Tech: How to Use HTTPS

First, what is HTTPS?
HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure is a service that encrypts the connection between your PC and the website you are visiting on the Internet. This prevents unauthorized access to your connection from would-be hackers. Here is how to enable HTTPS on Facebook and Gmail:

Facebook - log into Facebook > click Account > Account Settings > Account Security > Change > click Browse Facebook on a secure connection ... > Save

Gmail - log into Gmail > go to Gear icon > Mail Settings > under Browser Connection heading select Always use https > scroll to bottom of page > Save

7 Tips for Taking Great Digital Photos

A great photo begins with you and then extends through the camera. Think about it! Every shot begins in your mind, not the camera lens. A super photo can be captured by the most basic point-and-click camera just as easy as the most expensive SLR. Here are 7 simple tips on shooting digital photos which will help you get great results every single time you take a photo!

1. Know your camera - understand the ins and outs and read the User Guide

2. Control the flash - no when to use it

3. Hold the camera level - check the view finder for horizontal lines and use align to it

4. Play with the Macro mode - it can be interesting

5. Use a tripod (especially in low light situations) - Wal-Mart sells a mono pod for $15

6. Play with ISO settings - learn about them first

7. Have enough memory capacity - and take most photos in hi-res

Source: AdvancedPhotography.net

Tech: Shortcuts Using the "Windows" Key

The Windows Key, located between the Ctrl key and the Alt key on your PC has been there for years, but do we know it's function. Typically it is a quick launch feature for the Windows Start Menu. In Windows 7, it also provides the Quick Search feature. Here are some quick launch featires available in Windows 7 (similar ones are available in Windows XP and Vista). If you have so free time, search Google for Window Shortcuts for a host of tips that can improve your PC productivity by accomplishing tasks on the PC you would normally manipulate the mouse to achieve.

• ⊞ Win + SPACEBAR to active Aero Peek. This is my favorite since I keep several windows open at a time.
• ⊞ Win + ↑ to maximize the active window.
• ⊞ Win + ↓ to restore (default window size, not maximized nor in taskbar) the active window.
• ⊞ Win + ← or → to align the window to the respective side of the screen, maximizing it vertically.
• ⊞ Win + ⇧ Shift+← or → to move the window to the next or previous monitor, if multiple monitors are used
• ⊞ Win + T to iterate through items on the taskbar.
• ⊞ Win + + or ⊞ Win to zoom into the screen at the mouse cursor position using the Magnifier Utility.
• ⊞ Win + - to zoom out if the Magnifier Utility is running.
• ⊞ Win + esc to cancel magnification and close the Magnifier Utility.
• ⊞ Win + 1, ⊞ Win+2, ... ⊞ Win+0 to run or activate the corresponding programs in the taskbar. ⊞ Win+0 runs the tenth item.
  

Tech: Find "Everything" on Your PC

Need to locate a file (document, spreadsheet, photo, whatever) on your PC and just don;t know where it is? Try downloading and installing "Everything". "Everything" is an administrative tool that locates files and folders by file name instantly for Windows. Unlike the Windows search tool available on all PC's, "Everything" initially displays every file and folder on your computer (hence the name "Everything"). You type in a search filter to limit what files and folders are displayed. Simply go to http://www.voidtools.com/ and download and install "Everything". As a primer, check out their FAQ's.

Countdown Timer - free

Free Countdown timer ... Countdown timer is program that counts (days, hours, minutes and seconds) down to a specified date and time... Once the timer is created you can simply open it's page and see how much time do you have. Go to http://countdown.free-and-online.com/ and create your own personal Countdown Timer and URL to share with family and freinds. Great tool to countdown to an event, a vacation or whatever ... Enjoy.