Hello there and welcome to our weekly =
feature of=20
all kinds of tips.
We at the business desk are pleased to bring you =
our=20
weekly feature of a
plethora of tips that cover a wide range of=20
topics.
All of our tips are designed to help you save time, cut down =
on your=20
research, and help you get ahead.
So go ahead and read =
on.
This week=20
we bring you our monthly tips.
It’s what we do for a living! We =
help=20
you to help yourself!
Enjoy!
From the business desk team at =
size=3D2>http://www.sterlingcreations.com
size=3D2>.
+++++++++++++++
Helpful tips for April =
2012
In this=20
issue:
General tips
Tech tips
Quotes for the=20
day
_________________________
General tips
Courtesy of the =
research=20
team at
face=3DArial=20
size=3D2>http://www.sterlingcreations.ca
face=3DArial=20
size=3D2>Ask yourself this question: Which method do people most =
use to pay=20
for
groceries and small items?
Answer: Cash but cash is =
slowly=20
being replaced by the good old credit card.
What signal does one =
give=20
when they fold their arms across their chest when
talking to someone =
else?
Well, that they are closed to any opinions.
What’s this =
about=20
nuts?
They are good for your heart and arteries.
Eat lots of =
almonds and=20
wallnuts.
Looking to prevent sweaty feet?
Before slipping your =
feet=20
into your shoes, sprinkle some baby powder in your =
shoes.
Looking to=20
get rid of static to your dress?
Lightly sprinkle some hair spray =
over=20
it.
What’s this about the good old lemon?
You get more flavor =
from the=20
skin as opposed to the juice itself!
A tip for you when =
exercising?
If=20
you do it with more intensity, it sure does work!
What’s this =
about your=20
precious big toe?
Believe it or not, your big toe sustains a great =
chunk of=20
your body’s weight
when you are upright.
About 40% to be=20
exact.
The difference between butter and margarin?
Butter is =
natural=20
and margarin is synthetic or man made.
What is the difference =
between an=20
ointment and a cream?
An ointment is very=20
sticky.
_________________________
Tech tips
Taken from =
Melanie=20
Mama’s corner
Special thanks to Dan Thompson at
size=3D2>dthompson5@mchsi.com
size=3D2>Deleting=20
Multiple Photos On The IPhone
Article source: <
size=3D2>iphonevip@yahoogroups.com
size=3D2>Submitted=20
by chris hallsworth
Deleting multiple photos
Date: Tuesday, =
January 10,=20
2012 5:56 AM
Here is how you delete multiple photos on the =
iPhone.
1. Open=20
the photos app.
2. Double tap the camera role button.
3. Double =
tap the=20
actions button.
4. Select one or more photos by double tapping on =
them.
5.=20
Double tap delete.
6. Double tap delete=20
photo.
_________________________
Windows Keyboard Shortcut =
Keys
Found at the link below with lots more cool =
information:
http://www.squidoo.com/Useful-Computer-Tips#module35044202
>I. WINDOWS KEY COMBINATIONS
Press windows =
key to open=20
the start menu
Press Win R to open the Run dialog box
Press Win M =
to=20
minimize all opened windows
Press Win Shift M to maximize all opened=20
windows
Press Win L to lock the keyboard in windows XP
Press Win E =
to open=20
My Computer in treeview state
Press Win F to open the search =
options
Press=20
Win U to open the Utility Manager
Press Wi
n D to view the=20
desktop/minimize all windows
Press Win F1 to view the detail windows =
help=20
page
Press Win Pause to view the System Properties dialog =
box
Press Win=20
Tab to land on the taskbar and then left/right arrows to move =
through the=20
taskbar programs
Press Win F Ctrl to open search for computers
II. =
Alt=20
and/or ctrl Key Combinations
Press Alt Tab to Move through the opened =
windows=20
programs
Press Alt F4 to close active windows program
Press Alt =
Enter to=20
open the properties of a selected item
Press Alt Spacebar to open the =
system=20
menu of an active window
Press Alt Spacebar M to minimize the active=20
program
Press Alt Spacebar R to restore the active program
Press =
Alt=20
Spacebar C to close the active program
Press Alt Spacebar X to =
maximize the=20
active program
Press Alt Spacebar M to move the active =
program
Press Ctrl=20
Alt Delete to open the windows task manager
Press Ctrl Shift Esc to =
open the=20
windows task manager
Press Ctrl Esc to open the start menu
Press =
Shift To=20
prevent a CD from automatically playing
Press Shift Delete to delete =
items=20
permanently
_________________________
Sites Of The =
Week
1.=20
IPhone Conference Invitation:
Mrs. Beverly reese host an IPhone =
conference=20
every Wednesday at 7:00 PM
Eastern and Saturday at 6:00 PM. =
Eastern.
The=20
number to call is:
231-224-7222 followed by the pound. then you will =
hear=20
“press 1 for live
rooms”, which you do, and the room number is =
2428.
2.=20
Blind Geek Zone
http://www.blind-geek-zone.net/
face=3DArial=20
size=3D2>Check out this website if you have not heard about it already. =
It is full=20
of
technology information, training, software updates and podcasts =
to listen=20
to.
Set up by a blind man with computer experience for those of =
us who=20
want to
use the technology to its fullest.
3. Two free computer =
games for=20
Windows are available from Rich De Steno.
Atlantic City Blackjack is =
a=20
realistic blackjack game and Destination Mars
is a challenging space =
travel=20
game. Send your request for either or both
games by email =
to:
size=3D2>ironrock@verizon.net
size=3D2>.
4. This=20
tutorial regarding shortcut keys could be of interest if you’re =
looking to=20
move from Office 2003 to 2007.
http://goo.gl/6bZdE
face=3DArial size=3D2>5.=20
From YouTube help site, we can read how to work with YouTube with a =
screen=20
reader.
size=3D2>http://t.co/BOkoQ20Z
size=3D2>6. From the=20
weekly Flying Blind Newsletter we learn of Among the podcasts
hosted =
on=20
Applevis recently are:
A Walk-through of NewsFolio, an Accessible RSS =
Reader=20
with Google Reader
Synchronization
size=3D2>http://www.applevis.com/node/2146
face=3DArial size=3D2>A=20
Walk-through and Review of Vokul, a Powerful New Voice Control App and =
Siri=20
Alternative
http://www.applevis.com/node/2145
A Walk-through of Ski & Snow Report, a Must =
Have app for=20
all Skiers
face=3DArial =
size=3D2>http://www.applevis.com/node/2154
A Walk-thru of NextBuses: Departure Information =
for 370,000=20
Bus Stops Across
England, Wales and Scotland
size=3D2>http://www.applevis.com/node/21716
size=3D2>.
7. one hundred Excellent Hints and Tips for every Computer =
User
http://savedelete.com/100-excellent-hints-and-tips-for-every-com=
puter-user.html
8. The Complete Guide to iTunes Books, Podcasts + =
iTunes U |=20
iLounge
Article
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/articles/comments/the-complete-=
guide-to-itunes-audiobooks-podcasts-itunes-u/?utm_source=3Dtwitterfeed&am=
p;utm_medium=3Dtwitter
_________________________
Speed Up Your PC: =
Automate=20
Your Computer Maintenance Schedule, Part One
Part One:
Article=20
Source:
face=3DArial=20
size=3D2>http://www.microsoft.com/athome/setup/maintenance.aspx
Most people do one of the following when their =
computer begins=20
to slow down
(besides get angry):
1. Speed up their computer by =
buying=20
more memory.
2. Try to tweak their computer’s settings.
3. Give =
up. They=20
figure that their computer is old, there’s nothing else
they can do, =
and=20
it’s probably time to buy a new computer.
All these solutions can =
help=20
increase PC speed. However, what’s to keep your
newly blazing PC =
from=20
slowing down again after a couple months or years? A
badly =
fragmented hard=20
drive will bring even a top-of-the-line new computer
to a grinding=20
halt.
One option is to create a preventive PC maintenance plan-a =
computer=20
maintenance schedule that’s easy to set up and put in motion so you =
never=20
have to think about it again. The plan outlined below uses tools =
that are=20
built in to your Windows operating system, including Disk =
Defragmenter, so=20
they can be run free of charge as often as you like.
The =
following=20
sections provide information on how to automate a maintenance =
schedule to=20
help keep your PC running smoothly. These procedures differ from =
version to=20
version, but overall you’ll find these tasks work for Windows 7, =
Windows=20
Vista, and Windows XP.
I. Introduction:
Create a preventive =
maintenance=20
plan for your computer
When people notice their computer’s =
performance=20
slowing, the most common
reason is the hard disk. Your computer’s =
hard disk=20
is a non-removable area
that holds all the information available =
from your=20
computer. Over time, hard
disks begin to lose their ability to store =
data=20
efficiently.
The Windows operating system provides three great tools =
to help=20
keep your
hard drive humming smoothly. These tools are Disk Cleanup, =
Disk=20
Defragmenter, and Check Disk.
Your Computer
Ideally you should =
clean=20
the hard disk of temporary files, optimize
(defragment) the hard =
disk, and=20
check the hard disk for errors on a weekly
basis.
Who has the =
time (or=20
the desire) to keep up with this schedule? The best
solution is to =
let=20
Windows do all of the work.
Windows allows you to set up and automate =
these=20
tasks. Please note that the
tools may require user input or =
administrator=20
privileges to run correctly.
See specific sections for additional =
details,=20
and make sure you know your
administrator password.
Tip: In =
Windows 7 and=20
Windows Vista, you can go directly to any of the tools
mentioned in =
this=20
article. Just click the Start button, or press the start
button if =
using a=20
screenreader, and, in the Search box, type the name of the
tool. =
When you=20
see the name of the tool populate in the Search list, just
click it. =
If=20
using a screenreader, arrow down after typing in the tool’s
name and =
press=20
enter on the tool’s name that appeared in the populated list
now =
available.=20
This works for the Task Scheduler tool referenced on some of
the =
pages=20
linked to in this article, as well.
Clean up your hard disk
Your =
computer=20
amasses temporary files over time. These files can come from
any =
number of=20
sources, with the web being one of the largest offenders.
After a =
while,=20
these temporary files will slow down your computer.
About once every =
week,=20
you should run the Windows Disk Cleanup utility to
clear your PC of =
these=20
temporary files. The Windows Disk Cleanup tool
requires user input =
to=20
complete its designated task. For this reason, it is
recommended =
that, when=20
setting up the utility to run automatically (as
described in the =
next=20
paragraph), you choose a time when you are typically
on the computer =
so you=20
can provide this input. When using the Create Basic
Task Wizard, =
select the=20
Open the Properties dialog for this task when I
click Finish check =
box. This=20
allows you to access additional properties
related to the task. On =
the=20
Settings tab, select the Run task as soon as
possible after a =
scheduled=20
start is missed check box to ensure that the task
starts the next =
time you=20
are logged on to your computer.
II. Schedule Disk Cleanup to run=20
automatically:
Windows Seven:
1. Open Task Scheduler: Click the =
Start=20
button, click Control Panel, click
Administrative Tools, and then=20
double-click Task Scheduler. If you’re
prompted for an administrator =
password or confirmation, type the password or
provide =
confirmation.
2.=20
Click the Action menu, and then click Create Basic Task. This opens the=20
Create Basic Task Wizard.
3. Type a name for the task and an =
optional=20
description, and then click
Next.
4. To select a schedule based =
on the=20
calendar, click Daily, Weekly, Monthly,
or One time, and then click=20
Next.
5. Specify the schedule you want to use, and then click =
Next.
6.=20
Click Start a program, and then click Next.
7. Click Browse, and, in =
the File=20
name box, type cleanmgr.exe, click Open,
and then click Next.
8. =
Click=20
Finish.
Windows Vista
1. Open Task Scheduler: Click the Start =
button,=20
click Administrative Tools,
and then click Task Scheduler. If you =
are=20
prompted for an administrator
password or confirmation, type the =
password or=20
provide confirmation.
2. Click the Action menu, and then click Create =
Basic=20
Task.
3. Type a name for the task and an optional description, and =
then click=20
Next.
4. To select a schedule based on the calendar, click Daily, =
Weekly,=20
Monthly,
or One time, and then click Next.
5. Specify the =
schedule you=20
want to use, and then click Next.
6. Click Start a program, and then =
click=20
Next.
7. Click Browse, and, in the File name box, type cleanmgr.exe, =
click=20
Open,
and then click Next.
8. Click Finish.
Windows XP:
1. =
Click=20
Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Performance and=20
Maintenance.
3. Under or pick a Control Panel icon, click Scheduled=20
Tasks.
4. In the Scheduled Tasks window, double-click Add Scheduled=20
Task.
5. In the Scheduled Task Wizard, click Next.
6. Scroll down =
to Disk=20
Cleanup in the list of Applications, click it (to
highlight it), and =
then=20
click Next.
7. Under Perform this task, click Weekly, and then click=20
Next.
8. Set the time and day of the week you would like to run Disk =
Cleanup.=20
For
best results, choose a time when you’re typically at your =
computer so=20
you
can provide any required input. Click Next.
9. Type your =
password in=20
both the Enter the password and Confirm password
boxes, and then =
click=20
Next.
10. Click Finish.
_________________________
Speed =
Up Your=20
PC: Automate Your Computer Maintenance Schedule, Part Two:
Article=20
Source:
size=3D2>http://www.micr
Check =
your hard=20
disk for errors
Whenever a program you’re using crashes, your =
computer may=20
create errors on
your hard disk. These errors will eventually slow =
your=20
computer to a crawl.
The good news is that Windows includes a Check =
Disk=20
program. Check Disk
corrects these types of errors on your hard =
disk,=20
resulting in better PC
performance.
About once every week, you =
should run=20
the Check Disk utility. While Check
Disk runs, a black window will =
open. If=20
you happen to be working at your
computer when the window opens, you =
can=20
ignore it. The window will
automatically disappear when Check Disk =
is=20
complete.
Note: You must be logged on as an administrator to perform =
these=20
steps. If
you aren’t logged on as an administrator, you can only =
change=20
settings that
apply to your user account.
Set up Check Disk to =
run=20
automatically:
Windows Seven:
1. Open Task Scheduler: Click the =
Start=20
button, click Control Panel, click
Administrative Tools, and then=20
double-click Task Scheduler. If you’re
prompted for an administrator =
password or confirmation, type the password or
provide =
confirmation.
2.=20
Click the Action menu, and then click Create Basic Task.
3. Type a =
name for=20
the task and an optional description, and then click
Next.
4. Do =
one of=20
the following:
To select a schedule based on the calendar, click =
Daily,=20
Weekly, Monthly, or
One time, click Next, specify the schedule you =
want to=20
use, and then click
Next.
To select a schedule based on common =
recurring=20
events, click When the
computer starts or When I log on, and then =
click=20
Next.
To select a schedule based on specific events, click When a =
specific=20
event
is logged, click Next, specify the event log and other =
information=20
using the
drop-down lists, and then click Next.
5. To schedule a =
program=20
to start automatically, click Start a program, and
then click =
Next.
6.=20
Click Browse to find the program you want to start, and then click =
Next.
7.=20
Click Finish.
Windows vista:
1. Open Task Scheduler: Click the =
Start=20
button, click Administrative Tools,
and then click Task Scheduler. =
If you=20
are prompted for an administrator
password or confirmation, type the =
password or provide confirmation.
2. Click the Action menu, and then =
click=20
Create Basic Task.
3. Type a name for the task and an optional =
description,=20
and then click
Next.
4. Do one of the following:
To select a =
schedule=20
based on the calendar, click Daily, Weekly, Monthly, or
One time, =
click=20
Next, specify the schedule you want to use, and then click =
Next.
To=20
select a schedule based on common recurring events, click When the =
computer=20
starts, or When I log on, and then click Next.
To select a schedule =
based on=20
specific events, click When a specific event
is logged, click Next, =
specify=20
the event log and other information using the
drop-down lists, and =
then=20
click Next.
5. To schedule a program to start automatically, click =
Start a=20
program, and
then click Next.
6. Click Browse to find the program =
you=20
want to start, and then click Next.
7. Click Finish.
Windows =
XP:
1.=20
Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Performance and=20
Maintenance.
3. Under or pick a Control Panel icon, click Scheduled=20
Tasks.
4. In the Scheduled Tasks window, double-click Add Scheduled=20
Task.
5. In the Scheduled Task Wizard, click Next.
6. Click =
Browse.
7.=20
In the File name box, type %systemroot%\system32\chkdsk.exe, and then =
click=20
Open.
8. Under Perform this task, click Weekly. Then, click =
Next.
9. Set=20
the time and day of the week you would like to run Check Disk. For =
best=20
results, choose a time when your computer will be on but you will be =
away=20
from it. Click Next.
10. Type your password in both the Enter the =
password=20
and Confirm password
boxes, and then click Next.
11. Click=20
Finish.
Speed Up Your PC: Automate Your Computer Maintenance =
Schedule, Part=20
Three
Article Source:
face=3DArial=20
size=3D2>http://www.micr
Task=20
Scheduler:
1.Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2.Click=20
Performance and Maintenance.
3.Under or pick a Control Panel icon, =
click=20
Scheduled Tasks.
4.In the Scheduled Tasks window, double-click Add =
Scheduled=20
Task.
5.In the Scheduled Task Wizard, click Next.
6.Click =
Browse.
7.In=20
the File name box, type %systemroot%\system32\chkdsk.exe, and then =
click=20
Open.
8.Under Perform this task, click Weekly. Then, click =
Next.
9.Set the=20
time and day of the week you would like to run Check Disk. For
best =
results,=20
choose a time when your computer will be on but you will be
away =
from it.=20
Click Next.
10.Type your password in both the Enter the password and =
Confirm=20
password
boxes, and then click Next.
11.Click Finish.
Follow =
the=20
prompts in Task Scheduler to schedule a program to run at a set
time =
(for=20
Windows 7 and Windows Vista only-the directions in Step 1 for =
Windows XP are=20
all inclusive).
Note: Check Disk isn’t available within the =
scroll-down list=20
of programs
that you select from in the Task Scheduler, so you’ll =
need to=20
select it
manually. To select it, click Browse. Then, navigate to=20
windows\system32\chkdsk.exe. Select chkdsk.exe, and then click =
Open.
The=20
best way to schedule tasks as described in the previous sections varies=20
depending on how you use your computer. For example, if you shut =
down your=20
computer every day, schedule the tasks to perform during a time when =
your=20
computer is typically on. You can do this by editing the Task =
properties as=20
described in the steps for each utility and operating system. On the =
Settings tab, select the Run task as soon as possible after a =
scheduled=20
start is missed check box when creating the new tasks described in =
this=20
article. This ensures that the task starts the next time you are =
logged on=20
to your computer, should it happen to be turned off during the =
scheduled=20
time. If you set your computer to Hibernate or Sleep and want to =
schedule=20
the tasks to run during that mode (for example, overnight), on the=20
Conditions tab, select the Wake the computer to run this task check =
box. If=20
you don’t set these parameters during the initial setup, you can =
always go=20
back and access them via the Task Scheduler. Simply locate your task =
in the=20
Task Scheduler Library, and then double-click it. This opens the =
Properties=20
dialog box for a given task.
Let Windows do all the work
These =
automated tasks-while they seem simple enough-are the foundation on =
which=20
your computer’s performance rests. Lucky for us, Windows can =
completely=20
handle these tasks. You never have to worry about them. You just
set =
up your=20
maintenance tasks once, automate them, and let Windows take care
of =
the=20
rest.
_________________________
Top 8 Things You Shouldn’t =
Give=20
Social Networking Sites
While websites like
Facebook
size=3D2>www.facebook.com
size=3D2>and
MySpace
http://www.myspace.com/
face=3DArial=20
size=3D2>make it easy to share vacation photos with old classmates, the =
personal=20
information on social networks is also attracting people besides =
friends and=20
family members.
Scam artists, identity thieves, debt collectors,=20
stalkers, hiring managers,
and companies looking for a marketing =
advantage=20
are turning to social
networking sites to gather valuable =
information.=20
Before you publish your
next status update, take care that you =
aren’t=20
risking your identity,
security or reputation.
Below are eight =
things you=20
shouldn’t give to a social network – when signing
up for an account, =
posting=20
content or interacting with your contacts through
the network.
1. =
Access=20
to your email account.
During the registration process, social =
networks often=20
solicit a new user to
provide an email address and account password =
so they=20
can access the user’s
email address book.
To be safe, don’t =
provide this=20
information at all.
There are some social networks that capture a =
user’s=20
email contacts and then
solicit them – often repeatedly, to =
join.
If you=20
consider providing an email address and account password to a social=20
network, read all agreements (including the privacy policy very =
carefully=20
before clicking on them.
2. An email address associated with your =
professional life.
Never provide a work-associated email to a social =
network,=20
especially when
signing up.
Consider creating a new email address =
strictly to connect with your social
networking =
profile(s).
Jobseekers=20
should take special care to keep professional and personal lives=20
separate.
3. Your exact date of birth, especially in combination =
with=20
your place of
birth.
Your exact date of birth may be useful to an =
identity thief.
A 2009 study published by researchers at Carnegie =
Mellon=20
showed that a date
and place of birth could be used to predict most, =
and=20
sometimes all, of the
nine digits of one’s Social Security =
number.
If you=20
do decide to post your birthday, use privacy settings to restrict the=20
visibility of this information and don’t provide the year.
4. =
Your=20
browsing history.
Delete cookies, including flash cookies, every time =
you=20
leave a social
networking site. Also consider using a proxy server =
to mask=20
your IP address,
such as Tor found at:
size=3D2>http://www.torproject.org/
size=3D2>See (PRC=20
Fact Sheet 18: Privacy and the Internet) found at the link =
below.
face=3DArial=20
size=3D2>http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs18-cyb.htm#cookies5. Vacation Plans.
Don’t publicize vacation =
plans,=20
especially the dates you’ll be traveling.
Remember, no matter how =
carefully=20
you construct your privacy settings,
there’s no guarantee that what =
you post=20
won’t become known to unauthorized
viewers.
6. Public posts with =
your=20
address, phone number or email address.
Don’t post your address, =
phone number=20
or email address on a social network
profile or status =
update.
Scam=20
artists as well as marketing companies may be looking for this kind of=20
information. If you do choose to post any portion of this, use =
privacy=20
settings to restrict it to approved contacts. Be especially wary of=20
providing a GPS location of your home.
If you use a =
location-aware social=20
network, use extra caution! Don’t
publicize the location of your =
home=20
because people will know when you are
not there. (See Please Rob Me =
-=20
Raising Awareness about Oversharing )
7. Compromising, sensitive,=20
embarrassing or inflammatory pictures or posts.
Remember that =
whatever goes=20
on a network might eventually be seen by people
not in the intended=20
audience. Think about whether you would want a stranger,
an =
insurance agent,=20
the government, your mother or a potential boss to see
certain =
information=20
or pictures.
Don’t be afraid to ask to have content removed. Read =
more about=20
what
information is public on social networks found at the link=20
below.
http://www.privacyrights.org/social-networking-privacy#public
8. Money.
Be wary of requests for money, even =
if they are=20
from contacts you know and
trust.
If a contact’s account is =
compromised,=20
a scam artist may use his or her name
and account to attempt to =
defraud=20
others through bogus money requests.
Any individual who participates =
in=20
social networking sacrifices a certain
amount of privacy, but a =
savvy user=20
can limit what they share.
Remember, the strongest tools users have =
to defend=20
their personal privacy on
social networking sites are common sense, =
caution=20
and skepticism.
_________________________
RAM: Add More =
Memory To=20
Your Computer
Your computer is a little like your physical work area. =
The=20
hard drive is
the filing cabinet where you store your documents, and =
memory-or RAM (random
access memory)-is the desk where you work. And =
when=20
your RAM-like a full
desktop-isn’t big enough to hold all your work =
easily,=20
your work slows down
and becomes more difficult. A good solution is =
to=20
expand the space-or
install more RAM.
If it suddenly seems that =
your=20
computer can’t keep up and the drive light is
flickering like crazy, =
it’s=20
probably time to install RAM. But before you
unplug the cables, lug =
the=20
machine to the car, drive to the computer store,
wait to have RAM =
installed,=20
and pay for the service, read how to install RAM
yourself.
Note: =
Problems=20
with speed can also be caused by viruses, spyware, or other =
malicious=20
software. Make sure that your virus checker is up to date. Or =
download=20
Microsoft Security Essentials for free.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/products/security-ess=
entials
I. Determine how much RAM you have and how much =
you=20
need
Before you buy anything, you need to know how much memory you =
have and=20
what
type of memory to buy.
Find out how much RAM your computer=20
has
You can find out how much RAM is installed in your computer in =
two ways.=20
You
can highlight the “my computer” icon in Windows xp or “computer” =
icon in=20
Vista and seven. Then click your right mouse button or press the =
application=20
key.
Next click on properties or press the letter r for =
properties. Here=20
you can
read down the screen and the ram is shown. If using a =
screenreader,=20
use the
read to end keystroke or read current window=20
command.
Alternatively you can go to Control Panel.
To open System =
Information, click Start, click All Programs, click
Accessories, =
click=20
System Tools, and then click System Information. In the
left pane, =
select=20
System Summary. The Installed Physical Memory (RAM) entry
in the =
list tells=20
you how much RAM your computer has.
Go to Control Panel in your =
version of=20
the Windows operating system to find
out how much RAM your computer=20
has:
The minimum amounts of RAM required for your version of Windows =
are=20
shown
below.
Windows Seven:
1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 =
GB RAM=20
(64-bit)
Windows Vista:
1 gigabyte (GB) of system memory (512 =
megabytes=20
(MB) for Home Basic)
Windows XP:
At least 64 megabytes (MB) of RAM =
(128 MB=20
is recommended)
In Windows XP, go to the Start menu, click Settings, =
and then=20
click Control
Panel. Click System, and then select the General tab. =
At the=20
bottom of the
page you will see the amount of RAM.
Find out how =
much RAM=20
you need
Most games specify the minimum amount of RAM you need to =
install and=20
play.
For example, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban requires =
256=20
megabytes
(MB). This amount includes RAM that the computer needs to =
do its=20
own
background work in addition to running the game.
The amount =
of RAM=20
you need depends on the operating system you are using.
For systems =
running=20
Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP, you should have
the minimum =
recommended amount, but more can be better, depending on your
needs. =
If you=20
just use your PC for surfing the Internet and writing letters,
you =
may need=20
only the minimum amount of RAM required to run the version of =
Windows you=20
have installed on your computer. But for the best =
performance-especially if=20
you keep several programs open at the same time
while you’re=20
working-consider increasing the RAM on your computer to at
least 2 =
gigabytes=20
(GB).
For more RAM-intensive programs, such as games or photo =
editing, or if=20
you
like to use a lot of applications at the same time, such as =
desktop=20
publishing and video rendering, you may need additional RAM. =
Individual=20
programs come with system requirements that show both the minimum =
RAM needed=20
to run the program, and the amount of RAM needed for its best=20
performance.
You can buy RAM modules in a variety of sizes, typically =
1-GB,=20
2-GB, and
4-GB modules.
II. Figure out what type of RAM you =
need
To=20
determine the maximum amount of RAM your computer can handle along with =
the=20
speed, consult your PC owner’s manual, which should show you the number =
of=20
slots (the place where you insert the RAM), how much RAM each can take, =
and=20
the maximum RAM your system can use.
Contact the manufacturer =
or use an=20
online memory advisor, such as those
from Crucial =
Technology
face=3DArial=20
size=3D2>http://www.crucial.com/store/drammemory.aspx?cat=3Dram
or Kingston Technology:
size=3D2>http://www.kingston.com/us/
size=3D2>These=20
memory advisors use information that you enter about your computer =
model and=20
do a memory check for your specific PC that tells you which
products =
work=20
with your system.
To find out what kind of module you need, you can =
also open=20
up your
computer.
1. First, turn off the computer, but leave it =
plugged=20
in so that it’s
automatically grounded. (Computers that should not =
remain=20
plugged in will be
clearly marked.)
2. Place the computer on a =
clean=20
workspace and remove the cover carefully
(you may need to use a=20
screwdriver).
3. Touch the case to ground yourself. When you touch =
the case,=20
it discharges
static electricity that could otherwise damage your =
computer.=20
(Note that
some manuals recommend anti-static wrist straps, but this =
is not=20
necessary
for home users.)
4. Locate the RAM modules, which are =
green=20
with black tubes, on the
motherboard. For a visually impaired =
computer user,=20
these are long sticks
about one inch tall and around three to four =
inches.=20
They fit into small
long slots on the motherboard with clips on each =
end of=20
the memory chip.
5. Now determine the type of module you have. You =
can=20
identify the type by
its appearance.
RDRAM is paired up (you have =
to put=20
in two at a time) and has metal casing
on one side.
DDR SDRAM is =
the most=20
popular and looks like regular RAM but has one notch.
SDRAM (which is =
being=20
phased out) has two notches.
6. Also note your RAM speed, which is =
usually=20
written on the side of the
existing chip (either 266 or 333).
7. =
If you=20
don’t have a free slot, remove one of the memory cards to check
the =
number=20
of notches on it. You will replace the smaller of the two RAM=20
modules.
You can buy ram here:
http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msstore/list/parentCategoryI=
D.50788100/categoryID.50789100?WT.mc_id=3DMSCOM_EN_US_AH_A_addmemory
III. Install your new RAM
1. Turn off the =
computer, and=20
touch the metal casing.
Note: If you have a computer that should not =
remain=20
plugged in while you
work on it, turn off the computer and unplug =
the power=20
cord. Then, press the
button that turns on the power to your =
computer. This=20
action helps you to be
sure that there is no residual power to the =
memory=20
slots or the computer’s
motherboard. The board also may have an LED =
light=20
that is lit, which is
another indication that there is residual =
power.
2.=20
Open the compartment where your RAM is installed. You may have to remove =
screws to open the compartment.
You may need to use a screwdriver =
to open=20
the compartment where RAM modules
are installed.
3. Locate the RAM =
modules=20
(RAM cards). Find the empty slot where you plan to
add a module, or =
remove=20
the RAM module you are replacing.
4. Line up the notches of the new =
RAM=20
module, and apply firm pressure to
attach.
5. After you’re sure =
the RAM=20
module is snugly in place, close the latch at
either end. If you =
have clips,=20
they should snap back in place.
6. The RAM module has been installed =
and is=20
snugly in place.
7. Reconnect all the cables, but leave the casing =
open until=20
you’re sure
everything is working right.
8. Turn your computer =
back on.=20
If the machine starts to beep, the memory is
either incompatible or =
not=20
correctly in its slot. If you’ve installed
everything correctly, the =
system=20
will detect the new RAM.
9. Check your system information to see how =
much RAM=20
you now have. If you
replaced a 512-MB module with a 1-GB one, you =
should=20
have 1 GB (1,024 MB)
minus 512 -or 512 MB more RAM than you did =
previously.=20
If you added the RAM
but didn’t remove any, you should have 1 GB =
more RAM,=20
for a total of 1.5 GB.
10. Try one of your programs that wasn’t =
working well.=20
If it still isn’t
working, unplug everything again and get back into =
the=20
computer to check
that the RAM modules are firmly secured.
IV. =
Quick=20
facts about RAM
RAM =3D random access memory. RAM is the primary =
working memory=20
in a computer
used for the temporary storage of programs and data =
and in=20
which the data
can be accessed directly and modified.
RAM is =
measured in=20
bytes: 1 gigabyte (GB) =3D 1,024 megabytes (MB) =3D 1,048,576 =
kilobytes=20
(KB)
V. Shopping checklist
Amount of memory/RAM you have: __ =
MB
Amount=20
of memory/RAM you require: __ MB
Amount of memory/RAM on each module: =
__ MB=20
and __ MB
Maximum amount of RAM your computer can handle: __ =
MB
Amount of=20
memory/RAM you will buy: __ MB
RAM speed for your computer:
SDRAM =
or DDR=20
SDRAM
Adapted from an original article written by Mara=20
Gulens.
_________________________
Sites Of The Week
1. =
The=20
makers of the free screen reader NVDA announce that 2012.1beta1 has =
been=20
released. This version promises a better experience for Braille users, =
much=20
more access to format information in Word, and access to the iTunes=20
store.
face=3DArial=20
size=3D2>http://www.nvda-project.org/blog/NVDA2012.1beta1Released
2. New podcast from Applevis site for i-devices, =
we=20
have:
Three Weather Apps Go Head-To-Head:
size=3D2>http://www.applevis.com/node/2277
face=3DArial=20
size=3D2>NVDA and iTunes:
size=3D2>http://www.applevis.com/node/2276
face=3DArial size=3D2>A=20
Demonstration of the Improved Accessibility Coming Soon to the Hokusai =
Audio=20
Editor for iOS:
http://www.applevis.com/node/2275
An In-Depth Demonstration of the Tascam iM2 Stereo =
Microphone=20
Adapter
face=3DArial=20
size=3D2>http://www.applevis.com/node/2274
face=3DArial=20
size=3D2>Turn Your iPhone into a Motion Detector with VM =
Alert:
size=3D2>http://www.applevis.com/node/2234
face=3DArial=20
size=3D2>3. Here is lots of technical information about access =
improvements in=20
version 10 of Firefox:
http://www.marcozehe.de/2012/01/31/new-in-accessibility-in-firef=
ox-10/3.
4. Here you can get a text tutorial for the =
game King of=20
Dragon Pass:
http://www.applevis.com/node/2284
5. The NFB anticipates some employment =
opportunities will=20
result from new
regulations requiring video description of more TV =
shows.=20
They are offering
a training, fourteen to eighteen May, expenses =
paid, to=20
gain the necessary
skills.
size=3D2>http://www.nfb.org/vdrdc
size=3D2>6. From=20
the February, 2012 Braille Monitor come two articles: I Am a Blind=20
Electrical Engineer:
http://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/Publications/bm/bm12/bm1202/bm1202=
04.htm
Mainstream Access to E-Books: My =
Perspective:
http://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/Publications/bm/bm12/bm1202/bm1202=
08.htm
7. In response to a question, this is said to be =
an Internet=20
speed test site
which is accessible:
size=3D2>http://testmy.net/
size=3D2>.
8. This article=20
is entitled Jailbreaking Your iPhone 4S Or iPad 2: Not
Nearly As =
Scary As It=20
Might Sound
http://serotalk.com/2012/01/30/jailbreaking-your-iphone-4s-or-ip=
ad-not-nearly-as-scary-as-it-might-sound/
9. Here is a link to a a List of Siri =
Commands:
http://www.mactalk.com.au/31/104774-list-siri-commands.html
10. Here is a place to obtain Nine iPhone Apps to =
Get You out=20
of Bad
Situations:
http://www.lockergnome.com/ios/2012/01/25/nine-iphone-apps-to-ge=
t-you-out-of-bad-situations
11. Learning ally has created tutorials on how to =
use their=20
vastly improved
audiobook Manager:
http://www.learningally.org/Training-Support/Learning-Ally-BookS=
helf-and-Audiobook-Manager/Learning-Ally-Audiobook-Manager-screen-reader-=
audio-instructions/959/
12. Web Site of the Week (Life’s Little =
Mysteries)
I’ve=20
been on the mailing list for this site, and I’m always amazed with the=20
things they come up with. There isn’t one particular topic, but if =
you want=20
to learn answers to questions you might not have thought to ask, =
you’ll like=20
the site.
If you’re a curious person this is a terrific site – =
you never=20
know what
they’ll come up with next.
The site has these =
categories for=20
you to browse; Body Mind, Creatures,
Culture, Earth, Space, =
Entertainment,=20
Money, Sports, Tech, and Weird. Or you
can sign up for the =
newsletter, join=20
the mailing list, or grab the app for
iPad.
That’s my =
description, here’s=20
the description from the website:
Life’s Little Mysteries answers =
fascinating=20
questions about the world around
you and the stuff in it, from =
things in the=20
news and on your mind to crazy
questions you didn’t even know you =
had. Our=20
team of experienced reporters
and editors do serious research while =
having=20
loads of fun, to explain the
world’s objects and phenomena, natural =
and=20
man-made.
The site content is usually fun and interesting – nothing =
terribly=20
serious
or disturbing. They have published a book; there are a few =
ads=20
promoting it
but nothing intrusive – the ads are modeled on the look =
of the=20
site and fit
right in.
Life’s Little Mysteries
size=3D2>http://www.lifeslittlemysteries.com/
face=3DArial=20
size=3D2>_________________________
If you know of someone who =
would like to=20
join Mama’s Corner, please contact
her at:
size=3D2>mamas-corner-owner@yahoogroups.com
face=3DArial=20
size=3D2>_________________________
Quotes for the day
Taken =
from Melanie=20
mama’s corner
Quote For Today:
Being a role model is the most =
powerful=20
form of educating. Youngsters need
good models more than they need =
critics.=20
It’s one of a parent’s greatest
responsibilities and =
opportunities.
John=20
Wooden
_________________________
Quote For Today:
“The =
mindless=20
junk of your past crowds out opportunities and sets pointless =
limitations.=20
Move out the junk, and you create room for the rest of your
life.=20
Ultimately, it’s not just a question of tidying your house; it’s a =
question=20
of liberating your heart.”
Merlin=20
Mann
_________________________
Quote For Today:
The past is =
finished. There is nothing to be gained by going over it.
Whatever =
it gave=20
us in the experiences it brought us was something we had to =
know.
–=20
Rebecca Beard
_________________________
Quote For Today:
We =
are at=20
our very best, and we are happiest, when we are fully engaged in =
work we=20
enjoy on the journey toward the goal we’ve established for =
ourselves. It=20
gives meaning to our time off and comfort to our sleep. It
makes =
everything=20
else in life so wonderful, so worthwhile.
Earl=20
Nightingale
_________________________
Quote For Today:
In=20
everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes
out. It is then =
burst into=20
flame by an encounter with
another human being. We should all be =
thankful=20
for
those people who rekindle the inner spirit.
Albert=20
Schweitzer
_________________________
Quote For =
Today:
“Here’s to=20
the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The =
round pegs=20
in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re =
not fond=20
of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can
quote =
them,=20
disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing
you =
can’t=20
do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human =
race=20
forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius.=20
Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the =
world,=20
are the ones who do.”
_________________________
Quote For=20
Today:
“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift =
of God,=20
which
is why we call it the present.”
– Bil=20
Keane
_________________________
If you know of someone who =
would like=20
to join Mama’s Corner, please contact
her at:
size=3D2>mamas-corner-owner@yahoogroups.com
size=3D2>=20
