To Upgrade Or Not To Upgrade….

That is the Question….
“I don’t need a new computer. Mine works just fine!”
I get this A LOT! Most computers last about 2-3 years depending on the use. If your computers last longer, it is best to upgrade every OTHER operating system. For example, if you are running Windows XP it is probably safe to say it is time for a new computer. Windows Vista has been replaced by Windows 7. (see the every other rule in play here?)

I know that $ can be an issue and some people might tell you “Just upgrade the guts (hard drive, ram, etc). However, I am not one of those people. What most budget savvy onlookers don’t realize is that technology changes so rapidly. There are many, many reasons to upgrade the whole machine rather than the parts.

For example, Lets say you are running XP. This means your machine itself was built between 2001 and 2007 (when vista was released). In the last 4-10 years technology has gained capacity and speed. Your processor is going to be running “hot” (literally and figuratively) if you are trying to access some of todays programs and webpages on a 2001 or 2002 machine. What about the hard drive? Is it on its last breath and ready to just GO any minute? Let’s look at your ram. I know that XP can support 4GB of ram. Most computers these days can support up to 8GB. But, are you running 4GB? Or are you running the more likely 1GB or heaven forbid, 512MB?!

All this to say, If your machine is over 4 years old or if it is running an operating system that is 3 versions back, It’s time to upgrade….. Like, Yesterday.

For the best deals on PC laptops check out Office Depot’s Sunday Ad. If you are having trouble deciding on one, or don’t quite know what to look for just give me a call. I’ll be happy to help! (Dekstop computers are rarely recommended.) HP Brand is my favorite!

PS: Don’t be scared of Windows Vista or 7. They both run beautifully and I actually love Windows 7. It is such a great transition from XP or Vista!

SQUARE up

If you are in business for yourself, you NEED one of these Accounts.

Squareup.com is the most amazing little startup in the history of the world!
From humble beginnings and literally overnight success, Square is quickly becoming apart of everyday life.  This Credit Card Processing Company is the best thing since, well the first Credit Card Company.

This account is free and you get a card reader for your phone (andriod, iphone etc), an account that pays you next day and there are no monthly or membership fees. One Fee Per Transaction: 2.75%. THAT’S ALL FOLKS!

This App is amazing with the new features they have added. It is great even to get that $50 your sister owes you when all she has is her Plastic. ( NO MORE EXCUSES SIS!)

The Way of the Future! Embrace it now, It totally works!

Payvment Via Facebook

Payvment is a Facebook e-commerce solution.  This company understands that Facebook users don’t like to leave Facebook when they are using the social networking site.

This application allows the user to purchase your goods without leaving their chat windows or notifications unattended.

Visit www.payvment.com to get started!

 

Digital Hoarding

Are you a Digital Hoarder?
Think about it… do you really need EVERY picture you EVER took?

Do you need all of those files you are never going to look at again…? If you really want that recipe, just print it out! Chances are when you cook you don’t go to your computer first. And if you do, its probably to look that exact same recipe by doing a search ONLINE.

I am going through a major life change soon. It has forced me to look at what I am keeping and why. I have two 1TB hard drives with RAID on my PC desktop computer. I am looking to UPGRADE my Mac to a 1TB Hard drive. Do I really need that Desktop PC?

My fiance (Soon-to-be- and reason for the life change) will probably be getting a new PC Laptop. Isn’t 2 iPhones, 1 PC and 1 MAC enough for a household of 2? On the other hand my parents and siblings (total of 5 people) have an internet connected WII, a Netbook, a Desktop and 3 17″ Laptops, not to mention 3 iPhones. How many more internet Devices does one need?!

Wow, just writing this has motivated me to CLEAN out my digital life! I saw a video on digital hoarding that mentions how knowing where to put ones files and what to keep and what to get rid of is a SKILL. If you think it is a skill comment below. If you think it isn’t a Skill tell me why in a comment below….

If you do think knowing how to organize your digital life is a skill and you don’t possess it, give me a call! I will come to your home or office and give you a lesson in the art of ZEN computing. :-) Make your computer and Digital life happy again! 904-738-0471 Call Today! (Tues, Thurs, and Sat appointments available)

 

Do you….?

Starting your own business?
Know someone who is?
Planning a wedding and need an awesomely unique website?
Churches need websites too!

What about a customized blog for your travel adventures or volunteer work?
Always wanted to showcase your handcrafted goods with a blog/store?
Non-Profit? No Problem!

What about Facebook and twitter?
Do you have all of your social networking accounts linked and maintenance free?
Have you linked your blog with Facebook?
Need a private tour of any social media website?

Have a website already?
Want to refresh it?
Already running a business?
Ready to finally tackle that paperwork and organize/simplify your life?
How about a mobile secretary for the day?

Author a book? Get it on Amazon!

Did you say yes to any of these questions?
Know someone who would?
Share this post with a friend or call 904-738-0471 for more info!

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Need an Expert?

Offering One-on-One Computer Support
for Residential and Business Customers

A housewife looking to re-enter the workforce or an company CEO looking to brush up on some computer skills. A Homeschool family looking for a computer tutor or a daughter looking to create a video keepsake for her parents 45th anniversary. A small business looking for help with business planning or a manager looking for somone to train his staff in Microsoft Word. No matter what you are looking for my goal is to stay within your budget while still giving you a quality services that will meet your needs.

Elizabeth Hammond is here to supply businesses and families large and small with the necessary technical support. She will be happy to come out to your home or office. Please call us at 904-738-0471 and set up an appointment.

Stop before you pull out one more hair! Call the Expert! This will save you time and money! Call today at 904-738-0471

 

Six ideas to get your apartment and your life organized

Six ideas to get your apartment/home and your life organized

  • The best first step is to de-clutter one room at a time. Maybe the best place to start is in your attic space, or in another area where wasted spaces abound. Clearing useless clutter out of these areas leaves room for storing things that you either need or really want to keep.
  • To begin cleaning and organizing an attic or garage space, make piles — one for trash, one for saving, one for donations/garage sales and one for items that need to be saved and filed. Since the attic or garage often stores keepsakes and memorabilia – this next tip is important: pick up an item and ask yourself if you need it. If you hesitate, you don’t need it – throw it away.
  • The next step in de-cluttering a cluttered space is to set realistic goals for the project. If you only have two hours on a Saturday – choose two or three boxes to go through.
  • Try to reserve a weekend, but take a break now and again to keep your sanity in check.
    Buy a labeler and plastic storage bins (preferably see-through) and pack away all the things you are keeping. If you don’t have a filing system, purchase a plastic filing bin and keep it in plain sight.
  • Often, when it comes to filing, the old adage out of sight out of mind definitely applies.
    Last of all, use your new system. Clearing out wasted spaces in your home or apartment’s storage areas should free up room in other areas. Once you’ve made your way through the house – you’ll realize that living organized is not just a dream. It takes work and discipline, but it can be a reality – and give you a sense of calm that will positively affect your entire life.
  • Don’t wait and put it off any longer. Get started and enjoy the benefits of being organized!

5 Sites that Save you MONEY!


CutePDF – Printing costs a lot. Ink and paper aren’t cheap. So, what’s the solution? Stop printing. Well, at least cut back. Anything you print can be saved as a PDF on your hard drive.
Solution2: Change the Font size of the things you print. Changing the font size by 2 pts can save you ink and paper.
Solution3: Use the Draft Print Setting on your printer
Soliton 4: Use an XL cartridge of the same number. 4x as many prints as a regular cartridge and only costs 2x as much.
Solution5: Use the Grayscale Printing Setting on your Printer



Hulu – Your cable bill can definitely dent your wallet. You may be able to get favorite shows online for free. Hulu offers tons of full-length shows and feature films. Hulu Desktop is a slick way to access it without a browser. You can also control it with a remote. Sidereel.com is another great site!


InvisibleHand – This Firefox add-on is your shopping assistant. When you land on a product page, it automatically goes to work. It scours a number of online stores for that product. And it will tell you if you’re looking at the best price. If not, it’ll provide a link to the better deal.


Skype – Are the kids off at college? Do you have family overseas? Don’t cut conversations short because of long-distance phone bills. You can make PC-to-PC calls for free with Skype. You just need a microphone (most laptops have them built-in). Add in a Webcam(Newer Laptops have them built-in) to make video calls.