Techie Words ExplainedApplication: A program that turns your computer into a specific tool – a word processor or photo editor as examples.
Browser: A browser is simply the program on your computer that interprets html (code that designs web pages) into nice pages. Examples are Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Safari. I find this to be one of the most misunderstood tech terms from clients. You can use any or all of these browsers on your computer. They are free.
Add-in, Add-on, Plug-in, Extension: Four terms for what are effectively the same thing – a program that runs inside of, and augments, another program (usually an application). Adobe Flash is an example of a program that runs in your browser.
In the News
This is important information if your computer is using either Windows Vista or Windows 7 and you are using the Windows “Sidebar”. The Sidebar holds “gadgets” like the weather or a large clock, photo slideshows or many other small apps. Microsoft is advising users to disable the features altogether. Rather than fix the issues, Microsoft has issued a “Fix It” solution to disable these programs for you. If these features are left enabled, they may allow the execution of code and could allow attackers to take control of your system.iPad Apps
Notes Plus– cost:$7.99 – The best handwriting recognition and note taking appDragon Dictation– cost: free – Top quality speech recognition from a leader in that industy
Urbanspoon– cost: free – Find somewhere great to eat with this no-nonsense app
Tip of the month4 Things Every PC User Should Know
1. Don’t double-click everything! Double clicking opens items in Windows, but you don’t need to double click to open a link in your web browser, click a button in most windows, or pretty much anything else.2. Uncheck boxes before you install (especially updates!) Lots of helpful apps out there give you the option of installing search toolbars and other add-ons–and some of them are so pushy about being helpful that their installers are configured to install the uninvited extras unless you check a box saying you don’t want them. Not only is each add-on another thing that your PC needs to load, but you have no idea what kind of data it could be sending out. They come bundled with the app because they make money for the app developer, not because they’re particularly useful. So take a close look at what you’re installing before you click Install–and in return, the installer won’t change your search engine or install apps you don’t need.
3. Record the exact error message. When your PC crashes, it’ll usually try to tell you why it is doing so–albeit with a string of numbers and letters that you won’t understand. Write the message down in its entirety (or take a screenshot, if possible) so you can later plug it into Google or give it to your tech support agent. If your PC didn’t provide an error message, go to Action Center (in the Control Panel) and see if it shows up under ‘View archived messages’ or ‘View problems to report’.
4. Uninstall programs you aren’t using. Open Programs and Features (Windows 7) or Add/Remove Programs (Windows XP) in the control panel. Scroll through the list and click Uninstall to get rid of any program you no longer want or need.
