Starlink on Standby - No More a Prisoner

(UPDATE: 5/17/2026, Just received notice that Starlink is raising the Standby option to $10 per month, up from $5. That's too much for me and will cancel. But I will save my equipment, as a backup, just in case) 8/15/2025: It’s been almost a year now since we had Spectrum fiber internet installed. So far, we’ve been pretty well satisfied. We’ve had a couple short interruptions, but not very long, less than half an hour total. I do notice momentary interruptions where the signal cuts out for a few seconds and comes right back. Those are more frequent, but it’s never been an issue when streaming videos.

Previously, after a three year nightmare with CenturyLink/Brightspeed, we installed Starlink in 2023 and were extremely pleased with it. All was great except for the $120 per month cost. So, when they laid fiber in our neighborhood last year Spectrum offered us 1 Gig high speed internet for $70 per month, price guaranteed for one year. That year is almost up, so we’ll see how much they jack the rate up. I had left my Starlink equipment in place and paused service at no charge in case of Spectrum issues.

The last few weeks I’ve been getting notices from Starlink that they now offer standby service as an option on their plans for only $5 per month. (Since I first posted this, I have found out that Starlink has now discontinued the "Pause" option. Your choice now is to either cancel or go "Standby". Supposedly you can still cancel and resume your service at any time.) On Standby, if you keep your equipment plugged in, Starlink will be on and operational at very low speed 500 Kbps. That is enough to allow emergency messaging, software updates, and basic online functions. It also keeps your system updated.

Yesterday, I decided to give it a try and opened the app which I haven’t used since last year. It was easy to reactivate my equipment to standby and they took out about $3 for partial month going forward. Because the system had been paused and unplugged, it took about an hour to get all the system updates and the dish to orient itself to the satellites.

Once it was done, I switched my phone to Starlink to see how it worked. I was able to go on email and Facebook and while it was slow, it worked and was usable. So now, if Spectrum goes out I can switch in a few seconds and still be online. And if I decide to go back to full service Starlink, I can switch my plan with the app in a few seconds, go downstairs and switch the router from the Spectrum modem to the Starlink and should be good to go! Note: On the Gen II Starlinks you need an adapter to bypass the internal Starlink router. You can order one from Starlink for $17. But that makes it SO easy to switch as you don’t have to connect each individual device over again.

Update 8/21/25: I received the adapter from Starlink today, went downstairs and plugged it in. I then went to my phone and switched over, Starlink did a quick reboot and update and it's working fine.

No more a prisoner of ANY internet service provider. And that's great relief after the insane, customer abusing Brightspeed years! And, I would have no hesitation to switch back to Starlink if Spectrum starts gouging us customers.

How I Switched to Starlink for a Net Increase of Only $24 Per Month

My Amazon Author Link

How I Switched to Starlink for a Net Increase of Only $24.00 Per Month!

We bought our current house in 2020 and suffered through three years of misery with CenturyLink (now Brightspeed) internet. I won’t go through the whole drawn out story of this company having the worst customer service that I have ever encountered. Just suffice to say, the company advertised my area had 25 Mbps available, then said I could only get 10 Mbps and was provided a max of 6 Mbps. And that was on the best day, most of the time, during the day and on week-ends, there were constant service interruptions. Very rarely could I even think about streaming a movie until after 6 or 7 PM. Our DSL internet and landline phone cost about $70, which wasn’t bad, except the internet was just about useless.

I was on the waitlist for Starlink for quite a few months when they raised the monthly rate from $90 to $120 just as service became available in my area. I canceled the order and waited some more. Finally in August last year I was so fed up I told myself “to hell with it” and ordered it again. One of the best decisions I ever made and it didn’t cost as much as I thought!

While the equipment cost is substantial at $600 (now about $300 on sale), you own it and can resell at will, and, I believe you have time to return it for a full refund if not satisfied with the service. The monthly $120 dollar service seems pricey but here’s what I did. I had an unlimited data plan and hotspot on my cell phone for only one reason. That was to have the internet at home when Brightspeed was down, which was so frequently, it was beyond belief. I was paying $55 per month and switched to a $35 plan. Starlink is a month to month service which you pay by credit card on file and you can suspend or cancel service at any time, for any reason. There are no taxes or extra fees other than the $120 monthly charge. Since I get 5% cash back on my credit card, my actual cost is $114 monthly.

So, I canceled our landline and DSL internet saving $70. The only calls we got on landline were scammers anyway. My cell phone plan change saved another $20 per month, so my total savings was $90. Starlink dollars out of pocket is $114 minus the $90 saved equals a net cost increase of $24.00! And if I could convince my significant other to switch her cell phone to a cheaper plan, the household savings would be even greater, maybe close to the same previous cost!

And how is Starlink working? In the 10 months we’ve had it there’s been one 22 minute outage that occurred other than any standard utility power outage from storms. The router and internet will go down if the power goes out, but I solved that problem by getting a UPS battery backup with integrated surge protector for it. My download speeds are consistently well above 50 Mbps with uploads above 20Mbps. More than enough to do anything online without any issues. Of course if you have access to fiber or cable internet, that would be worth considering, but for us rural areas, Starlink is great. It’s sure made me a happier person!

Other Post Links:

Starlink on Standby - No More a Prisoner

Directv-or-Dish-which-is-better?

Another-Reason-to-Dump-Directv-for-Dish

My Amazon Author Link

My Review - AirDesk Laptop Desk

pinterest.com

Swing it away when you're done!
Since I started writing this blog in 2012, the time spent on it has made it impractical for me to sit in front of a computer desk all the time. When getting home from work, I want to relax in a comfortable sofa-recliner in the living room, be able to put my feet up, with access to news and entertainment on the TV. In the past I have kept the laptop at my side or on my lap, using it to do research or write when getting an idea for a post.

Having it on my lap so much, after awhile gets frustrating because it gets so hot and uncomfortable. I can't think that would be good for the computer either with all the heat build up inside of it. Having to pick it up and set it down every time I get up has long ago gotten old.

I've been thinking for awhile now that there must be something like a portable desk out there made by somebody to get that thing off my lap, so I started doing some research. There's a lot of stuff out there, but most of it looked to be pretty flimsy and not sturdy enough for me. I searched around amazon.com and wasn't impressed with what I found. After trying a google search I found this portable desk that looked pretty impressive.

The price was a little steep, but I couldn't find anything else suitable, so I kept going back to it and started reading the info on their website. Invented by an Aerospace engineer for his own use, he decided to produce and sell them. They are not available on Amazon, but are sold through their website:  https://airdesks.com/

So, I ordered what you see in my living room photos, the total price with tax and shipping was just under $200.00. And I am sure happy with it! It works great for me. What makes this desk so sturdy is the big round flat and heavy metal base that it sits on. The total shipping weight of my package was almost 20 pounds and most of that is the weight of the base. It's also flat and thin, only 1/8 inch thick, so you can slide it under furniture and you can even run over it with a wheel chair.

You can add extra shelves, cup holder and even a mouse table if you desire. The laptop table is available in different sizes, accommodating even the largest, like my 16.5 inch screen. You can pick the size and optional accessories according to your needs and budget. The tables and shelves are acrylic and the frame made out of stainless steel. I've been using mine for a couple weeks now with no problems. If you're a heavy typist and hit the keys hard, you'll get a slight bounce of the laptop, it's not objectionable, (in other words, it's not as stable as if it were sitting on a desk) but you get used to it quickly.

The best part is when you want to get up or are finished with the computer for a while, you just swing it out of the way. I would never want to go back to having the computer sitting on my lap, it's a great product made out of quality materials, not plastic. Beware of the other stuff out that may be a little cheaper, probably made with inferior materials, and not sturdy enough (my opinion). The laptop sits on the table, kept from sliding off by two protruding pins at the bottom. Just pick it up to remove. One caveat, if you have small children or frisky dogs in your house, this may not be for you, it's not a toy to jump on and you don't want them to bounce your computer off the table to the floor! But it is portable.

The review of this product is my own, non-solicited and non-compensated.

Check out their mobile applications for cars and trucks also:
https://airdesks.com/products/laptop/laptop-desk/

My Amazon Author Link

3 Facebook annoyances you can stop right now

abcnews.go.com

Post thanks to Kim Komando and komando.com. Links provided:

Feb, 2016  Facebook is a classic “love-hate” relationship. Love the communication with family and friends. Hate all the nonsense clogging up the news feed. Fortunately, there are a few really easy steps you can take to control your Facebook experience.

1. AUTO-PLAYING VIDEOS

A year ago, Facebook decided that its users wanted any videos in the News Feed to start playing automatically when they scrolled past them. Wrong. Facebook users were understandably upset. Not only was it annoying to suddenly get blasted with sound, videos use up cellular data on mobile gadgets.

Turning off auto-playing video is simple. For the Facebook website, go to your Facebook profile. Click the downward arrow in the upper-right corner and select "Settings." At the bottom of the left column, click "Videos." Then next to "Auto-Play Videos," choose "Off."

In Android, open the Facebook app and tap the icon with the three horizontal lines to the left. Then scroll down to "App Settings" and tap "Autoplay." You can set it to play "On Mobile Data and Wi-Fi Connections," "On Wi-Fi Connections Only," or, my personal favorite, "Never Autoplay Videos."

For iOS, open your Facebook app and at the bottom-right corner tap "More." Scroll down and tap "Settings" and then "Account Settings." Find and tap "Videos and Photos" and under Video Settings tap "Autoplay." You can set it to play "On Mobile Data and Wi-Fi Connections," "On Wi-Fi Connections Only," or "Never Autoplay Videos."

Auto-playing videos aren't the only things eating up your cellular data. Learn about four more ways your cellular data gets drained and how to stop them.

2. APP NOTIFICATIONS

Tired of a Facebook game app you installed years ago still sending you notifications every other minute? You can easily turn off app notifications if you know where to look. In fact, you'll probably want to remove most of your apps entirely because they can share your information with the app developers.

To find your installed apps, go to your Facebook profile and click the downward arrow in the upper-right corner. Select "Settings" and in the left column click "Apps." You'll see every app you've ever installed on the left.

Hover over an app and click the pencil icon to edit its properties. You can choose what information it can know about you and if it can send you notifications. You'll want to change it to only get the most basic information possible and change Notifications to "No."

If you want to delete the app, hover over it and click the "X" icon. While this won't delete any information that it has previously gathered on you, it will stop it from collecting more. Learn more about how apps collect information and how to better protect your privacy.

3. BLOCK NEWS FEED POSTS YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE

Do you have friends who post dozens of things on Facebook every day, but it's mostly shares from political, potty humor or inspiration pages? You don't want to block your friend entirely, but you'd rather not see those posts you don't care about.

If your friend is constantly sharing from the same pages, you can actually block those pages specifically. Click the downward arrow in the upper-right corner of the post, and select "Hide all from ..." and you won't see any more posts from those pages.

If you just want to stop seeing posts from your friend without un-friending them, click the downward arrow and select "Unfollow ..." You can refollow them later by going to your Facebook profile, clicking the downward arrow in the upper-right corner and selecting "News Feed Preferences." Then click "Reconnect with people you unfollowed" and choose people you want to re-follow and click "Done."

By the way, I post digital tips and show clips throughout the day on my Facebook page atFacebook.com/KimKomando. Be sure to follow me.

Now, if you’re still not happy with what's in your News Feed? Learn more about customizing what you see. Then find out more secret Facebook tips and tricks you might not know.

Want to tweak something besides Facebook? Check out these awesome YouTube secrets you should try.

http://www.komando.com/columns/347175/facebook-annoyances

Truckers and Wi-Fi

howtogeek.com

How to use free Wi-Fi for banking, shopping and safe browsing

Article thanks to Justin Ferris, Kim Komando and komando.com. Links provided:

Dec, 2015 It's very convenient to bank, shop and post photos and status updates online. It means you don't have to physically go to the bank, the store or travel long distances to catch up with family and friends who might be scattered around the country.

The drawback to doing these and other things online is that your information is traveling through the Internet. It isn't a straight shot between you and the site you're using, either. The data can bounce through servers around the country or even around the world.

That gives hackers a lot of opportunities to steal your information. If they can grab it in transit, they can learn your passwords, details about you they shouldn't know, or even pretend to be you to trick your bank or other secure sites.

That's especially true if you're using public Wi-Fi. Hackers on the same network have plenty of tools to snoop on what you're doing.

Aside from hackers, the government and your Internet service provider can also monitor your connection to see where you go, and, if they want, what you do. If you aren't a fan of that, and few people are, there is a way you can keep these parties out of your business.

Before we talk about that, however, let's do a quick review of the secure measure that's already in place. Any finance, medical or shopping site that's even a little security conscious is going to provide you with an encrypted connection.

The encryption scrambles your traffic so hackers can't get your passwords or other information. You can tell encryption is running on a site when the Web address in your browser starts with "https://".

Aside from the types of sites we've already mentioned, Facebook, Google and other major sites have adopted always-on encryption as well. However, not every site you encounter will, and some only provide partial encryption.

That means they might not encrypt the connection until you log in, which gives hackers a possible opening to steal your password. Or they only encrypt your login information and leave things like email messages exposed to traffic snoops.

Fortunately, more sites are moving to full-time encryption. Netflix is going to enable it over the next year, and even news sites are turning it on, with the largest one so far being The Washington Post.

Canadian networking company Sandvine estimates that by the end of this year 50% of the world's Internet traffic and 66% of North American traffic will be encrypted (you can read the report here). Mozilla, the developer of the popular Firefox browser, is even making plans to stop supporting unencrypted websites entirely.

Of course, you don't have to wait for that level of security. You can fully encrypt your connection today.

To encrypt your connection, you can use a virtual private network. In the business world, VPNs let employees working remotely create an encrypted connection with the company network so they canwork safely, as shown in this handy diagram:

Windows and Mac both have VPN features built in just for this purpose. However, for the average home user or traveler, these aren't very helpful because you need something to connect to. That's where a third-party VPN service comes in handy.

A VPN service lets you create an encrypted connection with one of its servers and you use that server to browse the Internet. The connection is encrypted through the server, so the VPN can't see your traffic either. OK, it's a bit more complicated than that behind the scenes, but that's the result.

To start, you need to choose a program or service to use. There are dozens that offer a mix of security features, privacy options, server locations and other considerations.

For the average user, it's important to make sure they have U.S.-based servers, know how much bandwidth you can use, and that they don't keep logs of your activity. Paid services will require some personal information and payment information, naturally, but you can find one that minimizes what it needs to know.

Some services will accept prepaid cards and alternative payments that are more difficult to trace back to you. However, even if you give the service your information, as long as it doesn't keep logs of what you do with the service then it doesn't matter so much.

For PCs, Macs and Android smartphones and tablets, CyberGhost is a popular free option that has strong encryption, unlimited bandwidth and doesn't store logs. If you go for a paid plan, there's an Apple app as well, plus you get access to more servers around the world.

Hotspot Shield VPN is a good free app for Apple and Android gadgets that has more than 300 million downloads. You get to choose your location, and it also blocks viruses and phishing attempts before they get to your gadget. There's also Windows and Mac versions, however the free software has ads.

Once you've installed your VPN of choice, fire it up and let it establish a connection. You can then browse the Internet like you always do. The traffic will flow to your computer, tablet or smartphone through the VPN's server and over the encrypted connection.

This means any unencrypted sites you visit will be safe from prying eyes and encrypted sites will basically have double encryption. As a side bonus, your Internet service provider will no longer be able to see what sites you're visiting. It will only see your connection to the VPN.

Note: If you're searching for VPNs, you'll see VPN services and "proxy" services. A proxy service can disguise your computer's identity, but it doesn't encrypt your connection. Always go with a VPN for security.

The sites you're visiting also won't know where you're coming from. They'll just see the connection from the VPN. That means the government will have a harder time tracking what you're doing as well.Disclaimer: While the government will have a harder time seeing your activity, it isn't impossible to find out. So, keep what you're doing legal.

We strongly recommend using a VPN when you're on public Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi makes it easy for hackers on the same network to snoop on what you're doing. The VPN encryption should stop them.

Even then, you shouldn't do anything too sensitive on public Wi-Fi, like online banking. Save that for home, or use a cellular connection on the go.

Using a VPN is a good way to increase your security, but it does have a cost. While most VPN services claim otherwise, it can slow down your connection.

That's because your traffic is making more stops between you and the site you're using. If you find that your browsing is sluggish, you can turn off the VPN while using sites that aren't critical.

You could run into obstacles if your VPN hooks you up with a server in another country. Some things, like streaming online video, are often region locked. So if you find YouTube, Netflix or another site refusing to play video because it says you aren't in the U.S., you'll need to adjust your VPN settings or find one with more U.S.-based servers.

Similarly, some sites that you use regularly might say they don't recognize you. You might need to go through security procedures to prove you are who you say you are before you can log in.

While the VPN will hide your surfing from your ISP and the sites you're visiting, your computer, smartphone or tablet are still recording your browsing history. If you don't want that recorded, you'll need to browse in private or incognito mode. Learn how to activate that in your browser.

A VPN is just about the connection between you and a website. If you choose to store personal information on a website, it can still be lost in a data breach. So, as always, be careful what sites you choose to trust with your information.

While a VPN encrypts your connection between you and the VPN server, the connection between the VPN server and the site you're visiting isn't necessarily going to be secure. While the odds of a hacker breaking in at that point are minimal, it's still possible.

Be sure to check your browser's address bar to make sure you see the "https://" before sending any sensitive information to a website. If a site doesn't offer an encrypted connection for sensitive information, then you probably don't want to be using it, VPN or not.

http://www.komando.com/tips/317784/how-to-use-free-wi-fi-for-banking-shopping-and-safe-browsing/5

Is the new Wi-Fi standard worth the money?

gizmag.com

Story thanks to Kim Komando at komando.com Link provided below:

Home networks used to be the realm of hardcore techies. Now most homes have smartphones, tablets, laptops, TVs, streaming video boxes and video game consoles. That makes a home network practically mandatory.Is the new Wi-Fi standard worth the money?

Fortunately, today's networks are much easier to set up, thanks to wireless networks. No one likes running cables all over the house.

Despite the convenience, wireless networks do have drawbacks. For example, speed and range can vary wildly. Thankfully, these both improve with every generation of Wi-Fi.

The latest 802.11ac standard is no exception. Manufacturers boast speeds more than 3 times faster than previous Wi-Fi generations. That's quite a jump!

To get that speed, you'll need to buy a new router, of course. So the big question is whether it's worth the cost.

For those not up on the jumble of letters and numbers that relate to wireless standards, let me explain. The designation 802.11 is the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers standard for Wi-Fi. The letter following 802.11 indicates the version of the standard.

Up until this point, consumer routers have mainly used 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11n. These are usually listed as 'b,' 'g' and 'n' on product packaging. You'll also see 802.11a support on some routers, but don't confuse that with 802.11ac.

For each new Wi-Fi standard, speed and range increase. Plus, there are new encryption methods for security, new frequencies and other complex behind-the-scenes technology.

Now that there are more than 26 Wi-Fi revisions, we're into the double letters. That makes the newest consumer version 802.11ac, or Wireless AC, or 'ac' or however else companies will choose to brand it.

On the pro side, 802.11ac is blazing fast. At an advertised 1.75 gigabits per second, it's faster than a high-end wired home network. Right now, wired home networks top out at 1 gigabit.

In fact, 802.11ac can stream high-definition video to several gadgets at once. In a media-heavy home, that is a definite plus.

As far as range goes, solid figures are hard to come by. It really depends on your home, router placement and other factors. Still, you should see a more solid connection than older Wi-Fi standards.

Click here for 5 ways to boost your Wi-Fi range with any router.

Unfortunately, that's about it for the pro side. The cons are going to take a bit longer.

The major drawback is compatibility. To take advantage of 802.11ac features, you need gadgets that support 802.11ac. While it's been out for a year, very few gadgets support it.

I've seen some laptops with it, and a few smartphones, including the Samsung Galaxy S4. But it will take a while before every new gadget has it.

Just supporting 802.11ac isn't enough either. To get the full benefit, a gadget has to support the correct sub frequencies or have multiple antennas. Lower-cost models probably won't for a while.

So, you might get anywhere from 450 megabits per second to 1.75 gigabits per second performance depend on your gadget. True, 450Mbps is still very fast, but it's not the connection you paid for.

Don't forget the expense of buying gadgets with 802.11ac support. Of course, nobody said you have to upgrade everything right away.

Routers with 802.11ac also support all the old Wi-Fi standards. Your existing gadgets will still work. They just won't be any faster than they already are.

Click here for instructions on speeding up your Wi-Fi router.

Speaking of cost, though, routers with 802.11ac aren't cheap. They start at $160 online and go up from there. So it's not a small investment.

On the plus side, these are high-end routers, so you get all the latest goodies. Think high-end encryption, parental control extras, multiple networks, multimedia packet shaping and so on. Plus they have a gigabit wired connection. Once you buy, you shouldn't have to upgrade for quite a few years.

In the end, it comes down to how you use the Internet. If you have one or two gadgets you use for social media and email, 802.11ac isn't for you. You're much better off sticking with your current router, or buying a low-cost 802.11n model.

If, however, you need a new router, and your home is filled with gadgets pulling down gigabytes of Internet traffic a day, definitely give 802.11ac a look. It might not do you good right away, but it will definitely help in the future.

For everyone else, I'd wait until 802.11ac routers drop in price and you already own a few 802.11ac gadgets.

Whatever you buy, don't forget to enable the encryption. This will keep neighbors and criminals off your network.  Click here to learn how to secure your network.

http://www.komando.com/columns/index.aspx?id=14593&utm_medium=nl&utm_source=column&utm_content=2013-06-02-column-end&page=1

Don't fall for this tricky Facebook scam

jet-computing.com

Good advice thanks to Kim Komando at komando.com Link provided below:

Hackers and scammers never sleep. They're always looking for new ways to trick you and take your information and money.

Facebook is becoming one of their favorite targets. I've warned you in the past about common Facebook scams to avoid. 

Well, there's a new Facebook scam making the rounds. So far it's tricked an estimated 800,000 users, and it's still spreading like crazy.

Here's how it works: A post might show up in your news feed. Or maybe you'll get an email or Facebook message.

It will tell you that a Facebook friend has tagged you in a video and give you a link to watch the video. That sounds fairly normal so far.

If you click on the link, however, you'll see a message that you need a browser plug-in or extension to watch the video. This is where things get bad.

Once installed, the extension sends your email and social media account usernames and passwords back to the hackers. They can go through your accounts looking for sensitive information.

They also use your accounts to send the same fake message to your friends. That's how the virus keeps spreading.

As always, you need to be on your guard and follow the rules for spotting phishing scams.

• Don't click on links or download attachments in email from people you don't know.
• Don't click on links or download attachments in email from people you DO know if it looks fishy (or phishy in this case). It's best to verify with the person who sent it.
• Don't click on links in Facebook that look out of character for the person posting them - or that promise something out of character for Facebook.
• Don't click on links or download attachments in email from companies, even ones you do business with. Visit the company's site manually or give them a call to confirm the email.
• Don't install programs or browser extensions from unsolicited email, Facebook or Twitter links. If you must, go find the program or extension's official website and download it from there.
• Don't visit shady websites. Especially don't give them personal information or download files from them.

http://www.komando.com/tips/index.aspx?id=15116&utm_medium=nl&utm_source=alerts&utm_content=2013-08-28-article-in-body-b&page=2

5 simple steps to a faster computer

whatinhere.blogspot.com

Excellent advice from Kim Komando on her website komando.com Link provided below. My three year old laptop has been giving me fits lately with it being so slow. I tried decrapifier, clonespy and toolbarcleaner on mine and the speed was much improved!

Kim writes: 

One of the best things about a new computer is the speed. It boots fast, opens programs like a dream and generally doesn't leave you checking your watch.

Of course, the longer you use a computer, the slower it gets.  It's tempting to buy a new computer or call a professional, but I wouldn't just yet. You can get back most of the speed with a few free tricks. They're simple enough for anyone to do, and your wallet will thank you.

Before going on, I'm going to bring up one caveat. If you're using a Windows XP computer, plan to get a new one soon. XP's end of life is coming up on April 8, 2014. It's already lacking newer security features. It will only get less secure once Microsoft stops releasing security updates. Click here to learn more about the future of XP. 

1. Speed up your startup
The most annoying computer slowdown for most people is startup. Even new computers can take a few minutes to start. After years of use, it can seem like hours.

Your computer spends much of that time starting third-party programs. Security software, printer software and driver updaters are just a few examples. The frustrating part is that many of these don't need to run at startup.

Autoruns is a freebie that can help reduce the load. It finds and disables unneeded programs so they don't slow you down. But it won't stop important startup processes, like security software.

Startup Delayer is a good program if you want more control. You can tell what programs to start when. That way, they're not fighting for system resources.

If you have a Windows 7 or 8 computer, you might invest in a solid-state hard drive. These are much faster than conventional hard drives. It can bring your startup times to well under a minute.

SSDs are still small and expensive - a 128 gigabyte SSD costs $110 to $150 - but that's less than a new computer. Before you put down any money, however, read on.

2. Clean the clutter
Another thing that slows down your computer is a cluttered hard drive.

In the past, you had to worry about a full hard drive. Thanks to modern large-capacity drives, filling the space isn't easy.

Still, even coming close can slow down your system. So, if you have less than five gigabytes of free space, it's time to clean.

Use a free disk-visualizing program such as WinDirStat to see what applications and files are taking up the most space. Move space-hogging files you need to an external drive and delete the ones you don't.

Grab Revo Uninstaller to thoroughly remove any programs you don't use anymore. Zap unused trial software and other unwanted bloatware with PC Decrapifier. 

Even if you have plenty of space, clutter can still slow things down. Plenty of programs create temporary files they have to sort through later. Get rid of temporary files with the free program CCleaner.

You might have duplicate music or photo files clogging up your programs. Use a program like CloneSpy or VisiPics to remove them quickly.

3. Pick up the pieces
Files on a hard drive aren't like files in a filing cabinet. On a hard drive, files become fragmented. Bits and pieces of them get scattered around the drive. This increases the time your computer takes to open them.

That's why there are defragmenting programs. These assemble the pieces so they're easier to find.

With Windows Vista, 7 and 8 this isn't such a big deal anymore. They run the built-in defragmenter automatically on a schedule.

To check when it runs, go to Start, or go to the Start Screen in Windows 8. In the search bar, type "defrag" (minus quotes). This will either bring up the defragmenter program or a list where you can select it.

Check when it ran last and when it's scheduled to run. Usually it's set for early morning. If your computer isn't usually on then, change it to a different time. You can also run it manually.

In Windows XP, you'll have to run the defragmenter manually. Open My Computer and right-click on your main drive. Then choose Properties.

Go to the Tools tab and choose Defragment Now, then click Defragment. It will take a while, so sit back and relax.

One exception to defragging is if you have a solid-state hard drive. These work in a different way and don't have this problem. In fact, running a defragmenter on an SSD will shorten its life. Windows 7 and 8 will detect an SSD and turn off defragmenting automatically.

4. Boost your browsing
Your computer runs fast, but loading websites leaves you twiddling your thumbs. What gives?

First, make sure you're getting the Internet speed you paid for. The free service Speedtest will give you the real scoop on your Internet connection.

If you suspect the problem is in your wireless network, you can tweak your router's settings to eliminate hang-ups and bottlenecks. Click here for instructions. 

If your wireless signal is weak or your home has dead spots, try putting your router in a central location. Also, move it away from walls and metal objects. Click here for more tricks to boost your Wi-Fi.

It might turn out that it isn't your connection, but your browser. On Vista or 7, the fix for that could be as simple as upgrading Internet Explorer to version 9 or higher. Do this from Start>>Control Panel>>Windows Update.

On XP, you won't have this option. Instead, ditch IE entirely for the newer, more nimble Firefox or Chrome. Both of these are fast and secure.

Not sure what browser you're using? Visit What Browser Am I Using? to find out.   Getting rid of unneeded browser toolbars, like Babylon, will also speed things up. These often come attached to free software. You can remove these manually in the browser add-on settings, or use a program like Toolbar Cleaner. 

5. Remove pesky viruses
Speaking of unwanted programs, viruses can seriously slow down your system. They might be busy recording everything you do, or sending out spam.

Combat malware with up-to-date security software. AVG and Avast! are two good free options. I also recommend Malwarebytes for manual scanning and removal.

The worst viruses will block you from installing security software. In that case, grab a rescue CD like AVG Rescue CD. This runs outside your operating system so viruses don't have a chance.

http://www.komando.com/columns/index.aspx?id=15021&utm_medium=nl&utm_source=column&utm_content=2013-08-11-column-title&page=6

Defeat a virus that takes over your computer

denver.cbslocal.com

Article thanks to Kim Komando at komando.com Link provided below:

Q. Kim, I can't use my laptop anymore. It gives me this bizarre message that my computer was downloading child porn and that the FBI has locked it down! I'd never do that! It says I have to pay a $200 fine to something called MoneyPak if I want my computer back. Is this for real? How can I clear my name?
A. Being accused of watching child porn is a scary, sickening experience. I don't blame you for being freaked out, Ron.

Luckily, no one is actually accusing you of anything. This sounds like a "ransomware" scam to me.

This scam, sometimes called scareware, is popping up more and more. Security analysts believe it's responsible for millions of dollars in losses each year.

It's becoming more dangerous, too. In addition to completely locking down your computer, it can find and steal your passwords. It's enough to make you consider paying the "fine" just to get it over with!

You don't have to pay a dime to get your computer back, though. All you need is to know is how this scam works and how to get rid of it.

Here's how it works: A ransomware virus sneaks on to your computer. It might be from a malicious website or an infected email attachment.

Though it sometimes spreads as a virus, ransomware can be any kind of malware. I've seen ransomware viruses, worms and even nasty Trojans. Click here to learn the difference between these three types of malware. Regardless, it usually comes from downloading an infected file.

Once it's running, it pops up a message that says you've been doing something very naughty. Child porn and illegal downloading are two common ones. This example from Microsoft shows you what a typical ransomware warning looks like.

The worst part is that the ransomware locks you out of your computer. Your mouse and keyboard are practically useless. You can't delete the virus or activate security software.

Does that mean you should pay the "fine" to unlock everything? Absolutely not!

You'll just be giving cash to a scammer. Once they get the money, they'll just keep hounding you for more cash. The services they use, like Western Union and MoneyPak, are difficult to trace. You'll never see that money again.

Plus, they won't actually delete the virus, so there's nothing stopping it from coming back. That's if they unlock your computer in the first place.

Instead, you need really powerful anti-virus software to kick the ransomware out. AVG offers the AVG Rescue CD specifically for nasty viruses like this.

You burn it to a CD and then it runs when your computer is booting. It kills the ransomware before it can lock your system again.

Of course, this program can cause serious problems if used incorrectly. Make sure you follow my step-by-step instructions to avoid that.

Even after you remove the virus, there may be some long-term effects. Ransomware can damage some of your sensitive files. Rare forms of ransomware can encrypt your files so you don't have access.

If your files are backed up, you have nothing to worry about. If you don't have a backup, check out my advertiser Carbonite. It provides safe, easy automatic backup to a remote location.

For a limited time, when you sign up, you can get 6 months of service free! Click here to learn more about this special, exclusive offer. 

The best way to take care of ransomware is to stop it before it starts. All the usual rules for avoiding Web scams apply.

First, make sure you're running up-to-date security software. The free software you'll find here can stop ransomware before it becomes a problem. 

You should also avoid malicious sites and emails. Here are my top tips for avoiding scams online. You'll be much less likely to accidentally download a nasty virus like this in the first place.

You computer isn't the only thing scammers can take over. Here are three more gadgets you have to protect right now.

• Your whole life is probably on your smartphone - shouldn't you protect it? Click here for great smartphone security downloads. 
• The more you surf on a tablet, the more sensitive data someone could steal from it. Protect your tablet with these simple downloads. 
• It's even possible for a hacker to crack into your router or TV. Find out how they can do it and how you can stop it in this tip. 

http://www.komando.com/tips/index.aspx?id=14668&utm_medium=nl&utm_source=weekend&utm_content=2013-06-22-a-ad&page=4

Should you buy a $25 computer?

thetechblock.com

Story thanks to Kim Komando at komando.com. Link provided below:

The hottest computer on the market isn't a $1,000+ decked-out gaming machine. It's actually a bare bones circuit board the size of a credit card. And it costs just $25!

Meet the Raspberry Pi. What's it good for?

For starters, you hook the Pi to an HDTV or digital monitor using HDMI. It can display high-definition videos, browse the Internet, play games or work on spreadsheets.

Sound great! Is it for you, though? Well, it depends.

First, let's look at a bit of history.

The low-cost Raspberry Pi is the brainchild of Eben Upton. In 2006, he was teaching computer science at the University of Cambridge. He found that computers were too expensive and too hard for ordinary users to program.

So, he set out to make a low-cost programming computer. His charitable foundation is working to get Raspberry Pis to kids all over the world. He hopes this will create a new generation of programmers.

Watch what a middle school girls engineering class in Charlotte, NC, does with the Pi. One student programmed a Pi to control brake and turn-indicator lights on her rolling backpack!

Upton expected to sell 10,000 units, tops. So far, it has sold more than a million units and counting. It isn't just schools who want it. Computer programmers and hobbyists around the world are going crazy for it.

So, how can it improve your life?

At a basic level, you can use a Raspberry Pi as a media computer. It's also a capable second PC or a computer for kids. It runs the Linux operating system, which is free and very secure.

There are two models. The Model A ($25) has 256MB of RAM and one USB port. Model B ($35) has 512MB of RAM and adds a second USB connection and an Ethernet port.

Both flavors have an HDMI connection, an audio jack and an RCA video jack. You can add a USB hub to connect a keyboard, mouse and USB Wi-Fi.

The Pi is powered by a 32-bit 700 MHz ARM processor that's roughly equivalent to the performance of a Pentium 2 chip. Upton says the multimedia performance is between a Playstation 2 and Playstation 3. That's enough for most basic computer uses.

To make the Pi operational, you need to supply a 5 volt micro USB power supply. An Android smartphone charger should do the trick. Just be sure to read the label. It needs to provide 700mA or better at 5V. Otherwise the Pi will behave erratically (or won't work at all).

The Pi has no internal storage; it boots from a standard SD card. You can buy a card pre-loaded with a compatible operating system. Or make one yourself by downloading a drive image from the Raspberry Pi website. Of course, you can also hook up an external hard drive.

You should buy a case for the computer. It could get fried if it comes in contact with liquids or conductive metals. Or you can make your own, if you're so inclined. Some people have used LEGO!

Cases, power supplies and other accessories are available from a variety of third-party vendors. The two official U.S. Raspberry Pi sellers - Allied Electronics and Newark - also sell accessories and bundles.

You can use the Raspberry Pi for basic computer functions. Or you can take it to the next level with your own programs.

Python is the programming language of the Raspberry Pi. It's easy to learn but very powerful. Click here to find out where you can take free self-guided Python lessons online. You'll be coding in no time!

If you're considering buying, definitely check out the Raspberry Pi website for more information. Read through the instructions and see if it's something you can handle. Be sure to check out the forums for great ideas on ways that you can use it.

http://www.komando.com/columns/index.aspx?id=14646&utm_medium=nl&utm_source=column&utm_content=2013-06-09-column-end&page=4