Category: ‘Whatchamacallit’

Computer Speed Up Tips – Originally Published February 2010

June 23, 2014 Posted by Tiny

A Pain in the Whatchamacallit
By Tiny Ruisch

This month I’d like to share a few tips that I’ve learned over the years.  They’re mostly little items that I’ve found helped make my computing faster and easier.  These tips are on random subjects, but I’ve found that all of them make my computing experience just a little easier than before.  Most tips work with all Windows versions, but I don’t guarantee it.  I do know you can try them all for free.  You’ve probably heard of some of these tips and already use them all the time, but I’m willing to bet you’ll find one or two things you can use to make your computing experience easier or faster.

If your computer has more than one processor, you can easily make it boot a little faster by running msconfig.  Click the boot section and then click advanced options.  Then check the number of processors block and click OK.  Now when your computer will boot a little faster because it uses more processing power.

While msconfig is open you can also easily stop the windows boot logo from slowing your startup time.  Click the BOOT tab and check the No GUI Boot.

Do you sometimes lose sight of your mouse arrow?  Some web pages snap it to somewhere else on the screen and sometimes it just gets lost in the background.  My clumsy finger often causes my cursor to relocate when I’m using my laptop touchpad.  Just open mouse properties in your control panel.  Under pointer options, check “show location of pointer when I press the CTRL key”.  Apply the settings and you will always easily find you cursor with a simple press of the CTRL key.

Speaking of the CTRL key, there is another key that is usually near it on most computer keyboards.  You can save a lot of time by using the window key in combination with other keys.  One of my favorite personal favorites is using Window Key-E to quickly open Windows Explorer.  If you’ve upgraded to Windows 7, the Window Key has more useful user-friendly functions than ever before.  To speed up your computing, I recommend doing a web search for your operating system and windows key (or keyboard shortcuts).  You will find several web sites with lists of all the key functions you can use.  After awhile, you will find that the windows key will be a force of habit that makes it easier for you to use your computer.

Why not take a minute, run services.msc and make your computer run just a little faster.  This will open a window with detailed information about all of the services (with detailed descriptions) that are running on your computer.  You will probably find many that you do not need.  To disable a service, just double click on it and change the startup type.  Remember that you can always change it back later if you find you need the service after all.  If you need more information on a particular service, just type the name into your favorite internet search engine and you’ll find out all that you need to know.  Services are important, but every one that your computer doesn’t have to check up on will help it to run a little faster.

Why not print a little bit faster and save some money at the same time?  Detailed prints take longer to produce.  If you reduce the quality a little, you can print faster and save some ink.  Open print properties in any program to change the settings.  Look for draft mode or something similar.

If you use Vista or Windows 7, you should be using ReadyBoost.  Just install any high performance SD card or flash drive and you’ll have a memory cache.  Just open my computer, right click on the icon and select properties.  Then you can enable ready boost.  If you really want a much faster computer, buy or build a new one with all of the latest components.

Happy Computing!

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Technological New Year Resolutions – Originally Published January 2010

June 23, 2014 Posted by Tiny

A Pain in the Whatchamacallit
By Tiny Ruisch

I’ve been writing this monthly column for almost a year now.  One of the things I’ve learned is that it is usually pretty hard to decide what topic to write on each month.  January is almost a gimmee topic.  Technological New Year’s Resolutions that I’ll try to keep.

This year I’m going to try to be better at doing my data backups.  I’ve got a backup schedule, but sometimes put it off to do other things.  I know it’s not wise to do that, but sometimes I accidentally eat a stupid pill.

This year I’m going to try harder to write a monthly column for the newsletter and actually submit it in a timely manner . I know that waiting until the last minute just makes it harder for the editor to complete the monthly bulletin.

This year, I’m going to finally organize all of my pictures and picture albums.  I’ve got photo albums in three places on the internet.  I’ve got pictures stored on four different hard drives.  I can probably delete a few thousand pictures and still have plenty left.  Do I really need more than one picture of the same scene?

This year, I’m going to devote more time to my other hobbies.  I haven’t had my telescope pointed at the sky in a long time.  My model railroad has been gathering dust for a month or so.  Oh well, at least I haven’t missed any SWLACUG meetings.

This year, I’m going to update my website more often.  I think I’ll steal some of Tom’s ideas and add some technical columns.  I could at least copy my Whatchamacallit articles.

This year I’m going to quit downloading and installing software that I’ll probably never use.  Do I really need another digital photo editor?  Will a different media player make my mp3’s sound better?  How many file cleaners do I really need ? Then of course, there are the games I’ve downloaded, played once and forgot about.

This year, I’m going to frequently remind all club members to help make our club a little better.  It doesn’t take much to do.  Just share your experiences with the software or hardware you use.  You’d be surprised at what you know that someone else doesn’t.  Some of my favorite web sites were recommended to me by someone else.  I didn’t sign on to Facebook until it was a meeting topic.  Now I spend quite a bit of time using the service.  Why don’t you write a one paragraph article letting everyone know how great or lousy the flash drive you just bought is?  Why not post a note on the club forum when you’ve found an interesting sale.  Maybe the most important contribution you could make is letting the club know what topics you would like to hear about at the monthly meeting.  Why not make a suggestion on what you’d like to see articles about in the newsletter?

On a different subject, I’d like to take a paragraph and say how much I enjoyed the 2009 club Christmas meeting.  I thought the gifts were all pretty good and I am getting a lot of use out of mine.  As always, the food was delicious and the company was better.

That’s all for this month.  Thanks for reading.

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The Annual Club Software Disk – Originally Published December 2009

June 23, 2014 Posted by Tiny

A Pain in the Whatchamacallit
By Tiny Ruisch

My wife needed someone to carry packages on Black Friday, so for the first time ever, I went out to the big sales. When we stopped at the store that was started by that fellow from Arkansas, I discovered a pallet of HP printer/scanner/copiers.  Although I really wasn’t shopping for anything, I was looking it over pretty closely.  There was another lady there that had six of the machines loaded in her basket.  I asked what she was going to do with all of those printers.  She told me she didn’t want the printers but was buying the ink.  I ended up buying the machine for $25.  I wanted the scanner.  My wife wanted the printer and the lady wanted her ink.  One box had something for everybody.

The multi-function printer got me to thinking about the club’s annual software disk.  It has a little something for everyone.  I don’t know where Tom found the link for the 200 built in Windows 7 programs, but I figure that one link was worth my club dues this year.  It’s like having a control panel on steroids.  No more searching to find that hidden function.  After I opened the link, it only took about two minutes before I added the link to my start menu.  Thanks Tom for creating and burning this years club disc.  It has so many programs that I ran out of fingers and toes while trying to count them.  They all have my favorite price tag – Zero Dollars.  That converts to zero in Euros.  You don’t need your VISA to use them.

In this months column, I thought I’d elaborate on a few of the programs that I’ve used in the past and give you my opinion of them.  I might even suggest an alternative or two.  Some of the links on the disk, I won’t be checking at all.  Avast has long been my favorite anti-virus program.  I use it on all of the computers in my home network.  The KM Player is another program that I use almost exclusively, although I must admit that Microsoft has almost won me back with Windows Media Player 12.

I like to test programs, so I install and uninstall lots of them on my computer.  I always use Revo Uninstaller.  This program cleans up all of the junk that is left behind by the windows uninstaller.

I’m knocking on wood as I tell you that I have never had a computer infected by any bad stuff.  Do you suppose that could be because I regularly use Malware Anti-Bytes, SpywareBlaster and Spybot Search & Destroy?

A few of the programs like 7-Zip I may never use.  I don’t use any compressing programs.  I have lots of hard drives and no data that I need to archive.  I also doubt if I’ll have a need for Create Cover Search.  I usually just listen to the music.  I don’t need to look at pictures of the album.

There are also a lot of programs that I’m going to try out.  I’ll definitely be looking through the OCR folder.  Got to play with my new toy.  I’m certain I’ll find better software than was included with my HP.

I’ve heard that Firefox has greatly improved over the last few years.  If you’re checking out browsers, don’t forget about Opera.

Another program that I’m going to check out is the Cleansoft Update Notifier.  I’m happy with Secunia, the program that I use to check for updates, but you never know when you can find something better or easier.

I’m also going to check out the RonyaSoft CD/DVD Label Maker.  Tom made the Club CD so attractive that it made an immediate selling point for this program.  Besides, I’ve got to use up the ink on that new printer.

Thanks again for the disk, Tom. Great job.

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Installing the Windows 7 Upgrade – Originally Published November 2009

June 23, 2014 Posted by Tiny

A Pain in the Whatchamacallit
By Tiny Ruisch

FedEx delivered the two copies of Windows 7 on Friday, October 23.  I set the package on the living room table.  On Saturday afternoon, my wife asked if I was planning to open it up.  I said, “I suppose so.”

When it comes to technology and new software, I’m basically a Luddite.  I usually have little desire for the latest or greatest.  I don’t need the biggest, fastest computer.  I’d rather have reliability.  I never download beta software.  Isn’t that kind of like driving an automobile that might not have all of the parts?  Besides, why should I debug the stuff for no pay?  You’d think software companies would at least give you a license for the product if you’ve helped them fix the problems.

Back on July 7, I surprised even myself and pre-ordered Microsoft’s new operating system – Windows 7.  Normally I could care less which operating system is installed.  I just want my software to run efficiently.  I’m a pretty careful computer operator and rarely get the famous blue screen of death. (Could that be because I don’t require the latest and greatest?

Sunday afternoon, I sat down to install the upgrade on my desktop.  All my backups were up to date.  I took the advice from one of the technical journals and decided that this would be a good time to uninstall some of the software that I don’t use any more.  Surprisingly, I found twelve candidates.  Most of them were format converters or some type of picture viewer or editor.  Most of them I hardly ever opened.

Next I ran the Windows Upgrade Advisor.  This program does a detailed analysis of your system and installed software.  On my desktop, it took almost thirty minutes to finish.  The report generated includes three sections.

System Requirements: This section checks your Upgrade Status, Windows Mail and Parental Controls, CPU Speed, RAM, Hard Drive Free Space, And Windows Aero capabilities.  My system passed all except for the mail and parental.  I received the following advice, “Windows Mail and Parental Controls (Web Filtering) are not included in Windows 7.  You can get similar programs from other software manufacturers or go to the Microsoft website to learn more.”

Devices: This section of the report does a complete analysis of all the hardware on your system.  Before you run the advisor, make sure that all of your scanners, readers, etc. is attached and turned on.  All of the devices on my system were compatible with Windows 7.

Programs: This section of the advisor examines all the software installed on your computer and checks if will run under Windows 7.  My computer had two programs that were not compatible.

The first was Microsoft IntelliType Pro 6.3, which is the software for my programmable keyboard.  This program was flagged as not compatible with Windows 7.  I knew there was a software upgrade available and decided to wait until after updating to download it.  I didn’t think I would be using any fancy macros while upgrading the operating system.  The other program was Canon Camera Window MC 6 for ZoomBrowser EX, which is the software for my camera.  The upgrade advisor said, “You might experience minor issues using this program while running Windows 7.  For more information, go online to the manufacturer’s website.”

I figured I was finally ready to start so I inserted the disc into my drive and started the install.  I was immediately warned that my computer would shut down and restart many times.  The first screen had two options: Check compatibility online or install now.  Next, I was offered the option to check for installation updates, which I did.  Finally, I was given the standard little square box with the licensing agreement. I’ve already commented on these things in previous columns.

The next screen asked if I wanted to do an “upgrade” or “custom” install.  With the upgrade install, you keep all you programs, settings, disc partitions, etc.  The custom installation wipes everything and installs a fresh copy of the operating system.  I selected the upgrade option and the install started.  The first twenty minutes consisted of another compatibility check.  This time, the previous two programs were listed along with Microsoft Mobile Device Center software.  It was suggested that I stop the installation, uninstall the three programs and reinstall them after the operating system update.  There was neither a back button nor a stop install button.  The only choice was to continue the installation.  I assumed the next screen would let me quit.

The next screen told me that the upgrade was in progress.  Do not turn off my computer.  The upgrade went smoothly after that. Several times I was told that it could take several hours and my computer would shutdown and restart several times.  After the software installation, the program checked for updates.  There were eleven operating system/security updates and three software updates (including my keyboard and the mobile sync program).

Next, I went through several setup screens for preferences.  Finally I was asked to input the 25 digit software key.

The entire installation took two hours and thirty minutes.  My computer restarted four times.  The only “quirks” I noticed were the no “back” or “abort installation” buttons.  I also thought it was strange that I was asked for the installation key only after the install.  If you don’t have the key, what then?

Overall, I was pleased with how easy the upgrade installed.  My computer boots up about 1-½ minutes quicker.  Windows 7 appears to be on the way to living up to its glowing previews.

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Things I Hate About Computing – Originally Published October 2009

June 23, 2014 Posted by Tiny

A Pain in the Whatchamacallit
By Tiny Ruisch

This month I’m going to rant, criticize and complain just a little.  The other day, my wife and I were in one of the home improvement stores and I thought that it would be a good time to pick up a new water filter for our refrigerator.  I went over to appliances and told them I needed a new filter for a Whirlpool.  He immediately asked me which of the nine filters I needed.  Of course I had forgotten to memorize the filter number so I found our refrigerator on the sales floor and told the salesman, “One to fit that model.”  Naturally, it was the wrong size filter.  When I went back to exchange it, I found out that a different model year takes a different filter.  What does all that have to do with computers and electronics?

It got me to thinking about some of the things I really hate about computing.  I’ve probably got 30 or 40 different USB cables in my junk box in the closet.  Every time you buy something that is USB supported, you get another cable.  Why is this?  It’s because each manufacturer has their own proprietary plug.  They have to include a cable because none of my other 30 cables will fit the darn thing.  I recently got a new cell phone.  Same manufacturer, different model.  You guessed it.  I’ve got another USB cable in my collection.  Wouldn’t it be nice if everything had a standard plug and didn’t have the cable included?  Think of the money that could be saved.  Wait a minute!  Then they couldn’t sucker people into paying $20 for 3 dollars worth of wire.

Another thing about electronics that makes me made are the End User License Agreements (EULA).  I’m one of those persons that read them pretty carefully before installing anything on my computer.  My complaint isn’t the fact that they are written by lawyers.  I can use the internet to identify the legal terms.  I have yet to find a EULA that can be read full screen.  Instead they write them in a little window that usually covers about a tenth of my screen.  I really think this is done to discourage people from reading the agreements.  Just get them to click “I agree” and get it over with.  I wonder how many people downloaded Google Chrome before the EULA was changed?  Do you suppose Google changed their EULA because someone finally read the EULA and told others what it said?

I can live with SPAM (I usually don’t even see it) and I don’t mind being bombarded with internet advertisements (I can always go to other sites).  I really hate it when websites pop up a window asking for information that they will probably never use.  For instance, the Des Moines Register wants to know my age, sex and country.  They then store the data in a cookie on my computer.  When I tell them that I‘m 22 year old female, I get the same advertisements as the dirty old men get.  Why waste my time?

My last big frustration is forwarded e-mails, which I usually just delete.  Should I really have to click page down 2 or 3 times to read the cute story or learn about the latest internet scare?  Besides, I think it would be a good thing if the government made business e-mails pay a 10 cent tax.  I bet we’d all get a lot less Viagra offers.

That’s enough ranting and complaining.  Next month I’ll write something useful for the newsletter.  By the way, did I mention that the two water filters had two different prices?  Does that remind you of anything computer related?

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Blurb Books – Originally Published September 2009

June 22, 2014 Posted by Tiny

A Pain in the Whatchamacallit
By Tiny Ruisch

Toni Morrison said, “If there’s a book you really want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.”
So many people have asked me about the picture book I published for my Grandson’s birthday that I thought I would use this months “free advice” column to tell everyone about it.  The idea was easy.  I searched through the thousands of pictures I took of his baseball tournament games, put in some commentary, a few baseball quotes and had the idea for a perfect gift.  Now all I had to do was get it printed and bound.  I wanted something a little classier than a scrapbook.

As with many other items, if you do a Google search for book publishers, you’ll find millions of them.  How do you decide which one won’t rip you off?  My method was to search various forums and find out what other photographers recommended.  Most of the recommendations were for Lulu, Blurb, Viovio, Shutterfly and Snapfish.  I decided to give Blurb a try and I wasn’t disappointed.

To start your book, you have to download Blurb’s Booksmart software.  You begin by deciding what the physical size of your book will be.  There are six different book sizes from the smallest (5×8 inches) to the largest (12×12 inches).  After selecting the dimensions of your book its time to add the content.  BookSmart provides templates for Title pages, Table of Contents, Introduction, Chapter titles, Index and Content pages.  If you don’t like any of them, you can design your own layout.

BookSmart provides an excellent selection of text editing tools.  You can control horizontal and vertical justification, fonts, text color, photo borders, and many other text and photo attributes.  Photos are added via drag and drop into frames on each page.  Text frames are easily added or resized.  Editing text and photographs is easy.  Photo editing is limited to zooming and cropping, flipping, and adding borders.  If you need to edit the way the photo itself appears, you’ll need to use your regular photo editor.  Another neat feature is Group Book.  You can invite other people to collaborate on your book by uploading pictures and content for you to consider adding to the book.

Blurb has an awesome help system.  Help and support, information about pricing and shipping, helpful tips and book ideas and much, much more are located in easy to find locations, with no complicated paths to follow to get there.  There are ten FAQ sections which are all searchable by keyword.  There are also five forums where customers can share their tips and ask questions.  There is also an E-mail support section.  Blurb also has several tutorials, videos and demos that will show you how to use the software.

How much will it cost to print your book?  It depends on what type of book cover you choose and how big your masterpiece is.  The cheapest book you can print is a 5×8 soft cover, 40 page, no color book for $4.95.  You could go all out and get a 400 page 12×12 hardcover book for only $186.95.  Blurbs prices to seem to be competitive with the other sites I looked at.  Shipping is extra.

After you publish your book, Blurb keeps it on their servers as long as people are buying copies of it.  There is also a public bookstore where creators can buy and sell their books.  You can set your own book price and pass the link on to people that you hope will purchase their own copy.  A word of caution.  If you decide to publish a book, I recommend you triple check the spelling and each pages layout.  Then I would suggest you have one or two other people proof read it for you.  Blurb doesn’t check the manuscript.  Once you upload the book for printing, you can’t make any changes.

The book quality is excellent.  The books are printed on a high gloss paper and the binding is superb.  I’ve borrowed the Grandson’s book a lot of times and have shown it to many people.  I have yet to receive any negative feedback.  I’ve only mentioned some of the main features.  There is a lot more you can do. The software is available for both PC and MAC.  If you’re planning on publishing a book, I can highly recommend BookSmart available from Blurb.

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Unsafe Computer Practices – Originally Published August 2009

June 22, 2014 Posted by Tiny

A Pain in the Whatchamacallit
By Tiny Ruisch

Forrest Gump said, “Stupid is as stupid does.“  Could this mean that an intelligent person who does stupid things is still stupid?  Everyone has heard the stories of the computer user that used their disk player as a coffee cup holder.  Did you hear about the computer user that called tech support trying to figure out why their computer wasn’t working?  Turns out there was a power outage.  When you Google “stupid computer stories” you get about 6,660,000 hits.  No matter how you look at it, we’re talking about a lot of stupidity.

I’m not planning to talk about stupid computer things, just plain dumb or unsafe computing practices.  Probably one of the dumbest things some people do is neglect antivirus and anti-spyware programs.  Antivirus programs can be a royal pain in the you know what!  They’re always blocking some application you want to use.  You often have to disable them to install new software.  They have to be updated on a regular basis to do any good.  It seems like the subscription is always expiring and prompting you to renew it.  You can’t afford to go without virus protection.  The malicious programs that AV software detects can not only wreak havoc on your system but can spread via your computer to the rest of your network.  Don’t be dumb!  Keep your antivirus up to date.

I think it’s really dumb to just click on anything and everything.  I know how tempting it is to quickly load that solve everything program without first reading the EULA.  Be careful!  You might be agreeing to let everyone on the internet send you spam.  Even worse, you could do like one of my sisters did – agree to use your address book for a sales pitch.  I know how hard it is to resist clicking that email hyperlink your best friend just sent you, just be careful.  It’s so easy to download backdoor Trojans without even knowing it.  Don’t be dumb and give in to “click mania.”  Think before you click a link.  Links can also be disguised in “phishing” messages or on Web sites to appear to take you to a different site from the ones they really point to.  You can often find out the real URL by hovering over the link without clicking it.

Don’t be dumb and install/uninstall lots of programs.  I know how tempting it is to be on the cutting edge, so you often install and try out new software.  Beta programs are usually free and give you a chance to sample neat new features before most people.  There are also many freeware and shareware programs made available as Internet downloads by their authors.  I know none of our club members would never do it, but some users even install pirated software.  The more programs you install, the more likely you are to run across ones that either include harmful code or are poorly written and cause your system to crash.  Even if you install only licensed commercial software, too many installs and uninstalls can gunk up the registry.  Not all uninstall routines completely remove program remnants and at the least, this practice can cause your system to slow down over time.  Don’t be dumb.  Install only programs that you really need.

I think that it’s really dumb to plug your computer right into a cable or DSL modem and go on the Internet.  Some people don’t realize that they’re putting themselves at risk from viruses and attackers.  Every Internet connected computer should be protected by a firewall.  Just having a firewall isn’t enough.  You must also make sure it’s turned on and configured properly to protect you.

I think it’s really dumb to plug in any electronic equipment without using a surge protector.  Doing so can physically destroy your computer equipment, as well as the data it holds.  You may might think your system is in danger only during an electrical storm, but anything that interrupts the electrical circuit and then restarts the current can fry your electronics.  Something as simple as turning on an appliance that’s plugged into the same circuit can cause a surge.  If you have a power outage, there could be a surge when the electricity comes back on.  Don’t be dumb.  Protect your electronics against damage from power surges by always using a surge protector.

Remember that everything in this column is just my opinion.  It doesn’t really matter to me if you follow my advice.  I don’t gamble very much, but there is one thing I’m willing to bet on.  It might not happen for a while, but eventually, you’re going to get caught!

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FileMenu Tools – Originally Published July 2009

June 22, 2014 Posted by Tiny

A Pain in the Whatchamacallit
By Tiny Ruisch

Computers make excellent and efficient servants, but I have no wish to serve under them.
—– Mr. Spock in the “Ultimate Computer”

Mr. Spock was right.  Computers can be really efficient if you have the proper programs to do the job.  I’d like to tell you about a really efficient utility program that I’ve been using for quite a while now.

FileMenu Tools lets you customize the right click menu of Windows Explorer.  The program adds utilities to perform operations on files and folders and adds customized commands that let you run external applications, copy or move to a specific folder or delete specific file types.

With the built in commands you can:

Run With Parameters – Runs a program with parameters you input in a dialog box.
Command Line From Here – Opens a command line window.
Copy/Move – No need to cut and paste. You can also use filters in file selection.
Duplicate Files – Make a copy in the same folder.
Pack to Folder – Moves all the selected elements to new subfolder in the current folder.
Copy Path/Name/Content – Copies the selected item(s) to the clipboard.
Attributes – You can view and change them without opening a properties dialog box.
Find and Replace – Lets you find or replace a text for all the files in a selected folder.
Advanced Rename – With lots of options.
Change Icon – Quickly and easily change folder options.
Advanced Delete – lets you delete specific file types in a folder.
Synchronize Two Folders – Lets you synchronize two folders quickly and easily.
Shred Files – Overwrites several times so it is impossible to recover the file in the future.
Send to Mail Recipient – Lets you send an e-mail with selected elements as attachments.

These are about half of the FileMenu commands you can select from.  In the configuration menu, a simple check will turn off the commands you don’t want.  If you can’t find the FileMenu function you need, then just add a customized command to run external applications, copy/move to a specific folder or delete specific file types.

FileMenu Tools lets you configure the “Send to” submenu.  You can add new items, change the properties of the existing items or delete them.  You also can disable existing “Send to” items in order to hide them from the menu.

FileMenu Tools will also let you enable/disable the commands which are added to the context menu of the Windows Explorer by other programs.  This is the only function that is not one hundred percent reliable.  When it works, it works well, but it does not catch all of the programs that add to your right click.

FileMenu Tools is a 7.3MB download and runs on all Windows platforms.  Did I mention the price?  This program is freeware and costs nothing.  I’m pretty sure that Mr. Spock would say, “Fascinating is a word I use for the unexpected.  In this case, I should think ‘interesting’ would suffice.”

Download FileMenu Tools.  Give this program a test.  I’m pretty sure that you’ll like it.  While you’re on the Lopesoft website, you can also download LopeEdit Lite.  You’ll probably never use Windows Notepad again.

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KeePass Password Safe – Originally Published May 2009

June 20, 2014 Posted by Tiny

A Pain in the Whatchamacallit
By Tiny Ruisch

This month I thought I’d take a few minutes and tell you about the Password Program that I use every day when I’m computing.  If you do a Google Search for “password manager“, you‘ll get about 41,000,000 choices.  I’ve carefully researched all of them except for the last 29 million or so.

I use a lot of passwords in my daily computing.  As of this writing, I’ve got 41 e-mail addresses. I have eleven passwords that I use to manage them.  I frequent 8 different forums, each with separate password.  Then there are my gaming site passwords.  Five right now.  Did I forget to mention my military and medical passwords?  Eight of them.  Then there are on line shopping passwords and the most important one of all – the one that logs me into the SWLAPCUG web site.  I’ve got more than 50 passwords that I use fairly frequently.

The first week of every month, I change the passwords for websites that keep important data.  It seems that some company or government office is always being compromised and losing important data.  For most web sites, I use hard to break passwords.  Want to see one of my sample passwords? qyF+,CMqaF;+@x!,Sd is a password that used to open my web site for editing.

The program I use is KeePass Password Safe. It is a really easy to use utility that helps you to keep track of all your passwords while keeping them safe.  It lets you store all of your passwords in a lightweight, simple-to-use database, and encrypts the database so that only you can access it.

KeePass Password Safe stores all your passwords in groups, so that it’s easy to find the one you want quickly.  The program does more than just store the passwords; it also lets you easily copy them onto a Web page or an application.  You can drag and drop them, copy them to the clipboard, or copy them using a hot key.

One of the best features is the random password generator which creates passwords with characteristics that you specify.  That way you can tailor your passwords as needed.  For example, some websites won’t let you create a password with underlines while others might require a specific length.  KeePass makes it easy to create any password.

The program also includes support for TAN passwords and allows you to create TAN lists which automatically expire a password once it has been used.  Other features include auto-lock, database search, import/export, and many more.

Of Course, KeePass also fits in with one of my most demanding prerequisites.  It is open source and the cost is ZERO.  You can download the program from the KeePass Password Safe Home Page for yourself and give it a try.  I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

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Computer Maintenance – Originally Published April 2009

June 10, 2014 Posted by Tiny

A Pain in the Whatchamacallit
By Tiny Ruisch

I remember when I bought my new pickup.  The salesman remarked that it was unusual to get a trade in with 120,000 miles.  I told him that they just don’t make them like they used to, as I put about 200,000 miles on the one prior to that.  My youngest grandson and I play almost every day with trains that are about 30 years old.  About a year ago, I junked my desktop computer which I bought in 1994.  It was working fine but I had no place to put it.  It looks like I’m going to be the first male in my family that will ever draw a Social Security check.

What’s my secret to all of that extended usage?  Preventive Maintenance.

Last month after I wrote about getting my new laptop ready to compute, a few people asked me about my maintenance routine.  Right now, I have six computers on my home network.  Every two weeks, I get out my maintenance list and do all my updates and in depth scans.  This month, I thought I’d share what I do to keep them all running smoothly.

A. Run Windows Update.  One of the things I’ve always disliked about windows is automatic updates.  I’ve got mine set to notify me when there is a critical update.  I almost always download and install critical updates pretty quickly.  For other updates, I wait until my maintenance day.  Before I download and install, I do an internet search on the update.  If I find that updates cause other users a lot of problems, I usually wait on downloading.  All updates aren’t necessary to keep your computer running smoothly.

B. Run Revo Uninstaller.  Over the years, I’ve discovered that when you no longer need a program, it’s better to get rid of the darn thing right away.  Otherwise, all it will do is take up space on your hard drive.  Revo Uninstaller is a freeware program that does an excellent job of removing software from your disk drive.  After the program is uninstalled, it searches and removes most files, folders and registry keys that are usually left on your computer.  You can download Revo Uninstaller here.
C. Run Secunia Personal Software Inspector.  Secunia PSI is a program that scans your computer and checks installed software for updates and patches.  Secunia is an easy program to use, but it wants to add itself to the automatic startup every time you run it.  To prevent this, go to the advanced section and uncheck the auto start.  You can download Secunia PSI here.
D. run a virus scan.  What else can I tell you. If you don‘t have a good anti-virus program installed, please don‘t come crying to me when you get infected.
E. Run a spy ware scan.  I’ve used the Zone Alarm Security Suite for years.  I like it because it’s easy to use and does a good job.  Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware is extremely effective at finding and removing virus, worm, trojan, rootkit, dialer and spyware programs that infect your computer.  I only recently started using this program which I discovered at the last monthly SIG meeting.  This program is extremely fast and is updated daily.  You can download Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware here.

F. Run Wise Registry Cleaner.  There are two theories about using registry cleaners.  Some people think they are great because by getting all of the junk out of your registry your computer will run faster and more effectively.  Others think that the gain is not worth the risk.  CAUTION!  Using programs that change the registry can permanently disable your computer.  Make sure you back up the registry before you make any changes.  Wise Registry Cleaner is a fairly fast scanner that lists the scan results into two categories: 1) safe to remove, and 2) can remove, but not completely safe.  You can download Wise Registry Cleaner here.

G. Run CCleaner. CCleaner is a freeware program that optimizes your PC by combining a system cleaner and a registry cleaner. Simply put, it is about the best program there is for cleaning junk off of your hard drive. It has an easy to use interface. Click on analyze and a few minutes later click on run cleaner. If you use the registry cleaner, it reminds you to backup before making any changes. You can get CCleaner here.

Finally, I shut down my computer and reboot.  Then, I open msconfig to make sure that nothing has sneaked into my startup.

All of the programs I’ve mentioned in this article a either freeware or free to use.  A word of caution.  If you decide to try them, carefully read the installation screens.  That way you won’t accidentally have a new toolbar, browser home page, or internet searcher.

By the way, my old laptop was purchased in 2001.  It still runs smoothly except for a lot of bad screen pixels.  I’m planning to set it up in the train room.

Happy Computing to All!

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