Why and How You Should Recycle Your Old Computers

Home Computing Tip-of-the-Month:
We've decided to focus this month's Home Computing Tip-of-the-Month on an important global effort to curb electronic waste. Below, you will find free computer recycling options for you to safely dispose of your electronics in a way that will not harm the environment.

Did you know that up to 43 million metric tons of electronic waste are not recycled each year? Instead, they are dumped into landfills and end up in third-world countries where children and parents strip the toxic material down for cash. Many of our clients that we speak to about this don't realize that computers can contain chromium, nickel and zinc. Even worse, LCD monitors can contain mercury.

The following graph shows the dire state of recycling in 2007 of TVs, Computer Products, and Cell Phones.

How to Recycle:

If you have a local Staples store near your home, you can take any old Dell products to the customer service desk, and Staples will recycle them for free. Staples will recycle non-Dell products for $10. Each item is bagged, sealed, and then recycled by Eco International. Staples also will give you $2 in Staples Rewards for any ink cartridges you drop off.

There are many Staples alternatives to recycling your computers, such as EcoSquid, Earth 911, My Green Electronics, TechSoup, RBRC, and many more. For a comprehensive list of local recycling resources, kindly visit the United States Environmental Protection Agency's page.

As a side note: MAX Communications is offering the additional service of WIPING any DATA off the old hard drives, then supplying you with a certificate for your records to show that the data was cleared prior to the computer being recycled.  For more on this service to protect the privacy of the information you had stored, contact us today at 847-348-3489.

What To Do If Your Windows XP, Vista or 7 Operating System Is Not Shutting Down Properly

Is your Windows operating system hanging up when you try to shut it down? Are you forced sometimes to hold the power button to force it to shut down?
This is something that can happen after a virus update, after a new software install, or for no reason at all.

The first thing you will want to do is run your anti-virus software to check for a malware infection. If no infection is found, then the next step is to determine which software program on your computer is causing the hangup.

While there is no quick fix that guarantees you will find the faulty program on your own, one option you have is to review the programs that are set to auto-start when you turn your computer on. Here's what to do:

1. Click the START button and type msconfig into your search box.
2. Click the START-UP tab. This tab will show you all the programs that are set to auto-start with your computer.
3. Go through the list of programs with a checkmark and uncheck the ones that you know for sure do not need to startup with your computer (e.g. - AIM, Quicktime, etc.).
4. After you have made your changes, save them and restart the computer.
5. After you restart your computer, you can always go back through steps 1.-3. and CHECK the box next to programs you WANT to startup, in case you need them.

CAUTION: Changing your startup configuration can negatively impact your computer's functionality if you deselect a critical process that is needed to run. Only make changes that you are 100% certain about. 

You are welcome to call us (847-348-3489) if you are not sure and we will be happy to assist you.  We can even connect in remotely and you can learn as you watch us make the changes.  For more info on this service, check out our website at www.HelpMeMax.com and download CrossLoop.

Can my PC run Windows 7?

Find out with the Windows Upgrade Advisor.
Upgrade Advisor
 http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/downloads/upgrade-advisor

If you scroll down that page, you will see
a large BLUE Button with white lettering to
[ Download the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor ]

Click that button to go to the page for the actual [ Download ] Button. When Downloading, save the file to the Desktop, so you can find it easily.

In general, if your PC can run Windows Vista, it can run Windows 7. But if you're not running Windows Vista, or are just not sure if your system is ready to run Windows 7, there's a quick way to do a simple check. (Most systems purchased since September 2009 will be compatible, if you have enough RAM and Disk Space available).

Just download, install, and run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor... You'll get a report telling you if your PC can run Windows 7 and if there are any known compatibility issues. If an issue can be resolved, you'll get suggestions for next steps. For example, it may let you know that you need an updated driver for your printer and where to get it.

Before you begin

Before you run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor, be sure to plug in any USB devices or other devices such as printers, external hard drives, or scanners that are regularly used with the PC you're evaluating.

To run the Advisor, follow the install prompts, the LAUNCH the Advisor program and let’ er run…

After you’re finished and satisfied with the results, you might want to head over to the following page to learn more about the Upgrade Process, with some good tips on how to keep things running smoothly:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/help/upgrading-from-windows-xp-to-windows-7

On the right side of that page are some links to other helpful resources.

What if I don't want to do it myself?

If the whole process seems to “daunting” for you, we can schedule a time to have MAX Communications come in and run it through the upgrade process.

Let us know if you have any other questions…Or just call 847-348-3489 - we're happy to help!

What is a QR Code?

You may have noticed these square blocks showing up in some places on print media and wondered what was going on.  This is known as a QR Code, short for "Quick Response" code.  It is a 2D version of a Bar Code, and can contain much more information. 

Originally developed for use with Inventory Control, this little square can contain Hyperlinks (such as the one on the left) that can be used in Print Media. 

You may be asking yourself..."Why is this useful?".  Imagine having a business card with a QR Code, or a Name tag, or a banner (or even a Billboard).  The opportunity for passersby to simply click with their smartphone and collect and store your information for later retrieval is astonishing, to say the least.  A smartphone user can click the above QR code and be launched to my website.  I could also create a QR Code for my YouTube Channel, or even this blog.

You can create your own QR codes for use in print media and other areas (such as mobile coupons) at a number of sites, including http://qrcode.kaywa.com/.

Check out the following article for more examples: http://searchengineland.com/what-is-a-qr-code-and-why-do-you-need-one-27588

There are also colorful alternatives coming onto the scene that you may find of interest.  For instance, Microsoft is developing a color version that allows for even more data capacity, and has some eye-appealing presentations.  To get a look at some of these, check out the article here: http://searchengineland.com/microsoft-tags-a-compelling-alternative-to-qr-code-hyperlinks-52315

Print-based Hyperlinks - who woulda thunk?!   The web is being integrated into our mobile lives and our lives are being intertwined with new ways of presenting information in a simple, yet powerful, format.

Can you foresee a day when you walk into an art gallery, click on a HCCB, and be able to watch the full time-lapse video of the history of a piece of artwork?  Or click on a QR code at a billboard and be launched to a live webcam feed?  Some interesting possiblities... wouldn't you agree?

Stack Overflow at line 0 on iGoogle

Yes - this has been confirmed to be a problem with a particular "gadget" and is caused by a Javascript error in that gadget. On Friday, December 10, the problem occured with the "TVGuide" gadget, but it has also appeared with other gadgets in the past.

When you experience this issue, you may find that Google Chrome or Firefox (alternative web browers) do not have a problem. It seems to be mainly an issue with Internet Explorer (all versions) and the way that IE executes the Javascript code. Most likely, there is a conflict with some of the "toolbars" that you have installed with IE.

You can continue using IE for your iGoogle page, but you'll just need to use an alterntive browser to login to your account and remove the offending "gadget". You will probably find that you can add the gadget again after a couple of days, and all will be well.

- Jim K - www.HelpMeMax.com

What Exactly is Cloud Computing and How Can it Benefit My Business?

Business Computing Tip-of-the-Month:  

One of the most hyped technology trends this year is cloud computing, and it is for good reason. Cloud computing services can save businesses tens of thousands of dollars a year and make them more efficient. With cloud computing, small businesses reap the benefits of not having to deploy costly physical infrastructures like file and e-mail servers, storage systems or shrink-wrapped software. Plus, employees and business partners can now enjoy hassle-free collaboration with cloud computing's "anywhere, anytime" availability.

So what exactly is cloud computing?

Let's take a quick snapshot look of what constitutes a true cloud-computing solution.

1. Cloud-computing services require no software to purchase or install. This does not include lightweight applets or a Java plug-in required to use the service.
   
   
2. Cloud-computing fees are typically subscription-based. You can often choose between month-to-month and year-to-year.
   
   
3. Another popular feature of cloud computing is that it is easily scalable. Many solutions can work for companies with 5 employees or 5,000. Cloud services are nimble because they generally grow as your business grows.

If you are interested in exploring cloud-based solutions for your business, we can provide you with an un-biased look at the options that are available to you. Kindly give us a call at 847-348-3489, and we will set-up a time to sit down with you to go over these solutions.

 

10 Tips for Safe Online Holiday Shopping

Home Computing Tip-of-the-Month:  

Now that the holiday season is in full swing, it's important to implement safe buying practices when you are shopping online. Today's technology creates an environment for ultra-safe shopping; however, there are a few scams to be aware of that could cost you in the end. We've put together our list of the top 10 tips for safe online shopping.

1. Arm your computer — Make sure your computer has the most recent updates for spam filters, virus software, and malware removal programs.
   
   
2. Shop on trusted websites — The first place to start is to check the seller's reputation. Look for the BBB seal and other signs of credibility, such as ratings online, SSL encryption, and a money-back guarantee.
   
   
3. Protect your personal information — The BBB recommends that you take the time to read the website's privacy policy and understand what personal information is being requested from you. If there is no privacy policy found, that should be a red flag to you.
   
   
4. Beware of deals that sound too good to be true — If an offer on a website or through an email sent to you sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Beware of false advertisements and deals that no other website seems to be even close to offering. In the end, consumers who fall victim to these scams end up paying the price in identity theft.
   
   
5. Beware of "phishing" schemes — Legitimate businesses will not send you an email asking you to confirm your contact or payment information once your order is placed. PayPal is a big target for these types of scams. We recommend that you call the contact number on the website you ordered from in the event that you receive an email like this.
   
   
6. Look for SSL Encryption — Always check the bottom right corner of your web browser when you are on a page that is asking for any sensitive information. If you do not see a picture of a "lock" then that page is not SSL encrypted and we do not recommend you proceed.
   
   
7. Use your credit card— Federal law has very strict policies in place to protect consumers when they use a credit card to make a purchase. You should never wire money to any business.
   
   
8. Keep a copy of your order documentation — We recommend that you always print the confirmation page that is shown to you after you place your order. You will need this information as proof of your order in the event that the item does not arrive, arrives damaged, or not as described. Your credit card company will request a copy of this receipt to fight on your behalf.
   
   
9. Make it a habit to check your credit card statements often— Log into your credit card and bank accounts each week to check each transaction that posts to your account. This is especially important after you make a purchase online to verify that no un-authorized transactions are posting.
   
   
10. Understand your rights — There is a Federal law in place that requires orders placed by mail, phone or online to be shipped within 30 days of the date of purchase. If the goods are not shipped in time, you are entitled to a full refund. You also have the right to reject merchandise when it arrives. If you accept the merchandise then you are bound by the company's policies that govern the accepted transaction.