3 Tips on Improving Mac Performance

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Not unlike very old automobiles, computers tend to slow down substantially as compared to their performance when new. Just as with cars, computer tune-ups help improve performance. Since PC’s dominated the computer market for so long before Apple came along with a reasonably priced and competitive product, the majority of instructions out there are for PC’s. Here are three how-to’s to keep a Mac running smoothly.

 

  • Remove the clutter – All those programs, pictures, downloaded materials, documents, and all the rest that you’ve acquired and left on your desktop wreak havoc. They require memory to be displayed in a ‘continually available’ fashion. Create a folder for desktop material and stash that in your document folder. Put everything into that. Remember that the larger files create more system drain. Remove pictures before you worry too much about a text document.

 

  • Run a defragmentation program – Mac’s get defragmented too, although they are reputed to be better about repairing themselves. But a program like Tech Tools Pro 5 provides the capability to run a defrag at will. If your computer is more than two years old, this will provide a noticeable performance improvement. (Like adding nitrous to a car!)

 

  • Run the disc repair utility – Go to the Applications folder, find Utilities at the bottom, and select Disc Utility. Select your hard drive, and then run the ‘Repair Disc Permissions’ selection. Over time, program codes become less than perfect, losing bits of data in the constant erasing and overwriting process. This function clears away these problems, restoring like new performance.

 

Don’t hesitate. These are easy to implement fixes that will add horsepower to your computer today!

 

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2 Key Computer Hardware Upgrades

Let’s face it, buying a new computer every eighteen months isn’t in everyone’s budget. But as time passes and one doesn’t upgrade their computer, the older, smaller size of everything internal becomes a limiting factor. Hardware upgrades can land you an additional year or two of suitable performance, at a fraction of the cost of a computer replacement. Let’s take a look at two important parts to upgrade.

  • System Memory: As time ticks by, programs, files, and virtually anything you’ll be downloading become larger and more memory intensive files to operate. As a result, with the same memory that you had in place when you bought your computer, you’ll notice appreciable slowing of your machine over time. Upgrading memory to the maximum that your computer will support is a good idea. This allows faster access to files of all types. It also permits far smoother multitasking, which is useful for anyone who requires multiple programs to run simultaneously as they do their computing. That, of course, is not some specialized niche. Virtually everyone has several programs open at a time as they maneuver through their computing experience.

 

  • Hard Drive: Those larger files naturally take up more space. Not only that, but they take longer to access with the same technical specs from the past. Newer, larger hard drives not only offer far more storage capacity, they also offer faster access to system files, movies, and all other media. Not only can you suddenly store far more data, it’ll be accessed faster as well.

 

The best news about both upgrades is that they’ll cost far less now that when your machine was new. Thrifty enhancement!

 

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The Best Software for Your Phone

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A prepaid cell phone is only as good as its software; after all it’s the software that gives it its own character. What good is your phone if it can’t keep you connected to your social world that lives in Facebook, MySpace or Mocrospace?

Video entertainment on the move is a must! As is action sports and fun games that will never see you getting bored ever again.

Another important software feature that has become most useful is that of navigation. A feature you can upload easily that will get you where you want to go every time. Your prepaid cell phone should be a reflection of your own personality and this will only happen when you load it with the best available software such as:

  • MyBackup: The utmost in data backup solutions.
  • Ringback tones: This software gives you the ability to choose a song to entertain your caller.
  • MyHomeScreen: This is a customizable source for accessing your account information, sports scores, weather, and/or horoscope.

A businessperson might well choose software that is good at HTML web browsing which will allow email access and image uploading, whereas a teen may be more inclined to go for wallpaper and graphics, and the ability to access Facebook profiles. This will always remain a personal choice.

Low cost carrier Cricket, with its 5.8 million satisfied subscribers, is one carrier that is more than just catering for cost conscious smartphone users with its growing range of prepaid cell phones. It is also keeping up with the best software available for all manner of specific requirements.

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Extend the Life of Your Computer

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Is your computer aging ungracefully? Face it, in a tough economy, not everyone has spare money floating around in large enough quantity to buy a new machine when they would like to. Here are some tips to extend the life of your present digital machine.

 

Keep it cool. Heat is the foe of al electronics, which is why so many of them come fully equipped to battle heat. Heat sinks – those rows of raised metallic spines – and fans dissipate heat from components that run the hottest. On the typical computer, that would be the CPU. Since it runs if the computer is even turned on, it never gets a break. Other parts get hot too though, such as batteries, hard disk drives, and any components located near any of these.

 

Upgrade individual components. When buying a new machine, a lot of the specifications aren’t all that much more impressive than what you’re presently using. By spending some cash on a few select hardware upgrades, your older machine can outperform newer machines. All this for a much lower cost. Look into upgrading the CPU, hard drive, and system memory.

 

Protect it from contaminants. Water is a huge no-no, so don’t let liquids of any sort get onto, or even near, your computer. Protect it and establish rituals that keep your personal hydration efforts far away from your circuitry. Dust is also evil, so be mindful if your windows are open and its incredibly breezy outside. You may wish to relocate to a room without windows.

 

Treating your computer right will extend its life. In some cases, following simple steps has added years of life.

 

 

 

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Get More from Your Tablet Than Entertainment

If you have been following information about tablet PCs, you know and understand that there are many things that you can do with a tablet. In fact, these small computers are extremely versatile. Almost anything that you can do on a desktop computer can be done on a tablet PC.

Unfortunately, many people are under the impression that tablets are only good for entertainment purposes. Playing games and watching videos are great, but this is only a tiny part of what can be done on a tablet. In fact, tablet PCs are being used more and more by corporations, schools, and more. With many different types of apps, there are so many options for business and personal use that you may not have considered previously.

There are apps that allow you to open, edit, view, and even create Microsoft Office documents, for example. This is a great option for business people on the go. You can easily put together your presentation on your tablet on your way to the meeting!

Also for business purposes, there are apps that can help you keep track of your billable hours. This is an amazing option for those that are independent contractors or that don’t work in a traditional office.

With so many options other than personal entertainment, it can be shocking to think that some people only think of tablets as an advanced toy. Even when using your tablet for other things, though, keep in mind that it can be fun. Don’t forget to take a few minutes for an Angry Birds break every once in a while!

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Replacing Your Keyboard is Easier Than You May Think

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Here is a scenario that you may be familiar with, and some advice on how to handle it. You’re typing along just like usual one day, when suddenly you notice that your delete key no longer seems to function. That’s a major problem, since using the delete key is such a common need while computing. Everyone makes typing mistakes. (For those few who don’t, the fact is that corrections need to be made regardless of perfect typing – ideas are sometimes jumbled.) What to do? Buy a new computer? That may not be in your present financial picture.

 

If you work on a desktop machine, you’ll be able to easily replace the keyboard. But laptops are another story, as the keyboard is integrated into the entire package. Fortunately, replacement parts are available at a wide variety of online computer parts purveyors. It’s simply a matter of finding a tiny jeweler’s screwdriver to remove a small handful of miniature screws, and your keyboard should pop off pretty easily. There is generally only one set of cables holding it in place. Disconnect that, remove the old keyboard, and put the new one back in its place. Remember to re-connect the wires, or your new board won’t type any better than your broken delete key!

 

Reinsert and tighten all of the screws that you removed, being mindful to put the right ones in the right places. Although the screws are small, you’ll notice that there are many different shapes and sizes to them. Once you’re done, fire up your computer. Check each key on the board to ensure that it functions properly. Relish the ‘repaired’ delete key.

 

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4 Cool Features of the Samsung Galaxy S

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If you are looking for a way to bring the power of the galaxy into your hands, you may want to consider the Samsung Galaxy S. Thousands of apps through the Android market make everything from gaming to productivity seamless. From viewing your latest HD video to taking a look at the star charts, this is one phone that does it all. If you aren’t convinced by the brand name or the Android platform, here are four reasons this phone is a star.

  1. Super Amoled 4” Touchscreen: The colors and definition presented by this screen will bring your world to life. An anti-reflective screen, new power-saving technology, and astonishing color have combined to create one of the most brilliant screens in the universe.
  2. Go Green: We are all becoming more interested in living a greener life. The Galaxy S makes it easier by providing everything you need for your phone, including tutorials and a get-started guide, right on your phone. No more bulky, and wasteful, paper manuals.
  3. Google Integration: The phone is completely integrated with Google. This makes it simple to access Google Maps or gMail and, even better, allows users to access Google Chrome for all their online searching needs.
  4. The Fun Stuff: The phone is loaded with features that make it more than utilitarian. A 5.0 megapixel camera, wi-fi connectivity, a touchscreen, and integrated Bluetooth make is simple to take the Galaxy S with you, no matter where you go.

We are over the moon about this smartphone.

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Upgrades that Count for Your Computer Usage

 

 

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When it comes to keeping up with advances in technology, it’s easier than ever before to fall behind. That’s because the present rates of development, and adoption, of technologies have not only sped up as compared to the past, but they also seem to be increasing. One of the best ways to stay on top of what’s current is to keep your software updates flowing with regularity. Owning a version of software that was cutting edge four years ago is fine, but without updates, it can cause a host of compatibility issues.

 

Depending on how old your program version is, it may not sync up at all with extremely cutting edge versions of the same program. This creates problems when you’re collaborating with someone who uses the newer program exclusively, and they send you files constructed on their version of the program. Regular updates will take you pretty far. However, a point is eventually reached where even the latest update to your version of Windows 95 isn’t going to save the day. Sometimes, it’s essential to upgrade your programs.

 

It depends on your area of specialty as to what upgrades are vital. There’s little use in slapping down your cash for the latest, greatest version of Microsoft Office if you’re a graphic designer. You’ll benefit much more if you land the best version of Adobe Photoshop, presently CS5. The same thinking applies to gamers. Upgrading some key pieces of hardware is going to be a lot more important than having a handful of current, slick programs on your computer that you never use. So while updates and upgrades are vital, be sure to focus on the one or two that will maximize your personal return.

 

 

 

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