Computer Tips and Guides

Archive for December 1st, 2009

Do You Really Need More Than 4GB of RAM?

With the price of upgrading system RAM extremely low these days, people are always asking me whether it’s really worth it to upgrade beyond 4GB; today we’ll answer that question for everybody.

More RAM Means Better Multi-Tasking

First, let’s take a moment to clarify what exactly more RAM can (and can’t) do for you. The biggest benefit of upgrading your PC’s memory is better multi-tasking, especially for those of us using RAM-hogging applications like ..read more

Ten Alternatives to Mininova

Ed. note: Last week, popular BitTorrent tracker Mininova started limiting torrents to only approved partners. If you’re hunting for a new torrent-tracking home, all-things-BitTorrent weblog TorrentFreak is here to offer some worthwhile alternatives.

After nearly five years of loyal service, Mininova disabled access to over a million torrent files when it partly shut down its website. Starting today, only approved publishers are able to upload files to the site, but luckily there are plenty of alternatives and potential ..read more

FireFound Tracks Your Stolen Computer, Nukes Your Personal Data

Firefox: The worst thing about losing your laptop isn’t the cost of replacing your gear; it’s the loss of personal info and saved passwords. Firefox extension FireFound tracks your lost laptop’s location and nukes your personal data in a few clicks.

Once you install the add-on for Firefox or its mobile version Fennec, FireFound uses geolocation to track where you are every time you open your browser, sending that information to a secure ..read more

CanYouSeeMe.org Checks for Open Ports Behind Firewalls

If you’re traveling this holiday season and using the wireless networks of hotels or other unfamiliar service providers, CanYouSeeMe.org is a handy way to tell what ports are reachable when you’re behind a firewall.

CanYouSeeMe.org’s open port check tool is a simple but useful web-based utility for figuring out if your ISP or firewall is blocking certain ports you need to get things done on your computer. It’s a handy way to determine if connection ..read more

The Google Phone Edition

Rumors fly that Google will soon release their own phone build around Google Voice (not just another Android handset), the upcoming Chrome for Mac beta will be lacking several important features, and Gmail’s creator thinks Wave could someday integrate nicely with Gmail.

Features Chrome For Mac Beta Will Be Missing When Chrome for Mac hits sometime this month, it’ll be missing its bookmark manager, Fluid-like app mode, possibly the task manager, and definitely Gears, among other potentially missing features. ..read more

Browsera Simultaneously Tests Your Site In Different Browsers

Browsera is an all-in-one, web-based tool for testing web sites for errors, complications, and layout issues. Unlike other similar tools, it does more than just take screenshots of various browsers; it provides an in-depth assessment of problematic areas in need of attention.

Browsera is a program that has features similar to previously mentioned browser comparison sites like BrowserShots and IETester. Browsera kicks things up a notch, not only showing you what your site will ..read more