Computer Support Blog

One of the greatest aspects of the United States is that the United States allows its citizens unrestricted social mobility.  There is no caste system in the United States and potential exists for every person in the United States to develop their talents and lives as they see fit.  However, because of the vast disparities in economic conditions, some citizens are born into circumstances where they cannot easily reach their potential.  In the poorest parts of the United States, Americans remain impoverished due to their poor education, especially when they have an inability to read.  Fortunately, computers may now help combat illiteracy, which is one of the leading challenges in adult education.  Merit Software is a leader in computerized literacy programs and their Reading Skill Builder is a program designed to aid adults who want to learn how to read.

The Reading Skill Builder is a web-based program for Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, making it ideal for any educational institution or home.  Merit Software created an easy-to-monitor curriculum for adult education and continues to refine it with the Reading Skill Builder.

It might seem odd to teach people to read using a computer; after all, if the student can type or read on a computer monitor, they should be able to read a book, right?  Part of the theory behind the Reading Skill Builder is that most adults, by simple virtue of having lived in the world for a few decades, will have a basic knowledge of English characters.  Because most adults will recognize most letters and numbers, the graphic interface on the Reading Skill Builder focuses on combining the letters into words.  In addition to teaching basic reading skills, the Reading Skill Builder strengthens vocabulary through easy word exercises.

The Reading Skill Builder prioritizes reading comprehension.  Because the focus of this literacy program is teaching adults to read, it comes with a very stark interface.  Unlike literacy programs that promote reading for children, the Reading Skill Builder is not cluttered with a lot of imagery.  The stories the Reading Skill Builder presents are not computer-based picture books.  As a result, students must focus on the words and what they mean, as opposed to simply recognizing or inferring based on pictures associated with the story.

For teachers working with adult students, the Reading Skill Builder provides a number of tools for monitoring your students’ progress.  The Reading Skill Builder easily informs you of what your students’ problem areas are, which allows you to adapt your lessons to better educate them.  All of the tests and tools are part of the basic Reading Skill Builder.

Educators who want to use computers to help their students overcome basic literacy deficiencies will find the Reading Skill Builder invaluable.  The Reading Skill Builder from Merit Software educates adults with a mature interface that respects their dignity and desire to learn.

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 process of driving has become more difficult with the proliferation of new technologies and the distractions those technologies represent.  With the rise of the cell phone, drivers suddenly had phone calls to distract them from driving safely.  While the utterly ineffectual laws requiring hands free devices sought to curb that problem, legislators had no idea how fast the smartphone would take over.  With the smartphone beginning to dominate the mobile phone market, drivers have even more to be distracted by.  Ford Motors, however, has come up with a solution, through their SYNC system!

The Synch AppLink is a new function of the Microsoft-powered Synch platform.  Synch is essentially the operating system for the computers aboard cars from Ford Motors.  Just as Windows may run your PC, Synch runs the onboard computer on Ford vehicles.  Synch monitors your Ford’s status and provides you – and your mechanic – with clear alerts when there is a malfunction within the car.  Synch also assists you in adjusting the frills in your car, like adjusting the radio station or volume.

Now, Microsoft has enhanced the Synch system with Synch AppLink.  Synch AppLink acts as a bridge between the Synch system and your smartphone.  Because Windows occupies such a small market share of the smartphone OS market, it was impractical to create a system for Ford that exclusively interfaced with only Windows-driven smartphones.  So, Microsoft created the Synch AppLink.

The Synch AppLink allows you to access compatible applications on your smartphone through the Synch system.  After docking your smartphone with your Ford, you may give Synch voice commands.  By activating the Synch AppLink, you will be able to give voice commands to activate compatible applications on your smartphone.  If, for example, you subscribe to the Internet radio station Pandora through your smartphone, you would be able to command the Synch AppLink to open the Pandora app.  Within seconds, you would be listening to Internet-based radio streaming from your smartphone to your Ford’s speakers all using the Synch AppLink!

The Synch AppLink is adding compatibility to new programs daily.  In addition to music apps like Pandora and Stitcher, the Synch AppLink has some compatibility with Twitter.  While hands free typing may not yet be available through Synch AppLink, you may now check your Twitterfeed through the Synch AppLink!  Even as you drive away from home, you may remain connected to your friends!

With the Synch AppLink, hands free usage of smartphones is becoming easier and that should make everyone on the road happier!

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

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

It takes a special type of genius to create something truly and absolutely original on the Internet.  Mads Haahr is one of those truly unique individuals.  After all, Haahr is the founder and CEO of Random.org and there is nowhere like Random.org in the real world or online!

Mads Haahr is an academic who is fascinated by science fiction and is an adept computer programmer.  After a year at the University Of British Columbia as a visiting student in the Computer Science department, he returned to the University of Copenhagen to complete his Bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science and English.  He remained at Copenhagen through 1999 when he presented his Master’s thesis on ECO models.

Continuing his education in Computer Science, Haahr relocated to Ireland.  At Trinity College in Dublin, Haahr pursued his Doctorate in Computer Science.  It was during his tenure in the Doctorate program that Haahr founded Random.org and innovated an entirely new way to make a random number generator work.  By combining atmospheric sensors with his software, Haahr provided a program that was actually random by every possible measure.  This innovation came from a quirky view of the world that seeks to combine lines of programming with real world elements.  The fact that Haahr could make the system work illustrates his genius and the quality of his unique perspective.  In 2003, Haahr published his thesis, Supporting Mobile Computing in Object-Oriented Middleware Architectures and received his PhD in Computer Science.

Since then, Haahr has remained at Trinity College where he is gainfully employed as a lecturer.  While he continues to run Random.org, his creativity has expanded to the software industry.  As founder and CEO of Haunted Planet Studios, Mads Haahr continues to find new ways to blend software and reality.  To that end, Haunted Planet Studios created its first game using the Falkland Palace in Scotland.  By combining the physical location with satellite positioning technology, Haahr’s Haunted Planet Studios created an interactive computer game unlike any before.  Like Random.org, Haunted Planet Studios blends real world elements with computer programming to create an experience different from any that the user has experienced before.  That connection between the virtual world and reality is the brainchild of Mads Haahr.

Mads Haahr is a great example of how a person who sees the world differently may work effectively to change it.  Haahr is a computer programmer who is continually breaking down the walls between the virtual computer world and the physical world we live in.  Given how much he has accomplished in the last twenty years, it is exciting to think where he might lead us next!

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

With mental health disorders on the rise, it is no surprise that more and more people are looking to computers for solutions.  In the case of Alzheimer’s Disease and several other dementia-based illnesses, doctors frequently advocate keeping your mind active especially in advance of an affliction.  In other words, those who keep an agile mind have the best chance of preventing and coping with many forms of dementia.  To that end, many doctors recommend Sudoku and if you use your computer excessively, Isanaki Sudoku might be the best tool you can download today!

Sudoku is a number puzzle with very simple rules.  You play Sudoku in a grid of nine squares by nine squares.  In each three block by three block segment of the larger grid, you must place the digits 1 through 9.  However, you may only use each digit once per line and column.  Each board includes a random selection of digits already in the grid and you must use deductive reasoning to place all of the remaining numbers in the grid.  Sudoku promotes manipulative thinking that challenges the intellect and pleasure centers of the brain.  Moreover, because each puzzle is different, you continue to stimulate your brain each time you play.

Isanaki Sudoku is a computer-based version of Sudoku.  As freeware, the program is instantly available as long as you have an internet connection.  Isanaki Sudoku is a challenging program that provides players with the ability to select a difficulty level and it generates the boards accordingly.  Less difficult levels of Sudoku begin with more of the grid filled; more advanced players must start with fewer digits already present in the grid.  In addition to being able to generate hundreds of different Sudoku boards, the game’s publisher TGMDev provides a solution function.  This allows you to have an “answer key” for each game in case you get stuck or are playing with a child and wish to help them out.

What sets Isanaki Sudoku apart from every other Sudoku program is that it features greater game flexibility.  Isanaki Sudoku generates standard numerical Sudoku boards as well as Wordoku boards.  Wordoku boards use letters instead of numbers. If your goal is to keep your mind agile, using Isanaki Sudoku’s Wordoku function may shake up the game for you as you play more.  In addition to switching the difficulty level, playing Wordoku when the numerical version of Sudoku becomes more familiar may keep your mind agile.

The flexibility of Isanaki Sudoku is not just limited to the difficulty and style.  Unlike some Sudoku programs, Isanaki features a print function as part of its interface, making it easy to print out Sudoku grids.  The ability to print out the Sudoku grids allows you to keep stimulating your mind as you may then disconnect from your computer or play after your laptop’s battery is exhausted!

As you age, keeping your mind sharp is exceptionally important.  Isanaki Sudoku can be an integral part of keeping your mind agile 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 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

There are a lot of charities that deal with helping those who have the greatest need get technology like computers.  Of course, the very existence of such charities implies that the problem persists, but as the holidays wane and you look forward to your tax refund, perhaps you are thinking of the less fortunate.  One of the charities that are working hard to make a difference is the World Computer Exchange.

The World Computer Exchange is a charity that seeks to deliver computers to impoverished countries.  Their Computers for Girls initiative is one of the charity’s biggest endeavors.  Computers for Girls is, as its name implies, an effort to provide girls in other countries with computers.  In addition to providing computers, Computers for Girls works with girls and young women in foreign countries to teach them how to use the computers.  Computers for Girls has recently teamed with the Peace Corps to help provide the education component of their mission.  So, while the World Computer Exchange has only been operating since 2000, the Peace Corps is hardly a fly-by-night organization!

The need for computer education and computer hardware for girls is very real.  The gender gap is even more severe in nations like Pakistan, the Philippines and Panama.  Liberia, which is still recovering from its last civil war, has made women’s rights issues a very low priority on its national agenda.  So, the need for an organization like the World Computer Exchange is unfortunately very real.  The Computers for Girls initiative provides real educational opportunities to girls in thirteen of the most impoverished or oppressive counties on Earth.

The World Computer Exchange is a very reputable charity and meets most of the Better Business Bureau’s qualifications to be an accredited charity.  In fact, with 86% of every donation being used to provide the services and materials of the charity, the World Computer Exchange has a more efficient operation than the March Of Dimes (75%) or the Make-A-Wish Foundation (also 75%).  It is worth noting that the element the WCE failed to meet to get its accreditation actually helps the charity run more efficiently.  The WCE’s Board Of Directors is required to meet multiple times a year to get accredited.  Because the WCE is an international effort, their Board meetings include members who have a virtual presence at each meeting.  Using computers and telecommunications devices, those board members participate in the meetings without being physically present; the BBB does not consider that acceptable.  In some ways, it is reassuring to see a charity where the leaders are so dedicated to their cause that they will not make an international trip and abandon that cause!

The Computers for Girls initiative is putting real computers in front of girls who might otherwise receive no formal education or training.  Supporting the World Computer Exchange’s Computers for Girls program is worthwhile.

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

Since 1997, the coolest dentist offices in the world have all been treating their customers with a surprisingly awesome device from Milestone Scientific.  Originally called The Wand, Milestone Scientific’s CompuDent Instrument revolutionized the way dentists deliver anesthesia for oral surgery.  The CompuDent Instrument does not provide dentists with computer imaging technology to better visualize dental problems better; it makes the pain of oral surgery go away!

Computers are involved with the CompuDent Instrument, which delivers local anesthetic to oral surgery patients.  Milestone Scientific realized that much of the fear of oral surgery – of all kinds – comes from a very rational fear of pain.  The initial pain that patients felt when the oral surgeon or anesthesiologist first delivered the local anesthetic realized the fears of all those patients.  The CompuDent Instrument eliminates that initial pain.

The CompuDent Instrument is a two-piece device that includes the computer injection system and the wand.  When the dentist places the wand in the patient’s mouth, the computer injection system takes over.  The CompuDent Instrument transfers local anesthetic to the gums, teeth and other precise targets in the oral cavity through the wand.  After the wand is rooted, the CompuDent Instrument delivers the anesthetic painlessly.

The painless aspect of the CompuDent Instrument is its big selling point and the computer-assisted injection system makes the injection painless.  The initial pain of receiving local anesthetic usually comes from the pressure of the anesthetic being blasted into the tissue during the initial injection.  The CompuDent Instrument eliminates that initial pain by monitoring the pressure in the tissues surrounding the wand and adjusting the anesthetic injection and drip accordingly.  Through precision measurements and adjustments, the CompuDent Instrument makes the injections painless.  This frees up your oral surgeon to pay attention to the procedure they are doing, not your pain management.

The CompuDent Instrument’s precision delivery had an unexpected secondary benefit.  Because the CompuDent Instrument provides precise levels of local anesthetic exactly where you need it, the device all but eliminated peripheral numbing.  If you are having your wisdom tooth extracted, the anesthetic will not be so strong as to numb your lips or cheek when delivered with the CompuDent Instrument.  That precision also leads to faster recovery times, as your body metabolizes the discrete, targeted local anesthetic better.

While there have been many advances in computer imaging technology and data storage devices that have inarguably aided dentists, it is hard to argue with the benefit of a device that causes patients less pain.  The CompuDent Instrument helps make going to the dentist painless and that is very cool.

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

Virtually every portion of your computer can be customized.  You can easily change your wallpaper on your screen to make a statement about your interests or apply a skin to your laptop computer to protect it as well as show off your own sense of style.  The computer mouse is one of the more standardized computer components, though many independent artists have created audacious, unique computer mice that make the ordinary computer mouse into an extraordinary accessory.  Arguably the most incredible mass-produced computer mouse is the SONY VAIO Mouse Talk.

The VAIO Mouse Talk appears to be a regular optical mouse with scroll wheel.  The Mouse Talk connects to your PC, laptop or Apple computer through a standard USB port.  Once attached, the VAIO Mouse Talk – which is available in black or a stylish silver-blue color – functions like a standard laser-guided optical mouse.  What makes the VAIO Mouse Talk so special is that it opens up into a Skype phone!

With a standard clamshell phone design, the VAIO Mouse Talk seems instantly familiar when opened to reveal its phone function.  Skype, which is a Voice Over Internet Protocol program, allows users to effectively turn their internet connection into a phone line.  The VAIO Mouse Talk allows you to highlight and do computer work one moment and talk with a friend over your computer the next!  Anyone who has Skype may access it easily with the VAIO Mouse Talk, which eliminates the need for a Skype headset.  The VAIO Mouse Talk is a real asset on older computers that have fewer USB ports because it allows you to benefit both from a convenient optical mouse and a Skype phone through a single USB port.

In addition to the dual function of the VAIO Mouse Talk, SONY has created another product that is sleek and stylish with this mouse.  As a Skype phone, the VAIO Mouse Talk is comfortable in the hand and it is easy to use.  While open as a phone, the VAIO Mouse Talk’s scroll wheel becomes a volume control dial!  With the flick of a small button, the mouse controls are automatically switched to the phone controls, making this a very flexible to use device.

For most computer mice, you would have every reason to be alarmed if it suddenly began glowing blue in your hand.  With the VAIO Mouse Talk, the sudden blue glow means adventure is calling and you can take that call right away!

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