T11M

One of the main things people ask me after getting to know me and what I do for a living is:

“Tim, can you help me pick out a new computer? I just don’t know what to get and I don’t understand all the tech jargon that goes along with it.”

It never fails. I’ve even met people at parties and had them ask me after 10 minutes of conversation. I love to talk computers and I enjoy specking out new models so feel free to ask, but I thought I would write down the basics of purchasing a new PC so that you can be more informed consumers and not get snowed by those lousy, good for nothing BestBuy Geeks. (A quick sidebar – I hate BestBuy. If you can find someone to help you they rarely work in the department your question is about, and when you do find the correct sales rep he or she usually only knows enough about the products and technology to make themselves sound proficient in their area of “expertise”.) Anyway, when purchasing a new PC you have to balance the latest in technology with the amount of cash you are willing to hand over. Don’t skimp just because it may cost a few more dollars, but you probably don’t want to ride the bleeding edge of the technology curve either. Here is a quick rundown of the key components of a computer:

1. Processor – This is the “brain” of your PC. The faster it is the more quickly your computer can process data. However it relies on the cache and RAM to feed it the data that it needs to process making the processor and the RAM contingent on each other. Speed is measured in gigaherz (Ghz). Processors can also have multiple cores which allow each single processor to basically function as multiple processors while remaining the size of a single processor – a dual core processor has the equivalent speed of two processors but fits in the space of a single processor – really cool technology. Dual core processors are pretty standard now and I wouldn’t recommend anything less. Quad cores are even better.
2. RAM – the RAM or Random Access Memory is what temporarily stores data while your computer is processing the information you are feeding it. Usually more RAM is better, however it can get expensive really quick. RAM is measured in gigabytes (GB) and 4 is pretty much standard anymore.
3. Graphics Card – This is what processes and displays the graphical images you see on the screen. Most computers come with one built in now, however you can upgrade to much nicer ones if you are going to be doing graphics intensive work like photo/video processing or playing games. Measured in megabytes (MB) and 256 or 512 is about standard.
4. Hard Disk Drive – where your files are stored. The bigger the hard drive, the more files you can store. Measured in gigabytes (GB) or terabytes (TB) where 1024 GB = 1 TB.
5. Audio Card – most likely integrated into the system and not necessary to purchase an extra one – unless of course you are doing high end audio recording and playback. Then you need to spend the money on a good audio card.
6. Operating System (OS) – This is what allows you to actual interface with the computer hardware. The most prevalent are Windows and Mac, but Linux is becoming more prevalent. The biggest question you face now when purchasing a new OS is 32 bit vs 64 bit. Basically these numbers simply tell you the level of processing the OS can do. Until very recently most programs didn’t run in 64 bit making the 64 bit OS highly impractical for every day use. In my opinion Windows 64 bit is still fairly impractical. Apple however is doing all of the 64 bit migration in the background and allows you to run in both 64 bit and 32 bit mode simultaneously making things much easier for end users (basically you can run any software on it regardless of whether the software is 64 or 32 bit compatible). In my opinion you should purchase a 32 bit OS
7. Display – The thing you look at. Most displays are LCD or LED backlit. Both are good but the LED backlit screens use less power allowing for longer battery life on laptops.

Anything else being sold with the computer is probably extraneous. Don’t spend your money on anti-virus software or this that and the other thing that a computer retailer is going to try and sell you. Keep it basic and you’ll save yourself a lot of money. There are free applications for almost everything anymore, all you have to do is look for them.

Now, when you go to purchase all you need to do is look at the processor speed, the amount of RAM, the size of the video card, the size of the hard drive and the operating system you want to have on it. Combine all those together and you’ll get your final price. Dell has a really good method for customizing your own computer which can give you a great estimate of what a computer with your desired specifications should cost.

My final tip is SHOP AROUND! Don’t buy the first computer you come across that looks good and is in your price range. Take your time and find one that fits your needs exactly. Good luck!

As a person who deals with tons of email every day, this post gave me some really good tips that now use to manage my email on a daily basis. It was written by Leo Babauta who does some really great writing over on his blog called Zen Habits.

“Nothing is more important to me than what I am doing right now.”

As I have struggled over the last 2 months to really keep up with the demands of my job, I have been forced to realize two things. First, I’m not as immune to stress as I thought I was. Second, when under stress, my organizational skills and ability to prioritize and remember what needs to be done on the fly completely break down. The two are intimately linked and can cause a horrible downward spiral from which I have found recovery is difficult.

Prior to Christmas we were going through end of year purchasing – a process that involves analyzing needs, getting quotes, and filling out stacks of paperwork – which was sheer hell. I’ve never been so exhausted, irritable, and just all around short tempered in my life. The process was just taxing. After Christmas, well really the whole month of January, I was working to install all of the equipment that we purchased at the end of the year – not to mention all of my clients came back from Christmas ready to work hard. So basically for the past 2 months I have been working long hours just trying to keep up. Finally in mid January I came to realize my limitations and began to reevaluate how I organize my life.

The first thing I did was to create a daily stress release system – exercise being my main release. I now spend a good hour and a half or more in the gym five to six days a week. This helps me to relax and disconnect from my job (as well as gives me an excuse not to be tethered to my Blackberry). I’ve also been eating much healthier and between the exercise and better diet have been much more alert, focused, and energized throughout the day. I’ve also lost 20 pounds.

Next I had to develop a system of organization that would help me be more efficient and allow me to know that I haven’t missed or forgotten anything. This system has involved better email management through email filters and labeling, creating a centralized task list (using the iPhone app 2Do which syncs with my laptop) and a centralized note taking system (using SimpleNote and Notational Velocity). Now, when I receive email I filter and label email as I get it to ensure that important emails are labelled as such and easily searchable. Any task that I need to perform goes to my task list in 2Do which notifies me of time sensitive tasks, displays tasks I need to complete by day, and gives me peace of mind by helping me to not forget anything. All notes that I take are jotted down on my SimpleNote iPhone app, in the SimpleNote web interface, or in Notational Velocity on my Mac which all synchronize so that I have that info anywhere I need it.

Finally I had to take the last and most difficult step – to rely on my stress management and organizational system something I’ve never had to do. As a part of this I adopted a mantra:

– “Nothing is more important to me than what I am doing right now.” –

By focusing solely on what I am doing right now, I am able to perform that task, or enjoy that meal, or solve a complicated problem better than ever before. My clients receive my full attention when I am with them. I don’t have the distraction and worry of work when I am at the gym. Kendra and I have been able to go on a vacation weekend without me stressing about work. My focus is on what I am doing right now because I know that my organizational system will help me accomplish everything I need to. The experience has been very freeing and I plan to continue evaluating how I manage my time and hopefully I can continue to improve my daily life.

Kendra and I recently did a weekend getaway to Orlando for Valentine’s weekend (much more enjoyable than a box of chocolate and a bouquet of flowers). During our time there we learned a few things about the city and thought we would pass them on. These tips stem directly from our joys and frustrations on the trip:

1. Research the parks before arriving in Orlando. I mean, watching the hotel info channel at 1 AM the day you are going to go to the park is great, but… enough said.
2. If traveling without children Universal Studios is a one day adventure not to miss. Both parks can be experienced in one day, no matter what the guy at the gate says. Just keep moving and you’ll get it done. It’s a long day but well worth it. Every ride we went on was awesome.
3. If you are going to do Disney World, stay at one of the Disney Resorts. There are 22 to choose from, so I think you can find one you will enjoy and in your price range.
4. All transportation in the park is free and you will have to use it. Disney is 55 square miles and over 28,000 acres in size. All transportation to the park from outside the complex is expensive not to mention impossible to figure out so save yourself the hassle.
5. Understanding Disney’s internal bus system requires a minimum of a college degree; a masters is preferred. (I still don’t know how it works…)
6. If you don’t want children invading every inch of your vacation Disney is not for you.
7. Even though the Hotel claims to be a mile from Disney, remember Disney is HUGE and 1 mile to the outskirts of the Disney complex can still mean 5 miles from anywhere you actually want to be. Walking is not an option, believe me.
8. The Epcot fireworks and laser show is worth every penny of the Epcot entrance fee. Even if that is all you see, its worth it.
9. Make sure you look good at all times. You will end up in countless pictures taken by random Asian people rapidly darting about snapping pictures as if they are documenting the experience for National Geographic.
10. Michael Daley (of Michael Daley Destinations) is a pretty rad taxi/limovan driver. He got us around and took care of us. Visit his site here. He told us to call him when we fly in next time and he’ll pick us up from the airport.

If you have the opportunity Kendra and I highly recommend you visit Orlando and see the sites there. It is a pretty amazing place. Enjoy!

An interesting write up on the last decade of Tech. Dvorak always brings to light the things I never think of and the reasons to complain about what the tech industry is doing.