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The World of the smartphone

October 27, 2007 By Leave a Comment

Well. I have finally gave into getting a smartphone. For anyone totally unfamiliar, they are basically a phone, PDA, camera, and internet appliance… all in one.

I held off getting one, waiting for prices to come down and them to become truly useful. I have to say, so far, it has saved me many computer boot-ups to answer support requests and emails. I love being able to take photos, and them instantly upload online. Being able to access Google Maps and Microsoft LiveSearch on the road is great, for driving, touring , and my police work. I can easily record tasks and appointments to my Google calendar then receive text message reminders to my phone.

One of the things I have really loved is the ability to make use wasted previously wasted time.  Lets say for instance, I am stuck sitting waiting for an appointment.  Instead of staring at the clock or some magazine I really don’t care about, I pull out my smart phone.  I read my email, tech news reports, national news… whatever.  Instead of my blood pressure going through the roof at the time I am wasting, I am pretty content getting to read news stories I enjoy.  If you are into technology and computers….. there is always something that needs to be read to keep up!

So, if you are still no the edge… I recommend a smartphone, i-phone, ultra-mobile pc, and whatever else that is small and accesses the internet nicely.  There are lots of choices out there now.  I have personally found it worth the $300 dollars I had to pay Alltel for the phone and my $40 dollar a month data plan.

Happy Browsing and waiting in line….

Filed Under: Computer Forensics

PicLens Photo Browser Software

October 27, 2007 By Leave a Comment

I happened upon a FireFox add-on called PicLens. I have to say, “WOW!” It is an add on for Mozilla Firefox. It works with Google’s Picasa and image search, Flickr, Yahoo, and Facebook. I would assume they will be adding functionality for other sites also.

What it does, is create a nice photo slide show for images in these sites. For instance, my son is really into birds. I can do a Google image search for a specific bird. I then point at any of the image search results. I translucent play arrow appears in the corner of the photo. Click that arrow. A new window will appear. PicLens reaches out to all the various sites from the search result and grabs the full size photo. The really amazing thing happens though when you click the play arrow in the slide show view. It downloads all the search image results from various websites and plays them in a smooth slide show. Very, very cool for image browsing.

This free add-on is well worth the install!!

http://www.piclens.com/site/firefox/

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Anti-Spyware

July 7, 2007 By Leave a Comment

Spyware is a fact of life on the internet.  I have tried several pieces of software.  Not what I would call an in depth detailed analysis or anything, but, enough to form my own opinion.

There are two pieces of software that I have found to be usefull.  One is Spybot Search & Destroy and the other is AVG Anti-Spyware.

Spybot has a database that is updated regularly.  It is effective at spyware removal.  It also “immunizes” your computer against many known threats.  It has many other tools built in for the advanced user.  I don’t recommend using the “tea timer” that  blocks registry changes.  The “tea timer” becomes annoying and cumberson over time. (I am still looking for a registy sentry I really like, stay tuned.)

AVG is probably a better product now.  The reason I say that is, even though it is free, it has a shield function (like your anti-virus) to stop spyware from getting on your computer to start with.  My spyware infections have went way down using the shield.

Pop a top, and have a drink to safer surfing!  I am about to :)

Filed Under: Computers & Technology

Declutter that Mass of Wires that makes up your Computer

June 10, 2007 By Leave a Comment

I love it when you see computer desks advertised for sell, they never show the cables.  We all know why, because that nasty nest of tangled wires is terrible looking.  Most houses have a computer desk that has that mass of wires.  I hate that disorganization.  (Doing computer forensics, computer repair, and investigation; I am as bad as anyone with ending up with wires and gizmos everywhere.)

Well, there is a site that has a very nice solution.  It is so elegant, it is almost like making your desk an extension of your computer case. Basically, peg board is used to mount everything vertically behind or horizontally under the desk top.

There are lots of pictures at  http://www.decluttered.com

Filed Under: Computers & Technology

Computer Repair, Donation, or new Computer?

May 28, 2007 By Leave a Comment

I am periodically asked by friends and family, “Should I repair my old computer, that just broke, or but a new one?”

That is obviously a question with alot of different variables.  My first question would be how old is your computer, how much is it worth, and do you have the money/need/desire to buy a new one? 

The key is to compare the cost of the repair, with how much the computer is worth. If the cost of the repair approaches the value of the computer or the cost to buy a new one, I would not have it repaired. If all you afford is to have it repaired, I would try to locate a friend who is good with computers or repair shop who will quote you a flat rate for labor plus parts.

If you decide not to repair the computer, consider donating it to a charity that repairs computers.  These charities generally are aimed at bridging the “digital divide” by giving these repaired computer to low income families.  The charity generally serves the dual purpose of training kids in computer repair.

 If you have the money to repair the computer, but still really want a new computer; I would consider fixing the old computer.  I would then use it as a kids computer, storage server, or “always on” internet appliance for checking you email without having to boot up your new computer.

Of course the storage server suggestion, is another article in itself.  If you search the internet, you can find “how to” articles on the subject.

One last comment, and sorta a pet peeve of mine, just because “Windows” is broken; it does not mean the computer is broken.  The hardware could be just fine.  Often when people think their computer is “broken,” all they really need is a fresh install of “Windows.”  (Course I think you should at least look at Linux….but that is a whole different article also)

Also, don’t fix the computer, just to get the data.  The hard drive can be removed and the data recovered for $100 to $200 dollars, just as long as the hard drive is not what is broken.

Hope this helps.  (If you live in Gainesville, FL and have that broken computer http://www.datatriangle.com/services .  That is my shameless plug. :) )

Filed Under: Computer Forensics, Computers & Technology
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