technokrz {dot} com » Tech Tips

Use Unique Passwords

Sharl — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 13:56:28 +0000

It is good idea to use unique passwords for your online accounts, especially important ones like e-mail and online banking.

When you create a password for a site, you might think of a phrase you associate with the site and use an abbreviation or variation of that phrase as your password – just don’t use the actual words of the site. As an example, the phrase for your banking website could be “How much money do I have?” and the password could be “#m$dIH4ve?”

It’s cool huh

How to Speed Up Your Computer Part 1: Disk Cleanup

Sharl — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 02:32:08 +0000

Clear up some space on your hard drive (C:) from unnecessary log file now. You’ll see how it helps to boost up the speed of your PC operation. Try disk clean up step by step today. Based on Windows XP interface.

Open My Computer – right click at My Computer icon and click ‘Open’ or double click ‘My Computer’icon
Then continue to right click at drive (C:) and select properties.
The drive C properties menu will appear. Click ‘General’ tab and click ‘Disk Cleanup’ button
Disk Cleanup will immediately run (the calculating process might take few minutes depend on hard disk size and frequent cleanup)
Once the calculating finish, the result pop-up will appear as below. There are few boxes checked, select the files that you want to clean up. Clear the check boxes for files that you don’t want to delete (each of files had the description on it). Then click ‘OK’.
Window will reconfirm of your action, just click
Disk clean up now running. (the process might takes few minutes depend on size of files)
Once finish, the pop-up menu as above disappear. Lastly, click OK to close the disk cleanup process.

How to Protect Your Digital Archives

Sharl — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:34:26 +0000

Question: I’m scanning hundreds of personal documents. What is the best way to safeguard these files from hackers? I’ve read that one can password-protect zip files.

Answer: It is possible to put protected documents in a compressed archive such as zip file that require a password to open. Microsoft for instance, has instructions for Windows XP users at support.microsoft.com/kb/306531. But for all the guides you can find for adding passwords to zip files, you can also find many more to crack them open. eHow has an example here.

Mac OS X has a program called FileVault for encrypting your Home folder. Some high-end versions of Windows have a file encryption feature or a drive-encryption tool call BitLocker.

For personal files that are scanned primarily to make digital archive copies, you may want to consider storing them on an external hard drive that can be encrypted itself with program such as PGP or the free TrueCrypt. Make sure your computer has an active firewall and other security software and unplug the drive when you are not using those files.

How to Convert Your DVD to AVI

Sharl — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:24:35 +0000

Today it is possible to convert a DVD to AVI and AVI to DVD format. Both tasks and many others now can be done with a single piece of video editing software.

AVI is the type of video formats commonly used today, and you can use special software called a ripper to convert DVD to AVI format to DVD with one click.

Special software for conversion

Most high-quality DVD, and consequently it is a great format. The average DVD can store 4 GB of content. You can use a special video software to change the contents of DVD to MPG, AVI or file with the same quality from the DVD but it takes up less space.

Software is user-friendly interface

Video software has a friendly interface that guides you through a step-by-step process of converting DVD to AVI format. You must first insert the DVD into the DVD drive, then run the program. If the DVD files are stored on the computer itself, you can start extracting the files from your computer immediately.

Parameter Setting

You can make settings in the dialog box input parameters and the audio settings dialog. In the dialog box output settings, you can select the parameters on whether to convert AVI or MPG. You can even choose the size of the screen, the video format [PAL or NTSC], and the level of audio quality.

Compression Method

Audio compression methods such as LAME MP3 can be used where good sound quality and size, small voice. You can set the output settings in the dialog settings export You can also choose settings for display on the monitor screen or monitor normal. Next is the setting for the maximum number of frames. You can leave the other settings at their default values are primarily designed for use by professionals only.

Savings at Your Prefer Location

You can choose to browse the files in the destination folder where you want the end of the AVI file will be saved. Click the record button and the conversion process will begin. You can also use a conversion software to convert audio files from DVD to MP # format or other formats such as FLV and MP4. The converted AVI files can then be stored on a computer or portable music player.

Use Decryptor

You can also convert DVD to AVI using the small Division DVD. Use this to convert only part of the DVD you want to see. If an error is made in the conversion to AVI format, for the protection of copyright extra, you can download DVD decoder as code breaker and remove the protection.

Most software for converting DVD to AVI is available at a very reasonable price – only professional video software like Pinnacle Studio with sophisticated functions and settings you will return a few hundred dollars.

How to Update Your Blu-Ray Player

Sharl — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 05:48:43 +0000

Questions:

I have a Blu-ray DVD player from 2007, but when I try to play certain discs, it tells me that the player cannot read that disc and needs to be upgraded. What should I do?

Answer:

Blu-ray players first appeared in 206 but those sold then had fewer features and capabilities. Some older units may even be too quirky to play certain movie discs properly.

You can check the manufacture’s web site for any technical posting concerning your model. Many firms advise updating the players firmware (the software installed inside the Blu-ray hardware that allows it to read and play discs) as a first troubleshooting step.

The process may vary depending on the player, but it typically involves downloading a firmware file to your computer, burning a CD of the files and then inserting that CD into the Blu-ray player to copy the update to the player’s firmware.

Updating the firmware on an older Blu-ray player won’t automatically let it work with all the advanced features of the newer discs, but it could allow the older player to at least play the main video.

Some discs may never work properly. If you start by updating the player’s firmware, however you might be able to get some discs to work.

Adapted from NYT QN2YDJEDUYST

How to Restart PC Easily

Sharl — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:55:01 +0000

This tip is just for Windows users. Only a single click on the icon will kill all applications and restart your PC in predefined time. Up to you? Try this tip with your own risk by following these simple steps.

Create a new shortcut. Right click on empty area of your desktop and select New followed by Shortcut. New>Shortcut
In the Create Shortcut window, type “shutdown -r -t -30” without the quotation marks. The 30 denotes time in second.
Then click the Next button. Then name your shortcut and click the Finish button to close the box
Now, when you click on the icon, a dialogue box will appear saying that you have 30 seconds to save all your work before the system restarts. You can change the time as you like in the previous steps.
If you want to abort the restart process at any time, type the shutdown -a command, by clicking on Start button followed by Run. Start>Run>shutdown -a

So, now you down need any additional software for doing this. Just a simple steps and you can restart your computer by just clicking an icon on the desktop. Voila!

10 Tips For Overcoming Procrastination At The PC

Sharl — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 09:11:48 +0000

by Michael Madigan

Procrastination is the thief of time – and money too, at the PC. Your Internet connection, equipment and power cost you. Some tasks are no fun – but don’t let them pile up. Constant dithering and delaying will wreck your health, wealth and reputation.

Here are 10 tips for helping you stop procrastination dead:

Before you even sit down, sort out in your mind what’s ‘urgent’, ‘important’, both, or neither. (If an ‘urgent’ task isn’t ‘important’ and the deadline passes, so what?). An ‘urgent and important’ task should normally come before an ‘important’ task. If you have a poor memory (like me) write or type a quick list of your Top Five To Dos for the session, and delete or amend as need be.
All other things being equal plan on doing easy tasks before difficult short tasks before long tasks. Always have something concrete to show for worktime in front of your PC.
As far as you can YOU decide what’ important’ and ‘urgent’. There are bullies about – bosses, colleagues and customers – who think their merest whim is law. Learn to say ‘No’ politely. They may not like it, especially at first. But you’ll grow.
If you need help for your work, get it now, not later. If it’s not there now, you can ask later – more chances. If you leave it till later, it may have gone off earlier so no chances….
You’re there going thru your emails, databases and memos and suddenly out of nowhere, new jobs appear. The tendency is to ‘do what’s on top of the pile’ first. Don’t. Put it into the right place in your existing list.
Do you get distracted easily? Try and be aware of this, and stay aware of what tasks need doing – and by when.
Are you more energetic and creative morning, noon or night? Can you reschedule your targets to take this into account? Or do you just plod along, whatever? You may be a tortoise or a hare, but you can still win your own personal race if you plan ahead.
Don’t give up your breaks. You need to pace yourself. But put a time limit on all breaks, surfing, chatting or just daydreaming can eat into worktime with disastrous results. A rushed job is rarely your best shot, or a true reflection of your abilities.
Be particularly wary of long lunch breaks, and overeating or drinking. If your afternoon’s festooned with urgent and important chores, you’ll feel inclined to procrastinate bigtime if you’re hung over, stuffed to the gills, or dead beat.
Give yourself a treat if you hit all your deadlines. Doesn’t have to be chocolate! And don’t procrastinate on rewarding yourself when you deserve it.

Use these tips to stop procrastination at the PC (AND off), and it’ll boost your free time and make you happy and healthy computing.

7 Tips to Get Organized At Your PC

Sharl — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 23:01:09 +0000

by Michael Madigan

Get organized! There’s so much to do, so little time on your computer. Time is precious, you can’t save it, only waste it.

Here are seven big tips to help get you organized on your PC:

1. Practice the C.O.P.E. method – Capitalize on the ability of everyone to help you, Organize your work space for healthy computing, Prioritize tasks which are important, urgent, both or neither, and Energize yourself by getting plenty of rest, eating and drinking all of the right things and exercising regularly. Plenty of mini breaks, exercise on and off the PC, and staying focussed will contribute to a sense of continual wellbeing

2. Take some time to block distractions and dangers. Install a firewall to your computer, or have one installed (Windows XP has one but it’s switched off by default, and there are better ones around) to make yourself invisible to hackers and intruders. Add mail filtering software to cut right down on junk email and SPAM. (There are free and paid-for versions of both, search on the Net and read the reviews and customers’ comments.) Do not open attachments or links in unknown emails. Even check out warnings of dangers on virus hoax sites. Check for bug fixes and upgrades to the software – it will usually come at no cost.

3. Make quick notes. With so many tasks in any given day, why should you try to keep every little detail in your memory bank? Use an online software memo pad. Download freeware that’ll let you do a pop up or ‘Post-It’ note on your screen. You may find the software will also retain your notes in one folder. Whever you remember something needs to be done, the very best thing to do is write or type it down. Then, just as you need to recall it, it will be there for you in an instant. Or slap sticky notes on your monitor – but bin them when they are done!

4. Remove clutter. Many people say that one of their favorite things to do when stressed out is to clean! Hard to imagine yes? Well, it is true. Cleaning gives order and purpose to your life, even if you only do a bit at a time. Tidy your desk, clean out store or remove dead or surplus information from your PC. Get and regularly run software that removes dead links, duplicate files and empty folders, spyware, captures or blocks viruses and other intruders, and cleans and defragments your hard drive. Most of this can be scheduled to run automatically or when you aren’t there. Your computer will work better too!

5. Organize future warnings. There are many good and free e-mail reminder services available. You can type in what you want to remember, such as a welcome party, anniversary or special event, and you will receive an e-mail reminder when the date is approaching. This is a great way to use the Internet as a memory jogger.

6. Use timers and alarms. Take advantage of alarm clocks and timers throughout your day to stay organized at your work. Have to have a report ready by 12 noon? Set your pop up PC alarm clock as a memory jogger to remind you. Want to leave for an anniversery meal by 8 p.m.? Set your offline timer to beep a few minutes before it is time to start to get off and get ready.

7. Visual memory joggers. Visual reminders will help you remember and stay focused . Use visual reminders for remembering your goals. If your goal is to take a trip to a Ireland in a few years, keep a magazine photograph of Ireland right on your desk. If your goal is to lose 30 lbs. in six months, find a picture or ornament that will help remind you of this goal each day.

Get organized, and you’ll feel better, have more free time and continue your successful and healthy computing.

6 Tips For Buying The Right Mp3 Player

Sharl — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 21:08:09 +0000

Next to cell phones, MP3 players are the must have, hot product everyone wants to own. There are lots of great players available, but how do you know which one is right for you? Here are some tips that will help you make the right decision before purchasing an MP3 player.

Tip #1 – Type of MP3 Player – There are basically four types, flash, hard drive, micro hard drive and CD based players.

Flash players are small, have a memory chip built-in, and are more durable with no moving parts, which mean they will not skip a beat during sports activity or running. Because of their compact size, space is limited to 4gigs or less depending on the model you choose. iRiver, SanDisk and Creative MuVo are three popular brands of flash memory players.

Hard drive players are great for anyone who wants to take their entire library worth of music with them. Featuring high capacity storage ranging anywhere from 4gigs to 60gigs of hard drive space. With so much disk space available, you can also store data files, pictures and video, allowing for true portability.
Unlike flash players, hard drive players are larger in size, cost more and have more movable parts, which may not make it idea for physical activity. Popular among the brands are Apple Ipod, Creative Zen Vision, and Wolverine MVP models.

Additionally you can opt for an micro hard drive player. Micro MP3 players are a cross between a flash and a regular hard drive player. Max storage capacity is usually 8gigs, have a miniature hard drive, and are light weight and compact. These players still have movable parts and some models include non-removable re-chargeable batteries.

CD MP3 players are similar to CD players, except they can read data CD’s. Capacity is the same size as a CD which is 650mbs, and the music needs to be burned. They can also play standard CD’s.

Tip #2 – Digital Format – Not all players support every music format but should play the standard mp3, wma, wav formats. For additional audio format, look for players that support aac, asf and ogg. Not stopping at audio format, you may also have a need to view video formats such as mp4, mov, wav, avi, and flash. To get the most out your purchase and enjoy your favorite digital pictures, look for models that support picture formats such as jpeg, gif, tiff and png. Flash Players such as Creative Zen, iRiver Clix, and Cowan iAudio can display text documents.

Tip #3 – Battery Life – Next to storage capacity, battery life is probably the most critical consideration with MP3 players. Options include standard batteries (AAA or AA type batteries) or rechargeable batteries. With standard batteries, you can easily replace them when needed, while some rechargeable models are non-removable lithium-ion batteries, and typically last two to four years. Since flash players need to be synced more often, recharging occurs as you sync. For larger players, battery life is usually longer but may not always be the case. Make sure you inquiry about battery life for those models.

Tip #4 – Features – With the capability to view video and photos, bright color screens with image display are usually a favorite among buyers. Voice recording with built-in or optional voice recorders, let you record seminars or meetings. Want to listen to other music, some models include an FM tuner for listening and recording (mp3) radio stations. Players such as Apple iPOD and Creative Zen line allow for personal information management options such as phone books and calendars that can synchronize data between desktop applications and the player.

Other features to consider: advanced playback features such as shuffle, repeat, resume, and playlist functions. Newer models now offer the ability to create on the fly playlists, smart playlist for grouping songs in shuffle mode and automatic volume control that makes songs play at the same volume. Don’t forget about music search and sort options to find songs.

Tip #5 – Connectivity Options. Most if not all MP3 players support USB 2.0. Other connectivity options you may want to consider is Firewire, audio and line inputs. Some next-generation models include Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth capabilities.

Tip #6 – Functionality – Don’t just consider bells and whistles when looking for the right MP3 to purchase. Functionality is usually what makes MP3 players stand apart from each other. Test drive each player and notice how easy or hard it is to navigate the menus. Do the buttons feel cheap or easy to press? Is the screen display sufficient in bright light? Is it compact enough for daily or sport activity? What accessories are available for the player?

No matter what model you choose, an MP3 player will be a great addition to your entertainment hardware!