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QoS: Prioritizing for Speed

Slow InternetHave you ever noticed that your WiFi internet connection is slower when your kids are playing Xbox or your spouse is watching Netflix?  Nearly everyone has experienced this phenomenon, but most people don’t realize that there is a very simple solution to this problem called QoS.

What is QoS?

QoS Stands for Quality of Service and, in relation to computer networks; is a method by which your router can throttle the connection speed of devices or applications on your network based on priority.  Prioritizing for speed means that you’ll never have to wait for a speedy connection to complete your online tasks.

How can I benefit from QoS?

Once QoS is configured, your router can effectively balance the distribution of bandwidth (speed) between devices connected to your network.  So if you want to download a file for work while your spouse is watching a movie on Netflix QoS can make sure neither of you gets left with insufficient bandwidth.

 How do I setup QoS?

lifehacker.com has a great tutorial on how to configure QoS.  Each router is different, and some do not have QoS capability.  If you find you’re having trouble with QoS, or any other router configuration, remember Install Heroes.  Call and we’ll come to the rescue!

Product Review: Logitech K400 Wireless Keyboard w/ Touchpad

Logitech K400

Logitech K400

Today we’re reviewing the K400 from Logitech.  We’ve been using this keyboard for about a month now and I can say without a doubt that it is the perfect keyboard for office presentations or just sitting on the couch.  It’s lightweight, simple to install and use, functions great and is even compatible with my large hands.

Logitech is a great company who have been producing top quality computer peripherals and related products for over 30 years.  The K400 wireless keyboard w/ touchpad is no exception.

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Search Tricks: Find a Specific Word

SearchThe internet is literally a wide world of information, and sorting through it all can be difficult if not impossible.  This post will be the first in a mini-series on “Search Tricks”.  Before you know it you’ll be searching like a pro.

Email

Scenario:  You know you had an email message where you were talking about classic cars with your college buddy, but you can’t seem to find it anywhere and it’s driving you nuts.  Well don’t strap on the straight jacket just yet, there is hope.

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Computer Errors: What can you do?

Error Message

So you’re working on the computer and you’ve been interrupted by an error message and you’re not sure what to do.  Here we’ll discuss two things you can do when this happens.

First things first

In the event that you call a computer tech to help resolve your problem it will be beneficial for the tech to see exactly what your error message looked like.  This first tip will help with that conundrum.

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Keyboard Shortcuts

Microsoft, like most software manufacturers, tries to make their software as simple to use as they know how.  One method of doing this is to give multiple methods for accomplishing the same task.  For instance; if you want to delete a selection from a document you’re editing you can 1) open the edit menu and select the delete option 2) right click on the selection and click the delete option 3) press the delete key on the keyboard.

Help Keys

Everyone has their own method, and this post isn’t going to try and convince you to change your preferred method.  It is however going to cling to the fact that, for many people, a keyboard shortcut is faster than multiple mouse clicks to accomplish the same task.

Think about it;  If you spend 8 hours a day working on a computer, and you found a way to trim two seconds from every minute you spent working you’d get an additional 16 minutes of work done each day.  Or maybe you could get home 16 minutes sooner each day to watch Netflix!  If you perform highly repetitive tasks then you could potentially save many seconds every minute by using keyboard shortcuts.

So what are some keyboard shortcuts that you can use?

Here’s a shortlist of shortcuts you can use daily:

F1 Display Help
Ctrl+C (or Ctrl+Insert) Copy the selected item
Ctrl+X Cut the selected item
Ctrl+V (or Shift+Insert) Paste the selected item
Ctrl+Z Undo an action
Ctrl+Y Redo an action
Delete (or Ctrl+D) Delete the selected item and move it to the Recycle Bin
Shift+Delete Delete the selected item without moving it to the Recycle Bin first
Ctrl+A Select all items in a document or window
F3 Search for a file or folder
Alt+F4 Close the active item, or exit the active program
Alt+Tab Switch between open items
Ctrl+Mouse scroll wheel Change the size of icons on the desktop
Windows logo key Picture of Windows logo key +Tab Cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D
F5 (or Ctrl+R) Refresh the active window
Esc Cancel the current task
Windows logo key Picture of Windows logo key Open Start Menu
Shift when you insert a CD Prevent the CD from automatically playing

If you’d like to know more keyboard shortcuts simply click on “Help and Support” in the Start menu and type “Keyboard Shortcuts”.  You’ll find a list of hundreds of shortcuts to delight your fingertips and you’re boss’s bottom line.

If you’re in the greater East Tennessee area and would like more information on increasing productivity by changing your computing habits;  Call and we’ll come to the rescue!