Jul
10

How to Find Free Computer Parts Online

By | Computers, Internet

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With constant advancements and updates in computer technology, it can get pretty pricey trying to keep up. Fortunately, there are options on the Internet that can keep your computer running in top condition without making a big dent in your wallet.

The Open Source Economy

Open source software is the best way to find inexpensive or even free software for your computer. Since the product is downloaded with its source code, anyone can contribute to its updates and improvements. It’s not always free, but there are usually free versions that are easily downloaded to most operating systems.

Everything from browsers to office suites are available as free software downloads. Hop on the Internet and look for your options via canada 411. When you compare that to the price of proprietary software packages that offer similar features, open source software can’t be beat. Open source products are usually Linux-based, so they can work well on older machines. Even so, you sometimes just have to upgrade those hardware parts.

Is It Possible to Find Free Computer Parts?

Anything is possible. Maybe you just need to replace your CD ROM drive, or you may need a new hard drive for extra storage. With resources like canada 411, you can search for people and businesses that may be able to hook you up with free parts. It could be a deal where you buy one and get another free. It might be an amazing rebate that adds up to free.

The beauty of the open source is it appeals to those who love to share ideas. In that case, free is priceless.

May
24

The Benefits of Blackberry Phones

By | Computers, Technology

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It really isn’t right to refer to a Blackberry as a phone, because it is so much more. This personal communications device is capable of making and receiving calls as well as email, and can be your gateway to the Internet. There are new applications being developed for it every day, which are constantly changing the definition of what a Blackberry phone is.

It is amazing how much information a Blackberry can put into your palm. It has a web browser that opens the door to any Internet sites that you can access from a desktop. Need directions to where you are going? A Blackberry phone can do that through any GPS app. Looking for the latest sports scores? That is an example of the type of information that can be quickly obtained through your phone. You can even listen to your favorite radio stations by downloading the iHeartradio application.

What is a Blackberry phone? It is also a device for playing games and taking and storing photos. There are a number of free software programs that allow you to play games like Texas Hold ‘em and Brick Buster on your phone. If you are addicted to Bejeweled, you can play it for hours on your Blackberry color screen. The monitor also does an excellent job displaying photographs and video that you can capture with the electronic device.

The Blackberry is also an excellent tool for connecting with social networking sites like Facebook. The software makes it simple to post a message to your Facebook page, and even upload a photo in just a few simple steps.

 

May
13

Malware – Identifying and Preventing it

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Dozens of pop-up ads covering a desktop.

Image via Wikipedia

The growth of the Internet has brought many technological advances and conveniences, such as shopping, communicating and paying bills online. But along with the good inevitably comes the bad, and malware is one of the worst.

Malware is the name given to programs that can work their way into your computer via the Internet and wreak all sorts of havoc. Common types of malware include spyware and adware, and common effects from inadvertently downloading malware include copius amounts of pop-up ads, stolen personal information and loss of browsing privacy.

Once downloaded, it can be extremely difficult to rid your computer of malware since it likes to hide in the nooks and crannies of your computer and is often capable of reinstalling itself even after you think it’s been removed.

Fortunately, most malware needs to be downloaded by the user in order to take hold. Following these steps can help you protect yourself:

Be Wary of File Sharing Programs

Malware often comes hidden in file sharing program downloads, which offer an easy way into your computer. Use extreme caution or avoid sites such as Kazaa and torrent download sites.

Browser Beware

If a website seems suspect or untrustworty, avoid it. Same goes for anything you may be asked to download or install.

Install a Malware Scanner

Should you find yourself infected, don’t worry – There are many effective programs on the market today that you can install on your computer to detect and eliminate malware. However, it’s important to note that malware is technically not the same as a virus; some free anti-virus programs do not offer comprehensive protection from malware.

 

Feb
23

Computer Software: Fun With Computer Games

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Having a computer is a great way to stay in contact with family or friends through email, chat or social networking and it can be a great tool to use for work or school but another way to have fun is through popular computer software such as computer games.  There are many different types of computer games to choose from. Here is a look at a few of the most popular types of computer games.

MMO’s or massive multi-player online games have become increasingly popular in the past years.  These games connect people together through the internet and allow people from all around the world to play together.  Through the game players can customize their own characters and in many ways it becomes a whole other world for them.

Puzzle games are also very popular type of video games.  Puzzle games can include word puzzles, or even computer jigsaw puzzles where you have to assemble the pieces together.  Similar to puzzle games there are also strategy games where you have to match items that are alike usually in groups of three to clear the board.

Role playing games are also very popular in the computer game world.  In these games people are able to create their own character and either play against a computer or connect through the internet to play with other players.  It is very similar to a game of pretend but for adults.

For those who enjoy casino games there are also many computer games that consist of games you would typically find in a casino such as slot machine games or various types of poker.  In these games you have the option to play against the computer or against other players online.  There is no real betting going on so these games unless you were to visit an actual online casino.

Feb
11

The Benefits of Online Surveys

By | Computers, Technology

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The benefits of online surveys are numerous. They are convenient, easy to set up, and can save you valuable time and money. By asking your customers specific questions, you can determine whether your approach is effective or if you should alter your course. Let’s take a look at a few examples of how online surveys can help your business grow:

Improved Customer Service

An online electronics seller recently decided to add a chat feature to their online customer service options. However, they didn’t test it out on every single browser. When they examined the statistics, they were surprised that many customers initiated the chat function, but never answered the customer service rep when prompted. By creating a two question customer survey using survey tools that asked the customers about their experiences, the developers soon discovered that their software needed an extra parameter to work without stalling in Firefox. They made this adjustment, examined the statistics, and issued another survey program. This time, there was a much higher level of satisfaction with the customer service procedures.

Adding New Products

Sometimes, a little market research can lead to an improved product line. An online shoe store decided to conduct an online survey to ask how their customers liked their newest line of hiking boots. The second question asked what could be improved. Surprisingly, there was an overwhelming response asking for an extra high boot. Armed with this knowledge, the company designed a higher version of the same hiking boot. Because few companies offer this feature, this product has become their best seller, and they’re considering making similar alterations of other styles.

By asking their customers about their preferences and online experiences, both of these companies have increased the level of customer satisfaction and increased their order rates. Just imagine what an online survey could do for your online company! When will you design your next survey?

Feb
10

Why Computer Updates Are Important

By | Computers, Software

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Most of us are familiar with the little popups we get occasionally while on the computer asking us to make important updates.  While they only take a few minutes to complete, many of us are guilty of postponing them or just ignoring them completely. But keeping up with these computer updates is actually very important when it comes to having a healthy computer. Here is a look at why computer updates are so important.

One of the biggest and most important reasons keeping up with computer updates is so important is the fact that they help to keep our computer secure.  While they may not directly say so, a lot of these updates have to do with updating our security software and ensuring our computers are kept safe from any possible threats.  Not updating or postponing these security updates can leave your computer vulnerable to things such as malware or computer viruses that can go in and steal important information.

Feb
08

Staying Safe With Free Software Downloads

By | Computers, Internet

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All over the internet there many places that claim to offer free software downloads.  While many of these sites are perfectly safe and have some great downloads, there are sites have certain downloads that can pose a threat to your computer and cause major issues.  Here is a look at staying safe with free software downloads.

The first step to staying safe with free software downloads is to do some research before you start downloading anything.  Check out online forums where others talk about where they found their free software downloads and see what sort of reviews they have.  These forums are great because not only can you find where most people will recommend where to go to g

Feb
03

Internet and Kids: Safety Tips

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ABCLRC-Internet Safety

Image by ABC LRC via Flickr

In today’s day and age many children begin wanting to use the internet at an early age.  While there are certainly many fun, exciting websites for them to look at with educational games and other tools, the internet can still be dangerous if you do not take certain steps to protect them.  Here are some internet safety tips for parents to use so their children can be safe while surfing the net.

The first rule that is very important is to try to keep the internet in a room where you can see it in plain view.  Many families opt to have their home computer in a living room or family room so they can easily see it.  Avoid letting a child have a computer in their own bedroom until they are of an age they can be trusted.  If your home computer is in say your own personal bedroom, only let them use it when you are there or while the door is kept open.

Consider giving them their own user name to sign on to the computer and set the parental controls to their age level.  This restricts what websites they are able to look at and it helps weed out anything that may be offensive.  It is still important to pay attention though because even with parental controls, some things will slip by.

If your child requests having a buddy list or wants to chat back and forth with one of their friends from school you will also want to put restrictions on their buddy list as well and only allow their friends on it so no strangers can try and chat back and forth with your child.

Feb
01

Internet Safety Tips

By | Computers, Internet

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The internet is a wealth of information and a great tool not only for work purposes or educational purposes but for entertainment as well.  But like anything there are certain steps you have to take to stay safe while surfing the net. Here is a look at some internet safety tips.

One of the most important tips for staying safe on the internet is to never give your password out to anyone.  You may receive emails or messages from people claiming they need your password to your accounts for security purposes.  You will never want to give this information out for once you do then they will have access not only to your accounts but also to your personal information as well. Once they have this, there is no telling what they can do with it.

If you like to take part in chat rooms or game rooms where you talk back and forth to other people on the internet, you will want to avoid giving out any personal information such as your last name, telephone number and address.  While the internet can be a lot of fun and meeting new people can be exciting, you never really know who exactly you are talking back and forth with.  Avoid giving out this type of information until you feel you really know the person you are chatting with and you feel comfortable with it.

Lastly, if you go to social networking sites never leave very detailed information.  For example, if you are planning on going on a trip, avoid announcing it especially if you live alone.  This is letting the whole world know you are leaving, and that your house will be empty leaving it vulnerable to be broken into.

Jan
29

Computers And Internet – Make Sure It Is Not Hitting Your Productivity

By | Computers, Internet

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Are you addicted to the internet? Can you manage your daily schedule without using the computer even once? If yes, why don’t you try and test yourself to find out whether this is indeed the case. Just disconnect your internet connection from your modem and make sure that the computer cannot surf the web. Chances are high that you will sit in front of the computer without anything to do. You will repeatedly start your web browser only to shut it down when you realize that the web connection is not active. You should not make use of any other device like your smart phone to connect to the internet.

Try doing this for half an hour and you will realize that it is virtually next to impossible get anything done during this period. On the other hand, you will find productivity coming back to normal if you are connected to the internet and are confident that you can surf the web whenever you want. The issue is not whether you should rely on the internet or not.

The issue is whether you should develop such a habit where you find it difficult to rely on anything other than the net. It is important to carry out a productivity audit when surfing the web. How much time do you spend on productive activities? How much time do you spend accessing your Facebook or social networking account despite doing it a few minutes ago?

How many times to visited news websites to read something that you have already read? How many times do you log on to the internet and search about random thoughts and words just to find out whether you can find related resources? It is important to realize that all these activities can have a very negative impact on your productivity.

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