Tech notes for you!

Join Our Mailing List!

Your George Jetson Future is Here.
   

No, I'm not talking about hover cars or jetpacks. I'm talking about easy to use video conferencing. I'm more importantly talking about free and easy to use video conferencing. I'm talking about Skype. Skype is a free program that allows anyone with the right setup to make an audio only or an audio plus video call to anyone in the world. Here is what you need to do to use it and how it works.

 

            There are four requirements for using the Skype service. You need a computer, a broadband connection like Comcast cable or AT & T dsl, a webcamera with a built in microphone and a free Skype account. Assuming you already have the computer and fast internet connection the next thing you need to do is go get a webcamera. These cost around fifty bucks and can be bought at any electronics store including the one that rhymes with zest fly. I recommend a Logitech or Microsoft webcam although any should do the job.

 

Hook the webcamera up to your pc according to the instructions and then go to Skype's website. Sign up for a free account and install the Skype program on your PC. After that all you need to do is add contacts. You do this by clicking on "add a contact" and then by entering in the email address of the person with whom you want to talk. The only requirement here is that the other person must also have done all of these things as well. If that is the case then as soon as the other person accepts your invitation you can Skype them whenever you want all for free.

 

We use Skype regularly because my parents and my wife's parent both live far away and the want to both see and hear our 16 month old daughter. Some people have gotten rid of their land lines and use Skype as their primary means of communication. Got a teenager talking up too many cell phone minutes? Skype to the rescue!

 

If you want to use your skype to be able to call landlines and cell phones in the U.S. there is a three dollar monthly fee.

 

If you need any help hooking the Skype system up in your home give me a ring at 901-830-4362 and I can take care of it for you.

 

 

Don't Suffocate Your Computer.

     Your computer is not all that different than your cat or dog in one respect. They all need air to breath and they all need to keep relatively cool. To that end there are some simple things you can do to extend the life of your computer and keep it running well.

 

     Ideally your computer should be sitting on top of your desk. This is so that the dust and pet hair has less of a chance of being sucked into your computer by its internal fans. Placing your computer on top of your desk also gives it better airflow which helps cool it which will make its internal components last longer.

 

     If you must place your computer in the cubbyhole of your computer desk or in a cabinet never under any circumstances close the cabinet while the computer is running. This restricts vital airflow to the computer and will definitely shorten its lifespan.

 

     Additionally make sure you regularly vacuum out all vents on the computer. When these get clogged there is no airflow and components can easily overheat. Just make sure your computer is off and unplugged when you do this.

 

    Here is a detailed article on the subject. 

 

Here Are Some Sweeeeet Mozilla Firefox Keyboard Shortcuts.
     I don't know about you people, but when I learn a new keyboard shortcut I feel a warm glow that lasts for days. Here are thirty keyboard shortcuts that make using Mozilla Firefox a lot easier.

Enjoy:


Thirty Firefox Keyboard Shortcuts











If you have used my service in the past and were pleased and you have a facebook account please feel free to comment on facebook to that effect. Thanks,  Dave.


I can help you get the perfect PC, show you how to use it etc. I can also hook up any Ipods you might want to give this holiday season so that they will be ready Christmas day.

Also, If you need any help with your computer feel free to give me a ring. I can help with virus and spyware issues, networking issues and can even help you get a new Pc that will maximize your budget.

Call me if you have any questions,

901-830-4362
David Bensman
Bensman Home Computer Repair