Maximizing the Use of Your Computer

Aug 3

Posted by admin in Computers, Linux, Recycling, Software | 1 Comment

Human beings survive best with two lungs, two kidneys and two computers (minimum.) You can get buy with one lung, one kidney or one computer — but it can be uncomfortable if that single lung, kidney or computer fails.

That’s why I was so happy to see the $50 Compaq desktop computer being sold by PCRetro. This computer is very functional and affordable enough that a person (or family) could buy one of these and leave it in a closet as a spare. Then again, you might want to spend the same amount of money on an Apple Keyboard, because having a spare fancy keyboard can be useful, you know.

This is what I would do with that lovely Compaq desktop. I would install Ubuntu Linux on it so that I could have the best of both worlds — Windows XP and Ubuntu Linux on the same computer. This can be quite easily done using some free software called WuBi. You will need a high speed Internet connection to do this (DSL, cable modem, or Verizon FIOS.) On my newer Dell desktop computer I was able to install Ubuntu Linux in about an hour using WuBi. On this earlier, slower computer it would probably take about 1.5 hours.

After Ubuntu Linux is installed, you will then have a choice of using Windows XP or Ubuntu every time you boot your computer. The great advantage of this is that if Windows slows down too much — or if you get a virus on Windows, Ubuntu is still fully functional. And Linux almost never gets viruses.

You can get free help with Ubuntu from the local Ubuntu group here in the Washington DC-area. Join their low-volume
email list and send your friendly worded Ubuntu questions to the Ubuntu experts on this list. Many people on this list love answering Ubuntu questions and quite a number of people on this list are computer professionals or are majoring in computer science in college.

Keep in mind, too, that this local email list is completely separate from PCRetro.com. This email list is a free community resource that might provide you the help you need.

Next week I’ll be blogging about some free logic puzzles that run on Ubuntu Linux. These can provide hours of enjoyment for people from 5 to 105. These same logic puzzles also run on Windows and Macintosh computer, so everyone in town can enjoy them.

Phil Shapiro (The author works as the public geek at the Takoma Park Maryland Library and is an adjunct professor of education at American University. He has bought many computers for himself and friends at PCRetro and almost always has had a very positive experience. In his free time, he volunteers delivering donated computers to needy families in Takoma Park. His volunteer work was written up in this Washington Post article from several years ago. You can reach him at
pshapiro@his.com)

The Chaotic World We Live In….

Jul 24

Posted by blogger in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Chaos…..to live with or without?…..that is the question….

To me Chaos can be best defined as a state of utter confusion or disorder….I want to know everyone’s thoughts on chaos in the world especially in the states with the recent economical struggles, and if you see yourself living in what you think would be a perfect world.

I truly believe we need chaos in order to function, learn and grow as beings, without it how would you know what it is to be calm and orderly. In addition to that being said life as we know it would be very dull without it, don’t you think?

new beginnings

Jul 7

Posted by admin in Computers, Linux, Software | 4 Comments

In the past I had toyed around with the idea of using Linux on my main computer but never really dedicated the time to learning how to use it and just reverted back to what was familiar. Having just recently had my Windows pc infested with all sorts of rootkits and what not and not being able to eradicate them completely I’ve decided that instead of doing a fresh install of Windows I’m just going to give Linux a serious try. I’ve decided to go with OpenSUSE Linux ver. 11.1. My laptop, a Thinkpad T60, is on the list of compatible units so I’m hoping the install will go smoothly. I’ll post some updates once I get it installed.

Happy 4th of July!!!

Jun 30

Posted by blogger in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Whether it’s spending time with family at a reuion, or cook-out, or just relaxing this weekend I hope everyone enjoys themselves. Please be safe, expecially if you decide to experiment with fireworks…I know I’ve had my run in with a couple of sparklers in my day.

But remember what the importance of celebrating 4th of July is all about:

Congress  signed the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia, PA on July 4, 1776 to declare the 13 colonies “Free and Independent States”…..again I say FREE and INDEPENDENT….

 

……So free yourselves and celebrate your independence……lol

Traffic…Why is there so much traffic in the DC Metro Area?

Jun 11

Posted by blogger in Uncategorized | 5 Comments

Everyday I sit in traffic no matter if it’s the traffic jams or the bumper to bumper traffic…Some causes are accidents, idiot highway engineers but majority of the time it’s because of YOU!!! Yes people in general do not know how to drive anymore, too many distractions maybe, but if more people would learn how to merge and be curtious of the next driver along side of them we could all get to where we need to be…I can’t stand it when my regular travel time to get to work is 20 minutes turns into a terrible slow motion journey of about 40 minutes….then to my amazement I find out that the cause of it all was a couple fools who must have cheated on their driving test somehow and didn’t learn how to merge properly…I have a fender dent on the side of my car now to prove it…but hey all I can say is, “That’s life!!!”

Rain…Rain…GO AWAY….

Jun 5

Posted by blogger in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

….Come Again another Day…..

What a terrific rainy day to start the weekend off right…lol

Twitter…..What’s The Fuss About?

Jun 2

Posted by blogger in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

I must admit I have been a faithful Myspacer and Facebooker for about 3 years now…but I haven’t had the chance to get my feet wet in the Tweeting World…Although very curious to see what all the fuss is about, I really don’t think it would be beneficial to me… I read a little about Twitter and I like the fact that your personal information like government name, personal pix, email addresses and such aren’t visible to the Twitter World like Facebook and Myspace….but on the other hand what is with the updates, letting everyone out in TwitterLand know your every move, and or thought about everything….at least with Facebook I know my network of friends are of people I know…Can someone who Tweets let me know how you like it?, and What about it is so special?

Resources

May 19

Posted by blogger in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

It is 2009 and we have numerous resources to assist us with finding and looking up directions, recipes, reading materials, etc. I am a very friendly person and I would love to spend my day helping out those who need help, but it is not my job to sit on the phone for 30-40 minutes giving out directions. There is such a thing called Google, and MapQuest, amongst others that could probably help you with directions better than I can. Being resourceful and using ones resources could help you be more proactive with your day-to-day duties, and activities. So as the saying goes, “When there is a will, there is a way.”

To Save or Not To Save…..

May 11

Posted by blogger in Computers, Environment | 2 Comments

I came across this article at www.energysavers.gov website as I was researching the importance of powering down computers when not in use…..

 

 

When to Turn Off Personal Computers

If you’re wondering when you should turn off your personal computer for energy savings, here are some general guidelines to help you make that decision.

Though there is a small surge in energy when a computer starts up, this small amount of energy is still less than the energy used when a computer is running for long periods of time. For energy savings and convenience, consider turning off

  • the monitor if you aren’t going to use your PC for more than 20 minutes
  • both the CPU and monitor if you’re not going to use your PC for more than 2 hours.

Make sure your monitors, printers, and other accessories are on a power strip/surge protector. When this equipment is not in use for extended periods, turn off the switch on the power strip to prevent them from drawing power even when shut off. If you don’t use a power strip, unplug extra equipment when it’s not in use.

Most PCs reach the end of their “useful” life due to advances in technology long before the effects of being switched on and off multiple times have a negative impact on their service life. The less time a PC is on, the longer it will “last.” PCs also produce heat, so turning them off reduces building cooling loads.

For cost effectiveness, you also need to consider how much your time is worth. If it takes a long time to shut down the computer and then restart it later, the value of your time will probably be much greater than the value of the amount of electricity you will save by turning off the computer.

Power-Down or Sleep Mode Features

Many PCs available today come with a power-down or sleep mode feature for the CPU and monitor. ENERGY STAR® computers power down to a sleep mode that consume 15 Watts or less power, which is around 70% less electricity than a computer without power management features. ENERGY STAR monitors have the capability to power down into two successive “sleep” modes. In the first, the monitor energy consumption is less than or equal to 15 Watts, and in the second, power consumption reduces to 8 Watts, which is less than 10% of its operating power consumption.

Make sure you have the power-down feature set up on your PC through your operating system software. This has to be done by you, otherwise the PC will not power down. If your PC and monitor do not have power-down features, and even if they do, follow the guidelines above about when to turn the CPU and monitor off.

Note: Screen savers are not energy savers. Using a screen saver may in fact use more energy than not using one, and the power-down feature may not work if you have a screen saver activated. In fact, modern LCD color monitors do not need screen savers at all.

Visit the PC Retro Facebook page:

Apr 29

Posted by blogger in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Visit the PC Retro Facebook PAGE. We’re just getting it all set up.

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