Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Internet Explorer 9 to get tracking protection

Microsoft this morning detailed changes to Internet Explorer 9's security features that will better enable users to keep sites from tracking their activity across browsing sessions.

The feature, which is set to arrive in the first release candidate of IE9 early next year, uses a list to tell the browser which third-party page elements sites can and cannot be blocked from tracking. This includes elements ranging from advertisements to more mundane things like embedded widgets from particular providers.

On Microsoft's IE blog, Dean Hachamovitch, head of Internet Explorer development, explained how it works:

A Tracking Protection List (TPL) contains Web addresses (like msdn.com) that the browser will visit (or "call") only if the consumer visits them directly by clicking on a link or typing their address. By limiting the calls to these Web sites and resources from other Web pages, the TPL limits the information these other sites can collect.

You can look at this as a translation of the "Do Not Call" list from the telephone to the browser and web. It complements many of the other approaches being discussed for browser controls of Do Not Track.

In a Webcast announcing the feature, Hachamovitch said most users have "little awareness of who can track their activity," and that the feature stemmed from that. Hachamovitch also attributed the creation of the feature to the company's more open approach to developing features for IE9.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Simple Tips before Doing Software Installation

Are you having troubles installing your newly bought software wherein during the process it suddenly stops, you get an error message and you just can’t seem to make it work? Or perhaps you were able to successfully install the software but when you try to run it you either get an error message or nothing happens when you launch it? If this sounds familiar, it is time for you to seek assistance from a technician and before you know it, the software installation is done in almost no time.

Software installation is merely the procedure of putting a program onto your computer so that it can be utilized. Some software does not require advance technical knowledge like such that only needs to be copied and executed to your computer without any other complicated procedures or formal installation process to be done. Some software however is not designed to be as simple and would actually require an installation procedure. These include unpacking of files, copying to the appropriate locations, configuring it to suit the hardware and testing for system compatibility. Software installation may not be easy and would require patience and a lot of reading for first timers. However, it is possible and the steps are straightforward if you follow these basic guidelines:

• Do your research. One common mistake encountered when installing software is miscalculations that results in computer incompatibility hence, wasting time and money. Nowadays, one can rely on several related articles, users’ reviews and forums which provide instructions and helpful tips for successful software installation.

• Never settle for a pirated or cracked version of the software. Purchasing the original software is indeed costly however being in trouble with the law and the possibility of facing imprisonment for using illegal software is not worth it. In addition to this, pirated software does not provide you with consumer’s protection such as warranty or refund policy

• Don’t disregard pop up messages during the software installation process. Installing software can really be time consuming but it is important that you know what programs you are installing by understanding the terms of agreement to avoid unwanted and unauthorized add-ons, errors and having to repeat the installation over again.

• Uninstall programs that are not essential for you and disable applications that are not frequently used. These procedures will help improve the time to startup, diminish pop-ups and most importantly resolve a slow computer issue.

By following these simple guidelines, you can reduce the probability of failing or getting an error. If by all means you have exhausted all of these tips and you still can’t make it work, try speaking to an expert online about offering a quick fix through remote access technology.


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Setting Up your Digital Camera for Photo Transfer

Through the advancement of technology, we are now in the age of digital cameras and photography. Videos and still photographs can now be recorded digitally using an electronic image sensor. Unlike a film camera, it provides you with an immediate satisfaction of viewing instantaneously the image of the photo taken. The ability to view images without worrying about expense and transferring your images to your computer are handy built in features for today’s modern camera. This article will tackle how to setup your digital camera for photo transfer.

Here’s a straightforward guide in transferring images to your computer:

Install the software. The bundled software that came with the purchase of the digital camera has been manufactured to be user-friendly. This is feature has provided numerous consumers the ease of setting up their cameras ready for transfer. Just insert the CD into your DVD/CD Rom drive and follow through with the step by step using the wizard.


Plug the cables. Connect the camera to your computer using the cable that came with the purchase of the camera. If for some bad luck you don’t have the stock cable, try searching gadgets computer stores for a replacement. Searching online is another option. Once the camera and computer are properly connected you would usually hear a pop sound or a notification will pop up on your system task bar.

Transfer your photos. In some softwares, auto-detect is a feature that would instinctively sense that the camera is plugged into the computer. After which a window will pop –up that prompts you to start synchronization.


Newly released digital cameras carry a feature that provides the convenience of fast connectivity with the use of a USB connector without the need for installing the bundled software. Other digital cameras use Fire wire port as a mode of connection. A more advance technology for digital cameras, utilize wireless connections with Bluetooth connection.

• To transfer photos thru plug and play option, here are a few simple steps:

• Connect the USB cable from the camera to your computer.

• Turn on your camera, for the computer to detect it.

• The camera window will appear.

• Click the import button and this will start transferring the images from the camera to your computer.

• After reaching 100% completion in transferring the photos, click [x] to close the window. Turn off the camera, unplug in from the computer and enjoy your photos.

Note: In transferring photos, you have an option as to where and which folder the photos will be transferred to. Usual default target folder for transfer is the My Pictures folder inside the My Documents file. These are the helpful things that you should do when you setup your digital camera for photo transfer.

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Painless Printer Installation Guide

The level of frustration sky rockets when we try to install a printer without the CD. However, with the current technology that we have, installing a printer is now relatively easy and just a five minute task. Follow through with these few simple steps and your computer will be printer ready.

Step 1: Connect the cables and plugs of printer to the computer and making sure they are properly connected. Keep in mind that the printer’s AC adaptor should be fittingly plugged in to a wall socket as well.

Step 2: Boot on the computer.

Step 3: Turn on the printer.

Step 4: Go to Start and click on Control Panel.

Step 5: On the Control Panel window, click on Printers and Other Hardware.

Step 6: Look for Printers and Faxes. Then click on Add Printer.

Step 7: As soon as the window “Welcome to the add printer wizard” pops out, find the Next button and click on it.

Step 8: On the add printer wizard window, select the option “Local printer attached to this computer”

Step 9: Don’t forget to check the box for “Automatically detect ad install my Plug and Play printer” Then click the Next button.

Step 10: The wizard will then search the database for the new Plug and Play printer to install. If there was no printer detected, check on your cables and make sure everything is connected as it should be. The wizard will prompt you to install the printer manually.

Step 11: Once detected, it will prompt you to choose the appropriate printer port. Select the recommended port for easy installation.

Step 12: Check your printer’s manufacturer and select on the provided list. Click Next.

Step 13: Select the printer’s name as the default printer or you can give your printer its own name for easy recognition.

Step 14: On the question “Do you want to use this printer as the default printer?”, choose the radial button “Yes.” Then click “Next.”
Step 15: On the Printer Sharing page, chose the radio button for “Do not share this printer.” Then click “Next.”

Step 16: Time to test the printer. You can make a test page in the Printer Wizard. When prompted to print a test page, select the radial button for “Yes.”

Step 17: If you click No, you can later on print a test page by opening up a word document and print out a test page to confirm whether the installation of the printer was a success.

Step 18: After a successful test page print out, check all the details and your choices. If there is anything you would like to amend just click on the “Back” button and reselect another option.

Step 19: Exit and close the “Add Print Wizard” window by clicking the button “Finish”.


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Sunday, May 23, 2010

Installing New Software

Before installing software, there are things you need to consider. First, you need to know what operating system you are using (e.g. Windows, Linux or Mac).Each operating system have specific programs and are rarely cross compatible with each other. Programs running on a MAC environment cannot be installed on a Windows environment. It is also important to know if the operating system is running a 64-bit or a 32-bit version (in Windows ®Right-click My Computer and then Properties. It will show 32-bit/x86 or a 64-bit/x64). Make sure that the software you are trying to install meets the minimum system requirements (How big is your memory ram, capacity of your hard disk, the speed your processor is running.)

Before downloading or buying this software, it usually has a note (you can see this at the back of the case or a note inside the installation folder) where the minimum system requirements are put. Also, do not lose the serial number or the license key as this required to be entered on most software installations. Try to inspect the CD if it’s damaged or has small scratches as it may end up as a corrupt installation or can cause a major boot issues that will require hard drive recovery. Make sure you are buying or downloading the correct software in order for you not to waste time and money.

After considering these “need-to-know “ factors, try to load the installation disc to the compact disk drive if it’s a CD or double-click the file you just downloaded. If you are using a CD or DVD, after loading the disk, it will automatically run or you can access it through the “My computer” icon. Click which drive you are using, browse the folder. If you see a “setup” icon, you need to double click it. It automatically opens a new window and there are steps you need to follow. The software will ask where you want to put the software you just installed and you can also select the features of the software you want to be installed. It will ask you for a license key (in some cases). Some programs or software’s may ask you to turn your antivirus and firewalls off during installation. This will ensure complete and smooth installation. If the installation is finished, there will be a prompt asking you if you want to restart the PC first (in some instances). Restart the PC and you are good to go!


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Basic Tips on How to Set Up a New PC

Setting up a new PC is fairly simple and easy to accomplish once you carefully examine the contents of the box it came in. Generally, the box will contain a monitor, a tower, and peripherals such as keyboard, mouse, printer and cables. Computers are designed in such a way that the cables that interconnects the monitor, tower and peripherals are built to only fit the correct slot. So if it fits the slot or plug, 99% of the time, that particular cable is meant to be connected to that particular plug or slot. The user can also consult the manual but because of the need to conserve nature and support the green initiative, most computer manufacturers have stopped shipping paper manuals together with the systems and have resorted to paperless alternatives such as online manuals. The user can also utilize online computer support if he has no experience in out of the box system assembly.

Connecting the cables is the easy part. The hard part begins when the computer is turned on and booted to the operating system. Majority of computers manufactured run on the Windows® OS platform. When the system finally turns on, the user will briefly see a screen that resembles a DOS environment. This is called POST screen. Following the POST screen is the OS boot up screen where the user will see a loading animation and after this screen, the OS, or the operating system, will load.

In reference to the widely used Windows ® OS, the initial screen will prompt the user to input the needed ownership information such as usernames, passwords and preferences. After this, the OS will prompt the user to activate online which will verify and authenticate the product to make sure the product is legitimate. This is usually the last step in completing the set up of a new PC.
Software Installation, customization and personalization can follow after the user gets fully familiarized with the different technologies that come with the machine. Basic software to add after setting up is spyware removal, virus removal, data protection, computer diagnostics and productivity software. If problems are experienced during use and the user is not familiar with the issue, He can always contact the PC vendor or Microsoft Support for assistance in troubleshooting and additional services like assistance in configuring and customizing applications, Microsoft Office Support, computer cleanup, Data Migration, data protection, and advanced Windows support.

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Basic MP3 Player Installation Tips

Setting up an mp3 player, whether it be the popular iPod or other brands, is so much easier thanks to the user friendliness of Microsoft’s ® new operating systems and the introduction of the USB port, which is now a global standard in device to computer connectivity. All MP3 players need to have a connectivity feature and almost all of them use the Universal Serial Bus or USB. This type of connection uses an “instant on” connection when plugged in to the USB port of a host device. Mp3 players need this feature so that the contents of the player can be updated, deleted or reinstalled. Setting up the device is quite simple and thanks to the intuitive step by step installation pop ups on major player brands; even a non techie user can install and set up the mp3 player to communicate with a host device with ease.

Most MP3 players come with 3 standard cables- the charger, headphones and the USB. The charging cable powers up the battery and the USB gets it to talk with a host or a PC. Some advanced features would include a wireless connectivity device and a video connection which is used to connect the device to a video output, but these are really necessities when it comes to the player’s functionality.

To set up the mp3 player out of the box, remember these simple steps:
1. Always check for power first before attempting the setup. Try powering the player on and check the battery level as most players are pre charged in the factory.
2. Read the manual. Most importantly, the requirement if the device needs an 8 hour charge before use or if it’s safe to install it straight out of the box. Most mobile devices require that it be charged for 8 hours first before use, so be sure to check the instructions.
3. After verifying the steps above, boot up the computer and turn off the antivirus program. I recommend doing this as most antivirus programs will prompt the user to run a scan on the new device before proceeding. Easy if you have a 512mb player, not good if you own one of those terabyte sized ones.
4. If the device came with an installation disk, run it first and follow the instructions and only plug the player to the USB port when prompted. Afterwards, everything should be automatic and you will be able to add mp3’s and update your playlist. Also remember not to turn the volume too high when listening via headphones or earphones as this might cause damage to your eardrums.

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