Posts Tagged: laptops

Riding Shotgun with Rick — 1 Comment
10
Sep 07

Demand compensation from Microsoft

If I was independently wealthy, I would give discounts to customers with Windows Vista. Alas, I am not independently wealthy and my business supports my family, so I charge for time I spend in a client’s office or home. One customer , today, could have saved 30-40% off their bill had they bought one of the few remaining laptops with Windows XP.

This brand new Toshiba laptop with only 1 GB of RAM (half of the minimum need to run Vista with any appreciable speed) took a full 4-5 minutes to boot up each time it required a boot. And that was down 2-3 minutes after I took off the bloated trial security software and the other trial software loaded on this machine. True, the extra software contributed to the slowness…initially, but even with the startup cleaned up, the machine was pathetically slow. Her husband’s almost 5 year old Dell desktop with 512mb of RAM could run circles around this ‘new’ laptop.

With Microsoft releasing nearly 50 updates in just the six months since its release and their first service pack (major re-tooling) already announced as well, Microsoft has pretty much admitted that Vista has not lived up to its own expectations. I sure hope Service Pack I for Vista (due out next spring) brings some major improvements to this seriously flawed operating system.

In the mean time, for those who want to listen and save time, money and frustration, here are my suggestions for those looking to buy a new computer:

1. Go through the business arms of Dell, HP, or small, local retailers and get Windows XP with 1 GB of RAM and you can work circles around Vista machines.

2. Consider getting a “new” machine by switching to Ubuntu Linux on your existing machine. If it is less than 7 years old, has at least 256mb of RAM, and other wise functions well, you won’t be sorry.

4. STRONGLY consider a Macintosh computer from Apple

5. IF you absolutely MUST get a Vista machine, make sure it has AT LEAST 2 GB of RAM, a dual core processor, and a fast, dedicated video card. Unfortunately, this means that to get a decent running Vista machine, you will need to spend a minimum of $900-1000 and probably upwards of that.

Riding Shotgun with Rick — No Comments
1
Sep 07

Social Engineering

A client and I had a discussion today about online safety when shopping or banking. She expressed some concern about the VA security breach last year where 1000’s of our vets had their identities at risk. And a few years ago we heard about the massive loss of customer information at a huge marketing company.

None of these events were due to “computer hacking” in the way most of us think of hacking. An individual being able to work their way into a secure computer is extremely difficult and highly unlikely, but with a little social engineering the job gets much easier. Social engineering can best be defined as the act of getting a person who works for a company or organization to make a slip or bad judgment and let an unknown person or someone with questionable credentials sit at one of their computers. Or even works, laptops with sensitive information being stolen or lost.

These are examples of social engineering. Computers do a pretty good job, and getting better all the time, of securing our data and providing a safe haven for personal information of all kinds. However, if a criminal master mind is able to get someone on the ‘inside’ to grant access through trickery and clever dialog, then the prospect of a breach in security increases exponentially. To read more about social engineering, check out these sources:

Riding Shotgun with Rick — No Comments
22
Jul 07

Ubuntu – Day 6

I didn’t use the computer much today, but I need to write a quick blog while I’m working on my Compaq as I sit here and watch my DVR’d “Daily Show” and “Colbert Report” episodes from last week. So, that brings me to tonights word: battery life.

I wrote a quick note a few months ago about the battery life of this laptop with Ubuntu. I can’t confirm it, but I think Ubuntu uses much less battery than a Windows machine. This laptop is at least five years old, and since I didn’t own it when it was running XP and don’t know its battery performance from its Windows, my assessment is purely speculative. However, my experience has been that most laptops only get 1.5 to 2 hours of battery life, especially after a few years. However, my laptop is averaging almost three hours and that’s with a PCMCIA wireless card running and the display running at maximum brightness.

If you use an Ubuntu laptop, let me know your experience with your battery life.

Riding Shotgun with Adam — 5 Comments
14
Jun 07

I want to be a computer teacher on a cruise ship

I love my job as a computer guy. Especially tutoring and teaching average people (seniors, parents, non-geeks) how too use computers. Everyday I meet interesting people, see new challenges and play with new toys.

Today I was thinking about what could possibly make my job more fun and I had a great idea.

I would love to be a computer guy on a cruise ship. Not to maintain the ship's computers but to teach tourists and help them with their computer problems. Most cruises feature entertainers, exercise classes, theaters and all kinds of ways to stay busy.

Cruise ships also offer wireless Internet access. Tourists bring their laptops, digital cameras and other gadgets along with them. I can't help but think that some of these travelers would love to take a break from the buffet and take a computer or digital photography class.

Between classes I could be on call for anyone who was having problems with their laptop or computer.

There are probably tons of folks out there who would love to do a job like this, but I am the best computer teacher for adults /seniors on the planet right now so I am not worried about anyone stealing my idea.

Riding Shotgun with Rick — 2 Comments
2
May 07

Another post from Ubuntu

I have been so busy lately, that I haven't had much of a chance to play around with my Ubuntu Linux (alternative to Windows) machine. Last night, I updated to the latest version of Ubuntu Linux 7.04 for free. Compare that to the minimum of $179 you would pay for the basic version of Vista. I was motivated to do the update not only because I promised I would learn more about Linux, but also because Dell released a story yesterday announcing their plans to sell Linux laptops and desktops computer starting this summer. It seems that Microsoft keeps getting hit day-after-day. Where will they be in 5 years? They certainly don't have the stature today that they had 5 years ago.

As you know, I installed Vista on my computer about eight weeks ago and have been moaning and groaning about it since then. My Vista computer has an extremely fast dual-core processor, 2 GB of RAM and a nice video card. Despite all that power and turning off 90% of the visual fluff in Vista, I don't think the machine runs as fast as my old Pentium IV 2.0 Ghz machine with 512mb of RAM.

On the other hand, this older piece mealed machine that I put together with parts from four different computer is a screamer with Ubuntu Linux on it. The Internet feels faster and more responsive, office programs are faster, the operating system is clean and easy to navigate. I'm having a ball for the first time in years learning about new technology.

Vista seems like an unnecessary chore. Ubuntu Linux seems like time well spent on a promising and exciting operating system.

Riding Shotgun with Adam — 1 Comment
30
Mar 07

Future Windows Prediction

By now it is no secret that I have a unique super power. I can see the future of technology. Too many cell phone radio waves to my brain have caused me to have premonitions about the future of technology.

Two days ago, I was carried away in vision and I saw the future of Microsoft.

Microsoft knows they shot themselves in the foot with Vista. They knew before it was released that they would have to create a demand for it since it was replacing a superior product.

Now even the government is looking into getting away from Microsoft products. Linux seems to be the most popular option. This is where the prediction comes in.

Microsoft's next major operating system will not be Windows at all. It will be MS Linux. Remember MS DOS? What about MS SQL? Office 2007 uses MS XML. Microsoft will build their own version of Linux.

However, the new program will only run Linux at the very core. Everything else will be Microsoft. The system will likely not even turn on unless you have a MS Passport-type account with Microsoft.

By creating an operating system that will seamlessly tie in with Microsoft web applications Microsoft will hope that people will avoid Google.

It is a great strategy, but my second prediction is that Google will buy an Internet OS. Google will become an Online operating system that can run from any kind of computer anywhere in the world.

Within 10 years computers will be everywhere. There will be less demand for laptops because there will be small workstations in malls, airports, and cars. We will read our email and surf the web from our couches because our TVs will tap into our online operating system.

The shift from computer-based data to online-based data will cause another revolution and will be the most significant shift in technology ever.

And it will all be spurred by the mass exodus from Windows Vista. 

Riding Shotgun with Rick — 2 Comments
9
Mar 07

Is Vista driving computer prices down again?

After the release of Vista we saw prices for desktops and laptops rise nearly 15% for equivalent Windows XP computers. Since Vista's release, the sales numbers for computers and Vista itself have been dismal and retailers are not happy. I opened up my local paper today at breakfast and found that Office Depot had three decent laptops on sale for under $900 all with 1 GB of RAM. One was $699. We haven't seen those kind of prices on laptops since before Christmas. It makes me wonder if Microsoft is giving some kind of incentive to manufacturers to lower their prices in order to help drive sales.

What do you think? Have you read anything that I haven't that might explain the drop in computer prices again?

Email Tips / Internet Tips / Riding Shotgun with Rick — No Comments
17
Dec 06

Finding Internet Access on the Road – WiFi Finder

I recently returned from visiting my Dad in New Mexico. He lives in a small town that doesn't have tons of broadband connections. I tried firing up my wireless laptop at his house, but no luck…no neighbors to poach off of for a few minutes. My Treo 650 was non-functional because my carrier didn't service the town.

So where do you turn to when you are striking out with technology? The yellow pages and the library should be your first two options in smaller cities.

The yellow pages pointed me to a 'cyber café' on Main Street. I ended up using their single terminal to send an important email. Then I remembered that I had used the public library's Internet connection once before also. They have three computers there. When you are traveling, here are some important tips and sites to keep in mind to stay connected and find free WiFi or pay Hot Spots:

  1. If you will be staying in hotels, call ahead and see if they have Wi-Fi connections and what their cost might be. More and more hotels are adding this highly sought after amenity.
  2. Once at your destination, check for cyber café's and public libraries to gain access to the Internet.
  3. Remember that you can check your email from any computer, any where in the world using my tip found here.
  4. Finally, for those traveling with laptops, these sites can help you locate Wi-Fi hotspots where you can connect with your laptop:

Riding Shotgun with Adam — No Comments
5
Dec 06

Proper care and feeding of batteries

I bought a new digital camera the day after Thanksgiving. Following Adam's First Law: Gadgets Yield More Gadgets, I have ordered a new vertical shooting grip and several batteries.

When the batteries arrived, I followed Adams 379th Law: Always Read the Instructions. I am thinking seriously about moving the 379th law up to at least 134 because I discovered some interesting information about rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries.

1. Li-Ion batteries run down faster when they are cold. If you are shooting in the cold, you should keep spare batteries in your pocket, close to your warm body.

2. You should not store Li-Ion batteries charged. This will degrade the life of the battery.

3. You should not store the batteries in any device. Strangely, this will over discharge the batteries.

4. You should not leave batteries on the charger for extended amounts of time. It is recommended to leave them on the charger for about an hour after full charge, then remove them from the charger.

Most laptops and digital cameras use Li-Ion batteries. There is no such thing as a memory-free battery. All batteries go bad over time, but hopefully following these guidelines will prolong the battery's life.

Riding Shotgun with Adam — 1 Comment
6
Nov 06

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 should get for just basic stuff like email and word processing. "I don't need anything fancy."

2. I suggest a basic system that will handle all of their needs and a little more.

3. I setup the new system during which time they notice that there are digital camera card reader slots on the front, a DVD recorder and speakers.

4. At this point I start smelling smoke as they begin to see more possibilities for their system.

5. Questions start coming up like: "So, this computer will work with a digital camera?", "So, what would I need to do to copy all of my old VHS movies to DVD?", "Can I make a CD of just the songs I like from all of my other CDs?" or "What would I need to make greeting cards?"

6. The answers to each of these questions, and many more, require additional hardware, software or other gadgets.

7. The client then buys a digital camera so that they can use the card slots on the front of the computer.

8. They then get a color photo quality printer that will handle greeting cards.

9. They buy a tripod and extra memory for the camera.

10. Special paper is purchased for greeting cards.

11. They have so much fun with the pictures from the camera that they decide to buy a scanner so they can make Christmas Calendars from old pictures for everyone in the family.

12. They buy Adobe Photoshop Elements so that they can do special effects with with their new photo projects.

13. While in the software aisle looking for Photoshop they see that Microsoft has a new flight sim.

14. They spend hours playing with the flight sim, but it is difficult and unrealistic to fly a plane without a yoke, so they head back to the store for a joystick.

15. After playing with the realism settings the flight sim graphics stutter a little. The fix for this problem is to install a dedicated video card.

16. Once the graphics are better then they buy a few more games, some of them require that more RAM be added to the system.

17. In the mean time they see an ad in a magazine for a sewing machine that hooks up to the computer and does embroidery of any image from the computer.

18. The new sewing machine also can connect to a Palm Pilot so that you make use it at sewing parties and share patters.

19. The new Palm Pilot will also play MP3s and it can connect to a GPS.

20. They rip their entire CD collection into MP3s and fill up the Palm. At this point they decide that an iPod would be a better use as an MP3 player because it will hold more music.

21. Using the Palm as a GPS is fine for small navigational helps but it doesn't feature the power of a stand-alone GPS device.

22. They buy a new GPS but it doesn't work in the car or give audible directions so they get one of those too.

23. Now that they are enjoying portable gadgets they start to see the benefits of having a laptop.

24. The laptop helps but you can only use the Internet in areas with WiFi. To get email and Internet while traveling, they see a need for a better cell phone that can do email, Internet, maps, text messaging and more.

25. The cell phone takes video so they begin to take short little videos while they travel.

26. They take so many videos that they see a need for a new digital video camera.

27. The new digital video camera takes very nice video but the video doesn't look that great on the old dim TV.

28. The new TV is very nice, but the picture is a little fuzzy since they don't have an HDTV package on their cable service.

29. They call for pricing and find out that satellite service is cheaper and offers more channels.

30. There are so many channels and so much to see that they feel the need to get a DVR that will record all of their shows so they can watch them later.

31. The new DVR offers the ability to stream the shows through a home computer network so that you can watch recorded video on any computer in the house.

32. They setup a home network and decide to share a printer between the desktop and the laptop. They quickly get tired of having to turn on the desktop computer every time they want to print something out from the laptop.

33. They buy a computer with a network card built in to solve the problem.

34. They see irony in the fact that one of their computers is a portable laptop, but they have to sit in the same place with it while they use it at home because it is hardwired into the network.

35. They buy WiFi router that will allow them to use the Internet on the laptop from anywhere in the house. They are overwhelmed by the convenience of the laptop and they hardly ever use the desktop computer. In fact, they almost fight over the laptop.

36. After buying a new laptop, they notice that the built-in card reader on their laptop doesn't support their digital camera's memory type.

37. The new digital camera takes such high resolution pictures that they fear running out of room on their laptop.

38. They buy a new external Hard Drive for backup.

39. On their travels they get tired of carrying two laptops, a cell phone, an MP3 player and a Palm Pilot.

40. They buy a Treo that does everything and they are able to leave their laptops at home or at the motel when they travel.

41. By this time they decide to go back to desktops because the don't really need to take their computers with them when they travel and TVs have become so cheap that they have a nice TV in their office where the sewing machine and desktop computer are.

42. The original desktop is too old so they hand it down to a grandson who is starting high school and they give the older laptop to a daughter who is starting college.

43. They buy a new desktop to go with the sewing machine, but the cable connections have changed and the new computer won't support the old sewing machine.

I think I will stop there. I just realized that I have been using the same keyboard and mouse for seven years. The new ones have more buttons. I'm off to the store.

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