smartphones - two useful apps

02.05.12: Home Depot and LCBO On The Go

The LCBO On The Go apps is very useful for checking supply of a wine you would like at any outlet.


They have a store locator  (closest to farther away) and you can select a store as your favourite and add selected wines to it.


They have a bar code scanner that works very quickly (if you have an empty bottle in your hands). Or you can use key words or just browse.


I have set up my favourite store and added my favourite wines.
Before going, i check for availability and, if not at my outlet, I check for supply at closest next closest outlet (if I prefer to not wait).
As I don't tend to remember the names of some good wines I have had, I now get in the habit of adding to my favourites.

Home Depot is quite a frustrating store, as they are always understaffed.
I have tried to talk tot he store manager but can't seem to make a connection.


There app is very useful as it has a barcode reader that lets me scan and determine price of an item that doesn't have a price.


It also has a good menu of sections and I can usually find an item I am looking for ... except for hardwood and oak stairs.
It also has the current flyer details you can scroll thru, if you forgot to check the weekly flyer b4 going to the store.


However, what I really want is the exact location of an item.


I have tweeted my concerns via the Twitter connection in the app.

Before throwing out your old computer

02.02.12: Some things to consider before discarding your old/tired computer in favour of a new one.


I guess the first thing to consider is do you really need a computer?
Strange as it may seem, if you are happy with what a smartphone can do, you might consider doing without a computer. They have larger screens for good web browsing and ease of e-mail mgmt. They have great cameras (8mp on back and some have 2mp on front for Skype type activities). You can do lots of downloading (depending on your data plan) onto its SD card. And you can check your email ANYWHERE!


I am finding I spend a lot less time on my computer now.


However, if you prefer the touch/visuals/response of a computer, here are a few thoughts.

Doing an upgrade yourself can save a fair amount, compared to what it would cost to replace your laptop. FYI, a standard laptop now costs approx $600 total. 

More Workspace: More Memory

The fastest and simplest method for improving the efficiency of your computer is to add more memory. 

Most older laptops have 512MB of memory. 

If your laptop has only one slot, you need to replace this 512MB with a larger chip - 1024MB of memory cost  approx $20 (including shipping) on eBay.

If your laptop has two slots, you should add at least 512MB of memory - costs approx $15 (including shipping) on eBay. 

To install memory, shut down your laptop and removing the battery. Locate the little door at the bottom where the system memory resides. Once the cover is removed, gently ease the new memory module into its slot. 

If you are not sure of the type of computer memory that is compatible with your notebooks, use Google to search for your laptop make/model...or ask me. 

A Faster, Spacious Hard Drive

All older laptops came with small hard drives running at a lower speed than is normal today. 

However, as your hard drive contains your operating system, you cannot change it without backing up your system first. This is a separate topic and you might want to contact me before considering ... or just buy a new laptop.

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A New Keyboard

Replacing your laptop's keyboard isn't very easy. 

However, a desktop is much easier. I recently replaced a desktop keyboard with a wireless Keyboard and Mouse (BestBuy around Xmas) for $14 (before tax).

If you laptop keyboard is not performing as you want, throw out the laptop (or give it to me) and buy a new one.

Automatic Microsoft Updating - Yes or No

02.02.12: Extract from a helpful computer newsletter I receive regularly. 

You may not want to allow Microsoft to automatically apply updates. 

Because software is not be perfect, that doesn't mean that the designers cannot make improvements that bring it closer to perfection. 

This is the purpose of software updates and patches. 

Mozilla, the creators of the Firefox browser, for example, release updates from time to time when something breaks or can be improved. Microsoft releases updates and patches to Windows every second Tuesday of the month (referred to as Patch Tuesday). In order to keep your Windows system stable and secure, it's important that you install the latest applicable patches when they're released to the public.

A lot of users configure Windows to automatically download and install patches when they become available. While this automatic process relieves the user of the burden of manually downloading the patches, it does pose the risk of blindly downloading a patch that may cause conflicts either immediately or the down the road. Also, when Windows Updates is set to run automatically, it seems to always want to reboot (to install the patches) right when a user is in the middle of something.

Did you know Windows Update can be configured to do exactly what you want it to do?

Configuring Automatic Updates

Microsoft recommends setting Windows Updates to do its thing automatically. Many users like this as they don't have to lift a finger. But this method forces you to give up a lot of control and you run the risk of downloading a patch that you really don't need or that could cause a conflict.
Just because a new patch is released to the public doesn't mean that all the kinks are worked out of it. Sometimes it takes several days (and a lot of user complaints) to weed out a defective patch. 

If you prefer to wait a few days to see if a patch is worthy of installation, you can configure Windows Update to do this by selecting the 2nd Automatic Update option (Download Updates but let me choose whether to install them).

Another option is to have Windows Update notify you only when new updates become available. Windows will simply tell you when important patches are released but it won't download or install them. This gives you more power over what gets updated but also makes you do more of the work on your part. Many users like this kind of control over their system. This setting will generate a dialog box listing each available patch along with its title. Each patch listing will have a check box next to it, so you can choose whether or not you'd like to install it.

If you really don't want the bother, you can opt to completely turn off Automatic Updates. Microsoft doesn't recommend this for most users. But if you're the type of user that keeps their finger on the pulse of technology, then invoking Microsoft Update manually isn't a problem.

Automatic Updates and Firefox

Windows Update requires an ActiveX plug-in to scan your system and check which patches will benefit your computer; as such, a version of Internet Explorer is required. 

If you use Firefox, there's a plug-in you can install. All it really does is pop open IE from Firefox but it's worth a try if you use Firefox exclusively.

Rogers Rate Increase - March 1st

01.30.12: Many Rogers subscribers have received a letter this month outlining a $2 rate increase for home phone and Internet.
In addition, it tries to encourage you to upgrade your Internet modem ($1.50/mo more). 

The letter doesn't include your current rates and indicate if you will be impacted.


It is up to you to take the time to review a previous bill (sign in, click on "Account Info", click on "Change package" for Home Phone, and click on "View my services" for Internet) and review your services as they relate to the price increase letter.

For the Internet, if you click on Compare packages (left-click pic), you will be able to evaluate your requirements and adjust your plan accordingly.
If you have Hi-Speed Express, you have 12mbps speed and 60GB usage. This is probably the standard package for most users. You will see a $2/mo increase.


My Recommendations:
In my opinion, Rogers, a while ago, increased Internet speed for its customers without asking ... in an attempt to be more competitive with the Bell Fibe service offering ... and are now going to charge us for for making them more competitive!! 
As I have indicated in the past, at service renewal (or any rate increase), always check the competitor's rates and consider switching (after advising your current supplier of your intentions). You may be surprised.

Internet: 
consider dropping to a lower plan to save, particularly if you do not do much downloading.



Home Phone: 
As the A La Carte Features are increasing by $2/mo, I suggest you discontinue as many as possible.
As radical as this may seem, I have been advocating discontinuance of home phone and use of cell phone instead. 
You can easily save more than $575/year!


Internet Modem Rental: 
Rogers would be very pleased if you upgraded, as it saves them expense replacing your existing older rental modem if it breaks down.  unless you enjoy giving Rogers money for no benefit, ignore this upgrade.

Take your smartphone when travelling

01.26.12: Have you always left your cell phone behind, due to roaming cost, etc?


Here are some good reasons to take it with you:


1. you can use the camera shot to retain a copy of your e-card for check-in instead of producing, carrying or locating the paper.

2. Use your smartphone’s camera to take a photo of your bags especially if you’re going to travel by air. If your bag is lost in the airport, you can show the photo to the airport staff. 

3. If you’re staying in a country where you’re not familiar with the language, it’s a good idea to take a photo of your hotel (or street corner signs). Might help if you get lost and can't find someone who speaks english.

4. If you’re terrible with remembering numbers, take a shot of the hotel room door (or write it down in the virtual notebook of your phone).

5. List all your major items (and approx value), in case a suitcase is lost. Remember, the maximum insured amount (per suitcase or carry-on) is approx $1,800. 

Mega Pixels - how many do you need

01.23.12: This questions comes up a lot and I have done some research.


The simple answer is 12MP.


The real answer is it depends ... and that is why there is no definitive answer.


To answer the question for you, you need to ask yourself questions:


1. Are you shooting in low light? Larger sensor and more mega pixels. 
2. are you zooming and then cropping? More mega pixels.
3. are you printing large pictures? More mega pixels.
4. are you mainly viewing on a computer? Less mega pixels.
5. how large an image sensor? The larger the better.


Resources:
A technical resource to help explain.
A print resolution chart that might help.
How Many Pixels Do You Need?
The best DSLR answer.

blocking ads while Webbing

01.11.12: Adfender - browser blocker for ads


Once in a while, a truly good and free app arrives.
This one runs silently (is not visible), easy to install, can show you how many ads it has blocked, shows cookies you might want to easily delete (click to enlarge pic).


I have started using it and will let you know if there are any reasons not to use.


BTW, don't bother adding another app to your computer if not bothered by the ads you see.