Computer Support Blog

The results are in for RESCUECOM’s first Computer Reliability Report of 2011, Lenovo claims the top spot!

SYRACUSE, N.Y., Jun. 6, 2011 — RESCUECOM’s Computer Reliability Report reveals the top five manufacturers with the best overall computer reliability.

“There have been some interesting changes over the last 3 months. We are in a time of rapid technical change and consumers more than ever need to have up-to-date unbiased guidance.” stated David Milman CEO of RESCUECOM.

The Computer Reliability Report gives an unbiased summary of the most reliable personal computer manufacturers. The top five brands with the best overall reliability in Q1 2011 are:

1. IBM/Lenovo (254)
2. Asus (242)
3. Toshiba (164)
4. Apple (149)
5. HP/Compaq (122)

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People like to enjoy life and talk about it, but no one wants everyone knowing every detail. Social networks provide the chance for people to share lives with friends all over the world, and with people who are complete strangers. Online social network users do not have to give up privacy to the entire internet.

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Don’t Suffer from the Crash: Store Data Online

Crashing computers and multiple devices create difficulties in getting documents on demand. Entire papers can be lost, or the wanted photograph is on another device.  Online data storage offers a solution to the issue. Customers can arrange for a digital file cabinet for data files and avoid lengthy processes to recover or carry wanted items.

More customers use storage websites as more people grow more mobile. The number of available websites to store information also increases with the demand. Some options include: Carbonite.com, Dropbox, and MobileMe. Remember for expert and personal computer support, RESCUECOM offers a Remote Backup solution to protect all files against human or system errors through the device’s Internet connection. RESCUECOM’s trained technicians install the Remote Backup and will help retrieve lost information24 hours a day.

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Personal technology goes far beyond just a home computer. So, Microsoft designed an operating system modified to perform on many different personal devices. Windows 8, due to release next year, adapts to each product that runs it.

Rescuecom has five things customers need to know about the upcoming operating system.

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More shoppers buy items online everyday, with entire websites devoted to buying and selling. With the threats of identity theft and viruses, some shoppers still hesitate about making purchases over the internet.

Rescuecom offers five things you can go to protect yourself on and off the computer

1. Keep the browser and anti-virus software updated. Anti-virus software will keep information stored on personal computers safe from online exposure. When entering purchase information, like credit card numbers, a pause in the processing can endanger the information. The order might be lost, and someone else might get a look at the card number.  An updated browser ensures smooth processing of information on websites, and reduces the risk of private information getting exposed.
2. Know who you are dealing with. Stick to well-known stores or online marketplaces like Amazon.com. Legitimate businesses will help resolve an error or false charge and can refund the full amount sometimes. Business and marketplace websites also sometimes employ protective software to ensure customer privacy.
3. Never give out passwords. Private information needs to remain private. The less information available online, the less shoppers need worry about security. Create usernames and passwords with numbers and symbols to make guessing harder.
4. Use one card for transactions. Use only one credit card for online transactions. Shopping records are easier to follow and confirm on one card. Credit cards have to comply with Fair Credit Billing Act, so after reporting the theft of a card or a card number, the owner is only responsible for a small amount of the purchases. Each credit card company has the amount listed in the contract. More than one credit card used online not only increases the chance of stealing the numbers, card owners are also responsible for different amounts on each card. Using a check or bank card gives access to the entire account.
5. Record it. Keep detailed records of online spending by choosing to print the receipt copies. Check card bills every month and be sure that all transactions appear on both the bill and the receipts. Report any items that do not match the receipts to the credit card company and the online store immediately.

Shoppers can easily protect personal computers, identities, and personal bank accounts. Rescuecom’s five steps let customer shop online securely.

Next Windows Almost Ready

Personal technology goes far beyond just a home computer. So, Microsoft designed an operating system modified to perform on many different personal devices. Windows 8, due to release next year, adapts to each product that runs it.

Rescuecom has five things customers need to know about the upcoming operating system.

The classic design remains.  The classic Windows operations still exits for anyone who needs it. The basic programs like Word and Excel present similarly to Windows 7. Private individuals and businesses that make and store crucial documents in these files can still create and save work the same as before without needing to learn a new format.

New applications appear. The tile interface, a set of mosaic-like boxes showing different applications, lets customers find needed items quickly and choose which tiles appear instantly. The tiles are large enough to reduce mistakes in opening tiles on touch screen products and new information is clearly visible. Tablet and smartphone users can find favorite websites, while computer users shorten searches for files.

Customizable adjustments are possible. Microsoft designed the Windows 8 system to allow individual customization. Users who need certain pieces of information regularly choose which applications appear on the home screen. The constant connection to a favorite news website appears above the file for last summer’s vacation pictures as soon as the device turns on, and either one opens at one touch.

Fewer resources are needed. The Windows 8 operating system’s memory design lets the programs work more efficiently. The ability to multi-task and run several programs at once increases, letting customers do more. Downloads and updates will not cause other programs to run more slowly.

Microsoft is ready for the future. The new focus on compatibility helps the system get ready for future technology. Microsoft’s design includes many facets of smartphones, tablets and netbooks, integrating needs for a variety of devices. Windows 8 adapts to products already, and will adapt to new products. Customers will not need to learn new systems as products appear.

Windows 8 mixes what customers like about the operating system with the needs of new applications and devices. Customers will choose how the system works, instead of the system controlling how the customer works.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

The digital video making and viewing community came together a little more, recently.  Apple lifted the ban on Adobe Flash Player appearing in iPhone or iPad, ending online compatibility issues.

Last year, Apple refused to work with Flash, the most popular additional program for creating and viewing multi-media websites. The media creation and viewing program’s use restricted costumers to certain devices. Adobe blocked access to Flash from Apple devices. Apple’s continually expanding mobile devices struggled to view images and videos supported by the additional program.

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A new smartphone will thrill game system customers. Sony Ericsson launched Xperia Play recently, which acts both as a smartphone and as a game playing device. Gamers only need one device to play and talk while away from home.

Xperia Play runs the latest in Android technology, Gingerbread, giving customers the best technology to play games on small devices. Games and other applications perform well using a 1 gigahertz processor and an extra game processor. Images in the games are easy to see, and the colors are bright. The games also respond to control commands better than on most phones.

The most interesting part of the phone is how it physically adapts to allow gaming. The bottom half of the phone slides out for playing games and looks like a PlayStation control. Direction pads, control buttons, and pads in place of thumb sticks let gamers play as if at home. This game controller bottom makes the device bulky compared to other smartphones, but gives gamers a good hold while playing. The need for few devices excuses the larger size, as does the user’s hands not blocking the game view.

Six games come packaged on the phone already. Game titles include PlayStation favorites like Sims, Madden NFL 11 and Crash Bandicoot. The Xperia play does not offer PlayStation games exclusively. Different producers offer 60 titles for the Xperia. Sony Ericsson plans to increase the number to 150 game titles by the end of the year.

The process of getting new games on the phone will take time and some effort. Each game on Xperia Play must configure to fit into the processors used on the phone, so games cannot be transferred from other portable devices. Sony Ericsson assures game developers that existing mobile games can add the necessary support programming for the control pad easily.

Xperia Play also remembers to function as a phone. The actual telephone feature on the Xperia Play is a touchscreen system which behaves like most other Android smartphones. Sony Ericsson offers seven hours worth of talk time, or five hours worth of play time, before the battery needs recharging. Familiar applications like Twitter or Facebook links are still available for gamers who want to share scores.

Verizon Wireless started selling Xperia Play the last week of May for $199.99. Customers who like PlayStation and similar games will enjoy using the Xperia to continue the fun while away from the home game system. Sony Ericsson has added great gaming ability onto the networking capacity of the smartphone.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

Students know about the cost and weight of text books. Across campuses upperclassmen share tricks for avoiding college bookstore prices and bursting backpacks. A new iPad application has a simple and easy new solution for students.

Inkling has contracted with Apple to create an application for putting textbooks on the iPad. Focused on making college life a little easier and cheaper, the Inkling application publishes interactive versions of textbooks. The biggest features include music attachments, note taking and sharing capabilities, and social networking.

Inkling’s application does four crucial things for the college student:

·         Saves money –Hundreds of dollars get spent on textbooks every year. Instead of hunting through used book stores or posting requests to buy books off last semester’s students, textbooks can cost next to nothing without wasting time. Save even more money buying one chapter at a time and avoid paying for unnecessary chapters.

·         Relieves carrying load– Textbooks are usually huge, heavy items that some students have trouble carrying around. Any student can carry an iPad in one hand with nearly no effort. Personal notes from lectures or reading can be entered onto the page, decreasing the need for pens, notebooks, and Post- its. Students no longer need a heavy bag of supplies to be prepared for class.

·         Saves paper. – Inkling is attractive to environmentally concerned students. Many textbooks cannot be recycled, so reducing print production also saves a natural resource. The paperless approach also decreases chances of paper cuts.

·         Provides instant discussion groups– Linked with Facebook, students can share ideas and questions about the text without waiting for a specified time and place. The discussion lasts without class time restraints. Students and professors can enter notes into the application while reading, and even scan over notes from other readers for different ideas. Terms central to the chapter can be touched for definitions and better understanding.

Inklings created a design which also translates to the print world. Text appears clearly on the screen, including page numbers found on print copies of the same book. Students can follow professor’s directions to parts of the text, or reference the text in an essay.

Currently, the Inkling application includes 25 textbooks. Many more textbooks are in production, and Inkling has deals with textbook publishers like McGraw-Hill and Pearson to start creating more. Students still can enjoy some financial and physical relief with the titles currently available. 

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

Cool Product: Attractions Application for iPhone and GPS

Vacation is more exciting and much easier when travelers do not dread planning the trip. Now, a helpful guide in finding the best destinations can come along. Fun attractions across the country now appear on Apple iPhones and GPS. RoadsideAmerica.com, known for suggesting oddities and attractions, has connected with Apple and Garmin to offer travelers mobile information on 6,000 or more national attractions and oddities.

RoadsideAmerica.com for iPhone users can get 6,700 places by choosing one of six geographic regions for $2.99, or the entire United States for $5.99 a year. Application users can plan trips around personal interests by browsing through favorite categories like music, technology, atomic, big, or 70 others. Travelers interested in the newest attractions can find “research” locations that do not appear online yet. Users can be the first visitors to the newest attractions.

Travelers can submit tips about the best parts of each attraction for future application users through the iPhone. Users can share pictures of attraction visits to the application, too.

Other fun features for the new application include

·         Been There!– The feature lets travelers mark visited sites and keep track of every trip and location.

·         Call attractions– One touch to a phone number lets the user call the attraction ahead with questions or to make reservations.

·         Save directions– Travelers can save directions to attractions to use again if the wireless connection is lost. Even if the phone is not working, visitors can have fun.

·         Editor ratings– Travelers can see what other users think about each location, and get help deciding about visiting.

·         Current information – Users can continually get updated information about hours, prices, and new places to visit.

RoadsideAmerica.com for GPS offers access to 6,000 roadside locations across the United States. Travelers can access directions to locations, attraction hours, available phone numbers for locations, and pictures of the attractions.  

Like on the iPhone, travelers can arrange a personalized journey with the lists based on each person’s favorite things to go see. Lists of interesting locations include statues, natural wonders, museums and architecture.

Garmin GPS devices and some TomTom devices accept the application from RoadsideAmerica.com. Every roadside location in the United States can appear on a GPS device for $19.99. Once the application is added to the GPS device, users can find any oddity or attraction in the country.

Both RoadsideAmerica.com for iPhone and RoadsideAmerica.com for GPS let travelers find great places to visit. The applications let users take a road trip without having to plan ahead. Fun can be found anywhere and now no one has to stop to find it.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

Cool Product: Wi-Fi Pocket Camera

Personal photography can be wireless without losing picture quality with the Samsung SH 100, a pocket camera that can act like social networking device. The product is designed to mix the best of digital camera features with smartphone abilities. Pictures can now look the best and be shared right away.

Wi-Fi features let users share pictures and videos with friends on Facebook and YouTube directly. Pictures can also be sent to Picasa and other websites, or pictures can be shared by e-mail from the camera. The camera can automatically find a compatible PC and download images, saving images easily. With the Wi-Fi features, users do not have to wait until a vacation is over to share the fun.

The camera has an LCD touch screen control that acts like a smartphone or touch screen computer. The different options on the home menu are arranged like a smartphone screen, making using it familiar, and the home button lets users return to the first screen anytime. Photographers can view, edit and share pictures with just a little tap.

Recognition sensors take pictures when someone smiles or block the picture when someone blinks. The sensors also adjust the light on nine faces at once, creating clearer and cleaner pictures. Blurriness from low light, zooming, or an unsteady hold disappears when the camera sensors change the image path before the picture is saved. The sensors provide bright pictures with everyone clear and looking happy every time.

Some fun features are included on the SH 100. For example, Smart Auto 2.0 which picks central aspects of the picture’s composition and selects the best view from 17 different modes like Portrait, Fireworks or Night. The Magic Frame feature provides a selection of templates to give photo a personal touch. Photographers can personalize pictures without waiting for a computer’s photo editing program.

Samsung’s SH 100 produces quality pictures or videos, and removes extra equipment from the editing, sharing and saving process. The blend of camera and networking device means that the fun can be shared with everyone, and no one has to go home early.