Friday, February 23, 2007

John W. Scherer Video Professor Blog Feb. 23, 2007

Wanna talk about technology?

Winning the spyware battle

Is your computer running at a snail’s pace? Are you bombarded with pop-up ads and don’t know where they are coming from? If so, your computer is probably infected with spyware. If you surf the Internet regularly and have never used anti-spyware software, your CPU is swimming with it. This article will shed some light on what programs will work best for you to eliminate spyware. If you have any more questions about computer safety or Internet help, visit www.videoprofessor.com.
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The next Ansel Adams
Do you yearn to be the next Ansel Adams? Because today’s digital cameras make photography so easy, there is no question why it is so popular. If you are looking to take your photography to the next level, here is a review of some new cameras that will help you shoot professional-looking images.
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In a related note, organizing, editing and managing digital images can sometimes be a nightmare. Video Professor has a couple of tutorials that help consumers get a handle on this chore. The Learn Digital Photography and Learn Photoshop® CS tutorials give amateur photographers the skills to shoot like the pros. The Learn Digital Photography tutorial includes tips and tricks for taking the best photos, removing red eye and scratches, sharing photos with family and friends and even how to use your digital camera to film and edit short movies. The Learn Photoshop CS tutorials give users all the information they need to expertly use one of the world’s most powerful photo-editing platforms.

Will your existing software work with Windows Vista™?
If you are an early adopter of Microsoft’s® new operating system, Windows Vista™, you probably already know what applications run or don’t run properly. If you are still up in the air about upgrading because you’re unsure if your software will work, Microsoft announced a list of 800 software applications this week that work fine on the new operating system. But with that good news, there are certain software applications missing from the list, including some Adobe® applications and the Firefox® web browser.
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Off topic:
Might as well face it, you’re addicted to e-mail
It seems that in the last decade our workload has increased significantly. Few of us, if any, work a typical “9 to 5” job, and even if we have core hours at the office, we often can’t leave it behind. We go home and check our e-mail, or our portable PCs deliver the news right to our palms. Well if you are addicted to e-mail, there may be help yet. An executive coach has developed a 12-step program that can help cure you of this affliction.
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You have to set limits
Even Bill Gates, Mr. Microsoft, has to limit the amount of time his kids spend on their computers. What ever happened to going outside and playing in the park or starting a football game in the yard? Kids these days are spending more time in front of TVs and computers instead of experiencing the outdoors. Trust me, as the Video Professor, I love computers as much as the next guy, but kids need to be kids, and that means going outside and playing, running, jumping etc. Parents, wake up and tell your kids to get off the Internet.
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Have a good week!

John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.

Friday, February 16, 2007

John W. Scherer Video Professor Blog Feb. 16, 2007

Tech Talk!
As promised in last week’s entry, I mentioned that I’d have more information about the Windows Vista™ preview CD that Video Professor recently launched. If you haven’t seen it yet, you’ll quickly realize that Windows Vista is unlike any other operating system Microsoft has ever released. We wanted to give consumers an introduction to all of Vista’s new features and advantages. It will help you decide if Vista is right for you and help you decide when and if to upgrade. If you are interested in getting a copy of the Video Professor Windows Vista Preview CD, please call 1-800-591-1038.

In addition, Video Professor will launch its Learn Windows Vista tutorial in the coming months. You may be thinking that since you’ve mastered the previous versions of Windows, you don’t need a Windows Vista tutorial. Don’t be too sure. As you begin using Windows Vista, you’ll quickly see that many changes have taken place. From the Start menu, to the new look and feel of a window, to the capabilities Windows Vista offers, a lot has changed. Video Professor’s Learn Windows Vista lesson will teach you everything you need to know about:
• The new Windows workspace
• New methods to use, store and access graphic files
• Working with redesigned desktop tools
• Vista’s improved security features
• Personalizing Windows
• Using improved Windows System Tools
• Using the new Windows Sidebar and Gadgets
• Multimedia options, including Windows Media Center and Microsoft Movie Maker
• How to set up a network between multiple PCs and devices
• Wireless computing

Worried about ID theft? Check where you live
According to a recent study, people living in certain areas of the country run a higher risk of ID theft. If you live in Arizona, California or New York, you’re more likely to be attacked. We all know that you have to take precautions to keep your identity safe online, but this study is very interesting. The researchers said that knowing the areas that ID theft is more likely to occur could do wonders for fighting back. If you are looking for more information about how to keep your identity and your computer safe online, visit the resource library at www.videoprofessor.com.
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Let’s keep our kids safe, too
In a related story, efforts are being stepped up to keep our kids safe online. With all the dangers lurking on social networking sites, discussion boards and chat rooms, an agency that rates web sites is working hard to protect kids. This is an interesting article detailing their upcoming plans.
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Off topic:
Going to great lengths to avoid school
I guess kids today will go to great lengths to avoid going to school. Unfortunately, technology plays a role in their deviant behavior. Two teenagers in Ohio are accused of posting a fake message on their school’s web site announcing that school was closed due to the snow. Isn’t it easier just to study for the test? It seems that maybe if these students would put all that effort into their schoolwork, they wouldn’t need to avoid class.
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John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.

Friday, February 09, 2007

John W. Scherer Video Professor Blog Feb. 9, 2007

Let’s talk about tech!

PC sales jump after Windows Vista™ launch
Did you hear the news? Windows Vista™ launched last week. Unless you’ve been out of the country or in solitude, you probably heard the announcement. This new operating system is certainly different than anything else Microsoft has released. According to Current Analysis Inc., PC sales went up 67 percent in the first week after Windows Vista’s launch.
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If you are contemplating converting to Windows Vista, check back next week. Video Professor is launching a new Windows Vista Preview CD, giving users the information they need when deciding if and when to upgrade. Because Windows Vista is much different than previous Microsoft operating systems, consumers may find it confusing when deciding which of the five versions is right for them. The Video Professor Windows Vista Preview CD guides users step-by-step through the different versions—Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Ultimate and Enterprise editions—analyzes the pros and cons of each and helps consumers choose which version their computer can run and which version they actually need.

Look out!
I knew online theft was rampant, but I had no idea how bad it really was. Did you know that a hacker tries to penetrate a computer every 39 seconds? Michel Cukier of the University of Maryland said, “Our data provide quantifiable evidence that attacks are happening all the time to computers with Internet connections. The computers in our study were attacked, on average, 2,244 times a day.” If you need more information about how to keep your computer safe, visit the resource library at http://www.videoprofessor.com/.
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Watch where you step
iPods may be taking over the world, but law enforcement agencies in New York aren’t buying into the hype. If you live in New York you could soon be subjected to a fine if you cross the street while wearing your ear buds. If lawmakers have their way, New York pedestrians will actually have to pay attention when strolling across the street. What a novel concept.
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Off topic:
Well the NFL season has come to an end. Yes, I know there is a game this weekend, but that doesn’t count. Like that tree in the forest, if a football game is played in Hawaii and nobody is around to see it, did it really happen? For a lot of sports fans the next couple months will be pretty tough to handle. The NHL and NBA are in action, but things don’t really heat up until the playoffs are about to begin. “March Madness” seems so far away. Pitchers and catchers report to spring training this month, but who really cares about baseball until opening day in April?

Congratulations to Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts for finally getting their rings. In a very sloppy game, especially in the first half, the Colts pretty much dominated the Bears. What surprised me was how the Colts won the game. Their defense was phenomenal. In my opinion, it was the defense that carried them to the Super Bowl title. The defense was highly criticized coming into the playoffs, but they really stepped up when they needed to. It was no different in the Super Bowl. The defense had Bears quarterback Rex Grossman confused all night. After Chicago ran the opening kickoff back for a touchdown and then picked off Manning on his first offensive series, it was all downhill from there. Good job, Colts. You earned this one.

John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.