The way in which computers are now sold, PCs and Macs come pre-loaded with many programs and utilities that you will never use. Chances are also that many of the programs that you aren’t using, but are installed, aren’t being patched with any security updates and therefore leave your computer in a vulnerable state, as well as slowing down your system based on all of the unused files. It’s time to get rid of these programs!
On a pc: Click on Start, then Control Panel. Depending on your operating system, look for “Programs” or “Programs and Features”. You will see a list of software applications. Click on the name of one that you don’t use and click the “Uninstall” button. If you aren’t sure what the program is or whether or not it is needed, “google it”!
On a mac: The application icon you see in Finder (typically the Applications Folder) is usually a special folder itself, made to appear as a single double-clickable file. These “folders” contain all, or at least most, of the files needed to run the application, ie – they are self-contained. This means that to uninstall these applications, you only have to drag them to the Trash.
Apps
TripIt– cost:Free – Register for the service and from then on, when you receive a confirmation email from an airline, hotel, car rental or booking service – like OpenTable , StubHub or Fandango, this app will automatically import the information from your inbox, creating an itinerary with details such as confirmation numbers, flight gates, and hotel addresses. If you don’t want to automatically import the information, you can forward the emails to plans@tripit.com. The itinerary can be viewed on your smartphone or tablet, shared with friends or family and synced with your calendar. There is a Pro level for $49 and many upgrades if you are interested.
Trapster cost:Free – A speed-trap database! The app can deliver voice alerts as you approach a trip or if you are driving over a speed limit.
BigOven Mobile– cost:Free – Browse over 250,000 recipes. If you have leftovers in the refrigerator, enter the foods/ingredients into the “Use Up Leftovers” section and get ideas for new meals.
Tip of the month
Print to a wireless printer using AirPrint
AirPrint is Apple’s solution to being able to print from your iPad or iPhone. Printers that support AirPrint will be advertised as AirPrint compatible. Most printer manufacturers make printers that are AirPrint-compatible. They may also support other wireless printing standards. Your do NOT need to buy a specific Apple printer in order to print from your Apple devices.
To use an AirPrint printer, you’d simply connect it to your wireless network like a typical Wi-Fi printer. Next, you’d take your iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, or Mac computer and select the Print option in any program. You’d then see a list of AirPrint-compatible printers on your local network. To print to a printer, just select the printer from the list.
You don’t have to install printer drivers or go through a pairing process. Apple devices will automatically detect AirPrint printers on the same network and can print to them without any further configuration.
AirPrint is very convenient, but the big downside is that it only supports Apple devices. You can’t print from a Windows PC or Android device using AirPrint — at least, not without unofficial hacky solutions that may not work. Luckily, AirPrint-compatible printers will generally also support other types of wireless-printing standards, so you can also print to them from non-Apple devices.
