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Tips for Utilizing Linux

July 15, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

Linux is one of the most proficient and useful operating systems available. Computer programmers and developers especially enjoy Linux because of the ease of using open source software. If you are interested in learning more about using Linux, or if you are a computer programmer just looking for some tips, you’ve come to the right place. Below are some ideas for making the most of your Linux programs.

  1. Be educated. Whether you are self educated or you found an online program for a master degree at earnmydegree.com, you need to know your stuff before you start messing around in Linux. Become educated about the system before you start programming.
  2. Check processes, especially those not created by you. Any process you run and install that you did not create should always be checked – and double checked – to make sure it is running correctly.
  3. Become familiar with Linux. Maybe it goes without saying, but if you’ve never used Linux before, make sure you become familiar with it. Download and install Linux on your computer and learn how the operating system works. You can even keep your current operating system until you become more familiar with Linux.
  4. Learn Linux distributions. When most people say Linux, they usually mean “GNU/Linux Distribution.” This is simply a collection of software that will run on top of the Linux program.

If you are ready to give Linux a try, be sure to keep these tips in mind. How will Linux change the way you work?

 

Filed Under: Applications, Operating Systems, Software Tagged With: , ,

Computer Plugins

May 9, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment
Java 

Image via Wikipedia

You have probably heard those in the computer world talking about plugins. So just what is a plugin and what are they used for?

To put it simply a plugin adds something specific to a particular software application. A plugin will add to a particular software application by allowing you to customize it more to your personal needs.

The purposes for making a plugin available for users to download can vary. The purposes for a plugin can range from extending an application to enabling the addition of new and specialized features to a specific piece of software to allowing updates to keep the software running smoothly. Software applications on your computer that may require the downloading and installing of plugins include email, media players, and web browsers.

Plugins can be created through a number of different frameworks. In this instance, a framework is referring to the type of programming language used to build the plugin. Popular languages in which people write plugin frameworks include C++, Java, Delphi, PHP, Python, and .NET. Popular C++ frameworks include Boost Extension and Google Native Client, which uses sandbox technology. Sandbox technology is designed to test the security of untested code or untrusted sources. This is especially useful when applied to plugins as it makes sure they are safe before installing onto a computer.

Although plugins are a necessary addition for many different software programs it is always best to ensure that the plugins come from a secure place. If you can, make sure they have been designed by the software designers themselves, or another organization or designer who is authorized by the original software developers.

 

 

 

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Five Great Dashboard Widgets for Macs

April 8, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment
Apple Dashboard Widget Icon

Image via Wikipedia

Downloadable widgets for your laptop can make life easier or just more fun. The following widgets are freeware downloads to help customize your user experience on your Macbook.

1. The Weather Channel widget

Weather at your fingertips for planning your day or week makes this widget from The Weather Channel one of the most useful out there. The up-to-the-minute weather forecast is faster and easier than checking the tv or internet, all available right on your dashboard.

2. Language translator 1.3

Have you ever been in the situation where you needed to translate some text? Perhaps your facebook friend from France has surpassed your meager grasp of French. Never fear, you can easily type in their text and receive a translation. This is a very helpful widget for simple language translations.

3. YouTube 0.1

This handy widget helps you search YouTube videos from your dashboard.

4. Wikipedia 1.0

Students everywhere will be happy to know there is a wikipedia widget for your Mac dashboard. While you can’t cite Wikipedia for papers, every savvy students knows it’s the first place to start getting the basic research done. Search for wikipedia articles quickly and easily using this widget.

5. mLyrics0.1

mLyrics is a fun widget that searches lyrics for your currently playing iTunes song. Save yourself the embarassment of singing the wrong lyrics to your favorite songs by using this helpful widget.

There are countless widgets available for use on your Mac dashboard. These five are just a starting point to the options available to you. Download these widgets and more at the Apple Downloads page.

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Reduce the Spam in Your Inbox

April 6, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

Everyone hates spam. It’s annoying; you can’t just drop it in the trashcan on the way back from your mailbox. So how can you avoid a spam delivery into your virtual mailbox? There are many surprisingly easy ways to avoid being spammed.

Easy Things First

Loyalty cards, contests and blogs often require you to divulge your email address. Consider opening an email account for just these occasions. That way, if a spammer gets a hold of your email address he is spamming an account you set up just for him.

Your financial accounts may be the target of spammers. Never respond to a request from your financial institution that requires you to divulge personal information or passwords. Call your bank and report the spam.

Visit only trusted, secure websites. Sites such as Amazon, BetUS Casino Games, and Wikipedia work hard to maintain a safe environment for their visitors.

Read Before You Check

If you regularly skip reading the Privacy Statements, Terms of Use and other important read-before-you-check-and-click documents, change your ways and start reading. Many inform you that they will make your personal information available to parties you would not like to share such information with.

If you must check a box with no information about how the site will use your personal information, find another, safer site. If you have already checked and clicked, re-visit the sites and scroll down to the bottom of the page. In tiny print you will probably find the privacy statement. Read it and be sure you find the terms to your liking.

Make spam a thing of the past by following these simple suggestions.

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