T)
• iPad 2 CDMA (Verizon)
• iPad 2,4
• iPhone 3GS
• iPhone 4 GSM (AT&T)
• iPhone 4 CDMA (Verizon)
• iPhone 4S
• iPod touch 3G
• iPod touch 4G
• iPad 3 Wi-Fi
• iPad 3 GSM
• iPad 3 CDMA
• Apple TV 2 (9B179b1)
• Apple TV 3 (9B179b1)

2.  After downloading the desired firmware, you can shift-click (PC) or option-click (Mac) the "Update" button in iTunes. A file dialog will open and let you choose the downloaded ipsw-file from your desktop.

3. Proceed with the upgrade as usual.

4. If you get Error -3002 at this point, try to do a Restore, rather than an Upgrade - remember to shift-click (or option-click on a Mac).

Please let me know if you have any issues with this procedure in the comments section below.

Check this post for similar solutions for iOS 5: http://obscureport.blogspot.com/2011/10/solution-for-ios-5-download-problems.html

Plex Media Server - Review

Plex Media Center is a set of server and client applications that allow you to organize and play your media from a Mac or PC (with Linux Server Support on the way).  On the client side, there are options not just for Macs and PC's, but for Apple IOS and Android Mobile devices as well.  Plex even includes support for devices such as LG Smart TV's and Roku Streaming Media Players.  With an active development community, Plex is constantly adding features, updates and support for additional services.



While there are many other applications which provide similar functionality, such as Boxee, Plex has a very slick interface and great support across a variety of platforms.  Plex began as a development fork of the Xbox Media Center, and is now supported by a corporation behind the development which includes a freeware/open-source development community as well as some sections which are proprietary and closed-sourced.

Plex provides a great "10 foot experience" when viewed on a television.  The interface for movies, TV and music includes information gathered from the Internet to provide a detailed summary and graphics to identify your selection.