Computer crashed? Taking it to a local computer repair store? Before you do so, there are a few things you should know...
Archive for September, 2010
Who “Owns” Your Website?
So you picked out a catchy domain name and got a Website. Do you actually "own" it though?
Windows Updates – The Good and the Bad
Windows is an Operating System, one that most of you are running – well, all of you if you’re running consignment software. Just like any application software, Windows is updated from time to time. I’m not talking about going from XP to Vista or 7. Within each version of Windows, it is constantly updated. The majority of the time, these are security updates (to help keep your computer protected from vulnerabilities). This is “The Good” portion of Windows updates.
Some of these updates aren’t specific to Windows though. Hardware devices (e.g. printers) can receive updates from Microsoft. This is “The Bad” portion of Windows updates; well, at least it can be.
The reason I wanted to take this opportunity to discuss the good and bad sides of Windows Updates, is because your tag printer can be affected. You know, the little device that is basically the life blood of your business. If you can’t tag items, you can’t put inventory out on the floor for sale.
In a recent update, I noticed Microsoft recommended one for my Zebra LP2824 driver…
Now, I’m not saying that installing this update is going to break everyone’s tag printer. What I am saying is, any change to your printer driver (the software that makes your tag printer function) can lead to undesirable results. Even the slightest change can cause alignment issues, skipping tags, etc.
So it’s a double-edge sword keeping your system up to date. You want to make sure Windows is updated and secure. You don’t want to just let any and all updates come down, not without your knowledge.
Watch What You Click!
One of the most common issues The Computer Peeps encounter with each client is unnecessary, unused programs.
So how do these programs get there in the first place, Dean?
Great question! There are a bunch of little programs on your computer that do pretty cool stuff. For example, Java is software that helps you do things like upload pictures to Facebook. It’s not a program you run everyday and it’s pretty subtle, but it’s something you need (and want, even if you don’t know it).
The problem is, companies like to partner up and help one another out by “marketing” their partners…
Java Update Installs the "Bing Toolbar"
So what’s wrong with that picture? It’s so cluttered with text, images and information that most just skip right over and click “Next”. Look a little closer though. Let’s see if it looks any different if we put the spotlight on a particular area…
NOW do you see?
This isn’t an accident and the layout of this installer wasn’t done without thought. Subversion is one of the greatest marketing techniques. We see it on TV, in stores and on the Internet. The people designing ads and screens such as the one above are doing so hoping you will either A) pay attention to “the big stuff” or B) be so overwhelmed with information, that you just click and move on.
So if there’s a lesson to be learned here, it’s…
Pay attention to what you click! There’s nothing wrong with taking a second to pause and read – there’s no rush to install software.
