Alternatives to PayPal

Not a fan of PayPal?  A lot of folks aren't.  The reason so many web sites use PayPal for processing payments is that it's cheaper and easier to set up than merchant accounts.  With PayPal, web sites can take credit cards or electronic transfers from your bank to the web owners quickly and easily.

Until recently, web owners didn't have many choices available.  You either paid merchant fees or you set up PayPal.  That is no longer the case.

Thanks to PayPal exposing their liberal connections (and PayPal restricting donations to sites they didn't like), several websites have closed their accounts and moved their business over to their competitor, GPal.

GPal was founded by a Pro-2nd Amendment advocates and they basically function the same as PayPal.  Even their fees are comparable.  Folks can sign up for personal and business accounts.

If you're not familiar with the service, you don't have to be a business owner to use PayPal or GPal.  With an account, you can send money from your account to somebody else's account.  You don't need Western Union anymore. 


And if you're a web site (or blog owner), you can use PayPal or GPal to accept donations and credit card payments. 

So if you really don't like PayPal, you might want to give GPal a try.

How to Embed You Tube Videos into Your Blog

Many college students today are being asked to do their homework assignments on blogs.  And often times, they are asked to upload video assignments to You Tube and then post that video on their blog.  If you're not very computer savvy, the task can be daunting.  But the good news, is that it's easier than it looks.  This post will explain how to embed a video posted on You Tube into your blog.

If you're not familiar with computer terminology, "embedding" a video simply means that you are allowing others to watch the video from your own blog (as opposed to sending them to You Tube to watch the video.  Below is an example of an embedded You Tube video. Notice that even though this video is hosted on You Tube, you can watch it here, without ever leaving this blog.

The first step is to shoot your video and upload it to your You Tube account. You Tube does have a size restriction on videos, so you'll want to make sure your video is no larger than 2 GB or longer than 10 minutes.

Once the video is uploaded to You Tube, you'll need to copy the embed code.  After the video has uploaded, scroll down the page to "Sharing Options".

There are two options for sharing your video (URL and Embed).  You'll want to copy all of the code in the "Embed" box.  Single left clicking in this box should highlight all the code in blue for you.  Then just RIGHT CLICK (while the text is still highlighted) and select COPY. If you managed to un-highlight the text while copying it, you'll have to repeat the process until it's copied.

Now open your blog and create a new post (or edit an existing one).  This process works best if you use multiple tabs in your internet browser so you can easily go back and forth between You Tube and your blog. 

Once you're in the post you want to embed the video in, select the "EDIT HTML" tab (these instructions are for blogger, but the process will be similar in other blog formats). 

Now put your cursor where you want the video to appear in your blog post.  Then RIGHT CLICK and select PASTE. If done correctly, the Embed code that you copied from You Tube, will now be pasted into your blog. Now select the COMPOSE tab to go back to your post and finish editing it.  You can center the video if you like and leave the rest of the text left-justified (this usually looks best).

Publish the post when ready.

There are other ways to grab the embed code off You Tube.  You can also get to it from the page that you're watching the video on (as opposed to the page you've uploaded it to). Sometimes, you may see different size boxes along with color options (as shown below).

The purpose of these features is to give you more control over how your video will look on your blog.  When embedding video on Blogger, the smallest size box typically works best.  You can change the color scheme to match that of your blog.  The important thing to remember is that every time you change one of these features, your embed code will change also. So be sure you're copying the embed code that matches your desired size and color scheme.  You can also manually edit these features if needed.

Saving Pictures from Windows Live Mail to Your Computer

It's not uncommon to get pictures or other attachments in email these days that we'd like to save.  One of the questions I frequently hear is, "how do I save pictures in email?".  Unfortunately, the answer is different for everybody asking because the answer mostly depends on which program use for email.  Although there could be a couple of factors that affect the answer to this question too.

Generally speaking, to save pictures from email to your computer, you have to "Save the Attachment".  Some programs will tell you to "download the attachment".  These two terms basically mean that you're saving the picture (or other attachment to your computer). 

It's too difficult to try and answer this question for all the different email programs in this one post.  So the instructions below only show you how to save pictures from Windows Live Mail to your computer.  If you are using MSN or Hotmail for your email, these instructions should work for you (assuming you're using the MSN, Hotmail, or Winodws Live Mail website to check your email).

1. Log into your Email account and find the message with the pictures (or attachment) you want to save.  Note that messages with attachments usually have a paperclip next to them. 
2. Open the email message with the attachment (or pictures).
3. If you see a yellow box with a message telling you the image or attachment has been blocked for your safety, you can click the link to "show content" in that box (assuming you trust the person who sent you that email).  Once you click that link, you should see the attached picture.
4. Click the image and a small gray window should pop up.  Make sure the box to "Save the image" is checked and then click OK.

Repeat the steps above until every image (or attachment is saved).  This is where it gets tricky.  Depending on how your computer is configured, the image may be saved in one of several different places.

If you're using a computer that is running Windows Vista or Windows 7, then the image was most likely saved to your "Download" folder.  To get to that folder, just click your START button (lower left corner of taskbar) and then click your Username (which is usually your name).  After you do this, you should see a list of folders, one of which is named, "Download".  Open it, and the images you downloaded should be there.

If you don't have the download folder, then your image will most likely be saved in one of other places listed below.  Check them all.

1. The Desktop (the main screen on your computer)
2. The MY PICTURE (or PICTURE) folder
3. The MY DOCUMENTS (or DOCUMENTS) folder
4. You may also have a "DOWNLOAD" folder inside the MY DOCUMENTS folder.

In most cases, your saved pictures will be in one of the places mentioned above.

Don't Use Ready Hosting!

For years, I have used ReadyHosting.com for my business web hosting.  They were one of the cheapest web hosting companies when I first signed up.  However even though they're competitors have drastically cut costs, ReadyHosting never reduced their fees.

Despite paying higher fees, I stayed with them out of loyalty because I liked their services and being able to readily contact tech support when needed.  But that loyalty has come to and end.

In an attempt to reduce expenses, I decided to cancel my web hosting account since I've been using this blog as a means to share information.  While there are still some advantages of keeping the old website active,  I decided there weren't enough reasons to justify the expenses anymore.

So this morning I contacted their billing office to inform them of my desire to cancel the account and was told that they would do so and would refund the unused portion of my balance after they deducted an EARLY CANCELLATION FEE!

I've been a loyal customer for nearly a decade.  I could have moved the account years ago to one of the cheaper hosting companies, but didn't out of loyalty.  And now, they want to charge me an early cancellation fee?  Unbelievable!  The fee may only be $35, but it's the principle of the matter that really gets my goat!   Especially, since I only had 30 days left in the current subscription!

Needless to say, I won't be recommending Ready Hosting to anybody else any time soon.  If you need domain names or web hosting accounts, go to www.WowzerWebs.com (which by the way happens to be my GoDaddy reseller account). But don't go to ReadyHosting.com!

How to Run Scan Disk

Scan Disk is one of the built in computer programs that can be used to check for errors on your computer. It can also fix many of those errors.

Basically, it scans your computer files, allocation tables, and the surface of your hard drive to look for errors. When it finds them, it tries to fix them (if the you have that option checked).

It can take up to an hour to run this program and you don't want to be doing anything else on the computer while it's running. Like Defrag, you should also run this program once a month.

In Windows XP, Microsoft renamed Scan Disk to Error Checking. They also changed it so you had to reboot your computer to make it run. 

Close all programs on your computer and follow the steps below to run Scan Disk (or Error Checking).

Windows XP

1. Double LEFT click MY COMPUTER to open it.
2. RIGHT click on the "C" drive and select PROPERTIES.
3. Click on the Tools Tab.
4. Click on the button that reads, Check Now next to Error Checking.
5. Place a check mark in both boxes and click START
6. Click YES on the message window that pops up
7. Restart your computer

Windows Vista & Windows 7

If you're computer is running Windows Vista or Windows 7, then note that Scan Disk has been renamed, "Error Checking" - but it's the same program.  Follow the steps below to run Scan Disk (a.k.a. Error Checking) in Windows Vista and 7:

1. Click the START Button and then COMPUTER
2. Right click on the C-Drive and select PROPERTIES (you should see a new window like that below.  If you don't, repeat this step until you see the window below).
   

3. Click the tab that reads, TOOLS

4. Under the heading, Error-Checking, click the button that reads, CHECK NOW

5. Click CONTINUE on the pop-up message
6. Make sure there are checkmarks in the two boxes and then click the START button 

6. You'll have to wait a few minutes for another window to pop up, but when it does, click the button that reads, SCHEDULE DISK CHECK

7. REBOOT the computer

Scan disk should start when the computer is rebooted.  If it doesn't, repeat the steps 1-6 and try again.  

It will take about an hour for it to complete. There are 5 stages in this process and the last stage takes the longest.  I like to run scan disk while I'm sleeping or know I'll be off the computer for hours.  When Scan Disk is complete, you see your computer desktop again. 

Tips for Buying a New Computer

Buying a new computer can be daunting - especially if you're not familiar with all the terms and specs that are listed.

This article will help you help you understand those terms and what's important in making a computer buying decision.

Whenever you buy a new computer, you first have to decide if you want a laptop or desktop computer. Below is a list of pro's and con's for each.

Laptop Pro's:

• Portability (which is great if you travel a lot)
• Wireless connections allow you access to your email away from home
• Less space is needed

Laptop Con's:

• Smaller keyboard, and monitor
• No mouse (but one could be attached)
• Only one internal hard drive and CD/DVD drive (some people need more)
• Printers, scanners and such are usually not connected all the time
• Harder to fix and upgrade

People who use the computer a lot, don't like the smaller monitor and keyboard. There's no number pad on a laptop keyboard - and for some people, that's a bit of an annoyance.

Also, some people prefer the mouse over the touch pad or pointer. You can always hook a mouse up to a laptop, to solve that problem, but it's an extra step.

One way to solve all those problems, is to get a docking station and connect a full size keyboard, monitor and mouse to it. That way when you're home and want to work on the laptop, you can attach it to the docking station and have it function more like a desktop computer.

However, using a docking station means that you need more room and extra peripherals (monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.). It also means that you need to have a permanent place set up with this equipment.

Desktop Pro's

• Full size monitor, keyboard, and mouse
• Usually more processing power and speed than laptops
• Ability to have extra drives installed (hard drives, CD/DVD drives, etc.)
• Printers, scanners, etc. are always connected
• Better sound and speakers
• Easier to fix and upgrade (not necessarily true with laptops)

There are many more advantages to owning a desktop computer. But the biggest downside is that you don't have the portability. And if you travel a lot, this can be a problem.

Minimum Requirements

We all have different computer needs. Therefore, what I look for in a computer may not necessarily be what you need in a computer. But there are some general guidelines that you'll find helpful when shopping around.

Before buying a new computer, you need to know what you intend to use it for. For example, if you only see yourself doing some word processing (writing letters, etc), and email, then you don't need a lot of processing power.

But if you see yourself wanting to store a lot of digital pictures, music, or do a lot of graphic work (photo and video editing), then you do need a larger hard drive and more processing power than most people.

If you're a gamer (you'll also need a lot of processing power).
When buying a new computer computer, keep in mind that the following things will affect the speed of the computer:

• CPU speed (I'd recommend a minimum of 2GHz to everybody)
• Memory (the more RAM, the better, but at a minimum, you should have 1 GB)

 There's a couple of things that affect the speed of a computer, but nothing that most people need to be concerned with. The main thing to keep in mind, is that you always want to get the most memory and fastest CPU you can afford.
 
These are the two things that will affect the price of the computer the most.
I also usually recommend getting the largest hard drive you can and to make sure you have at least a CD-RW drive installed.
So regardless of your intended use, this is my list of minimum requirements for every computer user:

• 2 GHz CPU (I personally prefer Intel or Celeron over AMD)
• 1 GB RAM (but more is better if you can afford it)
• 500 GB Hard Drive (you'll want more if you do a lot of graphic work - especially video)
• DVD-RW drive (you'll want a DVD-RW if you work with video)
• Network card (sometimes listed as LAN or NIC)
• Wireless card installed (if buying a laptop)

If you're buying a desktop computer and like to add a lot of extra stuff (like more hard drives, CD-Drives, etc.) then you'll want to get an ATX desktop computer as opposed to a micro-ATX.

Also keep in mind that most new computers today, do not come with a floppy drive. Getting a thumb drive (or flash drive) will make things a lot easier if you want to swap files between computers.

While it's true that computers can become outdated fairly quickly, I usually tell my clients to plan to get 5 years out a any computer. So when buying, it's a good idea to have a 5 year vision in mind of your computer needs. This will help you get the most for your computer.

Computer Basics

Working with computers isn't that hard - if you understand the basics. But just about the time you learn them, Microsoft and others decide to make changes (just about the time you get things memorized).

This page was created to help folks are who are new to computers as well as help re-educate those who faced with some of the changes before them.

Computer Basics

In short computers are made up up both hardware and software components - and they all have their own name.

The Hardware components things you can see and touch. The monitor, keyboard, mouse, tower, cable modem, router, printer, scanner, etc. are all examples of hardware.

The Software components are the programs that are running on the computer. The Operating System (OS), Norton, Roxio, Outlook Express, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Word, Excel, etc. are all examples of software.

In order for your computer to work properly, these components must talk to each other. And it's not uncommon to have a break in communication between hardware and software.

Software Drivers (also called, Device Drivers) are small software programs that tell the computer how to talk to the hardware (or work with it). Every hardware component on connected to your computer (even the ones inside the case that you can't see) need drivers to function.

When creating the software or driver, the programmer needs to specify which operating system the program can run on (which is very time consuming). For this reason, programmers will stop programming their newest creation to work with older operating systems (like Win95 or Win98).

Because of device drivers and other hardware changes, any hardware you buy will also have restrictions associated it with it.

This is why it is very important to make sure any hardware or software you buy will work with your current system (if you're upgrading or adding things to it).
Any time you buy hardware or software, you need to check the "Minimum System Requirements" on the box. This list of specs will tell you if that component will work on your current system.

If memorizing your computer specs is difficult, then you may want to write them down keep them in your wallet so you'll have them handy when you are thinking of making a purchase.

The specs you need to know are:

• CPU Speed
• Amount of RAM installed
• Hard Drive Size (and available Space)
• Operating System

Depending on what you're buying or upgrading, you may need to know some other things too - but the list above should answer most of your questions.

Input Devices

These are the components that you use to talk to your computer. The mouse and keyboard are the most common input devices. But some people have others including a microphone, or digital drawing pad.

Basic Terminology

When you turn on your computer it goes through a boot sequence. Most people refer to this as booting up the computer.

When it's finished, you will see your start up screen (also called, desktop). You can liken your computer desktop to a physical desk you sit at. Everything on it has a name (icon) and performs some function (program).

The background image or color is called, "wallpaper"

The small image files are called, "icons" - and they are shortcuts to programs. Common icons include the "Recycle Bin", "Internet Explorer", "My Computer", etc.

The horizontal bar the bottom of the screen (usually blue or gray) is called the, "taskbar". The lower left button the task bar is usually the "Start" button. On the right side, you'll usually see the clock and some other icons.
 

Maintenance

Nobody ever tells you this when you buy a computer, but they need maintenance to keep running smoothly (much like your car).
Scan Disk, Defrag, and Disk Clean Up are three maintenance routines which should be performed at least quarterly.

Deleting old messages from your email boxes and emptying the recycle bin is also important for maintaining your computer.

Buying a New Computer

Folks are always asking me what they should look for when buying a new computer and what the advantages are of having a laptop over a desktop.

For tips on buying a new computer, click here.