Embarrassing!

 I made a complete fools out of myself a couple of weeks ago.  Let me start by saying that I am pretty illiterate when it comes to computers and all the Coolest Gadgets that go along with them.  Most of the time, I can turn on my computer and do what I have to do to post here, but that's about it.

Well, a couple of weeks ago, I came home from work and sat at my desk, ready to start up my laptop.  One of the kids had been on it, so it was already on, so I just clicked where I wanted to go and poof, my computer went dead.  I tried to restart it, and noting.  I made sure the power cord was plugged in, which is was, and still nothing.  I looked to make sure it was plugged into the wall, which is one, so I started freaking out.  My computer is only about 6 months old, so I shouldn't be having problems with it.  I was ready to start looking for Dell coupons so I could buy a new laptop.  Instead, I called my dad.   He's pretty good with the computer, so I told him what was going on.  He told me to check the power cord again, and when I did, I realized that even though it was plugged into my computer and the wall, the plug that goes into the middle part of the charger was unplugged.

I felt like such an idiot!  At least I was only an idiot for my dad, and I didn't go into a store with Best Buy coupons to buy a new laptop. That would have been a waste of money, even if I had gotten a good deal.

Finding Dell Coupon Codes Online

We're moving.  On May 1st.  That's about three weeks away, and I am so excited.  I have a lot to do before then, and I am praying that I will get it all done.  I have only a few boxes packed, which is stressing me out a bit, especially now that I am working 9 hours a day.  By the time I get home, I am too tired to do anything.

The kids are excited about the move, too.  I was looking online for Dell computer coupons, thinking I would get a better computer for the girls room.  The one they have now is pretty old and outdated.  Ryan loves his laptop, so I was thinking that if I could find Dell coupon codes for laptops, I would try to get them one of those.  The only problem would be sharing it.  They fight over everything as it is, so maybe I need Dell coupons for two computers.  I also need some money, because even with the coupon codes, buying computers now will be expensive.  I am hoping I can convince them to wait until Christmas so Santa can bring it for them.  I know that is eight months away, so maybe I can save up the money before then.

Spy Or Limit?

 I am always on the computer we have here at home, so it's difficult for the girls to get online time.  Junior was talking about this to a guy he works with, and the guy offered to build the girls their own computer.  He gave it to us a few weeks ago, and it is working out really well.  I have it set up right in front of my desk, so when either of the girls are online, I can pretty much keep an eye on them.  However, I am not a naive parent, and I know kids will try and visit sites they know they shouldn't.  Especially kids who are Kasi's age.

I was thinking that there has to be some way that I can see what they are doing, other than checking their history, which we all know can be erased.  I don't want to spy on them, so I was wondering if there was a way to limit the sites they can visit.  After a little research, I found this parental control software that does just that.   Parents get a supervise key, which downloads the software the first time you use it.  When the kids want to go online, they have to plug in an age appropriate key, which only allows them access to websites that are considered safe for that age group.  The keys come in under 9, 9-12, and teen.  If the parent wants unlimited access to the internet, they just have to plug in the supervise key.  I love this concept, because it keeps me from having to spy on my kids by limiting what they can see from the get go.

Would you rather spy on your kids or limit their internet access?

New Router

Yesterday, I got up and tried to get online.

Nothing.

This happened the day before, too, and i had to call Charter and use their automated system to get it back online. When I tried the same thing yesterday, it didn't work. I ended up having to speak with an agent, and after a lot of diagnosing, I finally knew what my problem was. It seems the wireless router I bought a couple of weeks ago when we got Ryan's laptop was too powerful, and it kept crashing my modem. The Charter guy said if I continued to use it, it would continue to cause problems. He suggested I use their router/modem combo, which of course would cost me another $10 a month. But, if I have any problems at all, they come and fix it free of charge, so I agreed. Because I am a preferred customer, they showed up today and installed it free of charge.

The big question was what to do with the router I bought a couple of weeks ago. I couldn't find the receipt, but I did have the box. I went online and looked up Best Buy's return policy, and from what I could find, they won't do a return without the receipt. But, just to be sure, I had Junior call our local store. Turns out, because I paid with my debit card, they could look it up in their computer and do the return.

Yay! I got my $40 back, and Charter installed my new modem/router this afternoon. So far, there have been no problems, and I am hoping it will stay this way.

I Want One, Too

Ryan has a new toy, and I am jealous. Right around his birthday last November, he decided he wanted a laptop. Now, at 14, I was a little iffy, but he has shown that he can be very responsible with his electronics (and he has a lot) so I told him that if he saved all his birthday money, when we got our tax refund I would match what he saved and buy him a laptop.

Boy, did I underestimate the price of those things. I had to add a little more money, and also buy a wireless router. But, he loves it, and he shares. He let me borrow it to do some posts in bed while waiting for Brandi to fall asleep tonight.

He's such a good boy!

And next year...I am getting one for myself!

Disaster

The other night, I was sitting in my recliner, all comfortable, watching Dexter. The kids were in bed, Junior was sleeping, and I was engrossed in the goings on of my favorite serial killer.

Behind where I was sitting is my desk. On the wall beside my desk is this shelf, full of CDs.

So there I was, watching Debra interview Christine, when all of a sudden the shelf decided to reject the brackets that were keeping it attached to the wall, and the entire thing came crashing down. (I wish I was in my "blogger" frame of mind and not in total freakin' shock because then I would have remembered to take a picture of the mess) Talk about scaring the crap out of someone! Junior was instantly awake, and Ryan and Kasi both came running out of their rooms. I just sat in my chair, afraid to turn around and see what was broken.

I had elephants on that shelf!

After threatening to kill the kids if they laughed, Junior convinced me to turn around. I wanted to cry. There were CDs everywhere, and most had fallen out of their cases. I was sure that at least half of them were broken. But, when Kasi and I finally got the mess cleaned up, there wasn't a single broken CD. In fact, the only thing that did break was the little glass bowl I keep my jewelry in. Every elephant was unbroken, all the little animals Brandi has painted me that were on the shelf were in one piece, too. I was very lucky.

I was even luckier that I wasn't sitting at my desk when the shelf fell. It would have fallen right on top of me, and I am sure that would have hurt.

TOP 9 Rapidshare Search Engines Review

This is a sponsored guest post written by Anuta on behalf of rapid4me.com. Post powered by Sponzai.

If you never dealt with rapidshare, you are not an Internet user. Millions of people every day upload and download files to rapidshare – this modern info giant. So that users always could find what they search for, there exist special search engines, which search only for rapidshare links and thus save your time and effort. There are hundreds (if not thousands of them) nowadays.

Each one chooses for himself, how to download files from rapidshare in the most convenient way. But, as far as have noticed, main criteria remain the same: easy search and relevant results, high download speed, possible additional advanced options and user-friendliness. Today I'd like to make a surface user review of 9 rapidshare search engines, which, to my mind, are in the top.

1. http://rapid4me.com/



What is noticed at first site is a guide for beginners. Though it is not that important for promoted rapidshare users, for many dummies it will be of good help. The design is pleasant, no unnecessary ads, banners and other similar spam (but rather profitable one, should I admit), I believe it means that rapid4me's developers really care so that their users could find what they want without being attacked by numerous banners.




You may also add rapid4me.com to your search engine list and that's also very convenient, if this search engine meets your demands. What I didn't notice at other similar resources I found at rapid4me.com: here together with rapidshare links, one can find torrents (http://torrents.rapid4me.com ) and .pdf (http://pdf.rapid4me.com ). Such a universal search engine. Good idea, to my mind.




2. http://rapidlibrary.com/



This resource has already won its popularity and has it's own number of devoted users. They also have an option “Rapidshare Search Toolbar from Rapidlibrary “ and besides provide search by different files types. At first sight everything is clear, but when you choose the file to download and get to the list of links, you may feel a bit puzzled because of number of colors at the page and other things which distract attention. Personally for me it is a minus, though it is very subjective, sure thing. In all the rest this search engine deserves attention.




3. http://www.rapidsharemix.com/



When only you visit homepage, you see a logo and developers' promise to provide users with “new updated, constantly improving database”. And whenever I tried to find some certin file, my searches were rather successful. So let's hope that developers do not act against their conscience and are absolutely sincere.




Another useful feature that bursts upon my eyes – an ability to download the file in question quicker than by other similar resources. You don't need make additional clicks – just choose the file, enter CAPTCHA to have access to the links and voilà – start the download process.




4. http://www.filestube.com/



Rapidshare, megaupload and mediafire search engine provides users with advanced search by word, phrase, date and size, which sometimes may be essential for the search process. The process of search and download is quick and doesn't require registration. Another interesting detail – premium accounts are said to cost only $1.99. Does this mean high download speed or just unlimited access to the resources of... filestube.com??? The latter is true as it turned out. Would you like to pay for what other similar resources provide on a free basis? The choice is upon you!




5. http://rapidpedia.com/



This search engine allows us to take the bull by the horns. You have come to find and download some file – you are welcome, nothing will distract your attention from the main aim. Came – found – downloaded. Everything is precise and clear as it should be!




6. http://fileshunt.com/



Rapidshare SE possesses a huge rapidshare links base, which you may get... only after you pay for the access code. But when you do, you are promised to be shown to “unlimited access to all files stored on our servers with no size and speed restrictions”. Intrigued? Me too. All the rest satisfies the most sophisticated users: design, simplicity, user-friendliness – perfect!




7. http://rapidqueen.com/



Rapidshare search engine doesn't provide any advanced search options, searches in titles, specific file types etc. This search engine specializes on its main function – search for and give access to rapidshare links. What else is need from a decent functional rapidshare search engine?




8. http://rapidshare-search-engine.com/



As soon as you enter this page, you see the list of recent searches and get the idea of what users usually look for. Enter the file you need and get to another page with the list of links. Very convenient - smooth motion of your mouse to the search results and you have all info about the file: size, search tags, status, file type. You are satisfied with this info – start downloading.




9. http://avilib.com/



One more easy to use search engine on rapidshare. What I like about particularly this one – it's minimalism in design is professionally combined with maximal functionality. If you don't like overloaded pages with numerous options you never make use of, avilib.com is YOUR rapidshare search engine. The download procedure remains the same.

What Web Host Is Right For Me?

I recently switched two of my blogs to dot coms. I thought it would help others to take me more seriously if I owned my own domain name. I have been thinking about web hosting and my friends have all been so helpful with their ideas. I have one friend in particular who suggested I go with KVChosting.com. They offer free hosting with no banner ads, Unlimited Cheap Web Hosting, reseller hosting, vps hosting and dedicated hosting. They guarantee 99.99% up time, which is about as good as you can get. If you have any questions, they offer level 3 support, with around the clock 30 minute response time. This sounds like great web hosting, so I might just listen to my friend and sign myself up.

Learning At My Own Pace

I wish I knew more about computers. I know enough to blog, and email, but that's about it. There is so much to learn, from all the technical stuff to graphic design. I would love to take a Microsoft Course from Quick Cert. I could take it online, and work at my own pace to obtain certification. They even guarantee that I would become certified, offering me money back if I don't. This just seems like a no loose situation for me. Learning the ins and outs of computers is an investment in my future, allowing me options if I ever have to go back to work.

I like knowing that I am doing something to better myself.

Finding The Bad Stuff

Did you ever get the feeling that the person in the cubicle beside you is looking at things on his computer that he shouldn't be looking at while at work? To avoid creating a hostile work environment, there is a program you can use to discreetly scan work computers for questionable content. It's a safe and simply way to make sure your company is not exposed to harmful content. You can even make your employees aware that you are using this program, and it might deter them from going to these sites to begin with.

Go Watch Some Videos

I found this site called Vuzu. It's a video sharing site where you can upload your own videos. You can use it on your iPhone or your computer. I was watching a few, and they were pretty cool. I watched one where a black SUV wrecked on a snowy road, flipping a few times. I hope no one was hurt, but it was pretty cool to watch. They also have funny videos. I watched one where a woman was backing out of her driveway, and she hit a parked motorcycle. She got out, and stood the bike back up. Then she got back in her car, hit it again, but this time kept driving. I'm sure you will be able to find something entertaining to watch.

Oh, did I mention it was a free site? And that videos are updates daily? And that Vuzu pays its users for every visit they bring to the site? That's pretty cool, too. So go grab your video camera, and start shooting!

Computers, And The Things That Go Wrong

I have been having the worst computer problems today. I was trying to do a post this morning, and I needed a picture to go with it. Every time I tried to save the picture to my computer, my computer would freeze. I couldn't do anything but shut it down, restart it, and try again. This happened over and over and over again for about two hours. Talk about frustrating! I don't know what I did different, but all of a sudden it worked, and I was able to save the picture, and finish my post. Then I tried to drop my ecards, and if I opened more than one tab, it would freeze up. If any of you are serious droppers, you know that you need to have at least three tabs open to drop quickly and efficiently. What should have taken me a couple of hours took me most of the afternoon.

The only good thing is that this is an old computer I have been using. If you remember, my computer took a trip to my brothers house, because it was infected with all kinds of bugs and stuff. I say stuff because even my brother, who is a computer guy, didn't know what happened to it. I was missing programs that shouldn't have been missing, and he had no idea where they went. I, who know nothing about computers, or the things they need, like printers that use Hewlett Packard Laserjet 4000 toner, have no idea what happened. I will admit that I am not very good a remembering to run my anti-spyware programs, or scanning my computer for virus', but I am sure that has nothing to do with it. Or at least that is what I am telling myself. This time, when I get my good computer back, I am going to get specific instructions about what I need to run, and when. That way, maybe I can avoid the same problems.

Protect Your Computer

In today's society, people are depending more and more on their electronic devices. From cell phones and blackberries, to personal computers and lap tops, it is getting harder and harder to protect your personal information. I have heard horror stories about people's cell phones being cloned, and their email accounts being hacked. There is an easy way to protect all of these things, and that is with file encryption software. You can download software for email encryption
so you can breathe easier knowing your account is secure. You can also download hard drive encryption, protecting all of the personal information that is stored on your computer. I don't think twice about what I store on my computer. My son came home the other day and told me I should put a password on it. I asked him why I needed one, since we were the only one's who used it. He said it is a precaution, in case someone broke in and stole our computer, they wouldn't be able to easily access my information. I would suspect that if my files were encrypted, it would make it near impossible for anyone to access my information. This would be especially important for people who carry their lap tops with them. Those could be easily stolen, and any information easily accessible. Download this software, and protect yourself.

Computer Help

I have been looking to learn more about my computer. I am not very educated in computers, and there are things I just don't understand. Luckily there are sites like the DesignBuyers Shop that sell products that can help me better understand how to do things on my computer. I am especially interested in the program that teaches how to make custom headers and banners. I would love to be able to make my blog pretty, without having to buy someone elses designs.