Computer Tipshttp://www.perfectpcrepairs.com/computertipsTips for using and protecting your computerenWed, 07 May 2008 20:31:45 PDThttp://wordpress.org/?v=2.8hourly139.88628-83.079893Use RSS Feeds to Check Your Favorite Web Siteshttp://feeds.perfectpcrepairs.com/~r/ComputerTipsFromPerfectPc/~3/0DN4REX2wlc/UncategorizedLloyd PetersWed, 07 May 2008 20:30:13 PDThttp://www.perfectpcrepairs.com/computertips/article/rssfeedstocheckwebsites/

This video shows you how to save some serious time on checking for updates on your favorite sites. We promise that it’s well worth 4 minutes of your life.

The technology the video describes is called RSS, which stands for "Really Simple Syndication." With RSS, you can go to one program to check for updates on all of your favorite web sites. That way you don’t have to waste your time visiting sites that haven’t changed since you were there last.

All of this magic happens with a program called a news reader. Here are a few good choices for free news readers:

  • Google Reader is by far our favorite news reader. It’s web-based too, so you don’t even have to download anything.
  • My Yahoo! is a news reader for heavy users of Yahoo!
  • My AOL is a new news reader from the easiest place to use on the Web.
  • Sharp Reader is a good news reader if you have Windows.
  • Internet Explorer 7 has a new built-in RSS reader, so you may already be good to go if you use that browser!

While you’re at it, why don’t you practice your new RSS skills by subscribing to our Computer Tips Feed? Then you will get notified every time we publish a new computer tip.

]]>This video shows you how to save some serious time on checking for updates on your favorite sites. We promise that it’s well worth 4 minutes of your life. The technology the video describes is called RSS, which stands for "Really Simple Syndication." With RSS, you can go to one program to check for updates on [...]http://www.perfectpcrepairs.com/computertips/article/rssfeedstocheckwebsites/feed/0http://www.perfectpcrepairs.com/computertips/article/rssfeedstocheckwebsites/How to Change Your Web Browser’s Privacy Settingshttp://feeds.perfectpcrepairs.com/~r/ComputerTipsFromPerfectPc/~3/dhRkccmuRXA/Uncategorizedcomputercomputer advicecomputer tipcomputer tipstiptipsChris PetersSat, 22 Mar 2008 20:59:20 PDThttp://www.perfectpcrepairs.com/computertips/changebrowserprivacysettings/ Your web browser's Privacy Settings probaby has a level you can adjust for level of security.Your web browser has a privacy setting that adjusts the level of security. Sometimes this may block cookies that your computer will accept, which may get in the way of web sites working correctly.

In the event that a web site isn’t working correctly, we recommend raising the security level to a higher level and trying the web site again.

Here is a comprehensive list of instructions for changing privacy settings on all modern web browsers.

Microsoft Internet Explorer

Mozilla Firefox

Netscape

Opera

Apple Safari

]]>Your web browser has a privacy setting that adjusts the level of security. Sometimes this may block cookies that your computer will accept, which may get in the way of web sites working correctly. In the event that a web site isn’t working correctly, we recommend raising the security level to a higher level and [...]http://www.perfectpcrepairs.com/computertips/article/changebrowserprivacysettings/feed/0http://www.perfectpcrepairs.com/computertips/article/changebrowserprivacysettings/New vs. Recycled Toner Cartridgeshttp://feeds.perfectpcrepairs.com/~r/ComputerTipsFromPerfectPc/~3/JpGl2nTvD-4/UncategorizedChris PetersSat, 22 Mar 2008 20:58:11 PDThttp://www.perfectpcrepairs.com/computertips/newcartridgesnotnew/ HP sells you recycled toner cartridges. “New” toner cartridges manufactured by HP, IBM, Lexmark, and others all contain recycled parts. These companies all have return programs where customers can return empty toner cartridges. The manufacturers then break down these empty cartridges and re-introduce many of these internal recycled components into the assembly of their “genuine” OEM cartridges.

Need proof? You can find in small print with a remark like this on the side of your new cartridge packaging box:

This cartridge may contain reconditioned parts or recycled materials.

What’s worse, the manufacturers are not passing any of these cost savings on to customers.

When customers return their empty toner cartridges to manufacturers, the cartridges are melted down and re-used for parts in new cartriges. You are essentially buying a recycled toner cartridge at the packaged cost of new.

You can get these savings in return when you purchase Perfect PC’s ISO 9001 Certified compatible toner cartridges. We pass our recycling savings on to you. Even better, all cartridges are backed by our exclusive Unconditional Lifetime Cartridge Warranty.

]]>“New” toner cartridges manufactured by HP, IBM, Lexmark, and others all contain recycled parts. These companies all have return programs where customers can return empty toner cartridges. The manufacturers then break down these empty cartridges and re-introduce many of these internal recycled components into the assembly of their “genuine” OEM cartridges. Need proof? You [...]http://www.perfectpcrepairs.com/computertips/article/newcartridgesnotnew/feed/0http://www.perfectpcrepairs.com/computertips/article/newcartridgesnotnew/How to Make Toner Cartridges Last Longerhttp://feeds.perfectpcrepairs.com/~r/ComputerTipsFromPerfectPc/~3/YawhHYUpyB8/UncategorizedChris PetersSat, 22 Mar 2008 20:57:16 PDThttp://www.perfectpcrepairs.com/computertips/tonercartridgelastlonger/ Keep your toner cartridge full for longer. Is your printer indicating that it’s low on toner? When this starts happening, you can extend your toner cartridge’s life by taking it out of the printer and gently rocking it. But you may want to consider doing this periodically, even before your printer tells you that you’re low on toner.

Periodically rocking your toner cartridge will loosen up toner and improve its flow through the toner cartridge. Toner needs to be loosened up with air to allow it to flow properly. Be very careful while gently rocking your toner cartridge to avoid getting it on your clothing.

In the event that you get toner on your clothing, wash your clothing in cold water. Hot water will set the toner in you clothing, causing a dark stain. Hot water melts toner, leaving a nasty stain on your clothes.

Photography by billjacobus1. Some rights reserved.

]]>Is your printer indicating that it’s low on toner? When this starts happening, you can extend your toner cartridge’s life by taking it out of the printer and gently rocking it. But you may want to consider doing this periodically, even before your printer tells you that you’re low on toner. Periodically rocking your [...]http://www.perfectpcrepairs.com/computertips/article/tonercartridgelastlonger/feed/0http://www.perfectpcrepairs.com/computertips/article/tonercartridgelastlonger/Advantages to Backing Up Documents to a Second Hard Drivehttp://feeds.perfectpcrepairs.com/~r/ComputerTipsFromPerfectPc/~3/keF6tuckvyk/UncategorizedChris PetersSat, 22 Mar 2008 20:56:08 PDThttp://www.perfectpcrepairs.com/computertips/backupharddrive/ Get your hands on a backup hard drive for more reliability.Many people don’t realize how fragile their data is until it’s too late. One small power surge, lightning strike, or hard disk failure can wipe out your entire collection of digital photos, music, and documents. Everything important to you will be gone instantly, with little chance of it being recovered. A backup hard drive can help reduce your risk of this headache.

What does a hard drive do?

Your computer’s hard drive stores your documents and programs. Photos, music, letters, email, and business documents are typically stored on your hard drive.

How can a back up hard drive help?

We recommend having a second hard drive to store documents, music, and photos.

When you are running your computer, it is constantly reading your computer’s primary hard drive to load programs. When you open your web browser, check your email, open your word processor, and so on, your computer needs to load those programs from your hard drive. This causes a lot of wear on it.

Storing your documents on a second drive that takes less of a beating reduces your risk of losing your data.

Is saving my important files to a CD-R a safe method?

Saving your files to a recordable CD (CD-R) or DVD (DVD-R) can be risky as well. The surface of these discs is more likely to be damaged. Plus it can be cumbersome to back up files to these slower-running formats.

Save yourself the trouble and get a fast-running hard drive.

What kind of back up disk drive should I purchase?

For desktop computer users, we recommend installing a second internal hard disk drive. Your system may crash one day. You may have to reinstall your operating system (Microsoft Windows, Mac OS) and all of your programs. If you have all of your important documents backed up to another hard drive, your important files and documents will still be available without any extra effort.

Laptop computer users should purchase an external hard drive. Your files will still be safe in the unfortunate event that your laptop computer dies.

Are USB jump drives and flash memory cards a good way of backing up my important files?

USB Flash Memory cards and USB Jump Drives are a good way of temporarily transporting files from one computer to another. But they are not intended for long-term backup storage. These small units are generally not considered as reliable as hard disk drives.

I need help knowing what kind of hard drive to buy

If you are in the Columbus, Ohio, area, contact Perfect PC. We can help you assess your needs and can even install your new hard drive for you.

Photography by Robbie1. Some rights reserved.

]]>Many people don’t realize how fragile their data is until it’s too late. One small power surge, lightning strike, or hard disk failure can wipe out your entire collection of digital photos, music, and documents. Everything important to you will be gone instantly, with little chance of it being recovered. A backup hard drive [...]http://www.perfectpcrepairs.com/computertips/article/backupharddrive/feed/0http://www.perfectpcrepairs.com/computertips/article/backupharddrive/