Why is My Computer Running Slow

There are a number of factors that cause a computer to load or respond slowly.  Most of the issues stem from a build up of files and a basic organization problem within Windows.  The good news is that you don’t have to understand the problems fully to fix it.  However, if you want to know more about any of the tasks listed under Clean Up Utilities, simply click on the article link provided to read a more thorough explanation.

Clean Up Utilities

There are 5 main areas that you will need to focus on each time you perform maintenance on your PC.  Simply work your way down the list, install and use each program and reboot.  You’ll see an immediate boost in performance and wonder why you ever put up with a slow computer.  Please note that this is not a one-time operation.  Regular maintenance of your PC (once every few months), is necessary to keep it running smoothly.

All of the clean up utilities you will need to fix a slow-running computer are posted and available for you on the JumpstartMyPC.com Tools page.  We add new items to this area from time-to-time and keep all of the links updated with the most recent versions of each application.  Simply locate an application that you would like to use and click on the Software link out to the right. You’ll be directed to an external site and the download will begin.

1) Defragmentation

Definition – A defrag of your hard drive makes it easier on your PC to locate files and extends the life of your hard drive.
Program:  Auslogics Disk Defrag (available on the tools page)
Article: Defragmentation: A Simple Task for a Huge Result

2) Windows Update

Definition – Microsoft releases regular updates for your operating system.  There might be a security or bug fix waiting for you. Reported issues from other PC users help Microsoft improve Windows and these improvements are part of the frequent updates that pop up in your task bar.
Program: Windows (already installed on your system)
Article: Warning Lights on Your PC Shouldn’t be Ignored

3) Malware and Spyware

Definition – Malware, Spyware and other unwanted malicious programs are installed without your knowledge.
Program: Spybot Search and Destroy (available on the tools page)
Article: Read this Overview from the makers of Spybot Search and Destroy

4) Old, Unnecessary Files

Definition – As you surf the internet, your browser collects files in a temporary folder.   These files are not deleted until you tell your computer to do so. On almost any computer that is running slow, thousands of old, unnecessary files can be found and eliminated, immediately improving PC performance.
Program: CCleaner (available on the tools page)
Article: Read How to Use CCleaner from the Download Blog.

5) Registry Cleaning

Definition – The registry stores configuration settings and options for Windows.  Unfortunately, it never cleans out old files.  If you have ever removed programs or simply updated the programs you use regularly, chances are your PC has some old registry entries that are causing Windows some confusion.
Program: Abexo Registry Cleaner (available on the tools page) NOT FOR WINDOWS 7 USERS
Article: Your Registry is Probably in Need of a Cleaning

We would love to hear back from users on how helpful this was.  Please feel free to leave a comment below and tell us about your experience with fixing your own slow computer.  If the steps above helped you, be sure to use the sharing tools below to pass the information on to friends and family and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more updates on getting the most our of your PC.

My Computer is Running Slow – Help Me Fix It is brought to you 100% FREE from JumpstartMyPC.com.

iPads. iPods. Smart phones. Laptops.  Desktops.  You name it.  There are hundreds, maybe thousands of expensive gadgets on the lists of “must have” Christmas gifts this year.  If you, or a loved one, receive one of these gifts there are steps that you MUST take to protect your new gift from the inevitable.  We’ve got you covered.

Physical Protection

First things first.  If you want your new gadget looking like new for more than a couple of days, you’ll need to take it out of the package and move it straight into a cover, sleeve, or case of some kind.  A protective case will keep your shiny new gadget from getting scratched or cracked.  The problem is, retail stores and mall carts make all of their money by jacking up the price on these simple little necessities.  Here are some ways to protect your device and save money.

1) ebay – The #1 auction site on the planet is the ultimate thrift store for cell phone and gadget accessories.  You get more selection and pay a fraction of the price for the exact same covers, shells and screen protectors.

SkinIt.com - Custom Skins

2) skinit.com – Give your gadget a personalized touch with a protective skin.  These stickers do a great job of protecting your device from scratches and they look cool.  Just make sure you add on a bumper (rubber band around the outside) or use a sleeve of some sort to prevent damage from drops and falls.

Security

Here is something you have probably never heard.  You MUST lock down your device.  If your new gadget is stolen or “borrowed” your personal information is up for grabs.  Think about it, you check your bank balance, shop online and send/receive private messages on these handy-dandy little tools and that all becomes accessible if your device isn’t protected.

Lock Your Device!

1) Passcode Locks – Check your settings on your device.  There is a way to lock it down so a password or pattern must be entered to use the device.  In iOS devices (iPods, iPads, iPhones) this is a simple 4-digit code that must be entered.  It might slow you down a bit, but you’ll thank me if your gadget is ever stolen.

2) Location Apps – iPhones (all iOS devices for that matter), Android devices and computers have downloadable applications/programs that can be used to locate or remotely wipe your phone in the event that you can’t find it. Find My iPhone, Device Locator and LoJack are just a few that you can find through your app store of choice.

Don’t Just Take Our Word – update added 6-01-2011

A recent post from The Lookout Blog (a mobile security company in San Francisco) supports our thoughts above via a simple infographic.  Jump on over (by clicking on the image below) to see how people are using their smartphones and read the 8 Simple Privacy Tips to Put Your Mind at Ease.

INFOGRAPHIC - Is Anything Private on Your Phone Anymore?

Warranties

Sure, your new gadget probably came with a warranty, but have you filled out the paperwork and mailed it in?  Can you locate the information when you need it?  When does it expire?  Does it cover drops, spills and scratches?  Here are a few tools to help with all of these issues.

1) WarrantyElephant.com – Store your warrant information online and they will send you reminders as you get closer to the expiration date.  You can even upload the warranty itself and a copy of your invoice/receipt so you don’t have to hunt for it when the time comes.

2) SquareTrade.com – Manufacturer’s warranties are very limited.  Department/retail stores offer additional warranties, but they are expensive.  Square Trade offers warranties on your gadgets and it doesn’t matter if you bought it at Best Buy, on eBay or received it as a gift.  Their service received the highest ratings from every review site and their warranties are often available at half the price of other companies.  Check out their site and/or read the JumpstartMyPC article to see what they protect.  This is one amazing service.

So there you have it.  Everything you need to protect your gift this Christmas season.  The information is FREE and we hope you find it helpful.  All we ask is that you pass this on to friends and loved ones so that they can benefit as well.

Happy Holidays everyone!

According to a recent forum post on the AVG web site,  “that latest virus database 271.1.1/3292 (432/3292) released 12:53 AM CET requested computer restart with inability to start the system again with error.”  In other words, if your computer auto-updated the virus database (the expected behavior of any truly protected PC) and restarted, you could very well have a PC that will not boot fully into Windows 7.

AVG has already corrected the issue by removing the failing version of the database, but users who have already been affected by the update FAIL can turn to the same AVG forum for assistance on repairing their PC.  A detailed How-To has been posted as well as instructions on using the AVG Rescue CD.

While problems do occur with any business or product, some users might be a bit frustrated by this mistake and looking to “jump ship” on the go-to anti-virus provider.  While we at JumpstartMyPC.com don’t necessarily recommend a switch, we do realize that everyone needs choices.  Feel free to visit our Software and Tools section for links to popular FREE software programs, like avast! Home Edition anti-virus.

I recently went back to work, this time for a very large company with an IT staff dedicated to keeping things on total lock-down so we (the employees) can’t waste time or share corporate secrets via the internet or installed programs.  What this meant for me was a return to Microsoft’s Internet Explorer as my one and only browser choice.  My first thought was “how bad could it be?”

Fast forward 6 working days and find me strongly considering the purchase of an iPad, just to use at work for surfing the internet and keeping up with my Facebook and Twitter updates and follows.  Just as I was about to justify the purchase cost to my significant other, we discovered something miraculous…. we could install Firefox!!!  Whether it was allowed via an error on IT’s part or simply the granting of my third wish, I couldn’t be happier.  Why, because now I was in control.

As soon as Firefox was finished installing, I jumped to the Mozilla Add-Ons web site.  From there, I can choose from thousands of add-ons, which let you add new features and change the way your browser or application works.  Think of them as little programs that run from within your browser and not your operating system.  Add-ons start when you open Firefox and can do anything from change the color of your navigation buttons to notify you when your friends are on their XBOX.  If there is a special need for anything internet related (in some cases even that doesn’t matter) add-ons are the resource you need.

The Yoono Sidebar

Yoono

Once within the add-ons web site, I stumbled around a bit until I found Yoono!  What a discovery that was.  Yoono allows you to get all your updates, update your status and share across Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube & more – all at once! As it turns out, that is just the tip of the iceberg.  Look at this list of features:

• Update your status across all your social networks at once!
• Chat while surfing the web via AIM, Google Talk, etc., right there in the browser!
• Discover “cool stuff” while surfing, all related to what you are currently viewing.
• Easily share links, images and video with all your social networks.
• Drag and drop links, images and video into your IM conversations.

The best part is, this is all done from within the browser, so if you can install Firefox, you can get Yoono.

Don’t Stop There

Yoono is a wonderful tool, but one of only thousands of add-ons available from Mozilla.  Visit the add-on web site now and see what is possible in Firefox.  Also, if you are interested in getting regular updates on new add-ons and updates, follow Mozilla (also known as mozamo or AMO) via one of these methods:

Add-ons Blog

Add-ons Newsletter

mozamo on Twitter

Related Articles

We’ve written about Add-Ons before.  Want to know more?  Check out these articles:

Take Back Your Browser with JumpstartMyFirefox

Firefox Add-on BarTap – How Did I Live Without It?

In today’s article, we’ve posted links to the tools you need and a simple “5-Point Maintenance Plan” that you can follow to keep your PC running like new (or better). The average user can perform these tasks in 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size (hard drive) and speed (RAM and processor) of the computer.

What You Will Need To Get Started – Tools

All of the tools you will need for this routine maintenance are posted and available for you on the JumpstartMyPC.com Tools page. We add new items to this area from time-to-time and keep all of the links updated with the most recent versions of each application. Simply locate an application that you would like to use and click on the Software link out to the right. You’ll be directed to an external site and the download will begin.

JumpstartMyPC.com Tools Page

5-Point Maintenance Plan

There are 5 main areas that you will need to focus on each time you perform maintenance on your PC.

• Defrag – A defrag of your hard drive makes it easier on your PC to locate files and extends the life of your hard drive.
  Program: Auslogics Disk Defrag (available on the tools page)
  Article: Defragmentation: A Simple Task for a Huge Result

• Update – Microsoft releases regular updates for your operating system. There might be a security or bug fix waiting for you.
  Program: Windows (already installed on your system)
  Article: Warning Lights on Your PC Shouldn’t be Ignored

• Scan – Malware, Spyware and other unwanted malicious programs are installed without your knowledge.
  Program: Spybot Search and Destroy (tools page)

• Clean – As you surf the internet, your browser collects files in a temporary folder. These files are not deleted until you tell your computer to do so.
  Program: CCleaner (tools page)

• Registry Cleaning – The registry stores configuration settings and options for Windows. Unfortunately, it never cleans out old files.
  Program: Abexo Registry Cleaner (tools page) NOT FOR WINDOWS 7 USERS
  Article: Your Registry is Probably in Need of a Cleaning

If you have any questions, concerns or programs you would like to share with us, please don’t hesitate to contact us via email, Facebook or Twitter.

There have been very few game-changers in phones and phone calls since the invention of the cellular phone.  Sure, we have more sophisticated devices that rival the PCs of just a few years ago and those devices are capable of storing the phone numbers of our friends and family, but the way two people connect hasn’t been improved by much.  If you want to call your friend (let’s call him Troy), you need his number and he needs to be there to answer the call.  If Troy isn’t answering, you can leave him a voice mail (which he can check when he gets a chance) or you can send him a text and see if he responds to that message.

In a world where most everyone we communicate with has a cell phone, a work phone, a home phone, an email address, a Facebook page and (sometimes) a Twitter account, “getting in touch” with someone should be easier than ever.  Instead, you have to play the guessing game of where to start “looking” for Troy.  I think that must have been the issue that Google focused on when they decided to start Google Voice.  I was lucky enough to participate in the BETA of Google Voice (for about a year now) and the application/tool is now available for everyone to use.

What is Google Voice

Simply put, Google Voice is one phone number to rule them all.  Use your existing mobile number and add the Google Voice features or start with a brand new phone number.  Tie all of your phones (home, work, cell) to that one number and end the guessing games for everyone.  I could go on in detail, but Google has put together a great video to explain what Voice is all about:

Features

“The list of features goes on and on..”  That quote from the video above is an understatement at best.  There are hundreds of features within the Google Voice system and I think everyone will find something they like.  I won’t detail them all, but here are a few of my favorites.  These are features that I have used many times over the last year.

Voicemail Transcription – The Google Voice service converts your messages into written form and stores them within the application, forwards them to you as a text and/or emails them to you.  The next time you miss a call, just read the message and, if you want, listen along.  While the transcribing technology is far from perfect, it is nice to make out the general idea of a message before bothering to listen to the whole thing.

Personalized Greetings – Have one message for friends, one for family and another for business associates.  You can record as many greetings as you want and determine who will hear what, when they call.  Your boss will never have to hear “leave a message at the beep dawg!” again.  (side note: Hey Google, what does the guy in the sombrero have to do with personalized greetings?)

SMS to Email – Never miss a text again.  Have your texts sent to an email address (or several) and reply to them directly from your email inbox.  This might seem silly at first, but just leave your cell at home one time and see how handy this feature is.  And now, you can text at work while it looks like you are busy on that report that is already late.

Screen Callers – I’ll admit it, I screen my calls.  With Google Voice you can instantly push any call to voice mail, listen to the message as it is being recorded and jump in (if you want) or stop listening at any time.  This feature is also handy if you get a call while in a noisy area or somewhere you can’t talk.  Use the time to decide if you should excuse yourself and take the call outside.  I’m looking at you movie-goers!

Contacts – Although it is not listed as one of the primary features of Voice, the integration of Google Contacts with Google Voice is simply amazing.  See pictures of your friends as they call, save new callers into your contacts from the Google Voice application and add new numbers to existing contacts with the touch of a button.

Mobile App – Not only is Google Voice FREE, but so is the app for your smart phone (Blackberry, Android and iPhones).  Send text messages from the app (without affecting the number of texts on your monthly bill), check your messages and even place outbound calls from your phone without paying for the minutes on your cellular contract.  This might be a feature you want for your son or daughter.  After all, 5000 texts a month can get quite pricey without an unlimited plan.

Try it Out

Try out Google Voice today for FREE and begin playing with all of the features.  Sign up for the one new number you will ever need again.  Next time you change your home number, cell number, work number, etc. it won’t matter.  Your Google Voice number will never change.  While Google Voice does not currently solve communication issues with Facebook or Twitter, I think it is only a matter of time.  After all, it is Google!!!

Link to Google Voice Site – Click Here

Follow the Google Voice Blog – Click Here

• I like to see an item in person before purchasing
• I want to be able to return the item easily, in case it’s not what the site showed/described
• I need it now and can’t afford to wait a week
• I would only save a few dollars by buying online – it’s not worth the hassle
• I don’t have the time to sit at the computer and comparison shop

While there are times when you absolutely must have an item in hand immediately, I think most purchases are a little rushed and impulsive.  Time is an important factor in shopping, but it doesn’t have to be a barrier.  Thanks to the makers of some very smart applications for smart-phones, online shopping doesn’t have to be scary, time-consuming or unrewarding.

Smart-Phones

If you own a smart-phone (iPhone, Android, etc.) then you have a shopping tool in your pocket/purse at all times.  Add a simple application (like the ones below) and turn your phone into a barcode scanner, comparison shopper and ordering device.

ShopSavvy is by far my favorite FREE shopping app and it is available (CLICK HERE) for the iPhone, Android phones and certain Nokia devices.

“With ShopSavvy users can scan the barcode of any product using their phone’s built-in camera.  Once scanned, it will search for all the best prices from local and online retailers. ShopSavvy is used by more than 5.5 million users around the world providing them access to more than 20,000 retailers and 20,0oo,000 products.” - taken from the product web site

I have personally used ShopSavvy for the last year and it is super-simple and super-rewarding.  If you are interested in the features of ShopSavvy, take a look at the video below.  The content is great, even if the voice-over is a little…. lacking.

Amazon App is something I wish I had known about before today.  Now, you can add their app to your smart-phone and access pricing, reviews, wish lists, 1-click ordering and your own Amazon account right from the palm of your hand.  Just like ShopSavvy, you can use the camera on your phone as a barcode scanner.  The app is available for Android, iPhone and Blackberry users. (CLICK HERE)

Safe Web Sites

No matter what great deals your smart-phone returns in a product search, be sure to buy from trusted, safe sites.  While the Amazon App will keep you within the Amazon site at all times, ShopSavvy links to many other retailers and might take you to some sites you have never heard of.   If you are unsure of how to tell the difference between a safe site and a scam, check out our article Shopping Safely – 101 Days Until Christmas.  The title might be outdated, but the content is not.  In the article, we provide a few, simple tips and tricks on making sure the site you are on is secure.

Arguments Revisited

Here is some food for thought.  Remember those arguments that I posted in the beginning of the article?  I’d like to revisit them and show how using one of the apps above can still work within your “guidelines for shopping.”

• I like to see an item in person before purchasing – This is what I do.  I visit retail stores and check the product out in person.  While I am there, I simply use one of the apps above to scan the barcode or I write down the product information and price compare when I get home.  Waiting a day or two for delivery on the item could save me some hard-earned cash.
• I want to be able to return the item easily, in case it’s not what the site showed/described – Many web sites, including Amazon have simple, fair return policies and they often include return labels with your delivery.  Depending on the reason for the return you might not lose a dime.  I recently returned an item to Amazon because of an ordering mistake I made and I was only out $5.
• I need it now and can’t afford to wait a week – Programs like Amazon Prime can cut wait-times down to 2 days on all products (FREE shipping).  No matter what site you buy from, check for coupon codes that will yield you free shipping or see if there is a minimum purchase price to activate free shipping.  In some cases, the money you save will more than outweigh the cost of a 2-day delivery.
• I would only save a few dollars by buying online – it’s not worth the hassle – In many cases, you will save more than you think possible.  For instance, in the example video above (ShopSavvy) the item scanned retailed at $141.99 and the ShopSavvy application found the same item (NEW) online for $64.99.  I think the savings on this item was well worth the wait and the “hassle.”
• I don’t have the time to sit at the computer and comparison shop – Using an app, like the ones above, limits your hassle.  Simply scan the item and email the results to yourself.  When you get home, spend 2 minutes on the computer and order the item from the link provided.  You can find that 2 minutes if it will save $$$.

“The truth is that the security team at Facebook works hard to counter threats on their site — it’s just that policing 350 million users can’t be an easy job for anyone…” said Graham Cluley (Sophos) in a recent CNET article.  That is where Norton Safe Web steps in.  The new tool works much like Web of Trust (WOT) and has already been available as an online service for some time.  The folks over at Norton have just integrated it into Facebook for the specific purpose of testing your feed for links to unsafe/malicious content.  There are some limitations to this new application, but it is a step in the right direction for Facebook users and their computers.

Using Norton Safe Web

“Installing” the app and testing your feed takes only minutes and a few clicks of a mouse button.  First, you’ll need to click on the application page link : http://apps.facebook.com/nortonsafeweb.  You’ll be asked to let Norton Safe Web access your profile and feed information (ironic isn’t it).  On the first screen, simply click Allow.  When prompted about “additional permissions,” you’ll need to grant permissions to Norton by clicking on the text that reads “grant us permission to access your News Feed and Wall.”  Finally, you can click on Allow Access to finish out the installation process.

Once installed, Norton Safe Web will automatically run a scan of your feed for the last 24 hours and return the scan results for you to review.

Scanning .....

Results

There are several items in the results that stand out.  Of course, the green check marks (Safe) and red X’s (Warning) are important and represent the safety of a link within your feed, but that is not all you get.

• Untested – Those question marks (gray circles) indicate that the site has not been reviewed by anyone yet.  This doesn’t mean that the link is dangerous, simply that there is no information either way.  All of the results from the Norton Safe Web program are taken from user feedback about the site in question.
• Full URL – Often, Facebook users and programs will post a shortened URL on FB.  These shortened URLs point to real sites and unfortunately that is how most of these malicious links make their way around the internet.  The Safe Web results show you the full URL, in case you are interested in where the link will take you.
• Norton Safe Web Report – If you see a Warning message or simply want to know more information about a link in question, you can click on “See Norton Safe Web Report” to visit the Norton web site and see feedback from users who have posted reviews of the site.  The report will have information on computer threats, identity threats, e-commerce safety and annoyance factors.

How to Use Norton Safe Web

The idea of Norton Safe Web (NSW) is great, but the implementation is a little lacking.  I don’t think this is Norton’s fault in any way, but simple a restriction of the Facebook design.  The problem is that you can only test and see results when you take the time to visit the application.  These scans of your feed will not take place automatically and results will not show when you simply visit your Facebook page.  Instead, users will have to remember to test their links before clicking on them.

In order to get the most out of this tool and actually remember to use it, I recommend the following steps.

1. Click on the Add Bookmark option within the application (shown in the Results image above).
2. Then, edit your bookmarks (under your image on left0hand side) by clicking More and then Edit
3. Click and drag the Norton Safe Web line up as far as you can take it, then let go
4. Click Less and make sure that you can see the bookmark for NSW without expanding your bookmarks

Each day (or session), before clicking on any links that have been shared with you, simply click on the bookmark and Norton will run a complete scan of all of the links in your feed.  The test takes a few seconds and won’t really slow down your Facebook experience.

Pre-Scanning Integration

One tool from the Norton Safe Web application that was integrated very well is the Pre-Scanning feature.  As someone who shares links and sites in your feed, you can do your part to reduce dangerous site visits by checking your links as you post them.  The feature is available under the “Attach:” dropdown box (shown below).

Pre-Scan Feature

When you click on Safe Web Link Post you’ll be prompted for the URL you want to share and Norton will do the rest.  Your link, your message and a Seal of Approval are all posted in the format shown here:

Pre-Scanned Link via Norton Safe Web

Verdict

All-in-all, I think Norton has really helped Facebook and it’s users with this FREE step in the right direction.  As I mentioned above, the integration could have been a little better and helped all of us who will forget about testing links before clicking on them, but I still feel that the strict rules of Facebook are to blame for that.  Add this application to your Facebook bookmarks today and help rid Facebook of the dangerous links and malicious sites.

Before you jump in and begin entering information, lets take a look at this service.  According to the press release issued by Microsoft (June, 2009), Hohm is a “new online application that enables consumers to better understand their energy usage, get recommendations and start saving money.”  Recommendations are tailored to the individual home, based on house features, usage patterns and appliance information provided by the user.  As a user, you can also compare your usage to neighbors and gain access to the community of participants online to share ideas and compare savings.

Getting Started

Starting out with Hohm is very easy and you can get a quick overview of your home by simply visiting the site and typing in your address.  If you want to begin using the service, you will need to provide your email address as well.  I went through the entire process and here are the highlights of my hour on the web site:

First, I simply entered my address and Hohm provided me with some basic information by simply pulling from public records and other users.  The information was amazingly accurate, including house size, year built and average usage.

My Hohm at a Glance

Next, I worked my way through a series of screens that asked for information about my house.  Everything from number of doors to type of refrigerator needed to be entered.  I also entered in all of my electricity and gas usage (thanks to information pulled from their respective web sites) so that Hohm could see what I have been paying over the last few years. *Some lucky users can simply import their usage from participating sites.  My utility companies were not participating unfortunately.

Gas Usage Entered Manually

Finally, Hohm provided me with a laundry list of Savings Recommendations, broken down by annual savings and cost (both DIY and pro).  From this, I can prioritize the changes I need to make and estimate initial investments.  Below the recommendations chart, I was also provided with how-to videos, detailed explanations of the individual recommendations and difficulty of implementation for each.

Savings Recommendations

Verdict

While many of the items on the site are basic “cost cutting” measures that I have heard about for years, like replacing bulbs with energy efficient ones, using a programmable thermostat and buying energy efficient appliances, I was introduced to some new concepts and ideas.  For instance, I didn’t know that having my air ducts professionally sealed or lowering the water temperature of my hot water heater could have such an impact.  Those two items alone could save me almost $100 a year.

The main issue that most people will take from this is “why enter all of that data?”  Yes, you might spend an hour or more entering the information, but it will pay off in the long run.  Now, you’ll be able to measure the impact of your changes and your information will be available for national studies.  If someone comes up with a great way to cut costs for a particular type of home, appliance or door type (just a few examples) you’ll have access to the information quickly and easily.

Grocery IQ is a FREE application (originally priced at $4.99) for smartphone users and is currently available for iPhone and Android owners.  The tool, powered by coupons.com, was designed to help users with a number of typical grocery shopping activities (listed below):

Create Grocery Lists

iPhone List

Create a simple, itemized list of everything you need to pick up at the store.  Enter items via keyboard, voice command or barcode scanner and be as generic or specific as you would like.  For instance, I need milk, but I don’t buy a specific brand, so I simply type in “milk” and there it is on the list.  On the other hand, if I want to buy specific sodas, I can enter in “Diet Dr. Pepper” and choose that very specific item (2-liter, 12-pack, case, etc.) from the Grocery IQ database.

iPhone Barcode Scan

The single best thing about this product is the ability to use the barcode scanner that is built into every iPhone and Android phone to add items to the list.  That’s right, in case you were not aware, the camera on your smartphone doubles as a barcode scanner (minus the red laser shooting out of the lens).  All you have to do is hold the camera still over the barcode for a couple of seconds and the phone picks up the barcode.  From there, you are presented with a match or prompted if the barcode is not in the database.  So far, I have only come across one item that did not show up in their database.

So, grab your phone and head to the kitchen.  Scan all the items that you need to buy at the store and type in any that you can’t scan.  It literally takes just a couple of minutes.

Organize Lists

Android List

Scanning and typing all of your grocery items into the application is just the beginning.  You can create lists for different grocery stores (in case you split up shopping by products), add item details and even organize your items by aisles.   You’ll never have to head back to the other end of the store again, since your list will be organized in the same way you shop.

My favorite part of the organization is favorites.  If you have a few items that you buy every single time you go to the store, you can simply add them to the favorites section and you’ll never have to add them again.

In the future, I would love to see individual stores work with this application to do the organizing and research pricing for you.  In a perfect world, I would simply scan in the barcodes of items I needed and the list would populate, in order with pricing and comparisons to other stores.  While they are at it, they can go ahead and have my groceries waiting for me when I arrive or deliver them, for a fee.

Share Your List

Do you share the grocery shopping with another household member?  Maybe you take turns going to the store?  Grocery IQ allows you to synchronize lists among users of the application or simply email a copy of the list to someone else.  Either way, the details are there and you can rest assured that your “significant other” won’t come home without the most important item on the list or (worse) the wrong item entirely.

Coupons On-the-Go

Android Coupons

Since Grocery IQ is powered by Coupons.com, they have made coupon clipping a part of the application.  Search the online list of coupons available from Coupons.com and “clip them” for use at the store.  iPhone users can even print the coupons they find directly from the application, to an HP printer.

For a small segment of Grocery IQ users, the true tech comes into play.  Safeway shoppers (which includes Randalls here in Houston, TX) can actually download coupons to their “Savings Card” from within the application and use them at checkout without ever printing them off.   The Safeway Coupon Link program is actually available from several other partners, including shortcuts.com, cellfire and P&GeSAVER.    Can you imagine saving money by simply surfing the web and saving coupons to the card that you already use at the store?  Amazing.

My only issue with the Grocery IQ program so far is the lack of “coupon linking.”  By this, I mean that the application should search my list and find digital coupons that match the item descriptions.  Take this a step further and add a function that allows me to scan items as I put them in the cart.  Grocery IQ would then search the web and save any corresponding coupons to my “savings card” while I shopped.  The technology is there and I would be willing to pay for that application.

Bonus for Android Users

Wanna see something really cool?  That same barcode scanning technology that we mentioned in the Lists section above can be used to install the Grocery IQ application itself.  Simply open up the app called Barcode Scanner and scan this image (barcode shown below) to point your phone at the application install page.  Yes, you can even scan images on a computer screen.