Looking at Different Picture Files

Have you tried uploading your pictures from your digital camera? If yes, did you ever notice the extensions on your pictures? For example do you see me.jpeg, me.jpg, me.gif, me.tif, me.bmp, me.png? These are just examples of different picture file types.

The common graphics file types include JPEG (.jpg), TIFF (.tif), and bitmap (.bmp). The bitmap format (.bmp) is an older standard that creates needlessly large files. You get this file if you use applications like PAINT in windows. This fie type is rarely used. This wastes disk space and makes it difficult to send these pictures in e‑mail.

JPEG files are file types that most programs can read like Adobe Photoshop, Picasa among many others. They are also great for e-mails. You can also vary the amount of compression used to save a JPEG. Moreover, you can control the file size and image quality. However, JPEGs automatically compress your pictures when you save them, which reduce the visual quality by a small amount. If you use a high compression level, the image quality can be poor. This is in contrary to TIFF files. There is no loss in the picture quality of TIFF files. However, some programs, including most web browsers, cannot display pictures in TIFF format, the pictures can be very large and as a result, TIFF pictures consume hard disk space far more quickly than JPEGs.

There are other file types called GIF (.gif) and PNG (.png) that are commonly used on websites. However, JPEG works just as well. There are also files called RAW files that are created by many digital cameras as a high-quality alternative to JPEG. Many professional photographers choose to work with RAW files because it results in the best possible picture quality. There are a lot of RAW files and they are dependent on the manufacturer. For example, Nikon uses .nef while Canon uses .crw and .cr2.

These files are convertible to JPEG or TIFF. However, if you work with JPEG, it produces an imperfect copy of the original image displayed in the camera’s viewfinder. The difference cannot be seen but if you save the changes, you might see the difference in the long run. For the absolute best visual quality, save your JPEG pictures at the highest possible quality level or work in TIFF format.

E-mail programs versus Webmail: Which One is better?

E-mail client is used to refer to any agent acting as a client toward an e-mail server. In addition, a web application providing the relevant functionality is sometimes considered an e-mail client. There are actually two types of e-mail clients. The first one is called E-mail programs that include Microsoft Outlook, Outlook Express and Incredible Mail. The other one is called Webmail that includes Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo, Eudoramail and AOL to name a few.

Let us differentiate what these two are first. An e-mail program is a program on your computer in which you retrieve email and send replies, sort email into folders and others. Basically, you do not need to go anywhere- log-on to a website- to read your email. Moreover, you really have to go to a specific computer that has your own e-mail program installed to it. E-mail programs are often used in work places but you can always bring your e-mail at home provided that you will have to install the program on your home computer. The downside to this program is that if you are in a different place, you need to bring your computer that has the e-mail program to view your inbox. This can be remedied if you have a laptop that you can bring anywhere. But what if you don’t have one?

A webmail, on the other hand is what most Internet Service Providers (ISP) offer to access to your email online as a convenient way of reading it. It’s great for keeping up with email when you’re away from your computer. This is also a strategy for most ISP to keep you returning to its website for popularity rating’s sake. This is convenient. However, if you ever change ISPs and cancel your original account, all your past e-mail will be deleted along with the rest of your account. How s this possible? Because your e-mail is not on your computer — it is located at your ISP’s website. There is a solution to that, however, you can still use e-mail from free web servers like Yahoo, AOL and MSN. The good thing with these servers is that they are free and you can browse your e-mail from anywhere. The problem with this is that when the website is under repair (it can take weeks for a repair to be done), you cannot access your e-mail.

There is really no perfect way or program to view your e-mail. It really depends on what your preferences are. If you are working, an e-mail program is suitable for you that way you can browse your e-mails at home or in the office. If not, you can always use free webmails to read your e-mail. But the risk of not being able to read your e-mail is high if the website is down or is under repair. Either way, it’s up to you to decide which one suits your needs best.

The Importance of a Computer Security Program

The main objective of a computer security program is to protect your system from hacker or intruder, and against fraud.  It protects your system from viruses, worms, spyware and some unnecessary programs.  This includes protecting some information on your computer from being corrupt.  Computer security program is important because you will never know when will be the attempt to hack or to intrude your system.  It is best that you are ready anytime.

Since most individuals are now using the Internet to transfer data and information, it is important that your system have the right levels of security.  If your computer is intended for storing valuable information, then it is crucial that you protect your computer.  Without the right levels of security, your system is in risk of losing some information and data.

Trend Micro is well-appointed software that is created to protect your computer from certain viruses and spyware.  Trend Micro is easy to configure to almost any antivirus need.  It provides configuration options that are set after installation.  It offers easy scanning and updating option within the program.  Despite its effectiveness in protecting your system, there is also a downside in using Trend Micro.  Trend Micro scanning is slow.  In addition, there is a tendency that it won’t run smoothly with Firefox and MSN Live Messenger.

Norton Antivirus is a program that has full-featured antivirus and antispyware and offers numerous options.  Features included in this program are: antispyware scanner, Instant Messenger protection for MSN, Yahoo, AIM and Trillian.  Norton also has the capability to lock down programs settings.  Norton Antivirus is considered one of the most complete programs in the market.  However, there are some downsides.  It can cause freezing and hanging application.  On the other hand, it is easy to use and it provides users with a default configuration that is enough to secure your system.  The Norton Antivirus is VB100%, W.C.L 1 and 2 and ICSA certified meaning this program is capable of handling your entire virus scanning.

McAfee is considered the industry king in computer protection.  VirusScan is McAfee’s number 1 defense against viruses.  Features included are ScriptStopper that prevent viruses from spreading from one computer to another, and WormStopper.  The default setting provides users protection against viruses, Trojan, worms, malicious ActiveX controls and Java applets.  Some disadvantage using this software is that it doesn’t provide users an instant message protection, P2P/file sharing security or registry startup security.  McAfee is also a VB100% and ICSA certified and both passed the level 1 and 2 checkmarks from West Coast Labs.

Getting a computer with the right processor based on your needs

Computer processor or data processing system is an electronic circuit that can perform and process multiple computer programs at the same time, and store information.   It is considered the brain of the computer, which can perform all calculations and other data operation under the control of operating system software.  It is often referred to as a microprocessor.  Recently, modern processor can be seen on everything from your automobiles, cell phones to some children’s toy.  Computer processor has the biggest effect on the performance and the price of the computer.  So, if you are planning to purchase your own computer that can keep up with the fast pace of technology then it is ideal that you spend your money in a better or fast processor.  Here are some ways on how to consider the right processor for you.

 

First, you need to think on what is the reason why you need to purchase your personal computer.  What computer software and programs you would be using for the next three years?  Three years is usually the timeframe for most machines.

 

Second, if you will be using your computer for casual use, example: word processing, web browsing and the typical card game, then Intel Pentium Dual Core or AMD Sempron processor can be your choice.  But, if you will be using Macintosh computer as your personal choice, you should try and look for an Intel Core 2 Duo.

 

Third, if you will be using your computer like all of the above things with additional benefits such as for heavier game and multimedia applications, like pictures and mp3s, then your option would be Intel Quad Core.  It is also the ideal processor for greater online multimedia games and greater multimedia use.

 

Fourth, if you prefer Macintosh and you are a heavy user, I recommend that you should choose Intel Dual Quad Core processor.  This processor can take care of all your computer needs from word processing to hard-core gaming.

 

Fifth and the most important thing to consider is the price of the computer.  It is better that you spend as much as you can on the fastest and the latest developed processor.  Because technology evolves so fast and choosing the expensive and fastest processor can keep up for a few more years.

 

Now, you have enough idea on which processor that fits you and provides all your needs.  So, what are you waiting for? Go fix yourself and go directly to your local computer store and grab the processor you desire.  Hope this simple guide has enough information to help you choose the right processor you need.

Minimum Memory Requirement for Your Computer based on your needs

A computer is a machine that manipulates information depending on a set of commands.  The first electronic computer was developed in the mid 20^th century, between 1940 and 1945.  These computers were almost the size of a huge room.  And these computers can consume as much power as hundreds of present computers.  Based on integrated circuit current, modern computers are millions to billions of times more capable than the earliest prototypes.

 

If you are planning to purchase a computer, you should first consider what types of application you would be using on your personal computer.  Hence, you have to consider the configuration of the device and the peripheral amount of RAM and virtual Memory needed.  Below are some guidelines in order for you to have an idea on the minimum memory requirement using windows XP.

 

If you will be using Windows XP for basic application such as spreadsheets, word processing, emailing, and web browsing, then the minimum memory requirement is 128 to 256 Mb, whereas for advanced application such as business graphic and presentation, and multi tasking applications, the minimum requirement is 256 to 512 Mb.

 

On the other hand, if you will be using Windows XP Presentation for basic application such as graphic presentation and proposal, and project management or for advanced application such as database, statistical application and video conferencing, then the minimum requirement is 128 to 512 Mb.

 

However, if you need Windows XP Multimedia Application for basic application such as multimedia presentation, web development, image and sound editing, and gaming, then the minimum memory requirement for your computer is 256 to 1 Gb.  On the contrary, if you need it for advanced application such as real time video animation, 3D computer Aided design, and Digital imaging, then the minimum memory should be at least 1 GB to maximize the system.

 

Regarding old versions of Microsoft Windows (95, 2000, NT), that has 128 to 512 Mb installed into the computer, applications will still operate efficiently.  Below is a short explanation on how you can manage virtual memory.  The purpose is to simply increase the size of the paging file to have a bigger part of your hard disk performing like RAM on your personal computer.

 

First, find your control panel, then open it and click on the system icon.  Second, select the advanced tab.  Third, select the performance option Tab.  Fourth, select the change option seen in the virtual memory sub menu.  Fifth, below the paging file size for selected drive, choose custom size check box.  This way you can manage the exact amount of memory you like to distribute for virtual memory by entering the minimum and maximum size.  You should set the minimum and maximum size to the same value to avoid your PC from altering the size of the paging file.  The value that you have entered should be at least 1.5 higher than your RAM.  So that a PC having 25

6 Mb of RAM has a minimum input value identical to 256*1.5 (384Mb).

THE PROS AND CONS OF CURRENT COMPUTER OPERATING SYSTEMS

An operating system (OS for brevity) is responsible for the coordination, management of activities, and resource sharing in a computer.  Without the OS, it is impossible to operate these devices.

The three most dominant computer operating systems found in the market today are Windows (manufactured by Microsoft), MAC (by Macintosh/Apple Computers), and Linux (by Linus Torvalds and his partners).

Current Windows OS has the best Graphical User Interface with upgraded menu bar, start menu, button, and taskbar appearance.  These user-friendly features allow clients to conveniently use computers with just simple instructions.  This OS is known to be very stable and is protected with high level of security measures.  These have phishing filters that alarm its users when unauthorized people are attempting to access their sites.  It also has spam protection, Windows Defender which blocks suspicious programs, advanced firewall, automatic back-up during programs crashes, and data encryption/decryption.  This software allows fast interconnectivity in local area networks and the internet. High-speed data downloading and uploading can be achieved.  Multimedia functions such as video and audio are richly provided in Windows OS.

The main disadvantage of Window OS is that this has high computer system requirements.  You should have a computer that has very high memory capacity, graphics card requirement ranging from 128 to 256 megabytes, minimum hard disk space of at least 20 gigabytes, and Random Access Memory (RAM) with 2 gigabyte capacity.  Windows OS is usually expensive.  You may need to upgrade your current software or purchase a new operating system to keep abreast with technological advances.

Macintosh provides its own operating system which is called MAC OS.  It is less prone to infiltration and damage from harmful software such as malware and spyware compared to Microsoft Windows. However, this system is not sold solely in computer stores because it is exclusively used in Apple Computers.  Because of this, MAC OS equipped units are typically pricey.

The Linux operating system is known for its stability and durability in withstanding long use.  This system rarely crashes.  If this indeed happens, it will not usually harm its computer programs.  It can run even on old computer hardware such as Pentium 100 with 16 megabyte of memory and just 1 gigabyte disk drive.  You can still use your outdated computer since several program applications are compatible with Linux.  Its security features are very impressive because its developers can immediately fix any weak spots that the operating system may have.

However, Linux has many disadvantages.  First of all, many people are not familiar with this computer software.  Thus, it will take some time to learn on how to operate it.  Secondly, there are a lot of office suite programs that do not run on Linux.  Thirdly, you need specialized personnel to service your computer that uses the said operating system.  Lastly, there are computer programs that are incompatible with the Linux software.  Therefore, these may not run and function properly.

In choosing an operating system, consider its affordability and the full availability of support services.

Computer Phobia – Are YOU a Victim?

We’ve talked about how older generations have a difficult time with learning computers.  We’ve talked about the different learning styles and if your particular learning style can change over the years.

But let’s dig into the REAL reason why people 45+ have problems with using computer and why they can’t seem to grasp newer technology.

Do you feel like you’ve finally caught onto how to do something on a computer and then something new comes out and suddenly you feel insecure  – you’re not sure what to do. Why?  Why do you feel that way?

The reason people feel that way is pure and simple FEAR!  They are afraid of the unknown.  They are afraid of breaking something.  And they don’t know how to express that fear – so what do they do?  They simply either fake it (pretend they know what they are doing) or they escape it (they don’t even try).

My parents are both over 70 years old.  And although there is still a lot of things they don’t know about computers, they use them all the time.  There is just the 2 of them at home, but they have a desktop computer and a laptop computer.  Over the years, they both have learned to not be afraid of doing something they don’t know how to do.  They will call me and ask me questions (sometimes).  But most of the time, they research or figure it out on their own.

They will play around with a new program and try different things.  They will “google” their questions and read up on how to do something.

The bottom line is – they have overcome their fear and they have learned that THEY AREN’T GOING TO BREAK IT!  It is incredibly hard to break a computer.  You really have to be trying hard to screw things up.  If you simply open a program, browse thru it clicking on the different menu items and icons – you’ll find that you can learn all kinds of new things.  Also the “Help” feature that is available in every program will often walk you through step-by-step how to do something.

But you simply have to take that risk – get over your fear – and just try it!  I empower you today to take just one program that you are not sure how to use and go thru it.  Check out what is available with it.  And try different things.  You will find out that it really isn’t that hard.  You’ll find out that it will open up a whole new world to you.

In my training, I will give you some of those “tips and tricks” that you can’t find out through just searching.  These I learned from other people who learned form other people.  I never took a class.  I just asked questions, observed, practiced and then filed them away.

If my 70+ year old parents can work with pictures, set-up a network between their computers, download documents, record music, etc… at their age – YOU CAN DO IT TOO!!

To your success and learning!
Kate Hagen
www.katehagen.com

Browser vs Search Engine…the difference?

Question: What is a browser?

Answer: A browser is a piece of computer software used to search for information on the World Wide Web.

Examples of browsers are Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Apple Safari & Mozilla Firefox.

Internet Explorer is the most common browser and is the default browser that comes with any computer that is installed with Microsoft Windows.  But most people today aren’t happy with Internet Explorer.  It tends to be slow (using a lot of your computer’s resources), less safe from potential Internet threats, and lacking in many features and functions that anyone who actively searches the Internet needs today.

Mozilla Firefox is a favorite for anyone that has technical skills.  But don’t let that scare you.  You do not have to have technical knowledge to use Firefox.  Quite the opposite.  It is a great browser that uses less computer resources.  It provides you with a safe browsing Internet experience and give you some great features:

• Remembers your logins & passwords (only if you tell it to).
• Easily bookmark your favorite websites – you can create folders and organize your site (Internet Explorer does this too).
• Export your bookmarks for safekeeping.  So if you have to change computers or reload Windows on your computer, you can easily re-import your bookmarks.
• Easily open up new window “tabs” without having to open up a new browser window.  This is great for visiting multiple sites at the same time.
• Keeps your most recently visited sites in an easy to access place.

Another Internet savvy favorite, but less known is Apple Safari.  Even if you run Microsoft Windows, you can still download this browser software and use it on a Windows computer.  It has a neat “Apple” feel and provides you with much of the same features as Mozilla Firefox.

Lastly, Google Chrome is the latest browser out there.  And it is fast becoming a favorite.  There are still quirks to work out, but it is extremely easy on your computer – not using many resources at all.  And it has many of the features of Firefox.  However, access to bookmarks is a bit cumbersome.  Hopefully they will have that fixed here soon.

Question:  What is a Search Engine?

Answer: A Search Engine is the program that is used inside of a browser.  And it seeks out information from all over the World Wide Web based on keywords that you input.

Examples of Search Engines are: Google, Yahoo, MSN, About, Altavista, Dogpile, and one of the newest Bing.  There are also many other Search Engines – these are just a sampling of the most used.

You do not have to download software to use a Search Engine.  You simply enter the Search Engine site address in the Address Bar of your Browser.  So for example, you would enter in www.bing.com to use Bing as your Search Engine.  To set up a specific Search Engine as your default page when you open up your browser, simply go to “Tools” at the top of your Browser, then click on “Options”.  A box will open up.  The first screen in that box shows your default “Home Page”.  Just enter in the web address of the Search Engine you would like to be your default.  Then click “Apply” and close then close the box.  Now when you open up that browser, the Search Engine you chose will come up automatically.

Bing is the newest Search Engine.  The goal of Bing is to:

• Deliver great search results and one-click access to relevant information
• Create a more organized search experience
• Simplify tasks and provide tools that enable insight about key decisions

I challenge you to take a look at the various Browser and Search Engines.  Find one that fits your Internet browsing needs.  I personally use Mozilla Firefox as my Browser and Google as my default Search Engine.  I am contemplating using Bing for a while to see how I like it.

Until next week…

Kate Hagen

Do learning styles change as you get older?

People learn best when they are taught in their personal learning style.  But can these styles change as you get older?

I have found through my experience in software training with young, middle age and older people, that although a persons basic foundational learning style doesn’t change, people do need to be taught in a slightly different manner.

First, let’s look at the three basic learning styles.  They are Visual, Auditory & Kinesthetic.

Visual Learners – Visual learners are those who generally think in terms of pictures. They often prefer to see things written down in a handout, text or on the overhead. They find maps, graphs, charts, and other visual learning tools to be extremely effective. They remember things best by seeing something written.

Auditory Learners – Auditory learners are those who generally learn best by listening. They typically like to learn through lectures, discussions, and reading aloud. They remember best through hearing or saying items aloud.

Kinesthetic Learners- Kinesthetic, also called tactile, learners are those who learn best through touching, feeling, and experiencing that which they are trying to learn. They remember best by writing or physically manipulating the information.

I have found in my experience that older adults tend to learn newer tasks such as computers with a combination of their foundational learning style and Kinesthetic.  Meaning that along with learning through visual and auditory, they also need to be hands on to really grasp how to do something on a computer or the Internet.  It’s the seeing and doing that gets them to truly understand a concept.

And in my findings, I have learned to teach people by not only showing them, but by creating materials that allow them to do on their own.  These are screen shot documents that will walk someone through a process or a concept so that they can see it and then apply it by doing it.

So many people have taken to creating videos.  And that’s great, because it encompasses both of the visual and auditory learning styles.  But what happens when someone is done watching a video and tries to apply what they have seen & heard by doing it on their own?  Most of the time, the person forgets what it is they have seen or heard.  They become frustrated and either have to go back and rewatch the video over again or they just give up.

I believe we need to empower anyone that wants to learn new technical skills with the tools they need.  This is my mission in life.  I have always wanted to teach computer skills to people looking to increase their abilities.  But with the Internet, I have found that I can reach a much larger audience and make more of an impact by taking what I know and passing it onto those who want it.

Dramatically Improve Your Computer Skills with ShortCuts Everyone Needs to Know

Short-cut keys on the computer are an option that many computer users today have no idea about. Since the invention of the “mouse” and the “right-click” function, people have gotten away from learning keyboard shortcuts.

Keyboard shortcuts cut down the time it takes to do simple tasks on your computer. The right-click mouse function takes a few extra steps that a keyboard shortcut doesn’t.

Here are some of the most common keyboard shortcuts:

Ctrl + A – Select All in a window
Ctrl + X – Cut a selected text or image
Ctrl + C – Copy a selected text or image
Ctrl + V – Paste a (copied or cut) text or image
Ctrl + Left arrow – Moves one word to the left at a time
Ctrl + Right arrow – Moves one word to the right at a time
Alt + Tab – Allows you to switch between applications (simply release the buttons when you find the one you want)

Try practicing the above shortcuts by copying and pasting them into a document. Then print that document and keep handy whenever you work on your computer. Before you know it – you’ll have them memorized and you’ll wonder why you never used them before .