Thursday, June 21, 2012

Incredible Water Printer!

This "printer" released water at calculated intervals and really makes an amazing display.



I'll be putting one of these in my home relatively soon ^_^



Funny Graphic about Cell-Phone Users

I have had all three of these phones and find these stereotypes to be hilarious.

I especially enjoy the graphic of the blackberry Dinosaur user....so good. 


Really Cool Demonstration of Physics Engine!

Thiago Costa has created a physics based demonstrations with Softimage's ICE platform which can only be described as insane.


click below to watch^
http://vimeo.com/13457383#at=0


Truly crazy!

Turn an Old Computer into an XBMC Home Theater PC

XBMC is our favorite media center software. It's free and it's better than it's paid alternatives thanks to a slick, customizable interface that plays all sorts of media from the majority of networked and local destinations. It can pull content from the web, tell you the weather, double as a retro video game console, and much more. What's really great is that it can run on a super cheap, underpowered nettop. That may also mean your old computer is entirely adequate for the job. Either way, you'll be up and running a home theater system that's ahead of its time before you know it.

I will definitely be getting my old pc out to run this media center software. Information cited from gizmodo. 


New designs for the Mac Pro -set for 2013

Yesterday, David Pogue of The New York Times vaguely stated in reference to Apple's desktop Mac lines that an unnamed Apple executive had informed him that "new models and new designs are under way, probably for release in 2013." That information was taken to include both Mac Pro and iMac models, but was not explicitly clear. 

The mac pro line is close to deceased in my mind. The hardware within these machines are years old and cannot keep up with the multimedia and consumer needs that people are placing them on. Besides, the ridiculously high price-tag doesn't help the mac pro line either.


Next Gen Macbook released today!



The new MacBook Pro -- which is in addition to the existing line of Pro's, which was also updated today -- is built around a 15.4" Retina display at a 2880x1880 resolution, 220 ppi with 5,184,000 pixels, with a display that is built directly into the unibody construction to make the notebook lighter. 

It includes quad-core Ivy Bridge processors up to 2.8GHz and turbo boost up to 3.7GHz, up to 16GB of MacBook Air-like non-upgradable 1600MHz RAM, and a maximum of 768GB of next generation flash storage. The new Pro weighs in at 4.46 pounds and is 0.71" thick, but does not include a MacBook Air-like tapered body. There is no optical drive. 

Apple has developed a new type of fan to keep the machine cool. It uses an asymmetrical blade system to cool the machine while being as quiet as possible. Apple claims the thermal management system operates in a way that is nearly imperceptible to the user. 

Apple claims 7 hours of battery life with 30 days of standby time. It includes an SD slot, HDMI, and a USB 3.0/2.0 combo port on the right side, and a MagSafe power port, two Thunderbolt ports, another USB 3.0/2.0 port and a headphone jack on the left. Apple will soon begin offering a Firewire 800 and Gigabit Ethernet to Thunderbolt adapters. The machine also includes "the best stereo speakers ever put into a desktop or notebook" and dual microphones. 

Can't wait to test some applications on these new macbooks, although the $2199 is rather high; yikes!


Apple Releases New Discount!

Apple states that, "Back in January, Apple CEO Tim Cook announced to employees that the company would begin a new hardware discount program in June, offering employees $500 off a Mac (excluding the Mac mini) or $250 off an iPad. 

In line with that schedule, 9to5Mac reports that the new program has now gone live. As had been previously claimed, the discount is available to employees who have worked at Apple for at least 90 days, can be used once every three years, and can be stacked upon existing 25% employee discounts on hardware. "

Great news for all of their employees! 



How many types of the Linux OS are out there?


1. Red Hat Linux
2. Fedora
3. Mandriva Linux
4. Red Hat Enterprise
5. SuSE Linux
6. Ubuntu
7. Slackware Linux
8. Gentoo Linux


There are hundreds more distributions of Linux out there. Look around online and research more of them if you feel like experimenting with operating systems. 


If you have Norton Antivirus Read on...

I work on many computers that have Norton Anti-virus installed and I must say it is a most inefficient program. Read on to an article I found from Jimmy Ruska's blog:


Norton AntiVirus is A Virus
The most precompiled program in all new computers IS a virus to anyone who knows anything about computers.
                                             What Qualifies as A Virus

Uses Up Massive System Resources

DDOS "Zombies" viruses can use up tons of your CPU space while they send looping pings of invalid lengths to their coordinated servers of choice. They're no match to Norton AntiVirus though, which can easily use 40% of your CPU and a gross amount of Memory.

Fake Error Messages & Getting Your Credit Card Number

If you do not choose to activate the trial version of Norton. You still have their disgusting services activited and eating your computer resources. Every startup you will be hassled with "You're NOT PROTECTED AGAINST THE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE PROBLEMS THAT AWAIT YOU!! ACTIVATE THE TRIAL". This mortifies the average computer user that feels no confidence.
Once your trial period is up, you'll be given the same grossly inaccurate message once again that you need Norton AntiVirus or your computer is completely insecure. Either give norton your credit card number or face being scared into giving them it with each subsequent logon. Most computer users are not confident enough to delete their antivirus and don't know how to disable norton from startup.

Is Your Computer Secure Without Norton?

YES. You can use a powerful cocktail of programs that's even more secure and faster than the bloatware that is norton. You should really ask yourself, "Is it worth having my computer go slower to have Norton AntiVirus scan every file I look at and every program I run." Many people confuse hardware problems for their old computers as viruses and anecdotally fear removing the antivirus even if they don't download anything risky."


Fiberoptic in Chico!


Comcast Unleashes New 50/10 Mbps Extreme High-Speed Internet Service in Chico, Marysville/Yuba City and Grass Valley. Fiberoptic cabling is extremely fast wiring compared to your standard internet connection for your ISP's. Look it online for more info or ask your local ISP for more info.




Comcast Introduces Two New, Faster Speed Tier Options and Doubles Speeds For Most Existing Customers. New Wideband Speed Options Also Available to Business Customers

So, What is a TFT LCD anyway?

Thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) is a variant of liquid crystal display (LCD) which uses thin-film transistor (TFT) technology to improve image quality (e.g., addressability, contrast).



So, basically it's your run-of-the mill monitor or LCD screen. For further information look online for TFT monitors. 

Motherboard Types


ATX Motherboards
Full AT Motherboards
Baby AT Motherboards
Socket AM3 Motherboards
Socket T Motherboards

If you are interested in the names of more Motherboard types many articles online feature them. 


How to synch ipod with Computer

1. Start by connecting your iPhone to your computer with the USB cable that came with your iPhone
2. Select your iPhone in the iTunes source list
3. Name your iPhone
4.Decide whether you want iTunes to automatically synchronize your iPhone and your contacts, calendars, e-mail accounts, and bookmarks.




5. if you want iTunes to sync your iPhone automatically whenever you connect it to your computer, select the Automatically Sync When This iPhone Is Connected check box (in the Options area).
6. If you want to sync only items that are selected in your iTunes library, select the Only Sync Checked Songs and Videos check box.
7. If you want to turn off automatic syncing in the Music and Video panes, check the Manually Manage Music and Videos check box.

Sunday, June 17, 2012

6 steps from microsoft to keep your computer speedy!


1. Remove spyware, and help protect your computer from viruses

2. Free up disk space

3. Speed up access to data

4. Detect and repair disk errors

5. Learn about ReadyBoost

6.  Upgrade  to  Windows 7

For questions on how to do this call At Home Computer anytime!


Friday, June 15, 2012

Cleaning your Computer or Electronics Screen

Digital inspiration writes:

The TFT or LCD screen is one of the most expensive component of your notebook or desktop computer and they're very sensitive to dust, fingerprints or even when you cough or sneeze without covering the mouth and nose.

Unlike the standard CRT monitors with Glass screens, you are not advised to clean an LCD Monitor by wiping it with a piece of dry lint-free cloth since the sensitive display is likely to get scratches from dust particles. 

So how do you clean an LCD monitor screen without buying any of those expensive LCD Monitor Cleaner solutions or Monitor Wipes available in the market ? We look at some proper methods and precautions before you clean the monitor [should apply to HDTVs, projection TVs and Plasma TVs as well]



Think of LCD Displays just like the soft and delicate skin of your newborn baby - Be very gentle and never put even the slightest pressure on the computer screen with your hand. 

Second, you need to find a piece of soft cloth - old cotton handkerchiefs lying in your mom's wardrobe should be fine but don't try tissue papers, toilet rolls or even shower towels as the fabric will scratch your screen permanently [like sandpaper or utensil scrubbers]

Either turn the monitor off or set the background to black and hide all the desktop icons and minimize the open windows. This will easily help you identify the dirty areas of the monitor.

To prepare the solution for cleaning LCD monitors, you will need deionized or distilled water and vinegar or iso-propyl alcohol - Don't use tap water or mineral water as they could leave white marks on the screen because of the dissolved salts.

Dilute the vinegar or IPA with distilled water [1:1] and spray this liquid on the cloth. Never ever spray liquid directly onto the LCD screen. Moisten the cloth with this home made LCD cleaner and gently move the wet cloth in just one direction - from top to bottom.

Word of Caution: Be sure that the LCD screen is dry before closing it or using the computer.Do not use any solutions that contain Acetone, ethyl alcohol, toluene, ethyl acid, ammonia, or methyl chloride. Never touch the LCD screen with your fingers as this can cause the pixels to burn out.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

How to Clean your Computer


Instructions

    • 1
      Check your owner's manual. If the manufacturer has provided specific instructions, follow them.
    • 2
      Get any supplies you might need: a can of compressed air, Endust for Electronics or any household plastic or metal cleaning fluid, a soft brush (such as a paintbrush) and an anti-static rag, plus a dust mask if you're allergic to dust.
    • 3
      Shut down the computer.
    • 4
      Leave the computer plugged into the surge suppressor.
    • 5
      Disconnect all peripherals from the computer.
    • 6
      Remove the computer cover (see your owner's manual for instructions).
    • 7
      Ground yourself to the computer with any professional grounding equipment you have. Otherwise, ground yourself by touching a metal part of the chassis.
    • 8
      Spray compressed air on the fan blades, power supply chassis, drive chassis and circuit boards.
    • 9
      Gently brush off dust that the forced air didn't dislodge.
    • 10
      Brush any remaining dust out from the bottom of the chassis.
    • 11
      Spray Endust for Electronics or another cleaning fluid onto an anti-static rag.
    • 12
      Wipe the inside and outside of the cover thoroughly.
    • 13
      Replace the cover and reconnect the peripherals.
      -ehow

      For even for specific instructions feel free to give At Home Computer A Call!




Saturday, June 9, 2012

What is Adware?

Adware, or advertising-supported software, is any software package which automatically renders advertisements. These advertisements can be in the form of a pop-up. They may also be in the user interface of the software or on a screen presented to the user during the installation process. The object of the Adware is to generate revenue for its author. Adware, by itself, is harmless; however, some adware may come with integrated spyware such as keyloggers and other privacy-invasive software


At Home Computer will remove adware from your computer! Call for quotes and questions. 

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Computer Training

At Home Computer offers one on one computer training and consulting services. Simply call and ask what is available for your needs.


Ever had a question about your computer that you could never find the answer to? Call At Home Computer today!

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Which Processor is Right for your computer?


High End CPU's - Intel vs AMD

This chart comparing high end CPU's is made using thousands of PerformanceTestbenchmark results and is updated daily. These are the high end AMD and Intel CPUs are typically those found in newer computers. The chart below compares the performance of Intel Xeon CPUs, Intel Core i7 CPUs, AMD Phenom II CPUs and AMD Opterons with multiple cores. Intel processors vs AMD chips - find out which CPU's performance is best for your new gaming rig or server!
to see the full list go to http://www.cpubenchmark.net/high_end_cpus.html and look at processor benmark results.
The results are truly helpful for making your purchasing decision. Contacting At Home Computer Repair can help you decide which processor will work for your computer and whether or not it will fit your needs.

Friday, June 1, 2012

Spyware, Defined!


Spyware is a type of malware (malicious software) installed on computers that collects information about users without their knowledge. The presence of spyware is typically hidden from the user and can be difficult to detect. Spyware is often secretly installed on a user's personal computer without their knowledge. However, some spyware such as keyloggers may be installed by the owner of a shared, corporate, or public computer on purpose in order to intentionally monitor users.
While the term spyware suggests software that monitors a user's computing, the functions of spyware can extend beyond simple monitoring. Spyware can collect almost any type of data, including personal information like Internet surfing habits, user logins, and bank or credit account information. Spyware can also interfere with user control of a computer by installing additional software or redirecting Web browsers. Some spyware can change computer settings, resulting in slow Internet connection speeds, un-authorized changes in browser settings or functionality of other software. 
Do not fret though! There is hope; contact At Home Computer, computer repair in chico,  in order to see if you have been a victim of spyware. Ask what actions are appropriate for ridding yourself of the spyware menace.