Have you ever wondered what others are searching f...

I discovered this web site many years ago. Today, I visited it for the first time in a few months and thought that many of you would be interested in it as well. Like many cool technologies and web sites, this one comes from Google. It is called Zeitgeist (click here to visit the site) . According to m-w.com (Merriam Webster Online), zeitgeist is of German origin and means the general intellectual, moral, and cultural climate...

Another site that’s more popular than HelpMe...

This week I will be keeping a close eye out for special Valentines information to share with our readers and listeners. I will have a hard time topping this one, but I figured there just may be some single ladies out there reading our site that are looking for that special someone. Putting this story off would just be a disservice to them. Reading through my morning news updates I ran across (don't click on the link until...

Web Appliances revisited

I wrote a number of months ago about the need for a new web appliance. A web appliance is a device that only accesses the Internet. Web TV (now MSN TV) is the only device that sort of falls in this category. What I envision (and wish I had the knowledge to build) is a flat screen monitor with built-in speakers and a cordless bluetooth connection to talk to a mouse, keyboard, and a printer. It would also have a card...

Delete only one entry from Internet Explorer Addre...

The address bar in Internet Explorer (or any web browser) allows you to type in known web sites and visit them quickly. Sometimes you might want to clean out individual entries from the address bar or history, but this isn't possible in Internet Explorer unless you edit the registry. Watch the video below to learn how to perform this delicate Windows tweak. The video has a surprise ending to make this process a whole lot...

Internet filtering for kids

Warren, a listener, wrote in and has said he has good luck with a child Internet filtering program called:  K9 Web Protection .

Solving some sound problems

I helped a client over the phone today who had a sound problem. She could hear the Windows startup and shut down sounds, but could not listen to a CD or any Internet audio/video. After confirming that the Window's sounds did work (by going to the Control Panel, then Sounds, Speeches, and Audio Devices), I had her insert a music CD. A few seconds later, Windows Media Player appeared and she said the picture was moving and...

Don’t confuse Updates with Scans

Many of our Castellini on Computers listeners are well versed (we hope) in the dangers of an unprotected computer. We preach constantly about the importance of keeping updated anti-virus software, anti-spyware and even firewalls on your computer. However, those not savvy to the show yet, find themselves kneed deep in computer problems often times because of one small mistake; thinking that a weekly virus scan is equivalent to...

Windows Vista: Is it worse than we thought?

I have not made any secret of the fact that I am afraid of Windows Vista. Tomorrow Vista hits shelves and I an dreading the rush of calls from people who don't read our website and newsletter. Here is a short list of what I know about Windows Vista so far. Please use the link at the bottom to email this article to anyone you know who may be considering the move to Vista who doesn't read our website and...

7 ways to save money

Do not use AOL. IF you use AOL, make sure you are paying the lowest price you can. Currently that is $9.95 for dial-up service and ZERO if you use AOL with a high speed connection. If you aren't getting these rates, call 1-888-265-8008 to get the rate.  Do not use Norton AntiVirus or McAfee products. Instead use the security software packages you can find by searching our site for "security". You will thank me...

Downloading programs is like buying a program pack...

My analogies are usually pretty bad and often more confusing than the original idea that I'm trying to explain. However, I think that I have come up with an analogy for downloading and installing files that might make a few light bulbs go off above computer users' heads. Let me know if this makes sense to you: Install from CD Install from Internet (download) Buy computer program packagefrom retail...

Is the iPhone another Newton?

For those of you who don't remember the Newton, it was Apple's first and last foray into the handheld computing market back in 1993. Although it was ground breaking and unique, it was a little ahead of its time and definitely too expensive. The Newton was a little too big to be called a true handheld computer and only worked with a heavy, built-in rechargeable battery. Just three short years later, a small company...

Broadband Bliss

During the holidays, I helped a friend buy and setup a new computer. After looking at his current bills, we determined that his family would save money going with our local cable company for their TV, telephone, and Internet setup. They dumped MSN (dial-up), AT&T long distance, and Qwest in the process. Now they have a better TV plan, unlimited long distance telephone calls, nice phone package, and of course the high...

What else has that actress been in?

We have talked about IMDB as a part of our favorite information sites in the past, but I think it deserves its own article and review. IMDB is the Internet Movie Database and it is one of the best sites on the web for answering the nagging questions we have so often such as, "What else has that guy been in?" or "What was that movie with Christopher Walken and Andy Garcia?" IMDB can be used to resolve...

A Confession: I don’t understand computers

I know how to fix computers, but I will freely admit that I don't understand them. Today I saw two clients with very strange problems. One person had a problem that prevented their CD burner from writing and their computer from recognizing the sound card. However, the sound card and CD writer had just been replaced because of the same problem. What was really strange was that the system sounds worked and the CD would...

Are you missing the Menu bar in Internet Explorer ...

Actually, Microsoft designed the new browser that way so that there is more room for browsing. However, if you want the menu bar (the one with File, Edit, View, Favorites, etc) back, follow these steps:   Start Internet Explorer Press and release the Alt key on your keyboard The menu bar will be visible, Click the View menu option Click Toolbars Click Menu Bar That will do it. You can't move the menu bar above...