The Geek Within
by patndoris on Jan.21, 2009, under Musings
A few years ago, say 2.75 to be reasonably precise - I was not a geek. I was an average computer user. I played a few games here and there…I knew how to do a Google search…I checked my email but that was about it. "Emerging techno geek" was not even in my vocabulary. (For that matter neither was malware - I still paid for Norton back in those days.) My how times have changed!
Link to Me (or any other site) Box - Tutorial
by patndoris on Jan.17, 2009, under Code Snippets
Fancy images and graphics abound. Virtually every page you see these days is smattered with graphics links, banner ads or dynamic content changing boxes. Let me be clear - I have nothing against any of these forms of advertising. What I don’t care for is the pages I see where more than half the page is made up of such flashy advertising. Or worse, pages where the advertising takes over the content and I can’t even discern where the information I’m trying to locate resides on the page. Sure, having links is important. It drives traffic and can generate revenue. But it can also become overwhelming.
Advanced System Care
by patndoris on Jan.15, 2009, under Software, Security/Cleanup
It’s the new name for Advanced Windows Care. I’ve used the free version of the program (off and on) for around two years now. I’ve waffled on my feelings and have even un-installed it a couple of times. But sometimes - something happens that makes you take a second look…give a second (or third, or fourth) chance…and sometimes - that’s a good thing!
Optimizing Vista Services the Easy (Easier) Way
by patndoris on Jan.12, 2009, under Computers, Software, Vista
First off, this is not a humorous post - far from it. When it comes to enabling/disabling the critical services that run our machines - it’s not a matter for laughs and grins. A wrong click or uninformed/careless decision and BLAM! You’re outta commission for real! Before I continue, I feel it’s important to point out one should NEVER take the word of anyone else as gospel when it comes to what changes to make on one’s machine. Ultimately, we are all responsible for our choices - and it is up to each of us to know what changes we are considering and the possible ramifications.
Your Clicks CAN Help!
by patndoris on Jan.04, 2009, under My Philosophy
There are so many fraudulent charity web sites and even more emails cut from the same dastardly mold. Most ask for your money, either as direct contribution or buy making a purchase - preying upon your desire to help others. Those that claim you can help by simply forwarding an email on to say 40,000 of your closest friends and family members is likely have you sending a nasty malware worm along with your message.
Knitting or Yoga?
by patndoris on Jan.02, 2009, under Crafts
So researchers claim, knitting can be as relaxing and beneficial to the body as yoga. Apparently the single minded focus necessary for most knitters, takes them to a Zen like place. It reduces blood pressure, heart rate and stress. If you really feel inclined to you can read more here. Now I realize, very few of my readers are knitters (or crochet for that matter). In an effort to streamline my actual web pages, I’ve decided this post is a happy little condominium for my list of favorite knitting sites, resources, and online shopping.
Float Text - Tutorial
by patndoris on Dec.31, 2008, under Code Snippets
For some time I’ve wanted to organize and post some of the HTML, CSS and JavaScript code snippets I’ve found and used. I hope you’ll try the copy and paste in your blog or on your webpage.
Have you ever wanted to include a quote (or image with quote) in your post, but wanted it set off - display it more prominently than just a blank line before and after or a bit of indent? Float is a great way to achieve this. This floating area is a paragraph unto itself. It’s just that in this case, we want the paragraph side by side with other text, instead of one on top of the other.
Quick ! Why Not to Buy a USB Wireless Adapter in 3700 Words or Less
by patndoris on Dec.30, 2008, under Computers
I’m sure this has to be one of those stories that seems funnier in hindsight than it did at the time. First, for those of you who don’t know, I may be a computer geek, but I’m not a hardware geek. I cringe at the mere thought of hardware, and I flat out refuse to learn any more than absolutely necessary in this mysterious realm. I have no clue, and don’t want to how to even open a computer case. It’s easier to buy a new computer. With that said, I need to backtrack a couple weeks, to where this story starts…
XML Feeds