Triona's Tech Tips

There’s a dizzying array of e-readers available, but ultimately it boils down to three frontrunners: Amazon’s Kindle, Barnes and Noble’s Nook, and the Apple iPad. They’re all good choices depending on what you’re looking for.

But first you should know the difference between a tablet and an e-reader. Tablets like the iPad offer more than just e-books because they have apps which expand their functionality. But these features come at a price: tablets are usually more expensive than e-readers like the Kindle or the Nook.

Reading books electronically is simple. You buy your books online and download them to your device. You flip pages by swiping your fingers, and you can create multiple bookmarks or make notes. You can buy just about any book in digital format. In fact, e-books are often less expensive than their paper counterparts. You can even get many free e-books online or via your local library, and you can switch your magazine and newspaper subscriptions to digital for additional cost savings.

In general, I recommend an iPad if you want maximum features, and a Kindle or a Nook if you are on a budget and primarily interested in pure reading. While other tablets exist, the iPad is by far the most popular. Not only can you read books but, thanks to the App Store, you can perform all manner of light computing tasks (and, yes, play games). Apple’s iBooks is positioned to become to books what iTunes is to music. If you want the best in newspaper and magazine subscriptions, go with the iPad.

Amazon is the existing e-book giant. Their Kindle technology is well-regarded. They specialize in making e-reading an easy experience, and the quality of their electronic ink is second to none. Barnes and Noble’s Nook also gets high praise for the quality of its electronic ink. There’s the standard Nook and the Nook Color, which is a bit like a stripped down iPad. There are some apps available for it, whereas the basic Nook is only an e-reader. The Nook Color also supports video. However, reading newspapers and magazines on e-readers can be a disappointing experience compared to the richness of the iPad versions.

Does buying one device over the other tie you to that type of device forever? You’ll be buying your books through the service of whomever you choose, so bear that in mind. There are apps that allow you to read your Nook or Kindle books on your iPad, iPhone, or computer, which expands your options. And books in the standard ePub format can be read almost anywhere, as can PDFs.

I decided to go with a Nook Color for now, with a plan to buy an iPad 3 (or iPad 2 Plus or whatever they’re going to call it) when it becomes available. All in all, I’m enjoying the e-reader experience. I can carry around 3,200 pages worth of George R. R. Martin in my purse and not strain my shoulder. An unexpected benefit is that I no longer have to worry about having enough bookshelves… but I do have to watch my wallet, because the ability to buy books with the swipe of a finger is far too tempting.

The Northwest Herald interviewed me for an article about the announcements from Apple’s annual developer’s conference, specificially the introduction of iCloud. This Internet-based service is intended to become the nexus of all your data and entertainment. As I remarked in the interview:

I think one of the things that caught me is that iCloud will be on by default. I wonder if people will know where their information is, and if they care… The landscape is going to alter more toward continued mobility and communication from mobile devices. We’ve really blurred the line at this point between entertainment and communication and news and TV and music. It’s all mixed together.

Which made me wonder: Where is all my data now? My first thought was, “On my server and its backup devices.” But then I got to thinking about the music and TV shows I’ve purchased, the blogs I’ve written, the remarks I’ve made on LinkedIn and Facebook… not to mention all the personal information about me and every other consumer that is lurking in various corporate databases worldwide…

Okay, not so simple an answer.

Cloud computing isn’t the future, it’s now. Does iCloud change things? Not really, although it does make them easier for the average person to use, which may be more important. Apple has a proven track record of providing wildly popular ways for consumers to use technology. As the Northwest Herald article points out, Microsoft is adding similar features to its popular Xbox game platform. I’ve talked before about my concerns about cloud computing for consumers, which boil down security and accessibility. Our ability to use this technology is progressing faster than our understanding of its risks, but as long as you go into it with that knowledge, feel free to explore. I’m already thinking about ways these new technologies might be helpful to me, and I’m sure you are too.

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eWeek recently shared the ten reasons they feel Microsoft must start thinking beyond Windows and Office, and one of the most important is cloud computing. With the success of services like Google Docs and the proliferation of smartphones and tablets, the relevance of traditional computer seems to be fading. Or is it?

In cloud computing, all programs and files reside “in the cloud,” or on the Internet. This means you don’t have to spend as much in hardware, because you don’t need the processing power of a traditional computer. The same data can be accessed from any device that can surf the Web. Even if, say, your smartphone dies, you can still reach your files with another device like an iPad or a netbook.

But there are disadvantages to cloud computing, as I mentioned in a previous Tech Tips article. You don’t know where your files live nor whether they’re secure, and if your Internet or cloud computing service goes down, you’re out of luck. Users of Microsoft’s Office Live discovered this to their dismay recently, when the service went down on two occasions (here and here). As I said before, I personally don’t want to lose access to basic word processing just because some server happens to fail.

For the moment, we’re seeing a mix of both approaches. Most small businesses are continuing to use traditional approaches while exploring new technologies, and I predict that’s going to continue for a while. We’re not quite at the point where people are willing to commit their computing world to the cloud, but we’d better get ready because our world is becoming more mobile, more social, and less private than ever before.

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Last month thousands of Droid smartphone users discovered they’d gotten an information-stealing virus alongside programs from the official Droid Market. This generated speculation in the IT world: Just how safe are our smartphones? Gone are the days when a phone was just a phone. Today your phone has valuable information on it and precious little protection.

Antivirus for smartphones is where antivirus for personal computers was back in the mid-1990s: most offerings are rudimentary and most people don’t worry about it. I predict mobile security is going to become more and more of a headache for small businesses and consumers.

What can you do? If you think your phone may be infected, the surest way to deal with it is to wipe your phone and restore from backup. But viruses are very fast at swiping your information and sending it who knows where, so the damage may have already been done.

It’s better to secure your phone so it’s harder for viruses to get in. Follow manufacturer’s instructions to lock down your phone’s security. Firms like Symantec, Kaspersky and Eset have smartphone security programs available. You should also make sure you are running the latest version of your phone’s software.

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Every year I share some fun and innovative computer gift ideas. Try some of these for the special people on your list.

1. Apple iPad
   The iPad is one of this year’s top tech gifts, and it’s more than just a gimmick. The iPad is changing the way we use computers. With the power of the Internet plus the wide variety of apps available at the App Store, there’s very little you can’t do with an iPad.
2. Speck Cases for iPads, iPhones, and Laptops
   Of course, once you get that iPad you’ll want to protect it. Speck makes great cases for iPads as well as for iPhones and both PC and Mac laptops.
3. Adobe Photoshop Elements 9.0
   This software program for Windows and Mac lets you edit and organize your photos.
4. Sid Meier’s Civilization V
   This turn-based strategy game for Windows and Mac is highly addictive (just ask my husband).
5. USB Fridge
   Need a cold drink in a hurry? The USB Fridge plugs into your computer’s USB port and promises to chill a can of your favorite drink in minutes.

Happy Holidays to all of you!

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My column in today’s Northwest Herald talks about how to choose between a PC and a Mac. Both have their pros and cons, but ultimately it comes down to your needs and your personal preference.

I mentioned that although Macs don’t suffer the same kinds of virus problems that PCs do, they still need protection. Here are some recommendations on Mac security software. I talked about my recommendations for PC security software here.

• Intego VirusBarrier and VirusBarrier Dual Protection (if you’re running Windows on your Mac)
• McAfee VirusScan For Mac
• Avast Mac (free)
• ClamX AV (free)

If you’re looking for help with your PC, here are some great resources:

• Microsoft Windows 7 Help & How-to center
• Microsoft Windows Help & How-to center (for Windows Vista and Windows XP)
• Microsoft Windows 7 Solution Center
• Microsoft Vista Solution Center
• Microsoft Support Home

And if you’re looking for Mac help, including how to switch from a PC to a Mac, try these:

• Apple Support: Mac 101
• Apple Support: Switch 101 (for people switching from Windows)
• Apple Mac Support

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Don’t miss my upcoming seminars, Getting The Most Out Of Your Mac on November 5th and PC Troubleshooting on November 10th, both sponsored by the Crystal Lake Chamber Of Commerce. Details and registration information can be found here.

We’re all familiar with computer security, but when was the last time you thought about security for your smart phone? With the amount of confidential data carried on these devices, security is something to consider.

Viruses can and do propagate via smart phones, although the effect is mitigated because viruses usually can’t travel between different types of phones. Even so, you might want to consider antivirus software for your phone.

Physical security is another concern. You should use your phone’s options to set passwords to protect your data. Some phones come with encryption features. It goes without saying that you should always have a backup of any data on your phone in case it is lost, stolen or broken.

Other ways you can protect your phone include turning off Bluetooth and/or WiFi when you’re not using them, to prevent unauthorized access. Bear in mind that using a unsecured public WiFi hotspot from your phone is just as risky as doing so from your computer.

Most phones allow you to clear memory and cache of potentially sensitive data. Some also have a setting that will erase all data after a specified number of incorrect password attempts. While no security measures are perfect, these tips will help you reduce the risks.

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Today, amid much hoopla, Apple finally unveiled its iPad tablet computer. Was it worth the hype? While I don’t think it’s the be-all and end-all of the universe, I think the iPad has great potential. It fits the niche between the iPhone and Mac computer, the price is right, and it simultaneously takes a swipe at both netbooks and e-readers.

This being Apple, of course the iPad is aesthetically beautiful. It has a 9.7″ multitouch color display (that works portrait and landscape) and weighs in at only 1.5lbs. It comes in six models, including 16GB, 32GB and 64GB with WiFi or WiFi+3G plus Bluetooth, and will start shipping in 60 days. Reports from the field say the graphics are smokin’ fast. The iPad interface will be familiar to anyone who’s used an iPhone or iPod touch. It reportedly has at least 10 hours of battery life and can remain in standby up to 30 days. It uses AT&T’s network but unlike the iPhone the device is unlocked and requires no contract, which will undoubtedly be a big enticement.

The fact that the iPad can run iPhone apps out of the box is another big plus in Apple’s favor. That means the iPad runs ready-made software people already use, as well as leveraging the existing development process. The iPad has a large on-screen keyboard, and there is also a full-sized keyboard dock available. You can use the iPad to do anything from playing games to watching movies to catching up on Facebook, all from one ultraportable device.

The new iBooks store goes hand-in-hand with Apple’s iTunes and Apps stores. Apple has buy-in from big-name publishers including Simon and Schuster, HarperCollins, Macmillan, Penguin and Hachette. The familiar iPhone-like interface combined with the use of the ePub format, a standard for e-readers, will give the iPad a big push in the e-book market. Again, Apple is showing its prowess at leveraging its own strengths.

The iPad’s price point is right on the money. The iPad starts at $499 for a 16GB model with WiFi and goes up to $829 for 64GB with WiFi+3G. That’s well within the realm of possibility for consumers. The iPhone was priced too high at the beginning; clearly Apple doesn’t intend to make that mistake again. And Apple sorely needed a netbook-like solution to round out its notoriously higher-priced Macs.

The iPad is an all-in-one solution for entertainment: music, photos, TV, movies, books and games, with access to email, the Web, social networking sites like Facebook and all manner of apps. It’s a potent combination of usability and interaction that, like the iPhone, will set a standard for the industry. The introduction of the iPad is a great way for Apple to start 2010, a year that should prove most interesting in this arena.

What do you think? Is Apple’s iPad worth the hype? Are you considering one? Why or why not?

Starting in 2010, I’m writing a monthly technology column for The Northwest Herald. In January’s column, Old Software Poses Risk Of Viruses, I talk about how outdated versions of your software can open the floodgates. Here are some previous Tech Tips articles on how you can protect yourself:

• Old Versions Of Internet Explorer Vulnerable To Viruses
• Fall In Love With Secunia Personal Software Inspector
• Mozilla Firefox Expands Check For Unsafe Plug-Ins
• No Click Required: Malware Via Infected Ads

Below you’ll find links to related resources including those mentioned in the column.

• Adobe Acrobat Reader updates
• Flash updates
• Mozilla Firefox plug-in check
• Microsoft Update for Windows, Office, Internet Explorer
• Apple Software Updates for Mac OS, iTunes, Safari, iPhone and iPod
• Secunia Online Software Inspector for Windows

Your free email subscription to Tech Tips includes bonus tips, tricks and product reviews. Through January 31, 2010, new subscibers will also receive a special gift: my IT Business Continuity Checklist. Click here to subscribe or send email to techtips-request-at-guidryconsulting-dot-com, subject “subscribe”.

As with any new operating system, Windows 7 has a few glitches. Here are some of the most widely-reported problems.

• Some users have experienced problems when upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7. (There is no direct upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7; to do so requires a clean install.) Information on the “endless-reboot bug” can be found here and here.
• For some, the upgrade from Windows Vista to Windows 7 hangs at 62%, an issue referred to as the “62% bug” (see reports here and here).
• Others have reported issues syncing iPhones to Windows 7 PCs with Intel’s P55 Express chipset.
• Some people who purchased the bargain $29.99 student edition have had problems downloading the software. Microsoft says part of the problem is user confusion over whether they have 32-bit or 64-bit versions of Windows. It’s not always easy to tell which one you have, so I think Microsoft and Digital River (their online software distributor) ought to cut everyone some slack.

In addition there are scattered reports of problems with certain hardware devices and software programs as well as power management on laptops.

I strongly recommend that you begin with multiple good, solid backups before upgrading to Windows 7. And be sure to test those backups before upgrading! Look for my in-depth look at Windows 7 coming on November 15th.

Through December 1st, 2009, new subscribers to the free email version of Tech Tips will receive a special tip sheet: Ten Step Computer Troubleshooter. Just click here to sign up.