Categories
computer tips

Common Mistake Address bar vs. search bar

One of the most common mistakes people have with web browsers is typing a web address in the search bar.  When I first was using web browsers it was the opposite problem that was more common: people typing in search terms as web addresses.
Either way people sometimes end up with the wrong web page.
The problem is made even more complicated by, most peoples home pages have a search engine, and also all the tool bars that end up on peoples browsers.
To deal with this problem some web browsers have address bar to the left and search bar to the right. Others have integrated search engine with the address bar.
Many people know the difference between search bar and address bar, however many do not.image of a browsers address and search bars

Categories
computer tips

Turning off computer

Usually when discussed about turning off computer all that is discussed is power.
Here I discuss why you may want to turn off your computer.

  • At night to get to sleep I have my computer scheduled to turn off so I’m less likely to use it at that time and so it doesn’t make noise nor be bothersome with light.  That’s also a good reason to have computer or TV in a room other than the bedroom.
  • Another reason to turn off  a notebook / laptop / netbook (portable) is so you don’t damage parts like hard drive or overheat when transporting.
  • To repair, maintain, or upgrade internal components on a computer (it should also be unplugged and if portable the battery may need to be removed)
  • It can make the log in password appear at start up.
  •   if you have malware /trojen it may stop your computer from doing further damage.
  • Of course it will save power too (if you don’t turn it back on again all the time).

 
On the other hand…

  • If your computer doesn’t bother your sleep it may not be necessary to have it shut down.
  • It can sometimes be hard on hardware the more you shut off and turn back on.
  • Sometimes just putting laptops to sleep may be OK for transporting. Solid State Disk drives or flash memory can greatly reduce hard drive problems with moving (but can be expensive)
  • You should probably have your computer go to a login screen automatically after a period of time or just log out.
  • There other power reducing options.

I usually have my computer turned off after a while at night, so now you know what I do.
–Nate
see also http://www.natesservices.com/2010/05/08/power-saving-tips/
 

Categories
computer tips

Virus removal troubleshooting

Here are some options I take for removing viruses, spyware, and malware from a Windows computer system.

  1.  Run the antivirus, anti spyware, or removal tool
    Tip: Sometimes running the removal in Safe Mode works better (especially if your computer acts up otherwise). You can access Safe Mode by pressing the F8 key after your computer turns on and goes through POST, before starting windows – a menu will pop with Safe Mode option. (I keep tapping on F8 when the computer starts until the menu shows up)
    2nd Tip: Be careful that your virus removal is a trusted source. There are some fakes.
  2. Run System Restore – an option in the Start/Windows menu under Program- Accessories- System Tools. Also available when starting safe mode and under the F8 menu at startup under Fix My Computer sometimes.
  3. Backup necessary data files if possible (you should be doing this all along) and wipe out starting fresh with a clean install of Windows Operating System (OS) /System Recovery. This may require discs or running the recovery from a partition on the hard drive, or in some cases booting and installing it from the network or Internet.

These are just some tips. They may not work in all cases, but any these may work in certain cases.

Categories
computer tips

Always Save, Always Backup

A reminder if you do a full system recovery, remember to back up first. I had a customer on advice of a computer manufacturer did a recovery without backing up first. It was a bad day. Also a reminder I offer online backup so you don’t have to worry as much about those things.
Online Storage

-we benefit financially when it is purchased from the link above.

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beware of scams photo tech culture

My issues with Photo Piracy

Back in April 5, 2008 I took a photo of an overpass and its landscaping work in Onamia MN since a customer recommended me to take it because of the good landscaping example (erosion control).  At the time, I was trying to take photos almost daily and pick out the best photo of the day and post it on Flickr.
Later on I found out it was used in propaganda by Senators Tom Coburn and John McCain without my permission.  They used it on a report against bike trails.  They did credit the photo, but not properly. It was an insult to my hometown,  and a transportation option I and many others enjoy.  It had misleading information including information about our representative in congress. Also At the same time I found out about an inline skater killed crossing a road while on a trail near me.
The whole situation bothered me quite a bit, but I am not getting a lawyer for it since I cannot afford one.   I am glad for the Flickr user who pointed this out, I’m sure there are many others that have misused my photos but not to this extent.  Later, I never renewed my Flickr pro account (there wasn’t much pro about it).
It has not stopped me from taking photos, but I have been slower to post them on the web.

Copyright Nathan Steffenson

Categories
beware of scams

Untrusted Advertising for small businesses

1st if you get a call with caller id blocked or unfamiliar area code (especially if you mainly deal with people locally) you may want to ignore the phone call and let it go to voice mail.
If you get a phone call for advertising check:

  • Have you heard of this company or used this product? If you haven’t then it is likely not good for your business.
  • Do they force you to make a decision on the phone, or even automatically sign you up? Don’t trust them
  • If you don’t trust them say no (or no thanks) and hang up. If they call again don’t answer.

Examples of advertising that does not usually work well:

  • Print advertising that is self distributed or limited distribution(such as given away at businesses), These can be maps, magnets, directories, phone book covers, or fliers. If you haven’t seen the product in your hands before then it probably isn’t worth it.
  • online advertising that you have not heard of(online only yellow pages). If you haven’t heard of them, or any one you know has heard of them then it probably isn’t worth it.
  • very short radio or cable tv spots. Not very many people will remember a 10 second or less ad run twice.

Make sure if you are planning on advertising online you have seen the site if you are planning on advertising.  My company offers online only advertising, and there are businesses that have seen successful results from it.  If you are planning on advertising online you may even want to sign up online there are many now that are self serve. be sure that they have a good reputation.

Categories
beware of scams

Phone verification after ordering item online

Be weary of phone verifications after order is placed, they may try to sell you additional items.  Sometimes it is necessary, or additional products may be necessary, but normally it isn’t. If the additional products were necessary they should have told you that on the web.
Be very weary of phone calls saying your credit card was declined in an order.  They may be trying to increase the order amount or get your number to hold on to.
Be careful about giving your credit card number or account number out in a public place or written on paper.

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computer tips

Bought a new computer?

Did you just buy a new computer?
Here are a few tips:
If your computer has Windows and didn’t come with any recovery discs, be sure to make them -whether on flash drives or DVDs.
Be sure to add your computer to your inventory list.  This can be used for insurance, warranty and other purposes. Remember to put down the model and serial number and service code(if applicable).
If this isn’t your first you may have to transfer the data you need from your old computer to your new computer.  You can do this with a USB flash drive/external drive, a cable connection, or network connection.
You may also have to learn the new features and differences with the new computer.
Enjoy your new Computer!

Categories
beware of scams computer tips

Stolen web mail address

It is becoming more and more common for email addresses especially free web mail addresses to get stolen by another person. Those addresses are then used for spam or fraud such as phishing schemes.
Targeted accounts include hotmail.com, msn.com, live.com, yahoo.com and gmail.com. Sometimes if you are lucky you might be able to get your password back with the forgot my password option or by calling support. Other times you have to start fresh with a new address. Microsoft free accounts are hardest to get back, their paid accounts can be easier to get back.
The thefts sometimes send out spoof emails trying to get passwords and use spoof web sites to get your password. Sometimes they simply guess at your password or your forgot your password secret question.
To try to avoid getting your email stolen:

  • Make you’re password hard to guess. Use special characters or punctuation, lower case and capital letters, and numbers.
  • Avoid single word passwords
  • Make sure your forgot your password option is something only you know and cannot be easily guessed.
  • Use different passwords at different sites.
  • Be careful where you enter your password.
  • If you have your own computer, try to have both your email, and contacts backed up locally on your computer so you can be up and running if you need a new account.
  • Check your email often to make sure it is working.

Be Careful and Good Luck!

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