In case you didn’t already know, Palmettobug Digital has a Facebook page. I have added a link to it over in the sidebar of this site, but you can also get to it by doing a search for Palmettobug Digital on Facebook or by just clicking here. I try to post some useful tips there on a daily basis, many of which I do not actually post here to this site.
So, please become a fan or friend. I look forward to seeing you there!
Tags: Facebook, fan, friend
Question: Windows 7 is available to those who bought a new computer recently. How about the older computers? Do we buy them separately or are they available through our existing software?
Answer: Windows 7 can indeed be purchased as an upgrade for older computers. The exact price will depend on which version you choose, but should be approximately $100. The two most important considerations to keep in mind are 1) will your computer run Windows 7 adequately and 2) what will be involved in the upgrade?
If your computer was purchased within the last 3 or 4 years or is currently running Windows Vista, you should be good to go. If it was purchased earlier than that, you will want to visit the Windows 7 Upgrade adviser at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/upgrade-advisor.aspx to download a small test program that will determine if your machine is Windows 7 capable.
No matter what the age of your machine, if you are currently running Windows XP and want to upgrade to Windows 7, you will have to perform what is called a “clean install.” That means that your hard drive will be totally wiped out and all software will have to be reinstalled. Therefor, before you do that, you want to make sure you have all of your original software media, the registration information, and a good backup of all your personal data. Actually, no matter what upgrade route you decide on or even if you aren’t doing an upgrade, you should have a good backup!
Note: This is part of a column that originally appeared in The Daniel Island News in the weekly issue for November 18, 2009.
Tags: backup, Upgrade, Windows, Windows 7
Question: What should I do with a keyboard when some keys seem to need an extra push? Is this it wear and tear or a cleaning issue?
Answer: It could easily be either simple wear and tear, or it may be that there is something stuck underneath the keys. If you turn the keyboard upside down over a trashcan, shake it, and beat on it gently, you may be surprised at the amount of hair, food particles, and other gunk that comes out. If that doesn’t solve the problem, you can often carefully pry the keys up and clean underneath them with something like hydrogen peroxide. The main requirement of the cleanser is that it is non-corrosive and doesn’t leave a residue.
For wear and tear situations or if all your cleaning fails to return your keyboard to normal performance, a regular replacement keyboard should only cost you about $20. This is not a bad investment at all for the major interface point between you and your computer.
Note: This is part of a column that originally appeared in The Daniel Island News in the weekly issue for November 18, 2009.
Tags: Daniel Island, keyboard, keys
