Of course it’s easy for me, and it is a bit snobbish that today I smirked when I overheard someone tell their friend they were dubious of using ‘the reply button’ when answering messages. The reality is though, for those who haven’t grown up with computers, and those who haven’t spent much time with them, they can be quite alien and intimidating – and there is no real jumping on point either.

To that end, here I will impart some basic advice to those who perhaps aren’t the most tech savvy in the world, to help you find your way around computers and devices in future.

Don’t Fear the PC

The first and most important piece of advice is very simple, which is: just don’t be afraid of computers. At the end of the day if something goes wrong it’s not going to break the machine. It’s only hardware problems that are unfixable so unless you are banging the computer against a wall it will be completely fine. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and the best way to learn is literally to just throw yourself in there at the deep end.

Likewise you shouldn’t get in a panic, and you shouldn’t try and rush anything. If you look around then normally it’s fairly easy to understand what’s going on – it’s when you get in a fluster that you tend to make more mistakes.

For instance when it comes to Windows you have a simple system which is that you double click with the left mouse to launch anything you like the looks of on the desktop or in a folder. Meanwhile if you select something from the start menu or task bar you can just click once. You minimize, maximize or close the programme in the top right and you can move your files by dragging and dropping them into different places. Your right click meanwhile brings up a menu.

When you run the programs you will normally have your options along the top. Most of these are self explanatory – a picture of a disk will usually be ‘save’ while a picture of a spanner will probably be options. And if you aren’t sure what something does, then just hovering the mouse over it will usually bring up a little hint making it more clear.

Trust the computer and trust what it says, because it isn’t going to mislead you. Don’t be dubious of ‘reply’…. It’s called reply and so that’s what it does. It’s very rare that something goes wrong – except for the screen freezing occasionally.

If You Should Run Into Trouble…

If you run into major trouble then the best solution is often simple – turn it off and back on again. This fixes around 90% of problems. Meanwhile though, if you don’t know how to do something then just search for the answer in Google. The brilliance of the computer is that it is a gateway to all the information you need to be able to use it. Don’t know how to turn off double spacing in Word? Simple – type into Google ‘how to turn off double spacing in Word’ and it will tell you.

It’s only by doing this that you can really learn and this hands on experience will help you to quickly become a pro.

James Delurno works with registry cleaner company as technical writer. He also loves to blog tips and tricks related to technology/gadgets.

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UltraBook

This Christmas, many people will be eagerly looking forward to sitting round the tree with carols jangling away, ripping the paper off their brand new super fancy tablet PC. It is the gift of the year as Apple’s iPad gave way to a swath of rivals rushing into the market with their own versions, implanting the desire to enjoy the gadget’s functions and slick operation, in many impressionable gadget-hungry minds.

You might just be tempted to break from the crowd however, when you feast your eyes on the new range of ‘Ultrabooks’ now available.

What is it?

Intel coined the phrase ‘Ultrabook’ to best describe their new range of MacBook Air rivals. An Ultrabook is essentially a very thin, very light and very fast laptop. Intel hopes that a new front with all new fancy processors will give them the chance to lure some of the market for tablet PCs (and the associated ARM processor based technology that powers them) away and towards what they are offering as a better alternative. Essential elements of an Ultrabook:

• Measures less than 20 mm thick
• Weighs less than 1.4 kg
• Has at least 5-8 hours battery life

Will it be Popular?

If you’re a gadget fiend then, what you really want to know is, will it be popular? Will it make you as cool next year as all the people who had tablets this year?

Well Intel, one of the biggest chip manufacturers in the world, has pumped hundreds of millions of pounds into development for this product, so they clearly think/hope it will be. Plus, the MacBook Air is already popular, and so by offering their new Ultrabooks at around and below the £1000 mark, they obviously hope to appeal to those that don’t want to fork out for an Apple.

There are in fact already 11 ‘Ultrabooks’ available so you have a choice of manufacturers such as Acer, Asus, LG and Samsung, which suggests that everyone thinks that these will in fact become the new standard type of laptop people go for, as style and power can now go hand in hand like never before.

Why Bother?

The down-sides of going for an ‘Ultrabook’ are that you do have to forfeit some comfort for the added stylishness. For example:

• Sealed-Unit – meaning that you can’t get into them, limiting your options when it comes to repairs and upgrades.
• Expensive – they are always going to be just slightly snazzier laptops, that you pay extra (sometimes double) the price for, for not much better specifications.
• Limitations – Thanks to its size; storage, CPU power and graphics are all limited. Plus flash storage and memory will be soldered in too, so no upgrades there either.

At the end of the day though, the decision is yours. Do you want a style piece that isn’t quite as good as the MacBook Air, or do you want a laptop that you could get a more powerful and flexible version of that is much cheaper at the expense of having a few extra grams to carry around?

Are you still interested?

Yohan Trimlett is a PC doctor. He provides computer repairs Edinburgh for a laptop repair company.

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Vision and Reality

According to some, there is a great difference between the ideals of using technology to interact, and the reality of its effect on socialization. Those optimistic about technology’s role in social interaction say that technology creates a ‘knowledge society’ where everything is connected, and anyone can continue their participation from anywhere they happen to be, even when they are physically absent. And what could be better than that?

Unfortunately, it’s not the reality. Also called the ‘pessimistic view on technology and socialization’, this camp says that technology does the opposite for socialization. Instead of bringing people together, technology actually puts a focus on isolation and disconnection, which manifests itself as just that. People become more interested in the features and information provided by their personal devices than in the goings on of the real world. Not only that, but they also have the freedom to choose only that information which appeals to them, which results in an ‘ignorance society’.

The Evidence of Ignorance?

A study indicated that people interact socially online for two reasons: as a coping mechanism, and to escape. Those who needed support from family and friends would often turn to social networking sites to seek relief. And when they wanted to be entertained, participants turned to other areas of the web like video and music sites.

Reports of accidents involving drivers distracted by their cell phones, pedestrians texting as they walk and fatalities resulting from inattention to the ‘real world’ due to technological distraction are now commonplace, which could count as evidence toward the pessimistic view of technology on society.

One news story offered a different spin on how technology, or the lack thereof, affected at least one member of the human race. And it opened the eyes of many.

The Amish Project

During three months at the end of 2011, Jake P. Reilly, a copywriting student decided to see whether it was possible to live without the technological conveniences we enjoy today. In an unprecedented ‘unplugging’, Reilly swore off texting, emailing, cell phone and social media interaction in what he named “The Amish Project”. His reason for doing so was because he felt that we weren’t spending enough quality time with the people we care about.

Reilly’s intriguing social experiment revealed some very interesting details about his relationships. Not only did he discover that those he considered to be close friends weren’t as close as he thought, but he also created new ways to communicate and was able to revive a romantic relationship.

Instead of texting or emailing, Reilly relied on hand-written messages to connect with those in his life. Form visiting a friend’s house on his bike to chat face-to-face, to turning his school’s cork board into a slew of interesting and often humorous messages, Reilly was able to rediscover the true connection between human beings, and also realized the impact that technology is having on us from an ‘unplugged’ standpoint.

Asking Ourselves Why

One question we might ask ourselves when trying to discern whether technology is having a positive or negative impact on our social interactions is why we use that technology. For those who use the internet, it was discovered that they do so for two reasons; either as a coping mechanism, or to escape.

Those looking for some kind of emotional support were found to turn to social networks first, as that was where friends and family were located. Those needing entertainment turned to the online world by visiting resources like video and music sites. But can those voids be filled just as adequately or better with real-world interactions?

Regardless of whether you’re on the visionary or reality side of things, one fact remains clear: that the decision to use or not use technology is a choice that only the individual can make.

Citations:

• Is Technology good or bad for social interaction
• 90 days without cell phone, email or social media

Guest author Ruth Suelemente enjoys writing on a variety of topics, particularly in the area of technology.  You can check out some of her work at the ISP Watchdog.

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1. Function Over Form – It’s Not About Picture Quality

When you’re shopping for your own camera, one of the first specs you’ll look at will be the mega pixels. You want a camera that takes the clearest, highest quality photos within your budget. As you shop for your kid’s camera, the first thing to do is let go of this criteria. Kids don’t care nearly as much about the quality of their photos. You’re looking for a camera that’s going to be easy to use and come with all the cool features that kids actually will care about.

2. Age Appropriate Vs. Long-Term Use

There are cameras marketed to kids as young as 2 years old, but these cameras are typically so simple to use that a kid can become bored and want a better model within a year or less. On the other hand, you don’t want to buy a camera that your child will have trouble with. The answer? Well, that all depends on your kid. Some cameras have features that younger kids wouldn’t be able to use but that wouldn’t get in the way, which allow kids to further utilize the camera as they grow. These might be a good compromise.

3. Internal Memory is a Must

Many of the cameras on the market don’t feature internal memory. Instead, they come with an SD card that must be inserted into the camera and then taken out to upload photos to the computer. Unfortunately, these SD cards are extremely small, which makes it very likely they’ll get lost, and very difficult for kids to handle. We prefer a camera with internal memory so the pictures stay right on the camera. All you have to do is hook the camera up to a computer via a cable that the camera comes with, and you can upload to your heart’s content.

4. Avoid Specialty Cameras With Characters on Them

You’ll see plenty of cameras based on popular cartoon or movie characters. While kids may initially get excited about this, we’ve found that with a child’s fickle nature they aren’t the best option. Yes, the child’s camera will be a toy that they’ll continue to use for years to come, but when you choose a camera with their current favorite character, you run the risk of the child getting sick of the camera when they decide on a new favorite character.

5. Pay Close Attention to How Many Photos / Videos Can Be Taken

One of the most important factors is how many photos or videos can be saved to the camera. Some have room for upwards of 500 photos, while others may come with room for only 10. Typically the more expensive a camera is, the more photos it can hold. You may decide that a camera with a smaller capacity is the best value for you, but be mindful of the limits. If you choose a camera that can take video, then be prepared for the videos to take up much more room than the photos do.

6. Let Kids Take Some Shots With a Throw-Away Camera at a Special Outing

If you’re going to be visiting someplace special, like a theme park, family reunion, or vacation, let the child practice with a disposable camera or two to see if they still want a camera after they’ve gotten their feet wet.

When you follow these tips you’ll be well on your way toward finally getting the right camera for your child – and getting your own camera back.

Citations:

• The best digital camera for kids
• Best Kids Digital Camera 2012

Guest author Rose Eliason writes about a number of technology-related issues.  Check out some of her work at http://www.satelliteinternetserviceplans.com/.

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Windows Live Writer lets you connect to your blog and edit directly on there. Well, not ON there, but in a way that you can see immediate results. Find out what color font works best, what sizes, easily add and edit photos and videos and even set up post dates in the future. All it takes is a few minute download and the entry of your blog username and password.
To download Window’s Live Writer, go to: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-live/essentials-other-programs. It will take a few moments to ‘prepare to install’ and then it will come up with a question box. If you want, you can install all the extra Window’s components. But if you just want to install Live Writer, then click the second option ‘choose the programs you want to install’. Click the box next to Live Writer and uncheck the other boxes. Then download.

It will take a few minutes, but it should then appear in your start menu.

To get it connected to your blog, open Live Writer and choose your blog type. Then insert your blog’s web address. It will connect to your blog and ask for your username and password. You can choose to enter your password every time you post or have it remember you. Once Live Writer connects to your blog, it will show you a ‘blank’ post space. Whatever theme your blog has will show up in Live Writer and you can edit on it directly. That means you can see exactly what your post will look like.

Windows Live Writer

That’s it! Have fun adding pictures, editing them to perfection, and happily posting your entries. Add subtitles to video posts and even change your themes or add categories in Live Writer. It is very easy to navigate and tons better when it comes to editing. Try it out today.

Author Bio:
Kate Croston is a freelance writer, holds a bachelors degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. She writes guest posts for different sites and loves contributing business internet service related topics. Questions or comments can be sent to: katecroston.croston09 @ gmail.com.

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