Upgrade to Windows 8

We received a great question from local reader Dorothy N. about whether or not she should upgrade to Windows 8.

I still have Windows XP.  I have read that Windows will not support XP after April of next year.  I like to have a start button and prefer using a mouse instead of my fingers to touch a screen, so have not bought a new computer.  I understand putting out a version 8.1, which will have a start button and be similar to the computer I am using.  I would be willing to buy a new one, if I can keep this feature.
I’m 77 yrs old, using my computer for e-mail and to look something up - I do not pay bills on-line, keep files, or send pictures. Should I wait for 8.1 to come out?  To buy... or not to buy?

Dorothy suggested in her email that others might have a similar query, and I agree. Here’s my reply:

 

First, just because Windows won't be supporting XP anymore doesn't mean that your system won't work anymore.  It just means that they won't issue new service packs so you may eventually notice compatibility concerns with new peripheral devices or software programs.  Also, there's a chance that XP will be more susceptible to malware if Microsoft isn't actively updating vulnerabilities in the OS any longer.

Also, while I have previously stated that Windows 8 is designed to work with touchscreen devices, you don’t have to ditch your keyboard and mouse to upgrade. The OS works on traditional systems as well as touch-devices. In fact, many of our technicians here at Nerds on Call prefer using a mouse and keyboard with Windows 8.


Windows 8 definitely looks different from Windows XP or Windows 7and the way you open programs, search and even shut down your computer is new.  Many people have made the switch and been perfectly happy after a few weeks of getting familiar with the new layout.  Based on the few tasks that you use your system to do, it probably wouldn't be too difficult to get used to Windows 8, even though your trusty Start button won’t be there anymore.

While I wish I could tell you that the 8.1 update will make Windows 8 more like XP or 7, it really doesn't.  The Start key won't give you the program list that you're used to seeing (at least it doesn't in the preview versions that have been released), it just gives you a way to quickly return to your desktop or metro start screen.

However, there are apps that will give you a Start button that appears and functions more like it does in Windows XP and 7.  While there are many choices available, my favorite is Start8 from Stardock (http://www.stardock.com/products/start8/, $4.99). Of the many that I’ve previewed, it creates a Start button that looks most like Windows 7 and includes most of the same functions (including a shut down and Run option). The app doesn't require the 8.1 update, so you need not wait if you’re otherwise ready to make the leap to Windows 8.

Windows 8 still defaults to the "Metro" interface upon start up which is more similar in appearance to a tablet with apps than the desktop startup screen you're familiar with. You can manually change some settings in Windows 8 to have the first screen you see on launch be more like the desktop layout you’re used to, but it takes some manual tweaking. Here’s a link to an easy walkthrough: http://www.pcworld.com/article/2043243/how-to-boot-to-desktop-mode-in-windows-8-1.html

All told, Windows 7 is much closer to the OS that you're familiar with.  It may make sense to opt for a new system with Windows 7 pre-installed instead of Windows 8. While it may seem counter-intuitive to buy a new system with old software, Windows will be supporting Windows 7 for many years to come and for the limited functions you’re looking to do it will save you the headache of relearning how to navigate your computer.

I'd recommend that you take a trip to an electronics store like Best Buy or Costco to explore what Windows 8 looks like and compare it to systems available with Windows 7 before you make your final decision.  If you can't get your hands on one in person, here's a video walkthrough that should give you an idea of how a new PC would look with Windows 8: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_E1UxI5I_jo

 

Use Pinterest for Back to School

Use Pinterest for Back to School Tips

While it may seem like summer vacation just started (or perhaps for some, it feels like it will never end), the time to get the kids geared up and ready to head back to school is right around the corner. Pinterest can help take some of the guess work out of getting your little (or not so little) ones back to school. Here’s how to track down some of the most useful board highlighting gear, fashion, lunch inspiration and tips to help your students have a great year.

First, some tips on searching Pinterest. The huge variety of “pinners” and a relatively limited search tool means that it can be challenging to find exactly what you’re looking for using Pinterest’s site search. The search term you enter will have to appear in the description of the pin (if you’re searching pins) or the name of the board (if you’re searching boards). I like to search boards first using general terms like “back to school” or “school lunch” before searching for specific pins. The results returned when searching for boards will show you the image the pinner has chosen as their board cover image, as well as the most recent three things they’ve added to the board. This will let you scan through quickly for images that you find relevant, attractive or intriguing and then click through to see the rest of the links they’ve collected.


You could search by general category under Kids or Education to see the most recent and popular posts that have been categorized by the poster, but I find that overwhelming. Unfortunately, there’s no easy way to sort results further. I would find it much easier if I could search by a term and then sort by most popular or most re-pinned so as to find a good starting point of material but, alas, it is not an option. This can make cruising Pinterest a bit overwhelming, so I’ve tracked down some gems to get you started.

Encourage a love of learning. I am one of the over 450,000 people that love the links and information gathered by former teacher Allison McDonald of “No Time for Flashcards” (http://pinterest.com/noflashcards/). From boards dedicated to gear, after school activities, and setting up a study area, to countless projects and games to help your budding scholar get ready for the year to come, there’s something here for any parent with a kid under ten. Not only will you bring your A-game to back to school, you’ll find tools to help your son or daughter get the most out of their learning time, whether it’s at school or at home.

Master the art of lunch. If your kids complain that they can’t stand the thought of yet another peanut butter and jelly sandwich with apple side dish, check out the easy but amazingly creative lunch ideas at the “Easy Lunch Box Lunches” page (http://pinterest.com/easylunchboxes/easy-lunch-box-lunches/). Centering on the bento-box craze, links give you a huge variety of options to meet any dietary needs, from gluten or lactose free to catering to picky eaters. Creative presentation encourages little ones to try new veggies or wraps, particularly when themed to their interests (think, pirate booty box or butterfly extravaganza). It may sound too time consuming, but you’ll be surprised at what you can pull off quickly and easily with a few sandwich or vegetable shape cutting tools and some reusable packaging. It’s even eco-friendly so your kids won’t harass you about wasting plastic bags – win!

Cater to your fashionista. For any parent who finds themselves wandering aimlessly around the clothes section in August, only to return home with a bag of outfits that elicit an “aw, mom, really?” reaction, save yourself some headaches by cruising the style profile boards compiled by Zulily (http://pinterest.com/zulily/), an online “daily deals site for moms.” From “Classic Cutie” to “Mister Hipster,” boards are dedicated to a variety of styles and tastes. Sit your little fashion-forward offspring down and have tem tell you which kinds of outfits appeal to them.

Older style mavens may have better luck with the custom outfits posted to Polyvore’s page (http://pinterest.com/polyvore/). Scroll through their “Top Products” board together so that you can get on the same page before heading out to shop, or follow the links to Polyvore’s main site to have your teen put together some dream outfits with the site’s “Create” feature. Choose from a huge selection of tops, bottoms and accessories to build complete outfits. Not only will you get a chance to preview the digs your kids think are cool, you’ll have the opportunity to talk about anything that may not be school appropriate before you get to the store.

 

How to Use Google Better

Time-saving tips for navigating cyberspace

Even though more web users search with Google than any other search engine, take advantage of the full power of the tool at their disposal. From finding a quick answer to just about any question, query or calculation you encounter to more easily finding relevant results in weblinks, here’s how to get more from your Google search experience.


In mid-2012, Google rolled out Knowledge Graph, a way to view a quick summary of the information that the search algorithm determines to be most relevant to your query as well as quickly link to different results. For example, typing “Taj Mahal” in the search bar returns a page where links to other web pages appear on the left, but on the right is a summary of facts about the monument in India. Scroll down a smidge to see a box under the summary titled “see results about” which lets you jump to results about the musician or the casino. Another Knowledge Graph feature is that searching for a book, TV show, music album or DVD offers up a “People also search for” list of a few similar or related titles, like Amazon's "people who bought this also bought" feature.

Finding quick facts is Google’s specialty but you may not know of all the queries you can post directly in the search bar (or browser bar if you’re using Google’s Chrome browser):

Need to convert ounces to cups? Type “6 ounces into cups” and the answer will be listed at the top of your results page. Similarly, enter the equation you want answered (for example, 72x153) and the result appears without having to pull up a calculator application.

Find movie times in your area just by entering the name of the movie. See upcoming dates and events by entering the name of the venue, band or performance you’re interested in.

Review sports scores for any recent game by entering the name of the team. Quick results will show recent scores, record, standings, and upcoming games.

Get a five day forecast for anywhere in the world by entering “ weather.”

If, like me, you can never remember when Mother’s Day hits in the calendar year, just enter “2013 Mothers Day” to instantly see the date it falls on. It works for any holiday or major event, including using terms like Olympics, Election or NBA Draft.

Shave off the few seconds it takes to launch Google Maps and see instant directions and drive times by entering " to " in the search bar.

Search for items using just their UPC code or shipping tracking number.

The next time you need to find out your IP address, typing "IP address" in the search bar will reward you with the info.

Google’s site-specific search function allows you to limit search results to a specific webpage. Let’s say, for example, you’re looking for an article that you read on CNN a few months ago about nanotechnology. In the search bar enter “site:cnn.com nanotechnology” and all the results returned will be references to nanotechnology posted to CNN.

Ever click on a page that resulted from your search only to not find the information you're looking for on the page? Google's Quick Scroll (free) is an extension to the Google Chrome browser that helps you quickly navigate to relevant text on a webpage resulting from a Google search. A box in the lower right corner shows a text excerpt from the page that Quick Scroll believes to be relevant to your search terms. Click on the box and you’ll be instantly taken to where the text appears on the page.

 

Nexus 7 and Android 4.3 Jellybean Announced

If you've been considering getting a tablet but nothing has caught your eye yet, you might want to take a second look at Google's Nexus 7, which just received a major update, along with its operating system, Android 4.3.

Google today announced the release of updates to two of their flagship products, the Nexus 7 and the Android operating system.

The Android update, number 4.3, codenamed “Jellybean,” offers a number of incremental changes to the operating system. The biggest change is the addition of restricted profiles. Restricted profiles allow parents to change application behaviors on their childrens' accounts. This means parents can restrict their kids from making purchases, accessing inappropriate content, or changing system settings, much like parental controls on Mac and Windows operating systems.


Android 4.3 also added support for Bluetooth Smart, which is a low-energy version of the close-proximity Bluetooth profile. At the announcement event, one of the Google interns got on stage and did jumping jacks to demonstrate Android's ability to pull in measurements from a bluetooth heart-rate monitor.

The update also adds support for much better graphics, supported by some of the new hardware put out by Google, including the Nexus 7.

The Nexus 7, which has been Google's flagship tablet, also received significant updates. The biggest change was an increase in pixel density. The new Nexus 7 has a screen with higher resolution than the printed page, making it the most precise tablet screen on the market. It has a 1900x1200 pixel screen, which allows it to play full HD videos and games. In order to support this, the new Nexus 7 also features upgraded hardware, like a faster processor, doubled memory, and stereo speakers. The screen size however remains the same.

Google also refocused on Android as a gaming platform with the Nexus 7 announcement, revealing the “Google Play Games” app, which allows you to connect with your friends who also play games, and compares you across leaderboards. Several new games were also demoed on the Nexus 7, including a new Prince of Persia game and several racing apps. Also included in the Google Play store update was the option to rent textbooks for six months at a time.

The Nexus 7 starts at $229 for the 16GB version with Wi-Fi Only.

Repair your Online Reputation

When you enter your name into Google (or the search engine of your choice), are the results flattering, or at least accurate? Even if you aren’t keeping tabs on your online reputation, others may be. From potential employers to prospective love interests, information linked to you on the Internet can affect your livelihood, your love life; even create a first impression for new people you meet. Take control of your online reputation with a few simple steps to ensure that when someone searches you out online the results are favorable.


According to a research report commissioned by Microsoft in 2009(.doc download), about 70% of U.S. recruiters and HR professionals interviewed indicated that they have rejected a candidate based on information they found online. Recruiters indicated that concerns about the candidate’s lifestyle; inappropriate comments or text written by the candidate (even their friends, colleagues and work acquaintances) and unsuitable photos, videos or information are most detrimental.

Take proactive steps to ensure that you’re presented in the best light:

Do your research: Google yourself. Before you start, sign out of your Google account so that you see the results that others see. Use all variants of your name, particularly the one you use on your resume and applications.

In most cases you’ll find mediocre results, primarily other people that share your name and old or irrelevant information. About 15% of people have “bad” search results that offer up severely unflattering information or images.

Take control of your results.According to BrandYourself.com, only 7% of people navigate past the first page of results. The key is to create enough positive buzz about yourself so as to have relevant and flattering content appear higher in search results.

Start by joining websites that are noticed by Google's search scanning algorithm like LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com), Google+ and Twitter. Complete as much of the personal profile as possible, particularly the sections that relate to job skills and experience. Even publicly accessible Facebook info will appear in your results page.

Bloggers should post content to Wordpress (http://wordpress.org/) as it typically ranks above other blogging sites like Tumblr and Blogger. Use Vimeo and Flickr, respectively, to share appropriate videos and pictures on the web.

Even better, purchase your domain name (if it’s available) and build a personal website that utilizes SEO (Search Engine Optimization). See the BrandYourself blog for tips (http://blog.brandyourself.com/brand-yourselfcom/introduction-to-personal-search-engine-optimization-seo/).

Damage control. If you find embarrassing or unflattering content linked to your name, don’t despair. In many cases, once you know they exist you can systematically track down things you want to get rid of and attempt to delete them. If the content is posted by a friend on Facebook, ask them to remove it and un-tag yourself from inappropriate images or posts. Update your Facebook privacy settings to customize what you share and what others are allowed to share on your wall. If you discover posts that seem to be particularly malicious, contact the administrator of a website to request that it be removed.

[pullquote]your goal is to push down unfavorable content[/pullquote]

After removing what you can, your goal is to push down unfavorable content. Create more profiles, particularly on sites that end in .edu or .gov as Google considers those sites more credible and may push those results higher than potentially damaging links.

Stay proactive. Sign up for Google alerts (www.google.com/alerts) so that you’re notified if a new reference to you appears online. BrandYourself (www.brandyourself.com) is a great resource for free information about improving your online search results. In addition to a wealth of tips and tutorials, create a complimentary account to push three links about yourself up the Google results ranking. Premium members pay a monthly fee to promote an unlimited number of links.

Geocaching

Geocaching: Use your GPS to Find a Buried Treasure

The game is afoot. You're getting closer to the treasure, you can feel it. "It's supposed to be right here," you say, "the location is marked on my GPS!" You move a rock leaning up against a nearby tree, and suddenly there it is, the cache you've been hunting for, hidden inside. Success!

What is this adventure, you ask? It's called "Geocaching," and it's a growing phenomenon. Around 2000, global positioning satellites became much more accurate at pinpointing a target's location. Nerdy GPS enthusiasts took advantage and created the game for challenge and entertainment. The fad has been growing ever since.


Players hide a treasure or "cache" anywhere in the world, then they post clues to its location online for others to discover.  Today, there are over 2 million active caches hidden around the world, many right in your own backyard. Locations vary from drive up and pick up, check-in style caches, to intricately hidden, wouldn’t possibly find it if you didn’t know it was there hiding spots. Caches have been hidden on street signs, inside public statues, under sewer grates, camouflaged to blend into the environment, you name it.

What’s in a cache can vary widely depending on the creativity of the treasure hider.  Traditional caches will simply be containers with a log book, so you sign your name to your discovery when you find it.  Sometimes people include trinkets like bottle caps, poker chips or toy cars, while others add their own signature item to a box like a unique pin or crafted item.  When you find a cache you take the item and replace it with something of your own for the next hunter to find.

A multi-cache can send you to multiple locations, each one containing a clue to the final location like little bread crumbs to follow on your treasure hunt.  Mystery or puzzle caches involve complicated puzzles and intricate riddles you must solve before you can move on to the next location.

To get started, head over to Geocaching (www.geocaching.com) to get the low-down on geocaches in your area, download the official geocaching application to your mobile device and share your experiences with fellow treasure hunters.  Gloat to other geocatchers when you're the First to Find (FTF) a new cache.  The best part is it's totally free and it can get you exploring your world in ways you never imagined before.

Take the game one step further with Wherigo (www.wherigo.com), a platform where users create location-based adventures that are played out in the real world.  Wherigo asks the question, "what if you could take video games outdoors?"  Rather than playing an adventure game on your computer sitting in your La-z-boy recliner, play it in the park around the corner or while exploring the city on your next vacation.  Wherigo users also create and post innovative walking tours of the city sights, and custom scavenger hunts for around the neighborhood.  Use your imagination and you can make every trip outside your house an adventure.

Want to step it up a notch?  Mega-Event Caches are annual events attracting geocachers from around the world.  Attended by more than 500 people, they offer a day or more of planned activities for like-minded geocachers.  Find a list of upcoming events for 2013 on Geocaching's website.

[pullquote]Mega-Event Caches are annual events attracting geocachers from around the world.[/pullquote]

Nature lovers should check out EarthCache (www.earthcache.org), a partnership between The Geological Society of America and Geocatching.com.  Caches found are "virtual" in the sense that they're not a container, but rather a location of scientific or educational significance, highlighted so you learn lessons about our planet.  The fundamental goal of these caches is to educate the visitor and provide a unique experience when exploring our natural world.

Tread Lightly (www.treadlightly.org) is a national nonprofit organization with a mission to promote responsible recreation through education and training. It provides several suggestions for environmentally-responsible geocaching, such as:

Whether you're traveling by vehicle or on foot, stay on designated roads and trails.

Respect property owners by asking permission before tromping through their land.

Proceed with caution around horses and other pets on the trail, as sudden movements or noises can spook them.  Keep your own pets under control.

Lastly, and most importantly, educate yourself about where you're going before you simply wander off into the wilderness.  Obtain maps of the area you're heading into and plan out your route in advance.  Pack appropriately for anticipated weather conditions and for emergencies, making sure you have plenty of water and supplies, even for short trips.  Consider partnering-up with other geocachers so you reduce your vulnerability to accidents or mishaps.  If you insist upon heading out alone, make sure someone knows where you're headed and when you plan to return

 

Easy Ways to Increase Laptop Lifespan

Increase Your Laptop's Lifespan

A few simple tips

The compact, mobile loveliness that is a laptop brings with it a shorter lifespan than a typical desktop PC. On average, a laptop has a lifespan of about four years. The hardware begins to age after 2-3 years and they’re usually more expensive to upgrade than a desktop PC. Get every ounce of life from your laptop by following a few simple tips.


While the likelihood of dropping a desktop PC is pretty slim, dragging your laptop between work, home and the local coffee shop leads to a greatly increased chance of accidental damage. Prevent the majority of the physical wear-and-tear on your laptop by investing in a sturdy, well-padded bag or sleeve. Make sure it’s easy to get your system in and out of the case so you’re more likely to use it.

Laptops are compact, and having all the parts contained in a relatively tight space can lead to overheating.As much as the name implies otherwise, your lap is actually one of the worst places to use a laptop.  Soft, uneven surfaces (especially blankets and pillows) can block vents and restrict airflow, leading to the laptop overheating.  It’s best to use your laptop on a hard surface, or with a laptop support stand.  There are soft risers that fit comfortably on your lap and some are even designed with built-in cooling fans.

Many laptop manufacturers offer diagnostics software that can tell you if your system is staying adequately cool and confirm that fans are working properly.  Check your system’s support site for more information. Consider investing in a laptop cooling pad if you find your laptop overheating often or running particularly hot.

Excessive dust clogging the vent fans can exacerbate a laptop’s tendency to overheat, and the use of improper chemicals (like Windex) to clean grime from the screen can lead to degradation of the screen’s protective coating.  Blow away dust and debris with canned air, aiming to blow air out of the vents, not into your machine. Use a microfiber cloth dampened with plain water on the screen and cotton swabs to clear out the crevices.

Before storing it in your laptop bag, put your laptop in sleep or hibernate mode, or better yet let it fully shut down. Just closing the lid can leave the hard drive spinning for a few moments.  Your system can be damaged by jostling it around while the internal parts are still working.

[pullquote]...batteries are meant to have a certain number of charge cycles[/pullquote]

If your laptop tends to remain constantly plugged-in on your desk, you can extend your battery's lifespan by using it every once in awhile. Ideally, unplug it about two to three times per week to let the battery “stretch its legs.”  Then plug it in when it gets low (not completely dead) and let it recharge fully.  Keep in mind that batteries are meant to have a certain number of “charge cycles” (how many times they can run down and recharge) which is typically somewhere between 400 to 500 times.  When your battery no longer holds a charge, get more life from your system by replacing it for $50 to $150 depending on whether you buy generic or from the manufacturer.

Just like desktop PCs, get in the habit of completely shutting down your laptop at least every few days. A lot of your system’s maintenance is linked to shut down process. From installing software updates to clearing cache and short term memory, a full system restart can even fix weird bugs that may have cropped up.

Finally, if you are able to upgrade your laptop’s hardware consider investing in a solid-state hard drive. Because SSDs have no moving parts, they don’t produce heat like a typical spinning disk.