Next Monday I start an OLLI class at Furman called "From XP to Ubuntu." That and the short illness and death of my mother-in-law have prevented me from adding to this blog in recent weeks. I've got a lot to say here. The first thing I want to do is review the process and considerations in purchasing a laptop now. (I discussed this a while back (here), but it's time for an in depth explanation and update.
You can follow my course material and discussion on a new blog: http://leetlinkubuntu.blogspot.com.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Friday, December 7, 2012
Facebook, Google, you name it: a tool to protect your privacy
For some time I've been thinking, and actually collecting notes, to write a series of articles on how to protect your privacy within different environments, such as Facebook, Google, Yahoo, etc. The I read an article in this month's PC World that makes writing this series unnecessary. Instead of learning how to protec your privacy, there is a free application called PrivacyFix that encapsulates all the privacy rules for many applications. What you do is start the tool and let it tell you what your settings are in these environments. It also tells you what your privacy risk is for each setting. AND, incredibly, if you want to "fix" the setting for more privacy, you can click "FIX". That takes you inside the particular application, directly to the setting, where you can change it. I can't begin to express how neat that is.
Here is a picture of PrivacyFix's Facebook guidance page:
Here is a picture of PrivacyFix's Facebook guidance page:
(Click on the picture for a larger image.) Note the evaluations on the right side- Green means you are OK, orange means you should consider "fixing" the setting. Click "Fix" and you will be taken to the Facebook application and to the web page within Facebook containing the setting.
Also note the other information on the page. You can read it for yourself.
Download PrivacyFix. Then you will be taken to a web page "setup," or something like that. Click the large setup button, and you will get your results.
I like this app. Saves me a lot of time writing blog entries on fixing your privacy settings.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
How to Make the Windows 8 Start Screen Work for You
Windows 8 is a paradigm shift from all previous "windows-"based operating systems.
When Windows 8 initializes, it shows a splash screen with date and time, nothing else. (A side benefit of this is that it starts very fast!) There is nothing obvious on what to do next. For desktop users, to access programs or log in to your account, click on this splash screen. The result is either a login screen or the "Start" screen. If you have a login, then, after you enter your password, you will get the Start screen. No desktop! For most users, that is a major drawback. (Watch this: it is instructive. Note that they started on the Start Screen, avoiding the initial splash screen.)
The way I get around this is to use my two monitors to advantage. I have them set to show as one big screen. This means, for example, that I can have an application screen half on one screen and half on the other. This gives me a lot of real estate for my desktop, and I have essentially set up a tile like arrangement using an application called "Fences" (search "cnet Fences") As a side benefit of this arrangement, when the Windows 8 start screen displays on this two monitor arrangement, it only displays on the left monitor. The right half of my desktop displays on the right monitor. So, I have all the tiles of the start screen on the left and my desktop on the right. It is actually a convenience.
I should note that once I click on a tile on the Screen disappears and the app starts. To access the screen, I have to go to the lower left corner of the left monitor and "wiggle" the mouse, which brings up a small tile. Click that to access the Start Screen.
When Windows 8 initializes, it shows a splash screen with date and time, nothing else. (A side benefit of this is that it starts very fast!) There is nothing obvious on what to do next. For desktop users, to access programs or log in to your account, click on this splash screen. The result is either a login screen or the "Start" screen. If you have a login, then, after you enter your password, you will get the Start screen. No desktop! For most users, that is a major drawback. (Watch this: it is instructive. Note that they started on the Start Screen, avoiding the initial splash screen.)
The way I get around this is to use my two monitors to advantage. I have them set to show as one big screen. This means, for example, that I can have an application screen half on one screen and half on the other. This gives me a lot of real estate for my desktop, and I have essentially set up a tile like arrangement using an application called "Fences" (search "cnet Fences") As a side benefit of this arrangement, when the Windows 8 start screen displays on this two monitor arrangement, it only displays on the left monitor. The right half of my desktop displays on the right monitor. So, I have all the tiles of the start screen on the left and my desktop on the right. It is actually a convenience.
I should note that once I click on a tile on the Screen disappears and the app starts. To access the screen, I have to go to the lower left corner of the left monitor and "wiggle" the mouse, which brings up a small tile. Click that to access the Start Screen.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Cyber Monday Routers and Networks
If your network equipment is slow and or old or the wifi signal is weak, the primary remedy, other than getting an alternative to our DSL service, is to upgrade your router. Cyber Monday can get you the best deals you will see. Google "wifi router cyber Monday". I found some deals in an unexpected place: a router manufacturer web page: Linksys Home Networking Cyber Monday Specials. If you need help, give me a call or send and email.
Computer Dust Covers a Great Christmas Gift
As I help folks with their computers, I've noticed many computers are "dirty" inside. The fans are covered with lint, pet hair, and dust, as are the air ports and, to me, the most dangerous, the cooling fins of the computer processor (CPU) itself. This "dirt" can, at its extreme, be a fire hazard and actually "burn out" your computer.
I make it a point, when I look inside a computer case, to clean it using an air can. (I get six air cans at a time at Costco. It is one of my most used tools.) However, there is another alternative that is preventive: a dust cover for your computer. These covers are "breathable" and remain on your computer as a filter.
Google "computer dust cover(s)." I didn't find them on Amazon, but a number of companies sell them. Note that you should know take the dimension of your tour to purchase the correct cover size.
This makes a great Christmas stocking stuffer. If you don't know the size, then give a note promising one computer dust cover.
I make it a point, when I look inside a computer case, to clean it using an air can. (I get six air cans at a time at Costco. It is one of my most used tools.) However, there is another alternative that is preventive: a dust cover for your computer. These covers are "breathable" and remain on your computer as a filter.
Google "computer dust cover(s)." I didn't find them on Amazon, but a number of companies sell them. Note that you should know take the dimension of your tour to purchase the correct cover size.
This makes a great Christmas stocking stuffer. If you don't know the size, then give a note promising one computer dust cover.
Friday, November 9, 2012
I will be teaching a Furman OLLI course winter quarter
Most Microsoft support for XP ended a while back. The only remaining support is security updates, and that will be ending in the next year or so. Plus, XP doesn't allow you to upgrade to Internet Explorer 9, so that is another security hole.
Your options are:
- Buy a newer Windows Operating System (7 or 8). Cost will be about $100 plus probably hiring me to do the installation and transfer your files from the old system to the new. (Total might be about $160.) Note that there is an additional risk going to Windows 8- it will require significant learning.
- Buy a new computing device with a newer Windows Operating System already installed. Cost is whatever you're willing to pay for a new computer plus perhaps hiring me to transfer your files and install the programs you need.
- Install the free operating system Ubuntu. The desktop and general behavior of this system is the same (actually better) as the latest Apple operating system. Cost: nothing.
Well, there really is a cost to the last one, and that is to take a course I am teaching at Furman Olli from Jan to Mar on installing and using Ubuntu. Typically we would install Ubuntu as a second operating system on your computer, so you would continue to use XP when you need to. However, your default would be to use Ubuntu and never go on-line withing XP.
If you are a "power user," then Ubuntu is for you. If you are a novice and only do web searches and any combination of email, photos, and music, then Ubuntu is for you. (If you have to use iTunes, then it is a little more complicated, but I can show you how.)
So, ummm... I can't think of a reason to not have Ubuntu on any computer, at least as a second operating system. And there are so many reasons to install it.
A couple of articles:
- Ubuntu vs Windows 8
- Ubuntu vs Mac OS X. In this article, it talks about "usability." This article was written for a previous version of Ubuntu. I find that Mac OS X is so constrained and "automated" that it is more difficult to use if you have any conditions other than the ones Apple targets; for example, your ISP is bellsouth/att.
- Buy a newer Windows Operating System (7 or 8). Cost will be about $100 plus probably hiring me to do the installation and transfer your files from the old system to the new. (Total might be about $160.) Note that there is an additional risk going to Windows 8- it will require significant learning.
- Buy a new computing device with a newer Windows Operating System already installed. Cost is whatever you're willing to pay for a new computer plus perhaps hiring me to transfer your files and install the programs you need.
- Install the free operating system Ubuntu. The desktop and general behavior of this system is the same (actually better) as the latest Apple operating system. Cost: nothing.
Well, there really is a cost to the last one, and that is to take a course I am teaching at Furman Olli from Jan to Mar on installing and using Ubuntu. Typically we would install Ubuntu as a second operating system on your computer, so you would continue to use XP when you need to. However, your default would be to use Ubuntu and never go on-line withing XP.
If you are a "power user," then Ubuntu is for you. If you are a novice and only do web searches and any combination of email, photos, and music, then Ubuntu is for you. (If you have to use iTunes, then it is a little more complicated, but I can show you how.)
So, ummm... I can't think of a reason to not have Ubuntu on any computer, at least as a second operating system. And there are so many reasons to install it.
A couple of articles:
- Ubuntu vs Windows 8
- Ubuntu vs Mac OS X. In this article, it talks about "usability." This article was written for a previous version of Ubuntu. I find that Mac OS X is so constrained and "automated" that it is more difficult to use if you have any conditions other than the ones Apple targets; for example, your ISP is bellsouth/att.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Disaster Preparedness
I know that the Upstate SC/NC region is not going to get the brunt of the "Frankenstorm," but some of you still work in the areas affected and we WILL have need to be prepared for future events, even if it is just our "house business." Most of you know I am on the SBA staff to respond to declared federal disasters. I receive various alerts and emails from time to time, and I just got one I want to share with you:
Prepare Your Business for Hurricane Sandy with Our Checklist
 |
Did you know that 40% of businesses do not open after a disaster? Now is the time to prepare your business for Hurricane Sandy. We have tips to get you started.
|
Share This Information!
If you know someone who might be impacted by Hurricane Sandy, please share this message.
No Hurricane In Your Area?
If your business is not at risk of a hurricane, you should still prepare for emergencies and natural disasters. Check out these critical preparedness tools:
- How to set up a crisis communications plan for your business
- Enroll in the Red Cross’ Ready Rating Program
- Visit Ready.gov/Business for information from our partners at FEMA
Register Now for Free Winter Weather Preparedness Webinar
As we look ahead to the Winter Weather Season, now is the time to prepare for the threats posed by colder temperatures and frozen precipitation. Join the SBA and co-sponsor Agility Recovery as we share the long range winter weather forecast for our nation, as well as practical, applicable tips and best practices to mitigate the risks posed by winter weather.
- November 13, 2012
- 2pm ET
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Printfriendly
