March, 2008,
Time To Change Your Perspective?
Dear Avi,
Sometimes just a little change in how you work and play on your computer may yield huge results in productivity.
This month, our WCC "Tech Tips" looks at:

• Does Size Matter? Will a new, larger monitor (a change of "perspective") make you, and your employees, more productive?

• How to select a new computer monitor for your desktop or laptop.

• Do You know how to "TILE" (and we don't mean your bathroom)?

For years, graphics professionals have insisted on large monitors since they literally spend most of their work hours staring at it.
If you spend a fair amount of time in front of a computer, isn't it time you ditched your small monitor and stepped up your productivity as well? We'll show you how!
Avi & Tahl

Avi Smith-Rapaport, Tahl Smith-Rapaport, and the entire team at:
We Care Computers, LLC
860-836-4191 or info@wecarecomputers.com

DOES SIZE MATTER? TIME TO CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE!

From the Wall Street Journal, Posted by Ben Worthen, March 10, 2008
Bigger Monitors
= More Productivity
Working late? Blame your computer screen. A new study finds that bigger monitors make people more productive.
Researchers at the University of Utah tested how quickly people performed tasks like editing a document and copying numbers between spreadsheets while using different computer configurations: one with an 18-inch monitor, one with a 24-inch monitor and with two 20-inch monitors.
Their finding: People using the 24-inch screen completed the tasks 52% faster than people who used the 18-inch monitor; people who used the two 20-inch monitors were 44% faster than those with the 18-inch ones.
There is an upper limit, however: Productivity dropped off again when people used a 26-inch screen. (The order of the tasks and the order of computer configurations were assigned randomly.)
The study concluded that someone using a larger monitor could save 2.5 hours a day. But James Anderson, the professor in charge of the study, tells the Business Technology Blog to take that result with a grain of salt: It assumes that someone will work non-stop for eight hours, which no one will, and that the tasks they perform will all benefit from a larger screen, which isn’t always the case. But things like moving data between files are ideally suited to bigger or multiple screens. Anderson, who uses a computer with two 20-inch screens and one 24-inch one, recommends that businesses take the time to match employees with the proper size screen based on job requirements.
.... “Size matters,” he adds." (end article)
So there you have it, from no less an authority than the WSJ. Researchers confirm that a larger monitor, and even dual monitors, greatly increase productivity.
At We Care Computers, we've always worked on large screen monitors whenever possible, and in addition to the fine points made by the WSJ, we'd like to add:
1. Less eyestrain, fewer headaches, and less mouse clicking.
2. Better movies and gaming for when the boss ain't looking.

"HOW TO BUY A NEW COMPUTER MONITOR "
So, if indeed "Size Matters" for computer monitors, how should you go about buying a new one? Or adding one if you'd like to try the dual monitor approach?
Like anything related to computers, there's a lot of tech speak out there about refresh rates, DVI connections, and the like. So let's start at the beginning. You have two options: A standard ratio screen OR a widescreen.

It's important to note that this is a "ratio", not the particular size of a monitor. Monitor sizes (measured diagonally, like TV's) come in 17", 19", 20, 22, 24, and even up to 30". People who use the internet a lot prefer the traditional ratio, gamers and movie fans always go for the wide screen. The trend is definitely toward wide screen.
Next, choose your size. We recommend a bare minimum of 19" (20" and 22" even better), and like the preceeding article states, anything up to 24" improves productivity. The larger the monitor size, typically there is an increase in price, but not that drastic. Good 20 and 22 inch monitors can be found for less than $ 275.
Be careful with big box stores... They usually only display a picture (like a parrot) and not internet pages or computer programs. Unless you spend most of your computer time looking at the same picture of a parrot (in which case we humbly suggest a photo on the wall will do) check out reviews onlne or give us a call.
Next, CRT versus LCD. CRT's are the old style big, heavy monitors. They are energy hogs, so unless there is a compelling reason (some professional photographers still use them), you'll probably go with a flat-screen LCD. 50% less power usage.
Then there's the tech jargon... we'll try to keep it simple. Except for very cheap monitors (less than $ 150) most monitors out there will work fine for computer and internet use. However, there are some special exceptions:
1. Refresh Rate (expressed in micro seconds, MS, the lower the number, the better): If you do a lot of gaming, look for a 2ms monitor. Otherwise, 5ms or 8ms, or even more, work fine.
2. DVD/HI DEF:  Is the monitor Hi Def quality for replaying DVD movies? Again, important only if you watch a lot of movies.
3. Contrast Ratio:  For the most part, this one is overdone, tech wise. Can you actually see the difference between 2000:1 versus lower ratios? Probably not. Anything above 1000:1 will usually work fine.
DO CHECK OUT THE STAND ON ANY MONITOR you purchase. This should have the ability to swivel and tilt. You need this function for accurate viewing, as flat screen monitors don't give you a great look from "way above" or "way to the side" of the monitor.
Extras? Web Cams, speakers, just about any bells/whistles you can think of. Need them? If you can say "yes" you probably do. If not, skip it.

"HOW TO TILE... "
"Tiling" refers to keeping multiple windows open on your large screen at the same time so you may see related files, copy/paste information from one file to another without clicking, clicking, clicking, etc...
It also works with dual monitors.
In some cases, you only have to open a new window, and then "resize" it with your mouse in order to view multiple windows on the same screen. This is fine for internet surfing, but if you try to work in any one of the windows, you'll find Microsoft Windows will automatically close the other ones.
That's where "tiling" comes in... Right click on the lower right hand side of your computer (where the time is displayed) and you'll see a popup menu that has "Tile Windows Vertically" and "Tile Windows Horizontally" as an option.
Click on either one, and ALL of the open windows on your screen may be seen at one time, PLUS you can work in any of the windows without the other ones closing.
Once your learn this tip, you'll never forget it, and with a large monitor, you'll be using it all the time to save time and increase productivity.
If you don't want to see any particular window, just close it with the red X command at the top. Play with this option a bit, and in less than five minutes, you'll discover a completely new way to work with your computer.

SPECIALS WCC's MARCH MONITOR MADNESS
In addition to emergency repairs, system upgrades, and other IT support for home and small businesses, We Care Computers is also an authorized DELL dealer, and we offer our customers "Hassle Free" purchasing options for computers, monitors, networks, and peripherals. Here's an easy way to upgrade your system, home or office.
NEW SINGLE MONITOR: Delivered, Installed, plus Instructions for Use:
New Dell 19": $ 275
New Dell 22": $ 375
OLD + NEW = DUAL MONITOR OPTION: If your current monitor is working fine, but you'd like to explore using a dual monitor system, simply order your new monitor from us, simply use the pricing above. We'll deliver your new monitor, check your video card for compatibility, and show your how to work with dual monitors. Additional charge for new video card may apply.
OR, TWO NEW MONITORS: If your old monitor is simply a clunker, and you want to upgrade to dual monitors, we'll deliver them, check your video card, and provide instructions on how to use both monitors.
2 Monitors, 19", Installed plus Instruction: $ 500
2 Monitors, 22", Installed plus Instruction: $ 700
SUPER SIZE DELL 24":Stunning color, huge work space, perfect for all types of monitor applications; graphics, gaming, Hi Def, and more.Follow the link to our web site to see this amazing monitor. Dell sells it for $ 699. WCC newsletter subscribers only: $ 550.
http://wecarecomputers.com/2407wfp-hc
Please call or email to take advantage of WCC'sMarch Monitor Madness Specials, or to request any new product or system upgrades.
*In all cases, WCC will also cart away and properly dispose/recycle your old monitor if you do not wish to keep it. At No Charge.

WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS... All Types of Invitations Printed...
From time to time, WCC alerts our newsletter readers and friends of special offers from other trusted suppliers we use.
As Spring and Summer wedding, graduation, and party times will be on us quickly, an if you need invitations printed we've got a great source and a great offer for WCC customers.
Our good friends atGREETINGS AND SALUTATIONShave just opened their new online store at:
http://ctinvitations.myspstore.com/
Invitations, Announcements, Bag Tags, and more, PLUS free personalized envelopes on all orders of 50 invitations or more to celebrate the opening of their new store. Offer good till April 15, 2008.
If you're looking for a professional "look" for your next Special Occasion, follow the link!

QUOTE OF THE MONTH
"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm."
Winston Churchill