Computer Tips and Tricks

Well it’s a new year and 2010 is upon us. Do you have a New Year’s Resolution?

Well I don’t know about computer maintenance being a resolution, and I think that most people would think that’s a bore. One thing to think about though, If you use AVG Free Anti virus version 8.5, it is no longer supported. In fact, it was probably not supported at the end of November. AVG version 9 is here and you need to go download it and install it to keep current. If you don’t upgrade, you are vulnerable to viruses on the web and increasingly so as time goes by.

Bad things happen when your Anti-virus programs expire!

Nowadays, you also need to install a Spyware or Malware program to compliment your anti virus program. Malware is short for Malicious software. I always like to install Malwarebytes and Super Anti Spyware and I encourage others to use those.

Make sure that daily scans are running and that Real-time protection is turned on. Also, please, oh please, start using Firefox for your web browser instead of Internet Explorer. You don’t have to use Internet Explorer and I encourage others to make Firefox the default. It’s definitely a safer browser and you can also now count on using added software (called extensions) to help increase your trust of certain sites. The added extension is called Web of Trust, and will actually show you what sites are good and what sites are bad.

This helps you make sure you know what you are Clicking.

Check out the image below; it show that when you search Google, you will find either a green, red, or yellow circle after each entry.

Green is good in this case, yellow, means to use caution and that the site has a weak reputation, and red is not a good site to be entering. Even if you do click on the site that is not trusted, you will get a popup from that site that gives you a warning. If that is not enough, and you still want to go there, well you are on your on.

Some sites in the web of trust are unknown, which means that it has not made it in the database of listed sites yet. In my case, you can trust my sites listed below…

Links:

http://www.mypcnetwork.com    My PC repair Website, If you need help, give us a call

http://download.cnet.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Free-Edition/3000-2239_4-10320142.html?part=dl-10044820&subj=dl&tag=button&cdlPid=11014801    Download AVG Version 9 here

http://www.malwarebytes.org   Download MalwareBytes

http://www.superantispyware.com/download.html   Download Super Anti Spyware

http://www.getfirefox.com   Mozilla Firefox web browser

http://www.mywot.com    Web of Trust Download

Do you use Google? Local news sites affiliated with newspapers or TV stations? I saw this report over at chris.pirillo.com talking about the decline of news content via the newspaper in favor of online media sources. A new report just out says that 44% of Google users just simply skim the headlines and never read the full story. I have discovered, personally, in this rich media age with Twitter, Facebook, Snackr and others that I do the same thing.

That’s why I like Newser.com. I can just see the top headlines, and when I click into a story, it gives me just a summary of the story. Then, if I want to dive deeper into it, I can click on the source links to read the full story, (if I want to).

I have a friend who uses Weatherbug on his pc, but the reality is that takes up system resources on his system all the time and actually sends back his tracking cookies to the site, which can be misused.

I think it would be better to use Google for your Weather forecasts you need it.

Just go to Google and type in weather and your zip code to get the above.

Instead of visiting other weather search sites, you can display weather reports for the U.S. and selected cities around the world directly in Google. Google displays the current temperature, conditions, humidity, wind speed and direction, and a four-day forecast with graphics.

Next to the weather report is a link allowing you to add the forecast to your iGoogle page. Plus, underneath U.S. weather reports you will find links to external sites such as AccuWeather, The Weather Channel, and Weather Underground, offering more detailed weather forecasts and radars if desired.

The cool thing is that less memory is used on the system, increasing performance.

I found a site that answers questions for you that might help you decide on your purchase.

Are you in the market this Christmas for a netbook or a laptop? How about a camera. What about an HDTV? This site makes it easy to get a recommendation for you by answering some simple questions and it is not put together by any of the vendors.

Click here to go to Measy.com

Gmail is an excellent Email application and comes with tons of features that you can explore. Continuing on with out in-depth discussion on Gmail.

Message Archives
Archiving lets you move messages from the inbox to All Mail for storage. You can find information in these e-mails later by using the search tool. To archive a message, check the box next to the sender’s name and click "Archive." If someone responds to a message you’ve archived, the whole conversation reappears in your inbox.

Gmail has plenty of features beyond the basics. Next, let’s look at some of them, such as security filters, Gmail Notifier to announce new mail, and "retrieve and respond" to access messages from other e-mail services.

Gmail Features

Gmail features make e-mail easier and more convenient. Let’s take a closer look at some like Gmail Notifier, which can alert you when you have a new message, and Mail Fetcher, which allows you to retrieve e-mail from other services, like Yahoo Mail or AOL.

Mail Fetcher
This feature lets you fetch and download messages from up to five other e-mail accounts. Mail Fetcher will check all of the accounts regularly so that mail from them appears automatically in Gmail. Accounts that you want to access must be POP (Post Office Protocol) access enabled. POP allows users to download messages from Gmail’s servers so e-mail can be accessed without an Internet connection.

Contact Groups
By creating a contact group, you can quickly send e-mails to everyone in the group. To create a group, click "Contacts" at the left and then "New Group" in the top left corner. Enter the name of the group and click "OK."

To fill the group with contacts, select the contacts you want in the Contacts list. Then open the Groups menu, and under "Add to . . .," select the group you want.

For later additions, enter the contact’s name or e-mail address in the "Add this to group" box below the contact list.

To send a message to the group, go to the Compose window. After "To:" enter the first few letters of the contact group’s name. Choose from the list that auto-complete suggests and write and send your message.

Security and Spam
Gmail is security conscious, starting with virus scans of every attachment you send. Every attachment you receive is scanned twice, when it’s delivered and when you open the message. Questionable e-mails go directly into the spam folder. To remove spam from your inbox, select the unwanted message and click "Report Spam."

You also can send unwanted mail from specific addresses or domains directly to the trash by setting up a filter. Click "Create a filter" under the search box. Fill in fields with your criteria for the filter, and click "Next Step." Choose how you want the e-mails handled by checking a box such as "Delete it." Then click "Create Filter."

Parental Controls
Children under age 13 need parental permission to create a Gmail account. Parents also can use mail filters to block unwanted mail from reaching their children.

Gmail also recommends that parents:

• Keep their child’s computer in a public area of the house so they can monitor online activity.
• Download parental control software or use browser settings that can block unwanted visits to inappropriate sites.
• Discuss appropriate e-mail communication and behavior.
• Advise children not to download attachments from unknown senders — and to check with an adult if they’re unsure.
• Tell children not to give identifiable photos or information over e-mail or in chats, particularly to strangers.

Gmail continues to look at new ways to send and receive e-mail. Keep reading to learn how you can use Gmail for chat, instant messaging with AIM users, e-mailing from mobile devices and mail with voice.

Mail with Voice
If you’re also signed into downloadable Google Talk while using Gmail’s chat features, you can make and receive voice calls. A "Call" button will appear next to your contacts’ profiles. Unless that button appears gray, the person is available to talk.

Your contacts also can leave you voice messages using Google Talk’s voicemail. These will appear as special messages in your inbox. They have the subject "Voicemail from ContactName (x seconds)" and appear with a telephone icon. To hear voicemail, click "Play" in the conversation view.

Image courtesy of Google
­Gmail lets users chat with friends directly from their inbox.

Gmail Chat
Like Google Talk, Gmail allows you to chat with just one person or with a group. You can chat with anyone on your chat list who has a colored ball next to his or her name. Go to "Chat" and find and click on the name of the person you want. That will open a chat window, so enter your message and press "Enter."

You also can search for a contact by entering the name you want in the box at the top of Chat. Or you can search for the person you want from your Contacts list and then click the Chat link. When you’re finished chatting, click the x in the top right corner of the chat window. Chat works with Internet Explorer 6.0+ or Firefox 1.0+ but not with Safari or other browsers. Chats are saved and can be searched.

Group chat lets you talk with an unlimited number of contacts at once. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Start a chat with one person in your Contacts list.
2. Click "Options" at the bottom left of the chat window, and select "Group Chat."
3. Enter the names of contacts you want to add in "Add a person to this chat."
4. To end the chat, click the x in the corner of the chat window. The group chat continues until everyone has left.

Chat/IM with AIM Users
With Gmail chat, you can sign into your AIM account from Gmail to chat with AIM buddies. They’re listed among your contacts, and you can search for them. To chat, you just click on a name on your chat list and type a message.

Gmail for Mobile
Gmail for mobile can be accessed through a smartphone’s Web browser or from an application downloaded to the phone. To access by browser, point your phone’s browser to Gmail. The interface makes it appear as if you’re using Gmail on your computer.

Downloadable Gmail for mobile also keeps your actions in sync with your Gmail account, but it’s faster and uses less data than the browser version. To try downloadable Gmail for mobile, point the phone’s browser to Gmail applications.

Either version provides Gmail functions like search and conversation view. And both have automatic synching so anything you do in Gmail from your phone is also shown in your regular Gmail account.

This article was excerpted from howstuffworks.com

I hope you take something away from this but if you ever need help with Gmail, just let me know, or contact us at mypcnetwork.com

Since its early beginnings which date all the way back to 2004, Gmail has offered users innovative features such as a gigabyte of free storage, built-in search functions and message groupings.

These features have ensured Gmail’s place as a top-rated e-mail provider. In October 2007, Gmail was estimated to be the third largest free e-mail service with 87 million users worldwide, based on data from comScore Media Metrix. Some folks have even used Gmail as a storage service.

Gmail is a popular free e-mail service powered by Goo­gle.

Since then, Google has expanded the e-mail service’s features to include group chat with AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) users, Gmail for mobile devices, access to e-mail from other services like AOL or Yahoo Mail, virus scanning, spam control, shortcuts and more. Gmail also provides messaging in 40 languages and allows attachments up to 20 megabytes in size

Getting Started with Gmail

Getting started with Gmail is simple, beginning with signing up for a Google account. Once you have that, you can complete the Gmail login and send your first e-mail. Here are some steps to take you to Gmail sign in.

1. Go to Google, and click on "Sign up for Gmail" at the lower right.
2. If you already have a Google account, click on "Sign In Here" on the next screen. If you don’t have an account, you can sign up for one. You’ll be asked to give your name and country and to choose a login name and password to use each time you access your Gmail. You’ll also be asked to select and answer a security question (like your first phone number) to use for identification if you forget your password. Click acceptance of the terms of service and privacy policy, and your account will be set up.
3. Now, you’re ready to sign in. Go to Google from most browsers to connect to the sign-in screen page. Enter your user name (with "@gmail.com" at the end) and password at the right, click "Sign In," and you’ll be signed in at your mail home page.
4. Below the Sign In area is a box you can click to remain signed in. For security, don’t check this if you’re working on a shared computer.
5. Forgot your ID or password? If so, click "I cannot access my account" below the Sign In button. After answering questions to verify your identity, you’ll be contacted by e-mail with instructions.
6. To sign out when you’re done, just click on the words "Sign Out" at the far upper right of the screen page.

By going to "Settings" at the upper right, you can make personalized changes for Gmail. For instance, click "Settings" and then "General." On this screen, you can select the language you want to use, personalize e-mails with your picture and add a signature — such as your name, address and phone numbers — that’ll appear on every e-mail you send. You also can set up a vacation responder, a response that’ll be sent automatically to anyone who e-mails while you’re gone. Be sure to click "Save Changes" after you make any changes to settings.

Now that you’re ready to use Gmail, go to the next page to learn the basics of sending and receiving e-mails.

Sending a Message
To send a message, click "Compose Mail" at the top left. Then type the receiver’s address after "To." If you’ve added addresses to your contact list, you can type the first letter or two of the name for auto-complete, which lets you pick the name you want.

Gmail’s left panel shows new messages and folders, the middle pane shows e-mails received.

Click on "Add Cc" to add addresses for people whose responses are welcome but not required. Click on "Bcc" to add recipients whose names and addresses will be hidden.

Next, enter your topic after "Subject," and type your message in the large box. Using the symbols above the box, you can change the formatting, font and color of the text. You can also check spelling, add links and attach files. (You’ll learn more about attachments later on this page.)

Gmail automatically saves your message in draft every few minutes while you’re writing. When your message is complete, click "Send." A confirmation above the window will show your message was sent. If you don’t want to save the draft message, delete it from the Draft folder.

Receiving a Message and Responding
Check the total number next to your Inbox to see if you have new messages. Gmail checks for new messages every two minutes and updates the number.

Gmail saves a "conversation" of each original message and all replies which is called “threads”. When you open a message, the newest in the conversation is on top with the rest stacked below. To read all the messages in the conversation, click "Expand All."

To print a message, click the down arrow next to "Reply" and select "Print." To print the whole conversation, click "Print all."

To forward an individual message, open it and click "Forward" from below the message area. Enter recipients’ addresses and add any notes to the message. Click "Send."

Using Attachments
With Gmail, attachments like documents, photos or video are easy to add and read. To attach a file to a message, click "Attach a file" under the Subject field. Find the file you want to attach, and click "Open." "Attach another file" lets you repeat the process. To remove an attached file, click "Remove."

To view an attachment, open the message, click "Download" at the message’s bottom and then "Open" or "Save." To view an attachment without downloading, click "View as HTML" after you open the message. You also can open Microsoft Excel files as Google spreadsheets and Microsoft Word files as Google docs.

In Part2, we will get into more specific details of using Gmail

I have watched videos from TyisTech before and I love what this kid does. I always learn something from him. It turns out that the new PSP Go no longer uses the UMD discs and is now going to a download only environment and they have their own APP store now. He also has an unboxing video that is good to watch.

Check out his review and the unboxing video too.

You can also go to his Youtube Channel for other videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/tyistech#play/uploads

Have you ever looked for Ebay items when you are shopping and find that sometimes you can get a cheaper item when the description of the item is misspelled? When people do a search for example Ipod Itouch, you may find an entry that has the entry “Ipod Itocuh”. When people search for “touch”, this one would get missed and slips under the radar.

Enter FatFingers.com.

Just enter an item you are looking for, and it will take you directly to ebay with a search of the listings with common mispellings.

Check it out at http://www.fatfingers.com

I ran into this post over at Daily Cup of Tech which is a good read…

from Daily Cup of Tech by Tim Fehlman

A salesperson walks into your office today and tells you that you have to buy a new, pre-built, expensive desk for every one of your employees. You have to buy a new desk today and replace it every three to five years. Additionally, there are no options for the desk and you may not alter it in any way - one desk is all we make and you have to buy it from us. You see, you don’t really own the desk; you’re simply purchasing a license to use the desk. Chairs are sold separately and we have the corner on the market for chairs that are 100 percent compatible with the desk. The chairs are also very expensive.

Does that sound like a scenario in which you wish to participate? Preposterous, you say? Is it? Now, what if I told you that you do have a choice of desks? In fact, just across the street from your office is an entire mall filled with desks and chairs from which to choose. Here’s the exciting part: The desks in that mall are all free. That’s right, free. Take as many as you want. You want chairs? They’re free too. If you want to customize your desk - or even build one from scratch - you can. What’s stopping you? Go pick up your free desks and chairs.

I’m feeling your reluctance to load up on those free desks and chairs. What’s the problem? Do you believe that there’s something wrong with those desks because they’re free? The free desks and chairs are just as good as the expensive one, plus they’re customizable down to the most minute detail.

If you’re like most, you’ll opt for the “one size fits none” expensive desk. Having choices, even if the other choices are free, often doesn’t make it any easier to choose. Sometimes it’s a “follow the crowd” mentality. For example, if your insurance company, family physician, elementary school and engineering company all bought the expensive desks, who are you to go in some other direction? A mind of your own is a terrible thing to waste.

Who cares if, while using your expensive desk, you occasionally have to open all the drawers and reclose them for the desk to work properly. Again, it’s what everyone else bought and it’s good enough for him or her, so why should you go to the trouble of learning how a new desk works or messing about with some new-fangled chair? After all, if something goes terribly wrong with the desk, you only have to call the manufacturer and someone will fix it, right?

Wrong.

The desk manufacturer assumes no responsibility for the workmanship or the maintenance of your desk. That’s left to independent businesses or individuals who’ll charge you to fix the desk. The manufacturer releases semi-annual patch kits to fix any anomalies you find with your desk. However, there are numerous manufacturer freebies: Cute drawer handles, holographic arm rest decals and fun paperweights to make your desk-using experience more enjoyable.

One word of caution: You should make nightly copies of all your desk’s contents and store them in a larger, more expensive desk that no one uses. Yes, you have to buy a chair with that desk too. Don’t become too attached to your current desk (now that you have it arranged just as you want) - you have to upgrade to a newer, heavier and better version in a couple of years. Not to worry, if the new one is so cumbersome and unstable that your productivity slows to a crawl, the manufacturer will have a better version in a couple of years for you to buy. You’ll buy it and again you’ll be just like everyone else.

Does this entice anyone to want to learn Linux??? Let me know your thoughts.

In the past, I have recommended AVG Antivirus (The Free version) for most users that I run into in the community. Add the combination of Malware bytes malware removal tool, and you’ve got a fairly decent arsenal to protect yourself against bad files. But recently, with the dramatic increase of malware and virus behavior on the Interwebs, you might need a second opinion from time to time. I recently ran an online scan from NOD32 to look at a machine that I just did a thorough cleaning on. After this scan, I found 2 more viruses that I missed with AVG and Malware bytes.

I know that it is common to have one tool not find a threat whereas another tool will. But what makes this so appealing is that the NOD32 program does cost $39.99 per year, but you can use the online scan for free. The scanner does download some software to your machine, and if it does find a virus, it will quarantine it and “Hold” it basically. If you do decide to remove that software, then the virus will be released back into your system.

NOD 32 onlinescan

Toptenreviews gave NOD 32 a #4 out of 20 antivirus products recently.

Another worthy review is from Terry’s Computer Tips on NOD 32

Check out this review from Antivirusware also

I guess what I like about the product is that it is much easier on my system than the hog that AVG has become. Give it a try.