Desk Ergonomics 101 (11/21/20 Part 2)

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Got a desk? Is it a good one? Sam went to OfficeMax to check out some of their goodies to help with proper ergonomics for your desk and what’s on it. Ergonomics 101 Ergonomics? What’s that? Its helping you not hurt and get achy after being at the computer all day! https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/office-ergonomics/art-20046169 https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/standing-workstation/art-20088544 https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-set-up-an-ergonomic-workstation

macOS 11 Big Sur! Ready to upgrade? Don’t! (11/14/20 Part 2)

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macOS 11 is out! Its Big Sur! Ready for it? Don’t do it! OS11 – Wait a bit We talk a little about what’s new, but the trick with the latest and greatest is it comes with new problems. And really, that’s ALL new updates for Windows, Android, etc. There’s no harm in waiting for those to get ironed out, right? https://support.apple.com/mac-backup https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2020/11/macos-11-0-big-sur-the-ars-technica-review/ https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2020/11/macos-big-sur-launch-appears-to-cause-temporary-slowdown-in-even-non-big-sur-macs/ https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-office-will-be-about-20-second-slower-initially-on-apple-silicon-rosetta-2/ https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/kb/macos-big-sur.html

Input Devices! There’s more than just the Mouse! (9/26/20 Part 2)

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The humble mouse was revelatory when it came out, and essential for transitioning computers from being Command Line based to the Graphical User Interface we all know and love. But did you know there’s more than that? More Input! Maybe you don’t like the traditional mouse, or have space limitations. Maybe you’ve got problems with carpal tunnel or some other physical issue. You’ve got options! Ergonomic Mice https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/best-ergonomic-mouse/ https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-ergonomic-mice Trackpads (they’re not just for laptops!) https://www.creativebloq.com/buying-guides/best-trackpads Mac trackpad gestures Windows trackpad gestures Trackballs https://gizmodo.com/why-the-hell-would-anyone-use-a-trackball-mouse-1800564295 https://www.kensington.com/news/ergonomic-workspace-blog/ergo-meet-trackball-technology-evolved-for-people/ Graphics tablets https://www.dummies.com/computers/macs/mac-operating-systems/how-to-work-with-handwriting-in-os-x/ https://www.howtogeek.com/297443/how-to-use-handwriting-input-on-windows-10/  

Keyboards 101! Don’t cheap out! (9/19/20 Part 1)

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People spend tons of time and money for new computer hardware: fast processors, tons of RAM, and big hard-drives, but they don’t often think about the humble keyboard. Well, that’s the topic for today! Keyboards 101! While Jonathan, LD, and Sam talk about that, here’s some questions to ask yourself if you’re looking for a new one for yourself: Wired or Wireless? USB keyboards are trusty and reliable, especially if your computer is somewhere that isn’t wireless friendly (like under your desk). However, cables can get pulled, yanked, plugs damaged and more. Wireless keyboards often use Bluetooth (although Logitech has their own special kind). These are nice, but do keep in mind you’ll need to keep batteries around, check them periodically (sometimes they corrode inside the keyboard),  and make sure that it will actually work with your setup. Wireless signals can be blocked by thick wood, metal, and other things. Membrane versus Mechanical Membranes are lighter and inexpensive, but as they age the membrane can get stiff or mushy making typing difficult and unpleasant. Mechanical are heavy, providing a very satisfying typing experience. Many professional writers love these! However, they can be loud, plus are usually on the expensive side. Some of the nicer ones can be disassembled for cleaning or replacing mechanical switches. Traditional layout and Ergonomic Traditional keyboards are fine for many people. This is what almost every computer comes with, and what you’d learn how to type on in school. Ergonomic keyboards comes in many shapes, but they are meant to help with …

Email 101! (9/19/20 Part 2)

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Email! It was the killer app for the internet back in the 90’s, and remains one of the most popular reasons to use the internet now! Be it for personal use or work, its part of day to day life online. We give a quick overview for it! EMAIL 101! Want to know more? Well, enter out contest by email mauionline@q-a.net with your questions! Also, we need to mention we’ve got a prize! Our friends at OfficeMax/OfficeDepot on Dairy Road have given us an amazing Lenovo C32q-20 monitor! Its a beautiful 31.5″ QHD IPS display with tons of great features!

The Great Computer Drought of 2020! (9/12/20 Part 1)

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Are you looking for a new computer? Where are all the PCs? Oh dear, its sort of a tough time for that. Since the start of the pandemic and the advent of everyone doing everything from home? Computers are in short supply! So, what are you options? What’s the hold-up? We talk about that and more! Jonathan’s tips: Check out the big companies like Dell, HP, etc. Sign up for an account before you’re ready to buy! Be willing to go up. Better to over buy a little than to under buy. Check the websites, newsletters, etc. Companies do have refurbished machines! Check around from them. Ask about return policies ahead of time.