Backup and Recovery Data Recovery Hard Drive - A hard drive (or multiple hard drives) store all the valuable user data in a computer or server Hard Drive Failure - A hard drive can fail at any time. Mean Time Before Failure is from 3-7 years for most drives. A computer that stops working usually has most or all of the data intact. However, it is not accessible or not recognized by the filesystem. In case of damage to the filesystem, data can usually be recovered using specialized … [Read more...] about Backup and Data Recovery
General Computing
Windows 8 Preview
Windows 8 Windows 8 is expected to be released in the 2nd half of 2012. Windows 8 will be very similar in many ways to Windows 7, but will incorporate many new features such as the new Metro User Interface, Windows App Store and improved security features. New 'Metro-style' user interface with metro style apps Windows 8 certainly has got a mind blowing interactive user interface(UI), which has been extensively redesigned. The Metro-style design, which shows … [Read more...] about Windows 8 Preview
2012 Predictions
Ultrabooks gain in popularity Ultrabooks are a new class of notebook computer that are smaller and lighter than a standard notebook while bigger than a netbook. This type of device was first popularized by the Macbook Air. The term 'Ultrabook', though, refers to PC-compatible machines. They typically have 13" or 14" screens, fast solid-state hard drives and longer lasting battery life than regular laptops. Most Ultrabooks are priced in the $1000 range. Prediction: Ultrabooks will be the fastest … [Read more...] about 2012 Predictions
2 Time-Saving Tools
Keeping track of contacts within an email application such as Outlook can be a tough task, especially if one is not in the habit of saving everyone's information. I first started using XOBNI for Outlook 3 years ago when I downloaded the free version (a pay version with more features is also available). It's a simple, easy-to-use tool that searches and indexes your mail in order to be able to quickly access contact information when you ask it to. XOBNI is also available for GMAIL, … [Read more...] about 2 Time-Saving Tools
Backup Basics
Backup Basics Backing up personal or company data which is stored on your computer, server, or mobile device is a necessary, but often overlooked, part of the computing puzzle. In most cases, I recommend a combination of online backup and local backup to an external hard drive or set of drives. Not only is it necessary to make sure that backup of the proper data is taking place, it is also a good idea to periodically perform a test restore. Online backup services such as … [Read more...] about Backup Basics
Online File Sharing and Collaboration Services
Services such as Box.net, Dropbox and 4Shared and have been introduced over the last several years and are replacing FTP as a method for file sharing while adding additional features that were not possible before. Instead of having to build and maintain a filesharing and collaboration platform in-house, these services are relatively inexpensive and paid for on a monthly basis at a rate which depends on the number of users and the storage needed. Google Docs also offers some of the functionality … [Read more...] about Online File Sharing and Collaboration Services
Cloud Computing Revisited
Cloud computing refers to computing that is taking place somewhere other than on your computer or local server. Since the computing in cloud computing takes place elsewhere, it requires a good, stable internet connection to be accessed from your PC, laptop, Mac or smartphone. For example, web-based email can be considered a cloud service and has been around for a long time. Other, newer services, such as Google Docs, Office 365 and others are becoming more popular every day. QuickBooks online … [Read more...] about Cloud Computing Revisited
Mac vs. PC
Mac vs. PC In many respects, Mac vs. PC is not really so much of an argument any longer, as both Mac and PC are based on the same fast Core line of chips from Intel. Computers based on the Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 processors can easily handle everyday computing tasks like surfing the web, email, photos and music. Core i5 and Core i7 enable more demanding applications such as Photoshop and Autocad. However, there are some noteworthy differences to note when considering when … [Read more...] about Mac vs. PC
Computing Predictions for 2011
Computing Predictions for 2011 Computer Upgrades Continue In 2011, people and businesses will continue to upgrade their computer systems at a brisk pace, lured by the ever-faster Intel Core 2 Duo, Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 processors and similar processors from AMD. These fast processors are available in PCs as well as Macintosh systems. Additionally, Windows 7 has been a big hit and Macs remain popular, so many will choose to replace their older systems this year. Google Apps … [Read more...] about Computing Predictions for 2011
Computer Security
Securing your computer and network requires careful attention in several different areas: passwords, online application settings, firewall settings, anti-virus, and anti-malware. If you stop paying attention in one of these areas, all the work in the others may be irrelevant. Maintaining and remembering passwords may seem like a pain, but it's important. Keep the following in mind regarding passwords: Choose and use complex passwords (using a mixture of letters, … [Read more...] about Computer Security
