mvanert.com

How to back up your files with Windows 7′s built-in backup utility

mvanert — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:03:13 +0000

Microsoft shows you how – check out this video.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Back-up-your-files

Can Your Business be Found?

mvanert — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:10:18 +0000

Does your business have a web presence? If so, are you getting business from it? Do you know how to tell if you’re getting business? Do you have a opt-in plan for your site? If you have a web site is it effective? Does it tell people who you are, what you do, how to contact you, give testimonials and answer common questions about your business?

Have you claimed your free Google Places web site yet? If you have these questions and need help with the answers I can be reached at 778-987-6148 or send me an email mike@mvanert.com.

Join the Revolution!

mvanert — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 16:26:25 +0000

Happy New Year &

mvanert — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 02:14:47 +0000

Buying New or Re-certified

mvanert — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:48:09 +0000

I have been selling both new and re-certified computers for a long time, 17 plus years now for new and at least five years for re-furb’s as they’re called. What’s the difference? Re-furb’s cost about $100 less on average for the same machine new. Oh, and the box they come in is usually a bit ratty. They carry the same warranty, work the same and the rate of return is the same. What is a re-furb? It’s a computer that was returned to the retailer for one of thousands of reasons from “It didn’t have xGB of hard drive space like I thought it would” to “I don’t like the color”. Rarely is a computer returned because of a hardware malfunction, it does happen, but the main reason for the returns are for other reasons. In the past five years I’ve had one ‘problem child’ re-furb system returned and one new system out of hundreds I’ve sold. My advice, if you want to save a significant amount of money, consider re-furb’s.

Tastygo Web Deal begins

mvanert — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:33:25 +0000

On December 7th and goes through to the 12th. Be sure to keep an eye out and if you’re not receiving TastyGo’s local deals go here and subscribe http://www.tastygo.com/default.aspx?cName= and look for this great deal beginning Tuesday, December 7th.

Lifehacker Top Ten Registry Tweaks

mvanert — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 23:14:23 +0000

Great article from Lifehacker on their top ten registry tweaks. You can read the whole article here:

http://lifehacker.com/5700084/top-10-registry-tweaks-that-power-up-windows

Here Are Ten Reasons Why Tablets Will Out-sell Laptops

mvanert — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:59:45 +0000

By Jack Wallen – Tech Republic

October 28, 2011, 9:07 AM PDT

Takeaway: Why are business users ditching their laptops in favor of a tablet when they hit the road? Tablet convert Jack Wallen highlights several reasons.

The laptop has been around for quite some time, but it will more than likely be replaced as the go-to tool for computing on the move. What will be the successor? The tablet — obviously. Many doubters think the tablet is nothing more than a gimmick to help boost sales. I was one of those doubters for quite some time. But after using tablets enough, I have come around to seeing just how incredibly helpful that technology is. Here are some reasons why I believe tablets will replace the laptop as the mobile device of choice.

1: Power consumption

There is no question here: The tablet blows away the laptop with regard to power consumption. On average, I can get a full day out of a tablet on a single charge. A laptop? Not even close. And for anyone on the go, losing power is just another obstacle that interferes with work. With a tablet, you don’t have that issue. It would be a rare occasion that you would burn through your power before getting access to a means of recharging.

2: Viruses

Android? iPad? Viruses anyone? I think not. Not that it will never happen, but it’s a pretty safe bet that tablets will never suffer from the same deluge of viruses that plagues a Windows laptop. Because of this, a tablet can safely work on without concern for viruses and malware. Oh sure, you’ll find antivirus software in the Android Market, but they are pretty much pointless. Who in the world wouldn’t want to work with a portable device that isn’t vulnerable to the masses of viruses and malware out in the wild?

3: Portability

You can lug around a 4- to 12-pound laptop or a sub .5-pound tablet. Which do you want when you’re going through airports, taxis, hotels, conferences, meetings, etc.? You’re going to choose the tablet every time. But not just because of weight. The ability to work with a tablet in confined spaces totally overshadows the laptop. Need to work in a cab? Tablet. Need to work in the bathroom? Tablet. You simply can’t beat the tablet for portability.

4: Cost effectiveness

Out of the starting gate, a really good tablet will cost about the same as a low- to mid-range laptop. So you’re getting more for your money at the outset. But now figure in the price of an extra battery and software for the laptop and you can see how quickly the cost will add up. Tablets are fast becoming one of the most cost-effective office tools you will find.

5: Online connection

Pay the extra fee and get your tablet with a 4G connection, and you won’t have to worry about finding a Wi-Fi connection to access whatever cloud or service you need. Most models can be purchased with a constant network connection (to the tune of 3G or 4G), which makes the tablet a step ahead of most laptops. Yes, you can purchase aircards for laptops, but that’s just another piece of hardware to worry about.

6: Available applications

There are thousands upon thousands of applications now available for tablets. So many in number and variety are these applications, it almost makes going back to a laptop a real pain. And yes, a good portion of those apps are worthless, but not all of them. And a good portion of the solid, useful apps are free! Best of all, those apps can be installed from anywhere without installation media. You have a network connection, you can install software.

7: User friendliness

Tablet interfaces are probably some of the single most user-friendly desktops you will come across. They are simple, elegant, and don’t get in the way of work. I fully believe (as do Ubuntu and GNOME) that this is the future of the PC desktop. The applications (for the most part) were also designed with amazing user friendliness in mind. Simple to use, very little clutter to the interface (no Ribbons to get in the way), and singular in purpose (in many cases). So you might have more apps installed than you would on a laptop, but because of the ease of installation/removal, that’s not a problem.

8: Bluetooth connectivity

I have become a fond user of the Bluetooth. Headphones, headsets, keyboards, you name it. And tablets make the connection between these devices a breeze. Connecting those same devices to a laptop? Not so easy. Even with a built-in card, the connection process is not nearly as easy as it is when done from a tablet.

9: Efficiency

Getting a laptop and a tablet out of hibernation is like comparing apples and oranges. Tablets are as close to an instant-on tool as we have in the industry. And when on the go, nothing beats instant on. Need to write a note or send off a fast email? You’ll be completing that task much more quickly when doing it from a tablet.

10: Social integration

Some might argue that social networking isn’t ideal for business use. I would argue that it is. Even when you’re on the go, you need to remain in contact with co-workers, family, and friends. Why not do that with the ease of nearly seamless integration? Forget having to use a browser for everything. Instead, grab an Android tablet that can quickly have you Facebooking, Tweeting, and Tumbling. And if you think that’s nothing more than a waste of time, remember that small businesses depend upon social networking tools for free marketing.

Hard Drive Prices More Than Double

mvanert — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:25:24 +0000

Due to the severe flooding in Thailand disrupting production at Western Digital and their suppliers prices are back up to where they were a couple of years ago. Does not bode well for the holidays season!

Acer Iconia A100

mvanert — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 18:07:08 +0000

So far, of all the tablets I have bought, sold and played with I like this one the best.

I find 10” tablets are too big, even the iPad2 as well made as it is and beautiful design, the weight is great but it’s not enough, it’s just physically too big to suit me.

The 7” form factor makes for easy traveling. It fits in one hand!

It gives me access to all my email, eBooks, all files and it has removable storage (up to 32 GB) plus a mini USB connection that allows me to connect to my PC and with an adapter to any USB thumb drive expanding its capacity even more. It has the ability to physically connect to my other computers through a USB port and to my clients computers by using LogMeIn. I love it that I can use Skype with video and voice plus it has both forward and backward facing cameras. The only short coming that it has is the battery life; it should be 10-15 hours not 5.

I could go on and on with the list of features, to find out more go to http://www.acer.ca/ac/en/CA/content/model/XE.H6RPN.004 or read one of the many reviews on the web, pay particular attention to reader reviews, not so much the “experts”.

To sum it up, the 7” form factor works for me making this tablet my favourite.

To order one or to talk to me about it call 778-987-6148.