A word for our Dial-up readers (and our high speed...

Lately, I have helped many dial-up computer users get their email unclogged. It became clogged because their friends and family who have high speed Internet sent them messages that were way too big for email. Usually these messages contained either large digital photos or video jokes or messages that bring dial-up users email to screeching halt.  DIAL-UP USERS: You absolutely need to know how to check your email using your...

Never assume it’s your problem

I think we have talked about this before, but it bears repeating. When your Internet connection stops working suddenly or seems to be acting strange, don't immediately assume it is a problem on your end. Often times it is not a problem with your system at all. If this happens to you, follow these steps instead: Turn off your computer (and high speed modems and routers if you have a high speed connection) Wait about two...

We need a new Internet Appliance

At one of the first, now defunct, Comdex computer shows that I attended in the late 90's, I attended a round table discussion on Internet Appliances. This was a huge buzz word at the time, but unfortunately it was ahead of its time. An Internet Appliance did only two things…browse the Internet and email. The picture I'm showing in this story was known as the Netpliance from a company called I-Opener. The idea...

You don’t HAVE to log into AOL or MSN

Many AOL and MSN users have converted to either cable or DSL high speed connections over the last few years. This tip is for all you AOL and MSN broadband users. When I work with a high speed AOL or MSN user, habit guides their mice to the AOL or MSN icon. With a high speed connection, you do NOT need to log in to the service's browser if you just want to look up something on the web. Instead, decrease the time and steps...

Moving to a new computer requires patience

I've helped many new people this fall move to a new computer. Like moving to a new house, it takes time and patience before everything gets just right on your new computer. It is important to know that you can't simply hook up a new computer and start using it. You need to uninstall any unwanted software, properly configure and update your security software, setup your Internet and email connections, and then most...

These computer oldies are OUT!

I've kept this bottled up for at least two years, and now I'm going to let it out and would love to hear your comments. Computers have been in the home on a large scale for about twelve years now and certain aspects of computing just don't work in today's' tech world. Here is my list of what no longer works: Anything less than 1024 X 768 resolution. Even many productivity programs require this minimum...

Google – more than just a great search

Why is Google's stock always so high? How can a company be worth so much if all they do is help people find web sites? Where do they make their money? Before you dismiss Google as just a search engine or over-priced stock, take a look at the hidden features they offer. Google offers so many services for free that many experts have theorized that Google may one day replace libraries, phone companies, operating systems,...

Internet Explorer 7 Keyboard shortcuts

General shortcuts table with 2 columns and 9 rows Turn Full Screen Mode on or off  F11  Cycle through the Address Bar, Refresh button, Search Box, and items on a web page   TAB   Find a word or phrase on a page  CTRL+F  Open the current webpage in a new window   CTRL+N   Print the page   CTRL+P   Select all items on the page   CTRL+A   Zoom in   CTRL+PLUS   Zoom out   CTRL+MINUS   Zoom to 100%...

55 Minute Uninstall

Wow, it would have almost been faster to backup the data, reformat the hard drive, and reinstall everything from scratch. The long install was of the grossly over programmed Norton Internet Security Suite. Here's the breakdown of my appointment: 8:26am Arrive at customer's house. He tells me that his computer is running extremely slow. 8:32am I sit down and hit the power button on the computer. 8:36am Still...

AVG AntiVirus Upgrade

The calls are starting to ramp up wondering about AVG's messages regarding the discontinuation of their anti-virus. The message is a little alarming, but rest assured that AVG (Grisoft) is NOT going out-of-business and for home users the product will remain free. Although Grisoft is discontinuing support and updates for their current version, they have released a new version of their popular and highly effective program...

Gadgets yield more gadgets

I have helped several people buy new computers lately. I don't sell computers or any other hardware so I am more of a personal shopper than a salesman when it comes to guiding people through their purchase. I think it's funny how gadgets always seem to yield more gadgets. Here is a short flowchart of how this process works. 1. A client calls and says that they need a new computer. They ask my advice on what they...

Options and Preferences

I had a brief epiphany today as I helped two of my customers. When I'm setting up a computer or troubleshooting one, I am constantly in an out of the Options or Preferences of many programs. Almost all programs, from Quicken to Word to image editing software and of course Internet and email software, contain a section that allows you to customize the experience. For example, in Internet Explorer, I always click Tools...

Do I possess magic powers?

No, not really, but some people wonder… I think the wondering is actually a mixture of bewilderment, awe, and a slight hint of envy. I think the same thoughts when I watch Rachel Ray cook, an electrician wire, my Dad build stuff, Eric Clapton play his guitar, and a gear head work on a car. All these people are good at what they do because of two reasons: it's what they do, and they enjoy doing it. It amazes me that...

Block Internet Explorer 7

Internet Explorer 7 finally became final last week and is starting to be deployed as a Windows Update. While I believe that IE 7 is a huge step in the right direction, the changes in the look and feel of the browser will throw many for a loop. Even after working with IE 7 for the past five or so months as it made its way through the beta stages of development, I don't think it holds a candle next to the Firefox browser ....

I have an AOL Screen Name

For those of you who have followed this web site and the show for awhile are probably wondering what an anti-AOLer like me is doing with a Screen Name. Actually, it is a result of a corporate buy out. Years ago I signed up for some free online storage space from X-Drive . Like many other tech companies, AOL purchased X-Drive since I had signed up for it. When I first signed up, I used the account to upload large files that...