Articles written by Carol Smith - Page 2

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About me - Carol Smith

I am a computer teacher and IT troubleshooter. I specialise in trying to make computing fun, friendly and accessible to older learners. You can visit my website at http://www.it-teacher.co.uk to find out more about my work.

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Computers & Technology > Internet Issues Pros and cons of Skype: 1 of 4
I have been a Skype user for a few years. I have seen the service develop and improve. For me the pros of Skype are many and far outweigh the cons.The Pros.You can speak to any other broadband user in almost any country in the world for free. Skype is freely available to download so any user of any broadband service can insta... More..
Business > Starting a Business Tips for starting a small business: 7 of 25
I have been self-employed, running my own small business, for 16 years. I've never regretted it, I've never had that "Monday morning feeling" and I don't think I could ever go back to being employed. Seeing me make a success of self-employment has led two of my close friends to do the same. They saw what I had done, asked my ... More..
Computers & Technology > Spyware & Adware How to prevent your PC from being infected with spyware: 13 of 41
What is spyware?Spyware is a form of malware (a generic term for pretty much anything that shouldn't be on your computer). Spyware is put on your computer by web sites for a variety of reasons. Collecting statistics, causing malicious damage, contacting unwanted websites, popping up adverts, dialling premium rate lines. Unlik... More..
Computers & Technology > Computers & Technology (Other) How to recognize when a virus is a hoax: 3 of 9
Hoax virus warnings are designed to scare you the computer user and to clog up the internet by encouraging you to send lots of unnecessary emails.Before you get taken in by a hoax virus warning stop and think carefully. Antivirus software manufacturers issue daily updates, and some are updated even more frequently. Is it like... More..
Computers & Technology > Internet Software & Utilities Why you should backup important computer data regularly: 12 of 33
The importance of doing regular and complete backups cannot be overstated. I speak from long experience as an IT teacher and troubleshooter. Sadly this is a lesson that many people learn the hard way. Don't be one of them.Imagine these scenarios. You are writing your first novel. It's destined for fame, but you don't know tha... More..
Computers & Technology > Web Design Benefits of starting a website: 4 of 11
The benefits of starting a website can be many and varied. How you benefit depends on your reason for starting the site. If you are a musician, starting your own website is a cheap and effective way of allowing a wider audience to access your work. Put MP3 clips of videos of you or your band on your site. Promote your site as... More..
Business > Entrepreneurship (Other) Personality traits necessary for success in self-employment: 20 of 47
I have been self-employed for 15 years. The thought of returning to being employed fills me with horror. I haven't made millions, I never intended to. I do believe I am successful. Hindsight and the opportunity to compare myself with friends/family who are still employed has made me come to realise the differences in personal... More..
Computers & Technology > Computers & Technology (Other) Buying a desktop or laptop: Pros and cons: 6 of 14
When the time comes to buy a new computer you have to decide whether you want to buy a desktop PC or a laptop.Until recently price was a major deciding factor, with laptops being considerably more expensive. Prices have dropped considerably and the cost of a laptop is now more or less the same as a desktop. So how do you deci... More..
Jobs & Careers > Resumes & Cover Letters How to write a resume when you are older but not retired: 7 of 15
If you are older and you are applying for a job you may feel that you could become a victim of age discrimination. It's hard applying for work when you feel that most employers will be looking for a younger person. It can be deeply depressing for some people, who feel that they are no longer wanted or needed and are being sid... More..
Computers & Technology > Internet Tips How to promote your business online for free: 7 of 14
These days almost everyone wants to use the internet to promote their business. Many businesses will have their own website, but even if you design the website yourself there are costs involved - hosting and domain name registering.Don't despair, even if you don't have a website of your own there are ways of promoting your bu... More..