I like to talk PC upgrades, because we get attached to our PCs. Love them or hate them we dislike to throw them out. So here are some suggestions to make your PC better and some of the costs to do it.
The best upgrade you can add to most computer is memory. You can upgrade most PCs with a 1GB chip for $40 or less. This will speed up your PC and lengthen the life of your hard drive.
Another great upgrade is to a bigger screen. A 19" LCD flat screen monitor costs $229. A 22" widescreen LCD monitor costs the same (great for movies!). As my eyes get older the bigger the screen the better!
The best way to back up your data is with an external hard disk drive. All your data can then be safe and easily transported with you. A portable 250GB USB external hard drive costs $99.
Many of our customers like wireless keyboards and mice. We aren't fond of them, but some hate wires more then having to put batteries in their keyboard & mouse. You can get a nice Microsoft wireless keyboard and mouse set for $29.00
If you are like Nick and type a lot, the ergonomic keyboards are the best. Good bye carpel tunnel syndrome. We like the Microsoft Ergonomic keyboard for $52.00.
Stop using Microsoft Internet Explorer for your Internet browsing. Firefox is safer and Google Chrome is faster. Firefox Download - Google Chrome Download
Getting a better printer for less is a great upgrade. Color LaserJet printers start at $299. Great color inkjet printers costs around $100.00. These are fast and cost efficient.
Make your PC better with an upgrade!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Monday, September 1, 2008
#136 - Why I can't open that file!
Have you ever had an attached file that would not open up? Why can't your PC open all files?
Your PC must have the same program or a viewer program to open any file. How do you know what program will open the program?
You will get a message similar to this:
Generally, you will not know what program will open the file. I usually have to email the sender and ask what program will open the file. Once you find out what program will open the file you decide whether you want to install that particular file. You can also click on the Select the program from a list option and pick a general program like Microsoft Word to open the file. This will work in many cases.
Always ask yourself before you attempt to open an attachment: Do I really need to see this information? Many computer viruses come via attachments so you should treat them with great caution.
If you still are at a loss - just give PCSS a call!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
#135 - Setting up you new PC
I have been setting up a lot of new PCs lately so I thought I might tell you what I have been doing so that you can see if you have these same settings. Note these items are for Windows XP (I'll do the Vista version later {MUCH LATER}).
When I first turn on a new PC you have to set up the Date and decide whether to register with Microsoft and the PC manufacturer. I don't register anything anymore. I really haven't seen the advantage. The only exception is for upgrading the warranty. I definitely register that item. Next is the User decision. I like to leave the built in Administration user alone. So I create a new user (Start, Control Panel, Users) that is also has administrator rights and is in the new owners name.
I then log in the computer as the new user name and start making my changes. I get rid of Bloatware SEE THIS OLD BLOG for info on how and what to do.
Then right click the desktop and click on Properties. In the Display Properties window I click on the Desktop tab and then the Customize Desktop button. I then uncheck the Run Desktop Wizard item. Then I click on the Screen Saver tab and set up the Screen Saver and the Power Options. I then click on the Appearance tab and the Effects button. I click on Use the following method to smooth edges of fonts down arrow and pick ClearType (this makes the fonts look good!).
I then click OK and start on the task bar. I right click the Start button and pick Properties. I click on the Start Menu Tab and Customize button. I click on the Advanced tab and uncheck the Highlight newly install programs box. I click OK , OK to end that change. I right click on the blue task bar and Properties. I uncheck Hide inactive icons box then click on the Apply button.
That ends my initial set up and now I can start installing programs. (Wheesh!) And you thought my job was easy!
When I first turn on a new PC you have to set up the Date and decide whether to register with Microsoft and the PC manufacturer. I don't register anything anymore. I really haven't seen the advantage. The only exception is for upgrading the warranty. I definitely register that item. Next is the User decision. I like to leave the built in Administration user alone. So I create a new user (Start, Control Panel, Users) that is also has administrator rights and is in the new owners name.
I then log in the computer as the new user name and start making my changes. I get rid of Bloatware SEE THIS OLD BLOG for info on how and what to do.
Then right click the desktop and click on Properties. In the Display Properties window I click on the Desktop tab and then the Customize Desktop button. I then uncheck the Run Desktop Wizard item. Then I click on the Screen Saver tab and set up the Screen Saver and the Power Options. I then click on the Appearance tab and the Effects button. I click on Use the following method to smooth edges of fonts down arrow and pick ClearType (this makes the fonts look good!).
I then click OK and start on the task bar. I right click the Start button and pick Properties. I click on the Start Menu Tab and Customize button. I click on the Advanced tab and uncheck the Highlight newly install programs box. I click OK , OK to end that change. I right click on the blue task bar and Properties. I uncheck Hide inactive icons box then click on the Apply button.
That ends my initial set up and now I can start installing programs. (Wheesh!) And you thought my job was easy!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
#134 Wireless Connections
So now you have a wireless notebook computer. How do you find wireless networks and how do you connect to them? Bad news is the answer is it depends on what operating system you have (XP or Vista) and what hardware you have (does it use Windows for connection or its own special program). The question of hardware is the first one to answer. The 3 laptop manufactures that PCSS sells all do things different. HP uses the Windows wireless network connection. Lenovo and Toshiba have their own utilities. If you own Lenovo or Toshiba, I probably showed you how to find wireless networks when you bought the PC.
If you click on View Available Wireless Networks and you will get a list of wireless connections in your area. The list will also tell you if the connections are secure and the SSID (network name). If the connection is listed as secure you will need the pass code (from the owner) to log on that network and get the Internet. IF the connection is unsecured you can just highlight the networks name and click on Connect. IF there are no networks listed then there are no available networks where you are.
I'm going to outline the process of connecting under XP, but I have a link that will take you through the process in either XP or Vista: Wireless Connection with XP or Vista
Under XP you need to watch the task bar near the clock. Look for this icon: 
It may have a red slash or X through it if you are not connected. Right click on this icon and get this menu:
It may have a red slash or X through it if you are not connected. Right click on this icon and get this menu: 
If you click on View Available Wireless Networks and you will get a list of wireless connections in your area. The list will also tell you if the connections are secure and the SSID (network name). If the connection is listed as secure you will need the pass code (from the owner) to log on that network and get the Internet. IF the connection is unsecured you can just highlight the networks name and click on Connect. IF there are no networks listed then there are no available networks where you are.Once you connect the little icon in the task bar will no longer have the red X or slash and when you hover your mouse over the icon it will tell you what network you are connected to and the quality of the connection (Excellent, Good, low, very low).
Note that not all networks share the Internet. Some are there to share files or printers.
Here are two good sites to fine a free connection where you are: JWIRE
Sunday, July 13, 2008
#133 - Wireless 101
So here we are to try and clear up all the confusion about what wireless networking is and isn't. What is has been and what is in the future. So lets dive right in.
How does wireless networking work? A wireless network uses radio waves, just like cell phones, televisions and radios do. In fact, communication across a wireless network is a lot like two-way radio communication. Here's what happens:
A computer's wireless adapter translates data into a radio signal and transmits it using an antenna. A wireless router receives the signal and decodes it. It sends the information to the Internet using a physical, wired Ethernet connection. The process also works in reverse, with the router receiving information from the Internet, translating it into a radio signal and sending it to the computer's wireless adapter. The radios used for WiFi communication are very similar to the radios used for walkie-talkies, cell phones and other devices. They can transmit and receive radio waves, and they can convert ones and zeros into radio waves and convert the radio waves back into ones and zeros.
But WiFi radios have a few notable differences from other radios: 1. They transmit at frequencies of 2.4 GHz or 5GHz. This frequency is considerably higher than the frequencies used for cell phones, walkie-talkies and televisions. The higher frequency allows the signal to carry more data. 2.They use 802.11 networking standards, which come in several flavors
The IEEE (Electrical Engineering Professional Society) sets up standards the 802.11 is the standard for wireless networking. The flavors are alphabetical and start with: 802.11a the oldest standard. 802.11a transmits at 5GHz and can move up to 54 megabits of data per second. It was used by some technical groups, but never got broad use. 802.11b was the first widely used standard. It uses the 2.4GHz frequency (the same as some wireless phones so if you have any 2.4GHz phones you can't have a wireless network) and was fairly inexpensive to make equipment. The most popular standard is the present 802.11g. 802.11g transmits at 2.4 GHz like 802.11b, but it's a lot faster -- it can handle up to 54 megabits of data per second. The latest is 802.11n. This standard IS NOT FINALIZED yet, but equipment companies are selling what they call "draft n" routers and receivers right now. This standard significantly improves speed and range. For instance, although 802.11g theoretically moves 54 megabits of data per second, it only achieves real-world speeds of about 24 megabits of data per second because of network congestion. 802.11n, however, reportedly can achieve speeds as high as 140 megabits per second.
Well enough geek talk. Its enough to know that you probably own an 802.11g system and the future is twice as fast with 802.11n. Should you buy 802.11n now? The jury is out on how compatible the "draft n" equipment will be with the finalized standard. PCSS is living just fine with our 802.11g network.
Next post we'll talk about how you actually link up to a wireless network with Windows XP, Vista or proprietary program (see Dell and Lenovo).
How does wireless networking work? A wireless network uses radio waves, just like cell phones, televisions and radios do. In fact, communication across a wireless network is a lot like two-way radio communication. Here's what happens:
A computer's wireless adapter translates data into a radio signal and transmits it using an antenna. A wireless router receives the signal and decodes it. It sends the information to the Internet using a physical, wired Ethernet connection. The process also works in reverse, with the router receiving information from the Internet, translating it into a radio signal and sending it to the computer's wireless adapter. The radios used for WiFi communication are very similar to the radios used for walkie-talkies, cell phones and other devices. They can transmit and receive radio waves, and they can convert ones and zeros into radio waves and convert the radio waves back into ones and zeros.
But WiFi radios have a few notable differences from other radios: 1. They transmit at frequencies of 2.4 GHz or 5GHz. This frequency is considerably higher than the frequencies used for cell phones, walkie-talkies and televisions. The higher frequency allows the signal to carry more data. 2.They use 802.11 networking standards, which come in several flavors
The IEEE (Electrical Engineering Professional Society) sets up standards the 802.11 is the standard for wireless networking. The flavors are alphabetical and start with: 802.11a the oldest standard. 802.11a transmits at 5GHz and can move up to 54 megabits of data per second. It was used by some technical groups, but never got broad use. 802.11b was the first widely used standard. It uses the 2.4GHz frequency (the same as some wireless phones so if you have any 2.4GHz phones you can't have a wireless network) and was fairly inexpensive to make equipment. The most popular standard is the present 802.11g. 802.11g transmits at 2.4 GHz like 802.11b, but it's a lot faster -- it can handle up to 54 megabits of data per second. The latest is 802.11n. This standard IS NOT FINALIZED yet, but equipment companies are selling what they call "draft n" routers and receivers right now. This standard significantly improves speed and range. For instance, although 802.11g theoretically moves 54 megabits of data per second, it only achieves real-world speeds of about 24 megabits of data per second because of network congestion. 802.11n, however, reportedly can achieve speeds as high as 140 megabits per second.
Well enough geek talk. Its enough to know that you probably own an 802.11g system and the future is twice as fast with 802.11n. Should you buy 802.11n now? The jury is out on how compatible the "draft n" equipment will be with the finalized standard. PCSS is living just fine with our 802.11g network.
Next post we'll talk about how you actually link up to a wireless network with Windows XP, Vista or proprietary program (see Dell and Lenovo).
Saturday, June 28, 2008
#132 - Laptop Maintenance
A great majority of our customers have laptops as well as desktop computers. Laptops are DIFFERENT and require different maintenance procedures. Many times we see customer who always leave their laptops plugged in. They aren't using them as a true laptop, just a small desktop. The risk in following this use model is the life of the laptop battery. If you leave the laptop plugged in always and don't use the battery then it will die a quick death and that will cost you over $100 to replace.
When you get a new laptop or batter you should fully charge it (6-12 hours) and then fully discharge it. Here is the recommended cycle (from the battery manufacturers):
1. Unplug the laptop and use the laptop until the battery fully drains.
2. while the computer is turned off, plug in the computer and charge it a minimum of 6 hours.
Lithium-based batteries should be given a full discharge/charge cycle once every 30 charge cycles. If the batter is not going to be used for more than a month, it is recommended that it be removed from the laptop and stored in a cool dry clean place. A charged battery will eventually lose its charge if unused.
Do not expose the battery to high heat or freezing temperatures. Do not leave your batter in your car in the summer. The life of a rechargeable battery operating under normal conditions is generally between 500 to 800 cycles.
Getting the most Usage Time with a Battery:
1. Turn off your WiFi if not using it.
2. Don't use your DVD/CD player
3. Disconnect all external devices (USB devices, PC Cards, Printers)
4. Adjust your screen brightness to the lowest acceptable to your eyesight.
5. Don't multitask. Run just one program at a time.
When you get a new laptop or batter you should fully charge it (6-12 hours) and then fully discharge it. Here is the recommended cycle (from the battery manufacturers):
1. Unplug the laptop and use the laptop until the battery fully drains.
2. while the computer is turned off, plug in the computer and charge it a minimum of 6 hours.
Lithium-based batteries should be given a full discharge/charge cycle once every 30 charge cycles. If the batter is not going to be used for more than a month, it is recommended that it be removed from the laptop and stored in a cool dry clean place. A charged battery will eventually lose its charge if unused.
Do not expose the battery to high heat or freezing temperatures. Do not leave your batter in your car in the summer. The life of a rechargeable battery operating under normal conditions is generally between 500 to 800 cycles.
Getting the most Usage Time with a Battery:
1. Turn off your WiFi if not using it.
2. Don't use your DVD/CD player
3. Disconnect all external devices (USB devices, PC Cards, Printers)
4. Adjust your screen brightness to the lowest acceptable to your eyesight.
5. Don't multitask. Run just one program at a time.
Friday, June 6, 2008
#131 - June wanderings
Firstly, I still don't know when XP will go away. One distributor says they will have no more XP PCs come June 30, but Toshiba says the will have XP laptops through at least July. Go figure.
There are lots of great websites to set up tracking any event you would like. You can do a blog here at blogger.com to keep any trip of event up to date. I did it for my Mexico trip and it went over big with friends and family. You can also use a dedicated site like My Trip Journal.com. There you can load information, pictures and receive update notifications and comments.
We've see Wedding Planning sites that let you link family and friends to the important info on your wedding. The Knot.com has lots of help from registry information to setting up the particulars of the wedding for guests to see (location, times, dates, hotels, you name it!).
Pick an event and you can probably use the Internet to help you invite, prepare and inform your guests.
There are lots of great websites to set up tracking any event you would like. You can do a blog here at blogger.com to keep any trip of event up to date. I did it for my Mexico trip and it went over big with friends and family. You can also use a dedicated site like My Trip Journal.com. There you can load information, pictures and receive update notifications and comments.
We've see Wedding Planning sites that let you link family and friends to the important info on your wedding. The Knot.com has lots of help from registry information to setting up the particulars of the wedding for guests to see (location, times, dates, hotels, you name it!).
Pick an event and you can probably use the Internet to help you invite, prepare and inform your guests.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
#130 Protecting your PC
Our good friends at AVG have upgraded their antivirus protection software. Good news is they still have a free version and the new version (8.0) has spyware protection built in. You can download the new version here: AVG 8.0 Free Before you install the upgrade I recommend you uninstall at least the antispyware version of AVG. Go to Start, Control Panel, Add or Remove programs and find the AVG antisypware program in the list. Then click on Remove. Now you can install the new version. Its a fairly large download and not recommended for our dial up customers.
So what other protection do you need? Its good to delete your cookies when you close Internet Explorer. In IE click on the Tools, then Internet Options. Click on the Advanced tab and then scroll through the list till you see Security and under it you'll find this item: Empty Temporary Internet Explorer files folder when browser is Closed. Make sure it is checked then exit out.
We recommend you defrag your hard drive once a year {Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Disk Defragmenter}. You should do a Disk Clean up once a quarter {Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Disk Cleanup}. One warning: DO NOT DO THE COMPRESS YOUR FILES OPTION.
Back up your files at least weekly and daily would be a better idea. If you need help in setting up a backup system let us know (that's how we pay the bills!).
Turn your PC off every night and if you aren't using the Internet at night shut down your Internet modem (a surge strip works great to shut everything down).
Make sure you are updating Windows with some regularity (Start, Control Panel, Automatic Update) and that your Windows Firewall is active {Start, Control Panel, Windows Firewall}.
So what other protection do you need? Its good to delete your cookies when you close Internet Explorer. In IE click on the Tools, then Internet Options. Click on the Advanced tab and then scroll through the list till you see Security and under it you'll find this item: Empty Temporary Internet Explorer files folder when browser is Closed. Make sure it is checked then exit out.
We recommend you defrag your hard drive once a year {Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Disk Defragmenter}. You should do a Disk Clean up once a quarter {Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Disk Cleanup}. One warning: DO NOT DO THE COMPRESS YOUR FILES OPTION.
Back up your files at least weekly and daily would be a better idea. If you need help in setting up a backup system let us know (that's how we pay the bills!).
Turn your PC off every night and if you aren't using the Internet at night shut down your Internet modem (a surge strip works great to shut everything down).
Make sure you are updating Windows with some regularity (Start, Control Panel, Automatic Update) and that your Windows Firewall is active {Start, Control Panel, Windows Firewall}.
Monday, May 19, 2008
#129 - Microsoft the company that keeps on giving
So what has Microsoft done for you in 2008? Well they did delay the forced retirement of Windows XP, at least for a while. Vista has been a big disappointment in sales and XP is actually outselling Vista in the market place. So do they pull the plug on come June 30? Keep tuned here and we will let you know.
Microsoft released Service Pack 1 for Vista with not much fanfare in May. I can see why. I updated the Lenovo laptop I have with Vista on it and notice no difference. Still slow to load and shut down and it can crawl at times. Microsoft removed the Search button on the Start menu for some reason, but you can still use the search box found at the top of every open folder. That might take some time to get used to. Performance is supposedly faster, but not much. Copying files is faster, but still about the same speed as XP. That is the question I ask. Other then security what is better about this operating system? Nothing and that's why its going over like a lead balloon in the market place.
Microsoft has sort of released Windows XP Service Pack 3. Many computers can't upgrade due to a glitch in compatibility with of all things another Microsoft Service - (RMS). No loss there since there seems to be NOTHING worthwhile to most users in this last service pack for XP. It's not faster, safer or even more fun to use. Mostly techno geek stuff that you will never use. So don't worry about upgrading your XP.
Another great month for Microsoft, don't you think?
Microsoft released Service Pack 1 for Vista with not much fanfare in May. I can see why. I updated the Lenovo laptop I have with Vista on it and notice no difference. Still slow to load and shut down and it can crawl at times. Microsoft removed the Search button on the Start menu for some reason, but you can still use the search box found at the top of every open folder. That might take some time to get used to. Performance is supposedly faster, but not much. Copying files is faster, but still about the same speed as XP. That is the question I ask. Other then security what is better about this operating system? Nothing and that's why its going over like a lead balloon in the market place.
Microsoft has sort of released Windows XP Service Pack 3. Many computers can't upgrade due to a glitch in compatibility with of all things another Microsoft Service - (RMS). No loss there since there seems to be NOTHING worthwhile to most users in this last service pack for XP. It's not faster, safer or even more fun to use. Mostly techno geek stuff that you will never use. So don't worry about upgrading your XP.
Another great month for Microsoft, don't you think?
Monday, May 5, 2008
#128 - Saving Energy - Some Truths
Energy and Technology are interwoven together so much so that you can't talk about one without the other. Today lets take a look at some ways to save energy that not only helps your pocket but the planet.
Your mom was right! Every time you leave a room you should turn the lights out. I saw a very entertaining Mythbusters show on the Discovery channel that studied light energy usage. No matter if it was florescent light bulbs or incandescent. Unless you jump right back into the room ( I think 3 seconds was the longest time) you should shut them off to save!
I've advocated for years that PC owners turn their PCs off if they won't be using them for an hour or more. Leaving a PC on 24/7 is NOT being a good steward of our energy resource. If you leave your PC and are planing to come back pick the Stand By mode that essentially shuts your PC down. If you haven't already changed, PLEASE get rid of your old CRT monitor and change to the slim LCD varieties. The energy savings are tremendous.
Great I'm turning my stuff off. I'm saving a lot right? Ah yes, but you might be able to save more if you REALLY turn them off. That means turning them off by cutting off electricity at the source. For PCs and peripherals that means turning off the surge suppressor when you leave for the day. Most modern PC equipment has a "sleep mode" that still draws a small bit of energy. Multiplied by millions of homes the energy used when a piece of equipment is supposedly turned off is great. So if you are going away from home or going to bed, turn off your surge protector to save the most.
Several ways to save energy at home include insulating the house every 10 years. Installing set back thermostats and programming them for your usage. Changing from incandescent to florescent light bulbs. Checking out the energy efficiency stickers and comparing them when buying an appliance. Having your heating/cooling system checked periodically for energy issues. Replacing that air filter in your heating/cooling system regularly. Not many high tech solutions but certainly ones we can implement!
Your mom was right! Every time you leave a room you should turn the lights out. I saw a very entertaining Mythbusters show on the Discovery channel that studied light energy usage. No matter if it was florescent light bulbs or incandescent. Unless you jump right back into the room ( I think 3 seconds was the longest time) you should shut them off to save!
I've advocated for years that PC owners turn their PCs off if they won't be using them for an hour or more. Leaving a PC on 24/7 is NOT being a good steward of our energy resource. If you leave your PC and are planing to come back pick the Stand By mode that essentially shuts your PC down. If you haven't already changed, PLEASE get rid of your old CRT monitor and change to the slim LCD varieties. The energy savings are tremendous.
Great I'm turning my stuff off. I'm saving a lot right? Ah yes, but you might be able to save more if you REALLY turn them off. That means turning them off by cutting off electricity at the source. For PCs and peripherals that means turning off the surge suppressor when you leave for the day. Most modern PC equipment has a "sleep mode" that still draws a small bit of energy. Multiplied by millions of homes the energy used when a piece of equipment is supposedly turned off is great. So if you are going away from home or going to bed, turn off your surge protector to save the most.
Several ways to save energy at home include insulating the house every 10 years. Installing set back thermostats and programming them for your usage. Changing from incandescent to florescent light bulbs. Checking out the energy efficiency stickers and comparing them when buying an appliance. Having your heating/cooling system checked periodically for energy issues. Replacing that air filter in your heating/cooling system regularly. Not many high tech solutions but certainly ones we can implement!
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