May 18, 2012

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Windows Alternative is Better Than Ever

People who have had it with computers crashing and having to reboot before completing simple tasks finally have a true alternative to Windows. The Microsoft operating system, which has been forced on most PC users, is being replaced by a growing number of people with Linux.

One of the best reasons to take the leap to Linux is that it is an open source software, which means that the codes are shared with software developers all over the world. This has helped refine the program to the point where it truly represents the latest technology in the industry. Linux is used by Google and is the operating system in the world’s ten most powerful super computers.

While Linux has been around for years, the most recent upgrades have come in running desktop systems. For years, Linux was thought of primarily as a way to control computer servers but has now branched out to include PC’s, tablets, mobile phones and satellite receivers. Developers gravitate to Linux because computers operating on it seldom crash, eliminating the need to reboot.

Another reason that Linux is a great alternative to Windows is that the system is less susceptible to computer viruses. Writing a program that could do harm to a PC is very difficult with Linux because the user will end up damaging their own system. Linux also is more safe because all of the primary distributors of Linux based software offer free security updates online to address any threats as soon as they are detected.

If you are afraid to switch because you fear you will not be able to link up with PC’s running Windows, that concern has been addressed. There are software programs like Samba which make the interface very simple and programs to do the same if your network includes computers running Apple or Novell.

Filed Under: Operating Systems, Software Tagged With: , ,

Using Widgets and Plug-Ins

Widgets and plug-ins are excellent items that can be used on websites, blogs and pages so that your site gets more exposure and draws more people to it. They can range and vary so much that it is hard to focus on just one but a good example is a pop up advertisement you may see on a site. Those are there with a widget. Let’s say you want to display your local weather on your site because you run a hotel or RV camp. The weather that is displayed on the site is done with a plug-in or widget. These are typically third party items that can be used by anyone with a little HTML know how and a website or blog.

One thing to consider in choosing a widget or plug-in is what you are trying to show to your readers or clients. You don’t want to overwhelm your readers with a ton of widgets showing random things but you do want to utilize them to your advantage. Think about what you are trying to share and use that to decide what type of widget to use. Another good example is if you had a clock store. You may want a widget on your site that displays the time in every country. If you have a movie website you might like to show your customers a plug-in that displays different movie trailers or even the times that the movie will be showing; automatically updating as the times change.

Regardless of what kind of site you own, you can benefit from having a widget or plug-in as long as it helps your customers stay on your site a little longer. A customer that stays longer has more opportunity to purchase your product or service and if they are enjoying themselves then they are more apt to return.

Filed Under: Applications, Software Tagged With: , ,

The Best Firefox Plug-ins

Screenshot from default mozilla plugin list.
Image via Wikipedia

Plug-ins are a necessary part of some programs. They let you do specific tasks on your computer, such as watching videos or viewing files saved in a certain format. There are a number of essential plug-ins that are offered for Firefox browser users who want to use the most essential functions.

Two of the most basic ones that you want to start with are Adobe Reader and Flash Player. Reader is essential for opening up various files that have been saved with a PDF format. Java is another basic plug-in that is essential, as it allows you to run any program on your computer that has been set up using Java.

When viewing videos, you can choose from two different plug-ins. A popular one is QuickTime, which is put out by Apple. This can handle not only video but also audio and various graphic files. Real Player and Windows Media Player from Microsoft both handle audio and streaming video. These are the main three that you can choose from for video and audio playing. It may be beneficial to download more than one so you can access files that are created in different formats.  And then there are also open source ones like xvid which uses the xvid codec to play all sorts of video files.

Shockwave is one of the other essential plug-ins that you want to have. Firefox provides a central site where you can find plug-ins for its system. You can download whatever plug-in you want onto your machine. You can also access additional plug-ins, depending on your operating system.

There are certain precautions you should take before installing plug-ins, especially with certain browsers. For example, Mozilla should be closed before you download the plug-ins. If not, current files could be written over during the installation of the plug-in. It is also important to check and see what browsers the plug-in is compatible with before downloading. This way, you can successfully get your plug-in and be up and running.

The right plug-ins can make your computer feel like a whole new machine.

Filed Under: Applications, Software Tagged With: , ,
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