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Articles about Computers and Computing

Articles about Computers and Computing

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The following articles were written for people who want to acquire or want to learn more about their computer systems.  They are written in an easy to read style without the use of computer jargon or confusing computer terms.  They have been published in various trade magazines.

If you wish to use these articles or want articles written for your publication, please contact us.

Digital Photography

Part 1 - Suggestions for Buying a Digital Camera

Written on October 20, 2006

Are you planning to buy a new camera for yourself? Is a new camera going to be a gift for someone you know? If so, here are some suggestions to consider when purchasing a digital camera.

Part 2 - Hints on Using a Digital Camera

Written on March 8, 2007

You’ve just taken your new digital camera out of the box. Now what? Here are some hints on how to get started. I’ll also share some secrets on taking better pictures.

Computer Recycling

What do you do with an old computer?

Written on July 3, 2006

So you bought a new computer. Congratulations! It’s so fast, has loads of new “stuff”, and maybe even a flat panel monitor. Or did you go all out and get a new laptop? You can play movies, CDs, organize all those digital photos, and impress anyone who sees it. But what about your poor old computer, which is looking a bit beat-up and is so slow compared to your new model?

In A Hot Spot (Using Public Wireless Access)

Written on February 28, 2006

A hotspot is a wireless or WiFi access point or area, in particular for connecting to the Internet. This article will tell you where to find them and how to use them.

Back-Up

Written on December 22, 2005

There are some things we all know we should do. Moderate exercise, a healthy diet, and enough sleep are three things we know improve our health. And yet, we seem to have trouble doing these three simple things. Similarly, most people seem unable to regularly backup their computer data. And, inevitably, a day of atonement comes.

Home Networking (Including: How to go Wireless)

Written on July 3, 2005

So you finally have a high-speed Internet connection at home. Congratulations! You may want to hook up more than one computer. Or, you may want your computer to be wirelessly connected to the Internet. It’s time to install a home network.

Broadband Internet Connections

Written on April 15, 2005

When some sends you a photograph by e-mail and it takes f-o-r-e-v-e-r to download, then it may be time to upgrade to a broadband or high-speed Internet connection.

Clean Sweep

Written on February 28, 2005

How well do you take care of your computer?

Spyware

Part 1: What Is It?

Written on October 20, 2004

We've all been bombarded with spam, viruses and various other impediments to worry-free use of the Internet, but what is this "spyware" stuff, anyway?

Part 2: Getting Rid of It

Written on December 24, 2004

Good computing practices are not enough. You should install and run at least one antispyware program.

Safe Document Sharing

Written on June 4, 2004

Did you know that when you share a Microsoft Word document with someone, you may be sending more information than you intend? This may include personal information, deleted text, revision marks, and locations of files on your computer. Here's how to find the hidden information and how you can protect yourself if you share your document.

SPAM

Written on April 23, 2004

Does the volume of SPAM, the electronic equivalent of junk mail, in your in-box seem to be increasing? A recent study determined that spam represents 32% of all e-mails sent in North America every day. The amount of spam has doubled since 2001, and some experts believe it is increasing exponentially, not linearly.

The Music Machine

Your computer is capable of much more than just word processing, spreadsheets, and e-mail. With the right components and software, it can entertain you with dazzling sights and sounds. Let's start with sounds on your computer.

Part 1: Listening to Your Computer

Written on October 31, 2003

Part 2: Building Your Music Library

Written on December 29, 2003

Part 3: Playing Music Your Way

Written on January 4, 2004

Powerful Presentations

Part 1: General Principles

Written on July 10, 2003

PowerPoint software, part of the Microsoft Office Suite, can help put some pizzazz in your presentations. Whether you are presenting your annual budget, holding a meeting to discuss an issue, or training staff, PowerPoint can help you create interest by adding a strong visual component to your talk.

Part 2: Spice It Up!

Written on September 21, 2003

How about jazzing it up to really put your point across while keeping your audience engaged throughout? Here are some effective techniques and handy tips.

Clean It Up to Speed It Up

Taking out the Trash

Written on April 21, 2003

A computer system clogged with unnecessary files and programs runs more slowly -- a computer system needs about 10 to 15% of free disk space to run efficiently. Even newer computers with large disk drives are affected, as the storage space becomes more fragmented as files are created, moved, and deleted. By keeping your computer clean, you can also speed it up.

Getting Around

Finding People and Places using the Web

Written on January 2, 2003

Have you ever tried to find a business when you had no idea where it was? This isn't too hard to do in your hometown because you'd have a local phone book, probably a local map, and know people who may be able to guide you. It's a bit tougher when you're visiting another city. There are services available on the Internet that will help you find things and get around. In this article, the example used is finding a car dealership to service our car, complete with directions on how to get there.

E-Mail Distribution Lists

Written on July 8, 2002

Lets look at one advanced feature that can help you be a power e-mail user!

Utilize E-Mail Features

Written on April 15, 2002

Try these advanced features for sending and replying to mail!

Organize Your E-Mail

Written on January 10, 2002

Try these basic e-mail organizing strategies, and tame that electronic tiger!

Is a Laptop Right for You?

Written on April 20, 2001

When purchasing a computer, one of the many decisions you have to make is whether to buy a standard desktop computer or a laptop.

Useful Free Downloads

Written on January 7, 2001

It's no secret; there's plenty of software that you can download for free. Some of it is even useful! The challenge is finding it, determining its usefulness, and ensuring that it's safe and secure to use on you computer.

Are You Exposed?

Part 1: Can You be Scanned or Cracked?

Written on June 27, 2000

It's a scary digital world we live in with viruses like ILOVEYOU, denial of service attacks on major web sites, junk e-mail (also known as 'spam'), questionable uses of private information, and computer crackers who break into systems. Crackers may steal information like credit card numbers, modify web sites, and cause other mischief.

Part 2: Can You be Tracked on the Web?

Written on October 20, 2000

Every time you surf the web, send e-mail, accept a "cookie", or provide personal information to a web site, you are leaving an electronic crumb trail for others to follow. Do you ever wonder how your name gets on spam or junk e-mail?

The World Wide Wait

The Anatomy of a 'Denial of Service' Attack

Written on March 15, 2000

If you tried to access Yahoo!, Amazon.com, E*Trade, Buy.com, eBay, ZDNet, or CNN during the first week of February on the world wide web, you might have experienced the 'world wide wait'. But wait (sic) … this delay was not caused by thousands of users, poor site design, or inadequate network or computing capacity -- the usual causes of slow response. So what happened?

Seven New Year's Resolutions for Your PC

Written on January 9, 2000

The start of the New Year is always a good time to look at how you do things, and try to improve. Here are seven resolutions for 2000 for you to consider.

The Lighter Side of Computing

Written on September 2, 1999

There is no better relief to dealing with a computer problem or issue than to look at the lighter side and laugh. Let's share some items that not only make us smile but make us think as well.

Look Out! Here Comes Year 2000

Personal Contingency Planning

Written on March 10, 1999

In Canada, the week of February 7, 1999 was declared to be "Year 2000 Preparedness Week" and every household was sent a brochure called the Millennium Bug Home Check. While the government should be applauded for their efforts, they focused on reassurances and did not deal with potential failures in our society and how to address them (e.g. lack of power or phones or problems in certain businesses that failed to prepare adequately). This article will address some of these issues.

Look Out! Here Comes Year 2000

Testing Your Home Computer

Written on January 1, 1999

Want to know how to test your home computer to see if it is ready for the Year 2000. Here's some information that should help you.

Working the Web

On-Line Banking

Written on November 2, 1998

There are many ways bank. Over the years, the methods evolved as technology evolved. Learn how to bank using the latest technology, the Internet.

Spreadsheets

The Golden Rules for Correct Calculations

Written on September 13, 1998

Spreadsheets are an important computer tool. Here are plenty of hints and tips to make sure your spreadsheet does its job.

The Perils of Computing

Preventing Aches and Injuries

Written on May 6, 1998

Do you squint at your monitor? Are your neck and shoulders sore? Does your back ache? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, the cause may be how you use your computer. Computing can be dangerous to your body!

Look Out! Here Comes Year 2000

Protecting Yourself and Your Company

Written on January 13, 1998

Newspapers and magazines abound with doom and gloom regarding the "Millennium Bug" or the "Year 2000 Problem". Here, in a series of questions, is why you should be concerned.

Web Sites Worth Checking

Written on July 29, 1997

Now that you've learned how to surf the Web, here are some sites worth visiting if you are a superintendent.

E-Mail Hints and Tips

Written on July 29, 1997

Communicating on the Internet

A Primer on Using Electronic Mail

Written on July 29, 1997

You've received a business card from a supplier that has an e-mail address on it. You've heard from others that they have a subscription and receive useful information by e-mail. Your friends and family have e-mail accounts and want to communicate with you. Whatever the reason, you want to use electronic mail or e-mail. How Does Internet E-Mail Work?

Surfing the Web

A Practical Guide to Using the Internet

Written on May 27, 1997

So you've got an Internet service and are ready to explore the World Wide Web (also known as simply the Web or abbreviated as WWW). Congratulations! So how exactly do you "surf" the Web anyway?

Viruses and Backups

Protecting Yourself Through Safe Computing

Written on March 26, 1997

We've all heard stories about the person who lost hours or days of work because of a "lost" file, a hardware problem, or a virus attack. We feel sorry for them and even pity them. It's easy to say "I'll be very careful and it will never happen to me". Being careful is not enough!

Internet Basics (Parts 1 & 2)

A primer for those who want to join the on-line revolution

Written on December 12, 1996

There is a lot of hype and buzz about the Internet, and its time to explore just what it has to offer you.

Software

The Programs that Make Your Computer Go

Written on September 3, 1996

The truly amazing part of your computer system is the software. It is software that gives you computer the power to perform useful tasks for you -- and you can't even see it.

Taking the Plunge ...

Written on June 12, 1996

So you're thinking about purchasing a computer for home use. Perhaps you've heard amazing stories about what is on the Internet, or just feel that you're the only one without a computer at home. Here are some tips to make your purchase a wise one.


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