I would say that 90% of every computer I see has at least a surge protector handling its power. The lightning in the Highlands makes it a necessity. If you use a surge suppressor strip, did you know it is only good for one surge? Its essentially a fuse with outlets. Once the fuse blows you have no protection. Thats why the light goes out or flickers. Take a look at your surge protector , NOW! It may need replaced.
Many have got the word and use an UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) to provide not only surge protection, but brown out protection. Brown out means low power. Our friends, Virginia Power, consistantly provides less then 120 volts AC to the Highlands. A UPS can make sure that your PC sees exactly 120 volts of pure AC power. Prices start about $50.00 and can protect your computer investment. Many UPS have network and phone line protection that is necessary in the mountains. I've seen way too many modems and routers get fried by surges in their systems.
What I don't see is people using UPS with their expensive electronics. Stereos, HDTVs, CD/VCR players, and Satellite dish electronics should all be protected by a UPS. They are even more sensitive to surges and power fluctuations. Check out your situation and let us know if we can help.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
#160 - Windows 7 is coming
Happy Bastille Day! Today we'll take a first look at Microsoft's new operating system, catchily named Windows 7. This replacement for the disaster named Vista is due out October 22. Even now you can buy a PC from HP and get a free upgrade to Windows 7 when it comes out. Not sure I would jump on that wagon quite yet. So lets see what improvements Windows 7 has besides having a different name. All our comments are based on the "beta" (that means trial) version of Windows 7 available today.
The best news is that Windows 7 is that it is faster and requires less resources then Vista. All the trial test show speed comparable to XP with slightly faster start ups and shut downs. The downside is that many of the Vista bells and whistles are still around - Aero, the graphics interface being one that not many will use, but take up huge amounts of Windows 7 resources. Windows 7 does have an "XP Mode" that will allow anything that ran on XP to run on Windows 7. This is a major big deal for business. Now whether the "XP Mode" runs as fast as original XP is what users will have to test out with their software.
The improvement's that Microsoft thinks we need are as follows: The taskbar has been given more functionality (hmmm sounds like Apple's OS X). You can pin documents and programs there and there are jump lists that open your most frequently used items. Thumbnail previews have been added in the system so you no longer have to guess at what is in a document when you hover over it with your arrow. Of course you may need bifocals or a magnifying glass to use this feature. For sharing files Microsoft has added something called Homegroups that makes it easier to share files in your group or at home between users. Microsoft calls Windows 7 their most "stable" operating system ever and that is what users want. The bugs and quirks of Vista have made many scared (and rightfully so) of new operating systems. An unstable release of Windows 7 might be a fatal disaster for Microsoft.
The best news is that Windows 7 is that it is faster and requires less resources then Vista. All the trial test show speed comparable to XP with slightly faster start ups and shut downs. The downside is that many of the Vista bells and whistles are still around - Aero, the graphics interface being one that not many will use, but take up huge amounts of Windows 7 resources. Windows 7 does have an "XP Mode" that will allow anything that ran on XP to run on Windows 7. This is a major big deal for business. Now whether the "XP Mode" runs as fast as original XP is what users will have to test out with their software.
The improvement's that Microsoft thinks we need are as follows: The taskbar has been given more functionality (hmmm sounds like Apple's OS X). You can pin documents and programs there and there are jump lists that open your most frequently used items. Thumbnail previews have been added in the system so you no longer have to guess at what is in a document when you hover over it with your arrow. Of course you may need bifocals or a magnifying glass to use this feature. For sharing files Microsoft has added something called Homegroups that makes it easier to share files in your group or at home between users. Microsoft calls Windows 7 their most "stable" operating system ever and that is what users want. The bugs and quirks of Vista have made many scared (and rightfully so) of new operating systems. An unstable release of Windows 7 might be a fatal disaster for Microsoft.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
#159 - Keeping the planet green with Technology
I've recently seen some interesting new gadgets that try to help us be more green. Lets take a look at some.
The Eco-Kettle tackles the problem of wasting energy by boiling too much water. The Eco-Kettle lets you select the exact amount of boiled water you need and then does the job. The kettle uses 30% less energy in boiling water to boot! Here is more information on the Ec0-Kettle:
The pressure sensitive bath mat takes a simple concept and works to save you money and water. Position the mat in your shower near the shower head. When you are on the mat you get that lovely hot shower. Move off the mat and the water stops while you scrub. Now why didn't I think of that? Samsung Design
We have often thought that getting a new cell phone every other year has to be a huge waste in for the environment. Nokia agrees and has begun making a cell phone made out of recycled materials. I hope Apple and Motorola follow Nokia's lead. Nokia Ink 01
There are several new composting machines on the market that you can put in your kitchen or garage to produce great soil for your home and garden plants. Here is a site with lots of information: Composting in the home!
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