Websites By COOK

Take a picture on iPhone using ear buds

2011-12-06T23:44:00.001-08:00

Any photographer will tell we that a wire recover is a good apparatus to have. It allows we to take a print but laying a finger on your camera. Now, anyone with an iPhone, sporting iOS 5, has that same capability… all we need is some earbuds.

Earbuds we say?

You review that correctly. Basically we only need to block in a earbuds, open your camera app, and you’ll a have a ability to use a volume symbol as a cable release. This is outrageous for iPhone photographers, as holding shots with a camera can be utterly fatiguing sometimes, generally if we don’t have a steadiest of hands. I’m certain we can all determine that iPhones don’t come with a best shiver buttons, and mostly times you’ll fuzz a print only perplexing to take a photo. Using your earbuds as a wire recover will also all we to take detonate shots, that was subsequent to unfit to do with a iPhone.

I took a following exam print of Rafael, and his fondle collection, utilizing a earbuds as a wire release.

I know you’re substantially meditative it, and a answer is yes… we can span your iPhone with several Bluetooth inclination and get a same effect. If your Bluetooth device allows we to control a volume of your iPhone, we should be means to take photos with it.

It should be remarkable that a volume buttons to map rightly to your iPhone for this to be probable though, and all Bluetooth inclination competence not work.

Facebook for iPad is out

2011-10-10T23:40:00.001-07:00

The long awaited iPad Facebook app is out. I've downloaded it and so far I like it. You can tell it was designed for the iPad and not just a rework of another design. So head for the Apple app store and enjoy.

iPhone 4S sold out

2011-10-08T12:46:00.001-07:00

AT&T sold 200,000 pre order phones in the first 12 hours. All carriers are now sold out for at least 2 weeks.

iSad

2011-10-07T18:48:00.001-07:00

It is, of course a sad time with the passing of Steve Jobs. To compliment him is posting is being publish on a device that he invented. And chances are you are reading this on just such a device.
Today the iPhone 4S is available for order. Many people are calling it the iPhone 4Steve. God Bless Steve.

No iPhone 5

2011-10-04T20:24:00.001-07:00

Well, we didn't get the expected iPhone 5. What we got was the iPhone 4S. Same looking phone but all knew on the inside. May as well be an iPhone 5. The regular iPhone 4 now is $99 and the iPhone 3GS is free on AT$T. IOS5 is expected out next week.

Apple's Week

2011-10-03T10:58:00.001-07:00

Less than 24 hours until Apple's announcement. Expected is the next iPhone and the release of IOS5.
Today Yahoo announced a partnership with ABC news.
Last week Amazon announced new Kindles and the Kindle Fire. While not as good as the iPad at a $199 price point it should give Apple a run for it's money. You can preorder now for a Nov release.

Big couple of weeks coming.

2011-09-25T08:43:00.001-07:00

This week on Thursday Amazon is to make an announcement which we believe my be introducing their Pad and maybe more.
Facebook ended the week with an announcement of sweeping changes to the social service.
Finally, Apple will stage an event on Oct 4th or 5th that we believe will introduce the next iPhone. Hopefully IOS5 will be released then. Stay tuned.

Some Apple News

2011-08-08T13:13:00.001-07:00

In APPLE News; the new operating system, Lion, is well received and seems to be working fine. Unlike Microsoft, the up grade is only $29.99 and only downloaded from the Apple Store. You have to be running Snow Leopard to make the up grade. If you did not install Snow Leopard when it came out then you will need to buy Snow Leopard and install it first.
Rumors of the iPhone 5 are still swirling around. Best bet for now is a release in Sept or Oct. We also should see the release of the much anticipated IOS5 soon. I would look for an announcement on both in Sept. Remember that Websites By Cook is now hosting all of your photos as a off site back up for just $20 a year. This also includes an online photo album.

NOW, hosting your images

2011-06-18T22:46:00.000-07:00

I know there is not other service like this on the Internet and it is only offered to our clients.

We will host your images (pictures) on our server. At least at this time the volume is unlimited. Hopefully we will have enough paying customers to be able to buy more space if needed.
We will add a Photo Album to your website or expand the one that you have if you already have one. To get an idea of how it will work you can take a look at the USS Wahoo website which is already done. Go to www.usswahoo.com and click on Photo Album. You will see that the Wahoo has 12 album pages in that one site and there are other albums with in albums.
For those of you that had albums on My Photo Albums site before and received the DVD that we had to buy, just mail me the DVD, keep a copy for yourself, and I will take care of the rest.
For those of you that are just starting out, you can send your photos in a Zip file, DVD, CD or as an attachment to a email(s). When I receive them I will get the job done for you. If you want your images like the Wahoo, in Albums (files) then just let me know which ones and the names of the files you want.
What about after the album is established? Once we have the album done, up loaded and posted, you make have me make changes as needed. This includes adding new images and deleting those that you may no longer want on your website.
The other advantage of doing this is that your images are safe and backed up. Should you have some devastating situation where your computer and hard drives are destroyed or stolen, you images will be safe in the "cloud" and can be downloaded at any time.
"Can I retrieve images without contacting you?" Yes, you just go to your album click on the picture you want, right click on it and Save As. It is right back with you. Even without the website album you should look at it as a wonderful and inexpensive back up of your pics.
There is not trick to this. I have worked had to make it happen. Since I have been doing this stuff it has happened twice before to me, that a company I was pay to do this same service, suddenly went out of business. The one before My Photo Album had me pay for DVD that I never got and all those picture, that I didn't have saved in my computer, were gone.
So, this service is offered to our clients for $20 a year.

So just let me know that you want to participate in this service and I will make a file for you on our server just for your pictures.

Photo Up Date and mid year billing

2011-06-14T15:55:00.000-07:00

I have good news for those of you that had your pictures hosted with My Photo Album dot com. If you did you know they have gone out of business. They offered to send you a DVD of your pictures for a price and I assume that you did but what now.

Well, the good news is that you can now host your pictures with Websites By Cook and for only $20 a Year. Nearly half the price you were paying before. The other good news is that if you host your picture with us I will make a photo album that will become part of your website and no expense to you.

For the rest of you that have been looking for a good safe place to host your pictures, we make the same offer to you. Just $25 a year for a safe place to keep your pictures. One of the great advantages of this is that your pictures are safe and secure should something happen to your hard drive or other places that you have your pictures saved locally. If you have received your DVD from My Photo Album just mail it to me and I will up load it to our server. Other wise just get them to me anyway you can and I will put them in a safe place and make your photo album. Check around and you will find that $25 a year with an album on your site is a great deal.

Also the mid year billing will be coming out at the end of this month. Only those with work related pricing on your website and domain name renewals will receive a bill.

January Up Date

2011-01-08T21:03:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone on the Websites By Cook family is having a wonderful New Year.
All the first of the year billing has gone out and many have been returned. Thank you for that. It is my hope that we can close the books by the end of January this year, a first.
Remember, you can pay your bills with Pay Pal, quick and easy. Some say I don't have a Pay Pal account. You don't have to. You can go to the site and pay with a credit card even if you don't have an account with them.
Thanks to all of you, our business is strong which allows me to give you the very best of service and the cheapest price.

December Up Date

2010-12-10T14:37:00.000-08:00

First we want to wish you all the most happy and safe holiday season.

Second a Windows PC info up date. At this time the best, fastest and safest browser to use is the Google Chrome browser. I know, I have told you for a long time that Firefox is the best and it still is a great browser. For most of you the Google Chrome browser will be cleaner and faster. Remember, any browser is better than using a Internet Explorer. The consensus of the Geek world is that Microsoft is over the horizon and that the Internet Explorer is slower and much more unsafe. So, or advice to you is to use the Chrome browser. Remember, you can have more than one browser in your computer. Go to www.google.com/chrome. It is also a good browser for you Mac guys like me.

Third is virus protection. Microsoft has done one really good thing for PC users. It is called Microsoft Security Essentials. http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/ It is a wonderful virus and malware protection program AND it is FREE. So the recommendation here is do not use McAfee or Norton. They cost to much and are memory hogs. They use far to much of you valuable band width and memory space. It you really want to spend money on a good virus program the best is called Nod32. http://www.eset.com/home/nod32-antivirus. It is by ESET and is the very best at doing the job without hogging your computer space. Of course for you Mac users, no problem. Still not threats for us.

Fourth is Operating System or OS. If you are a PC person you should be running Windows 7 by now. Reason? XP is nearing the end of its life and Vista is the worst OS every. Don't get left behind. It is well worth the money for Windows 7, said to be the best OS Windows has ever put out. If you are still with XP you are missing out. If you are still with Vista you are fighting a loosing battle. Windows 8 is on the drawing board but a was out. Don't wait for it.

Fifth is backing up. Ya, I keep harping but I got another call from one of you that is reading this now. "My computer died and I lost all my documents and family pictures. How can I get them back?" Truth is that most of the time you can not get them back. There are companies that can recover some things from dead hard drives but the cost is thousands. That is something that companies some times have to do. I run three back ups. One on my computer (original), one on a external hard drive and one off site. Off site I use www.carbonite.com. $55 a year but well worth it. Just as long as you are comfortable with losing everything that is on your computer that you don't need to back up.

AND Sixth is the end of the year billing will be coming out right after Christmas. This will close out your bill for 2010 and pay for your hosting, for those that host with me, for 2011. Please pay by the end of January for the net 30 days. OH, the good new is that hosting prices for the 10th year in a row have not gone up.

We wish you all a very Happy and successful New year.

Content before eye candy

2010-09-01T01:34:00.000-07:00

Image by Getty Images via @daylifeWhen you are looking at your site make sure that you have complete content. Too many clients worry more about what their website looks like than they do about making sure the content is complete. Yes, it is important for your site to look good when someone comes to it but if your content is lame the will not come back. After all most people that come to your site is for the information and not some much how it looks.
Next make sure that your content is current. If your content is age dated make sure it is removed or up dated before the date expires. Again, someone coming to your site for information and finds content out dated they will punch out and may not come back. Again, if you have a date in your content make sure that date is in the future and not in the past.
SO, content first and make sure you content is not out dated.

Links, Links, Links

2010-08-26T23:33:00.000-07:00

I know I have said it before but if you want your site to sing on Google you need reciprocating links. The more you have the higher you will rank on Google.

Apple Magic Trackpad

2010-08-09T01:07:00.000-07:00

I picked up Apples new Magic Trackpad and I love it. Since most of us have been getting used to using track pads on laptops for year and at the same time working with several different mice, the Apple Trackpad is great. I'm not convinced that it totally replaces the mouse but I do like to have my favorite finger gestures from my lap top to the iMac desk top. Give it a try, you might like it too.

Good New from Gmail

2010-07-16T16:50:00.000-07:00

Good news from Gmail. Now you can make Text Rich signatures. Just go to setting, then general and about half way down the page is the signature block. You can add a picture and resize it right there, put in words and Hyperlinks. A great additions to gmail. If you are not using gmail; - - WHY???

iPad works well, iPhone 4 ?

2010-07-03T02:22:00.000-07:00

I purchased my iPad about a week ago and it is a true winner. I can see why Apple has sold so many. It really is, in my opinion, the perfect consumption computer for most of you. Surf the web, send and receive email, book reader, movies with several sites like Netflix, TV without the need for a cable or dish, and much more. Over 3 million sold now.

The new iPhone 4 was release last week. 1.6 million sold so far and more going out the door every minute. You may have heard about antenna problems. The problems are not as bad as reported and out of the 1.6 million there has not been that much of an up roar. I hear lots of the geeks on the podcast say they don't even have the problem. It really is one of the best smart phones ever. I have not had my hands on one yet as I am not due for up grade until next year. My 3GS is working great and was just up graded to the new iOS4 so it now has many of the features of the new iPhone 4 anyway.
Mid year billing will be coming out with in the next week. If you have not had me do work on your website and your domain name was not renewed you will not receive a bill this time. Many of you will just get the bill for the domain name renewal. That is just $10.
I hope everyone has a happy and safe 4th of July.

AT&T Micro Cell

2010-05-25T01:18:00.000-07:00

In some area of the country people live in a fringe cell area. That is was us the problem we had. Close to a window we had 1 to 2 bars. Move about in the house and you would get "searching". Okay, now we live on the Hood Canal and are a bit out in the woods. That is okay and it is nice here AND it is not AT&T's fault that we live in a fringe area. So, I was happy when they offered the Micro Cell. It plugs right into my Internet service cable and make my house a Micro Cell tower just for us. You do have to pay for the equipment but there is not monthly charge. Though some people feel that AT&T is ripping us off and that they should pay for the poor service here, I don't agree for the reason stated above. I LIKE IT!

The way TV is going to be

2010-05-20T15:11:00.000-07:00

For some time I have been telling people how TV is going to be. There have been set top boxes already like Roku. Now comes Google, a real serious company, that it going to bring on demand TV one step closer. Check out the Google video here.

Facebook Privicy Concerns - Dropbox link

2010-05-18T11:23:00.000-07:00

It appears that Facebook may have gone a little over the edge where your private information is concerned. When you and I joined Facebook we were assured that our private information would only be shared with people that we elected to be our friends. Now we find out that Facebook shares some of our information with companies that advertise their websites in the right side column of pages that you are on. There was in incident last week where Facebook was sharing your private chats with anyone that wanted to look. It was corrected in a short time but still that kind of mistake should never happen.
When Facebook changes the privacy setting they often leave you in a opt out status instead of an opt out. This also is unsatisfactory condition.
Bottom line? You need to again be made aware that any information you put on Facebook could at any time be shared with others that are NOT your friend. Check you privacy settings often to make sure you are sharing you private information with only those that should know that information.
Also, again, I would like to remind you to back up your vital information and picture. You can use the #1 app from 2009 to back up in the cloud your vital information including pictures. Dropbox gives you 2 gigs for free space. I highly recommend this outstanding app. CLICK HERE to get your free Dropbox.

Try Using Googles Chrome Browser

2010-05-07T01:33:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to make a mention about the Chrome browser. You know that I have been talking about FireFox for a long time. I have used it for a very long time. And Internet Explorer continues to fall in popularity as Firfox and Chrome are climbing rapidly. Just a few short month ago IE was up around 80% usage. It now has fallen to close to 50%. Firefox is number two but the browser that is coming on strong is Google's Chrome. I find I have been using it more and more as well as all the geeks that I follow. It is the fastest browser out there.

So, my recommendation is to give Chrome a try. I think you will be surprised.

Some things to remember. You can have more that one browser on your system.

If you are using IE make sure it is NOT IE6. If you are still using IE6 stop ASAP. It is no longer supported by Microsoft and has some serious security flaws in it. If you insist on using a version of IE move to IE8. Though most of the geeks in the know recommend not using IE at all.

Here is a link to Chrome. It runs in PCs and Macs. I like it. I think you will too.

Drop Box Reminder

2010-05-01T14:04:00.000-07:00

I wanted to mention to you again about Dropbox. I don't mean to beat a dead horse but this site is so outstanding and FREE. Since I have a hunch that many of you are still not backing up your computer at least Dropbox gives you 2GB of space for free. There you can keep a lot of important document, pictures and other items that you would not be able to recover should your computer crash and burn. Think about what is in there that would really give you some heart ache should in not be there in the morning. Just follow this link, give it a try and see what it can do for you. DROPBOX. Also should you want to know about what else Dropbox can do for you click this link: http://lifehacker.com/5527055/
Do yourself a favor and download and use this outstanding feature.

Use this QR Code.

2010-04-22T19:32:00.000-07:00

You can use this QR code with your smart phone to go direct to my mobile site. What an amazing world we live in.

iPad Sells Well

2010-04-19T03:17:00.000-07:00

The new Apple iPad is selling like Hot Cakes. In the first week they sold 500,000 of just the WIFI model. The iPad with 3G and WIFI does not come out until April 23nd. In fact, Apple has sold so many iPads that they have had to delay the launch in all countries out side of the USA until late May.
Security warning. If you are still using Internet Explorer 6 stop! Download and use IE 8. IE 6 is not being supported and is a very unsafe browser to be using.

iPad Is Almosts Here

2010-03-10T22:20:00.000-08:00

Well, the new iPad is almost here. Due out on April 3rd. Now comes the dilemma. Do I really need the iPad? Hell No. Do I want the iPad? HELL YES! Even so, I am not going to jump right onboard. I am going to hang back a bit and see how it goes with the people that buy first.
BTW, the rumors are still strong that the new Nexus 1 smart phone will be out on March 23rd with Verizon. This is the only smart phone out there that had come close to the iPhone. Something to think about for those that don't want to switch from Verizon to AT&T.

Apple Announcement and Nexus One

2010-01-20T19:41:00.000-08:00

Apple will make a big announcement on January 27th. It should be the long awaited for Apple Tablet. Maybe iPhone 4.
Google announced the Nexus one phone. It is only on T Mobile now but rumor has it that Verizon will get it on March 23rd. Stay tuned.

Apple Table is coming!

2009-12-30T21:32:00.000-08:00

Kaifu Lee, the former president of Google China who has also been employed by Apple revealed new facts about Apple's upcoming tablet device today via a Twitter-like post [Google Translate version] which has since been verified. Per the post, Lee, who cited a source close to the story, confirmed that the tablet looks like a larger iPhone and features a 10.1" multi-touch screen, impressive user interface and combines the functionality of a netbook with an Amazon Kindle.

The blog also cited additional features such as 3D technology, virtual keyboard and video conferencing. The tablet is slated to sell at under $1,000 with Apple planning to produce 10 million units in the first year alone.

Lee, whose post-Google resume included startup company Innovation Works, sports ties with Terry Guo, the president of Foxconn, a long-preferred Apple component manufacturer rumored to be assembling the Apple tablet.

Info is that it will be announced on January 26th. Stay tuned.

2010 Annual Billing

2009-12-28T16:09:00.001-08:00

Hi Customers and friends of Websites By Cook.
It is that time of year again. Our annual billing for hosting, domain name renewals and website work will be coming out this week. If you do not receive one that is because your account may be caught up.
Once again, I have been able to hold our annual hosting price to what it has been for the past few years.
Thank you for your continued support of Websites by Cook and I will be proud and happy to server you for 2010.
Please remember to make checks payable to Stan Cook or pay via Pay Pal with the information that is supplied on your bill.
Payments are due during the month of January 2010.

This part of what I watch to learn.

2009-12-06T20:02:00.000-08:00

Watch the video below and you will get a small idea of how I learn, what I watch and what the Internet is coming to:

Drop Box is a no brainer

2009-12-05T13:04:00.000-08:00

This may be the best application of 2009. It is free, safe and a NO BRAINER! Download it now. Give it a shot: Click Here

WARNING Coupon scam

2009-11-23T00:51:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,
This is important.
Lots of you, and me, buy things online. This is a good thing and safe BUT, something has been going on that you need to know about.
Lots of online sites, and good ones, fell in to a practice that goes something like this:
You make a purchase using your debit or credit card. All goes well and the purchase is complete. After the purchase is complete you will get a kind of pop up window that congratulates you and offers you a coupon for what ever. All you need to do is put in your email address and you will be sent to the site where you can download the coupon for printing. What happens is that you just signed up for a "webloyalty" program with a recurring payment of $10 or $15 or $20 or something along that line. How are you charged? By putting in your email address the company you just made the purchase from will send the other company your credit card information. Can they? Yes, you didn't see the "small print".
Now, I am real careful but it did happen to me when I got some of those business cards from Vista Print. Big name companies have been doing this like, hotels.com and others. Now, it is going to hit the fan soon but you need to be aware.
"Eighty-eight online retailers made over $1 million by partnering with these Affinion, Vertrue, and Webloyalty, according to the report. Of these, 19 made over $10 million and one, Classmates.com, made over $70 million."
Here is just a short list of some of the companies participating: "1-800-Flowers.com; AirTran Holdings; Classmates.com; Continental Airlines; FTD; Fandango; Hotwire; Intelius; MovieTickets.com; Orbitz Worldwide; Pizza Hut;Priceline (NSDQ: PCLN).com; Redcats USA; Shutterfly; US Airways Group; and VistaPrint USA."
Don't click on the coupon links. AND check your bank statements and/or PayPal for reoccurring payments. Mine was on PayPal and the good thing about PayPal is that they send you an email when your reoccurring payment is about to happen and you can just go to your account and cancel it with one click. Your Bank will most likely NOT warn you, so you need to check your statements.
Here is a link to a newspaper story about this. http://tinyurl.com/yfn3j96
Please be careful and don't fall into this trap.

Chrome Operating System

2009-11-22T14:14:00.000-08:00

So, we have been talking about "The Cloud", right? We have talked about things to come and how the Internet as we know it now is going to change, right? Well, it is getting closer and closer. Now Google is building the new Chrome OS. It is really different and IS going to change the Internet as you know it now. No, it is not here yet but I want you to look at a short video of what is coming next year. They say around Sept of 2010. Now, since you are looking at the "old" Internet this You Tube video will load kind of slow, even on your broadband connection. So if you get a lot of buffering just kit the pause and let it load all they way. Trust me, this is impressive. It is a You Tube from Google. Enjoy and watch what is coming.

Drop Box revisited

2009-11-19T09:13:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone. I was really surprised at how few of you downloaded the Drop Box system. I only blame myself and maybe didn't make it clear that this free program is so valuable to your computing needs. Those that have used it, love it. And they wonder why others have not.
So in this posting I am going to insert a couple of videos that explains it better than, I guess, I can.
It is just amazing how easy this little program is. I use it everyday to move things around, to keep them safe in the cloud (we talked about that before). Do this thing, it is easy. So, a couple of videos follow and links to try it. Give it a shot: Click Here

Give it a shot: Click Here

Don't miss out on this little free program and is so useful.
Give it a shot: Click Here
You wont be sorry. In fact, many have thanked me.

Drop Box

2009-10-25T19:38:00.000-07:00

This week I am going to bring you up to date with backing up your computer. Dropbox is a easy and free system to use. Especially if you have more than one computer and/or iPhone or Touch. With drop box you just drag things in there that you want safe and you can access the items from your other computer. This is an outstanding system that many people are using. There is nothing you need to do other than download it to your computer. If I have some photos, for example, that I want to move to another computer all I have to do it drag it into Dropbox and when I open the other computer and click on Dropbox, like magic, it is there. This free application is well worth giving a try. I use it everyday. Give it a shot: Click Here

Drop box does not take the place of full back ups but keeps other very special items safe no matter what.

On other news, Windows 7 came out last Thursday and for PC people is an outstanding success. If you are running XP or got stuck with Vista now is the time to break away. The pros are saying that Windows 7 is the best OS that Microsoft has ever designed.

Cloud Computing

2009-10-12T19:13:00.000-07:00

Cloud Computing. No doubt you have heard of it but what is it?
Real basic. Cloud Computing is where the program and data you are using is kept in a computer somewhere else. It is the way the Internet computing is heading.
An example is gmail or your ISP's email service. Your email, send and received, your address book and other files are not kept on your computer. They are all in Googles computers. Unlike T Mobile, Google uses back ups. Lots of them. So, you can log into your gmail account from any computer, anywhere, as long as it is connected to the Internet.
Lot of people use Microsoft Office suite. Even that is becoming obsolete. Google Docs has all the same things as MS but in the cloud, free and can be used from any computer, anywhere. Even Microsoft is coming out with a free version of Office that will be in the cloud.

Now with Drop Box you can even save your valuable file, pictures and what have you, in the cloud. Up to 2 Giga Bits and FREE. Here is a link where you can get started: CLICK HERE
It really is free and just a drag and drop. I use it every day beside my normal back up.
Oh, did you back up this week? Just saying. . .

You Need A Router

2009-10-03T01:00:00.000-07:00

Why in the world would I need a router, you say? Well, the best reason in the world is, SECURITY.
First, what is a router? A router is a device that goes between your Internet modem and your computer. The main reason for having a router is to set up an internal network. In other words, allowing more than one computer to be hooked up to the Internet through one connection. If you use a router like the one pictured, with antenna, you also then have a WIFI connection that can be used by your laptop, if you have one, without the need for wires. If you only have a laptop, great. You can connect to the Internet from anywhere in the house without wires.
So, here is the best reason of all to have a router. It, all by it's self, is a hardware firewall. The firewalls that come with some Operating Systems are OK but just ok. A router acts as a hardware firewall and keeps you safe from people trying to hack your computer to get your vital information. In 15 years of doing this, I have never been without a router. It is just a smart thing to do.
The last thing to say about this is to remind you that clicking on links in email from people you don't know, clicking on attachments in email from people you don't know and clicking on links in websites that you don't know if you can trust can still bring viruses, malware and spy bots into your system. The difference is that the router keeps the bad guy out. When you click on bad links, you open the door. So, good conduct on the Internet is still a must. A router is cheap protection and well worth the money.
Lastly, and I keep harping on this, are you backing up your computer at least once a week. I truly don't ever want to have to tell you; "I told you so".
Here is my link of the week. Have you ever wanted to write a book? Even have it printed and advertised it for sale? How do you do that? Well, there is a new website that makes it easy. I have just started by book. The website is: Fast Pencil.

Good New for those thinking about going to Gmail

2009-09-24T18:41:00.000-07:00

Hi Folks,

For some time I have encouraged you to switch to Gmail, the best email program anywhere. Now Google has made a major change to overcome some objections to switch. That objection was importing their contacts from other email programs. The change is: Import from Yahoo!, Hotmail, AOL, or other webmail or POP3 accounts.
So now when you make the switch you can import your address book. Remember, you can try it for free and it is always free. You can have more than one email program so you are not committed to it. Here is a link, why not give it a try. http://tinyurl.com/yae8tjf

Mozy and Snow Leopard

2009-09-16T13:03:00.000-07:00

Mozy and Snow Leopard

September 16th, 2009 by nate In response to several questions regarding Mozy’s compatibility with Snow Leopard, we’re happy to announce that our QA team has approved Mozy for Apple’s latest and greatest software. In fact, we’ve made Snow Leopard the preferred Mozy operating system for Mac.
Our reasons for doing so are twofold:

Running the latest Mozy client on Snow Leopard provides gains in the client’s stability and speed.
The sooner we get the majority of our Mac users are on Snow Leopard, the sooner our engineers can take advantage of Snow Leopard’s 64-bit architecture. What does this mean for you? An even faster, more stable, and more feature-rich Mac Mozy client.

We’ll keep you updated as more releases and updates become available. In the meantime, be safe!
Please click to the right to use Mozy- for free or Monthy (advised). - - - - - - - - - - ->

Back Up, iTunes, Snow Leopard up date.

2009-09-12T08:41:00.000-07:00

For everyone this week is Apple's iTune 9 just released on Wednesday. Really has a new look but seems a little more complicated to me. Just takes time to adjust to any change. If you have never used iTunes before you should download it and take a look. This is for PC and Mac users. Music, Movies, TV shows, podcasts (like online radio shows), and more. It is a free download.

For PC users, the new OS Windows7 is still on schedule to be released on 10/22.

For Mac users, you should have Snow Leopard installed by now. On 9/11 they released an up date already. So after that you should be running OSX 10.6.1.

I had some questions about MOZY back up. Advantages? For $4.95 a month you get offsite back up of all your files and more. Offsite is key. If you should have a fire, flood, theft or more, your hard drive is safe and secure. Plus, you set it up to be automatic so you don't have to remember to do your back up. (You should back up once a week at least) You can try it for free but is limited to 2GBs. Just click on the box to the right. Remember, it is not a matter of IF but a mater of WHEN. It happens to everyone sooner or later.

Until next week, happy computing.

2009-08-31T19:20:00.000-07:00

The good news and the bad news.
Good news. Mac OS Snow Leopard had been released and installs are going fine. Still just $29. Not a full new OS but worth the price.
Bad news: Pre orders are all over for Windows 7 coming out on Oct 22nd. The price for Home Premium is $119. DO NOT get the basic. It is too basic for anyone. But don't get more than Home Premium. You don't need more.
Good news. If you are still running XP and never up graded to Vista you are safe this time. You will be able to up grade to Windows 7 from XP. Just a little gift from Microsoft knowing what a STICKER they had with Vista. Pre order Window 7 right from the Microsoft website and order Mac OS Snow Leopard right from an Apple store or from the Apple store online. I do not recommended buying it from Amazon. They are late to ship.
More next week. As always, ARE YOU BACKING UP???? Check to the right for the easy way uisng Mozy. Do you really need to back up? Well, just ask yourself what if the computer you have was not there tomorrow. GONE! What would you do? Mozy backs up to the "cloud". Even in the event of a fire you will have your computer data back.
Me? I use Mozy, an external hard drive and mac's Time Machine. Please don't ever make me say I told you so.

Time To Change Your OS

2009-08-24T20:43:00.000-07:00

So Apple has set this Friday the 28th of August as the release date for Snow Leopard for you Mac users.

October 22nd is still the date for the release of Windows 7.

I hope you have already pre ordered one or both which ever fits your situation. Either way, the time has come or is near to up date your Operating System. This is something you need to do to keep your computer current.

Also, now it is more important than every to make sure you are backing up your computer. Check to the right of this posting to find out more about Mozy. An inexpensive way to insure that your computer is backed up, off site.

Why Use Google Gmail

2009-08-17T18:39:00.000-07:00

I have been ask questions about why I am so hot on Gmail. For one thing, Gmail just took over the number 3 spot in the world for popular email services. None of the email services associated with ISPs, like RR or Comcast and others are even rated. Never a good idea to use your ISPs email service. Gmail is a block buster. I have been using it for 5 years now and love it. Rather that go on here about it I will just have you click HERE on there page that explains why it is so good. Remember, it is free and you can download it and try it without leaving the other service you are using now.

And a reminder to everyone that has their domain name registered through me. Your domain name will be automatically renewed when due unless you tell me other wise. Your charges will be added to your account. I bill twice a year. The end of June and near the end of December.

Got a question? Ask and I will get the answer for you and everyone here.

Mozy Unlimited Backup - $4.95/Month

What are BOTS?

2009-08-13T17:37:00.000-07:00

I got a question asking me, from the first post, What Are Bots?
Bots are programs that are put on your PC computer that turns your computer into a Robot. It will work for the bad guys that put it there and you will never even know that it is there. Mostly they use your computer to send SPAM. The only way you would know it is there is if you happen to see activity on your PC and you are not doing anything.
How do you get ride of a Bot? Most of the time you cannot. You would need to format and reload you Operating System (OS). IMPORTANT: Make sure you back up your computer at least once a week.
Answer? Don't us IE if you are on a PC OR use a Mac where you wont have that problem.

Mac Software Up Dates Now

2009-08-12T22:58:00.000-07:00

For those of you that use Macs you need to check for software up dates. Several came out on 8/11/09 and need to be downloaded.

New Websites By COOK Blog Information Center

2009-08-11T18:03:00.000-07:00

This is a new way for Websites By COOK to communicate with our clients and keep you up to date with the rapidly changing Internet and E commerce world. Bookmark this page and check back often. You do that and I will do my best to keep you up to day.
First I am going to warn you about the Internet Explorer browser that you may be using. A year ago IE was used by 80% of the people. It is now down to 55%. Most of the "gurus" feel that it has way to many security holes in it. Microsoft has a hard time keeping up. BOTs are installed in an exstimated 1.5 million PCs world wide and the owners don't even know it. Your computer, if you are using IE, can be infected just by going to the wrong website. Just going there. Not even clicking on anything.
So, what should you do. Switch to FireFox or Chrome or Safari. FireFox is the browser of choice around the world right now. Both for PC and Mac users. Go to www.firefox.com and download it. You can keep your IE on your computer but don't use.
More to come in future blogs.
Regards,
Stan Cook

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