BestAdvice Computers

Jeff Horvath remembers the service call well. Denise and Guy Broadhurst's wireless computer network was suffering slow Internet transmission speeds, lumbering downloads and uploads, and recurring outages.

The wireless network was several years old, a fact made worse by the two-story home's concrete block construction. Thick walls and distance taxed the unit's transmissions. Moreover, the use of several cordless phones in the 2.4 GHz frequency interfered with the wireless network's signal.

When it was installed several years ago, the technology was leading edge with peripheral hardware and services like digital cameras, online gaming and music downloads. Several years later, their network was stretched way beyond its means. Read more

In celebration of Earth Day, Office Depot just released the Company’s Top Ten Tips for A Greener Worklife. With the “widest green product” assortment in the office products industry, a new green e-commerce site (www.officedepot.com/buygreen), an independently verified environmental stewardship report, a paper purchasing policy, investments towards greenhouse gas and solid waste reduction, and integrated recycling programs, Office Depot is committed to sustaining its own environmental performance and to encourage customers to be more environmentally conscious as well. Read more

As the Microsoft's Widows Vista operating system continues to make its mark in the marketplace, computer users around the globe are anticipating the increased hardware requirements that the system will need. Graphics cards, increased CPU size, and larger RAM requirements are just a few of the many areas that experts are warning users about. This is especially noteworthy for businesses, who will likely be forced to make the upgrade in order to remain competitive whether they want to or not. The issue, says Cari Diaz of Fast-Teks' On-Site Computer Service, is less focused on the Vista system itself than it is on installation.

Fast-teks is a nationwide, on-site computer service company which specializes in both residential and business hardware installation and maintenance. Companies such as Fast-teks have put together several recommendations for consumers interested in running the Windows Vista system, many of which are aimed at upgrading existing systems on PC's. Read more

In January 2007, Microsoft launched its new Windows Vista operating system for homes and businesses. I've had an opportunity to test Windows Vista and found that it offers a host of feature-rich improvements over the venerable Microsoft Windows XP operating system. My family and I agreed that there are five key convenience features in Windows Vista:

Windows Aero user experience -- My son and I are multitasking junkies. We often have three or more files and/or programs open at one time. Shuffling back and forth to expand or collapse windows is a time-consuming pain. With Windows Vista, we experienced Windows Aero (available in Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Ultimate, Windows Vista Business and Windows Vista Enterprise), a new visual environment where program or file windows can be transparent to reveal otherwise hidden objects, or you may display multiple active windows in a 3-D stack of file folders. Read more

Imagine you're on the phone with tech support getting help with a computer problem and you happen to overhear them report that the issue is an ID-10-T Error, or they blurt out "PEBKAC."

The problem is you.

ID-10-T is a typographical play on "idiot." "PEBKAC" is an acronym for "Problem exists between keyboard and chair."

Computer users often complain that they don't understand much about their computers. IT gurus often complain that users think they know about a computer's inner workings or don't even know enough to explain an error when the computer's acting up. Read more

Holiday shopping can be not only stressful but a daunting task. Each year shoppers venture into crowded malls, battle busy parking lots and spend valuable time waiting in line. Many are turning to online shopping this year to save time, money and to cut down on their frustration.

A record 114 million people will make purchases online this holiday season with sales totaling $32 billion, according to Jupiter Research. Like Black Friday for traditional retailers, Cyber Monday – the Monday after Thanksgiving – is the official kick-off of the online holiday shopping season. Read more

Can your computer network or online banking password be found in the dictionary?

If someone knew your mother's maiden name, pet's name or your Social Security number, or even a common term from your industry, would your work or personal computer be compromised?

Most computer users create simple passwords and stick with them. If the news Web site or banking login site requires six characters, they'll use their name, maybe with a string of numerals at the end. They'll then write the "code" down on a piece of paper taped to the wall or stashed in their wallet. Read more