Computer Advisor
Computer.Advisor.com: The Advisor Guide for computer users, on choosing and using computers, networking, software, security, and IT gear and services.
Does the bizarre end of Microsoft Windows XP mean the end of useful PCs?
Submitted by John L. Hawkins on 5 July, 2008 - 15:00.HawkTrek
Windows XP is gone, but Windows Vista is not an acceptable replacement. What now? Is Microsoft's forced death of XP also ending the era of useful Windows PCs?
My Close Encounters with Bill Gates
Bill Gates got involved with microcomputer software in 1975, and he built Microsoft by seeing, seizing and maximizing key opportunities.
My first use of Microsoft software was in 1978, and my first personal brush with Bill was in 1981.
During Microsoft's most influential period, the '80s and '90s, I had a variety of face-to-face Bill Gates experiences. Here are some of my Boomer Years stories.
Search Engine Optimization - SEO Webpage Basics
Once people have a website, they start to realize the importance of search engine optimization. Why? Because without it, you just have a website, and what good is a website if you don't get lots of targeted traffic looking for products and services which you provide.
Mapping Software: DeLorme vs. Microsoft
Submitted by John L. Hawkins on 21 May, 2008 - 16:23.I like to take road trips, and especially roads I haven't traveled, to places I haven't been. So, I consider mapping software an essential feature of my laptop computer.
I know, many newer cars (including one of mine) have GPS-based satellite navigation systems. And the pocket-sized sat-nav systems are affordable and wonderful. Web sites with maps are helpful. And good old paper maps are still as useful as ever. But none of these provide all the capabilities I get from mapping software on my laptop.
There are two major mapping software products, Microsoft Streets and Trips, and DeLorme Street Atlas USA, and I think one strongly out-classes the other.
Keep in Touch: Setting Up a Webcam
Keeping in touch face-to-face with family, co-workers and friends is not easy. So we often fall back on communicating by phone and e-mail. But there's a better way: video chat. It's easy and virtually free!
How To Buy Cheaper Laptop Batteries -- and Why
Submitted by John L. Hawkins on 15 March, 2006 - 00:00.For more than decade, I've been an IBM ThinkPad user. Period. When I try to use another brand of laptop/notebook, I get annoyed immediately at the poor keyboard and lack of TrackPoint.
Another reason is IBM's legendary support of ThinkPads. Eh, make that "was". Now, ThinkPads are owned by Lenovo, and I see the reputation slipping away. Or maybe it's racing away, based on an annoying experience trying to meet a fundamental laptop need: replace a battery.
To my library-loving critics
Submitted by Richard Rider on 26 June, 2008 - 06:00.My column in North County Times questioning the ancillary functions of public libraries brought a storm of protest from library lovers. Well, a squall at least.
http://nctimes.com/articles/2008/05/29/opinion/rider/doc483ee3f9b66bd295...
What struck me about the criticism is that many of these supposedly well-educated folks apparently read no further than the headline before firing away in the online comments section. Either that, or their vaunted reading comprehension remains at third-grade level.
How I escaped from Windows Vista
Submitted by John L. Hawkins on 23 January, 2008 - 00:00.I have a new/old laptop computer and I love it -- finally -- because I dumped Microsoft Windows Vista.
In June 2007 I got a new Lenovo ThinkPad T61 with Windows Vista. I expected to be thrilled with my new laptop, but instead, it was horrible. Whatever I tried to do, the new computer fought me -- and usually, it won. By "do" I mean basic stuff: save a file, connect to my office network and the Internet, turn on, turn off, copy some files. It's MY computer -- shouldn't I be allowed to do these things? Nope, not without lots of effort, wasted time, and sometimes, complete failure.
How Much Longer Can We Travel for Business?
Submitted by John L. Hawkins on 21 September, 2006 - 23:00.I want to travel safely. I bet you do too. What does this require? No ice picks, no lighters, no baseball bats -- no problem. I don't want to be on a plane with possible weapons. No toothpaste, no deodorant, no double lattes? They could be ways to smuggle explosive ingredients on board, though (thankfully) it has never happened. But what about gear with batteries?
Linksys Wireless-G Music Bridge Closes the Home Audio Connection Gap
ADVISOR REVIEW
My wish seemed so easy to fulfill. I have a wonderful collection of digital music on my home PC. I want to listen to the music on my home stereo, but it's in another room. A simple wish, but for a long time, there was no easy way to do it.
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If a little knowledge is dangerous, where is the person who has so much as to be out of danger?