Posts Tagged ‘Mike Robinson’

Tech Tuesdays: BUYING A LAPTOP 101

By Mike Robinson

Whether you’re concerned with megahertz, gigabytes or battery life, buying a laptop nowadays can be a confusing, if not overwhelming experience. The simple guidelines below will help you understand the basics before you buy your next laptop computer.

Laptops are categorized into four main groups:

Netbook laptops: Small and compact with a 10″ or smaller LCD screen. Perfect for surfing the Web, handling emails, word processing, etc.

Ultra-mobile laptops: Thin and light with a 12″ or 13″ LCD screen and extended battery life. Ideal choice for people do a lot of traveling while they work.

Mainstream laptops: The most common category, with a 14″ to 17″ LCD screen and lots of power. Still portable, though heavier than the ultra-mobile laptops.

Desktop replacement: Replaces the desktop computer and features a 17″+ LCD screen. Fully capable of handling your HD video, gaming, media needs and more.

To help guide you toward the buying decision that you’ll be most satisfied with, take some time to review your long-term requirements before you determine which category will best complement your lifestyle and work needs.

Once you have narrowed down your category, you need to consider the speed, feeds and other preferences you require. These are factors that will drive the cost up or down.

CPU (Intel or AMD Processor) will usually drive the price of the laptop more than any other component. Today’s technology provides consumers with a vast array of performance options to choose from. For basic computing, users will be satisfied with more entry-level technologies, while the power user will always want the best. It really comes down to how future-proof you want your purchase to be. Unless you really need cutting-edge performance, a good rule of thumb is not to buy the most expensive product on the shelf, but something in the middle—a decision that will give you the best bang for your buck. Your laptop computer’s productive lifespan should last between two and four years.

Memory is another “how much do I need” question to be considered. With today’s systems, 3 GB or more is the standard. Windows 7 will run optimally on 2 GB or 3 GB; as a rule, the more the better. For netbooks, 1 GB is the standard for most, if not all current models.

Hard drive capacity in GB (gigabytes) is a measure of how much data your computer can manage. The good news—today’s laptop computers feature larger drives (320 GB or more) and prices that have decreased significantly.

Connections (USB, HDMI, etc.) are also a common consideration among most models. Some will feature more USB ports than others, while others will offer HD video output. Again, the choice hinges on your current needs, as well as what you may need a year from now.

Ultimately, selecting the category (directly tied to screen size) that best suits your needs will be your first decision. Your choices that follow will depend on your performance needs and budget.

To learn more information, the computer consultant at any STAPLES store in Canada will be happy to help.

 

Mike Robinson is a Purchasing Manager specializing in Computer Hardware for Staples Canada.

Posted by Lynnette in Technology on May 4th, 2010

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Tech Tuesdays: Spring Cleaning for your PC Part 3 – Defragging & Hard Drive Optimization

By Mike Robinson

This week, we’ll talk about a quick and easy process to make your system run quicker and smoother.

Defragging:

Your hard drive can get fragmented over time with nothing more than regular use.   Whenever you remove programs, or delete files you create pockets of empty space on the drive.

Windows will try and fill in those empty spaces with new data whenever you install new programs, or create new files. 

As the empty pockets get filled, sometimes the new data will be spread out over multiple sections of the drive. As a result, your hard drive becomes ‘fragmented’.

When you defrag your computer, you are optimizing the way the hard drive reads and writes files. 

Defragging puts all of the bits and pieces of data that make up your programs and files close together, optimizing the speed and efficiency of your drive.

Defragging your machine should be done as frequently as twice a month (if you are a heavy user) or once every few months if you are a light user.

To Begin a defrag:

Before defragging, it is recommended that you close all programs and windows.

In all versions of Windows, click >Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter

The system will analyze your drive and give you a recommendation on defragging. 

The process can take anywhere from around half an hour, to a few hours depending on the size of your hard drive, and how much you have stored on it.

The more often you defrag, the quicker the process becomes.

You can schedule your defrag routine to run at night time, or another time when you are not using your computer, or using Windows scheduler.

 

Mike Robinson is a Purchasing Manager specializing in Computer Hardware for Staples Canada.

Posted by Lynnette in Technology on March 23rd, 2010

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Tech Tuesdays: Spring Cleaning for your PC Part 2 – Optimizing Windows Start-up

By Mike Robinson

When Windows boots up, it loads a number of programs automatically.  This is done to speed up the individual program, but it can have a negative effect overall of slowing down your entire system. Over time, as you install more programs the list of these programs grows.

The key to Windows starting quickly is to reduce the number of unnecessary start-up programs by disabling them. 

If you use Windows XP:

Use the following steps to disable the unwanted programs at start-up:

  1. Click on Start->Run
  2. Type “msconfig” and click OK. (This will bring up the Microsoft System Configuration Utility.)
  3. In the System Configuration Utility, Click the tab called Start-up.
  4. You can uncheck any programs that you do not want running when windows starts.
  5. Once you are done unchecking programs, Click Okay. You will be prompted to restart your computer at this point.

For Windows Vista / Windows 7 

  1. Open up msconfig (use Vista Start Menu’s Instant Search feature: just press the Windows key and type ‘System’ and the hit return).
  2. Click the Startup tab.
  3. Now you can uncheck any programs that you do not want running at Windows Vista startup and click OK.

To disable auto-start applications with Windows Defender:

  1. Open up Windows Defender.
  2. Click on “Tools” in the top menu bar.
  3. Click on “Software Explorer”.
  4. Hit “Show for All Users”.
  5. Select an application and then click either Remove or Disable.

Some examples of programs that are safe to disable:

  • AOLLaunch – Associated with AOL instant messenger
  • DVDLauncher – A process belonging to the Cyberlink PowerCinema video viewing software which allows you to play DVDs on insertion
  • EHTray – A process is the tray bar process for the Microsoft Media Center
  • AOLSoftware – A process that is associated with AOL instant messenger
  • ISUSPM – A process that belongs InstallShield from Macrovision. The process automatically checks for the latest updates online.
  • iTunesHelper – A process belonging to iTunes MP3 streaming tool by Apple, which allows you to play MP3′s. This process speeds up iTunes when it starts, and the program also monitors for connected iPod devices.
  • Mimboot.exe – A process associated with eMusicmatch Jukebox. The process makes sure that Musicmatch is launched when starting up the system.
  • Msmsgs – Associated with Windows Messenger
  • RealPlay – Associated with Real Player
  • Steam – This is a gaming interface. No need for it to always start up.
  • YMETray – Associated with Yahoo Music
  • GoogleDesktop – If you don’t want google desktop to startup, you can disable this.

The more programs you diable the faster your system will be at startup.

TIP: Use Google and search for program names you see running to determine whether or not it is safe to disable them

Next time – Part 3 Defragging and Hard Drive optimization

Mike Robinson is a Purchasing Manager specializing in Computer Hardware for Staples Canada.

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Performing the steps in this post does not actually remove the program from your system. The program can still be launched in the normal way. If you are uncomfortable trying the optimization process, you can take your computer to any STAPLES  location where one of our in-store STAPLES easytech technicians can help you.

Posted by Lynnette in Technology on March 16th, 2010

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Tech Tuesdays: Spring Cleaning for your Computer

By Mike Robinson

As the winter months come to a close, most people look forward to the thought of the warmer weather to come.
Cleaning around the house or garage is a seasonal ritual that many Canadians tackle every spring. However, many of us overlook our computers. 

Just like your vehicle, computers need regular maintenance to keep them operating at their best. Changing the oil in your car is critical to maintaining fuel economy and prolonging the life of your engine. Maintaining your computer is no different. This simple five-step guide will help you keep your machine running as it was intended–to keep you working as efficiently as possible.

Step 1 – Remove that dust!

Your computer is made up of a number of components generating a significant amount of heat. Because of this heat, fans are installed in many areas within your desktop or laptop computer. The fans draw in air to help keep things cool, but at the same time, they also draw in dust. 

For desktop computers: 

With your computer powered down and unplugged, open the case. There are a few screws on the back that you can unfasten so the side panel pops off quite easily. You’ll need to have some canned air on hand– available at any STAPLES store. (Note: Wearing safety glasses and a dust mask is recommended when cleaning with compressed air.) Hold the canned air about six inches away from the computer’s internal components and blow the dust out. Be sure to get to all of the small areas, including fans, eliminating as much dust as possible from your system. Although a vacuum may seem like an easier alternative, vacuuming can actually damage your PC’s components and do more harm than the dust. Once all of the visible dust has been removed, use a soft cloth to wipe the inside of the case and side panel to remove any lingering dust. Be sure to double check all of the connectors and cables inside to make sure nothing has been inadvertently disconnected. If everything looks good, reattach the panels and screws, plug everything back in and and you’re ready to go!

Tip: Consider taking a digital picture of the inside of your computer as a reference. This will come in handy in the event that a part becomes disconnected and you aren’t sure how to reconnect it.

For laptop computers:

Just like desktops, laptops have fans that draw air in to keep things cool. Laptops aren’t quite as easy to get into, but you can remove as much dust as possible without having to open up your machine. If your laptop is really dirty, or you suspect that your internal fans have stopped working, you should consider using STAPLES’ EasyTech service, available at any local STAPLES store.

You’ll need a can of compressed air, and this time, you will also use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment. With your laptop shut down and unplugged, use the compressed air to blow out any loose particles, food crumbs or other gunk trapped between the keys and under the keyboard. Turn your laptop on its side or upside down and all of those loosened particles should fall out quite easily. Next, locate the side vents on your laptop. There should be one on either side, or one on the back or bottom. Either way, locate two separate vents. Blow compressed air into one vent and use your vacuum to suck out the dust and loose particles from the other vent. Reverse the process by alternating between air and vacuum until all visible dust has been cleared from the vents. Using a soft cloth and your favourite LCD cleaner, give your laptop a thorough wipe down and it should look like new.

Next week…

Step 2 – Optimizing Windows Start-up 

 

Mike Robinson is a Purchasing Manager specializing in Computer Hardware for Staples Canada.

Posted by Lynnette in Technology on March 9th, 2010

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Am I ready for Windows 7? – Part Two

By: Mike Robinson

After only a few hours operating Windows 7, I was sold. Right from the get-go, the experience was startling. I performed a clean install of Windows 7 on my Core 2 Duo notebook and was shocked when it took only about 25 minutes to complete. On the same notebook, Vista took close to an hour to install.

When the installation was finished, every single device was recognized. Windows 7 found everything and installed the appropriate driver automatically. I didn’t have to spend hours scouring the Internet to try and find drivers for my printer or scanner either. (Who actually keeps driver CDs right?) With Vista, I would have spent hours trying to find drivers for everything.

The second thing I noticed was how little space on the hard drive Windows 7 consumed. It was less than half of what Vista had hogged on the same system.

When I first installed Windows 7 Professional on my PC, I was expecting a shiny new version of Windows Vista. What I discovered was an operating system that delivered on what Vista couldn’t. The computer seemed to run smoother on Windows 7 than Vista. Things seemed snappier and much more responsive. All of my drivers and devices worked.

I have been running 7 now for several months and so far, no crashes, no blue-screens. No issues whatsoever. So far, I have been extremely impressed.

As I said before, most businesses did not make the move to Vista because of the incompatibilities with legacy hardware and software. The biggest development with Windows 7, however, is its ability to run in “XP-Mode.” If you have software that can only run on an XP machine, Windows 7 has the ability to run any XP application in a virtual XP environment. You just need to make sure that your PC supports the feature. You also need Windows 7 Pro or Ultimate to take advantage of this feature. So, should you upgrade or not?

In the past, I would have recommended that most people wait for at least six to twelve months before making the switch. Wait for the first service pack so that any major bugs are ironed out. Stick with what is working for you.

That said, Windows 7 is truly impressive. On today’s newer hardware, it’s faster, more reliable and more secure than XP. I see no reason why anyone wouldn’t feel at ease making the move to Windows 7.

Have you tried Windows 7 yet? If so, tell us what you think.

 

Mike Robinson is a Purchasing Manager specializing in Computer Hardware for Staples Canada.

Posted by Lynnette in Technology on January 20th, 2010

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Am I ready for Windows 7? – Part One

By: Mike Robinson

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You still have Windows XP on your machine because you heard all the negative hype surrounding Windows Vista. From the software and hardware incompatibilities, to the overall clumsiness of Vista, many businesses continue to use XP today because it just plain works. You may have been one of the unfortunate people who tried Vista, only to revert back to XP, wasting hundreds of dollars in the process.

Enter Windows 7—It’s been a little over three months since the launch and you’ve been hearing so much positive hype around this new operating system from Microsoft. But you are still very skeptical. After all, Vista was supposed to be the next big thing. It promised a faster, safer, more secure experience and it caused you nothing but headaches. The last thing you want is to go through that again.

Windows 7, however, has changed the game.

When I first installed Windows 7 on my laptop, I, too, was skeptical. I mean, it’s only been two-and-a-half years, and now here’s another version of Windows? I had toyed with Vista on and off, trying to make a go of it, but always found myself going back to XP for its compatibility, familiarity, reliability and speed.

But after a few hours with Windows 7, I was sold.

(Stay tuned… Part Two continues tomorrow.)

What did you think of Windows Vista? Tell us about your experiences.

 

Mike Robinson is a Purchasing Manager specializing in Computer Hardware for Staples Canada.

Posted by Lynnette in Technology on January 19th, 2010

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Netbooks 101: Can a Netbook help my business? – Part 2

by: Mike Robinson

Most Netbooks today are powered by Intel’s Atom processor, which was specifically designed for use with these efficient little machines. They can easily handle the three main tasks that most computer users perform with their laptops: checking email, surfing the Web and working with Microsoft Office. With most models offering at least 160 GB of hard drive space, file storage is rarely an issue. Listening to music, browsing photos and watching videos can also be handled without any setbacks.

All models feature wireless G or N networking as standard, so getting connected wherever you are shouldn’t be a problem. Wireless Bluetooth is an option on many models as well, which can be used for “tethering” to a smart phone or Blackberry and utilizing the cell phone’s data capabilities. This way, no matter where you are, as long as you have cell coverage, you can get online if you need to.

The biggest difference among today’s models is battery life. Most entry-level models will offer battery life of up to three hours, which isn’t very long – especially if you are traveling. Some models, however, feature ADC technology (all-day computing), which will allow you to use your Netbook for up to eight or nine hours! This is ideal for anyone needing to work on the road without having to charge up every few hours. These models usually come at about a $100-$150 premium—well worth it if you need the extended battery life.

For business travelers, the small size and portability factor makes owning a netbook a definite must! If you depend on having portable access to email, Web surfing and Microsoft Office, why lug around a six or seven-pound notebook? Just make sure you evaluate your battery life needs and decide whether or not options like Bluetooth are of value and you should be well on your way to a buying decision made easy!

 

Mike Robinson is a Purchasing Manager specializing in Computer Hardware for Staples Canada.

 

Posted by Lynnette in Technology on January 6th, 2010

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Netbooks 101: Can a Netbook help my business? – Part 1

By: Mike Robinson

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The year is 2008 – Less than two years ago, nobody knew anything about this craze that would take the PC world by storm. Enter the Netbook. In spring of 2008, PC manufacturer, ASUS, launched what would turn out to be the world’s first look at the new class of small, laptop computers known as Netbooks.

By today’s standards, that early first-generation eeePC from Asus was underpowered and overpriced. Still, many consumers and small business users saw the advantages of owning an ultra-portable, fully functioning computer as small as most paperback novels.

Fast-forward to January 2010. Only two years later, sales of these ultra-portables have climbed to represent nearly 20% of all computers sold. Today, the market is flooded with a plethora of brands, models and price-points, leaving shoppers more confused than ever.

To simplify, most netbooks have essentially the same internal components – CPU, memory, and hard drive are consistent across most models. It’s the extra features and functionality, as well as the aesthetics that sets one model apart from another.

One of the biggest advantages of using a Netbook and why they have become so popular with the business traveler is their ultra-portability. Most Netbooks weigh less than 2 Kg, and can easily be stashed away in a tote or carry-on bag.

Stay tuned tomorrow for Part 2 of Netbooks 101: Can a Netbook help my business? 

 

Mike Robinson is a Purchasing Manager specializing in Computer Hardware for Staples Canada

Posted by Lynnette in Technology on January 5th, 2010

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