Computer Boot Camp – June 2009

The most common piece of feedback I receive about my monthly computer users group goes something like this; “I love coming to the meetings, but I don’t understand most of what you say.” Or, “Almost all of the information is over my head.” I dedicate today’s meeting to all you folks who want to learn (and rightfully so) the bare bone basics about computers. This article will give you links...

Basic Computer Terminology

Throughout my week, I need to remember to define the terms I’m using with regards to technology. Too often, a message or lesson can be lost because I assumed that the learner knew some terminology they didn’t Today, I want to define some basics for you. Learn them and share them with all your computer buddies: Browser – I tell folks to imagine that a browser is like a television set. Any brand of television...

How to dual boot Vista and XP (with Vista installe...

This article helped me immensely today. He doesn’t link the EasyBCD program in his article that is critical to getting everything going, but I’ve linked it here. He also links to another article of his that explains how to dual boot XP and Vista with XP already installed. Good stuff! How to dual boot Vista and XP (with Vista installed first) — the step-by-step guide with screenshots. ...

Keep track of your original computer documentation...

Lately too many customers have had to wait for repairs on their computers because I needed to order recovery CD sets from the manufacturer. This time and expense can be avoided if you do two simple things when you buy your new computer: 1.  Save all disks and/or documentation that comes in the box 2.  Since most manufacturers no longer send along recovery CDs and operating system CDs, it is up to you make them. Look for a...

How to add a web application to the iPhone home sc...

Popular demand (among new iPhone users) prompted me to add this quick, yet helpful iPhone tip. Don’t worry non-iPhone users…there is a tip for you at the end of the article…keep reading or skip to the end! To add a web page or application you frequently use to your iPhone home screen: Start Safari Navigate to the page you want to add Tap the Add Bookmark button at the bottom of the screen (+ sign) Tap Add...

Convert and-or Create a PDF file online

  If you ever have the need to create a PDF file so you can share it easily with others, or have the need to convert a PDF file into a word processing file, then I recommend giving PDF Online a try. In just a few steps, you can upload a file you want to convert to a PDF or upload a PDF file you want converted to a Word file. Once the file is uploaded, it takes just a minute or two for the service to perform its magic...

Use CCleaner Monthly

If you are a Microsoft Windows user, of any flavor, I recommend that you download and use the free CCleaner utility once per month. Our computers create thousands of small files that we never see in order to perform the computing tasks we ask of them. Visiting web sites also creates thousands of files including the oft misunderstood cookies. All these files are called temporary files and are completely expendable. Over the...

Netbooks – What are they really designed to ...

Today, I demo’d the original EeePC from Asus and the new Dell Mini 9. These Netbooks and all the others on the market from nearly a dozen companies have the following characteristics in common: 9″ or less screen size (there are some 10″ screens, but I start to put those in the category of ultra portable notebooks instead of netbooks) All cost less than $400 and some less than $300 Weigh less than 3.5...

Does that computer have enough hard drive space?

While counseling a customer on buying a new computer recently, the customer asked if a 500 gigabyte drive was ok compared to another a computer that had a 640 GB hard drive. Other than hard drive capacity, the machines were pretty equal. Unless the person plans to store their 2000 album music collection, edit feature length movies, or are designing the next skyscraper for Dubai, I have them go through this simple...

Mozy Online Backup Redux

Last spring I introduced you to Mozy Online Backup. I have been using the service for more than a year now and couldn’t be happier. In that time, I helped many clients (individuals and businesses) sign up as well. The service works great, offers peace of mind, and is extremely affordable. If you haven’t read my original article about Mozy, make sure to read it and then watch the video on how to set it up. Like...

You can do what I do

I love learning. My goal is to learn something new every single day I open my eyes. Luckily, I learn multiple new ideas, techniques, or facts every single day. When it comes to my job troubleshooting computers, I believe anyone can do it if they follow the formula I use. You need to be able to be able to learn and learn quickly. Computers, software, peripherals and the infinite combinations of them change at a rapid pace....

Your one stop troubleshooting spot

In the almost 14 years that I have devoted to helping computer users, I have discovered a few computing standards: Many computer problems can be solved by simply restarting the computer. In the event of a mouse, keyboard, monitor, sound, printer or Internet problem, always triple check your cables to make sure everything is plugged in securely. Much to the dismay of computer users, almost all problems were caused in...

The Magical Title Bar – Video Tip

The title bar is the long (usually blue) bar at the top of each program. The title bar contains three familiar buttons on the right; the minimize button (little bar), the maximize or resize button (middle button) and the often used "X" button to close a program. On the left side of the title bar is a small icon in the far left corner that matches that of the program. The name of the current file (or...

How to setup Mozy Online Backup – Video Tip

Your best defense against computer problems is a solid backup strategy. If you search our site for backup, you will find many articles relating to this important topic. However, in the past year or so, IF you have a high speed Internet connection, another compelling backup option has emerged. That option is online backup. Backing your data up automatically to a server on the Internet can be affordable, safe, and painless. In...

3 Important Steps to practice when confronted with...

Throughout my week I receive many exasperated calls from computer users and encounter flustered users when I visit their home or office. In the almost 13 years that I’ve been helping people with their computers, I have found that many problems can be resolved quickly IF the following three steps are practiced: When the event occurs, push away from the computer, take a deep breath and reach for a piece of paper and...