Author Archive
Friday, January 21st, 2011
Laptop computers that are available today often come equipped with hefty hard drives. Their capacity can range from 100GB to 899GB and can be even larger in desktop units. Because the amount of hard drive space available, the average computer user doesn’t really have to worry about overloading their hard drive. However for the folks with tons of software applications and hordes of movie, photos, and mp3 files it’s easy for their hard drives to still become flooded. Do you have too much stuff, is your computers hard drive approaching its full capacity?
When a computer’s hard drive begins to reach its maximum capacity it’s not uncommon for the computer to experience a major decrease in its speed. In addition to a drag in the speed, programs start to slow, freeze, and crash frequently. Additionally, you might also encounter reoccurring error messages and experience problems with new program installation. In a couple of our other blogs we detailed some methods of regaining your computers speed and reclaiming hard drive space. Described in the past blog articles were techniques that included managing the startup folder, running security software, clearing temporary internet files, performing a disk cleanup, and defragmenting the disk. Although these methods are extremely helpful in obtaining more space they will most likely be unable to assist with any hard drive that is above 85% capacity.
So what other options do you have?
Rather than purchasing a new computer, the two best economical options include upgrading your hard drive or purchasing an external hard drive. Although purchasing a new laptop hard drive might be cheaper than buying an external component it also comes with its own restrictions. Even though laptops make the access to the hard drive fairly accessible, the average computer user still may not have the knowledge to change out a hard drive. Attempting to change out the device without the adequate knowledge or equipment can create a situation where more harm than good could come to the computer.
Without getting too technical the steps to swap out an existing hard drive for one with more space consist of selecting a new drive with the necessary specifications, copying your drive, dismantling the hard drive cover on your computer, swapping out the component, reassembling the panel, and performing any required re-installation. (Check out the links provided at the end of the article for more details) But if you’re like me you probably don’t want to risk damaging your computer. In that case paying a professional is always an option but even then you have to spend more money and take the time to copy over your current hard drive data.
This leads us to our next option. Even though an External Hard Drive component may be accompanied with a slightly higher price tag they tend to alleviate some of the effort and frustration involved with adding more space. An external device will allows you to select which files you would like to store on it. Due to the external and portable nature of the hardware most come equipped with a password encryption and addition security attributes. External hard drives are available in varying sizes and can often be found for a suitable price. If you decide on the external device, you will be able to save some time on transferring your entire existing hard drive. Usually these kinds of hard drives are plug and play which will do most the work for you. Just connect the device, let it create the back up, and then move your files to create space. Usually by dragging and dropping or a simple upload menu users will be able to manage the files on their main disk and relocate them if necessary.
If you have tried the methods in our past blogs mentioned earlier and didn’t achieve adequate results it might be time to invest in a new hard drive either internal or external. It is advised that you keep 10-15% of your hard drive space free at all times and the advantages of adding more space are unmistakable. Your computer will experience fewer errors and run faster!
For information on external hard drives and more technical help on installing an internal hard drive visit:
Benefits of an external hard drive!
Upgrading your hard drive
(Video) Changing a hard drive on a desktop!
(Video) Changing your hard drive on a laptop!
Have a Great Day!
Dustin
ComputerFitness.com
Providing Tech Support to Businesses in Maryland
Tags: adding space, computer, external, external hard drive, hard drive
Posted in Desktop - Workstation, Storage | No Comments »
Friday, January 14th, 2011
When using Facebook or any other social networking site, take full advantage of the provided Privacy Settings. Sites such as Facebook allow users to create profiles that contain private information and protect the posting personal comments. Now although the purpose of these sites is to network, communicate, and share your thoughts, that doesn’t mean everyone on the planet needs to know about them. Sure you might not mind if friends, family, and co-workers view the information that you supply to Facebook but what about complete strangers or employers? One of the best features of Facebook is that it lets you choose who you communicate with and who can see your information.
Following are recommendations on how to be protected using Facebooks privacy settings. Any of the following settings can be adjusted by logging into your Facebook account, navigating to the “Account” tab located in the upper right corner, and selecting the “privacy settings” option. Once the privacy settings page opens there are two main menus the “Connecting on Facebook” and “Sharing on Facebook” which can be customized to a users privacy preference.
- Connecting on Facebook:
It is important to decide what people see before being friended. Facebook gives you the option to choose what information people see when searching for you and also gives you the choice to remove yourself completely from the search. A user can choose to share everything or nothing depending on their preference. Even if a user chooses to remain hidden from Facebook searches, they can still possibly be found by friends of friends, meaning when an individual sees you on one of their friend’s Friend Lists, they can still send you a friend request.
For safety reasons it is recommended that we customize our “Connecting on Facebook Settings” to share only the details we want to. On this menu a Facebook user can adjust whether anyone, friends, or friends of friends can see their location, pictures, friends, activities, and message posts before you accept the friend request. For example if you want to keep your location hidden, but you want to share your activities you would select friends for the location and everyone for activities.
- Sharing on Facebook:
There are users out there that choose to share their Facebook with everyone. Most likely these users don’t care if anyone sees their information or are unaware of the possible bad effects that not protecting their information could lead to. It’s recommended that users select to share with only friends or select the Facebook recommended setting. Other users can still view what you have allowed them to in the “Connecting to Facebook” settings menu, but can only view your full profile when they send a friend request or accept one from you. It is on this menu, that users can customize who can view their status, posts, bios, favorite quotations, family, relationships, photos and videos you’re tagged in, religious and political views, places you like, your birthday, your contact information and also allows you to decide who has permission to comment on your posts.
- Controlling The Flow of Information and Avoiding Embarrassing Wall Postings:
The third and final recommendation takes your account customization even further and allows you to pick and choose exactly which friends can or cannot view your information, posts, and pictures. In addition to determining who can view your “Wall” you can also determine the people who are allowed to post on it. For example if you use your Facebook account for work then some of your or your friend’s postings may be inappropriate so this selection feature comes in handy. To access these features you will need to open the “Customize Settings Link” on the “Sharing on Facebook” menu. Once on the customization page you can determine the exact users who have permission to view and submit specific information. On this screen you can also modify who can see the pages, pictures, and videos that you’re tagged on.
Additional privacy and security settings include blocking users and controlling which websites and apps your information is sent to. These options can be adjusted in the same privacy menu previously mentioned. Regardless of what you do online to protect your privacy and reputation the best way to avoid any embarrassing situations is to make good judgments. But for the times when good judgment isn’t enough the privacy and security settings that Facebook provides can make a big difference. After all Facebook is used to have fun, connect with people, and is established for you to be yourself.
Additional Information on protecting yourself on Facebook is available at:
The Holy Grail of Facebook Privacy
How to Protect Your Privacy on Facebook, MySpace, and LinkedIn
Please make sure you customize your Facebook privacy account
Have a safe and Great Day!
Dustin
ComputerFitness.com
Providing Tech Support to Businesses in Maryland
Tags: Facebook, facebook settings, friend, post, privacy, privacy settings, settings, user
Posted in Social Networking | No Comments »
Wednesday, January 5th, 2011
 For most of us we use computers because they make mundane tasks easier and we typically don’t think twice or concerned about how they are able to accomplish all that they do. Have you ever wondered what makes your computer tick? It would be helpful to be aware of the basic components that make up your computer. Whether it is to understand a sales person, identify a problem, or for a general understanding, knowing the basics about your computer can be very useful.
You probably know that your computer is made up of both hardware and software. Software is the programming that tells the computer what to do, how to do it, and which devices to use. The following are hardware devices located in your computer.
#1 – CPU
A CPU or Central Processing Unit is the processor or brain of your computer. This small device is the most important component of your computer. It understands the programs, receives instructions from the user, and delivers the results.
#2 – RAM
Random Access Memory or Computer Memory enables space for the computer to read and write temporary data. The data that is stored in the RAM is only available to the CPU while the computer is running and once the computer is turned off the data being stored in RAM will be cleared.
#3 – Hard Drive
The hard drive is the storage center of your computer. It keeps the contents of your desktop and is accessed by RAM. The RAM displays the information while the hard drive stores it.
#4 – Video Card and Sound Card
These cards have their own RAM and although it is this RAM that holds the data you need to hear or see, it is the video and sound card that transfers it into actual images or sounds. A video card transfers the data to the monitor whereas the sound card transfers the data to the speakers or headphones.
#5 – Network Interface Card (NIC)
A NIC is used to pass on information from your PC to a broadband modem. It both sends and receives data over a local area network (LAN).
#6 – Mother Board
A Mother Board is the largest component of a computer is a circuit board that holds or connects to all of the other components.
#7- Computer Software
Computer Software is any program that has written instructions or machine code that is to be carried out by the computers components. Software basically tells the hardware what to do and how to do it.
Additional components include input and output devices. Input devices are used to communicate messages or instructions from the user to the computer and output devices transmit the results from the computer to the user.
| Input |
Output |
| Microphone
Keyboard
Mouse
Joystick
Scanner
Webcam
Digital Camera
Touch pad
Touch screen |
Speaker
Monitor
Printer
Headphone |
It’s clear that you don’t necessarily need to know what makes up your computer or how it gets things done. But it is still always good to have some understanding of what is going on behind the scenes.
For more information on computer components check out the following links:
Have a Great Day!
Dustin
ComputerFitness.com
Providing Tech Support to Businesses in Maryland
Tags: component, components, computer, computer devices, hard drive, Software
Posted in Hardware Overview, PC, PC Maintenance, Software | 1 Comment »
Friday, December 31st, 2010
 Hello everyone, this is Dustin and I am back to help you with recapturing your computers speed.
Have you experienced a decline in your computers speed or are you un-happy with the speed of your system? At some time or another we all have endured a slow startup, encountered simple tasks that have taken way too long, or suffered with speeds less than what we have come expect from our machines. In an attempt to salvage the fast processing speed that you may once possessed here are some simple methods that will help you regain and maintain speeds that you can appreciate.
- Check your security software- Run antivirus, and anti spyware scans!
- Using programs like McAfee Protection Software or Norton Security programs can identify and eliminate threats that can cause your equipment to run slower. These threats can infect your system causing harmful damage to your data and take up precious resources on your hard drive.
- Manage your startup folder- Eliminate the programs that are not needed!
- The start up folder contains files of any programs that you or software manufacturers have designated to start up automatically when your computer is first initializing. They can often drain the performance of your computer and this folder should only include the programs that you will be using immediately or those important to your computers operations.
- In order to fine-tune the startup folder you will need to access the system configuration folder. This can be done by expanding the Start menu, Clicking Run and then typing MSCONFIG. (Windows 7 uses the Search application instead of RUN.) Once the Configuration window appears click the Startup tab and carefully select the programs that you are positive that you do not need for startup. Save and exit, restarting your computer is required for any setting to take effect.
- Additionally you can also manage their startup programs with the security software previously mentioned.
- Clean up your hard drive- Remove the applications you no longer!
- If your hard drive space is currently occupied by programs that you don’t want or will never use again it’s advised that you clear them off your system. Be sure that these are un-needed programs. Any programs that you are unsure about leave in place, for removing certain programs could cause more problems.
- To edit your programs enter the Control Panel, open the Add or Remove Programs function (Windows Vista and 7 “Programs and Features”). When the list of program populates select any program that you wish to amend. You can even sort by the last used date or installed date. Follow the uninstall procedures for each individual program and restart your computer if necessary.
- Trash any useless files
- Delete any redundant or unwanted photos, music, movie, or document files that you are no longer need.
- Most of the time this can be done by simply locating the file that you wish to eliminate and dragging it into the trash can. You can also right click and select delete as well as highlighting it and pressing the delete key.
- In order for it to be permanently deleted, access or right click the Recycle Bin and execute the permanent delete option.
- Buy more space- Get an external hard drive!
- External Hard Drives are available and come equipped with various sizes.If your files are important and you would like to keep them rather than deleting them, this is your best bet. Storing surplus files on an external drive provides more space and still allows for easy access.
- Other Computer Data Storage include: CDs, DVDs, Flash Drives, and smart cards. Online storage centers like iBackup are also available.
- Clear away Temporary Internet Files!
- In the “My Computer” window, right click on your hard drive (C:), right click Properties (General Tab), you’ll see a link for Disk Cleanup. After a new window opens, you’ll see an option to delete Temporary Files, check the box, then click Clean up. This is a good way to clean up any data left over from installations or web browsing that you won’t need anymore.
- Perform a disk clean up!
- The Disk Clean up process will search out any unused or unnecessary files or folders on your PC that are safe to delete.
- To perform a disk cleanup access the Start menu, locate the accessories menu in the programs folder, scroll down to system tools and select disk clean up. Or enter cleanmgr in the Run application box located on the Start menu.
- Execute a Disk defragment.
- Disk Defragmentation searches out similar files on your hard drive in order to consolidate or group the similar files or applications together. Files can often become fragmented and cause a computer to run slower because it has to search harder to locate them.
- The Disk Defragmentation program can be found on the same menu as the disk clean up program described in the previous method.
Additional Tips to help increase your computers speed:
- Keep windows up-to-date using Windows Automatic Update.
- Add additional RAM
- Maintain above 15% of free space on your hard drive, again an external hard drive can assist with any overages.
- Obtain Registry Scan software
Hopefully by using some of these techniques you will be able to see and enjoy an increase in your computers speed.
Have a Great Day!
Dustin
ComputerFitness.com
Providing Tech Support to Businesses in Maryland
Tags: computer, computer running slower, computer speed, hard drive, program
Posted in Desktop - Workstation, PC Maintenance | 1 Comment »
Friday, December 24th, 2010
Hello, Dustin back with some useful tips to assist you in creating a strong password. How confident are you with the strength of your current passwords?
Some of the elements of a strong password may appear to be common sense but be often overlooked. Most applications, resources or tools at your disposal require password protections that should not be taken for granted regardless of the level of importance that the information offers.
Passwords are for your safety and even if the information that is being protected is not detrimental, in the hands of criminals this resource could be utilized in an effective manner. It is more than likely that if a password is required the information is important and for your eyes only. Exercise the following steps to ensure that your information is safe and sheltered from outside users with a strong password.
- The longer the better: A strong password should utilize 10 or more characters.
- Variation Matters: Mix it up! Don’t use repetitive characters or common sequences.
- Add Complexity: By adding numbers, symbols, and various upper and lower case styles will greatly increase the protection of your password.
- Take advantage of the full keyboard: Avoid using familiar character groupings or letters and numbers found in the same row (example: qwerty123). Branch out using the full keyboard and select characters that have some distance between them.
Here is a Helpful method for creating a password:
- Create or think of a saying that is familiar to you,
- Select a letter position of each word, for example the first, second or last letter in each word, use this to create a row of letters,
- Add a couple numbers that you can easily remember,
- Add a symbol if allowed,
- Select 1 or more letters and capitalize it,
Example:
| When Life Hands You Lemons Make Lemonade.
wlhylml
wlhylml491
wlhylml491!
WlHyLmL491!
Check to see how this password checks out in the Password Meter! |
Additional Tips regarding your password:
- Keeping a hard copy of your password is o.k. but make sure that it is also secure. Make sure you don’t leave a hard copy of your password out or think your being clever by keeping it under your computer keyboard or taped inside you desk drawer. The best place is locked in a safe. Also avoid giving out your password or let others see it when being typed.
- Avoid using personal information such as your birth date, your pet’s name or email account.
- Number sequences may be easy to remember, but 1234 is also easy for unwanted users to figure out as well.
- Avoid misspellings, slang, backwards or transposed spellings.
- Don’t use all the same passwords for multiple applications.
Still not sure if your password is strong enough?
Employ a password checker! When creating a password some applications visually show you how strong your password is and won’t let you proceed until it meets their specifications. However for those programs that don’t present this resource users can venture out and use secure public password checkers. Try this Password checker with your current passwords! Secure Password Checker. Also available online and as browser add-ons are password generators, but these can be hard to remember since they don’t use data that is significant to you.
For addition methods for creating a strong password check out these sites:
How to choose a good password
Passwords and Pass phrases
Did your passwords meet these standards? Hope these tips and resources will be able to assist you when creating or recreating your first line of defense.
Have a Great Day!
Dustin
ComputerFitness.com
Providing Tech Support to Businesses in Maryland (more…)
Tags: Information Security, password, passwords, strong
Posted in Desktop - Workstation, Information Security | No Comments »
Friday, December 17th, 2010
 10 Tips to Help Keep Your Data Protected
Hey everyone I’m Dustin, welcome back to our blog.
Worried about your information going out across the World Wide Web, continue reading to learn how you can get protected against loss of data, data theft, and data corruption.
- Physical Protection: Passwords, firewalls, and virus scanning are great but please don’t forget the basics. Keep your computer physically locked up or only leave it where you know for a fact that it will be safe. Even people you know can access your computer and bring unwanted problems if you give them the chance. Devices like security cables and alarms can be used but are not full proof. Making a note of the computer’s serial number can also be helpful if a theft does occur and needs to be reported. (Computer Protection Devices)
- Don’t be naïve not everyone is nice: Don’t give out your personal information to people you don’t know, it’s not a normal for strangers to ask for your address or birthday when you first meet them. Don’t provide too much information to social networking sites.
- Use Antivirus and Spyware programs: Using good Antivirus software is not enough anymore. New malicious programs are created and discovered every day so it is important that you not only have Antivirus software but that you keep it up to date as well. Antivirus programs scan, track, and remove any problems from your hard drive. Like Antivirus software a spyware program can detect and eliminate any spyware that has made a home on your hard drive. Many Antivirus programs do have anti-Spyware included, if yours does not, you will need to install a separate program for Spyware. Spyware can often track your web usage, violate your privacy, add unwanted features, and take up your computer usage for its own purpose. (Learn More)
- Back up your information: If you don’t already have a back up of your hard drive you should create one. Sooner or later you may encounter a problem that requires a complete hard drive wipe so avoid the hassle of re-building your information and create a backup. There are many programs that will automatically create a back up for you some of them programs include Symantec Backup Exec, Ace Backup, Nero Back it up, Save Me PC, and Evault. Chances are that if you have a security or antivirus program on your computer they will establish a hard drive back up already on a routine basis.
- Activate your Firewall: To make certain that your firewall (in Windows) is active access the control panel, go to network and connections, and select firewall settings. Additional programs like Norton Security Suite and McAfee Security provide additional firewall settings. A firewall acts as a barrier between the internet and your computer protecting it from outside access and intrusive problems. Firewalls are essential to controlling the traffic through the various network ports.
- Learn and Beware: Educate yourself, don’t be fooled, and take a closer look to see what information is accurate and safe. Avoid pop-ups asking you to install software, only install free software that you are sure about and no is safe. Don’t open attachments without scanning first and don’t open links in your emails that you suspect might be bogus.
- Avoid Phishing: Phishing is when emails falsely claim to be an existing organization that you do business with. These emails redirect a user to a website created to look like the legitimate site and then users are asked to update their personal information. Mean while the real company has no need of asking for updated information and you just supplied it all to a criminal. Be cautious of emails expressing urgency and avoid links and submission forms asking for financial information. Sensitive information like this should only be communicated using a secure webpage. (More about protecting yourself against phishing!)
- Make sure pages are secure: Whether it is to purchase items, check bank accounts, or to logon to other sensitive information be certain that site is displaying a security icon on the browser window. In addition to the locked icon, an encrypted web site URL will include https instead of the unencrypted http. Depending on the web browser that you are using the icon will be located in various locations. Take the time to familiarize yourself, knowing where yours is located could prove to be very beneficial. If using Internet Explorer the icon is located next to the search dialogue box at the top right and in Mozilla Firefox it is located in the lower left hand page border. Clicking this icon will launch a separate window detailing the security properties of the webpage. (How to tell if the Page is Secure)
- Create strong passwords: A password should be easy for you to remember and hard for others to figure out. A strong password should be 10 to 14 characters in length. The longer the better but only if you’re able to remember it. Avoid any password based on repetition, dictionary words, letter or number sequences, usernames, relative or pet names, romantic links (current or past), or biographical information (e.g., dates, ID numbers, ancestors names or dates). A password should include numbers, and symbols if allowed by the system. If the system recognizes case, use both capital and lower-case letters. On another note about passwords don’t leave them out where people can see them. A strong password is nothing if you leave a hard copy of it under the keyboard, taped to the desk, or even worst attached to the monitor. Hard copies should be kept in a digital wallet or safe. Also switch it up don’t use the same password for everything. If someone can get into your email that is bad enough you don’t want to give them access to your bank information also. An addition authentication tip is to confirm your user account does not have administrative access on your computer. If for example you are a regular user and despite having anti-Malware software installed, some malicious software gets through, the malware software would only be able to affect your profile and not your computer’s operating system as regular users cannot install most software. (How to Create and Strong Password)
- Wi-Fi Settings: When using public or personal Wi-Fi, be sure to turn off file sharing (Windows) by going to your control panel, selecting network and connection, tab to advanced settings and adjust accordingly. In addition you can activate privacy settings and change the firewall configurations in the same location. Make sure that you have an active firewall and ensure that you turn off the Wi-Fi when no longer using it. It’s also worth mentioning that users should always have their home Wi-Fi connections encrypted so users can’t stand around your house and access it. Also make sure no one is hovering to get your login password.
Hope these tips can help! It is only by taking preventative measures like these that we are able to hopefully stay ahead of cyber crime.
Keep your information Safe and Have a Great Day!
Dustin
ComputerFitness.com
Providing Tech Support to Businesses in Maryland
Tags: Firewall, Information Security, Software, strong password
Posted in Information Security, Mac and PC, PC, PC Maintenance | No Comments »
Friday, December 10th, 2010
Hey everyone! Dustin here, welcome to our blog.
Many of us have already seen the Windows 7 advertisements but have continued to utilize previous operating systems. Are you still holding out on the windows 7 upgrade?
Here are 5 reasons why you should not wait any longer. Updating your operating system is crucial for both the security as well as usability features.
Occasionally an operating system may appear to take a few steps in the wrong direction but Win dows 7 is certainly not one of them. As operating systems continue to advance the latest versions are able to add features, especially those learned from previous versions short comings. The following key features generate both increased security as well as usability for users. As operating systems go Windows 7 is Fantastic!
1) The Smart Design
The Windows 7 task bar immediately catches the user’s attention. The new task bar has a better looking design than previous versions and its functionality is also unmatched.
The Windows 7 Live Task Bar Preview allows users to catch a glance at their open applications without having the window selected. Hovering over an icon in the task bar creates a window that shows what is going on in each open application. Preview may be the wrong name since within these windows users can now play, pause, or close the applications. In previous OS versions the preview window was strictly a quick snapshot, but with Windows 7 those days are long gone.
Rearrange your taskbar, this time around the tabs located on the task bar can be organized and relocated in an order that is more desirable to the individual users. Rather than opening and closing applications in the order you want them to appear in the task bar they can now easily be rearranged by simply dragging the icons. The task bar now permits users to pin selected programs for more convenient use. Windows 7 remembers user activity and will now store most frequent programs. The logs of recent programs are referred to as jump list. Right-clicking on a program in the task bar opens a jump list where users can navigate recent and popular applications.
Establishing Jump List and Pinning programs to the task bar build upon the Windows 7 experience. All of these features and designs fully harness the ease and power of the Windows 7 Task Bar.
2) The Efficient Performance
Windows 7 is now even more efficient and responsive. On top of its improved task bar working with multiple windows is now even easier.
Snapping snaps the open windows into a position that is selected by the user. A user can drag the window to the preferred location and adjust the size accordingly. The snapping feature creates a desktop in which applications can be open simultaneously side by side. Along with the Snap element the Windows 7 OS now reacts even faster to user instructions. It starts up and reawakens from sleep mode efficiently, connects to wireless networks quicker, recognizes external devices and locates files faster than ever.
The Response Time is much better than previous versions and your computer will now be waiting for you as opposed to you having to wait for it.
Also helpful is the Search Entry Feature which is not completely new but has been expanded to search even more file types and locations. Pretty much if you’re having problems locating something on your computer its only a click away with the Windows 7 Search tool, Search everywhere and everything! This OS has been reconfigured to operate using less memory. While using less memory your PC’s speed and performance is greatly enhanced.
3) The Enhanced Security
It is always important to have an up to date operating systems. The older your OS is the more likely there are holes or faults that make you and your information vulnerable. Window 7 is new so any defects have yet to be discovered or exploited.
On the Ultimate and Enterprise editions BitLocker Drive Encryption is also available. BitLocker allows users to set up their hard drive to be completely encrypted leaving every document and file locked for security. Windows 7 has greatly improved the system backup/restore settings as well as their accessibility.
The Action Center found in the control panel is where settings about firewall, antivirus, and updates are found. The Action Center ensures that the most recent updates are installed and functioning properly. Microsoft Security Essentials is a free download available to Windows 7 users and actively protects against viruses, worms, spyware, Trojans, and malware. The Windows Defender Software also helps against slow performance, pop-up ads, and spyware among other threats.
The Windows 7 Parental Control Features have also been enhanced and are easier to use than those found in Vista. The multitude of security features that this OS offers makes users feel extremely secure and is a must for any PC.
4) The Astounding Entertainment
With Remote Media Streaming Windows 7 users are able to view their home PC’s media library while away. After a quick and simple set up your home media library will be available over the internet without copying the original files.
With the password protected Home Group feature, linking computers and devices is a quick set up away. By home grouping media it can be sent to other computers running Windows 7 using the Play To element. Users who also have an Xbox360 can send media to their televisions. Applications like the improved Windows Media Player, Roxio, Enhanced DVD Maker, and Internet TV only add to the Windows 7 enjoyment.
5) The Fun Personalization
Windows 7 comes with a host of new Wallpapers, Desktop Icon and Window Themes. Users can select the theme that works best with their style and customize their desktop to their comfort level. The return of Gadgets also increases the amount of personalization ability a user has. Gadgets are small applications that are often quick references, games, or pictures. With the release of Windows 7 now even more gadgets are available and have been improved for the OS.
Other mentionable features that are pretty cool include Shake and Peek. Clicking and dragging an application rapidly back and forth drops the other open windows making the one you shake easy to see. And Peek allows users to see past the open windows and select the one you want. Windows 7 customization ability now makes it an even more pleasure to operate.
In conclusion I would say that it is definitely apparent that a lot of thought and time went into creating Windows 7. Whether your reason to upgrade is to enhance security, enjoy the awesome usability, or to experience the cool design, The Windows 7 Operating System is worth the upgrade or full purchase price. Just in case you’re still not convinced here is more information on the Windows 7 OS (compare Windows 7 editions)!
Have a Great Day!
Dustin
ComputerFitness.com
Providing Tech Support To Businesses in Maryland
Tags: Operating Systems, task bar, Windows, Windows 7
Posted in Desktop - Workstation, Operating Systems, PC, Software, Windows | 1 Comment »
Friday, December 3rd, 2010
 Hey everyone! This is Dustin and welcome to our weblog.
If you’re like me then you probably don’t like to fall victim to a slow Internet Explorer. By using Internet Explorer we are able to access tons of information on the Internet. However, Internet Explorer can often get bogged down by slow data transfers.
Whether you are currently having problems with slow browser speeds, have experienced slow speeds in the past, or even if you want to be prepared for potential future problems here are 7 quick and simple tips that will help you on your way to establishing a quicker and healthier Internet Explorer.
1. Limit Add-ons, Accelerators, and Providers
Customize your browser by limiting the unnecessary add-ons running in Internet Explorer. Leave what you use regularly and disable those add-ons that you don’t use. To do this access the Tools drop down from the file menu and select “Manage Add-ons” (the list is on the right for Toolbars and Extensions). From this menu also click on “Accelerators” and you should also disable any unneeded Accelerators. Similarly click on “Search Providers and disable those that are no longer useful to your Internet browsing (for example I disabled Bing as I am not using it).
2. Clearing Away Junk
It is also important to delete your browsing history and temporary Internet files once a week or once a month. By doing this you are clearing away junk and gaining space and speed that will now be available for more important tasks.
3. Make More Room
Increasing the amount of space available for Internet data storage can be done on this menu also by adjusting the cache disk space option. Increasing the cache enables your computer to remember images this way on the next visit your computer does not have to devote so many resources to download them again. To do this click Tools, then “Internet Options” , under the second section “Browsing History” click “Settings,” increase “Disk space to use” to 250 MB.
4. No Pop-ups Please
One of the most useful tips to increase the speed of your Internet Explorer is to turn on the Pop-Up ad blocker (yours already be turned on). Click Tools, “Pop-up Blocker”, if it says “Turn off pop blocker, yours is already enabled, so skip to the next tip, if not click “Turn On Pop Up Blocker”, and click yes. Not only does the browser use its resources more appropriately but it saves you the time from clearing pop-ups off of your screen.
5. Remove The Food
Internet Explore 8 has a feature called Feeds and Slices and unless you really need this function, turn it off to save time and resources. From the menu select “Tools”, “Internet Options”, click the “Content” tab, in the “Feeds and Web Slices” section, click the “Settings” button. The “Feed and Web Slice Settings” window opens and under “Advanced”, uncheck “Turn on in page Web Slice discovery” click “OK”.
6. Turn off Suggested Sites
You can turn off Suggested Sites by going to Tools, “Internet Options”, “Advanced” Tab, scroll down to the 2nd section “Browsing”, and uncheck “Enable Suggested Sites”.
7. Keep your Disk Clean
In addition to changing the settings of your Internet explorer you can also perform regular maintenance like cleaning up your hard disk as well as performing disk defragmentation. It is recommended that we perform a disk clean up once a week and a defragmentation once a month. See our disk cleanup posts for more information:
Again all of these options can be found under the Tools drop down menu, found on the menu bar in Internet Explorer as well as the Internet options menu in your computer control panel. These are only a few basic tips to help you and your browser.
More Internet Explorer information:
Internet Explorer 8: Help and support: FAQ
Optimizing your computer for peak performance
Have a Great Day!
Dustin
ComputerFitness.com
Providing Tech Support To Businesses in Maryland
Hey everyone! This is Dustin and welcome to our weblog.
If you’re like me then you probably don’t like to fall victim to a slow Internet Explorer. By using Internet Explorer we are able to access tons of information on the Internet. However, Internet Explorer can often get bogged down by slow data transfers.
Whether you are currently having problems with slow browser speeds, have experienced slow speeds in the past, or even if you want to be prepared for potential future problems here are 10 quick and simple tips that will help you on your way to establishing a quicker and healthier Internet Explorer.
- Limit Add-ons, Accelerators, and Providers
Customize your browser by limiting the unnecessary add-ons running in Internet Explorer. Leave what you use regularly and disable those add-ons that you don’t use. To do this access the Tools drop down from the file menu and select “Manage Add-ons” (the list is on the right for Toolbars and Extensions). From this menu also click on “Accelerators” and you should also disable any unneeded Accelerators. Similarly click on “Search Providers and disable those that are no longer useful to your Internet browsing (for example I disabled Bing as I am not using it).
- Clearing Away Junk
It is also important to delete your browsing history and temporary Internet files once a week or once a month. By doing this you are clearing away junk and gaining space and speed that will now be available for more important tasks.
- Make More Room
Increasing the amount of space available for Internet data storage can be done on this menu also by adjusting the cache disk space option. Increasing the cache enables your computer to remember images this way on the next visit your computer does not have to devote so many resources to download them again. To do this click Tools, then “Internet Options” , under the second section “Browsing History” click “Settings,” increase “Disk space to use” to 250 MB.
- No Pop-ups Please
One of the most useful tips to increase the speed of your Internet Explorer is to turn on the Pop-Up ad blocker (yours already be turned on). Click Tools, “Pop-up Blocker”, if it says “Turn off pop blocker, yours is already enabled, so skip to the next tip, if not click “Turn On Pop Up Blocker”, and click yes. Not only does the browser use its resources more appropriately but it saves you the time from clearing pop-ups off of your screen.
- Remove The Food
Internet Explore 8 has a feature called Feeds and Slices and unless you really need this function, turn it off to save time and resources. From the menu select “Tools”, “Internet Options”, click the “Content” tab, in the “Feeds and Web Slices” section, click the “Settings” button. The “Feed and Web Slice Settings” window opens and under “Advanced”, uncheck “Turn on in page Web Slice discovery” click “OK”.
- Turn off Suggested Sites
You can turn off Suggested Sites by going to Tools, “Internet Options”, “Advanced” Tab, scroll down to the 2nd section “Browsing”, and uncheck “Enable Suggested Sites”.
- Keep your Disk Clean
In addition to changing the settings of your Internet explorer you can also perform regular maintenance like cleaning up your hard disk as well as performing disk defragmentation. It is recommended that we perform an disk clean up once a week and a defragmentation once a month. See our disk cleanup posts for more information:
· Tweaks To Make Your Windows Machine Run Faster
· Reclaiming Your Precious Hard Drive Space
· DIY Hard Drive Maintenance
Again all of these options can be found under the Tools drop down menu, found on the menu bar of Internet Explorer as well as the Internet options menu in your computer control panel. These are only a few basic tips to help you and your browser.
More Internet Explorer information:
Have a Great Day!
Dustin
Tags: internet explorer, internet options, pop-up blocker
Posted in Browser Modifications | 2 Comments »
Friday, November 12th, 2010
 Screenshot of the Windows 7 Action Center Hey, everyone, Josh from Computer Fitness back with another award-winning article to help you with your computer conundrums.
Ever wish you had something on your shoulder to remind you of important things? Sure you do. We could all use something to tell us what’s going on and how to handle it. Well, I can’t help you sort out your “To Do” list or get your dry cleaning picked up, but I can tell you about how to prepare for your PC needs.
If you’re using Windows, you have the Action Center to help you out. The Action Center might seem like a nagging pain sometimes, but what it is really a tool to keep users on top of their PC care. This feature helps to contain a lot of the miscellaneous error and warning messages that users of Windows XP and previous versions know all too well.
Some of the areas that Action Center covers are Security and Maintenance. Since these are the ones that are most often forgotten, be glad it’s there. When you open the Action Center, you can see the status of a number of items pertaining to your PC’s health. Things like UAC (User Account Control – aka that little box that dims your screen and pops up whenever you want to install something) and Virus protection are monitored here.
In short, Windows Action Center is great for those who aren’t as PC savvy as they’d like to be, but still want to take care of their systems. Don’t overlook it. Take some time and get an idea of how it works and how to take advantage of this free tool.
-Josh
ComputerFitness.com
Tags: Action Center, Help, Maintenance, Windows 7
Posted in PC Maintenance, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Friday, February 26th, 2010
 hard drive without cover Hey, Josh from ComputerFitness.com.
We are a technical support company located in Finksburg,Maryland. This week, I’d like to talk to you about Hard Drive maintenance.
I know this sounds like something that could be really complicated, but it’s quite simple. This will be another one of those things that you’ll be able to do on your own and save a bundle at the same time. Some of the big box stores that offer tech support would charge around $50 for this. All it will cost you is time.
You’re probably thinking, “Why even do this?” Well, I’ll tell you. Your hard drive is where all your data is stored; your music, documents, all of it. What happens is that over time, bits and pieces of the files get spread around the hard drive as you open and close programs. This process is called fragmenting. What it means for you is that the time it takes to access your files increases. Defragmenting, or “defragging”, your hard drive makes your computer run faster.
First, open up My Computer. Here you will see your hard drive. It is almost universally labeled as “C:”. You may see statistics on the drive underneath it’s label, usually the amount of free space. Now, place your mouse over the icon and right click the drive. Select “Properties”.
Once the new window has opened up, you should see a tab across the top called Tools. There are three options on this screen. The one you want is “Defragment”. The tool will start up and you will have two options. The first is “Analyze” and the second is “Defragment”. The latter will also analyze the disk, as it is a requirement for Defragmenting. Now comes the hard part. Wait.
This tool will take an inordinate amount of time to complete. I don’t mean a “go make a sandwich” and come back time frame. I would leave this over night. Depending on the size of the hard drive, it could take an hour or several hours. One thing to note is that you should not use your computer while this is running. So also plan for that.
That’s all for this week. Now you should have some idea of how to take care of your PC a little better. Make sure to check back next week for another post!
-Josh
computerfitness.com
Tags: drive maintenance, hard drive, hard drive maintenance
Posted in Desktop - Workstation | No Comments »
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