Beat the Heat – Cable Management
Previously we talked about the dangers of heat in a computer system. The dust buildup is what causes much of the heat disbursement issues, but another aspect to keep in mind is proper cable management.
Some systems are constructed and designed better than others. The internal components of a computer system (be it desktop or laptop) generate lots of heat while they operate, and to combat the heat issue, engineers develop ways to increase air flow. Through the use of fans and other heat dispersal systems, such as heat-sinks (metal components used to draw heat away from main internal components), air is moved around the system, helping keep it cool.
Beat the Heat – Dust
One of the computer system's arch enemies is heat. While heat may only be an annoyance to most of us... or just an excuse to jump in a pool... heat in a computer can cause some serious issues. In part one of our new multi-part series on the effects of heat, we will cover dust and dust removal in computers.
The internal components of a computer system (be it desktop or laptop) generate lots of heat while they operate. To combat the heat issue, engineers develop ways to increase air flow through the use of fans and other heat dispersal systems, such as heat-sinks (metal components used to draw heat away from main internal components).
Take Control of your FaceBook Privacy
It is no secret that FaceBook has been in the spotlight for its lack of privacy. The Internet is buzzing with news articles about jumping ship and boycotting FaceBook all together. Who wouldn't want to close up their account, considering how much personally identifiable information is being exposed by default all over the internet. FaceBook even goes as far as sharing your information to 3rd party sites like Yelp and Pandora if you haven't opted out of the "Instant Personalization" feature.
Another problem with FaceBook privacy settings is the complex nature of the control system. With over 7 pages of settings to manually comb through, different features to opt out of, and the Armada of applications on FaceBook, it's a miracle it's as easy as it is! The good news is that, according to a Wired news article, FaceBook is working on simplifying privacy controls (http://bit.ly/bV1YFT)! However this attempt may be a little too late, considering the amount of bad publicity just this past week.
In the meantime, there is an excellent tool that will help you lock your account down, and fine tune the amount of information broadcasting from your FaceBook account. The fine folks at http://www.reclaimprivacy.org/ have released a snazzy tool that will remove all the guesswork about which settings may still need changing. Instructions on the use of the Reclaim Privacy tool can be found on their website, and a screen-cast walk-through for users with Internet Explorer 8 (created by yours truly) can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmxB3oMgqMM
-Steve for TTC
Using Dropbox for ITunes Syncing
I wrote a while back about the service DropBox. DropBox lets you easily and automatically synchronize files between computers, and to a secure account on the internet.
By placing any files in a special folder on your computer, the "My DropBox" folder, those files are accessible by other computers tied to the account, as well as online at www.dropbox.com.
One unconventional use is the possibility to use DropBox to synchronize one media library between multiple PCs using ITunes.
By setting each computer's ITunes preferences to store the music library within the 'My DropBox' folder, this one centralized location will make it so you don't have to worry about additions or subtractions between computers, as they would all be reading the same synchronized files. And since the files are actually stored on the machines, and a copy of all changes is pushed to the other machines, you don't have to worry about sorting out the changes on your own.
Depending on the amount of music you own, it may be possible to do this with a free account (between 2-8GB, depending on how many friends you have referred to the service) there are paid upgrade options for 50GB and 100GB.
If you find yourself looking for a very simple way to sync music over many PCs, DropBox may be the answer you are looking for. If you are still not convinced, check out the power of DropBox on your own... as it is free to sign up. Get DropBox: Here
-Steve R., for TTC
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