Archive for the ‘Tips and Tricks’ Category
Wednesday, October 3rd, 2012
Computer running slow? Are you thinking about buying a new one, but aren’t looking forward to spending several hundred or thousand dollars on a new laptop or tower? Then maybe a RAM upgrade is the right option for you.
RAM, also known as computer memory, was once an expensive upgrade option that only the real “geeks” would even consider. But things have changed. Memory prices are dropping and there are a multitude of websites that provide assistance with pricing the upgrade and performing the physical task of installing it into your PC.
Although we don’t dive into the details of actually installing the RAM in this article, you should know that replacing out the “boards” of RAM in a computer is one of the easiest things you can do. It takes just minutes and you don’t really need any training or guidance to do so. (more…)
Tags: computer memory, computer slow, crucial.com, RAM, upgrade, Windows
Posted in Online Shopping, Tips and Tricks | No Comments »
Tuesday, September 25th, 2012
Millions of fans will purchase a copy of Marvel’s The Avengers today and take it home to add to their collection. Many will watch their DVD or Blu-ray and then slide the disc back into the case to store alongside the rest of their movie collection, but before they do I wish I could warn them. They may be making a horrible mistake by passing up on the chance to download the FREE digital copy that came with their new purchase.
You see, there is a little something that most people don’t know about those digital copies – they have an expiration date!
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Tags: Amazon.com, blu-ray, digital copies, digital copy, dvd, expiration date, iTunes, the Avengers, Warner Brothers
Posted in Online Shopping, Tips and Tricks | No Comments »
Tuesday, March 27th, 2012
Your computer seems to be working against you. Every time you sit down to surf the web, check your Facebook page or even just send an email it happens. That computer that you paid good money for just a couple of years ago is moving slower than molasses. WHY? You aren’t asking it to do anything complicated.
Don’t fall for the gimmicks and promises of those commercials or big-box electronics stores. You don’t need their help to get your PC running like new again. All the tools and information you need are right at your fingertips.
JumpstartMyPC has the how-to information and clean up utilities you need to speed up that old computer and it is all 100% FREE.
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Tags: clean up utilites, computer, defrag, free software, Malware, registry, Slow Computer, speed up computer, Spyware, Windows Update
Posted in Free Programs, PC Support, Tips and Tricks | No Comments »
Tuesday, March 20th, 2012
Gmail users rejoice – there’s something new waiting for you the next time you log into your account. Spam now comes with an explanation.
What? Did you even remember that there is a Spam folder? If you’re anything like me, the answer is probably no, but that doesn’t mean that this update is not important. If nothing else, let this article serve as a reminder that your Spam folder is not to be ignored. Take a few minutes to review and test it out.
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Tags: email, Gmail, identity theft, messages, spam, spam folder
Posted in Security, Tips and Tricks, Uncategorized, Viruses | No Comments »
Thursday, March 8th, 2012
You’re working away at your desk, completely focused on a project and hoping to get everything wrapped up so you can make that next meeting, when it happens. That co-worker, you know – the one that asks the dumbest questions EVER, interrupts you to ask something. This isn’t just any question, it’s one that makes your eyes head to the ceiling and your blood pressure rise. You’ve just been interrupted for something that anyone with a pulse can answer for themselves by simply turning to the internet.
Of course, being the helpful individual you are, you head to your browser, type in those six little letters and find the answer for that coworker of yours. GOOGLE! In seconds you have an answer, but now you’ve lost your place. You can’t remember where you were at in your work and you spend the next 10 minutes trying to get back into a rhythm. Why couldn’t he/she simply do this themselves? Why do you have to be the one that always looks these things up?
The next time this happens, you’ll have a better way to answer – Let Me Google That for You (lmgtfy.com)
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Tags: dumb questions, Funny, Google, humor, Let Me Google That For You, LMGTFY, lmgtfy.com, prank
Posted in Tips and Tricks, Uncategorized | 3 Comments »
Friday, February 3rd, 2012
For years now, I’ve preached to people about the importance of using strong passwords. My posts have included tips like: make it complex, make sure it is lengthy and change out common letters for numbers. I’ve considered these to be golden rules for creating a password, and I stick by the fact that they can help protect you from the “bad guys,” but a recent article on Gizmodo.com has me rethinking a few things.
As the author of Why That Fancy Password Isn’t Nearly as Safe as You Thought puts it, that password you created is super complicated (which is good) but “You know who else loves it? Computers!” A strong password is necessary, but are the rules we have lived by really helping us to create a VERY strong password? Also, how difficult have we made it on ourselves to remember that password. Personally, I have to hit the forgot password link on at least one website a week now, simply because I tricked myself, and I am getting really tired of it.
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Tags: forget password, forgot password, Gizmodo.com, Online, Password, safety, Security, Strong Password, super password
Posted in Security, Tips and Tricks | 3 Comments »
Tuesday, January 24th, 2012
It’s a new year and you need to make some changes.
You’ve started back at the gym, started eating like a rabbit and quit ________________ (fill in the blank as you see fit), but you haven’t made any changes to your computer habits. The folks at Defence Intelligence have put together a simple set of resolutions that you can begin using today.
There isn’t really much need for explanation here – just read, rinse and repeat!
Click for Larger Version
Tags: anti-virus, click, defence intelligence, Malware, Mobile, online security, Passwords, Security, share
Posted in Security, Tips and Tricks | 3 Comments »
Wednesday, June 29th, 2011
Over recent months, hackers have been busy exposing security flaws in some very well known organizations. In most cases, the information stolen from these high profile breaches was then immediately shared on the web. With log-in and personal information taken from sites like Sony, Fox, Nintendo, PBS, AOL and even the CIA (just to name a few) it is entirely possible that one or more of your passwords is now available to millions of people on the internet.
Scared? Hopefully a little bit. In addition to accessing the sites that you have created accounts on, criminals can use that personal information to open bank accounts and get credit cards, loans, state benefits and documents such as passports and driver’s licenses in your name. There are some steps you can take to check on your information and limit any potential issues, but you must act quickly, like now!
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Tags: change, hack, Hackers, identity theft, log-in, nintendo, Password, personal information, protect, Security, shouldichangemypassword, shouldichangemypassword.com, sony, Strong Password, user name, username
Posted in Security, Tips and Tricks | 1 Comment »
Saturday, January 15th, 2011
It’s one of the most common statements we hear. “My computer is running slow.” The problem is, most local PC repair shops, or even the friendly Geek Squad at your local Best Buy, can seem a little overwhelming. You’ve probably heard stories of friends and family taking their slow-running or troubled computer into a place like this and feeling ripped off when they get home. Well worry no more, we have the how-to information and clean up utilities you need to speed up that old computer and it is 100% FREE.
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Tags: Clean up Utilities, Fix It, How-To, my computer, My Computer is Running Slow, Running Slow, Windows 7, Windows Update, Windows Vista, Windows XP
Posted in Free Programs, PC Support, Technical Issues, Tips and Tricks | No Comments »
Thursday, December 16th, 2010
Christmas is here and in just a few days millions of people will begin opening their presents from one another. Many of us will unwrap gadgets and/or electronics, but very few of us will be prepared for the inevitable. Those flashy new gizmos and whatnots will eventually meet with mechanical malfunction, a fatal fall, a catastrophic crack or even theft. Stuff Breaks and People Steal!
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.
Tags: Case, Christmas, ebay, gift, Holidays, iPad, iPhone, iPod, Lock, passcode, Protection, Screen Protectors, skinit.com, smart-phones, SquareTrade.com, Warranty, warrantyelephant.com
Posted in Free Programs, Security, Tips and Tricks | 2 Comments »
