Google has packaged five of its free software programs into one easy-to-download, easy-to-install package.

Included in the new Google Pack are Google Earth, Picasa, Google Pack Screensaver, Google Desktop and the Google Toolbar.

Google Earth is a cool application that works through your web browser and high-speed (cable or DSL) Internet connection. It’s not suitable for dialup. Google Earth shows you zoomable pictures of the earth, down to the level of being able to spot your house. (I can see my house and the neighbor’s car in his driveway.)

Picasa is Google’s photo organizer. It has an unusual interface that lets you find, edit and share your photos easily.

Continue reading Google’s Free Google Pack Software Package

You’ve seen the problem. The program you use every day, or maybe one you use occasionally, isn’t doing what it should.

Perhaps the program can’t load one of its data files, so it doesn’t actually start. Perhaps it won’t do the task you told it to do - even if it worked yesterday. Perhaps the program crashes when you run it.

There is one often-forgotten cure for Windows.

In today’s world of Windows, fast computers, fast Internet connections using cable modems, DSL modems or even Ethernet connection to the ISP, many of us leave our computers turned on all the time.

Continue reading Number 1 Step in Computer Troubleshooting