Windows 7: Should I Upgrade?
November 17, 2009
Windows 7 has been out for almost a month now and for the most part has gotten positive reviews. I have been asked by a lot of people if they should upgrade their computers to the new operating system. The short answer is no, but for some users it does make sense.
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Bluetooth and WiFi Communication
October 19, 2009
Intermedia Systems Group, the audio/visual division of Emerson Technologies, recently released a video explaining the differences between Bluetooth and WiFi. The segment discusses the differences between Bluetooth and WiFi communication, as well as when they are each typically used. Bluetooth is for mobile and fixed small device communication with small amounts of data transfer, where WiFi is designed to be more of a computer to network form of communication for larger amounts of data transfer.
Planning Ahead For 2010
October 19, 2009
Most people are still using a version of Windows called “Windows XP.” After Windows XP, the next version was “Windows Vista.” Coming out on 10/22/2009 is the newest version of Windows, “Windows 7.” There is nothing wrong with continuing to use Windows XP; there is no need to upgrade…yet. Emerson Technologies recommends that Windows 7 be deployed as you purchase new computers from now on. Once Windows 7 is released, Windows XP will no longer be available for direct purchase. It will still be possible to find Windows XP for use in new computers for some time yet, however it will be significantly more expensive to purchase. Microsoft will gradually be supporting Windows XP less and less. The gradual transition to Windows 7 is only one aspect to consider when planning for the 2010 budget. Read more
Toolbars…Are They Helpful?
October 14, 2009
How many toolbars do you currently have installed in your web browser? Did you know that the more toolbars you have, the slower your browser will behave? Toolbars may seem like they are a useful tool but in reality they aren’t as useful as you may think. Most of the time, the “features” they add are already in the latest version of your browser. Read more
Apple Releases New iPod Nano: Now with Radio and Video Camera capabilities!
September 14, 2009
This month, Apple released their latest version of the iPod Nano. The iPod Nano has been Apple’s smallest fully functioning version of their iPod line. I say fully functioning because they do have an iPod shuffle, which is nothing more than a small music player with no interactive screen. The new iPod Nano has a 2.2” screen and weighs 1.28oz. It has a lot of new features as well. It can be bought in either an 8gb model or a 16gb model which is approximately 2,000 or 4,000 songs. Read more
Twitter, Facebook, Myspace and the Social Networking Craze
September 14, 2009
Social networking is a way for people to develop networks with their friends and associates. The medium by which this is done is internet websites. It allows people to stay in touch and see what others are up to. Three popular social networking websites are Twitter, Facebook and Myspace. Each one is a tool that in one way or another allows you to interact with another person. We are going to examine each one and talk about the differences between them.
Fake Anti-Virus Software: Are You Safe?
September 14, 2009
One of the ever growing threats out in the world is the presence of computer viruses. Computer viruses and other unwanted visitors such as worms, trojans etc, have become more widespread than ever and pose a serious threat to everyone who uses a computer (except us linux users of course). Someone once asked me, “How can my computer be messed up when I have anti-virus software?” I took a look at their laptop and they actually had fake anti-virus software. It looked like real anti-virus software and appeared to function like it, but it did not. It said it was performing system scans and even reported fake logs saying the computer was clean. What’s even worse is that when I tried to remove it, it had such control of the system that any attempt to install real anti-virus software failed, as the fake program would prevent that from happening. I eventually was able to get rid of it by other means, but it was a first (of many) encounters with this type of threat. Fake anti-virus software can be very serious because it allows other malicious software to be installed on your computer and can have its own threats that include items that lead to identity theft, which is another growing concern and something we will discuss in the future.
Netbooks: The Powerful Mini-Laptop
August 20, 2009
You can’t look around in an electronic store or even watch TV anymore without seeing or hearing about netbooks. A netbook is essentially a smaller version of a laptop designed for a specific purpose: surfing the web, though that isn’t to say that’s all they can do by any means.
Here are the pros of netbooks. First off, they have excellent battery life. In fact, newer netbooks can get more than 10 hours before they need to be charged again. Standard laptops get 3 hours or so if you’re lucky. Netbooks are very small. They typically have screens from 7”-10”. Laptops are usually 13.3”-17”, though are are some even bigger than that. Because netbooks are so much smaller, and because they often have solid state drives (SSDs), they are much lighter. They most commonly weigh around 2 or 3 pounds. Because they are small and light, they are very, very portable and easy to carry around. They can fit in a backpack or purse relatively easily, which is why they are becoming a more popular choice for college students. They come with a built in wireless adapter as well, so they can connect to any wireless network. Also, there are linux based operating systems that are tailored specifically for netbooks. This is because netbooks often aren’t as powerful as laptops, which we’ll get to more in depth in the next section, and linux is a very quick efficient operating system. Lastly, netbooks are very inexpensive. You can get netbooks for around $200 or $300, but a more powerful one will be $500+. Read more
Stocking stuffers for the techie in your life
December 18, 2008
Everyone has somebody in their life who is considered a techie. Be it a loved one, co-worker or friend, there are techies all around us. Being that said person is a techie, most “typical” gifts one thinks of are fairly expensive. From video-games to DVD’s, iPod’s and TVs, electronic gifts can be a little rough on the wallet. So what are some good gift ideas for a techie, without having to spend a fortune?
A safer way to use credit cards online
December 18, 2008
Most of us have purchased things on-line with a credit-card. With all the news of identity theft and credit-card theft lately, it is understandable to be hesitant about making online purchases. This is especially the case when you need to make a payment at a new website that you haven’t developed a trust for. The online payment website PayPal has a little-known and under-used feature that can help reduce the chances of your credit card being used without your authorization.
If you have a PayPal account, you can take advantage of their free “secure card” feature. This is a service where PayPal creates a one-time use, or single-vendor credit card for you. You get a unique credit card that can only be used one-time, or that can only be used at a single vendor (your choice). The credit card is tied to your PayPal account or your bank account to fund the purchases.
