Just for fun…
Healthy, Happy Computers
Your computer is starting to drag, and it’s only six months old. Sound familiar? It happens to us all – but there are simple FREE solutions! Here is useful list of important tasks that will keep your computer running smoothly:
- Delete unused programs, folders, and files. They take up useful memory. If you’re a pack rat and just can’t seem to part with these files, save them to disk for future reference if needed. An external hard drive is perfect if you have lots of music, pictures, video and other large files.
- Create backup disks. Backup any files that you use on a regular basis or files that are updated frequently. In the unfortunate event of a hard drive crash, you won’t panic about lost work. Drag your entire My Documents folder to your external hard drive once a week, and store the drive in a safe place!
- Create system restore points regularly. Do this at least once a week. If weaker viruses are accidentally downloaded, the restore point will ensure that your data is recoverable. Most computers will ask you to create a system restore point before a new download, but creating your own occasionally is a great idea.
- Use anti-spyware software. These programs can rid your computer of unwanted spyware, greyware, and malware. I recommend CCleaner and Advanced System Care Free!
- Utilize anti-virus protection. If you can’t afford an anti-virus program (or don’t want one because of the negative effects it can have on your computer), simply conduct a free online virus scan. Two of the most trusted scans are TrendMicro and Panda. I recommend AVG Free antivirus which can be downloaded at www.free.avg.com .
- Delete cookies and clear your cache after you sign off. These files are completely unnecessary, take up memory, and can allow spyware to invade your computer. This step is unnecessary if you are running CCleaner or Advanced System Care Free.
- Perform a scan disk operation. Periodically perform a scan disk to make sure that your files are all in working order. This scan should be performed about once a week.
- Defragment. Defragmenting your computer will guarantee that your files are organized and your computer is running at optimal speeds. This should be done at least once a month. I highly suggest using SmartDefrag or Defraggler in place of Windows Defrag.
- Consider formatting your hard drive. This should probably only be done if all of the above have been tried without success. This is almost always the FIRST thing that you’ll be told to do when you call the help desk of the folks who manufactured your computer. Keep this as a last resort.
- Find a reputable computer shop! Just as you need a trustworthy auto mechanic, a trustworthy computer repairperson can save you hundreds of dollars in unnecessary repairs or upgrades.
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Have at least two browsers on your computer! I recommend Google Chrome as your default browser.
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It’s a great idea to have more than one admin account on your computer. This way, should one become corrupt, you won’t lose access to your computer.
Best of luck! Let us know your favorite free utilities, and let me know if I can be of assistance.
COABE/Pro-Literacy Conference 2010
I’ve been attending workshops at this amazing conference all week! Will post some of the highlights after my return.
For those of you who attended my workshop yesterday, where Jeff Fantine, Bob McIntire, Jim Burke and I talked about what we are doing in MARTI, I have some links for you:
Our workshop site: https://sites.google.com/site/martilearns/
Jim Burke’s Learning in Maine home page
The Maine Adult Education portal
Many thanks to all of the MARTI participants who made this workshop possible. A special thanks to Ed Latham and Peter Caron for Skyping in to our workshop. Thanks, too, to Pat Theriault for sharing her experience as a Program Director within the MARTI network.
Comment below or email me if you need anything! Thanks again for joining us.
Google Tweaks Buzz – Tames Angry Bloggers
Thanks to my eagle-eyed husband who sent me this link. Looks like Google took all of our criticism and made some much-needed changes. I am still not certain about who is able to follow ME (changes seem to be about who I choose to follow) – but I’ll look into that and update this post. The changes they have made thus far are all steps in the right direction – and back into the good graces of the Blogosphere.
Free Resources – Check out Paul Hamilton’s Blog
I tripped over an amazing free resource this morning, in the process of updating my Excel Essentials post. When I did a bit of research on inpics.net, Paul Hamilton’s amazing blog, entitled “Free Resources on the Net for EVERY Learner”, showed up, which includes his Quick Links page.
Paul has many of my own favorites listed, such as Gimp, OpenOffice and Scratch, but also a ton that are news to me. Enjoy!
BUZZ Off, Google!
I was teaching Picasa Web Albums today when a splash page came up instead of my gmail, displaying a LARGE button which read, “Sweet! Try Buzz now” and was followed by a tiny link which stated, “No thanks – go to my inbox”. I inadvertently clicked the “Sweet” button. I didn’t think much of it, until I realized that many of my gmail contacts – I have close to 800 – were already “following” me. I didn’t approve this – I didn’t friend anyone. In fact, I tried to leave only close family to try it out, but discovered that, although I chose to follow only close family, folks I only emailed a few times way back when were already following me!!!
I didn’t see this coming – not sure if I want anything to do with Buzz or not, but my first few hours have been a big fat “F” as far as grading goes. After a few quick web searches, I found out how to disable “Buzz”.
Here goes: scroll WAY down to the very bottom of your gmail page. Look for some TINY words that say “turn off Buzz”. Now click the stupid tiny link and get your privacy back.
Just now, I logged in to my son’s account to see what would happen if I clicked “no thanks”. Guess what? Buzz is enabled even though I said NO THANKS!!!!
Google, what the heck????
Update: Read about a privacy flaw in Google Buzz.
Update: MSNBC Article with more great info.
Update: Molly Wood says it all in her latest Rant.
Update: Another great story from the NYT.
Is Google the next Facebook?
According to this story, published very early this morning at FT.com, Google may be working hard behind the scenes to gain footing in the social networking world. As a strong and faithful supporter of everything Google, I certainly applaud the spirit of the attempt – but feel that it will fall flat.
Although I would have preferred that Facebook leave their layout alone, or at the very least allow users to opt out of the new format, I think that Facebook has a good run ahead as the leader in social networking sites. The Boomers and Gen-X’ers are not likely to spend the energy reestablishing themselves on another networking site. Wasn’t it exhausting enough finding friends and learning the ropes on Facebook? Are they likely to start a new farm, war or city on another site?
The younger set will look for a place to hide before long. We have infiltrated, and Google won’t be a great place to avoid Mom, Dad and Auntie Carol. I’m keeping an eye out for their next clubhouse.
Note: As of 4:36 on Wednesday, February 10, I can’t decide which I detest more – the new Facebook layout or Google’s new “Buzz” app.
Ready, Set, Click!
Here is a post for the true beginner – I will continue to update this page with more tutorials:
Microsoft’s Demo on How to Use a Mouse
Microsoft’s Demo on Using the Keyboard
Windows Basics – Many topics, including the two links above and MORE
How to Copy & Paste – Practice on this site
Top 50 Most Popular Email Tips, Tricks & Secrets
Google Videos Results: “Mac for Beginners” – many excellent videos
Loving WordPress!
I began using WordPress last June, when this site was created. Since then, I have built or rebuilt six or so other sites.
Still learning, I have found that the online support by WordPress and others is amazing. Many forums and blogs point back to The WordPress Codex.
Share any WordPress links or tutorials that you have found helpful, and I’ll keep adding links as I go.
The Worst Blind Date Stories EVER…
After my divorce and prior to meeting my husband, Tom, I had thirteen – yes, thirteen – horrific blind dates. One of them was ok, but most were just awful.
Last week, I shared my (now) favorite yarn with my husband and kids, who thoroughly enjoyed it. To protect the parties involved, I will just say that it involved a nerd with a pitbull and a Lean Cuisine frozen dinner. (I was promised an evening out at a lovely restaurant, by the way.) The date ended with the pitbull licking my entire face and the nerd going without.
Would love to hear your best-of-the-worst stories…