Tech – for Everyone

Tech Tips and Tricks & Advice – written in plain English.

Kinda blows my mind..

I saw a bargain deal today that reminded me of Moore’s Law, and how much things have changed since I first started working with “personal computers” (and hard drives were 4 Gigabytes..)

A quality 32 Gigabyte ‘smart’ thumb drive (aka “memory stick”, aka “flash drive”) for $12. (And I’m not talking 1990’s dollars, either, but today’s, basically valueless dollar.)

Of course, it’s not just the cost-per-Gigabyte I’m impressed by.. but some may remember buying devices called “Zip drives” so we could have a whopping 100 Megabytes of ‘portable storage..

image: iomega zip drive

Blast from the past…

Oh. If you’re interested in the thumb drive deal, click here. [Note: Offer expired. Now it’s $16.]

Today’s quote: “Humans beings always do the most intelligent thing…after they’ve tried every stupid alternative and none of them have worked” ~ R. Buckminster Fuller

Copyright 2007-2014 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.

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All we really have, in the end, are our stories.
Make yours great ones. Ones to be proud of.
And please, never forget – one person can make a difference.
Find a way to make someone’s day today.
(Best advice I ever heard? Don’t sweat the small stuff.)

July 2, 2014 Posted by | consumer electronics, hardware, mobile, storage, tech, thumb drives | | 5 Comments

What To Do When Windows Does Not See The Drive*

You Plug In A Storage Device, And Nothing Happens

A reader e-mailed me a question I believe will be of interest to other readers of this series. He wants to use a thumb drive to transfer files between his computer at his work and his home computer, but the work computer will not “recognize” (aka “see”) the thumb drive when he plugs it in. He wanted advice on how to fix this.

Q: My thumb drive works great at home, but when I took it into work to try and copy some files so I could work at home, I plug it in and the little window never opens so I cannot use it. What am I doing wrong?
A: There are several possible reasons for this, and here’s a few things to try: Read more..

*      *      *

Bonus reading: Sync Box, Google Docs, Evernote and More With Social Folders

“If you use Box (online file storage service) and Google Docs, then you are well aware that there is no easy way to sync your online files (and folders) with your computer; UNTIL NOW! I came across an online service called SocialFolders where you can sync your files at Box, Google Docs and more (such “[…] Read more..

Copyright 2007-2012 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.

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April 16, 2012 Posted by | advice, computers, how to, Microsoft, PC, Plug and Play, tech, thumb drives, troubleshooting | , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Software License Giveaway Drawing: CodySafe Sigma

Folks, I am pleased to announce my latest software license giveaway drawing.

The folks at Codyssey have generously donated 10 licenses for CodySafe Σ (Sigma) to me, to award to my readers. I sincerely thank them for that. So I am going to do a random drawing¹ contest from folks who “enter” by posting a comment (below). The drawing will close  midnight (Pacific) Thursday, July 22nd, and the winners announced Friday. So act now.

CodySafe is essentially a portable applications launcher and portable drive management tool for use with USB drives, and making them a “computer on a stick”.  With it, you launch your “portable” programs and files from a Vista-like menu.  Below, I will give you my impressions and some screenshots, but first…

CNet Editors say,
“Every now and again, a free utility or application stands out from the crowd. CodySafe from Codyssey is just such a tool..

CodySafe is handy, unique, fun, and free. It opens the door to a world of compact, portable, and efficient applications, and we recommend it.” (Read complete review here)

“I know there are many portable app menus and launchers available, but this one may be the most feature driven, nicest looking portable apps menu I have experienced thus far.”
~ Rick Robinette, What’s On My PC, CodySafe FREE – The Ultimate Portable Apps Menu

“Why use a USB flash drive as a mere data shuttle? The free CodySafe is one of the cleverest ways you can find to turn a USB flash drive into what the developer calls a “computer on a stick.“”
~ Preston Gralla, PC World, Editorial Review of CodySafe

Publisher’s description:

“The CodySafe line offers a collection of best portable apps menu tools allowing you to carry computer applications with you, to launch them directly from the USB stick with ease and leave no “footprint” on the host PC. Its Drive Doctor feature keeps flash memory healthy; its ViruSense technology detects and prevents virus infection, and the Find-if-Lost tool allows storing your contact information to aid in recovery if you lose your USB stick. Along with all these options and tools the next generation – CodySafe Sigma – grants you instant access to hundreds of portable apps, fast search and launch option and nested grouping of apps.”

This slideshow illustrates some of the features of CodySafe. Here, I am copying a program installed on my laptop to my “thumb drive toolkit” – in this case, the ZIP file tool, 7Zip, and I put it in the “Utilities” folder. (This is just to illustrate the method..)

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

“CodySafe Sigma enables you to manage, group, sort and launch programs directly from your USB drive with no need to install them on your computer. CodySafe Σ (Sigma) integrates the “Apps Depot” feature, enabling instant access to the world’s widest library of portable applications, one-click download and immediate installation of the application to your portable drive. You can quickly launch your programs, access documents, media files or explore the content of your USB drive.

The program includes an application manager that makes it easy to add new programs to the launch menu. Other features include a built-in hotkey manager to launch applications and URLs, applications instant search, autorun management, support for advanced script options and much more. CodySafe offers unparalleled convenience and ease of use, fitting any level of user proficiency.”

I found it easy enough for beginners (I do suggest plugging in your thumb drive before launching the CodySafe setup though) and, I think even the free version is superior to either the PortableApps or U3 suites. (Compare CodySafe editions, here. Read my other articles on portable apps here.)

Unless you have a true OS on your pen drive (aka “thumb drive, aka “memory stick”), “computer on a stick” smacks a bit of hyperbole – however , I do carry a tech “toolkit on a stick”. In fact, that was how I first came to learn of CodySafe, as their free “Admin Swiss Knife Suite” version comes pre-loaded with many tools and utilities useful for solving PC troubles. I used it as a starting point; deleted some apps (with a click) and added others from other sources – such as anti-Spywares – to build my own custom portable PC repair toolkit. This is not the only use for CodySafe though! A friend of mine uses his CodySafe enabled drive mainly as a music library. CodySafe is very versatile.

How to enter? Residents of the US and Canada may enter the drawing by simply clicking on “comment”, and entering a name and valid e-mail (so I can send you the key) in the form. Actually commenting is optional. And, I shouldn’t have to say this, but multiple entries will result in disqualification.

Again, I thank the folks at Codyssey for making this giveaway possible. Try it out yourself. (And then leave a comment. You may just win an activation key..) You can get started by looking at the applications list, here, or click any of the links above.

¹ All entrants will be placed into Random.org’s “randomizer”, and the top 10 results will be the winners.

Copyright 2007-2010 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved. jaanix post to jaanix.

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July 19, 2010 Posted by | advice, computers, free software, gadgets, Portable Computing, software, tech, thumb drives, USB storage devices | 49 Comments

How To Transfer Your Bookmarked Internet "Favorites"*

Internet “bookmarks” (called “Favorites” in Internet Explorer) make it easy for you to return to a particular Web page. And if you’re like me, you have collected a few, and maybe even come to rely on them. It is much, much easier to pick a name from a list than it is to remember and type in a Website’s address!

Loyal readers of this site know that I am a huge fan of making backups of your digital stuff. Making a copy before you need it, and keeping it off to the side, makes bouncing back from “glitches” so much easier. And it prevents the anguish and frustration of “data loss”. Backups are “good” and you want them.

Tip of the day: Today’s tip is a quick and simple action that “exports” a copy of your Internet “Favorites” (aka “bookmarks”) from Internet Explorer. You can then “import” the copy (copy back) at a later date, or transfer them into IE on a different machine. In short, it makes a copy of your list, and saves it as a file.

1) Internet Explorer calls Website bookmarks “Favorites” and you access your list by clicking the gold star icon (upper left), and you add websites to your list by clicking on the icon right next to it — the gold star overlaid with the green + sign.
That is also the icon that manages your Favorites, so click that.

Imp_Exp

2) click on “Import and Export”.

3) Now a “wizard” will open and tell us how helpful it can be to us. Click “Next” to get to the actually helpful page.

ExportWizard

4) Click on “Export Favorites”, and then click “Next” all the way through the wizard. Now you will have a file called “bookmark.htm” in your Documents folder — that is your backup copy.
[note: you can “browse” to a different Save location if you prefer.]

That’s it. You’re done. Now you can repeat this process but choose “Import” to copy it back into IE if you ever need to.. or transfer it to another machine’s Internet Explorer.

For more of my Internet Explorer tips, see Quick Tips for Internet Explorer.

Today’s free link: Firefox users interested in this type of ability will be interested to know that the process is almost identical to the steps above.. or they may be interested in a more comprehensive tool, The easy way to backup your Firefox profiles…

Today’s free download(s):
Today’s first free download is for Mozilla users and is contained in the link directly above.
For a truly comprehensive backup tool, see Backup, Backup, Backup With Free DriveImage XML

* Orig post: 08/29/09

*** A Chance To Win A Powerful Prize! ***

Q: Folks, do you want have an reliable tool to Detect and Remove Spyware, Adware and Malware, Trojans, Dialers, Worms, KeyLoggers, HiJackers, Parasites, Rootkits, Rogue Security Products and many other types of threats?
A: Yes.

Please see: Software License Giveaway Drawing
Enter my current giveaway and (possibly) win a lifetime license!

Copyright 2007-2010 © Tech Paul. All Rights Reserved. jaanix post to jaanix.

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May 13, 2010 Posted by | advice, browsers, computers, how to, IE 7, ie 8, Internet, PC, thumb drives | 4 Comments

Software Licence Giveaway

Folks, I am pleased to announce my latest software license giveaway. 10 licenses have been donated to me, and I am going to distribute them to you, my readers, via a drawing…

Laptop theft is common and a constant threat. Thwart thieves with the free (for personal use) program – LAlarm – which emits a loud siren sound when a thief tries to steal your laptop. More importantly (IMHO) it can destroy selected data (and also retrieve it ¹) if the laptop is stolen — which is an important step in protecting your “identity”, and personal information.

LAlarm consists of five alarms and other security functions designed to protect laptops and sensitive data.

Highlights

  • Theft Alarm – It prevents laptop theft by sounding an alarm when a thief tries to steal a laptop.
  • Perimeter Alarm – It alerts when a laptop goes outside a perimeter.
  • Data Destruction – It protects sensitive data by destroying the data if the laptop is stolen.
  • Data Recovery – It can recover data from a stolen laptop. (Before destruction) ¹
  • Mobile Phone Alert – It sends an alert to a mobile phone via email or SMS.
  • Theft Response – you can tell your laptop what to do in advance if your laptop is in hands of a thief.
  • Health Alarm-  Alert the user for using a computer for an extended period of time in order to prevent computer-related injuries.
  • More…

System requirements: Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP SP2 or SP3.

Turn An Old Thumb Drive Into An Anti-Theft Device

LAlarm also allows you to use a thumb drive as a “sensor” – as described in this tutorial, fasten a laptop to a table by using a USB flash drive strap. When a thief removes the laptop from the table, the flash drive will be disconnected from the laptop and then an alarm will go off.
A great use for that old 128 MB thumb drive sitting neglected in a drawer!

If you “go mobile” with your laptop, I highly recommend you take a look at LAlarm. To do so, click here.
[Note: not all the features are enabled by default, and some configuration is required (particularly for file recovery) to “best use” this tool. So be sure to look at the FAQ’s.]

¹ requires a Gmail account.

How To Enter To Win A License

LAlarm is free for personal use. The license allows for business use. If you would like to install LAlarm on a work laptop, or an employee’s  laptop, you can enter my drawing – once only – by either:
* leaving a Comment (click on blue “Comments” below) and entering a valid e-mail address in the form field. Or…
* sending me an e-mail.
10 lucky winners will be selected by random drawing, and e-mailed the license “keys” and download links.

The folks at LAlarm get a big tip of my geek hat, and my thanks for making this giveaway possible.

Copyright 2007-2010 © Tech Paul. All Rights Reserved. jaanix post to jaanix.

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March 12, 2010 Posted by | advice, computers, free software, mobile, PC, Portable Computing, security, tech, thumb drives | , , , , , , , , , , , , | 22 Comments

Another Way To Install A Program On A Netbook

A Thumb Drive Can Be Used In Place Of An External Optical Drive

Light-weight and small size make netbooks very portable. But, to achieve their compact size, certain items are missing from netbooks — most notably perhaps, internal CD/DVD drives.

This “disc deficit” is usually overcome by the purchase of an external (USB cable-connected) optical drive.

Today I want to point out that should you not happen to have an external drive available, frequently you can substitute, and use a “thumb drive” (“memory stick”) instead.. such as using the following method to watch DVD movies — see, Tech Tip for Travelers – Make Your Movies More Portable!

Tip of the day: Use a thumb drive to install programs on to a netbook.
To install a program (you have a CD for) onto a netbook using a thumb drive, you will need two things; one, access to a computer that has a CD/DVD drive and; two, a thumb drive large enough to hold the contents of the Install disc. [note: CD’s are roughly 700 MB’s (.7 GB’s) and DVD’s are typically 4.7 GB’s]

1) Go to the PC with the optical drive and insert the thumb drive. Then insert the Install disc into the drive tray.
Cancel (stop) any setup/install process from starting, should it try to “autostart”.

2) If the AutoPlay window opens, select “Open folder to view files” (which should be the bottom choice).
If you have disabled AutoPlay: Click Start > Double-click Computer (My Computer in XP/older) > right-click on the optical drive (CD-ROM) and choose Explore.

3) Drag the entire contents (all the files) of the CD/DVD to the icon for “removable drive” that is the thumb drive. Take mental note of what the installer executable’s name is – typically, it is setup.exe.

4) Use “Safely remove” and remove the thumb drive, and then insert it into your netbook. If the AutoPlay window opens, select “Open folder to view files” (which should be the bottom choice), if you have disabled AutoPlay: Click Start > Double-click Computer (My Computer in XP/older) > right-click on the removable drive (your thumb drive) and choose Explore. Find and then double-click the setup.exe.

That will “launch” the set up process and install the program on to your netbook, just as if it had been run from a disc.

Bonus tip: When you’re all done, you can drag all those setup files to the Recycle bin.

Copyright 2007-2010 © Tech Paul. All rights reserved.jaanix post to jaanix

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January 22, 2010 Posted by | advice, computers, how to, PC, Portable Computing, tech, thumb drives, upgrading, USB storage devices | , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

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