Don't dump your old computer! Make it run like new for Free

I get frustrated when people complain about the speed of their home computer. Especially when I find out that most are using them primary for web browsing, picture viewing and sharing. This post is about a simple way you can "upgrade" that old computer and put it to good use without spending any money. I'm not going to cover all the reasons why your computer is running poorly in the first place. Thats for a different post.





Dump Windows! I know it may sound scary to get rid of Microsoft and all the programs you have grown used to. There are some great alternatives that are Free.


The main thing slowing your old computer down is the operating system.
Try out Ubuntu, it is easy to install and is mostly plug and play for common laptops and desktops. It also runs extremely well on older hardware.

Check out the "Why Use Ubuntu" site

A few of cool things about Ubuntu.
-No virus
-Special lightweight version specifically designed for netbooks and older laptops
-Did I mention its free?
-You can install it on a CD/DVD or jump drive and give it a trial before you install


I use Ubuntu as my operating system of choice. It is really well written so older computers and laptops tend to run better than they did when new years ago.

So what about the other stuff on my computer?
Well you can run Google's Chrome browser to get rid of Internet Explorer, GIMP to replace Photoshop, and Open Office to replace Microsoft Office. All of the alternatives are free as well and can be installed from inside Ubuntu easily.

So there you have it. Save that old computer. You will be surprised how a little investment in time will open your eyes to a new computing experience.

Head over to Ubuntu.com to find out more!

5 Powerpoint Presentation Tips

Below are some thoughts I have about using PowerPoint. As most of you know I am not shy about sharing my dislike of PowerPoint. It is the most widely used presentation tool, and that may be part of the reason why I find more people misusing and otherwise abusing it.

5. It's the content that matters! Never forget the reason you are presenting. Its to provide information, sell, or convince. The content of your presentation is the most important part. PowerPoint can only help or hinder that content delivery.

4. Don't stress colors and font choices. A lot of people way to much time concerned with the colors and fonts of their slides. Make a choice and stick with it. Spend more time practicing your presentation so you are not worrying about your speech.

3. Use the least amount of text possible. Let's face it, we have all seen presenters who read their slides to you. No one wants to read 30 slides filled with only bullet points. First off most of your audience cannot focus on what your saying and read text at the same time. Secondly all text slides are boring to view, if your going to do that it would be best to give our handouts spare yourself the time. There is a need for text, just

2. Mix things up. On the same theme as not using text. Try using different types of media. PowerPoint lets you embed video, sound, photos and graphics. Use that ability to break up your presentation. Using video and images will help bring your audiences focus back to you. Try not to overdue it, 15 minutes of video during a 20 minute presentation is probably too much.

1. Don't use PowerPoint. There are many alternatives to PowerPoint. Why don't you try something different so your presentation doesn't look like everyone else's. Prezi is my favorite right now, but just the fact your not using PowerPoint may be enough to differentiate yourself from other presenters. Below is a little example of a Prezi that I put together for a little short discussion at our staff meeting.

Camtasia Relay

Got a chance to be part of our Camtasia relay trial here at the university. Made a little video for our upcoming e-news late last night.
Camtasia Relay Trial Video

I'm not sure if I like it much more than the free version of jing and posting on Screencast.com. I think for the short videos I'm gonna stick with Jing. I am planning on doing a trail of Camtasia at some point because I would like to have more editing ability especially with longer videos.

Example of Jing w/ Screencast