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
Danville
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
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
Is what you HAVE is more important than what you DON’T HAVE?
Most of the time, what you have is more important that what you don't have. This applies, at least, when we are talking about our computer systems. Don't understand? Well, read on. All the things on and connected to your computer system (hardware, external devices, software, data, network(s), Internet connection, etc.) are really important. So, in this case, what you HAVE is more important than what you DON'T HAVE. You may not realize this until your hard drive crashes, your … [Read more...] about Is what you HAVE is more important than what you DON’T HAVE?
The smartphone is the new computer . . .
You will probably pay more attention this year to your selection of a smartphone than to buying a computer. The personal computer has been around since the early 1980s. The original Macintosh followed shortly thereafter, in 1984. Computers as we know them are over 25 years old. Smartphones, on the other hand, such as the Blackberry from Research in Motion and the iPhone from Apple, are relative newcomers on the scene. Today's smartphones are packed with more computing power than the … [Read more...] about The smartphone is the new computer . . .
Keeping computer systems running, secure and backed up in 2009
Many of us are considering the most effective technology investments that we can make to keep our systems happy and ensure optimal productivity in 2009. In previous post, I mentioned some free or nearly free items which have tremendous value. Proper security on a PC or network begins with a firewall. Firewalls are designed to keep unauthorized or harmful network traffic outside a network or computer system. A good online port scanner, ShieldsUP!, which can be used to test for potentially … [Read more...] about Keeping computer systems running, secure and backed up in 2009
What is the right computer to purchase this holiday season?
As the holiday season approaches, more and more people are asking for my advice on which computer system to purchase this year? This pertains to home users as well as those in a business environment. In my opinion, there are two major choices which must be made: PC or Mac? Desktop or laptop? PC or Mac? There are a lot of great systems available right now are very good prices, especially on the PC side, made by manufacturers such as Dell and and other. I recommend purchasing one of the … [Read more...] about What is the right computer to purchase this holiday season?
Windows Small Business Server 2008
Windows Small Business Server 2008 will be released on November 12, 2008, at the same time as the release of the new Windows Essential Business Server 2008, a multi-server solution intended for midsize businesses. The release of this new Small Business Server is very significant, considering that it offer several advantages and improvements over Small Business Server 2003. Small Business Server 2003 has been an extremely successful product and has stong following among IT people and small … [Read more...] about Windows Small Business Server 2008
