08 Sep, 2010 | Posted by: psnotes


Speed Up Computer Performance
Turn Off Unecessary Services in Windows XP

15 Services to Turn Off
(Valid for Service Pack 3 32-bit - a partial list is presented here)

Alerter: Notifies selected users and computers of administrative alerts. If the service is stopped, programs that use administrative alerts will not receive them. If this this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Notes: Set to disabled by default in SP3.

Automatic Updates: Enables the download and installation of Windows Updates. If this service is disabled, this computer will not be able to use the Automatic Updates feature or the Windows Update Web site.

Notes: Using this feature is a good idea if you don't have a firewall, for the security updates, but if you have a software firewall, you can turn this setting off. Having said that, some security mavens feel that you should leave this setting on no matter what. Note that you'll see a security alert on the lower right and you'll occasionally see a popup (nag) telling you that Windows Update is off and you should click on the balloon to fix the problem. This can be ignored.

Indexing Service: Indexes contents and properties of the files on local and remote computers; provides rapid access to files thorugh flexible querying language
.
Notes: This program occupies a lot of RAM and creates a large database of files on your system. If you don't do a lot of searches, I recommend that you disable this program. You'll need to do this in two steps, to turn it off in Services, then go to Start: Settings: Control Panel.
In the Control Panel, click on Add or Remove Programs.
In the dialog box, click on the Add/Remove Windows Components icon on the left side of the dialog box.


In the Windows Components Wizard, uncheck Indexing service and click on the Next button at the bottom of the dialog box. A dialog box will come up telling you that it's configuring the components.

That will be replaced by a dialog box about "Completing the Windows Components Wizard." Click on Finish and you're done.




Nathan Segal, from Victoria, BC, Canada, is a writer/photographer who has also been active as a digital artist for well over a decade. For the past 9+ years, he has written numerous articles for computer and photographic magazines and has provided his own illustrations and photographs for the articles. His articles have covered : software reviews, tutorials, computer tips and tricks, profiles and investigative reporting. visualartist49[at]gmail[dot]com; 1 408 844-4851

"Give me 10 minutes of your time and I'll show you how to speed up computer performance, rid yourself of computer infestations and protect yourself online."


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25 Aug, 2010 | Posted by: psnotes



Update Hardware to Speed Up Your Computer

The amount of RAM is an important factor governing how well your computer will run.

As a case in point, let's say you have 2GB of RAM on your computer. That might appear to be enough, but if you're running multiple applications, especially graphics programs, that can eat up your RAM quickly.

As a case in point, let's have a look at a popular graphics program, Photoshop.

Few people realize that Photoshop is a major RAM hog. To elaborate, to run Photoshop CS4, the minimum requirement is 512 of RAM with 1 GB recommended. If you have several programs running in addition to Photoshop and then start working on large file (say 40 MB with many layers), your system could slow to a crawl quickly.

Why?

A file of this type requires 3 x 5 times the amount of the file size in RAM in order for Photoshop to function properly. In this case, that's from 120 to 200 MB of RAM for the file alone, not to mention the RAM requirements for Photoshop, the operating system and the other programs.

Fortunately, upgrading your RAM is relatively inexpensive, so I recommend you buy as much as you can afford. You'll discover that most present day computers are limited to approximately 4GB of which you can use 3-3.5 GB. If you're a computer graphics professional, you might be using a 64-bit operating system. These support more RAM.

Another thing to understand is that many manufacturers install RAM at a slower speed than what is optimal for your PC (i.e., 667Mhz installed with 800Mhz available). Update hardware and this can make a difference in performance.


Nathan Segal, from Victoria, BC, Canada, is a writer/photographer who has also been active as a digital artist for well over a decade. For the past 9+ years, he has written numerous articles for computer and photographic magazines and has provided his own illustrations and photographs for the articles. His articles have covered : software reviews, tutorials, computer tips and tricks, profiles and investigative reporting. visualartist49[at]gmail[dot]com; 1 408 844-4851



Give me 10 minutes of your time and I'll show you how to speed up your computer, update hardware, rid yourself of computer infestations and protect yourself online.



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18 Aug, 2010 | Posted by: psnotes



Fake Software:
Find Out What Fake Software Is And How To Avoid It


One of the fastest growing online scams concerns fake software, sometimes known as fake anti-malware software, or "Rogue" software. It's marketed by ads that simulate genuine software programs. You'll encounter seemingly legitimate names such as: DriveCleaner, AdvancedPCTweaker, PC Cleaner 2008, and many, many others.

Here are some things to know about rogue/fake anti-malware software:

When you visit one of these sites, you'll be encouraged to run a scan on your computer for spyware. The scan will inevitably find that your computer is infected with spyware (whether you have it or not) and will try to scare you into paying for the software to remove it.

If that software gets on your computer, it can cause all sorts of problems. Your machine will almost certainly slow down, you could encounter random popups, secondary infections and you could be charged for additional "services" or software you didn't purchase.

Obtaining a refund is next to impossible because these companies frequently change name and URL's. To make matters worse, you could easily have become a victim of identity theft. If you suspect that your identity has been compromised, file a report with the FTC.

Fake software is an enormous scam which affects users all over the world. It's extremely insidious and the names online make it even worse. According to one list I discovered, there were well over 400 different names for this software.

If you're wanting to install antimalware software on your computer, here's what I recommend, call your local computer store for a recommendation or go to a trusted friend and see what they use. Don't buy anything online unless you know that the program is legitimate. It's far too easy to buy fake software, which could damage your computer and cost you hundreds of dollars to repair.


Nathan Segal, from Victoria, BC, Canada, is a writer/photographer who has also been active as a digital artist for well over a decade. For the past 9+ years, he has written numerous articles for computer and photographic magazines and has provided his own illustrations and photographs for the articles. His articles have covered : software reviews, tutorials, computer tips and tricks, profiles and investigative reporting. visualartist49[at]gmail[dot]com; 1 408 844-4851


Fake software.a
It's a common problem. Give me 10 minutes of your time and I'll show you how to speed up your computer, rid yourself of computer infestations and protect yourself online.

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11 Aug, 2010 | Posted by: psnotes



Hardware Routers: Protect Your Computer From Thieving Hackers

Which type of hardware router to buy depends on your setup, as to whether that's for a LAN with cables only or a wireless setup for the home or office.
For the most part we're going to look at the home setup.

On the PC side of the equation, those would be D-Link and Linksys. I personally use Linksys, a broadband firewall router, with 4 port switch/VPN Endpoint. This type of firewall is relatively easy to use and set up.

If you're in an office setting with multiple machines, printers, etc., you'll need a switch, more routers, and print server.
One option that I like in particular for a wireless router (for both PC and Mac users) is the Airport Express and the Airport Extreme. These are easy to set up and are an excellent option

The Airport Express supports up to 10 wireless users, you can add a printer, send your music wirelessly and it's really compact, 3.7x2.95x1.12 inches and weighs only 7.4 ounces. It's 802.11a/b/g wireless and supports 2.4GHz or 5GHz frequency bands.

The Airport Extreme supports up to 50 wireless users, it supports 3 three Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports for connecting computers or network devices and you can set up wireless printers.
If you have a USB hard drive, it can become a wireless shared drive, accessed by everyone on your network. It's 802.11n wireless and supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless frequencies. It's 6.5x6.5x1.3 inches and weights 1.66 lbs.

The down side of these routers is the price, at around $100 for the Airport Express and $179 for the Airport Extreme.
Note: There are some who say that you should use a software firewall, such as Zone Alarm, but this isn't the best approach. Whenever possible, use a hardware firewall. Here are two reasons why. Hardware routers provide better protection. A software firewall tends to slow down your computer.


Hardware routers are essential for your protection. Give me 10 minutes of your time and I'll show you how to speed up your computer, rid yourself of computer infestations and protect yourself online.


Nathan Segal, from Victoria, BC, Canada, is a writer/photographer who has also been active as a digital artist for well over a decade. For the past 9+ years, he has written numerous articles for computer and photographic magazines and has provided his own illustrations and photographs for the articles. His articles have covered : software reviews, tutorials, computer tips and tricks, profiles and investigative reporting. visualartist49[at]gmail[dot]com; 1 408 844-4851


Get more done in less time and make more money at DigitalArtistU.com With a membership you get access to our time saving tips, tools and techniques.



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27 Jul, 2010 | Posted by: Alec





Speed Up That Hard Drive:

Hear That Chugging Noise In The Background? That's Your Hard Drive

Speeding up the computer is one of the most common refrains around computer users. They want a solution to the problem, usually as fast and as cheaply as possible. They also want it to be done in the shortest amount of time, so they can get back to what they were doing before. Speed up hard drive capacity and you'll speed up your computer

If your computer is running agonizingly slow, there are many reasons for it, but most of those aren't obvious to the casual computer user. The first thing that many people tend to look for is some piece of software that will solve the problem. What they don't realize is their habits are usually the number one reason for the slow computer.

Sound surprising? Not really. Consider this, your computer didn't suddenly arrive at its slow condition. Chances are, when you bought it (assuming its current technology) it was a pretty fast machine, but over time it began to slow down.

There are many reasons for that. Look at it this way. Is your computer a standalone device or connected to the Internet? That one thing alone will be a major contributor to your problems?.

Do you buy off-the-shelf software or is it stuff you find online? Another major contributor to a slow computer!

How many programs have you got on your hard drive? Have you checked? Do you know its capacity? If you don't, your hard drive could be dangerously full, which could slow your computer to a crawl. To speed up hard drive capacity, the first thing to do is offload programs. Next is to remove as much data as possible.

Speed up hard drive response by doing regular mainentance on your drive. I'm not talking about the Windows tools, either. They're not the best for the job. There are other, 3rd party utility programs that do a better job.

Nathan Segal

Give me 10 minutes of your time and I'll show you speed up hard drive, rid yourself of computer infestations and protect yourself online.

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21 Jul, 2010 | Posted by: Alec



Increasing Computer Speed: Don't Put the Boots to Your Slow Computer Yet! Find Out How to Fix It

Increasing computer speed. This one issue causes nightmares for users all over the world. The bottom line is that you want your machine to be as fast as it was the day that you bought it. And that could be possible, but a computer is a machine and like any machine, it requires maintenance. And before you ask, sorry, but there's no such thing as a maintenance free computer.

To increase the speed of your existing computer (assuming that it's slower than you would like) requires some detective work. After all, your computer was probably a pretty fast machine when you bought it, but over time it began to slow down, either gradually, or all at once.

The first thing to consider is: "What was the last thing you did before your computer started to slow down?" Knowing what happened will be a step in determining your problem.

Increasing computer speed: If your computer is slow, there are several things to consider. The first one is how many programs load when you start your computer. One way to find out is to look at the taskbar (that area on the lower right of your computer screen. The number of icons present gives you information about how many programs are running. If you have too many of these programs running, they'll suck up your computer memory and will cause your computer to slow down. They will also slow down your computer when it starts up, as well.

One fast way to fix that is to click on each icon and find out what program it is, then go into that program and turn off the settings that allow the program to load when the computer starts up, increasing computer speed. But that's labor intensive. In my book, youll learn of better ways, that help you speed up your computer - without turning off programs that are essential keeping your computer safe.


Increasing computer speed. It's a common problem. Give me 10 minutes of your time and I'll show you how to speed up your computer, rid yourself of computer infestations and protect yourself online.


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30 Jun, 2010 | Posted by: Alec



6 Printing Tips
in Corel PHOTO-PAINT

This week, we continue our article on Printing Tips.

1. Open Type Fonts

Don't use cheap fonts. Choose Open Type fonts from quality sources. Also, when you send fonts to your printer, make sure to include both the screen font and the printer font.

2. When to Use Bleeds

Occasionally you'll want to create a layout when you want colors or images to butt up against the edge of the page. To ensure success, set a ¼ inch "bleed" at minimum. Using bleeds allows for proper trimming afterwards.

3. Crop Marks and Color Scales

When sending your file to the printer, use the Print dialog in PHOTO-PAINT to include cropping marks for trimming and bending, along with color scales to check for the correct color in your printed copy.

4. File Formats

When saving print files, your main choices are TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) or EPS (Encapsulated PostScript). Another option is to use PDF (Portable Document Format).

5. Other Considerations

Obtaining a quality printing job can be tough, simply because there are so many variables, such as coated and uncoated paper stock, the inks used, etc.

Before you invest time and energy into a layout, determine the final print resolution and make sure your components (images, fonts, etc.) will support that output. Create simple layouts to test your ideas and do so at screen resolution. Doing so will speed up the image manipulation process. Before you begin this process, check with your printer first for their requirements.
There are a number of file formats that you can use to send your results to a printer. One of these is the PDF format, which is an output option in PHOTO-PAINT. Before you start creating any job, it's very important to ask your printer for guidelines as these aren't standard and vary from printer to printer. It's also wise to ask for a color proof, so you can calibrate your system to match the output from your printer.

6. Printing in Your Home or Office

All inks saturate the paper used with your desktop printer, some more than others. With light paper grades, the ink tends to bleed through to the other side more than with a heavier grade of paper. This can cause problems if you want to print on both sides of the sheet. A good overall paper choice is a 20-24 pound bond. If you're looking for a photographic result, that's not the best choice. Instead, look at photo quality papers, such as those produced by Epson or HP. Also, the color accuracy and quality of your prints will depend on several factors, such as the inks used, the paper and the printer itself. Using appropriate paper from your printer manufacturer will give you a good start.

Nathan Segal




Get more done in less time and make more money at DigitalArtistU.com Check out our samples page to improve your photography and your results. http://www.digitalartistu.com/public/main.cfm




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02 Jun, 2010 | Posted by: psn



Speed Up PC Performance:

Use The Services Management Console

The System Configuration Utility is a great way of stopping programs that run at startup, but it doesn't cover all services.

Another way, with considerably more detail is to make use of the Services Management Console. To activate it, go to Start: Run and type in services.msc.


In the Services Management Console, make sure that the Extended tab is enabled.

Note: You have to be logged on as an administrator or be a part of the Administrators group to complete this procedure.

When you boot up your computer, there are many services that are essential for your machine to run smoothly, but there are some that are unnecessary. If they are running, they can slow your computer down by a little, or a lot. In the Services Management Console you have the ability to look at these services, one at a time, and to find out which ones you can turn off. This is similar to the System Configuration Utility but with a lot more detail. In addition to being able to stop programs, you have the ability to pause them and then see how your system runs without that service active. If it's not essential to the operation of your computer, you can turn it off.

Another great thing about the Services Management Console is the amount of information you can obtain about each program. As a case in point, this screen shot shows off the Windows Updates tab, a service that many users love to hate.

One way that you can control the service is with the headings on the upper left of this dialog box. In this case, I've turned the service off, and you'll notice the Start heading to enable the service. If you're looking for a longer term solution, one where you can turn the service off so it doesn't load at startup, highlight the heading and right-click on it, which brings up a popup menu. Click on Properties. In the Properties dialog box, navigate to the Startup type section and in the popup menu, chose Disabled. At the bottom of the dialog box, click on Apply and OK.

When you're satisfied with your changes, click on File: Exit. Using the Services Management Console is a great way to speed up your computer without having to buy any additional software.




Nathan Segal, from Victoria, BC, Canada, is a writer/photographer who has also been active as a digital artist for well over a decade. For the past 9+ years, he has written numerous articles for computer and photographic magazines and has provided his own illustrations and photographs for the articles. His articles have covered : software reviews, tutorials, computer tips and tricks, profiles and investigative reporting. visualartist49[at]gmail[dot]com; 1 408 844-4851


Get more done in less time and make more money at DigitalArtistU.com With a membership you get access to our time saving tips, tools and techniques.


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26 May, 2010 | Posted by: psn











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05 May, 2010 | Posted by: psn




Speed Up Computer Performance:

Turn Off Unecessary Services in Windows XP

15 Services to Turn Off (Valid for Service Pack 3 32-bit - a partial list is presented here)

Alerter: Notifies selected users and computers of administrative alerts. If the service is stopped, programs that use administrative alerts will not receive them. If this this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Notes: Set to disabled by default in SP3.

Automatic Updates: Enables the download and installation of Windows Updates. If this service is disabled, this computer will not be able to use the Automatic Updates feature or the Windows Update Web site.

Notes: Using this feature is a good idea if you don't have a firewall, for the security updates, but if you have a software firewall, you can turn this setting off. Having said that, some security mavens feel that you should leave this setting on no matter what. Note that you'll see a security alert on the lower right and you'll occasionally see a popup (nag) telling you that Windows Update is off and you should click on the balloon to fix the problem. This can be ignored.

Indexing Service: Indexes contents and properties of the files on local and remote computers; provides rapid access to files thorugh flexible querying language
.
Notes: This program occupies a lot of RAM and creates a large database of files on your system. If you don't do a lot of searches, I recommend that you disable this program. You'll need to do this in two steps, to turn it off in Services, then go to Start: Settings: Control Panel.
In the Control Panel, click on Add or Remove Programs.
In the dialog box, click on the Add/Remove Windows Components icon on the left side of the dialog box.


In the Windows Components Wizard, uncheck Indexing service and click on the Next button at the bottom of the dialog box. A dialog box will come up telling you that it's configuring the components.

That will be replaced by a dialog box about "Completing the Windows Components Wizard." Click on Finish and you're done.




Nathan Segal, from Victoria, BC, Canada, is a writer/photographer who has also been active as a digital artist for well over a decade. For the past 9+ years, he has written numerous articles for computer and photographic magazines and has provided his own illustrations and photographs for the articles. His articles have covered : software reviews, tutorials, computer tips and tricks, profiles and investigative reporting. visualartist49[at]gmail[dot]com; 1 408 844-4851


Get more done in less time and make more money at DigitalArtistU.com With a membership you get access to our time saving tips, tools and techniques.

Get more done in less time and make more money at DigitalArtistU.com With a membership you get access to our time saving tips, tools and techniques.




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14 Apr, 2010 | Posted by: psn




Speed Up Your Computer XP:
A Guide To Disabling Programs at Startup

Some Common Messages

When you use Google to search for the different Startup items, here are some things to observe:

  • Many of the items use upper and lower case in the names. I recommend typing in the search item exactly as written, because the search may be case sensitive. This could lead to incorrect or misleading results.


  • As you search, you'll notice some common messages, which include information such as:


  • A description of the file


  • Concepts (which tends to list keywords associated with the startup item)


  • A summary (which gives you information about the startup item, what it does and whether or not it can be disabled without adversely affecting computer performance).


  • You might need to look at several sites to get a better idea of what a startup item does. Sometimes one item can appear to be innocuous while on another site the same name could be the name of a computer virus. Careful reading of the documentation is necessary. In the end, though, what to turn off is up to your discretion. If you have any doubts about your ability to do this safely, consult a qualified professional.


When you're satisfied with the changes in the Startup menu, click on Apply at the bottom of the dialog box, then click on Close. You'll then be presented with the following dialog box. Click on Restart to apply the changes.

When the computer restarts, you'll see the following, which tells you that you've used the System Configuration Utility to make changes to the way that Windows starts. To accept these changes, enable the checkmark beside the statement, "Don't show this message or launch the System Configuration Utility when Windows starts" and click on OK. Your new settings have been applied and your computer will run faster.

From time to time, as you accumulate more programs (and potenially more programs that run on startup), you'll need to run this utility again to speed up your computer.



Nathan Segal, from Victoria, BC, Canada, is a writer/photographer who has also been active as a digital artist for well over a decade. For the past 9+ years, he has written numerous articles for computer and photographic magazines and has provided his own illustrations and photographs for the articles. His articles have covered : software reviews, tutorials, computer tips and tricks, profiles and investigative reporting. visualartist49[at]gmail[dot]com; 1 408 844-4851


Get more done in less time and make more money at DigitalArtistU.com With a membership you get access to our time saving tips, tools and techniques.



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23 Mar, 2010 | Posted by: psn



Hacking Wordpress Blogs:

Secure Your Blog or Lose It

Wordpress blogs are some of the more common and customizable blogs out there, due to the open source content. Unfortunately, Wordpress blogs in general are full of "holes" and if you have one, you're essentially hanging out a sign that says, "hack me, I have a Wordpress blog."

Some time ago, three of my Wordpress blogs were hacked. The only way I found out about it was when one of my colleagues (who happened to be a programmer) looked at my code one day and found the problem.

Essentially, the hacker was illegally using my blog to inflate their search engine rankings at my expense, but it could have been a lot worse. Still the damage was extensive. I was able to fix one blog, but in the end, I shut down 3 of them and I'm probably going to rebuild the 4th one, as an added precaution.

Here's a sampling of what the code looked like in some of my Wordpress files on the back-end.



And there was far more code than that.

If you have a Wordpress blog, it's important to realize that one cannot totally keep hackers out, but you can make it so difficult for them to get in that they'll move onto another target. Some of these task include: Changing the passwords on your FTP and also with Wordpress itself. It's also wise to make regular backups and in the case of FTP, make sure you get an SFTP program or Secure FTP. That will make it harder for the hackers to get in. Still, there's a lot more that you can do, which I address in my program

Hacking Wordpress Blogs Give me 10 minutes of your time and I'll show you how to speed up your computer, rid yourself of computer infestations and protect yourself online.




Nathan Segal, from Victoria, BC, Canada, is a writer/photographer who has also been active as a digital artist for well over a decade. For the past 9+ years, he has written numerous articles for computer and photographic magazines and has provided his own illustrations and photographs for the articles. His articles have covered : software reviews, tutorials, computer tips and tricks, profiles and investigative reporting. visualartist49[at]gmail[dot]com; 1 408 844-4851


Get more done in less time and make more money at DigitalArtistU.com With a membership you get access to our time saving tips, tools and techniques.



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03 Mar, 2010 | Posted by: psn




Update Your Hardware to

Speed Up Your Computer

The amount of RAM is an important factor governing how well your computer will run.

As a case in point, let's say you have 2GB of RAM on your computer. That might appear to be enough, but if you're running multiple applications, especially graphics programs, that can eat up your RAM quickly.

As a case in point, let's have a look at a popular graphics program, Photoshop.

Few people realize that Photoshop is a major RAM hog. To elaborate, to run Photoshop CS4, the minimum requirement is 512 of RAM with 1 GB recommended. If you have several programs running in addition to Photoshop and then start working on large file (say 40 MB with many layers), your system could slow to a crawl quickly.

Why?

A file of this type requires 3 x 5 times the amount of the file size in RAM in order for Photoshop to function properly. In this case, that's from 120 to 200 MB of RAM for the file alone, not to mention the RAM requirements for Photoshop, the operating system and the other programs

Fortunately, upgrading your RAM is relatively inexpensive, so I recommend you buy as much as you can afford. You'll discover that most present day computers are limited to approximately 4GB of which you can use 3-3.5 GB. If you're a computer graphics professional, you might be using a 64-bit operating system. These support more RAM.

Another thing to understand is that many manufacturers install RAM at a slower speed than what is optimal for your PC (i.e., 667Mhz installed with 800Mhz available). Update hardware and this can make a difference in performance.


Give me 10 minutes of your time and I'll show you how to speed up your computer, update hardware, rid yourself of computer infestations and protect yourself online.




Nathan Segal, from Victoria, BC, Canada, is a writer/photographer who has also been active as a digital artist for well over a decade. For the past 9+ years, he has written numerous articles for computer and photographic magazines and has provided his own illustrations and photographs for the articles. His articles have covered : software reviews, tutorials, computer tips and tricks, profiles and investigative reporting. visualartist49[at]gmail[dot]com; 1 408 844-4851


Get more done in less time and make more money at DigitalArtistU.com With a membership you get access to our time saving tips, tools and techniques.


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09 Feb, 2010 | Posted by: psn





Make Your Computer Go Faster

two women at a computer
Your computer is a complex machine made up of both electronic and mechanical parts. Many novices to computers think that once they've bought a computer that it should work consistently thereafter.

The reality is this: You could have the best hardware in the world and have a computer that runs so slowly as to be next to worthless.

The number one determining factor (hardware issues and failures aside) that will slow your computer down is: "YOU!!!" Have I shocked you ? Good!!

Let me put this into perspective. A case in point was a computer I was asked to look at recently. The user was really frustrated. He was thinking of chucking the laptop out a window because it was so slow. Granted, it was an old computer, but what really got my attention was what happened when the machine booted up (which took a long time).

He had 6 different anti-spyware programs all in competition with each other, about 5 different registry editors and numerous browser toolbars.

I was flabbergasted!!

I told him I was amazed his machine would even boot up at all. Cleaning it out was even worse. Some of the programs fought me (with threats of dire consequences to the integrity of his machine) as I tried to remove them. It was a real mess, but over time, it got better and the computer sped up considerably.

The whole point of this story is this: "If you have poor software habits, such as downloading tons of files on the Internet or every program your friends give to you, you're likely to overload your system and it won't be long before your computer will begin to slow down again."

To elaborate, let's use the analogy of a new car. If you buy it with all the bells and whistles, such as air conditioning, power everything, etc. and you don’t maintain it, it will begin to perform poorly. One such impact will be high gas consumption.

Conversely, if you buy a car that only has what you need, a leaner version of the same vehicle and you do regular maintenance, this will tend to reduce your gas consumption.

It's a similar thing with your computer. If you get the best hardware but you overload your system with unnecessary programs and clog up your hard drive, your system will begin to slow down.

It's that simple. The solution is to run a lean machine and only install what's necessary for your business or hobby.
A new machine or upgrades will give you a faster machine, but its long term performance will largely be determined by your computing habits.

I would need 10 minutes of your time and I'll show you how to speed up your computer, rid yourself of viruses and protect yourself online.


Nathan Segal, from Victoria, BC, Canada, is a writer/photographer who has also been active as a digital artist for well over a decade. For the past 9+ years, he has written numerous articles for computer and photographic magazines and has provided his own illustrations and photographs for the articles. His articles have covered : software reviews, tutorials, computer tips and tricks, profiles and investigative reporting. visualartist49[at]gmail[dot]com; 1 408 844-4851 (Cell).



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20 Jan, 2010 | Posted by: psn



How to Buy a Monitor

Tips for Buying a CRT Monitor

Generally, the best overall purchase is with a 19 inch flat
screen monitor, with a dot pitch of .26 or less (the
distance between two dots on the screen) and power saving
options. Be aware that if you decide to go to a 21 inch
monitor the size and cost jump considerably.

CRT resolution is adjustable and can go as high as 1600x1200
or more, but in order to take full advantage of these
resolutions your video card needs to have that capability as
well. An anti-glare coating is recommended as it makes
images clearer, reduces eyestrain and is a must for a CRT
monitor.

When considering a monitor, the viewing area (measured
diagonally) is important. As a case in point, a 17 inch
monitor refers to the entire screen and frame, but the
actual viewing area might only be 15-16 inches across. If in
doubt, take a tape measure with you. Also, measure your desk
space in advance. It will save you the hassle of having to
return a monitor later.
LCD monitor
Warranties vary from 1-3 years. Additional warranties that
you can purchase onsite are another option and may be a good
idea. When your monitor warranty expires it's a good idea to
find out who will service it.

Tips for Buying an LCD Monitor

LCD monitors use a fixed matrix of cells for image display
and this is the resolution that offers the best result. If
you reduce the resolution, only a portion of the pixels are
used, resulting in a blurry image. Make sure that the native
resolution matches the one you use regularly.

Dead pixels are a problem with LCD screens. To see if your
screen has them, look at a completely white screen and see
if you can spot any black dots, then change the screen to
black and see if any white or colored dots appear. Having
two or three might not be much of an issue, unless their
placement is in a critical location. If that's the case,
take the monitor back. The worst part about dead pixels is
that they're not easily fixed. Before you plunk down your
hard earned dollars, check the warranty and see what it
offers/excludes. Find out how many dead pixels your screen
has to have before it can be replaced. In some case that's
eight; which is too much, in my opinion. If necessary,
consider purchasing an extended warranty.

As mentioned earlier, the contrast ratio is an important
issue. If the contrast is too low, the screen could produce
dull, flat colors and darker color shades could appear as
black. Look for a contrast ratio 400:1 or better. If it's
lower than that, colors may wash out at higher brightness
settings. Be aware that higher contrast ratios are good only
so far. Anything over 600:1 isn't likely to offer an
advantage.

Note: These days most LCD monitors have a contrast ration of
700:1 or better. If in doubt, check the specifications.

Want to read more?
http://www.photosource.com/psn-article/monitor.html

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22 Dec, 2009 | Posted by: psn





How to Buy a Digital Camera

If you're new to using a digital camera , here are a few tips to keep in
mind:

· Consider the amount of megapixels. Generally the more megapixels you have, the better the quality of your image. This is especially important if you want to make enlargements. The reality is that a 3 megapixel camera will do the job for an 8x10 print, assuming that the optics, processor and firmware are of good quality. If you're printing at 11x14, a 6 megapixel camera will do the job, again, assuming the optics, processor and firmware are of good
quality. I
It's not necessary to spend a lot of money for a camera with 10
megapixels or more. Shooting at that image size will eat up a lot of disk
space quickly. Unless you're shooting for a high-end result, such as stock
photography, the higher megapixel count isn't necessary.

· Buy a camera with an optical zoom as this produces the best picture quality. While digital zoom is available, it reduces the size of your image (and resolution). If you want to create a digital zoom, you can easily do so after the fact using image editing software.

· Make sure that the camera uses removable memory cards. You don't want to get stuck with a fixed amount of memory.

· Make sure the camera has a large LCD and rangefinder option. In addition, make sure the LCD doesn't wash out in the bright glare of sunlight).

· Consider the size of your camera and that it fits comfortably in your hands. If it's too small you run the risk of dropping it.

· Make sure your computer can match the system requirements of the camera. If in doubt, check your computer manual for more information.

· Consider purchasing two cameras, one a point-and-shoot that fits in your pocket, the other, a higher quality camera (DSLR) with interchangeable lenses and a high quality chip for studio and location photography. DSLR cameras also perform better in low light situations. This is one area where point-and-shoot cameras don't fare very well.

· Make sure that the camera has an optical viewfinder. LCD's don't display well in sunlight and they consume batttery power quickly.


-------------------------


Nathan Segal, from Victoria, BC, Canada, is a writer/photographer who has also been active as a digital artist for well over a decade. For the past 9+ years, he has written numerous articles for computer and photographic magazines and has provided his own illustrations and photographs for the articles. His articles have covered : software reviews, tutorials, computer tips and tricks, profiles and investigative reporting. visualartist49[at]gmail[dot]com; 1 408 844-4851


Get more done in less time and make more money at DigitalArtistU.com With a membership you get access to our time saving tips, tools and techniques.


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16 Dec, 2009 | Posted by: psn






Laptop Security:
Prevent Your Laptop From
Being Stolen


Having a laptop is a great way to work....and if you travel, it offers excellent flexibility.

The down-side is...if you store personal and private information on your laptop, you could be subjected to Identity Theft if your laptop were ever stolen.

When traveling with a laptop, here are some important considerations:

1. Don't ever leave your laptop in your car

2. Use a router, either for LAN connections or for wireless (Asus makes a great one).

3. Never let your laptop out of your sight, especially in restaurants or coffee shops.

4. Use a security cable - and keep it locked.

5. Don't put your laptop on the floor in a restaurant or coffee shop. This reduces the risk of damage from spills.

6. Use a well-padded case.

7. If you have a movement alarm, use it.

8. Encrypt the data on your computer with software such as Identity Finder.

9. Protect your passwords with RoboFormtogo, which is a program that you can load on a flash drive and uses a secure password to access your system passwords.

10. If you have a business laptop and it's been stolen, notify your employer immediately and call the police. Also, take a look at the FTC web site and have a look at the section on deaing with data breaches.
- - - - - - - - - -


If you use the wireless capabilities on your laptop, be aware that while wireless access points are great for convenience and mobile Internet connectivity, there are some important things to keep in mind:

1. If you're on a home or business network, you should use encryption to protect your communications. Of your options, there is WPA (WiFi Protected Access) and WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy). Of these two options WPA is the best.

2. Use both antivirus, anti-spyware protection, as well as a firewall.

3. Turn off Identifier broadcasting on your router.

4. Create strong passwords and change the router's preset password. Stronger passwords are tougher to crack.

5. Define which computers can access your network.

6. Public WiFi spots might not be secure. Don't send valuable information over this type of network.

7. Power down your WiFi network when you're not using it.





Nathan Segal, from Victoria, BC, Canada, is a writer/photographer who has also been active as a digital artist for well over a decade. For the past 9+ years, he has written numerous articles for computer and photographic magazines and has provided his own illustrations and photographs for the articles. His articles have covered : software reviews, tutorials, computer tips and tricks, profiles and investigative reporting. visualartist49[at]gmail[dot]com; 1 408 844-4851


Get more done in less time and make more money at DigitalArtistU.com Check out our samples page to improve your photography and your results. http://www.digitalartistu.com/public/main.cfm



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09 Dec, 2009 | Posted by: psn



How to avoid it…

Fake Software: What is it?

by Nathan Segal>

One of the fastest growing online scams is “fake software”, sometimes known as fake anti-malware software, or "Rogue" software.

It's marketed by advertising that looks like genuine software programs. You'll encounter seemingly legitimate names such as: DriveCleaner, AdvancedPCTweaker, PC Cleaner 2008, and many, many others.

Here are some things to know about rogue/fake anti-malware software:

When you visit one of these sites, you'll be encouraged to run a scan on your computer for spyware. The scan will inevitably find that your computer is infected with spyware (whether you have it or not) and will try to scare you into paying for the software to remove it.

- - - - - -
“If that software gets on your computer,
it can cause all sorts of problems. “
- - - - - -



If that software gets on your computer, it can cause all sorts of problems. Your machine will almost certainly slow down, you could encounter random popups, secondary infections and you could be charged for additional "services" or software you didn't purchase.

CAN I GET A REFUND?


Obtaining a refund is next to impossible because these companies frequently change name and URL's. To make matters worse, you could easily have become a victim of identity theft. If you suspect that your identity has been compromised, file a report with the FTC.

If you are considering installing anti-malware software on your computer, here's what I recommend, call your local computer store for a recommendation or go to a trusted friend and see what they use. Don't buy anything online unless you know that the program is legitimate. It's far too easy to buy fake software, which could damage your computer and cost you hundreds of dollars to repair.

Your machine will almost certainly slow down, you could encounter random popups, secondary infections and you could be charged for additional "services" or software you didn't purchase.

Fake software is an enormous scam which affects users all over the world. It's extremely insidious and the names online make it even worse. According to one list I discovered, there were well over 400 different names for this software.

=============-----------------=============



Fake software.a It's a common problem. Give me 10 minutes of your time and I'll show you how to speed up your computer, rid yourself of computer infestations and protect yourself online.




Nathan Segal, from Victoria, BC, Canada, is a writer/photographer who has also been active as a digital artist for well over a decade. For the past 9+ years, he has written numerous articles for computer and photographic magazines and has provided his own illustrations and photographs for the articles. His articles have covered : software reviews, tutorials, computer tips and tricks, profiles and investigative reporting. visualartist49[at]gmail[dot]com;


Get more done in less time and make more money at DigitalArtistU.com Check out our samples page to improve your photography and your results. http://www.digitalartistu.com/public/main.cfm 1 408 844 -4851




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25 Nov, 2009 | Posted by: psn





Certified Check Scams:
Don't Ship Until the Check Clears


John Jones sells his prints on-line. He is happy to see that someone from Nigeria wants to buy his extra-large size print.

Careful. There might be a scam awaiting John Jones.

Here’s how it works.

The “check overpayment scam” targets people who have placed an item that cannot be electronically delivered online.

The scammer, a con artist from another country (or a location remote to you), will pose as a buyer. The con artist emails the seller and offers to buy the item with a cashier’s check, money order, personal or corporate check. The con artist will give John a story about how it will cost John a lot of money to ship the item or that there will be extra fees involved for customs, etc. The con artist says to John he will send John a check for considerably more than the asking price to cover John’s extra delivery costs.

In addition, the con artist will tell John it’s a time-sensitive situation and that John needs to send the print as soon as possible.

HERE’s THE CATCH


If the con artist sends a check, money order, etc., to cover these extra fees for delivery it will look authentic. Caution: If John tries to deposit the check, it will almost certainly bounce. If John sends the item before the check has cleared, John has lost his print and he’ll be on the hook for the bank and shipping charges.

Another variation of this scam is when the scammer asks John to wire back the difference in price after he’s shipped the item.

Again, if John ships the print before the check has cleared, it will almost
certainly bounce, and he’ll be on the hook for the loss of his print, his time involved, bank fees, shipping charges and the difference the money John sent back to the scammer.

Worse, if the scammer has access to John’s bank account information, he
could also lose money from his account.

Note: If you’re selling something online, and suspect a “check overpayment scam”, end the transaction immediately, especially if the suspicious scammer asks you to wire back funds. Contact the FTC (https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/)to report such a potential fraud.


Nathan Segal, from Victoria, BC, Canada, is a writer/photographer who has also been active as a digital artist for well over a decade. For the past 9+ years, he has written numerous articles for computer and photographic magazines and has provided his own illustrations and photographs for the articles. His articles have covered : software reviews, tutorials, computer tips and tricks, profiles and investigative reporting. visualartist49[at]gmail[dot]com; 1 408 844-4851


Get more done in less time and make more money at DigitalArtistU.com Check out our samples page to improve your photography and your results. http://www.digitalartistu.com/public/main.cfm


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04 Nov, 2009 | Posted by: psn




Someone's Gone Phishing?



A Phishing Scam is one of many email scams that appears to be a legitimate request for a financial information update based on your accounts with an institution.

The first time I got one of these was from my bank. I was instantly suspicious. When I clicked on the link, it took me to a web site to update my financial information,but when I looked at the URL, I spotted two problems, first itdidn't have https (the "s" stands for "secure") in the URL and the
URL was for a site that had nothing to do with the bank I use. Iimmediately contacted my bank and let them know about the scam.Within a couple of days, they put an advisory on their web site for
their customers.

Note: Even the "s" isn't necessarily foolproof. Some
scammers forge these icons.


So what happened here? First off, reputable businesses won't make such requests by email. Secondly, phishers will take you to a fake or "spoofed" web site. A "spoofed" web site is one where the scammer has copied a legitimate web site as "proof" to fool would-be
victims.

Here are some examples of common scams, the Nigerian Scam, email
419, fbi scams, security scams, lottery email scam, etc. All of
which lead to identity theft and or bank fraud.

Here's how to avoid the scam:

· Never respond to an email, text or pop-up message that asks for your financial information.

· Don't click on any of the links in the message.
· Don't cut and paste the URL into your browser, either. You might
get redirected without your knowledge.

· If in doubt, type in the URL directly or contact your financial
institution by phone.

· Don't call the phone numbers in the message. Only use the numbers
that have been given to you by your financial institution.

· Read the privacy policies of the companies you deal with to see
how they handle your personal information and how they protect that
information.

Questions? Write to me at: visualartist49[at]gmail[dot]com
PO Box 8 621 Discovery St, Victoria, British Columbia V8W2M1, CANADA


Nathan Segal, from Victoria, BC, Canada, is a writer/photographer who has also been active as a digital artist for well over a decade. For the past 9+ years, he has written numerous articles for computer and photographic magazines and has provided his own illustrations and photographs for the articles. His articles have covered : software reviews, tutorials, computer tips and tricks, profiles and investigative reporting. visualartist49[at]gmail[dot]com; 1 408 844-4851

Get more done in less time and make more money at DigitalArtistU.com Check out our samples page to improve your photography and your results. http://www.digitalartistu.com/public/main.cfm


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27 Oct, 2009 | Posted by: psn







Having a surge protector...

An important tool when working with a
computer.


It doesn't take much for an electrical surge to damage
your electronics.

Here are some things to look for:

A response time of 10 nanoseconds or less

The ability to absorb 800 joules, minimum

A failure light so you know if the suppressor is defective

Make sure the suppressor can block electricity from phone lines.

Make sure that you can feed cable outlets through the suppressor

Ensure that it has enough outlets in different sizes for all your components

Make sure that the warranty is honored in case of damage to the suppressor or your hardware

Make sure it has a UL stamp (Underwriters Laboratory) and complies with the UL 1449 specifications. Protection comes in 3 numbers, 330, 440 and 550. The lower number offers the best protection.

Finally, don't count on your suppressor to stop lightning. Unplug all appliances during a storm. Even the best surge protectors might not work under these conditions. You don't want to find out the hard way.



Questions? Write to me at: visualartist49[at]gmail[dot]com
PO Box 8 621 Discovery St, Victoria, British Columbia V8W2M1, CANADA

Nathan Segal, from Victoria, BC, Canada, is a writer/photographer who has also been active as a digital artist for well over a decade. For the past 9+ years, he has written numerous articles for computer and photographic magazines and has provided his own illustrations and photographs for the articles. His articles have covered : software reviews, tutorials, computer tips and tricks, profiles and investigative reporting. visualartist49[at]gmail[dot]com; 1 408 844-4851


Get more done in less time and make more money at DigitalArtistU.com Check out our samples page to improve your photography and your results. http://www.digitalartistu.com/public/main.cfm


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21 Oct, 2009 | Posted by: psn




Wireless
Watch

If you use the wireless capabilities on your laptop, be aware that
while wireless access points are great for convenience and mobile
Internet connectivity, there are some important things to keep in
mind:

1. If you're on a home or business network, you should use
encryption to protect your communications. Of your options, there
is WPA (WiFi Protected Access) and WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy).
Of these two options WPA is the best.

2. Make sure you use both antivirus anti-spyware protection, as
well as a firewall.

3. Turn off Identifier broadcasting on your router.

4. Create strong passwords and change the router's preset password.
Stronger passwords are tougher to crack.

5. Define which computers can access your network.

6. Public WiFi spots might not be secure. Don't send valuable
information over this type of network.

7. Power down your WiFi network when you're not using it.

Questions? Write to me at: visualartist49[at]gmail[dot]com


Nathan Segal, from Victoria, BC, Canada, is a writer/photographer who has also been active as a digital artist for well over a decade. For the past 9+ years, he has written numerous articles for computer and photographic magazines and has provided his own illustrations and photographs for the articles. His articles have covered : software reviews, tutorials, computer tips and tricks, profiles and investigative reporting. visualartist49[at]gmail[dot]com; 1 408 844-4851


Get more done in less time and make more money at DigitalArtistU.com Check out our samples page to improve your photography and your results. http://www.digitalartistu.com/public/main.cfm


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14 Oct, 2009 | Posted by: psn




Is That Software Real?

One of the fastest growing online scams concerns fake software,
sometimes known as fake anti-malware software, or "Rogue" software.

It's marketed by ads that simulate genuine software programs.
You'll encounter seemingly legitimate names such as: DriveCleaner,
AdvancedPCTweaker, PC Cleaner 2008, and many, many others.

Here are some things to know about rogue/fake anti-malware software:

When you visit one of these sites, you'll be encouraged to run a
scan on your computer for spyware. The scan will inevitably find
that your computer is infected with spyware (whether you have it or
not) and will try to scare you into paying for the software to
remove it.

If that software gets on your computer, it can cause all sorts of
problems. Your machine will almost certainly slow down, you could
encounter random popups, secondary infections and you could be
charged for additional "services" or software you didn't purchase.

Obtaining a refund is next to impossible because these companies
frequently change name and URL's. To make matters worse, you could
easily have become a victim of identity theft. If you suspect that
your identity has been compromised, file a report with the FTC.

In my book, http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=8FV7_&m=1kbyPJ1WXIjbk5&b=QN3xAnFh9EZdruBf36QIHg I feature a bonus module which includes an extensive
report on computer security and how to keep yourself and your data,
safe. It also comes with a video showing you how to protect
yourself online.

Check it out at: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=8FV7_&m=1kbyPJ1WXIjbk5&b=2afQ_HGnhpXpcREnM7RSzg




Nathan Segal, from Victoria, BC, Canada, is a writer/photographer who has also been active as a digital artist for well over a decade. For the past 9+ years, he has written numerous articles for computer and photographic magazines and has provided his own illustrations and photographs for the articles. His articles have covered : software reviews, tutorials, computer tips and tricks, profiles and investigative reporting. visualartist49[at]gmail[dot]com; 1 408 844-4851 (Cell).


Get more done in less time and make more money at DigitalArtistU.com Check out our samples page to improve your photography and your results. http://www.digitalartistu.com/public/main.cfm



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30 Sep, 2009 | Posted by: psn



Some Printing Tips

Printing is a challenge with computers...., especially because there's a tremendous difference between screen-based graphics and what you see on paper. This section offers tips that you can use for your home or office printer and provides additional information in case you choose to use an imaging professional.

1. RGB to CMYK
Colors that work in the RGB color space are often out of gamut in the CMYK color space; meaning that what you see on the screen cannot be printed using color inks. Other print issues are different RGB spaces among scanners or monitors, a different CMYK space among printers and printing presses and your monitor going through color shifts as it ages.

2. Use a Commercial Printer
If you choose to use a high-end commercial printer, do all of your work in RGB. DO NOT convert your print files to CMYK. If you're doing high-end art repro, you can send your RGB files and they'll do the conversion for you but expect to pay big bucks.

If you're going to a local copy center, you'll need to convert your files to CMYK yourself. If you send them RGB files the results are likely to be unpredictable.

It's important to realize that converting your files to CMYK will cause you to lose a great deal of color data. Worse, if you manipulate the images after converting to CMYK, the color data loss could posterize your image.

Ask your printer for their color profile and a print that you can use to calibrate your system to theirs. Also, be sure to ask them what file format they use and guidelines for output. This information varies from printer to printer.

3. More Control
If you want more control over the CMYK process, check out: "." This volume explains how we see color, what the differences are between human and camera perception, and how to work with a color wheel. You'll learn about display issues, including monitor calibration and resolution, color palettes, and consistency across varying platforms, operating systems, software and more.

4. Page Layout
Check your layouts and make sure electronic documents match the printed page size otherwise you could get an unpleasant surprise later.

5. About Graphics
When manipulating graphics, I recommend the use of an image-editing application such as Corel Photo-Paint. Don't use these functions in Corel Draw because this will add to processing times when you send your files to a commercial printer. Instead use Corel Draw for page layout only.

6. Screen vs. Print Resolutions
You will need to use different resolutions depending on the final output. As an example, screen resolutions, gives you an image size of 72dpi; whereas for printing, you need to use a resolution of 125 - 400dpi, depending on the final output.

Note: Don't use screen images as they are only 72dpi. They might look great on the monitor but the printed result will be highly pixelated and will lack sharpness and depth.


Nathan Segal, from Victoria, BC, Canada, is a writer/photographer who has also been active as a digital artist for well over a decade. For the past 9+ years, he has written numerous articles for computer and photographic magazines and has provided his own illustrations and photographs for the articles. His articles have covered : software reviews, tutorials, computer tips and tricks, profiles and investigative reporting. visualartist49[at]gmail[dot]com; 1 408 844-4851 (Cell).


Get more done in less time and make more money at DigitalArtistU.com Check ou t our samples page to improve your photography and your results. http://www.digitalartistu.com/public/main.cfm


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23 Sep, 2009 | Posted by: psn



The discovery and implementation of digital photography is one of the great advancements of our era. No longer do photographers have to wait for hours or days to see their results. Digital photography saves you time, money and effort.

How to Buy a Digital Camera

If you're new to using a digital camera , here are a few tips to keep in mind:

· Consider the amount of megapixels. Generally the more megapixels you have, the better the quality of your image. This is especially important if you want to make enlargements. The reality is that a 3 megapixel camera will do the job for an 8x10 print, assuming that the optics, processor and firmware are of good quality. If you're printing at 11x14, a 6 megapixel camera will do the job, again, assuming the optics, processor and firmware are of good quality. It's not necessary to spend a lot of money for a camera with 10 megapixels or more. Shooting at that image size will eat up a lot of disk space quickly. Unless you're shooting for a high-end result, such as stock photography, the higher megapixel count isn't necessary.

· Buy a camera with an optical zoom as this produces the best picture quality. While digital zoom is available, it reduces the size of your image (and resolution). If you want to create a digital zoom, you can easily do so after the fact using image editing software.

· Make sure that the camera uses removable memory cards. You don't want to get stuck with a fixed amount of memory.

· Make sure the camera has a large LCD and rangefinder option. In addition, make sure the LCD doesn't wash out in the bright glare of sunlight).

· Choose a camera that uses rechargeable batteries (preferably lithium ion, not nicads)

· Consider the size of your camera and that it fits comfortably in your hands. If it's too small you run the risk of dropping it.

· Make sure your computer can match the system requirements of the camera. If in doubt, check your computer manual for more information.

· Consider purchasing two cameras, one a point-and-shoot that fits in your pocket, the other, a higher quality camera (DSLR) with interchangeable lenses and a high quality chip for studio and location photography. DSLR cameras also perform better in low light situations. This is one area where point-and-shoot cameras don't fare very well.

· Make sure that the camera has an optical viewfinder. LCD's don't display well in sunlight and they consume batttery power quickly.



Nathan Segal, from Victoria, BC, Canada, is a writer/photographer who has also been active as a digital artist for well over a decade. For the past 9+ years, he has written numerous articles for computer and photographic magazines and has provided his own illustrations and photographs for the articles. His articles have covered : software reviews, tutorials, computer tips and tricks, profiles and investigative reporting. visualartist49[at]gmail[dot]com; 1 408 844-4851 (Cell).



Get more done in less time and make more money at DigitalArtistU.com Check out our samples page to improve your photography and your results. http://www.digitalartistu.com/public/main.cfm




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16 Sep, 2009 | Posted by: psn




How Do I Speed Up My Computer?


Your computer is a complex machine made up of both electronic and mechanical parts. Many novices to computers think that once they've bought a computer that it should work consistently thereafter.

The reality is this: You could have the best hardware in the world and have a computer that runs so slowly as to be next to worthless.

The number one determining factor (hardware issues and failures aside) that will slow your computer down is: "YOU!!!"

Have I shocked you ?

Good!!

Let me put this into perspective. A case in point was a computer I was asked to look at recently. The user was really frustrated. He was thinking of chucking the laptop out a window because it was so slow. Granted, it was an old computer, but what really got my attention was what happened when the machine booted up (which took a long time).

He had 6 different anti-spyware programs all in competition with each other, about 5 different registry editors and numerous browser toolbars.

I was flabbergasted!!

I told him I was amazed his machine would even boot up at all. Cleaning it out was even worse. Some of the programs fought me (with threats of dire consequences to the integrity of his machine) as I tried to remove them. It was a real mess, but over time, it got better and the computer sped up considerably.
The whole point of this story is this: "If you have poor software habits, such as downloading tons of files on the Internet or every program your friends give to you, you're likely to overload your system and it won't be long before your computer will begin to slow down again."

To elaborate, let's use the analogy of a new car. If you buy it with all the bells and whistles, such as air conditioning, power everything, etc. and you don’t maintain it, it will begin to perform poorly. One such impact will be high gas consumption.

Conversely, if you buy a car that only has what you need, a leaner version of the same vehicle and you do regular maintenance, this will tend to reduce your gas consumption.

It's a similar thing with your computer. If you get the best hardware but you overload your system with unnecessary programs and clog up your hard drive, your system will begin to slow down.

It's that simple. The solution is to run a lean machine and only install what's necessary for your business or hobby.
A new machine or upgrades will give you a faster machine, but its long term performance will largely be determined by your computing habits.

I would need 10 minutes of your time and I'll show you how to speed up your computer, rid yourself of viruses and protect yourself online.

Nathan Segal, from Victoria, BC, Canada, is a writer/photographer who has also been active as a digital artist for well over a decade. For the past 9+ years, he has written numerous articles for computer and photographic magazines and has provided his own illustrations and photographs for the articles. His articles have covered : software reviews, tutorials, computer tips and tricks, profiles and investigative reporting. visualartist49[at]gmail[dot]com; 1 408 844-4851 (Cell).




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