Over the past year I have been exploring various operating systems ranging from Windows XP to Linux. And I must say, I was surprised with my findings. I first started my exploration earlier this year when my Toshiba laptop of 4 years started giving me fits. When purchased brand new, the Toshiba had a Celeron processor, Windows XP Home, with 512 RAM and a 80 GB hard drive. Sounds out dated right? In 2006, upgraded the RAM to 1 GB (a $50-$60 addition) and installed Windows Vista Home. Everything was working perfectly at the time; until I installed Office 2007 Student/Home ed. I noticed Office 2007 took a long time to load on my laptop and would sometimes crash and turn my computer off.
My first mistake was installing Vista on a machine that wasn't stable enough for it. Vista claims it can run on 1 GB RAM, but I have yet to see it preform well in that type of environment. My second mistake was installing Office 2007 with a hard drive that was half way full. Both, Vista and Office 2007, require a lot of hard drive space to run. The laptop never had a virus. I did a good job of keeping it clean and free from the evil viruses that plague Windows computers. Plus, I was the only one to use the laptop. As you can imagine, it was an endless road of frustration. It was so bad that I bought a desktop and put the laptop in a closet.
After my wife and I got married in March, we took a leap of faith and moved to Oklahoma City, OK to finish our education. This is where most of my research and trial and error took place with operating systems. I wanted something "light" and easy to use. Unfortunately, Windows did not match my search criteria. Windows OS are easy to use, but by no means light. Plus, living on a student income, Windows was not in my budget. So, off to Google I went. One of the first things I noticed when started my research for reliable light weight operating systems, was the word Linux. I have heard of this OS before, but never researched it or any of that jazz. So as a curious techie guy, I started to dig a little deeper on this Linux. Come to find out it was very light and my computer's response time was quite fast. I guess you could describe Linux as the basics of a computer. The best part about Linux operating systems are they are FREE to download and to install. No licences, unlike Windows.
My Linux OS of choice and recommendation is Ubuntu. I installed Ubuntu on the laptop and it works great. But before I start praising it, I need to tell you some important details. Microsoft programs are not compatible with Linux. I will say that there are free open source programs that are like Microsoft, but not exact. For example, Office 2003 or 2007 will not run on Linux, but there is a program called OpenOffice.org that is as close as you can get to the Office programs. Also, Linux uses Firefox and Opera for Internet browsers instead of Internet Explorer. Overall, I like both Windows OS and Linux/Ubuntu. They both have their positives and negatives. Again, research before deciding on your OS and always look for reviews. And it never hurts to ask your computer guy about either of the operating systems.
Christmas 2009
Ok... I know...! It's a little late to be posting a blog about popular Christmas gifts, but if your like me and wait untill the last minute to do all your shopping, then this blog may be what you need for a last minute Christmas gift idea.
Ok, for my first gift I'm going strait to the big stuff; a flat screen LCD TV. Due to the popularity of these televisions, I doubt there will be a shortage in the Shreveport/Bossier area. I will say that you may want to get them now rather than later, because the cheaper ones will sale faster. Plus, the "Big" games are right around the corner (BCS National Championship and the Super Bowl) and store love to play with prices around this time of the year.
For my second recommendation, I am going with a family item; the Nintendo Wii gaming console. I know, it may seem a bit childish, but the Wii will create family togetherness and everyone will have fun in the process. Not only are the "younger" games fun (Mario Kart, Wii Sports, and Wii Play), but Nintendo has released a Wii version of Super Mario Brothers (the popular game in the mid-late 80's). This gaming system is also wireless and can surf the web. NOTE: Since the release of the Wii, they have sold out rather fast. I have a feeling that Nintendo will push out a good amount just in time for the Holiday season.
Ok, for my first gift I'm going strait to the big stuff; a flat screen LCD TV. Due to the popularity of these televisions, I doubt there will be a shortage in the Shreveport/Bossier area. I will say that you may want to get them now rather than later, because the cheaper ones will sale faster. Plus, the "Big" games are right around the corner (BCS National Championship and the Super Bowl) and store love to play with prices around this time of the year.
For my second recommendation, I am going with a family item; the Nintendo Wii gaming console. I know, it may seem a bit childish, but the Wii will create family togetherness and everyone will have fun in the process. Not only are the "younger" games fun (Mario Kart, Wii Sports, and Wii Play), but Nintendo has released a Wii version of Super Mario Brothers (the popular game in the mid-late 80's). This gaming system is also wireless and can surf the web. NOTE: Since the release of the Wii, they have sold out rather fast. I have a feeling that Nintendo will push out a good amount just in time for the Holiday season.
Another great Christmas gift that is popular every year are laptops/notebooks; especially with the new release of Windows 7 (Released in October 2009). Laptops are great for high school and college students. They are also great for those of you who travel a lot. Dell, Toshiba, and HP are a few companies that will have specials. Check you local Best Buy, Office Depot, or Walmart for the best deals.
Of course, I can't have a Christmas gift list without a few cellphone. And with the choices that are available to you, a new cellphone will not disappoint. AT&T has, the always popular, iPhone made by Apple. AT&T also has the Black Berry Bold. Both good choices for smartphones. Verizon has the Droids (Motorola and HTC). Both phones are touch screens and fast. Another phone Verizon has is the Black Berry Storm. A touch screen black berry that is powerful and rivals the iPhone.
And if there is a female in your life, jewelry will not disappoint. A nice ring or necklace would be the perfect finish to a good year.
As always, all of the items mentioned above are popular items. I cannot say that they will be in the store when you do your shopping, but I can say that each of these items are good gifts and are affordable, especially with the holiday sales.
From the I/T Dept. at the Bossier Parish Library System, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Labels:
cell phones,
gadgets,
games,
gaming consoles,
iPhone,
Microsoft,
operating system,
television,
Wii
Security Software
As we all know, security software for our computers is vital. Whether it's for your home or work computer, virus protection is important. But unfortunately, there are some people in the world that would rather see your computer crash rather then help it. Viruses, malware, and other harmful programs are becoming more and more popular every year. Not to mention more and more vicious. Viruses and malware are notorious for destroying important files on your computer. Sometimes it get so bad that the computer can't function and the hard drive crashes. Below are some virus protections I recommend:
1. Kaspersky
2. Webroot
3. AVG
4. Trend Micro
Other virus protections, such as Norton and McAfee, attract viruses because they are so popular. Yahoo! has posted an article about this as well: http://tech.yahoo.com
1. Kaspersky
2. Webroot
3. AVG
4. Trend Micro
Other virus protections, such as Norton and McAfee, attract viruses because they are so popular. Yahoo! has posted an article about this as well: http://tech.yahoo.com
Labels:
Software
Looking for a New Computer?
Laptops:
If you’re looking to save money on a computer, then Mini laptops are the way to go. Mini laptops get their name from the size of their screen, which generally range from 8in to 10in. Mini laptops will generally cost anywhere from $279 to $499. Some of the Mini laptops have Windows XP on them due to the size of the processor and the amount of RAM. For the mini laptops with the bigger processors and more RAM, they have Windows Vista. Here is a list of companies that sell Mini laptops: Dell, HP, Acer, and Asus. Here is my recommendation for a Mini: Aspire One, Atom Processor, 1GB RAM, 160GB Hard drive, 10.1in screen, and Windows XP ($289). Keep in mind prices vary in regions and in stores.
If you want something with a little more power, then you may want to look at a general laptop. The screen on general laptops range anywhere from 13in to 22in. Laptops will normally cost you anywhere from $399 to $2000. Unless you buy a Mac (Apple), they will have Microsoft Vista. General laptops have anywhere from 1GB to 4GB of RAM and their processors range from Intel 4, Duel Core, and Quad Core. This simply means the speed of the laptop will be faster. For basic use I would recommend 2GB RAM and a Duel Core processor. The reason being is most programs now will not run unless your computer has sufficient RAM. Again, prices will vary in regions and in stores. Here is a list of companies that sale laptops: Dell, HP, Acer, Gateway, Mac (Apple), e-Machine, and Toshiba. Here is my recommendation: Dell Inspiron Laptop, Duel core processor, 15.6in screen, 2GB RAM (expandable to 4GB), 160GB Hard drive, and Windows Vista ($429.99).
Desktops:
Desktop are normally used in office areas of your home or work. They are bigger and have more parts (Ex. Mouse and keyboard plug in the cpu, rather than being a part of the computer). Desktops are beginning to become cheaper. Since the new wave of laptops have come out within the last few years, you can buy a good desktop for $399. I recently purchased a desktop system and it cost me around $500. I added MS Office 2007 and an extra 1GB of RAM. Desktops generally come with more RAM, bigger hard drives, and faster processors. The RAM ranges from 2GB to 8GB, the hard drives range from 150GB to 500GB, and the processors are normally duel core, but some come with quad core. Most desktop, unless you buy a Mac (Apple) will have Microsoft Vista. Again, sometimes the basic computers are better in the long run. Here is a list of companies that sale desktops: Dell, Gateway, Mac (Apple), HP, e-Machine, and Sony. My recommendation: Dell 537 Desktop, duel core or quad core processor, Windows Vista, up to 4GB RAM, and 320GB to 750GB hard drive ($399+; Monitor not included).
Netbooks:
Netbooks are the newest computers in the bunch. They are laptops (generally Mini laptops) provided by mobile phone companies, such as AT&T and Verizon Wireless. You can also buy these at stores like Walmart or Best Buy. They will use regular wireless rather than a mobile signal. Just like a cell phone you will need to have a contract to utilize the internet on the netbook. Also like your cell phone plan, you will need to pay for the access of the internet (Verizon Wireless charges $39.99 mth.). The specs on a Netbook are somewhat the same as a Mini Laptop. Here are the specs on Verizon’s Netbook, the HP Mini 1151 NR Netbook: 1GB RAM, 80GB Hard drive, Windows XP, 10.1 in screen, and 2.4 lbs. If you are on the go a lot, then this may be the best buy for you.
If you’re looking to save money on a computer, then Mini laptops are the way to go. Mini laptops get their name from the size of their screen, which generally range from 8in to 10in. Mini laptops will generally cost anywhere from $279 to $499. Some of the Mini laptops have Windows XP on them due to the size of the processor and the amount of RAM. For the mini laptops with the bigger processors and more RAM, they have Windows Vista. Here is a list of companies that sell Mini laptops: Dell, HP, Acer, and Asus. Here is my recommendation for a Mini: Aspire One, Atom Processor, 1GB RAM, 160GB Hard drive, 10.1in screen, and Windows XP ($289). Keep in mind prices vary in regions and in stores.
If you want something with a little more power, then you may want to look at a general laptop. The screen on general laptops range anywhere from 13in to 22in. Laptops will normally cost you anywhere from $399 to $2000. Unless you buy a Mac (Apple), they will have Microsoft Vista. General laptops have anywhere from 1GB to 4GB of RAM and their processors range from Intel 4, Duel Core, and Quad Core. This simply means the speed of the laptop will be faster. For basic use I would recommend 2GB RAM and a Duel Core processor. The reason being is most programs now will not run unless your computer has sufficient RAM. Again, prices will vary in regions and in stores. Here is a list of companies that sale laptops: Dell, HP, Acer, Gateway, Mac (Apple), e-Machine, and Toshiba. Here is my recommendation: Dell Inspiron Laptop, Duel core processor, 15.6in screen, 2GB RAM (expandable to 4GB), 160GB Hard drive, and Windows Vista ($429.99).
Desktops:
Desktop are normally used in office areas of your home or work. They are bigger and have more parts (Ex. Mouse and keyboard plug in the cpu, rather than being a part of the computer). Desktops are beginning to become cheaper. Since the new wave of laptops have come out within the last few years, you can buy a good desktop for $399. I recently purchased a desktop system and it cost me around $500. I added MS Office 2007 and an extra 1GB of RAM. Desktops generally come with more RAM, bigger hard drives, and faster processors. The RAM ranges from 2GB to 8GB, the hard drives range from 150GB to 500GB, and the processors are normally duel core, but some come with quad core. Most desktop, unless you buy a Mac (Apple) will have Microsoft Vista. Again, sometimes the basic computers are better in the long run. Here is a list of companies that sale desktops: Dell, Gateway, Mac (Apple), HP, e-Machine, and Sony. My recommendation: Dell 537 Desktop, duel core or quad core processor, Windows Vista, up to 4GB RAM, and 320GB to 750GB hard drive ($399+; Monitor not included).
Netbooks:
Netbooks are the newest computers in the bunch. They are laptops (generally Mini laptops) provided by mobile phone companies, such as AT&T and Verizon Wireless. You can also buy these at stores like Walmart or Best Buy. They will use regular wireless rather than a mobile signal. Just like a cell phone you will need to have a contract to utilize the internet on the netbook. Also like your cell phone plan, you will need to pay for the access of the internet (Verizon Wireless charges $39.99 mth.). The specs on a Netbook are somewhat the same as a Mini Laptop. Here are the specs on Verizon’s Netbook, the HP Mini 1151 NR Netbook: 1GB RAM, 80GB Hard drive, Windows XP, 10.1 in screen, and 2.4 lbs. If you are on the go a lot, then this may be the best buy for you.
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