Using Free Programs for Work and Play

There are many applications that an end-consumer in the Personal Computer market will run into that can be performed with free programs. If you use your computer on a regular basis and use it for more than simply a word processor or to browse the internet, you’ve probably come across a situation that requires you to obtain a program that is not yet on your computer. This can prove to be some difficulty for the average PC user. One of the main issues with a situation like this is the fact the most end-users don’t know what program they need. That aside, lets take a look at the availability of programs that will perform the same functions as those purchased off-the-shelf but will not incur any cost to you.

Availability of Free Programs

The main functions that are performed on an every-day computer, tend to range from simple word processing, emailing, image management, and internet to more complex applications. More complex applications would include such things as graphics development, website design, multi-media processing, to other, even more specialized and complicated interests. If you as a end-user tend to produce a large quantity of specialized or industrial quality items, you may wish to consider more industry-standard programs, available for your field. If your needs are less complicated, there are many options available a the click of a button.

Flavors and Complexities of Free Programs

Free programs are available in a number of flavors and complexities. For instance, if you are interested in basic photo editing, an application such as Picasa should more than suit your needs. If however, you are more interested in something like graphics development or extensive photo editing, you should consider something like the Gimp (GNU Image Manipulation Program). The Gimp can help you work with layers, temperature, and other advanced option for photographers. The Gimp can also address such interests as the development of comprehensive Computer Generated Images.

Video

Say you’ve had your “computer-friend, guy” build you a new, custom computer. Your computer works great, you enjoy it’s performance… everything seems to be going fine. Next day you get home from work and decide to pop in a DVD and watch a movie. You’re trying to use Windows Media Player, Power DVD, or some such to play your movie, but you run into issues with an error message. The error message says something like “Windows Media Player cannot play this movie because you do not have decoder software installed on your computer” or some such. If you encounter this error, the most likely problem in such a situation, is that your computer does not have a video “codec” installed. A codec (in this particular case) is a program that allows your computer to decode the DVD movie you are trying to play. One free program that provides a path around having to purchase a codec for your movie player software is VLC Media Player . VLC Media Player has the necessary video codecs built into the software, this allows you to play a DVD or other video clip without acquiring a codec separately. Downloading and installing is a simple matter, you should be able to simply launch the program and begin watching your DVD or other movie.

Website Design

Website design, lets say you have an interest in website design , you’ve grabbed yourself a book at a local retail store and you’re ready to get started coding. The first problem you’re likely to encounter after you’ve done a little work with your book, is the need for a site-development tool. Like most professionals that develop websites, you will soon fine that coding each detail by hand becomes an extremely tedious undertaking. If your site development skills are on the look-out for a nice, versatile, program that will keep things simple and provide pain-free configuration, an application like *NVu should be sufficient.

* There is a newer, more updated version of what was Nvu that is referred to as “Komposer“, you may wish to download and try that version of the software instead.

Lots More…

The list could go on and on as far as free programs available to the end-user. I’ll quit by making mention to a few of the software developers out there that provide Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware applications to consumers at no charge. One of the better, free anti-virus applications that I have discovered out there, is AVG Anti Virus. AVG Anti-Virus is a program provided by Grisoft, that provides anti-virus protection at no charge to end-users. It’s a given that the free version of the software does have limitaions, but for free, its quite hard to beat. The program provides constant updates, does not require lots of system resources, is effective, and is easy to use. As far as anti-spyware applications, there are a number I have found to work exceptionally well. Ad-Aware by Lavasoft Inc. is a very proficient program when it comes to removing ads from your computer. Lavasoft, as of lately, has done a lot to improve the quality of it’s user-interface, providing more comprehensive otpions when it comes to locating and defining malicious programs on your computer. On the list as well, are programs such as “Spybot Search and Destroy“, “HijackThis“, and “Spyware Blaster“. All these programs are small, proficient, and provide a simple interface. When using a program such as HijackThis, it is necessary to excercise caution, as this program is a bit advanced and could cause potentially unwanted results.

Thanks Again,

Your TrueStar Technology Expert

My Computer is Slow
As is probably your experience, your Windows computer worked quite efficiently on the day of purchase. But sometime in the past three to six months, something has taken place that has caused it to slow down significantly.

Startup Items in Windows

There are a number of reasons why your Windows-based computer can slow down. One of the main reasons is “startup programs”. The term “startup programs” by definition, indicates the exact issue at hand. What basically takes place after a number of months of use, (installing and uninstalling programs, getting updates, downloading games and weather-watcher programs) tends to minimize your computer’s efficiency, by leaving a clutter of applications that your computer is needlessly demanded to run.

How it Happens

When you install programs on your computer, some of them will leave an entry/command on your computer that tells that program to startup in the background at the time your computer starts up.

Accessing the Startup Commands

The location of startup commands can be accessed by a utility known as “msconfig”. This utility allows you to disable which programs have the right to startup when you “boot-up” your computer initially. You place a check-mark in a check-box beside the programs that you want to startup in the background, and remove the check-mark for those you wish to remain inactive until you start them manually by clicking on them in your start menu.

To access the msconfig utility in Windows XP and Vista, you must type a command in the “run” dialog box. To access the startup dialog box, complete the following:

1. Click on “Start”.

2. *Click “Run”.

3. Click into the “text box”.

4. Type the Following Command: “msconfig”.

5. Click on “Ok”.

*For Windows Vista, you may click on “Start” then type “run” into the search box to locate the “run” dialog box.

Removing Unnecessary Programs from Startup

Your computer should then bring up the “msconfig” utility. One of the tabs on the utility, typically the last one, will be labeled “startup”. Click on the “startup” tab to view the startup items. Remove the check-mark in the check-boxes for any programs you do not wish to start-up when your computer starts. Please be sure to note that your anti-virus and other important programs may be listed in this list as well. Disabling your anti-virus or other important programs in this list may prove damaging to the long-term security and performance of your computer. If you are not sure what function a particular program provides, do not remove the check-mark.

You Will Need to Restart

After making your changes, click on “OK” and (if you do not have any other programs open) click on “Restart” to restart your computer and apply the changes. Once you have restarted, you will be provided with a prompt that basically indicates that Windows has recognized the changes you have made. If you agree with this statement you may select the “don’t show this to me again” (paraphrase) and click on “OK”.

Conclusion

That should conclude removing programs from startup on a Windows XP or Vista PC. If you discovered many unwanted programs in this list and have un-checked them, you should notice a significant increase in performance.

Your TrueStar Technology Expert

Note: You are responsible for any changes made to these settings at any point during this tutorial. TrueStar Computer Solutions or none of its affiliates shall be held responsible in any way.

You’re Wondering What to do:

So, you have heard all the hype about the new Windows Vista that Microsoft is has put on the market to replace Windows XP. You are at a point where you are seriously considering making a switch and you are wondering if it would be the smart thing to do. I will present this in a very simple, “I’ve been there” sort of a layout.

My Experience with Windows Vista:

My experience with Windows Vista has been one of mixed feelings… sometimes bordering on confusion, to complete irritation. Most of these feeling stem from the trouble-shooting standpoint of the Operating System. If one is to repair problems caused by a malfunction in the Operating System or the hardware it is running on, then one should be presented with the necessary tools and information to aid in it’s repair.

Death to Useful Information:

I have found that in Windows Vista, many of the helpful trouble-shooting utilities and message-box information that was available in Windows XP has been done-away with. Networking in Vista is a primary example of this. If you were to create a network connection to the internet for example, you would find it very difficult to trouble-shoot that connection in specific, should a problem arise. In Windows XP there were simple informative message-boxes that would inform you of specific errors. In Windows Vista, this has largely been replaced by a single utilities that “diagnoses” your issue. This would not be all bad if the utilities was fully functional. The main fault of these utilities however, is that they fail to present the user or IT professional with a desire-able result. If I were to use the networking utility as an example, the results, 98 percent of the time, tend to read something of the following: “Windows could not find anything wrong with this connection” (paraphrase), and provides no hint whatsoever as to what the cause of the problem might be. With more specific information, it would be possible to take the necessary steps to resolve the issue, but when there is an issue and “nothing is wrong” you really have an issue. You will find that this is wide-spread problem in many other instances of trouble-shooting and diagnostics throughout the OS. From this standpoint, it makes the system more time-consuming and thus, costly to repair.

Nice Graphics:

One thing that Microsoft has done with Windows Vista is, graphics. Windows Vista, though very XP-ish in nature, has a new theme known as Areo. This theme presents the user with a transparent (or translucent depending on the application) view of windows and dialog boxes in the Graphical User Interface. Though this may serve to present a more stylish interface, the other prominent issues you will encounter while using the new OS will soon capture the center of your attention.

Should I switch?

Switching to Windows Vista can be a potentially hazardous proposition. I have encountered many a client who has loathed the day they made the choice to switch to Vista. Given the many small yet serious issues that arise when using the Operating System, it is commendable to wait to make a switch until the Operating System is more compatible and has become more stable. An Operating System that refuses to let you connect to your own network, provides no cause as to why such an option is not possible, and still needs much work to become stable, will not stand up when pitted against the proficiency and durability required for business performance. On the other hand, if you are a home-user that likes the new interface and are willing to deal with the numerous frustrations and save often, you may consider it a viable option.

Note: This is not to say that there aren’t many improvements to the new Operating System evironment, and that I myself, look forward to the day when the issues presented in the older OSs are only a bad memory.

Your TrueStar Technology Expert

Setting Up and Maintaining Email

Setting up and maintaining a email account in your email program, should be a breeze. After you have setup your email program, you should expect a clean, intuitive, interface to help you manage your emails. Lastly and most importantly your email program should include plenty of security built in, this will assist in maintaining the integrity of your email communications experience.

Noticeable Program

One program that I would like to point out, that includes these features, is Mozilla Thunderbird. Mozilla Thunderbird is an email program that is designed by Mozilla, a reputable developer that has a great browser known as “Firefox” available to the public. I have used Mozilla Thunderbird for an extended period of time and have found it to measure up to these standards.

I will go through the basic setup and operation of Mozilla Thunderbird as well as explore some of it’s finer points. Lets get started with some of the finer points associated with a good email program that are available in Thunderbird.

Finer Points:
One of the major benefits of using a Mozilla Thunderbird, is the simple, clean interface. If you open Thunderbird, you will be presented with a fully customizable interface that provides for an excellent experience as you manage the emails you send and receive. As you will note in the provided graphic, the main interface is simply divided up into two basic sections. The section on the left is designed to provide you with basic information on the email, RSS, and other accounts that are setup in your email program. The section on the right-hand side is simply to display more detailed information on any item you click on the left-hand side. The left-hand side lists your the email or RSS accounts that you have setup. A third space appears at the bottom of the right-hand side displaying relevant information for any attachments you may receive in your emails.

Safety and Security:

Thunderbird has built in security features such as anti-phishing, Remote Image Protection, and Junk Mail Filtering. These features help protect you against fake websites that claim to be your bank, or other association that maintains your private information. Spam is automatically directed into folders designated for emails of that type, and you can train Thunderbird to recognize certain types of emails with a simple click. Thunderbird also includes updates that are automatically downloaded and installed to keep your mail as safe as possible.

More coming…

Your TrueStar Technology Expert.

Linux Desktops Making a Splash

Linux personal desktop computers are making a splash in the home-user and end-user markets. Ubuntu, a distribution of Linux (a computer operating system), has many end-users considering the benefits of the open-source communities’ software packages. Ubuntu has pumped a lot of development into their latest Operating System (Version 7.10). Some of the many benefits included with the Open-Source Operating System are, the ability to perform word processing, create presentations, manage databases, create spread-sheets, browse the internet, and send and receive emails to name a few. Among many other assets that lend excellent functionality at ZERO (0) cost to the user, is the ability to connect to wireless networks, play DVD movies and music, connect picture devices (cameras etc.), and configure and provide advanced services. When compared to the functionality of Microsoft’s new Operating System (Windows Vista), it is an excellent choice, especially since Microsoft has reduced the functionality of many of it’s home-user versions of the operating system, requiring users to purchase a more costly license for additional functionality.

All these benefits, coupled with a comprehensive, yet simple and intuitive interface, makes Ubuntu an excellent choice for end-consumers. Especially those looking for maximum functionality on a budget.

Dell has made the Operating System available on their website for customers interested in the product. If you are technically inclined however, You may also wish to download it from Ubuntu’s website and perform an install for yourself. It is Absolutely Free!

Your TrueStar Technology Expert.

If you are like me, you use Firefox because of it’s speed, reliability, and security. Mozilla has been offering a much better browser than Microsoft for an extended period of time now. I am providing a quick link to one of the many tweaks and plug-ins that is available for this web browser, RSS reader etc.

The Tweak: (Adding Color to Your Tabs)

To add color to your tabs in Fire fox, you simply:

1. Click on “Tools” in the menu bar.

2. Click on “Add-ons”.

3. Click on “Get Themes” on the bottom-right hand portion of the Add-ons dialog box (This will take you to the Mozilla Add-ons/Themes page where you can obtain this and many other add-ons).

4. Enter the words “colorful tabs” in the search bar on the top-right hand portion of the page and press enter (this will bring up a list of items of which colorful tabs should be number one).

5. Click on the “Colorful Tabs” link to bring up the details of that Add-on.

6. Click on the “Show License Agreement” button to bring up the license agreement.

7. If you accept the agreement, go ahead and click on the “Accept and Install” button to launch the download (just a small download).

8. You must restart Firefox for the Add-on to work.

9. Click on “Tools” once more.

10. Click on “Add-ons”.

11. Click on the green “Extensions” graphic on the top left of the dialog box that comes up.

12. Click on “Colorful Tabs” in the list.

13. Click on “Enable”

14. Click on the “X” in the upper-right hand portion of your screen to close the dialog box.

15. If necessary, restart Firefox. You may need to make a new tab to see the effect… best wishes.

Here’s the Mozilla Firefox Add-on page… there are lots of cool stuff located here.

Your TrueStar Technology Expert.