For quick and roomy storage today, I recommend flash memory drives (click here for a tip describing these).

Both of my ideas involve good systems that will allow college kids to word process, chat, email, listen to music, watch DVD's, browse the web wirelessly(for school research of course), create presentations, spreadsheets, download and edit photos and much more. Neither involve Windows and thus don't require a degree in computer security and maintenance. One of the computers costs between $1200-1800 and the other costs less than $700.

1.  Although more powerful than ever before, computers have become more unreliable than ever.

In particular, Windows computers require more expertise to keep them safe, updated, and problem free than at any time in the short history of home computers. Macintosh and Linux operating systems certainly require less technical expertise from the security standpoint, but still rely on desktop applications to create, save and edit data. Web based (cloud) applications provide plenty of power and flexibility for the vast majority of computer users while also presenting a simpler interface.

2.  You already spend 90% of your time in the cloud already. 

Non-business computer users spend the majority of their computer time]]> http://helpmerick.com/5-reasons-why-you-should-be-moving-to-the-cloud.htm/feed 7 http://helpmerick.com/quick-and-easy-photo-slide-show-using-picasa-video-tip.htm http://helpmerick.com/quick-and-easy-photo-slide-show-using-picasa-video-tip.htm#comments Tue, 26 Aug 2008 21:53:45 +0000 Rick http://helpmerick.com/wordpr/?p=2215 Last week, I demonstrated how to make a fantastic photo slide show using an online application. If you missed it, shame on you, but you can see it by clicking here.

In this week's tip, I'm going to show you a slightly hidden feature of Google's Picasa that lets you also create a quick and dirty slide show of your digital photos. Follow these steps and then watch the video below to see the steps in action and view a sample slide show:

Start Picasa and select some photos you want to make into a slide show. The more photos you choose, the longer it will take Picasa to make the movie and the larger the movie file will be. Start out with a dozen or so pictures to get the feel for it.

1. Click Create --> Movie from the menus
2. Choose how many seconds you want each picture to display
   
3. Choose the size of movie you want...probably the mid-size or largest size.
4. Click OK
5. Click OK again on the next screen
6. Wait for Picasa to complete the creation of the movie.
7. When Picasa finishes, it will open the folder where it saved the file. Double-click the file to view the slide show.
8. Use Microsoft's Movie Maker (or any other movie editor) to add music to the slide show then burn it to a CD/DVD, etc.

Watch the video below to see these steps in action and a sample movie that Picasa made from some of my pictures.

]]> http://helpmerick.com/quick-and-easy-photo-slide-show-using-picasa-video-tip.htm/feed 0 http://helpmerick.com/are-macintosh-computers-poised-to-make-a-run.htm http://helpmerick.com/are-macintosh-computers-poised-to-make-a-run.htm#comments Mon, 09 Jun 2008 22:19:29 +0000 Rick http://helpmerick.com/wordpr/?p=602 JUNE 2008 UPDATE:

I wrote the article below two years ago, ran across it tonight and wanted to write an update to it. At the time I wrote it, I think the now famous Apple and PC guy commercials had just started ramping up and the ominous steps towards Windows Vista were getting closer. My words probably weren't unique at the time, and I don't claim to be a sage, but it is astonishing how much the market has really changed since 2006. Linux continues to make a bigger splash world wide, and I continue to install it on more computers here in Western Colorado. Apple's sales and stock price are literally going through the roof. My Macintosh service calls (mostly for ordering and training...rarely for troubleshooting) continue to escalate as well. Almost 18 months into Windows Vista, I see the machines on only about 10% of my appointment mostly because no one is buying them.

Today, Apple announced their new iPhone version 2.0 will be released in July. Three to four years ago, Microsoft was starting to increase market share of their mobile operating system with their mobile Windows in the smartphone arena. Palm and Blackberry used to dominate that market, but Microsoft was predicted to dominate. Then in June 2007, Apple released the iPhone to extremely positive reviews and cell phone consumers who couldn't get their hands on one fast enough.

Since then, all other smartphone operating systems have take a hit and iPhone users, largely, couldn't be happier. I personally have 5-6 clients who are pretty picky phone users and have owned literally dozens of phones over the years, but say they wouldn't trade their iPhone for anything at the moment. The new iPhone 3G (faster cell speeds) announced today improves on every facet of an already excellent product. The new iPhone 3G will be cheaper, faster, slightly smaller, have a longer battery and talk-time life, offer GPS navigation and incorporate a brand new platform that will allow developers to invent new ways to use this already versatile tool.  

What are your thoughts on my older story below and this new story you just read? Also, what do you think of the new iPhone 3G...hype or substance? Leave me a comment below!!

Story below originally posted on 2006-05-09 16:40:45 -0600

I helped a customer configure a new Macintosh laptop today. This was the third time in a]]> http://helpmerick.com/are-macintosh-computers-poised-to-make-a-run.htm/feed 0 http://helpmerick.com/the-399-power-computer.htm http://helpmerick.com/the-399-power-computer.htm#comments Tue, 29 Apr 2008 22:12:57 +0000 Rick http://helpmerick.com/wordpr/?p=2101 Last week, I was charged with finding a computer for a customer who only wanted it for Internet, email, and word processing. He didn't want to add any games, extra programs, or anything else to it. My first thought, as I was listening to his needs, was Ubuntu. One other request was not to break the bank on cost. Lastly, he told me that he would be hooked up to a high speed cable Internet service.

Upon talking a little more, I explained my idea bout an Ubuntu Linux machine. He asked, "Does it do Internet? Email?" I said, "Yes." He agreed that it sounded fine to him.

• Cut, Copy, and Paste  -  I believe that this invaluable skill should be a computer prerequisite
• Print just what you want - Everyone's going green these days, and we've been green for years
• MSCONFIG - Take control of your computer's startup
• How to Burn a CD  -  Million's have this question
• Create your own custom online newspaper -  A video tip packed with information that WILL change your life
• Tabbed Browsing  -  You have to see it to believe it. Then use it to save hours of your time.
• Set up a home network  -  Yes, you can. And yes, you should. 

Remember to tell us which are your favorite HMR tips by leaving a comment below. 

1. Does the item have all of its accessories?

This is a very important question when it comes to things like, battery chargers or special cables for Ipods, MP3 players, or digital cameras, and remote controls TVs. Ask if everything is there before you buy it. Owners' manuals and most product software can be found online, if it's MIA at the store. Have a salesperson print the manual, and give instructions on where to download the required software (if there is any) at home.

2. Is the item in good condition?

I have helped a number of people do basic reformats lately and often they have old copies of Roxio EZ CD Creator. Any version older than 6.0 can cause some serious problems with Windows XP and AVG antivirus.

If you would like to create music or data CDs or  data DVDs, CDBurnerXP is a free program that will let you do almost everything that the expensive programs from Roxio and Nero will let you do. I have been using it quite a bit and I have been pretty impressed with it so far.

The one feature it doesn't have is the ability to copy CDs of any kind.