Technology Tips for November 10, 2009
Finding A Lost Windows Product Key: Let me explain product keys. When you install software, you are asked to enter an alphanumeric code. It is typically printed on the plastic case in which the software is packaged. Without a valid code, you cannot install Windows.
Furthermore, it is needed to activate Windows XP or to prove it was previously activated. You can recover the product key from the computer itself. One tool you can use is Belarc Advisor. The product key is just a fraction of the information that Belarc Advisor provides. In its computer scan results, look for the product key under "Software Licenses." Belarc Advisor works with older versions of Windows as well, including 98 and retrieves product keys for other programs. Do it now for all of your programs in case your computer dies. Then put those numbers someplace safe. Check Out: http://belarc.com/free_download.html
Want To Find GPS Software For A Laptop: A number of products on the market will turn your laptop into a GPS-enabled navigation tool. They're not software, but most include mapping software that works in conjunction with the receiver. Receivers connect to the laptop and pick up GPS signals. Most of the GPS receivers connect via USB ports. But others slide into a PC (PCMIA) slot. Some connect via Bluetooth, a short-range wireless networking standard. Prices start around $100. Quite a few companies make the GPS receivers. Garmin, Magellan and NavMan are three. Their sites are, respectively:
http://www.garmin.com/mobile/pdapc.jsp
http://www.magellangps.com/en/
http://www.navman-global.com/
Give Windows A New Color Scheme: Right-click an empty area of the Desktop and click Properties. On the Display window, select the Appearance tab. The three selections are under "Color scheme." If you want a better selection, click "Windows and buttons."Select "Windows Classic style." Now you'll find tons of colors under "Color scheme." You can also make various Windows elements different colors. Click Advanced and select the elements under Item. Windows 98 is more direct. Follow the same trail to get into the Display window. Select the Appearance tab. Colors are under Scheme; the various elements are under Item.
How Many Passwords Do You Keep Track Of: If you struggle to keep track of multiple passwords, you can benefit from Password Safe. It can organize and store all of your passwords in one place. All you have to remember is one code to access Password Safe. For example, you could set up categories such as "E-mail accounts" or "Web site memberships." You can also name each user name/password pair to make them easier to find in the Password Safe list. Password Safe can produce strong passwords for you from scratch. Strong passwords such as "G9rt-qy5" are rarely used because they're so difficult to memorize. That's no problem with Password Safe. And passwords are kept in a secure file protected by Blowfish encryption. http://passwordsafe.sourceforge.net
Does The Text On Your New Flat Panel Monitor Look Sharp: You just need to make a few adjustments. Microsoft recognizes the problem, and includes in Windows XP a feature called ClearType. To access ClearType, press the Windows key (the one with the backward flag) and the letter "d" to go to the desktop. Right-click anywhere on an empty area of the desktop and click Properties. Select the Appearance tab and click Effects. Check the box marked "Use the following method to smooth edges of screen fonts." In the drop down box, choose ClearType.
Next, ClearType has to be fine-tuned. You can do that on Microsoft's Web site: http://www.microsoft.com/typography/cleartype/tuner/1.htm
Not Only Our Students Do Research: When I was in school, researching papers was difficult. I spent hours thumbing through card catalogues and running up and down library stairs. Google's Scholar site takes research to a new level. Just enter your search term to get a list of relevant articles. Find references to the article on the Web or in other academic texts. If the book or paper is in Google's system, you can read a portion of it. You may have to sign in, but it's free and easy to create an account. Google will help you locate the text at a library near you. http://scholar.google.com/
Technology Tips for October 27, 2009
IF YOU ARE SENDING OUT EMAILS TO YOUR SPHERE: Be sure to familiarize yourself with the CAN-SPAM Act. It sets guidelines for bulk e-mailing. Violations can result in fines or even jail time. But the provisions are straightforward and pose few challenges for legitimate mailers. http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/buspubs/canspam.htm
INTERESTED IN A MOBILE PRINTER: A few companies make small portable printers. These are designed for business travelers and often run on batteries. They also plug into a wall socket or a car's power source. You'll pay a premium for a portable printer, they don't have as many features as a regular printer and can be slow. However, their environmental recommendations are more accommodating.HP ( http://www.hp.com/united-states) sells the 450ci for $250. The operating temperature range is 32 to 131 degrees Fahrenheit. The humidity range is 20 to 80 percent.Canon (http://consumer.usa.canon.com) makes the i80, also $250. Its operating
temperature range is 41 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The humidity range is 10 to 90 percent.
A STATES HEALTH STATISTICS MAY INFLUENCE RELOCATION: Have you ever wondered how your state stacks up when it comes to health? Then check out Healthy Americans. You can view statistics on health concerns like diabetes and obesity. You'll see how your state compares with the rest of the nation. More importantly, you'll learn how much it is spending on prevention. There are also links to other helpful sites. Find out about lead and air pollution in an area. http://healthyamericans.org
MICROSOFT RELEASES MONTHLY FIXES: On Tuesday, Microsoft released its monthly security patches. Eight updates for Windows XP, two each for 98 and ME, and 10 for Windows 2000. Your numbers could vary. Three of the fixes were labeled "critical," Microsoft's most serious designation. Just run Windows Update from the Start menu.
