Everyday Tips from the ComputerMom 

November 2012
 
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Well, October was quite the travel month for me, starting with my trip to Oregon and ending with the unexpected windfall of a tour of Tuscany.  Thanks to everybody who wished me well on that trip, which was, of course, a delight!

There was quite a bit of news back home while I was abroad.  I hope that none of you were affected too badly by Hurricane Sandy.  Most of the folks who were on the Tuscany tour were from the Connecticut and Rhode Island coasts and were frantic for news updates, which I was able to provide as I brought my own internet with me to Italy.  I'll describe how in more detail below.

Also, Windows 8 is here!  I carried a Windows 8 system with me to Italy so I could learn what I need to know to support it on my return.  More about that below as well.

With all the traveling behind me I plan to stay home for a while and be here to help with your technical support needs. I should be around over the holidays, so feel free to call at any time!

Regards,

Julie Marto
508-359-8176
www.thecomputermom.com

Hurricanes, snow storms, and power outages, oh my . . .

Hurricane Sandy has come and gone, but winter is on its way and there will be more storms in our future. In fact, it's snowing outside right now as I type this.

Every time a storm brings a power outage I can count on a few calls from clients who's technology doesn't quite recover when the lights come back on.  Here's a rather technical article about the risks to your data caused by sudden power outages, and why it's a good idea to purchase an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) - a battery backup system for your technology.

Regardless of whether you choose to invest in a UPS system, the easiest thing you can do, when you know a big storm is coming, is to properly shut down and unplug any computers or other sensitive electronic devices you own BEFORE the lights go out.  So keep that in mind as part of your storm preparation! 
 
Windows 8 is here, should I run out and buy it?

Actually, my advice is to wait a little while and see what the market brings.Windows 8 Start Screen

I have been working my way through the radical changes that are Windows 8 for a few weeks now and have a little feedback for you.  The interface is very different than what you are accustomed to, and it will take some getting used to. Fortunately, underneath that unfamiliar interface is an operating system that is, basically, good old reliable Windows 7.

So why is there a Windows 8? Well, Microsoft has decided, with good reason, that the future is in touch devices such as tablets (like the Ipad) and smartphones.  Windows 8 is meant to provide a consistent user experience across a wide range of platforms, from desktop PC's to smartphones and every type of tablet/small laptop in the middle.  This is a good idea, and one I think will be successful - however the truth is that the PC part of the hardware just isn't here yet.  If you want to get a new computer to use with Windows 8 you really will be happier if your new computer has a touchscreen!

My expectation is that there will be a flood of new touchscreen enabled computers, tablets, and hybrid devices released on the market in the next 6 months.  If you don't need a new computer desperately, sit tight and see what happens.  If you need a new computer right now, look for clearance sales on Windows 7 computers - it's very reasonably priced to upgrade to Windows 8 if you take advantage of the current upgrade offer.  And, of course, if you are a trailblazer and decide to get Windows 8 right now - you know who to call for some hands-on training!

 
My new favorite Android app - FoxFi
FoxFi Configuration Screen
With all the traveling I've been doing I've had a real world opportunity to figure out how best to keep a secure and constant internet connection on the road.  For you Android users, I highly recommend a free app called FoxFi that allows you to use your data connection as a WiFi hotspot with no additional tethering charge! 

It works great and is really easy to use - you merely turn on the app, check the button to activate the WiFi hotspot, and assign it a password.  Using FoxFi on the tour bus in Italy I was able to simultaneously share my phone's internet connection between my own laptop, my Ipad, and two other Ipads carried by friends I made on my trip.

Unfortunately there is no Iphone version of FoxFi. And, as a caution to AT&T users, I have seen some mixed reviews that claim that AT&T recognizes you are tethering and will add the associated charges to your account.