I use Puppy Linux to troubleshoot computers and backup data from dead hard drives. However, by default, the system automatically opens a file or folder when it is clicked just one time. For me, it seriously slows down my work. I finally learned how to set Puppy Linux to double-click instead of single click for opening folders and files. RIGHT… Read More »How to set Puppy Linux to double-click instead of single click
This article seems to confirm a suspicion I had and wrote about upon Google’s initial announcement of the Chrome Operating System. Intel has been working with the Linux community for months developing a compelling operating system called Moblin. The Moblin project already uses the Chromium browser (Linux equivalent of Google Chrome) and seems like a natural starting spot for Google’s… Read More »Intel Helped Google with Chrome OS
Computers started making their way into homes, en masse, 15 years ago. After 15 years, computer users should not be afraid of using their computer.
This case study tells the story about a customer of mine, Wanda, who happens to be in her 70s. Like most computer users she used a Windows based computer. In her case, it was a system put together by her grandson in 2002 or 2003 and has a 1.8ghz processor, 256mb of RAM and the XP Home version of Windows.
When I first met Wanda a few years ago, she had typical Windows user problems; slow computer, slow Internet, couldn’t open some attachments, virus and spyware problems. She used dialup Juno for Internet and Norton Antivirus on her system. I couldn’t talk her into getting a DSL or cable connection, but I did change her security from Norton to Read More »Senior uses Ubuntu system 14 months trouble free
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 share my photos online, I compose spreadsheets and word processing documents online, I edit photos online, I manage my web site online, I store my important files online, and much more. And more applications are born every day that make the speed of my Internet connection more important than the speed of computer.
And the wonderful thing, to me, about performing all these functions online, is I can literally sit at anyRead More »Does the Operating System matter any more?
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 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.
My recommendations stem from first hand accounts from parents whose college kids call home frequently with tales of woe about a slow, non-functioning new computer. Students need to have their computers operational, and running around to the campus IT people or dropping the computer at a fix-it shop for expensive repairs. These two recommendations will keep calls home for repair money, tales of woe, and computer down time to a bare minimum.Read More »2 laptop suggestions for college students
Joe has posted the notes from our fist Linux Users Group held a couple of weeks ago. Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19 from Noon-1:30pm at Main Street Bagel. Keep an eye on the Grand Valley Linux Users Group web page maintained by Joe! Thanks Joe.
For a little over two years, I have been yammering on about Linux and Ubuntu. To get started using it, you need to either order a free Linux CD from the distribution of your choice or download a copy then learn how to burn a bootable CD from it. For many, this just isn’t going to happen. However, if you… Read More »Portable Ubuntu lets you try out Ubuntu Linux
First off, I need to stress that this new group has no affiliation what-so-ever with the Grand Junction Computer Users Group, and also need to stress that it is for advanced hobbyists only. Last week, I met with Joe Mason last week who is very interested in this idea of starting an Advanced Linux Users Group. The conversation and information… Read More »Advanced Linux Meeting next week
This might be one of the largest government agencies making a whole sale change to Ubuntu and leaving Microsoft behind. Ubuntu Linux is a free open source operating system that can very capably replace a Microsoft Windows operating system. This article describes how France’s national police force will change all 90,000 of their computers to Ubuntu by 2015, and they… Read More »French police force save millions by using Ubuntu
One of my customers desperately wants to hang on to an almost 10 year old computer. His Windows Me installation started showing its age almost three years ago, but he persevered. He mainly uses email, Internet, a word processor and Quicken to write checks and track his income and expenses for his small business.
After much discussion, he decided that he wanted to try Ubuntu. His machine sports 256mb of RAM (hey that was a ton in 1999) and a 1.5 ghz processor, so it falls well within reason for Ubuntu. The installation went smooth and I added a USB 2.0 card to support his multi-function printer and external hard drive. Of course the Internet and email are no problem with Ubuntu, and he and his wife love all the included games.