Welcome to the October 2009 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. If just one thing you read here can help you in your computing life then it's all worthwhile. This is the month that Microsoft rolls out it's new operating system. On October 22nd you will be able to walk into your favorite computer store and purchase a new computer with Windows 7. More people will now feel comfortable about switching from Windows XP after bypassing Vista which really never caught on. Those of you that have been using Vista will see only subtle changes in the user interface, but major modifications will come "under the hood." Better search options, beefed up security, better reliability, faster response, and the ability to use almost unlimited ram memory, although you could do that with Vista if you have a 64 bit machine. Those making the change from XP will see major changes in the look of things. You can view the very first Microsoft Windows 7 TV commercial here. Windows 7 will feature "Touch Screen" capabilities, but in order to do that you will need a touch screen capable monitor. HP and Dell make an all-in-one touch screen computer which means that everything is built into the monitor. This is a futuristic innovation and kind of fun to play with, but I think most of us will stick with the mouse, at least for the immediate future. For you "techies," more from Computerworld.
Will the average user immediately make the change to Windows 7? That won't happen, but if you have been contemplating a new machine there should be no hesitation now with your decision as everything I have read, and my personal experience has been positive. One nice thing about upgrading is that prices on computers have never been so low! If you have XP and things are working well, there's certainly no hurry to upgrade. Here's another opinion on the subject from PC World. Whatever you're using whether it be Vista, XP or Windows 7, you need to keep your system operating in tip top condition. How do you do that? A computer is so much different than a stove, refrigerator, microwave, TV or other appliance. These guys will run for years without calling a technician. Your computer though, needs some TLC and if you adhere to a few basic procedures it will save you some big repair bills and lots of heartaches! Want to know the secret? I have spelled it all out in detail and you don't even have to send me a check! I continually remind you how important it is to back up your documents, photos, music, address book and favorites. With the explosion of digital photography and downloading of your favorites songs, it would be a catastrophe if you lost them all because your computer died. Backing up those files to an external hard drive is the answer, but just buying one and plugging it into your computer is only part of of the solution. Watch Ken Colburn of the Data Doctors explain the top five mistakes people make when backing up.
You all have heard the term "Fiber Optics." It's a way to transfer signals and data at extremely fast speeds using light as the transfer mechanism. Intel has just announced "Light Peak" which will be the future of hooking up peripherals to your computer or TV. Read more from CNET. Health tip: With the swine flu still running around and all other contagious diseases, a good preventative is to frequently wash your hands. I think of this every time I walk around a grocery store with my hands on the handle of a shopping cart; lots of germs and bacteria hiding there! Try, at all times, to keep your hands away from your mouth. Wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 15 seconds especially before eating. 2010 Census. The United States Census is taken every 10 years and questionnaires will be mailed out in March. I'm addressing this now as there are already alerts being circulated about scams. Answering the questionnaire is required by the U.S. Constitution and the forms have been shortened this time around. This form will be mailed and if you don't respond another one will be mailed. If you don't respond the second time a census taker will come to your house. Don't let this happen as there will certainly be impostors taking advantage of people which could lead to identity theft. At no time will census information be emailed. You can educate yourself about the census at www.census.gov . Ever try to remember who you sent a mass email to? When you send an email in Outlook Express or Windows Mail, it leaves a copy in your Sent mail box. Often times you will send a message to more than one person, but when recalling the email from your Sent box it doesn't show who you sent it to. The answer is to click on File, Properties, and then the Details Tab. There you'll find a list of recipients to refresh your memory.
Each morning, when you wake up, you have a choice of what frame of mind you will carry throughout the day. Will it be positive and enthusiastic, or will I complain about everything that happens. Every day you're faced with constant choices; shall I go down this path or that one. Shall I be loving or hateful, shall I be happy or sad. The choice is only yours! Here's a story of a man whose courage and positive attitude pulled him out of the depths of disparity. As I write this paragraph I'm listening to the piano music of Bernward Koch, a most talented musical composer from Germany. You can't go wrong with any song he has recorded but if you love soft, relaxing, romantic music, you will love his CD "Walking through Clouds." If you have ITunes, you can hear samples of his artistry and download your favorites. Or, you can go to YouTube and listen. Here's one, entitled "Wonderful Glider. And another called "Bahia Dawn." Oh, just one more. I often play this kind of music when we are camping, having a glass of wine and starring at the heavens. Ah, now that's pure relaxation!
Check out my photos that I've taken from around the world. You'll find over 1,100 pictures in 38 different galleries. We have had over 245,000 views on our Photo Site, thanks in part to Cyber News readers! Check
out my blog. There you will find thoughts on many subjects and
occasionally find supplements to Cyber News such as Virus alerts
or other computer information that I think might be important to you.
Read my recent entry regarding Facebook.
Blog. Remember you can read previous editions of Cyber News by clicking on the links at the bottom of this page. You can also search previous editions of Cyber News by typing key words into the search box. If you would like to be added to our mailing list (absolutely not shared with anyone) just click here. You will be notified when each new edition is posted. Since spam filters seem to be getting stricter our notification may end up in your spam folder, so be sure to check that occasionally for any important email that may have ended up there. Cyber News is a permanent web site, so you can put it in your "Favorites" and refer to it anytime. Secrets of Safe Computing are outlined below. Please don't ignore them. Read each point and be sure to follow the advice as outlined in System Maintenance. Just a few minutes of work each month will go a long way in keeping your computer running smoothly. Thanks for being here. Stay Positive and remember to face each day with enthusiasm, energy, and empathy! "Live life with passion, in a constant state of joy, and with an attitude of gratitude!"
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, injury, or damage, direct or consequential, resulting from your choosing to use any information presented on this web site. |
Because
Microsoft wanted to cut down on the "bloat" of Windows 7
there will be no email client included as in previous versions.
After upgrading to Windows 7 you will have to choose an email program to
download and install. There are plenty to choose from and the most
popular will be Microsoft's Windows Live Mail. I have been using
it on my laptop with the testing version of Windows 7, and I like
it. 
I
have had the original Iphone for two years and have loved it.
Now that my contract is up I've been faced with a decision to
upgrade to the new Iphone 3Gs or go back to Verizon. With the Iphone
you have to be on AT&T. People love the I phone but don't have
kind words for the carrier. There would be two advantages to me
staying with AT&T and upgrading. First, the new 3Gs has more
features, is faster, takes movies, and can take advantage of the fast 3G
network. Second, with my wife on Verizon, one of us should always
have a signal while out on the road. Well, that's what I did and
after having the new model for a couple of weeks I'm very
happy. The 3Gs is an incredible piece of technology! If you
would like to watch a video about this phone you can do it 
Are
you making the best use of your favorite search engine? I get
lots of emails asking computer questions. I am flattered in
your trust, but might suggest that you try an Internet search
first. Sometimes that is what I have to do in order to answer your
email. No matter if you use Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser
or Firefox, there is a search box in the upper right hand corner.
Type your question in the window and click Enter on your keyboard.
Shazam, instant answers, and hopefully one of them will solve your
problem. I use Google search dozens of times every day
Photo
Tip of the Month: Unless you're taking pictures at your
child's birthday party, don't rush the project. With most shots
you'll have time to think about composing a great picture that tells a
story. Take the time to really look through your view finder or
LCD and ascertain if things look right. If your subject is a
person, does he or she have a tree growing from the top of his or her
head? Is there a distraction on one side of the frame that can be
corrected by repositioning? Don't just snap photos, be your own
director!
If
you think a friend or family member would enjoy Cyber News, don't
hesitate to let them know about it. An easy way to do this is to
right click on the web address in the address window of your browser and
choose copy. Open your email program and a new email.
Address it, and in the body of the message right click and choose paste.
That creates a link and when your friend receives the email he or she
simply clicks on the link and it will take them directly to Cyber News. Of
course you can do that with any web page.
