How To Communicate on 1 Clean Computer

Does today's computer lingo have you confused? The other day, my niece sent me an email and signed it "LYLAS." I had no idea what she was saying, and I assumed it wasn't a typo because she is extremely bright!

Not wanting her to know that her Aunt wasn't cool, I looked it up myself instead of asking her for a translation. If you want to communicate in chat rooms and forums, or you just want to know what your kids are saying, head over to NetLingo.

Along with Internet acronyms parents should know and newbie terms, they also have a Top 20 List of Tech Terms that are now common expressions. It's a great tool to help you learn what some of the common tech terms mean.

Technorati Tags: Internet Stephanie Trahd tech terms Internet Acronyms

Microsoft Offers Free Test of New Office 2007

Microsoft today released a new free test version of their new Office 2007. In the name of convenience, Microsoft designed it so you don't even have to download any software or replace your current version of Office.

"The online test drive offers the perfect opportunity for everyone to experience an easier and better way to work," Microsoft said.

Don't expect the new Office 2007 to look anything like the Office you're currently using - Office 2007 sports a radically different user interface and new XML-based file formats.

Included in the new Office for a free test drive is:

Microsoft Office Access 2007
Microsoft Office Excel 2007
Microsoft Office InfoPath 2007
Microsoft Office OneNote 2007
Microsoft Office Outlook 2007
Microsoft Office Outlook 2007 with Business Contact Manager
Microsoft Office Outlook Web Access
Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007
Microsoft Office Project Professional 2007
Microsoft Office Publisher 2007
Microsoft Office SharePoint Designer 2007
Microsoft Office Visio 2007
Microsoft Office Word 2007
Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services
Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 (coming soon)
Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007

You can try it out online (remember - you don't have to download anything!), or download the Beta version (which expires February 1, 2007). Unless you are extremely tech savvy, I don't recommend you download the Beta version.

Stick with the free test drive and wait until they have all the "bugs" worked out of the program.

Technorati Tags: Computers Microsoft Computers and Internet Stephanie Trahd

Signature File Updates for 1 Clean Computer

Do you know what Signature Files are? If you're thinking that's what you use when you sign off on your emails, I'd have to say that you don't have 1 Clean Computer on the brain!

Signature File Updates ensure that your PC is protected from the latest and greatest viruses. It is absolutely critical that you have the latest Signature File Updates on your PC.

Every day new viruses, worms and other malware (malicious software = mal-ware) are created and released out into cyberspace in an attempt to make their way to your computer. Anti-virus software companies create new virus definitions to fight this malware. Then these definitions, or signature file updates, are make available for you to download. Just think of them as critical software updates.

Most of the anti-virus software companies release signature file updates several times a week - sometimes even multiple times in one day.

More than 10,000 viruses have been identified, and 200 new ones are created every month, according to the International Computer Security Association. That's almost 7 new viruses every day.

Are you ready to download your signatures files now? Great! It's easy. . .

1. Open your anti-virus software program.

2. Click the button or menu item that reads: update or live update.

3. An update window should open. If the window does not open, go to the anti-virus software manufacturer's web site for more information.

Now if you tell me you don't have anti-virus software yet, I strongly urge you to download some today. I recommend the free version of AVG Anti Virus Software at http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1

Download your signature file updates daily for 1 Clean Computer.

Technorati Tags: Computers Anti Virus Computer Virus Stephanie Trahd

Patch Automatically for 1 Clean Computer

One way to ensure you are protecting your computer is to get Windows Updates as soon as they are released. Microsoft often offer patches and security solutions for your current version of Windows.

I recommend doing this automatically, so you don't have to remember to check for them. It's easy. . .

In XP, click Start, Control Panel, Security Settings (if you're in Category view), Automatic Updates.

In 2000, choose Start, Settings, Control Panel, Automatic Updates.

In both versions, verify that 'Automatic (recommended)' is selected. You can also have Windows notify you before it downloads an update, or you can install the update manually. (The steps and options are only slightly different in Windows 98 and Me.)

Since this post is about Microsoft, it is only fitting that I offer best wishes to Bill Gates in his retirement in 2008 (he announced on 6/15/06). He will be working full-time on the charitable trust his family runs.

"New Graphic Site" Email Hazardous to 1 Clean Computer

A new email virus, or worm, has targeted Yahoo! Mail users – the world’s largest provider of email services with over 200 million accounts. Though Yahoo! said on Monday that the worm has infected “a very small fraction” of its accounts, it spreads rapidly and there aren’t even attachments to open to activate the virus. The Yahoo! email user only needs to open the email for the worm’s full effect to take place.

The headline of the email says “New Graphic Site” and usually comes from the address of av3@yahoo.com (so be sure to block that email address in your email program for added security).

If it’s too late for you, and you’ve already opened the “New Graphic Site” email, Microsoft has a free fix for this Yamanner worm.

I’ll never figure out the pleasure people get from spreading worms and viruses. I guess it takes all kinds. . .

Take a Test For 1 Clean Computer

Ever wonder if your computer is "up to speed?" Whether you're on a dial up (telephone line) connection, cable connection or DSL, it's nice to know if your connection is as fast as it should be. If it's not, it may be time to put in a call to your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Take the test a couple of times for the most accurate results.

Text Message From 1 Clean Computer

Don't you just love text messaging? I do. It's quick, easy and cheap.

While the human element of voice contact is gone, you can certainly get your message out more quickly and efficiently - especially if you need to communicate the same message to more than one person.

There are great ways to text your family, friends and business associates right from your computer. You don't even need a cell phone to text message someone! Try Google and let me know what you think. The great thing about this services is that it doesn't require you to register or download software onto your computer. The service runs right off their website.

What's Your Plan for 1 Clean Computer?

You know it's going to happen someday, don't you?

Your computer is going to fail - what with memory loss, hard drive crashes, theft and viruses. It's just a matter of when.

So what's your plan? Well, you can back up your data onto CDs or DVDs, you can purchase and use an external hard drive, you can back up your data between several computers. . . heck, you can even back up your data onto an online storage solution.

Whatever you decide, I strongly encourage you to do it, and do it now. If you start thinking about what can be lost if your computer crashes - photos, videos, work or financial documents and emails to name a few. Plan to back up your data regularly - before disaster strikes!