TechSmart Living

What happens when you have a slow PC?

2009-04-12T20:15:42Z

I received a call recently about a computer that was running very slow. They had a very well known brand computer, a 2 year warranty, got it for a great price. Just under 3 months after the purchase, they had some major issues.

"I went to turn on the computer and it was extremely slow and unresponsive", says David who thought he had lost faith in the computer manufacture and the retail store he purchased it at. "I was on the phone with [tech support] for hours, and they just couldn't help. I was told to buy AntiVirus software." David did just that at his local computer retail store. However when he installed the software, he realized the software wasn't working and the computer was getting even slower after installing the software. David didn't know what to do, couldn't return the computer or software and was out of options.

I recommended an option for David with much success for previous clients. I told him for any slow PC to use myFasterPC.com. myFasterPC.com is a website that allows users to download system diagnostic tool which is used to scan, clean and correct errors in a systems registry. It is more than just a registry cleaner and can really increase the performance of a computer. I advised David to use the software as it is 100% adware and spyware free. It is a great peice of software that can really improve performance while decreasing errors and crashes.

I caught up with David a few days after his download and all he could say was great things about the performance of his computer. "It was like I just purchased a brand new computer!"

I recommend myFasterPC.com for anyone who has a slow PC or experiencing crashes or errors.

Conficker C - UPDATE

2009-03-26T01:07:59Z

Previously I had mentioned a not so new virus called the Conficker C that is likely to explode on infected computers on April 1st, 2009.

As an update, Microsoft has released a patch to download. The patch, which can be downloaded by clicking on the patch link at the end of this post, is just one step in securing your computer. Follow these steps to ensure maximum protection.

Download the Microsoft Patch
Update any Anti-virus/Anti-spyware software you currently have. If you do not have any software, I'd suggest downloading Free Firewall/AntiVirus Software from ZoneAlarm.
Apply a Microsoft update for the AutoRun feature. This allows you to stop a drive (either a USB thumb drive or external hard drive or CD/DVD) from auto playing. (Note: You can also do that by holding the Shift key down while putting the disk or USB drive in)
There is also a manual removal of Conficker virus (there are 3 versions, A, B, C), which is on the Microsoft site for reference.

Again, more information will follow in the coming days, but if you continue to have questions, don't hesitate to contact me at anytime or comment on here.

Microsoft closes its doors on Windows XP

2009-03-25T22:57:48Z

R.I.P Windows XP, October 25th, 2001 - April 14th, 2009.

Well, not exactly.

Microsoft will finally be pulling the plug on its most reliable Operating System to date on April 14th, 2009, hoping more users will make the switch to Vista. This isn't surprising news since Microsoft has stated that they were stopping all retail sales of boxed versions of XP, and computer manufactures were forced to stop installing XP on their consumer machines as early as last year.

However, this doesn't mean XP is just officially done. Microsoft will continue to support security fixes, not bugs in the OS. They will continue to do so until 2014. They call this their "Extended Support". By that time Windows Vista will be on it's last legs and Windows 7 will have already had a couple years out on the market.

Are you looking to make the switch to Vista right now? Take a look at my Top 5 reasons why you should NOT make the switch to Vista at all.

Microsoft will still support XP until 2014, why even bother changing what is already working for you?
Windows 7 is right around the corner, and if you thought XP was great, wait until this OS comes out. There are already testing being done and the reviews are out of this world for what this OS can do. From security to top notch extras that truely are needed, I suggest waiting it out. It's not too far away.
Why spend $200-$500 for an Operating System that still has bugs? OH, and also for the fact that it'll be obsolete in less than 2 years, just proves the point to wait it out for Windows 7.
Vista doesn't provide anything different except for a few design changes than XP. For the average user, we won't see the difference. In fact, users when switching to Vista, end of changing their start menu back to XP or even 98 style. Just ask my mom ;-)
The cost factor involved in getting a new OS installed, and then finding out your old Dell doesn't have enough memory or speed to work with the average Windows Vista Home Premium software. In this economy, who has money to just spend on an average, at best, operating system?

What are your thoughts? Are you still making the switch? Let us know, and why!

Conficker C - A new 'Anti-Fools' Virus... BEWARE

2009-03-25T22:32:43Z

It's coming this April 1st. No, it's no joke! It's called the Conficker C Virus. A very in-depth and complicated virus that has been infecting computers since late 2008.

Microsoft released a $250,000 USD bounty for anyone who knows the head in charge for this virus.

What does this major infection actually do? Well, at the moment, researchers and engineers aren't exactly aware, but what they do know is that the ticking of this infection will stop on April 1st, and will do anything it wants from there. This means if you are currently infected, don't remove it or quarantine it by that date, the virus can do anything it wants; ie. wipe out your hard drive, read passwords or personal information saved, or just create a monstrosity of popups, ugh!

There's more about this virus, and to make things simple, I won't go too far into it here. I can't stress the importance of a good anti-virus/spyware program, and keeping it updated at ALL time. Ensure your Windows Update is on automatic as well just in case there is an update, it can do its thing quickly without you having to be there.

Lastly, keep checking here for continuous updates on this virus in the coming days and weeks.

Any questions, don't hesitate to contact me at anytime.

How not to get a job via Twitter - eWeek

2009-03-24T18:04:33Z

Interesting post by eWeek. What happens when you tweet or update any status about a previous, current or future employer? What about a potential client or it's big closing of a deal. Social Networking gone wrong for many people out there.

eWeek

David after Dentist

2009-03-19T15:16:45Z

I know this isn't Tech related, however sometimes you need to change it up a little. A little fun is what we are after with this post. I saw this listed on someone's away message on Instant Messenger and just needed to share to all.

The first is the original, David, 7 years old, who goes to the dentist. The video starts after his visit to the dentist, in the car on the way home. What is so great about this video is that the few lines he says are so popular around the net that others are doing parodies on this video.

Dave after Dentist also has a website, http://www.davidafterdentist.com, which sells shirts with his lines.

Check it out!

David after Dentist -- Original

Chad after Dentist -- One of many funny parodies

Top 5 iPod/Phone Apps

2009-03-15T01:23:01Z

Before I go on, I must admit, Apple really made me a believer. It wasn't long ago I was part of the gang of Windows followers who truely did not like what Apple had to offer. I mean, sure, Apple did have the fancy iMacs and really awesome iPods. But price and the fact that 98% of my applications did not work on a Mac had me denying ever buying Apple.

That's why just a week ago I purchase the Apple iPod Touch. Yes, that's right, a Microsoft user for years finally picks up an Apple product. I wasn't even skeptic at first honestly. I loved the iPod designs over the years, and believed in the product. I just couldn't believe in the extra $100 price difference from a Sandisk Sansa MP3 player.

But a few reasons had me wanting and drooling over this gadget. For starters, the iPod Touch had a very sleek design (something I love in new technology). Factor that and the actual touchscreen and GUI (Graphical User Interface), and I had wished I had this when I was young ... wait ...

Secondly, the "extras" were really something. Wireless access with internet and email (big plus), lots of space packed in a small form (with the help of flash memory instead of an actual hard drive), and those APPS!

Yes! The single most deserving feature that makes the iPod Touch come alive! If you are not familar, Apple has an App Store that enables anyone to download games, utilities, movies, music, tools and much more. It's like a on going swiss army knife that continues to change every day.

I played with my toy for a good week, and I can say it has it all. The games are amazing, the utilities are incredible. I just couldn't help but to share this excitement.

So here it is, the list of my top 5 iPod (or iPhone, since they are the same) apps you can get for FREE at the App Store.

Nike+

When I first purchased the iPod Touch I also picked up the Nike+ transmitter. If you are into fitness, or someone who's not (like me), the Nike+ offer motivation for your daily run (or walk). If you purchase any other iPod besides the Touch you will need to pick up the Nike+ Kit which contains the transmitter and receiver. If you have the Touch, just the transmitter is fine since the Touch has the receiver built in. This is an awesome addition for FREE! Once you open the box you will notice a small quarter sized peice that will fit neatly inside your Nike+ shoe. Wait, what? I now have to purchase Nike+ shoes in order to use this? Well, not really, and there are other ways around this; you will just have to find this out yourself. ;-) The setup was easy, just click on Settings on the front iPod screen and go to Nike + iPod submenu. From there just turn it on. That's it! Go back to the main screen and you will see the icon for Nike +. You will need to calibrate your first time, and once you do, upload the calibration through iTunes. DO this very important step. This will upload the data to Nikeplus.com so you and your friends can see your every step. After the first time Calibration, work out, sync it with iTunes and you have yourself a personal trainer/motivator for life!

I give this app 4.5 out of 5 stars. It's awesome, not 100% free, but it really makes walking or running fun.

FS5 Hockey

I couldn't wait to take advantage of the dual touch screen, so when I looked through the apps I came across this particular game. It's FREE and if you love air hockey, you will love this app. It's air hockey with two player dual support on the one iPod. Extremely graphical, and right on with the touch. It really makes you feel like you are playing with a real table.

I give this app 3.5 out of 5 starts. I often time score in my own goal, which I don't like. However this game is realistic and worth the download.

Facebook

I am a Facebook warrior. I am consistantly on, checking friends, family and others who may not know I'm checking statuses. Although, there are times I'm not at my desk or at home, the iPod stays with me at all times. With the built in WiFi, I connect to Facebook wherever I go. The easy setup and awesome GUI design makes this app a friendly status checking, photo downloading, emailing crazy, need on your iPod Touch.

Fastlane Lite

A lot of games that are 100% have ads and/or don't have the full game. It's true with this game, however it's remarkable using the Accelerometer. In this game, imagine using the iPod as a steering wheel. Turn it sideways and start driving. It's that simple. It's real to the touch or movement in this case, and makes you feel like the driver of a real race.

I give this app 3.5 out of 5 starts. Needs a little more levels and challenges, but then again, it's a FREE app.

Tap Tap Revenge 2

WOW! Take Guitar Hero, better music, mix it in the iPod, and use just your thumbs. What do you get? Oh, that's right, Tap Tap Revenge 2!! If you only download 1 game EVER on the iPod Touch, this is the game to download. If it's the one game you pay for and buy the full version without the ads, it's Tap Tap Revenge 2. There aren't many words to describe this game. What I can say is that the FREE version includes a LOT of available music to download, easy to learn, and makes you play it all night. Take a see for yourself.

I give this app a 4.9 out of 5 stars. Why the 4.9? I still can't figure out how to shake left and right. But other that that, it's 99% hit for me!

So there you have it, the 5 best apps (so far) for the iPod Touch/iPhone. Do you have any other suggestions? Comment below.

Buyer Beware - Circuit City

2009-02-24T20:47:54Z

Circuit City Stores are again a top store in the news. The company who has been scamming customers with fake liquidation pricing, also are stooping to a new low: No returns on defective items.

I can understand that there are no returns. I can also understand no returns on perfectly good product. However what gives any company the right to refuse returning an item that was broken or defective at the store???

The article below explains it all.

http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/124232

Microsoft offering free training

2009-02-24T16:28:02Z

Microsoft will be providing serveral online training programs such as "How to use the internet" and "Windows XP Professional".

These programs are to help Americans receive the technical skills in order to receive an IT job.

The questions is now, are IT companies willing to employee these so called professionals once they pass the online trainings?

Sony Cybershot Deal

2009-02-24T15:29:17Z

Best Buy is offering a really nice deal on the Sony Cybershot DSC-W120. It's 7.2 Megapixels and has a great shot for under $200.

$20 price drop: Sony DSC-W120 Cyber-shot 7.2MP digital camera at BestBuy.com

Are Circuit City's deals that good?

2009-02-24T04:00:07Z

Circuit City Stores have been liquidating since January. Since then, discounts haven't been better than any "still in business" retailer.

A recent shop at the Deptford, NJ store found portable DVD players at 30% off, select TVs at 30-40% off, and furniture, yes, their peg hooks and stands selling at 20% off. Are these even good deals?

The best dead, the Kodak ESP 5 All-in-One printer for $75. Average price online: $120.

However for most, the pricing was just 3-5% better than online. Are you willing to buy at a store that won't be there for you anymore just to save 5%?

They are selling though, very few products remain, most just open box and shelf displays.

Are plasma tv's getting canned?

2009-02-24T03:28:16Z

Pioneer Electronics has recently released statements that their Kuro plasma TVs will be discontinued as of March 2010.

LCD TV's are dominating the market with it's truer picture and better contrast, even though they cost more than a plasma (usually 15-20% more). Pioner says their plasma tv market was approx. 14% of the business. They will now focus more on car and home audio components. Maybe we can get a decked out navigation system with full internet access so we can twitter as we drive?

Okay,so with this news, consumers may be wondering "Are plasma tv's done"? The answer is simple. No. There are still big business, with LG, Panasonic and Samsung all in the game. Costs are still cheaper, and consumers just aren't going to spend $500 more for the same 50 inch TV, just because the LCD is brighter.

What's my opinion? Plasma is still a great TV, the picture is amazing. If you are looking for a tv that isn't going to have much light around when watching a show or movie, then I'd rather save the $500 difference, stick with plasma and get that navigation system that can let others know I'm twittering while driving.

What do you think?

TechSmart Tip of the Week - Tivo

2009-02-22T16:01:37Z

Your Tivo system (if you have one)is a great way to record season passes of shows and movies, while also being able to rewind, skip through commercials (or the boring scenes) and thousands of other cool features. However the coolest feature very few people know is that is can be your total Entertainment Media Center as well! Tivo can be your Music and Photo library as well.

From the Tivo Central (press the tivo icon on your remote) go to the Music, Photos and Showcases link. From there choose Photos & Slideshows. You have the options to link from your photobucket or Picasa web accounts (I recommend either of these two accounts as they provide the best way to share your photos). If you are a music fan, choose Music Videos from Music Choice link. You can search for a video, browse by genre and watch the just added videos.

Try it for yourself!