Scobie.Net

Author: Bill Scobie

  • Alternatives to large emails for getting things there

    Emailing many photos and video or audio clips is often limited by your internet service provider (ISP) or even the recipient’s ISP. It is so easy to attach video files to an email, or drag a bunch of photos into a new message. However, the megabytes build up fast. And, your outgoing mail may be…

  • Exif, or How did you know where I was in that photo?

    Recently, my mother sent me one of those news clips about how easy it was to find (read stalk) kids, just from a photo a parent took a smartphone and then posted it on some photo-sharing site. Like all of those news shorts, there was truth and hyperbole wrapped up in this piece she sent.…

  • Software hiccups, tips to make a difference

    Running two antivirus or Internet security programs at the same time may make your computer feel really slow or broken. Although some antivirus installers will force you to uninstall the competition, others won’t. So take the time to uninstall what you currently have before you install the replacement. It can become much harder after the…

  • Cords and Connections

    Portable this, digital that, wireless connections and yet I find that I have to keep track of so many different connecting cables, power adapters and chargers that it feels like I have to have a second bag, apart from my clothes. When going away with your devices, what do you bring? Of course, bring the…

  • Alternatives to paid software

    There are times when you just don’t want to pay retail and for computer software there are often free alternatives to many of the programs you pay for. These are legitimate and often as good or even better in some situations, and this list is focusing just on Windows software this month. So, starting with…

  • Staying a bit safer and private on the Web

    Use temporary credit cards to avoid theft or repeat billing. Most all banks and credit card companies have a way to make a temporary card number, or something like a gift card. Using them will let you avoid a repeat billing you might forget about or risking a high credit limit card if someone gets…

  • Tips to Keep Your Gear Safe During Electrical Storms

    Surge protectors are the way to go, either a good one as part of an Uninterruptible Power Supply, or something for fast clamping. Or, to protect everything you can get a whole house surge protector. Anytime your surge protector trips, you should consider replacing it, even though there is a reset button, the electronics won’t…

  • iCal upgrade, Epsilon email breach, Facebook

    MobileMe iCal upgrade On May 5, 2011, MobileMe will transition to their new Calendar service. If you sync iCal calendars between devices, like two or more computers, iPods, iPads and such, and you wish to continue accessing your calendar at <me.com>, you will have to upgrade your calendars at <me.com>. Apple says all you have…

  • Keeping it organized, things to think about

    With modern large hard drives it is very easy to not keep things neat and organized, sort of like when you first move into a larger house. Folders Make folders to organize all sorts of things, in email and on your desktop. Move them around as you finish a project, putting them back into Documents…

  • Making email work better for you

    Rule #1, keep your inbox small by using filters and moving messages to folders. Use rules or filters to move messages, send automatic replies, highlight important messages. Use folders for message groups, immediately put messages there. Highlight with color those must read messages. Set up automatic responses for information requests. Rule #2, use proper email…

  • ’11 Resolutions

    Learn a programming language, it sounds scary or unneeded but it can be fun. http://scratch.mit.edu/ or http://sketchup.google.com/ might get you going. Scratch is fun as you are dragging around actions element to make a “story” but what you are really doing is called Object Oriented Programming, a common programming “style.” Work on better ergonomics, keyboard…

  • iPad-netbook debate

    Might you be in the market for something smaller than a traditional laptop? Boy, the iPad sure looks great, something simple like a flat sheet of paper and you just use your fingers to do all the work, no keyboard needed. But, wait you say, you need something with USB ports so that you can…