Byte of the Week

Here’s an idea for New Years – take a day to fine tune your computer. If you treat it right, it will perform better for you and last longer. Here are a few steps that can help:

1. Get a tune up. PC Pitstop is a web site that will perform free diagnostics on your computer. Visit the site, select “full PC tune up” and their system will test your computer for problems and potential problems. The testing takes a few minutes but once it is complete, PC Pitstop will rate your computer’s performance in eight areas: system, memory, disk, video, Internet, Windows, security, and comparison to similar systems.
2. Start repairing your system. PC Pitstop will give you step-by-step instructions to help you fix any designated areas. The instructions are not written for the technically inclined, but written for someone who is comfortable using a computer.
3. Back up your files. You can do this by burning a copy of all of your files to a CD or disk. If you don’t have a CD burner and you have too many files for a disk, consider copying your files to an online storage source. All the Space (http://www.all-the-free-space.com) is a web site that tracks free and low cost online storage merchants.
4. Update Virus Protection. There are two popular brands of virus protection (MacAfee and Symantec). Both are good, both offer a contract for ongoing updates, and both are about the same cost. Choose one and follow the directions to make sure that you virus definitions are updated often and your system is checked regularly.

You’re done! Files should open a little more quickly and your transactions should be a little safer. If your computer hasn’t been serviced in a while you may recognize minutes of saving every day if not more. Isn’t that a good start to the New Year?

This week I am in Chicago at a Search Engine Strategies conference. It has been great and I have lots of fodder for future bytes!

Today, however, I am short of time and will therefore have to share two quickie resources that I haven’t had time to fully research for you:

MSN Search
MSN has improved their search tool; it’s in beta test right now. As you’ll see, it looks a lot like Google.

MSN Desktop
Download this tool to use the new MSN search to search the local files on your desktop (including email messages).

A recent survey indicates that more than half of online shoppers plan to use the Internet more than last holiday season to comparison shop (89%), research gifts for others (86%), buy gifts for others (74%), and buy gifts for themselves (53%). (2004 Shop.org/BizRate.com Online Holiday Mood Study)

So, I thought I’d share a few shopping web sites that you might find helpful as you get through your shopping lists.

BizRate reviews and compares items and stores. Their goal is to list every shop and product in their searchable database. Users are invited to send in review of products and services at the site.

Froogle is a search directory of products that works much like its parent site, Google.

MySimon is a comparison shopping site. They list millions of items and always focus on shopping the least expensive merchants.

Epinions is a consumer review site. Members post their reviews. Often the views are biased, but as a shopper it can be a refreshing resource.

If you sell items online you might look into getting listed on these resources – many provide basic listings for free. In fact I think only MySimon charges to be listed; the others often charge rates for enhanced listings.

Happy shopping!