ItsGeekToMe.co

Q: Read your column constantly and am frequently stumped by trade terminology used by geeks and non-geeks globally.  Problem is, most of these terms are foreign to me.  So, is there a dictionary that seeks to keep up with the evolution of “computer” related terminology or (more specifically, commonly used electronic devices) (not programming or internal codes) that translates words that define tools/actions/processes into common english so that non-geeks like me understand the lingo. 

– Ed H.
Niceville, Fla

A: I think I have the same problem around here, Ed.  It is always my goal writing my column to aim it at a non-expert level.  I’m often surprised when I talk to readers who say they enjoy the column, but don’t understand a lot of what they read.  It’s necessary, and even desirable to sometimes use jargon and lingo.  Remember that we’re living in the information age, and most of us have an onramp to the information superhighway right in our own home.  I’m talking about the Internet, of course.  Just about any term can be entered directly in to your favorite search engine to get all the explanation you could possibly want.  If you want a concentrated dictionary of such terms, try searching for “dictionary of computer terms” or something similar.  One of the best tools in my toolbox of information is the free online encyclopedia, Wikipedia (wikipedia.org).

Q: My main computer is a Windows based Dell Desktop running XP Home version.  About 6 months ago I bought a MacBookPro running Leopard.  On my desktop I use Outlook Express for email.  What is the best method for duplicating my desktop email with my MACBook Pro?  I purchased the laptop mainly so that I can be away from my desk to check my email. 

– Richard S.
Crestview, Fla

A: Do it the same way as you would if the laptop were a PC.  Specifically, configure the e-mail software to leave a copy of the mail on the server.  That way, you can access it away from your desk, but it’s still there when you get back to your desktop machine.  The actual method to do this is specific to your mail client software, but will be located under the account setup section.

Q: Our current laptop is slow and has to be refreshed or a program ended and restarted. Our children are busy working long hours in todays economy keeping their business going. So they think we should get a new computer vs clearing or working on our problem.  Our laptop is running windows 2000 and except for being slow is OK for our needs.  Will you give us help in how in making our computer go faster?

A: If you’ve followed the advice I’ve given in past columns (maximize RAM, clean out junk software, etc) and your system is still slow, it may be time to take upgrading more seriously.  Only you can know whether upgrading is truly right for you, but I can tell you that one measuring stick I often use is whether a new system doubles my current system, or is more than two versions ahead of what I’ve got now.  In other words, if my old machine has a 1 GHz CPU, I’d want to make sure the new one has at least a 2 GHz.  If it has 1 gigabyte of RAM, the new one should have at least 2 gigs.  You get the idea.  My considered opinion in your situation is that you have certainly gotten your money’s worth out of that laptop if it is running a 10 year-old operating system that is no longer supported by Microsoft.  There have been many advances in technology since that machine was built – bigger hard drives, new optical drive technology, Wi-Fi, USB, Bluetooth, and much more either didn’t exist when your machine was built, or have been vastly improved. You’ll find you are way more than doubling your capabilities if you upgrade, and if you like the old laptop, you’ll be absolutely thrilled with a new machine.