Articles written by Lee Mathews - Page 2

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About me - Lee Mathews

I'm a full-time computer technician now into my second decade of experience, as well as a husband and dad.

Why am I on Helium? Well, I enjoy writing and blogging, and I've got a lot of information to share. I also like to think that I'm good at presenting

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Computers & Technology > Computer Buying Tips Using old hard drives to improve system performance: 2 of 4
As a general rule with computers, the idea of "improving performance" and "old hardware" don't typically go hand-in-hand. And that's mostly the case with an old hard drive. Just what can we term as and OLD hard drive, anyways? From a technicians standpoint, I look at two things. First, the "spindle speed" of the drive. All d... More..
Computers & Technology > Computers & Technology (Other) Disabling the ability for a computer to download: 1 of 2
While it just wouldn't make sense to completely disable all downloading functions on a computer, it certainly makes sense to learn what you can do to control and limit what is downloaded. So much of what we do on computers requires downloading of one form or another - updating your antivirus applications, reading RSS feeds, ... More..
Sports & Recreation > Hockey Reflections on the 2006/07 Detroit Red Wings: 1 of 2
It seems odd to ask such a question when they're fighting for the President's Trophy, but the fact remains that some people are still unimpressed by the Red Wings. After last night's 6-2 flogging of the Chicago Blackhawks, there should be no doubt that the Wings aren't merely a one-trick pony, relying on the finesse of Pavel... More..
Sports & Recreation > Hockey Observations regarding the Detroit Red Wings: 1 of 1
No one doubted the Red Wings' winning streak would come to an end. What is a bit surprising is how the Dallas Stars have turned the tide. A Stars team that looked completely outmatched in the first three games of the series has fought back to a 3-2 mark and is now taking the series back to Dallas in hopes of forcing a game 7... More..
Computers & Technology > Computers & Technology (Other) Should consumers or OEMs (manufacturers) be responsible for paying e-waste fees?: 4 of 6
If I shoot someone, shouldn't Remington be charged with murder? Oh, wait, that sounds totally ridiculous. Sure, Remington made the gun and the ammunition, but they certainly didn't force me to use them in any particular way. So why should ANYONE place the burden of e-waste fees on the OEMs? That just doesn't make any sense a... More..
Computers & Technology > Hardware (Other) Experiences with a Dell computer: 11 of 16
The bottom line with "experiences with a Dell computer" is that they will be your own. As a "computer guy," I've been repairing Dells as long as I've been a tech. And they're not evil garbage, contrary to what many "computer people" will tell you. Dell is the same as any other brand: you get what you pay for. Low-end, low co... More..
Computers & Technology > Internet Security & Safety (Other) What is malware?: 9 of 12
What is malware? In broad terms, malware is ANY software that can potentially harm your computer or compromise its security (mal=bad). To immediately address one common misconception, malware will NOT physically damage your computer. In all my years as a technician, I've NEVER seen a computer that has a single part that has ... More..
Sports & Recreation > Running Are sports drinks better for athletes than water?: 6 of 8
It's a simple fact that when we perspire our bodies lose more than just water. Electrolytes lost include major elements like sodium, chlorine or chloride, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. While reading the label on any bottled water container will tell you that there's more than just H20 in that bottle, it's no... More..
Computers & Technology > Computers & Technology (Other) How to remove a forgotten Windows XP password: 4 of 5
Putting a password on your Windows XP user account is never a bad idea - as long as you don't forget what it is. Even if you do forget it, following my advice here will potentially save you lugging your computer down to a repair center and shelling out your hard-earned money to fix a very minor issue. Clearing a Windows XP p... More..
Creative Writing > Humor Humor: Lawn care: 6 of 6
I'm kind of an avid lawn care amateur. I'd go pro, but some of my techniques are just a bit too unconventional to bring me success on the big stage. But still I try. So here's my rundown on how to green up your lawn this summer. The absolute BEST time to do lawn maintenance, of course, is when it's insanely hot and humid out... More..