Buying a computer (revisited)
Each year I remind myself to revisit my guidelines for purchasing a new computer. Whether you are upgrading from an older system, or purchasing an additional computer, here are the basic items to consider to insure you the most for your money.
Pick a "pain threshold"
Decide how much money you can afford to spend and then get the most of the items below for that price. This will keep you within your budget, but also allow your new computer to last as long as possible before new software or the speed of the computer renders it obsolete.
Get the fastest machine possible
It is growing more difficult to compare machines according to their processor speeds, as many manufacturers are declining to list the information in their advertisements. You will still find the old megahertz/gigahertz ratings in some ads, but other standard for rating speed will have to develop in the coming months. Look for comparisons related to the computer's performance on certain benchmark programs to gain an idea on how fast it is operating.
Lots of memory
Windows XP and Mac OS X have large memory appetites. The minimum amount of memory is 256 megabytes (MB), but you would be better to have 512 MB, or more to let the computer work as fast as possible.
Hard disk space
As hard disk drives have increased in capacity, this has become less and less an issue. An average computer user will be hard-pressed to fill a 20 gigabyte (GB) drive, let alone the monster 40/60/80 GB drives that are installed in most computers these days. If you plan on editing audio or video files, though, you might consider hard disks of 120GB or above to hold these larger chunks of data.
CD/DVD Burners
Once considered a luxury, many computer systems ship standard with a CD-RW (rewritable) that allows you to burn your own CDs. These can be data CDs to backup your documents and other data, or audio CDs to create your own custom music CDs. If you are interested in creating your own DVD movies using your digital camcorder, or if you have large amounts of data to backup, a DVD-RW might be a better choice. A data DVD can store up to 4.5 GB of data compared to a CDs 700 MB.
High-speed Internet Connection
In order to get the most out of your new, fast computer, you should have a high-speed Internet connection via Cable or DSL. This means your fast computer won't constantly be waiting on a slow dialup connection when you are browsing the web or receiving your email. Additionally, the critical software upgrades needed to keep every computer secure from viruses and worms are growing larger every day. Downloading a 20 MB update for Microsoft Windows could take you hours without a high-speed connection. This same connection can also be used for audio and video conferencing with family and friends throughout the world. This is much less expensive than even the cheapest long distance telephone rates.
Networking and Wireless
If you have more than one computer in your house, an inexpensive router can allow all your computers to share one high-speed Internet connection. This same device can also provide for wireless access within you home. If you have a laptop, the freedom of working wherever you wish, instead of being tied to your desk, is wonderful. You can also use wireless networking to move a computer to any room in your house without worrying about running network cables through walls or ceilings.
Buy in the middle
Finally, it is always best to by in the mid-range of price if you possible can. Low price computers can have lesser computing power and be more susceptible to hardware failures. On the other end, buying a high-end computer often means you are paying a premium for the name of the manufacturer.
I am always available to review computer configurations. If you are thinking of upgrading your computer, drop me an email. Together we can review it to make sure that it is the right computer for your needs.
Our books are available!
From Rosanne Welch and Dawn Comer Jefferson...
In the news...
Windows XP Bedevils Wi-Fi Users
Microsoft denies there's a problem, but Wi-Fi users report a maddening occurrence: the sudden, inexplicable loss of their wireless connections, even when XP says everything is hunky-dory. By Daniel Terdiman. [Wired News]
Macworld feature: From VHS to DVD
Somewhere in your house is a drawer full of videotapes -- aging home movies shot with a big, bulky camcorder that may not even work anymore. You haven't watched these movies in years, but all this talk about the digital hub and iLife has got you thinking, "Why not transfer those old videos to the Mac and burn them to DVDs?" Transferring old film and video to DVD can be a time-consuming process -- but it's well worth the effort. This step-by-step guide will show you how to get set up and what to do with the movies once they're on your Mac. [MacCentral]
New Apple Gizmo Combines WiFi, iTunes, Printing
Apple Computer did it again on Monday, combining 802.11g wireless, a USB print server, a WiFi repeater and bridge, and the ability to stream music wirelessly to consumer-electronic equipment. [Extremetech]
Free Adobe Training Sampler (2 hours worth)
Total Training offers a FREE training CD to introduce you to Total Training and provide you with some instructional tips and sample lessons from many of our training programs. Free Training CD - Click Here [MacMerc]
AOL Worker Sells 92 Million Names
An America Online employee is arrested for stealing millions of AOL customer screen names and selling them to a spammer. [Wired News]
Apple's CEO Steve Jobs previews Mac OS X 10.4 'Tiger' to ship in the first half of 2005
Apple today previewed Mac OS X version 10.4 "Tiger," the fifth major version of Mac OS X that will ship in the first half of 2005, extending Apple’s leadership in software innovation. Tiger continues Apple’s blazing pace of innovation with more than 150 breakthrough new features including Spotlight, a revolutionary way to instantly find any file, document or information created by any application on the Mac; Safari RSS, a new version of Apple’s acclaimed web browser that... [MacDailyNews]
25 Free Digital Prints @ Target.com
Target has a 25 free digital prints coupon available for in-store use that expires 7/10/04. [More Stuff 4 Less Bargain Blog]
From the online Apple Store: Apple has stopped taking orders for the current iMac as we begin the transition from the current iMac line to an all-new iMac line which will be announced and available in September. We planned to have our next generation iMac ready by the time the inventory of current iMacs runs out in the next few weeeks, but our planning was obviously less than perfect. We apologize for any inconvenience to our customers. "Apple Computer Inc. said on Thursday... [MacDailyNews]
Computer Discussion Group at the Sherman Oaks Branch of the LA Public Library
If your friends or co-workers would like an example of how I teach and coach computer users through large and small issues, I recommend they stop by some evening. This is probably the best way to get to know me and my methods.
Each class starts with a a short presentation on some interesting technology, web site or software, but then quickly becomes an energetic question and answer session, where I answer the questions that are most pressing in the minds of the attendees.
The next meeting is July 8th at 6:30 pm.
Currently scheduled for 2004:
July 22
August 12 & 26
The Sherman Oaks Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library is located at 14245 Moorpark Street Sherman Oaks, CA -- Telephone 818-205-9716.
Remember
to update operating systems and anti-virus programs
Anti-Virus
The beginning of each month is the perfect time to ensure that your operating system (Windows/Macintosh OS) and anti-virus software are up-to-date. Your anti-virus software cannot protect your computer from the latest viruses without these updates. Updates are released at least once a month, unless a new virus is dangerous enough to justify an immediate update.
Operating System Updates
For Windows (98, 2000, XP), there should be an icon labeled Windows Update in your Start Menu, or visit http://windowsudpate.microsoft.com
For Macintosh OS 9 systems, check Apple Menu, Control Panels, Software Update
For Macintosh OS X systems, check System Preferences, Software Update
Most systems can be set to automatically check for updates directly from the Internet, as well. If you want to learn how to set up automatic updates for these programs, drop me an email or give me a call.
Books
Digital Photography "Hacks" is a new book from O'Reilly that details a host of ways to get better digital photos, regardless of your which camera you use.
Even better, O'Reilly is offering up 10 free "hacks" directly from their web site, in PDF format.
The "Hacks" series of books are excellent, regardless of what they cover. I am waiting on Google Hacks from the library at the moment, after having flipped through it at the local bookstore.
Los Angeles Events
Get listings of LA events and more!
Software Updates
Macintosh
Book cataloging app with net search [VersionTracker: Mac OS X]
Apple Security Update 2004-06-07
Apple has released Security Update 2004-06-07, which delivers a number of security enhancements and is recommended for all Macintosh users. The update is now available in the Software Update panel. [MacMegasite]
The new AirPort Express portable Wi-Fi base station doubles as a wireless receiver for home stereos. It's an intriguing package of electronics, analysts say. By Leander Kahney. [Wired News]
iTunes 4.6 is available for download or via OSX's update. This is the update that adds the ability to stream to Apple's new Airport Express, and while no other updates to the software have been mentioned, anecdotally some have been commenting that it seems to start up and perform faster than 4.5. Your mileage may vary. Read [Apple] [Gizmodo]
RealPlayer 10 beta for Mac OS X released
RealNetworks Inc. on Wednesday offered a free public beta version of its RealPlayer 10 software for Mac OS X, making good on plans first announced on Monday. The new version supports RealAudio and RealVideo multimedia content, as well as AAC files, MPEG and QuickTime. [MacCentral]
Palm
Windows
Every lighthouse has a thousand tales to tell - tales of courage and drama - our struggle to master the oceans. Every lighthouse setting has its own unique beauty, charm, and character. This puzzle collection contains 50 stunning photographs of Atlantic lighthouses, which make more than 180 different jigsaw puzzles! [Wugnet] [Lockergnome Windows Fanatics]
Tired of boring tech screensavers? Can your PC use some landscaping? How about some majestic ancient forest, a pond with water lilies, emerald grass, and a small waterfall? This exquisite 3D nature screensaver, beautifully crafted to decorate your monitor, compares to other screensavers like roses to daisies.[Lockergnome Windows Fanatics]
Software Updates of all sorts
Interesting
Web Sites
SmartGardening.com - from the LA Department of Public Works
Etymologic - the toughest word game on the web
Looking for new anti-virus software, a Palm PDA or books? Check out Douglas Recommends...
It contains direct Amazon links to some of my favorite Books, Hardware and Software. These are the items I find myself constantly recommending and I wanted to share them with you. I will be adding new items regularly, so check back often.
If you are looking for a recommendation on anything particular, let me know and I will add it to this page.
WelchWrite Merchandise
Products available from Cafepress
I have added a new store to my Cafepress collection. It contains products with this picture, from my recent trip to Sicily.
Check out the wide selection at:
http://cafeshops.com/mossyrock/
Additional stores are also open at:
http://cafeshops.com/welchphotohttp://cafeshops.com/welchsun/
If you are shopping for holiday presents through Amazon.com, you can use the WelchWrite Bookstore. Simply click on the link below to start your shopping and WelchWrite receives a small portion (around 5%) of each sale.
Career-Op, now in its 6th year, is my weekly column on high-tech careers. In Career-Op, I address some of the particular issues of working in high-tech and also general issues that we all face in our careers. You can find the latest column, and a complete archive of past columns complete archive of past columns.
Latest ColumnCareer-Op: Return to the Fold
Douglas E. Welch, ComputorEdge MagazineIf you are working as an independent high-tech consultant, there may come a time when, due to financial pressures or personal preference, you need to “return to the fold” of a classic corporate job. While the reasons for your return might be varied, there are a few ways to insure that your return is as painless and productive as possible. In your time away, you have surely expanded your education and experience. Both of these can be instrumental in easing your re-entry back into the corporate world. What will hinder you is that nagging feeling of having failed at going it alone.
My weblog, My Word with Douglas E. Welch, is a daily gathering spot for all the information I come across in my travels. There I announce new software updates, post photos, highlight interesting news stories, book recommendations and LA Events. You can check it out at: http://www.welchwrite.com /blog/
A Recent Entry:
In the mountains...
Last Saturday, we took advantage of the monthly Adventure Pass Free Day to visit the Angeles National Forest and reconnoiter some of the campgrounds there for a future trip.
We haven’t been into the San Gabriel Mountains for along time, despite the fact that we volunteered at the Chilao Visitor Center for 8-9 years in the time before Joseph arrived.
Despite having been away for a long time, things were much as we remembered them. Although, I must say, despite the Adventure Pass program, which is supposed to fund maintenance and improvements, the forest still seem to be lacking care and attention.
The Chilao Visitor Center was closed on a Saturday, when many people would have liked to tour its displays. The only major sign for Buckhorn Campground was missing, causing us to spend almost 30 minutes driving back and forth trying to find the entrance. Campgrounds no longer have permanent camp hosts, who kept an eye over each campground loop and, as a probable result, bathrooms were un-maintained and contained no supplies.
Despite these issues, though, we had a good time. Returning from our campground check we stopped at Red Box Station, 14 miles north of La Cañada Flintridge at the base of the road to Mount Wilson. This is now a information center and museum (Haramokngna) dedicated to the Native Americans that once roamed the mountains. They have a series of events each month including flute players and hands-on crafts. You can call Valena Dismukes at 323-295-9133 or email Kat at catcalls@aol.com for more information. They don’t yet have a presence on the Web.
The next event is a Soapstone Carving Workshop with Ted Garcia on July 18, 2004.
“Ted is an artist, storyteller and Chumash cultural educator. You will learn how to see and feel the spirit of the stone, and using files, rasps, awls and sandpaper you will be able to make a one-of-a-kind creation from the natural world bear, dolphin, turtle, or ??? Cost: $15 + materials”
They have events set for each month, so call or email for on-going information. I will try and post upcoming events in my WelchEvents Mailing list and here, as well.
After this we drove down to Switzer’s Picnic are for a short hike to the falls. While there was little water in the creek at this time of year, the canyon is beautiful and cool, even on a warm day. The presence of water, though, brings forth and abundance of poison oak, too. If you ever wanted a perfect example of poison oak to show your friends or children, this is the perfect place. Luckily, most of the poison oak is well clear of the path and avoidable, if you know how to identify it.
Click on any picture to see a gallery of photos from our walk.
A Gardener's
Notebook is a daily
weblog of the trials and tribulations of a part-time gardener. It includes
notes on what is blooming, what I am planting and what is struggling.
It also contains links to new (or newly found) gardening books and more.
Spend some time in my garden! http://welchwrite.com/agn/blog/
A Recent Entry:
California Native - Humboldt Lily
On our hike last Saturday in the Angeles National Forest, we came across this excellent example of a native Humboldt Lily along the path to Switzer Falls.
More information on Humboldt Lilies is available here and here.
Tell a friend
If you know of someone who would be interested in receiving this newsletter, please feel free to forward this message. They can also subscribe by sending a blank message to subscribe@welchwrite.com.
If you wish to be removed from this mailing, send a blank message to unsubscribe@welchwrite.com.
This newsletter is also available directly via the web at:
Contact
Information
I am available for assistance via telephone,
cell phone, e-mail and instant messaging.
The fee for assistance via these methods is my basic hourly rate, pro-rated
by the minute.
Contact Numbers:
Office 818-781-6955
Cell 818-601-0051
Email douglas@welchwrite.com
AOL Instant Messenger WelchWrite