#111 - This isn't your fathers Library!

The Covington Library recently received a grant from the Alleghany Foundation to upgrade its adult public access computers. The library working with its IT consultant (you may know him!, he posts here!) decided to provide new computers that would be useful as well as educational.

There are 6 Adult computers running Windows 2000 presently at the C.P. Jones Memorial library. When they were first installed, they were the first public access computers in the Alleghany Highlands. They had the MS Office suite of programs, typing tutor software AND the Internet! They receive extensive use and are certainly one of the main draws for many people that use the library. Shortly after the adult computers were installed, free wireless Internet access was provided by placing 3 wireless access points through out the library. Visitors to the Highlands can stop at the library and get on the Internet with their wireless laptop, PDA or phone!

The new effort will provide new Adult PCS of different flavors to enhance the computing experience. Four of the desktop PCS will be Windows XP models. They will have the complete Microsoft Office 2003 suite of programs (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access, Outlook, OneNote and Publisher). They have DVD burners with appropriate DVD burning software. The computer will be using the latest Microsoft public access control software that will protect the PCs from unwanted changes, viruses, malware, spyware and other nasties. The software essentially cleans itself back to the original set up state after every reboot. The 5th computer will be one equipped with MS Vista operating system. It will have the MS Office 2007 suite and will appeal to those who want to see what Vista is like or need to be compatible with the latest from Microsoft. All the Microsoft based PCs will come with new 17" LCD thin screen monitors.

The 6th and last PC will be an Apple iMac. This is will be the library's first Mac PC and will introduce the customers to the Mac world. The iMac chosen is an all in one design with the hardware, DVD burner and screen in one box. Its a gorgeous box with a 20" LCD screen! It will have MS Office 2004 for the MAC on it as well as the normal complement of MAC supplied software (With new versions of iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, iWeb, and GarageBand included, you can create a photo book, make a movie, build a blog, compose a song, and much more). The iMac also has a built in camera for photos or live video.

All the new computers should be installed this week. So drop by the library and see what's new!

#110 - Microsoft rethinks its Vista

Last week Microsoft announced that they will continue to sell Windows XP through June of 2008. This is good news for most PC customers. The former deadline of January was forcing many to buy PCs with XP early.

Now Microsoft isn't scrapping Vista they just gave their customers more time to deal with Vista. By June the first update release should be out and many corporate customers won't migrate to a new operating system until the first update is out.

So why has there been so much resistance to Vista? The reasons are many but here are some of mine:

1. Vista requires PCs with fast processors and minimum 1GB memory with 2GB more desirable. Even with the best hardware, I've never seen Vista run fast. You have to turn off many of the features to get to move so-so. I don't have the Gadgets on or the User Account Controls, because they just slow down my Vista PC too much. I guess the bottom line on this is Vista is a bloated memory hog that gives you not much in return. Its so bad I strongly suggest that if you have to have Vista buy a new PC with it installed. DO NOT UPGRADE to Vista!

2. Confusion: I'm not sure why Microsoft decided to issue 4 different versions of the operating system. XP had Home and Professional. More must be better. So we get Home Basic, Home Premium, Business and Ultimate. I guess we'll get 8 versions of Vista's successor. The differences between the 4 isn't well thought out. For instance I think every operating system should have a DVD/CD burner software build in. Surprise you only get it in Home Premium and Ultimate. Actually I don't know a reason why anyone would buy Home Basic other then the cheapest PC. There are so few features in that version that it's not worth the difference in cost versus Home Premium.

3. Incompatibility: This is the big reason corporate America hasn't embraced Vista. Vendors have been slow to come up with drivers for older hardware. Software people have just not made their software to run under Vista. Special software just doesn't work on Vista without an upgrade. So not only do you have to spend money on new PCs and Printers, you have pay for a new version of your software (if it is available).

Three strikes and your out. No wonder they can't make enough Macs. Sounds like a formula for disaster? We'll see how it plays out in 2008.

#109 - Thankful Technology

If you have been reading the blog from the beginning you know I have a whiner streak I struggle to control. This Thanksgiving week, I hope to change over to a new leaf and talk about things that make me happy!

Lets start off with a strange one, HP Support. I had a good customer this week send me an email about the good response they had with HP. Their laptop had died after about 4 months of ownership. HP picked up the laptop, replaced the motherboard, hard drive and battery and had it back to them in 4 total days. This is with their STANDARD warranty. Wow, it made me proud to sell the product. Our other laptop that we sell, Lenovo, has also gotten great reviews from customers. We still recommend you get at least a 3 year warranty on Laptop, due to their fragility.

And speaking of HP, My LaserJet 2200 printer just won't die. I would love to get a new color duplexing laser printer, but my frugality says run this sucker into the ground. As long as you keep feeding it toner, it keeps on printing. I also have a DeskJet 6122 duplexing ink jet printer that has been very long lived. Its printed out a lot of class completion certificates over the years.

I can't say enough good about my Apple Mini Mac. Its 3 years old and runs just as fast as when I purchased it. I do much of my Internet surfing with it and no viruses, spyware or malware have slowed it down. It automatically defrags the hard drive and updates happen regular, but not every 5 minutes like those other guys.

I couldn't work without a USB flash drive. My latest is a Kingston 4GB model that keeps my documents and utility programs. I just plug it in and start fixing PC's. Much faster then my CDs and less damage to the environment. I used to burn a new Utility CD every month and throw them away. Now Its quarterly and only for those customers still using Windows 98 (you know who you are!). I also couldn't get on without external hard drives. I have 3. a 160GB that I use to help transfer customer files, a 250GB drive to backup my files from my Ultra PC and a 1 Terrabye (1,000 gigabyte) network drive to backup my backup and my Apple (mainly Itunes) and my class PCs.

I'm thankful for lots of technology that makes my life easier and my job more productive. I'm also thankful for my loyal customers. Enjoy the season!

#108 - Updates & Upgrades what to do?

As computer owners, we are constantly bombarded with update warnings. Windows, Office, AOL, Hardware Drivers, Programs, it just never ends. I'm going to try and give some advice on when you should upgrade or update you PC in this blog.

Windows - You really don't have a choice in this one. Update now or Update later. You have to update your version of Windows. Now that doesn't mean you have to UPGRADE (change versions) just keep your current version of Windows up to date. Microsoft posts updates to Windows every Tuesday morning. Now depending on how you have set up your version of Windows Update the update will get to your PC eventually. If you go to Control Panel, Automatic Update you can chose how you have the update happen. I like the option "Notify me but don't automatically download or install them". This lets you pick the time and place of the update. If you don't pick this option Windows decides when it will download the update (lord knows how big it is) and when it will update your PC and usually ask you to reboot your PC (during an important presentation?).

Most of you know my opinion of Windows Vista. You should absolutely not upgrade your PC to Vista. If you have to get Vista (And you'll have no choice after January) then get a new PC designed for Vista.

We only update Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) when we are having a problem. Office is generally pretty stable and the need to update or even upgrade is minimal. Customers are still happy with Office 2000. I use Office 2003 and am not thrilled with upgrading to Office 2007. It's a radical change in the interface with minimal new features. Stay the course!

For those still using AOL (we are!) the new version of AOL VR (9.1 I think) isn't a bad upgrade, but if it ain't broke, don't fix it. It pesters you to update, but gives you the option to click on the X or cancel so do what feels right.

The most infuriating update nag for me is the Adobe reader. They seem to have an update every 3 days. I have NEVER seen the use for any Adobe reader update. Its just nag, nag, nag till you succumb. I honestly haven't seen anything bad about the updates other then taking you away from what you are doing.

We'll talk about hardware upgrades next blog!

#107 Maintenance is Essential

If you didn't ever change the oil on your car would you be surprised if the car engine seized? What about if you never painted your house would it be a shock if the wood became rotten? Well if you don't perform some minimum maintenance on your PC, you'll likely have some problems. The first maintenance is basic cleaning and keeping our PC in a place that won't cause problems.

I hate to see PC's sitting on the floor. Several reasons: 1. PCs get abused by kicks, vacuum cleaners and pets. 2. Being on the floor lets spiders and dust bunnies into the PC case. When I've done maintenance on PCs that have been on the floor they are filthy inside. This can lead to overheating and possible electrical short. Get those PCs off the floor!

You should clean your keyboard and mouse monthly. Use one of the air can blasters to blow out the dust from your keyboard. Use a damp cloth to clean your mouse. Use that same damp cloth to clean your monitor screen. Run your Printers cartridge cleaning utility every other month. This is usually found as a program in the All Programs listing.

Windows has a system utility called Disk Cleanup you need to run every month. Click on Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Disk Cleanup. This will get rid of those files that you don't need. Every 4-6 months you need to run the disk defragmenter so keep your hard drive running smoothly (All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Disk Defragmenter). Once a year run a hard disk scan and fix any errors - Start, My Computer, right Click on C:, Properties, Tools Tab, Check Now, check Automatically fix errors.

After all that run your virus scanner and anti spyware program. That should complete your Fall maintenance! Happy Computing!

#106 - the leopard lies in wait

I've done a lot of complaining about the new Windows Vista. I'll be taking a closer look at the 4 flavors of Vista and what components they have later this week. Today I want to talk about the new Apple operating system - Leopard, due out October 26.

Apple's Leopard comes out this week and although most of my customer don't have Apples, I thought it might be fun to talk about what Apple thought was important in its new operating system versus what Microsoft was important. Microsoft had security first and foremost in mind when it designed Vista. Yes, they throw in some graphic tid bits (that slow things down nicely!), but by and large the only POSITIVE aspects of Vista are its security features. Just to let you know how that is going, Microsoft has had an update to Vista EVERY Tuesday since its launch to fix security issues...

Leopard on the other hand has over 300 changes that really don't point to any one feature as a major update. It does add the "Time Machine" that lets you recover files or folders that have disappeared. The Desktop has a 3D dock that holds your most used programs. It also adds the "Stack" feature that vertically shows you the files you recently have used in each docked application. The ever popular Finder now looks like iTunes (Finder is the Mac version of My Computer). You can set up "Spaces" that hold applications, folders and files that you are using on a project. Networking is a bit more simple (it wasn't at all hard in the old Tiger OS). There are strong Parental Controls that let you place limits on Internet access for kids. Lastly, if you have one of the new Intel based MACs, the Boot Camp program that allows you to run Windows on a Mac is included in Leopard. You still have to get a Windows CD with key to make it work.
Requirements for Leopard are:

Mac computer with an Intel, PowerPC G5, or PowerPC G4 (867MHz or faster) processor

512MB of memory

DVD drive for installation

9GB of available disk space

It looks like my 2 year old Mac Mini will take the update. I'm not sure that I will get it at this time. I only have a 60GB hard drive and I have 23GB of music on it so this may be a bit much size wise. Actually what I would like to see out of an Operating system is Quick on, Quick off, and fast Internet browsing. I'll check out Leopard and see if it can do those things.

#105 Setting up and Securing your wireless network

Our last blog talked about setting up your home/small office network. If you have that straight and have purchased a wireless router, you need to set that up to protect your files and the speed of your Internet connection. Don't protect your wireless network and don't be surprised if someone starts to "borrow" your Internet and makes an attempt to see your files.

Most wireless routers come with a setup CD that they ask for you to run before turning it on. Some work OK, others leave a lot to be desired as far as security is concerned. If asked in the setup routine, always change the password for the router (password or admin is the default and everyone knows that). If they offer you to set up security take the WPA (WiFi Protected Access) encryption. This option makes anyone trying to get on your network have to know the special Code you set up.

If you don't get those security options then you'll have to tough it out and do it manually (or call Nick!). The setup program for your router is located in the routers memory and can be accessed by typing the IP address of the router into Internet Explorer or Firefox address bar. Most routers default to 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. How do you know which one? For Windows XP Click on Control Panel, Network Connections and then double click on Local Area Connection or Wireless Connection - Which ever you are using. Then click on the Support Tab. Viola! You will see your PCs IP address and the Gateway (ROUTER!) IP Address. Type the Gateway address into your browser address line.

You will be prompted for a User Name and Password. This information should be in your Routers documentation. Its usually generic admin or password. When you get in the Router Setup program you need to change the wireless security to WPA and change the password to something you will remember unique. Be careful when you are changing items in the Router setup program. You can completely disable the Router. Good news is that most routers have a hard reset button. Questions? Email or Call Nick!

#104 - Setting up your Home Network

If you have more then one PC at home or if you have a laptop a home network makes sense. its nice to be able to move around the house (and outside your house) and still get your email and be on the Internet. Setting up a home network doesn't take a lot of work, but keeping it secure and troubleshooting that network isn't as easy.

In this blog lets talk about setting up a network to share files and printers. In the next blog we'll discuss securing the network - especially a wireless network. The router takes your Internet and spreads it out over the network. The switch allows for more then one PC to be on the network and assigns an IP (Internet Protocol) address to each PC so that they can be seen by the other PCs. We like Linksys, Belkin or Netgear router/switches. Simple to set up and generally reliable. They all have 4 ports for PCs, which is plenty for most homes. The router/switch can support just wired connections or wired AND wireless connections (a wireless router)

After getting your router/switch, follow the directions to set it up. Usually this is a matter of putting in a CD and following the directions. Now you have to connect your PC's to the router via Ethernet cable or by having a wireless adapter (most new laptops have this internally). Once you are connected to the network you have to setup a workgroup and then share something on your PC (folder or printer) so that you can work with other PCs. Note these instructions are for Windows XP only.

You set up a workgroup by right clicking My Computer, then Properties. Then Click on Computer Name and Change. Now pick a name for this PC and then choose a workgroup name. Note the workgroup name MUST be the same on all PCs, but the PC name should of course be different for each PC. After clicking OK you have to reboot the PC. To share a folder or printer you need to go to that printer via My Computer, My Documents or in the case of a Printer - Control Panel, Printers and Faxes. You then right click on the item and then Sharing and security. From here you may have to tell the system you want to share Items (just share!) Eventually you'll get to a box that says share this Folder/Printer. Give it a name and you are ready to Network. This procedure has to be done on all Networked PCs.

Now you can double click on My Computer, My Network Places and View Network Computer. Viola!

Next up Wireless security.

#102 The Blog is Back!

After a month off, I've decided to take a new tact with the blog. I'm no longer putting PC info in my newsletter to shorten its length. I'm going to direct people to the Blog and change the content here to be more helpful and less opinionated, though with me that probably isn't a goal, more of a wish! (grin)

If there is a topic you would like for me to tackle, leave me an email at pcss4u@aol.com or if you can click on the Comment word below and leave one. I hope this will drive a bit more viewers to the blog and make it a bit easier to write, since the topics will be more factual and in my case, less creativity required. We don't want to tax my right brained head!

Thanks for your support!

THE BLOG STOPS HERE!

After 100 blogs I took a look at the effort to put the blogs out versus how often they are read. The equation doesn't look good. So for the time being I will stop posting the State of Technology blog. I will leave all the items up if you want to peruse them at your leisure. Thanks for your support in this endeavor. Most blogs go down in less then two months. We made it 5 months so WOO HOO! Cheers!

Nick