Hi Everyone,
I wanted to write a blog about the dangers of downloading software. You see these commercials all the time about "My Clean PC" and how the individual's computer is 'so much faster' after running that software. Of course it costs money, but they will analyze your computer for free! What a great deal right???
WRONG!
Software like described above is very harmful to your computer. During the free analysis of your computer, the software has a code written in to actually install a 'bug' into your computer to make you freak out once it is complete. The bug is removed only when the purchased software is, well, purchased.
The main theme here is to cover the good, the bad, and the terrible when it comes to downloading software. There are a number of free programs that will speed your computer up, and they are used world wide with out any issues.
The first step in downloading is looking at reviews. Go to Google and type in the software you are looking to download and then type 'review' after it. The Internet community always has reviews on any software that you may want to download. Reading reviews will help determine what is good, what is bad, and what is just laughable.
Some of the major players in software are CCleaner by Piriform. This handy tool does everything that "My Clean PC" does, and it is free... Wait, free? Well, you can purchase either the Professional or the Professional Plus but who needs to pay for a software that will speed up your computer. The purchasing of the Pro or Pro+ just gets you other features that are already available either on your computer or can be downloaded for, say it with me, free.
Small disclaimer, I am not a spokesperson, nor does Piriform pay me to talk highly of their software. I just really enjoy having a fast computer because of them. Nor am I a spokesperson for any software that I am discussing in this blog.
I spoke briefly about Anti-Virus in my last post as an extra. The reason I tacked it as an extra is because there are a number of free Anti-Viruses out there. When asked my opinion, I always go with AVG, the free version. AVG combined with the firewall software that comes with Microsoft Windows is ideal when it comes to safe Internet browsing.
This post has been on my mind since these "free analyst" programs have hit the airwaves on TVs and when I am watching YouTube videos. Without a steady stream of money, they would not be able to advertise. I would highly recommend not buying into their claims of a faster PC. There are plenty of free, and good software out there. You just need to know where to look. If you have any questions or concerns, please email me at the email below, or post a comment on the blog or on Facebook. I am always willing to help out.
I end this post the same way I do every other...
I am open to constructive criticism and also willing to
help with steering you in the right direction. Feel free to contact me.
Thanks,
Dan Stinson
Stinsontech@gmail.com
C.E.O. of Stinson Technology
Friday, April 10, 2015
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Choosing Extras For Your Home Office
Hi All,
Within my last post, I mentioned that there is a lot of extras that can come with your new computer. These extras can include other hardware, and/or software. When designing your home office, you will want to have an idea of what you want or need to get going so you are not making multiple trips to your nearest store.
A good way to determine what you will need is to have an idea of what your office will be used for. Are you looking to do all functionality that you would have at your work? Are you just looking for simple, basic extras that are easy to manage? Do you have a need for Microsoft Office? And also, on the subject of Office, which version is best for you? If you get a printer, do you need to have fax capability with it? Do you want your office to be mobile? These are some of the questions that you should consider when listing out the extras for your home office.
The need for Microsoft Office is a big one. There are a few free versions out there that will allow some functionality but if you want the Microsoft version, then you are looking to spend some money. With the different versions, you will able to get more applications. The basic applications for Office are:
Word - Documents
Excel - Spreadsheets
Powerpoint - Slide shows
As you spend more money, even more applications become available. The latest version is Microsoft 2013. (There is a version called Office 365, which is a subscription service to the Office products.) Here is a link for a complete breakdown of prices and features that come with each version available for download.
Microsoft Office Products
For basic home use, Office Home and Student 2013 is probably the best route, but it is all up to your needs.
I know I spent a lot of time talking about Office, but Office is one of the key extras when determining what is needed for your home. There are a lot of other extras that I brushed on earlier as well. I could compile a list of all the extras, but I will just touch on a few.
As always, I am open to constructive criticism and also willing to help with steering you in the right direction. Feel free to contact me.
Thanks,
Dan Stinson
Stinsontech@gmail.com
C.E.O. of Stinson Technology
Within my last post, I mentioned that there is a lot of extras that can come with your new computer. These extras can include other hardware, and/or software. When designing your home office, you will want to have an idea of what you want or need to get going so you are not making multiple trips to your nearest store.
A good way to determine what you will need is to have an idea of what your office will be used for. Are you looking to do all functionality that you would have at your work? Are you just looking for simple, basic extras that are easy to manage? Do you have a need for Microsoft Office? And also, on the subject of Office, which version is best for you? If you get a printer, do you need to have fax capability with it? Do you want your office to be mobile? These are some of the questions that you should consider when listing out the extras for your home office.
The need for Microsoft Office is a big one. There are a few free versions out there that will allow some functionality but if you want the Microsoft version, then you are looking to spend some money. With the different versions, you will able to get more applications. The basic applications for Office are:
Word - Documents
Excel - Spreadsheets
Powerpoint - Slide shows
As you spend more money, even more applications become available. The latest version is Microsoft 2013. (There is a version called Office 365, which is a subscription service to the Office products.) Here is a link for a complete breakdown of prices and features that come with each version available for download.
Microsoft Office Products
For basic home use, Office Home and Student 2013 is probably the best route, but it is all up to your needs.
I know I spent a lot of time talking about Office, but Office is one of the key extras when determining what is needed for your home. There are a lot of other extras that I brushed on earlier as well. I could compile a list of all the extras, but I will just touch on a few.
- Wireless Mouse
- External Hard Drive
- Speakers
- Printers
- Basic
- Printer/Copier
- Printer/Copier/Scanner
- All in One
- Copy
- Scan
- Fax
- Photo
- Anti-Virus
As always, I am open to constructive criticism and also willing to help with steering you in the right direction. Feel free to contact me.
Thanks,
Dan Stinson
Stinsontech@gmail.com
C.E.O. of Stinson Technology
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