Is your wireless network too short?

by Fred Litt

Your wireless router is the small book-shaped device that distributes the Internet signal wirelessly throughout your home or work area. This device, connected to your cable or FIOS modem, is used to distribute Internet access to the wireless PCs in your home, office, or favorite WiFi coffee shop. Routers maximize the distribution of their signal when there are no obstructions between itself and your wireless laptop/desktop. The problem is that wireless networks, like home portable phones, have limited range. If your wireless router is on one end of your home and you need wireless Internet access at the other end, you're probably going to have a problem. Despite what the wireless router manufacturer's documentation states, typical range is about 50 to 100 feet. Wireless router don't look too kindly upon walls, HD TVs, fish tanks, multilevel homes, and long distances.

So, how can you solve the problem? There are a few solutions, some simple, some expensive, and some complicated.

First, let's start with simple. Where is you router located? Is it located at an extreme end of your home? If so, you need to shorten the distance. Here are a few easy things to do: (1) Re-locate the router to the CENTER of your home. This will shorten the distance to all wireless PCs (consult your Internet Service Provider to do this); (2) make sure your router is above your desk and not sitting on the floor behind your PC.

Second, let's talk about investing a few bucks. Wireless routers transmit their signal using software called a 'wireless protocol'. Check your router documentation for something that looks like 802.11 followed by the letter b, g, or n. If you are having difficulty, make sure BOTH your router and your laptop use the wireless protocol 802.11n - this is the newest protocol that provides the highest speed and the longest distance. An n router is about $100 and an n wireless receiving device for your laptop/desktop is about $75. Shop around and you will probably get a better price.

Finally, now for the best and most complicated solution. If you have a big home or have 'nooks and crannies' that make wireless transmission a nightmare, my favorite method is to install an Apple Extreme/Express network. These Apple network components permit you to build a limitless 802.11n network. These components, ranging in price from $99 to $179 each, enable you to build a 'cell tower network' within your home. In plain English, you can bounce the signal around your home until it gets where it needs to go. The cost of this starts at about $300 and grows in price depending on the complexity of your home or office. Also, this solution requires some serious Apple networking smarts - which will cost you some additional $$$. While expensive and complicated, this should solve even your most difficult wireless networking requirements.

This article was provided by Fred Litt, Family Technology Associates, Allendale, NJ. Fred welcomes your comments and questions. Visit http://www.FamilyTechnology.com to learn more about Fred's professional efforts.

Email Fred at mailto:Fred@FamilyTechnology.com

Is your teen's PC in good shape?

by Fred Litt

When your children reach their teen years, your world changes - but you already know that. What you don't know is that the PC that your teenager is using requires a lot of Tender Loving Care - and oversight. YOUR oversight.

Why? Because when their PC malfunctions, it's going to cause you a lot of grief - and money. How? Read on.

In the old days (only a few years ago), each family had only one PC - which was typically located in a central home location. This strategy soon failed as every family fought for time to access their e-mail, surf the web, or play games. During those good old days, each teen was rewarded at their high school graduation with a new laptop. This standard soon changed. As time went on, a new PC or Mac was brought into the home when each child attained a religious accomplishment. And so, today, many homes now have AT LEAST one PC or Mac for each family member not in diapers!

So, why the grief should one of them fail? Well, for many teens, their homework, college applications, and, MOST IMPORTANTLY, their iTunes music library is contained within their PC. If the PC fails or you can't open Windows, the music, possibly acquired for $$$hundred, is GONE!

Here's the typical sequence of events that will bring most parents to 'high anxiety'. The teen will visit websites that focus on music sharing, gambling, or porn. The teen is enticed to load some 'innocent looking' program to gain access to some online product that is cool and, best of all, free.

Without understanding the implications, they install some bad program that begins the PC's meltdown. These programs are refered to as malware, adware, or spyware. Technically, these programs are not viruses as the teen 'permitted' the download and installation.

After this bad program is installed, messages begin appearing on the desktop that state that the PC is infected with hideous viruses that must be removed immediately - and that you must spend $39 to purchase some malware removal tool. It's all a scam. However, the teen doesn't know this and begins to panic.

The teen, with the assistance of their friends, begins downloading endless free malware removal tools - which only makes matters worse. Of course, while this is going on, you, the parent, don't have a clue what's going on.

Finally, as the problem AND PANIC continues, your brilliant child begins changing Windows settings or removing programs that Windows needs to run properly. Then, BINGO, the PC won't start. Your child will then tell you bits and pieces of what happened. You are worried about them getting their schoolwork done. They are worried about losing their iTunes library that feeds their iPod.

As you might imagine, the panic and parental screaming is only getting started.

While I won't focus on the possible solutions to this immediate PC problem, let me give you some tips on how to AVOID this situation.

First, if any of your children do have a desktop or laptop in their room, TURN IT ON and access the Internet. Yes, YOU do it - don't take the word of your teen that everything is OK. Make sure everything words OK. Open Microsoft WORD.

Second, ask your teen if the PC is working OK and if there are any problems.

Third, ask if any POP-UPS appear. This is THE definitive sign of a malware attack.

Next, make sure your antivirus software in installed and updated. This is your first line of defense - and money ($59-$79 per year) well spent.

Lastly, make it an absolute rule that your child is not allowed to install any programs, particularly anti-virus or anti-adware programs without you knowing about it.

While your teen will do everything possible to ignore your best efforts to keep them out of PC trouble, you MUST take the above steps - or it's going to cost you in grief of $$$money.

This article was provided by Fred Litt, Family Technology Associates, Allendale, NJ. Fred welcomes your comments and questions. Visit http://www.FamilyTechnology.com to learn more about Fred's professional efforts.

Email Fred at mailto:Fred@FamilyTechnology.com

PC - leave it turned ON or OFF?

by Fred Litt

When you finish doing your work each day, you are confronted with the following controversial question - "is it better to leave my PC turned ON - or should I turn it OFF?"

The answer is more complicated than you might think. OK, let me cut to the bottom line - turn OFF the PC - in my humble opinion, of course.

First, a little technical perspective. Your PC needs to be turned ON to run. Duh. When you press the power button, the electric power goes through the power supply (with built-in cooling fan), then to the motherboard, then to the individual components - the hard drive, CD drives, video card, et al. Power is consumed as you use your PC - generating heat - which then kicks off the fan to cool the internal components. In reality, a modest amount of electricity is used during typical PC use.

Most newer computers have an automatic energy-saving SLEEP mode that 'powers down' the PC when the PC is inactive. When you move the mouse or start typing, the PC 'wakes up' to resume full power mode. Most importantly, when waking up from SLEEP mode, all of your open programs remain exactly where you left them - and you can continue with your work without reopening everything. So, when you're PC is turned ON and becomes inactive (you don't use it for several minutes), power consumption is minimal. If you frequently use your PC - and need to re-open numerous programs each time you turn ON your PC - this is a valid argument to leave your PC turned ON.

So, why turn it OFF? It's not about saving energy. Actually, I recommend turning OFF the PC for a different reason - to minimize the impact of power surges - which can destroy your PC components.

Where I live in Bergen County, we seem to have more than our fair share of power outages and "brown outs", a situation where the power doesn't go off, but changes its level. PC components, routers, modems, printers, et al, don't like brown outs. Surge protectors don't protect you from brown outs. Brown outs kill electronic components. As such, when not using my PC, I prefer to turn it OFF.

By the way, you should also invest in a high quality surge protector, not one of those glorified extension strips. Get yourself a 10 electric plug highest possible protection surge protector for about $50-$75. It's the best insurance you can buy to avoid computer and data disaster.

Surge protectors are always a good idea. However, if your home or office has frequent electrical problems, consult your electrician and ask to have enhanced surge protection added to your fuse box. I did this in my home after I lost over $1,000 in electronic equipment and, I am happy to report, I haven't had a problem since.

This article was provided by Fred Litt, Family Technology Associates, Allendale, NJ. Fred welcomes your comments and questions. Visit http://www.FamilyTechnology.com to learn more about Fred's professional efforts.

Email Fred at mailto:Fred@FamilyTechnology.com

My router doesn't work

by Fred Litt

In the last several weeks, I have had numerous clients call me complaining that they could not connect to the Internet. All of these clients had routers, all had high-speed Internet service, and all had been working perfectly up until their connection failed.

Each tried their best to work through solving the problem on their own. Their actions were typical, but unsuccessful.

Of course, each called their local Internet Service Provider (ISP) - who, of course, told them it wasn't their problem - and that it was probably their firewall. Each, of course, turned off their firewall (or removed the software). The problem remained.

Then, each contacted their router manufacturer, who told them the problem was the firewall. Everybody blames the firewall. And round and round they went - until they called me.

First, I confirmed their Internet modem worked fine (the lights were on). Next, I tested to make sure their network card worked - and that there was no IP conflict. Lastly, I tried to enter their router through a hard wired PC. These are all professional techniques.

Here are a few sources of problems:

1) If you use a popular brand router (e.g., Linksys), if you don't use wireless security, someone nearby can access your network and, for fun, change your access and security codes, thereby preventing you from accessing the Internet.

2) Sometimes firewall software (e.g., Norton, McAfee) loses its mind and thinks you are being attacked - and shuts down your Internet access.

3) Routers sometimes become scrambled during powers outages or brown-outs.

Here are a few solutions:

1) Remove your firewall software. Don't turn it off as this doesn't get the job done. In my humble opinion, most family and small business users do more harm to their network WITH firewall software than without it.

2) Reset your router. First, make sure you have all of the instructions and codes to configure your router properly. Second, on all popular brand routers, there is a RESET button located at the rear. Press this button (with a pencil tip) for 30 seconds, pull out the power, wait thirty seconds, put power back in, and give it a try.

I'll bet this will help you in 75% of your problem situations.

This article was provided by Fred Litt, Family Technology Associates, Allendale, NJ. Fred welcomes your comments and questions. Visit http://www.FamilyTechnology.com to learn more about Fred's professional efforts.

Email Fred at mailto:Fred@FamilyTechnology.com

Is it time for a new PC?

by Fred Litt

Thinking about a new PC? How do you decide if it's time to replace or upgrade? Here are a few very simple rules of thumb:

1) Desktops over 4 years of age and laptops over 3 years are about 70 years of age in human terms. Start looking for a replacement now.

2) Is your PC making noise? The fan that cools the motherboard (you will feel the heat in the back or bottom of the PC) will eventually become coated with dust and animal hair - and then fail. If your hard drive begins to make a clicking sound, it is starting to fail. In this instance, run, yes run, to backup your data - your hard drive is about to die very soon.

3) Does your PC display error messages? This typically mean that Windows has become corrupted and needs to be reinstalled or replaced. Quickly backup your data and start looking for a new PC.

4) Is your PC getting slower? Any PC over 3 years of age needs more RAM. Always buy as much RAM as possible for your PC. This will greatly increase performance.

5) Do you have a tube monitor? Get a flat panel monitor, preferably 19", for about $150-$200 (with a built-in webcam). You will love the crisp colors and will be able to enjoy the newest wide-screen PC content and DVD movies.

6) Hate wires? Get a wireless keyboard and mouse - for about $49-$99.

7) Is your hard drive under 100 GB (giga-bytes)? Some older PCs came with 40 GB hard drive and are filling up - and, as a result, failing. New PCs now come with at least 250GB of hard drive space.

If you are concerned about the life-span of your current PC, please backup your data ASAP. Your aging or slowing PC never seems to fail at a convenient time.

This article was provided by Fred Litt, Family Technology Associates, Allendale, NJ. Fred welcomes your comments and questions. Visit http://www.FamilyTechnology.com to learn more about Fred's professional efforts.

Email Fred at mailto:Fred@FamilyTechnology.com

XP versus Vista

by Fred Litt

I hated to see Windows XP go.

I never realized how much I liked XP until I started using Windows Vista. I just don't get Vista. On a new HP with 2GB of RAM, VISTA is sluggish, crashes as much as XP, and does things differently than XP for reasons that are not yet obvious to me.

The problem is that Vista is here and XP is officially history. Up until several months ago, you could custom order a Dell with XP without much difficulty and without added expense.

Well, Microsoft doesn't offer XP anymore. Period. However, if you're desperate, you can call Dell and beg to have it installed for several hundred dollars extra.

Why is XP still important?  Besides the fact that it requires less power to run, some of you are still running some very old programs that are DOS-based and may not do well in Vista.  In this case, you will either have to give Vista a try - or pay to get the XP 'downgrade'.

If you don't like Vista, wait until you see Microsoft Office 2007 - then you'll really gag.  Microsoft redesigned the interface using something called 'ribbons'.  It doesn't look or work like the previous version.  Sometimes I just don't get them.  My problem is that the 'sometimes' seems like 'all of the times'.

My sure you install all of the Vista on-line updates (you can use Windows Update).  I keep hoping Microsoft will offer a new version of Vista that will actually be better than XP.

One can hope.

This article was provided by Fred Litt, Family Technology Associates, Allendale, NJ. Fred welcomes your comments and questions. Visit http://www.FamilyTechnology.com to learn more about Fred's professional efforts.

Email Fred at Fred@FamilyTechnology.com

Take a snapshot of your dekstop

by Fred Litt

Capture your screen

Every now and then you will have something on your PC desktop that you will want to share with someone. It might be an error message or popup window that you need to show someone in order to get more information or to help solve a problem.

There is a very cool feature called "Print Screen" that allows you to take a snapshot of the entire content of your desktop. This snapshot can then be pasted into a Word document or email.

You can find the key typically to the right of the key - or at the top right of your keyboard.

Try the following. Press (if the items appears on the key, you may have to press ) . It might appear that nothing has happened, but the snapshot has been copied to your PC's clipboard (where all info that is copied is stored).

Next, open Word or begin composing a new email. Place the mouse-tip inside the document and Paste (click EDIT>PASTE or use keyboard shortcut).

Find below a snapshot of my PC desktop.

Here are the official instructions as provided by Microsoft

• To make a copy of the active window, press ALT+PRINT SCREEN.


• To copy the entire screen as it appears on your monitor, press PRINT SCREEN.


• To paste the image into a document, click the Edit menu in the document window, and then click Paste.
  

This article was provided by Fred Litt, Family Technology Associates, Allendale, NJ. Fred welcomes your comments and questions. Visit http://www.familytechnology.com/ to learn more about Fred's professional efforts.

Email Fred at mailto:Fred@FamilyTechnology.com

Bergen County Municipal Websites

by Fred Litt

In many of the Land Use projects I have worked on in the last few years, I always wanted easy access to the web sites of nearby municipalities and their respective municipal Code. I could never find a reliable source - so I built one.

The link below is to a web page I developed that contains links to all municipal web sites in Bergen County PLUS links to their respective on-line municipal code, when available.

http://www.familytechnology.com/sunshine2020/

If you want to know what other municipalities are doing on a particular issue, you will find this very useful, as I have.

This article was provided by Fred Litt, Family Technology Associates, Allendale, NJ. Fred welcomes your comments and questions. Visit http://www.FamilyTechnology.com to learn more about Fred's professional efforts.

Email Fred at mailto:Fred@FamilyTechnology.com

Save money on PC stuff

by Fred Litt www.FamilyTechnology.com

Save money

PCs are now affordable for just about everyone. While the cost of your next PC becomes more reasonable, the cost of ink and software will continue to empty your pockets. The sites listed below will save you big $$$$.

Ink - Printpal.com

If you want to save big bucks on ink, visit Printpal.com. This site offers major brands at discount prices. No tax and free shipping with orders above $30. For really deep discounts, buy their 'knock-off' brand.

Software - AcademicSuperstore.com

If you can come up with a student ID, you can buy major software products (Microsoft, Adobe, et al) at 50% to 75% off. Incredible. This site sells Education Editions of well known products - which are identical to consumer retail editions. The only requirement is that you must provide them with a student ID from someone in your home.


This article was provided by Fred Litt, Family Technology Associates, Allendale, NJ. Fred welcomes your comments and questions. Visit www.FamilyTechnology.com to learn more about Fred's professional efforts.

Speed up your PC

Here are a few quick ideas to consider to speed up your PC. If you want to learn more about the items discussed below, consult your local IT pro.

Add more RAM

Add as much as your PC can handle. In the past, RAM (Random Access Memory) was very expensive. Now it's about $50 per GB (Giga-Bytes). Your PC should have at least 2 GB. If your PC is 3-4 years old, it may have only 512 MB (Mega-Bytes). Bring your PC to a local PC store and have them install it. The results can be amazing.

Perform a Disk Cleanup

Windows has a built-in tool to take care of this.

Defragment your hard drive

After you have cleaned up your drive, defrag it. As with the Disk Cleanup, Windows has a tool to take care of this.

Remove unused programs

Visit your Control Panel and display Add/Remove Programs. Delete unneeded toolbars and programs that you haven't used for years.

Remove your antivirus and adware protection programs

This isn't recommended unless you have no choice, but these programs can have a major negative impact on PC performance.

Get a good Registry Cleaner and Disk Optimization program

The best known consumer program to clean your PC's registry and optimize your hard drive is Norton Systemworks. Only use this program if you are knowledgeable loading specialized software.

This article is provided by Fred Litt, Family Technology Associates, Allendale, NJ. Fred welcomes your comments and questions. Visit www.FamilyTechnology.com to learn more about Fred's professional efforts.

Allendale YouTube videos

by Fred Litt  www.FamilyTechnology.com

In the 28 years I have lived in Allendale, I have videotaped a number of important community events - and have collected a few vintage videos from my neighbors.  You can view my collection at http://www.YouTube.com/FredLittAllendale.

As a local technology service provider, I regularly digitize old videotapes and convert the resulting memories into DVDs.  The problem I have discovered with DVDs is that they are difficult and expensive to distribute.  

Well, once again, the Internet to the rescue.  The solution is YouTube.  It's a free service that allows a video content contributor (that's me) to upload an unlimited collection of digital videos.  The only limit is that each video must be less than 10 minutes in length.  While YouTube compresses its videos to speed Internet access, the quality isn't too bad.

One of the most recent additions to my video collection was a 40+ year old film that was converted to a VHS tape many years ago.  Of course, the video and its important memories was hidden in a drawer.  It includes about 90 seconds of what appears to be a Memorial Day parade traveling on Franklin Tpke in front of what is now Talk of the Town (across from the Allendale Police Headquarters).  Back then, it was a Chrysler dealer.  Wow.  It still looks the same.

If you have any old Allendale videos, I'd like to digitize them and post them on YouTube for everyone to see.  Contact me at Fred@FamilyTechnology if you have an old videotape to share.

Check out this old video below.

Video chatting with your webcam

by Fred Litt  www.FamilyTechnology.com

Tired of texting and instant messaging?  Want something more than a phone call?  Well, how about a face-to-face conversation - over the Internet - with anyone located anywhere in the world - for FREE!   

To good to be true?  Read on.

When you buy your next desktop or laptop, PC or Mac, one of the newest features that you can select is something called a webcam.  A webcam (web+camera) is a tiny video camera and microphone that you can use to have a conversation over the Internet.  In the old days, we called this 'videoconferencing'.  Today, we call it 'video chatting'.

When you buy a new computer, either PC or Mac, it is highly likely that a webcam will be offered to you for an additional $50.  Buy it!  Even if you're not sure, buy it.

The webcam is built into the top edge of the monitor and looks like one or two little holes (one for the camera, one for the microphone).  If you purchased a laptop in the last 6 months, you may already own one.

It you already own a PC and want to add this device, you have two choices - (1) you can buy a flat panel monitor with a built-in webcam or (2) you can buy a stand-alone webcam that you can plug into your PC with a USB cable.  Logitech is an excellent provider of these stand-alone webcams.  For a cost of $25-$100 you'll be ready to video chat in minutes.  Dell and HP make great monitors with built-in webcams for about $200.

Now that you have the webcam, you will need one more thing - an Internet software product that connects you to someone else.  While several companies do this, let me focus on my favorite.  It's called Skype - and it's available for free from www.Skype.com.  The software is fast to download, easy to setup and test, and readily connects to your webcam.  Best of all, it's FREE!  In minutes you will be ready to chat with someone.

The only remaining issue is that you will need someone to chat with - and they must be a Skype user.  Perfect candidates for chatting include (1) your college bound child that you just sent off with a new laptop; (2) a friend or family member that you would like to see more of; (3) a business or community associate that you need to meet with.

One last thing.  When you video chat, not only can you see someone else, they can see you.  Make sure you are dressed.  

How to get good phone support

By Fred Litt, Family Technology Associates http://www.FamilyTechnology.com

When your PC fails or your network ‘goes down’, life quickly becomes miserable. As most PC users have little knowledge of how to diagnose and remedy even simple problems, they are dependent of the ‘kindness of others’.

Be selective

When your equipment first has a problem, you will accept any help you can get – good or bad – from friends, family, or strangers – and free help always seems the best. Most PC users will first reach out to friends and family. Every family seems to have a relative in the technology industry – and they always seem to live in Pennsylvania or Virginia – and they are always willing to offer a quick diagnosis of the problem and a quick solution. Free help is typically good for easy solutions, but family experts quickly disappear. Friends and family are great at making quick diagnoses and offering even quicker solutions – but they will be long gone when the simple problem isn’t so simple. In the end you will probably end up dealing with a Phone Support Technician (PST).

Be relaxed

It is not unusual that solving your problem over the phone will take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. Let me recommend that you create an effective and relaxed working environment for yourself. Consider the following:
If available, use a speaker phone. You may have to use your hands to type or unscrew something. Being able to speak and to freely use your hands will prove extremely helpful. Avoid using a cell phone (unless you have a headset/earphone) as it is difficult to hold and sometimes hard to hear.
Take care of your biological needs. Given this process may take a while, it is a good idea to visit the bathroom and then the refrigerator for anticipated nourishment.

Have paper and pen/pencil handy.

It is always a good idea to write down who you spoke to and what instructions they provided.

Take a deep breath if your anxiety is high.

There is a good chance you will be either frustrated or angry by the time you finally get to speak to a human support technician. If you sound angry on the phone, you will greatly reduce the chance of solving your problem.

Be prepared

Before the PST can begin to solve your problem, they are going to ask you for very specific information about yourself and your hardware or software. If you are not comfortable ‘talking tech’ with the PST, have the ‘family expert’ nearby when you make the call. You may be asked to provide the following info:
· Your name, address, phone, and email.
· Date of equipment purchase - and receipt, if possible
· Service contract number (if you purchased an extended service plan)
· Device brand and model (e.g., Dell, HP, Linksys)
· Device serial number (found on side or bottom of device)
· PC operating system (Windows XP Home or Pro, Windows ME, et al)
· What antivirus software is running?
· Are you connected to the Internet via a router?
· Most likely, your hardware/software required software to be installed. Have the respective CD-ROM nearby.
. If the issue is hardware, you may have to open the cover of a PC and unscrew/unplug a cable or plug. Make sure you have easy access to your equipment and know where your data cable and electric plugs are connected.
. It's a great idea to review the connections in the back of your PC before you call - and make sure you know what each cable is connected to (e.g., mouse, keyboard, printer, monitor, speakers).

Be clear

Speak clearly and slowly. The reality is that your PST may be a nationality different than yours and may be located thousands of miles away. The better they can understand you, the better your chances are that your problem will be solved. If the PST speaks too quickly to be clearly understood, tell them to slow down or to repeat themselves.

Be efficient

Try to summarize your problem in a sentence or two. For example, if you cannot connect to the Internet, when the PST asks you what you problem is, you might say “I own a Dell Laptop running Windows XP and I cannot connect to the Internet via my Linksys wireless router”. This sentence provides the PST with a tremendous amount of information and may greatly streamline your ability to get your problem resolved quickly. If you don't know what the problem is, say something like "My PC doesn't turn on. Can you help me?". Hopefully, the PST will then begin asking you the necessary questions to assist them in diagnosing and solving your problem.

Leave good phone messages

If you leave a message on an answering machine, the single most important piece of information you can provide is your phone number. Leave it twice - at the beginning and the end of your message – and leave it slowly. Even if you are returning someone’s call, never assume the other party has easy access to your phone number. I spend a lot of time on the road and call my answering machine to check my messages (using a cell phone). Too often, someone will either speed through their phone number or tell me ‘you know my number” when I don’t.

Say Thank You

While you hope that one phone call can solve your problem, you may have to call for additional help – and you never know whether the person you just screamed at will again be your only hope. Always say thank you – even if it kills you.

This article may be reproduced with permission of Fred Litt, Family Technology Associates. Contact Fred at 201-315-4943 fred@FamilyTechnology.com for details.

Welcome

Welcome to the Family Technology blog. I hope to provide my readers with a variety of fun and informative articles to help you better use your PC.