Computers in our life

Instant Messaging Dangers

2005-11-04T09:31:00.000-08:00

Instant messaging is the latest spyware battleground. Be wary of attachments and links, even if you know the sender. It could be fake and lead you to disaster.

Staff at parker Computer Guy
webmaster@ParkerComputerGuy.com
ParkerComputerGuy.com

Send loads of free, targeted traffic to your site

2005-10-24T10:40:00.000-07:00

One of the top concerns for anybody with a website is traffic. You need traffic to get them to buy your product, come to your store, or buy your services.

There are many ways to get traffic. Reciprocal link campaigns are good but they take time. Try linkmarket.net, linkciti.com, linkmetro.com, or linkdiy.com. There are plenty out there. You can request links in your category and by being listed people will ask to link to you. There are paid and free programs. Start with the free and then move on to the paid. This helps with your page rank so a link campaign should be ongoing.

Running a PPC campaign with Google, Yahoo or a smaller search engine (like exactseek.com) can work but you need money for that. You can start small and spend more as your business grows.

You can create a free blog at blogger com. There are plenty of other free blog sites. This one is easy to set up and use. As a bonus it is owned by Google. They won’t admit it but I think it helps you in Google. If you are passionate about your site topic or know the subject well you can easily write a blog. Postings don’t have to be long and add a post once or twice a week at a minimum.

Once you have your blog set up and your first post created – it’s time to ping. Ping after every post. A ping is simply an announcement that “I have new content on my blog”. Two free ping services are pingoat.com and pingomatic.com.

Article directories are also great ways to get traffic to your site. There are many out there. Do a search for article directories and you’ll see what I mean. A few good ones are articlecity.com, ezinearticles.com, goarticles.com, articles411.com, and ideamarketers.com.

If you need content for your site you can pull articles to use. Post your articles here and people can use them on their site – with a link back to your site.

Submit articles to the directories on a regular basis. If you submit the same article to multiple directories try to change it a bit for each one.

Robin Dary is the marketing power behind http://www.parkercomputerguy.com. Parker Computer Guy is a computer repair and consulting business in Colorado.

Don't download spyware

2005-10-20T19:46:00.000-07:00

Smiley Central, free wallpaper and free screen savers are not truly free. They are usually installing spyware on your computer without your knowledge. Don't download these items.

Staff at Parker Computer Guy
webmaster@parkercomputerguy.com

Computer Cleaning

2005-10-14T15:13:00.000-07:00

PC Cleaning

Taking care of your computer will help it last longer and work better.

Scott Dary, aka Parker Computer Guy, runs a computer repair and consulting business based in Parker, Colorado. Additional articles by Scott can be found at http://www.ParkerComputerGuy.com

Stop annoying email NOW

2005-10-10T14:11:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been several days since I posted anything. Sorry, down with strep throat. It's nice to be back at it again.

I want to talk about a personal pet peeve of mine - email abuse. Email abuse or dare I call it spam comes more from people I know than outside sources or at least it seems that way.

I'm sure you know what I mean if you are shaking your head yes at this point. If you aren't shaking your head in agreement then you are probably one of the guilty ones.

Do you get odd emails and wonder how they got your email address? Never been to a porn site and yet get porn emails? Do you get viagara emails? Or any medication emails at all? Home mortgage emails? Follow the guidelines below and it will help.

Here's some email guidelines:

Don't forward an email and leave all the email addresses it has been sent to showing. Why you might ask. There are programs out there that real spammers use to grab email addresses. When you forward (or even reply) with all the addresses showing you just gave spammers the opportunity to get all those email addresses. Imagine if the email went out to 10 people who sent it on to 10 people .....there's my email address and yours vunerable again and again.

Don't send every joke to everybody. Some people seem compelled to send every joke they get to every person in their address book. Don't waste my time only send me what yo uthink I might be interested in. If I miss out on a joke email I'm sure I will live.

Don't forward emails and consider that keeping in touch. I've had friends (notice past tense) that thought keeping in touch was forwarding an email. Nope, it's not. Once in a while send that person a note and see how they are doing.

Stop forwarding the "true good to be true" emails. Disney World and Pepsi will give you money to forward this to all your friends, Microsoft and AOL will send you money, send this to everybody in your address book and you will have good luck,...you get the idea. Spammers love this because these things make their way around the Internet quickly.

Stop sending the fake warning emails. "I'm a police offier and my wife is a nurse and I never thought anything bad would ever happen to our kids......blah, blah, blah, send to all the parents you know" or a "woman stops for gas and a guy jumps in her car blah, blah, blah,...send to all the women you know and all the men you know to send to all the women they know".

Be careful before you hit a "reply all" to an email. I've seen people get fired, lose friends or get in trouble for this one.

Email is a great medium and email marketing is fine. Let's just use it wisely folks.

Staff at Parker Computer Guy
www.ParkerComputerGuy.com
webmaster@ParkerComputerGuy.com

Computers in our life

2005-10-03T11:49:00.000-07:00

Another Monday. It's amazing how many people don't look forward to Monday. If you don't look at a new job or doing something else but that's a whole other blog...

Computers in our Life

2005-09-28T15:02:00.000-07:00

Well, it's a chilly, cloudy, gray day in Denver today. I suppose we can't complain as we get so many beautiful sunny days here.

Do you have a website? I know web development can get expensive if you get in to some really involved applications. There are a lot of cheap or free programs to help you with your site.

I'm not getting anything out of this - these are just 2 sites that I have used. Both have free and paid versions.

pollmonkey.com - create online polls and surveys

formsite.com - create online forms

Both of these are easy to use. They are not completely customizable but for free they are a pretty good deal.

Staff at Parker Computer Guy
www.ParkerComputerGuy.com

Computers in our Life

2005-09-27T08:29:00.000-07:00

Google is 7 years old today. Wow, they have changed the face of the Internet in a short 7 years.

Google has recently hired Vinton Cerf. Cerf is one of the true "Fathers of the Internet". I was lucky enough to hear him speak at a CIO breakfast last Winter. He was interesting and a true forward thinker. It'll be fun to watch and see what he comes up with for the next phase of Google.

Happy Birthday Google!

Staff at Parker Computer Guy
www.ParkerComputerGuy.com
webmaster@ParkerComputerGuy.com

Computers in our life

2005-09-26T14:46:00.000-07:00

test

Computers in our Life

2005-09-23T14:17:00.000-07:00

Well, another Friday is here. It's amazing how we all love Friday!

Google does it again. They are announcing a beta search for blogs. It seems so logical why did it take this long?

Here's a funny computer tip you'll probably never find in a computer book anywhere. Keep your wireless mouse away from a baby monitor. It can affect the wireless mouse. True story! After looking at all the logical, normal problems that was the solution.

Happy computing!

Staff at Parker Computer Guy
www.ParkerComputerGuy.com
webmaster@parkercomputerguy.com

Computers in our Life

2005-09-22T08:28:00.000-07:00

Do you use a laptop, tablet PC or desktop at home? Once you use a laptop or tablet PC I don't think you'll ever go back to a desktop. Yes, a desktop is cheaper but laptops and tablet pc's have come down in price.

It's so nice to use one anywhere. I can wtach TV with the family, sit out on the deck or if I want privacy retreat to my home office.

If you're looking for a new computer consider a laptop or tablet pc. It will spoil you!

Staff at Parker Computer Guy
www.ParkerComputerGuy.com
webmaster@ParkerComputerGuy.com

Computers in our life

2005-09-21T09:15:00.000-07:00

PC Performance Tuning
How to get your computer to perform better

Performance Tuning can include cleaning out old temporary files and cookies, running scandisk and defragmenting your hard drive, checking power settings, looking for programs that load when you first start your PC that don't need to and stopping services that don't need to run. All these things contribute to a better running PC.
Your computer will boot up faster, open programs and files faster, and have more hard drive space if it’s properly tuned.

RSS

Scott Dary, Parker Computer Guy
www.ParkerComputerGuy.com
webmaster@parkercomputerguy.com

Computers in our life

2005-09-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

Today's post is really about Computers in our Life. Blogging. It's still new and I have to say it can be great and it can be the stupidest thing on earth.

Blogs that are informative are great. Is anybody else tired of the personal drivel that is most blogs? Blogs like - "I hate my job and want to be on vacation", "I got up this morning and drank some coffee. Last night I watched CSI". Can there be a no drivel blog law. That would be great.

Now don't get me wrong there are some good interesting blogs out there. Look at these http://www.searchengine-weblog.com, http://autoblog.com/ or http://www.bloggingbaby.com/. Different topics and very good blogs.

Folks - stop the stupid blogs!

Staff at Parker Computer Guy
www.ParkerComputerGuy.com
webmaster@parkercomputerguy.com

Computers in our Life

2005-09-19T13:03:00.000-07:00

Do you need a new computer? If you've had your computer for a while you may be thinking about getting a new one. All those commercials with rebates and cheap prices are tempting aren't they?

Before you buy think about how you use your computer. Do you just check email and go online for fun projects. If you only use your computer for things like this and it is working fine for you skip the new computer. Save your money. If you don't have a virus protection program in place spend your money there. That will do you more good than any new computer.

Staff at Parker Computer Guy
www.ParkerComputerGuy.com
webmaster@parkercomputerguy.com

Computers in our life

2005-09-16T13:25:00.000-07:00

Is That PC Still Worth Keeping? by Scott Dary

Computers... We love 'em and love to hate 'em. But before you trash that old PC and buy a new one, you may only need some tweaks, fixes or upgrades. If you are in the Parker, Colorado area, I can help you. If you're outside that area, please feel free to use this site, www.ParkerComputerGuy.com, as a resource. I've assembled loads of articles, links and resources for you to use.

Scott Dary, aka Parker Computer Guy, runs a computer repair and consulting business. Additional articles by Scott can be found at http://www.ParkerComputerGuy.com

Computers in our Life

2005-09-15T10:25:00.000-07:00

Is That PC Still Worth Keeping?

Computers... We love 'em and love to hate 'em. But before you trash that old PC and buy a new one, you may only need some tweaks, fixes or upgrades. If you are in the Parker, Colorado area, I can help you. If you're outside that area, please feel free to use this site as a resource. I've assembled loads of articles, links and resources for you to use.

Many PCs come with too little memory for it to run at its full potential. They also come with a lot of programs that you don't need and that load in the background for no good reason. And, over time, your PC collects lots of files from the internet that are taking up space and slowing things down. Add to that adware and spyware programs you didn't even know were running. All these factors can slow your PC down and bring your blood pressure up. With a good tune up and, perhaps, an upgrade, your old PC may have a couple years left in it.

Parker Computer Guy
www.ParkerComputerGuy.com
webmaster@parkercomputerguy.com

Computers in our life

2005-09-13T12:38:00.000-07:00

PC Cleaning
Computer Cleaning

Taking care of your computer will help it last longer and work better.

To clean your mouse - A q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol works best. The trac ball can pick up dirt and dust from your desk. If you notice your mouse "doesn't work right" it may be time to clean it. It snaps apart and together pretty easily.

To clean your keyboard - Never spray anything into your keyboard. You can use a vacuum cleaner to clean dust and dirt from your keyboard. Make sure your computer is not on before doing any cleaning. Rubbing alcohol is the best thing to use but use it sparingly. Dip a q-tip or cottn ball in the alchol and then clean your keyboard.

To clean the computer - You can use a vacuum cleaner around your computer but NEVER on the actual components. It is a good idea to keep the vents and airholes clean and free of dust, pet hair or lint. How often you clean your computer depends more on the environment it's in than any amnufacturer recommendation. I have 2 dogs that shed so I clean my computer about every 2 months.

To clean your monitor - A soft cloth will remove dust. If you have fingerprints regular glass cleaner will work. Spray i ton the cloth and not directly on your monitor. Your computer should be off and be carful not to spray or spill in to the keyboard.

To clean CD's and flppy disks - There are clenaing kits for CD's. You may also use a soft cloth to clean a CD or floppy disk.

Scott Dary
Parker Computer Guy
www.PArkerComputerGuy.com
webmaster@ParkerComputerGuy.com

Computers in our Life

2005-09-09T13:45:00.000-07:00

It's Friday, it's Friday! A gloriuos phrase to most folks.

Try doing something fun on the computer this week-end. Do you have kids? pbs.org has a cute kids section. Spend some time with your little one this week-end on that site.

I'm often asked when is it time to get the little ones started on a computer. Believe it or not 2 is not too young. It is amazing how fast they pick it up.

Local libraries have great kids software. Computer software for kids can get expensive so don't feel like you have to buy a lot. Buy some, get some from the library, share with neighbors and you'll extend your software library. Ebay also has a great selection of children's software or is a great resource to sell yours as your kids out grow it.

Happy week-end.

Staff at Parker Computer Guy
www.ParkerComputerGuy.com
webmaster@ParkerComputerGuy.com

Computers in our Life

2005-09-08T10:55:00.000-07:00

I just saw yet another article claiming that 80% to 90% of computers are affected by spyware/adware.

It seems astounding but I have to think it is true. It could possibly be higher.

Most people think that if they are careful or don't go to "bad" sites they are safe. Think again. You can get spyware from those cute smiley icons, free wallpaper downloads, and free calendar downloads. If something is free be careful before oyu download.

Staff at Parker Computer Guy
www.parkercomputerguy.com
webmaster@parkercomputerguy.com

Computers in our Life

2005-09-07T14:39:00.000-07:00

It's a beautiful day here in Denver. It's very tough to think about computers today with such great weather.

A co-worker asked me today about cheap week-end or evening web design classes. She and her boyfriend want to build a site and make money. Ok, several things wrong with that.

The Internet is not an ATM. It just doesn't print out money all day long with no effort as many sites try to get you to believe.

If you want to be a web designer by all means take classes and learn it. If you just want to create a family or friends type of site a lot of providers offer that free with their Internet service. These templates are great, simple to learn and you'll be up and running in time with no cost.

If you want to create a business site you'll need a little more than that. You can learn web design, you can buy a template site builder or hire a web designer. If you need more than an online brochure, shopping carts, database driven searches, etc. you'll also need a web developer.

Keep in mind this will reflect your business. Creating the site yourself may not be the best answer. It doesn't have to cost a lot. Get multiple quotes, look for freelance workers in your area, try elance.com, try small web firms.

Set aside some budget for web marketing too. You'll be glad you did. It's not like the early days of the Internet when a site could launch and be ranked by the search engines immediately.

Your Doctor doesn't try to also be your Accoutant, your Mechanic doesn't try to be your Plummer, why does everybody try to be a web developer? If you want a professioanl site - save it for the professionals. Do what you do best and let the web professionals do what they do best.

Staff at Parker Computer Guy
www.ParkerComputerGuy.com
webmaster@ParkerComputerGuy.com

Computers in our life

2005-09-06T11:34:00.000-07:00

Ah, the long week-end is over. Good-bye to summer and time to start thinking of Fall. It felt good to not touch a computer for a couple of days. Well, at least not for work anyway.

I've been watching a lot of the Hurricane Katrina coverage. I can not imagine being in the situation that some of those folks are in.

I know we all giving to the people who need it. Please don't forget the pets. Most shelters don't take pets so they were left behind. You can visit this site to help the pets, http://www.nsalamerica.org/.

Ok, back to computers. If you think you may have spyware, click here, for a free scan.

Staff at Parker Computer Guy
www.ParkerComputerGuy.com
webmaster@ParkerComputerGuy.com

Computers in our Life

2005-09-01T10:50:00.000-07:00

Labor Day week-end is almost here. Who isn't looking forward to a long week-end? I know I am. Keep those folks in mind affected by the storm and donate to the Red Cross or do whatever you can.

Trying to send an email campaign here at work it is so slow today. I better check the email server again. Gotta go...

Staff at Parker Computer Guy
www.ParkerComputerGuy.com
webmaster@parkercomputerguy.com

Computers in our life

2005-08-31T10:10:00.000-07:00

Not much to say today. I plan to spend a lot of time working on my site, www.parkercomputer guy.com. It's a new site and we all know how hard it is to get a new site indexed.

Staff at Parker Computer Guy
www.ParkerComputerGuy.com
webmaster@parkercomputerguy.com

Computers in our life

2005-08-30T07:59:00.000-07:00

Can I vent? I'm so annoyed with people complaining about software or cursing Microsoft. It's not that I'm a huge Microsoft fan but you can't blame a car for not being a toaster. I know you're thinking - WHAT? Let me explain.

Last night I was at my book club. Two people there are technical writers. Well one is and the other aspires to be. The writer went on and on complaining about MS Word not being all that she wanted it to be as a tool for creating these tech manuals she writes.

Well, MS Word was not created to do that and asking it to be is like asking your to be your toaster.

I notice people all the time at work bashing Microsoft because they don't know how to do something in Word or Excel. Gee, I didn't blame Honda when I was trying to learn how to drive my first 5-speed. Why do they always want to blame someone other than themselves!

Staff at PArker Computer Guy
http://www.parkercomputerguy.com
webmaster@parkercomputerguy.com

Computers in our life

2005-08-29T09:19:00.000-07:00

I hear a lot of people say they don't need a computer at home or don't use their home computer much. You may use it more than you realize.

This is how I used mine this week-end. Ok, a little bit of work was thrown in there but I won't even count that.

Friday night went to an event and checked the Internet to see what time it started.
Saturday pulled diretions off mapquest for a party and Sunday pulled recipes for fresh peaches. I bought 25 lbs of peaches from the neighbor kid to help raise money for his basketball team. That's a lot of peaches! I also checked the hurricane Katrina reports and played computer games with my daughter.

Now I wasn't on there hours a time but it was incredibly useful. The peach recipes I saved the ones I thought I would use. I'llpull those up on my computer when I'm ready.

Staff at Parker Computer Guy
www.parkercomputerguy.com
webmaster@parkercomputerguy.com

Computers in our life

2005-08-26T11:51:00.000-07:00

I was thinking about this today as I was working on a computer. I was removing spyware from a client's computer that most likely was caused by their child clicking on something he shouldn't have. When I was a child there were no home computers and certainly no Internet.

Now we have computer problems caused by our kids. My daughter is 3 and has her own computer. Could our parents have imagined that? She'll neve know life without the Internet - amazing.

Well, it's Friday and the I'm ready for the week-end feeling is soon to hit so I better get back to work.

Parker Computer Guy
www.ParkerComputerGuy.com
The resource for computer repair and service, computer tips and training, adware and spyware removal.