Apple Vs. Android Vs. Microsoft. iPad or the other ones? How to decide

Apple Vs. Android Vs. Microsoft: How to Decide

an easy to comprehend comprehensive guide for beginners, the lost and confounded

 

iPad or Tablet? iPhone or ‘the other ones‘?

Are you confused by all of the hype re ‘ithis’s and ‘androidthat’s? For example did you ask Santa for an iPad this Christmas? Did you consider or even know that there is an alternative? I am not saying wanting an ‘iThing’ is a bad thing (being the owner of an iPhone and a Mac myself) but there are many things to consider when you are deciding what gizmo next to buy…

If you do not let technology rule your world but want to enjoy it here are some basic points for you to consider when thinking about investing in the latest, trendiest, most marketed devices. Yes, you can become a ‘techy fashion victim’ which means, if you don’t consider all your options, being ‘fashionable’ can translate into stress, confusion and more importantly unnecessary expense

The Contenders

Consider the market as it stands today. To clarify it all there are 3 basic companies

1. Apple 2. Google 3. Microsoft
   

• They each have their own operating systems (or OS) that they develop for certain devices (computers, phones and tablets). You will see the acromyms like OS, iOS, OSx
• These devices run applications (or *Apps/Widgets) with which you create stuff (data i.e photos, docs, calendar entries, emails etc).

*An App is a web application /software/program that you download to your computer, phone or tablet. Some will only work with certain Operating systems

Data Is Stuff You Create

• This data can be uploaded to a space, or created directly from a space, on the web (Cloud technology).
• You can buy stuff (music, movies, apps etc) and download it using programs such as iTunes or Websites such as Amazon.

They also each have their own specific terms for basically the same thing. …

 

Who Does and Says What with Whom?

In a nutshell and in very broad terms:

Company	Operating System	Device examples	Software Terms	Cloud	Affiliates or Associations
Apple:	OSx or iOS Mac	Ph: iPhone Tab: iPad	Apps iTunes – sync Safari	iCloud	App Store
Google	Chrome Android Honey Comb Icecream Sandwich	Ph: Google Phone Tab: Chromebook	Apps/Widgets Google Chrome iGoogle	Cloud Google Apps	Amazon, Acer and others
Microsoft	Windows 7 Coming soon… Windows 8	Ph: Windows 7Phone Tab: Slate	Internet Explorer Bing MSN	Live Sky Drive	Nokia HTC XBox

All three of these companies have different specialities but before you buy your next gadget it may be a good thing to look at the futures of these companies…

 

 

The way of the future

Its very expensive to keep up with the world’s technology explosion so it may serve us to look to the future and where these 3 companies stand in today’s competitive market

Apple, Google and Microsoft are vying for industry dominance, competing to varying degrees on computer and mobile phone operating systems, hardware, applications, entertainment, search engine capabilities and more.

Least likely: Apple

You don’t believe me do you? … Well, although Apple is flying high now, it’s the most vulnerable company of the major three. Unfortunately its because the Mac wave of success is built solely on the vision and talent of one person — Steve Jobs. In most companies, if someone else replaced an existing CEO, the company would not suffer but not so with Apple. With Steve’s passing and a good look at the company’s floundering history prior to his reappearance, you need to consider who will be capable of filling his shoes. Far more than Microsoft or Google, Apple’s business model requires constant XFactor releases in order to bring in huge profits. The question is can those Big Hits continue now?

Tops: Google

Of the three companies, Google is best positioned to thrive in the future. It has a near monopoly on Internet search, the core of the world economy’s greatest growth engine. That gives it both an excellent base to expand upon, as well as a massive war chest it can depend on to fund new ventures. Google is well positioned to take advantage of the mobile device advertising boom that is likely to develop in the coming years. Although Google isn’t likely to compete seriously against Microsoft in the operating systems and applications markets, it will become a ‘player’ in those businesses.

In between: Microsoft

Finally, there’s Microsoft, which falls somewhere between Apple and Google. Unlike Apple, it doesn’t need blockbusters in order to grow. With a stranglehold on operating systems and productivity applications (software/programs), and with solid enterprise tools, it will grow steadily. Google won’t be able to break its near monopoly.

The success of Windows 7 shows that the release of a new operating system still brings in plenty of revenue. Recently, Microsoft had a blowout quarter, increasing revenue by 14% over the year-earlier period, thanks to skyrocketing Windows 7 sales. Although Microsoft won’t usurp Google as the Internet search leader, Bing shows that it can also be mighty profitable.

So looking ahead, expect Google to thrive, Microsoft to stay the course, and Apple eventually to lose its Steve Jobs-driven magic

*ref http://www.pcworld.com/article/189963/apple_vs_google_vs_microsoft_who_will_win.html

 

Stuff to consider and Helpful Hints

1. Do you own a Mac or a Windows PC?
   

Considering all of the above, it also makes sense to buy a phone and a tablet that are compatible with your current PC’s Operating system. Therefore

if you own a

Mac then stick with Apple devices and peripherals and

if you own a

Windows PC then stick with Android or Windows devices.

This is not written in stone as everything is possible but this advice is for those who are not technologically minded and want to keep their lives simple and relatively stress free.

It is also advisable to ask your friends and family what they own. Afterall you will need some help at some stage and they are the likely people you will be communicating with. Keep it in the club

If you do plan to mix and match then factor in the cost of a reliable and versatile tech who is savvy in all aspects of the three major players

1. Do you us Gmail or Google Apps a lot?
   

All of the OS allow you to use Google but if you are a ‘Google apps’ user (even if its just Gmail and Picasa) remember that Google is the world leader of Internet search and cloud technology and you may experience some compatability issues if you aren’t on an android device

1. What brand of phone do you own right now?
   

Its not that easy to transfer your data from phone to phone nowadays so again you may want to factor in IT assistance into your budget. SD cards differ from brand to brand and you also need to consider software compatibility when trying to transfer your precious stuff. E.g you cannot drag and drop to an iPhone whereas you can with a Nokia

1. Back-ups
   

Have you backed up your phone to your PC or cloud service including all your contacts, messages, photos emails and calendar entries? Did you know that an ‘iPhone back up’ does not include your photos or music? You need to do this before you attempt any transfer of data from one device to another.

1. What would you be using your tablet/pad for?
   

Tablets or Pads are not computers. They are a peripheral device. They bridge the gap between laptop computers and mobile smart phones in terms of size and functions. Their main functions are

1. Browse the internet
2. Basic Email – no attachments, or organisation
3. Movies
4. Books
5. Games

Did you know that Tablet Laptops (computers wth swivel touch screens) have been on the market for years?

The key is to look at how it will be used to determine which OS may best suit your needs. For example

• If you want it to be just like a traditional PC, then a ‘Windows 7 slate’ may be best.
• Media watching and gaming is probably best served by Apple’s iOS.
• If you want a more open platform with better multitasking, then Andriod might be the best choice.

Beyond the OS itself, buyers should also consider the types and number of applications available to each platform.

This means …Spend some time in the App store before you buy an iPad, as the software you use will really define what type of gadget you have. But you’ll probably find that since last year, more apps are now allowing you to create content just as a laptop would. You also need to remember that a Google app for instance won’t work on an iPhone or an iPad

 

1. tablet Storage Space
   

While most people will not be carrying around as much data on a tablet as they would on a laptop, the amount of space on the tablet is still a major thing to consider. All tablets use solid state storage because of its ability to use very little power, uses less space and higher durability. The downside is limit storage space. Most tablets come with 16Gb , 32GB and 64GB of space which is extremely small compared to a laptop.

For those just browsing the web, streaming video and reading books, storage space won’t be too critical. If on the other hand you are storing high definition movies or lots of games, consider getting a higher capacity model so you don’t have to constantly shuffle what you want on your tablet when away from a PC.

You can’t upgrade space on a tablet or iPad

1. Processors
   

The processors (their brain and speed at which they think) used in tablets can vary widely. Buyers will often need to know a bit more than than just ‘cores’ as can have big implications on the performance, battery life and size of the tablet PC. Unfortunately, this is a fairly complex subject so it is recommended to read the full Tablet PC Processor Guide for further information.

 

Pros and Cons

Apple

 

Pros:

1. the iPad 2 is a much thinner device than its prototype so its size and shape is great for travelling and working out of the office
2. 2x Cameras – still and video for conferencing with ‘Facetime’ (like ‘Skype’). Not meant for high quality photography the still camera is a new feature
3. Apps including iMovie (movie editing) and Garage Band (music composition)
4. Great Battery Life (but you can’t remove it)
5. Some have 3G (can use a 3G dongle or modem) and others only have WiFi (wireless detection)

Cons:

Despite my veneration for Apple, however, aspects of the iPad experience are not so great…

1. Apple has a stranglehold on the stuff you are allowed to use and how you use it – the company rigidly controls which third party apps are released to the public through the ‘App Store’. By rejecting apps that do not meet its guidelines or policies, Apple has full control over what you download to your Mac PC, iPhone and iPad. Apple’s systems are cohesive and consistent but their restrictions limit your experience through a lack of openness and flexibility; personally, I don’t like being controlled.
2. More significantly, Apple’s policies ensure that it participates in all financial transactions taking place on the iPhone and iPad. This explains why Apple locks down the platform (operating system’s stuff including yours). e.g. you can’t transfer music or apps that you have purchased to any other device that is not an ‘isomething’ with iTunes installed. This means you have to ‘jailbreak’ your devices to access the use of anything they don’t want you to.
3. Screen: The iPad screen resolution isn’t necessarily bad, but you won’t be able to watch content as high quality as you could on another tablet.
4. No extra features

• No USB,
• no SD card reader
• no removable battery – rivals such as Samsung and Motorola are delivering in the features department.
• Can’t upgrade the storage space

1. Yes, the iPad comes with a HD connection kit (enables you to watch TV), but it Costs extra

Until Apple starts putting in extra functionality the iPad could be a second-choice for some tablet owners.

1. Price – they cost considerably more than other Brand Tablets
2. No Flash: some websites and games won’t work

   

   Android
   

 

Google’s Android operating system (the new ones are called Honeycomb and Icecream Sandwich) an alternative to Apple’s iOS, runs on a range of phones and tablets. Android offers several significant advantages over iOS, including:

• An open ecosystem unrestricted by Apple’s control
• True multitasking; notifications and background events simply happen
• Excellent Google applications that mimic their desktop counterparts
• A superior browser, which includes Flash and tabbed browsing

Cloud Backup

Android users have been able to store items in the cloud for some time, including purchased apps and now music (with Google Music) and photos (via Google+). Apple is playing catch-up in some ways with the addition of iCloud, which includes syncing apps across all your devices, although both services are reaching music and photo storage around the same time. iCloud also syncs your documents. Skydrive is yet to pass muster

 

Some Android alternatives to iPad

• Chromebook: In
  the next few weeks, Google Australia will release the Google Chromebook, a stateless device which enables instant on web computing with no software to manage, no backup required, with a form factor similar to a notebook and a price point expected to be less than a new mobile phone. You can buy at least two Chromebooks for the price of one iPad.
• Motorola Xoom, which has important hardware features that improve on the iPad. I especially like the high-resolution screen, better quality speakers, and ability to expand storage with a micro SD card.
• Sony Tablet runs Google’s operating system Android 3.1 Honeycomb. They feature touchscreens, two cameras (a rear-facing 5 MP, a front-facing 0.3 MP), infrared sensor, Wi-Fi. They support PlayStation Suite, DLNA, and are 3G/4G compatible. They will retail for US$499-599
• Galaxy Tab: The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 proves that it’s not only Apple that can produce truly lovely hardware. This tablet is lighter and thinner than the iPad 2, at 8.6mm thick and 565g. These trimmed-down figures, 15g lighter, 0.2mm thinner, are too slight to notice in real life usage, but competing with an iPad 2 on these fronts is something no Android tablet has managed previously.

 

Android Alternatives to iPhone

Watch This You Tube Video Comparing Galaxy Nexus and iPhone

 

So which phone are you going for: the iPhone 4S or the new Galaxy Nexus?

 

References

Ref http://www.smartcompany.com.au/information-technology/20110325-should-you-buy-an-ipad-2-the-pros-and-cons.html

http://compreviews.about.com/od/buyers/bb/Tablet-PC-Buyers-Guide.htm

http://www.pcworld.com/article/242139/apples_ios_5_vs_googles_android_40_ice_cream_sandwich.html

http://www.careace.net/2011/11/14/samsung-galaxy-nexus-vs-apple-iphone-4-s-video/

 

The elephant in the room

And then there is a smarty pantz that finds an alternative to all of it. An interesting comment I found in a forum from someone who feels he has solved the conundrum with one device that does it all: http://www.zdnet.com/tb/1-100699?tag=talkback-river;1_100699_1962510#1_100699_1962510

@kitko Thank you. I run Android on a 480X800 pixel Zio phone and do practically everything anyone with any Android OS device or iPad does on a daily basis: Kindle, Google, Office, PDF markups, YouTube, Facebook, email, drum machine/sequencer/sampler, guitar tuner, GPS with on-board maps (no data connection needed), music player, video player, voice recorder, still camera, video camera, RTA audio spectral analyzer, news and weather, MicroSD card reader, FREE VoIP phone calls from anywhere on the planet with wifi, and even a Stark Trek tricorder. Oh, and it ALL fits in my pocket with enough room left over for the money clip holding the $600 I saved by NOT buying an iPad.

 

 

 

 

 

In Summary

There is so much more to tell you and so much info out there that I have managed to rewrite, cull and extract this many times. My suggestion is ‘Google it’. Go for big if you can afford it and remember that today’s ‘high end’ is tomorrow’s ‘daggy’ (Yes I am Australian). So get off the ‘what’s fashionable’ bandwagon and look at what you want, why you want it, what will you do with it, which one will be easier or best suited to your skill levels and the least expensive. Be Sensible with an adventurous twist. The most expensive is not always the best and in the technology world Mix and Match is an art form and you will need help.
Look to your family and friends and if all else fails there’s me or your IT guy. I have a Mac ‘wiggle’ (in-joke but watch the stance of someone when they say ‘I have a Mac and you’ll get my drift) the Windows Smile and the Google Shine. That’s why I sometimes get my mords wixed and have developed a funny tick with a touch of Teretz developing

Above all learn about what you currently own and what you desire to own because only then will you discover how much you will gain from becoming an active participant in the new world we live in…ITs easy when you know how

Best Regards,

My Computer Tutor Kim-Denyse Dip.Bus.M.D CertIVTAA kim@mycomputertutor.net.au

What does a virus look like? Windows Diagnostic Fake

Virus Attack using the Fear Factor

Viruses are so easy to contract nowadays so you need to be aware of the major tricks that are being used to con you into actually downloading one involuntarily by instilling fear. One of the most common is Windows Diagnostic. This is NOT a Computer analysis and optimization tool. It is a virus in itself. No matter what you click on it will download and install itself. It looks like this:

fake

What is it Exactly?

Windows Diagnostic is virus software that has been developed to scare you into thinking that there is a serious problems with your Computer. It generally penetrates your PC by means of Trojans that show fictitious error notifications and security warnings.  The messages will claim that your PC hard drive is damaged and then offer a download that will install a “remedy” to supposedly fix the problem.

How Does it work?

When you click on of these alerts, Windows Diagnostic will automatically be downloaded and installed into your computer. It will launch itself and show…

• fake error notifications when you try to access programs or files.
• a scan that will force you to scan your PC using Windows Diagnostic, which will then supposedly detect errors that it claims it cannot fix unless you buy the rogue.
• Windows Diagnostic defragment tool claiming that it requires to run in Safe Mode and then display a fake Safe Mode background that runs a fake defrag of your system.

Just to frighten you even more,

• Windows Diagnostic will hide folders on your system or
• they will display that they have no contents.
• When trying to open your folders, instead of facing the common list of files it will show a different folder’s contents

Now you are convinced that there is serious corruption on your hard drive that has erased your files.

You  may also find that you

• cannot launch any applications
• icons will be missing from your desktop.
• Windows Diagnostic will state that your hard drive is corrupted.

It does this in order to protect itself from your anti-virus program which you may attempt to run but won’t work.

What’s the Scam?

All these tricks are designed to make you think that your PC is now unusable so that you will be further induced to buy the fake program.

If you did perform the scan or use the fake Windows Diagnostic it will claim that there are hundreds of serious problems with your PC, and that you first need to purchase it by means of credit card to repair any of them. Do not buy the program when you encounter its alerts. It will also display fake alerts in your Windows taskbar. These alerts are designed to frighten you even more just as the fictitious scan results. All such alerts are only elaborate ploys to scare you into buying the rogue repair program.

Everything about this is pure fiction.

What do I do?

If you have already made the mistake (thousands have) take your PC to your nearest trusted Computer Specialist.

If you need any recommendations on who you can trust to remove this virus and repair the damage it can cause please do not hesitate to contact me.

If you are unsure about whether you have a virus or not send me an email and let me know what is happening that is unusual and I can assist you

Isn’t it great to know someone has your back!

Yours Securely

Kim-Denyse CertIV TAA DipBus.

My Computer Tutor

kim@mycomputertutor.net.au 

www.mycomputertutor.net.au

My Computer Tutor Essential Computers Workshops Begin in February

How to Install free AVG 2011 Upgrade

free AVG 2011 Upgrade

If you have AVG as your ant-virus program; the new 2011 version is now ready to download. The download and install is a little more complicated than most so I have put together a Step-by-Step guide to help you.

HINT: if your internet is notoriously slow or unstable do this after 8.30pm or before 8.30am when there is less traffic

You will receive a notification that looks like this…

1. Left Click UPDATE YOUR FREE PROTECTION Your computer will take you to the internet so your browser will open e.g. Internet Explorer Or Firefox

NB: The AVG toolbar may drop down. Let’s get rid of that first!

4. Tick Please don’t remind me again

5. OK

A New window will open wanting you to pay for this with a LIMITED OFFER (after all they are in business and the paid version is better and very economical) – if you don’t want the Paid version…

6. No Thanks, proceed with AVG Free

The Download registration page will appear

7.  Fill in your details / Continue

8. AVG DOWNLOAD MANAGER

Depending on your operating system you may or may not get a message that looks like this:

9. Save File

The file Downloads window will appear

HINT: this may look different but its Ok. The ‘look’ of this window depends on your Internet Browser

Wait for the file to Download

10. Open the download / Accept

11. select AVG Anti-Virus Free

12. Next

The activate your licence window will appear…

13. Next

14. Select Quick Install

15. Next

Wait for the install process

This may take a while as the download is about 150MB

HINT: The actual time it takes will depend on the speed of your internet

16. Save and Close down any open files ort programs you may have running

17. Yes

Your computer will reboot (restart ) itself

 

ALL DONE!!!

If you need assistance I can remotely connect to your PC and do it for you or just call and I will talk you through.

Yours in Internet Safety,

Kim-Denyse DIP.BUS.MARK.D .IV BUS MGMT.. IV.TAA

COMPUTERS BEHAVING BADLY PART III: SAFE UPDATES: Java

Computers Behaving Badly part 3: Safe Updates

An icon is appearing down the bottom in your task bar, that looks like a little orange coffee cup and it keeps asking you to update something called; JAVA

I receive many calls and emails in regards to UPDATES
and many of you don’t do them ‘eek!’ because you are unsure whether it is safe

Many are very safe and, in fact, to ensure the security of your PC, its a good thing to do. Updates are usually intended to fix security problems, which makes your computer safer

In order to help you make sense of the confusion I thought I’d put together a quick Step-By-Step for the main ones that will pop up and nag you from time to time

Q: “My computer is nagging me to update something called java. Do I really need this? Is it dangerous to update it?”

What Is Java?

As you may or may not know, computer programs are written in different technical languages. One of these languages is called Java. A program written in Java will work on many different kinds of computers, such as PCs and Macs.

from the java site def:

Java is a programming language and computing platform first released by Sun Microsystems in 1995. It is the underlying technology that powers state-of-the-art programs including utilities, games, and business applications. Java runs on more than 850 million personal computers worldwide, and on billions of devices worldwide, including mobile and TV devices.

In other words Java allows you to do such things as chat with family and friends worldwide, play online games, view images, just to name a few. It’s also integral to the intranet applications and other e-business solutions that are the foundation of corporate computing.

Why do I need Java?

There are lots of applications and websites that won’t work unless you have Java installed, and more are created every day. Java is fast, secure, and reliable. From laptops to data centres, game consoles to scientific supercomputers, mobile phones to the Internet, Java is everywhere!

 

Is Java free to download?

Yes, Java is free to download. Get the latest version at http://java.com.

 

What Java Isn’t

Java is NOT JavaScript. They are completely different. They share a name only because of a marketing decision made by Netscape and Sun years and years ago. Many web pages rely on JavaScript for important features you want.

 

Why Java Needs Updating

To run programs written in Java, you need a Java “runtime environment.” So if your computer is nagging you to “update Java,” then your computer has a Java runtime environment already— and it is out of date.

 

What You Should Do

You have two reasonable choices:

1. Update Java whenever you are asked to. This is safe— the Java runtime environment is a product of Sun Microsystems, a very respectable company. It is already on your computer. When you refuse to update Java (or Windows, or MacOS…) you are often taking a very big risk by refusing to fix security problems.
2. Uninstall Java completely. Yes, you can do this and it is safe. The negative consequence is that if you are using any programs or websites that rely on Java, you will not be able to use those programs or websites correctly any more unless you install Java again.

    

   HINT: Updates are necessary – Upgrades are not
   

 UPDATE JAVA: Step-by-step

When a balloon pops up and asks you to install Java Updates

HOW?

Say Yes The Java Update Available screen will appear Left Click Install The Java Setup will begin
Install again
The installation will begin showing you its progress. You do not have to do anything more	The Writing underneath is an ad for a freeware program call open office… ignore it at this point and ask me about it later

Note from MCT

Print the previous page and file it into your My Computer Tutor folder for future reference When updating your programs the principles are basically the same

I will send you more of these handy guides as soon as I put them together

Please remember that its OK not to know these things because no one told you in the first place and this knowledge will help to save you time stress and in the end… money

Knowledge on how to maintain the health of your computer and how to stay safe on the net is becoming increasingly important, so please do not hesitate to continue to contact me with any concerns

Yours in PC Peace

Kim-Denyse

My Computer Tutor

PS: Stop stressing for hours alone in front of your PC. You are not alone.

Email: mycomptutor@gmail.com Or contact me via the website www.mycomputertutor.net.au

Computers Behaving Badly: Part II…Power

 

I woke up this morning and in the night my computer decided it had had enough and decided on its own volition to shut itself down! Why? Is it confused, tired, does it disapprove of something? Or is it a ‘sign from above’ that I need to take more care of it?

 In all things computers forewarned is forearmed. Knowledge is power so take the emotion out of the picture (its very stressful when they start to misbehave) and look at the symptoms…

Common Hardware Faults

Symptom 1: Computer does not start, no lights on the computer, no sounds from the computer, the monitor is blank or displays no signal

Possible Solutions 1 – Desktop Computer

• Check that the power to the computer is on and that the power cables are plugged in securely. (you may laugh but I have had to fix many computers over the years this way, and it is a very expensive oversight).
• If the power cables are in securely then remove the power cable from the computer completely and leave it out for 3 minutes (approx) and then reattach it and try starting the computer again. (sometimes computers develop a power loop on the motherboards and this needs to discharge before it will start).

If it is still not working

•   Check to see if the power supply is working by placing your hand at the back of the computer where you plugged in the power cable, if the fan is spinning you should feel a small breeze on your palm.

Diagnosis

If there is no breeze then the problem is most likely a blown power supply. (average cost apprx $65). I would recommend you have this repaired by a technician but it is something you will be able to do yourself.

Possible Solutions 1a – Laptop Computer
1. Check that the power to the laptop is on and that the power cables are plugged in securely.

  2. If the power cables are in securely then remove the power cable from the laptop completely and also turn the laptop over and remove the internal battery.

Generally the batteries in most laptops are held in by clips (switches) so move those to the unlock position and release the battery. (these devices commonly develop a power loop and I have pacified numerous distressed clients extremely quickly and inexpensively using just this technique).

3. Whilst the battery is out plug back in the power supply (adaptor) and try to restart the laptop, if it does not start remove the power supply and plug the battery back in. 

4. Try to restart the laptop. 

Diagnosis 

If the laptop starts with the battery in and power supply out but doesn’t start with just the power supply in then you have a faulty power supply. (costs vary depending on the make and model of the laptop but these items can be purchased online at the cheapest rate). If the laptop starts with the power supply in and the battery out but doesn’t start with both in then you have a faulty battery. (very rare and once again replacement costs vary depending on make and model)

If the laptop fails to restart after trying all of these techniques then the problem is a hardware fault inside the laptop and most likely (unless it is under warranty) is not worth repairing as the labour and replacement costs will match or exceed the cost of purchasing a new laptop.

as I said Knowledge is power…

PS: there will be more in Computers Behaving Badly Part III so stay tuned

Warm Regards
Kim-Denyse

My Computer Tutor
www.mycomputertutor.net.au

Computers Behaving Badly: Part 1

The facts of life are that your computer is going to have a hissy fit and misbehave eventually

It’s a frightening and stressful experience as you contemplate losing all your work, hefty repair bills and major loss of time…not to mention the inconvenience of being without it

 Most of the stress is caused by not knowing what is going on and as you hand over your life’s work to a Swahili speaking technician, you are at his/her mercy

Well, knowledge is power and like it or not you need to learn a leetle bit of techy talk to alleviate your pain

It is my mission to help you understand in the simplest terms what you need to know as a computer owner/operator in order for you to take back some control and save you that imminent nervous breakdown, stroke, heart attack and major financial set back

Computers really aren’t all that mysterious. All types of computers consist of two basic parts:

Hardware and Software

 Anything you buy for your computer can be classified as either hardware or software

1. Hardware is any part of your computer that has a physical structure, e.g. the computer monitor or keyboard

 

If you can touch it, it is hardware  

“Hardware: The parts of a computer system that can be kicked.” (Jeff Pesis)

 

2. Software is any set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do

It guides the hardware and tells it how to accomplish each task. Software can be downloaded from the internet or installed from a CD. e.g. a Program

 

 

When you have a problem with your computer it is important to establish whether the cause is hardware or software related

•  Generally if you are able to start your computer and get into the windows screen without the computer stopping, restarting, freezing, or blue screening (crashes) then the problem is most likely software related
•  If your computer does not start, crashes, freezes, or restarts before you can get in the windows screen then the problem is hardware related

The most common exception to that rule is if your system is severely infected with viruses and in that case you will need to treat those symptoms as a hardware failure although technically it is a software issue. The reason for this is because the software used to identify the hardware component has been corrupted and creates a scenario that deems the hardware as faulty.

(transl: the software gets mixed up and decides your hardware is broken when it might not be)

 

HINT: to prove if the problem is software related …

1. Start the computer in safe mode by continually pressing F8 when the computer first starts showing writing on the monitor,
2. then select the safe mode option from the start up options provided. This can sometimes stop the computer from installing the corrupted software.
3. If the computer starts and you are able to get to the windows screen then the problem is probably due to corrupted software for a hardware component. 

 (do not panic if this seems a bit complex and doesn’t work first time it takes practice even for experienced users)
  

REMEMBER: the majority of software faults including virus removal can be fixed remotely by a competent technician and some can be repaired by you with their assistance.

Hardware faults will generally require the physical presence of a technician, however some faults can be fixed easily by following some simple guides

 I have a lot more to say on the subject but let me know what you think so far.  I am happy to translate this page into even more simple terms

Warm regards,

Kim-Denyse D.BUS.M.D

 

http://www.mycomputertutor.net.au/

Tame The Beast

MY COMPUTER: TAME THE BEAST!

Rule No.1 Expect the Unexpected

When you first bought your Beast home you were blissfully unaware of the dangers that lay ahead. This marvel of technology (otherwise known as ‘Computer’) was meant to be the miracle that would change your whole life for the BETTER… Oops! If you are asking yourself why you even thought of investing money in a mechanical Beast that would take over your life, confuse and confound, cause high levels of stress, cost hours of wasted time and buckets of money; then read on to feel at least that you are not alone and find out what can be done about it. Take a moment now and remember what your beloved friends, family and the smiling salesman excitedly told you when you asked about having a computer. Oh yes… ‘you can email your friends, make your own birthday cards, shop online, do your banking online, trace your family history, no more paperwork, doing your books is a breeze, join Facebook and find long lost school buddies, talk to them across the world for free, read the news and get your daily horoscope every morning, get a new job, your business will double in profits overnight etc etc etc and… its all done with just a couple of clicks of your mouse!’

Rule No. 2: Don’t Rely on Others to Protect You

I am here to warn you that the next time you ask a friend, or heaven forbid the kids, how to do something on your beast and they answer you with a sentence that starts with ‘its just a…’, RUN! This is a moment in your life you will never get back; a moment that will take away what semblance of self respect you had for your own intelligence and ability. This is what The Beast wants. Cast your mind back (if you still have the strength) to that fateful day when you first had The Beast safely installed on your cosy ‘office nook’ you lovingly prepared for it to live. Was that the last, ‘I am master of my destiny’ moment that you have felt since?

Rule No.3: Know Thy Enemy

Take a long look at your particular Beast. Are your stress levels rising? Do you ask yourself am I actually turning it on right? Will I break it if I press the wrong key? Have I inadvertently given it a Virus because I am completely unprotected…or am I? You proudly understand a technological term and that is ‘booting’ it but no matter how much you want to actually do that, something in the back of your now frizzled brain tells you that’s not exactly what they meant. Quietly you reflect on all the stuff you bought and have no idea what to do with it. You bought it because the salesman told you, ‘you just HAD TO HAVE IT!’ and now you wonder if you will ever really know what it actually was, if it is working and what it actually does! So you find yourself out there on your own and you decide to take matters in hand and go out to buy the ‘manual’. A few chapters in you can’t make sense of any of it because they are talking about a ‘PC’ and you own a Computer! This tactic is quickly abandoned and you now feel dumber than the dummies.  

Rule No. 4: If Its Too Good To Be True… It Is

Not to be deterred, you take the plunge into the icy and turbulent waters that is known as ‘Surfing the Net’. Again you are at the mercy of ruthless sales people who know you are at all at sea and drowning in a whirlpool of technological language and terminology that you need a degree to understand. This is their weapon. For them its easy to throw you a lifeline, a rescue boat and a pair of floaties. You sign your life away to a wonderful plan that is half price for the first 6 months! Fabulous deal! (in amongst the technical jargon of mega gigas and killer somethings!) What happens next is pure luck really. Its six months later…you have managed to recover from the installation of a myriad of new wires, cords and boxes that blink with little antennas. You have given up trying to remember the 50 passwords and names of the 5 technicians it took to make them work …oh and the huge chunk missing out of your bank account to boot (there’s that word again). You may have managed to get onto the internet by now and if luck was on your side, you have an email account (which has yet another password that is illegibly scribbled on a scrap of paper or on the back of your first contract) and BAM out of the blue you receive your internet bill and its astronomical!

Rule No.5: Learn Swahili

Why does the bill never match the agreement? So you ring your internet provider looking futilely for someone called ‘Customer Service.’ Finally after hours on hold you find that ‘Customer Service’ does speak English, but not a brand that you understand particularly well. What you do finally understand is that you are locked into a binding contract for 2 yrs at double the price of what you had for the last 6 months and suddenly you wished you had known what a giga-bigga-byte meant. Now the lights go out in your Beast’s beady eyes and you find an IT ‘expert’ to fix it and tell you what you did wrong. Unfortunately they all speak very fast and have a degree in Swahili (which the kids are now being taught in Kindergarten) and you feel even more inadequate and lost.

Rule No. 6: There is NO Safety in Numbers

It is now time for an Adult Learning computer course. You turn up nervous, feeling like a little kid but excited to learn about taming your Beast once and for all. If you haven’t already tried this, I can tell you that you will find yourself amongst 30 other people who are all speed typists. You will be given yet another manual full of confusing black and white text and graphics. You will be told that ‘this is a self paced learning course’, where is the teacher?! Despondently you will spend hours wading through it to find that one little thing you really needed to know yesterday! No wonder you are so frustrated!

Rule No.7: Form Alliances

How did I know your inner most feelings and experiences? No, I am not psychic I am ‘bretheren’. Believe it or not, I have ‘been there and done that’ for many years… I began my entrepreneurial career as a small business Marketing Consultant, but soon discovered that small businesses were suffering from lack of computer skills and basic computer knowledge which was hampering their growth, internal efficiency and costing them precious time and money Over that time I began to write myself Step-By-Step Guides to all the things I taught myself to do, so I could share the knowledge with my beleaguered clients. Then one fateful day my computer crashed, my modem fried and I called in the Swahili speaking technicians to save all my hard work and expensive equipment. In my efforts to understand what was happening they discovered my talent for translation and analogy and so we teamed up to provide people with the full package. Now Kim-Denyse’s Simply Computers Training & Services has become its own business with an ever- growing company of ardent fans (students). These are people just like you, smart intelligent and thoroughly confounded, looking for someone that will speak to them with empathy and understanding, translate the lingo in practical terms (without being patronizing), who want to benefit from my experiences, research back up and support and unique insight into what they need. Rule No. 8: Choose a Plan of Action Now you have choices that will suit you…

1. You can attend the Simply Computer ‘Beginners, The Lost and Confounded Courses’ (BLC), that are specifically designed to answer all your questions on the essentials you need to operate your computer with confidence. There are only ever 6 students in a class, and the rule is that the laughter is with you, not at you

2. You can purchase (by download on-line or disc), the My Computer Tutor ‘Step-By-Step Guides and Manuals’ in full vibrant colour, with screen shots and point form instructions – print only the lessons you need and build your own manual

3. You also have a choice of having My Computer Tutor Tuition in the comfort of your own home or

4. Simply Computer On-Site Training in your business, so the lessons are tailor made to suit your needs

5. Subscribe to the Simply Computers Back Up and Support Network where you will receive Remote Assistance when you are in urgent need, access to up to date information on new technologies, ask any question you like and receive a logical answer within 12 hours, custom designed Step-By-Step Guides, discounts on peripherals and equipment, and a lot more for a very small monthly or yearly fee

Whether you are a home user, business owner, an entrepreneur, a club or an agency, Kim-Denyse’s Simply Computer Training & Services will get you back on track and help you to achieve the confidence and freedom when working with your technology that you need to save you precious time, money and frustration. Before you frisbee your laptop or boot your tower out of the highest window, take a deep breath and contact me.

IT’s easy when you know how… I‘ll show you

Warm regards,

Kim-Denyse D.BUS.M.D

www.mycomputertutor.net.au

kimdenyse@gmail.com

Skype and Webcams Made Easy

all I want for christmas is…

It’s November and the heat is on. Christmas is looming large and there’s planning and logistics as well as the gift buying expeditions ahead… I am madly making my lists and checking them twice, trying to work out who will be where and when. I have the immediate people sussed. I know how and when I will be catching up with them but what of everyone else I love? I don’t know about you but I have extended families spread throughout the state, country, and overseas.

Christmas is a time for joy but I can’t help but feel a little sad niggling when planning for my Christmases. A lot of my family are scattered across the country. My lifelong friends and their children live far away. I have travelled far and met so many amazing people and when I go to write my Christmas cards, I feel that it is not quite good enough somehow. When was the last time I saw them in person? Actually sat down and laughed with them, sharing stories and the traditional Christmas cheer. I agonise over whether I have bought them a gift that they would truly like, or if I have lost the connection with them and they are really wishing I hadn’t! If I had a wish for Christmas it would be that I could clone myself or be a millionaire so I can just fly off to see them all in person on Christmas day.

The Wish

I wish that this Christmas • I can see them all • I can talk to them all • I can share the experience with those who are with me • AND I CAN DO IT ALL FOR FREE!

THE SCATHINGLY BRILLIANT SOLUTION

Being a nerdette I came up with a technological answer.

Write a Simply Computers Skype Made Easy Step-By-Step Guide, upload it to the web and send the links to everyone! I have burnt the lessons to CD and I have bought everyone a webcam for Christmas with strict instructions to open them Christmas eve. I have remote assistance capabilities, so I can help them set it all up if they get stuck (some I inherited the techo genes from and others I didn’t).

CAN YOU DO THIS TOO? SURE! Why not? I will share the love, (just not on Christmas Eve as I will be a little busy).

1. Order the webcams now [on special click here]

2. Order your Skype Made Easy Step-By-Step Guide CD

3. email me for HELP mycomptuter@gmail.com

ITs easy when you know how

Merry Christmas

Kim-Denyse

INTERNET SECURITY: VIRUSES ; Malware Made Easy

INTERNET SECURITY: VIRUSES & Malware

Know Thy Enemy

In very short space of time computer technology has ever changed the way we work and play. From word processing to email to surfing the World Wide Web, the brief history of personal computers abounds in advances in processing power, productivity, and entertainment which have radically affected our everyday lives.

Whilst we are struggling to keep up, others are taking advantage and working on ways to capitalise on our vulnerability and separate us from our money.

PandaLabs recently conducted a research study on Identity Theft Malware.

The report contained some chilling statistics:

PandaLabs scanned 67 million devices in 2008

• More than 10 million of those were infected with some form of spyware designed to steal personal information.
• Only 35 % of all these devices had updated antivirus programs installed.
• In the United States, personal data retrieval spyware affected more than 3 million people in 2008.
• In the 2nd half of 2008, malware infections grew by a frightening 800%, compared to the 1^st half.
• PandaLabs estimates the infection rate of ID theft spyware will increase 339% per month in 2009.

Therefore if you are a regular Internet user, you need to protect yourself from potential threats (or Malware) to your Internet security.

The first step is to know your enemy.

One of these enemies is Spyware… 

 

 

SPYWARE

What is Spyware?

Spyware is a software program that you unwittingly downloaded into your computer and sends information back to the people who developed it.

Who Develops Spyware?

Spyware developers are people like marketing companies who are interested in your system details, your Internet surfing habits and your contacts list. Others are even more dangerous as they are looking to find out your passwords and login information when you are shopping online or doing your banking.

One tell tale sign that you have spyware on your computer is pop-up ads randomly appearing on your screen.

How did it Happen?

Spyware developers capitalise on your fear, need for protection and wanting your computer to operate at its optimum level.  Therefore it’s easy to accidentally install spyware as it comes along with a free software download often disguised as a game, an animation (like an emoticon), an antivirus program or a registry cleanup booster.

Once you have downloaded the program into your computer they may even ask you for money, and oftentimes even though you pay, the program will never work. This means that they have now not only installed spyware on your computer, they have your credit card details as well.

The newly installed spyware operates in your registry in the background where you can’t see it, and constantly gathers information sending it back for nefarious use.

Is It Legal?

Spyware is against the law … sort of

There are laws against installing software on a computer without the user’s consent but…

The problem is that you can inadvertently consent to spyware being included when you download and install free utilities or games. For instance when you click on the Next button to install software, stating you have read and understand the end user license agreement, you’re allowing spyware to go to work on your computer.

These software developers are very clever cookies. They can legally cover themselves by often describing the purpose of their software in the end user license agreement (EULA) which you agreed to during the installation process.  It will be in technical language that you can barely understand and when you click the I agree radio button, they can prove that you knew about the program’s purpose when you installed it. As a result there are software applications available that will read the license agreements for you and warn you through keywords and key phrases if there is a spyware risk.

 

 Other Types of Malware

There are many other kinds of invasive programs that can damage your computer and are designed to make your life miserable.

In its most harmless form, malware can collect data on your Web surfing activities and deliver ads for specific products or services that you commonly search for.  In its most destructive form malware can also turn your computer into a zombie, sending spam e-mail to all your contacts and beyond. Nowhere in can also take over your system and use it to store its own data such is illegal images.

Some malware programs will capture every keystroke and mouse click you perform and will follow you as you log into your bank account and other important sites.

Here are some definitions of Internet security terms to help you understand the threat:

Malware: (malicious software) A generic term used to define any software that secretly runs on a computer without your knowledge that causes harm. Therefore spyware can also be malware.

Adware: Lives on your computer without your knowledge. Evidence that adware is present on your computer is when a program you are running constantly produces pop-up ads. These ads will be tied to a specific advertiser and the aim is to discover your surfing habits and send you ads that you may be interested in clicking on.  Filling out Customer surveys are one of the most common forms of adware.

Virus: viruses are designed by people known as computer hackers. Hackers are computer programmers who write a malicious code that once installed through opening an infected e-mail, internet program download, CD, floppy disk or external memory drive can do such things as change your desktop settings, reassign file extensions or even destroy your entire hard drive. Viruses are often cleverly disguised as the aim is to spread the virus through taking advantage of the average computer user’s ignorance of how they work and what to recognise.

Viruses will be hidden in documents and designed to spread throughout files contained on a single computer and computers on a network, bearing in mind the largest network of computers in the world is the Internet. A Hacker’s motivation is often just to see how far they can spread a virus and how much damage they can cause, often being just teenagers.

 

Worm:  A worm is a self reproducing program and is very similar to a virus as it spreads itself around a computer network duplicating itself as it spreads. While it does not infect other programs it can create multiple copies of itself who then create more copies of themselves. A worm also sometimes has the ability to avoid detection through changing its own profile information.

Worms are usually found on business networks and larger operating systems. As the infection multiplies throughout the network systems will become overloaded and then finally simply shut down.

Trojan: So named as this infection acts similarly to the Trojan horse of Greek mythology.  A Trojan can looked like something quite innocent, for example an update or program add-on. Trojan’s can gather information and send it back to the developer or it can perform malicious functions such as deleting files or racing your hard disk.

 

Cookie: Cookies aren’t considered to be malware, but they can be utilised by the unscrupulous to be used in a similar way. Everytime you click on the internet (especially on a shopping site), a cookie is created storing the data on your computer. When you start to fill out a form for instance and your name automatically appears in the ‘name field’ then this is a cookie that has been created previously. This is very convenient for you. Some websites will create cookies on your computer, stored in your cookies file, which allows them access to find out what you bought, how you paid for it, your personal information, and even the things you just looked at and didn’t buy.

 

Defend Yourself

No matter whether you are a home computer user or a business you need to protect your computer assets and personal information.

New Computer viruses, worms, and Trojan horses are  reported everyday, so it is imperative to know the best ways to protect yourself.

The best defence is offense when it comes to malware.

Taking action to avoid getting viruses and the like on your computer will help protect you from becoming a victim. This can be easier said than done and know that no matter you do, it is nearly impossible to avoid an infection at one time or other. This being said, there are a number of positive actions you can take to guard against the threat:

1. Set up automatic updates for Windows in your control panel. Critical updates designed to eliminate or avoid specific current malware threats are issued monthly by Microsoft. These will be automatically installed on to your computer for you.
2. Install an Anti-Virus Software Package and keep it updated at all times. Anti-virus software is a program that searches your computer’s hard drive, external drives such as CDs, floppy disks, and memory sticks as well as your email attachments for any known or potential viruses. It will not only identify them, and in the best products, remove them for you.

There are many of these available, the best of which are free.

Try www.freegrisoft.com for AVG or www.avast.com

Surprisingly it is recommended that the home user avoids those who charge money such as the most popular brands including Norton, Microsoft Defender, McAfee, Spybot Search & Destroy, and Trend Micro as they are not as efficient and are often the cause of computers malfunctioning or operating at an extraordinarily slower speed. Your Internet service provider may have their own or maybe able to recommended a solution as well

In order to stay protected, update your antivirus software by setting a regular schedule in the program itself (once or twice a week).

NB: There is a difference between updating and upgrading your software. Upgrading is usually where they want you to pay for a version that you are using for free. You NEVER have to Upgrade, but you MUST ALWAYS UPDATE.

1. Don’t download shareware (or anything else for that matter) from unknown sources. Look for providers of free utilities, such as www.download.com  
2. Read the end user license agreement before committing to the installation of software you are installing off the internet. If you have any doubts then do not install the software.
3. Don’t click on any pop-up or advertisement for free anti-spyware software upgrades. These are almost always fake, even if they have the logo of a well-known program. This is a very popular method used to distribute spyware and other malware. Instead go directly to the antivirus software company’s Web site and make sure it exists.
4. You can set your browser and operating system to a higher security level.  You should have these levels set to at least the medium setting or higher. More warning messages are a small price to pay for security.
5. Install a firewall and make sure it is turned on.
6. If you have a home network use a separate modem or router rather than sharing an Internet connection through just one in your computers.
7. Avoid strange looking websites. If they look questionable then don’t stick around. Be cautious when downloading files from the Internet.  This means don’t download files sent to you by strangers and make sure that the source of the file or program is legitimate . If in doubt, don’t download it at all or download the file to an external drive and scan it with your anti-virus software.
8. Don’t click on virus alerts that pop-up on your screen unexpectedly. Don’t even try to close it by clicking on the X. close it down by holding down the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys to launch your task manager. From the task manager dialog box, look down and click on the End Task button to close the window, instead. Then run a complete scan of your system using your antivirus software.
9. Never open an e-mail attachment if you’re uncertain of who sent it.
10. Don’t open email attachments if the subject lines seems strange or is unexpected.
11. Don’t have a reading pane open when you check your Junk Mail.

 

 

regular check ups by experts

As with any mechanical device or even the human body, your computer needs regular checks and servicing. If you haven’t had your computer checked for viruses in the last 12months, then it is highly recommended that you bring it in for a physical, especially if it seems to be running slower than usual, or things don’t seem quite right.

It is important to know that removing a Virus, Trojan or Worm can be a very involved process taking days of scanning and recovering of files

I don’t mean to scare you into this, but viruses are now an unfortunate fact of life and I am committed to keeping you safe and secure.

It is better to be safe than sorry

 

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Kim-Denyse

mycomptutor@gmail.com

www.mycomputertutor.net.au