Computer Talks

Alive 90.5 FM Computer Talks ...

The author has been a member of Alive 90.5 FM Community Radio since January 2013 and has been contributing regular Computer Talks on the Morning Magazine program that goes to air on Thursday mornings between 9.00 and 12.00 noon. These Computer Talks are made available on the Alive 90.5 FM website (alive905.com.au) so that listeners can catch up at a later date if they missed the original broadcast. The author has decided to also make these Computer Talks available from this Blog by clicking on the link below. The individual Talks can be downloaded as an mp3 file. The format of the file names is as follows:

Filename: 015-02.05.13-Email Systems

015 is the Computer Talk number
02.05.13 is the date of the original broadcast
Email Systems is the topic of the Talk.

Click on this link: Alive 90.5 FM Computer Talks

Default font in MS Word

Not rocket science but still a handy tip to remember ...
I always struggle to remember how to do this. Should be more intuitive than this!

Tech Tip: How to change the default font in Microsoft Word | PCWorld:

Using lithium-ion batteries

Useful hints to prolong the life of lithium-ion batteries ...
Some worthwhile information on the do's and don'ts of using the modern lithium-ion batteries that are in nearly every laptop, tablet and smartphone.

Ask Ars: The best way to use a lithium-ion battery, redux | Ars Technica:

Smartphone battery drain

Culprits of smartphone battery drain ...
Always useful to have hints as to what might be draining your smartphone's battery prematurely.

The apps that are draining your smartphone's battery:

Voice activated Google search

Try this workaround for voice activated Google search ...
I have tried to do this on my two year old HTC One but not had much success so far! Must give it another try.

How to get voice activated Google search working on Android phones and tablets - Gadget Guy Australia:

15 Windows 8.1 annoyances

Now 15 Windows 8.1 annoyances fixed ...
I read through these 15 items (admittedly rather quickly) and ended up thinking why is this all so complicated? Both the problems and the solutions! I am sure we didn't have anything like the level of annoyances in Windows 7. Does that mean the software is getting too complicated or just badly designed?

15 Windows 8.1 annoyances fixed | News | TechRadar:

Windows 8.1 annoyances

Useful article for those not happy with Windows 8.1 ...
I don't believe Microsoft went far enough in 8.1 to appease traditional Windows users. Here are some of the remaining frustrations.

Worst Windows 8.1 annoyances and how to fix them - NBCNews.com:

How to fight CryptoLocker

Valuable info and precautions against CryptoLocker ... 
CryptoLocker has got to be the most serious ransonware virus for a long while. It really emphasises the importance of having up to date offline backups of all your valuable data.

How to fight back against CryptoLocker - security - Computerworld:

Smartphone clever apps

Some amusing apps when you have nothing else to do ...



10 things you didn't know your smartphone can do:

Windows 8.1 tips, tricks

Here are 20 tips and tricks with Windows 8.1 ...
So you have decided to take the Windows 8.1 plunge - here are some useful tips and tricks to get you started!

Windows 8.1 tips, tricks and secrets | News | TechRadar:

Windows 8.1 - how to get it

So you want to take the Windows 8.1 plunge ...
This article might finally push you over the line. Then it tells you how to get the upgrade!

Windows 8.1 out, here’s what it brings and how to get it - Gadget Guy Australia:

Useful keyboard shortcuts

Now we all need a reminder of these useful shortcuts ...
Always useful to run through these popular keyboard shortcuts every once in a while.

Most useful keyboard shortcuts - Computers: PC, Mac, Laptop, Desktop, Tablet & Monitors:

Google search tips & tricks

Google Search features that may not be well known ...
I have used some of these but I was completely unaware of others. Well worth a read!

How to get the most out of Google search - Internet Applications & Software:

Gmail's compose window

Just a little tip for avid Gmail users ...
I actually like the reduced size of the compose window - you can always enlarge it at anytime. 


Set Gmail's compose window to full-screen by default - Internet Applications & Software:

File Transfer Android to PC

An increasingly common task ...

Identical functionality to this Wi-Fi File Transfer app is also included in my favourite Android file manager called File Expert. Nevertheless this is a great "how-to" article using this standalone Android app.

Transfer files between your Android tablet and PC using Wi-Fi - TechRepublic:

Computer Talks on Podcast

Computer Talks on Community Radio Alive 90.5 FM ...

Since January 2013, I have been a regular guest on the local Community radio station, Alive 90.5 FM. These sessions have been during Tony Jenkins' Morning Magazine each Thursday morning. Currently there are 27 podcasts on varying topics at the link below. The podcasts range from 15 to 30 minutes.
Check it out! Comments welcome!

http://alive905.com.au/listen/listen-again/computer-talk/

Smart TVs 101: Final Video

Last on the series of 5 videos on Smart TVs ...
This has been an excellent series of videos on Smart TVs. Watch the earlier 4 videos from my blog on 14th July.

Smart TV 101: downloads and upgrades - TVs:

Back up photos to Google+

Google+ stores unlimited 'standard sized' photos for free ...
Standard size means that the longest dimension of the image must be less than 2,048 pixels. This means that the image is about 3 megapixels depending on the ratio of the sides. This is a great 'how-to' tutorial for setting up your Android or iOS phone.


Quick Tip: Back up your photos to Google+ | TechRepublic:

Use Google Authenticator

How to use the Google Authenticator app ...
A good tutorial in the use of the Google Authenticator app.


Use Google Authenticator to securely login to non-Google sites | TechRepublic:

Smart TVs 101 - TVs

Understanding Smart TVs in this great series ...
This is a must if you are thinking about buying a new Smart TV. There are five videos in the series - at the time of writing, 4 were included at the link below. Hopefully the 5th will be added in due course!

Smart TV 101 - TVs: