Home > Technobuddy > Archives > 2006 > August
August 2006
Your cell may be telling on you
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Judging from the e-mails I get, a lot of readers worry that giving away an old computer - even when the data is erased from the hard disk - exposes a lot of personal information to the new owner. Of course, that’s true. Simply deleting a file doesn’t do the trick.
But I’ve never heard from a reader who was worried about the data contained on a cellphone. Cellphones get sold and passed on just like computers. And, nowadays, the cellphone is just like a computer when it comes to the data stored on it. For most of us there’s a lot of our lives lurking around in the phone’s memory.
That’s why an AP story about all this caught my eye today. Security experts looked at some telephones purchased on eBay and - despite the fact that the cellphones seemed to be empty of data - there was plenty be learned. Among other things they found evidence of love affairs, secret details of business deals, text messages and passwords.
You can read about it for yourself here
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Microsoft Vista on the horizon
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The prices for Microsoft Vista are now listed on Amazon and customers can preorder. And there’s also a release date. There’s no confirmation from Microsoft but odds are that the release date will be Jan. 30.
You can check out what some bloggers have had to say about all this and see the prices for the confusing list of Vista versions here.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment | Categories: General
Firefox: Today’s Best Web Browser
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There has been a lot of interest from readers of the blog in Firefox. So I asked a real expert here - who also is a Firefox fan - to make some comments. He’s also agreed to field any questions that you leave here. So let me introduce Russ Oaks, senior systems engineer here at the AJC. He has more than 15 years experience in IT and 12 years in IT management. Feel free to ask him about Firefox.
The Firefox Web browser , by Mozilla, is today’s pre-eminent internet browser. All Web sites are designed to work with Firefox and it is designed to work on every operating system. It can be installed on any computer with Internet access. You can download it here. Just click on the Download Firefox link.
It can be made the default browser or can be set up to work when preferred. The primary reason Firefox is better than all other browsers is that it is fully customizable with more than 1700 extensions, 200 themes, and an automatic plug-in installer page. Extensions range from tabbed browsing controls, rss feed tools, weather forecasts, internet e-mail tools, and stock trading tracking tools.
Once you’ve installed Firefox, or if you are currently a Firefox user, go to the main menu bar, click on Tools, then extensions. A new screen with your currently installed extensions will come up. Click on the “Get More Extensions” link in the lower right corner and you will be taken to the add ons.mozilla.org website.
Extensions listed here can be installed and un-installed at-will so you can try as many as you like and if you don’t like how a particular extension works - just delete it. Some of the first extensions to try which are always useful are “Tab Mix Plus”, Toolbar Buttons, and ForecastFox.
Tab Mix Plus reallly works - you can set up each site you go to to open on a separate page or tab, for starters; “Toolbar Buttons” will allow you to customize your primary FireFox tool bar (especially the “restart Firefox now” button) and ForecastFox - for weather reporting, etc.
I’ll be glad to field any questions regarding extensions, plug-ins, and themes for Firefox.
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Make your own Windows CD
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I really get steamed at the PC manufacturers that do not include a real Windows installation disc with the purchase. When that happens, they’ll often include a “restore” disc instead. The trouble with that disc is that it returns the machine to the way it was when you took it out of the box. So all the data you’ve saved goes away. But there’s a way - even if your computer did not include a real copy of Windows - to create your own Windows installation disc. Here’s a link to a column that explains the process in detail.
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DSL just got a little cheaper
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
DSL service just got a little cheaper - hey, it’s $3 but that’s a nice start. You can read about the FCC decision involving BellSouth here.
Permalink | Comments (5) | Post your comment | Categories: General
Shocking news about batteries
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When is the last time you heard someone brag about the batteries they use?
Ultracool plasma TVs or trendy new Macintosh computers attract attention. But if batteries were people they’d wear plain blue suits and brown shoes. No one would talk to them at parties.
But, dull though they may be, we all notice batteries when they run out of juice somewhere over Albuquerque as we fly from Atlanta to Los Angeles. And we sure notice them when — as is possible with lithium ion batteries — they cause our laptop computers to burst into flames.
The recent recall of 4.1 Dell laptop computer batteries — fueled by fears of fire — started me thinking about these supporting actors of the technology world.
Let’s start with the most humble of the humble, the kind of batteries you see in big value packs at the grocery checkout line. Nowadays most of these are alkaline batteries instead of the even older zinc carbon batteries. Most alkaline batteries are not made to be recharged. In fact, unless the label specifically says a battery is rechargeable, never put it in a charger.
But there are plenty of uses in which these inexpensive batteries make sense. These applications take advantage of the fact that — unlike rechargeable batteries — most of the charge remains even when the battery is stored for a year or more.
It’s a good idea to stockpile batteries like these for flashlights, fluorescent lanterns and the like. They’re also the right choice for TV remote controls and fire alarms. And when the rechargeable batteries I use in my digital camera run down when I’m away from home, I pop these batteries into my camera.
Nickel-cadmium batteries were one of the first types of rechargeable batteries I remember, although nowadays you’re more likely to find nickel-metal hydride batteries in the rechargeable aisle.
I use rechargeable batteries in power-hungry devices that would drive me into bankruptcy if I had to buy new batteries each time the charge ran down.
The main things to remember is the fact, mentioned earlier, that the charge will gradually run down even when the battery isn’t in use. So you should charge these batteries right before you use them. It’s also a good idea to use most of the charge before recharging.
Also, make sure you use a charger that is made for the type of battery you use. So double-check, when you buy a charger, that it matches the batteries. I take this to an extreme and also use a charger from the company that markets the batteries.
My advice is to follow any charging directions that come with the batteries, even if they disagree with what I say here. Generally I charge brand new batteries overnight before using them.
While these batteries don’t have the same kind of built-in dangers as lithium-ion batteries, it’s not a good idea to carry a bunch of them in your pocket. It’s possible — although not likely — to create a short-circuit as they bump around with pocket change, other batteries and your car keys. A fire in your pocket can ruin the day.
Now we get to lithium-ion batteries. They have drawn rave reviews — rightly so, I think — because they offer longer battery life and pack more power per ounce than any other generally available battery.
You probably have a lithium-ion battery in your cellphone, your MP3 player and your laptop computer. But as the Dell recall underlined, these are delicate creatures.
Even when correctly made and used, there are some frightening aspects of lithium-ion. They are the only generally available battery that uses flammable materials stored under pressure. You can read more about this at CNet.com here.
That article will tell you about possible replacements under development for lithium-ion batteries. Meantime, the advantages of lithium-ion batteries are too strong to ignore. So, for me at least, I’ll keep using these batteries in my laptop computer and cellphone.
I won’t tell you what to do in your own house — I don’t want a fire on my conscience — so make up your own mind. Keep in mind that a few incidents can make it seem as if the world will be ending tomorrow.
I hope you got a charge out of this. If you have battery stories to tell, pass them along.
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A computerized reporter
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Working at a newspaper can be an trying experience - bad coffee, worse jokes and the distraction of all those people sitting around me shouting into telephones.
I comforted myself with the thought that at least it wasn’t likely that a computer would ever replace me. But I guess I was wrong. A financial news service is now using computers to write some stories.
It’s a pretty good deal for the news service. The computer is unlikely to spend a lot of time chatting with friends and will never complain about the bad food in the cafeteria.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: General
LCD HDTVs are moving up fast
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There are some interesting changes in the HDTV market.
You probably know about one of the changes - prices are falling fast. Both plasma and LCD sets are getting near the point where you can buy one and not face a divorce.
You may or may not know about the other change. According to consultants Display Search, shipments of LCD TVs rose dramatically in the 2nd quarter, up 135 percent from the same quarter in 2005. Additionally, 30-inch and larger sets accounted for the marjority of the LCD TV market for the first time.
Because of all this I thought you might like to see a really terrific HDTV explainer. It’s one of the best I’ve seen as far as the ability to lead you through all the different technologies.
I’ve had my HDTV for a while and it’ll be an antique before long - at least that’s what I’ll tell my wife. Have you made the move? Are you pleased, disappointed? Or are you getting ready to make the leap? Let me know here if you feel like it.
Permalink | | Categories: HDTV
The Microsoft Vista choice
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Microsoft’s Vista, the operating system that will replace XP, should be available by January. Well, maybe it will, maybe it won’t. But smart computer users will wait for a month or two after the release anyway - let the other guy experience the opening day bugs and long waits at tech support lines.
Besides, it may take you that long to decide if you want what Microsoft calls a Vista Capable PC or a Premium Ready PC. Yeap, there’s more technobabble to navigate. But at least Microsoft was clear about the requirements for PC hardware - finally.
Here’s a Microsoft page that sets out what you need to run Vista.
Here’s my boiled down translation of Vista Capable and Premium Ready. Vista Capable works just fine with Vista, Premium Ready will be able to take advantage of all the fancy graphics upgrades in Vista. If you want a more detailed version of the differences - hey I don’t blame you - here’s the long version.
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Build your own Web browser
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Firefox, the Web browser, is becoming the clear favorite among those in the know. Most think it helps prevent viruses, spyware and and pop-ups - there’s no word yet as to whether it prevents sore feet or bad breath.
The real fun of the browser is in the ability to customize it with extensions. And that adds to the popularity since the finished product truly becomes ‘your’ browser.
If you’d like to see what all the excitement is about, check out this link to some of the most popular extensions at Download.com. And if you have your own Firefox stories to tell, or want to recommend extensions, have at it.
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If it’s free, it’s for me
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
During the years I worked for national advertising agencies I learned two things: (1) Expense accounts are the best fiction I’ll ever write and (2) the word “free” adds magic to any ad.
Today’s column is all about free. I’ll tell you my very favorite free computer programs.
Belarc Advisor
This free program will tell you almost everything you’d ever want to know about the hardware and software in your computer. And, if you’re like me and tend to lose license information needed to install some programs, Belarc will tell you that too.
It’s great for beginners because it will give you the answers you need when tech support people ask about video cards and RAM. But professionals love it, too, because it displays every bit of information - down to the Microsoft patches you’ve installed - in amazing detail.
Gibson Research
I first visited this site years ago to check my computer’s security with the excellent ShieldsUP! that scans your computer and tells you how safe it is from hack attacks.
That’s just one of dozens of free programs that you can either use online at the site or download. You’ll find programs that let you turn off some Windows features that can compromise security, that check your computer for hidden security breaches and that let you check Web sites you visit for potential security problems.
Plan on spending an hour or so at the site, located here.
You can follow this link - - as a direct way to see the most popular free programs on the site.
Zone Labs
I’ve recommended this company’s free firewall for many years. But there’s a lot more to Zone Labs than a single product. For instance, its anti-virus program (not free) gets raves from Consumer Reports in its September issue.
So you’ll find a mix of free and for-pay programs at this site. But the free firewall program makes the site a worthwhile mention on today’s list. To get to that program you’ll have to navigate past a lot of commercial products (many of them excellent, by the way). From the home page here, click on the link toward the bottom labeled Free ZoneAlarm and Trials. Then select the program on the top, far right, labeled ZoneAlarm Free Download.
Grisoft
I’ve switched all my home computers to Grisoft’s free anti-virus program. Is it better than the Norton Anti-virus program I once used? No, Norton is at least as good, maybe better.
However, Grisoft offers an excellent anti-virus program (along with commercial versions) that is free. The real bonus here is that you will never pay - as you do with Norton - a yearly subscription fee for updates. They’re free too.
Updates are essential for an anti-virus program since that’s how the program finds newly created viruses. I have way too many computers at home and I just couldn’t afford to keep the subscription up for all of them.
The Grisoft home page is located at www.grisoft.com. I’m also going to give you a link to a page that displays all the products. The free anti-virus program can be found halfway down the screen and is labeled AVG Free Edition.
Microsoft
Don’t be surprised to find this icon of commercial software on a list of free programs. Lately I’ve been recommending its free adware and spyware program called Defender.
It replaces my old favorite SpyBot Search and Destroy as my recommended adware program. Ironically I’ll continue to use SpyBot at home. I prefer it to Defender.
But there are so many scam programs that take advantage of the SpyBot name that I no longer feel comfortable recommending it to you. Too many readers have tried to download SpyBot and ended up with a fraud.
That’s a shame, but I’m finally giving up. The potential harm of getting the wrong program outweighs the benefits of SpyBot for casual home users.
You can download Defender here That’s my list of free programs that I use and recommend.
Now it’s your turn. Let me know about free programs that you love.
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No quick help for Dell owners
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There’s bad news for those of you who own Dell laptops that are on the recall list.
It may be weeks before you get a new battery and Dell says you can’t find a replacement battery in the stores. (On a side note, I wish manufacturers of cellphones, MP3 players, digital cameras and laptops used interchangeable batteries. I don’t think that would hurt sales, instead it would be a real boon to consumers since it would automatically lower prices of batteries and also make emergency replacements easier).
Here’s the story on the long wait times for replacement batteries.
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Your cellphone may be telling on you
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’m glad my parents didn’t have this technology from IntelliOne. When you are in your car with your cellphone, the technology is able to report back on your driving habits - including tracking how fast you are driving within three miles an hour.
There’s nothing new about this ability - maybe you remember the fellow who had to pay extra when he returned his rental car because monitoring showed he had been speeding.
But there are days when it seems to me that instead of being the masters of technology, it’s our new master.
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Fear of fire results in Dell battery recall
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Now let me see if I understand this.
You can’t take a bottle of water on an airline now, but - as far as I know - you can take a Dell laptop computer that might burst into flames.
Welcome to 2006.
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How Much Security is too much?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I just read a story in the Wall Street Journal that fascinates me.
In short, it’s about a device that was tested at the Knoxville airport this summer. The gadget isn’t a lie detector but uses some of the same technology.
It’s designed to catch terrorists, based on their responses to questions the machine asks them. The subject is connected to the machine - like a lie detector - while they answer computer-generated questions.
Interesting. We’re all for catching terrorists. But I wonder - if the machine was put into general use - if it would amount to a breach of a person’s rights? What if it catches other bad guys … drug smugglers, murderers, petty thieves? It’s hard to be against that. But would evidence obtained that way be legal? Would it violate a person’s rights? Is the government going too far?
I’m no lawyer so I don’t know. I do know there’s something a little disquietening about being forced to undergo this sort of testing. On the other hand, there’s something way beyond wrong about terrorists. You can read the story, also on Drudge at the moment, here and see what you think.
Some digital photography tips
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Here’s a simple little timesaver from CNet - a way to rename a whole batch of photos all at once. Lets say you have an entire folder of photos from a trip to Italy. This trip will let you give all the photos a name that starts with Italy and then a unique number … like Italy1, Italy2 … all done at the click of a button. You can read about it here.
By the way, that same Windows trick will let you rotate an entire batch of photos. That really comes in handy for me since I tend to shoot a lot of vertical photos but, when they are transferred to the computer, they’ll all horizontals. So I select the photos - just as in the example above - and then press the right mouse button. That brings up a menu that lets me rotate the photos clockwise or counter clockwise.
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A get out of trouble free card for PCs
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Note from Bill: Starting with this column the blog version will add links that offer additional information to offer a more complete explanation of complex topics.
There are some secret weapons that can destroy even the ugliest computer messes. The best thing about them are that you don’t need a degree in electrical engineering, or a screwdriver, to show your computer who is in charge.
The first weapon in our arsenal is simplicity itself. It is based on the fact that most computer glitches are mere hiccups — one time problems that are unlikely to repeat.
On and off: When your computer freezes, or when your cursor starts moving about the screen like a cat after a mouse, just turn off the computer. Let it sit for a few seconds and turn it on again. Honest. The problem will vanish at least half the time.
On and off part deux: If your Internet connection fails — whether you are using a cable modem, DSL modem or a dial-up — turn off the modem and then restart it. Most times, your connection will be restored. That’s because the on/off cycle forces your modem to resynchronize with the modem at your ISP. If you use a router, you may also need to put it through the same on/off cycle.
System Restore: Modern versions of Windows offer you an opportunity that life doesn’t ordinarily allow. When things get messed up, you can return your computer system to a time before all the trouble started. With a few clicks of a mouse, Windows restores the system to a time when all was rosy. If you want more information, or directions on using system restore, open Windows Help and type in those words: system restore. You’ll get step-by-step directions for using this terrific tool. More information here.
No hassle back-ups: A technology called RAID eliminates the need to back up data, yet offers insurance that you will never again lose data, even if your hard disk dies an ugly and irreversible death. RAID stands for Redundant Array of Independent Disks. Basically a second hard disk becomes a perfect mirror of your primary disk. When you save data, it is saved to both disks. Most new PCs can be purchased with RAID already installed and working. Or a computer repair shop can get RAID going for you. Those who are handy with computers can do the job yourselves. More information here.
Avoiding trouble: Voltage surges and power outages are capable of killing a computer instantly. But, most often, the damage is slow and cumulative. When the power goes out and your computer blinks off and then on again, the jolt ages electronic components. And, just as bad, the operating system can get hopelessly messed up when the machine goes off without the usual shutdown routine. By now you’ve heard of an interruptable power supply, a UPS — just a big battery that takes over when the power goes out. For $100 or so, you can have a UPS that filters out surges as well as kicks in to make sure that your computer stays on when the power is off. If you don’t have one and care about your computer, go buy one.
Windows Recovery Console: This fix often returns a hopelessly frozen computer to life. It’s the perfect remedy for what techies call the BSOD — the blue screen of death. When you are faced with an empty blue screen and none of the usual fixes return your computer to life, there’s still hope. Windows comes with a remarkable feature called the Recovery Console. To get there, you must start your computer using the original Windows installation CD. Since explaining the process involves more detail than I can print today, you can learn more by typing those two words — recovery console — into search box of Windows Help. More information here
I hope the added Web links are a help. Let me know what you think and feel free to suggest ways to make this better. I’ll start using them in the column, when it makes sense, here on the blog.
However, don’t expect to find a link that offers instructions on my first tip — turning the computer off and on to fix a temporary glitch.
If you need help locating the on/off button for your computer, then forget everything I’ve said over the years about how easy computers are to use.
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Hackers turn pro
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Hackers have grown up and gotten jobs.
The trouble is that many of those jobs involve breaking into your computer, stealing information from businesses and creating viruses that turn your home machine into a zombie ready to take commands remotely. These days there are fewer teenaged vandals and more sophisticated computer criminals.
If you don’t have a good firewall program you need to get one.
Take a look at this article from PC World. And if you’ve been depending on the built-in firewall in Windows to protect your computer, then pay special attention to the blue box at the very bottom of the story.
This is a good day to download the free firewall from Zone Alarm.
Permalink | Comments (5) | Categories: Viruses, spam, adware, etc.
Consumer Reports rates malware tools
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Consumer Reports magazine, in its September print edition, has a really great section on fighting computer viruses, adware, and malware in general.
You’ll be able to read many of the reports free on the magazine’s Web site here. However, the actual ratings of the products are restricted to subscribers.
Since I do subscribe I can tell you that the highest rated anti-virus software came from BitDefender and Zone Labs. When it came to spyware, the champions were F-Secure and Webroot. Trend Micro and Allume Systems were at the top for anti-spam.
I’ve included clickable links for all these companies. Keep in mind that most of these are commercial for-pay products. Also remember that many of these companies offer an array of products and that the recommendations by Consumer Reports were for the specific product, for instance an anti-virus program, not the entire product line.
Permalink | Comments (5) | Categories: Viruses, spam, adware, etc.
Google offers safer searches
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Giant technology companies attract a lot of praise as well as plenty of haters. Microsoft sure comes to mind. And Google has had its share of detractors too.
But a recent move by Google shows how some of that power can be used for good. If you are using Google for a search and an unsafe Web site is among those found in the search, you’ll get an onscreen warning.
What’s an unsafe Web site? It could be one that implants spyware, or that offers a download that is unsafe. You can read about the new benefit from Google here.
I’ve used the Google toolbar - you can read about it and download it here - for years. Among other things, it helps stop those annoying pop-up ads on the Web. However, make sure you read all the privacy warnings found here before making a decision to install it. None of what I read troubled me, but checking out these disclosures is always a good idea.
Permalink | Comments (4) | Categories: Viruses, spam, adware, etc.
I play games, do you?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The other night I was fighting some especially frisky monsters in my favorite online game, Guild Wars, when one of the players had to leave. His mom told him it was time for bed.
I’ll admit it, I’m demented when it comes to computer games. I spend way too much time with them. I tried to explain it to my stepdaughter once by telling her it was no different than being obsessed by golf of baseball. Her answer? “Yes it is.”
Hey, she’s right.
But I’m way too hooked on games to quit them now. Some of the sites I visit include Gamespot, IGN, and Video Game Review.
Judging from the e-mail I receive and the people I meet online, I am not unique in this obsession. So I’m starting this area on the blog so you can compare notes on your favorite games. Who knows? Maybe I’ll find a new game that takes me away from Guild Wars. My wife will not thank you.
Permalink | Comments (5) | Categories: Computer games
Money-saving tips for back-to-school
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Life was a lot simpler when my parents prepared me to go back to school. Cheaper, too. We’d make a family trip to Dew Orr Department Store in Arkadelphia, Ark., and buy $5-a-pair bluejeans as well as shirts for about the same price.
Mr. Orr gave away a pocket knife with the purchase. My guess is that not many stores these days offer knives as back-to-school shopping bonuses.
Instead, there are a bewildering number of items touted in advertisements aimed at the back-to-school crowd. If you believed all of them, you’d need to sell your house and car to buy “essentials” such as an iPod, digital camera and GPS locator.
My goal today is to offer some sensible advice when it comes to technology for your back-to-school kids. I’m going to limit this to middle school and high school students. College-age students offer different challenges.
We’ll start with something I wouldn’t buy, at least as an item to take to school — a laptop computer. The life span of that computer would be somewhere between that of a housefly and a daffodil. If it doesn’t get stolen, it’ll get broken. There may be families and schools where that advice doesn’t apply. If you’re in that boat, congratulations and say hello to all the folks in Mayberry for me.
That said, we still need to talk about computers. If you don’t have a separate computer for a student in this age group, it’s time to think about making that purchase. It can be a stay-at-home laptop or a desktop. There’s a good argument, since it isn’t going to be carried to school, for a desktop computer. You’ll get more for your money that way.
Even in households that already have two computers, a separate computer for your student can save a lot of heartbreak. When homework needs to be done, your student won’t be pushing you off your own computer just when you’re doing something vital … like killing space aliens or browsing the menu at a favorite restaurant.
I browsed through some of the computers from Dell and Gateway, and even the least expensive computers would do a fine job as a student computer. Just make sure you get at least 512 megabytes of RAM, even on a bottom-of-the-line machine.
If you don’t have a home network, you’ll need to start shopping for one. Much of what your future Einstein will be doing will involve research on the Web as well as sending e-mails about the new girl with red hair.
Even if you have a nice inkjet printer at home, you can save some serious money by considering adding a black-and-white laser printer. You’ll spend $200 or so. But the cost of each page printed will be just a fraction of what it costs with an inkjet printer. Anyone who has ever bought replacement inkjet cartridges can understand why. Students tend to print out a lot of their work — much more than the average home user — and a laser printer will pay for itself in a year or two.
I’d add a flash drive memory card to the back-to-school list, too. For $40 or $50 you can get one that plugs into the USB port of your computer and serves as a portable storage device — like a hard disk to go. Since I recommend against carting a laptop to most public schools, the flash drive will be a handy way to transport projects from school to home and vice versa. They’re pretty near indestructible. I’ve used one that had accidentally ended up in the washing machine.
Now let’s move to a few areas where you need to do research, as well as some critical thinking about your own children. Take cellular phones for instance — they can be a lifeline in a time of emergency as well as a distraction. Check your school’s policy on cellphones. Often they can be carried but not used during school hours. Make sure both you and your student understand and obey the school policy.
Another cloudy area is calculators. I’d suggest buying the very cheapest calculator as a starter. Some math and science classes, even at the middle school level, will require or suggest a more expensive scientific calculator. Wait until you know the specific requirement before spending a lot on a calculator.
I’d love to hear from parents who have suggestions about high-tech items for school. In my family, there is just one student left and she is 25 years old and wears $100 bluejeans.
If you know a good place to buy $5 bluejeans, I’d sure like to hear about it.
Permalink | Comments (7) | Categories: Columns
Ideas for the tax-free weekend
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The tax-free holiday will have many of you limbering up your credit cards.
Keep in mind some advice from my friend Clark Howard: It isn’t a bargain unless you really need it and will use it.
For those of you looking for high tech back-to-school items, here’s a review of tech items suited for students at Cnet that covers everything from cellphones to computers. The same page also offers links to other school-related sites. I like this site a lot since it reviews all these items with the student in mind.
And if you find any real deals out there let me know and I’ll pass them along.
Permalink | Comments (12) | Categories: Shopping
High tech ways to keep cool
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s hard to think about anything but the heat outside these days. So I decided to take a look at how high tech can keep you a little cooler. Well, there’s always a pith helmet with a solar-powered fan if you don’t mind losing every shred of dignity.
If you actually wore the thing you might want to have a soft drink or beer that comes in a self-cooling bottle.
Or, for those with the money, how about buying the same spacesuit used by the astronauts. There is a movement afoot to adapt them and their cooling systems to hot applications on earth.
These scientists think they have the answer, although I’m not exactly sure I can figure it out. You stick your hand in a sealed chamber, pump out some air and … well, you can read about it here.
Even if you give the pith helmet a pass, keep in mind that your PCs at home create a lot of heat. That chip gets hot enough to fry an egg. So turn the thing off when you’re not using it to avoid adding to the heat load in your home.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: General
The people who murdered e-mail
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
E-mail used to be a genuine delight for me. Its been a fine way to keep in touch with friends all over the world. And, for better or worse, it’s also a way to time shift … unlike a telephone call or a visit, I can talk on my own schedule.
All that’s still true but my in-box - even with a spam filter - is a sad collection of spam, hoaxes and e-mails from well-meaning acquaintances telling me about some get-rich scheme or sending dire warnings of a new virus that’s powerful enough to eat a full-sized truck in one sitting. Some of these e-mails come from highly-educated people who, in the real world, are unlikely to be fooled by a tall tale. But when that story is transmitted by e-mail all their common sense goes out the window.
That’s why I tell my friends to check out these ‘too good to be true’ stories at www.snopes.com. In most cases, you can debunk a hoax e-mail in just a minute or two. When it comes to warnings about viruses, this page at Symantec can be a big help in separating the real from the insane.
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