Easy Learning Of Operating Systems

July 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Windows logo

Image via Wikipedia

Although just about anyone can turn on a Windows-based computer and do a few things including surfing the net, learning the operating system is another matter. However, it’s not impossible to figure out. To reduce your feelings of intimidation, here are a few tips to get you started.

Get a Book

One of the best ways to begin learning Windows or any other operating system is to pick up a book on the subject. This plan allows you to start at the beginning and progress at your own pace. Believe it or not, even the Dummy or Idiot books offer useful information that’s easy to digest.

Take a Class

If you don’t have a lot of success learning on your own, take a class to discover the basics. With an instructor to explain everything and a chance to ask questions, this can be the fastest and easiest way to master any subject. Many community colleges offer this type of class at very affordable rates. If you’re interested in this type of opportunity, use a localized search tool like Canada 411 to help you find a class near you.

Look Online

If you have something specific you would like to know about Windows, an online search can usually find the answer. From sites dedicated to explaining operating systems to user forums, it’s a sure bet that someone else has asked the same question. By learning one thing at a time when you need to know it, you’ll soon accumulate of wealth of knowledge.

Learning an operating system can be easier than you think. How will you start learning about yours?

Filed Under: Internet, Operating System Tagged With: , ,

Staying Safe on the Internet

May 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment

How did we ever live without the Internet? There doesn’t seem a basic task around anymore that doesn’t involve the Internet. From work, to school, to home, we all use the Internet all day, every day.

With that being said, not all of us use the Internet wisely. While it may be hard to believe, there are still plenty of people out there who don’t understand basic Internet safety, especially with the rampant increase of social media sites. Here are some tips for staying safe while online.

1.       Never give out contact information. When you are online, you don’t want to give out your personal contact information. Full name, home address, and telephone numbers should be left out of Internet communication.

2.       Use anti-virus software. Even the most secure of websites can be hacked. If you click on an email or a webpage that a hacker has had access to, you may be susceptible to a virus. Using an anti-virus software will help keep you safe from these virus attacks. Installing some simple software will save your identity, your files, and your computer.

3.       Use secure websites. While on the subject of viruses and how to prevent them, try to use secure websites for any transactions. Look for https:// to know you are on a secure website. The “s” designates the site is secure.

4.       Never use the same password. If you have a Facebook account, a YouTube channel, and an email address, make sure you never use the same password to access each account. You’ll want to vary your passwords so it’s harder for hackers to get your information.

 

Image representing Facebook as depicted in Cru... 

Image via CrunchBase

Try these basic tips to keep safe on the Internet!

Filed Under: Internet, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: , ,

Best Kids Computer Sites on the Planet

March 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Your son or daughter spends more of their day on the computer, than say, speaking on the telephone. You can’t even count the wasted time. But what if you could count on some fun “learning” blogs that your kids would love? What if you could get them to learn and play at the same time?

Good news. These blogs offer education and more than a bit of fun!

  • Have them take a quick quiz, and discover if they know what it takes when it comes to computer knowledge at quizonlineworld.com.
  • If your kid has to play a game or two, I recommend the games found at: jennymannion.com. All games are “non-violent, fun, educational,” and “mother approved.”
  • What don’t kids learn in school when it comes to computer use? Java programming for one. Here’s a great place to get started. And, it’s free! “Java Programming for Kids, Parents and Grandparents” can be downloaded at: onlinecomputerbooks.com. Another site: cp4k.blogspot.com offers help in programming for kid Mac users.
  • Get some great learning on computer viruses at: kids.gov, plus other fun and important stuff like cryptology, cyber bullying, Internet Safety, and more.
  • See some video, get some software, and learn some creative ideas for your child to “jump start” their own blog at: kidslearntoblog.com.

Because much of what out there on the Internet for kids is “game” oriented, it isn’t always easy to find the best online learning activities. But the good news is that with a little searching, your dream of “fun learning” can be realized.

Filed Under: Internet, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: , ,

Internet Tricks (of all kinds) you’ll want to Know

March 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Interested in magic? Want to fool your friends? Remember a password you forgot?

Look no further.

  • Internetmagictricks.com has a list of 4 tricks you can do on your computer, plus a great list of other fun sites to peruse.
  • Try an Internet trick on your friend by following the instructions on stupidinternettricks.com. Subscribe to the newsletter or RSS feed. More great pranks can be found at: texnixupdate.com from the article, “40+ Computer Pranks to Play on Your Friend’s Computer.”
  • Check out this blog for stuff you usually forget such as your secret password, or discovering the best search engine to use for your particular project. Have questions downloading videos from YouTube or do you need to know about the extra applications offered for Skype are?  Get it at: Mysecretblog.net.
  • Learn the tricks of setting up your computers’ the wireless route at: wirelessinternettricks.com.
  • Use your computer to put together your scrapbook. “Creating Keepsakes” has some great computer graphic programs that will keep your scrapbooks sparkling! Find them at creatingkeepsakes.com. Try the free trial version!
  • Get the latest Internet tricks on “My-Internet-Tips- and-Tricks” blog. Learn how to narrow down your search and what a minus sign (-) in the search engine will do to narrow your search even more.
  • Add some cool applications to your site such as an android app or a new widget. Get them at cooltricksntips.com.

Internets tricks of all kinds can make your day, and even liven up someone else’s without much more than a little lifting of the pinky finger.  Get a handle on the best Internet tricks by perusing the above ideas.

Filed Under: Internet, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: , ,

Internet Fun for Two Year Olds

March 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

There’s not a lot that two year olds can do on the Internet—without breaking your computer—or is there?

Fortunately, with a little help and some close watching of little fingers, even the youngest in your household can enjoy a bit of fun.

Here’s a short list of the best fun out there:

  • SesameStreet.org has a great list of videos for your youngster to watch. The good news is that you can start with one, and the videos plays through the list. Sure, games that are too advanced for two year olds are on the site, but often, the youngest of the bunch will be just as happy watching their favorite furry character—even if it happens to be Oscar the Grouch.
  • Try some Blue’s Clues episodes through searching “Episodes for Blue’s Clues.” Do the same with “Clifford” or “Strawberry Shortcake.”
  • TVOKids.com gives little ones opportunities  to explore games, watch videos and meet their favorite friends.
  • Help your child learn the alphabet at: starfall.com. Your child will be reading before you know it.
  • Nickjr.com has some great stuff for two year olds. Discover with Dora, or learn with Max and Ruby.
  • Sproutonline.com has games, videos and music, crafts and coloring and recipes to cook with your little one. Plus, watch all your favorite shows at Sprout.

No matter what your two year old chooses for their fun, just make sure you keep a fairly close eye out. The last thing you want is for your computer screen to end up as an artist’s palate.

Filed Under: Internet Tagged With: , ,

Best Holiday Blogs

March 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment

You’re preparing for Christmas, Easter or Saint Patrick’s Day and want to get the latest ideas and help in planning your next party. What is out there for your perusal? What takes the cake when it comes to the most informative holiday blogs?

This list will get you started:

  • Valentine’s Day:

“Cupids Valentine’s Day Blog” is a real hoot! Find out what “vixen” types want, learn how to keep the romance alive, discover for yourself what folks are buying this year for their sweetheart. See a movie! Find the best links with ideas to help you celebrate the holiday

  • Saint Patrick’s Day:

Besides some ole wearin’ of the green, get the latest scoop on how to celebrate this Irish holiday. At ellelash.com, find out how to scrapbook in the green, and find your pot of gold in Elle’s shop. Elle celebrates all of the holidays with her personally designed scrapbook pages.

  • Easter:

The topic of Easter hasn’t yet found its own blog, but there are many, many articles on the subject. Hear’s one to get you hopping:

Makesandtakes.com has some fun and furry things to make and give as Easter gifts, plus Easter recipes, kids’ crafts and family time ideas.

  • Halloween

Get some cute and scary ideas at: squidoo.com. Live “Halloween every Day,” find T-shirts, books by Edgar Allan Poe, shriek a bit over a boxed set of Halloween movies, or get your hands on some Halloween food. It’s all here.

  • Christmas:

Try this list provided by Christmas Examiner.com writer, DawnLyn Storm Litz. The article is entitled, “Top Ten Christmas Blogs I Love.”

Household-Management101.com gives readers a terrific list of Christmas blog links for children. The article is entitled, “Good Christmas Blogs and Christmas Websites.”

Filed Under: Internet, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: , ,

How Technological Advances Have Improved Our World

March 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment

It is difficult to picture what life would be like without the many advantages of the technological revolution. Chores such as sending a letter, investigating train times, navigating our way on a journey, or consulting reference books in order to research facts have all been massively simplified. Satellite navigation, cell phones and instant chat, online encyclopedias, and other reliable reference websites have made us all more mobile, more communicative, and better informed.

With all this increased convenience, work patterns have become much more flexible, with the possibility of working from home becoming a reality for many. The greatest benefits are probably felt in our leisure time. Computers have meant that entertainment in a multitude of forms is easily and cheaply accessed, from music and games to TV program catch-up and online gambling.

In addition to all of this innovation, sites like earnmydegree.com make studying for degrees, diplomas, and other university and college awards available to all. The traditional, expensive degree route is now supplemented by a huge selection of distance learning options in every imaginable discipline, found at locations like earnmydegree.com.

Socially, our lives are enhanced. When you can’t visit friends or family, the invention of the webcam and the facility to call people anywhere in the world by means of the Internet is a great boon. Vacationing is made easier and cheaper when at one’s fingertips are all the resources for comparing and booking inexpensive travel, making it possible to see the world.

The overall effect of increased convenience and accessibility is a world that brings us all into closer contact and on to a more level playing field.

Filed Under: Internet, Technology Tagged With:

5 Best Websites on the Internet

March 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Want to check out the best that is out there? Want to steer away from sloppily written prose, thoughtless or non-researched material? Do you want to see good video; the kind of video that makes your day or gets you thinking about something in an entirely different way?

You’re come to the right place.

Here’s a great list of the best places to visit on the Internet—for entirely different reasons.

  1. Cute Overload. Owners submit their videos of their pets whether it be a cat, dog, or their favorite turtle. What could be more fun? Take a look at: cutoverload.com.
  2. Everyone seems to like bargain shopping these days—and maybe that’s because they’ve been forced to deal with pinching their pennies. Fortunately, overstock.com makes shopping for that next needed item a pleasant experience. Check out the latest buys and get them delivered to your home or office.
  3. Get glimpses of the people shopping at Wal-Mart. No kidding. The truth starts here: peopleofwalmart.com.
  4. Wonder how to do something? Well, wonder no more at wonderhowto.com. This classy and surprising site will teach you something new and will open your eyes to real stuff people are doing in the world–stuff you may have never even thought of.
  5. What do you know about the CIA? Get the grit at: cia.gov. Learn how you can become a CIA agent, and discover what is currently going on around the world within the CIA arena—at least the stuff they let you know about. CIA maps and other literature available for purchase.

Of course, having a best website means more than having great pictures and video. It’s all about the language used and the new direction we can’t help but take people on when we use well what we know.

Filed Under: Internet, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: , ,

Best Blogs on Computer Technology

March 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Interested in the latest and greatest when it comes to computer technology?

Good news.

Blogs have a way of keeping as in the know and in ways that are conversational as open to new ideas. Getting the facts doesn’t always tell you what you want, but folks sharing what they know sure does.

Get the facts as well as the connection at these terrific computer technology blogs:

  • Technologyblog.com is for the geek at heart. Learn the latest when it comes to computing, DVD materials, Satellite Internet, quantum computer and more. Subscribe to the RSS feed or view the videos.
  • “Geeks are Sexy” provides onlookers a cornucopia of technology related videos along with explanation. Beyond the surface of fun, get more in depth articles about cancer, living healthier, recycling and making money from your personal blog.
  • CyberNet News takes you through some basic computer fixes. The great news is that the information is all in one place; you may never again have to go looking anywhere else.
  • PCMech.com offers readers an opportunity to “get their geek on” by providing them with the simple tools to do so. Join a forum; learn about hardware, software and more.
  • Tech Mixer helps you with all of the computer technology questions you have in layman’s terms. The latest and greatest is here including, IT technology news and computer tips and tricks. Have some experience in computer technology that you’d like to share? Offer to do a guest post.
  • Do girls know anything about computer technology? You bet. This “chip chick” at chipchick.com can tell you about the latest cell phones, iphones, laptops and TV with a bit of “fashion” sprinkled in.

Technology can be a piece of cake if we learn what makes it tick. And even if we can’t spend hours learning, we can at least get our questions answered from the geek pros who do.

Filed Under: Internet, Technology Tagged With: , ,

3 Easy ways to Speed up Your Computer

February 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Your computer is running as slow as, well, your grandmother in a long johns, and you have a deadline to meet. How do you improve the speed of your computer, quickly and easily, without a lot of headache?

These three tips should help:

Clean up the registry. Windows stores its configuring information here, but not all that is included on your registry continues to remain valid. You may have misplaced information, such as a file that got moved, and now the file is clogging your registry.  Use the Windows LiveOne care cleanup scanner to remove anything that is no longer valid within your registry or Full Windows Live One Care. For more information on liveone go to: onecarelive.com.

Delete junk files. Junk file cleaners such as CCleaner, Revo Uninstaller, nCleaner and other tools that can be easily installed on your computer remove unwanted junk files. If you need more of a video tutorial to walk you through the steps of deleting junk files try one of the YouTube videos listed on google.com. Or type “Microsoft” into your search engine and search by key words, “delete junk files” under the heading, “Microsoft Corporation.” Additional great options are listed there.

Improve browser speed. Make sure you use a good Spyware program that removes viruses and Trojans from your computer. Getting adware protection is a great addition to the former. Adware automatically downloads, displays or plays advertising against your wishes. Although adware isn’t in and of itself, bad, it does attach itself to Spyware. Empty temporary files, delete cookies, and clear your history at least once a week. Get rid of “startup” items that you are no longer using and no longer need. Increase your computer’s memory but not over the recommended speed.

Having a quick running computer is as important today as those deadlines you have to meet, so why not get your computer back in the race?

Filed Under: Internet, Operating System Tagged With: , , , ,
« Older Posts