The end of a year!

2011 has been eventful! So many infected computers, that it seems to be getting worse, though very few were Windows 7 computers. Now Advertising tracking is a concern! Look ovr my Computer Security section, and read about advertising tracking. I’ve also noticed a big increase on Desktop Publishing action. I guess our adventures with Desktop Publishing and Windows 7 brought this about. Now, my new project on adding a TV to my network is getting attention. This is to be able to view all of my internet shows and TV episodes, directly on my big screen TV. directly from my computer. I have even installed an easy chair in my office (don’t have a fridge yet!). Plan to see some New Years football on my new TV. More to come….

New Updates

I’ve added updates on Internet TV (mainly about Xbox 360, Wii and PS3 having internet TV. Also some humor updates, paticularly Southerners! I am really enjoying Netflix, and so have my grandkids. I still think Internet TV is the way of the future. We’ll see!

What’s new in Computers?

The Apple Ipad2 is still the latest trend in personal computers, and it is selling well, and the tablet competition is struggling to try to catch up. HP’s announcements make it doubtful that HP will come up with serious competition for the Ipad. Amazon is planning to announce a $249 tablet, that will compete, but not exactly “head-on”. What I mean, is that the Ipad is better, but more expensive, and that Amazon’s package is an alternative to Apple’s package.

2011 has been a year of very disappointing tablet competitors, but they are active, and soon I expect somebody to get it right. But so far, Apple is out-shining the other guys.

Rumor has it that the Desktop PC is dead…! But, I don’t believe it. My desktop is still my primary computer, and will be for the foreseeable future. The cell phone is becoming a “computing alternative”, and someday soon, I expect tablets will be a very powerful alternative. But for now, they are still a work in progress for many of us. 2012 will probably be when we see a tablet breakthrough, that will attract the masses!

Viewing Frequently Used Web Pages

Some pages that you frequently use, have changed – but you don’t see the change! That’s because the page is saved in your computer’s cache, and it is the last version that you viewed. To get the current version, you need to hit the refresh button on your browser.

This is important when using an auction website (like E-Bay), or any other site where you are looking for something new, such as your favorite joke site, or blog.

http://www.computertroublesolver.com/Refresh-Browser.html

HP (Hewlett Packard) is dropping their PC Business

Since I’ve been in the PC repair business, I have rarely built or sold PC’s, because the profit margin is so small! I usually advise customers to buy at their favorite store, or to buy on-line. HP was one of my recommendations, and a lot of customers bought these. Now, with HP’s latest announcement, the whole PC market is making a radical change. This announcement includes dropping of their WebOS line, including their touchpad.
The average consumer can expect to see increased prices for PC’s, because of the lessening of competition. Also, The US is losing another manufacturer, (at least partially) and the business will increasingly go to Asia. What are your thoughts?

Virus Removal Special

On site repair, or Pick-up and Delivery (for complex scanning/repair) $39. good thru 8/31/2011.

Summer Special – Virus Removal!

DOCX files

When you receive docx files, and don’t know what to do with them. simply link to the below link, and then add a converter to your older version of MS Word.

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word-help/open-a-word-2007-document-in-an-earlier-version-of-word-HA010044473.aspx

Hope this helps!

I received this tonight:

Hi Norm,

I received an attachment from a local friend, a tennis schedule ending with “docx”.  When I try to open it, I get “This file does not have a program associated with it.  Create an association in the folder options control panel.”  I tried that but it didn’t recognize docx.

Any suggestions?

My Reply:

Click on the link below, to be able to open docx on older versions of MS Office

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word-help/open-a-word-2007-document-in-an-earlier-version-of-word-HA010044473.aspx

DOCX is a format for newer versions of Microsoft Word, and you need to install a converter for older versions of MS Word

New Website design.

Today, I’ve launched a complete re-designed website. The primary feature is the menu. It s a “drop-down” menu that improves navigation. I hope you like it better, as it is intended to let you find stuff easier! Please let me know what you think!

Kindle – post 2

I got a lot of feedback! I got automated responses, with Kindle reviews, and information on e-lending through Facebook. But, when it comes to borrowing Books at the Library, paper still rules! But, as time goes by, e-readers will prevail. The format has to change. The market won’t support multiple proprietary formats. That is too cumbersome.

I like my e-reader, and will continue to use it, but I bet I’ll have to buy another type in the near future!

Norm – ComputerTroubleSolver.com