tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59669229414822062302011-11-27T18:36:24.467-07:00Tools, tips, and hints for computer/tech stuff. A discussion of some of the best tools and tips found via the worldwide web.Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316414761696433302noreply@blogger.comBlogger121100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966922941482206230.post-43642697400446607502011-07-09T15:21:00.008-07:002011-07-09T15:34:39.777-07:00

Hello folks,I got my grubby Western hands on this piece of Occidental communications gear recently.I'll give you my thoughts by starting with my one word summary - VALUE.It is an absolute value of function, features, and fit. Maybe we all have been "programmed" for far too long that a good dual band handheld has to be $300 plus and come with a big three badge - Kenwood, Icom, or Yaesu.Well, I

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316414761696433302noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966922941482206230.post-34711352577569215422010-03-06T13:36:00.006-07:002010-03-06T13:55:18.467-07:00

Do you find that your recording and player settings get changed from time to time? Lots of applications, like SKYPE, take over control of your mic and output settings. When you are finished using SKYPE, your settings may be completely changed for your music player or other sound application. Also, if you have hobbies like amateur radio, podcasting, videography, etc., this can be a huge time

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316414761696433302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966922941482206230.post-47598958573844948562009-09-07T21:41:00.006-07:002009-09-07T21:56:40.644-07:00

Do you write computer tutorials?Would recording your PC session help you explain a new program or application to another individual?Would you like to capture your screen activity for a video you are producing?Try one of these software solutions:CamStudio - freewareJing (browser-based, MAC supported also) / Snagit / Camtasia (not free) - Popular solutions from the folks at TechSmith.If you have

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316414761696433302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966922941482206230.post-40580164644379959842008-06-17T14:30:00.017-07:002009-09-07T21:57:55.595-07:00

I had the thought that one of these soon-to-be-mentioned services would be the subject of my next blog entry but then it occurred to me --- combine them. I think you will see why shortly.Great Service #1: Give Away of the DayEvery so often, my favorite daily must-read website, lifehacker, will showcase an article about a specific utility or program that is available for free. The catch - it is a

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316414761696433302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966922941482206230.post-17953568405499958182008-06-04T00:34:00.012-07:002009-09-07T22:03:15.931-07:00

When looking for a person on the Internet, Google is fine but there are a few services that are made to perform people searches better.Here are three sites that can be valuable when looking for an online presence:www.pipl.comwww.123people.comwww.zabasearch.comwww.linkedin.comThe more you know about someone, the more your search will be productive. Think about these items when planning a search:

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316414761696433302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966922941482206230.post-67401537738159951922008-06-04T00:26:00.003-07:002008-06-04T00:37:16.073-07:00

From December of '06 by the folks at SimpleDollar.com:30 Essential Pieces Of Free (and Open) Software for WindowsThis is a pretty good list. It has everything from word processor to money management to email clients to photo editing. Many of the listed 30 software apps are still going strong today.At least this is a good starting point if you are interested in free software for Windows.Please

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316414761696433302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966922941482206230.post-70776340486477731432008-02-29T14:08:00.003-07:002008-02-29T14:12:10.603-07:00

Bootdisks - floppy, CD - whatever the case may be, at times, whether its to revive an old PC or laptop, you need a good boot disk. Where do you get it if you can't make your own?Here: www.bootdisk.comBe sure to check out the entire web site. Lots of PC support and "essential utilities".Cheers, Joe

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316414761696433302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966922941482206230.post-23887629124404089982008-01-31T12:08:00.001-07:002008-06-04T22:58:04.973-07:00

Have you ever said to yourself, "Where can I find the older version of this program? It seemed to work much more reliably than the latest version."Or, do you need just the basic features of a popular utility and not all of those features of the new version? Or - and this happens a lot - you found your registration key but it is for the older version!Well, here is one source of great older

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316414761696433302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966922941482206230.post-84056077943245902712007-12-12T00:32:00.000-07:002007-12-13T16:37:44.090-07:00

So many of us are already proficient web cam users. We use web cams for video chat, video streaming, recording video greetings and email, and some of us also use web cams as security devices.This blog entry will focus on the latter item - video security/monitoring. There are many programs available to utilize your web cam for security purposes.They allow you to use your web cam to monitor a

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316414761696433302noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966922941482206230.post-34264244017515912932007-12-11T20:52:00.000-07:002007-12-12T01:12:53.418-07:00

During a recent conversation with a friend, Frank, from Queen Creek AZ, the issue of "slow" computers came up. Why do they slow down and what can be done about it? This is a great issue to address, especially since this is the time of year some of us think about upgrading our present computer in favor of a faster, feature-rich new model.That's fine but don't be so quick to retire that "slow"

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316414761696433302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966922941482206230.post-20862251987515249862007-10-29T21:12:00.000-07:002007-12-12T01:17:20.990-07:00

Do you need to know how to make a swamp cooler? Do you want to make your own charging station for your cell phone, iPod, PDA, or other device? Or maybe you just get entertained by the creativity and ingenuity of others.Well, there are many places to visit on the WWW that can satisfy your questions or curiosity. One of the most popular "how-to" sites on the web is http://www.instructables.com/. If

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316414761696433302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966922941482206230.post-24485289947769593432007-09-21T22:14:00.000-07:002007-12-12T01:17:36.412-07:00

This is going to be a collection of my favorite tools and tips to make your computing activities - as well as some others - easier and more rewarding. Some other areas will be - but not limited to - communications, navigation, mobile computing, linux, videography, and photo stuff.There will be tips on the latest software tweaks and items that will provide great utility.Most of what you will find

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316414761696433302noreply@blogger.com1