Device

Internet Safety Device DIY: Projects

Keeping Your Computer Safe

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read544 views

In ten years I owned three laptops. My first laptop was a Fujitsu. It was the best and lasted a little over 7 years. Towards the last year it started freezing, slowing down (regardless of my Internet Speed) and the number of pop-up ads per second was astonishing. A few months after Cloning its Hard Drive; it died. My second laptop was a Dell. It served its purpose while it lasted; though a total disappointment as it died on me less than a year. Fortunately for me, I was able to retrieve data from it. My third laptop is an ASUS. I heard so much about it and after reading the wonderful reviews, I decided to give it a try. So far, so good.

We have a Desktop Computer in the house that no one has touched in months. It got worse since my children got hooked on their tablets. Once in a blue moon however, I turned it on to get the latest security and other important updates from Microsoft automatically. As I checked my hard-drive space, I noticed that I had less space on my C: Drive even though I just installed the essentials. This afternoon I decided to reinstall the Operating System without formatting the hard disk during installation, which resulted in data files saved to a Windows.old folder on my C: Drive which I immediately deleted as it wasn’t needed and was too large (115 Gigabytes).

I made sure the Computer was running the most up-to-date version of all the Software. As I read and consented to Skype licensing agreements, I didn’t see a notification of adware of any sort. Once the software was installed however, I ended up with additional unwanted adware which got installed along with Skype.

Java Print Screen.
Java Setup window Print Screen.

Some Software such as Java will give you an option to install Adware or not (see picture above) and others will not. Though often harmless, some of these Adware can become a nuisance. Spyware on the other hand will pose a security risk. Always make sure that you do not need a program before uninstalling it as some programs depend on others to work properly. To check your list of installed programs, simply click on Start → Control Panel → Uninstall a Program (located under the Programs category).

Uninstall a Program.
Installed Programs Print Screen.

Some Preventive Measures

  • Install Antivirus, Antispyware Software and check for updates
  • Keep your Firewall turned on
  • Enable your Pop-up Blocker
  • Check your list of Installed Programs daily
  • Keep your Operating System up-to-date
  • Be very selective and only download the Programs/Applications you need and want on your Computer
  • Always read licensing agreements before you consent to an installation
  • Whenever possible, choose secure networks over Public Wi-Fi
  • Constantly check your Programs and Features to make sure that everything is in order
  • Backup your Data (Online, Hard Drive, … etc)
  • Scan and turn off your Computer when you’re done using it

Consider purchasing Picture Keeper, a photo storage and backup device or a Portable External Hard Drive to protect your pictures and other irreplaceable files.

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JM Perez By JM Perez
Device DIY: Projects

DIY: Primitive Slingshot

EPEngineer By EPEngineer1 min read2.1K views

I finally put together the Primitive Slingshot which I started working on almost half a year ago. I was hoping to find a perfect Y-shaped tree branch before putting it together. However, our encounter with some Squirrels lately have triggered the need to have some sort of device available to handle the issue.

Materials/Tools Needed:

  • A Y-shaped tree branch, Drumsticks
  • Saw (to cut down the branch)
  • Knife (to carve notches on a branch)
  • Awl (to punch holes toward the ends of the Nylon Webbing or the Leather Strip)
  • Paperclip (thread the rubber band through the holes)
  • Piece of Leather strip, Nylon Webbing
  • Rubber band, Latex Surgical Tubing
  • Dental floss or Zip Ties(to fasten the Tubing)

Step by step:

  • For this project I decided to use the surgical tubing, leather strip, Y-shaped tree branch and two zip ties. First I used the leather strip and cut a hole on each side to loop the surgical tubing thru it. Once that was done, I proceeded to prepare the y shaped branch by removing any bumps from the handle.
  • Now I used the zip ties to fasten each surgical end to each post of the Y-shaped branch; making sure it’s nice and tight so that it does not come loose and cause any injuries.
  • Test out the sling shot for functionality and make sure that no adjustments are needed.
Primitive Slingshot.
Primitive Slingshot.

Now that this Slingshot is operational, I am hoping to scare a couple of Squirrels away.

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EPEngineer By EPEngineer
Mechanicals Device Vintage Home Decor

Finds from Estate Liquidators

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read675 views

Fridays has always been our favorite day of the week to go treasure hunting at Antique, Vintage and Shabby Chic shops. It’s the best day of the week to shop with fewer competition and minimal traffic as every one is either still at work or prefer weekend shopping. Yesterday we found a few vintage items at the Estate Liquidators.

Tiny Vintage Ceramic Planter.
Tiny Vintage Ceramic Planter.

The Tiny Vintage Ceramic Planter above was nested inside a vintage wine glass. I intend to use it as a Pen holder.

Vintage Stainless Steel Tray.
Vintage Stainless Steel Tray.

I have been looking for a vintage serving tray for a while to work on a project. As I was walking around the shop, my eyes cut a glimpse of something shiny. At first I thought it was some type of decorative mirror as I could clearly see my own reflection. The shop owner told me that it had never been used and that she had just taken in out of its package. It’s a lovely Stainless Steel Tray with charming gold handles.

Vintage Wine Decanter with Ice Holder.
Vintage Wine Decanter with Ice Chamber.

I found a gorgeous (hand blown glass) Vintage Italian Wine Decanter with Ice Chamber to keep your beverages cool. I am not sure if it ever had the two cork stoppers that most have. It does make a unique decorative piece.

Vintage 1963 Olivetti Lettera 32.
Vintage 1963 Olivetti Lettera 32.

The best treasure of the day was this beautiful vintage 1963 Olivetti Lettera 32 Portable Mechanical Italian Typewriter designed by Marcello Nizzoli for Olivetti as the successor of the popular Olivetti Lettera 22.
It came with its case and it’s in excellent condition. My husband tried it out and it works great. All we have to do now is purchased some Ink Ribbon and we’ll be good to go.

Vintage German Barometer.
Vintage German Barometer.

We also found a wall hanging, Vintage German Barometer with Porcelain Dial under glass.

Address Location:
Estate Liquidators
9461 Hesperia Rd, Hesperia, CA 92345
1 (562) 233-8199

Hours of Operations:
Opened Tuesday – Saturday from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Estate Liquidators is one of my favorite places to shop for those hard to find, now obsolete things. If you happen to be in town, find time and visit the shop located on Hesperia Road.

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JM Perez By JM Perez
Electronics Device DIY: Projects

Computer Data Retrieval

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read716 views

I have been up most of the night, updating and transferring data from my old computer Hard Drive into the new one. Though it took me a while, I’m happy. I now have all the information I need in one place and I am relieved. The best part about this process is the amount of knowledge I gained along the way.

I owned a Fujitsu Laptop for over 7 years, which I really liked. I finally parted with it because its video chip was getting bad and couldn’t be replaced. I got a Dell as a replacement. Just as I was creating more memories; I placed it into hibernation mode one afternoon early this month and it never came back up. I had it for just a year and it gave up on me. You would think that with the advancement in technology, devices would last longer and perform better. Older computers, though slower, tend to be more reliable.

I bought a new Laptop replacement and ordered a USB 22 Pin SATA Adapter Cable to allow me to transfer all the content from my Dell Hard Drive into the new Laptop. As you can see on the picture below, I had to use a computer monitor to access the content of the old Hard Drive because my current laptop only has one USB port on each side and the Adapter Cable wasn’t long enough to reach both sides.

Computer Data Retrieval.

What you need:

  • A computer
  • Two USB ports
  • USB 2.0 For 2.5″ HDD Hard Disk Drive Laptop to SATA 7+15 Pin 22Pin Adapter Cable

How to proceed:

  • Take out the old hard drive from the Laptop.
  • Connect the Adapter to the Hard Drive being careful not to touch the underside of the Hard Drive since it has its electronic circuit exposed.
  • Connect the 2 USB connectors to your computer/laptop and let it recognize it.
  • Double-click the Hard Drive icon and access your files.

My advice to anyone is to always back up your data to an external drive (weekly, monthly and in extreme cases, daily). It’s quite a scare and nightmare when you suddenly lose all your data or can’t access your important information because of a computer crash/malfunction.
Turn your Firewall on. Get an Anti-Virus software and a Registry Cleaner to protect your computer files from malicious software and from being broken into as well as to  help keep them safe.

Consider purchasing Picture Keeper, a photo storage and backup device or a Portable External Hard Drive to protect your pictures and other irreplaceable files.

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JM Perez By JM Perez