What You'll Find in the February Newsletter

Upcoming Computer Classes ("Using Google" & "Cooking with your Computer")
Remove Your Personal Data from New Site (Spokeo)
Cautions on 64-bit Computers
Norton Internet Security Wins Again

Upcoming Computer Classes

Our first classes held in the community room at Leopard Forest were a great success, and allowed us to contribute $100 to area charities. Since then we've had many requests for additional classes. Now it is time!

On March 7, 2011, we will offer 2 sessions of "Cooking with your Computer." Here we will cover great ways to use your computer in the kitchen. What can you make with the ingredients you have? Where can you learn how to make the perfect Rack of Lamb? Where can you find new recipes to shake up your usual routine? Your mouth will be watering before we're done.

On April 4, 2011, we will be offeriing 2 sessions of "Using Google." Many of my customers have reported to me that they use Google daily, but don't really know all of its capabilities. The site can organize your calendar, allow you to find quick movie times, convert measurements, get directions, and SO much more. We will spend 90 minutes learning the ins and outs of this phenomenal search engine. What do you want to find? Bring your notes and we'll help you find it!

Classes are held from 12:00-1:30PM, and from 4:30-6pm and are $20 per person. 50% of proceeds will benefit the North Greenville Food Pantry and the TR Historical Society. Call our office at 335-8672 to reserve your space.

Remove Your Personal Data from New Site (Spokeo.com)

James Richardson at the TR Tribune just ran an excellent article on protecting your personal data. Specifically, he referenced a site called Spokeo.com. I recommend that you pull the site up and search for your name. When it shows you the results browse down to your specific location.

When I searched the site, I quickly found an aerial picture of my house, the approximate value of my home, marital status and details, and lots of other personal info. Much of this info is available elsewhere on the web, but this site makes it very easy to learn lots about you with minimal work.

Once you find your personal information, copy the address that is in your address bar. Then go to www.Spokeo.com/privacy . Here you will see details on how to remove your listing. It is quick (took about 2 minutes) and your data will be removed from that site.

Cautions on 64-bit Computers

When searching for a new computer, everyone wants the latest and greatest that their budget will allow. Everyone is now looking at Windows 7, which is a truly fantastic operating system. HOWEVER, do some research before you make the leap so that you know what your budget will need to accomodate.

Do you have an old printer? Go to the website for the printer manufacturer (for example, support.hp.com) and search for your model. What you need to find is if there is a driver (software) that will allow your computer to communicate with the new operating system. If not, you may have the added expense of buying a new printer.

I'm finding in the field that some older hardware and software is working great with Windows 7 32-bit, but not with Windows 7 64-bit. Did you invest in Quickbooks prior to 2011? If so, you may have to purchase the newest version to accomodate your new 64-bit computer.

64-bit is the latest and greatest, and with many manufacturers you may not have 32-bit options today. Just do your homework so you are prepared if you need to replace more than JUST your computer.

Norton Internet Security Wins Again

If you've asked me about Antivirus protection for your computer in the last 3 years, you've heard me recommend Norton Internet Security. In my testing and experience in working with hundreds of computers, it is the best there is. It loads quickly, uses little memory, and catches almost every virus you could throw at it. PC World just named it their top pick for a second year in a row for Antivirus protection.

Two of the most common alternatives I see (McAfee and AVG) have a tendency to slow down your computer considerably, and do a poor job at catching many of today's threats. If you choose to switch to Norton, follow the link at the bottom of my homepage to ensure you get the latest vesion. If you already have Norton, right click on the icon in your taskbar, and select "Check for New Version." If you have a paid subscription, it is free to upgrade to 2011. If you don't see the "Check for New Version" option, then you most likely have an older version. You can upgrade through Norton's website.