#183 - Things you should know about Technology today

Did you know that you don't have to type www. any more in the address bar of your browser? Starting with Internet Explorer 7 and Firefox 3 you don't have to waste that precious time. Just type in pcss4u.com and off you go!

Did you know that only 3% of PC infections now come from email attachments? Most of the infections now come from links in email or on a website. They can mostly be classified as malware or spyware. That's why its important to have more then just a basic antivirus protecting your computer. PCSS likes AVG antivirus & antispyware. Only $39 for 2 years of protection.

Did you know that the built in Windows Media Player does not normally play DVDs? Not until the latest version (11) were the coders put into Windows Media Player to play commercial DVDs. PCSS recommends the free VLC (VideoLan Client) software to play ALL types of media on PCs and Macs.

Unlike on your PC, when you delete a file on a flash drive, it really does disappear. Actually PCSS can recover some flash drive deletions, but it certainly doesn't go to the recycle bin. That reminds me to ask: Have you emptied your recycle bin recently? Run the Windows Disk Clean up utility to clean out your PC (Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Disk Clean up).

Did you know that in most programs holding down the CTRL and Z keys means Undo? Try it next time you make a boo boo. Another helpful short cut is the CTRL and F key to start the Find function.

Did you know that Laser Printers are MUCH cheaper then InkJet printers in the long haul? Even though they cost more up front, Laser Printers will quickly be cheaper to operate per printed page.

Do you know the difference between Reply and Reply All in email? Do you know how to do a blind copy (no one can see who is the blind copy recipient)? Did you know that you should NEVER attach files larger then 5MB in size? (most Internet providers have limits and filters) Just ask Nick if you aren't sure about these items.

The only way to truly delete items from your computer is to put zeros in all the "empty" places. PCSS uses a program called File Shredder that uses a Defense Department algorithm to really delete information.