What Type of Machine Should I Buy for Gaming?

As a mother, I would suggest that you get a new computer for you and give your child the hand-me-down computer. As a tech, this is what I'd suggest this one:
http://www.dell.com/us/en/home/desktops/desktop-gaming/ct.aspx?refid=desktop-gaming&s=dhs&cs=19&~ck=mn

It is very high-end and has lots of RAM and great graphics. In gaming (and desktop publishing) you need a high end machine.

Is There a Dust Bunny in Your Computer?

Does your power supply fan look like this? This can cause your fan to stop working and your computer can overheat because of it. Run, don't walk to buy a can of compressed air. Get your screwdrivers ready!

• Turn off the power to your computer.
• Disconnect all cables, especially power and monitor cables.
• Move your computer to a well ventilated area and open the case.
• Without touching anything inside, use the compressed air to blow the dust to the outside of the case. Don't forget the little fan over your processor.
• Replace the cover and reconnect all cables.

Word of cautions:

• Don't ever touch anything inside of the computer without discharging static electricity by touching the outside of the computer.
• Don't use a mini "computer" vacuum. These are meant for keyboards and around the computer area. Never use these inside the case. Also don't use dust cloths like swifter; they have built up static electricity too. A small static discharge is enough to fry your processor.
• Make sure there are no missing slot covers on your computer. Dust can get in that way too.

Don't forget to spring clean inside your computer!

What is a Core Processor?

What's all this talk about cores anyway? It's a brand of Microprocessor. Just like Kelloggs (brand) produces Corn Flakes, Raisin Bran and Pop Tarts, Intel produces different chips for the computer: Pentium, Celeron, and Core. One of Intel's competitors produces chips Phenom and Turon. All of these are incredibly fast and can meet your business needs. Core=processor so that means dual-core=2 processors and quad-core=4 processors. Nowadays, they are talking i7 Core processors and higher! That's like having 7 brains in your computer. Fast.

The processor is also called the CPU (central processing unit). The CPU is a chip. It's incorrect to refer to the tower that houses the motherboard on which the CPU resides as the CPU. It's more accurate to refer to it as the system or the tower.

The speeds are pretty easy to figure out: higher speeds mean faster processor. Cache (pronouced like the green stuff in your pocket) is just a storage place on the processor. It stores the next thing there while doing the last thing. That way it can get all the instructions done faster. The bigger the cache, the faster the chip.

Hopefully this explanation of core makes it a little easier for you to buy your next computer. During the next few weeks, I'll be explaining other items you might see in a computer ad. So if you have questions, please post them in the comments and I'll address them as I can.

Don't forget to enter the contest. It ends at 6pm EDT on April 1. The details are in my last post.

Save (your files) for a Rainy Day! (Tech tip plus contest details)

Sometimes it rains, so to speak. Troubles come your way even when you are not looking for them. Computer woes can happen at the worst times. Timing is everything. When it comes time that your hard drive crashes or your computer has to be restored to its original operating system, will you be ready?

• Are your photos and music backed up?
• Is your email backed up?
• Are all your internet bookmarks/favorites backed up?
• Are your contacts backed up? 
• Are your documents backed up?
• Do you know all the web addresses of the places you pay bills?
• Do you know where all your software is and have keys for them?
• What else is on your computer that you really don't want to lose?

Either you are ready for a hard drive crash or it will crash you. So I'm going to give one of you a little incentive to back up your files.

Here's the contest: Tell me you are going to turn over a new leaf and start backing up your work faithfully. The most unique answer gets the prize. It will judged on sincerity, plan of execution, and humor. The judges will be 3 of my friends and family. You have until Thursday (April 1st) 6 pm to submit your answers to either the fan page or the google comments. Don't email me about this because one of the judges are in three different states so they need to see your answers online. The winner will be announced Friday on my blog and the blog fan page as soon as the judges get back to me.

One of my favorite things is my flash drive. I never go anywhere without it. I've used practically every flash drive that has been manufactured. This one is mine and it's yours if you win: My very favorite flash drive 
This one is retractable so you don't have to mess with caps. If you don't put the caps on they break, so the retractable feature is a must for me. I've really given mine a beating and it has proven to be durable. Good luck and I hope you win!
Regards, Janet.

If You Don't Empty Your Trash, Your Computer Stinks!

Yesterday my headache came early. I wasn't off the phone with one employee with a virused up computer when another called and said, "I think I may have a ....", yep, virus. Pop-ups offering the world on a silver platter, of course, free. I'm logged into a computer this morning with a virus. This virus came through a temporary internet file. Some prompt you to click right away, some lay dormant.  You remember to clean your house, so why do you forget to clean your computer? It's easy to do: Tools, Internet Options, Delete. Three easy clicks and you have recovered some disk space.

Most computers that I find infected have spyware software installed, but it hasn't been updated or run in a year, sometimes never. It's really important to run this on a weekly basis if you do a lot of Internet browsing. Getting the trash thrown out is really important, it's got dirty code that slows you down.

Viruses often attack the virus program first. They have to disable it so they can do the real damage. Check often to see that your virus protection is enabled and updating. Also check to see that your scans are running. You don't want to go stinking up your computer and then say, "this computer stinks." Your computer might talk back and say, "No YOU stink; you didn't take care of me and now look at me!"

Check back later today for contest details. Since this blog is new, you stand a good chance of winning!

Windows 7 Secrets

Well, they are not really secret secrets!
Keyboard ShortCuts:

• Window Key + P = projection screen. Shortcut to your choice of where you want to display your screen
• Window Key + Home = minimizes all non-active Windows. 
• Window + Left Arrow or Window + Right Arrow = docks your window to either the right or left side of your screen.
• Window + Shift+ Up or Down Arrow = vertical sizes your docked windows... either taller or shorter.
• Window X= mobility center. 
• Control  + Shift = allows you to run a program as administrator.
• Window + T = moves you to the farthest task to the left on your taskbar (so put the one you use most there).

Other Secrets

• The shortcuts on the taskbar aren't in a fixed order. You can rearrange them. Once they are in the order you like, Window + 1 opens the first application, Windows + 2 opens the second, up until the 5th pinned application. 
• Windows 7 has a built-in ISO burner so you don't have to install a third-party one. Just insert a blank disk and the utility springs open. 

Sorry that's all the secrets I'm willing to give away!  What's YOUR Windows 7 secret?

How to Keep Your Child From Messing Up Your Computer

1. Password protect the log-on screen. I suggest to people often that children and teens not be allow to use adult computers; work and play don't mix well. When adults get a new computer the children can mess up the hand-me-down computer and it won't affect the adult's business.
2. Install FireFox with the Adblock Plus add-on.
3. Make a user account with limited privileges. Go to Control Panel, User Accounts, Add/Remove User Accounts, Create a New User Account. Set as Standard User.
4. Contact your Internet provider to learn how to block sites in your router. If you know your child is visiting sites like Limewire, Myspace, Funwebproducts and Kazaa, then by all means block them.  At my work, we block all these (plus many more) and a box pops up that says "this site has been blocked."
5. Make sure pop-up blocker is on when your child is browsing the web. Many infections start as pop ups. 
6. Teach them to never open anything they receive in the email without scanning it first and to delete files from people they don't know. Tell them not to accept file transfers in social networking sites, and insist of any file to be emailed so that it can be scanned by your email system prior to opening it.
7. Monitor their activity on social neworking sites. Right now I'm logged into a computer that was infected through a social networking site.

Take care!

Prepare for Your Computer for Electrical Storms Now!

April showers are coming and that means thunder along with lightning. Make sure your computers are protected against electrical surges. Power strips aren't enough unless they have a dollar value guarantee against surges on the package. Pick up one for each computer and one for your awesome big-screen TV.
When a big electrical storm hits, don't forget to unplug the cable from your TV and the network cables from your computers. Electricity can travel across them and zap your precious electronics. If you're headed to work and they are predicting lightning, you might want to pull the plug before you leave for work.
Be prepared now, and don't forget your umbrella.

Should you choose a Laptop/Netbook or a Desktop Computer?

Buying a new computer is an exciting process. Here's a helper to determine whether you need a laptop/netbook or desktop computer.

Choose a laptop or a netbook if you:

• Don't have a phone with Internet, but still need to access the Internet and email when you travel.
• Won't be leaving your netbook/laptop in your automobile.
• Plan on replacing your laptop/netbook in four years. Processor generations whiz by and you have to purchase hardware to keep up with the changes in your software purchases.
• You are gentle with netbooks/laptops.

If you are not sure whether you want a netbook or a laptop, see this link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiTmBbWXPCY.

Choose a desktop if you:

• Have a phone with Internet and your phone has all your on-the-road features that you will need.
• Can't take your computer with you everywhere and need to leave it in car.
• Want to keep your computer as long as possible.
• Are rough on notebooks: you've had a cracked screen or a broken case on a notebook.
• Will be doing processor-intensive applications like gaming and desktop publishing. You get more bang for your buck with a desktop.

If you still want to buy a laptop even though you know you are rough on a laptop or plan on leaving it the temperature extremes in the car, at least buy this one: Panasonic-Toughbook-52. or this one: Panasonic-Toughbook-30. Dell also has a toughbook: Dell-Latitude-XFR-D630, but it's a lot more expensive than the Panasonic. None of them are i7s (with Intel i7 processor inside), but a functioning core 2 is better than a broken i7 computer. I spoke with a Panasonic Toughbook owner and he told me all the accidents he's had with his and it's still going strong. See this link for an amazing demo of a Toughbook: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7GcyEwHPoU. I'm ordering one of these for a family member who has been through four laptops in the last year.

Lastly, as with all computer purchase make out a list of applications you need first. Then buy the system or combination of systems to meet your needs. Hardware is just a tool for the software.  Good luck with your new purchase. Email me if you have questions.

How many computers can you install a program you bought on?

You have to read the license that comes with each program. Generally, programs come with permission to install on one computer only. Some publishers allow for one desktop and one laptop so that when you take your laptop to work you still have access to the program you paid for. Others allow more installations, but if they do, then it is explicitly stated in the software license. For example, if you have a full-time student in the house, you are allow to purchase Microsoft Office Student Edition for a bargain price and install it on 3 computers. (If they have not changed their license recently.) It's best to assume that one disk=one computer until you discover differently through your research.

Don't Daisy Chain Power Strips, Surge Protectors or UPS's

Daisy-chaining (plugging one into another) power strips and surge protector strips is against most cities' fire codes. It is a fire hazard. So, you can get cited for it. An electrical system in a building is meant to handle a certain load of usage by the occupants. If you are daisy chaining you probably are adding too many electrical devices to one circuit. You'll know when your circuit breaker switches off.  Some folks who have electrical problems in their buildings use UPS (uninteruptible power supplies- basically, a battery for your computer) and apparently some have been known to daisy chain them.
 .
It's finanacially smarter to buy the UPS you need than two half the runtime.Ok, but supposing you had a big stockpile of UPSs that weren't been used anymore. Can you daisy-chain them? The answer is yes, you CAN but why would you want to. Here's three reasons why you shouldn't.

1. First, it's not UL recommended.
2. Second, you're not going to get 4 hours off 2 2-hour UPSs. Once the electric cuts, the UPSs sense that the electric is cut and you'll be using both UPSs at the same time.
3. Lastly, do you really want to listen to beeping for more than 2 hours? The beeping that a UPS does when the power cuts is meant to be annoying because a UPS is designed to keep your computer up long enough to shut it down properly. Then you are supposed to catch up on your reading until the power goes back up.

So basically, keep it simple and plan ahead for your electrical needs. Resist the temptation to daisy chain power strips, surge suppressors or UPS's.  Opt instead to power all your electrical needs properly.

Do You Need to Defrag Windows 7 and Vista?

If you do a lot of file writing to your computer. Yes. Most Windows 7 and Vista owners never check the fragmentation status of their hard drives because they were told that Windows 7 and Vista does it automatically. It does do it automatically if the computer is on. Even if you leave your computer on and the automatic defrags are running you still may need to check the status of your hard drive. This is especially true if you write files, erase files, and do a lot of program installs and uninstalls. My Vista system was 27% fragmented even though the automatic defrags have been running. I haven't checked my Windows 7 system yet, but I recently formatted it so I don't think that one has a problem.

I scheduled automatic defrags for my XP system to run at 2 am. After I come home from painting the town red, I don't really want to use the computer so 2 am is a good time to tie up the processing power on my computer. Ok, really I'm more of an in bed by 10pm gal. If you want to schedule automatic defrags in XP, go to control panel and then Scheduled Tasks. You browse to defrag.exe in windows\system32 directory and set a time.

The built in defragger program for Windows 7 and Vista isn't much to look at. Here's one I'd recommend and it is free: http://www.piriform.com/defraggler/download/standard

Running a defrag can really speed up your computer's performance. Don't neglect your defrags and you'll be less frustrated when trying to get your work done.

Regards,
Janet

Utilizing Lightscribe Technology

Lightscribe technology allows you to burn a CD, flip it over and burn a label to the other side. Many newer laptops and towers are shipped with this type of optical drive. To see if you have it look for the Lightscribe logo on your optical drive. You must have software installed to utilize this type of drive, but if your computer shipped with it, likely you have it already. I've run across many folks who already have this, but didn't know it. See the photo to the right and if it's on your optical drive, you are in luck!

The applications for this are endless! I've sent photo CDs to family and burned music CDs from music I downloaded from Amazon. http://www.amazon.com If I were a realtor and came across someone who was not online, but had a computer I'd mail them a CD with photos of their dream house on it!

Have fun with your Lightscribe today!

A Freebie Alternative to Microsoft Publisher

If you are in business, these hard economic times mean you are looking to cut costs. Open source software is a good way to do that. With open source freeware there is no price tag, and many people are opting free these days!

Perhaps you are needing to make flyers and brochures, but don't want to put out the money for Microsoft Publisher. Scribus is worth a try. It's a small 21 mb download, but it is still a fully functioning desktop publisher.

Scribus comes with a small font package and five templates. The thing I really like about it is that it doesn't weight your system down. Replacing Publisher with Scribus is a smart move if you want to speed up your computer.

You can download Scribus from here: http://www.scribus.net/?q=windows_download. It's available for Mac too. There is a manual that you can download to learn how to use the program, but I didn't need it to start out. It's pretty easy to catch on.

Good luck with Scribus and with your business too!

Are You Paying Too Much for Internet Security Software for your Laptop?

If it's more than ten cents, the answer is YES. Here's why:

• Internet security software is bloatware. It takes too much RAM and slows your system to a crawl. Biggest offender: Norton 360.
  
• Internet security provide you with items you don't need. Most Internet security suites come with extra firewalls. An extra firewall is like an extra raincoat; you don't need two. Most ISP's have a firewall built into the router or dsl modem that they provide to you. Then you have the Windows firewall. It's no wonder your computer is sluggish if you are battling against three firewalls.
  
• Everything you really need is available for free. Antivirus, adware/spyware protection and the Windows firewall is all most people need. Avira (Cnet rated #1), Avast (rated #2) and AVG (rated #3) are available from here: http://download.cnet.com/windows/antivirus-software/. Download Superantispyware from here: http://www.superantispyware or Malwarebytes Antimalware from here: http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html.
  
• Laptop owners do not leave their computers on overnight so virus and spyware scans have to be done at the owner's convenience. That isn't necessarily the same time every day. You don't want the scans running while you are working usually because they slow you down. That being the case, there is no need to pay for automatic scheduling of scans when it's not what you really need.

If you are doing normal business applications, the above programs are all you need. If you are doing something out of the ordinary: file sharing or other dangerous activities you might need extra protection.

Save your money and use it for other things you need for your computer and loose the bloatware.

Must have freeware - Gimp Photo Editor

 If you are needing a full-blown photo editor and can't afford the price for Adobe Photoshop, try Gimp!

Gimp program consists of three panes: the image pane, the Toolbox pane and the Layers & Channels pane. Some of the features are very easy to use and others require a little photo editing know-how. There is an online manual available. The manual and program is free at http://www.gimp.org/downloads/.

Gimp is part of the GNU Project which makes software available to everyone at no charge.

The program has so many palettes and filters, but you can download even more! I haven't come across ANY photo file that Gimp won't open. If someone tells you they are having a problem opening a photo file, then Gimp is probably the answer for them.

Here's what you can do with the jigsaw filter. Now doesn't that give you ideas???? You can cut yourself up and mail yourself to that special someone! Just don't cut me up!

Please let me know if you like Gimp! I denitely do.

How to Uninstall McAfee Security Center

This is a frequently asked question (and big headache) from users because so many people purchase computers with this pre-installed on it. When the subscription is up, they don't want to renew. Many end up renewing because they can't uninstall the software!

The best way to uninstall McAfee Security software is to download the uninstaller.

1. Close all McAfee products.
2. Download the uninstaller from here http://download.mcafee.com/products/licensed/cust_support_patches/MCPR.exe
3. Click on the uninstaller to run it.
4. After the uninstall is finished, restart your computer and install another antivirus program.

You can try using Control Panel and Add/remove programs to uninstall individual McAfee elements, but probably you'll end up doing this anyways.

Good luck!

Make a Facebook Fan Page

Making a Facebook fan page is so easy and a free method to promote your business.

• click here to create a fan page http://www.facebook.com/help/?page=904#!/pages/create.php
• choose the category of the business, or organization in the drop down menu.
• type in the name of your page (your business name).
• click on do not make page publicly visible (because you need to add content).
• click on the blue Create Page button
• add content.

To add content is the same as adding content to your Facebook wall.
It's that easy to get your fan page up.
Hope you get lots of fans!

Explore All the Browswer Options

Internet explorer is installed with Windows by default, but you don't have to keep it your default. You can download and try other browsers. You might even find they are faster (and safer) to use. If you need more proof that you should switch to a safer browser, see this link that compares the number of security vulnerabilities of web browsers: http://www.webdevout.net/ie-is-dangerous



Word of caution: make sure you download directly from the publisher of the browser and not someone who has downloaded it, added naughty code, and put it up for download. The sites I'll provide below are the correct sites to download from.



Firefox http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/ie.html It's fast. If you add the adblock plus add0n, then you can be better protected against viruses delivered by search engine ad content. Firefox takes up the most RAM of all the browswer -especially if you go crazy with the addons. Resist the temptation to do that. One of my coworkers really liked the Firefox themes and used the balloon one right away.



Opera http://www.opera.com/download/ I love love love the speed, but not how it handles bookmarks, probably that will change. (They've had lots of complaints about this.) The speed at which Opera browses makes it worthy of your time to try it. The web programmer at my company said this is the best one for handling CSS, but some pages won't look right in Opera because not everyone is coding their pages correctly.

Chrome http://www.google.com/chrome/. It's still new I'm still wary of using it for secure transactions. It's very fast though!

Safari http://www.apple.com/safari/download/. Mac users generally use Safari, but it is available for PC. It's worth a try!

Website compatibility with different browsers can crop up. When they do, report them to the webmaster for that site. There is no excuse for cross-browser incompatibility. If someone tells you their web application works only with IE, the next thing out of your mouth should be hysterical laughing. (Followed by polite taunting.)

Hopefully, you'll give one or two of these browswers a test drive and find something you like enough to make the switch! Good luck.

Be careful when working inside your computer!

Many people trying to save a buck have opted to repair their own computers. It works out usually, but not always. Here's a couple things you should know.

• What may seem to you as a small, static electricity charge is enough to fry your computer. You know the shock you sometimes give another person? Well if it were your computer, it could be headed towards the computer graveyard. I know you are not going to run out and buy a wristband or a mat, but at least touch the outside of the case to discharge any static electricity you have built up. Or take your chances. I'd recommend the former.
• Not all screws inside a computer are the same. They may look the same, but they are not. A small difference in diameter can make or break getting a screw back in. If you force the screw in, you may strip it. Then you have to go without or buy screws the right size. Use post it notes to label the screws you take out.
• Loose electrical wires can interfere with the fan operation. If you don't properly tie wires, you can cause the system to overheat and cause yourself more headaches than you solved.
• Not all cases are the same. You have to be careful when replacing a motherboard to buy one that will fit in your case.
• Not all memory is the same. Check with your manufacturer to get memory that is supported by your motherboard. If you don't confirm the amount that your motherboard can support, you'll be throwing money away purchasing extra memory that won't be used.
• If your computer is older than six years, your time and money would be better spent on a new tower.
• You should never attempt to repair a monitor unless you are a qualified electrician.

If you do your own repairs there is no warranty for your work, but you only need a warranty when things go wrong. And they never go wrong, right? ;) Please don't ask your computer tech friends to help you fix your computer. If you do, at least pay them. It's their business.

Lastly, if you do repair something inside your computer yourself, there should not be any parts left over!

Good luck and keep Betsy, Old Faithful or whatever you call your computer in good condition and she will take care of you for years.

Welcome to my blog!

It's me, Janet. I've been working in network support ... a long time. Thanks for checking into my little corner of the Internet to glean some helpful hints on what you can do technology wise. I imagine I'll do some ranting and raving as well. Stick with me and I'll endeavor to make it worth your time.

Every day I go home with a headache. It's not a matter of IF I will get one, but WHEN it will hit. I have my headache relief pills in my top drawer -never too far from reach.

My work is rewarding though. I enjoy logging into someone's system remotely and leaving it in better shape than it was. Perhaps I have logged into your computer. Maybe we've never even spoken. Even so, I still want to help you.

I like Farmville. For those of you not in Facebook, it's a farming game application in Facebook. What I like about it is that it encourages people to help each other. That's what I love about my work. The folks I work with are so cool and so appreciative.

On to the business at hand... tech tips. When you are doing your taxes be sure to use an encrypted email system. Make a personal business email just for financial transactions. Don't use it for socializing. Don't post it on any blog or social network. Don't use it for chatting. Keep this a secret between you, your bank, and the people you pay bills to.... including Uncle Sam.

See you next time. I probably will not run out of ideas any time soon, but you can always email your questions and I will get to them all. May I help you?