Category Archives: Computing

From internet browsers to keeping your children safe from predators, the computing blog covers it.

Computing Week in Review: April 14th Through April 20th

Are you looking forward to the new Wii Fit release? I know that many people are sure to be first in line when it is released in May. For that story and more, check out today’s week in review. April 14th Computing Week in Review: April 7th Through April 13th From detecting your smile to smelling with your cell phone, this past week’s articles show how far technology has come. Here is the Computing Blog Week in review for April 7th through April 13th. April 15th PS3 Update 2.30 The new PlayStation 3 (PS3) update has long been anticipated, and … Continue reading →

Does Shutting Off Your PC Daily Shorten It’s Life?

One of the greatest technology debates is not about cell phones causing cancer or Yahoo versus Google, but something more domestic. Does shutting down a PC on a daily basis shorten its life? Do you have to compromise saving energy for the health of your computer? Here is the answer. This question comes up so very frequently, although not usually as a question. There are users on both sides who adamantly believe (and share) that it is better to either leave your computer on all of the time or shut it down when you aren’t actively using it. The pro … Continue reading →

Ask the Blogger: Magnets and Computers

I recently received the following question from a reader. “I want to dispose of my computer, but I am worried that someone might be able to find my personal information on the computer if I donate it or throw it out. I heard that sticking a magnet on the hard drive will erase any data. Is this true?” Dear Reader, While it is true that magnets can be used to erase a hard drive, just any old household magnet won’t do the job. The only magnets that are powerful enough for such a task as usually found in laboratories or … Continue reading →

PhotoFiddle.com

(Image from PhotoFiddle.com) Looking for a photo gift for Mother’s Day? PhotoFiddle.com claims that it can turn any snapshot into a museum-quality work of art with just a few clicks. Basically the way it works is that users can upload a favorite photo and choose one of 35 different design styles to alter their photograph into art. There is Andy Warhol-inspired pop art, oil masterpieces worthy (maybe) of Rembrant, photo collages and comic strips to chose among. Go ahead and crop the photo, resize it and have some free fun. You can preview your finished piece and even e-mail it … Continue reading →

Wii Fit Can Get You in Shape

I have to admit that I have become a Biggest Loser fan. I stayed away from previous seasons, since I am not generally one to watch reality shows, but got hooked on this one, in spite of the obvious product placements. It was inspiring. And now I am looking forward to seeing the new Wii Fit product in action. In fact, it might even require that we purchase a Wii. Wii Fit is anticipated here soon in the United States and is seen as the next big thing from Nintendo. It was released in Japan back in December, and it … Continue reading →

PS3 Update 2.30

The new PlayStation 3 (PS3) update has long been anticipated, and it is finally here! The next time you go online with your PS3, you will be promoted to download the update. Sony recommends a 130 MB of free space on your PS3 hard disk drive for this system update. Or, you can do a PC update, which requires 130 MB free space on a removable storage media. So what exactly is and is not part of this update? The biggest piece of update excitement has to do with the new PS3 store. The new page layout, and new interface … Continue reading →

Computing Week in Review: April 7th Through April 13th

From detecting your smile to smelling with your cell phone, this past week’s articles show how far technology has come. Here is the Computing Blog Week in review for April 7th through April 13th. April 7th Computing Week in Review: March 31st Through April 6th What is your favorite thing to do on your computer? Do you enjoy blogging or building a website? Reading up on news and entertainment? Do you spend a lot of time working on your computer? It is hard to believe that just a few decades ago, most of us did without computers (and cell phones … Continue reading →

Smile Detection Technology

The ability to electronically detect someone’s smile has been around for a little while. Lat year, Sony unveiled its Smile Shutter features on some cameras, and other manufactures, such as Fuji, offer face (not smile) detection technology on their cameras. And now there is another use for smile and face detection technology–medical use. These technologies analyze different features of a face, from the curving lips, cheekbones that are high, squinting eyes, etc., to determine when someone is smiling. What is the Smile Shutter Feature? With the Smile Shutter feature on selected Sony digital cameras, such as the Cyber-shot DSC-T200, the … Continue reading →

Emergency Alert Text System for Cell Phones

This is a test, this is only a test…Who doesn�t know those words and the distinctive sound that accompanies testing of the Emergency Broadcasting System. And if you have ever been warned of severe weather in your area, you know how valuable that system is for everyone. Well, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has just approved a new nationwide alert system for cell phone users. The plan puts in place a federal agency that will create the messages and relay them to cell phone companies. The alerts will only be available on cell phone services that have agreed to participate … Continue reading →

Outfitting Your Wii with Controllers

There is no doubt that the Wii is currently (and still) the most popular and affordable gaming device out there. But before you score your Wii at $250, make sure that you have budgeted for the accessories and games. I’ll be offering a guide to the most useful and interesting Wii accessories. First, let us talk about controllers. The most obvious accessory is an extra remote. The Wii comes with only one controller, so unless you want to avoid playing the Wii with others, then an extra remote is a must. A big part of the fun of playing a … Continue reading →