Helpful Microsoft Update

(rage & disappointment)

From Microsoft’s Website:

Bing Desktop is available for computers that are running Windows 7. Bing Desktop can be installed from the optional updates section in Windows Update. Bing Desktop provides an automatic update of the Windows Desktop background image to the Bing home page image each day. In addition, Bing Desktop offers an easy to access yet unobtrusive search box to streamline searching without opening the browser.

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Note how the primary function of Bing Desktop is to ‘update the Windows Desktop background image to the Bing home page image each day’. Now why didn’t Google and Apple think of doing that with Spotlight and Desktop?

On Apr 27, 2012, at 12:58 PM, Chris O’Boyle wrote:

> (sarcasm) > http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2694771 > > Bing Desktop search bar is in Windows Updates now, as of Monday. Don’t you just love Microsoft? > > Interesting is all. > > –Chris

The Cloud

Hi Suellen -

Any modern Mac laptop or desktop will have considerably more storage space than the Macbook you have now. Storing photos, documents, email & files will not be an issue.

Some items are more easily cloud-storable and cloud-accessible than others. Your GMail, for instance, is a cloud service – one that can be easily accessed from any internet-equipped device (phone, tablet, laptop, desktop)

Apple’s iCloud service allows you to ‘sync’ certain data. It’s not stored exclusively in the Cloud. The Cloud simply provides a storage mechanism for all your devices to retrieve the data they need – photos, music, files, contacts, calendars.

Online backup services work well, too (though often times not necessary if using the right combination of cloud based services), though aren’t ideal when you have lots of constantly changing data. Our internet connections just aren’t fast enough to handle moving around that much data.

Scanning paper isn’t as practical or useful as people think. It’s cumbersome, time-consuming & the quality is poor. Most importantly, the documents you scan aren’t totally digital and therefore can’t be searched by a computer. You have to manually organize them electronically. You would be better off converting your paper files to digital files through whatever companies issue the paper in the first place. Switch from paper to paperless billing, ask for all of your vendors to send you bills & statements electronically & access all your accounts online. It takes some time to get it all set up, but it does work.

hunter

On Apr 18, 2012, at 8:38 AM, Suellen wrote:

> HI Hunter, > It looks as if I am going to need a new computer soon and I am wrestling with digital “memory issues” and storage. Looking toward the future, which is a better approach: just getting more memory on a computer or starting to store on the Cloud. I gather the “Cloud” acts like these storage units that you see on the road but only in digital space. > The question is how often do people access this new found “storage” and easy is it to access. My goal is to try and go paperless in 2013! > Best > Suellen

Broken Lexmark 1185 Printer

Hi Esther -

Hope all is well with you, too. Everything here is fine.

The X1185 is an older model, and it’s difficult to find those kinds of parts for it. It’s also a basic, low-end model, and probably not worth fixing.

I would recommend something like this to replace it:

http://www.shopping.hp.com/product/printer/Officejet/1/storefronts/CB867A%2523B1H

The HP Officejet 4500. It has similar functions for printing & copying. And through HP it’s currently on sale for $60. I can get one for you if you like.

Best,

hunter

On Apr 13, 2012, at 8:23 PM, Esther wrote:

> Hello there, > > I don’t know if your company repairs copiers or not. I have a Lexmark X1185 Print > Trio that I have snapped off the cover holding the black print cartridge in the machine. How do you suggest I get it repaired? > > Hope all is going well with you. > > Esther