In Part 1 of Part 4 of our “Back to Basics” series (I guess that makes this one Part 4.5), we took a look at the programs that no computer should be without. These are the “Tools of the Trade” if you will. Those “tools” included a web browser, anti-virus software, and word processing program. Because our virtual toolbox is so large, we had to split the post into two parts! Today we’ll focus on PDF readers, social media, specifically Facebook and Twitter, and webcams for streaming video. Grab your key, and open your toolbox, let’s get started!
If you spend any amount of time on the Internet, you’re likely to come across a PDF file. PDF stands for portable document format, and it’s useful because any type of system can open one of these files. You may run into these types of files when asked to submit information online, like filling out a registration form, or even reading the directions for a product you long ago threw the instuction manual out for. PDFs are handy because you don’t have to own a specific program to open them. If you create a document in WordPerfect and e-mail it to someone, they will only be able to open it if they have WordPerfect installed on their computer. Devices such as tablets and cell phones have PDF readers built into their operating systems so it isn’t necessary to download an additional program. P.C.s however do need a reader, and the most popular one on the market is Adobe Reader. The good news is, it’s free! Simply do an Internet search for “Adobe Reader”, click the download button, and follow the prompts to install. Just make sure to “Always Read the Fine Print” and uncheck any additional programs that the Adobe Reader wants to install in the process.
Social media isn’t exactly a necessity, but it seems like the entire world is a member of Facebook and Twitter. As of April, there were 1.44 billion active users on Facebook. Twitter most recently boasted 304 million active members. So, the entire world doesn’t belong to either, but it’s not that far off! If you’d like to join in, both are free to join. To get started, type www.facebook.com into the address bar of your web browser. Fill in the pertinent information in the text boxes (name, e-mail address, password, birthday), and click sign up. Congratulations. You’re now a member of Facebook. Follow the same steps to join Twitter. Visit www.twitter.com, and click “Sign Up”. Type in your full name, e-mail address, password, and desired user name and click “Sign Up” and you’ll be on your way to typing messages limited to 144 characters. Limiting your messages is a lot more stressful than you’d think – especially if you’re wordy like me! I’m sure you haven’t noticed that, loyal Finish Line Blog follower, have you?
To me, a webcam is a necessity. While my then-girlfriend, then-fiancee, now wife was in college in Mississippi, we spent many a long evening on our webcams talking into the wee hours. Sure, we could’ve talked on the phone, but being able to see her beautiful face added another dimension to our conversations. It was a little weird when we’d see each other in person after just being floating heads on a monitor, but it’s much better than nothing! If you own an iPhone, you’ve probably been exposed to FaceTime, so video chatting isn’t new to you. Most laptops have built-in webcams, so this may be a tool already in your toolbox. If you use a desktop computer, however, you’ll need to purchase a webcam. I’ve had good luck with Logitech products in the past, and most are available with HD quality cameras. If you’re interested in making video calls, visit www.skype.com and click, “Get Skype”. It’s free to sign up and make video calls with Skype. If you have loved ones that you don’t get to see often, a webcam is a good investment that makes the world just a little smaller.
If you ask ten people which items you need to use to keep your computer humming, you’ll get ten different answers. What I’ve presented here are my personal opinions on what is important to reach your computer’s potential. Everyone’s needs are different, and it would be impossible to identify all of the add-ons and programs one can add to their machine. This is a blog post, not War and Peace. Nevertheless, with these “Tools of the Trade” at your fingertips, you’ll be ready to tackle most situations that the cyber world can throw at you!