How To Stop Computers Stressing You Out

Copyright 2005 Trevor Dumbleton



Of all the forms of stress in today's world, computer stress is the one that is on the rise the fastest. Computers are wonderful machines, but they can also stress out workers by their sometimes confusing demands, their constant presence and their simple inability to work properly. Thus, computer stress must be understood and it must find an outlet or computer users will find themselves even more stressed out than they already are.

The first thing to remember about computers is that they are machines. They do not have feelings, they do not respond to emotional appeals, they only do what they are told to do; nothing more and nothing less. Thus, you need to remember that just about anything that your computer does is probably something you told it to do. Sure, you may not have wanted to tell it to do something, but you told the computer to do it and that's all it knows. You can save yourself a lot of computer stress by keeping this in mind.

The next thing you need to know in order to avoid computer stress is that computers are machines and, therefore, they will break down. That means that you need to keep backup copies of everything important. If you absolutely need a file, keep a copy on a floppy disk or on a CD. Hard drives are well known to just give out after a while (the average lifetime is about 4-5 years) and therefore you need to keep backups of everything you want to keep. If it's important enough that you want a copy, it's important enough to keep a backup copy. The sooner you remember to keep your computer's failing in mind, the more stress free you will be.

Third, you need to protect your computer. On the most basic level, that means a surge protector. A power surge can quickly fry the delicate insides of a computer and suddenly realizing that you need a new computer is just about the worst computer stress of all.

As well, you need to protect your computer from outside interference. If your computer is hooked up to the Internet, protect it with a network firewall and anti-virus software. There are plenty of malicious hackers out there and they tend to enjoy watching people panic about their computers suddenly dying. These hackers write viruses and worms that can infect your machine and delete important files or send out malicious emails all on their own. You do not want to have your computer taken over like this. Save yourself from this sort of computer stress by keeping your system and your files secure from outside attackers.

Another way to protect your computer is to shut it down properly. Many people simply hit the power button without shutting down the machine first. This is a serious danger, as it can damage the delicate circuits of the computer. Run your computer through its shutdown system and wait until it either turns itself off, or it tells you that it is time to turn it off. This may not seem like a big deal to some, but it can damage your computer in the long run.

Computer stress can also simply arise from sitting in front of the silly thing so long that you realize you do not know what you are looking at any more. You know you need to get work done on the silly machine, but you haven't gotten anything done and the deadline is looming and you need more time, but there isn't any and just slow down. If you are not getting anything done, they save yourself some computer stress by walking away. If you are at work, lock your screen and wander the hallways for a bit. If you are at home, get up and go make yourself a sandwich or something. Just walk away and you will save yourself a lot of stress over something that is really not a big deal.

One of the problems with living in the computer age is, simply, the computer. However, it is only a machine and you can learn to control it without it controlling you. Your computer is a tool no different than a hammer or a crowbar. So save yourself from computer stress and you won't feel compelled to use a hammer or a crowbar on the computer that is supposed to make your life easier.



About the author:
LowerYourStress.com is a categorized resource directory for everything to do with stress. Get a free ebook to help with your stress levels: http://www.loweryourstress.com/stress-book.html

Creating Supportive Environments

Creating Supportive Environments

 by: Alicia Forest

Im writing this on my laptop in a Cosi caf in Dupont Circle in Washington, D.C. The reason I am here has nothing to do with me or my business, but the reason I can continue to be successful in my work is because I have set myself up to do so. How? By creating supportive environments. In this case, the laptop, the appropriate software, and the ability to connect to the Internet, as well as the support of my husband, all contribute positively to my accomplishment of the task: writing and submitting this column on deadline and without stress.

Creating supportive environments is imperative to your success as an entrepreneur. It goes without saying that if you have environments that will support you and your passion, its going to be much easier and more enjoyable for you to do your work. Im going to touch upon the environments that I believe are most essential to your success and well being.

There are many environments in your life, and most of them intertwine. Being aware of these environments will ensure that you have a hand in creating them, and not allow them to be created for you by tolerating those people, situations and things that you shouldnt. Important areas of your overall environment include your home, office/work space, body, energy, nature, which all impact your mental, spiritual, and emotional environments.

In your outer environment, your home is one of the most important. Your home should be a sacred place for you, a place where you feel safe, taken care of, and content. Clutter and chaos in the home should be kept at a minimum, but your bedroom and your work space in particular should reflect calm. I know sometimes it just isnt possible to stay on top of it all, but if you make a consistent effort to divide and conquer and ask for help! - over time you can make a huge difference in the quality of your home environment. As bonus, youll create space for other more appropriate and wonderful things to enter as well!

If you have a list of things that are broken, need replacing, or just need to be tossed, then start doing this today. Pick three things that are in your home right at this moment that you can either toss or give away. Then do so, and feel the space clear.

Nothing blocks creativity more than clutter in your office or work space. To be honest, I write that sheepishly thinking of the paper piles on the floor surrounding my desk at home. What I need is a real desk and real filing cabinets (Im working on about a 2x3 table with milk crates to hold my files), but Ive put purchasing them on hold while we finish the rest of the house that was unfinished when we bought it. We are very close to the end and I have picked out the furniture I want, and just that simple decision is freeing a lot of mental stores.

If you have clutte up much needed space in your head! Other times youll enjoy some real breakthroughs. I highly recommend engaging in this practice. I have been journaling all my life, but the practice of Morning Pages really does help the creativity flow - besides that I believe that every life that is worth living is worth recording.

Your assignment then is to purchase a journal or notebook, or create a new file on your computer, and start tomorrow writing three pages of whatever comes to mind. Make this a daily practice and watch what happens.

Another huge part of perfecting your inner environment is living with integrity. Do what you say you will when you say you will do it. Most people make a solid effort on this front. Some people struggle, and I will admit to working hard on this principle in my personal life, although I seem to have this nailed in my professional life. My excuse is that I have so many things going at once that I dont always remember or have the time to do what I say I will when I say I will do it (like send thank you notes or run to the bank to deposit a check). So I have created a system that makes it easier for me to keep my word, which is very important to me. I created a list each day of the things I must get done, and I do my very best to complete the list. I dont always succeed, but Ive gotten much better at it than I have in the past. The list also makes me aware of when I need more time to deliver and therefore I can let any appropriate person know that ahead of time, keeping my integrity intact.

Making an effort over time to create supportive environments for the things that are most important to you will open doors and opportunities that you might never have received otherwise. You deserve to be supported in your work and your life, so choosing to allow those people and things into it that bring out your best is not only a gift to yourself, but also a gift to the world.

copyright 2004 Alicia M. Forest and EntreMoms.com

About The Author Alicia Forest is an EntreMoms Expert, coaching Moms who want to become Entrepreneurs by building a successful business from home, by their definition of success. If youd like more tips on how to create supportive environments for your success, please visit www.entremoms.com and sign up for Alicias free EntreMoms Success Newsletter. You are free to re-publish this article as long as this bio box and copyright remain intact. alicia@entremoms.com

Endless Beach Wedding Themes

If you are considering a beach wedding, the ideas are as endless as your imagination!

One thing about choosing a beach wedding theme is that it allows you total creative freedom. Depending on the time of day, the beach can set the mood. At sunrise or sunset, it is a place of serenity, beauty and romance. Mid-day, it is the hub of excitement, activity, and fun. By nature, a beautiful scene has already been set for you. There is no need for many decorations! Are you planning an intimate wedding with just a few guests? Let the beach help you set the stage for your romantic wedding ideas with a dawn or dusk seaside ceremony. The sunrise or sunset will provide a spectacular background for your wedding photos.

On the other hand, if you want to "tell the world" and have a large gathering of people, consider a mid-summer day "beach-side bash" or fantasy beach wedding that includes your guests. That's the fun part of a beach wedding - your guests can participate. Everyone has fun!

Here are a few ideas to get you started...

* Be Cinderella with your Prince Charming. Have him place the "glass slipper" that fits on your foot as a symbol of your perfect union. You could hire a professional sand sculptor to build a beautiful sand castle as a background for your fairytale theme. Leave in a horse drawn carriage.

* Have a Pirate Wedding. Rent costumes and decorate with treasure chests fake gold coins and jewelry. Have a real treasure hunt. When you leave, sail off into the sunset.

* How about an "I Dream of Jeannie" beach wedding theme? Decorate with pretty, colorful bottles in the sand like the one she was found in. At the end of the day, disappear in a cloud of smoke!

* A Western beach wedding theme would be fun! Many beaches allow horseback riding. The reception could be a good old fashioned fireside "camp out" under the stars. Leave on horseback.

* Have a Rainbow Wedding. Create a rainbow to wed under out of brightly colored helium filled balloons tied together. Hold them down with the "pots of gold" at each end. Have everyone bring a colored umbrella to decorate the aisle with. Great back plan up in case it rains!

* Butterfly weddings are popular. Shades of yellow and orange with butterflies woven amongst the flowers in your tiara and bouquet would be beautiful. Use butterflies as boutonnieres for the guys.

* A Surfing theme would be neat. Of course surf boards and "The Beach Boys" come to mind here!

By the way...

Don't rule out you beach wedding ideas because you don't live near an ocean. The definition of a "beach" is - "the shore of a body of water, especially if sandy or pebbly". That includes lakes and rivers. For that matter, you may have a "beach" right by your swimming pool. There are no rules. Be creative!

It is your beach wedding...it can be anything you want it to be - wherever you want it to be! Most of all...have fun!


About the author:
Cindy English is the publisher of:
http://www.Beach-Wedding-Themes.com
Beach wedding themes full of fun, fantasy and romance!

http://www.All-Florida-Beach-Weddings.com
Plan your wedding celebration in Paradise!

Copyright 2005 by Cindy English




Spyware : An Internet Plague Mitch JohnsonAs spyware threats continue to grow the methods by which users are infected becomes less and less difficult. It no longer takes physical access to a computer nor do users have to click on an ad or email attachment to install the malicious applications. Spyware can easily be picked up by visiting a web site. Spyware is put on computers commonly when users download freeware or shareware. Once you download these programs, spyware and adware are installed as well.

You may begin to notice more pop ups and slower computer functions once spyware has infected your system.
Spyware moves through your computer and monitors your internet habits and the information is sent to a third party who uses it for advertising purposes most likely. More serious types of spyware are capable of recording each keystroke you make on your computer. This means every chat or email message as well as passwords, social security and credit card number are all recorded by the intruder.

Several different types of spyware exist, which makes catching and removing the invasive applications even more difficult. Adware is the most common form of spyware. It works by sending you pop up ad after pop up ad for various products and services while you are online. Adware also monitors your internet surfing habits and sells that information to other parties who then use it to bombard you with junk email and spam.

Another form of dangerous spyware comes as browser hijackers. These applications get into your computer and change your start page and preferred search engine to a site full of ads or adult material. Browser hijackers are typically also a data miner which reports all of your internet browsing habits to a central database that is sold to other parties.

One of the most dangerous and malicious spyware programs is keyloggers, which are used mostly for identity theft and credit card fraud. Keyloggers can record every piece of information you type in your computer from credit card numbers to social security numbers and banking information.

Probably the most expensive form of spyware that users have to deal with is a modem hijacker. Also known as dialers, these applications install themselves so they can use your internet connection to dial long distance or premium rate phone numbers.

By dialing these remote areas from your connection you are the one charged for the outrageous rates. To remove any current spyware infections users need to obtain two or more anti-spyware programs. These programs can scan
your system, compile a list of infected files and remove them to restore normal setting and functioning. Ad Aware from Lavasoft and Spybot Search and Destroy are two free spyware tools that work well together in catching all possible spyware infections. To avoid future spyware threats from infecting your computer do not click on links or ads offering free movies, competitions, prizes or software.

Installing and keeping a firewall activated on your computer can help reduce the amount of spyware infections. And having a good anti-virus program is essential, although it cannot detect most forms of spyware it will help keep your computer more secure.

About the author:
Mitch Johnson is a successful freelance author that writes regularly for http://www.1st-in-remove-spyware.com/, a site that focuses primarily on spyware detection software, as well as tips on how to avoid spyware from popping up on your computer. His articles have also been featured on related spyware sites such as,
http://www.best-in-spyware-detection.com/as well as http://www.best-sypware-removal-reviews.com/


Two companies merge to provide higher security against spyware threats.Mitch JohnsonIn an effort to offer computer users who utilize Internet Explorer an initial protection device against spyware, Jayde Online Inc. and Xblock Software announced a partnership they planned to take on in 2004. The two companies planned to merge the spyware tool X-Cleaner, provided by XBlock, into Jaydes Internet Explorer search engine toolbar, ExactSeek.com. The ExactSeek toolbar already provided features including web search, pop-up blocking, highlighting and drag and search along with Alexa ranking information.

Executives at Jayde Online are seeking to provide internet users with multiple new features upon the release of each new free toolbar. By working with XBlock the company hopes to provide users with an initial line of defense against spyware threats. Because computer users are constantly being preyed upon by spyware those involved in the industry predict spyware could far surpass the threats computer viruses bring. Executives at XBlock believe the use of anti-spyware tools on the ExactSeek toolbar will not offer computer users a complete defense against spyware but it will protect computers from the most prevalent spyware, adware, keylogger and Trojan problems.

The XBlock company has provided several online security tools for consumers and corporations since its beginning. ExactSeek.com is part of the Jayde Corporation which is comprised of several online network sites. Jayde also focuses on publishing several email newsletters.

About the author:
Mitch Johnson is a successful freelance author that writes regularly for http://www.spyware-removal-made-easy.com/, a site that focuses exclusively on spyware removal software, as well as tips on how to prevent spyware from popping up on your computer. This site articles on has spyware guard, http://www.spyware-removal-made-easy.com/spyware_guard.htmas well as spyware scanner, http://www.spyware-removal-made-easy.com/spyware_scanner.htm

Travel to Deep Space by Sitting at your Computer

For many generations various human cultures have had great knowledge about the star constellations. However, these days most of the so-called modernized breed of human couldnt tell you much about whats around us in the infinite Universe. The funny thing is, technically we now know more about whats there than ever before, weve even got photos. With the Hubble Telescope we now have access to the most unbelievable pictures imaginable: galaxies, nebulae and millions of stars close up. You dont need to buy a book or DVD to see this stuff, just sit down at your computer and let the Internet take you on a galactic journey.

A lot of the images can be accessed for free just by finding the right sites. At http://wires.news.com.au/special/mm/030811-hubble.htmpanup2 you can watch a stream of beautiful visuals that are literally out of this world. The beauty of the photos, the fact that they are moving, and the musical accompaniment makes the whole trip quite ethereal. The other great aspect is the information the scientists have uncovered, mind-blowing ideas like the fact that some stars are 60 times brighter than our own sun, or the idea that there are thousands of stars in one tiny spot in the sky. The concept that galaxies are 150 million light years away-do you know how fast light travels?

For the average human who spends their existence in one place working hard everyday to make ends meet, life can become somewhat monotonous and insulated. You forget that theres a whole world out there. The Universe however might be a random thought that only appears once in a month or even a year. The stars seem so disconnected to our everyday reality, but the fact is that we are part of a much bigger picture-the biggest picture of all, infinite space. Maybe if we did focus a bit more outside the box of our familiar routines we could grasp onto the magic and perfection that surrounds us all the time, the real neighborhood that we belong to.

http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Newsroom/NewImages/images.php3?img_id=16616
http://www.spaceweather.com/
http://www.sec.noaa.gov/
http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/primer/java/scienceopticsu/powersof10/index.html

These are a few more sites I discovered that give us more insight or outsight into what is going on around us. Again I find the Internet has become a medium for discovering knowledge about life. Without leaving the office or my house I can travel to the most beautiful places-real places, were not talking Star Trek here people! Ive seen many magical things in my life thus far: snow capped mountains, rainbows over waterfalls, sunsets on tropical beaches. Ive seen art, heard music, watched films; Ive lived a very fortunate life indeed. But, to see these pictures and to learn about the incredible worlds outside our ownon a computer at homeit has taken me to a new level of understanding, a new level of reverence for what it is we are part of. The only way to describe these galaxies, stars, and giant gas clouds close up is to softly and humbly speak the word magic. You will never see real paintings like this, beauty that stretches for millions of miles.

My computer screen has become a looking glass portal.

---

About the author:

Jesse S. Somer
M6.Net
http://www.m6.net
Jesse S. Somer is from Earth, his connection to the Internet has now connected him to other worlds, real worlds.

Cookies: How To Learn From Your Visitors and Improve Your Website

Cookies: How To Learn From Your Visitors and Improve Your Website

by: Steve Nash

Time for a quick question and answer session.

Question: How can you improve your visitors' experiences of your website, AND at the same time learn how to improve your website (or learn how to increase sales)?

Answer: Use cookies

Cookies? Yes. Let me explain...

=> COOKIES EXPLAINED

A "cookie" is simply a small piece of text information which a web server stores temporarily with your web visitor's browser. (Note: cookies are *not* programs.) This means your visitor's browser remembers some specific information which the web server can later retrieve.

So cookies simply allow your site to store information on your visitor's computer for later use.

A basic example of a cookie in action can be found here - http://www.jsworkshop.com/js3e/list24-1.html

Another example is the "online shopping mall" that uses cookies to add items to a user's "shopping cart" as they browse.

==Aside==

Here are two examples of how my own sites use cookies (I use them to make sure a pop-up window loads at a set frequency):

- Pop-up ONCE ONLY http://www.shoptour.co.uk/webmaster.shtml

- Pop-up ONCE PER DAY http://www.anyonecansellonline.com/tips.shtml

For those interested, the cookie code is stored here http://anyonecansellonline.com/makemoneyfiles/cookie1.js

==Aside==

=> WHY YOUR WEBSITE SHOULD USE COOKIES

Basically, cookies allow you to improve a site visitor's experience of your website. I've listed a few examples to show how you can achieve this:

• Cookies can store visitor preferences. This means you can present customised information to your visitor, as per their own requirements. (This is how portal sites like MSN work.)

• Cookies can pre-fill form fields for your visitor.

• Cookies can automatically login visitors to your site

• Cookies can provide visitor statistics and therefore help you understand your visitors' needs. Cookies can provide site metrics like number of unique visitors, average number of page-views, percentage of repeat visitors et cetera. And cookie-generated statistics are much more accurate than using log files.

(Do remember though, that people sometimes share computers; some browsers are set to reject cookies; and cookies can be erased.)

So not only are cookies an efficient way of keeping track of information, they also help personalise your site visitors' experiences of your website.

And that's the point with cookies - how can *you* help your site visitor?

No, it doesn't mean you can now invade your visitor's privacy! The use of cookies is often abused by site owners, but this ultimately leads to cookie-blocking software being installed and used; so do set your cookies cautiously, and include a privacy statement on your site explaining your use of cookies! (See below.)

=> USE THIS COOKIE RESOURCE

CookieCentral is an excellent resource dedicated to all things Cookie. The site's described as providing "information of persistent cookies, HTTP cookies, cookies with JavaScript, magic cookies, [and] maintaining state with cookies and more."

But don't worry if that sounds too technical for you, CookieCentral really is a great place to learn about the pros and cons of using cookies.

From the concept of cookies through concerns about privacy to JavaScript and CGI demo code - you'll find it all at CookieCentral.

• http://www.cookiecentral.com/content.phtml?area=2&id=1

=> OR VISIT THESE SITES TO LEARN ABOUT COOKIES

If you want to know more about how cookies work, then visit these sites:

• http://www.howstuffworks.com/cookie1.htm

• http://www.newbalancecatalog.com/General/cookies.htm

• http://www.allaboutcookies.org/cookies/index.html

=> OR JUST DO IT YOURSELF!

As ever, the web is filled with free programs and scripts that allow you to use cookies. Whether you want to use JavaScript, CGI/Perl, PHP or ASP - you can find free resources that help you implement cookies on your site.

JavaScript cookies - http://webdeveloper.earthweb.com/webjs/cookies/

CGI/Perl cookies - http://cgi.resourceindex.com/Programs_and_Scripts/Perl/Cookies/ (all 1 word)

PHP User Personalization System with Cookies - http://www.devshed.com/Server_Side/PHP/Cookies/

ASP and cookies - http://www.w3schools.com/asp/asp_cookies.asp

=> PRIVACY WARNING!

More and more web users are becoming sensitive to their online privacy. Rightly so. And this includes cookies, and how your site uses them. So do make sure that you understand the issues involved, and set your privacy statement accordingly.

This article explains more...

http://www.sitepoint.com/article/p3p-cookies-ie6/1

=> READ MORE...

You can find out a great deal more about using cookies on your site from the following excellent resources. Just do a search for "cookies" and off you go!

• http://www.workz.com

• http://www.iboost.com

• http://www.sitepoint.com

--

Cookies can improve your visitors' experiences of your web site, through personalisation. Using cookies, your site may well run more efficiently too, and could provide you with accurate site statistics helping you deliver just what your visitors are looking for.

Just use cookies carefully, so that your visitors benefit!

(And continue to learn from the invaluable resources above, and below ;-) !)

Copyright 2004 Steve Nash

About The Author

STEVE NASH is the author of the ebook: "3 Super-Tips To Build, Promote And Profit More From Your Website." Download your free copy now! http://www.wise-buys.info/bonus.shtml

WANT MORE TIPS? Sign-up to his free monthly Build-tips course here! http://www.wise-buys.info/newsletter.shtml

Is Your Computer Strong Enough For A work From Home Internet Business

By Tom Worsley

If you are planning on doing business online with one of the many work from home based businesses available on the internet, then you are going to want to make sure your computer is up to the task.

Although it is possible to get by with a Pentium 1, at todays prices there is no reason to do so. Pentium 4 computers and AMD equivalent computers have dropped in price enormously.

I have to admit, I am still using an Intel Celeron 766 Mh computer but I upgraded the ram to 384 Mb and the hard drive to 80 Gb. Also a high speed internet connection is a must. I am connected to the internet from 8:00 Am to 2:00 Am (18 Hours) continuously every day. This means my security including firewall must be set up properly and working. But thats another article for another time.

Why do you need a powerful computer for your work from home internet business? Well before I upgraded from my Pentium MMX 233 Mh computer I was spending more time re booting from freeze ups and cleaning my hard drive than I was actually working at my internet work from home based business. Yes I started out over 5 years ago using a Pentium MMX 233 with only 160 Mb of RAM and a 3 Gb hard drive, proving that it is possible to build a work from home internet business on an old slow computer. But why would you. I upgraded to a used Celeron 766 Mh computer with 256 Mb of RAM for $200 Canadian. And here in Canada you can buy a Pentium 4 or AMD equivalent for just $400-$500.

I recommend the following main features when looking for your work from home internet business computer.
1. Pentium 4 or AMD Equivalent.
2. 256 Mb of RAM minimum. 512 Mb is better.
3. 80 Gb hard drive or better
4. Ethernet for high speed internet connection.
Your video card is less important unless you plan to play games on your work from home business computer. Cheaper computers come with onboard video which is just fine for business purposes.

Try to get at least a 17 inch monitor. Get an LCD monitor if you can afford it. It will save you all kinds of desk space giving you more room to work.

These are my recommendations for your work from home internet business computer based on my past experiences with my own work from home internet business. They are just guidelines only. In fact you could spend thousands of dollars more than what I have suggested here. Wouldnt we all love to have an AMD 64 computer with 2 Gb RAM, dual 200 Gb raided hard drives and a 21 inch LCD monitor!

---

About the author:

---

Tom Worsley is a successful work from home Internet marketer and independent representative for Strong Future International (SFI), Owner and Webmaster for http://kawarthapublishing.com. This article may be re-published on your site or in your newsletter as long as this resource box is included.

3 Summer Computer Tips

3 Summer Computer Tips



Written By: Sharron Senter


1 Summer Computer Travel
Holiday travelers should be on alert when arriving home from long weekends, such as the Fourth of July, a popular time for computer viruses to spread.

Most computer users have a tendency to turn off their computers when away on trips, which means youre not getting newly-released anti-virus patches or anti-spyware updates; the two most common areas that cause computers problems. We recommend you update anti-virus and anti-spyware scans before opening e-mail or going online after an extended absence.

We consistently see an increase in calls for virus related problems immediately following long weekends. Avoid the problems altogether by updating your security software before using your computer. For a free listing of viruses, spyware threats and trends, visit: www.VisitingGeeks.com/downloads.htm

2 -- Should You Leave Your Computer Running?
One question we hear frequently is, "Should I leave my desktop computer on or turn it off?"

There are 2 schools of thought
Turning it on and off numerous times during the day subjects the microcircuits to flexing and fatigue due to change in temperatures. Over time this could lead to a break in the circuitry and result in system failure.

Leaving the computer on all the time puts excess wear on the mechanical components (the hard drive spindle motor and cooling fans).

Best compromise. First user in the morning turns it on; last user turns it off.

We leave our desktops on all the time allowing for scheduled utility tasks to run during overnight hours. We also restart the systems (to flush the RAM and reset the operating system) on a regular basis and routinely remove the case covers to clean out any dust that may have accumulated, especially around the fans and screens.

3 -- Stop Popups!
Never click inside the window of a popup. Instead, close it by clicking on the X in the upper right corner. Many people are fooled into installing spyware applications by popups that promise to clean their system. If you receive a message saying it can help, assume its spyware and dont click!





About the author:
About the Author
Sharron Senter is co-founder of http://www.VisitingGeeks.com- an on site computer repair, security and networking company serving north of Boston, Southern NH and Maine. Visiting Geeks technicians are crackerjacks at squashing viruses, popups and securing and making computers perform faster. Learn more about Sharron at http://www.SharronSenter.com

Download: Logon Loader

I like bringing you programs that can spruce up your Windows XP, making it more personal. One area that could really use some shaping up is that boring Blue logon screen. I couldn't just leave this out.

Let's' put it this way: if you have incorporated all the Windows alterations that I have showcased in the past couple of weeks, trying to totally change every aspect of your Windows environment, then you have to have Logon Loader. Otherwise this bromidic logon screen is going to stick out like a sore thumb. So I figured that the subject of customizing just wouldn't be complete without this one last program. I also threw in links to some of our other articles at the end. One for an alternative sidebar (like Longhorn's) download, and the other is an article David did on how to change your logon image.

Logon Loader is a light-weight little program that allows you to download and change your logon screen. I'm sure you know my thoughts on this as I have stated them on several occasions, but just to clarify for you just joining us. My thought is: Windows should have way more flexibility over its appearance, but it doesn't, so we have to go out and download, or even pay for, third-party programs to perform what Windows cannot.

OK, I'm done ranting, let's get on with the program description.

With Logon Loader you can go out to one of several sites and download from a staggering wealth of customized logon screens. These images must be loaded into the program in order to be available in the logon screen list. You choose what image you want to use, Apply, and you're good to go.

With Logon Loader you're not confined to the same image either. You can configure it to choose a new randomized logon image for you every time you log on.

The program is tiny and shouldn't take any time to download or install for that matter. There's not a ton of help out there for it, but it's really easy to use. I hope you enjoy the logon changer and if you missed out on the last two download articles I did then you may want to check them out—they cover other programs similar to this one that change visual aspects of the XP Operating System. All of these programs are a bunch of fun to use and they really personalize your Windows environment .

Download it here...
http://logonloader.danielmilner.com/

Performance Options

Did you know that you can customize your settings, so your computer will run and look just the way you want it to? Well, you can and here's how.

Click on Start, Control Panel and get into the Performance area. XP users need to click on Performance and Maintenance to get to this section. Once in there, look for the link that says "Adjust visual effects." Click on that and a box will pop up with the title of Performance Options.

Here you can select the settings you want to use for the appearance and performance of Windows. You can do everything from animate windows when minimizing and maximizing to show shadows under your menus to smooth the edges of the screen fonts. You can also choose to use a background image for each folder type you have and use visual styles on windows and buttons.

The options are endless, so go ahead and mix it up a little. You better get started on making your computer perform and look the way that pleases you the most and remember, have fun with it!

Welcome Screen

If you have Windows XP, you have two choices of how your computer logs you in each time you boot up your computer. You can either use the traditional method of using a username and password or you can use what is called the Welcome Screen to log on.

If you want to change the way your computer logs you in each time, you can either disable or enable the welcome screen any time you feel like it. The welcome screen is attached to another XP feature called fast user switching. This is great for anyone who has multiple users of the same PC. The fast user switch method allows one user to leave all of their programs up and running while another person uses the computer. So, then once the second user is done, the first one can go right back to where they left off.

Basically what happens is that when the first user is done, they leave everything the way it is and then they log off for that session. Then they switch the user back to the welcome screen, so it's like a fresh start for the second user.

Now, keep in mind that if this pertains to you, you're going to want to keep the welcome screen feature active. If you happen to have the welcome screen inactive and would like to turn it back on, just go to Start, Control Panel and click on the User Accounts link twice. Choose "Change the way users log on or off" and make sure both the Welcome Screen and Fast User Switching boxes are checked. Then click Apply Options and that part is done.



Now, what if you're just a single user? You may want to disable the welcome screen, because you just may not really need it. The directions for this are almost identical to the ones mentioned above. To disable, make sure you're logged in as the administrator and then go to Start, Control Panel and click on the User Accounts link twice. Choose "Change the way users log on or off" and just uncheck the Welcome Screen box. This will automatically uncheck the Fast User Switching box as well. Then click on Apply Options and exit out of everything else.



Then you're all set. The next time you start up your computer, the traditional method of logging on that was mentioned above will be used, so if you're going to use this method, make sure you're certain you know your username and password.

Now, there's one more option for you. If you don't want the welcome screen or the traditional option, you can disable both of those. To login automatically to a user account and bypass the rest of the prompts, click on Run, type in control userpasswords2 and click OK.



Highlight the account you want to change and then uncheck the box that says "Users must enter a username and password to use this computer."



Once you have done all of that, the next time you reboot your computer, you won't have to worry about the welcome screen or the traditional prompt. You will just be logged in automatically and you'll be set to go.

From: worldstart.com

Create Your Own Icon

Have you ever wanted to create your own icon for your desktop? Maybe you're tired of all the original boring ones and you think it's time for a change. Well, you're in luck, because this article will help you in creating your very own icon. You'll no longer have to use the ones that are available by default in Windows XP.

Note: This tip will only work in Windows XP.

Just follow the steps given below to create your own icon!

1.) Open the Paint program by going to Start, All Programs, Accessories, Paint.



2.) Select Attributes from the Image Menu.

3.) The Attributes dialogue box will then open.

4.) Change both the Width and the Height to 32.

5.) From Units, select Pixel.



6.) Click OK.



You'll notice that the height and the width of the screen reduced to 32 pixels. That is going to be the size of your icon.

Now, go ahead and draw whatever you'd like your icon to be in the Paint program. When you're finished, save the file by going to File, Save As. Go ahead and give your file a name, but make sure it's formatted with the .ico extension (.ico is for an icon file). For example, save it as face.ico.



Now, set the Save as Type to be a 24-bit bitmap (*.bmp; *.dib) and then store it in your My Pictures folder.

There you have it! You have created our own icon. Now, let's see how you can replace this icon with the a default icon that Windows XP provides (just in case you ever feel like going back to them).

To do this:

1.) Right click anywhere on your Desktop.

2.) Select New and then from the submenu, select Folder.

3.) A folder named New Folder will be created on your desktop. (You can change this name if you want. Just right click on it and choose Rename).

4.) Next, right click on the new folder and select Properties.

5.) Click on the Customize tab.

6.) Click the command button of Change Icon under the Folder icons menu.



7.) On the next screen, click on Browse and select the face.ico file from your My Pictures folder. Then click OK for the changes to take effect.



Now you can see the icon you created. It will automatically replace the default Windows XP "New Folder" icon. It's not only for your folders; you can also use it for any files, shortcuts, etc. Now, you can go and create any number of icons and replace all of your files and folders, if you so choose.

Go ahead and give it a try and see how it works, but most importantly, have fun with it!

From: worldstart.com

Move the Taskbar

Are you one of the many who use more than one monitor with only one single computer? You know, you only have one computer tower, but you have two monitors. If you've never even heard of this concept, but would like to check it out, read here before you continue reading. Okay, so if you have two monitors, you probably know that the taskbar usually only shows up on one of them, but wouldn't it be nice to have the taskbar on the other side every once in awhile? Or maybe all of the time? I sure thought so! Check this out!

A utility called UltraMon specializes in dual monitor settings and they have come up with a way that allows you to place your taskbar on whichever monitor you choose. To do this, make sure your taskbar is unlocked. If you're not sure if it is or not, right click on the taskbar (where the clock, etc. sits) and make sure the option of "Lock the Taskbar" is unchecked. After that, grab an open area of the taskbar and just drag it over to the other monitor. Then just place it where you'd like it to be docked. It can sit on the bottom of your desktop, on the side, at the top, etc. It's up to you.

If you ever want to move it around, just grab an open area of it and drag it to its new position. I kind of like to have mine docked on the side of my monitor. To me, it's more convenient and it spices up the desktop area too! You have to admit this is pretty cool. Give it a shot!

Lost Icons

How much do you depend on certain icons on your desktop? I'm talking about the icons from the likes of My Computer, My Documents, My Network Places and so on. Those are a few of the icons that you probably usually use on a regular basis, so if they're not there, what are you supposed to do? Well, the best answer is, "Get them back!"

Now, there are a couple different ways you may have lost the icons. They could have disappeared when you installed a certain program or even when you upgraded to a new operating system. Either way, you need them, so let's find them again! To enable those icons and more, right click on your desktop and choose Properties. Click on the Desktop tab and hit the Customize Desktop button. Next, under the General tab, check any of the icons you want to appear on your desktop.

Once you do that, they will all be returned to your desktop in full view. You can choose from the icons of My Documents, My Computer, My Network Places and Internet Explorer. Now, on the other hand, you may want to take some of these icons off your desktop. If that's the case, just uncheck them and they will then be out of your way. Easy enough, don't you think?!