Twice as Nice!
There is a relatively simple way to make yourself more productive when using your computer. It is commonly used today in certain industries, but I think more people would make use of this method if they realized how easy and inexpensive it has become to do so. I am talking about using two monitors on your computer.
It used to be that monitors were expensive and not many computers could easily support two or more monitors. Today, monitors are relatively inexpensive and most computers produced in the last two years can easily support two monitors.
Many people scoff at the thought of using two monitors. They think that using more than one monitor is a luxury or it is something that only highly technical users want. However, the reality is that as average users make more use of their computers, having more screen “real estate” can help everyone be more productive. It is a simple matter of being able to efficiently manage all the windows a user keeps open on their computer and being able to see more at one time quicker. If you don’t believe me, simply ask someone who does use more than one monitor and see what they think. If you try it for yourself, you will become quickly hooked.
One of the more common examples of the use of multiple monitors is in the financial industry. For many years, people in finance have used multiple monitors to help them keep an eye on the status of the various markets they monitor. Because they can keep the tickers and graphs of the markets open on their second monitor, they can use their primary monitor to do their regular tasks. Similarly, other users can use their second monitor to place windows that they like to keep an eye on but not necessarily in front of mind. One very common use of a second monitor is to keep e-mail or a news web site open. For those who own a laptop, using an external monitor in combination with their laptop screen is an easy way to have the advantage of two monitors, especially if attached to a docking station or port replicator.
So if you are looking to splurge on yourself a little this holiday season, consider a new monitor for yourself. If you aren’t sure if your computer can handle multiple monitors, feel free to contact me!
November 2009 FYI: Dog Makes Online Purchase!
I must wonder if this guy is telling the truth or if this is a hoax. But for such a small amount of money that he isn’t even contesting, it seems that he has no reason to make this up. Basically, he claims that by his dog chewing and pawing his Xbox controller, “Oscar” managed to successfully charge up 5,000 Xbox points, worth $62.50. If nothing else, this article should be worth a chuckle!
Tech Toy of the Month: Smart Hand
Now this isn’t really a tech toy by any stretch of the imagination. But the technology is just so intriguing that I felt I needed to write about it. And since this is my article, I can do what I want!
Basically, researchers in Italy and Sweden have developed a prosthetic hand that allows amputees to actually feel what they are touching! Think Luke Skywalker and his robotic hand from The Empire Strikes Back! The Smart Hand has forty sensors that connect to the nerve endings of the patient, which then links directly to the brain. Of course, the technology is in very early stages, but the potential applications of this technology are amazing to think of.
You can read more about this new technology at the following links:
http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/24/prosthetic-robotic-smart-hand-has-feelings-too/
http://singularityhub.com/2009/10/21/prosthetic-smart-hand-lets-amputee-feel-and-move-objects/
Q: Should I upgrade to Windows 7?
A: Microsoft released their latest operating system, Windows 7, on October 22nd. So now that anyone can purchase a copy of Windows 7 the question is can and should they do so?
First off, I advise anyone who uses their computer for day-to-day work to wait on upgrading for at least a few months, regardless of your situation. While Windows 7 has gotten good reviews pre-launch, remember so did Windows Vista. Let the early adopters weed out any serious problems or incompatibilities and let Microsoft and other vendors roll out the first wave of updates before considering upgrading. If you have spare machines or virtual machine software, then feel free to experiment with Windows 7 at any time.
I started writing this article intending to go over a few scenarios covering both Windows XP and Windows Vista users. However, as I started detailing the article, I quickly realized that it was getting way too complicated and unwieldy for an average user. I came to the conclusion that I could give a very simple answer that should cover the vast majority of users.
Basically, if you are like most users, I simply advise that you don’t upgrade to Windows 7. Not for the reason that Windows 7 is bad, but simply because for most users, the risk/reward equation is just not favorable. First, if you are using Windows XP, likely your computer is a little too old to fully take advantage of Windows 7. And even if your computer can handle Windows 7, the process of upgrading from Windows XP is technically challenging. If you are using Windows Vista, the upgrade process should be easier (to repeat – “should” be easier) , but if you aren’t having any real troubles with Vista at this time, you really aren’t going to gain any earth-shattering new features that make the potential risk of troubles worth it.
Here are links to a few articles detailing the potential pitfalls and challenges to upgrading to Windows 7:
http://ptech.allthingsd.com/20090722/for-some-move-to-windows-7-will-be-tough/
http://ptech.allthingsd.com/20090729/hasta-la-vista-the-many-versions-of-windows-7/
http://mossblog.allthingsd.com/files/2009/08/windows-upgrade-chart.png
http://mossblog.allthingsd.com/20090804/deciphering-windows-7-upgrades-the-official-chart/
Certainly, many technically savvy users will disagree with my recommendation. But again, I’m not targeting this article towards technical users. Bottom line, if you want Windows 7, then your best bet is to simply purchase a new PC. Of course, don’t forget that new computer can be a Macintosh!
If you have any questions about Windows 7, call or contact The Tech Spot today!
Scares, Scams, and Ransoms: It’s Anti-Virus Update Month!
It’s November and that can mean only one thing: it’s time for Windows users to update their anti-virus software! It seems that each year, malicious software written for Windows gets trickier and more persistent. For this reason it is imperative that Windows users keep their anti-virus software updated with each new yearly release. It isn’t enough to only keep the anti-virus definitions updated.
In the last two years, a relatively new type of malicious software has become extremely prevalent. Known as rougeware, scamware, or scareware, this type of “virus” (they are technically categorized as spyware, not true viruses) has quickly become the most widespread and efficient form of malicious software to ever infect Windows systems. The great majority of virus cleanups we perform are due to scam/scarewares.
And now, a new trend is ransomware: malicious software that encrypts your data, then demands a payment to decrypt it!
As I’ve said many times, the ultimate solution is to move to a platform that is not so vulnerable to viruses, such as the Mac. But if you can not or are not yet ready to switch away from Windows, it is absolutely imperative that you run a current version of quality anti-virus software and keep it updated. For the month of November, The Tech Spot is offering 50% off Trend Micro Internet Security when purchased as part of a Computer Tune-Up. Call or contact us today to schedule your Computer Tune-Up!
September 2009 FYI – Google Crashes!
No, I don’t mean that Google’s web site has crashed. Did you ever wonder how Google gets all those Street View photos for their maps? They literarily have crews of drivers that roam the country, taking pictures of everything. Sometimes, they catch very interesting things – such as car accidents! So many accidents, in fact, that jalopnik.com could make a top 10 list of confusing Google street view accidents. The funny thing is that these accident pictures will stay on Google’s maps site indefinitely – until Google goes back and takes new pictures!
Tech Toy of the Month: MiFi Mobile Hotspot
Mobile broadband devices have come a long way in a few short years. At first they required the use of a “PC Card” slot on laptops and only supported certain versions of Windows. Then they started to support more operating systems and eventually were manufactured in USB form, making them more universal. Still, for many users it was limiting to only be able to use one device at a time on mobile broadband connection. And today, many mobile devices, notably the iPod Touch, do not have USB ports. But there is one connectivity option that has become nearly ubiquitous on mobile devices and this is where the MiFi comes into play.
Nearly every laptop and mobile computing device made today comes with Wi-Fi wireless networking capability. The MiFi wireless broadband device takes advantage of this by broadcasting a Wi-Fi signal that any Wi-Fi enabled device can tap into. This makes it very easy to share the wireless broadband connection, as it does not require that users plug the MiFi directly into their mobile devices. In essence, the MiFi is a portable “hotspot”, meaning that users can tap into a Wi-Fi Internet connection anywhere they have a cellular wireless signal.
A mobile hotspot is especially useful for those users who want to take advantage the rapidly emerging iPhone platform, but for various reasons are not able to purchase an iPhone. The iPod Touch can perform nearly every major function of the iPhone, including downloading and using the tens of thousands of iPhone apps available today. But the iPod Touch can only connect to the Internet through a Wi-Fi signal, not a cellular signal. For many, the appeal of the iPhone is the ability to access information nearly everywhere, which the iPod Touch simply couldn’t do. But with a MiFi device, the iPod Touch can now have access to the Internet nearly everywhere, just like an iPhone.
The MiFi was originally only available for the Sprint and Verizon networks. But recently it has become available for the AT&T and T-Mobile networks as well. So no matter which network you choose to provide your mobile broadband service, you now have a MiFi option available to you. Most providers seem to be pricing the MiFi at about $99 with a two-year commitment, so it is reasonably priced for a mobile broadband device.
Besides iPod Touch users, the MiFi device will be most useful for those who make short, frequent connections to their mobile broadband service. The MiFi can be activated with the push of a button, so instead of physically connecting a protruding USB device to a laptop and then initiating the connection, a simple push will connect the user to the Internet. Claimed battery life is 4 hours while in use and up to 40 hours in standby mode, so it should in theory last most of a day. If you know that you’ll be in a relatively stationary area for an extended time, you can plug the MiFi in to charge while using, which will keep it charged for the rest of the day.
If you are in the market for a mobile broadband device, make sure to ask your provider to go over the MiFi option with you. It may be the most convenient, flexible option for your needs.
If you come across an interesting technology product, let me know and I may feature it as a future Tech Toy of the Month!
Q: What is the difference between the iPhone 3G and 3GS? Can’t I upgrade a 3G phone to get the features of the new 3GS? Which phone should I get?
– Submitted by Misty Farmer
A: The iPhone 3G and 3GS are very similar devices. There are just a handful of substantial differences, one being that the older 3G phone is $100 less. Additionally, Apple released the 3.0 iPhone software upgrade at the same time as releasing the 3GS. This means a number of new features are available to the current iPhone owners who upgrade, which makes it somewhat confusing to distinguish which new features are available to both phones or just the 3GS. Luckily, I can quickly explain the differences and help you make a decision of which phone to purchase or to upgrade from your 3G phone.
First, feel free to visit http://www.apple.com/iphone/compare-iphones/, as this site has a nice chart showing the differences. While you are at it, this page http://www.apple.com/iphone/softwareupdate/ also shows the new features of the 3.1 and 3.0 iPhone updates.
To quickly sum up, these are the features that the iPhone 3GS has over the 3G phone:
1) The ability to record and edit video
2) A 3 megapixel camera with auto-focus (the 3G only has 2 megapixels and no auto-focus)
3) The 3GS is a lot faster – I’ve asked users who’ve owned both the 3G and 3GS and they say it is a significant difference
4) A compass feature
5) The 3GS has 16 and 32 GB models, where the 3G now only has an 8 GB model
6) The Voice Control feature
My opinion is that if you’re going to purchase a new phone today, purchase the 3GS. For only $100 more you get 8 GB of additional storage and all the features I listed above, including the improved performance. Remember, the prices advertised for the iPhones are for new or renewing contracts. If you want to buy a 3GS before you qualify for upgrade pricing you’ll spend at a minimum $399. If you purchase the 3GS, for the extra $100 you’ll never wish you had bought the 3GS when you had the chance.
If you already have a 3G iPhone, is it worth the $199 or $299 to upgrade to a 3GS if you are eligible to do so? This question is a lot harder to answer, as it completely depends on the user. For example, someone who needs a 32GB iPhone would find it worthwhile, as the 3G iPhone only offered an 8 and 16 GB model. But for someone who is happy with their 3G iPhone and isn’t really in need of the features of the 3GS, then it probably isn’t worth upgrading at this time. Use the info I’ve presented along with what Apple provides and make the best decision for your situation.
If you have any further questions regarding the iPhones or any other technology topic, please feel free to post them at The Tech Spot’s social networking site, http://thetechspot.ning.com
Tweet and Re-Tweet were in a boat …
As social networking continues to grow by leaps and bounds, it is important to keep up with the latest trends. Twitter, in particular, has developed its own jargon among heavy users of the service. Luckily, I was able to find a great article that offers a glossary to the new Twitter lingo.
The article is by Jason Hiner, the Editor in Chief of TechRepublic.com. In addition to being a glossary, it is also a quick guide to get up to speed on Twitter if you are new to the service. For those who are a little more advanced in Twitter, part 2 to the article talks about 10 Twitter utilities to take you beyond just using the Twitter web site. So go ahead and read the articles and if you have any further questions, feel free to discuss this article on The Tech Spot’s social networking site, http://thetechspot.ning.com.
August 2009 FYI – 7 Technologies That Won’t Stay Dead
As time marches on and technology advances, it seems certain technologies just keep hanging around. I found an article on this topic that is both funny and informative. It really makes you think about how technology changes our lives and how things don’t always work out the way we think they will. So I thought it would be a good article to share with all of you. That and any article that brings up the Pets.com sock puppet will find a spot on my blog.