Computer Support Blog

Within the last five years, the USB drive has transformed from an efficient data storage device into a fashion accessory.  Before USB drives became popular, computer users were compelled to carry floppy discs, CD-ROM discs or bulky portable hard drives to make information portable.  The USB flash drive made your information portable and universally-accessible.  No longer were Mac and PC users entirely at odds because one system did not recognize the medium of the other.  With USB flash drives, consumers may transport information between computers, gaming consoles and other electronic devices with a USB port.  This is especially handy, particularly in locations where Internet connections are not available or under circumstances when the physical (not transmitted) transfer of files is essential.

Just as the USB flash drive has made data storage easy, various manufacturers have found ways to make them more stylish or interesting.  USB flash drives can show off your interest in social causes, your allegiance to a major film franchise or your sense of humor.  Even more than memory capacity, the form of a USB flash drive is its selling point now.  Some of the most interesting USB flash drives currently on the market are:

The Swiss Army Knife Flash Drive.  Swiss Army knives have long been a handy tool.  They feature an iconic red handle and blades that fold out of the handle when you want to use them.  Now, there is a Swiss Army knife that includes, in lieu of some blades, a flash drive.  With capacities of 2, 4 and 8GB, the Swiss Army Knife Flash Drive takes the tool into the 21rst century.

The Thumb Flash Drive.  Show off your sense of humor with a thumb drive that is a thumb!  Currently on the market in novelty shops, there is a flash drive of a thumb is disturbingly realistic in its molding and shading.  Users who want to get the shock value of sitting with what appears to be a thumb from the knuckle to tip sticking out of their USB port will find the thumb flash drive, with its 8 GB capacity fits the bill!

Moon Chrome Swarovski-Philips USB Drive.  For classier computer users using their flash drive as a fashion accessory Swarovski and Philips teamed up to make a pendant flash drive.  Made to look exactly like a fancy crystal necklace, the Moon Chrome pendant houses a retractable USB connector that makes your jewelry into a flash drive!

The USB flash drive is both an invaluable tool and a social statement.  Think carefully before you buy your next flash drive about what the drive says about you!

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

Have you ever tried to connect to a website and wondered if your computer is to blame or if the site you are trying to reach is down?  You might spend several minutes and switch between web browsers in the attempt to find out if the site you want to go to is actually where it is supposed to be on the World Wide Web.  As with virtually everything else, there is a solution to your problem found easily on the Internet.

There are a number of Internet sites that now offer the free service of checking to see if a website you are interested in is actually active.  That is a very cool service and arguably the best of the market are:

Down For Everyone Or Just Me.  Despite the cumbersome name, Down For Everyone Or Just Me remains one of the most simple to use websites on the entire Internet.  Arriving at the main page, users are prompted to enter the website URL they want to access.  They are then directed to an answer page with a very simple answer of “It’s just you” (when the website you are looking for is actually running fine) or “It’s not just you” if the website you are looking for is not operating.  There is space for advertisements at the bottom of each results page, but no one ever seems to buy space there.  From the results page, you may enter another URL or leave the site.  This website is a very simple, very cool tool with no frills and a distinctly helpful and uncluttered format that is refreshing to find on the Internet.

Downrightnow.  With its very easy to remember name, Downrightnow is a simple and direct resource for the major social networks.  With a very clear graphic interface, Downrightnow informs you instantly of any service disruptions to Twitter, Facebook, Gmail, YouTube and other popular websites.  The only disadvantage to Downrightnow is that it only lists the major sites, but it is an invaluable tool for checking those sites and learning about service disruptions to the major Internet players.

IsUp.  IsUp.me is an exceptionally easy name to remember when you are frustrated about Internet problems.  IsUp has as simple an interface as Down For Everybody Or Just Me and is as reliable.  The no-frills approach serves IsUp very well; many of the flashier websites that check the Internet for you came up with false positives or false negatives.  IsUp might have a simple interface, but it has great accuracy!

The above sites provide a valuable, free service of checking the Internet for the websites you want to find.  Using them can help you determine if there is a glitch somewhere out on the World Wide Web or if you actually need computer repairs for your computer.  Of course, if you cannot even connect to these sites, you probably need technical support!

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

Android has been dominating the handheld smartphone and tablet OS market for some time now.  Because it is such a popular operating system, manufacturers like Samsung have been quick to accessorize their tablets to accommodate the apps that Android supports.  With Cloud-based media applications on the rise, Samsung Galaxy Tab owners have been eagerly awaiting a connector that will allow them to connect their portable device with their home theater.  Galaxy Tab owners have enjoyed the convenience of Cloud streaming, but not the ability to interface with their home HDMI theater.  All of that changes with Samsung’s HDTV Adapter for the Galaxy Tab Android Tablet.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab HDMI Adapter is an easy-to-use device that allows users to transfer their Android-accessed Cloud-based library to any high-definition television, monitor or projector.  The Samsung Galaxy Tab HDMI Adapter features a male port designed to interface with the docking port on the Galaxy Tab.  Samsung created its own port configuration for its tablet computers like the Galaxy Tab and that port is what allows the Galaxy Tab to dock with other Samsung equipment.  Samsung’s Galaxy Tab HDMI Adapter includes a male connector that slides easily into the female docking port on the Galaxy Tab.  Like other Samsung connectors that connect to the docking port, the HDMI Adapter for Galaxy Tab clicks to lock into the port to assure connectivity.

What the connector does, then, is translate the signal coming out of the Galaxy Tab into an HDMI signal.  The connector at one end of the adapter is connected to a small converter box at the other end of the adapter.  That box has a female HDMI port.  Like many such adapters, like the equivalent adapter for Apple products, the HDMI Adapter for Galaxy Tab lacks the HDMI cable needed to connect the Adapter to a high-definition device.  In most cases, users of the Samsung HDMI Adapter for Galaxy Tab will not even need to purchase an HDMI cable to connect the adapter to your HDMI device.  If you already have a Blu-Ray player, DVD player or gaming console connected to your HDTV through the HDMI port, you already have the HDMI cable.  By simply unplugging your HDMI-connected device at the player, you have access to the connector that is still connected to the HDTV.  Simply plug your Samsung HDMI Adapter for Galaxy Tab into the HDMI cable you unplugged from the existing player or gaming console and your Android-powered device may now stream directly to your high-definition television!

It is that easy.  The Samsung HDMI Adapter for Galaxy Tab allows you to combine the convenience of streaming, Cloud-based technology with the home theater you already own!

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 computer keyboard is a tough device to customize.  Computer keyboards are a standard device with a standard layout.  Keyboards have remained virtually unchanged in form and function from the typewriter to the earliest computers to now.  With smartphones, tablet computers, notebook computers and virtually every display interface made in a way that offers options for customizing, the keyboard remains one of the least personal, least customizable computer devices.  MapKeyboard changes that!

MapKeyboard is a program from InchWest that is available for free (though if you find it useful, you may donate funds to them) online.  MapKeyboard is not a virtual keyboard in the physical sense, but it does essentially create a virtual keyboard within your computer.  With MapKeyboard, you may reassign the values of each keyboard keystroke.  Have you always wished that the “a” key was where the “h” key is?  With MapKeyboard installed, you can program your computer so hitting the “h” key reads as “a” to your computer!  MapKeyboard allows you to reassign all 101 keys on a standard keyboard or even eliminate keys from functioning.  If you constantly, accidentally hit the “Print Screen” key, you may use MapKeyboard to disable the key!

MapKeyboard has a surprising number of practical applications.  If you are an editor who finds yourself editing works where one or two words – like “a” or “the” – need to continually be inserted into document, you can program MapKeyboard to make any four lined-up keys spell those words!  Through such customized programming applications you may increase your productivity.

As a security measure, MapKeyboard may be absolutely invaluable.  If you are one of the many people who loathes having to change your passwords because you cannot keep track of them, MapKeyboard may allow you enhanced security.  Instead of changing your password, you can change your keyboard.  Then, even if someone knew your password, when they attempted to type it using traditional keystrokes, they would essentially be inputting gibberish.

MapKeyboard works on Windows 7, 2008 and Vista and prior versions of the program which you may find online with ease worked with Mac computers as well.  For those who want everything their own way, MapKeyboard allows you to customize your keyboard.  It is about time.

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

In the last few years, Samsung Electronics has risen to be an exceptional powerhouse in the consumer electronics industry.  In 2006, Samsung surpassed Sony as the top-selling television brand in the world.  While Apple may have taken the U.S. by storm with the iPhone, Samsung is the world’s biggest smartphone vendor.  These changes in Samsung’s market share are largely attributed to Gee-Sung Choi.  If you do not recognize the name Gee-Sung Choi, it is not surprising.  Choi is the Vice Chairman and CEO of Samsung Electronics and while he has had an exceptional career, his private life has largely remained private.

Gee-Sung Choi is to Samsung what Tim Cook is to Apple Computers.  Choi is the CEO of Samsung Electronics and in that capacity, he is responsible for positioning Samsung to dominate the electronics market.  Under Choi, Samsung embraced the Android OS for smartphones.  The Android operating system is now on 52.5% of all smartphones worldwide.  The popularity of the Android OS combined with Samsung marketing several low-cost smartphone options led the company to a third quarter in which they sold 24,000,000 smartphones!  Pairing the popular OS with the lower-priced smartphones is a business decision that Choi fostered.

Like many CEOs, Gee-Sung Choi worked his way up the corporate ladder at Samsung.  Samsung is a forty year-old company and Choi has been working for Samsung for more than thirty years!  Gee-Sung Choi worked his way up from an executive in the International Trade Division to help create the Virtual Display Division of Samsung.  In that position, Choi helped build Samsung into one of the world’s leading manufacturers of monitors and televisions.  Samsung had the largest worldwide market share in monitors and televisions when the Board promoted Choi from President of Digital Media Business to President of Television Network Business.

In a similar fashion, Samsung rose to be the second largest mobile phone manufacturer by market share while Gee-Sung Choi was the President of Digital Media And Communications Business.  With such a clear track-record of success, it is very easy to see why the Board Of Directors of Samsung promoted Gee-Sung Choi CEO after Lee Kun-hee departed the company amid a scandal.  Gee-Sung Choi has remained diligent in his commitment to Samsung since his promotion and he has a firm plan through 2020 for the company!

He may not have the celebrity of a Steve Jobs or Bill Gates, but with an estimated net worth of $3.4 billion, Gee-Sung Choi certainly has the success!

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

Ipads and tablet computers in general have unquestionably changed the computer industry with their unprecedented levels of technological computer support, entertainment capabilities, and ease of connectivity. People using the iPad for both business and pleasure praise it as a revolutionary device from which there’s no going back. Yet despite the advanced capabilities of iPads, critics have deemed it a still problematic candidate to replace laptops for one major reason— typing limitations.

Indeed, if you’ve ever used an iPad, you probably know that the cool, Star-Trek-like screen keyboard gets old quickly. It is neither ergonomic nor intuitive to use—your fingers bounce off the screen uncomfortably and unless you have superior post-human muscle memory, you simply cannot get used to typing on a flat surface without looking. Barring the typing issue, many people say that their iPads could easily replace their laptops. Well thanks to a new iPad gadget, you can now turn any iPad screen into a real keyboard complete with physical keys that you click—just like a laptop’s keys.

TouchFire is an ultra-thin, flexible, silicone cover with protruding buttons. It aligns perfectly with the iPad’s keyboard, so you can rest your fingers on it and use it in the same way you would a regular keyboard. It’s soft and noiseless, but most importantly, its design allows it to fit perfectly under the Apple Smart Cover, as well as the standard iPad 1 case. The manufacturers say it works with any case that leaves a little bit of room.

The TouchFire takes advantage of the iPad’s built in magnets to clip on. So even if you just gently toss the silicone gadget over an iPad, it’ll align itself with very little work on your behalf. The TouchFire weighs less than an ounce and attaches to the inside of the iPad cover—it even folds with it. When you don’t want to use it, simply push it downwards and it clicks into an elegant storage position.

One of the best practical qualities of the TouchFire is that it’s super easy to clean—simply wash with water and pat dry with towel. As it is made of high-performance silicone rubber, it’s also well suited for lots of movement.

Though the advent of such a device may not seem like that significant of an event in the technology world, the reality is that this thin silicone layer will almost certainly take tablet computing to the next level. Many people who need computers primarily for typing will now turn to iPads as legitimate and sustainable alternatives thanks to the TouchFire.

That said, the TouchFire is problematic in its own way. The upward wrist angle required to type on the flat surface can cause RSI, and the fact that it physically takes up half the screen isn’t too great. Still, it should come as no surprise to anyone if Apple tries to buy the copyright for the device in order to make it a regular staple of the company’s future tablet market.

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 http://https://www.rescuecom.comor call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

The first blog in this series on Apple’s success at creating an increasingly strong global following—an obsession—discussed how Apple consumers are able to establish a unique social identity by identifying themselves with Apple products. IPads, iPhones, iPods, MacBooks are all means to stand out in a positive way, to belong to a family. So aside from wanting to establish an individual identity, Apple users are able to establish a familial, group identity. The products aren’t merely a way for their owners to create custom app collections; they’re the small connection that suddenly links you to a huge, wealthy, and powerful family—the Apples.

Indeed, once a member of this family, company events become family reunions; corporate announcements become a source of pride; and family reputation becomes a matter of personal responsibility. Likewise, celebrating the arrival of a new iPhone for the members of the Apple family is like celebrating the birth of a new sibling or relative. The days that lead up to an Apple product debut are just as—if not more—exciting than the countdown to Christmas or summer vacation or election day.

Of course, the people at Apple are no fools; they know that their customers/relatives have a special relationship with the company and its products, and make good use of that knowledge. Perhaps this kind of relationship between the company and consumers is why Apple users as so patient in awaiting remedial tech support, as was the case with Siri and battery problems with the iPhone 4S and the antenna problems with its predecessor.

The strength of the bonds in this particular family is such that Apple users are aggressively loyal to the brand name. Again, though this may be due to other factors like the products’ reliability and limited need for computer repairs, or as previously discussed, identity formation, it is also largely due to the sense of belonging. Which is why you’ll often notice (or know from experience) that owning one Apple device usually leads to owning several others. One obstacle to this trend might be the expensive nature of such a commitment, but even with that, Apple loyalists are constantly on a quest to rid themselves of their un-Apple-like devices and make the full transformation. Naturally, the folks at Apple know this and are more than happy with it.

Ultimately, belonging to a family, albeit a technological one, isn’t a bad thing. It certainly works well for Apple’s wallet.

The series’ next blog will depart from discussing the socio-psycho dimension of Apple’s success and turn temporarily to discussing Apple’s technology.

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

It is always amazing how quickly the remote control seems to disappear! Even when you’re the only one using it, it just seems to have an affinity for dark spaces deep within the couch or other large pieces of furniture. The problem definitely gets worse when kids are involved, since the remote migrations expand beyond the living room and into the kitchen, bedroom, and the inside of an easy bake oven. Of course, losing things like remote controls is a problem that affects many other products. Trivial as it may seem, constantly misplacing items is frustrating and time consuming. So if you know someone who is constantly losing keys or other important items, then now would be a good time to offer him or her a Click n’ Dig item finder as a gift.

This easy-to-use gadget helps you or your gift recipients find those things you misplace most often. Using a small transmitter with up to four buttons, you simply press the corresponding button on the transmitter causing the appropriate receiver to beep and flash. Click n’ Dig comes with up to four receivers that you can attach to a key chain or a pet’s collars, for example.

Also, both the transmitter and the receivers are about the size of a car remote control, so no one has to know about your forgetful habit.

The Click n’ Dig remotes come with batteries already installed, although you need to remove the insulating tab from the receivers before you can start using them. They also come with replacement batteries. Because they are small devices that don’t require too much battery effort, the batteries are expected to last between three and twelve months. The product is easy to attach to other items, as it comes with both double sided adhesive tape and key rings. According to the manufacturer, the remotes have a radio signal range of about 60 feet, which is more than enough tech support for finding keys in a forgotten coat pocket or underneath a couch.

Over 73 percent of reviews on Amazon rate the product with four stars or more, so it’s gotten the popular approval. There are several other products out there that do similar things, but Click n’ Dig’s price tag is especially attractive. The remote and two receivers package sells for around $26 on Amazon. If you’re looking to buy wholesale, you can do that directly though the Click n’ Dig website for a 40 percent discount. So if you or someone you know just won’t learn, get them the Click n’ Dig, if only to prove a point.

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

Have you ever noticed a product that seemed mainstream and beneficial, but then disappeared from the marketplace?  Or have you ever noticed a problem solved in the design of a product, but then manufacturers do not incorporate the changes into the design of all of the products of that type?  Considering how computers have changed over the last twenty years, the astute observers might well be asking “Where are the laptop computers with ergonomic keyboards?!”

Back in 1977, computer developers created an ergonomically-correct keyboard to help alleviate the stress on muscles and tendons in the hands from repeated typing.  While that technology was not widely incorporated at the time, during the Clinton Administration, Congress passed laws that required employers to provide their computer operators with ergonomic keyboards.  The intent of the law was to lower the number of repetitive stress muscle injuries and Carpel Tunnel Syndrome worker’s compensation claims.  For a while, ergonomics was a common buzzword in American politics and society.

At that time, ergonomic keyboards were everywhere.  The design of an ergonomic keyboard includes a split-keyboard with an extended front section, which reduces stress on the fingers, wrists and tendons of the computer user.  After Congress struck down the reforms that required businesses to incorporate ergonomic keyboards, it seems that computer manufacturers decided to not include ergonomically correct keyboards into new laptop designs.

Why did computer manufacturers fail to incorporate ergonomics into the design of laptop computers?  The answer has everything to do with space, as the cramped keyboards of many laptop and notebook computers actually exacerbate the problematic muscle movements ergonomic keyboards prevent.  A proper ergonomic keyboard requires space.  Computer manufacturers market laptop and notebook computers using the portability and convenience as a key selling point.  A proper ergonomically-correct keyboard would necessitate a laptop computer that was several inches wider.  The average ergonomic keyboard is over nineteen inches wide, which is quite a bit wider than most laptop computers these days!

What proponents of ergonomics fail to account for most when lamenting the lack of ergonomic keyboards for laptop computers is the height requirement of an ergonomic keyboard.  Ergonomic keyboards are usually raised more than two inches at the top in order to help reduce muscle strain.  Laptop manufacturers quickly came to the conclusion that there was little point in making impressive, ultra-thin LCD monitors on laptops if they had to attach the monitor to a gangly base with the awkward keyboard.

Ergonomically-correct keyboards are still widely available and some laptop computers have keyboards with better ergonomic designs than others.  But the computer manufacturers are not looking to make laptop computers with true ergonomic keyboards, even though laptop computer sales have risen in recent years and many consumers are replacing their home computers with laptop computers.  For those making such an upgrade, keep your ergonomic keyboard, it is well worth using one of your laptop’s USB ports to keep your hands comfortable and healthy!

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 Internet has produced many billionaires.  The dot com bubble may have burst, but some business owners made a lot of money very fast.  One of the few such executives who are still standing at the head of a successful dot com is Jeffrey Bezos.  Jeffrey Bezos is the President, CEO and Chairman of the board of Amazon.com.

Jeffrey Bezos founded Amazon.com in 1994 as the Internet was still growing.  As brick and mortar stores were slowly developing an online presence, Bezos created the virtual bookstore with a robust inventory and a commitment to customer service.  A year before eBay was launched, Bezos had Amazon.com online, selling books and building a customer base.  Quickly realizing the site was underperforming for its potential, Bezos expanded Amazon.com to sell movies, music and other products alongside books.  Bezos transformed the business he ran from his garage to an international online retailer that increased his net worth to approximately 18 billion dollars!

While many billionaire CEOs of technology-related companies achieved their prominence from having a fresh, new idea, Jeffrey Bezos simply exploited, first and best, the emerging technology.  There is nothing particularly audacious about the idea of using the Internet to sell goods.  What made Amazon.com impressive at the time of its inception was that Bezos effectively exploited the new revenue channel to reach an exceptional marketplace.  While established brick and mortar stores were looking to supplement their income through occasional online sales, Bezos realized the potential of the virtual storefront and built Amazon.com.  Bezos pioneered the idea of the virtual storefront, selling a product online without an accompanying physical store.  When Bezos’s model proved successful, Pierre Omidyar would take the idea a step further and build an online sales site without any product (eBay)!

While many Internet stores have since risen and fallen, Amazon.com has remained strong.  Many attribute the strength of Amazon to the leadership Jeffrey Bezos exhibits as founder, CEO, President and Chairman of Amazon.  It is hard to argue with that logic.  By commissioning the creation of the Kindle, Bezos helped to ignite the entire e-reader market as well as a renewed interest in reading by the general population.  The success of the Kindle Fire, which many industry analysts suggest Amazon is selling at or below the cost of production, illustrates Bezos’s commitment to a long-term approach for Amazon.com’s success.  Bezos sees the value in selling more of a product at a loss when the virtual product – the e-books – has the potential to make his company billions!

A pioneer in the Internet retail market, Jeffrey Bezos is a CEO who was at the right place, at the right time, with the right vision!

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