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At some point, all computer systems need to be maintained. Most of these tasks maybe done by an average computer user however, it would be much better if the task is handled by the experts. Computer maintenance must be done at least once a year for optimal computer performance. It is very important to know that these maintenance tasks involves opening of the computer system or the case. Dust build-up disrupts the airflow inside your computer resulting to a rise of temperature inside the computer system. The increase in temperature will affect the performance of the computer parts which will eventually damage them.

Computer repair and maintenance cost are measured in hourly costs. A typical PC repair service typically costs $75 per hour. Usually, these types of repair services lasts for more than an hour, costs will be computed an increment of 15 minutes. Other companies only charge a onetime fee of $100 regardless of how much time it took them to repair it. Rates also differ from company to another and on how immediate is the need for the service. Some companies offer coupons and discounts for first time customers.

Simple computer maintenance can include computer upgrade like adding additional memory or an additional hard disk, or a DVD drive, replacement of a video card, upgrade to a new processor, restoring a lost file to a simple computer cleaning. Installation of new components will usually take 1 hour or 2; older computer systems might take a while especially if the customer didn’t bring along the installation drives for the components to install.

Repairs can be more costly ranging from $100 to as much as $300 that includes a system overhaul and a reinstallation of the operating system. Most of these tasks include virus infections, spyware and malware issues, slow running systems and computer hang-ups, printer problems, internet connectivity, no audio and poor video performance issues. The cost of these services varies according to the severity of the problem and on how long the issue was fixed. A system reinstall can last up to an hour while hang-ups and other hardware issues could last 2 to 4 hours. Simple viruses and other malware problems can be fixed in an hour while severe infections would require you to reformat the pc and will about more than an hour to complete.

Windows Internet Explorer 9 has a streamlined look and many new features that speed up your web browsing experience.

Pin sites to the taskbar

You can access websites that you visit regularly by pinning them to the taskbar on your Windows 7 desktop.

Pinned site

Pinning a site is simple: just drag its tab to the taskbar—the website’s icon will stay there until you remove it. When you click the icon later, the website will open in Internet Explorer.

Whenever you open a pinned site, the website icon appears at the top of the browser, so you have easy access to original webpage that you pinned. The Back and Forward buttons change color to match the color of the icon.

For more information about adding and removing pinned sites, see Pin a website to your taskbar.

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Search in the Address bar

You can now search directly from the Address bar. If you enter a website’s address, you’ll go directly to the website. If you enter a search term or incomplete address, you’ll launch a search using the currently selected search engine. Click the address bar to select your search engine from the listed icons or to add new ones.

Search in the Address bar

When you search from the Address bar, you’ll have the option of opening a search results page or the top search result (if your chosen search provider supports the feature). You can also turn on optional search suggestions in the Address bar.

For more information about searching in the Address bar, see Search in the Internet Explorer 9 Address bar.

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Use Download Manager

Download Manager keeps a list of the files you download and notifies you when a file might be malware (malicious software). It also lets you pause and restart a download, and shows you where to find downloaded files on your computer.

Download Manager

For more information about Download Manager, see Using Download Manager in Internet Explorer.

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Work with tabs

You can open a tab by clicking the New Tab button to the right of the most recently opened tab. Use tabbed browsing to open many webpages in a single window. To look at two tabbed pages at the same time, click a tab, and then drag it out of the Internet Explorer window to open the tab’s webpage in a new window.

New Tab page

For more information about tabs and the New Tab page, see Using the New Tab page.

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Information that doesn’t slow you down

The new Notification bar that appears at the bottom of Internet Explorer gives you important status information when you need it, but it won’t force you to click a series of messages to continue browsing.

The Bad Side?

Internet Explorer only works on Windows Vista and Windows 7. It will not work with Windows XP and other Lower Version of Operating System.

Conclusion

I would say give it a month for the New Internet Explorer before you update yours. As a lot of you knows, Microsoft sometimes has still bugs on their software when they released it…(i.e. the Vista Phenomenon..)

   I have receive a lot of inquiry recently from my customers to see if its a good idea to switch with Verizon right now since they already have an Iphone 4. Few things to consider first before you make a decision:

—Verizon Iphone is not doing the 4G, w/c will be  slower to At&t Iphone.
     At this time its using 3G although Verizon has always advertise their 4G lite
 
—As you know Verizon is a CDMA technology w/c if you travel abroad a lot, you can’t  mostly use it since most other country doesn’t use CDMA technology
 
—You can’t use the Verizon Iphone for both Data and Calls Simultaneously, w/c means that if you are in a call, you can’t browse or chat at the same time.

 Overall in my personal opinion,  AT&T network right now is slow and keep dropping calls. But i think it’s worth to wait first before you jump-in to the hype of Verizon Iphone4. I would say, wait till July of this year..because APPLE will release a new IPHONE 5  w/c will correct all of this.

Basic protection for surfing, searching and social networking

Millions of people around the world use AVG Anti-Virus Free for their basic online activities. Whether it’s surfing the Internet, conducting web searches, or simply keeping up with friends on Facebook, AVG Anti-Virus Free has got you covered.

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 2011 allows you to:

• Surf and search with confidence AVG LinkScanner’s® real-time protection
• Stay protected on social networks with AVG Social Networking Protection
• Enjoy a faster running PC AVG Smart Scanning works while you’re away and runs in low-priority mode when you return
• Stay up-to-date with the latest threat information from the AVG Community Protection Network and AVG Protective Cloud Technology

        DOWNLOAD AVG 2011 HERE

Ultra VNC is free software that enables a remote computer to be displayed on your computer screen. In addition, you can take control of the mouse and keyboard of the computer being monitored. The software could be aptly described as remote computer support software. It means that you can work on a second computer, as if you were sitting in front of it. Moreover, you can share control of the second computer and thus keeping the other user involved in the process. If necessary for an interruption free session the program goes a step further and allows the director to disable the keyboard and mouse of the other computer. Ultra VNC is a superb online computer training device and a great long distance troubleshooting tool. Acquire the free software by searching on Google for Ultra VNC. The search results will quickly guide you to a download site. After downloading the software to a suitable folder you can install the software like any other program. During the install process you have several options which you can select. The basis of the software is the server and viewer features. The server element should be installed on the remote PC while the viewer installed on the local machine. By installing the server software with default settings and a password you are ready for a connection. By entering the Internet address of the remote machine you will be connected to the remote PC. You may be asking, “How do I know the location of the remote machine.” Every computer connected to the Internet has what is known as an IP address. An IP address is a twelve digit number you can easily obtain via a search engine. Get the remote computer user to do a search on Google for, “My IP address” and voila…they will easily discover their 12 digit address which they can relay back to you. If you are regularly connecting to the same computer there is another more efficient method of making a connection. On the Internet there are sites that provide free permanent Internet addresses. One such site is dyndns.com. Go to this site, create an account and you will learn how to attach a permanent domain name to the remote computer.

 Some extra features of this superb software are: the client machine can shut down and restart the remote PC as well as open the task manager or transfer files between the two computers. There is also a chat function which will allow you to communicate via the keyboard if it is not practical to use the phone. It is a Windows based utility and in terms of operating speed compared to similar software, Ultra VNC comes up trumps. Not only is the software useful over long distances, it works very well on a local area network where the resident tech support person can have easy access to computers on the company network.

Navigating Routers and Firewalls

One hurdle that needs to be addressed when connecting to a remote computer is a passageway throughprotective firewalls and routers. On a router there is provision to provide a path through a designated port. By accessing the control panel on the router of the remote computer the feature will be listed as port forwarding, virtual server or could be labeled as gaming and administration. The default port for Ultra VNC is 5900. By assigning a TCP port with 5900 and saving the configuration a path through the router will enable you to connect to the VNC server. Because the Windows firewall restricts communication between the remote computer and the Internet, you might need to adjust settings to allow Ultra VNC to operate. Get to the Windows firewall by opening the Networking in the Control Panel. Right click your Internet connection icon and select Properties. Under the Advanced tab you will find the firewall settings. By selecting Exceptions you can add the VNC software to the list of ports and programs that are allowed to bypass the firewall security. It is preferable to select the software option rather than the port because the firewall is only open while the program is waiting to receive the connection.

• What is Ooma?

  Ooma provides free home phone service once you purchase our device for a one-time fee. Plug your high-speed Internet and existing home phone into Ooma and call anywhere in the U.S. for free. You pay only applicable taxes and fees. You’ll enjoy clear, landline quality voice and bundled features like caller-ID, call-waiting and voicemail.

• What do I need for the Ooma system to work?

  All you need is a high-speed Internet connection (cable, DSL or fiber-optic) and a regular home phone.

• Do I need to use a headset or use a special phone?

  Ooma works with your existing corded or cordless home phones. Use your phone exactly like before – only now you don’t have to worry about the bill!

• Can I call anywhere in the U.S. for free?

  Ooma allows you to make local and long-distance calls within the 50 states for free. A few exceptions apply: Ooma does not support 900 numbers and phone chat services. Directory assistance (411) calls will be charged to your prepaid calling account and cost $0.99 per call. Pay only applicable taxes and fees. Federal universal service charges, state and local taxes, fees & surcharges and regulatory and compliance fees are billed monthly and are subject to change. To determine the specific charges in your area, go to http://www.ooma.com/rates.

• Do the people I call need to own an Ooma device for the calls to be free?

  Nope. Unlike some other services, Ooma lets you call anyone, at any number, anywhere in the U.S. without charge.

• What about a phone number? How do people reach me?

  When you register your Ooma device online, you will get to pick a new phone number in most any area code in the US (except Alaska). Go to www.ooma.com to check if we have a number available near you.

  Due to the high cost of Hawaii phone numbers, numbers in the 808 area code carry a surcharge of $29.99/year per number. This fee is waived for one 808 phone number if you subscribe to Ooma Premier. To activate your Ooma system with a Hawaii phone number, please contact Ooma support.

• Can I keep my current phone number?

  In most cases, yes, Ooma can transfer (port) your existing phone number to Ooma. Normally there is a one-time processing fee of $39.99, but if you sign-up for an annual subscription to Ooma Premier ($119.99/yr), we’ll waive the porting fee. To confirm that your number can be transferred, go to www.ooma.com.
  Please note that porting typically takes up to three weeks and you must keep your current phone service until the transfer is complete.

• Do you support 911 calls?

  Yes. Ooma provides E911 service where supported. We will collect your address when you register your Ooma device online, and send it to emergency response personnel when you dial 911. Since Ooma works over your Internet connection, you will need to call from a mobile phone if your Internet connection is down. If you’re concerned about relying on your Internet for phone service, we’ve built the Ooma system to work with a landline back-up. In this case, your 911 calls will always be routed over your landline.

• Do I need to leave my computer on to use Ooma?

  No, Ooma is a standalone, low-power, always-on device that works independently of your computer. This saves you from the hassle of installing anything on your computer and from having to leave your computer turned on to make and receive calls. That alone could save you up to $20 per month in energy costs!

• Is the Ooma system difficult to install and operate?

  Our patent-pending auto-configuration technology makes set-up as painless as possible. Most customers are up and dialing in less than 15 minutes. Using the Ooma system is even easier! Use your existing home phones just like always, only now you don’t have to worry about a phone bill!

• How much does Ooma cost?

  The Ooma Hub bundle has a list price of $249.99. This includes an Ooma Hub, Ooma Scout, and a 60-day free-trial of Ooma Premier. Ooma Telo has list price of $249.99 and a 60-day free-trial of Ooma Premier.

• How does Ooma compare with other VoIP services?

  Ooma is a standalone device that does not require a computer. There is no software to install and no need for a headset. Ooma replaces your current phone service and delivers clear, landline quality calling over your existing phone and high-speed Internet connection. Ooma will make your phone bill a thing of the past and save you hundreds of dollars per year over other phone/VoIP services.

• Is there a maximum amount of minutes per month?

  Like all other “unlimited services” such as cell phone data plans and other VoIP services, we do have a limit of 5000 minutes per month (for outbound calling) that we can enforce on a case by case basis in the event that a subscriber is clearly abusing the service (i.e. call centers, commercial purposes, etc.). We have never terminated a customer that has used the service for residential purposes.
  You can learn more about this in this blog post.

• Can I use the Ooma system internationally?

  The Ooma system can be used anywhere there is a high-speed Internet connection. Regardless of where you use it, calls to the US will be free and calls outside the US will be subject to low-cost international rates. If you plan to use the device overseas, be sure to use a phone that meets US standards, and be aware that the power supply that comes with the Ooma Hub is built for US power specifications. Also, if you choose to install and use the Ooma system outside the US, you’ll be solely responsible for compliance with international laws and subject to all associated fees, taxes, tariffs, and legal penalties.

Staying too much time on your computer tires your eyes. For the most part, we tend to relax our eyes so we could do extended times in front of the computer. We can do this by looking into green colored things like the leaves or by wearing a UV enhanced computer glasses.

With the release of Windows 7, shortcuts are added to increase our productivity as well. Below is a compiled list of Windows 7 shortcuts that will boost your productivity at work. As you might have been noticed, your keyboard has a unique key with a windows logo in it. This unique key allows you to execute shortcut commands that would usually take you 4 to 5 mouse clicks if done the usual way. With this key, those 4 mouse click will be shorten by a mere one keyboard push.

Windows Shortcuts – involves pressing the Win button

: Opens the Start Menu

: Opens the Start Menu

: Run Dialog Box

: Minimize All Windows

: Undo Minimize All Windows

: Toggles Minimize Open Windows or Display Desktop

: Preview The Desktop

: Help

: Windows Explorer

: Find Files

: Find Computer

: Cycle Through Taskbar Applications

: Reverse Cycle Through Taskbar Applications

: Freeze While Cyling Through TAskbar Applications

: Display System Properties

: Lock Windows

: Lock Windows

: Choose Display (Do not choose the display not installed)

: Minimize All Windows Except the Current Window

: Maximize Current Window

: Maximize Current Window Vertically

: Minimize Current Window

: Dock Current Window to The left half of the current screen

: Dock Current Window to The right half of the current screen

: Move the current Window to the other monitor or display

: Transfer focus to the taskbar (navigate to the list using Arrow keys)

: Transfer focus to the system tray (navigate to the list using Arrow keys)

to 

: STarts an App according to its
number located at the taskbar

to 

: Start another application located at the taskbar

to 

: Display the jump list menu of the application based on its number at the taskbar

: Opens Magnifier and zooms the desktop

: Opens Magnifier App and unzooms the desktop

: Cycles the focus at the gadgets running on the desktop

: Opens the Utilities manager

: Display login / Change User password

: Display Task Manager

: Save a screenshoot of the entire screen to the clipboard

: Save a screenshoot of the current window to the clipboard

To access the Windows 7 Recovery Environment, reboot your PC and after the BIOS screen has completed, press and hold the F8 key (you must do this before the “Starting Windows” animation begins). From the system troubleshooting options screen, select the “Repair Your Computer” option.

After a few loading screens you will be asked to log on with an administrator-class account. Finally you will be presented with the System Recovery Options screen.

The System Recovery Options window provides you access to the following repair/recovery tools.

• Startup Repair: Automatically repairs common boot problems that can prevent Windows from starting correctly.
• System Restore: Provides access to the System Restore feature from outside of Windows. Allows you to restores your Windows system files to a previous state.
• System Image Recovery: Restores a previously system image backup.
• Windows Memory Diagnostic: Reboots your computer and loads memory diagnostic utility that scans your computer’s RAM for problems.
• Command Prompt: This is an advanced feature that allows system administrators access to a standard Windows command prompt.

Securing a Wireless Network from Hackers?

The reason we secure a wireless network is to stop people from using the services of our network who don’t have permission to utilize them. It is harder to secure a wireless network from hackers as compared to a classic wired network. This is due to the fact that a wireless network can be accessed anywhere inside the range of its antenna.

In order to secure a wireless network from hackers, we should take proper steps to save ourselves against security issues. If you don’t secure a wireless network from hackers, you might end up without its service. The consequence might also include the utilization of our network to attack further networks. To secure a wireless network from hackers, you should follow these simple wireless networking tips:

1.       Strategic antenna placement:

The first thing you have to do is to position the access point’s antenna in a place which restricts the range of its signal to go further than the required area. You should not put the antenna close to a window because glass can’t obstruct its signals. Place it in a central location of the building.

2.       Use WEP:

WEP stands for Wireless encryption protocol.  It’s a customary technique for encrypting traffic on a wireless network. You should never skip it as that will allow hackers to get instant access to the traffic over a wireless network.

3.       Change the SSID, disable the broadcast of SSID:

SSID stands for service set identifier.  It is the recognition thread utilized by the wireless access point due to which the customers are capable of starting connections. For every wireless access point arranged, select an exclusive as well as unique SSID. Also, if it’s attainable, hold back the broadcast of the SSID out over the antenna. It won\t appear in the listing of offered networks, while being able to provide services as usual.

4.       Disable DHCP:

By doing this, the hackers will have to decode the TCP/IP parameters, subnet mask as well as the IP address in order to hack your wireless network.

5.       Disable or modify SNMP settings:

Change the private as well as public community settings of SNMP. You can also just disable it. Otherwise the hackers will be able to utilize SNMP to get significant info regarding your wireless network.

6.       Utilize access lists:

For additional security of your wireless network, and if your access point support this feature, employ an access list. An access list lets us determine precisely which machinery is permitted to attach to an access point. The access points which include the access list can employ trivial file transfer protocol (TFTP) now and then in order to download modernized lists to steer clear of hackers.

Firefox 4 Beta 1 adds an improved Add-Ons Manager, WebM and HD Video support and fixes for flaws in some Web standards that tighten up security. This beta also provides WebSockets, which allows developers to build real-time online interactions; Stylin’ Pages with support for new CSS3 features; HTML5 support, including a new HTML5 parser; and a Web Console that provides analysis tool for modern sites. With Firefox 4 add-ons can be installed without restarting the browser, and can be developed more easily using the new JetPack SDK and js-ctypes. The Indexed DB allows developers to store application data locally, making cloud applications work more quickly and reliably, even when not connected to a network. In addition, Firefox provides uninterrupted browsing for Windows, Linux and now Mac when there is a crash in the Adobe Flash, Apple Quicktime or Microsoft Silverlight plugins.

New Add-Ons Manager

An easier way to manage your add-ons and discover new options for personalizing your browsing.

WebM and HD Video

As pioneers of HTML5 video standards, Firefox also supports the WebM format so you can watch open HD quality video.

Protecting Your Privacy

Firefox puts your privacy first, fixing flaws in some web standards that allow bad guys to snoop around and expose your browser history.