computers

Digital Stuff

Standard

It’s amazing how much digital stuff we generate over the years. Documents, pix, video, audio and more. I am discovering I should have gone through a bunch of stuff but like a hoarder I can’t seem to get rid of anything. A lot of stuff I have found has been with me for over 10 years. We all have things we hold on to both on our computer and then in our house. The one thing is that you need to find a place to store it all. 

Advertisement

How to Move On After Windows XP Without Giving Up Your PC

Link

On April 8th, Microsoft will officially cut off support, service, and security updates for Windows XP. It’s been a long time coming, but depending on where you stand, it’s either overdue or absolute armageddon.

I recommend using a Linux distribution such as Linux Mint or Ubuntu. There is a learning curve but both are free of charge and you can’t beat that. (Click the link above to read the story from Lifehacker.com)

How to Move On After Windows XP Without Giving Up Your PC

Instant Inquiry Results From Yesterday’s WiFi Question

Standard

Yesterday I asked…

How long after arriving at someone’s house is it appropriate to ask for the WiFi password?

The answers I got were interesting. Some thought it wouldn’t be a good thing to do because it keeps one from connecting with people in your company. Others thought it would be OK with family but with friends only if they ask or use devices themselves. Timing is a issue too, some say you don’t want to sound too eager while others say ask for it as soon as possible.

This seems to be a new area of cyber etiquette. Use your best judgment depending on where you are and who you are with. Of course when asking for WiFi be sure to not hog bandwidth, thats never a polite thing to do.

Knowledge Gained By Fixing A Problem

Standard

I learned a few new things today while fixing a problem with my wife’s computer. She couldn’t get her Dropbox installation to work on her laptop. Well we run Linux and I had to do some research on how to fix it being different from Windows and Mac OS. Well after getting support from Linux community websites and forums I believe I do have it fixed. It’s cool when you can get something working again and gain some knowledge along the way.

Whenever you have a problem you need to fix you find yourself learning along the way. Hopefully what you are fixing won’t be wrecked in the process though. Mistakes will be made but if you take your time problems can be resolved.

There is something about doing something for yourself that is exciting. However never be ashamed to ask for help along the way because you can gain wisdom from the trial and error of others.

The Latest and Greatest, A Desire for New Tech Stuff

Standard

Apple announced a new line of technology which included new iPads, Macs and an update to their OSX operating system. It seems like they release new stuff all the time. It’s has been their practice for years to trot out new gear for the masses. Consumers oooh and aaah over their new stuff and its a reminder that what you have now isn’t good enough. Resistance is futile. 

Consumers are barraged by big release events, commercials and other marketing to make you want something to replace your not so old equipment. Think the iPhone in how they now have a gold model.

We all want the latest and greatest but sometimes we just can’t afford it. Yes I am guilty as charged of that too. However over the past few years I have worked to keep our older gear going.

I feel like in the economy we have keeping your gear running as long as you can is a must. However the temptation for new stuff is strong. I am unemployed so I can’t go putting down $1000 for a new computer right now.

Upgrading your computers memory, running updates and being creative can keep your PC running. Sometimes you have to update because the current technology is needed to do daily functions. Optimizing your personal technology can help performance and will frustrate you less.

Surfin The Web Old School Style

Standard

Friends, my setup in Nerd Corner has given me a revelation. I like surfing the Web from a desk, in a quiet place, on a big monitor. Yes give me a desktop set up or modified laptop set up, any day. I think you can be more creative, focused and accurate in your computer activities this way. I really am enjoying this feeling of being at a desk and feeling like I am accomplishing things.

Of course there is the excitement of taking your laptop into a coffee house those hipsters (I am a wanna be hipster) like and surfing, doing real work and checking out the latest blends while you people watch. Hopefully the WiFi hasn’t been maxed out by the other users and you can get an IP address. 

Surfing from home means wearing your PJ’s or whatever you pass off as PJ’s or whatever you want to wear…heck wear nothing. You have cheap coffee and perhaps someone you can snuggle up with while you have dueling computers. 

Then there are the tablets out there, you know the ones that have a touch screens and the like. But you know there’s something retro and fun about a real keyboard…you get to hear what you write too. I would like a tablet but to use from the couch or bed.

However you surf the Web make sure you enjoy it. Remember how much fun it can be. A browser is still the best killer app. Happy surfing everyone.