5 Computer Magic Tips for Computer Users

• Watch TV Programmes on Your Laptop
• About eBook Readers
• Find Out How To
• Stream Music Wirelessly around your Home
• Instant Translation

This dark time of year we all need some magic in our lives. Your computer or laptop can provide you with lots of entertainment, fun and magic. Computers are a great way to interact with people, whether online or sitting beside each other to help solve a problem. If you have a tip to share please email me at info@a1computers.ie.

Watch TV Programmes on Your Laptop

Most TV channels now keep selected TV programmes for several days on their website so you can watch when you want. Checkout rte.ie/player, or tv3.ie and select ‘catchup', or u.tv/mediaplayer. BBC programs using iPlayer are not available yet to non UK Viewers, but should be soon. YouTube is now showing much longer videos.

About eBook Readers

An eBook reader enables you to ‘load in’ 100s of books to a device the size of a paperback and then to read it just like a book. Some newer types of eBook, also enables you to listen to the book if you get tired reading it.

Beware, some model of eBook readers restrict you to only loading in files in certain formats. Try to select an eBook reader that accepts the .epub format. Currently Google has made over 500,000 books available FREE in that format.

Dun Laoghaire local library website already has the facility for you to download eBook s, Audio Books, Music, Video and other digital material on loan. This is very handy once you set it up, especially if you travel abroad as you can borrow from your local library from anywhere!

Find Out How To

Make a curry, Darn a sock, Use a netipot...whatever you want to find out ‘How to do’, visit howcast.com My favourite is ‘How to Mingle...’

Stream Music Wirelessly around your Home

Windows Media Player 11, which comes with most of the newer computers, enables you to do this. You need a wireless router and your computer on the wireless network. A digital audio receiver is needed to receive the music. You could use an Xbox, or PS3 or Wi-Fi radio.

Some of the newer Hi-Fis should include a Wi-Fi Receiver, and most of the newer Hi-Fis come with media server software. Not only can you stream music wirelessly but also internet radio stations and the marvellous music streaming service, from the Spotify website.

Instant Translation

Having a Google Toolbar means among others you can at the press of button, translate almost any website worldwide into almost any other language. Instantly. How about the Irish Times in Arabic, or RTE website in Chinese, or A1 Computers website in Russian? Very useful for travel and for doing business worldwide.

ANNOUNCEMENT 1:

Your emails with computers tips you have are most welcome. Remember ‘You don’t know what you don’t know till someone tells you’. Sharing a tip, brings joy to the giver and receiver.

ANNOUNCEMENT 2:

Why not visit A1 Computers to do some Christmas shopping in a relaxing atmosphere. Whether you plan to buy a laptop, printer, photo papers & inks or a mouse as pressies, we are here to help. Or how about a Gift Voucher from A1 Computers for family or friends... could be handy to buy stuff they want or to get their laptop or computer fixed in 2010.

Wishing you a Peaceful Christmas and a Prosperous 2010 with all good wishes from the staff at A1 Computers.