» 2009 » May Mrs. Mecomber's Scrapbook

How To Add or Remove Windows Features From Your Computer

May 28, 2009 — Mrs. Mecomber

This site here has a good, easy tutorial on how to install Windows Games. But you can also uninstall Windows Games, or other certain Windows Features that you may not want installed. For example, I like to play Spider Solitaire from time to time, but I have absolutely no need for Purble Place, Free Cell, Solitaire, Backgammon, and all the Internet Games that come included with the Windows operating system. I’d rather free up the clutter! You can do this by going to Control Panel >> Programs and Features. Look at the left hand side for “Turn Windows Features on and off.” In the new window that appears, you’ll see a checklist. Be very careful that you do not uncheck anything you’re not sure of– this could wreck the functionality of a program that you need! I left everything alone except that I unchecked most of the games. After a few minutes of uninstalling, you should see the change. Easy!

Posted in how to, Windows. Tags: features, Windows. 3 Comments »

The Tote Bag Olympics

May 26, 2009 — Mrs. Mecomber

Businesses are discovering the amazing utility of YouTube (plus, it’s free to use YouTube!). Just as with how those Superbowl ads rapidly became a sort of “cult” entertainment on their own, viral videos have become the new stomping ground for a business to get word out. I think this is terrific news– the Internet is the great equalizer, isn’t it? If you have a funny enough video, you can quickly gain attention to your business or product. When I search for a review or an ad for a new product I’m interested in, I invariably find my way to YouTube, where there’s usually some mention of it, some with reviews or consumer test of the product. I saw this VistaPrint funny Tote Bag video, where two guys do some really funny tests with the tote bag that is sold by VistaPrint. Bwahaha! Maybe it was simply because I didn’t have my morning coffee… but the video made me laugh hilariously! Sheesh, I never thought of testing tote bags in that way, lol! There’s an offer at the end of the video to get your own tote bag for free, and to get creative with your own tests. I’ll have to think about that one! My kids could make their own funny tote bag video, put it up on YouTube… and see how videos so easily go viral?! LOL!

Posted in business services, free stuff, marketing, networking. Tags: videos. Comments Off »

Need a Web Host Rating Guide?

May 24, 2009 — Mrs. Mecomber

Finding a web host can be confusing. There seem to be more and more of them, and who knows how they rate in quality and price?! I have tried my hand with quite a few number of web hosts before I finally landed with the best so far, Hostgator. Back when I was just starting out hosting my own websites, I had no idea about ratings and if there were any websites with simple charts, revies, and breakdowns of costs and services. Now, there’s WebHostingRating.com. It’s a greta site to visit for information on various website hosting. The main page has a table of the top ten web hosting providers for 2009, independently rated. The chart includes prices, space, traffic, and a review of the company– it’s a great read if you’re looking into your own web hosting, or are looking for something better (or less expensive). It’s a terrific breakdown of stats at a glance.

Also, you’ll find some good articles on various web hosting topics, including b2evolution and Joomla web hosting (stuff I’ve been very interested in tinkering with) reviews. I like that WebHostingRating.com also features “hosting awards” with special acclaim going to particular companies that score high. Cool site! Check it out: WebHostingRating.com.

Posted in blogs, web hosting. Tags: reviews, web hosts. Comments Off »

Compare Your AntiVirus Programs

May 21, 2009 — Mrs. Mecomber

Here’s a great site that has a terrific comparison table of the various antivirus software programs out there: AntiVirusWare.com. The comparison table gives a very readable breakdown of all the various features for the most popular antivirus programs, including Norton Antivirus, Kapersky, BitDefender, Avira, and more. I don’t know about you, but I like to be able to compare the various software programs, especially if there are a lot to choose from– and with antivirus programs, there ARE a lot to choose from. I’d been using AVG for years, but now that I use Windows Vista, I’ve had updating problems and a lot of false positives in the virus vault lately. Right now I am using Comodo’s free antivirus program, but I’m still staying on the watch for other programs. And I also like to know what’s what with them all.

Anyway, if you have a hankering to know everything there is to know about antivirus issues and software, check out the AntiVirusWare.com website. They also offer the ability to download the antivirus programs, including the newly released Norton AntiVirus 2009 download. There are also great articles at the site, like “What is a Computer Virus,” “How to Avoid Infecting Your Computer,” and a history of viruses. Great site!

Posted in anti-virus, Internet, security programs. Tags: antivirus, websites. 3 Comments »

Battery Hacks

May 21, 2009 — Mrs. Mecomber

If there’s ANYTHING worth learning about or worth inventing, it’s battery hacks or tips, or some kind of invention that makes batteries last forever. This website I found doesn’t present any great new technological device to save me $1000 a year, but it has some really neat tips! The one I found very useful is substituting quarters and C batteries when you need some D batteries. Sweet! There’s more to be found at Lifehacker, Top 10 Battery Tips.

Posted in blogs, electronics, how to. Tags: batteries, energy. Comments Off »

The Fastest Draw in the West…

May 19, 2009 — Mrs. Mecomber

I’ve talked about Charter Internet service as a company and service to watch. They have really taken the ball– upping their customer service, reducing their prices, and promoting the heck out of the company with some stellar giveaways. The latest development by the guys in white lab coats at Charter is their Ultra60 Mbps Phatband Internet service. It’s available in St. Louis, MO, currently, and is being hailed as the fastest connection in that city, and as one of the fastest in the nation. Charter is expecting to announce this blazing-fast Internet connection service for various cities in 2009. You can read all about it at the Ultra60 Information Page at Charter.

I like Charter. (I have the need for speed, lol). Currently, they are not available in my Upstate New York area, but I’m hoping that they expand. Their new developments make me drool, and I’m greatly looking forward to someone to come up here and break the Verizon/Time-Warner monopoly. Those companies can charge whatever they want here, and we are stuck with them– unless we want dialup, but NO THANKS for that. So I’m really cheering Charter on.

This new Phatband service is faaaast. Who uses the Internet for email and browsing anymore? Not me! The Net has become not only an information portal, but the place where we connect with folks about the world, share media like videos, music, and photos, and play games. Dialup has gone the way of the dinosaur, and I think DSL is going to follow, too. Charter’s developments are turning the IP world on its head. If you’re into instant news and info, check out Charter’s Twitter Feed.
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