Further articles discontinued due to lack of support

Bye

  Next article: None

 If you found this article helpful please ignore this and don't leave a comment as you haven't for the last 6 months. Have a computer problem or question? Figure it out for yourself. If you need additional computer assistance in the future it will cost you $250 dollar flat fee not matter how long it takes me. There will be an additional $100.00 non refundable "pain in the butt" Fee.

Building your own PC

Why build your own PC ? First, of all it's cost effective. You can customize your pc for what YOU need it for. And overall it's a fun learning experience. It's also easier than you think! In the following articles I'll build a virtual pc to help you understand computer anatomy and help you to learn what hardware to choose for your needs.

The first decision you need to consider is what will you be using the machine for? You can build for the future and put a 8-core processor in your rig but, do you really need that much processing power? It's something to consider. There's no point in building a powerhouse if you are just going to email, surf the net, and watch youtube.

Second you need to to decide what processor your computer will be built around an AMD or Intel processor. I'm an AMD fanboy. They give me enough power to complete any task or any game I throw at it. I've bent the prongs, kicked them across the room, burned them, (greatly overheated) and they just keep on going. And you don't have to spend exorbitant prices to get a good chip. Intel makes good processors, but, their prices simply do not add up to the performance you get IMO.



Operating system. Most of us use Microsoft Windows and it dominates the market share at 86% so for these articles that's what I'll be using. However, Linux deserves some recognition. It's an open source software that doesn't cost you a dime. It's very stable and easy to install. Comes with many features and has lots of support. The biggest reason for it's small market share is very poor software support. If you're a gamer forget about it. Netflix? Nope sorry. Most things are possible on Linux if you're a code monkey. But for the vast majority of us it's not worth the hassle for a free OS.

Next article: Selecting your CPU and Motherboard.

If you found this article helpful please follow and subscribe to my blog and refer your family and friends. Have a computer problem or question? Please leave a comment and describe. Any donations and ad clicks are greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading :)

Printer Sharing on Microsoft Systems #2

Much delayed and possibly anticipated conclusion to my previous article. My back has been giving me trouble so sitting at the computer hasn't been an option.

Installing a printer from a host computer is really quite simple if you haven't figured it out for yourself already. Windows 7 or XP pretty much follow the same pattern. Hit your start menu and click "devices and printers" > Add a printer > add a network, or wireless... If my instructions on sharing a printer were somewhat tangible you should see your printer in the window. Select your printer and it will automatically install the proper drivers. You're all set. :)

More keyboard shortcuts

Did you know that: 'CTRL +' increases the layout and font size of any website you are browsing? 'CTRL -' reduces it :)

Anti-virus for your Android smart phone.

Something most of us don't think of, including myself. Until I got an, Android, I didn't even think of threats on mobile phones. However, it makes sense. It's simply a portable computer. Some of these portables give modern laptops remarkable competition when compared side by side! Any device that is plugged into the net is at risk of being compromised in one way or another. The mobility of these devices increases the threat a great deal.

Did you know you can get anti-virus protection for your smart phone? Yes, you can! And I highly recommend it! Once again, AVG is the leader in this department for Android.

Benefits:

1. Find and protect your phone if lost or stolen (phone locator, phone locker, remote wipe)
2. Enhance performance
3. Complete anti-virus, spyware, and malware protection.

http://www.avg.com/us-en/antivirus-for-android

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.antivirus&hl=en

Questions and comments are strongly encouraged. If you found this article helpful please follow and subscribe to my blog and refer your family and friends. Have a computer problem or question? Please leave a comment and describe. Any donations are greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading :)

Koby

Printer Sharing on Microsoft Systems #1

There are multiple ways to accomplish this task. Assuming you have a router in your home, you're already set to go. You just need to make a few changes.

The easiest way to share a printer in your home is to get a Wi-Fi printer and get it linked up to the network. If this is not an option, your second best is through a host computer and your homegroup. Your host computer must have the printer installed, shared, and networked through your router. The kicker is the host computer must remain powered on at all times for the printer to be accessible. Some routers have USB connectivity to share a printer or other hardware. See your documentation for instructions with that.

Homegroup / Workgroup:

The MS homegroup is new to windows 7 and not compatible with XP. So, make sure all of your windows XP computers are on the same workgroup. By default it's named "workgroup". Check your windows 7 machine by going to control panel > system and security > system > advanced system settings > computer name tab. Whatever your workgroup name is, make it the same on XP and W7 computers alike. In XP go to start menu > control panel > performance and maintenance > system > computer name tab.   

Homegroup is usually setup when you first power up your new windows 7 machine. But chances are, like myself you didn't write down the password. To find it go to your task bar on the bottom right. Find either your wired, or wireless connection and right click the icon and open network and sharing center > homegroup > view or print the homegroup password. Write it down or print it as you prefer. The password IS case sensitive. To join a homegroup > choose homegroup and sharing options. All of your W7 computers should be on the same homegroup. Make sure your host computer has printer checked as shared in the homegroup window. Under Network and Sharing Center, on the host computer, advanced sharing settings, network discovery, file and printer sharing, and public folder sharing must be turned on. (See pic above) You can password protect this in the same window. If it's not visible check the public ^ arrow to locate. Note: Homegroup is difficult to access if your home (router) network is properly password protected. Unless you are worried about ur kids accessing sensitive files, it's easiest to keep this unencrypted

Sharing the printer

Windows 7:

Now that your sharing options are correctly set it's time to share the printer itself. Go to "devices and printers" under your start menu. Locate the printer you wish to share. Double click it then customize your printer > the sharing tab > change sharing options and make sure "share this printer and "render print jobs on client computers" are both checked.

It's a good idea to click "additional drivers" and make sure x86 and x64 are both selected. Itanium is optional based on specific Intel processors. It doesn't take very much additional space so check it if your unsure.

 

 

Windows XP

Start menu > control panel > printers and other hardware > printers and faxes > sharing tab > On the sharing tab check "share this printer" This time additional drivers is up to you depending on how backwards compatible you need it to be. Check all that apply.

My apologies I don't have a working XP machine to take screen shots from. I'm sure a quick google search will help you if your stuck.

At this point you are going to want to shut down all computers on your network for a full power cycle. Though I recommend a full 3 minutes not 30 seconds.


Questions and comments are strongly encouraged. If you found this article helpful please follow and subscribe to my blog and refer your family and friends. Have a computer problem or question? Please leave a comment and describe. Any donations are greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading :)

Koby

Insomniac epiphany...

Don't be afraid to try new things. Discovery is the best learning experience.

Monday's tip: Microsoft keyboard shortcuts.

Multi-tasking is faster and easier with keyboard shortcuts to accomplish your tasks. The most commonly used are CTRL+ C to copy and CTRL+V to paste CTRL+Z to undo (erases previous action) ALT+F4 to immediately close out a program. Familiarize yourself with these shortcuts to make your computing session faster and more productive.

Windows system key combinations

F1: Help
CTRL+ESC: Open Start menu
ALT+TAB: Switch between open programs
ALT+F4: Quit program
SHIFT+DELETE: Delete item permanently
Windows Logo+L: Lock the computer (without using CTRL+ALT+DELETE)
Windows program key combinations
CTRL+C: Copy
CTRL+X: Cut
CTRL+V: Paste
CTRL+Z: Undo
CTRL+B: Bold
CTRL+U: Underline
CTRL+I: Italic

Mouse click/keyboard modifier combinations for shell objects

SHIFT+right click: Displays a shortcut menu containing alternative commands
SHIFT+double click: Runs the alternate default command (the second item on the menu)
ALT+double click: Displays properties
SHIFT+DELETE: Deletes an item immediately without placing it in the Recycle Bin

General keyboard-only commands

F1: Starts Windows Help
F10: Activates menu bar options
SHIFT+F10 Opens a shortcut menu for the selected item (this is the same as right-clicking an object
CTRL+ESC: Opens the Start menu (use the ARROW keys to select an item)
CTRL+ESC or ESC: Selects the Start button (press TAB to select the taskbar, or press SHIFT+F10 for a context menu)
CTRL+SHIFT+ESC: Opens Windows Task Manager
ALT+DOWN ARROW: Opens a drop-down list box
ALT+TAB: Switch to another running program (hold down the ALT key and then press the TAB key to view the task-switching window)
SHIFT: Press and hold down the SHIFT key while you insert a CD-ROM to bypass the automatic-run feature
ALT+SPACE: Displays the main window's System menu (from the System menu, you can restore, move, resize, minimize, maximize, or close the window)
ALT+- (ALT+hyphen): Displays the Multiple Document Interface (MDI) child window's System menu (from the MDI child window's System menu, you can restore, move, resize, minimize, maximize, or close the child window)
CTRL+TAB: Switch to the next child window of a Multiple Document Interface (MDI) program
ALT+underlined letter in menu: Opens the menu
ALT+F4: Closes the current window
CTRL+F4: Closes the current Multiple Document Interface (MDI) window
ALT+F6: Switch between multiple windows in the same program (for example, when the NotepadFind dialog box is displayed, ALT+F6 switches between the Find dialog box and the main Notepad window)
Shell objects and general folder/Windows Explorer shortcuts
For a selected object:
F2: Rename object
F3: Find all files
CTRL+X: Cut
CTRL+C: Copy
CTRL+V: Paste
SHIFT+DELETE: Delete selection immediately, without moving the item to the Recycle Bin
ALT+ENTER: Open the properties for the selected object
To copy a file
Press and hold down the CTRL key while you drag the file to another folder.
To create a shortcut
Press and hold down CTRL+SHIFT while you drag a file to the desktop or a folder.

General folder/shortcut control

F4: Selects the Go To A Different Folder box and moves down the entries in the box (if the toolbar is active in Windows Explorer)
F5: Refreshes the current window.
F6: Moves among panes in Windows Explorer
CTRL+G: Opens the Go To Folder tool (in Windows 95 Windows Explorer only)
CTRL+Z: Undo the last command
CTRL+A: Select all the items in the current window
BACKSPACE: Switch to the parent folder
SHIFT+click+Close button: For folders, close the current folder plus all parent folder

Windows Explorer tree control

Numeric Keypad *: Expands everything under the current selection
Numeric Keypad +: Expands the current selection
Numeric Keypad -: Collapses the current selection.
RIGHT ARROW: Expands the current selection if it is not expanded, otherwise goes to the first child
LEFT ARROW: Collapses the current selection if it is expanded, otherwise goes to the parent
Properties control
CTRL+TAB/CTRL+SHIFT+TAB: Move through the property tabs.

Accessibility shortcuts

Press SHIFT five times: Toggles StickyKeys on and off
Press down and hold the right SHIFT key for eight seconds: Toggles FilterKeys on and off
Press down and hold the NUM LOCK key for five seconds: Toggles ToggleKeys on and off
Left ALT+left SHIFT+NUM LOCK: Toggles MouseKeys on and off
Left ALT+left SHIFT+PRINT SCREEN: Toggles high contrast on and off


Data compiled directly from Microsoft: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/126449

Questions and comments are strongly encouraged. If you found this article helpful please follow my blog and refer your family and friends. Have a computer problem or question? please leave a comment and describe your problem. Any ad clicks or donations are greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading :)

Koby

Internet Security: Antivirus, passwords, and Wi-Fi security.

Antivirus:

I'm often asked "what's the best antivirus software I can buy" The answer is... never buy anti-virus software. AVG Free IMHO is the best anti-virus software you can install on your computer and it won't cost you any more than the time it takes you to download and install it. This is all I ever use on my PC's and the only one I recommend. Other vendors offer free anti-virus software but I find them too obtrusive and in your face like 'Norton' or ' McAfee'. I've used AVG for well over 10 years and have been virus free ever since. Don't be fooled by the checklist side by side offering 'AVG Internet Security 2012' The only real difference is it includes a firewall. While this is a good thing, most operating systems already have a sufficient firewall and your router or modem usually has it's own firewall as well. If you are concerned about being vulnerable click "proceed" then "All Service Ports" at Shields Up! If you are concerned about malware or spyware try Malwarebytes. However, with AVG protecting you, my bet is the scan will be clean.

Safer passwords:

Lets face it, most of our Internet security problems are self inflicted. Some of us use easy to remember passwords and use the same one for every site we frequently visit. The best passwords you can create are ones that do not contain words or names (pet names for example) but rather passwords with multiple characters and numbers, upper and lower case letters and even some punctuation thrown in for even stronger protection. Example: 'G900!esy#55EXCEaarq31' The longer and more complicated the better. Try for a password with at least 8 characters long and case sensitive letters. Include numbers and punctuation as you are able. (note, some websites prohibit the use of punctuation while others require it) Change your passwords regularly.

Wi-Fi security.

Setting up a Wi-Fi Hotspot in your home is a great way to share media, watch Netflix in every room in your home... and also enjoy a possible tour of D block at your local penitentiary.

Fact: If your Wi-Fi is unsecured and a pedophile parks outside your home and surfs child pornography, it's not traced to the perpetrator it's traced to your home network. If left unsecured you may have a policeman at your front door someday. You are responsible for any illegal activities that occur on your network. If left unsecured you could be held liable. Once a person has access to your network, your files, your passwords, and privacy are compromised. In the hands of the wrong person the possibilities are endless. From ID theft to... well use your imagination. Using WPA or WPA2 are your best options for securing your WiFi from unauthorized access. Never use WEP as any moron with youtube access can crack it in under 5 minutes. Again, change your passwords regularly

Surfing unsecured networks.

Motels, Libraries, Shopping Malls, and other places offer Wi-Fi for your convenience. The problem with these unsecured networks is if you login to a service (Facebook as example) your password and username can be observed and recorded by anyone with the malicious intent to do so. Some locations like motels offer a secured connection for a low daily price. Another option is to create a virtual private network. There is various software available to accomplish this such as Hotspot Shield Although I have no direct experience doing so, as I never have had the need.

Questions and comments are strongly encouraged. If you enjoyed this article please follow my blog and refer your family and friends. Have a computer problem or question? please leave a comment and describe your problem. Any ad clicks or donations are greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading :)

Koby

Before I fire up my blog, I wanted to share with everyone a common 'superfood' that has helped me immensely. Spirulina, and Chlorella. Rather than spell it all out here, my countless hours of research can be summed up here: http://www.chlorellafactor.com/ The writer is spot on with my research and pinpoints the benefits of adding this blu-green algae to your diet. This has changed my life and I notice particularly a difference in mental clarity. Adding Matcha seems to act like a catalyst firing up your metabolism (be careful it will really rev you up!) Results will likely vary from person to person. I'll let the article speak for itself. Enjoy,

Koby

Halfway Sunset

3 frame pano. Taken from Halway, Oregon

May was a killer month for thunderstorms! This is my favorite photo out of the many I was able to get this spring. This storm was intense! As I was shooting the battery in my Cannon G9 Died. This was the last shot I was able to get as the storm drew closer. And when it was right on top of us it packed a good wallop! Marble+ sized hail and sideways rain with heavy gusty wind. ...it was fun 8-)

4 frame panoramic. Taken Monday, May 18th

A close call...

Good thing it started to rain so hard. I folded up my tripod and switched over to video and shot this through the windshield. As you can see in frame 2 a small purple fork found it's way to the hood of my Jeep.

First Post

Hello World! seems fitting. OK so this is my first blog... now what?

I thought I would start this blog to share my photography. I'm just an amateur but I get some nice shots on occasion. This was taken on June 10th 2008.