Many people are getting new computers for Christmas, and the concern about antivirus always comes up. New computers typically come with a trial version of some antivirus or internet security software. Unfortunately, many times people allow these to expire and never purchase or install something else.
There are lots of good free antivirus programs out there, so no reason not to have one installed. Please be aware, if you are going to install a free program, you should first uninstall the trial version that came with your computer.
If you are using Windows 7 (or previous) I would suggest Microsoft Security Essentials -- it is a good, lightweight antivirus, and does a decent job of protecting your computer, all for the low cost of $0.
If you are using Windows 8, please be aware that Microsoft Security Essentials has been replaced with the built-in Windows Defender. It is my opinion that Windows Defender alone is not sufficient for most people. For Windows 8 users, I would suggest the free AVG Antivirus Free 2014 program.
For all PC users, I would also recommend the following 2 programs to help with computer security.
CCleaner -- is a utility to remove temp files and other unnecessary files. Lots of malware place themselves in temporary directories, so this program indirectly helps to keep your computer safe by removing them.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware -- is a great anti-spyware program, and does an excellent job of finding and removing files that may compromise the security of your computer. The free version works just fine, but note that during install it will ask if you want to start a trial of their pay-version (if you don't make sure to select appropriately).
Using MSE or AVG antivirus along with CCleaner and MBAM will help keep your computer safe and clean. For most people, this combination will suffice. For people who are using this and still find themselves getting compromised or infected, I then usually recommend Kaspersky (which is a paid product).
Note that you should not use file-sharing programs such as Limewire, Frostwire, or Bittorrent -- many shared files contain malware infections. (Lots of computer repair jobs I do are caused by this).
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Watching Your Movie Files With An Apple TV
If you have an Apple TV, you can use a computer on your home network to stream movie files to your television.
First, you will want to add the movie files to your iTunes library (on the computer you are going to use to share your media). In the iTunes preferences, go to Advanced Preferences and make sure Copy Files To iTunes Media Folder is unchecked (assuming all of your movies will be on an external hard drive). Then, click on File - Add Folder To Library and browse to the location of your movies folder. Depending on how many movies you have, this could take a significant amount of time to process.
Once this process is complete, you will want to enable sharing of your media library. Back in the iTunes preferences, go to Sharing and make sure Share my library is checked. You can choose to share only certain things (such as Movies) or everything, and you can also choose to password-protect your shared media.
This method is an older method known as "Music sharing" -- nowadays, using "Home Sharing" is a much simpler method. Here is a guide on how to configure (it basically just involves turning it on, no complex setup needed).
Once this is done, your computer is now set up to share out your media library to your Apple TV. Keep in mind that your computer and Apple TV will need to be on the same network, and the computer will need to be powered on whenever you want to stream your media.
First, you will want to add the movie files to your iTunes library (on the computer you are going to use to share your media). In the iTunes preferences, go to Advanced Preferences and make sure Copy Files To iTunes Media Folder is unchecked (assuming all of your movies will be on an external hard drive). Then, click on File - Add Folder To Library and browse to the location of your movies folder. Depending on how many movies you have, this could take a significant amount of time to process.
Once this process is complete, you will want to enable sharing of your media library. Back in the iTunes preferences, go to Sharing and make sure Share my library is checked. You can choose to share only certain things (such as Movies) or everything, and you can also choose to password-protect your shared media.
This method is an older method known as "Music sharing" -- nowadays, using "Home Sharing" is a much simpler method. Here is a guide on how to configure (it basically just involves turning it on, no complex setup needed).
Once this is done, your computer is now set up to share out your media library to your Apple TV. Keep in mind that your computer and Apple TV will need to be on the same network, and the computer will need to be powered on whenever you want to stream your media.
All About iTunes and iCloud Accounts
Lots of my friends and family received new iPads and iPhones for Christmas this year, and the question has come up a few times, how to go about sharing iTunes accounts, or what is the best way to handle in a family of multiple people.
First, to differentiate: there are two types of accounts we will be talking about here- iTunes Store Accounts, and iCloud Accounts. Both of these are "Apple ID" accounts, but for the sake of clarity, I'll refer to them by these names.
iTunes Store Account -- this is the account you use when making purchases in the iTunes store. A single iTunes Store account can be used on up to five computers (Mac or PC) at a time. This is done by authorizing the computers via the iTunes program. You can actually use the account on up to ten devices (five of which can be computers).
iCloud Account -- this will be the account used for iCloud, iMessage, and FaceTime. Note that it can also be used as an iTunes Store Account -- and if you are a single person using the accounts on your own, the best method would be to have one account for everything.
If you are trying to share accounts between multiple people (husband and wife, mom and son, or a family of several people) then you would want to do the following.
Set up a single iTunes Store Account -- with a password that everyone will need to know. This will be the account used for making purchases in the iTunes store (apps, games, music, etc). That way, if I purchase content, my Wife can also (re)download it (at no additional charge).
Set up a separate iCloud account for each person. This account will be used for iCloud features, such as photo stream and backing up your contacts and notes to the cloud. Additionally, it will be used for iMessage and FaceTime. Each person will need their own individual iCloud Account.
For the most part, iCloud should take care of your backup needs (you can purchase additional online storage if needed, but it gets expensive). You can also sync and backup to a computer you own (and it is a good idea to do so).
Sharing an iTunes Store Account amongst family members makes sense, and ensures you are not purchasing items multiple times. Having separate iCloud accounts, however, makes everything much simpler and avoids complications that could arise when sharing services associated with it (such as iMessage).
If you have any questions, please post in the comments and I'll do my best to answer.
Reference
The First 9 Things You Should Do When You Get A New iPhone
How To Manage Multiple iOS Devices While Sharing One Apple ID
First, to differentiate: there are two types of accounts we will be talking about here- iTunes Store Accounts, and iCloud Accounts. Both of these are "Apple ID" accounts, but for the sake of clarity, I'll refer to them by these names.
iTunes Store Account -- this is the account you use when making purchases in the iTunes store. A single iTunes Store account can be used on up to five computers (Mac or PC) at a time. This is done by authorizing the computers via the iTunes program. You can actually use the account on up to ten devices (five of which can be computers).
iCloud Account -- this will be the account used for iCloud, iMessage, and FaceTime. Note that it can also be used as an iTunes Store Account -- and if you are a single person using the accounts on your own, the best method would be to have one account for everything.
If you are trying to share accounts between multiple people (husband and wife, mom and son, or a family of several people) then you would want to do the following.
Set up a single iTunes Store Account -- with a password that everyone will need to know. This will be the account used for making purchases in the iTunes store (apps, games, music, etc). That way, if I purchase content, my Wife can also (re)download it (at no additional charge).
Set up a separate iCloud account for each person. This account will be used for iCloud features, such as photo stream and backing up your contacts and notes to the cloud. Additionally, it will be used for iMessage and FaceTime. Each person will need their own individual iCloud Account.
For the most part, iCloud should take care of your backup needs (you can purchase additional online storage if needed, but it gets expensive). You can also sync and backup to a computer you own (and it is a good idea to do so).
Sharing an iTunes Store Account amongst family members makes sense, and ensures you are not purchasing items multiple times. Having separate iCloud accounts, however, makes everything much simpler and avoids complications that could arise when sharing services associated with it (such as iMessage).
If you have any questions, please post in the comments and I'll do my best to answer.
Reference
The First 9 Things You Should Do When You Get A New iPhone
How To Manage Multiple iOS Devices While Sharing One Apple ID
Sunday, December 08, 2013
Stardock's Start8 -- A Start Menu for Windows 8
For those of you using Windows 8 and not liking the new interface, there
is a great app to bring back a start-menu type interface. I started
using this and really like it: www.stardock.com/products/start8/
I am usually a big advocate of adapting new technologies, and the new tiles on Win8 are pretty nice if you are using a touch interface (such as a tablet or trackpad). Not so much on a traditional desktop computer, or like I use, in remote sessions.
I started using this on my work computer and am very happy with it. There is a 30-day free trial, and if you decide you like it the app is only $3.99
I have read you can use it on Server 2012 too and am really looking forward to trying that out (do you have any idea how hard it is to make the "charms" bar work in a vSphere console on a machine you are accessing via RDP?!?!)
I am usually a big advocate of adapting new technologies, and the new tiles on Win8 are pretty nice if you are using a touch interface (such as a tablet or trackpad). Not so much on a traditional desktop computer, or like I use, in remote sessions.
I started using this on my work computer and am very happy with it. There is a 30-day free trial, and if you decide you like it the app is only $3.99
I have read you can use it on Server 2012 too and am really looking forward to trying that out (do you have any idea how hard it is to make the "charms" bar work in a vSphere console on a machine you are accessing via RDP?!?!)
Sunday, November 17, 2013
What To Do If Your Phone Is Lost Or Stolen
Lets be honest, the contents of the average person's phone nowadays is at least as important as the contents of his or her wallet/ purse. We live in a digital age, and many of the things on our phones and tablets are very important to our normal lives -- things like photos, email, contacts, just to name a few.
So what happens if all this is gone in a flash? Its not something I hope you ever have to deal with, but if your phone is lost or stolen, you should already have a plan in place, instead of being in a panic and adding a ton of stress to your life.
One thing I always suggest is to set up an account over at Wallet Garden -- here, you store the info about what is in your wallet (or phone) and what to do if it goes missing. You don't store things like credit card info here -- only the name of the card, and the phone number for customer service to call. You should save the info about your phone (service provider, serial number, and customer service number to call) so everything is available in one place. That way, if your device (or wallet) goes missing, you can borrow a friend's phone to get online, look up your info quickly, and call to get things locked down.
In addition, you should have your phone properly backed up and secured. With Apple's iPhone you can use the iCloud service to back up your device, or back up locally to a computer you own. You can also set up "Find my iPhone" which will allow you to locate your device on a map by logging in to the iCloud website. None of this is good however, unless you set up a passcode lock on your phone. If your phone is not locked, a thief can simply turn these features off.
The first thing that you should immediately do is to call your mobile service provider, and have your account put on hold. Even if you have enabled locking/ tracking on your mobile device, a thief can take your SIM card out of your phone, put it into another handset, and rack up lots of charges. One thing they do is to set up a -900 line that they own, and call it, making a huge bill that is charged back to you. Do not postpone this step -- if you cannot find your device, or think it was stolen, do this right away -- even if you are fortunate to find your phone, it is a small inconvenience to deal with vs. the possibility of those huge charges that you may end up having to pay.
The next thing you should do is to change your passwords on things like email, bank accounts, and service providers such as Apple iTunes. Even if you do have your phone locked properly, it is best to take this step to ensure you are protected, and your device can no longer access your accounts.
After you have taken these preliminary steps, you should file a police report if you believe your phone was stolen. This will assist you in getting the phone recovered (if possible) or filing an insurance claim if applicable. Note that even if you can track your phone, you should never attempt to recover it yourself -- let the authorities handle it.
With the holidays now in full swing, many people are traveling and spending time visiting with friends and family -- not a good time to deal with a lost or stolen phone! So make sure to follow these tips, for in case the unfortunate happens, you are protected.
So what happens if all this is gone in a flash? Its not something I hope you ever have to deal with, but if your phone is lost or stolen, you should already have a plan in place, instead of being in a panic and adding a ton of stress to your life.
One thing I always suggest is to set up an account over at Wallet Garden -- here, you store the info about what is in your wallet (or phone) and what to do if it goes missing. You don't store things like credit card info here -- only the name of the card, and the phone number for customer service to call. You should save the info about your phone (service provider, serial number, and customer service number to call) so everything is available in one place. That way, if your device (or wallet) goes missing, you can borrow a friend's phone to get online, look up your info quickly, and call to get things locked down.
In addition, you should have your phone properly backed up and secured. With Apple's iPhone you can use the iCloud service to back up your device, or back up locally to a computer you own. You can also set up "Find my iPhone" which will allow you to locate your device on a map by logging in to the iCloud website. None of this is good however, unless you set up a passcode lock on your phone. If your phone is not locked, a thief can simply turn these features off.
The first thing that you should immediately do is to call your mobile service provider, and have your account put on hold. Even if you have enabled locking/ tracking on your mobile device, a thief can take your SIM card out of your phone, put it into another handset, and rack up lots of charges. One thing they do is to set up a -900 line that they own, and call it, making a huge bill that is charged back to you. Do not postpone this step -- if you cannot find your device, or think it was stolen, do this right away -- even if you are fortunate to find your phone, it is a small inconvenience to deal with vs. the possibility of those huge charges that you may end up having to pay.
The next thing you should do is to change your passwords on things like email, bank accounts, and service providers such as Apple iTunes. Even if you do have your phone locked properly, it is best to take this step to ensure you are protected, and your device can no longer access your accounts.
After you have taken these preliminary steps, you should file a police report if you believe your phone was stolen. This will assist you in getting the phone recovered (if possible) or filing an insurance claim if applicable. Note that even if you can track your phone, you should never attempt to recover it yourself -- let the authorities handle it.
With the holidays now in full swing, many people are traveling and spending time visiting with friends and family -- not a good time to deal with a lost or stolen phone! So make sure to follow these tips, for in case the unfortunate happens, you are protected.
Friday, August 23, 2013
New Computer- Recovery Discs
In the past when you purchased a new computer, you were provided with a set of recovery discs- CDs or DVDs that could be used to restore your machine to its factory condition. These discs are essential for repairing a computer. Most of the work I do is either to remove malware, or to replace a failed hard disk. Without the recovery discs it is often very hard (or impossible) to legally get your computer back to its working condition.
Nowadays, I've seen a trend with newer computers- manufacturers no longer include these recovery discs for you; instead, they want you to burn your own disc sets.
The problem with this is that spending 1-2 hours burning a set of recovery discs is often the last thing on a person's mind when they open up that shiny new computer. Some of the computers will post alerts, reminding you to burn the discs, but the alerts can be disabled (and often are) - and then it is forgotten about. That is, forgotten about till the computer is brought in to me for repair.
If you have not burned your recovery discs, not all is lost- if the computer is a recent one, chances are the discs can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. In fact, if the computer is still under the factory warranty, they will often provide them for free or for a small shipping/ handling fee.
The best thing to do is to go ahead and burn your recovery disc set, and keep it in a safe place. The process is time consuming, but pretty simple. Often you have the choice of creating your recovery media on CDs, DVDs, dual-layer DVDs, or on newer systems even on a USB Flash Drive (thumb drive). Generally, I use regular old DVDs because they are cheap and reliable.
Regardless of the method you choose, you will want to keep your recovery set in a safe location. Especially since, now some of the manufacturers will only "allow" you to burn a single set of recovery media. Why would they put this restriction in place? I honestly don't know, but it really does upset me. What happens if the owner loses the original recovery disc set? Or the discs get scratched or cracked?
Because of this, what I've started to do for newer computers is to create an image set of the recovery discs and save it on the C: drive of the computer. (I create a folder called "Recovery Discs" and save the image files to there). The really awesome (and free) program ImgBurn is a great tool to do this. Once I've burned the recovery disc set to DVDs, I then use ImgBurn to create image files (ISOs) of each disc. That way, if I need to burn an additional set in the future, they are there and waiting for me.
This is, of course, a lot of extra work, but may save someone $30-$40 later on in life (vs. having to purchase a set of recovery discs), and may save the life of a computer that may not have been able to be repaired otherwise.
In conclusion, it is very important to make sure you have a working set of recovery discs for your computer. It only takes 1-2 hours to do (most of which is waiting) and a few dollars worth of blank discs (or a cheap thumb drive), but could save you lots of money (and peace of mind!) in the future. Creating recovery discs is part of what I do for new computer setups, which I generally charge $30 for. So if you are not comfortable doing this, feel free to send some business my way :-) (in addition to the recovery discs, I do a lot of optimization, install security software, etc).
Thanks for reading! any questions feel free to post in the comments and I'll do my best to answer.
--Stephen
Nowadays, I've seen a trend with newer computers- manufacturers no longer include these recovery discs for you; instead, they want you to burn your own disc sets.
The problem with this is that spending 1-2 hours burning a set of recovery discs is often the last thing on a person's mind when they open up that shiny new computer. Some of the computers will post alerts, reminding you to burn the discs, but the alerts can be disabled (and often are) - and then it is forgotten about. That is, forgotten about till the computer is brought in to me for repair.
If you have not burned your recovery discs, not all is lost- if the computer is a recent one, chances are the discs can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. In fact, if the computer is still under the factory warranty, they will often provide them for free or for a small shipping/ handling fee.
The best thing to do is to go ahead and burn your recovery disc set, and keep it in a safe place. The process is time consuming, but pretty simple. Often you have the choice of creating your recovery media on CDs, DVDs, dual-layer DVDs, or on newer systems even on a USB Flash Drive (thumb drive). Generally, I use regular old DVDs because they are cheap and reliable.
Regardless of the method you choose, you will want to keep your recovery set in a safe location. Especially since, now some of the manufacturers will only "allow" you to burn a single set of recovery media. Why would they put this restriction in place? I honestly don't know, but it really does upset me. What happens if the owner loses the original recovery disc set? Or the discs get scratched or cracked?
Because of this, what I've started to do for newer computers is to create an image set of the recovery discs and save it on the C: drive of the computer. (I create a folder called "Recovery Discs" and save the image files to there). The really awesome (and free) program ImgBurn is a great tool to do this. Once I've burned the recovery disc set to DVDs, I then use ImgBurn to create image files (ISOs) of each disc. That way, if I need to burn an additional set in the future, they are there and waiting for me.
This is, of course, a lot of extra work, but may save someone $30-$40 later on in life (vs. having to purchase a set of recovery discs), and may save the life of a computer that may not have been able to be repaired otherwise.
In conclusion, it is very important to make sure you have a working set of recovery discs for your computer. It only takes 1-2 hours to do (most of which is waiting) and a few dollars worth of blank discs (or a cheap thumb drive), but could save you lots of money (and peace of mind!) in the future. Creating recovery discs is part of what I do for new computer setups, which I generally charge $30 for. So if you are not comfortable doing this, feel free to send some business my way :-) (in addition to the recovery discs, I do a lot of optimization, install security software, etc).
Thanks for reading! any questions feel free to post in the comments and I'll do my best to answer.
--Stephen
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Shopping For A New Tablet Or eReader
In the past people used to come to me around the holidays for advice on purchasing a new laptop computer -- this year, I've been asked more about what I think concerning tablets, such as the Apple iPad.
I have personally had a chance to check out most of the popular tablets on the market right now, so I'll share some tips with you here, and some info that will hopefully make your decision easier. Surely, no one wants to make this kind of investment without being aware of the choices they have to decide from.
First, let's talk about what things you should look at, regardless of what tablet you go with. There are several factors to consider, but the big three are: 1) size, 2) storage capacity, and 3) cellular data or wifi only.
Basically screen size comes down to two types, the 7 inch tablets, or the 9-10 inch tablets. While the 7 inch tablets, such as the Kindle Fire, do fit very nicely in your hand, and are easy to carry around, they are significantly smaller, which means less screen real-estate. This also affects the weight of the tablet, so you should also consider that as well.
For storage size, you'll need to know whether or not your tablet has a fixed amount (such as the iPad) or if it can be upgraded via micro/ SD cards (such as the Nook). If the tablet is a fixed amount of storage, it is important to consider how you will be using it, and how much storage you will need.
Next up is to determine if you want to get your tablet with the ability to join a cellular data network (such as AT&T or Verison), or if you will only need to use it on wifi (which they can all do).
Once you have decided on the "big three" features, then you can start to look at the name brands available.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
There are also a plethora of other tablets on the market, many different manufacturers, makes, models, and operating systems. One for sure that I won't really talk about is the new Windows Surface. If you are a heavy PC user, this one might be worth considering, but most people, in my opinion, will be happy with any of the above 4.
So, with all these name brand, models, and options, which one is right for you? Honestly, there is no one size fits all when it comes to picking a tablet. The best thing to do is to consider how you want to use it, and then base your decision off which tablet has the most features that will complement your requirements. For example, if you are a movie buff, you will probably want to get a tablet with at least 32GB of storage, or the ability to swap out memory cards. If you are a mobile worker, or always on the go, you should really consider getting a tablet with cellular data -- that way, you won't be relying on finding that next McDonald's or Starbucks to get a wifi signal.
A big part of your decision will of course be cost. A base model iPad ($499) would also buy you two Kindle Fire HD tablets -- this is often a big decision swayer when it comes time to pony up those greenbacks for your new tech.
Make sure to give some serious thought before making a purchase decision -- don't just jump on the first thing you see!! Most of these tablets will last for several years, so this is an investment that will be with you for quite awhile -- you want to make sure you are getting what you want, so you are not disappointed later.
Also, be sure to check out accessories such as screen protectors and cases -- it would be ashame if your new tablet got a scratch!
What are your thoughts on these tablets? If you own one, we would love to hear your feedback in the comments below. If you do have any questions, please comment and I'll do my best to answer :-)
I have personally had a chance to check out most of the popular tablets on the market right now, so I'll share some tips with you here, and some info that will hopefully make your decision easier. Surely, no one wants to make this kind of investment without being aware of the choices they have to decide from.
First, let's talk about what things you should look at, regardless of what tablet you go with. There are several factors to consider, but the big three are: 1) size, 2) storage capacity, and 3) cellular data or wifi only.
Basically screen size comes down to two types, the 7 inch tablets, or the 9-10 inch tablets. While the 7 inch tablets, such as the Kindle Fire, do fit very nicely in your hand, and are easy to carry around, they are significantly smaller, which means less screen real-estate. This also affects the weight of the tablet, so you should also consider that as well.
For storage size, you'll need to know whether or not your tablet has a fixed amount (such as the iPad) or if it can be upgraded via micro/ SD cards (such as the Nook). If the tablet is a fixed amount of storage, it is important to consider how you will be using it, and how much storage you will need.
Next up is to determine if you want to get your tablet with the ability to join a cellular data network (such as AT&T or Verison), or if you will only need to use it on wifi (which they can all do).
Once you have decided on the "big three" features, then you can start to look at the name brands available.
Apple's iPad
Without a doubt, the Apple iPad is the leader of the tablet market today. The Apple App store is very robust, has been around for a long time, and has lots of free and inexpensive apps to make your iPad do all kinds of wonderful things. Recently the iPad 4 (retina) was released, so this is a good time to purchase an iPad (even if you don't want the new one, the older versions are now coming down in cost). Also, Apple released the iPad Mini, which gives the smaller tablet version, with all the loveable features of its big brother. The iPad is available with or without cellular data, and comes in 16, 32, and 64GB of storage.Amazon's Kindle Fire
The Kindle Fire and the Kindle Fire HD are really nice tablets, at a very affordable price. They have a beautiful screen, and some awesome features. Integration with Amazon's online cloud services is really cool too. The Fire HD is available with wifi only, in 16 and 32GB of storage. (The larger version of the tablet is available with cellular data).Google's Nexus 7
Recently, Google released the Nexus 7 -- this is a beautiful, well thought-out tablet packed with features, at a great price. Backed by Google Play and all of the wonderful Google apps, this thing is rock solid. It starts off with wifi only, 16GB, but is available all the way up to 32GB with cellular data for only $100 more.Barnes & Noble's Nook
The Nook HD is another newer tablet, and has been getting lots of great feedback. The screen on this one is very crisp. There are lots of awesome apps, and the ability to upgrade the storage is very nice. This one won't break your wallet, either.*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
There are also a plethora of other tablets on the market, many different manufacturers, makes, models, and operating systems. One for sure that I won't really talk about is the new Windows Surface. If you are a heavy PC user, this one might be worth considering, but most people, in my opinion, will be happy with any of the above 4.
So, with all these name brand, models, and options, which one is right for you? Honestly, there is no one size fits all when it comes to picking a tablet. The best thing to do is to consider how you want to use it, and then base your decision off which tablet has the most features that will complement your requirements. For example, if you are a movie buff, you will probably want to get a tablet with at least 32GB of storage, or the ability to swap out memory cards. If you are a mobile worker, or always on the go, you should really consider getting a tablet with cellular data -- that way, you won't be relying on finding that next McDonald's or Starbucks to get a wifi signal.
A big part of your decision will of course be cost. A base model iPad ($499) would also buy you two Kindle Fire HD tablets -- this is often a big decision swayer when it comes time to pony up those greenbacks for your new tech.
Make sure to give some serious thought before making a purchase decision -- don't just jump on the first thing you see!! Most of these tablets will last for several years, so this is an investment that will be with you for quite awhile -- you want to make sure you are getting what you want, so you are not disappointed later.
Also, be sure to check out accessories such as screen protectors and cases -- it would be ashame if your new tablet got a scratch!
What are your thoughts on these tablets? If you own one, we would love to hear your feedback in the comments below. If you do have any questions, please comment and I'll do my best to answer :-)
Wednesday, December 05, 2012
Backup!! Before its too late!!
Hello friends, today I'd like to talk about a very serious subject -- backing up your computer. If you are reading this, and are not backing up, then you are in the right place. And if you are backing up-- a big thumbs-up to you good Sir or Ma'am.
Most people don't ever think about backing up their computer, until it is too late. Don't be one of those! Think about all the things on your computer right now- photos, docs, things you may never ever be able to get back. All it takes is one dropped laptop, one virus, or (God forbid) one stolen computer. You need to make sure, right now, that your data is safe. You can always replace that computer, but the things on it are really what is valuable.
I always recommend three different, basic types of backups. Some are automatic, some are manual. The best thing is to use a combination of at least two of these.
1. Backup to CD or DVD. This is an inexpensive way to backup your data. Burning a CD or DVD allows you to make "offline" copies of your data, that can be stored at your home, in a safe deposit box, or at a relative or friend's home. I always recommend this method for the most important data, such as your photos. The best thing is to make two copies of your backups -- that way, if a disc gets scratched or damaged, you have an additional shot at recovery. If you don't have CD/DVD burning software on your computer, I highly recommend the free ImgBurn.
2. Backup to external drive. External hard drive prices have really come down- you can get a good Western Digital MyPassport for less than $100. Using an external drive has the advantage of setting up a good backup program for your computer. If you are on a Mac, Time Machine is second to none. On the PC side, the Windows 7 built-in backup does an excellent job. Both of these are free, and very easy to use. Alternatively, you could just manually copy any files you want to keep backed up to the drive.
3. Cloud backup. This is a new one that many of you may not have heard of or have experience with. Basically, you pay a service provider to allow you to back up to their servers- in the "cloud." Right now I am using CrashPlan to back up all of my home computers. Their fees are extremely reasonable, and I enjoy knowing that all of my data is safe and accessible from anywhere- even from my iPhone with their free app.
Other ways of backing up files exist. If you only have a small amount of data, you could get a USB flash drive to copy files to. Also, if you have a Google account, you can use Google Drive to store your files in.
Regardless of what method or methods you select, make sure you are backing up your data. Trust me, the day will come when you need it, and when that day does come, you will be thankful you planned ahead!
If you have any questions please post in the comments below and I'll do my best to answer :-)
Most people don't ever think about backing up their computer, until it is too late. Don't be one of those! Think about all the things on your computer right now- photos, docs, things you may never ever be able to get back. All it takes is one dropped laptop, one virus, or (God forbid) one stolen computer. You need to make sure, right now, that your data is safe. You can always replace that computer, but the things on it are really what is valuable.
I always recommend three different, basic types of backups. Some are automatic, some are manual. The best thing is to use a combination of at least two of these.
1. Backup to CD or DVD. This is an inexpensive way to backup your data. Burning a CD or DVD allows you to make "offline" copies of your data, that can be stored at your home, in a safe deposit box, or at a relative or friend's home. I always recommend this method for the most important data, such as your photos. The best thing is to make two copies of your backups -- that way, if a disc gets scratched or damaged, you have an additional shot at recovery. If you don't have CD/DVD burning software on your computer, I highly recommend the free ImgBurn.
2. Backup to external drive. External hard drive prices have really come down- you can get a good Western Digital MyPassport for less than $100. Using an external drive has the advantage of setting up a good backup program for your computer. If you are on a Mac, Time Machine is second to none. On the PC side, the Windows 7 built-in backup does an excellent job. Both of these are free, and very easy to use. Alternatively, you could just manually copy any files you want to keep backed up to the drive.
3. Cloud backup. This is a new one that many of you may not have heard of or have experience with. Basically, you pay a service provider to allow you to back up to their servers- in the "cloud." Right now I am using CrashPlan to back up all of my home computers. Their fees are extremely reasonable, and I enjoy knowing that all of my data is safe and accessible from anywhere- even from my iPhone with their free app.
Other ways of backing up files exist. If you only have a small amount of data, you could get a USB flash drive to copy files to. Also, if you have a Google account, you can use Google Drive to store your files in.
Regardless of what method or methods you select, make sure you are backing up your data. Trust me, the day will come when you need it, and when that day does come, you will be thankful you planned ahead!
If you have any questions please post in the comments below and I'll do my best to answer :-)
Monday, October 16, 2006
iTunes 7
Here I will post a mini review on the new Apple software, iTunes 7, for you, my beloved reader. iTunes 7 was recently released and is a significant upgrade to an already wonderful line of digital media organization. The feature that most strikes me is the ability to download album artwork and view it in a jukebox fashion. It doesn't sound like much, until you try it. I recently added a second monitor to my computer, and now I keep iTunes up on it pretty much all the time.
A great thing about iTunes is the ability to share your music over a local network. For instance, all of my music is stored on disk drives in my desktop computer in my room. But, if I want to listen to the same music in the living room, I can use iTunes to access my music through the network, without having to move or copy the files. This saves space and gives me the flexibility to enjoy my music no matter where I am in the home.
There really are alot of great features in iTunes. Another one that greatly got my attention was the new interface for iPod use. I've been having a 5G iPod Video since the week they came out, and let me tell you that the new iTunes makes using it alot easier. Now when I browse the contents of my iPod I am given a graphical representation of how much space each type of media is taking up. Very nifty!
Really, all I want to do here is to encourage you to give iTunes 7 a spin. The software can be downloaded for free from Apple's website at the following link:
http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/
The software is available for Windows and Mac. Unfortunately there is no version for Linux...
Be sure to give it a try!
A great thing about iTunes is the ability to share your music over a local network. For instance, all of my music is stored on disk drives in my desktop computer in my room. But, if I want to listen to the same music in the living room, I can use iTunes to access my music through the network, without having to move or copy the files. This saves space and gives me the flexibility to enjoy my music no matter where I am in the home.
There really are alot of great features in iTunes. Another one that greatly got my attention was the new interface for iPod use. I've been having a 5G iPod Video since the week they came out, and let me tell you that the new iTunes makes using it alot easier. Now when I browse the contents of my iPod I am given a graphical representation of how much space each type of media is taking up. Very nifty!
Really, all I want to do here is to encourage you to give iTunes 7 a spin. The software can be downloaded for free from Apple's website at the following link:
http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/
The software is available for Windows and Mac. Unfortunately there is no version for Linux...
Be sure to give it a try!
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Console Wars Episode I
It seems like us gamers are faced with an ever changing world to contend with. PC gaming is now my favorite entertainment media, but it is hard to get away from my childhood roots with the good old console. It is, in my humble opinion, a far superior method for everyday casual gaming, especially for good multiplayer when the fellas are over.
However, the next-gen consoles are constantly changing into something "more." No longer are they just videogames, but multimedia hubs. Yes, these advances are amazing, but at the end of the day I just want to _play_ games.
I was hardcore leaning towards getting a PS3 when they come out (eventually) but after hearing its launch price, I took a step back. Granted, I can easily afford the machine, but do I really wanna drop $600+ on a console? I can build one heck of a gaming PC for that. Or that new MythTV box I've been wanting to do....
And now comes all the info about the Nintendo Wii. I think I've found my answer friends! The Wii is innovative, fun, and it will definitely be less expensive than its competitors. So, I may have to replace the "Reserved For PS3" sign on my entertainment center soon.
However, the next-gen consoles are constantly changing into something "more." No longer are they just videogames, but multimedia hubs. Yes, these advances are amazing, but at the end of the day I just want to _play_ games.
I was hardcore leaning towards getting a PS3 when they come out (eventually) but after hearing its launch price, I took a step back. Granted, I can easily afford the machine, but do I really wanna drop $600+ on a console? I can build one heck of a gaming PC for that. Or that new MythTV box I've been wanting to do....
And now comes all the info about the Nintendo Wii. I think I've found my answer friends! The Wii is innovative, fun, and it will definitely be less expensive than its competitors. So, I may have to replace the "Reserved For PS3" sign on my entertainment center soon.
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Electronic Static Discharge (ESD) Safety
ESD, or electronic static discharge, can be a big problem in the computer field. When proper precautions are taken though, risk is minimized. Let me start by saying that my elite computer friends consider me paranoid about static and generally do not take as much precaution as I do. However, when I’m dealing with a piece of equipment that I spend my hard earned cash on, you better believe I’m all about being safe.
Your body builds up static naturally. Unfortunately, static can be very damaging to computer components, especially things like RAM and processors. Static discharge isn’t that big of a problem in high-humidity areas (like south Louisiana) but precautions should still be taken. The number one rule is to never work on carpet! You should be somewhere with a nice, well lit table or desk to work on. My desk is wood, an acceptable substance for our purposes. When dealing with individual components, you may want to purchase an anti-static mat to place them on until ready for installation.
There are several anti-static wrist straps on the market, but I generally advise against these. The way they work is to provide a link between yourself and the case of the computer (or some other metal object). The problem here is if you touch the wrong thing, your body is a willing ground for any and all electricity. Personally, the best way I feel to “ground yourself” before working inside a PC is as follows.
With the computer plugged in to a grounded wall socket, touch the power supply inside the computer. Make sure you touch an unpainted metal part of the PSU, not a sticker, etc. Just a second or so is fine - this will allow any static built up in your body to drain off. Also, periodically when I am working on a PC I will touch an unpainted metal part of the case just to make sure that any static I have built up is released (like right before I go to pick up that memory module.
One more thing – when you are not installing that new computer piece, leave it in its anti-static bag! This will help keep dust off your new component, as well as protecting it from static discharges. And when you are done, be sure to save those anti-static bags!! Techs such as myself love these as they are great to store parts in.
Your body builds up static naturally. Unfortunately, static can be very damaging to computer components, especially things like RAM and processors. Static discharge isn’t that big of a problem in high-humidity areas (like south Louisiana) but precautions should still be taken. The number one rule is to never work on carpet! You should be somewhere with a nice, well lit table or desk to work on. My desk is wood, an acceptable substance for our purposes. When dealing with individual components, you may want to purchase an anti-static mat to place them on until ready for installation.
There are several anti-static wrist straps on the market, but I generally advise against these. The way they work is to provide a link between yourself and the case of the computer (or some other metal object). The problem here is if you touch the wrong thing, your body is a willing ground for any and all electricity. Personally, the best way I feel to “ground yourself” before working inside a PC is as follows.
With the computer plugged in to a grounded wall socket, touch the power supply inside the computer. Make sure you touch an unpainted metal part of the PSU, not a sticker, etc. Just a second or so is fine - this will allow any static built up in your body to drain off. Also, periodically when I am working on a PC I will touch an unpainted metal part of the case just to make sure that any static I have built up is released (like right before I go to pick up that memory module.
One more thing – when you are not installing that new computer piece, leave it in its anti-static bag! This will help keep dust off your new component, as well as protecting it from static discharges. And when you are done, be sure to save those anti-static bags!! Techs such as myself love these as they are great to store parts in.
Monday, November 14, 2005
Welcome to the Stephen Dye blog!
Hello and welcome to my blog! Since this is my first official post here, a few words about me. I am a 26 year old guy from south Louisiana. I do alot of things, like attend school at ITT, work for Wal-Mart (electronics), serve in the Louisiana Army National Guard, and I have a part-time job doing PC repair. Whew, that's alot! I also have several hobbies. I play drums, paintball, and I love to build model rockets.
There is alot to know about me, so feel free to visit my Homepage. Also, I have a Xanga blog. I will be adding alot of things here, so keep visiting! I hope you enjoy this site as much as I enjoy creating it!
There is alot to know about me, so feel free to visit my Homepage. Also, I have a Xanga blog. I will be adding alot of things here, so keep visiting! I hope you enjoy this site as much as I enjoy creating it!
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