February 2011 Why hard disk cleanup is necessary
A surprisingly large amount of new information makes its way to your hard drive every day. When you browse the internet, temporary files are downloaded - cookies, images, icons, etc. The same can occur when you read email and open attachments - the attachment is saved as a temporary file before it can be displayed. Even desktop applications like Word, Timeslips and Acrobat create temporary files.
In a perfect world, these programs would 'clean up' their mess and remove all of the temporary files that were created. Some programs keep these temporary files around on purpose. Others just do a bad job of cleaning up behind themselves. The result? Decreased computer performance, running out of hard drive space, and even program errors.
The solution is to perform a periodic cleanup of your hard drive. This Windows function is called DISK CLEANUP and is available under Start|Programs|(System) Tools|Accessories. We generally select all options EXCEPT 'Compress Files to save Space.'
If you want to take cleanup to the next level, you can take some additional steps. Manually delete files from the c:\windows\temp folder. Manually delete temporary files specific to any application that you use. You can also open up Internet Explorer
and delete history, temporary files and cookies under the Tools|Internet Options button.
We also recommend periodically looking through your list of installed programs. Toolbars, Coupon Printers, and other little applications can sneak onto your computer and use up resources. Periodically review and uninstall what you do not need.
Once you have deleted everything that can be deleted, then running a Disk Defragmentation ( also under Start|Programs|System Tools| Accessories) can help free up system resources previously occupied by temp files and programs that have now been deleted.
Your computer is a constantly-change system that needs periodic maintenance. Perform these basic cleanup functions on a periodic to keep you machine running as efficiently as possible.
** Matrix Solutions is a leading provider of business networking services, on-site service and support, network monitoring, computer repair, and basic technology consulting to businesses in Central Mississippi. We cover Jackson, Madison, Ridgeland, Richland, Brandon, Canton, Clinton and surrounding cities. Visit our website at matrixsolutions.com**
September 15, 2010 Happy Cows make the best Cheese
They say that Happy Cows make the best cheese. So then, are happy, healthy workers more productive?
The concept of 'Wellness Programs' has interested me for a while now. My 'goal' has been to find the tools and information necessary to help our staff (and our families) live happer, healthier lives.
Our first step, taken several years ago, was getting a group health insurance plan here at Matrix. We then talked to an organization about starting a full-fledged program, but it was nothing more than a scheme to peddle multi-level-marketed vitamins to us. Having benefit of many years of various type of 'coaching,' I knew that a well-rounded program should include more than just insurance and vitamins.
I have recently been working with Susan McDaniel of Enhanced Wellness ( http://www.enhancedwellness.ms ) She has put together an awesome program that combines monthly one-on-one sessions, group sessions and webinars to address a wide variety of topics like goal setting, fitness, nutrition, stress management and spirituality. I hope to update you here with future posts on the progress of our Wellness Program.
If you are interested in providing a wellness program for your employees, then contact me or Susan directly.
Now if you'll excuse me, I've got some Cheese to make....
** Matrix Solutions is a leading provider of business networking services, on-site service and support, network monitoring, computer repair, and basic technology consulting to businesses in Central Mississippi. We cover Jackson, Madison, Ridgeland, Richland, Brandon, Canton, Clinton and surrounding cities. Visit our website at matrixsolutions.com**
August 2010 - Portable Hard Drives vs External Hard Drives
In the Sunday paper advertisements from Best Buy, Office Depot, etc., there are tons of listings for 'Portable Hard Drives' and 'External Hard Drives.' So, What's the difference?
External Hard Drives are standalone boxes that contain a regular PC hard drive and a small circuit board. They require 2 connections: a power connection and a USB data connection. Because they use regular hard drives, they are available in very large capacities ( I've seen 2TB models...) While they are small enought to transport, they are not generally considered 'portable' because they require an external power source, which can be clumsy when sitting in an airport or Cups. These models are generally used to back up data from a pc or laptop and often stay plugged in at it's 'home' location.
Portable hard drives, on the other hand, usually contain laptop hard drives, which are physically smaller and require less power than their desktop counterparts. Most portable drives get their power from the USB connection, so an external power connection is not required. The drawbacks are that the drives are usually smaller in capacity and perform a bit slower than externald hard drives. The good news is that they are small, easy to carry, and can easily be plugged into a travelling laptop or netbook when needed.
So, how do we use ours? We used External Hard Drives for server backups and as temporary storage around our lab. Our technicians carry Portable Hard Drives with us to deploy our tech tools and to make quick backups when on the road.
I hope this clears up some of the confusion about External vs. Portable hard drives.
** Matrix Solutions is a leading provider of business networking services, on-site service and support, network monitoring, computer repair, and basic technology consulting to businesses in Central Mississippi. We cover Jackson, Madison, Ridgeland, Richland, Brandon, Canton, Clinton and surrounding cities. Visit our website at matrixsolutions.com**
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