A story about blind downloading.
http://goo.gl/Sa6g7S
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Monday, December 21, 2015
OMG! A MAC?
Well, I broke down the other day and bought a Mini Mac at Best Buy. It was on sale - that's my excuse for purchasing at BB. Otherwise, I'd have shopped elsewhere.
It's a nice learning curve for me. During my "corporate days", I used Apple products most of the time. They were provided by the Company, so I didn't have much say in the matter. They were/are beautiful machines. And, early on, they only way to get a good GUI device. When I retired from the Company, I kept both my home computers - a PC AND a Mac. Thought I could help someone with either product. But, guess what? When out in "the real world" no one could afford a Mac! I eventually sold mine (can't remember now what it was). PC software was cheaper and more easily obtained. Read into that what you will.
Lately, I've had the chance to "try" to help a few people with their Mac's. Problem is - they don't really know what the Mac will do; they just know it's supposed to be the best, and it's pricey. I needed to learn Mac again (besides, learning something new is good for the mind). The Mini was the least expensive way to go. I bought the bottom of the line; so low, it's impossible to upgrade the memory (come on Apple, show a little kindness!). But, I can upgrade the HD. I'm now booting from a 1T SSD. It's almost fast!!!!
I'm slowly getting most of my files and programs over to the Mac. I even have an external data drive that can be accessed from a PC or the Mac. Hope that doesn't cause problems with backups. I'm finding some nifty widgets for the Mac, and even some of the Windows software I use, have Mac versions.
This posting is my first using the Mac - doesn't it look elegant? I just took a picture of the "new" desktop. Waiting ........
Here is is -
The Mini Mac is a small, albeit pretty, hunk of aluminum that fits nicely in the shelf below the monitor. Consequently, my "mac" utilizes my Windows 10 monitor, keyboard, mouse, and track pad. What could go wrong?
It's a nice learning curve for me. During my "corporate days", I used Apple products most of the time. They were provided by the Company, so I didn't have much say in the matter. They were/are beautiful machines. And, early on, they only way to get a good GUI device. When I retired from the Company, I kept both my home computers - a PC AND a Mac. Thought I could help someone with either product. But, guess what? When out in "the real world" no one could afford a Mac! I eventually sold mine (can't remember now what it was). PC software was cheaper and more easily obtained. Read into that what you will.
Lately, I've had the chance to "try" to help a few people with their Mac's. Problem is - they don't really know what the Mac will do; they just know it's supposed to be the best, and it's pricey. I needed to learn Mac again (besides, learning something new is good for the mind). The Mini was the least expensive way to go. I bought the bottom of the line; so low, it's impossible to upgrade the memory (come on Apple, show a little kindness!). But, I can upgrade the HD. I'm now booting from a 1T SSD. It's almost fast!!!!
I'm slowly getting most of my files and programs over to the Mac. I even have an external data drive that can be accessed from a PC or the Mac. Hope that doesn't cause problems with backups. I'm finding some nifty widgets for the Mac, and even some of the Windows software I use, have Mac versions.
This posting is my first using the Mac - doesn't it look elegant? I just took a picture of the "new" desktop. Waiting ........
Here is is -
The Mini Mac is a small, albeit pretty, hunk of aluminum that fits nicely in the shelf below the monitor. Consequently, my "mac" utilizes my Windows 10 monitor, keyboard, mouse, and track pad. What could go wrong?
Monday, November 30, 2015
Another Wonderful Sunset
We are shown many great sunsets here in The Valley of the Sun. Probably due to the dust in the air. But, they are wonderful to see.
Monday, November 9, 2015
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Windows 10 Defender
Windows 10 includes a good malware program called Defender (aka Security Essentials); however, some tests indicate it might not be as good as another solution - Malwarebytes. http://goo.gl/xk93mS
I think in previous versions of Windows, Defender would run along side of Malwarebytes, but in Windows 10, Defender is shut off if another malware program is installed. The previous link (http://goo.gl/xk93mS) provides information regarding this fact. It also mentioned the suggested use of Malwarebyte's Anti-Exploit program (free) as a worthwhile compliment to Defender.
In my system, I'm running both Malwarebytes Anti-Malware AND Anti-Exploit. Seems to work very well. Time will tell. I'm following "howtogeek's" recommendations.
I think in previous versions of Windows, Defender would run along side of Malwarebytes, but in Windows 10, Defender is shut off if another malware program is installed. The previous link (http://goo.gl/xk93mS) provides information regarding this fact. It also mentioned the suggested use of Malwarebyte's Anti-Exploit program (free) as a worthwhile compliment to Defender.
In my system, I'm running both Malwarebytes Anti-Malware AND Anti-Exploit. Seems to work very well. Time will tell. I'm following "howtogeek's" recommendations.
Monday, October 19, 2015
GCRVCUG Meeting
Our first gathering of the GCRVCUG is this Thursday. See the bulletin board for details.
We'll take a look at Windows 10. http://goo.gl/L8QnRx
We'll take a look at Windows 10. http://goo.gl/L8QnRx
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
New Season Starting
We'll have the first meeting of the GCRVCUG next Thursday at 9:30 am in the Prickly Pear Room. Now that more of you might be interested in Windows 10; let's do some show and tell on that product. See you there. Oh, last time I checked, the WIFI signal in that room is very strong. Bring your laptops, etc.
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Two Great Links
Here are a couple of Windows 10 links that you might find very useful.
http://www.howtogeek.com/228570/10-quick-ways-to-speed-up-a-slow-windows-pc/
And, the more technical -
http://lifehacker.com/top-10-incredibly-useful-windows-programs-to-have-on-ha-1584009886/1730134751
The first link suggests ways to speed up your computer. Some of these may benefit your computer greatly. Give them a try.
http://www.howtogeek.com/228570/10-quick-ways-to-speed-up-a-slow-windows-pc/
And, the more technical -
http://lifehacker.com/top-10-incredibly-useful-windows-programs-to-have-on-ha-1584009886/1730134751
The first link suggests ways to speed up your computer. Some of these may benefit your computer greatly. Give them a try.
Monday, September 28, 2015
Hello
Hello All
People are beginning to return, and I must schedule our first meeting. Please let me know when that should happen.
The latest How-to Geek blog, discusses WinPatrol. Take a look - http://goo.gl/GIQg64
People are beginning to return, and I must schedule our first meeting. Please let me know when that should happen.
The latest How-to Geek blog, discusses WinPatrol. Take a look - http://goo.gl/GIQg64
Monday, August 31, 2015
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
a little more training on windows 10
You need to subscribe to "How-To Geek". Great articles. Such as -- http://goo.gl/PpFzaU
Everything You Wanted to Know About Windows 10
Well, that's what this article implies. Good reading if you're using/wanting Windows 10. I think you should.
http://goo.gl/IMHHlT
Steve
PS, Donna's new Chromebook Pixel has an OUTSTANDING screen!
http://goo.gl/IMHHlT
Steve
PS, Donna's new Chromebook Pixel has an OUTSTANDING screen!
Sunday, August 9, 2015
Classic Shell
Hopefully you are trying Windows 10 - it's a good release.
If you tried Windows 8, you've experienced the trauma of the start screen. This trauma has been minimized in Windows 10, but maybe you pine for the look of Windows 7 (it's ok). I've written about Start 8, the very easy and inexpensive program from StarDock. It allows the start menu to be the Windows 8 style or the Windows 7 style. StarDock now has a Windows 10 version that works in the same way. Still only $5.
If you want to go with shareware, try ClassicShell. Click here - here. It provides lots of features, but may be slightly more involved than Start 10.
If you don't like either solution, they're easy to uninstall. If you're satisfied with the new Start Menu look, then ignore this post!! Enjoy.
If you tried Windows 8, you've experienced the trauma of the start screen. This trauma has been minimized in Windows 10, but maybe you pine for the look of Windows 7 (it's ok). I've written about Start 8, the very easy and inexpensive program from StarDock. It allows the start menu to be the Windows 8 style or the Windows 7 style. StarDock now has a Windows 10 version that works in the same way. Still only $5.
If you want to go with shareware, try ClassicShell. Click here - here. It provides lots of features, but may be slightly more involved than Start 10.
If you don't like either solution, they're easy to uninstall. If you're satisfied with the new Start Menu look, then ignore this post!! Enjoy.
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
HipChat Room
Don't forget our HipChat message board. I've just added a new Room called "For Sale". And, let me be the first to offer something for sale :). If you're a resident that's interested in the Computer Group, you should sign up for the Room. Take a look at https://www.hipchat.com to learn a little about the service (it's free); fill out the request (or email me) to join the "oldcomputergeeks" team.
Friday, July 24, 2015
Backup Before Windows 10 Install
I'm using Windows 10 on all my PCs now. Seems to work just fine; however, there were a few problems in the earlier builds. Enough problems to cause the loss of some of my rapidly disappearing hair! The version I think they will be releasing, seems to be pretty good. You will like it better than 8.1.
If you're concerned about the update, you might want to back up your system before attempting the upgrade. This "How -To Geek" proceedure looks like a good one to use.
I didn't do any backups. Dangerous, I know, but it seemed like a good time to start over with windows. I did have problems with my Acer laptop. Seems that a computer with two internal drives is confusing to the Windows update process. Temporarily removing the second drive to allow the update was the solution.
Have fun with W10 - "the last Windows ever".
If you're concerned about the update, you might want to back up your system before attempting the upgrade. This "How -To Geek" proceedure looks like a good one to use.
I didn't do any backups. Dangerous, I know, but it seemed like a good time to start over with windows. I did have problems with my Acer laptop. Seems that a computer with two internal drives is confusing to the Windows update process. Temporarily removing the second drive to allow the update was the solution.
Have fun with W10 - "the last Windows ever".
Friday, July 17, 2015
Good Geek Website
I've mentioned this is in past, but it doesn't hurt to repeat. Howtogeek.com has some good windows articles. You're gonna get Windows 10 someday, so why not start learning about it?
http://www.howtogeek.com/t/windows/
http://www.howtogeek.com/t/windows/
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Windows 10 & Flash
For the past several months, I've been one of the 5 million "insiders" testing Windows 10. Sometimes it's a disaster; sometimes it's beautiful. Right now I'm on Build 10166. Each build has tweaked W10 a little more, and sometimes the tweak is not quite right, but Microsoft continues. I expect the July 29 "release" to be similar to the present one. Who knows?
It looks good. Can't really tell if it's faster, but their new Browser - Edge - is faster! Doesn't have a lot of features at present, but it's also a work in progress. How-To Geek has some tips on Edge - http://goo.gl/h8o2KR. Take a look. Right now, I rate Firefox the best for me, with Edge second.
If you're open to new things, download W10 when you get the opportunity - it's better than W95!
On a separate subject, I've uninstalled Flash on my PC. Already I find that some of my favorite programs use Flash, but I'm gonna try real hard to keep it off the PC. Adobe Flash has always been a source of vulnerabilities. Even Firefox is now set, by default, to not use it.
Now I'm off to see if I can set a default music station for the Amazon Echo (a neat little media device).
It looks good. Can't really tell if it's faster, but their new Browser - Edge - is faster! Doesn't have a lot of features at present, but it's also a work in progress. How-To Geek has some tips on Edge - http://goo.gl/h8o2KR. Take a look. Right now, I rate Firefox the best for me, with Edge second.
If you're open to new things, download W10 when you get the opportunity - it's better than W95!
On a separate subject, I've uninstalled Flash on my PC. Already I find that some of my favorite programs use Flash, but I'm gonna try real hard to keep it off the PC. Adobe Flash has always been a source of vulnerabilities. Even Firefox is now set, by default, to not use it.
Now I'm off to see if I can set a default music station for the Amazon Echo (a neat little media device).
Sunday, July 12, 2015
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
I'm Still Here!
It has been a long time, but here are some links you might find useful.
Why is my PC Running Out of Memory? http://gu.com/p/49y96?CMP= Share_AndroidApp_CloudMagic
The Modern Desktop Make your desktop shine!
How to Rip, Convert, and Stream Your Media
How to Use GIMP Photo Editor All you'll ever need - and it's free!
The Best Duplicate File Finder for Windows I seem to end up with many photo duplicates. Especially since I've uploaded everything to Google Photos. It's a mess, but everything is there. However, for those stored on my pc (and external drives), it's be nice to have only one copy of each photo. These tools will help.
Why 'C' is the Default Hard Drive Letter in So Many Computers Interesting article.
That's it for now. BTW, I'm currently using Windows 10 and it appears to be pretty good. Once again, it's a slightly different interface. Better than 8? Maybe. Better than 7? Maybe. But, you'd better learn to like it if you're staying with Windows. Good luck.
Why is my PC Running Out of Memory? http://gu.com/p/49y96?CMP=
The Modern Desktop Make your desktop shine!
How to Rip, Convert, and Stream Your Media
How to Use GIMP Photo Editor All you'll ever need - and it's free!
The Best Duplicate File Finder for Windows I seem to end up with many photo duplicates. Especially since I've uploaded everything to Google Photos. It's a mess, but everything is there. However, for those stored on my pc (and external drives), it's be nice to have only one copy of each photo. These tools will help.
Why 'C' is the Default Hard Drive Letter in So Many Computers Interesting article.
That's it for now. BTW, I'm currently using Windows 10 and it appears to be pretty good. Once again, it's a slightly different interface. Better than 8? Maybe. Better than 7? Maybe. But, you'd better learn to like it if you're staying with Windows. Good luck.
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Backup Your Data!
Here's some information from Acronis about the needs for backing up your computer. I'm presently using Macrium Reflect, but have us Acronis in the past. I believe it to be a good program.
http://goo.gl/qfiZeD
http://goo.gl/qfiZeD
Monday, February 23, 2015
Android Fixit
If you have Android, you might be interested in this "fixit" site. https://www.ifixit.com/android
Looks like it covers a variety of models - start removing those backs!
Looks like it covers a variety of models - start removing those backs!
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Useful Web Sites
More links to sites you might find useful.
http://www.maximumpc.com/20_tips_and_tricks_use_google_drive_boss_2015
http://news360.com/article/272039726
Have fun.
BTW, the ebay presentation is on Wednesday, February 18th at 1pm in the Ballroom.
http://www.maximumpc.com/20_tips_and_tricks_use_google_drive_boss_2015
http://news360.com/article/272039726
Have fun.
BTW, the ebay presentation is on Wednesday, February 18th at 1pm in the Ballroom.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
ASU Softball!
We love watching the ASU Softball team! This past weekend they held Media Day. Included was a Home Run Derby - always fun. Take in some game; the price is right for us old people.
Mono Sunrise
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Sunrise, Sunset, Swiftly fly the years ....
Saturday, January 17, 2015
ebay presentation
We have one of ebay's top sellers in the Park - Herb Simpson. He has
agreed to a presentation on February18, at 10:30 am (either the Prickly
Pear Room or the Ballroom). Herb has been using ebay for some time, so
he knows all about it. If you're interested in the presentation, please
so indicate on the interest sheet currently hanging on the Activities
Signup Board.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)