There's an App for that…

As I begin to write today’s column I know that the local, outside temperature is 65° F., and it is also 43° F.  in Sierra Vista, AZ, where our son and his family are living. I know that because my “smartphone” has an app for that (app is short for application). In fact, my phone, an Apple iPhone 4g, seems to have an app for just about anything I can think of. I have apps for shopping lists, keeping track of daily expenditures, accessing email, viewing webpages, taking notes, looking up telephone numbers, finding businesses, and reading restaurant reviews, to name just a few.

Back in 2001 those of us with mobile phones used them for just one function — making and receiving phone calls. At that time another popular device was a Personal Digital Assistant, or PDA, which was actually a small, self-contained, handheld computers with built-in software for calendar, contact list, world clock, calculator, and note pad. Pagers were also popular in 2001, especially with business professionals, and it was fairly common to see someone with a cell phone, pager, and a PDA all clipped to their belt.

That began to change in 1999, when Research in Motion (RIM), a Canadian company, introduced an updated version of their Blackberry pager. The new Blackberry was a combination PDA and pager with a built-in, albeit tiny, QWERTY keyboard with the capability to send and receive email. The Blackberry became immensely popular, and in 2002 RIM introduced an updated Blackberry with the added capability for both voice and data transmission. The “smartphone” era had begun.

By 2006 the mobile phone market had changed drastically. Phones were becoming smaller, while at the same time increasing their diversity of  features, such as a contact list,  a calculator and a camera. These features were difficult to use on such a small device, and for serious “smartphone” users there was still only one real option, the Blackberry. Then, in January of 2007, Apple introduced the iPhone and the world of “smartphone” was instantly changed.

Apple’s phone featured a full size, touch-sensitive screen, made of scratch-resistant, liquid-crystal glass, with a high-resolution display, visual voice mail, and a two megapixel camera. In lieu of a physical keyboard, the iPhone featured a virtual QWERTY keyboard that filled the screen for typing and a virtual numeric keyboard for making phone calls.

What elevated the status of the iPhone were the many apps available for the device. The word app is short for application, but in terms of “smartphones”, apps are actually very small programs, each designed for a very specific task. While many apps access the web, they only connect to sites very specific to their task. The iPhone managed to carve a large market share, in spite of the limitation of being only available on the AT&T network — something that may have changed by the time this column is published. Reliable sources are expecting an iPhone announcement from Verizon the week of January 9.

Since 2007 the iPhone has been updated four times; the most recent iPhone was released last June. The newest iPhones are available with 16 or 32 gigabytes of memory, feature a five megapixel camera, and can connect to the internet through both a cellular network and WiFi. Until the first Android phones was introduced in 2009, the Apple iphone was the most versatile and efficient smartphone available. Android phones are very similar in appearance and function to the iPhone, and unlike the iPhone, are also available from a variety of carriers. 

As of this date there are more than 300,000 apps available for the iPhone and over 100,000 for Android phones, and there are many versions of the most popular apps that function on both platforms. In the coming weeks OnMouseClick will look more closely at apps, and how they can simplify your life. 

Making Facebook Yours…

FACEBOOK is many faceted, and as you use it you will discover numerous ways to customize it to fit your needs. One thing you will want to customize on your FACEBOOK page is a profile picture. 

Profile pictures appear in the top-left corner of the page and can be changed as often as you like. Most people choose a self-portrait, while others include pictures with family, friends, pets, or even a favorite landscape. My current profile picture is one of me with my two beautiful granddaughters, and the page of a good friend of mine features a picture of her cat.

To add a profile picture to your page, begin by choosing a photo on your computer hard drive. I suggest a close-up photo that will show up well in a small, thumbnail size. Open your FACEBOOK page and click the EDIT PROFILE button in the top right-hand corner. If at first you don’t see an EDIT PROFILE button, click on your name on the on the right side of the blue bar at the top of the screen.

The first screen to appear is BASIC INFORMATION, which can be filled in if you choose. Along the left side of the screen are other choices, one of which is PROFILE PICTURE. Choose PROFILE PICTURE and you will see an empty box just waiting for your picture. Depending on the browser you are using, you will see either a CHOOSE FILE or BROWSE button — click on it and navigate to the image you want to upload. After you have selected your image, click on OPEN or CHOOSE (again, which one you see depends on the browser you are using), and the photo will upload to your FACEBOOK page. Click on the HOME button and you will be back on your WALL page.

Your PROFILE PICTURE is now in place and you are ready to tackle adding comments and pictures for your FACEBOOK “friends” to see. Comments are what you want to say, and for every comment you can choose to add one photo, or a group of photos which will then be grouped together into an album.

To add a comment click in the dialog box at the top of the page that contains the words “What’s on your mind?” Type your comment and then click on ADD PHOTO / VIDEO. You will then be given the option of uploading a single photo (or video) or creating a photo album. If you choose to upload a single photo, navigate to the photo (or video) you want to upload, just as you did for the profile picture. If you choose album, navigate to the folder that contains your images (all of the photos must be in the same folder on your hard drive), and shift click on the photos you want to add to the album (by shift clicking you can select multiple photos at one time). Click on CHOOSE or OPEN (depending on your browser) and the album will be added to FACEBOOK and attached to your current comment.

If anyone has specific questions about using FACEBOOK, email them to me at onmouseclick@digitalquinn.com. The subject of next week’s OnMouseClick will be making video calls with SKYPE and YAHOO

A Primer for 21st Century Technology…

Happy New Year! We are now into the second decade of the twenty-first century. Just before New Years IBM published “Five Innovations That Will Change Our Lives in the Next Five Years.” As I read through the listed innovations, I thought they sounded pretty far fetched, but then I had to admit that much of the technology we are using today did not exist five years ago, and technology we used just ten years ago seems like a distant memory. In 2001 many households did not own a computer, the majority of people used the internet for little more than sending and receiving email, and social networking meant meeting new people at your boss’s Christmas party.

Fast forward ten years, and much has changed. Computers have evolved into a myriad of ubiquitous devices, and there have been major changes in the way we use traditional computers. To help bring TR residents up-to-date, I plan to devote the 2011 OnMouseClick columns to some of the aspects of technology that we couldn’t even imagine ten years ago.

To begin with, I made a list terms that you may or may not be familiar with. The words are listed here, and I will be defining them in my January and February columns. If you can think of something I missed, please let me know. You can email me at lsquinn@digitalquinn.com, or leave a message on the OnMouseClick blog at onmouseclick.blogspot.com

smartphone

iPad

iPod

iPhone

Android

Google

tablet computer

social networking 

Facebook

Twitter

texting

cloud storage

apps

social coupons

Groupon

eReader

eBooks

Kindle

blog

podcasts

IM

The first word on the list is “smartphone,” which is just what it sounds like — a phone is more than a phone. “Smatphones” can, among other things, send and receive email, display webpages, and display a personal calendars and address books.  Next week’s OnMouseClick will be devoted to “smartphones;” their evolution, how they work, and how they can be used effectively.

This week I want to share with you a website that you might not be familiar with, www.groupon.com. By definition, “Groupon” is a deal-of-the-day website, localized to major markets in the United States. “Groupon” enlists business to offer discounts that can be purchased online and redeemed at a later date. Once you register your email address and location, you receive a daily email with a local offer.

I’ve been receiving Groupon emails for a few months, and while I have only taken advantage of one offer, several others have been tempting. The one I did purchase was in New York, shortly before we left home. An outstanding bakery in a nearby town offered a $20 coupon for $10. I made the purchase online and printed the coupon. When I visited the bakery, just before we left for Florida, I bought $20 of breads and goodies for the trip south. Total cost to me was $10!

Now that we are in Florida I have opted to receive email offers in the Tampa area.  Today’s offer was for two hours worth of bowling, including shoe rental for up to four people at Liberty Lanes in Largo. Included for $29 was a large pizza and pitcher of soda. According to the email, the actual value of the offer was $61. A pretty good deal, if only I liked to bowl and it was closer to TR! 

This week - no online post…

I don't have this week's OnMouseClick available to post online, because… I had to write the column in longhand when my computer went on the fritz. The column appears in the March 5 edition of the TR Times, but it does not appear on my computer. The online OnMouseClick will be back next week. My computer has been repaired and is back in service. As you can imagine I really, really, missed it!

A change of plans…

If you read OnMouseClick last week, you know that this week’s column was supposed to be about optimizing your computer to run at the fastest speed possible. Instead, I am going to write about something that should be of concern to everyone who uses the internet — which I expect is almost all of us.

No matter what type of internet connection you use, the browser software installed on your computer deciphers code that is sent over the internet and creates the web pages displayed on your screen. If you use a PC running under Windows, there is a good possibility that the browser on your computer is Microsoft Internet Explorer, and by using it you could be placing your computer, and the vital information on your computer, at risk. A serious security flaw was discovered in all versions of Microsoft Internet Explorer, but this problem is most serious for users of an older version, Internet Explorer 6 running under Window XP.

In laymen’s terms, the vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer  can allow a hacker* to enter your computer remotely and at the very least cause the computer to crash. What has proved most troubling about the problem is that Microsoft was apparently aware of this problem in September, but it released a fix only after the media reported that computers at GOOGLE were attacked by Chinese hackers. It is widely believed that the security breach was possible because of a flaw in Internet Explorer.

While Microsoft has released a software update to fix the problem, your best alternative against future problems is to keep your browser software updated regularly. The most current version of Microsoft Internet Explorer is version 8, which runs on both Windows Vista and Windows 7. The pervious version, Internet Explorer version 7, runs on Windows XP and Vista. While the flaw in Windows Internet Explorer appeared in all versions of the software, the newer operating systems, Vista and Windows 7, protect computer systems in a more robust manner, and version 6 of the software was the most vulnerable.  

An alternative to upgrading to a newer version of Internet Explorer is to use one of the other available browsers, the most popular of which is Firefox. Firefox is very powerful, sports a user friendly interface, and and most users who have switched to Firefox claim they would never use Microsoft’s Internet Explorer again. As with all browser software, security flaws are periodically discovered in Firefox, but the developer, Mozilla, has been very proactive in identifying and patching the flaws. 

There are three other browsers in common use, Safari, Chrome and Opera. Originally designed by Apple as part of the OS X operating system, Safari now runs on both Windows and Mac computers. Google recently introduced Chrome, which has been gaining popularity since its release in July, and the final browser choice is Opera, a little know, but powerful application that is more popular for mobile devices. 

Whichever browser you choose to use, be sure to check for updates on a regular basis. Most browser updates are released for security purposes and by not keeping your browser software current, you are putting your computer, and the vital information stored on your computer, at risk.

Firefox, Safari, Chrome, and Opera are all available as free downloads for Windows and Mac: Firefox (current version 3.6) www.mozilla.com/firefox, Safari version 4 www.apple.com/safari, Chrome version 5 beta www.google.com/chrome, and Opera 10.10 www.opera.com. 

*Hacker is a computer programmer who breaks into a computer systems and attempts to steal, change or destroy information.

Faster please, faster…

American is a fast paced society, and even us “retired” folks like things to work fast, especially when it comes to our computers. A complaint I often hear is “what can I do to make my computer run faster,” or “my computer seems to be running much slower than it used to.” This week’s OnMouseClick will attempt to analyze what makes a computer fast, or slow and next week I will describe what we can do to ascertain if our computers are running at their optimum speed.

At the heart of all computers is the microprocessor, and the speed at which it executes instructions is known as clock speed.  For some perspective, one gigahertz (GHz) is approximately a billion cycles per second, and a megahertz (MHz) is approximately one million cycles per second. In 1990 a fast computer ran at 4.47MHz per second, while today the slowest computers run at least 1GHz.  The higher the number of gigahertz, the more instructions a computer can execute per second, and the faster the computer will operate. Most of the computers on the market today operate at 1.2GHz to 3 GHz. However, the clock speed number is not the only variable in determining how fast a microprocessor preforms, nor is it necessarily the most accurate. Another variable to consider is if the microprocessor is a single or dual-core processor (as mentioned in an earlier column, some expensive computer also have quad-core processors). In simple terms, in a single-core system streams of information must be processed one at a time, while a dual-core system can processes two different streams of information simultaneously, speeding up the entire processes.

I am often asked if adding RAM (random access memory) will make a computer run faster, and the answer is a qualified yes. Most of today’s computers come with one or two gigabytes of memory installed, which is enough for doing basic tasks. However, if you regularly operate several programs at once, open a multitude of web pages, or work on photo, video, or audio editing, you put a strain on the installed RAM. When the computer requires more memory than installed, it 

resorts to using a portion of the hard drive as a virtual memory location, which slows down system performance. When more RAM is installed, the computer will run more efficiently, and will seem to run faster. 

The only problem with installing large amounts of RAM is that software cannot always take advantage of the increased memory. Computer systems run in either 32 or 64-bit mode, and 64-bit systems handle data more efficiently, and are capable of managing large amounts of memory. An apt analogy is to think of a highway—a 64-lane highway can handle many more cars than a 32-lane highway, but controlling the larger highway can be an onerous job. And so it is with with computing; system software must be optimized to run in 64-bit mode. The most current version of Windows, as with Vista before it, comes in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions, and which you install depends on the configuration of your computer.

Not all applications will run in 64-bit mode. If you are running current versions of software, you should not have any problems, but if you are running older applications (two or more years old) they may not work on a 64-bit system. If you are using an older application, check with the publisher to see if a newer version of the software is available. If you plan to upgrade to a Windows system, make sure you install the correct version for you system.

The question of 32 and 64-bit bit simpler for Macintosh users, since all recent Macs are 64-bit systems. The most recent operating system, OS X 1.6 (Snow Leopard) runs in 64-bit mode, but it is capable of running both 32 and 64-bit applications.

As promised in the TR Times ,the digital version of this column includes directions for finding out if  is 64-bit mode capable and if the installed version of Windows is 32 or 64-bit.

Is your computer 32-bit or 64-bit? Follow these steps to find out (works in Windows XP, Vista, & 7):

1. Open the START menu and select All PROGRAMS -> ACCESSORIES -> SYSTEM TOOLS -> SYSTEM INFORMATION
2. System Information will display information about your computer system in a SYSTEM SUMMARY. Look for the SYSTEM TYPE item.
3. SYSTEM TYPE will show one of the following:
• x86-based PC — this is a 32-bit computer system
• x64-based PC — this is a 64-bit computer system

My computer is 64-bit, how do I know Windows is running in 64-bit? Windows 7 runs on both system, so if you are running Window 7 on a 64-bit machine, you are good to go. For Vista and XP follow these directions:

1. Right-click on MY COMPUTER or COMPUTER, and then click on PROPERTIES.
2. If you see x65 Edition under SYSTEM you are running the 65-bit version of Window. If you do not see this, then you are running the 32-bit version.

If you want to upgrade your computer's memory, I recommend checking out the online memory reseller, Crucial. I have purchased from Crucial and the memory they sell is first-rate and their prices cannot be beat.

Looking into the crystal ball…

In the year 2000 the world was well into the information age, but I don’t think any of us could have foreseen the impact of technology at the end of the decade. Who would have imagined that by 2010 most of us would be doing our banking online, and that we could pay bills with the press of a key instead of by writing a check. An entire music library can be stored on an iPod, a device no bigger than a playing card and listened to at home, in the car, and in the gym. Thousands of books, magazines and newspapers can be stored on a digital reader like the Kindle, and new reading material can be downloaded in a matter of seconds. The internet has become ubiquitous, and for those of us with smart phones we can access it just about everywhere. 

Television sets are no longer picture tubes encased in cabinetry. They are the center of the home entertainment system with large, flat screens that can hang on the wall and display pictures in high definition. Most of the time our televisions are tuned into cable, which in most areas (TR cable excluded) means hundreds of available channels, even though there are times when little is worth watching! 

Playing movies on your TV has changed from VCR tapes to DVD discs to high definition Blu_ray discs.  It is now possible to stream movies and TV shows directly from the internet with a specially configured TV or attached Blu-ray player.  Video on demand is available for a per-movie fee from Amazon and Blockbuster, and unlimited streaming is part of a Netflix account. Eddie and I joined Netflix and bought a Blu-ray player two weeks ago, and we have been streaming movies directly to our TV ever since. 

We no longer get lost while driving, thanks to the GPS systems in our cars. Input the desired destination and the GPS system triangulates your current location and plots a route. Directions are given by voice (our’s is named Gertrude) and by a map display on the GPS screen. We also have satellite radios in our cars, and like cable TV choices, have a “limitless” choice of broadcasts that does not fade in or out while we travel. Live sports events back home, like the Yankees baseball games, are easily available, sometimes as part of a package or for an extra fee. Imagine a radio channel dedicated to Frank Sinatra available anytime, anywhere.

Finally, digital cameras have completely replaced film. The cameras we use today are much smaller than the ones we used a decade ago, produce higher quality pictures, and come with built-in features such as image stabilization, face recognition and high definition video.

Looking into the crystal ball, what will technology bring us in the future? Television sets may be things of the past, and will be replaced by an all-in-one large-screen device that plays television, streams movies, plays music, connects to the internet, and wirelessly uploads photos and videos from our cameras. It will also function as a closed circuit video device showing our home and surrounding property. Cars will not only have built-in GPS systems, but they will have built-in telephones and computer connections. The GPS will be able to read real-time traffic reports and make route adjustment reflecting up-to-the-minute changes in traffic conditions. 

I don’t really have a crystal ball, and the technology described in the previous two paragraphs are, in fact, reality today. Smart homes have been built and auto manufactures have already introduced cars with the features described. A hint of the future was introduced by Apple CEO Steve Jobs on January 27 when he showed the world the iPad. The iPad, to be released in late March, is a tablet computer with a ten-inch touch screen weighing just over one pound. It is designed to provide information in a variety of ways; it will function as an e-book reader, like the Kindle, but it also can display video, browse the web, store and play music, and constantly update the front page of your favorite newspaper. It is too soon to tell if the iPad is going to become the next “it” device, but there is little doubt that it is a harbinger of the direction our digital life is going. It is an exciting time and the future promises major changes in our home, school, office, car and maybe some day here at TR.

I invite you to visit my photo blog at lindaslens.blogspot.com, My goal for 2010 is to post 365 photo and to share tips on getting better photos, 

All things Apple…

The first three OnMouseClick columns of the season discussed the necessary decision process if you choose to buy a new computer running Windows. Today’s column is all about Apple computers.

If you have an older Mac that still works well, what would make you consider buying a new one? If your hardware works fine, then you need to take a look at the software. Over the years, as computers have become more and more sophisticated, software has had to be upgraded, and even redesigned to keep pace. From 1993 to 2006 Macintosh computer were built around a Power PC microprocessor. In 2006 Apple introduced the first Macintosh with an Intel processor. The new processor has the ability to run faster, cooler and more efficiently, with the added advantage of being able to run Microsoft Windows and Windows based programs.

At the time the version of Macintosh operating system was OS X (pronounced O S TEN), version 10.4—code name Tiger. Apple introduces an upgrade of the operating system approximately every eighteen months, and in October of 2007 OS X 10.5 (Leopard) was released. Both Tiger and Leopard were backwardly compatible, and thus continued to work with both Power PC and Intel processors, and the software designed to work with them. Last August Apple released OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard), and support for Macs powered by the Power PC processor was eliminated. Anyone still using a Power PC Mac cannot run the most current operating system, nor can the computer run versions of software designed to work with OS X 10.6. Apple introduced many new features with Leopard, features that were refined with Snow Leopard. To take advantage of these features, a computer must be capable of running Snow Leopard. 

For anyone who wants a Mac, but also needs be able to run Windows software, an Intel Mac gives them that option. OS X comes with a program named Boot Camp, which enables the user to operate both the Macintosh and Windows operating systems and to decide which system to load at startup. There is also software available that allows you to run both Mac OS X and Windows simultaneously, with Windows appearing in a window on the Macintosh desktop.

Once you make the decision to upgrade, the choices are fairly simple. Unlike Windows, there is only one current version of Mac OS X. Whether you choose a desktop (iMac, Mac Mini or Mac Pro) or laptop (MacBook, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air) they all come with the exact same operating system installed.

If you are looking for a desktop computer, the most obvious choice is an iMac. An elegant, all-in-one computer and screen, there are four models, two with 21.5 inch screens and two with 27 inch screens. All four computers include four gigabytes (GB) of memory and either a 500GB or one terabyte (TB) hard drive (suffice to say that a 1 TB drive is very big), priced from $1,199 to $1999.

There are two distinct lines of Macintosh Laptops, the thirteen inch MacBook that comes with two gigabytes of memory and a 250GB hard drive with a base price $999, or the more powerful MacBook Pro. The MacBook pro comes in three sizes, a thirteen inch, 15 inch and 17 inch model. All but the lowest end model comes with four gigabytes of memory and range in price from $1,199 to $2,499. 

The best advice I can give anyone considering purchasing a new Mac is to visit one of the area Apple Stores, located in the International Mall near the airport or in Brandon Town Center. Plan to spend some time trying out each computer and choosing the one that is right for you.  After you make your purchase, you can get  help from the Mac users group, which meets on Tuesday’s at seven o’clock in the Citrus Center. 

Library on the go with digital book readers…

Today’s column deals with reading e-books on digital devices, but first I want to take time for a public service reminder — back-up your computer’s hard drive on a regular basis. The other day I received a phone call from a fellow Macintosh user at TR, asking if I had any suggestion for a problem they were having. After explaining what had happened, it seem apparent that the hard drive was not functioning. I asked if they had been backing up their drive, and the answer was no! Everyone should be making regular backups. All versions of Windows include a backup and restore function, and Mac OS X version 10.5 and later includes a program called Time Machine to preform automatic backups. While the backup programs generally backup everything on your drive, you can also backup critical data and photo files by periodically dragging them to an external drive, flash drive, or burning to a CD or DVD. Whatever method you chose, remember that it is only a matter of time before your drive fails or causes other problems, and you will be glad you were prepared.

I have always been a voracious reader, and next to my side of the bed in our RV you can usually find a stack of books. At home in New York I seldom leave our public library without five or six books to read, and when we travel I always try to prepare a stockpile of reading material for the trip. So it is no surprise that the idea of a portable, digital reader intrigued me. 

The concept of reading books, magazines and newspapers on digital devices is not new, but it has only recently caught on with the buying public. Reading print material on a computer screen is not easy on the eyes, and you cannot curl up with a computer, but digital readers are small, compact devices that are not much bigger than a paperback novel—only without the pages. As we begin 2010, there are many such devices on the market, with many more scheduled for release in the coming months. The one that has thus far captured the most attention and sales is the Amazon Kindle. Eddie gave me a Kindle for Christmas, and after a month of using it I can unequivocally say that I love it!

The original Kindle, released in November of 2007, featured a 6 inch (diagonal) 4-level grayscale display and could hold approximately 200 books. The current version of the device, the Kindle 2, was released last February and features a 16-level grayscale display, improved battery life, faster page refreshing, a text-to-speech option, thinner than the original model, can store approximately 1,500 books and is nothing short of amazing.

Reading material is downloaded to the Kindle through Amazon’s Whispernet network, included with every device. After registering a credit card at Amazon.com, you visit the Kindle Store from the Kindle’s main menu, chose a book, and it instantly is downloaded. When you finish reading a book you can leave on your Kindle or delete it. All deleted material will be archived in your Amazon account and can be downloaded again at any time.

The Kindle does not feature a touch screen. Instead there are a few, conveniently located button that control the device. It also has a full keyboard for entering text in a search box. There is also a built in dictionary for word definitions, and you can even access the internet through the Whispernet wireless connection.

There are reported to be over 400,000 books available for download, with most releases, both fiction and nonfiction, costing $9.99. Some books are actually priced less, and there is also a plethora of older books in the public domain, many of them classics, that can be downloaded for free. Paperback trade books, such as how-to-books on digital photography, will cost more, but are priced between 40% and 60% off the publishers list price. You can also subscribe to over ninety newspapers and magazines. I have a subscription to the New York TImes and a new issue is downloaded automatically to my Kindle every morning.

As nice as it is to have access to such a large body of reading material, what makes the Kindle stand out is readability. The screen uses a technology called electronic paper and is extremely easy on the eyes. The text can be adjusted to six different sizes, and the margins can be adjusted to show fewer words per line. 

If you like to read, and want to have a library at your fingertips, a digital reader may be in your future. In addition to the Kindle, Sony sells the Sony reader, and a number of other digital readers are scheduled for release in 2010. The most anxiously awaited is the Nook from Barnes and Noble. The Nook was supposed to be available before Christmas, but the current release date is projected for February 12.

The Kindle is available exclusively from Amazon.com and currently sells for $259. 

Buying a New Computer - Part Two

Under the Hood
Before I get into the topic of today’s column, I want to give an endorsement to a relatively new TR Times advertiser — On Q Smokehouse Grill.  I saw the ad for On Q in the January 8 issue of the TR Times and Eddie and I decided to give it a try. Located in a converted house on the corner of State Road 52 in St. Leos, its small parking lot fills up fast. After trying the barbecued ribs we can see why this new restaurant is so popular. The ribs, and everything that came with them, were delicious. The service was friendly and efficient and the prices are very reasonable. Treat yourself and give On Q a try!

Last week’s column covered what decisions you need to make about the outside of a computer when shopping for a new one. This week we will look at what is “under the hood.” With the improvements in desktop/laptop computers over the past several years, almost any computer you buy will most probably meet your needs. The notable exception is with the NETBOOKS that have become popular over the past year. Not to be confused with laptops, netbooks are smaller and weigh less than laptops. Their small size is what makes them desirable, especially for frequent air travelers, but to make the computers extremely compact, manufactures have  sacrificed memory, processing power and storage space.

The heart of every computer is the CPU (central processing unit), which is controlled by a microprocessor. Microprocessors found in most computers today are made by two companies, Intel and AMD (Advanced Micro Devices), and both have received good reviews. Both companies feature several types of microprocessors with many different names, something that can be very confusing to the novice computer shopper. Basically, what you need to know is that there are three main types processors to consider: single, dual and quad core processing units (single computer chips with either one, two or four distinct processing units).  While quad core is  targeted at the high-end desktops market,  dual-core processors are found in many laptop and desktop computers, and provide increased processing power (over single) that is needed in everyday computing tasks.

The speed of microprocessors varies from approximately 1.2 GHz (gigahertz) to over 3 GHz. To put the speed in perspective, unless you work with intense number crunching or high end image or video editing, even the lower processing speeds will be more than adequate. 

The total amount of random access memory (RAM) is another consideration. While some computers still come with only one gigabyte of RAM, the minimum you should consider is two gigabytes, with four gigabytes being preferable. Why do you want so much memory? Because the more RAM, the better performance you will get from your computer. Windows 7 operating system requires a minimum of one gigabyte of RAM, but it works much more efficiently with two gigabytes. Purchasing a computer with four gigabytes of RAM sets your computer up to be ready for future operating system upgrades and software.

Finally, today’s computer processors are either 32-bit or 64-bit capable. The terms 32-bit and 64-bit refers to the way the processor handles information, and 64-bit systems can handle larger amounts of RAM — if you will be installing more than four gigabytes of memory you must have a 64-bit system. However, if you plan on running older versions of software and/or connecting older peripherals to your new computer, a 32-bit system is a better option.

You also want to give some thought to the storage capacity of the internal hard drive. On the low end are 120 gigabyte hard drives and on the high end are one terabyte (think 1,000 gigabytes) drives. Most computer will come with 320 GB or 500 GB drives and both have more than adequate amount of space for most users.

Other things you need to take into consideration are the number of USB ports (two minimum), a wireless internet card (802.11a/b/g/n), an ethernet port (to connect with a network), and a DVD-RW/CD-RW drive (plays and writes both DVD and CD discs). An additional feature you should consider is a webcam for video chats with friends and family back home. Finally, if you have a digital video camera, check to see if you need a IEEE 1394 port (also known as FireWire) to connect the camera to the computer. 

Your final consideration should be the operating system installed on your computer. If you are buying a Windows based computer, be sure that Windows Home Premium is pre-installed. If you want to become more educated on any of the features mentioned in today’s column, spend a little time searching the internet. Good places to start are www.ehow.com and www.wikipedia.org. Knowledgeable sales people may also be able to help (when you can find them), but remember, their main goal is to make a sale.

Buying a New Computer - Part One

Laptop or Desktop?

Are ready to buy a new computer? Today’s column will cover the external computer hardware. Next week’s column will discuss processor speed, memory, and hard drive storage, and operating systems.


You need to make a major decision before you start shopping. Do you want a laptop or desktop computer? If you currently use a laptop, then you will probably want to replace it with another laptop. However, if you have always used a desktop computer, you might be surprised to learn that today’s laptops can compete quite effectively with desktop computers in both memory capacity and processing speed.

The major advantages of desktop computer are the larger screen and sturdy keyboard. The negative to them is the size, especially if you live in a confined space like many of us at Travelers Rest. Both my husband Eddie and I use laptop computer all year round. I use a 17” Macbook Pro, and Eddie recently traded a 17” Acer running Windows XP for a new Dell Studio 17” running Windows 7. We both like the ease of using a laptop and being able to take it with us wherever we go. At home in New York Eddie attaches a second, external LCD monitor to his laptop, giving him additonal screen space.

Whichever style of computer you chose, you need to decide on the screen size. Screen size is measured on the diagonal, and the most common laptop screens are 13”, 15”, and 17”,  although there are some laptops with 12”, 14”, 16” , and even 18” screens. My personal recommendation is that if you using a laptop as your primary computer, buy a 17” screen. If, on the other hand, you plan to do a lot of air travel, or the laptop is going to be a second computer, consider a one of the smaller sizes. If you are buying a desktop computer you have your choice of LCD monitor sizes, starting at 20” and going up to 30”. The typical desktop system comes with a 20” or 24” screen.

Regardless of whether you use a laptop or desktop, you need to be aware of screen resolution. Screen resolution refers to the number of horizontal and vertical pixels that make up the image on the screen. The higher the resolution, the more pixels can fit on the screen. Previously, the standard resolution was 800 pixels horizontal by 600 pixels vertical. Today you are more likely to see screen resolutions of 1024 x 768 or 1600 x 1200. Higher resolution monitors present an extremely clear image, but the image (including text) may be too small for comfortable viewing.

The only way to decide which monitor/computer is best for you is to try before you buy. Plan a window shopping excursion to a store with a large computer department. If you plan on buying a Windows PC, a good place to visit is the Best Buy in Wesley Chapel. Only eighteen miles down I-75, the store has wide variety of computers on display. If you are considering a Macintosh, plan to visit one of the Apple stores either in Tampa, at the International Plaza, or in Brandon at the Brandon Town Center.

Take your time looking at the screens to see which size and resolution works for you. While you are previewing monitors, take some time to get the feel of the different keyboards. If you are planning to buy a laptop, try out the touch pad as well. Most laptop feature a touchpad, which works by dragging a finger across the pad, in place of a mouse. However, both a USB or wireless mouse can be used with laptops.

Write down the names of the computers you like best and in next week’s OnMouseClick column, I will discuss processor speed, memory, hard drive capacities, and operating systems. 

2010 Begins…

Are you ready for a new decade?

Welcome back to a new year, a new decade, and another season of OnMouseClick columns. OnMouseClick strives to keep its readers informed and up-to-date on computers and technology — something that often seems like an impossible task in our fast moving world.

Some of you are probably using a computer that you have had for many years. As far as you are concerned, it works just fine — until something goes wrong. I cannot count the number of times someone has asked my advice on whether they should have an older computer fixed or buy a new one. If the answer to the question, “How old is your computer?”, is five or more years, I immediately answer “Buy a new one.” With the introduction of Windows 7 last October, I would even be tempted to recommend a new computer to anyone who uses a PC (a computer running the Windows operating system) running any Windows operating system older than Vista. (In this column I am only going to be discussing computers running Windows. Macintosh computers will be discussed in a later column.)

When something goes wrong with an older computer, it can be very difficult to repair. Replacement parts are sometimes impossible to find, and the software that will run on older machines is woefully out of date. If you have a computer running an older version of Windows, and your operating system becomes corrupted, you will need to reinstall this system from the disk that came with the computer. There is a good chance that the disks cannot be found, and it is practically impossible to find replacements for out of date Windows system disks.

Other problems occur with peripherals, such as printers, scanners and digital cameras. Newer models of these devices will not work with older computer systems. Printers are relatively inexpensive, and when one stops working it is usually more cost effective to buy a new one. However, if your computer is more than a few years old, there is a good chance that a new printer will not work with your computer. Likewise, if you get a new digital camera, don’t expect to be able to download your photos onto an old computer.

Finally, it is important to understand the versatility of a new computer verses an older one. The processing speed of computers has increased exponentially over the past several years. While you may have access to high speed internet, if your computer operates slowly, you will not be able to take advantage of this speed. Web browsers, the software that allows you to view internet sites on your computer, have all been updated and create a conundrum. If you are running an older browser, you will not be able to take advantage of all the internet has to offer, and if you are working on an older machine, you cannot use modern browsers.

The Windows operating system itself has also changed radically. The interface is much easier to use and the built-in safe guards against viruses, spam, adware, and spyware are much better than they were even a year ago. If you do any online banking or shopping, it is imperative that you have the most up-to-date protections available, which are included in Windows 7. If you are already using Windows Vista, upgrading to Windows7 should be relatively easy. However, if you are running Windows XP or earlier (which means your computer is more than three years old), upgrading to Window 7 is a very involved process, and it might be a good time to decide on buying a new computer instead.

If you are using one of these older computer systems, I hope that today’s column has given you something to think about. In next weeks column I will make a shopping list of what to look for when buying a new Window computer system.

In addition to making this column available online,  I also write a photo blog at LindasLens.blogspot.com. My goal is to post one of my photographs every day in 2010. I also plan to feature some tips for digital photographers, so please take a look when you can. As of January 8 eight photos have been posted, with only 357 to go!

Maintenance Schedule Follow-up…

In last week’s column I outlined a simple maintenance routine to help keep your computer in good, running condition. This week I am answering a few questions about backing up your files.

Q. Can you be more specific about the backup routine?

A. A regular back up routine should be twofold. First, you need to make regular backups of your entire hard drive, and for this you will need an external hard drive that is larger than your internal drive. Hard drive prices are the lowest they have ever been — a 500 GB drive can be found for under $100. How to make backups was the subject of the February 8, 2008 OnMouseClick, which you can read online at http://onmouseclick.blogspot.com/2008/02/backup-now.html.
Second, you should also back up digital photographs whenever you download them from your camera. All photos that you want to keep should have at least one backup — photos you absolutely do not want to lose should have two or more backups.
It is also a good idea to keep one copy of your backup files in a alternate location such as..... If something happens to your home or trailer, at least your files will be safe.

Q. Should I back up my photo files to CDs, DVDs, or an external hard drive?

A. You could consider CD or DVD media, but you should be aware of their limitations. Until a few years ago, it was thought that data stored on CD and/or DVD media would last 20, 30, 40 years or longer. It has been discovered that CD and DVD media may not as reliable as once thought. The bottom line? If you use CD and DVD media, it is important to buy quality discs, store them upright in a jewel cases, use non solvent-based markers to write on the label side of the disc, and store discs at moderate temperatures with low humidity.

With low external hard drive prices, the best choice for all your backups maybe one or more external hard drives. A large (250 GB or larger) drive can hold tens of thousands of photo files, and it is very simple to add additional files at any time,

Q. How often should I schedule my backups?

A. If you make a lot of changes to the files on your computer, you should be backing up daily. Using an automated backup program, such as Apple’s TimeMachine or Windows Backup, you can have your files backup on a regular, automatic schedule. Digital photo files should be backed up whenever you download new photos from your camera.

Happy New Year Everyone…

For 2009 OnMouseClick will be featuring a question and answer (or Q&A) format. If you have a technology related question you would like to see answered, please submit it to Linda Quinn at Box 9-10, or via email at OnMouseClick@digitalquinn.com. And now, for the first question of 2009:

Q. It is a new year and I am a making a resolution to keep my computer running in tip-top condition. Any suggestions?

A. An excellent question for the start of 2009. Everyone knows that if you don’t change the oil in your car you are in for trouble, you have to mow your lawn to keep your property looking good, and you have to eat right to stay healthy — but do you know what you have to do to keep your computer in good, running condition? Setup a simple maintenance routine for your computer and you won’t be sorry. This week’s column will outline the routine. Next week OnMouseClick will cover specific software, products, and techniques to use in your maintenance routine.

1. BACK UP YOUR DATA — As it has been said many times, it is not “if” your hard drive fails, but “when.” Making regular back ups of the data on your hard drive is an essential part of any maintenance schedule.

2. RESTART YOUR COMPUTER — Many computer users select a sleep mode instead of turning the computer off every time they use it. Using the sleep mode works well, but after a while (how long a while depends on how much you use your computer) you may notice the performance of the computer slowing down. Restarting the computer cleans out the memory cache, removes temporary files, and refreshes the operating system. It cannot hurt to restart your computer once a day.

3. RELAUNCH WEB BROWSER — Web browsers are memory hogs. The longer they run, the more RAM they use. Even if you are not restarting your computer, it is a good idea to relaunch your browser after using it for an extended period.

4. EMPTY THE TRASH OR RECYCLE BIN — When you “throw” a file in the trash or recycle bin it is not removed from you hard drive until you empty the trash. Until then the files remain on the drive, taking up precious room. You should empty your trash once a week.

5. KEEP SOFTWARE UP-TO-DATE — Software publishers regularly release updates to fix bugs, resolve incompatibilities, and add new features. You want to make sure you are running the most recent versions of your software for the best performance.

6. FREE UP DISK SPACE — While emptying the TRASH or RECYCLE BIN will get rid of unwanted files, you probably have many files on your hard drive that you rarely use but you do not want to throw away. Burn these extraneous files on a CD or DVD, or move them to an external disk drive. It is good practice to free up disk space every few months.

7.TIDY YOUR DESKTOP — Icons on the computer desktop seem to multiply at an alarming rate. Once a month sort through the items on your desktop. Remove Aliases/Shortcuts that you no longer need, and move loose files to you documents folder.

8. CLEAN PHYSICAL HARDWARE — Once a month give your computer a gentle cleaning. Turn the computer off and use a special cloth to wipe the monitor and a damp cloth to wipe the outside of the computer. Use a soft brush or compressed-air to clean out vents and the spaces on the keyboard. A damp cloth can also be used to clean the keys. Wipe away dust that accumulates on the bottom of you mouse. Check to make sure your surge protector is working properly.

9. HARDWARE & SOFTWARE DIAGNOSTIC — Periodically run diagnostic software that will tell you if your computer is experiencing hardware or operating system problems.

We begin again in January 2009…

Greetings everyone. Hard as it is to believe, this is the fifth season of the OnMouseClick column, and I thought it was time for a change of format. Beginning in January, 2009, the column will include a Q&A — focusing on questions and answers that are relevant to the readers of the TR Times. If you have a technology related question, you can be sure that other TR Times readers have the same question. Please send question to Linda Quinn at Post Office Box 9-10, or via email at OnMouseClick@digitalquinn.com. The first Q&A column will be published in the January 9 issue of the TR Times.

Staying Connected with WiFi…

When you travel with a WiFi equipped notebook computer, you have the possibility of being connected to the internet wherever you find a hotspot. In WiFi “speak”, a hotspot is a location where WiFi access is available. There are two type of WiFi networks that you may encounter — open networks, like the one here at Travelers Rest, and closed networks. Open networks do not require a password and are open to anyone in range. Closed networks require a password, or an account. Password protected networks generally belong to individuals who are protecting their network, and thus their computer, from possible hackers. Networks that require accounts are commercial ventures, and charge a fee for use.

Numerous commercial establishment offer Wifi to their customers, some free and some requiring account access. The trick is finding where they are — and if you have to pay for them. If you are traveling without your RV and staying in hotels, most of the national hotel/motel chains offer in-room WiFi. Surprisingly, the moderate priced hotels generally offer the service for free, while many upscale hotels charge. Last spring, when we traveled cross-country and stayed at Comfort Inns and comparable hotels, we almost always had free WiFi access in our room. In January, when we spent three nights at the Wilderness Lodge in Disney World, we paid considerably more for our room, but Internet access was an additional $9.95 for a twenty-four hour period.

In a few instances, we could not get the WiFi in our room, but we could only go online if we took the laptop to the lobby. We also encountered a few hotels that offered high-speed internet, but not WiFi. In those hotels we had to connect to a wall jack with an ethernet cable. Since many of these hotels offer the connection, but not the cable, we always travel with our own ethernet cable.

More and more RV parks offer some type of high-speed internet access. Woodall’s online campground directory lets you select internet access as a criteria when searching for a campground. As with the hotels, some campground have excellent WiFi access that covers the entire area, and at some you have to bring your laptop to a central location.

What if you can not find a hotel or campground with high-speed internet access? Several web sites offer a WiFi Hotspot Finder search feature. Type in a city name or zip code and the web site will return hotspots in the area. Naturally, you have to preform your searches when you do have internet access. If you have a trip planned ahead of time, it is a good practice to get a list of free WiFi locations along your route, just in case you need them.

Probably the best know and most popular search sites is www.jiwire.com. A JIWIRE search returns a list of locations complete with addresses, links to maps and directions, and if the hotspot is free or, if not, the provider. You can also view an area map showing all the WiFi hotspot locations.

Since we will be in Ocala for RV service next week, I performed a JIWIRE search of Ocala. The website returned a list of twenty-four locations. Scrolling through the list I found four free hotspots, and one of them was a Panera Bread location. Panera Bread offers free WiFi in most of its establishments nationwide. Have a cup of coffee, fresh pastry, and surf the web to your hearts content. To find out if a Panera Bread in a city you are visiting offers WiFi, go to www.panerabread.com/cafes/wifi.php.

Other eating establishments that offer free hotspots are Schlotzskys Deli (www.schlotzskys.com/wireless.html), Atlanta Bread (www.atlantabread.com/wifi). Sapp Bros Travel Centers (in the midwest — www.sappbrostruckstops.com) and Apple Computer (www.apple.com/retail) also offer free hotspots. Found in malls and big cities nationwide, Apple will even let PC users on their WiFi networks.

Barnes & Noble, Borders, Starbucks and McDonalds all offer hotspots, but as of this writing they all charge for internet access. If you do not have an account with the internet provider that services the establishment, you can buy time in small increments, usually for one or two hours. McDonalds sometimes offers internet use coupons to customers, so ask when you place your order. The online rumor mill has it that Starbucks is going to stop charging for internet access, but they have not yet done so.

This is my last column for the 2008 season. I am submitting this on February 29, and on March 3 we are leaving TR for a few weeks to travel to Tucson and a Life on Wheels Conference where I will be presenting classes in digital photography and blogging. I’ll be writing a travel blog, and if you would like to follow our trip, check it out at quinnrv.blogspot.com. I will also be keeping up my photo blog at lsqlenviews.blogspot.com.

Eddie and I wish everyone an excellent spring and summer. See you next season.

Staying Connected…Near and Far

Last February I wrote two columns about accessing the internet while traveling. As Eddie and I prepare to take our RV to Tucson, Arizona for a Life on Wheels Conference, I am once again thinking about how we are going to stay connected “on the road.”

Up to about five years ago, the majority of “seniors” used the internet primarily for email. It proved a convenient way to keep in touch with friends and family, and a dial-up modem connection was fast enough for most people. Then the family back home started sending digital photos of the grandkids, and the slow modems proved to be an obstacle. For many, it meant not even being able to download photographs. There had to be a better way.

Around the same time, broadband networks were becoming more and more common. Broadband provides high-speed data transmission at rates significantly faster than telephone lines. With broadband a photograph, that requires ten-minutes or more to download over a telephone connection, can be accomplished in less than a minute. Once you have a reliable broadband connection, it is possible to use the internet for much more than sending email and sharing photographs. With online banking, money can be transferred and bills paid with the click of a mouse. It is even possible to eliminate paper invoices entirely and arrange to receive statements directly online. Anyone who maintains a financial portfolio of stocks, bonds or mutual funds can personally manage accounts online. Want to read your hometown newspaper? Odds are there is an online version available. Then of course there are the “fun” reasons to use high-speed internet access: downloading music, TV shows, uTube videos, and even making long-distance telephone calls.

The more we use the internet for everyday transactions and interactions, the more important it becomes to have broadband access wherever we go. On a RV trip out west five years ago, Eddie and I used modem connections whenever one was available at a campground. Today, we need to have broadband. In fact, my new MacBook Pro computer does not even have an internal modem.

So what can we do to get broadband internet connection while traveling? One option, that only makes sense for RVers who travel most of the time, is to install a mobile satellite internet connection. A dish is installed on the top of the RV and connects to the internet, via satellite, when it is turned on. The upside is that the internet is available anytime and anywhere. The downside is the speed and the cost. Download speed is faster than dial-up, but slower than DSL, and is degraded when too many users are accessing the network. The systems are also expensive to install, costing on average over $5,000 for hardware and installation. Monthly subscriptions run in the $100 range including taxes and fees. Datastorm is the most popular satellite system for RVers, and the best place to find out more about the systems is at the Datastorm users’ website, www.datastormusers.com.


Another solution, and the one we tried last year, is to subscribe to a data connection plan from a wireless phone company. Using a data card that insert in a computer’s PC card slot, or connects via USB, connects to the internet wherever the selected carrier offers cell phone service. The three major companies, ATT&T, Versizon, and SPRINT, all offer data plans; and all cost approximately $60 a month before taxes and fees. While the $60 plans are only available from ATT&T and Verizon for their cell phone customers, SPRINT offers their plan to anyone. As with most cell phone service, data plans require a two-year contract and incur a still penalty for early termination.

While convenient, there are drawbacks to using a data card. First, true broadband (3G in the vernacular of cellular networks) is only available in the metropolitan areas surrounding big cities. We tried both ATT&T and SPRINT data plans at Travelers Rest, and in both cases we are just outside the 3G range, and the speed of the connection was only slightly faster than dial-up. The second drawback is the cost. Unless you use the data card as your year-round internet connection, maintaining a data card means paying for it when not in use. Cell phone providers do allow you to turn the card off for limited periods of time, during which the charge is reduced or eliminated, but the two-year contract period is extended. While we liked the convenience of being able to connect to the internet 24/7, the year-round cost was not worth it for the few months of the year we travel.

So what is the answer to finding reliable internet connections “on the road?” If you have a laptop computer with a WiFi card, the answer is connecting to WiFi networks when you can find them. In next week’s OnMouseClick I will tell you how to go about finding and using WiFi networks when you travel.