Do I really need a large computer monitor?

Besides lower costs, what are the real benefits of using a large computer monitor? Why would it make sense to replace a five year old 17” monitor that seems to work OK?   Here are several good reasons:

1. Larger monitors can increase user productivity. Different studies have shown that people performing certain tasks complete the given tasks more quickly on a larger monitor. From personal experience I can firmly say that using a program like Microsoft Outlook on a 22” monitor is significantly more functional than on an older 17” or 19” monitor.
2. Newer monitors are brighter and sharper. Over the last several years LCD panel technology has made significant advancements. In addition to being larger, newer generations of LCD monitors are also sharper, brighter and have better resolution which can reduce eye strain from computer use.
3. Large monitor prices have decreased substantially. It is now common to find good quality 22” LCD monitors in the $200 price range and some bargains can be found for less than $200. There are a wide range of 23” and 24” monitors currently in the $250 – $325 range. Depending on your needs you can also find larger (how about a nice 30” monitor?) displays and some with additional adjustments for business and professional use at higher price levels.
4. Watching movies and videos. As online videos, television programs and movies have become increasingly common on the Internet more people are watching video programming on their computers. Having a larger, brighter display makes this all the more enjoyable.
5. Large computer monitors look really cool. Of course, at the end of the list there is the “Coolness Factor.” Aside from being functional and boosting productivity these things look really slick. And if your computing experience dates back to the days of 12” green or amber monochrome monitors like mine does, then you will definitely have an appreciation of the latest generation of large, widescreen computer monitors.

Microsoft Outlook Data Backup Utility

The main issue that complicates backing up Outlook data is that Microsoft does not make it easy to find the data. On an individual computer Outlook’s data repository is known as a Personal Folder and by default exists as a single file named “Outlook.pst”. However the location of that file can vary substantially based on three factors: the version of Outlook you are using; the version of Windows you are using, and your Username on your computer.
The good news is that Microsoft offers a free data backup utility called Personal Folder Backup that allows you to create a complete backup of your Outlook data and place the backup in the folder of your choice, with a file name of your choice. As an example you can create a folder call “Outlook Backup” inside your “My Documents” folder. Every time you create a back up copy of your Outlook data you can save the file in this clearly labeled folder. Then when you want to back up your Outlook data to an external hard disk drive, DVD or an online data backup service you know exactly where to find it.
The Outlook data backup utility installs a “Backup” selection on the “File Menu” on Outlook’s Menu Bar. But it also gives you a configuration option so that the utility will automatically remind you to make a backup of your Outlook data at an interval that you choose. If you want to make a back up every week set the interval for seven days; if you want to make a back up every month set the interval for thirty days.

Firefox Keyboard Shortcuts

Firefox is the second most popular web browser in the world and it continues to gain popularity and market share. With this rapid growth many users, especially new users, are not aware of the wide range of useful Firefox keyboard shortcuts available. These small combinations of keystrokes when used at the right time can be real productivity boosters. Here are Firefox keyboard shortcuts to help simplify and speed up your daily browsing. Even Firefox veterans may find these useful.

Page Navigation Shortcuts

These shortcuts allow you to navigate quickly around a web page, most with only a single keystroke.

• Spacebar — Page down one full screen at a time
• Shift – Spacebar — Page up one full screen at a time
• Down Arrow – Scroll down
• Page Down — Page down one full screen at a time
• Up Arrow –  Scroll Up
• Page Up — Page up one full screen at a time
• End – Go to the Bottom (end) of the page
• Home – Go to the Top of page

Pages, Tabs and Bookmarks

These useful shortcuts help you quickly perform different common tasks within Firefox, manage Tabs and access bookmarks.

• F5 — Reload the current page
• Alt + Home — Go to home page
• Ctrl + L — Go to the Address bar
• Ctrl + K — Go to the search box
• Ctrl + = — Increase the text size, zoom in
• Ctrl + - — Decrease the text size, zoom out
• Ctrl + P — Print the current page
• Ctrl + H — Opens the Browsing History in a column on the left
• Ctrl + T — Open a new tab
• Ctrl + W — Close current tab
• Ctrl + Tab — rotate forward to the next tab
• Ctrl + Shft + Tab — rotate back to the previous tab
• Ctrl + 1-9 — Choose a number to jump to that specific tab
• Ctrl + B — Open Bookmarks Column on Left
• Ctrl + I — Close Bookmarks Column
• Ctrl + D – Create a bookmark for the current page

Mouse Shortcuts

Here are six mouse-related shortcuts for when you already have your hand on the mouse. These shortcuts include the scroll wheel and utilize the clicking function (middle click) of the scroll wheel.

• Shift – scroll down – Go to the previous page
• Shift – scroll up – Go to the next page
• Ctrl – scroll up — Decrease the text size, zoom out
• Ctrl – scroll down — Increase text size, zoom in
• Middle click on link — Open the link in a new tab
• Middle click on a tab — Close the tab

What is a Netbook Computer?





Based on current technology a Netbook computer is an ultraportable computer:

• typically weighing 2.5 pounds Netbook Computer
• having a screen size between 7” and 10”
• including a wireless networking adapter (g/n) Netbook Computer
• having no internal optical (CD or DVD) drive
• typically running Windows XP Home
• utilizing a lower powered CPU such as the Intel Atom CPU.

Netbook computers are designed for less computing intensive tasks such as receiving and sending email and accessing the Internet. Netbooks are basic computing devices that are suited for basic computing tasks. Leading manufacturers include Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, MSI and Toshiba.
The Net book computer has captured many people’s interest for two main reasons – size and price. Based on size and weight a Netbook fits somewhere in between the smartphone and the laptop computer. Key factors that differentiate a Netbook computer from other portable computers are:
Size — Most Netbook computers have a screen size between 7” and 10” measured diagonally. They are larger than a smartphone, which have screens not much bigger than 3” diagonally, and smaller than a laptop computer which range between 12” and 17”.
Price – Netbook  computer prices range from $250 to $800 with an average price in the $350 range. This price can increase if you add an external CD/DVD drive or a larger, extended life battery. Most Netbooks come with 1GB of RAM. Upgrading to 2GB if needed will also add to the cost.
Weight – The other aspect of a Netbook computer being “smaller” is weight. Most Netbooks weigh in at around 2.5 pounds. A smaller screen means a lighter screen and a smaller and lighter battery to power the smaller screen. The weight of most Netbooks falls in the 2 – 3 pounds range however adding a larger, extended life battery can add as much as half a pound to the overall weight.
CPU or Computing Power – Most Net book computers use a CPU from the Intel Atom CPU line. These “brains” are less powerful than the Intel P4, Core, or Core 2 CPUs or the AMD CPUs that are in most laptop computers. While these CPUs provide less computing power they also require much less electrical power resulting in smaller, lighter weight batteries and cooler running Netbooks. UPDATE: Intel released its latest versions of the Atom CPU in early 2010. Be sure to check out the post on “New Intel Processor for Netbook Computers”
Optical Storage (CD/DVD) – Internal CD or DVD drives are not included in a netbook computer. External drives can be connected through USB ports for loading software or transferring data to another computer. External optical drives are not included in the base cost of most Netbook computers.

Mass Storage (hard disk drive) – Netbooks offer either a traditional hard disk drive (HDD) that have a capacity between 60 GB and 160 GB, or lower capacity solid state drives (SSD) with capacities ranging from 16 GB to 64 GB of flash memory.

Why a Five Year Old Computer Is Slower Than a New Computer

Some people wonder why a 5 year old computer is slow and can’t be tuned up to deliver performance rivaling a newer computer. Beyond the tune up process some components can also be upgraded to improve performance. In the end though, there are a number of factors that limit computer performance and together determine why a five year old computer is slower than a new computer.

Deferred Computer Maintenance

Some of the declining performance in a five year old computer may be maintenance related. Over time “junk” (a technical term) builds up on a computer and is not easy to remove. As programs are installed and uninstalled, files are added, modified and deleted, and email data is added, modified and deleted, pieces of programs and data can be left behind. Old, unused programs and numerous Windows “temp” files can also be scattered around the computer. After five years the amount of the most difficult to remove junk can become significant and out of the reach of PC maintenance utilities..

Reinstalling Windows

One option is to perform what is known as a “clean install” of Windows. In this process you back up all your data and hardware drivers, reformat your hard disk drive, completely re-installed Windows, install all necessary Windows updates and Service Packs, re-install all your software and then transfer your data back on to the computer. This normally requires from 3 to 5 hours and can take potentially longer if you don’t have all the drivers and software. This will wipe out any built up “junk” on the system. But you will still have the same old hardware (CPU, RAM, memory bus, graphics processor, etc).

Computer Component Upgrades

Another way of addressing the performance challenges of a five year old computer is to upgrade some of the components with newer, faster ones. This could cost $100 – $300 or more. However, many of the basic system components such as the CPU speed, RAM speed and memory bus speed cannot be modified.  While partial solutions such as increasing RAM from 512MB to 2 GB can make a performance difference, the upgrade will have limited impact in a five year old computer. Hardware upgrades on a system this old may be a bit like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. Some of these items were addressed in my earlier tech tip Ten Downsides of An Aging Computer.

Computer Components That Impact Performance

There are a number of different hardware components in a computer that impact the overall perceived “speed” of the system. Here is a more detailed look at some of these components.

1. Slower CPU – let’s start with the brains of the computer. Current mid-range CPUs such as an Intel Core2 Duo will have roughly 20 times the processing power as the Pentium 4 that was common five years ago.
2. Too little memory (RAM) – five years ago it was not uncommon to have computers with only 256MB or 512MB of RAM installed. Today most computers are sold with at least 2GB of RAM and some have as much as 6GB or even 8GB.
3. Slower Memory Speed – like so many other components RAM has a rated speed for how fast data can be written to and read from the RAM modules. This speed has more than doubled in the last five years.
4. Slower memory bus – the memory bus is the communications channel that the computer CPU uses to talk to RAM (memory) and other system components. Current mid-range computers use a memory bus speed that is at least twice as fast as what was common in computers made five years ago.
5. Slower hard disk drive – Both the speed and capacity of hard disk drives has increased since that five year old computer was built. Using higher rotational speeds, data caching and newer technologies for higher data density, current hard disk drives offer significant performance benefits over most drives that were installed in computers five years ago.
6. Older USB v.1.0 ports – USB or Universal Serial Bus ports are used to connect most peripheral devices such as printers, scanners, external backup drives, keyboards and mice to computers. Some computers made five years ago used the older USB 1.1 standard for these ports instead of the current USB 2.0 standard. The current USB 2.0 ports transfer data over 30 times faster than the older USB 1.1 ports.
7. Slower graphics and video processor – Computers use a separate processor for handling most graphical data including photos, web pages, and video. Older computers have graphics processors that were significantly less powerful than current technologies.

Top 20 Easy Steps to Keeping Your Windows Computer Running Its Best

1.  Security Software — Use Antivirus and Internet Firewall s

oftware.  Using an Internet Security Suite is the most effective solution.
2.    Expiration of Security Software – Do not let your security software get out of date or let your subscription lapse. Most security software is based on an annual subscription basis. If your subscription runs out you are not protected against new viruses, spyware, Trojans, etc.
3.    Multiple Antivirus Programs — Never run more than one antivirus program, firewall program, or internet security suite. They will conflict and cause a number of problems and effect system stability.
4.    Regular Virus Scans — Run a full system scan for viruses and spyware every week. Most software can be configured to do this automatically. If you are experiencing unusual pop ups or browser windows opening, or believe that activities are running on your computer even when you do not have any programs open, it might be good to run a full manual scan.
5.    Windows Updates – Install updates for Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office as they become available from Microsoft.
6.    Defragmenting – For optimum performance your hard disk drive should be defragmented every month or two.  Not as necessary with computers running Windows Vista as this is done automatically in the background.
7.    Cleaning — Desktop computer vents should be checked for dust periodically. If the vents are clogged with dust or pet hair the computer may run significantly hotter which can damage the system. Check both front and back vents. Clean with a vacuum if dusty, but turn the computer off first.
8.    Recyle Bin – Empty the recylce bin on a weekly basis, if not more frequently. Deleted files are not permanently erased until the Recyle Bin is emptied.
9.    Spam Filtering — Use a Spam filter for all incoming email and check periodically to make sure that the filtering is set to the correct level – not too low.
10.  Attached Files in Spam — Do not open email or email attachments unless you know who they are from. Not all spam filters are perfect and some junk will get through. Never download an attached file from an email that you weren’t expecting to receive.
11.  “Unsubscribe” in Spam — Never click on “Unsubscribe” on an email that you suspect to be spam or junk mail. This will just tell spammers that your email address is active and you will likely end up getting more junk mail.
12.  Exe Attachments – Never click on an email attachment with an .exe file extension such as “myfile.exe”. These are program files and clicking on them will begin running a program that could be nasty.
13.  Browser Toolbars — If you add a toolbar to your browser only use one. Multiple Toolbars can slow your browsing and add duplicate functionality.
14.  Pop Ups – Never respond to an unwanted pop-up by clicking “OK.” If you don’t know where it came from, you don’t know where it will take you or what “OK” actually means.

15.  Spam Links — Never click on a link within a suspected spam email – just delete the message immediately.

16.  Pop Up Blockers — Do not download, or install Pop-Up blocker programs. Both Internet Explorer and Firefox provide this capability so additional software is unnecessary.

17.  “Free” Programs – This can get a bit tricky in defining what is “safe” and not. Try to only download and install “free” programs from well-known publishers and manufacturers and trusted sites such a www.download.com and www.tucows.com.

18.  Be Diligent — Keep all components (software programs, browsers, security software, Windows, hardware drivers) up to date.

19.  Data Backup – Be sure to back up your data regularly & make sure you are backing up all of your important files.

20.  Verify Your Backup – Check your backed up files periodically to make sure all data is actually getting backed up.

How to Protect Your Computer From Viruses

With millions of computer users browsing the web at any given time, there are plenty of targets for malicious coders. While computer experts don’t always know why coders choose to build harmful computer programs, the fact is that it happens all the time. Computer viruses can steal personal information, interfere with normal operations, attract spam and even shut down your computer’s hard drive. Protecting your computer is critical for browsing success.

Start With the Basics

Most computer systems come with security features already in place. For example, the Windows operating system is packaged with Microsoft Windows Security Center. When you first open, boot up and register a new computer, you should make sure that this program is functioning. It will give basic protection against spyware, viruses and malware. In addition, a basic firewall is built into this program, providing additional protection and stops for potentially harmful programs. Upon activation, don’t be surprised if your security system needs immediate updating. Software that protects your computer needs regular and consistent updating to stay useful. Viruses are constantly being generated and the several-month lag between when your computer was made and when you first started using it can mean that the database the security system is loaded with is severely out-of-date.

Upgrade to Meet Your Needs

Many people operate computers for a long time with only basic protection in place. However, heavy computer users or those who have risky browsing habits can sometimes benefit from upgrading their virus, spyware and malware protection, as well as using a fuller-featured firewall; this is especially important if you use a networked computer system. Basic or free virus protection will still scan and update for viruses. Paid programs, however, offer more features, including ease-of-use and convenience features. The most important thing is to verify the publisher and make sure you are getting what is promised. Most well-known virus protection programs, such as AVG and Norton Security, have reviews available to help you make your choice.

Learn About Spyware Risks

Spyware creates risks that many computer users are not aware of. If you are only protecting against viruses, you could be leaving your computer open to damage. Most people are familiar with spyware that initiates and attracts annoying ad programs. Spyware, however, can be much more malicious as well. Your shopping habits can be tracked by spyware. While not exactly harmful, some people consider this a breach of privacy. The worst spyware programs interfere with normal operations and can even track what you type, sending personal information to people who want to steal your identity. Some spyware redirects your browser to different web addresses, increasing your risks of virus infection and fraud.

How Viruses Work

The main difference between spyware and viruses is how they are spread. A virus reproduces itself and attaches to any document that the computer sends, while spyware can be stored as a cookie or tracking code. A virus is most often found traveling with a piece of computer software, such as a document, picture or piece of music. When dealing with email, it is necessary to open an attachment to become infected, indicating that, in most cases, the computer user must somehow invite the malicious software to replicate on their system. Of course, most people have no idea it is there or what is happening. Some of the sneakiest and most harmful viruses actually masquerade as virus protection software, making them extremely hard to detect. Because of this, it’s crucial to be familiar with your particular virus protection program and know what it looks like and what the normal scripts and prompts are during operation. Viruses do some of the same things that spyware does; they just accomplish it differently. An active virus can steal personal information, generate ads or shut down your system, including the very virus protection programs that can fix the issue.

Take Steps For Protection

Like anything, the best way to protect against viruses is to be educated. Become familiar with what malicious software may look like. If you get an email or are asked to download a file that you don’t recognize or looks suspicious, do your homework. Research virus protection, spyware, malware and firewall programs and use them to their fullest capacity. Set the software to update and scan automatically to make sure that the system is constantly monitored. In addition, regularly check on the databases published by various virus protection services; many will provide lists of symptoms and risks, as well as the standard way the file gains access for no cost to the public.

Computer Tips & Tricks

Tips for Speeding Up Your PC

Few things are as frustrating as dealing with a slow, sluggish computer. When a computer is brand new, it works wonderfully well. Over time, though, its performance can slowly begin to worsen. This happens for a number of reasons, but the biggest culprits are things like spyware, adware and other computer threats that are unwittingly downloaded along with other content while online. You don’t have to download thousands of MP3s, movies or other items to experience these problems, either – nobody is immune to them. Instead of accepting the situation, there are plenty of techniques and strategies that you can use to make it better – a few of the best ones are outlined below.

Strategy #1: Clean Your Computer’s Windows Registry
The biggest cause of slow, sluggish PC performance is errors and problems within its Windows registry. Adware, spyware and other threats usually target the registry, damaging or misplacing important files within it. When it comes to PC cleaning, a daily Windows registry cleaning should be at the top of your list of priorities. However, this should never be done manually – there are too many opportunities for major errors that could seriously damage your PC’s operating system. Instead, invest in a high-quality Windows registry cleanup program and configure it to run once per day – you won’t believe the difference that it makes.

Strategy #2: Remove Unneeded Files
Every time you log on to the Internet or otherwise use your computer, temporary files are generated. They are usually only needed once; however, they don’t disappear on their own. Instead, they accumulate over time until they are cluttering up your computer’s file system and affecting its performance. While it’s possible to remove these files one-by-one, it’s much easier and quicker to use a PC cleaning tool that’s designed for the purpose. Try to do so about one time per week to keep your computer humming along with ease.

Strategy #3: Remove Unneeded Programs
Like many people, you probably download and try out many different programs each month. How many of them do you actually end up using on a regular basis? Chances are, not very many of them. By getting into the habit of uninstalling unused and unneeded programs, you can keep your computer’s file system a lot less cluttered. In turn, your PC’s performance will improve dramatically. You can optimize your computer in this way by using its Add/Remove Programs feature. Its location varies by operating system, but you should be able to find it somewhere in the Control Panel.

Strategy #4: Empty the Recycle Bin
When you click “delete” on a file or a program, it doesn’t go away for good – not immediately, anyway. Instead, it sits in a kind of purgatory in your computer’s Recycle Bin. As things pile up in the Recycle Bin, your computer can start exhibiting some very annoying problems. If sluggish startups and frequent crashes are occurring with increasing frequency – and your computer’s recycle bin is very full – go ahead and empty it. From then on, get into the habit of doing so about one time per week. This small but important strategy can make a huge difference.

Strategy #5: Perform a Disk Defragmentation
Windows isn’t very efficient when it comes to storing files. It actually splits them up, depositing them into whatever spaces are available. The more spaced apart the pieces of a file are, the harder your computer has to work to make them run. The Windows disk defragmentation system tune-up utility works to piece all of those files back together again. The process is a long one, though, and only needs to be done about four times per year. Set it up to run automatically once every three months. By doing so, you’ll be able to keep your computer running in tiptop shape.

When it comes to keeping your computer running optimally, small but regular maintenance is the best way to go. Protecting your PC only does so much; even the most careful Internet users in the world unintentionally download malicious software from time to time. By using basic system tune-up tools, cleaning your computer’s Windows registry regularly, performing regular file-cleaning maintenance and otherwise optimizing your PC, you should be able to keep it in like-new condition for a lot longer. Even if your computer has been performing slowly for some time, beginning this regimen is sure to produce results. In the end, you’ll be able to enjoy a computer that flies along – instead of one that spins its wheels.

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