Recently, I have had a customer who had troubles with their Internet. Every time they would type an URL into the address bar, Windows would launch additional browsers windows and then stop responding; causing the user to need to reboot.
No viruses or spyware were found, causing some puzzlement on my part.
When the customer fisrt turned the machine on, the system would would light up and the fans would turn on, but it would neither POST nor boot into Windows. After some investigation, I found that I would need to run a repair installation of Windows in order for the machine to boot into Windows properly.
I did, and Windows did. But, the problem persisted, even after the scanning mentioned above.
It was at this time, that I installed all of the customers recent updates and the newest version of Internet Explorer, as well as the Firefox browser. This appeared to fix the problem.
After a couple of reboots to check for proper operation, it turned out that the problem was not remedied.
This problem could be gotten around by using Firefox(which I always recommend), but, because this was merely a work-around, the customer was not happy.
Normally, this is when I tell people that they need a format and re-installation of Windows.
Formatting erases the hard drives and all problems associated with Windows. Sometimes the situation is so dire that none of the customers data can be saved.
This was not one of those times.
The lesson I have learned from this experience, is that if your computer needs a repair installation of Windows just to get it to turn on, you need to save all of your data immediately and then format and re-install.
And why werent you performing regular backups of your data anyway?
Monday, October 13, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Comcast to meter usage
Comcast plans to meter their customers internet usage starting October 1st. The allowed amount of use will be 250 gigabytes(GB) of data per month; that both upload and download.
Comcast claims that the average user only uses between 2 and 3 GB of data transfer per month.
This calculation is gotten to by assuming that people on Comcast's service only read text emails (not html'ized ones with pictures), do not use webmail (such as Hotmail or Gmail), and do not watch web videos (such as Youtube) or download large files.
According to calculations done by Ars Technica, it would be possible for a heavy user to use up 50GB of data transfer in approximately 6 minutes. By "heavy user," I mean someone who is perhaps uploading their own videos, or who are streaming video from their home computer, or is even using Remote Desktop to get work done.
Because those of us with fast internet connections have come to rely on them, we are using our computers ever more and will get to the point where 250GB is not nearly enough; especially in a time when our Internet providers have promised us 'unlimited' usage.
There are some commentators on the Web who speculate that this is merely a way to drive people of the computer and back to the good ol' telly; which Comcast makes a lot more money from.
Who knows?
Comcast claims that the average user only uses between 2 and 3 GB of data transfer per month.
This calculation is gotten to by assuming that people on Comcast's service only read text emails (not html'ized ones with pictures), do not use webmail (such as Hotmail or Gmail), and do not watch web videos (such as Youtube) or download large files.
According to calculations done by Ars Technica, it would be possible for a heavy user to use up 50GB of data transfer in approximately 6 minutes. By "heavy user," I mean someone who is perhaps uploading their own videos, or who are streaming video from their home computer, or is even using Remote Desktop to get work done.
Because those of us with fast internet connections have come to rely on them, we are using our computers ever more and will get to the point where 250GB is not nearly enough; especially in a time when our Internet providers have promised us 'unlimited' usage.
There are some commentators on the Web who speculate that this is merely a way to drive people of the computer and back to the good ol' telly; which Comcast makes a lot more money from.
Who knows?
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Fake security software
In the last year, I have been seeing an increase in the number of computers infected with fake anti-virus and anti-spyware programs.
How do you tell if you have one of these? The tell-tale signs are easy to spot:
1) It suddenly appears and you have no memory of installing it.
2) It has a name that starts with "Win"-something. This doesnt include Windows Defender, not because it is a Microsoft program, but because it spells out "windows".
Fake programs only use "win", like WinAntivirus 2008.
3) You get a little yellow balloon pop-up that says "You have "x" number of infections. Click here to fix." (Where x is a number.)
What you can do about it (aside from calling me) is restart into Safe Mode and then run your AV program.
And of course, use Firefox.
How do you tell if you have one of these? The tell-tale signs are easy to spot:
1) It suddenly appears and you have no memory of installing it.
2) It has a name that starts with "Win"-something. This doesnt include Windows Defender, not because it is a Microsoft program, but because it spells out "windows".
Fake programs only use "win", like WinAntivirus 2008.
3) You get a little yellow balloon pop-up that says "You have "x" number of infections. Click here to fix." (Where x is a number.)
What you can do about it (aside from calling me) is restart into Safe Mode and then run your AV program.
And of course, use Firefox.
How to talk to computer people
Biznik has a great post on several general ways to communicate with computer people.
The article contains several ways to communicate with technical people, especially IT and computer repair people.
However, the author is not a technical person and she over-generalizes in a couple of places; but, it still a good article to read if you have ever been frustrated trying to communicate with a computer person or IT staff. (This does not include Indian help-desk staff.)
Check it out!
The article contains several ways to communicate with technical people, especially IT and computer repair people.
However, the author is not a technical person and she over-generalizes in a couple of places; but, it still a good article to read if you have ever been frustrated trying to communicate with a computer person or IT staff. (This does not include Indian help-desk staff.)
Check it out!
Monday, August 11, 2008
When your network doesnt work
Make sure the modem and router are turned on.
Which boxes are the modem and router? Normally they are the ones with the "blinky" lights, the modem is the one with the phone cord or TV-like cable going into it; and the router is the box with the antennas on it.
Make sure the cables are tightly connected.
If any of the cables, especially the ones that look like fat, round telephone cords, are loose in the plugs-ins unplug them and re-plug them in making sure of a tight fight. The fat phone-like cords(which are called "network" or "Ethernet" cables) should make a soft "click when they are plugged in properly.
If the plugs are loose on the end of the cable, replace the cable.
If you right-click on the network icon and click on Properties and the dialog box says there is no "IP address" or "DNS server", you will need to unplug the power cord from your router, wait thirty seconds, plug it back in, wait for the lights to settle down(about a minute or so) and that should fix the problem.
When in doubt(and Windows says "No Connection"), unplug the router (or the modem if you have no router) first and then try the other suggestions.
Make sure when you plug you network cable back in, you plug it into the plug you took it of of!
If none of this works, your problem needs my attention; call me.
Which boxes are the modem and router? Normally they are the ones with the "blinky" lights, the modem is the one with the phone cord or TV-like cable going into it; and the router is the box with the antennas on it.
Make sure the cables are tightly connected.
If any of the cables, especially the ones that look like fat, round telephone cords, are loose in the plugs-ins unplug them and re-plug them in making sure of a tight fight. The fat phone-like cords(which are called "network" or "Ethernet" cables) should make a soft "click when they are plugged in properly.
If the plugs are loose on the end of the cable, replace the cable.
If you right-click on the network icon and click on Properties and the dialog box says there is no "IP address" or "DNS server", you will need to unplug the power cord from your router, wait thirty seconds, plug it back in, wait for the lights to settle down(about a minute or so) and that should fix the problem.
When in doubt(and Windows says "No Connection"), unplug the router (or the modem if you have no router) first and then try the other suggestions.
Make sure when you plug you network cable back in, you plug it into the plug you took it of of!
If none of this works, your problem needs my attention; call me.
Ed Foster -Consumer Advocate
Last week, Ed Foster died unexpectedly at his home. Ed has been a tireless advocate for consumer rights against corporations, governments and absurd regulations and practices of all sorts.
His website, the GripeLog(at gripe2ed.com), was a never-ending list of stories about corporate abuse of their customers and of people gripes with stupid rules that were never written clearly or enforced evenly.
His son has agreed to continue the website, and Ed's column the GripeLog.
With corporate stupidity and downright carelessness ever increasing, Ed's sage advice and consumer advocacy will be sorely missed.
Ed will be missed.
His website, the GripeLog(at gripe2ed.com), was a never-ending list of stories about corporate abuse of their customers and of people gripes with stupid rules that were never written clearly or enforced evenly.
His son has agreed to continue the website, and Ed's column the GripeLog.
With corporate stupidity and downright carelessness ever increasing, Ed's sage advice and consumer advocacy will be sorely missed.
Ed will be missed.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Why is my computer running slow?
Once you've had your computer for some time, say, a a couple of years, you may notice that your computer seems to work slower than when it was new.
On of the reasons this happens is file fragmentation, which is a normal result of storing programs and data on the hard drive. If you are a heavy user of the computer, de-fragmenting (or defragging) your hard drive should be done once a week or twice a month; depending on how much data you are storing on the hard drive, including installation or deletion of programs.
If you are a light user of the computer, then you need only defrag the hard drive once every month or two.
Another reason your computer may slow down (that doesnt involve viruses or spyware) is the amount of programs you have installed. If you have taken up more than 50% of your hard drive with programs, your computer will run slower simply because the read/write head on the hard drive has to travel more, which takes more time.
On of the reasons this happens is file fragmentation, which is a normal result of storing programs and data on the hard drive. If you are a heavy user of the computer, de-fragmenting (or defragging) your hard drive should be done once a week or twice a month; depending on how much data you are storing on the hard drive, including installation or deletion of programs.
If you are a light user of the computer, then you need only defrag the hard drive once every month or two.
Another reason your computer may slow down (that doesnt involve viruses or spyware) is the amount of programs you have installed. If you have taken up more than 50% of your hard drive with programs, your computer will run slower simply because the read/write head on the hard drive has to travel more, which takes more time.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Update
If you are having Internet access problems resulting from a Windows Update and you are using Zone Alarm, you must uninstall Zone Alarm, delete ALL leftover folders, and download the newest version-70.483.000 and install it.
The Windows Update should be installed; it is a necessary fix to strengthen Windows against Internet attacks.
The Windows Update should be installed; it is a necessary fix to strengthen Windows against Internet attacks.
If you cant connect to the Internet
...and this only just happened in the last day or two, then your problem is most likely to be the most recent Windows Update. Or, by now (Friday, July 11), the one installed on July 9.
To fix it, remove the update.
Go to Control Panel, Add Remove Programs
Click the option to show Updates in the top corner
Scroll down the list of installed Windows updates and uninstall this one
KB915748.
Then go to Windows Update website and select the option not to download that update again.
The problem is that this update is conflicting with third-party ( not a Microsoft product) firewall programs, especially Zone Alarm.
Microsoft is aware of the problem, but may not be doing anything about it, since this problem benefits their products at the price of your security and convenience.
To fix it, remove the update.
Go to Control Panel, Add Remove Programs
Click the option to show Updates in the top corner
Scroll down the list of installed Windows updates and uninstall this one
KB915748.
Then go to Windows Update website and select the option not to download that update again.
The problem is that this update is conflicting with third-party ( not a Microsoft product) firewall programs, especially Zone Alarm.
Microsoft is aware of the problem, but may not be doing anything about it, since this problem benefits their products at the price of your security and convenience.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
A Late Independence Day Note
On Independence Day, we are reminded of how our forefathers fought to free us from rulers who abused their power and who did not listen to the problems and complaints of the citizens.
This should remind us also that we as a country must continually fight against the inherent nature of government to limit our freedoms and to control our actions and behaviors. To control us.
What does this have to do with computers? Right now, the government has the right to tap your phones, record your cell phone conversations and text messages, read your emails, watch what websites you go to and demand that stores give up records of what food you eat and what books you read.
According to the Constitution, you have the right to to live your life without interference from, or monitoring by, the government.
Any government, at any level.
Right now, we are giving up those rights. It is not up to the government to decide what we say on the phone, or who we talk to. Or how we use our home computers.
Once we give up the right to privacy(and yes, the courts have upheld a traditional "right to privacy") and non-interference in our lives by the government, we will never get them back short of revolution.
Are you up for revolution; without knowing how much it will cost you personally?
I didnt think so.
So we, as Americans, must make sure our representatives are not cowed by the minority of citizens and the moneyed special interests who would tell our representatives that they must take away our rights, in order to make us "safe."
The world is not a safe place; but we are adults, we accept that there is risk involved in living.
We must prevent our representatives from taking away that risk. When we lose the risk in life, we lose the freedoms that made that risk possible.
Remember, Ben Franklin said "Those who desire both Security and Liberty deserve neither and will receive neither."
Happy Independence Day!
This should remind us also that we as a country must continually fight against the inherent nature of government to limit our freedoms and to control our actions and behaviors. To control us.
What does this have to do with computers? Right now, the government has the right to tap your phones, record your cell phone conversations and text messages, read your emails, watch what websites you go to and demand that stores give up records of what food you eat and what books you read.
According to the Constitution, you have the right to to live your life without interference from, or monitoring by, the government.
Any government, at any level.
Right now, we are giving up those rights. It is not up to the government to decide what we say on the phone, or who we talk to. Or how we use our home computers.
Once we give up the right to privacy(and yes, the courts have upheld a traditional "right to privacy") and non-interference in our lives by the government, we will never get them back short of revolution.
Are you up for revolution; without knowing how much it will cost you personally?
I didnt think so.
So we, as Americans, must make sure our representatives are not cowed by the minority of citizens and the moneyed special interests who would tell our representatives that they must take away our rights, in order to make us "safe."
The world is not a safe place; but we are adults, we accept that there is risk involved in living.
We must prevent our representatives from taking away that risk. When we lose the risk in life, we lose the freedoms that made that risk possible.
Remember, Ben Franklin said "Those who desire both Security and Liberty deserve neither and will receive neither."
Happy Independence Day!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Is your computer breaking the law?
Chances are, the answer is probably yes.
There is an article on Tech Republic about the 10 laws you may be breaking without realizing it.
Some of these laws you may never even have heard about.
Here are some of them:
The Digital Millenium Copyright Act(DMCA): If you make of copy of anything that is copyrighted that isnt yours, you are in violation. This means 5 years in federal prison, and a $250,000 fine for the first offense.
How does this affect you? If you forward that email joke and the author gets upset, you are guilty.
The No Electronic Theft Act(NET): If you make a copy of a song to give to a friend or relative, or if you download a video, or transfer a movie that you own to a portable device(whether or not you lend it to someone) you are in violation.
If you are traveling with electronic gadgets(laptops, PDA's, digital cameras, etc.), Customs and/or the Border Patrol(even the TSA) have the authority and the willingness to order you to allow them to inspect your device before you are allowed back into the United States. Courts have upheld that the 4th Amendment to the Constitution does not apply to personal effects at border crossings.
And, finally, Cyberstalking and cyberbullying. While federal law doesnt forbid you from writing that angry letter to a business you are unhappy with, several state laws are broad enough to interpret an angry letter as "stalking/bullying."
Just another reason to be polite.
There is an article on Tech Republic about the 10 laws you may be breaking without realizing it.
Some of these laws you may never even have heard about.
Here are some of them:
The Digital Millenium Copyright Act(DMCA): If you make of copy of anything that is copyrighted that isnt yours, you are in violation. This means 5 years in federal prison, and a $250,000 fine for the first offense.
How does this affect you? If you forward that email joke and the author gets upset, you are guilty.
The No Electronic Theft Act(NET): If you make a copy of a song to give to a friend or relative, or if you download a video, or transfer a movie that you own to a portable device(whether or not you lend it to someone) you are in violation.
If you are traveling with electronic gadgets(laptops, PDA's, digital cameras, etc.), Customs and/or the Border Patrol(even the TSA) have the authority and the willingness to order you to allow them to inspect your device before you are allowed back into the United States. Courts have upheld that the 4th Amendment to the Constitution does not apply to personal effects at border crossings.
And, finally, Cyberstalking and cyberbullying. While federal law doesnt forbid you from writing that angry letter to a business you are unhappy with, several state laws are broad enough to interpret an angry letter as "stalking/bullying."
Just another reason to be polite.
Monday, June 23, 2008
On Buying Computer Parts
When you are buying new parts for your computer, or when considering most other electronics purchases as well, there are things you remember before purchasing.
Because there is such a profusion of choices and prices here are some guidelines to help you buy the part or piece of electronics that is right for you:
Because there is such a profusion of choices and prices here are some guidelines to help you buy the part or piece of electronics that is right for you:
- What are you going to use it for? Think about what you want to do with it, not just today, but will it still meet your needs tomorrow?
- What is your budget? You should always buy computer parts that are slightly better than what you think you need. Alway buy as much capacity, storage, speed or whatever as your budget allows. By not being cheap, you will allow yourself room to grow into the full capacity of the component(this dos not necessarily apply to TV's or stereos).
- Complexity is not always the best. Just because a component is complex or offers tons of "extra" features, does not always mean it is the best part for your needs. Yes, you should buy the most capacity or your component, but "capacity"(speed, storage, etc) does not equal "features"(the ability to record TV, being able to output to five different devices all at once, etc.) Dont be afraid to ask the salesperson questions(although you will get better answers if you shop at a store that specializes in the item you are buying).
- Highest price is not always the best. Even though you are trying to get the best product for your money, the highest priced item for your budget isnt necessarily the best item for your needs. Be sure to read the side of the box(es) and compare features and capacity. You may find out that the highest priced item in your budget range may not be supported by the computer you have.
Monday, June 09, 2008
Laptops and power plugs
The most common problem with laptops (aside from Windows issues) is the power plug, aka power jack or AC adapter.
Because laptops have to be made to exacting specifications, there is little to no room to reinforce the AC adapters position on the motherboard. This means that the rougher the user is on the equipment, the sooner the plug will be worked off of its mounting.
If a person is continually jamming the plug in or, more commonly, yanking out the cord then the more likely they are to pull the adapter off of its mountings.
How easy is this to repair? That depends on the make and model of the laptop; some brands are far easier to disassemble and reassemble than others. Also, it depends on the extent of the damage.
If the problem is found when the plug is "a little wiggly," then its a relatively quick fix because the mounting points can be reset and reinforced.
If the first time the problem is noticed is when the user notices a "strange rattle where the power plug was," then it is probably too late and its time for a new laptop.
The bottom line is: be gentle with your power cord, and it will outlast you.
Because laptops have to be made to exacting specifications, there is little to no room to reinforce the AC adapters position on the motherboard. This means that the rougher the user is on the equipment, the sooner the plug will be worked off of its mounting.
If a person is continually jamming the plug in or, more commonly, yanking out the cord then the more likely they are to pull the adapter off of its mountings.
How easy is this to repair? That depends on the make and model of the laptop; some brands are far easier to disassemble and reassemble than others. Also, it depends on the extent of the damage.
If the problem is found when the plug is "a little wiggly," then its a relatively quick fix because the mounting points can be reset and reinforced.
If the first time the problem is noticed is when the user notices a "strange rattle where the power plug was," then it is probably too late and its time for a new laptop.
The bottom line is: be gentle with your power cord, and it will outlast you.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Getting your computer RAIDed
More computer are being sold with a type of hard drive storage called RAID; so I thought I would talk a little about what RAID is, and what it does.
RAID stands for Redundant Array of Independent (or Inexpensive, depending on who you ask) Disks. It is a way of improving performance, improving stability or safeguarding data.
RAID comes in several different types: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and several others.
The most common (for consumers) types of RAID are 0 and 1.
RAID 0(zero) is two hard drives hooked together to make one larger hard drive. This is called "striped without parity," and provides both larger capacity and faster performance than single hard drives.
The downside to RAID 0 is that if one drive fails or is corrupted, then the data on that drive is lost.
When I say "parity" I mean the ability to detect errors in the stored data. Also called "error correction."
RAID 1 is "mirrored;" two or more hard drives are connected together so that each one is an exact duplicate of the other. Thus if one drive fails or is corrputed, then the data on the other drive remains safe. RAID 1 is "mirrored without parity".
So know you know if a salesman says RAID 0, you know it means data spread across two hard drives and RAID 1 means data duplicated across two (or more) hard drives.
RAID stands for Redundant Array of Independent (or Inexpensive, depending on who you ask) Disks. It is a way of improving performance, improving stability or safeguarding data.
RAID comes in several different types: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and several others.
The most common (for consumers) types of RAID are 0 and 1.
RAID 0(zero) is two hard drives hooked together to make one larger hard drive. This is called "striped without parity," and provides both larger capacity and faster performance than single hard drives.
The downside to RAID 0 is that if one drive fails or is corrupted, then the data on that drive is lost.
When I say "parity" I mean the ability to detect errors in the stored data. Also called "error correction."
RAID 1 is "mirrored;" two or more hard drives are connected together so that each one is an exact duplicate of the other. Thus if one drive fails or is corrputed, then the data on the other drive remains safe. RAID 1 is "mirrored without parity".
So know you know if a salesman says RAID 0, you know it means data spread across two hard drives and RAID 1 means data duplicated across two (or more) hard drives.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Recovery Discs
Whenever you buy a new computer, especially when you buy it from a name brand company such as HP, Dell, Compaq, Gateway, etc., be sure you receive a Recovery Disk!
If something were to go catastrophically wrong with your installation of Windows, and the chances are high that it will, you will need to recover, aka re-install, Windows, all the drivers for your hardware and peripherals(printers and such), and all the programs that came with your computer.
Because the five minutes it takes for a company to create a recovery disk for you is five minutes the company is losing money, do not expect to have it handed to you with the computer.
You must ask the salesperson you are dealing with for the recovery CD (or DVD, if you are buying a computer with Vista installed).
Most nation-wide chain stores will provide you with a recovery CD, but they will charge you for it. If the store charges more than $10, it is a rip-off. (Most major brands of computer makers will mail you, or allow you to download and burn, a recovery CD/DVD for your exact model of computer; but you shouldnt have to ask.)
You should ask the salesperson if there is a recovery CD/DVD that comes with the machine. If one does not come with a CD/DVD, you should shop somewhere else that does provide one.
If your brand new computer comes with a recovery partition (a part of the hard drive where the recovery and re-installation information is stored), you should ask the salesperson how to access it if Windows fails to boot.
Having a recovery disc is like having jumper cables in your car; if you have them, you are less likely to need them, but you will be thankful to have if you ever need them.
If something were to go catastrophically wrong with your installation of Windows, and the chances are high that it will, you will need to recover, aka re-install, Windows, all the drivers for your hardware and peripherals(printers and such), and all the programs that came with your computer.
Because the five minutes it takes for a company to create a recovery disk for you is five minutes the company is losing money, do not expect to have it handed to you with the computer.
You must ask the salesperson you are dealing with for the recovery CD (or DVD, if you are buying a computer with Vista installed).
Most nation-wide chain stores will provide you with a recovery CD, but they will charge you for it. If the store charges more than $10, it is a rip-off. (Most major brands of computer makers will mail you, or allow you to download and burn, a recovery CD/DVD for your exact model of computer; but you shouldnt have to ask.)
You should ask the salesperson if there is a recovery CD/DVD that comes with the machine. If one does not come with a CD/DVD, you should shop somewhere else that does provide one.
If your brand new computer comes with a recovery partition (a part of the hard drive where the recovery and re-installation information is stored), you should ask the salesperson how to access it if Windows fails to boot.
Having a recovery disc is like having jumper cables in your car; if you have them, you are less likely to need them, but you will be thankful to have if you ever need them.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Networking luncheon tomorrow
Tomorrow I am going to a lucheon hosted by a local networking group, Biznik. If you are a small business owner and want to have lunch with a bunch of other small business owners, come on over!
The luncheon will be at Alligator Soul on Broadway, in Everett, at 11:30. (You can find directions and a map at Biznik.com)
Hope to see you there.
The luncheon will be at Alligator Soul on Broadway, in Everett, at 11:30. (You can find directions and a map at Biznik.com)
Hope to see you there.
Mac or PC?
Alot of people are asking these days "What about Macs?," "Should I get a Mac?" and similar questions.
The answer is "it depends;" it depends on what you want to do with your computer, how much you want to spend, and are you willing to unlearn and re-learn how to work with your computer.
If you want to play high-end video games (in addition to everyday use), you need a PC. If, however, you are(or plan to be) creative then you may be better off buying a Macintosh.
Be aware however, that Mac are 2-3 times as expensive as an average PC(an average PC that costs $600-700).
The reason Mac's are looking so much more attractive now than they have been is due in large part to the fact that the current Macs are compatible with PC hardware and that you are able to run Windows(Windows XP only) on a Mac at the same time the Mac operating system is running. Like a picture-in-picture TV.
This is called "running a virtual machine" and it means that with the addition of a small program, you can run Windows in a program window on the Mac desktop, and run any Windows program you have as if it were on a PC.
When you are using a virtual Windows, however, Windows XP is just as vulnerable to all the bad stuff it is normally vulnerable to, so you would need to have all the same anti-virus and other security programs installed in your virtual Windows.
The good news about having a "virtual machine" running Windows is that nothing that happens in the virtual machine(or VM, for short) window affects the host computer(the Mac). So if Windows XP should "blue screen," or otherwise crash, you would just close the program window that Windows is in and re-open it... to a fresh un-crashed Windows.
So, if you are wondering whether your next computer should be a Mac, consider:
price: more an investment than a purchase
usability: how hard will it be to use
compatibility: will it run the programs I already have
creativity: does my job, or my artisitic impulses justify having a better machine
Once you have considered all these things, go out and buy that Mac!
(and dont forget your virtual machine program!)
Your PC guy, Peter
The answer is "it depends;" it depends on what you want to do with your computer, how much you want to spend, and are you willing to unlearn and re-learn how to work with your computer.
If you want to play high-end video games (in addition to everyday use), you need a PC. If, however, you are(or plan to be) creative then you may be better off buying a Macintosh.
Be aware however, that Mac are 2-3 times as expensive as an average PC(an average PC that costs $600-700).
The reason Mac's are looking so much more attractive now than they have been is due in large part to the fact that the current Macs are compatible with PC hardware and that you are able to run Windows(Windows XP only) on a Mac at the same time the Mac operating system is running. Like a picture-in-picture TV.
This is called "running a virtual machine" and it means that with the addition of a small program, you can run Windows in a program window on the Mac desktop, and run any Windows program you have as if it were on a PC.
When you are using a virtual Windows, however, Windows XP is just as vulnerable to all the bad stuff it is normally vulnerable to, so you would need to have all the same anti-virus and other security programs installed in your virtual Windows.
The good news about having a "virtual machine" running Windows is that nothing that happens in the virtual machine(or VM, for short) window affects the host computer(the Mac). So if Windows XP should "blue screen," or otherwise crash, you would just close the program window that Windows is in and re-open it... to a fresh un-crashed Windows.
So, if you are wondering whether your next computer should be a Mac, consider:
price: more an investment than a purchase
usability: how hard will it be to use
compatibility: will it run the programs I already have
creativity: does my job, or my artisitic impulses justify having a better machine
Once you have considered all these things, go out and buy that Mac!
(and dont forget your virtual machine program!)
Your PC guy, Peter
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
For Earth Day
I thought I would talk about what to do with your old computer, or monitor or other electronics.
For computers, you can:
Take them to a reputable electronics recycler(one that doesnt ship them to China and dump them in a landfill),
Give them away; to friends, neighbors, kids or your favorite charity. They dont have to work; charities can use computers for vocational training(by teaching people how to assemble/disassemble them), or
Re-use the parts that can be re-used; this way the next computer is cheaper!
For computers, you can:
Take them to a reputable electronics recycler(one that doesnt ship them to China and dump them in a landfill),
Give them away; to friends, neighbors, kids or your favorite charity. They dont have to work; charities can use computers for vocational training(by teaching people how to assemble/disassemble them), or
Re-use the parts that can be re-used; this way the next computer is cheaper!
Monday, April 21, 2008
10 Things People Do That Mess Up Their Computers
Tech Republic has an article on the 10 things people do that hurt their computers. By following the link, you can read the full article.
Some of these are obvious, some are not.
#2: Surf the Internet without a firewall.
#3: Neglect to run or update antivirus and anti-spyware programs.
#4: Install and uninstall lots of programs, especially betas.
#5: Keep disks full and fragmented.
#6: Open all attachments.
#7: Click on everything.
#8: Share and share alike.
#9: Pick the wrong passwords.
As long as you don't do any of these things, you will be on the road to safer and happier computing.
Some of these are obvious, some are not.
#1: Plug into the wall without surge protection.
#2: Surf the Internet without a firewall.
#3: Neglect to run or update antivirus and anti-spyware programs.#4: Install and uninstall lots of programs, especially betas.
#5: Keep disks full and fragmented.
#6: Open all attachments. #7: Click on everything.
#8: Share and share alike.
#9: Pick the wrong passwords.
#10: Ignore the need for a backup and recovery plan.
As long as you don't do any of these things, you will be on the road to safer and happier computing.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Common methods of ID Theft
Everyone has heard of identity theft, but most people dont realize that ID theft is (mostly) plain, old-fashioned fraud with a spiffy new name that is scary.
Identity theft is still just theft. But how do these thieves get your identity in the first place?
The Post Office has published the most common ways ID thieves get your information.
Dumpster Diving: Rummaging through your trash. This is why you should shred every piece of mail or other papers that have you name, address, and any identifying information on them(phone numbers, account numbers, billing or credit card information, etc).
Skimming: Stealing your credit/debit card information by running it through a separate card reader while processing your card normally(at the ATM, or a restaurant where the server takes your card and comes back with it later).
Phishing: Fake emails that lure you into going to a scam or virus-laden website where you are convinced to give out your personal information.
Changing Your Address: Diverting your billing statements to another address by giving the Post Office a "change of address" form.
"Old-Fashioned" Stealing: Stealing wallets and purse; mail out of mailboxes; filling out pre-approved credit card offers; intercepting new checks or tax information. Thieves also steal records from their employers, or bribe employees who have access.
And lastly, Buying Customer Records From Credit Bureaus: Thieves will pretend to be legitimate businesses(who buy and sell your information daily as just another way to make money) and then buy your records from your bank or credit reporting agencies, even from government agencies.
Now that you know the most common ways thieves and fraudsters get your identity, you can better protect it.
Identity theft is still just theft. But how do these thieves get your identity in the first place?
The Post Office has published the most common ways ID thieves get your information.
Dumpster Diving: Rummaging through your trash. This is why you should shred every piece of mail or other papers that have you name, address, and any identifying information on them(phone numbers, account numbers, billing or credit card information, etc).
Skimming: Stealing your credit/debit card information by running it through a separate card reader while processing your card normally(at the ATM, or a restaurant where the server takes your card and comes back with it later).
Phishing: Fake emails that lure you into going to a scam or virus-laden website where you are convinced to give out your personal information.
Changing Your Address: Diverting your billing statements to another address by giving the Post Office a "change of address" form.
"Old-Fashioned" Stealing: Stealing wallets and purse; mail out of mailboxes; filling out pre-approved credit card offers; intercepting new checks or tax information. Thieves also steal records from their employers, or bribe employees who have access.
And lastly, Buying Customer Records From Credit Bureaus: Thieves will pretend to be legitimate businesses(who buy and sell your information daily as just another way to make money) and then buy your records from your bank or credit reporting agencies, even from government agencies.
Now that you know the most common ways thieves and fraudsters get your identity, you can better protect it.
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