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Showing posts from April 15, 2012

Time to Defrag

Search for defrag The disk defragmenter helps your computer (Mac or Windows) run more efficiently.  After you have removed unused files and old programs , your file system is disorganized and fragmented. Basically the files are a mess in the file cabinet and are not using the space efficiently, slowing the system down as it tries harder to access the files you need. This is the time to optimize your file system, making it run quicker and access files and this is what this program does.  First things first.  Find a time that you aren't using the computer. Don't do a defrag when there is a chance of a power outage (during a storm for example) unless you have a UPS backup power source.  Close down as many programs as possible including things running on the right side of the taskbar, such as programs for your printer, or Dropbox, for example. Windows 7 Disk Defrag Click the "Start Menu" button and type defrag into your run/search. If that doesn't wo

Fixin' and Organizing Your Photographs

I have a lot of people come to me for advise... pretty regularly. Over the last couple of days, it has been about Photography. Not that I am a professional photographer, but I do enjoy the hobby and I work with computers, so it must be the reason.  If you are getting a sense of déjà vu, I did briefly discuss online photo editing options in the past. First, someone wanted to resize a picture for a contest. Maybe make some minor modifications and wanted to know what the best option might be to accomplish this job. Obviously there is lot of software available but boom! a lack of time to install, learn and configure, so the next option. Let's look to the 'cloud', another name for online software or online servers, to manipulate the picture quickly, by just uploading!  For the quick fix, I directed her to Pixlr , a simple and easy to use online photo editing too. Want to do some cool photo effects? Got to Pixlr's O-matic website. Then, I was asked how to organize a

Purging Old Programs

Yesterday, we removed temporary files. Today, it will be old programs. So, you haven't used that software you downloaded last year because you have something else that works better. There really isn't a reason to keep it on your computer, right? It is just cluttering your hard drive.  This guide is related to the Windows 7 and Vista operating system, but it works similarly with Vista . In Windows XP it was called "Add and Remove Programs" which, alphabetically put it farther up on the Control Panel screen. 1. Control Panel Go to your "Start Menu" and select the Control Panel on the right side.  Select "Programs". Click on "Uninstall a Program" This will let you view the programs on your computer.  Be selective about the programs you remove as some may change the functionality of your computer, such as Java or Windows updates. That doesn't mean you shouldn't remove any programs. Remember that game you downloaded and hate

Time to Purge and Clean Your Computer

Click to Enlarge Even with the ever larger hard drives, it is suggested that you purge your computer of unneeded files such as temporary files, recycle bin files, and temporary internet files. Click [Windows] + [R] to open the Run dialog box. Type "Cleanmgr.exe." or "Disk Cleanup"  If it pops up as shown in the picture, select "Disk Cleanup" Select the drive you wish to clean, usually C: Wait for the application to run its check on files. Select files you wish to clear and actions you wish to take. None of these files will damage the system if removed. But there may be webpages you purposely downloaded or game statistics that you wish to keep. Click OK to confirm and let the cleaning begin. One of many small things that will help it run faster and more efficiently. ☺