ZylBlog

Remote Desktop Access: LogMeIn

Posted on August 1, 2010 by Jesse Zylstra

LogMeIn is a free remote desktop program for Windows and Macintosh operating systems that allows you to access your home, office, or portable computer from anywhere where there is relatively fast Internet access. LogMeIn allows you to add multiple computers to your list of remotely accessible computers. LogMeIn is secure and uses AES 256 bit encryption. Two passwords are used in LogMeIn: A password to access your online account, and a separate password for each computer you add.

For a full list of features of LogMeIn Free, click here

Pros:
It’s free.
The setup is easy.
It does exactly what it says.

Cons:
For reasonable control over a desktop computer, you need to install a plugin (available for both FireFox and Internet Explorer). A “HTML” version of the LogMeIn Interface is available, but very slow and painful to use.

To use LogMeIn Free, visit their website:
https://secure.logmein.com/US/products/free/

Posted in Computer Stuff, Programs and Software, Web Services, Application, and Design | Tagged access, desktop, free, in, log, login, logmein, mac, macintosh, me, remote, web, Windows | Comments Off

Synchronization Software: SyncBackSE (Windows)

Posted on July 23, 2010 by Jesse Zylstra

Synchronization is something that many people use in place of regular backup software, but also to do simpler things such as: to sync files from a flash drive to a folder on your computer, replicate network locations so files are available offline, and even to move files from an old computer to a new computer.

Synchronization and backup software are similar, but still two separate ideas. To synchronize folders will replicate the contents of the two folders so they are alike. Backing up copies the contents of a folder (or partition, or drive..) to another folder (or partition, or drive..)
For windows backup software, click here.

There are many more free synchronization programs than there are backup programs. One program that I use, primarily for moving the contents of one computer to another over FTP or Windows Shares, is SyncBackSE. Continue reading →

Posted in Computer Stuff, Programs and Software | Tagged back, backup, free, freeware, program, se, software, sync, syncback, syncbackse, synchronization, Windows | Comments Off

Ink Jet Cartridge Refills

Posted on July 21, 2010 by Jesse Zylstra

Inkjet cartridges are extremely expensive, and more than a billion ink jet cartridges are thrown away in landfills each year (1). Did you know that these little [expensive] devices can be refilled? Since you are not buying the digital, mechanical, or moving parts inside the cartridge, the costs are already cut in half — even more, you just aren’t getting stabbed by the manufacturer.

This last week, I brought the HP Officejet’s black inkjet cartridge to Costco for a refill. After writing my name and a phone number I could be contacted by, handing the Costco card over, and paying $10.80 (yes, really, ten dollars and eighty cents) I was told “come back in five minutes and pick up your cartridges”. (They weren’t busy that day.. you should really have
It was really that easy. And the printing was great.

One tip: Don’t put your cartridge in a plastic bag. Use a letter-size envelope and make sure the head is not touching anything. When you go to get your cartridges refilled, they will give you a little plastic cover to put over the head — keep this for your return trip.

The quality of refill centers vary, though I would say Costco is your best bet it is not possible for everyone to go to Costco. For more information about Costco cartridge refills, visit here:

Inkjet411.com is an educational resource to teach people about reusing cartridges, including Frequently Asked Questions and how to take care of “Low Ink Level” warnings. I highly recommend checking it out before you refill so you know exactly what is involved.

Sources: (Yeah, really.)
1. “Your Inkjet Cartridge Refill Resource.” Inkjet 411. Inkjet 411. Web. 18 July 2010. <http://www.inkjet411.com/>.

Posted in Computer Stuff, Hardware and All That, Uncategorized | Tagged cartridge, cheap, dell, expensive, hp, ink, inkjet, jet, lexmark, officejet, printer, printing, refill, review | Comments Off

OpenDNS: Family Shield

Posted on July 20, 2010 by Jesse Zylstra

A few months ago, I introduced OpenDNS — An advanced DNS service which can help you improve lookup speeds and also filter your Internet using a method that is extremely difficult to bypass.

For those of you who want to protect your family, but found the setup settings too intimidating, OpenDNS now offers an easier way to get going: OpenDNS Family Shield.

Family Shield is automatically set up to block adult websites, phishing, malware, and proxy websites. OpenDNS and OpenDNS Family Shield will even protect the “Tech-Savvy” kids, as it is just plain hard to get past. To do more advanced configuration and add more blocked categories, you would need to proceed to getting a regular OpenDNS account, but Family Shield takes you half-way to that stage for you. Continue reading →

Posted in Computer Stuff, Web Services, Application, and Design | Tagged adult, computer, content, family, filter, filtering, malware, network, parental, proxy, shield, Windows | Comments Off

Backup Software: Macrium Reflect (Windows)

Posted on July 18, 2010 by Jesse Zylstra

“Oh no! Computer, why are you just sitting there with a blinking cursor on the screen? I NEED YOU! My photos, my music, my level 66 WoW saved game, I’ll just die!”
Have you ever had your computer fail on you? Chances are, you were just thinking about backing up your computer last week and never got around to it. Everyone should back up their important information and get it off the physical computer to a storage medium, or even another computer. Unfortunately, this only becomes clear after it was gone. For users who have thousands of files on their computers and can not just do a “Copy/Paste” backup to a blank CD or Flash Drive, backup software can really make backing up simple. Unfortunately, there are not many free backup programs to choose from, fortunately there is at least one: Macrium Reflect.

Macrium Reflect creates full drive images using the Windows Volume Shadow Copy service. Both 32 bit and 64 bit versions are available. Backup destinations can be on another partition, external drive, network, or CD/DVD Burner. These are all things that the free version allows you to do. Continue reading →

Posted in Programs and Software | Tagged backup, disc, disk, free, images, imaging, macrium, program, reflect, software, Windows | Comments Off

Backup Software: Déjà Dup (Ubuntu Linux)

Posted on July 18, 2010 by Jesse Zylstra

Déjà Dup is a backup program for Ubuntu (and other .deb package compatible operating systems), which is so simple I though it would do the world a bit of good to share it.

For Windows backups, click here.

There is so much and so little to say about Déjà Dup, because there is nothing complicated about it. Click “Backup” and it asks you what and where, click “Restore” and it does the same thing! Continue reading →

Posted in Computer Stuff, Programs and Software | Tagged automatic, backup, deja, Déjà Dup, Dup, encryption, free, open source, program, software, Ubuntu | Comments Off

PDF Readers | Foxit Reader

Posted on July 17, 2010 by Jesse Zylstra

If you have ever worked in a public building or medium to large sized business where a series of programs must be installed on many computers, you know how much difference it makes when you have a program that takes five minutes to install compared to a program that takes one minute to install.

Within the last year, Adobe has filled their Reader program with so much junk that the installer now works in more than one part, and installs another program: “Acobat_.com” on your computer which is a ploy to get you to use Adobe AIR. Continue reading →

Posted in Computer Stuff, Programs and Software | Tagged adobe, alternative, alternatives, fox, foxit, free, it, pdf, reader, replacement, Windows | 1 Comment

Jack Horkheimer: Stargazer

Posted on July 16, 2010 by Jesse Zylstra

The words: “Greetings, Greetings! Fellow Stargazers” cause me to run to the TV.
Jack Horkheimer: Stargazer tells you all about the night sky, and the biggest show of all, The Universe.

Stargazer is a show featured on Public Television, but also available online from their website and the Miami Science Museum’s Youtube Channel. Learn about what you can see in the night sky from your backyard, through the telescope, or even through just a pair of binoculars. See new constellations of stars, find out where planets are, and much more.

If you would like to see Stargazer on your television, check out your local PBS website and see if it is scheduled. If it isn’t, call your station, write a letter, or email them explaining why they should feature Stargazer.

Want to know more about the night sky? Also check out SpaceWeather

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off

Speccy: System Information tool

Posted on July 6, 2010 by Jesse Zylstra

Speccy is a System Information tool designed to gather information about your CPU, RAM, Motherboard, Graphics Card, Hard Drives, Optical Drives, and Audio Card and let you view advanced information about it. Speccy can tell you more detailed and advanced information about these items. The final release of Speccy was released recently, and this software is fully functional. Speccy was developed by Piriform, the same company that made CCleaner, Defraggler, and Recuva.

Speccy was designed to be a “What’s Inside?” program. One use is for users who purchased a computer who would like to upgrade but who do not know how to check specifications. Or, if you want to sell your computer, Speccy can tell you about it so you know how to advertise it. Or, say you call computer support (or me if you live where I live…) and they ask you what kind of graphics card you have, Speccy can assist you with finding this kind of information out.

Check this program out here. If your computer can run Windows, it most likely runs Speccy.

Looking for something more advanced and more detailed? Check out System Information for Windows.

Posted in Computer Stuff, Hardware and All That, Programs and Software | Tagged ccleaner, detection, graphics, hard drive, hardware, how do I, information, Piriform, ram, speccy, system, Windows | Comments Off

Ad: Buy Vanities

Posted on July 6, 2010 by Jesse Zylstra

The following is a paid advertisement.
We are not responsible for the content of the actual website.

Are you looking for a Bathroom Vanity? Is is possible to buy vanities on the Internet. Whether it be Bathroom Linen Cabinets, antique vanity, or contemporary there are many Single Bathroom Vanities as well as double bathroom vanities available.

People all over have been remodeling their bathrooms and paying ridiculous overpriced “hardware store” prices because they are such a popular item. Buying vanities online can be a lot cheaper, and the selections are much wider. Imagine: you can buy so many different styles on when purchasing online: granite or marble accompanied by oak or cherry wood. Built in or free standing, single or double wide. Transform your bathroom to a look that is for you.

Most of all, a vanity purchased online can be built to your specifications for the perfect fit. Stores only sell vanities boxed, with very little you can change. Buying online can seem intimidating, but once you start to see the options it becomes clear that buying online is a smart choice. No more “special orders” from the local hardware stores charging you excessive prices just to get what you want — get what you want at a reasonable price. Start making your home into what you want it to be.

Special Number: 797