I was recently looking for a quick way to view the specs on my PC while also looking at some serials for my software. Not only that but I wanted to see what all I have installed on spare PC.
The quickest way happens to be Belarc Advisor. It creates a nice local webpage with all of your specs along with a detail of any missing patches.
Link to homepage
ScreenToaster
I quite literally stumbled onto ScreenToaster. Its a great way to record your desktop without the need of any software. I recently wrote about CamStudio which is a great little app but when you are on the go or at work ScreenToaster is going to come in very handy.
http://www.screentoaster.com/
http://www.screentoaster.com/
Ways to increase your laptop battery
There is a really good article on MakeUseOf.com on 20 Ways to increase your laptop battery life.
Delete the files that you can't delete
Sometimes a download gets stuck or corrupt. Your clean desktop suddenly gets messed up by an ugly half downloaded file. There is a free and very easy to use solution called FileASSASIN. Its available as a standalone or as a usb app. Either of which are extremely useful.
- Download from developer
- Good Article on FileASSASIN
- Download from developer
- Good Article on FileASSASIN
Sometimes I get phone calls or emails from long lost friends and family or friends of friends or friends of family( you get my point) on how to fix their computer. After spending a few minutes on the phone and hearing how bestbuy or the local computer shop charged $XXX. I always end up saying why didn't you call me first?
1. You live far away
2. I didn't want to bother you
3. I know nothing about this stuff
Luckily for all three of those reason there are applications out there that let you help these folks. Keep in mind there are MANY. My favorite has been and will likely always be LogMeIn. LogMeIn does just as it sounds. It allows me to remotely connect to your PC over the internet. Granted if your hard drive crashed I can't magically pop in through the phone lines, but if you can connect to the net. I can help you out!
LogMeIn is a program for Mac/Windows that is installed and runs in the background. It can be turned on or off with a mouseclick in case your worried about getting an unwanted IT support visit.
They offer a wide variety of programs from the simple free version that I use to the more advanced corporate IT version.
The free version allows you to connect directly to the user's desktop and take control.
Some features include:
I know Magnify and changing screen resolution sound like minor features but when your on someone's screen who has icons the size of notecards it is a bit annoying.
First you will need to create a new free account. Once this account is setup you can start adding machines to your "virtual network"
To do this you simply click "add computer". It will prompt for an install and off you go. One important security measure is that each PC will have its own password. Beyond that, if the PC has a username and password, those also must be given. This ensures pretty strict security. The user may also change his/her logmein computer password.
I have included a video of the download process and then a quick glimpse of what it looks like when controling another computer from your browser.
1. You live far away
2. I didn't want to bother you
3. I know nothing about this stuff
Luckily for all three of those reason there are applications out there that let you help these folks. Keep in mind there are MANY. My favorite has been and will likely always be LogMeIn. LogMeIn does just as it sounds. It allows me to remotely connect to your PC over the internet. Granted if your hard drive crashed I can't magically pop in through the phone lines, but if you can connect to the net. I can help you out!
LogMeIn is a program for Mac/Windows that is installed and runs in the background. It can be turned on or off with a mouseclick in case your worried about getting an unwanted IT support visit.
They offer a wide variety of programs from the simple free version that I use to the more advanced corporate IT version.
The free version allows you to connect directly to the user's desktop and take control.
Some features include:
- 256 bit encyption
- laser pointer - Very useful for training purposes
- Chat
- Magnify
- Changing screen resolution
I know Magnify and changing screen resolution sound like minor features but when your on someone's screen who has icons the size of notecards it is a bit annoying.
The Setup
First you will need to create a new free account. Once this account is setup you can start adding machines to your "virtual network"
To do this you simply click "add computer". It will prompt for an install and off you go. One important security measure is that each PC will have its own password. Beyond that, if the PC has a username and password, those also must be given. This ensures pretty strict security. The user may also change his/her logmein computer password.
I have included a video of the download process and then a quick glimpse of what it looks like when controling another computer from your browser.
New Computer Purchase/Setup
I always seem to get a questions from family and friends about what to do when you get a new computer. Of course its going to have junk on it you don't need. Of course its going to start up slow because of all the junk. Yes, I will tell you that you paid too much. So lets walk through the basics:
Basics
1. If you are surfing the web and reading emails don't buy the most expensive computer in the store.
There are several computers and netbooks within the $300 - $500 range that will perfectly meet your needs. No it will not have Microsoft Word on it, but do you want to spend another $150 or so? Use OpenOffice or other tools. I'll get to this point later.
If you don't understand gigs, hard drive space, RAM, and you know you aren't going to be doing any cutting edge gaming or video rendering I say go cheap.
2. Do not take their "Anti-Virus" package
Remember when I said your computer will start up slow because of all of the junk? Well chances are they want you to pay another $40 - $60 to put their anti virus software on there that will make your computer noticeably slower. Again, were going with a free solution.
3. Extended Warranty?
Ask what the manufacturers warranty is first. If it will suffice that save the cash. Companies make their money on those warranties but if you are buying a bargain laptop I may consider taking that warranty.
4. Don't pay for someone to set it up.
If you fear technology and "plugging things in" then why would you want a computer in the first place? Most computer out of the box have a very easy to follow guide for hooking up everything you need. Plus, its always more satisfying doing things yourself. If you get stuck give the neighbor kid a call. But please, try!
Software/Services
I'm going to provide you with things you will likely need.
AntiVirus
There are many options and its very likely you have a trial on your machine when you bought it. Please go and remove this in Add/Remove programs (if your using a windows operating systems). I use BitDefender just because its quick and intrusive. There are several viable options. Actually pick anything other than Nortons. I have provided a few free ones below.
Office Suite
You don't have to have Microsoft products. There are several online office suites that will probably meet your needs such as Google Docs and Zoho but for the standard desktop office suite I highly recommend OpenOffice. It will come with everything you need and the interface is very much like Microsoft.
PDF Viewer
PDF is a format that is used quite often on the web and typically how your eBills / bank statements come. So it is important to have a viewer. While the widely accepted PDF viewer is the Adobe Acrobat Reader. It is a large download and its not really needed. Foxit Reader is a much better alturnative.
Email
You are probably saying that my service provider gives me an email account. I can also use Outlook Express. If you wish to change your ISP they will not let you keep your email account. I strongly recommend going with Gmail. Several gigs of space and very intuitive. It is web based but provides excellent instructions on how to use with your existing email client like Outlook Express or maybe even try Mozilla Thunderbird
Backup
Backing up files is very very important. You don't want to lose your school or work things because your computer went down. Make the easiest decision ever and install a backup program that is web based just in case. Hopefully you will never have to use it. I have a list of several alternatives on my blog. For this kind of setup I'd recommend Mozy. Just select their Home user. This will give you 2 gigs of storage and will run automatically for you.
That about covers what you "Need". Please let me know if there is anything else you'd like to discuss.
Back Up
Backing up your PC, your work, your school papers, pictures, videos and game saves is something often neglected. You never know when that flash drive or hard drive is going to fail you. No matter how many people remind you to back things up the message never seems to get across. So what tools help you automate this
1. Mozy
The free version of Mozy is very nice, however, he limitation of the free version is 2 gigs. So I'd recommend only the most crucial documents get backed up. Save the MP3 collection for another tool, or shell out the extra cash to have Mozy cover it for you.
2. ADrive
I am a big fan of Adrive. Popping in at 50 gigs, it will allow you to back up nearly anything you can throw at it. The automatation aspect isn't quite as clean as Mozy but so far I am a big fan of what its doing for me.
3. DriveImage XML
Here is where I wanted to tie it all together. What if you could back up your entire PC right now or even just partition of your harddrive? This tool gives you that ability. I've reformatted my PC one too many times to know its a difficult task to track down all of the drivers and cd's to get your pc the way you want it after a distaster or a clean install.
DriveImage XML will do that for you. So the real trick is save off your disc image and then upload it to ADrive. Then anytime you do a major change to your pc save a new image and upload it again. I'll add a step by step if requested.
1. Mozy
The free version of Mozy is very nice, however, he limitation of the free version is 2 gigs. So I'd recommend only the most crucial documents get backed up. Save the MP3 collection for another tool, or shell out the extra cash to have Mozy cover it for you.
2. ADrive
I am a big fan of Adrive. Popping in at 50 gigs, it will allow you to back up nearly anything you can throw at it. The automatation aspect isn't quite as clean as Mozy but so far I am a big fan of what its doing for me.
3. DriveImage XML
Here is where I wanted to tie it all together. What if you could back up your entire PC right now or even just partition of your harddrive? This tool gives you that ability. I've reformatted my PC one too many times to know its a difficult task to track down all of the drivers and cd's to get your pc the way you want it after a distaster or a clean install.
DriveImage XML will do that for you. So the real trick is save off your disc image and then upload it to ADrive. Then anytime you do a major change to your pc save a new image and upload it again. I'll add a step by step if requested.
CDBurnerXP
I like so many others love to find free / open source alternatives to commercial products. My plan is to put links to all of these sites as I find them but ultimately call out the ones that I do use.
1. CDBurnerXP
Multi purpose cd/dvd burner tool just like nero. Also allows you to create ISO's.
1. CDBurnerXP
Multi purpose cd/dvd burner tool just like nero. Also allows you to create ISO's.
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