Computers are fun

Found an Accountant

noreply@blogger.com (Eddie Rodwell) — Fri, 03 Mar 2017 17:20:00 +0000

I have been self-employed for more years than I care to remember. An accountant who knows what they are doing is essential to my business and at long last, I have found one. If you want a personal recommendation please get in touch.

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You Have to be Quick

noreply@blogger.com (Eddie Rodwell) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 11:50:00 +0000

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WinPatrol is a great FREE security program which works alongside your anti-virus. The PLUS version normally costs $29.99 but for TODAY ONLY (30th Jan 2010) they are giving the complete upgrade for only 99 cents!

Details are here http://www.winpatrol.com/

Crossloop

noreply@blogger.com (Eddie Rodwell) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 17:52:00 +0000

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It's a Cracker!

noreply@blogger.com (Eddie Rodwell) — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 18:23:00 +0000

Nothing on TV this weekend?
One of the iconic series from the 90s is now available online.
Definitely X-rated, Robbie Coltrane stars in the award winning show "Cracker".
Here is the URL http://www.itv.com/BestofITV/crime/Cracker.html

A great series but not for the squeamish!

Eddie

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6 Minutes to Change Your Life?

noreply@blogger.com (Eddie Rodwell) — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 13:28:00 +0000

Small things can often have a big impact and our lives are never the same again. There is a short video on the Mastery TV Homepage which, if you care to ponder its message, can hardly fail to have a profound affect on you. Why not take a few undisturbed minutes and have a look at the remarkable story of "Team Hoyt"? Here is the link.....
www.masterytv.com

Eddie

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My Favourite Widget

noreply@blogger.com (Eddie Rodwell) — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 09:28:00 +0000

Widgets are great little programs which can make your computer much more fun to use. When I help people who are moving from dial-up to Broadband, I love to show them the new world of streaming audio and video which has opened up for them. In the UK some of the best content comes from the BBC and we can listen to BBC radio while we work. Accessing the stations can be a bit of a pain though......unless you have a widget!
For this to work you will need real player and windows media player already installed because the widget uses both of those programs. Unless you have already done so, you also need to install the Yahoo widget engine which you can download here http://widgets.yahoo.com
Then you can get BBC Radio Player Plus here http://tinyurl.com/2vlrez
Now you have easy access to a whole new audio world.
If you are new to widgets it is well worth taking time to explore what else is available.
[NB The BBC widget only works in the UK but there are many others suitable for readers in other countries]

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Joost in time!

noreply@blogger.com (Eddie Rodwell) — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 10:01:00 +0000

It was only a short time ago that you couldn't sign up to Joost without an invitation. In case you don't know, Joost is at the leading edge of providing Internet TV. How would you like films on demand with no monthly subscription? Paramount films is just one of the channels available.
You will need a decent Broadband connection and the interface needs a bit of getting used to, but it is an excellent service. (Still in Beta though, so expect a few glitches).
Well worth having on your computer when there is nothing much on regular TV, this is definitely a "five star" download.
www.joost.com

Eddie
PS You will have to register but it is relatively painless.
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Free Organiser (paper)

noreply@blogger.com (Eddie Rodwell) — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 14:06:00 +0000

This is a genuinely useful site which will appeal to those who need to make any kind of list and take it with them. Shopping, to do, appointments - that sort of thing. It also will appeal to origami enthusiasts! Go on, I bet you print out at least one just to try it.

http://www.pocketmod.com

Eddie

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Untangle your headphones

noreply@blogger.com (Eddie Rodwell) — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 13:34:00 +0000

If you use those nasty headphones which come with an MP3 player, you will know how easily they get tangled up. Here is a very creative way to get them untangled. Some people really do have weird minds and way too much time on their hands but, hey, its funny!

http://tinyurl.com/2pdfnw

Eddie
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Ali G, Posh Spice and David Beckham

noreply@blogger.com (Eddie Rodwell) — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 10:53:00 +0000

This is the classic Ali G interview with Posh Spice and David Beckham on Comic Relief.
Please do not watch if you are easily offended! You have been warned.
http://tinyurl.com/3d3dm8

Eddie

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Ashampoo WinOptimizer 2008 FREE!

noreply@blogger.com (Eddie Rodwell) — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 15:51:00 +0000

This month, Computer Active magazine is giving away "Ashampoo WinOptimizer 2008".
The offer expires on October 11th so you will need to download and get the activation key before that date. (The offer could be withdrawn earlier too).
WinOptimizer is a "tweaker", so the usual warnings apply. Used with care, it should keep your computer running more smoothly. This program is valued at £25, plus you get the option to upgrade to WinOptimizer 4 for only £7.49 instead of the normal retail price of £30. All together quite a bargain.
You will need to go to the Computer Active website and follow the download instructions.
www.computeractive.co.uk/winopt/index

Eddie
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You can't be too careful! - Free Software

noreply@blogger.com (Eddie Rodwell) — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 11:39:00 +0000

With all the nasty people out there on the Net, you can't be too careful.
However, don't let that put you off downloading and trying out new software.
After all, that's part of the Fun of having a computer in the first place.
Sadly, its all too easy to get spyware, adware or worse, along with your download.
Number one recommendation is to be careful where you get your downloads. Even if you know the name of the program that you are looking for, don't just go into Google and click on the first search link that pops up. Go to a reputable site instead. One that has a good reputation is "Download.com".
Now go there and download "Spyware Terminator". This free program has just been awarded Web User Magazine's Gold Award. This is the link: http://tinyurl.com/2ox8n5
You will want to scan your computer straight away. Don't be surprised if it turns up some nasties that you didn't know were in your system. Just to be on the safe side, don't delete everything that is flagged up. It may just be that you want it. Choose the "quarantine" option instead. That way, if some software that you really want stops working, you can easily retrieve the missing file. It is a great piece of software but be careful with it. I take no responsibility!

Regards

Eddie
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The Benefits of Teamwork

noreply@blogger.com (Eddie Rodwell) — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 18:44:00 +0000

I am indebted to Blogger Simon Hodgkinson for being pointed to this remarkable video. We are all taught that, in business, teamwork can produce spectacular results.
Here, teamwork means the difference between life and death.
It is well worth watching.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU8DDYz68kM

Eddie

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Don't mess with Donkeys, small Dogs or Big Cats!

noreply@blogger.com (Eddie Rodwell) — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 07:45:00 +0000

It is the weekend again, so here is a short compilation on YouTube which should make you smile.
Much of what happens appears painful, so I hope that no people or animals were seriously hurt during filming. (Some egos certainly were). Enjoy.
http://tinyurl.com/36zxxr
PS The backing music is great too.

Eddie

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Better Searches

noreply@blogger.com (Eddie Rodwell) — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 11:28:00 +0000

If there were a "Top 10 Uses of the Internet", I am confident that the Number 1 use would be "Searching for information". Sadly, many of us limit those searches to one search engine. The reason is because, using several search engines is time consuming and awkward.
Sites which aggregate searches are one option but not ideal.
Now there is a better way. How about having the results of your search all on one tabbed page?
You only have to enter your search term once and you can refine it by searching "the Web", "blogs", "Images" etc
"Zuula" is a really great tool and can help to make you a web search expert. This is the link...
www.zuula.com

Enjoy!
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Cross Loop - Sorry

noreply@blogger.com (Eddie Rodwell) — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 06:58:00 +0000

This is just a quick apology to those who read this Blog via email. In yesterday's post I embedded the YouTube video about Cross Loop but, of course that doesn't work if you only get the email version. So for you folks here is the link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8xZ4nDmTTA

Eddie
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Superb Free Software

noreply@blogger.com (Eddie Rodwell) — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 14:27:00 +0000

Most of us have times when we need some help with our computer. I am sure that, if you are computer literate, your friends will often ask for help. Most of us would then have to make a journey to our friend's house to sort out the problem.
It would be lovely to take control of their computer remotely, but that is very tricky indeed. At least, that was the case. Now we have a fantastic tool called "Cross Loop".
If you go to www.crossloop.com you can download the free Cross Loop Application. With the software downloaded to both computers, it is a really simple matter to connect across the internet. The helper can then see a "window" which is the other computer's desktop. The helper can control that computer as if it was their own. I would strongly suggest that you, and the computer users you care about, download Cross Loop now. You never know when you may need it. Here is the link again www.crossloop.com
It is certainly one of my "Top Ten" programs.
If you want to watch a video and see how easy it is to use, here it is.

Eddie
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Free Video Finder Software

noreply@blogger.com (Eddie Rodwell) — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 18:48:00 +0000

With so many video sharing sites available, it was only a matter of time before we needed special software to search them properly. Below is a link to some really professional software from Ashampoo which does just that. You can search all the popular sites, watch the video from within the program, bookmark it or even download it for later.
The program is free but you have to get a registration key which is a bit fiddly but worth it.
Here is the link:
http://tinyurl.com/326ep4

Eddie
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The Best Online Videos?

noreply@blogger.com (Eddie Rodwell) — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 22:56:00 +0000

It is a holiday weekend here in the UK. So I have a fantastic website for you, which can change your life. It is staggering that these videos are available online for free. (You just have to log in to see them all). These are probably the greatest modern day communicators you will ever see. Enjoy!
www.masterytv.com

Eddie
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Er? How did they do that??

noreply@blogger.com (Eddie Rodwell) — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 11:59:00 +0000

Once again the Internet serves up something which stops me in my tracks. This is just a short clip on Youtube of one of the acts on America's Got Talent. Can I suggest that you watch it at least twice - and then tell me how it works.... Please?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uZLbL0jBwA

Thanks

Eddie
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Chocolate Covered Ants

noreply@blogger.com (Eddie Rodwell) — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 09:58:00 +0000

All right, I know that this isn't strictly computer related but ....it is on the Internet, so I think that counts! My father used to be a salesman for a firm which sold unusual delicacies. Thankfully, he rarely brought any samples home. It is good to know that they are still available. This site serves several purposes.

A talking point for any conversational gathering.
A gift list for the proverbial "man who has everything".
A Christmas shopping list for people you don't like.
A source for an unusual "door prize" or raffle "booby prize".

And I'm sure that you can think of a few more!

Enjoy
http://www.lazyboneuk.com/store/pro501.html

Eddie
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Video TV

noreply@blogger.com (Eddie Rodwell) — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 07:45:00 +0000

It is raining, so you want to watch TV but there is nothing interesting to watch. Why not turn to your computer? There are so many videos from all over the world which might interest you, how on earth do you find something you would like? One site which helps to solve this problem is "We Show". You can watch a comedy channel or reality TV, Sport or "do it yourself" - pretty much anything you like. The videos are sorted and rated and there are daily roundups which point you in the direction of new and interesting content. Here is the link
www.weshow.co.uk

Eddie
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Are your children safe online?

noreply@blogger.com (Eddie Rodwell) — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 16:23:00 +0000

For those of us who have children who use a computer (or in my case grandchildren!), are we sure that they are safe? The statistics are quite frightening. In a recent survey, thirty-seven percent of children ages 11 to 17 reported they had received a sexually explicit email or pop-up advertisement within the past year. Forty-three percent of teens who use social networking sites reported having been contacted online by complete strangers.
Instant messaging uses a special language which most adults don't understand. If you saw these messages on your child's computer screen would you know what they meant?

143
A/S/L?
LMIRL

(answers below)

Luckily there is a FREE book which you can download from the Webroot website which will give you fantastic advice on keeping children safe. Here is the link:
http://tinyurl.com/yw5u2g

Eddie

143 = "I love you"
A/S/L? = "Age, sex, location?"
LMIRL = "Lets meet in real life"

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"Free" Internet Gadget

noreply@blogger.com (Eddie Rodwell) — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 13:45:00 +0000

If you are out and about but want Internet access, it can be a very frustrating experience. Phones and PDAs are slow, laptops are heavy, connections can be difficult to find (and often expensive). Now there is an alternative. The PocketSurfer2 costs just under £180 to buy, but after that you can surf the web for up to 20 hours a month - Free. Unlimited access is available for about £6.00 a month.
All the reports say that it is fast (because it uses a proxy server with some smart software.) It offers up true web pages not the cut down versions that most phones use. [Real HTML pages, graphics, java scripts & apps, e-mail & IM including attachments]
Of course there are drawbacks. There is a full qwerty keyboard but no audio connection (so no Skype). No memory, so all email and word processing must be handled and stored on-line. And, of course, you have to be able to access a mobile phone signal.
Having said all that, it looks like a remarkable piece of kit. You can find the details here
www.pocketsurfer.co.uk

Eddie

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