From pcmag.com:
"The humor site GraphJam.com offers a chart showing the likelihood a computer issue will be solved by "Reconfiguring something, reimaging, antivirus-software…" or by "Turning it off and on again." Naturally the first bar is tiny, the second huge.
Joking aside, when your computer is acting weird and you can't find any reason for it, turning it off and on again really is the first thing you should try. Here are a few other techniques for tracking down problems that may or may not represent malware activity."
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Friday, March 9, 2012
Take the Wheel, Somebody
Not my typical blog post, but one that does indeed have a lot to do with technology advances, and one that will affect many of you out there, although I doubt I'll be around to see it. However, this is about driverless cars, and this is something that is happening right now, so people get ready and enjoy this article from, of all places, The National Review. I enjoyed it top to bottom.
There is no window, the scientists explain. There’s no emergency hatch or even controls for the astronauts to use. It’s all automated. “We want a window,” the astronauts demand.
The white-frocked experts reluctantly agree to give the astronauts a window and piloting controls because they know the American people would hate to see the nation’s greatest pilots treated like lab monkeys with no say in their fate.
I can’t help but wonder whether in 20 years the American people will have the right stuff to demand a steering wheel in their cars."
There’s a great scene in the movie The Right Stuff where the original Mercury astronauts are checking out the capsule for their first trips to space. They’re horrified to discover that the German scientists in charge of the program see the astronauts as nothing more than living props.
The white-frocked experts reluctantly agree to give the astronauts a window and piloting controls because they know the American people would hate to see the nation’s greatest pilots treated like lab monkeys with no say in their fate.
I can’t help but wonder whether in 20 years the American people will have the right stuff to demand a steering wheel in their cars."
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Apple's new iPad: Hands-on
You can't go anywhere on the web without running into the new iPad announcement, but I found this review, including videos, among the best coverage on the web. It's from cnet.com. I still say I would love to have one to play with, but it is a pretty expensive toy. If I were to buy one, I'd buy only the WiFi model. I just don't see the need for the 4G model that also includes a rather large ongoing monthly fee in addition to its high purchase price.
"Apple announces the new iPad at an event in San Francisco, and CNET gets some hands-on time with the third-generation device.
"Apple announces the new iPad at an event in San Francisco, and CNET gets some hands-on time with the third-generation device.
The iPad's new screen is a stunner. That's really all you need to know about the new iPad (yes, that's the name). That, and a reminder that pricing still starts at $499 for a 16GB Wi-Fi model, with 4G starting at $629."
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Wipe your data without removing Windows
This is a really good tip I found on the Kim Komando web site. As noted many times before, I take a look at Kim's site every day, and mostly I am looking for what her Tip of the Day is. This is today's, and I found it very useful. It contains information on some programs I know but also some I hadn't heard of before. Even if the subject doesn't interest you, you may still find some useful information contained within the tip. This will be especially useful to those of you who may be transferring ownership of your computer to someone else, be it a charity or a friend or a family member. I actually get the question quite frequently about the best way to clean up your system before the transfer. This one tip of Kim's seems to cover all of the bases.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
World's Most Wanted Hacker
This is good news for us all! This comes from foxnews.com.
"His name is Hector Xavier Monsegur, aka 'Sabu,' described as a 'lazy,' jobless 28-year-old computer genius living on welfare with two young wards in a New York City housing project that served as the nerve center for the infamous hacking group LulzSec — and with his help, law enforcement on two continents this morning swooped in and took them down."
 | ||
| From foxnews.com |
Friday, March 2, 2012
Google’s New Privacy Policy: What to Do
By Sam Grobart, found on the NY Times Tech pages today:
"Google started its unified privacy policy on Thursday.
The company has been telling users of its services — search, YouTube, Gmail, Google Maps and Google Docs, among others — that information it collects about users will be compiled in a single dossier for its use.
What does that mean to users and what should they do about it?"
See whole article here: Google’s New Privacy Policy: What to Do
"Google started its unified privacy policy on Thursday.
The company has been telling users of its services — search, YouTube, Gmail, Google Maps and Google Docs, among others — that information it collects about users will be compiled in a single dossier for its use.
What does that mean to users and what should they do about it?"
See whole article here: Google’s New Privacy Policy: What to Do
Thursday, March 1, 2012
IE holds rival browsers at bay
I am still a Firefox user. I only use Internet Explorer when I have to. I find some sites still don't work correctly in Firefox, which, after all this time is quite hard to believe. I have stopped downloading Chrome. I only did that thinking surely Google would include a left sidebar to display my Bookmarks (Favorites in IE), but to this date Google still refuses to make that one simple change. It would be very easy for them to do, but they just haven't done it. So, it's Firefox for me. It's plenty fast and plenty safe.
This article comes from cnet.com.
This article comes from cnet.com.
The above chart is from this article. Click here to see the whole thing.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
MVPS February HOSTS file available now
Remember to run an up-to-date Spybot first, then install the new HOSTS file. The HOSTS file is, I believe, a very valuable component of one's overall system security.
MVPS HOSTS File Update Feburary-28-2012
The MVPS HOSTS file was recently updated [Feburary-28-2012]
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm
Download: hosts.zip (146 kb)
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.zip
How To: Download and Extract the HOSTS file
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts2.htm
HOSTS File - Frequently Asked Questions
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hostsfaq.htm
Note: the "text" version makes a great resource for determining possible unwanted connections ...
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.txt (596 kb)
Get notified when the MVPS HOSTS file is updatedhttp://winhelp2002.mvps.org/updates.htm
MVPS HOSTS File Update Feburary-28-2012
The MVPS HOSTS file was recently updated [Feburary-28-2012]
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm
Download: hosts.zip (146 kb)
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.zip
How To: Download and Extract the HOSTS file
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts2.htm
HOSTS File - Frequently Asked Questions
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hostsfaq.htm
Note: the "text" version makes a great resource for determining possible unwanted connections ...
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.txt (596 kb)
Get notified when the MVPS HOSTS file is updatedhttp://winhelp2002.mvps.org/updates.htm
Friday, February 24, 2012
The Future of Email?
I have my doubts about Fluent, maybe because I have been slow to adapt to Twitter. I know, however, there are many thousands (millions?) of you out there who just love Twitter, so maybe Fluent will fly.
I have been thinking a lot lately about e-mail and its current state, mostly because I have been getting lots of short e-mails from some relatives, and I have come to realize that these short e-mails are being composed and sent from mobile smart phones. After all, they are convenient, and who wants to write a longer note on those tiny "keyboards"?
So you can read here about a few ex-Google employees who have developed Fluent. See what you think.
I have been thinking a lot lately about e-mail and its current state, mostly because I have been getting lots of short e-mails from some relatives, and I have come to realize that these short e-mails are being composed and sent from mobile smart phones. After all, they are convenient, and who wants to write a longer note on those tiny "keyboards"?
So you can read here about a few ex-Google employees who have developed Fluent. See what you think.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
How to Use Public Computers Safely
A timely article from pcmag.com. Who doesn't use someone else's computer? As a gentle reminder, you can review my recommended baseline security software here: PCDoc's Baseline Security Recommendations.
February 21, 2012
"On your own personal computer, you're free to install whatever security software you feel necessary. You'll surely want a firewall to block hack attacks and an antivirus app to keep out malware. You may add a spam filter to protect your Inbox, or a security suite that wraps comprehensive protection in handy package. Your computer isn't accessible to random passers-by, so you may not be so worried about activity traces like browsing history.
Using a public computer at an Internet café, library, school, or even a friend's house is quite a different situation. First, you have no guaranteed that the computer is protected; it might be riddled with viruses or afflicted with a keylogger. Second, unless you're careful the next user might learn a lot more than you'd like about your online session."
How to Use Public Computers Safely
February 21, 2012
"On your own personal computer, you're free to install whatever security software you feel necessary. You'll surely want a firewall to block hack attacks and an antivirus app to keep out malware. You may add a spam filter to protect your Inbox, or a security suite that wraps comprehensive protection in handy package. Your computer isn't accessible to random passers-by, so you may not be so worried about activity traces like browsing history.
Using a public computer at an Internet café, library, school, or even a friend's house is quite a different situation. First, you have no guaranteed that the computer is protected; it might be riddled with viruses or afflicted with a keylogger. Second, unless you're careful the next user might learn a lot more than you'd like about your online session."
How to Use Public Computers Safely
Friday, February 17, 2012
Apple’s Mountain Lion Makes the Mac More Like the iPad
If only I owned an iPhone or iPad! But then, note how Apple nickels and dimes its users to death (IMHO)! Of course, in this case, I am treating $30 like a nickel or dime!
This is from David Pogue's excellent blog on the NY Times.
"There had been rumors swirling that Apple was back-burnering the Mac, but that’s hard to believe after Thursday’s announcement: from now on, Apple will update Mac OS X once a year.
Apple’s iPhones and iPads get most of the attention, but Apple is now directing the spotlight on the Mac.
It will start this summer with Mac OS X 10.8, code-named Mountain Lion, only a year after the Lion version was released.
Now you’ll have to decide once a year whether or not to succumb to paying annually the $30 (or whatever Apple winds up charging) for the privilege of remaining current."
This is from David Pogue's excellent blog on the NY Times.
"There had been rumors swirling that Apple was back-burnering the Mac, but that’s hard to believe after Thursday’s announcement: from now on, Apple will update Mac OS X once a year.
Apple’s iPhones and iPads get most of the attention, but Apple is now directing the spotlight on the Mac.
It will start this summer with Mac OS X 10.8, code-named Mountain Lion, only a year after the Lion version was released.
Now you’ll have to decide once a year whether or not to succumb to paying annually the $30 (or whatever Apple winds up charging) for the privilege of remaining current."
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Tip of the Week: Searching by Image
This is fun, and maybe even a little scary, especially for those of you worried about privacy! Try a search for yourself. Again from the New York Times.
By J.D. BIERSDORFER "Searching Google for images of a person, place or thing is easy enough by just typing keywords into the search box. Google also has a feature that actually lets you search for information with a particular image itself — and get back results related to the picture or its contents.
To search by image, go to images.google.com and click on the camera icon in the search box. You can choose to paste in an image’s URL or upload one from your computer to search; Chrome and Firefox users can drag a loose image from the desktop into the search box to kick off the quest."
By J.D. BIERSDORFER "Searching Google for images of a person, place or thing is easy enough by just typing keywords into the search box. Google also has a feature that actually lets you search for information with a particular image itself — and get back results related to the picture or its contents.
To search by image, go to images.google.com and click on the camera icon in the search box. You can choose to paste in an image’s URL or upload one from your computer to search; Chrome and Firefox users can drag a loose image from the desktop into the search box to kick off the quest."
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Is This Living Room Big Enough for My TV?
An interesting subject. I wonder how many buyers actually pay attention to these rules of thumb. This is from the New York Times.
Published: February 8, 2012
Peter and Maria Hoey
By SAM GROBART
"When I was growing up, my parents had a 20-inch Sony Trinitron television. There was a 25-inch model, but having a TV that big seemed vulgar. When I would ask my father why he didn’t splash out for the bigger set, he would say, “Who am I, George Lucas?”
It seems almost quaint now. These days you would be hard-pressed to even find a 20-inch display. Maybe there is a L’il Couch Potato model from Fisher-Price that runs that small, but TVs continue to grow at a steroidal rate. Last year, the size of the average TV sold in North America was 38 inches, and you can buy an 80-inch model for a little more than $4,000."
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Get Organized: 25 Essential Keyboard Shortcuts
Okay, this is always good to review. The article has both PC & Mac shortcuts, and for those of you who may have been wondering, maybe you'll find an answer here. This comes from pcmag.com.
Get Organized: 25 Essential Keyboard Shortcuts
Friday, February 10, 2012
13 Windows 8 features worth knowing about
Truth is that the only reason I care at all about Windows 8 is that I am trying to sell my MacBook Pro 17" and, if I do, I will be in the market for a new laptop and a new desktop. So yes, I am interested in Windows 8 because anything that I buy new might just be a Windows 8 machine.
Anyway, this article comes to us from computerworld.com.
Anyway, this article comes to us from computerworld.com.
13 Windows 8 features worth knowing about
"Windows 8 will introduce a slew of interesting features, but will they benefit you?
By John Brandon
January 31, 2012 06:00 AM ET
Computerworld - Upgrades, system migration, support headaches -- IT folks are probably dreading the next major Windows rollout. Yet Windows 8, which is scheduled to move to the beta stage in late February and will likely launch in the fall, does offer several compelling new features for both IT and end users.
By far the most talked-about aspect of Windows 8 is the Metro interface. Designed for touchscreen computers and tablets, and built to use HTML5 and CSS3, Metro ties into Internet apps like SkyDrive and Flickr. As with Windows Phone 7, you can swipe to navigate through tiles showing live Web info like stocks and news as well as more traditional apps."
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
How to Tell if a Link Is Safe Without Clicking on It
This is an incredibly powerful and valuable article. I learned a lot in reading it. So many of the rogue programs and viruses that infect, or worse, our systems are launched when one of us clicks on a link imbedded in an e-mail or Facebook or on a website. Here are ways to check out the web site without going to view it, or worse, getting bitten by it!
I HIGHLY recommend everyone to read this article from PCWorld in its entirety and that you save some of the links in it to your Favorites or Bookmarks. I am going to do so and name the Bookmarks CheckSite - xxxxx where xxxxx is the site name. In this way I can find them easily (after sorting my Bookmarks) for an easy check on a suspicious link. Make sense? If not, write.
I think this is important!
"Here's what to do with a link that looks suspicious.
I HIGHLY recommend everyone to read this article from PCWorld in its entirety and that you save some of the links in it to your Favorites or Bookmarks. I am going to do so and name the Bookmarks CheckSite - xxxxx where xxxxx is the site name. In this way I can find them easily (after sorting my Bookmarks) for an easy check on a suspicious link. Make sense? If not, write.
I think this is important!
"Here's what to do with a link that looks suspicious.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Things That Were Once Amazing
David Pogue of the New York Times almost always has interesting blog posts. This is a light one I hope you will enjoy.
"A few weeks ago, I was attending an educational conference. I was at a lunch table chatting with the attendees. I overheard a guy telling this story to his colleagues:
“So there I was, struggling to make PowerPoint display correctly on this projector. I restarted it. I went through the menus. Nothing was working. So this eighth grader comes up and says, ‘Mr. Summers, let me help you.’ He kneels down, fiddles around, and damned if he didn’t fix the thing! An eighth grader!”
And he shook his head in amazement.
"A few weeks ago, I was attending an educational conference. I was at a lunch table chatting with the attendees. I overheard a guy telling this story to his colleagues:
“So there I was, struggling to make PowerPoint display correctly on this projector. I restarted it. I went through the menus. Nothing was working. So this eighth grader comes up and says, ‘Mr. Summers, let me help you.’ He kneels down, fiddles around, and damned if he didn’t fix the thing! An eighth grader!”
Monday, February 6, 2012
The $1.6 Billion Woman, Staying on Message
42 years of age, I think? WOW! This is from the NY Times.
Antoine Antoniol/Bloomberg News
"Facebook's No. 2 executive, Sheryl Sandberg, will reap a fortune in its stock offering. And she hasn't stopped telling the world how women should take responsibility for their careers."
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Facebook Timeline Privacy Tips: Lock Down Your Profile
From pcworld.com:
"Facebook's Timeline is coming, whether you like it or not, to Facebook accounts everywhere - including yours. I've been using Timeline for about a month now, and I'm not sure how I feel about it.
On the one hand, it's a lot easier to find things -- events, wall posts, etc, because you can now search your Facebook profile by date. On the other hand, it's much easier for other people--friends, strangers, you name it -- to find things, because they can now search your Facebook profile by date."
Read whole article By Sarah Jacobsson Purewal, HERE
"Facebook's Timeline is coming, whether you like it or not, to Facebook accounts everywhere - including yours. I've been using Timeline for about a month now, and I'm not sure how I feel about it.
On the one hand, it's a lot easier to find things -- events, wall posts, etc, because you can now search your Facebook profile by date. On the other hand, it's much easier for other people--friends, strangers, you name it -- to find things, because they can now search your Facebook profile by date."
Read whole article By Sarah Jacobsson Purewal, HERE
Friday, February 3, 2012
Facebook goes public
This is hardly news to anyone this week, but it's a nice concise opinion from worldstart.com.
"After numerous rumors swirled around the Internet and financial circles, Facebook finally went public with their IPO (Initial Public Offering) on Wednesday. The goal was to raise as much as $5 billion in the initial offering. This would make it the biggest IPO of any internet-based company, beating out Google’s $1.9 billion debut back in 2004.
The real question that everyone wants to know, however, is how much Facebook is actually worth? Many believe that the social network site is worth somewhere in the range of $75 to $100 billion. This is an estimate of Facebook’s worth once shares are listed a few months from now. Does this mean that you can buy shares and cash in then? Unfortunately not, as the IPO will include Facebook staff and large investors at first. Over time, if investors feel comfortable, you’ll see shares open up to the typical Facebook user.
For now, you can be comfortable with the fact that Facebook will have to answer to the public after its IPO, which is big news considering Facebook’s recent privacy concerns. That and the fact that Bono, yes that Bono, will own 1.5% of your beloved social network."
"After numerous rumors swirled around the Internet and financial circles, Facebook finally went public with their IPO (Initial Public Offering) on Wednesday. The goal was to raise as much as $5 billion in the initial offering. This would make it the biggest IPO of any internet-based company, beating out Google’s $1.9 billion debut back in 2004.
The real question that everyone wants to know, however, is how much Facebook is actually worth? Many believe that the social network site is worth somewhere in the range of $75 to $100 billion. This is an estimate of Facebook’s worth once shares are listed a few months from now. Does this mean that you can buy shares and cash in then? Unfortunately not, as the IPO will include Facebook staff and large investors at first. Over time, if investors feel comfortable, you’ll see shares open up to the typical Facebook user.
For now, you can be comfortable with the fact that Facebook will have to answer to the public after its IPO, which is big news considering Facebook’s recent privacy concerns. That and the fact that Bono, yes that Bono, will own 1.5% of your beloved social network."
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