Saturday, February 28, 2009

What's That File?

What's That File?
An Introduction to File Extensions

In an effort to be "user-friendly," Windows (and perhaps some other operating systems) hides the most important part of a file name from new computer users: the extension. Okay - we're assuming that the reasoning behind hiding extensions is a "user-friendly" one because we just can't come up with any other reason for hiding them. No harm could ever come from seeing an extension, but plenty could be learned from it. Fortunately you have this article to guide you through some of the most common extensions that you'll run into.

But before you can see file extensions, you need to turn them on. From Windows Explorer, click on the "Tools" menu, and select "File Options." Click the "View" tab and then uncheck the box next to "Hide file extensions for known file types." Click "OK" and you'll notice that the files in Windows Explorer show a dot and group of three letters after their names. That dot and group of three letters is known as an "extension," and the extension explains what kind of file it is.

A file could be a plain text file, an image, a sound, a video, or program. But without seeing the extension, you wouldn't know it unless you double-clicked on it. The following list defines some of the most common extensions that you'll find on your computer.

.au - This extension indicates a sound file. Most sound players will load up and play this kind of file.

.art - This extension indicates an image file that was compressed with AOL (America Online) technology. Both Internet Explorer and the AOL service software can display this kind of file, however if you don't have AOL installed on your system, Internet Explorer will display it.

.avi - This extension indicates a video file playable by most multimedia viewers including Microsoft's Media Player.

.bmp - This extension indicates another image file that might have originated from Windows Paint program.

.dll - This extension indicates a Dynamic Link Library which may contain additional programming code for software. Many different programs often share Dynamic Link Libraries and you'll find a bunch of them in the Windows/System directory (but don't ever delete them)!

.exe - This extension indicates a program or an application like Microsoft Word, Internet Explorer, or Outlook Express. Use extreme caution when downloading .exe files from the Internet since malicious programmers like to hide viruses in these types of files.

.gif - This extension indicates another image file and it stands for "Graphics Interchange Format." .Gif files are often smaller than .bmp files (described earlier) and they're commonly found on Internet web pages.

.jpg - This extension indicates yet another image file and it stands for "Joint Photographers Experts Group." Like the .gif file, it's commonly found on Internet web pages, however it's much smaller than both the .gif image and the .bmp image.

.mid - This extension indicates a sound file created with a Musical Instrument Digital Interface. Windows Media Player will open and run these files, however they don't sound like normal .wav or .mp3 files (described later). .Mid files are designed to product synthetic sounds using a computer's sound card.

.mp3 - This extension indicates a sound file that authentically reproduces voice and/or music. Windows Media Player will open and run this kind of file.

.scr - This extension indicates a screen saver file.

.sit - This extension indicates a Macintosh archive StuffIt file. They will not open on a Windows system without a special utility.

.ttf - This extension indicates a font especially designed for use on a Windows system. It stands for "True Type Font."

.txt - This extension indicates a plain text file that can be opened with Notepad.

.wav - This extension indicates a sound file that like the .mp3 file, can be opened with Windows Media Player or Windows Sound Recorder. .Wav files are much larger than .mp3 files.

.zip - This extension indicates a Windows archive WinZip file. They will not open on a Macintosh system without a special utility.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Sharpening Your Skills Through Online Computer Training

Information Technology (IT) professionals require training to stay proficient in their occupational field. More often than not, not only training is required, but constant refreshing with up-to-date materials is essential. With the ever-expanding world of computers this can not be over-stated or over-emphasized. Just as other professionals in other fields run into a dilemma with time constraints, so do IT professionals.

More and more there IT pro's look online for their computer training; whether it be for an upgraded skill or a new one. The manner of obtaining this new or upgraded skill online is a relatively simple process. A Google search for online computer training in the desired field will return numerous results. Computer training institutions have long recognized the need for online training. At first online computer training was a niche market filled by few institutions, but as the demand grew so did the number of these service providers.

Before registering for an online computer training course, due diligence on the part of the prospective student should be accomplished. A quick check of the credentials of one of these institutions is relatively easy. A Google search for accredited online computer training schools will provide a good and viable starting point. While this may seem to be a common sense move, there are those who have failed to diligently research this area. These persons have been duped, or even completely scammed out of their education dollars by less than reputable 'learning' institutions. Fortunately, nowadays there are checks and balances in place for reducing the possibilities of fraud. In some cases, financial institutions and government lenders require proof of accreditation before releasing funds to any learning institution. Even more firm requirements are placed on online 'learning' institution

Some of these online computer training schools purport to teach in two weeks what normally requires a month to accomplish. They promise twenty-four hour support through 800 numbers an email. In this manner they provide computer training mentorship with a trained IT professional. As in many other endeavors, the worth of this has a direct correlation to what you put into it.

Whether you are looking to for a new certification or to upgrade, it is a relatively simple task to accomplish through online computer training. These online courses are often structured to provide the student the opportunity for self-paced instruction. The self-paced portion of instruction has more than helped in the growth in popularity of such online computer training pursuits. Generally, through self-paced instruction require a minimal time for completion as opposed to a maximum. What this means is that to obtain 14 hours training in a requisite skill, the student is prevented from completing it in anything less than 14 hours, thereby maintaining the integrity of the certification. Another aspect of this type of training is in progress tracking. The student's progress is saved along with other pertinent data. In that manner, the student may stop at any given point and pick-up where they left off from later on.

All tolled, whether sharpening a skill or obtaining a new skill through online computer training is a viable and relatively simple process.

Friday, February 20, 2009

A Few Common Computer Errors

Computer errors can pop up when least expected, they can cause the entire system to suddenly shut down, and they can inadvertently corrupt data to the point where it can't be deciphered. Although they can't always be avoided, it's important to remember that computer errors can be corrected. The key is to understand what computer errors are, understand what they mean when they show up, and understand how to minimize their occurrence in the first place.

Basically, computer errors are the result of a number of things that may or may not have anything to do with the way the computer is used. They "operate" whenever there's a conflict among commands. Remember that computers essentially run off of a series of commands and it's usually a smooth process. But when one command conflicts with another command - or when one command asks for a process or information that isn't available, the computer returns results that aren't useable. That's an error.

A prime example of this kind of error is when users attempt to use software that isn't applicable for their system. Almost all software accompanies a list of system requirements which dictates what a computer needs to have in order for the software to work properly. To minimize errors of this sort, always verify that your computer has the required components. A project management program that you're interested in may require a specific operating system, like Windows XP for example. And although this program may install just fine on a Windows 98 machine, it will generate a multitude of errors once its started.

Insufficient memory will cause errors as well. That's why software programs include minimum memory requirements. A program that needs 14MB of memory will generate errors on a computer that only has 4MB of memory if it runs at all. The same goes for disk space, monitor color depth and resolution. In these situations, problems occur the moment that a piece of software attempts to access the things (hardware, memory, space, resolution, etc.) that it cannot find.

Because some programs share common files, errors can also occur when these shared files are not up to date. For instance, let's say that Program A is already installed on a computer and it's working just fine. Then let's say that the user of that computer downloads and installs Program B. Program B uses a file that Program A installed much earlier, but when Program B is run, errors popup. Those errors are the result of Program B attempting to use an outdated (shared) file that was installed by Program A. In order to fix that problem, the user would have to download an updated version of the shared file (which to say the least - is not an easy thing to find or do).

Sometimes, errors occur because a system doesn't have the required drivers or the drivers that are on the system are the incorrect version. Both errors in these cases can be resolved by updating the computer on a regular basis. Microsoft provides a section on its website that can automatically update a computer online and it does this at no cost in an effort to reduce errors like this. Always try to keep your computer updated so that should a program share a file, it will share a file that has been updated on hundreds of thousands of computers, like yours.

This article doesn't even begin to cover the entire gamut of computer errors - but additional information regarding how to get help with a computer issue (including computer errors) can be found in our article titled, "Computer Help" no matter what the problem is.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Computer Training Resources - A Brief Overview

Advances in computer technology has created an increased need for Information Technology (IT) specialists: persons trained to handle all problems computer related. As technology advances, the overwhelming need for more advanced computer training has progressed at an equally fast pace. It would seem that on a daily basis, a new advancement has been made.

Whether you are just beginning your IT career or simply desiring to upgrade your computer training, there are many options available. A Google search for computer training will return several options. This is a brief overview of a few typical and atypical computer training resources.

Information Technology (IT) Boot Camp. In recent years IT Boot Camps have become increasingly popular. The appeal of this training style is the hands-on environment, and the relatively short amount of time required to complete: ranging from one day to one month in length. These IT Boot Camps concentrate on one particular computer discipline and don't deviate, thereby emphasizing the one topic without disrupting the students thought process. Selecting the appropriate IT Boot Camp is dependent upon which computer discipline you desire. These computer training courses are intense, and chock full of opportunities for personal enrichment. The classes are taught and overseen by trained IT professionals whose sole purpose is to instruct and assist the student in achieving their goals. Most even go so far as to guarantee certification at the end. If traveling to a site for an IT Boot Camp is not practical, there are yet still more options available.

If time constraints are a factor in deciding which way to go, online may be the appropriate answer. There are numerous web sites and institutions dedicated to helping you meet your goal, at your pace. The typical online training site offers instructor student interaction through email or live chat. The student typically logs in to a secure server with a userID and password. Progress, and test results as well as other student records are maintained on their secure server. This method allows the student to complete a given computer training course to save their work and complete the course at their own pace. In addition, accredited online programs are eligible for government grants. For military members, certain programs of study are eligible for reimbursement through the Montgomery GI Bill.

Formal school training is available for those interested in obtaining a degree; be it an Associates, Bachelors, or Masters Degree. Many colleges offer computer training or IT degrees. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) stands out as one of the preeminent schools dedicated to IT. Of course not everyone will be accepted for enrollment at MIT. Another popular avenue of approach has been ITT Tech. Similar to other schools for computer training, ITT Tech offers job placement assistance upon successful graduation.

If you are recently graduated from high school and your options are limited for whatever reasons, there is at least one more option available. This option would be to obtain your desired computer training courtesy of the US Armed Forces. The military boasts computer training that is in many ways superior and no less than equivalent to top colleges and universities. Through service in the military, numerous opportunities for computer training abound. Experience and training in exchange for service to your country.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

The World of Computer Software For Web Design

Designing an attractive website is important for any business. For some it can be fun to do. However, a website can only be as effective as it is with its design. There are many different pieces of computer software for web design that can be used for creating an effective website. These programs help to make it easier for a business to create a website that is easy to navigate and use.

CoffeeCup is one of the top programs of computer software for web design. This program is especially recommended for those with no experience in web design. The software that is created by CoffeeCup works to help people to make websites with ease. The HTML Editor and Flash Form Builder are two of the most popular programs that are sold by the company. The HTML Editor helps to use a simple cut and paste process for handling text and images that are going to be placed onto the website. This includes making it easy to get links on websites to work properly. Full information on products offered by CoffeeCup can be found at coffeecup.com.

The Web Studio system of computer software for web design has been used over the years by many professional sites and it is still evolving. The fourth versions of the program works to not only create information that can be pasted easily onto a website but it also helps to various additional features that a website will need. This includes creating Flash programs, creating shopping carts for use on online stores and page preview options. Information on this product can be found at webstudio.com, which also has these programs available for sale.

For professional website developers more complex computer software for web design is needed. Adobe Dreamweaver is a great program to use. Currently in its eighth edition, this program works to create more advanced parts of a website. This includes drop down menus for easy access, adding multimedia programs and using multimedia integration on websites. Online commerce services like shopping carts and order forms can be handled too. Adobe’s website, adobe.com, has information on all of the features that are included in this program.

There is some free computer software for web design programs to look for too. Nvu 1.0 is one of the top programs. This cross-platform open source program can be used for website development. This program has an HTML validator tool that can be used to check the validity of the HTML that is on the web page being developed. It also works with World Wide Web Consortium standards that are used on XML, CSS and HTML programming languages. This program can be downloaded at nvu.com.

For those who use Apple computers iWeb can be used. This is a part of the iLife ’08 suite that was recently released. This works to help users with Apple computers to create websites with ease. This includes website support for most media file formats blog creation services. Full details on this program can be used at apple.com/ilife/iweb.

These are all different programs to use in computer software for web design. These programs can be used for personal pages or larger professional sites. There are also programs that can be used for multiple operating systems or for specific systems only.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Computer Consultant Training

There are a variety of things you can learn about computers. Some people go to school just to learn how to give other people advice about their computers. This person would be considered a computer consultant. Computer consultant training is becoming as popular as some of the other types of computer training that is out there. The primary reason for this is that computer consultants are in demand, helping people decide on what type of system and / or software is needed for their personal or business use.

Becoming a computer consultant is not exactly easy, as this is a field that is under constant change. Computer consultant training is something that a consultant should undergo at least once a year. While there is no 'official' industry standardized test or certification, there are several certifications that come to mind based on a manufacturers recommendations. For example, if you are primarily concerned with working with Microsoft software products and machines that are compatible with them, you might consider becoming a MCSE, or Miscrosoft Certified Systems Engineer. On the other hand, if you are a Dell man (or woman), then you would be more interested in getting Dell certified as a DCSE, or Dell Certified Systems Engineer. Basically both of these titles mean that you know how to tear down a system and put it back together again. Ideally, you would have some overall knowledge and idea of what type of functionality a system would be capable of, or what it can be used for.

Computer consultant training can be accomplished in a variety of ways. If you are looking for an actual certification program such as one of those mentioned in the preceding paragraph, you can go online and do a search. Simply go to one of the major search engines, such as Google, and do a search for 'computer consultant training' or the actual name of one of the certifications you are seeking. There are a couple of things you should know about certifications with big names, however. Most of these certifications are done in a strict testing environment at a local facility. However, the payment for the tests is usually done online. Shop around. Don't buy the voucher, or payment coupon, from the actual site itself. A lot of times if you take the time to shop around you will be able to find computer consultant training at a discounted rate, through a third-party vendor.

Computer consultant training can also be accomplished by the tried and true method of internship, or learning from someone else. If you are serious about becoming a computer consultant, but are short on cash and don't really feel like going through an official training program, consider taking a job in a local computer shop. You will be pleasantly surprised how much you can learn in a short period of time working in a shop where you have a computer consulting training mentor. Computer consulting can be a very lucrative field to get into, but you have to know your stuff. Taking a class or mentoring under someone are the best methods available to go from novice newbie to avid computer consultant in the shortest period of time.

4 Necessary Steps You Should Take When You are Online

When you connect to the internet you can harm your PC. That is a fact. The reason antivirus software and other similar products where created is to protect your PC.

It is not your fault that you got viruses, however you should take the precaution methods to stop this from happening again.

Keep PC Clean: It is important that your PC stays clean if you use the internet. Clean from the 'bad, harmful objects' that are also known as spy ware, adware or viruses.

There are many different types of harmful objects but luckily there exist also cure to keep your PC protected.

A must use Software: The two most important software you must have are an antivirus and an anti adware. There is no need to purchase 30 different kinds of anti spy ware software...

However you must choose two software which will protect your PC. These will work in the background automatically. Some anti adware products also heal spy ware not just adware.

Schedule Maintenance: The software will block spy ware and adware. However you should also use the software when you are offline. You should scan your
PC using both software at least once every three weeks. That will clean any harmful objects. These objects can make a lot of harm to your PC.

Safety Measurements: We already mentioned that you need two software to keep ongoing protection on your PC.

If you download software/movies/images/videos or any other thing from the internet it is recommended that you scan those items. Before opening them right click on them and use your antivirus to scan them.

Go to Control Panel to turn on Firewall. Firewall is also an ongoing protection which is very important.

Once you have your software installed these protect your PC and you get back the freedom you deserve. Remember that prevention is better than cure.