Welcome to the May 2013 Edition of Cyber News, an ad free, spam free online magazine emanating from Stanley's Studio in Phoenix, Arizona. In Cyber News we'll try to pass along some useful tips and information about your computer, the Internet, computer products, digital photography, other related topics, and some stuff that's not related at all.
Seems like every day we hear about senseless killings, not only in America, but all over the world. Why is this happening? Why has our society become so violent? Why is there so much hatred? We were stunned and shocked by the recent Boston fiasco. The word people used most is "why?" Why do certain cultures hate America? Why is America so generous only to have this generosity thrown back in its face? We must look for answers before the world destroys itself! Personally I feel helpless in the big picture, but you and I can influence our family, friends, and neighbors in a positive way. If each person that reads this does that, we as a group can change the world.
Maybe
just maybe part of the reason for chaos all around us, is that we have
fallen away from God. Ya, I know there are atheists who will throw
darts at me and that's okay. The majority of Americans are
Christians and believe in God, but don't go to church. Maybe the
reason is church was boring. If so look for a new one. There
are many wonderful churches in most cities today where it's exciting to
attend; churches where the Pastor or Pastors talk today's
language, and talk about today's problems. Churches that not only
offer weekend services but activities for all ages all week long.
Our church here in Phoenix, Christ's
Church of the Valley (CCV) sets a great example. Five
services every weekend, a food court, Starbucks, an outside grill
serving hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and hotdogs, 80 beautiful acres, and
three teaching Pastors that give phenomenal messages! Some people
are thinking "Starbucks at Church?" Don't make fun,
Starbucks is huge all over the world and it's just one thing that makes
CCV so special. Make it a point to attend church this weekend and your life will
be changed!
I don't know about you, but I can't stand to watch the news anymore! Whether it be national news, or local news, it's one negative story after another. The news media thrives on negativity because it sells. Why does it sell? Simply because we live in a negative society. Sex, drugs, and violence are the headlines. You don't realize this unless you are older and have seen days when we enjoyed clean wholesome movies, TV programs, and happy news. I see young kids today in the grocery store kicking their mothers and throwing tantrums. You know how long that would have lasted in my day? Not one second! It wouldn't have happened in the first place in my day because there wasn't sex, drugs, and violence around every corner.
You and I can't change the big picture until we change the little picture and that means the immediate world around us. Believe me, there are enough good people today that believe in working for a living, being honest and doing the right thing. Surround yourself with these people because "You are who you hang around with!" I'll say it again. "I feel helpless in the big picture, but you and I can influence our family, friends, and neighbors in a positive way to make a better world!"
"Live with Passion, in a Constant State of Joy, and with an Attitude of Gratitude!"
As much as I love technology, I
feel that we live in a world of "Technology Overload."
I've previously discussed bad tech habits such as texting while driving,
and burying yourself in your cell phone at the dinner table. Are
you guilty of a bad tech habit? Here are 21 of the worst
technology oriented habits, and fixes for all of them from PC
World. This is good
reading and I know you'll pick up some good tips! One that I was
reminded of is to re-boot my iPhone on a regular basis instead of
leaving it on 24-7.
Microsoft's next operating system, code named "Windows Blue," will be released sometime before the end of the year. The current OS "Windows 8" has been a failure and has resulted in record low computer sales last year and the first quarter of 2013. Rumors are that Blue will reinstate the start button and boot straight to the desktop which is a step in the right direction. Windows 8 maybe alright for a tablet but the public did not accept it for the desktop. We'll see what happens next.
Most of us are getting robot telephone calls almost everyday. They are a pain to say the least. You thought it would end after the election but they continue. You know it's one of those calls when you answer and there is a pause before someone starts to speak. You hang up with disgust only to be called tomorrow by the same people. Well fear not, as I've found a way to stop them! During the message push the 9 key and a voice will tell you that "you will not be contacted again." If that key doesn't work push another one until you find the right one to stop their stupid calls!
This month I'm eligible for a new smartphone.. I've carried an iPhone since the first one but there's lots of talk about the new Samsung Galaxy 4. The new iPhone 5s will appear on the market soon, so I'll be tearing and comparing. Chances are that I'll stick with the iPhone simply because I love it!
Beware of "Piggy Back"
installations. Piggy back installs are those programs that
sneak in when installing another application. Browser toolbars are
notorious for this. I have seen computers with 4 or 5 toolbars in
the Internet browser and when I ask the client why they are there they
don't know where they came from. Use caution when installing any
program. During the install process, before clicking on
"Next," be sure you uncheck any box that will install
something you don't want. Let me give you an example.
Several times a year you will be prompted to download and install the
latest version of Adobe's flash player. Flash player allows you to
watch videos on the Internet that require this software. Let's go
to Adobe's
download site and see who will try to sneak in when you click
the "Download Now" button. See who it is? Another
guy that tries desperately to get on your computer is Google's Chrome
Browser. Even my best friend CCleaner will occasionally try to
sneak it in their installation. Why? Because they get paid to do
this. Stop unwanted programs from invading your machine by being
diligent during the install process.
Want to learn more about that 3 1/2 pound of mass between your ears? That mass is your brain which consists of 120 billion neurons. The average person only uses about 7% of it's capacity. "What you think is who you are!" "Brain Games" is a great TV program on the National Geographic channel, Monday nights. Check it out.
Hey, the "Evian Babies" are back! After their phenomenal success on roller skates in 2009, they're back this year with even more gusto. Check em out!
This guy's not a baby, he's only 5 years old and you won't believe your eyes and ears when you see this video. I'm spellbound!
Photo
Tip of the Month: Get in the habit of taking pictures
every day. Photos capture a moment in time. Take lots of
them, then throw away the bad ones and keep the good ones. Pictures
bring back memories and are valuable assets in our lives. God
forbid, but if your house caught on fire I bet one of the first things
you would think of would be your photo collection!
Check out my personal Photo Site. You'll see over
1,700 pictures in
40 galleries taken from around the world. New photos were
added last month to several galleries and you might like to view the
last photos posted in the "Cars"
gallery.
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Secrets to Safe Computing : Read each point below and follow the advice as outlined. Just a few minutes of work each month will go a long way in keeping your computer running smoothly!
- Make sure System Restore and Firewall are active.
- Follow guidelines in "Secrets to Safe Computing."
- Keep your Operating System Updated.
- Don't open Email from strangers.
The contents of Cyber News may be copied, reproduced, or freely distributed for all nonprofit purposes without the consent of the author as long as the author's name and contact information are included. Cyber News is a free service of Stanley Computing and is published each month, originating from Stanley's Studio in Phoenix, Arizona.
Disclaimer: The
information presented in Cyber News is researched and is believed to be
accurate. We cannot guarantee that all the information will work on your
particular combination of hardware, software and user skills. All
information herein is offered as-is and without warranty of any kind.
Neither Stanley Computing nor its contributors are responsible for any loss,
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