There’s no reason to pay big bucks for Windows software. There are literally hundreds of free applications out there that perform the same tasks as the commercial applications. Below are the top 20 picks for 2009 as selected by The Computer Psychic. Read the rest of this entry »
So, the holidays are over, the wrapping is in the recycle bins, and it’s time to get back to a “normal” life. And do you have a brand-shiny-new computer now? Great! Before you do much with that computer, here are a few steps to assure that this new computer is as fast and secure as it can be. Read the rest of this entry »
Regular followers of The Computer Psychic know that I’m all about the free software. And there’s plenty of it around. Almost any application that you could pay for has a free alternative available if you know where to look.
Admittedly it can be a chore to track down the desired software, and then run a separate setup program for each application you want to install. Plus, many “free” applications include optional toolbars and other ad-driven components that you simply don’t want to install. Fortunately, the good folks at Secure by Design, Inc. have produced a helpful app called Ninite. Read the rest of this entry »
Have you done it? I know I have. Pressed Delete on a file, just as you realize, “Wait, that’s the wrong file!” Since Microsoft introduced the Recycle Bin, it’s easier than ever to recover a file you’ve deleted. Simply double-click on the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop, find the file you wish to recover, right-click on it, and select Restore. The deleted file will reappear in its original location
That’s well and good, but what if you’ve already emptied the recycle bin? Or what if you bypassed the Recycle Bin by holding down the Shift key as you deleted the file? Or what if you’ve disabled the Recycle Bin? (Yes, that can be done, but I don’t recommend it.) Don’t worry, using the steps outlined below, you *may* be able to recover the file. Read the rest of this entry »
Google fired an opening salvo in their OS ware against Microsoft last week with the beta launch of their Chrome operating system. There has been much talk of a Google OS for quite some time, and many suspected that their mobile operating system titled Android would be ported to desktop applications. Instead, Google has turned their Chrome web browser into a full-fledged operating system.
Google makes some grand promises for Chrome. A 10 second boot-up time, no security updates, no viruses and malware to mention a few. It all sounds great. But will Google deliver? The bottom line is, at this time it’s too early to tell. Google Chrome operating system isn’t due to be released until the second half of 2010. But the demo version that we downloaded from gdgt.com was intriguing to say the least. Read the rest of this entry »
It’s getting towards Christmas-time. Is there a new computer on your wish list? Maybe someone you love is getting one? Great! Just be sure to dispose of that old computer in a responsible manner. Yes, it’s easy to simply toss it in the trash can. But in doing so, you’re only contributing to the ever-growing amount of electronics in the waste stream.
According to the EPA, approximately 2.5 million tons of consumer electronics – including televisions and computers – are sent to landfills every year. Only about 18% of all computers are recycled. Read the rest of this entry »
Thanks to wireless routers, setting up a home or small business network is easier than ever. No running cables, no drilling through walls, just plug in, configure, and go. However, it’s also easier than ever to hack into someone’s network, thanks to wireless routers.
If, when setting up your router, you didn’t change the administrator name and password, or if you’re still broadcasting your SSID, (or if you don’t understand this is talking about,) then it’s possible someone else might leach onto your network and leverage your broadband connection for their own nefarious means. Read the rest of this entry »
OK, I know this isn’t a computer article. And those who don’t have Comcast cable, feel free to read something else. But, for the rest of you… Read the rest of this entry »
Pssst, wanna know a secret? Wanna know how “power” computer users maximize their time at the computer? Whenver possible, they don’t use the computer’s mouse.
The process of moving your hand away from the keyboard and onto the mouse, clicking on an item, and then moving back to the keyboard only takes a moment. But imagine how many times you do that during a typical computing session. Now imagine how much quicker you can type if you didn’t have to constantly move your hand back and forth to and from the mouse. Windows has a way to help wean you away from the mouse and keep your fingers on the keyboard. Read the rest of this entry »
Here we go again. Windows is introducing a new operating system. And – according to Microsoft at least – it’s one we can’t live without. Face it, Microsoft would dearly love to have consumer reaction similar to that displayed when they introduced Windows 95. Back then we saw stores staying open all night so people could buy the program at 12:01 in the morning on the day of release. And they did. There were actually people lining up to (gasp!) willingly – eagerly! – upgrade their operating system. Read the rest of this entry »
