Set up a home network – Part I

Home computer networks used to be just for geeks, there was no practical reason to setup a network at home because most people only had one system and the Internet was only accessible through a dial-up connection that couldn?t be shared. Today that has all changed. Computer networks are not only practical but they are also easy to setup and in many cases they are absolutely necessary. Over the next few weeks, we will...

Simple wireless password security

Thankfully, more and more home computer users are securing their wireless networks. Most newer wireless routers offer to automate the whole process which works pretty well. However, if you are wanting a little more control, I recommend the following advice for setting up a wireless router: First, make sure that you change the router configuration password. For example, you can log into any Linksys router by knowing that you...

Vista can run faster if you…

I just finished my normal Sunday morning routine of breakfast with the Sunday paper. I always peruse the Sunday high tech ads to keep tabs on prices. Computer prices continue to drop (and I still think manufacturers are getting a kick back from Microsoft) to help spur sluggish sales. However, the past few weeks, I picked up on another trend; increased RAM. In this week’s big 4 ads (Office Depot, Office Max, Circuit...

What I learned in the first 4 days of my iPhone 3G

I picked up my new iPhone late on Thursday night, worked with it on Friday, then left with it for a quick trip to see my brother and my first and only nephew. Prior to this phone, I have used some sort of smartphone since 2000…all Palm software based. Prior to that I used Palm handheld computers since about 1997. I decided to move to the iPhone because I felt that the Palm innovation had stagnated…about 5 years...

Increase the speed of your computer

If your computer still performs all the functions you want it to do, there is no need to replace it. However, no matter if you’ve been using the same computer for a month or seven years, all computers need and crave RAM (Random Access Memory). RAM provides the ‘umph’ for our computers and an abundance of it helps Windows’ performance tremendously. Hard drive space (physical storage of your data) and...

Printer Troubleshooting 101

Lately, I’ve run across many printer problems so I’m going to share with you my formula for approaching a printer problem. Shut off computer Shut off printer Check cable from printer to computer and make sure it is securely plugged in on both sides Check cable from printer to power source and make they plugged in well. Turn the printer on and wait for it to go through all of its startup activities (wait until...

Eee PC 900

The new ASUS Eee PC 900 is finally available in the United States. Like its release earlier this year in Asia, the 900 version is selling like hot cakes in the U.S. too. I have been using the 4G version of the  original ASUS Eee PC since November 2007 and wrote a few articles about it that can be found here. I originally bought it to try it out and see what all the fuss was about, but quickly became attached to its ultra...

Troubleshoot Hardware Problems Using the Device Ma...

Starting with Windows 95 all the way through today’s Windows Vista, Microsoft supplied computer users with a great tool listing the different hardware devices attached to and residing in our computers. This tool is called the Device Manager. Today’s tip focuses on how to use the Device Manager to troubleshoot a video card, sound card or other internal hardware problem. If you suddenly lose sound or your...

Have an old computer? Check your RAM

I saw two clients today with slow computer problems. Actually the problems weren’t slow, the computers were and that was the problem. But, I digress. Both computers were Dells of the same age. As it turns out each machine only had 256MB of RAM – too little for XP to run at its full potential. I added 512MB to each machine and suddenly the systems came alive and ran faster than most brand new machines I...

Always check the cables

Two customer visits this week took less than 10 minutes after I arrived on the scene. When printers, speakers, keyboards, mice, etc stop working and I get a call, the first thing I ask is whether the cables/cords are all plugged in correctly or at all. About 50% of the time, I’m told either “yes they are” or “I don’t know how to check them and want you to do it.” I show up and check the...

iPhone Web Applications

I setup my third iPhone today. I like them (especially now that they are $200 cheaper), but I still prefer the Treo. The web experience on an iPhone is superior to any phone I’ve used to date and some useful and fun web based applications are starting to develop specifically for iPhone users. This site links up their Top 25 iPhone Web Applications. ...

Are you still using floppy disks?

I worked with three customers today who all used floppy disks as their main backup. All three users had Windows XP machines, but felt that floppy disks fit their needs the best. The picture I took here was from a consultant’s desk…there must be 20 floppies in that box. I explained to all these folks how simple, efficient and spacious a USB Flash drive could be for them. Whether they ‘bite’ or not...

iPhone Research

I have a friend who I’m going to help setup his new iPhone next week. He will be syncing it with Microsoft Outlook and needs tasks and memos(notes). Out of the box, the iPhone will only sync contacts and calendar information, but I’ve discovered that enterprising souls are already finding solutions to overcome this oversight: Tada List Toodledo IPTasks Remember the milk A nice little site is starting to form...

Easily replaced hardware items…

Sometimes I am accused of being too laid back about life and problems. I take that as a compliment and consider my low key approach to life to be an asset not a liability. When it comes to computers, many computer users should also take a low key approach to many hardware problems. Keyboards and Mice If you start having a problem with a mouse or keyboard, the first thing to try is shutting the computer off, unplug and re-plug...

Reset your HP Printer

I don't remember where I learned this trick or why it works, but it  does work in many instances with some HP printers. Use this technique to reset your printer if it is hung up for any reason, can't automatically "align cartridges" or is just acting goofy. Unplug the power cable from the back of the printer Let the printer sit untouched without the power cable for at least two to three minutes Push and...