After I was told, after trying to find it for hours:
Some computers have a physical button to turn wifi on and off or keyboard button.
Some computers have a function button on the keyboard that turns that track pad on and off. There is also a setting in the Windows control panel that can enable or disable.
Common home network troubleshooting step. Unplug modem, router then wait. then plug in modem, then wait until lights are flashing, then plug in router.
If possible get the modem/router in one device. with many DSL providers you only need the one router can also have WIFi wireless network . check with your Internet Service Provider.
Full Screen mode:
To exit full screen mode it is now different with some programs. Sometimes it is ESC key or F10 or F11 and with Macintosh you may have to go to the top menu bar. To close a window in Windows use F4. To Quit a program in Macintosh use CMD Q
Sometimes restarting the computer can solve problems.
I have been using the Windows version of the solar Logitech keyboard. I kept using wired keyboards because I didn’t like changing batteries. This solves that problem, and removes some cable clutter.
I now also have the mac version for my Macintosh.
2. Wireless touchpad from Logitech
It is rechargeable by USB cable, and otherwise wireless and uses the same wireless adapter as my keyboard.
Removes cable clutter. A little bit less hard on my wrist and gets rid of the laser.
There is both a Mac version and a Windows version with multitouch (it has basic functions in Linux and basic functions if you used the Windows for mac or vice versa).
3. Solid State Drive
A solid state drive can increase the speed of computer SATA Solid State Drive dramatically.
I have installed SSDs on 3 my computers and a customer’s computer.
It also increases energy efficiency and reduces heat
They come from multiple manufacturers. Typically from companies that make memory and flash drives.
I had to clean up unneeded program files and duplicate files before installing.
I used disc duplication /imaging software that came with one of the drives.
Also, I was able to mount it to the desktop computers since it came with an adapter mount even though they were both made for laptops.
For my Macintosh computers I used Time Machine (Apple Macintosh’s automatic local backup program to external drive) to do the restore to the new drive.
A 480 GB drive is the same as a 512 GB drive. (the 512 GB drive uses a different definition of GB)
Sometimes the biggest changes in technology aren’t necessarily the new things, but the old things that are no longer needed.
Spinning hard disc drives. Any moveable part is a point of failure. Since Solid state drives and flash memory has come down in price and expanded capacity, and cloud storage is available, I no longer can recommend buying a new (or used) spinning magnetic hard drive.
Fax machines. Secure web along with other methods have replaced fax machines.
Outside copper telephone and cable lines. Any outside communication line should be fiber optic, to prevent spread of lightning strikes. Fiber optics allow for distance and for speed.
Phone books, paper newspapers. With the web, and most numbers now unlisted phone books have become mostly useless. Newspapers (the actual paper version) have become obsolete. The content is old by the time it is published, and due to lost revenue and cuts the content itself has become more unreliable.
VHS, CDS, DVDs, blue laser DVDs, floppy drives, thumb (portable flash) drives. All of these sneaker net devices are rarely needed because of networking and cloud services.
Florescent lighting, incandescent lighting. Replaced by LED and natural lighting.
Big Paper (and CD media) manuals. Since most people don’t take the time to read big multipage paper manuals they have been replaced by: Online and web based manuals, manuals and tutorials within the product itself (such as in a computer or phone, or on a cars display/navigation system). Also instructions are sometimes put on the products packaging itself.
In addition to desktop computers, free wifi, books, magazines, and DVD, the Brainerd Public library will have Apple iPad tablets this September. iPads will be available for training as well as use in the library.
Here is a video from Lakeland Public Television:
Fiber optic is a thin, flexible glass cable used to transfer light.
What are fiber optics used for?
Including but not limited to the transfer of data (for things like viewing this web post) at the speed of light.
Data can also include voice (telephone) and video (cable television).
Light is sent at one end and at the other end the light is read.
Fiber-optic media is one of the core components of most networks, used often between building segments, between different floors, between buildings, and long distances between cities, states and countries.
Fiber optics are used for the backbone of most wireless networks including cellular telephones. The backbone of the Internet is fiber-optic cabling.
Fiber optics were first used and still used for a scope to look down a persons throat.
Fiber optics can also be used as lighting. Light is traveled without electrical wiring. Any light source can be used including the sun, LED or laser.
Advantages of Fiber optics:
Speed.
Distance
No radio, electrical, or magnetic interference
No wire tapping into the actual cabling
No transfer of electrical surges: reduces chance of damage from a lightning strike
Multiple uses which allows less (telephone, cable) lines to go into a building.
Dangers of Fiber-optic Cabling:
During the installation of fiber-optic cabling, utility lines may be broke. Years ago, in St. Cloud MN this caused a gas line break which caused an explosion taking out a city block. Fiber optics that need to be dug should only be done by utility professionals. Call before you dig in MN 811 web http://www.gopherstateonecall.org/
Touching the glass of a fiber optic cable can cause very bad slivers or cuts.
Fiber optics can can cause blind spots from the light that travels from them.
Dangers from the equipment used with the cabling.
Certain cable coating can be dangerous when melted.
First in Windows we will export an Open Office writer document to pdf. Click File Menu
In open office writer, with a document that is complete,
we go to the file menu
then Export as PDF Click Export as PDF
a dialog box is displayed, this gives you some options to adjust the quality and file size. A Dialog Box appears
Click on Export. Click Export
A save dialog box is displayed. I’ll Make sure it’s in the right folder,
change the name, for this I’ll use pdfsampletext, and click on Save. Change file name and location if necessary click save
Also be sure it’s saved in open office document format, making it easier to modify in the future. Be sure to save it as Open Office Document
Now let’s find that PDF file
I’ll go to the Windows start menu
then documents Documents
and then I’ll go to the folder I put in locate the folder open the file
and then I will click on the file pdfsampletext
it opens in Adobe reader the converted file in Adobe Reader
Next we are saving a file in Microsoft Office’s Word as PDF
With a completed word document click on File menu In Word Click File
then click save as Save AS
In the save dialog box next to save as type
select PDF change file type to PDF
click Save Save
The file then opens in Adobe Reader File opens in Adobe Reader
Next save a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet as pdf. Spreadsheet
First make sure the spreadsheet is saved as usual. Be sure to save as spreadsheet (Excel Workbook) first
Then similar to Microsoft Word we will go to File Menu File
then Save as Save As
select PDF next to save as type choose PDF
click save Save
it opens in Adobe Reader. PDF file in Adobe Reader
Google Chrome web Browser has built in functionality to save as PDF
So in Google Chrome for windows we go to the web page we want saved as a PDF
Click the Menu buton on the right
Click Print Chrome – Menu Button on right choose Print
Instead of using a printer we will choose save as pdf instead of printing choose save as PDF
Confirm Save as PDF
Save as PDF
A dialog box pops up, change the folder location and file name if necessary Confirm file name and location
then Save
In Windows File explorer I’m opening the folder we have it saved in
then opening the file
and there it is in Adobe reader
For programs that don’t have built in functionality to save or export a PDF, there is another option and it is print as PDF
For Windows you need to have a program that is a PDF printer. In macintosh this functionality is built in.
So I am going to demonstrate with this with 2 different programs
Neat Works, and CutePDF writer.
For this you have to be in the program you want the PDF document from
In this case I’ll choose Firefox
Click the menu button on the right
Click Print – note that this web page is set up to print as a blank page
Then make sure to choose the PDF printer, in this case we choose
Send to Neat then OK
Then choose the neat library folder, then OK
It may take some time to process it,
Then it shows up in NeatWorks
For CutePDF writer
Choose the print in your program,
Then Choose Cute PDF writer
Then OK
Then choose filename and location.
Then Save
my main use for Neatworks is keeping track of receipts
but its also used to keep track of documents and can combine documents
So first to combine documents I drag them over to NeatWorks drag
I select all that I want combined by clicking on each item while holding the
Control or Shift Key down
Then under action choose combine
To use the PDF in a different program other than Neat you
choose Export
To PDF
Selected Item
Then in the dialog box, choose the location and name, then Save
Here it is in Adobe reader
A word of caution about the Cute PDF writer:
It is a little difficult to install you have to install 2 parts.
Also if you don’t want the Ask Toolbar or Weather channel app you have to be sure not to install them.
And they do also offer a more featured paid version called Cute PDF Pro
Software used in this video:
Microsoft Windows & MSOffice http://www.microsoft.com
Apache Open Office http://www.openoffice.org
Neatworks http://www.neat.com
Adobe Reader http://www.adobe.com
Cute PDF Writer http://www.cutepdf.com
Chrome browser http://www.google.com/chrome
Firefox http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox
other software to consider:
Adobe Acrobat http://www.adobe.com
Nitro pdf http://www.nitropdf.com
or other operating systems such
Macintosh http://www.apple.com
software and brand names (other than Nates Computer Services and Brainerd Update) are of their respective owners and are not affiliated with this video
First I’m not a medical professional, and this is Not medical advice as everyone’s body is a little bit different. However this is an important for anyone that uses these and similar devices.
Take breaks from your computer, TV, smart phone, tablet. For your eyes and the rest of your body it is good to take breaks from all of these. If you have other things to do you not using these devices you can do that (so it doesn’t always have to be an actual work break).
Reduce the time that you use these devices.
Don’t retype things that are already typed. Don’t rescan items already in electronic form. This will save you work and less stress on you and your body.
When lifting anything heavy (including electronics) get help, avoid using backpacks(for my bike I use a bike rack with a bike trunk with Quick MTX Track), and when possible avoid the heavy lifting and transporting altogether,
Take care of your body with exercise, enough sleep and rest, and eating properly, and everything else you need to do take care of your body. Exercising or even just getting out of your home to socialize with others will help your brain more than any video game such as http://www.lumosity.com/. Your brain is a physical part of your body so it needs to be taken care of well physically as well. Studying some, then Sleeping and eating breakfast will help you better on a test than staying up studying all night
Exercising doesn’t necessarily have to mean going to the gym (although that can help) I bike or walk to most places I go instead of driving.
Cleaning, gardening, raking, or grocery shopping can be exercise.
If you drive to a place, parking farther away can help you get more exercise and maybe make it easier to have a parking spot.
Use proper electrical equipment. Avoid extension chords. Avoid eating and drinking by computers, phones, tablets. Avoid getting water on equipment. Fiberoptic to the building instead of copper wires helps avoid damage by lightning.
Turn TVs, smart phones, tablets, computers off at night if you have trouble sleeping and if possible avoid having them in the bedroom.
Make sure you are using proper furniture with any of these devices. Avoiding falling from chairs, and avoiding equipment coming down on you. Having furniture that will let you have good posture. Proper Ergonomics.
Take advantage of technology that reduces pain:
If speech recognition is easier than typing or tapping on screen for you, I recommend using it. And use accessibility settings that help you, I sometimes have my computer read selected text out loud to me.
If you like natural light better for reading then you can use an e-reader that uses e-ink such as certain Kindles or Nooks. (I personally don’t have these since I like to minimize the devices I use)
I use washing and drying machines for laundry and do other things while it works. (the same can apply if you have a device like a dishwasher, or automatic bread maker which I don’t have due to my small apartment)
I use a robot vacuum to vacuum while I’m gone. I still need to keep things off the floor and clean the vacuum itself.
Use autosave feature and automatic backup so you don’t have to redo your work. Email, written drafts, and timed posts can help.
Do other non-computer things, while your computer is doing large processing tasks.
Use cloud, online storage, file sharing, web mail, and other services to avoid physically transporting media.
You may want to also consider getting professional help with assisting you with your health : like an eye doctor to see if you need glasses, a general practice physician, an ergonomics professional / Ergonomist for the safety around your desk/device/work place, and even dentist for your teeth.
What does this mean?
It means Microsoft has stopped doing updates for Windows XP. Also In most cases, you will not get manufacturer support for Windows XP either (such as Dell, HP, Acer, Lenovo, Sony).
Some support already ended years ago.
Windows Security essentials will continue to work, but will no longer be updated. So if you want continue to use Windows XP we recommend that you uninstall Security Essentials, if it is installed, and use a different security/antivirus program that is still supported. I will be researching these shortly to see which programs are still supporting XP. Remember you should only have one security software program on your computer and it should be from a reputable company.
If you continue to use Windows XP, consider switching your browser to FIrefox or Chrome.
Do I have to upgrade to Windows 7 or Windows 8 or get a new computer?
You do not have to upgrade. Windows XP should continue to work. However you should back up any important data and consider your options with a software upgrade, new computer, or device. Link Windows 8 Upgrade Advisor
Other options:
Keep using Windows XP until the computer doesn’t operate like it needs to.
Get a new device: Laptop, desktop, Apple Macintosh, tablet/iPad, iPod, Smart Phone, Chrome book.
It is also important to note that many of the Windows computers out there now already have a newer version of Windows such as Vista, 7 or 8. So be sure to check that before upgrading.
See also Microsoft’s Press release
When thinking about repairing a product to be green 1st we have to go to how we get the product in the first place.
1. The first thing would be, Reduce, as in the first steps of (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle)
Ask yourself or (the group that make buying decisions) these questions:
Do you really need or even want the computer, electronic item or gadget?
Example who really needs to buy brand new DVD or Blue Ray players. or anything that takes a disk or cartridge. (not talking about buying used or reusing because there is a green element to that) besides the discs you buy take additional energy and waste to make and buy.
What are the alternative to this product? Now more than ever there are alternatives to almost every product.
I try to limit what I buy by using devices that have multiple features and using them. For my clock/ watch: I use my microwave, my computer, crank clock radio charger flashlight, and my mobile phone.
(a printer is one multifunction device I would Not recommend as it is not green and is used less and less as technologies advance)
I quit buying flash drives, since I use online storage to meet my backup and sharing needs. (I still have 2 flash drives, and also use an external hard drive, but I won’t be buying more)
use phone, email, chat, web, video conference instead of driving
You can use a computer as a TV like I do, or some TVs have the capabilities that computers do, and the lines between product continues to blur with tablets, smart phones and even cameras.
Buy, rent, and checkout ebooks, music, software, video games, videos, and photos digitally online instead of buying the physical product or physical media.
How likely is it to break? How long is it likely to last without being repaired?
Although having modular parts may make things easier to fix or upgrade, Having any moveable parts is likely to cause failure.
In the case of a laptop, the hard drive (one that is not a solid state drive SSD) is most likely to break.
For a smart phone: the glass, because the whole phone is a moveable part when you move it, and any connectors. (batteries can sometimes be an issue too for anything portable)
How much room does it take? How much does it weigh? Will it be hard on my back? or in the case of e-readers – how much easier on my back will it be than carrying a bunch of clunky books?
How much energy does the product take? Is it made from recycled materials? How far away is it made?
These questions come before you ask how repairable, upgradable or recyclable it it is.
2. The second part of the cycle is Reuse.
The main thing about reuse is taking good care of your products ( if possible). It’s not an easy task, I have had to have most my cameras repaired. But taking care of your products and doing preventative maintenance helps avoid the need for repairs.
This may include having a decent place to keep your products such as desk or a case.
Cleaning your products properly. Keeping your products clean (and keeping them in clean places) is a good preventative maintenance and is a good way of avoiding repairs.
When a problem happens, unless it is an obvious hardware problem, I usually check if there is a software solution first. Other than turning a product off and on , cleaning, or tightening connections; software solutions are cheaper, quicker, and greener than getting new hardware or part.
If hardware component does fail(not just because it is dirty), then this is where a repair or part replacement comes in. And the old part still needs to be recycled properly.
Sometimes a simple upgrade in memory can help speed a computer up. (if you have to replace one instead of filling an empty slot the old one can either be reused in another computer or recycled)
If your product works well, but you aren’t in the need of it anymore you can either give it away or sell it to someone that wants or needs it.
Buying a used product that works well and meets your needs, not only can reduce waste, but can also save money.
3. The final part is any electronic waste needs to be properly recycled including any parts that are replaced in a hardware repair or upgrade that you won’t sell or use again. Here is a list of collectors in Minnesota
New unwanted software is now getting accidentally installed by users often.
What is it?
Toolbars, Plugins and extensions.
Affecting these Programs: Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, and other web browsers.
Toolbars have been a problem for a while. They are sometimes can be uninstalled with the Windows uninstaller (in a Windows OS) however many times now Toolbars, Add-ons, plugins, and extensions either have to be disabled or deleted/removed from the browser itself. Also search engine preferences, and home page sometimes need to be reset.
I will be posting more on this soon.
