Wired IN

Completely erase your hard drive

I recently picked up this new software, called CleanIt! This program was a quick download, install and use. The program basically scans your hard drive for all files that have previously been deleted and placed in your recycling bin. After you configure what you want to remove (old files, recycling bin, etc.) You run the wizard that comes with the software program, this wizard will go through your hard drive clean and remove based on what configuration settings you set.

Currently, the program offers comprehensive support against spyware, adware and trojan viruses. With the ability to update virus definitions, this program is great for staying up-to-date on keeping your computer clean. In addition to removing malware, this program is great for removing old programs, previously installed. The main reason I submitted this was I used this program to clean my hard drive completely, after I selected that option. This was great for when I was selling my computer to a buddy and I wanted to completely remove all previous information and programs that my buddy wouldn't use.

After using this program, I highly recommend it!

Pick up Wi-Fi with your phone

One of the problems with cell phones lately is they have to connect to a service to get on the Internet. Thankfully one company has developed an adapter to pick up a wireless connection off any wireless network or WiFi connection. The adapter which has been called the WiFhone Adapter. You can find this adapter on the manufacturer's website. It will cost you about $60 - $80 depending on what type of phone you have.

The adapter works very simple, you plug it into the power adapter on your phone. Then plug the adapter's connector into a power outlet to provide power to both the phone and the adapter. You can use the phone and adapter without plugging the cord into the power outlet, but you won't have much time to use it. Make sure that before you plug the adapter into the phone, you MUST turn your cell phone off. If you do not, you will not pick up a WiFi signal. Finally after you have powered down your phone, plug in the adapter and turn your phone on. Once your phone has turned on, you can go to the built-in Internet browser, if it was included with your phone. Once you've selected the browser, make sure to set the "Signal Source" to be the WiFhone.

Convert audio to mobile format

Ever have that song you wish you could use for a ringtone? Or that really funny sound loop from a friend you want to show your friends? I have found software that will legally take audio you have purchased or created and convert it to a mobile ringtone format. Using a software converter, you select the phone format you wish to convert to. Next, you can import the audio track into the converter and then click convert. After a few minutes of conversion, the file format is exported to a folder of your choice. Using a mobile connect cord you can then transfer your newly converted track onto your phone. Once you have disconnected the cord, the audio file should show up on your phone and able to be played.

I hope you enjoy playing your own custom ringtones and audio.

Get more out of your printer

I'm tired of buying new print cartridges every three weeks. I have found some new ways to extend the life of your printer cartridges to those who print a large amount of pages normally. One of the main things I try to do now is to clean my printer as much as I can. Stray dust and build up can cause jams in paper and cause more issues with printing and thus more ink is used up. This is one of the first details that many people forget, cleaning your printer is something that you should try to do every month. Just like an oil change for a car, a printer needs to be cleaned, otherwise it will not function properly.

Another important thing to remember is to test your printer monthly as well. By re-aligning printer cartridges, printing test pages and checking status on your printer, you have a better idea of how it is running and how much ink it uses. One great idea that I didn't think of until recently is to turn my printer off at night if I am not using it. This not only saves power but less ink is shaken or distributed to the sprouts of the cartridge. Finally, I found that when I needed to print a strictly black and white document, it is best to print in grayscale, not in color mode. Each time you print a black color, it uses all colors in the color cartridge and uses up more color cartridge ink. If you follow these steps, I guarentee your ink level will not drop nearly as fast. I hope you found this tip educational and useful.