Simple step-by-step computer help for beginners - Castellini on Computers

A Pigeon is faster than the Internet

photo credit: Bu Yousef

I count this as sort of a misleading article, but it is fun none the less. A homing pigeon with a 4GB flash drive took off from a location 80 miles away from its destination. A download of the same amount of data was started at the destination at the same time the pigeon was released. The bird landed with the 4GB of information in just over 2 hours. The computer had only downloaded 5% of the 4GB file in the same 2 hours.

4 GB is a lot of data (1000 songs, or 3000 photos, or a 2 hour movie), but it does wound pretty pathetic that a pigeon can move that information faster than a high speed Internet connection. However, the story also illustrates how Continue reading: A Pigeon is faster than the Internet

System Engineer fed up with Windows vulnerabilities

Interesting article from a ZDNet author, Christopher Dawson, who also works full-time as a school district computer engineer. Despite locking down Windows computers with security software, tweaking firewalls, and making sure all Windows updates are up to snuff, threats still sneak into their computers. I understand the frustration he exhibits in the article regarding the time and effort spent fighting these threats…especially knowing how much more trouble free a Linux computer or Apple computer can be. Worth the read:

Give me one good reason not to just move them all to Linux | Education IT | ZDNet.com.

Computer User Group / Riding Shotgun with Rick — 2 comments
07
Sep 09

Please note change in GJ Computer Users Group time

At last month’s meeting, I discussed Continue reading: Please note change in GJ Computer Users Group time

Riding Shotgun with Rick / Videocasts — 4 comments
07
Sep 09

Rick Answers his Email Videocast – 057

A bunch of questions this week about removing fake security software. For folks with similar problems, please refer to this article I posted earlier this year regarding removing these nasty infections and this article to help prevent the problem. Other questions this week included recommendations for website creation, a stubbor restarting computer, Palm handheld question and a problem with Continue reading: Rick Answers his Email Videocast – 057

Riding Shotgun with Rick — No comments
06
Sep 09

What Rick said, read and thought about this week 2009-09-06

RT @Nightshiftnurse: Thinkin’ bout tweetup. How does Tues. Sept 8th, 8 am, sound? Prolly at Main St. Bagel. #gjco <–works for me #
Disney buying Marvel for $4 billion!!! Continue reading: What Rick said, read and thought about this week 2009-09-06

General Computer Tips / Riding Shotgun with Rick — 4 comments
03
Sep 09

9 Tweaks I perform for a new client’s computer

photo credit: Mooganic

When I meet a client’s computer for the first time, I go through a little routine to check for problems, improve performance, and speed up boot times. You can do it to your own computer too.

Use Task Manager to see how many processes are running and determine how much tweaking I have to do to startup.
Use msconfig to streamline the startup process
Install CCleaner to cleanup temporary files
Check on the amount of RAM in the computer. If less than 1 GB for XP or less than 2 GB for Vista, I recommend an upgrade.
Pull up Crucial.com and run the memory scanner to determine what type of RAM and how much RAM can be added. Print out the results and add Crucial’s phone number.
Talk about Continue reading: 9 Tweaks I perform for a new client’s computer

Riding Shotgun with Rick — 2 comments
01
Sep 09

Keep your Mac running clean & fast

photo credit: Angels Gate

Macintosh computers run remarkably quick and smooth when you first buy and set them up. However, over time, like any computer, they can begin to feel somewhat sluggish. To keep your Apple Macintosh computer running quick and smooth, try these hints:

Leave your computer on overnight at least once every week or two. The Macintosh Operating System (which is based on Unix) will run maintenance and cleanup tasks in the wee hours of the morning. By regularly allowing your computer to stay on overnight, these services will be rendered automatically for you resulting in Continue reading: Keep your Mac running clean & fast

Email of the week — No comments
01
Sep 09

Email of the Week – 016

QUESTION

Name: Cathy

From: Walworth, WI.

OS: Windows XP

———————-
I use Firefox and lately whether I have one or twenty tabs open all of a sudden it crashes and I have to re-open and restore tabs. This happens 3-4 times a night.
I have CA Security and Spy Bot.

Thank you,
Cathy

ANSWER

Thanks for writing and great question. Two ways to troubleshoot your problem. First, Continue reading: Email of the Week – 016

Riding Shotgun with Rick / Tech News — No comments
01
Sep 09

Should government have right to cut off Internet service?

Senate Bill 773 provides for protecting the country’s tech infrastructure by declaring a cybersecurity emergency. This emergency would authorize the government to shut down Internet access to key non-governmental computers and networks. If passed, the bill would create a whole new government agency that trains and certifies cyber-security professionals to help manage and carry out the rules set forth in this proposed law.

Click the link below to read a complete news store from CNET and get links to other news stories on the subject.

Bill would give president emergency control of Internet | Politics and Law – CNET News.