ZAP! POP!! POOF!!!

Gone In 60 (Milli) Seconds...

    For the last two weeks, I've been discussing the importance of backing up your computer's data. In this Newsletter, I want to talk about a different kind of backup. This backup is called a U.P.S. No, that's not United Parcel Service! Rather, U.P.S. stands for Uninterruptible Power Supply. If you aren't already using one of these to protect your computer, perhaps you should consider acquiring one.

    Have you ever had the electric go off just long enough to cause your computer to shut down while you were in the middle of some project? Have you ever worried about your computer being on during a lightning storm? (Trust me. I live in Florida - the lightning capital of the world* - where storms come in quickly with little or no notice. I've seen what lightning can do to unprotected computers.) These are both serious situations for the life and health of your computer. One of the easiest ways for Windows system files to become corrupted and cause problems is for the computer to be suddenly shut off.

    As if those reasons weren't enough for concern, here's one more. You are most likely aware that the electric delivered to your house is supposed to be either 120V or 220V depending on where you live. But, did you know that the electric voltage coming to your meter could vary by as much as 15% plus or minus? While this difference doesn't really affect things like light bulbs, for electronic equipment like computers, this fluctuation can be very damaging. A U.P.S. monitors and controls the voltage being applied to your computer and maintains a constant voltage.

    U.P.S. backups come in different sizes and different prices. You can purchase a U.P.S. at places like Staples, Office Depot and Circuit City. They are easy to use - just plug your computer and your monitor into the sockets on the back of the unit, plug the U.P.S. into the wall, and your computer is protected. There are some models, like the one I use, that come with software that will even shut down your computer the normal way if the electric is off longer than twenty minutes. The software also monitors the electric voltage and allows you to graphically watch its peaks and valleys. As for the cost, you can pay as little as $60 US to approximately $300 US for personal computers. Many of the manufacturers of U.P.S. units offer a $25,000 insurance policy. If proof is presented that shows your computer was damaged while plugged into one of these backups, the manufacturer will replace your computer up to and including $25,000 in replacement costs.

    There's one more advantage to having a U.P.S. There's a peace of mind that exists when you know your files and your investment are safe and that your computer is protected from blackouts, brownouts and lightning.

    You can check out a few of these units here:

http://www.apc.com/products/category.cfm?id=13

http://www.tripplite.com/EN/products/model.cfm?txtModelID=3116

One final note: U.P.S. units should not be confused with surge protector strips where you can plug in 6-10 electrical cords. The majority of these strips have no battery backup so they do not keep your computer on if the electric actually goes out. Additionally, most surge protectors offer little, if any, protection from a direct lightning strike.

* Yes, I really did say "lightning capital of the world." See the following as a reference:
http://www.cnn.com/WEATHER/9807/08/lightning.strikes/

Things That Crossed My Desk

Hacking (Cracking)

Perhaps you've had the idea that all computer hackers are men. So much for that idea! The first virus written for Microsoft's newest computer language - C# - has been written by - you guessed it - a woman! Why did she do it? "...she is reported as saying that her inspiration is the sexism of the largely male populated anti-virus industry." This is the virus I alerted you to with a special e-mail notice. The e-mail says that it's a Microsoft update. Remember, Microsoft does NOT e-mail updates. You ALWAYS have to go to the Microsoft site for any updates. For the entire story regarding this virus, click below.
http://www.sophos.com/virusinfo/articles/csharp.html

Microsoft Update

Microsoft issued a critical update regarding the Microsoft Virtual Machine. This is a complicated update because it only applies to those Internet users who access the Net through a proxy server. Additionally, finding out which Virtual Machine is on your computer is a tad tricky. I'm going to give you the link to read about the update. If you need help regarding this update, please let me know.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q300845

Still Need Greeting Cards? Here Are A Few More!

With St. Patty's Day, Easter and Mother's Day all just over the horizon, you may want to find some new sites with greeting cards. Recently, three of the most popular sites started charging for their best cards (Blue Mountain, E-Greetings and American Greetings) but have no fear. I've got plenty of bookmarked favorite greeting card sites to share.

A brief explanation is needed before you dive into these sites. I have my greeting card favorites divided into two major categories with each of those separated into two subcategories. The two major divisions are: Pre-Date and No Pre-Date. If a site is in the "Pre-Date" area that means you can create the card today and send it on some day in the future. Conversely, if a site is in the "No Pre-Date" division, you can only send the card when you create it. The two sub-divisions are the same in both major categories. They are: Choice of Music and No Choice of Music. While a site (e.g. Hallmark) may have music with its cards, if you can't choose the music, that site goes in the "No Choice of Music" sub-division.

Sound confusing? It's really not once you start trying a few sites. So, good luck with these links. Any questions, please let me know.

http://www.redtreestudios.com/index.asp

http://www.custardpie.com/

http://cards.crosswalk.com/

http://www.dgreetings.com/index.html

http://greetings.usaindians.com/

http://www.hallmark.com/



http://www.fieldandforest.com/cards/card.html

http://www.quotationpostcards.com/index.shtml

http://www.great-greetings.com/friendship.php

http://www.ttstudios.com/hom/Love/homlove.html

http://www.lakecards.com/

http://www.sandiegozoo.org/postcards/index.cfm

http://www.friendsofjane.com/card.html

http://www.mysunnygreetings.com

I hope you find these links helpful! Look for more in next week's Newsletter!

    Yes, before the next Newsletter, St. Patty's Day will have come and gone. So, for everyone who is Irish (or wishes they were at least one day a year), have a fun day! (Want graphics for yourself like the one on the left? There are plenty where I got this one!:
http://www.gaylasgarden.com/holidays/StPatricks.htm)

Thanks to all the newcomers to the Newsletter and thanks to everyone who recommends Keystone Keyboard to their friends and relatives!

    As always, should you have any questions or comments regarding this Newsletter, feel free to e-mail me. You can do that easily from my home page. Have an exciting week!


John

This page updated March 29, 2009
©2009 Keystone Keyboard