Computer Care: Plenty of bargains to be found shopping online

	By Arthur Glazer arthur@glazerthepctech.com POSTED: November 27, 2010 1:00 a.m. It's the time of year for friends, family and spending lots of money. Oh yeah, the economy. Well, you can still get those electronic gifts and not spend all of your hard-earned cash. Shop online this year where there are plenty of deals. A few years ago, I spent a Black Friday at an outlet mall at my wife's insistence. She usually makes good decisions, but that is something I shall not experience again - not even with a gun to my head. Instead, now I shop on my computer. I get what I want, spend less time and less money doing it. Retailers know we are careful with what little spendable cash we have in this fragile economy. With this in mind, they are presenting us with many options for discounted purchases. I have a half dozen or so favorite online retailers that I frequent year round for electronics. Recently I have seen drastic reductions in items like laptops, desktops, monitors and other related items. You can find deals on sites like newegg.com, tigerdirect.com, overstock.com, amazon.com, techbargains.com and even eBay, for a "Buy it Now," when you don't want to wait for an auction to end. An advantage to online shopping is that those sites all list consumer comments about the products and the retailer. You get to see what others thought of the laptop you're about to drop $500 on. Aside from computers and monitors, I‘ve found good prices on e-book readers, GPS devices, cell phones, printers, software and gadgets galore. The e-book readers, or Kindle-type devices, are going for about $150, some for even less. It depends on the size and type of connection. Amazon has many in the used market for less. If you want a free reader, Amazon will let you download one. Look for Free Reader for PC on their site. It also has a rotating choice of free e-books for download. GPS devices have come down in price. If you don't have on in your car yet, check them out. I found a Garmin Nuvi and a Magellan Roadmate both for about $85 online. IPads are big this year. Apple usually won't discount anything, but again, Amazon has many used models. Don't picture a beat-up, half-broken device. I've bought some "like-new" electronics from them and have had no problems at all. Like Kindles, IPads vary in price with size, whether they have just Wi-Fi or 3G as well. New ones start at about $500. Last year's phenomenon, the netbook, is still around and is even cheaper than ever. Just be aware that you get what you pay for, especially with these subcompact mini laptops. They have 8-to-10-inch screens, weak processors, low-capacity batteries, small hard drives and keyboards that don't accommodate chunky fingers. They also don't have an optical drive. That means no CD/DVD. But if you just need it for note taking at school, it may be for you. They can be found for less than $300. Alternatively, laptops or desktops can be a better deal for about the same price. They now range from $300 to $2,000 and more, but many go for less than $800. You can get an Acer, Toshiba, HP or a Dell for less than $500, with some even less than that. Some are 64-bit and now all have Windows 7 installed. As I've mentioned in the past, Dell has a refurb section on its website with a huge inventory. At the high end, for little more than $1,000 or so, you can get an 18-inch laptop with a new generation i5 or i7 Intel processor, loaded with memory and a huge hard drive. The best deal I've come across is actually from Microsoft. The folks in Redmond are currently not only discounting some versions of Office Suites, but Windows as well. You can get a Family Pack of Windows 7, good for three computers for only $149.99 from their site, and they'll throw in a free wireless Cisco router as well. Usually you can only install Windows on one system and it costs about $120 per machine. So yes, this is a great deal. They may pull it at any time so check it out soon. If you want a new computer but don't want to buy one, get this updated operating system instead. It's everything XP never was and all Vista wanted to be. It's the big brother that did well. Win 7 is a great OS with some nice enhancements and is very smart and extremely fast. Online shopping is safe as long as you are cautious. Look for the "https" in the address bar before you enter your credit card info, or call the site instead. So fire up your PC and go shopping online. Google whatever it is you're looking for and do some comparison shopping. Use cnet.com for some unbiased reviews to help you decide. Even with expedited shipping, you'll often spend less online than at the mall. Arthur Glazer is a freelance writer and computer technician in Gainesville. His column appears biweekly. Arthur welcomes your computer questions and ideas for future columns. POSTED: November 27, 2010 1:00 a.m It's the time of year for friends, family and spending lots of money.

Digital Cameras

Computer Care: New high-tech cameras offer more options at lower price

By Arthur Glazerarthur@glazerthepctech.com

	POSTED: November 13, 2010 1:00 a.m. Digital single lens reflex cameras, or DSLRs, as they are called, have become ubiquitous, even for the novice photographer. They used to cost up to $1,500 as once did a good laptop. Now both can be had for under a grand. You can still spend a couple of thousand dollars for either one, but unless you need professional-grade quipment, it isn't necessary. Nikon, Pentax, Sony, Canon and Panasonic and others have recently come out with DSLRs that are affordable and put the point-and-shoot genre to shame. These subthousand dollar cameras can be as easy to use as a point and shoot in auto-mode or as tricky as an SLR and just as creative in manual mode. There are actually more modes than you can shake a memory stick at. Aside from the standard Auto, Manual, Shutter and Aperture Priority modes, there are settings for portraits, sports, night time, panoramas, macro (extreme close-up) and much more. The plethora of buttons that cover the top and back of many models, have been moved to easy-to-navigate menus in the camera software. Only the bare essential buttons were left in most cases. Unlike the cheaper point and shoot models, the DSLRs have interchangeable lenses. Most come with a 18-55 mm or so zoom lens that cover a good basic range for most photographers. Depending on what brand camera you have and what you want to shoot, lenses can cost from under $100 to well over $1,000. Nikon, for example offer vibration reduction in their lenses. You can get a less expensive lens without the VR, but at a high zoom, any hand shaking can blur your photo. Also note whether or not the zoom lens offers auto focus. Sony and Pentax put their anti-shake technology in the camera instead of the lens. This makes their lenses less expensive and makes any lens that's made for that camera anti-shake. Many of the new cameras have a guide mode that takes you by the hand, if that's what you need to take good pictures. A lot of the newer models have high definition video, making the camera a two-in-one. In the past movie modes existed, but they were of a lesser quality. They were also hard to keep in focus, especially in low light situations. High def has changed all that. The LCD panels on the rear of the cameras have gone from 2 inches to 2.5 inches and now to 3 inches in most models. The color is vibrant and sharp. Some even have articulating rear panels, making it possible to take a picture holding the camera over your head or at your waist and still see what you're shooting. Some of these LCDs offer live view, which allows you to see your subject; others just provide device information such as exposure settings and menus. My personal preference is toward Sony and their alpha line of cameras. They are all affordable, especially if you get a used or refurbished model. Starting with the alpha, or a100 a few years back, they have since added the a200, a 250 and a300. Models higher than that are pro models for a lot more money. The a33 and a55 which offers a new type of technology just came out this summer. They are about 14 and 16 megapixels, respectively. Technically not a DSLR, they use translucent mirrors that light passes through instead of bouncing off it. The cameras shoot photos faster than ever; HD video is included and the cameras are smaller and lighter than previous models. Both of those cost less than $1,000 new, with a zoom lens. Nikon has a similar model, the D3100 and Canon has the T2i, but they lack the new technology the Sony has. Let's talk maintenance for a moment. One bad thing you can do is to toss your camera in your bag without a case, especially the point-and-shoots. The metal that covers the lens is wafer-thin and can be damaged by your cell phone, glasses, etc. Dust can also kill it. Invest in an $8 case. It will save an $80 camera. Check the batteries. If they are not fresh, your camera may not turn on. Make sure to take them out if the camera is not in use for long periods. Batteries can leak and ruin your camera. By using rechargeable batteries you can save a small fortune. They cost more initially, but can last for years. Does your camera have a viewfinder? By using it instead of the LCD panel, your battery life will be extended significantly. Consider updating your camera's firmware if you are having issues with it. Go to the manufacturer's website to download a small file and then install it in the camera with the USB cable that came with it. If you use one of those point-and-shoot cameras and feel stymied by their lack of options, consider a DSLR and let your creativity flow. The images that you can produce will be phenomenal.

Digital single lens reflex cameras, or DSLRs, as they are called, have become ubiquitous, even for the novice photographer. They used to cost up to $1,500 as once did a good laptop. Now both can be had for under a grand.

You can still spend a couple of thousand dollars for either one, but unless you need professional-grade quipment, it isn't necessary.

Nikon, Pentax, Sony, Canon and Panasonic and others have recently come out with DSLRs that are affordable and put the point-and-shoot genre to shame. These subthousand dollar cameras can be as easy to use as a point and shoot in auto-mode or as tricky as an SLR and just as creative in manual mode.

There are actually more modes than you can shake a memory stick at. Aside from the standard Auto, Manual, Shutter and Aperture Priority modes, there are settings for portraits, sports, night time, panoramas, macro (extreme close-up) and much more.

The plethora of buttons that cover the top and back of many models, have been moved to easy-to-navigate menus in the camera software. Only the bare essential buttons were left in most cases.

Unlike the cheaper point and shoot models, the DSLRs have interchangeable lenses. Most come with a 18-55 mm or so zoom lens that cover a good basic range for most photographers. Depending on what brand camera you have and what you want to shoot, lenses can cost from under $100 to well over $1,000.

Nikon, for example offer vibration reduction in their lenses. You can get a less expensive lens without the VR, but at a high zoom, any hand shaking can blur your photo. Also note whether or not the zoom lens offers auto focus.

Sony and Pentax put their anti-shake technology in the camera instead of the lens. This makes their lenses less expensive and makes any lens that's made for that camera anti-shake.

Many of the new cameras have a guide mode that takes you by the hand, if that's what you need to take good pictures.

A lot of the newer models have high definition video, making the camera a two-in-one. In the past movie modes existed, but they were of a lesser quality. They were also hard to keep in focus, especially in low light situations. High def has changed all that.

The LCD panels on the rear of the cameras have gone from 2 inches to 2.5 inches and now to 3 inches in most models. The color is vibrant and sharp. Some even have articulating rear panels, making it possible to take a picture holding the camera over your head or at your waist and still see what you're shooting.

Some of these LCDs offer live view, which allows you to see your subject; others just provide device information such as exposure settings and menus.

My personal preference is toward Sony and their alpha line of cameras. They are all affordable, especially if you get a used or refurbished model. Starting with the alpha, or a100 a few years back, they have since added the a200, a 250 and a300. Models higher than that are pro models for a lot more money.

The a33 and a55 which offers a new type of technology just came out this summer. They are about 14 and 16 megapixels, respectively. Technically not a DSLR, they use translucent mirrors that light passes through instead of bouncing off it.

The cameras shoot photos faster than ever; HD video is included and the cameras are smaller and lighter than previous models. Both of those cost less than $1,000 new, with a zoom lens.

Nikon has a similar model, the D3100 and Canon has the T2i, but they lack the new technology the Sony has.

Let's talk maintenance for a moment. One bad thing you can do is to toss your camera in your bag without a case, especially the point-and-shoots. The metal that covers the lens is wafer-thin and can be damaged by your cell phone, glasses, etc. Dust can also kill it. Invest in an $8 case. It will save an $80 camera.

Check the batteries. If they are not fresh, your camera may not turn on. Make sure to take them out if the camera is not in use for long periods. Batteries can leak and ruin your camera.

By using rechargeable batteries you can save a small fortune. They cost more initially, but can last for years.

Does your camera have a viewfinder? By using it instead of the LCD panel, your battery life will be extended significantly.

Consider updating your camera's firmware if you are having issues with it. Go to the manufacturer's website to download a small file and then install it in the camera with the USB cable that came with it.

If you use one of those point-and-shoot cameras and feel stymied by their lack of options, consider a DSLR and let your creativity flow. The images that you can produce will be phenomenal.

Arthur Glazer is a freelance writer and computer technician who lives in Gainesville. His column appears biweekly.

Combat body fatigue while on computer

Computer Care: Take precautions to ease computer eye, body strain

By Arthur Glazerarthur@glazerthepctech.com
	POSTED: October 30, 2010 1:00 a.m.

If you're reading this online, chances are you are straining your eyes and probably your neck and back as well. If you're holding the paper while reading this, your turn will come later when you check your e-mail. According to Dr. Marc Grossman, O.D., more than 50 percent of computer users experience eye strain, headaches and blurred vision from staring at the computer screen for hours at a time. There is a condition called CVS, Computer Vision Syndrome, where one's sight is light-sensitive with blurred vision. The size of words often changes. All this is due to improper use of the computer monitor. It's not just eye strain, either. Computer users often complain of back, neck and hand aches, sometimes leading to carpal tunnel syndrome. The best prevention to all this is frequent breaks, good lighting and proper posture. You should sit upright in an adjustable and comfortable chair with your feet flat on the floor. Your shoulders should be relaxed and your monitor should be about 16-20 inches in front of you, according to folks at the Mayo Clinic. To reduce fatigue, tap the keyboard gently with your forearms parallel to the floor. During your breaks, do some stretching exercises. Relax your neck and shoulders and close your eyes. Take a deep breath. When you exhale, drop your chin to your chest and gently roll your head clockwise as you inhale. Do it slowly, get the kinks out and reverse direction when done. Be conscious of your breathing and keep relaxed. Do these rolls in each direction a couple of times. Stand and brace your hands over your head to release shoulder tension. Exercising your eyes will help to deduce focusing fatigue. Look away from your monitor every half hour or so and focus on something across the room or out the window. Look at it for 10-15 seconds. Then look back at something close and stare at it for the same time. Do this 10 times. Studies show that computer users blink only 20 percent as frequently as they normally do. This dries the eyes, causing blurred vision, irritation and fatigue. So make a conscious effort to blink when computing. Our ancestors used to live outdoors, always watching the horizon in search of the food they hunted. We on the other hand, live indoors and stare at our computer monitors. It's not the way we were meant to live and it's not healthy. One thing we can do is change from the old cathode ray tube-type monitors to the newer flat-panel LCDs, which are easier on the eyes. The CRTs have flicker, which contribute to eye strain. If you have one of those, go into the monitor settings and change the refresh rate to at least 70 Hz. LCDs have no flicker or settings to change. When shopping for the flat panel models get one with a dot pitch of .28 or lower and be at least 19 inch diagonally in size. They will have a sharper image than those with a higher dot pitch, which are often cheaper. So -- and there is the caveat -- with monitors, cheaper is not always the best choice. Bad lighting has an ill effect on our eyes. Try to have room lights and windows either above or to the sides of your computer. Try to minimize glare. If the light source is behind the monitors, you will be looking at it; if behind you, you'll see its reflection. The display should not be a source of light but only as bright as the room you're in. Take a look a white background on a Web page. If it's on the dull side, brighten it a bit, but not too much. Adjustments can be made not only from the buttons on the display, but from the software as well. You can change setting for brightness and contrast, along with gamma, saturation and vibrance in most cases. Play with it to find a comfortable setting. You can always revert back to the default setting should you find you over adjusted it. In most computers, look where you change the resolution, most of the time by right-clicking on your desktop and depending on your version of Windows, either go to Settings, or Personalize and look for Color Management from there. You can also calibrate your display settings in there. The Institute of Occupational Safety and Health says eye strain can not only cause fatigue, decreased productivity and CVS, but can lead to glaucoma. The most important thing to do according to our optometrist, Dr. Elliott Brass, is to get annual eye exams and have proper eyewear. This is especially important if you work constantly in front of a computer. I wear trifocal progressive glasses. The midsection of the lens is for my computer vision and helps immensely. There are also dedicated computer glasses that you can get. Take breaks, even if they're at your desk. Stand and stretch, blink, stare out a window, roll your head. It all helps. Arthur Glazer is a freelance writer and computer technician in Gainesville. His column appears biweekly. Arthur welcomes your computer questions and ideas for future columns