Internet | iComputer

Internet TV

Cable TV and satellite TV services continue to become more expensive. This has millions of consumers turning to the Internet for free TV. There are numerous sites that offer free TV. Movie sites are also becoming more popular especially since you can purchase a device that will allow you to stream movies on your television set.

Most new computer models and televisions can now be connected. This is the best way to watch TV. It can be uncomfortable sitting in front of your computer to watch your favorite television program. Most people enjoy relaxing on the couch while watching television on their big screed TV.

The down side is that you cannot watch your program until after it has aired on the network. If you have a slow Internet connection, then you will probably not enjoy the experience as much. As consumer demand increases for Internet TV options, companies will come up with innovative technologies to make the experience better.

There are hundreds of web sites that promise hundreds of channels for free. These sites usually require you to buy a software program. Many of these programs charge a one-time fee of up to $50. You should do thorough research before choosing one of these programs. Search for online reviews before choosing. The benefit of the Internet is it gives people a place to make their complaints public, especially when they feel they have been ripped off.

Internet TV is really in its infancy. As with all technology, it will surely improve in the very near future. Consumer demand is very high for more affordable television. The economy is tough and many people have to cancel their cable or satellite television service due to the high prices. As always, consumer demands will be met and we may see vast improvements for Internet TV.

Filed Under: Internet, Software Tagged With: Cable television, Consumer, Consumerism, Internet television, Satellite television, Website

Is Free Anti-Virus Software Effective?

These days everyone is looking for anything that may be free. The Internet is a fantastic resource to find free software for your computer. Millions of people have chosen free Anti-Virus software to protect their computers. The traditional companies that offer anti-virus programs continue to increase prices making them less affordable for many consumers.

While some protection is better than no protection at all, one has to wonder if the free anti-virus programs are effective. In addition, if the free software is not frequently updated, your computer may be at risk. You also have to wonder why someone would offer free software. In many cases, the free software may include spyware. This can track your Internet use and collect information.

While many traditional anti-virus software providers have become more expensive, it can be even more costly if your computer is attacked. In addition, you could lose everything you have saved on your computer. So, you have to evaluate the risk to decide if free anti-virus software is something you want to consider.

If you choose to use free anti-virus software, you want to make sure you find reputable software. You should do extensive research and also read online reviews of the free software. You will also need to consider that if you have a problem with the software, technical support is not provided. If something goes wrong with your computer when installing the free software, you do not have anyone to call to help you. Many free software providers may have an online forum. You would have to post your question and hope someone answers it.

While you may save money by choosing free anti-virus software, it may cost you more money in the long term. In addition, when you download free software, you really have no idea what is contained in the program.

Filed Under: Internet Tagged With: antivirus

Stop Hunting and Pecking

Very few people take a typing class. For many it is just too boring. Since the development of personal computers, typing is a skill that is a necessity. Many people struggle with the computer keyboard and it can take forever to write one email. Most people would love to stop hunting and pecking but do not have the time or patience to take a typing class. There are a number of software programs that teach typing, but those are often as boring as a traditional typing class.

You can finally stop hunting and pecking. There is a new fun way to improve your typing skills. You can improve your typing skills by playing typing games on the Internet. Web sites are popping up with games and practice sets. Most of them are free; however, there are quite a few that charge a fee. With so many new sites available, choose the free sites. Why spend money when you do not have to?

The beauty of these typing game sites is that you can improve your typing speed while having fun playing games. It is also competitive since the highest scores are posted. The typing game sites are set up like most of the traditional gaming sites. You have a username and can compete with others. This competitive atmosphere provides a great deal of motivation to improve your typing.

Many people have stopped hunting and pecking. Surprisingly, people are able to increase their typing speeds as high as 80 wpm by simply playing games. Playing typing games avoids the boredom of traditional typing classes or software programs. In fact, many of the software programs are including games to make it more entertaining.

There are numerous free typing game sites available. You can register for one or as many as you like.

Filed Under: Internet, Microsoft Tagged With: Keyboard, Typing, Words per minute

Using Public Computer to Save Money

Dial-up internet access is the cheapest method of connecting to the Internet. However, it is slow. Many people have ditched their landlines to save money and now only use a cell phone. Most people prefer high-speed access but it comes with a price. In order to reduce monthly expenses, many people are discontinuing service with their Internet provider.

Broadband access has become expensive and many people cannot afford to pay the high price. The good news is that most public libraries offer free use of computers and Internet access. Using public computers is becoming increasingly popular as people are becoming more frugal.

The down side to using public computers is that you no longer have the convenience of logging onto the computer at any time you want. However, for many people, public computers are their only option.

If you use public computers, you need to be careful with your private information such as your social security number and credit card information. Criminals have learned to use public information to gain personal data on potential victims. Most public libraries use high-end security software to protect its users from unscrupulous people. To keep your information safe from prying eyes, it is best to avoid using public computers for things that may involve your personal information.

Since using public computers have become more popular, many libraries have a time limit policy. Most limit the use of the computers to 30 minutes to an hour. However, if the library is not particularly busy, the system will allow you to use the computer much longer.

Using public computers is not as convenient as having a computer at home. However, public computers are a great service for those that just cannot afford to have Internet access at home. It may be inconvenient at times, but it is free.

Filed Under: Internet Tagged With: Public computer

Free Online Excel Tutorial for Beginners

Learning Excel can be a challenge. However, many businesses use Excel. In addition, many college science programs use Excel as well. Knowing how to use Excel will help you in college and in the working world. There are many Excel courses available at local community colleges. If you are too busy to take a traditional class, you may want to use this free online Excel tutorial at excel tutorial.info.

There are 23 lessons in the Excel Basics tutorial. The tutorial is a series of video tutorials that are actually well done. The video lengths vary but most are ten minutes or under. The videos load quickly and are very easy to follow.

For those that need to learn Excel, this is a wonderful free resource. You do not have to register or provide any information. You just click on the Basic Excel tutorial and you have free access to all 23 lessons. The site does not ask you for any information. The video includes information to download a free workbook that you can use with the tutorial.

The lessons covered are as follows:

What is Excel?
Excel Basics
Keyboard Shortcuts
Formulas with Cell References
Formulas and Functions
Formulas Operators and Math
Names Cell Ranges and Functions
Range Functions
Cell References Relative & Absolute
Mixed Cell References in Formulas
Formulas: Copy Vs. Cut
Spreadsheet Setup & Cell References
Stylistic & Number Formatting
Percentage Number Format
ROUND function & Number Formatting
Date & Time Format & Calculations
Chart Basics
Page Setup
Data Analysis Sort
Data Analysis Subtotals
Data Analysis Pivot Tables PivotTables
Data Analysis Filter &Dynamic Ranges
IF function formula made easy!
VLOOKUP function formula

This is actually an extensive course for a free online tutorial. This is enough information to get anyone started in Excel.

Filed Under: Internet Tagged With: Online Excel

Compatibility Found: Excel

It has been a sacrifice of quality, a barter of software — systems have never complemented each other, have never offered relief. All programs have instead been disparate, demanding that you choose one and avoid all others. Companies have forever battled, trying to siphon away all profits, all interests. And you’ve been without convenience for decades. There was no compatibility. There was no ease. You were forced instead to choose a platform that never fully satisfied you, unable to offer all of the applications you craved (they were limited by their manufacturers, unable to be properly supported). A computer wasn’t complete. It was merely… ordinary.

Now, however, you’re seeking something more — and Excel allows you to have it.

Established first for the Macintosh system in 1985, Excel was a spreadsheet software that offered unique calculations and then impressive memory capabilities (those have, naturally, been increased throughout the years). It was heralded as an innovation, with many wishing to indulge in its programs. But there was a concern for this: it was intended only for Mac platforms. Certain users would therefore be denied the opportunity to explore its prowess, it was believed.

Such a belief was incorrect.

A mere two years later the Excel 2.0 was launched — for Windows. Suddenly the two most popular systems of the world were able to be connected, sharing a program that enabled numbers to be fully understood. Individuals no longer had to refuse the spreadsheet ease. They could instead conquer it, no matter what system they favored. Success was achieved.

And it has continued.

As of 2010, Excel can still be applied to both Macintosh and Windows: marking it uncommon among programs. Few ideas have offered such malleability, with companies trying still to flood the market with separate software and codes. This application, however, can be offered to the major platforms — and that ensures support for all.

Compatibility has finally been found and it will always remain.

Filed Under: Excel, General, Internet, Software Tagged With: Excel, Microsoft, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Windows, Spreadsheet

Working with Numbers in Excel

: Image by computerjoe via Flickr

Excel is a great program, but it can also be confusing and hard to work with if you’re not used to it. Learning it can take some time, and it requires practice. Once you get the hang of it, though, it can do all kinds of great things and help you move forward with a family budget, a business plan or anything else. You can use Excel for lists of words, phrases, or sentences, but a lot of people use it for numbers because of the calculation features that it has. You can add, subtract and do all the basics, but you can also perform calculations that are more advanced.

If you’re not sure how to do this, Excel has formulas already set up for you. You can simply use those, and specific what group or collection of cells you want to be included in that formula. It’s a great way to keep tallies of things like how much money you may, what you’re spending, your bills and other things. For example, if you’re looking for apartments for rent in Seattle you can plug in the rent amount on your budget spreadsheet and see if it works for you. It’s a quick and easy way to see if you’re spending too much.

It’s also a great way to see what you’re spending overall, because even small purchases here and there can add up. By listing everything and letting Excel add it all up for you, you’ll be better able to see what you’re truly spending and where you can cut back. That could save you a great deal of money, and you won’t really feel like you’re losing out on that much. Most of the small purchases could probably be avoided or adjusted, and you’d have more cash to use for something else, just by using Excel to chart what you’re spending.

Filed Under: Excel, Internet, Tips Tagged With: Excel, Microsoft Excel, Seattle

The Protected View Advantage

It’s the shudder of a screen, the corruption of a code: your computer becomes a whirl of unwanted commands, a virus slipping into your system and stealing all data. It was a Trojan deception — hidden within spreadsheet information, the supposedly easy files. It was downloaded without knowledge, thought to be a simple graph. But there are no statistics for it to offer. There is just the destruction of your hard-drive.

And you can only watch, wondering how such a thing could happen, how you’re meant to combat it. You think the only choice is to avoid the Internet entirely, severing any contact with potential hackers.

No such desperation is needed, though. You merely must choose Excel.

The dangers of downloading any attached files can no longer be ignored. Each day is proof of their concerns, with systems being exposed to malware, entire networks ruined. Users must be aware of the possibilities and counter them as best as they can: by securing their computers with firewalls, scan alerts and Excel’s Protected View.

When a document is opened this program will shape it to pure text, removing all traces of code and embedded functions. Doing so this ensure that no viruses can be activated. The file is instead stripped of everything but its letters and will become harmless. Individuals can then view it without fearing for the safety of their systems.

It should be noted that, while Protected View allows documents to be seen, it does not allow them to edited. No changes can be made to these spreadsheets. They can only be observed. It is the user’s own sense of discretion that determines whether they are to be accepted or not. If they are deemed safe after reading, Excel will enable you to then place them within your computer to revise.

The threat of Trojan invasions and viruses is all too real. Precautions are therefore required to eliminate this — and Protected View can help.

Filed Under: Excel, Internet, Software, Tips Tagged With: Excel, Microsoft Excel, Security, Spreadsheet

On the Move: Excel

The world is your office. No cubicle is enough to contain you. No desk is enough to demand your time. You move instead throughout the day, exchanging information and bartering costs — the sidewalk is yours to use; the subway trains are shaped to industry; and even the crowded diner counters become corporate destinations. You work as you must and you do what you need. The location doesn’t sway you.

The heavy weight of a laptop, however, does. There are no inches to spare for a computer. There is no trust that others won’t spill coffee and crumbs — destroying your system and its many files. You fear always for the interference of your fellow man (none of whom seem to understand that they are invading on your efforts, your profits). A monitor simply isn’t practical.

But a phone is — and, with the aid of Excel, you can finally be connected without concern.

The Excel program is known to all, recognized as worthy; but new users may be unaware of just how infinite its possibilities truly are. As of 2010, this software can be used on Windows phones; enabling individuals to craft perfect spreadsheets and statistical examinations with a simple keypad.

And the process is an easy one. Excel is already available within the Office Hub applications of these phones and does not require complicated installations (or hefty fees). Users can simply access the Hub and activate the program, gaining instant benefits. All files can be read on a screen; all edits can be made with the touch of a button. It’s quick. It’s convenient. It shouldn’t be denied.

Excel is transforming the way individuals can perform their much needed tasks. Spanning beyond the limits of a computer it can now offer constant updates and fast connections — ensuring that all information is received when it is asked for. All numbers can be viewed, revised and saved.

Hard work just became a little easier.

Filed Under: Excel, General, Internet Tagged With: Excel, Microsoft, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Spreadsheet, Visual Basic for Applications