Wednesday, 8 June 2011

Save on the expense of a new computer!

Ten free ways to make an older computer run faster...

1. Defragment your files every few months or so

Go to Start>Programmes>Accessories>System tools>Disk defragmenter

and run it.

2. Delete unused programmes.

Start>Control Panel>Add or remove programmes-

it will tell you how often you have used them in the past to help you choose. Don’t delete any microsoft ones!

3. Download and run C cleaner- this will clear temporary files like internet files and other rubbish you accumulate- it is the best cleaner out there

get it by clicking on http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner

Alternatively go onto the internet and choose Tools on the top menu and depending on your browser there will be a selection to clear recent history- but this only cleans some of the rubbish out.

4. Empty your recycle bin.

Double click to open it and choose Empty the Recycle bin

5. Make sure you don’t have too many programmes opening up on start up

go to Start>Run> type in msconfig and hit enter. Uncheck any you don’t want to have on start up- they will still be available to you later on- then press ok

6. When browsing the internet - make sure you are using one version of your browser and use tabs to open other pages. Try not to have too many programmes open at once, or try not to make your computer do too many things at once to help your computer have enough space to operate.

7. Delete your email deleted items, sometimes called Trash.

8. Go through your documents and delete those you no longer need. Delete any photos that don’t make the grade when you upload them. Don’t just keep every photo. Be ruthless and get rid of any that are blurred or dark or don’t please you- you will free up space. Keep 15% free space on your hard drive so there is room for it to think.

10. Keep Windows up to date by installing the updates when prompted.

You should notice the difference! Don’t forget that it is possible to install more memory to help your computer a) store more information b) think faster.

Friday, 27 May 2011

WW II Code Cracking Computer rebuilt at Bletchley Park

Help

A working replica of a computer that cracked secret Nazi messages in World War II has been completed.

Engineers at Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire built the Tunny machine using discarded blueprints.

Up to 15 Tunny machines cracked the German Lorenz code at the height of the war, but the British government ordered their destruction when the conflict ended.

Engineer John Whetter and 1940s Tunny operator Helen Currie explain why they believe the mechanical computer reduced the length of the conflict.

For full story from the BBC http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-13571480

Wednesday, 27 April 2011

Magazines and new computers

Delighted to be writing monthly articles for BS9 as well as Redland and Westbury Park advertiser magazines.
My article this month for both is on how to choose a new computer.
I need a new one myself! My desktop is at least 4 years old and very slow despite my best efforts!
My son offered to build me one but he is short of time and the casing he would use wouldn't fit in my existing desk, so will have to have a look around.




Wednesday, 6 April 2011

Facebook


Mrs PC now has a FACEBOOK page!
Take a look.
If you like it
Click the Like button on the page!

Monday, 4 April 2011

Computer Corner



Am delighted to have been asked to write a regular piece in our local free advertising mag, The Redland & Westbury Park Directory. It will be called Computer Corner and I will have to start getting creative!
Nick, the editor thought that an image of a mouse would be fun. The pic above is my favourite.

Tuesday, 29 March 2011

Email Scams

Every so often an email will arrive in your inbox telling you to beware of a scam...
How do you know it is true or not?
Go to www.hoax-slayer.com and type the title of the email into the search box.
If it is a hoax it will then tell you when it originated and where from!
Scams such as:
A billing update must be performed for AOL
Sainsburies cheating customers when using cashback
Facebook publishing your photos in adverts
False virus warnings- do not open emails containing....
All these can be checked and you will be much wiser for checking rather than believing everything you see.

Thursday, 24 March 2011

Microsoft

Microsoft is such a well known and trusted name. Be cautious if someone rings you from Microsoft though... it may be a scam.
This happened to one of my clients in Henleaze this week. She had a call from someone saying that they were calling from Microsoft about some computer trouble that she had been experiencing... She had in fact had some trouble with the wifi , so thought the call was genuine. The person went on to say that they would check the computer while she was online and if any red dots appeared, she should worry. Red dots appeared and she did worry and said that she would go and fetch her son in law at once. The phone then went dead, so it was obviously a hoax call.