How to transfer your iTunes library & playlis...

If you use an iPod, iTouch, or iPhone and plan on getting a new computer, you will want to read this article! OR, if you use any of these devices and want to make sure your library stays safe, you will want to read this article! Yesterday, I helped a customer setup a new Windows 7 computer and transfer email, favorites, and other data from his old Windows XP computer. Turns out that he also needed to move his iTunes library...

Set Firefox to recognize web mail for mailto links...

If you use a web based email system like Gmail, HotMail, or Yahoo email or any derivative of these, you more than likely run into occasions where you want to email someone from a web site. However, when you click the link (known as a mailto link), you get presented with an email system you never heard of or used asking you to enter your email particulars to send the email. Most folks usually just snarl and forget about...

System Engineer fed up with Windows vulnerabilitie...

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...

Keep your Mac running clean & fast

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...

Apple Macintosh Expose Shortcuts – Video Tip

Windows users making the switch to an Apple might miss the Show Desktop icon from Windows that minimizes all Windows and displays the desktop. By default, Mac systems have a function enabled called Expose corners that lets users quickly display the desktop by just moving the mouse to the lower right corner. In today’s short video tip, I explain how to enable the other corners of your Mac screen to perform a function...

Microsoft Plans to Open Retail Stores

No time frame or number of stores planned were released in Microsoft’s press release this week, but Microsoft did say they planned to open their stores close to existing Apple stores. Ex-management staffers from WalMart and Sam’s Club will be heading up this new direction for Microsoft. You can read more details at the Daily Tech web site: DailyTech – Microsoft Retail Stores to Open Near Apple Stores. ...

Great Demand for Apple’s 13″ MacBook P...

As sales of Windows based computers slow down, Apple continues to gain market share. Their revamped laptop line appears to be the leader in Apple computer sales. With increased memory, video power and a new SD slot, there is a lot to like. Read the full article below. AppleInsider | Demand for Apple’s 13″ MacBook Pro may be outpacing supply. ...

7 Tech items I would take to college

I graduated from college almost 10 years before computers started being a main stream college accessory. I would love to be a student again not only because I enjoy learning, but I would love to have access to the technologies today’s students use every day. The most advanced piece of tech I used in college was the HP 41 CV programmable calculator with the magnetic card strip reader attachment. I loved that calculator,...

My iPhone applications after 10 months

From 1997 through August of 2008, I used only Palm based handheld organizers then the Visor Phone, Palm Treo 300, Treo 600, and Treo 755p.  I purchased an iPhone in August of 2008 because the iPhone proved itself in its short year of existence to be a valuable product, added the ability to allow third party applications, and gained access to the faster cellular networks. With very few exceptions, I couldn’t be happier...

Email of the Week – 006

QUESTION Name: Kathy From: Grand Junction OS: Windows XP ———————- When I go into different web sites I get this message: ERROR A runtime error has occurred? Line 30 ERROR: Object required Yes No This occurs quite frequently can you tell me why and what I can do about it? ANSWER This error is usually due to some programming and setting problems in Internet Explorer. You can...

Easy Envelopes for Mac users

If you own an Apple computer running the Macintosh operating system, you will love this free application. You can’t print envelopes any easier with any computer or program. EasyEnvelopes | Ambrosia Software, Inc..

Does the Operating System matter any more?

I tweeted the question yesterday on whether the computer operating system (OS) really matters any more. The response from the Twitter community was less than overwhelming so I want to pose the same question to you, the HelpMeRick.com community. My contention is that more and more computer functions get done in a web browser. I rarely use any other computer program other than my browser these days. I don’t print much, I...

Make reading the web easier than ever – Vide...

Although we now have 19″ and larger monitors on most new desktop computers, the text seems to shrink. Why is that? It has to do with screen resolution (how much information can be displayed). Screen resolutions on today’s monitors are up to 3X that of monitors we used just 6-8 years ago. We can see a lot more information, but often the text is too small to view for some computer users. Never fear. Using this...

2 laptop suggestions for college students

Millions of high schoolers will be graduating soon and will be leaving for their respective campuses (campii?) at the end of the summer. These students will more than likely go to college with a computer…probably a laptop. I would like to suggest two possible laptops ideas for these students. Both of my ideas involve good systems that will allow college kids to word process, chat, email, listen to music, watch...

U.S. Soldiers’ New Weapon: an iPod

Growing up I watched cartoons on Saturday morning like many other children in the 60s and 70s. I enjoyed watching the School House Rock intermissions almost more than the cartoons. One of those lessons stated that knowledge is power. I took that to heart and never forgot the phrase and now the military is putting that phrase to more direct use as well. This interesting Newsweek article describes how the military is using the...