Cloud computing. It’s a neat catch-phrase, but what does it mean? It simply refers to applications that are accessible via the internet instead of being installed in your computer.
Without even being aware of it, you most likely are already using some cloud-enabled programs. Read the rest of this entry »
The internet is a great resource. Especially for school-age children. The world is literally at their fingertips. Research material, educational videos, and no end of resources. But make no mistake about it. Between hate-driven sites, online predators and pornography, the internet can be a dangerous place for children. So as responsible parents, it falls to us to take action to keep your children safe online. Read the rest of this entry »
Your kids love cartoons. OK, that’s no big news. All kids love cartoons. Did you know that with a computer and a decent internet connection, your children can watch cartoons online? Following are some websites that are ideal for your kids: Read the rest of this entry »
You’re concerned about your computer’s security. You are proactive. You have a good anti-virus application. Your Windows firewall is turned on. But is that enough? Did you know that the bad guys might be able to gain access to your computer in spite of those precautions? Windows file sharing and opening ports for program access can leave your computer vulnerable to port sniffers, and actually allow hackers to access files in your computer, implant viruses, and even take over your system!
Fortunately, there’s a web service that will simulate intrusions by hackers, and give you a report of any weak points in your computer. Along with the report, it will give you suggestions you can follow to make your system more secure.
Visit the ShieldsUP! website and run their free test. It only takes a couple of minutes, and it’s a valuable tool towards keeping your computer safe.
Viruses…Spyware…Adware… All of these computer threats can be lumped under the category “Malware”. Any malware in your system is undesirable. Not only can it expose you to further threats, malware is often poorly written and can cause your computer to slow down and even crash.
Commercial antivirus programs will do a good job in removing most viruses. But there’s an additional tool available that will compliment any anti-virus program. That program is called HijackThis. Combined with the online HijackThis File Analyzer, HijackThis will give you exceptional control over what happens in your computer. Read the rest of this entry »
Seems like everyone’s concerned with what their credit score is these days. Why I remember when we didn’t even have credit scores! We saved up for something, and paid cash! – Oops, sorry – was channeling my grandfather there for a bit.
The reality is, these days a good credit score can not only save you money on a car loan, mortgage and insurance, but it might dictate whether or not you get an apartment or even a job!
With so much riding on your credit score, it only makes sense to monitor it regularly. Fortunately, the internet makes it easy to do that. Read the rest of this entry »
dz dis l%k weird 2 you? cn u evn read it? f ur comfy readN dis, thN ur familiar W txtN.
No, The Computer Psychic didn’t just have a stroke. I meant to type the above paragraph that way. For those of you not into texting, here’s what it says: Read the rest of this entry »
Windows makes it easy for each person to have their own custom desktop, internet favorites and more. All you need to do is add a user account for each person who uses the computer. This short video shows you how.
It’s springtime! Time to pull out your cleaning supplies and spruce things up! No, not your house or your apartment, but your computer running any version of Microsoft Windows. Just like with your car or lawnmower, regular maintenance will go a long ways towards keeping your computer running efficiently. Read the rest of this entry »
Did you know you can specify what happens when you close the lid to your laptop or netbook computer? This short video will show you how to make your system sleep, hibernate or power off completely.
