Many people experience it, but do nothing about it.  Computer aches and pains.  You need to work at your computer all day long at work.  Most likely, you’ve felt some type of ache or strain in your back, neck, or hands when typing or sitting at your desk.  What can you do - it is part of the normal day-to-day operations at work, right?  Wrong!

Joe Silverman, CEO of New York Computer Help, recently spotlighted in the New York Post, works long hours to ensure customers are satisfied.  He started feeling aches and pains while typing on his computer.  Joe resolved these nuisances by taking breaks, stretching, and setting up his workplace setup in an ergonomically efficient manner.  Also, he goes to the Dorit Baxter Day Spa to get a tech neck massage which alleviates his muscle tightness and aches. 

If you want to be on the right track to pain-free computer typing, make sure you do the following:

-Take 5-minutes breaks every 1.5 - 2 hours.  While you’re on computer break, stretch and close your eyes to re-energize.

-Ensure your arms are not stretched while typing on your keyboard or desk items

-Sit up and don’t slouch.

-Make sure the light is not directly in your eyes to prevent glare and light sensitivity

-Pamper yourself!  Get a tech neck massage or another treatment dedicated to computer-itis.

Did you see Al Gore take over the Oscar’s last night with his “Go Green” appeal to the masses?  If you missed it, here’s a recap: Al Gore elbowed up with Leo DiCaprio among others to tout being proactive in making our world more environmental-friendly.  We are always for a good cause especially for protecting our ozone layer and earth.  Al Gore, on the other hand, well, he’s another issue altogether that we won’t get into here.

To continue with this “green peace” piece, the computer industry is going green also with the first green computer.  It sounds like it is for a good cause, but we’re not buying into it.  This green computer, created by PC World for its parent company DSG International, is devised from recyclable parts.  This includes the hard drive, memory, and cables.  That is the only reason it is called “green.”  I don’t know about you, but I’d like my computer to be built from new parts, not used ones.  Yes, recyling means just using the raw materials again so that it is practically new when created with other parts.  But, with the decreased shelf life of a computer, I want to get all the advantage possible with new parts and no chance of failure with re-used parts. 

The only part that cannot be made from recyclable parts is the CPU, or the central processing unit.  There will be trees built nearby to offset the carbon emissions resulting from the manufacturing of the CPU.

The positive is that the computers can be configured to be the most-energy efficient systems while using them.  But, the same can be said for non-green computers.  Needless to say, this green computer does not look like the way to go for a durable computer.  Time can prove differently, but the rate at which computers live nowadays requires all the energy boost possible.

Have you been looking for the perfect small laptop that is truly mobile?  Are you sick of going back and forth between your desktop and Palm or Blackberry?  Now, there is the perfect solution for your synchronization crazyness:  the ultramobile PC.

There are three tiny PCs that have been released that are worth mentioning:

1.  OQO Model 02:  Weighs under 1lb and can truly fit in your pocket.  It features EVDO mobile broadband which means you can be on the Internet from anywhere.  It also has the standard Wi-Fi for home or office networks and an easy-to-type keyboard.  At $1,850, this ultramobile PC leads the pack with its easy of use and durability.

2.  Sony Vaio VGN-UX390N: As always with Sony, you will find many cool gadgets on this need breed, including: 2 built-in cameras, fingerprint reader, 32GB memory drive (SSD technology that is faster and more durable than a regular hard drive), Edge cellular technology (Internet from anywhere), Wi-Fi, and the sharpest and brightest screen of the three.  The Sony tops the market at $2,500 and is worth it for its features if you can manage reading small text.

3.  Samsung Q1P SSD:  Samsung changes things up by providing an on-screen keyboard instead of the typical mini keyboard on the others.  You may also use handwriting recognition which works pretty well.  An option is to plug in a USB keyboard if you want to flex your typing skills.  It also has a 32GB memory card.  Only Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are available (no internal wireless for anywhere Internet access).  It lists at $2,000 and although bulkier than the rest does provide an easy USB keyboard for typing.

Google apps!  What is that?  It is basically Word and Excel, but called Google Docs and Spreadsheets.  Also, it includes a shareable calendar.  The benefits are that these applications can be integrated or used along with Gmail, the e-mail software, Gtalk, the instant messaging and chat software, and Mobile software.

There is a mixed review on its online functionality.  You need an Internet connection in order to run all of these programs.  This is great if you use different computers, such as home, work, and on the road.  So, you can access files via the Google online storage and not have to worry about where you store your files.  The bad aspect is if you still are on the old dial-up or your Internet connection is not stable.

There is a standard edition which is free and the premier edition which has just been released.  The big difference is that the premier edition allows more sharing and collaboration as well as a 10GB (versus at 2GB) e-mail storage capacity.  The premier edition is $50/year and can be trialed until the end of April. 

We think it is worth a shot and especially since the standard version is absolutely free.  Overall, it is a great way to draft documents and spreadsheets.  The cool factor comes along when you can use the mobile feature on your Blackberry or Treo to access files online.

A spam blocker is key to have nowadays, especially with the influx of bulk e-mails and e-mail advertisements.  A spam blocker will detect spam, or unwanted e-mails, and then send them to a junk/spam folder within your e-mail inbox, or delete them permanently if opted.  It is easy to delete unwanted e-mails, but it takes up time and attention.  It is also easy to just pick up any spam blocker software, but you need to know what to look for a in a good spam blocker.  Here are a few things you want to look for in a spam blocker:

1.  Do not lose important e-mails - Many spam filters will filter so many e-mails that the software will also filter your personal or work e-mails.  You might be looking for a reply from your cousin, job interview, or proposal and never receive it because it was incorrectly filtered as spam.  I, for one, have not purchased spam blocker software for a long time due to the potential of not receiving the e-mails I want.  Then, it makes you look bad for not responding.  Currently, the better spam blockers are smart enough to detect good e-mails, but not every blocker is perfect.  It is good to check out the filtered e-mails once in a while to ensure there are no false positives.

2.  Stay away from suites - Software that provides anti-virus, anti-spam, anti-spyware, anti-instrusion, anti-hacker, and anti-anything else usually has so much functionality that it slows down your computer.  Unless you have a new, high-RAM computer, stay away from these suite products, such as Norton SystemWorks or McAfee Security.  They have great features; however, they usually have so many features that are constantly working in the background that actually slow down the overall performance of your computer.  Purchase stand alone products, such as anti-virus, anti-spam, and anti-spyware.  You may also purchase a firewall unless it is already provided by your operating sytem.

3.  The airplane security dilemma - When flying now, there is more security at the airports which lends way to a more secure, relaxed trip.  With more security comes more waiting time to allow for the metal detector and random checks.  This is analagous to the more extreme spam blockers that request all recipients to go to a web page to request permission to send e-mails to you.  This is probably the best way to weed out mass advertisement e-mails, but probably the worst way to make friends by having them ask permission to e-mail you.  Well, it all depends how far you want to go with your spam blocker.

All of the spam blockers out there, including Trend Micro, Norton, and SpamCop, tout the features just mentioned.  Just make sure you do your due diligence in finding the perfect spam blocker for you.

You’ve been waiting for it for decades.  You said this would be the best invention ever.  Well, guess what?  It’s here!  The first watch that doubles as a cell phone!  A company called SMS Technology, Australian-based, has launched the M300 watch that will fulfill all of your tech fantasies.  You are probably thinking “I would look like such a geek talking into my watch!”  Ok, maybe you will, but it might be worth it once you hear about its specs.

-compatible with any GSM network

-USB connection that connects to your computer

-built-in MP3 player

-speaker phone & 1-inch color screen

-Bluetooth-ready and supports ringtones & screensavers

Get ready to pick this one up in March for $649.99. 

Identity theft is on the rise with the increasing number of computers bought every year.  Theives attempt identity theft through a number of ways, including: e-mail scams, spyware, pop-ups, and webcams.  At the worst, the theif can steal your credit card information or bank online details and run up a nice tab.

Here’s how to defend yourself against identity theft:

-Password protection: Set up a password to log into your computer.  This is an easy way to prevent a lot of hardship to your computer.  Try to use a unique password and change it periodically.

-Anti-virus software:  It’s talked about often, but sometimes is not done.  Make sure you install and have your anti-virus software running to block any viruses or worms that attempt to access your information.

-Update operating system:  Whether you are a PC or Mac user, make sure to install any operating system updates that you are prompted for.  These usually tighten up overall security for your system.

-Firewall setup:  Setting up a firewall is a good way to prevent any backdoor viruses.  It filters out malicious attempts to take a ride through your computer.

-Avoid free music downloads:  Free music downloads are prevalent nowadays although it is still illegal in the music industry.  In order to access free downloads, you usually are forced to share your folder of music to the public which presents a security hole that others can attack.  Try to avoid this!

-Password protect your wireless network:  Wireless routers may be set up without passwords, but why invite strangers into your house?  Put a password on your wireless network to ensure others are not slowing down your connection by jumping on it or possibly looking to read your info and personal records.

Overall, just play it smart and think over what personal info you might have on your computer that could be catastophic if someone else had.  Then, follow the above steps to protect your identity and your peace of mind.

Eye strain, red eyes, blurry eyes, dry eyes, light sensitivity and headaches.  These are the symptoms of working in front of the computer every day.  Whether you have a paper to write; deadline to meet or just surfing the Internet, the computer screen can take a toll on your eyes. 

We all get these eye strain symptoms, but some get it worse than others.  Some doctors have even begun proclaiming a name to this computer eye strain as “Computer Vision Syndrome.”

How do we stop Computer Vision Syndrome?

1.  See your opthamalogist and ask for special prescription computer glasses to focus better on the computer screen.

2.  Okay, if you don’t want to look like a geek with glasses at your computer, lower your computer monitor so the top of the monitor is level with your eyes.  This way, it is easier for your eyes to work looking down and will eliminate dry eyes.

3.  Adjust the contrast of your monitor so the brightness matches the brightness of the room.

4.  Push the monitor away 26 inches away from you.

5.  Make sure the windows is not in front or back of you to prevent light glare.

6.  Turn the office lighting down or dim the lights someway in order to center the focus of your eyes on your screen.

7.  Take short 5 minute breaks to rest your eyes. 

MySpace is popular and getting larger by the moment.  One reason it is popular because it is a way for MySpace users to express themselves and meet others.  It is a great way to network and form social groups.  But, are there any controls to ensure children are safe from meeting the wrong kind of strangers?  Not yet.  But, MySpace is planning to offer a new kind of software, called Zephyr, which will detect the name, age, and location children use to represent themselves.

Zephyr, the future protection for MySpace children, will not allow parents to read messages or view profile pages.  It will just allow for specific information to be tracked such as the children’s age.  This really is not too much of a scare tactic or defense mechanism against those preying on children over the Internet.

The reason for launching Zephyr is to soothe several state attorney generals’ criticisms of MySpace not increasing the age limit to 14 - 16.  So, MySpace is avoiding such action by have this software allow parents to view want their kids are relaying to the public of MySpace.

Obviously, kids can lie about their age, but hopefully there is a deterrent effect by knowing Zephyr can show their parents they are not telling the truth.  Hopefully, Zephyr will have more controls in the future that will actually provide more info to parents, such as what info is being sent by others.  For now, this software is simply acting as a protocol to avoid being sued by putting the responsibiity on parents.

Is emailing back and forth on your Blackberry with your colleagues and friends not real-time enough for you?  How about instant messaging or IM’ing on your Blackberry?  That’s right.  You can type messages back and forth with someone by using Google Talk, aka G-Talk.

I’m a big G-Talk fan myself on the computer and I think having G-Talk on a Blackberry is great.  Why?  Many times, when you e-mail from a handheld device, there is a delay from when your recipient receives your e-mail.  With G-Talk, you can have a chat with someone in real-time so when you type “Hello” and hit return, they see your message instantaneously.

Can your blackberry use G-Talk?  Yes, if your device meets the below requirements:

-Blackberry 7100, 7200, 7500, 7700, and 8700 series

-Operating system for blackberry has to be version 4.0 or higher

-at least 200KB of free memory

If you meet the G-talk requirements, then what are you waiting for?!  Get a Gmail user ID if you don’t already have one and download G-talk for your blackberry.  You may download and install the software either through your Blackberry Internet browser or by connecting your Blackberry to your computer and using your computer’s Internet.