Important -2 weeks ago, I announced here that the new version of CounterSpy is now available. I know many of you downloaded it for the free 15-day trial. This is the program that I use and recommend for detection and removal of spyware. If you took advantage of the free trial, you are now almost out of time - be sure to purchase it for $19.95 so that it will continue to update and protect you for the next year (following years are only $9.95 per year).
Right-click on the CounterSpy icon in the lower right corner of the screen (the system tray) and choose "Open CounterSpy". In the program window, click File - Activate CounterSpy. Then just follow the instructions for activation.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Are you looking for someone?
Certainly one thing the internet has done is connect people from all over the world. We now have communication like never before. It is hard to imagine the amount of data that is exchanged every hour across the globe.
One way to use that to our advantage is to find people. I'm not talking about people that are fugitives from justice or anything like that (although that is a good use of technology). I mean people with whom you have lost contact over the years. High school or college friends, former co-workers from ten or twenty years ago - wouldn't you like to know what they are doing now? There is a website that is devoted to that purpose - it is called Long Time Lost.
The concept is simple - it is based on the fact that most people, at some time, will go on Google and do a vanity search. That means that they will just go there and type in their own name to see what comes up (come on, you know you have done it!). What you need to do is go to the Long Time Lost website, create a free account, and put in the name of the person you are looking for. When that person does the search for their own name on Google, the website pops up and tells them that you are trying to contact them. Nifty!
If you want, you can also just go to the site and type in your name, to see if anyone has registered to look for you. I did that, and one result came up. It said that someone named Annette Thomas Hart was looking for Brandon Scott Johnson. The reason given: "son". That was a little mysterious! Even though I was not the one being searched for, it made me wonder what the story was behind that entry.
Give it a try - it is completely free.
Video - not hilarious, but amusing...
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Monday, February 19, 2007
I don't hibernate and neither does my computer
Guess what - your computer does not need to sleep.
There are different levels of "slumbering" for your computer. You can use a screen saver, which just means that the screen changes to different pictures after a period of no keyboard activity. Then there is "hibernation" - this is where your computer's hard drive first takes a picture of everything that is happening at the moment (open programs, unsaved documents, etc.), then the hard drive actually shuts down. This is a deeper level of sleep than the screen saver provides.
I don't use either one. It's really just a personal preference, I guess - but you really don't have to have your computer go to any level of sleep if you don't want to. And if you are getting tight on hard drive space, you definitely don't want to use the hibernation mode. Hibernation uses part of your hard drive to store the "picture" of all the activity before it hits the sack. Problems could arise if you don't have enough hard drive space to accommodate that function.
Update - received this email question: "When the "hibernate" mode for a laptop is activated, the hard drive saves information and shuts down, the screen goes blank, etc. However, is it still drawing power from the laptop's battery? Could we end up with a problem whereby the laptop is put into "hibernation" mode and then the battery is drained until it goes flat and the laptop can't start up anymore?"
Actually the opposite is true - hibernation would save the battery power. Hibernation stores the data temporarily on your hard drive while the computer is powered down. In fact, you could change the battery during hibernation and not lose any data.
Here's a video of a prank that I am definitely going to do sometime:
There are different levels of "slumbering" for your computer. You can use a screen saver, which just means that the screen changes to different pictures after a period of no keyboard activity. Then there is "hibernation" - this is where your computer's hard drive first takes a picture of everything that is happening at the moment (open programs, unsaved documents, etc.), then the hard drive actually shuts down. This is a deeper level of sleep than the screen saver provides.
I don't use either one. It's really just a personal preference, I guess - but you really don't have to have your computer go to any level of sleep if you don't want to. And if you are getting tight on hard drive space, you definitely don't want to use the hibernation mode. Hibernation uses part of your hard drive to store the "picture" of all the activity before it hits the sack. Problems could arise if you don't have enough hard drive space to accommodate that function.
Update - received this email question: "When the "hibernate" mode for a laptop is activated, the hard drive saves information and shuts down, the screen goes blank, etc. However, is it still drawing power from the laptop's battery? Could we end up with a problem whereby the laptop is put into "hibernation" mode and then the battery is drained until it goes flat and the laptop can't start up anymore?"
Actually the opposite is true - hibernation would save the battery power. Hibernation stores the data temporarily on your hard drive while the computer is powered down. In fact, you could change the battery during hibernation and not lose any data.
Here's a video of a prank that I am definitely going to do sometime:
Friday, February 16, 2007
Shivering in Florida!
I had to laugh when I read this local headline on the internet and thought about our friends and relatives who are still in the frozen state of Maine. Please keep us in your thoughts, as we suffer through temperatures that only reach the upper 50s this weekend!
Monday, February 12, 2007
The new CounterSpy is here!
I have been using and recommending CounterSpy for quite some time. In my opinion, it is the best anti-spyware program available, and it is very reasonably priced. You can try it free for two weeks. Then, if you want to keep it, just pay $19.95 for the first year and $9.95 per year after that. Spyware is a bigger problem than viruses now, so I would not be without it.
And now - CounterSpy version 2 is available! It is faster than the previous version. Probably has some other improvements as well, but the speed is the biggest thing for me.
If you already use CounterSpy, you can upgrade to the new version for free. Just click here and download it, then install it.
If you do not yet have CounterSpy, give it a try. It will probably find all kinds of bad stuff on your computer that should not be there. Just click here to download it, then install it.
UPDATE: Sunbelt Software, the maker of CounterSpy, has just issued this notice: Definitions 497 (released Friday evening) includes a file trace that is causing an unusual type of false detection for Trojan.Gromozon. I'm characterizing this detection as "unusual," because nothing is being removed. In effect, you're seeing a "phantom" detection on a non-existent file that's being caused by an unusual interaction between a file trace in our database and a little-known aspect of the Windows file system (DOS reserved file names). Windows is telling CounterSpy that the file is on the drive when in fact it isn't.
Put very simply: the file isn't there, the Trojan.Gromozon isn't there, and your boxes are not at risk. This will be corrected in the next update to CounterSpy's definitions.
So, the point is...just update CounterSpy and the problem is solved.
Video: Cheerleader bloopers (some of these look painful!)
Monday, February 5, 2007
Make a photo book
I just discovered a website called Tabblo. If you are into photography, or just like taking pictures to create memories, you might find it interesting.
Tabblo does some things that other online photo sites do, such as allowing you to upload and share your photos with other people. This is a free service and there is no advertising or upload limitations. Video: Isn't it nice when you find a great parking spot?
They also offer other services, such as the one shown in the image here. You can make your own hardcover photo book, measuring 4 x 4 or 9 1/2 by 8. These are not free, but they are affordable ($10 or $30, for up to 40 pages). This is a fantastic gift idea.
You can also make posters and postcards. This site is worth a visit.
Click here to check out Tabblo.
Monday, January 29, 2007
AVG Free version 7.1 expires in about 3 weeks!
I know that many of you use the free version of AVG as your antivirus program. It is what I personally use and recommend. It does a great job, and it is not bloated and slow like Norton.
Version 7.1 will expire on February 18. You may have seen some windows popping up to advise you of this. The most common email I have been receiving lately is, "What do I do now? I guess I have to buy the paid version, right?"
Wrong.
AVG is not discontinuing the free version. It is still available. It is just being updated to version 7.5. I actually wrote about this in my blog back in November when this upgrade was first announced. Some people upgraded then, but many did not. Now is the time! Below you will see a repeat of my November instructions. Do it now, while you are thinking about it!
All you need to do is get the new free version, which is version 7.5. You can get it at this download link. When you get to that page, you will see box that says "AVG Free for Windows installation files" and under that will be a link to download the actual file (the file name will end with .exe).
When you click on that, the file will start downloading (it is a fairly large file, so it might take a while if you are on a dialup connection). If you are using Firefox, choose "Save to disk" and the file will end up on your desktop, where you will double click to install the program. If you are using Internet Explorer, just choose "Run" and the file will automatically start installing when the download is complete.
You do not need to remove the current version before installing the new one.
Under "Component Selection", just leave all boxes checked.
Finally, you will need to restart the computer when the installation is finished, so be sure to save all of your open documents first.
If you are still using CounterSpy as your antispyware program (which you should), then you don't need to download the AVG anti-spyware program. And you don't want to download the "Trial Version" of the AVG paid antivirus program. Just get the free version, and you will have what you need.
This week's video: The Blink Count
Version 7.1 will expire on February 18. You may have seen some windows popping up to advise you of this. The most common email I have been receiving lately is, "What do I do now? I guess I have to buy the paid version, right?"
Wrong.
AVG is not discontinuing the free version. It is still available. It is just being updated to version 7.5. I actually wrote about this in my blog back in November when this upgrade was first announced. Some people upgraded then, but many did not. Now is the time! Below you will see a repeat of my November instructions. Do it now, while you are thinking about it!
All you need to do is get the new free version, which is version 7.5. You can get it at this download link. When you get to that page, you will see box that says "AVG Free for Windows installation files" and under that will be a link to download the actual file (the file name will end with .exe).
When you click on that, the file will start downloading (it is a fairly large file, so it might take a while if you are on a dialup connection). If you are using Firefox, choose "Save to disk" and the file will end up on your desktop, where you will double click to install the program. If you are using Internet Explorer, just choose "Run" and the file will automatically start installing when the download is complete.
You do not need to remove the current version before installing the new one.
Under "Component Selection", just leave all boxes checked.
Finally, you will need to restart the computer when the installation is finished, so be sure to save all of your open documents first.
If you are still using CounterSpy as your antispyware program (which you should), then you don't need to download the AVG anti-spyware program. And you don't want to download the "Trial Version" of the AVG paid antivirus program. Just get the free version, and you will have what you need.
This week's video: The Blink Count
Monday, January 22, 2007
Try Google Earth
I think one of the most amazing tools available on the internet today is the Google Earth program. I have been using it for quite a while and I still get a kick out of it. You can pick almost any place in the world and get an overhead picture of it. Here's an example of one - this is a neighborhood right here in Clearwater, Florida:
Of course, the actual picture would appear much larger in the program. You can plug in just about any address, and the program will zoom right to that spot. Or you can just "browse the world" and check out your choice of locations. Or look at some famous world landmarks.
Here are a couple of great things about Google Earth:
1. It's free! You can download it at http://earth.google.com
2. For you people in Maine that have had crummy, low-resolution satellite images in the past - check out the new Google Earth version 4. You can see your house now, even in Waldoboro, Maine!
This week's video: The "skunk prank" at the park bench
Of course, the actual picture would appear much larger in the program. You can plug in just about any address, and the program will zoom right to that spot. Or you can just "browse the world" and check out your choice of locations. Or look at some famous world landmarks.
Here are a couple of great things about Google Earth:
1. It's free! You can download it at http://earth.google.com
2. For you people in Maine that have had crummy, low-resolution satellite images in the past - check out the new Google Earth version 4. You can see your house now, even in Waldoboro, Maine!
This week's video: The "skunk prank" at the park bench
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Another fun, wild ride!
Anyone that has ever seen a rubber band break might be a little hesitant to try this one...
Monday, January 15, 2007
Clearing Google search history
Got this question from my friend Ken in Maine:
The question id like to ask Scott as i use firefox and it is great. Also Google for searches. Only thing i find with google is my searches are still in there. I highlighted then and click delete but i still see they are there. Could you please explain the steps to get rid of those searches.
Good question, Ken - a lot of people ask about that. Here is how you do it:
If you use Firefox, the quick and easy way to delete a specific search term from the Google home page search history list is to just use your "Down" arrow key on the keyboard to highlight the particular search word or phrase. Then, hold down the Shift key and hit the Delete key. This removes that one from the drop-down list.
The more general way to clear the list is to click on Tools - Options and select the Privacy tab. In the area titled "Saved Forms", click the "Clear Saved Form Data Now" button. Remember, however, that this will clear information that is saved from other websites also.
If you use Internet Explorer, click on Tools - Internet Options and choose the tab titled "Content". In the area called "Personal Information", choose Autocomplete. Then click on Clear Forms. As with Firefox, this will clear the data saved from other website forms as well, so be sure this is what you want to do.
This week's video: Why men die sooner than women
The question id like to ask Scott as i use firefox and it is great. Also Google for searches. Only thing i find with google is my searches are still in there. I highlighted then and click delete but i still see they are there. Could you please explain the steps to get rid of those searches.
Good question, Ken - a lot of people ask about that. Here is how you do it:
If you use Firefox, the quick and easy way to delete a specific search term from the Google home page search history list is to just use your "Down" arrow key on the keyboard to highlight the particular search word or phrase. Then, hold down the Shift key and hit the Delete key. This removes that one from the drop-down list.
The more general way to clear the list is to click on Tools - Options and select the Privacy tab. In the area titled "Saved Forms", click the "Clear Saved Form Data Now" button. Remember, however, that this will clear information that is saved from other websites also.
If you use Internet Explorer, click on Tools - Internet Options and choose the tab titled "Content". In the area called "Personal Information", choose Autocomplete. Then click on Clear Forms. As with Firefox, this will clear the data saved from other website forms as well, so be sure this is what you want to do.
This week's video: Why men die sooner than women
Sunday, January 14, 2007
One thing I don't miss about Maine
Maine is great and we loved living there for 14 years. However, this video is a good example of one reason I am glad to be in Florida:
Monday, January 8, 2007
How to open files with a different program
We all have our favorite programs to use. However, sometimes when we install a new program, it makes itself the default program for a particular type of file. For example, you might currently open all of your sound files with Windows Media Player. But if you decide to download and install RealPlayer, you will probably discover that your sound files all open with RealPlayer. Kind of annoying. So today, we will learn how to associate a certain type of file with a specific program.
As an example, we will use image files. Let's say that currently, whenever you click on an image file, the picture automatically opens in Windows Image Viewer. You just got a new program such as Photoshop Elements, so you want all of your pictures to open in that program. Here's how you make that switch.
First, find a picture file. There are probably some located in My Pictures, which is a subfolder of My Documents. Right-click on the file name, and move the cursor to "Open with...". Then in the new menu that opens up, you will see a list of programs. You might even see the program that you want to use. Do not click on it. Instead, move your cursor down and click on "Choose Program". Then click the "Browse" button.
Now you will see a Windows dialogue box. You have to find the program. Don't worry, it's not that difficult. If you already have an icon for the program on your desktop, just click on "Desktop" and choose that program from there. If you don't have that on your desktop, go and make the desktop shortcut first and then come back to this procedure.
Once you have chosen your program, there is one more vital step. You will see a little checkbox that says "Always use the selected program to open this kind of file". Check that box and click OK.
The first thing that you will see happen is that the file will open immediately in the program you chose (in this case, Photoshop Elements). Now, close all programs and windows. Go back to your list of picture files and just double-click on one of them. It should automatically open in Photoshop Elements.
You have just changed a file association. Congratulations!
This week's video: three hidden camera pranks
As an example, we will use image files. Let's say that currently, whenever you click on an image file, the picture automatically opens in Windows Image Viewer. You just got a new program such as Photoshop Elements, so you want all of your pictures to open in that program. Here's how you make that switch.
First, find a picture file. There are probably some located in My Pictures, which is a subfolder of My Documents. Right-click on the file name, and move the cursor to "Open with...". Then in the new menu that opens up, you will see a list of programs. You might even see the program that you want to use. Do not click on it. Instead, move your cursor down and click on "Choose Program". Then click the "Browse" button.
Now you will see a Windows dialogue box. You have to find the program. Don't worry, it's not that difficult. If you already have an icon for the program on your desktop, just click on "Desktop" and choose that program from there. If you don't have that on your desktop, go and make the desktop shortcut first and then come back to this procedure.
Once you have chosen your program, there is one more vital step. You will see a little checkbox that says "Always use the selected program to open this kind of file". Check that box and click OK.
The first thing that you will see happen is that the file will open immediately in the program you chose (in this case, Photoshop Elements). Now, close all programs and windows. Go back to your list of picture files and just double-click on one of them. It should automatically open in Photoshop Elements.
You have just changed a file association. Congratulations!
This week's video: three hidden camera pranks
Friday, December 29, 2006
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Monday, December 25, 2006
Merry Christmas
This is the first Christmas since 1992 that we have been able to be with our family here in Florida. We are enjoying that. We also have Johanna with us (Jo is from Ecuador and lived with us in Maine for a year). She brought Paul with her, who is also visiting from Ecuador. We are looking forward to a wonderful time with family and friends, and hope you do the same.
No computer tip today, but I do have a video to share with you. Six year old Heather Martin sings about her big brother Shaun, who is overseas fighting for our country in Iraq. The lyrics to her song are below. Thanks to my son David for telling me about this video.
You were almost sixteen when I came into the world.
Mom and Dad had you first then 3 more boys I'm the baby girl.
I sure have a lot to look up to in you,
you're really smart and funny with a big heart too.
After one year of college you knew what you had to do.
It's just like you wanting to help with the war.
So you joined the army when I was only 4.
This time of year we talk of big plans
but you're over seas in some distant land.
You can't be here for Christmas, I don't understand.
Chorus:
When are you coming home, Shaun?
When are you coming home?!
We lit up the house like we always do
but it doesn't seem bright 'cause we can't have you.
In my prayers I ask God to keep you safe.
And I'm trying to be really brave.
Tell me that the fighting's through.
Come home!
I really miss you.
It's hard to enjoy the holidays without you.
But we're so proud of you and all the red white and blue.
Remember that Jesus is your best friend,
And someday our families will be together again.
Wow! You know we'll have a great big party then.
Chorus
I want to show you how tall I've grown
and introduce you to my new friends at school.
Maybe we could go and get some ice cream together
but I really don't care what we do.
You can also see a news story about Heather and her song here.
No computer tip today, but I do have a video to share with you. Six year old Heather Martin sings about her big brother Shaun, who is overseas fighting for our country in Iraq. The lyrics to her song are below. Thanks to my son David for telling me about this video.
You were almost sixteen when I came into the world.
Mom and Dad had you first then 3 more boys I'm the baby girl.
I sure have a lot to look up to in you,
you're really smart and funny with a big heart too.
After one year of college you knew what you had to do.
It's just like you wanting to help with the war.
So you joined the army when I was only 4.
This time of year we talk of big plans
but you're over seas in some distant land.
You can't be here for Christmas, I don't understand.
Chorus:
When are you coming home, Shaun?
When are you coming home?!
We lit up the house like we always do
but it doesn't seem bright 'cause we can't have you.
In my prayers I ask God to keep you safe.
And I'm trying to be really brave.
Tell me that the fighting's through.
Come home!
I really miss you.
It's hard to enjoy the holidays without you.
But we're so proud of you and all the red white and blue.
Remember that Jesus is your best friend,
And someday our families will be together again.
Wow! You know we'll have a great big party then.
Chorus
I want to show you how tall I've grown
and introduce you to my new friends at school.
Maybe we could go and get some ice cream together
but I really don't care what we do.
You can also see a news story about Heather and her song here.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Microsoft saves the day once again
Are you stuck at work just before the holidays? Do you have a lot of small gifts to wrap?Do you have MSWORD on your computer? Got a printer?
That's all you need to make cool graphic wrapping paper!!!
Read the full article here
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Visiting some kids in need at Christmas
On Sunday afternoon December 17, I was part of a great event. My wife and two kids (they're both in college but they're still kids to me :), along with a group of people from our church, helped out at a Christmas party. We've all been to Christmas parties before, but this one was a little different.
This Christmas gathering was held at a juvenile detention center in Pasco county, about 30 minutes north of where we live. This facility houses both boys and girls (separately) that range in age from 8 to 18. Can you imagine - how messed up must your family be, to be in jail at age eight? A lot of these kids don't even have what we would think of as a "family" - most of them don't get visitors at all. So Christmas time is an especially difficult time for them.
Our group stuffed over a hundred huge Christmas stockings with all kinds of goodies and brought them out to the kids. We had a big Christmas dinner, sang Christmas carols and gave the kids their gifts. They all got their own stuffed stocking, and they also got a couple of new televisions and DVD players, along with some DVDs.
What impressed me was how well-behaved the group was. You wouldn't have known that they were being detained here because of breaking the law. They were very grateful, and said so many times. It was a wonderful experience, and it made me thankful that my children have never gotten into trouble or had the problems that some of these kids have experienced.
I encourage you to take a little time and volunteer for something like this. It really puts the Christmas season back into perspective.
This Christmas gathering was held at a juvenile detention center in Pasco county, about 30 minutes north of where we live. This facility houses both boys and girls (separately) that range in age from 8 to 18. Can you imagine - how messed up must your family be, to be in jail at age eight? A lot of these kids don't even have what we would think of as a "family" - most of them don't get visitors at all. So Christmas time is an especially difficult time for them.
Our group stuffed over a hundred huge Christmas stockings with all kinds of goodies and brought them out to the kids. We had a big Christmas dinner, sang Christmas carols and gave the kids their gifts. They all got their own stuffed stocking, and they also got a couple of new televisions and DVD players, along with some DVDs.
What impressed me was how well-behaved the group was. You wouldn't have known that they were being detained here because of breaking the law. They were very grateful, and said so many times. It was a wonderful experience, and it made me thankful that my children have never gotten into trouble or had the problems that some of these kids have experienced.
I encourage you to take a little time and volunteer for something like this. It really puts the Christmas season back into perspective.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Make a website shortcut on the desktop
I know some people who don't use the "Favorites" or "Bookmarks" feature of their web browser. For example, if they want to go to this blog page, they would actually click in the address bar at the top of the window, and type out "http://scottjohnsonflorida.blogspot.com". What a waste of time!
A faster way is to store often-visited websites in your Favorites (if you use Internet Explorer), or Bookmarks (if you use Firefox). When you are at the website you want to remember, do a right-click in an open area. In the menu that pops up, choose "Add to Favorites" or "Bookmark this page". Then, whenever you want to get back to that page, just click on it in your list.
However, if you commonly want to visit one particular website, and you want to get their as quickly as possible when the only thing showing on your computer is your desktop, there is a faster way.
First, go to the website you want to visit frequently. Then, drag the web browser window down so that you can see part of your desktop also. Now, find the icon in the address bar (this will be the little icon just to the left of the "http". Drag that icon to the desktop and drop it there.
Now, whenever you are looking at your desktop, you can just double click that icon. Your default web browser (either IE or Firefox) will open immediately to that website.
This weeks's video: Fake lifeguard takes a bathroom break
A faster way is to store often-visited websites in your Favorites (if you use Internet Explorer), or Bookmarks (if you use Firefox). When you are at the website you want to remember, do a right-click in an open area. In the menu that pops up, choose "Add to Favorites" or "Bookmark this page". Then, whenever you want to get back to that page, just click on it in your list.
However, if you commonly want to visit one particular website, and you want to get their as quickly as possible when the only thing showing on your computer is your desktop, there is a faster way.
First, go to the website you want to visit frequently. Then, drag the web browser window down so that you can see part of your desktop also. Now, find the icon in the address bar (this will be the little icon just to the left of the "http". Drag that icon to the desktop and drop it there.
Now, whenever you are looking at your desktop, you can just double click that icon. Your default web browser (either IE or Firefox) will open immediately to that website.
This weeks's video: Fake lifeguard takes a bathroom break
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
You need CounterSpy
I have mentioned this in my newsletter previously, a few times: spyware is a more widespread problem than viruses now. If you don't have an antispyware program on your computer, you are inviting trouble. The one I use and recommend is CounterSpy. You can download it here and use it free for two weeks. Then, it only costs $19.95 for the first year and $10 per year after that. A great investment against future headaches!
