Top 15 Computer Tech Tips of 2009 from HTS Tech Tips
2009 was a good year and a very busy year at the
HTS Tech Tips blog. It was our first full year providing useful
computer tips, technology
news and computer
support in an online format. To kick off 2010 we figured we would start with a quick overview of
“best of the best” articles from 2009.
- Microsoft Windows 7 Insights:
The release of Microsoft Windows 7 was a major event in 2009. Windows Vista has been a flop, to put it mildly, and while Windows XP has aged relatively well it is still an eight year old operating system. This post provides useful insights and loads of links to additional information and details on Windows 7.
- Netbook Computer Primer:
Netbooks, the latest version of the portable computer, stormed into the limelight in a very big way in 2009. Similar to laptop computers in many ways except that Netbooks are smaller, lighter, less expensive and less powerful. The Netbook Computer Primer answers the question, “what is a Netbook Computer” and more. Also be sure to see Netbook Computer Sales Continue to Explode and 7 Reasons Netbook Computers are Great for Students.
- 30 Firefox Keyboard Shortcuts:
Our most popular post from 2009. The Firefox web browser continues to gain popularity and market share. However many users, especially new users, are not aware of the wide range of Firefox keyboard shortcuts available. Here are 30 Firefox keyboard shortcuts to help simplify and speed up your daily browsing.
- 5 Common Computer Security Mistakes:
Security problems are a real drag. They can be a painful and costly experience. The growth of web traffic and email usage has accelerated the distribution of malicious software or malware. Here are 5 common computer security mistakes to avoid.
- CraigsList Reader – Free Tool to Search Craigslist More Efficiently:
Craigslist.org is one of the most heavily traveled sites on the web but has a well deserved reputation for being difficult to navigate and search. This article is a great search tip to simplify the Craigslist search process. Also be sure to check out: Search Craigslist Classified Ads – 7 Tools for Faster Searching.
- ScanCafe Review – Great Photo, Negative and Slide Scans:
2009 saw the growth of online scanning services for photos, negatives and slides. ScanCafe.com staked out its space at the top end of the market and developed into a market leader delivering high quality, low cost scanning services.
- Using Email to Send Text Messages to a Mobile Phone:
Many people aren’t aware of the capability to send an email to a mobile phone as a text message. This is a useful and popular “how-to” article for sending email messages to cellular phones from a standard email program.
- Why a Five Year Old Computer Is Slower Than a New Computer:
Some people wonder why a 5 year old computer is slow and can’t be tuned up to deliver performance rivaling a more current system. This article shines some light on why computer performance is not just a matter of the CPU speed.
- 35 Internet Explorer Keyboard Shortcuts:
Many users are not aware of the wide range of Internet Explorer keyboard shortcuts available. These small combinations of keystrokes can be real productivity boosters. These 35 Internet Explorer keyboard shortcuts can help speed up and simplify your web browsing.
- Microsoft Outlook Data Backup Utility:
Millions of people use Microsoft Outlook everyday for reading and managing their email. All the while accumulating more and more email data. To help individual Outlook users protect their valuable data Microsoft provides a free Outlook data backup utility. Highly recommended for any Outlook user.
- 45 Timesaving Gmail Keyboard Shortcuts:
Another in our Keyboard Shortcuts series, this one included a set of very useful shortcuts and efficiency enhancers for users of Google’s Gmail product. These small combinations of keystrokes help you avoid having to move your hand from keyboard to mouse as frequently and speed up common Gmail tasks.
- 6 Common Computer Data Backup Mistakes:
Is your data safe? Have you checked recently? While most people are aware of the potential dangers of losing their computer data how they address the safety of their computer data varies widely. Here are 6 common computer data backup mistakes to avoid.
- Google Alerts – Automated Search and Notification:
Google Alerts is a free service offered by Google which notifies you by email or web feed about the latest information appearing online that matches the queries (searches) you have set up. Track your business presence online, track your competitors, and even track yourself. A very useful free tool.
- 8 Easy, Often Forgotten, Windows Keyboard Shortcuts:
Simple but elegant and oh, so useful. These basic Windows keyboard shortcuts can significantly simplify quite a few tasks. 8 easy, often forgotten Windows Keyboard shortcuts to boost your productivity in a number of different areas.
- Increased Productivity with Microsoft Office 2007:
The 2007 version of Microsoft Office introduced some user interface enhancements to Word, Excel and PowerPoint that have caused some frustration for users. Some useful tech tips and workarounds to make Office 2007 more user-friendly.
- Buying New Computers – A Better Computer for 8 Cents an Hour:
Is it time to buy new a computer? Unsure how much to spend on your new computer so that it meets your needs today as well as in the future? Does spending a little extra money actually get you a noticeably better computer? A slightly different angle on how much to spend for a new computer.
If you didn’t catch some of these posts the first time around hopefully you will find something of interest in our top 15. And now its on to 2010…
