Archive for category Technology

I hate computers.

Aug 10

Posted by Ashley in Technology | No Comments

I have a love hate relationship with computers; then again, when I think about it, I feel that way about the majority of technology. I spent well over five hours today trying to get a damn virus off my computer. I got the virus from browsing sites that I browse EVERYDAY and have never had issues with. I have an anti-virus program installed and it never alerted me. Luckily, I knew exactly what virus it was because I had it once before – Antivirus 2009 – as it tries to act like it’s Windows telling you, you have a virus. I’m still not even sure if I got everything completely removed but at this point, I’m too tired to deal with it anymore or even think about formatting my computer.

Luckily, classes start in a week and a half and hopefully by this time next week, I’ll have a brand new Macbook to play with. After dealing with the virus I got today I decided it was well worth the $1000 I’m going to shell out for a piece of grand technology that is known to be fairly immune to viruses and the common headaches that Windows based PCs have. Now don’t get me wrong, I know that NO piece of technology is immune to anything and I’ve read that Macs do crash and they do get viruses but the likely hood of them having issues compared to Windows based PCs/laptops is minimal and that’s why I’ve chosen to go that route instead of getting a Dell or HP. Not to mention, I’ve wanted a Macbook for the longest time especially since I’ve played around on Alan’s quite a bit when he’s around. I also figured it’d last me a lot longer than a Windows based laptop which I’ll probably have to replace within 3-4 years.

I’m also planning on building a completely new desktop computer, hopefully within the same time frame. I am waiting to get the security deposit back from my old apartment (luckily we didn’t do any long distance moving so it should be here within the week!) which will be put towards my new desktop computer or the laptop, which ever since it’s all coming out of the same account. My mom was going to give me $400 towards my computers since she gave my brother $400 for a PS3 for his birthday which she normally wouldn’t do and since the deposit is $400 I figured I’d use that instead of sending it to her like I originally was going too. I can’t wait to get new working hardware so I can stop worrying about losing my stuff and save myself all the headache I’ve been having lately.

Stupid email.

Nov 12

Posted by Ashley in Technology | No Comments

For some reason, I stopped receiving emails whenever someone comments on a post at my site which is really frustrating because I normally don’t log into my wordpress account unless I’m going to blog or check my stats. I also normally don’t visit my website just to see who’s commented and rely heavily on receiving those emails when people leave comments; hopefully, I can figure out why I’m not getting those emails. I also decided to check my Gmail spam box and noticed that emails from Alan and other people are getting sent to the spam box when that’s never happened before. UGH!

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Save Green, Go Green!

Oct 9

Posted by Ashley in Technology | 2 Comments

When I moved into my apartment back in August, I was worried about how I was going to afford Internet and cable which is a necessity for a college student; the Internet more so than the cable TV! However, lucky for me I found an apartment that included wireless Internet in the monthly rent and while this sounds like a good deal it isn’t because the Internet is slower than dial up and YOU never thought that was possible, pfft. And so after dealing with the Internet being slow for days at a time and not working a few weeks ago, I started to search for companies that I could get cable and Internet through; unfortunately, I only have one option and that’s to go through the local cable company here in town.

BUT, if you’re lucky enough to live in an area that offers Charter Services you could get a great deal on television, high speed Internet and telephone service all while earning a chance to win a 2009 Civic Hybrid; not only will you save green on essential services but you’ll also be helping the environment if you’re lucky enough to win the Civic Hybrid that gets up to 45mpg. In order to have get a chance at winning this awesome, environment friendly car you need to check out Charter Services and purchase one of their packages OR live in an area that offers Charter Services.

Take it from me as someone who deals with dial-up slow Internet on a daily basis, this is not an opportunity you want to pass up…I know if I had the money to afford Internet through another company while having the chance to win a new car, I’d definitely sign up!

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I wanted a Cherry Coke!

Sep 26

Posted by Ashley in Technology | 3 Comments

Yesterday around 12:15pm on my way to Western Civ. I stopped by the pop machine. I reached into my purse to grab my wallet and see if I had the $1.25 the vending machine required. Of course, being the broke college student I am I didn’t have the change but that didn’t stop me from wanting a delicious, cold Cherry Coke – I had to have one. And then, I noticed it; attached directly below the coin slot and dollar shot sat a black box with green LCD screen printed with the MasterCard and Visa logos.

I stood there for a minute, knowing that I had seen these before on vending machines but having never used one because I thought “who the hell would actually use a credit card to buy a $1 pop?!” and then I debated – should I or shouldn’t I? I could taste the Cherry Coke on my tongue…I had to have one! I whipped out my debit card, pressed the black box to start the process and swiped away; I pushed the Cherry Coke button and my transaction was completed with the drop of my Cherry Coke into the bottom of the machine and a nice “thank you and have a great day” printed across the LCD screen. At last, I had my pop.

I never in my life thought I’d resort to using my debit card to purchase a $1 pop from a vending machine. Sure, I use my debit card for everything else at the store even if it’s a measly amount of say $2, but that’s because I never carry cash on me. It amazes me how far technology has come as well as how convenient it has made our lives in general, that we can buy a pop when we don’t have cash on hand.

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Get your antivirus software!

Sep 12

Posted by Ashley in Technology | 5 Comments

About a week ago, I formatted my computer in an attempt to fix some problems I was having with my USB ports; to my luck, I was able to fix the problem, but after reinstalling all my programs I forgot to reinstall my antivirus software that I get for free because we (well now my mom) subscribes to Comcast Cable. Never again, will I forget to reinstall it or go without because I was hit with a major virus yesterday while browsing around job websites like monster, and hotjobs. It ended up being the virus that acts like it’s part of Windows telling you that you need to update your computer and that you don’t have any antivirus software installed. It took me all day to get my computer cleaned out and I was lucky that I got the link to Mcafee to work so that I could install my antivirus.

If you currently do not have an antivirus program on your computer, I would highly recommend you go over to download.comand check out their antivirus/spyware section because you’ll never know when you will get hit with a virus. My computer now has Mcafee Antivirus and two spyware programs reinstalled on it; I write this out of concern for you, the reader and a PC owner!

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Online Storage.

Sep 11

Posted by Ashley in Technology | No Comments

I am always afraid that one day I will go to turn on my computer only to find it out of service meaning that I would lose not only my website/graphic files but a monstrous collection of music as well as other important documents saved on my IBackupcomputer. However, with an online storage�service like the one provided by IBackup there is no need to worry as they provide an easy access, mapped drive/folder on the users computer which allows for drag and drop features that creates an easy way for one to back up their files. Not only that but IBackup is said to out perform other similar applications by 30-50% which means you not only gain quality performance but also the security of knowing your files are safe and sound. I definitely will be looking more into this service as I have been looking for a way other than buying an external hard drive to back up my files.

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Apple releases new, updated iPod!

Sep 5

Posted by Ashley in Technology | 1 Comment

I had been waiting to hear the new features and/or updates that Apple would be releasing for their iPod line along with the changes that would be coming for the iPhone and finally after waiting the updates to products have finally been unvieled. I’m not so excited about the iPhone because I never particularly wanted one (Verizon wireless customer here!), however, those of you that are looking into getting one may be happy to hear that the price has been dropped $200, to $399 for the 8gig iPhone; the 4gig is being completely phased out.

New iPod NanoHowever, what I am kind of excited about are the newest updates to the iPod line. Not only will the iPod nano now includes a 2.5 inch video monitor allowing owners to watch movies and play built-in games, they also released new colors; the 4gig will cost you $149 while the 8gig will cost you $199! The iPod shuffle also has been expanded to include more color choices. Apple has also introduced a brand new product to the iPod line called the iPod touch, which is basically an iPhone without the phone cababilities. The iPod touch has a price tag starting at $299 for the 8gig and $399 for the 16gig, it includes touch-sensitive screen, wireless Internet access and a Web browser. You’ll also be able to download music wirelessly! Perhaps, I should look into replacing my iPod nano with a newer version in the future…who knows!

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