The Computerist : problems

Embroidery Software and Recap of CatalogXpress and AlphaXpress

TheComputerist — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 19:08:00 GMT

If you frequent the Forums here at AnnTheGran or any other site, you will often see users asking which software for embroidery is the best. Some people even attempt to answer that question and some people know that there is no answer for it.

The reasons are (but not limited to):

It depends on what you want to do
It depends on what machine you have
It depends on how much you want to spend (they are all expensive including all software for computers)
It depends on what level computer user you are
It depends on what day it is. . . . .

If there is one thing clear to me, it is that embroidery is moving at the speed of sound. It changes daily, has new innovations hourly and excitement from newbies (as well as experienced users) are driving the entire craft forward to exciting and new heights. I am so delighted to be a small part of that change. You must be a little pleased as well - after all - look at your first projects and your most recent projects. You will see your advancement in understanding and quality. That is really terrific!! Now, compare that to dusting your furniture - do you have the same satisfaction?

Enough said!!!

I do want to get the information together for Catalog Xpress (CX) and AlphaXpress (AX) in one place for you to bookmark and refer back to from time to time. We cannot remember everything and frankly, I even check back to ascertain information when I work with AlphaXpress (the one I use daily). Even using it daily, I can forget a shortcut that could save me time.

Recap for Catalog Xpress (Don't forget that there are other freebies and tips in with the CX and AX information):

Making Notes for your designs. Among the BEST features of CX is the Notes feature. It allows you to keep information regarding changes, issues or anything you may want to keep. I keep things like the place where I purchased the design, the cost of the design and even how many times I have done the design.
Using Search and what CX does and does not do. Search has a lot of methods for your use, not just by name. It is so useful that you can find a design very quickly. Additionally, many users have a question about where designs are kept on their computer. CX does not "hold" the design, it is data about your designs only. That is also explained in the link called Search.
When you need to Resize CX is a great help. Your machine software may not be able to do an adjustment of more than a small amount. CX can do resizing, up or down as much as you like. Of course, it also adjusts the stitch count. You just need to be sure you are going to still have your design as you want it to look. That is where a 'discovery sew' can tell you if your design will be successful.
Format and Converting a format is complex and not taken lightly. I have had some software convert and mistakes can occur. CX is excellent for changing your format. You may get a new machine that does not use your old format or find a design that has to be changed. Make sure you can trust your conversion software.
Creating your own Colors with CX is quick and very important. You may want to change a rose from red to green to match your color scheme, but seeing is different than imagining. It can be quite interesting to make a change. Furthermore, if the background is dark, like denim, and your pattern is also dark, you may not get the 'WOW' factor you really want. A detail may be lost if the color is not right.
The feature of Multiple Sorting is possibly not well known but could be the best of the features. You can place a design in multiple places. For instance, if you have a design with a kitten in a flower bed with a butterfly, you can place it in those three different places and be able to find it three ways. You don't have to remember what the theme actually is about, it will come to you in multiple ways. And, if you are thinking butterfly but when the kitten comes up with it, you may see that it is even better for your project than the one you originally were considering. This blog has the Bonus of how to use "Word, Excel, Power Point and other Microsoft applications FREE!
I use the Arrange Designs frequently in my business because while I want to use the most appropriate design for a project to sell, I also want to use the one with the least amount of stitches or color changes to minimize my time and effort. This money savings will make me more profitable. I can also arrange my designs by color - Catalog Xpress automatically does this as it reads the colors so I don't have to plug in the information, it is already there. Size is another facet that I can use. After all, a large design on a little girl's pinafore just may not be the right one.
Many software programs can print your designs, but with Catalog Xpress, printing is flexible. You can print any size from a thumbnail to a full page and any where in between. This makes a great method to have the designs when your PC is not working or if you would like someone to see what you have available. It is portable and easy to manage.
Combining Catalog Xpress and Alphabet Xpress. This is really a great way to create a personalized design. With just a touch of a link, you can take your design and add lettering from Alphabet Xpress. This is easier and faster than combining methods. You can see your design and change either the design or lettering with one program.

After giving Catalog Xpress a good look over, I began going over Alphabet Xpress and the great features it has available. Even if you have used Alphabet Xpress for a while, there may just be a tip or two for you to find among these aspects. Even when software has a good tutorial, I have often found that there are elements hidden here and there that are rarely in books. I suppose there is no way for a developer to give every instance of what you may use or need. I love to poke around the drop down menus to see what I can use to my advantage. I hope some of these items will help you make the best and highest use of your Alphabet Xpress Software. And, if you don't have it yet, I really do recommend it!

Buying Fonts is one of the first confusing things that a newbie faces. I know I was so confused on this one that I spent money unnecessarily. Who needs that? This blog is to help us all understand the differences between monogramming and fonts AND a good font vs. a mediocre font. I discuss how creating words, especially sentences and long writing is really best done with software. Adding letters one at a time is time consuming and can be a significant problem. One of the great things about AnnTheGran is that they do put these two software programs on sale from time to time.
This program allows you to REALLY view the stitches. You can almost see the thread fiber molecules themselves. You can see how the stitches lay and you can switch to a different font if the stitching is not to your needs for your project. Some fonts are smoother or more ragged, so this allows you that view before you place one stitch on your fabric.
Fonts can be customized to your hearts content. Take a single letter, word or group of words and make them standout in unusual ways. With AX you can take a single letter out of the middle of a word and make it 5 times the size of the rest of the letters. AX will adjust the spacing and you will have a unique project to be proud of.
Creating a lengthy thought with AX. You can even do something as long as a Paragraph with AX. It does happen that I do hankies for brides and they want to tell someone special just how they feel on their most important day. I created my own messages for brides to their mothers, fathers, father-in-laws and even flower girls. I can change a single word on any of them quickly and easily. Again, one letter at a time would be too time consuming.
My blog called Leather and Lace is one of my favorites. I don't digitize for a number of reasons, one of which is understanding 'Pull Compensation.' Pull compensation is tricky and a really experienced, knowledgeable digitizer can make a fantastic design. However, some digitizers have had this issue, then when you sew out your project and it is not as you expect, you think that you have done something wrong. Not necessarily so. Every software that I have seen for creating designs has what is called a "Recipe." That recipe calls for adjustment to the stitching. For more info on this, read the blog. AX, IMHO, does a good job on this issue.
AX allows you to see stitching and what I call Reverse Engineering. This allows you to see the underlay and how the stitching will be laying. It is great to be able to see a design in its rawest form. You will learn what constitutes a good or bad design. If you are going to put in your time, effort and soul into a project, you want to have the best of the best to create your vision. AX is a great tool to help you know what you are looking at.

In all honesty, as I was putting this blog together, I had to scan over my own information and guess what- - - my review reinforces my recall of all the options for these two great software programs. It helps me to remember that there are features I don't use everyday, but can make good use of from time to time.

If you love embroidery, get the best equipment available to make it a true pride and joy.

Control Key Information and Rogue Security Software

TheComputerist — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 18:40:00 GMT

These tips can be used for Windows XP and Vista -

Operating systems vary, if in doubt, check with your provider and/or technical support.

It seems like everyone needs to save time. It is just a fact of life these days. The following "Control Key" list is to help you do just that.

Software is becoming more uniform. In many cases, these also work for Macs as well but using a different key. Check with your manual or just test these.

Why use them instead of the mouse or other devise? Well, a mouse can fail or lose the battery power. Sometimes you need to just use the keyboard.

CTRL+A - Selects the entire document. If you use it for changing a format, it will change all the format, i.e., Bold or Underline would be applied or removed.
CTRL+B - Applies or removes bold formatting. Use at the start and at the end or select the target and use the CTRL+ B
CTRL+C - Copies the selected words, sentences, paragraphs, cells or data. It can be copies multiple times and stays until filled with new information.
CTRL+F Displays the Find dialog box. Then SHIFT+F4 repeats the last Find action.
CTRL+G Displays the Go To dialog box. You can go to a page or section, line, bookmark, comment or other notated things. F5 also displays this dialog box.
CTRL+H Displays the Find and Replace dialog box. I use this frequently for updating information such as changing dates or times.
CTRL+I Applies or removes italic formatting. Same as the Bold.
CTRL+K Displays the Insert Hyperlink dialog box for new hyperlinks or the Edit Hyperlink dialog box for selected existing hyperlinks. You can use hyperlinks to the Net, another document or a place in your current document.
CTRL+N Creates a new, blank document.
CTRL+O Displays the Open dialog box to open or find a file.
CTRL+P Displays the Print dialog box.
CTRL+R Changes the paragraph, page or document to right alignment format.
CTRL+S Saves the active file with its current file name, location, and file format. This is great for when you are busy, just a quick CTRL+S and you have saved your document that fast.
CTRL+U Applies or removes underlining. Same as Bold.
CTRL+V Inserts the contents of the Clipboard at the insertion point and replaces any selection. If placed in a space, inserts information; if placed in a highlighted area, replaces the entire highlighted selection. It is only available after you cut or copied an object, text, or cell contents.
CTRL+W Saves and closes the current document. Yes, in just one step!
CTRL+X Cuts the selected cells.
CTRL+Y Repeats the last command or action, if possible. Keep in mind that sometimes you cannot repeat an action for various reasons.
CTRL+Z Uses the Undo command to reverse the last command or to delete the last entry you typed. If you are working on something and it disappears from the screen, AND before you try anything else, give this a try. I have had emails disappear and gotten them back. (But sometimes, not!) Do you feel lucky??

Have you backed up lately?? (Especially your designs?) Have you been checking the Rogue Security Software information? Do these software sound legit??

WindowsDisk
WindowsPCProtector
MemoryOptimizer
MyDisk
CheckDisk

ALL OF THEM ARE ROGUE SECURITY SOFTWARE. Check this site as well as my blog about them.

Stay Safe!

Post That Project Proudly

TheComputerist — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 21:45:00 GMT

The following tips can be used for both Windows XP and Vista.
Operating systems vary, if in doubt, check with your provider and/or technical support.

If you ask me what I most enjoy about the AnnTheGran site, it would have to be the people on both sides of the computer who make up the community. From the helpful support system and great items for sale to the Forum Users and bloggers who (she says modestly. . .) have clever things to share, the people on this site are really great!

We all have something in common; we get pleasure from doing really beautiful things and truly enjoy sharing those projects with others. However, one thing that I see happening on the site is that people are uncertain as to how to upload their photos. So this blog is going to be a step-by-step discussion as to how to accomplish that.

Some who might be potential project posters have been rejected because of issues with the photo before it even gets a chance to be posted. This has caused some embroiderers to stop attempting to post. If you cannot determine why it is being rejected, how can you fix it?

It has been my experience that the most common reason that a photo does not ‘make it on line,' regardless of the site, is that it is too large for posting on the Internet. The following program, which is FREE (naturally) is easy to use and requires very little hard drive space.

Check out: www.johnsadventures.com . You will want to download the Image Converter which is at: http://johnsadventures.com/software/imageconverter/ . The Image converter needs just a couple of things to be really effective. Tell John that Pat71896 sent you! Consider a small donation because this is a really great program. Additionally, he has a Background Switcher for your Desktop too. You will love that program too.

After downloading Image Converter, place two files wherever you will be working on your photos. I personally placed mine on the desktop. I call them "Photos Before and Photos After," how clever is that?

When my photo software has completed the upload from my camera, the next thing that I do is copy them to ‘photos before.'

I utilize the software, and then set the new size to 432 by 324 pixels. That gives you a photo that is 6" by 4.5" which is great for printing.

You still have your original photos in their original size, and the ‘after.' Notice the large difference in the KB/MB.

This is what is meant by the size being too large, not the physical size of the photo.

Now that my photo is ready, let's discuss how to get them uploaded.

There are two places that you can upload photos, the Forums and the Galleries. The functions are generally the same, but don't forget, you must be signed in as a member to do any upload.

In the Forum, you can either ‘Reply' to someone's post, or ‘Write a New Post' yourself. In either event, you will be in the writing section to upload your photo. Incidentally, you can also upload a small video or utube file in the same place.

Now, select Insert Media.

The remainder of the information is the same for both the Forum and Galleries uploads.

If your photo is already online, you can enter the URL here and Select Insert. You would be done. However, most of your photos are still on your pc. Select Browse.

Next, you will Select Upload File to get the photo from your pc.

Retrieve your photo from your pc, and Select Upload File.

Select your file with a double click of your mouse and it will be placed in your posting.

Your file is too large so, we will adjust it.

Click on the photo to reveal the ‘Handles' and select a corner with your mouse. Drag it down to a smaller, but still easily seen, size.

This is a photo from my The Avid Embroiderer, Jacobean Style which shows the details that Morango puts into its digitizing. The detail was very important while keeping the photo a reasonable size. That is it! Nothing more to do except make a statement about your beautiful project!

For uploading to the Galleries, Select the Gallery you want, either Embroidery or Scrapbooking.

Select a subcategory.

And, after that, you will select the ‘Upload' icon. Remember that you need to be ‘signed in' in order to see the ‘upload' icon.

Fill in a descriptive name, and then use the icon "Specify File/URL." By uploading from your PC, the photo will be available in your post.

Occasionally, some of the subtitles may not work. You can try another subtitle, perhaps "General" rather than "Projects."

It takes longer for you to read this information than it does to do it, so there is no excuse! Get those photos of your best and worst projects. We all learn from a well done and a disaster project. Share your love for your craft.

And, don't forget to check out the terrific sales here at AnnTheGran, shop where you learn!

Rogue Security Software

TheComputerist — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 22:45:00 GMT

These tips can be used for Windows XP and Vista -

Operating systems vary, if in doubt, check with your provider and/or technical support.

Perhaps the term Rogue Security Software is new to you, it is a form of computer malware that deceives or misleads users into paying for the fake or simulated removal of malware. This lucrative and illegal business is rapidly growing.

I have gleaned my information from both the Microsoft and Wikipedia Sites on the Net. There is more detailed information available at both sites.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rogue_software

http://www.microsoft.com/security/antivirus/rogue.aspx

Rogue security software mainly relies on social engineering (Social engineering is the act of manipulating people into performing actions or divulging confidential information.) Think of it like a ‘con game' where someone tries to part you and your money. However, it additionally can defeat the security system built into your computer and access a victim's computers.

Many have a Trojan horse to mislead you. Some are disguised as:

A browser plug-in or extension (typically toolbar)
An image, screensaver or file attached to an e-mail message
A Multimedia codec required to play a certain video clip
A free online malware scanning service

The last one on my list is one that is particularly popular it:

1. Tells you that you are ‘infected' with something that sounds or is real.
2. Says that they will fix the problem and it is ‘free.'
3. You must download their software.
4. You must run their software.
5. You get back a number that is astronomical - like 863 (or more) errors found. The number may be so high that it, if accurate, would render more computers unusable.
6. You must pay for the software (one way to make their money).
7. You may even see it run and correct the ‘errors.'
8. Your machine may run as before or may even decline.

Once installed, the rogue security software may then attempt to entice the user into purchasing a service or additional software by:

Alerting the user with the fake or simulated detection of problems
Displaying an animation simulating a system crash and reboot.
Selectively disabling parts of the system to prevent the user from uninstalling them.
Some may prevent anti-malware programs from running.
Disable automatic system software updates
And even block access to websites of anti-malware vendors.
Installing actual malware onto the computer, then alerting the user after "detecting" them. This method is less common as the malware is likely to be detected by legitimate anti-malware programs.

Rogue security software might also appear in the list of search results when you are searching for trustworthy antispyware software.

Rogue security software might also attempt to spoof the Microsoft security update process. Here's an example of rogue security software that's disguised as a Microsoft alert but that doesn't come from Microsoft.

Example of a warning from a rogue security program known as AntivirusXP.

For more information about this threat, including analysis, prevention and recovery, see the Trojan:Win32/Antivirusxp entry in the Microsoft Malware Protection Center encyclopedia.

Another common rogue security program is FakeSecSen:

Example of a warning rogue security program known as Fake SecSen.

For more information about this threat, including analysis, prevention and recovery, see the Program:Win32/FakeSecSen entry in the Microsoft Malware Protection Center encyclopedia.

Here is the legitimate Microsoft Windows Security Center:

Screenshot of legitimate Microsoft Windows Security Center.

To help protect yourself from rogue security software:

Install a firewall and keep it turned on.
Use automatic updating to keep your operating system and software up to date.
Install antivirus and antispyware software such as Microsoft Security Essentials and keep it updated. For links to other antivirus programs that work with Microsoft, see Microsoft Help and Support List of Antivirus Vendors.
If your antivirus software does not include antispyware software, you should install a separate antispyware program such as Windows Defender and keep it updated. (Windows Defender is available as a free download for Windows XP and is included in Windows Vista.)
Use caution when you click links in e-mail or on social networking Web sites.
Use a standard user account instead of an administrator account.
Familiarize yourself with common phishing scams.

If you think you might have rogue security software on your computer:

Scan your computer. Use your antivirus software or do a free scan with Windows Live safety scanner. The safety scanner checks for and removes viruses, eliminates junk on your hard drive, and improves your PC's performance.

Check your accounts. If you think you might have entered sensitive information, such as credit card numbers or passwords into a pop-up window or at a rogue security software site, you should monitor your associated accounts. For additional information, see What to do if you're a victim of fraud.

Call PC Safety. Microsoft provides free virus and spyware removal support to Windows customers who think they have an infected computer or have other PC Security questions.

Customers should call 1-866-PC Safety for phone support which is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Customers can also visit http://safety.live.com/ for free online virus and spyware removal.

If you suspect that your computer is infected with rogue security software that is currently not detected with Microsoft security solutions, you can submit samples using the Microsoft Malware Protection Center submission form. For help with isolating undetected samples, call PC Safety.

In 2008, a hacker known as NeoN hacked into a database. Information revealed an affiliate earned $158,000 in a week.

These are a brief listing of the ones that sound so very real that anyone could be a client without knowing it:

Advanced Cleaner
Antivirus Pro 2010
Cleanator
Doctor Antivirus
MacSweeper
MS AntiSpyware 2009
PC Clean Pro
Personal Antivirus
PAL Spyware Remover
Security Toolbar 7.1 (Clever to say that 7.0 had been improved!!)
System Antivirus 2008
UltimateCleaner
TrustedAntivirus
TheSpyBot (Spybot - Search & Destroy knockoff)
WinDefender (not to be confused with the legitimate Windows Defender)

As previously noted, this is just a few of the many malware that is available. I thought these names sounded so realistic. You can see the larger list at the Wikipedia site.

As stated earlier in this blog, much of the information has been directly taken from Microsoft and/or Wikipedia. I felt it was too important than to write my own version. And, may I add, always purchase your software from a reliable source. If in doubt, check your product vendor's site for more information.

Is Your PC Obsolete? And Problems and Solutions

TheComputerist — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:00:00 GMT

These tips can be used for Windows XP and Vista -

Operating systems vary, if in doubt, check with your provider and/or technical support.

Years ago, I remember reading one of my favorite PC guru's newsletters and it said something like - This new PC has 10 MB of storage, you will probably never need more than that. Well, that was a mistake! Games and programs are bigger than that these days. I also remember my son saying that he wanted a laptop that he would not have to replace for at least 10 years. Get the picture? We can be naive about computers, but once you own and use one, you are in for a long term investment.

Is your PC obsolete right now? Well, it was as soon as the manufacturer shipped it to the store, so that is really a mute question. The real question is, is your PC providing what you actually need for your uses? That is a harder question to answer. I will give you a few thoughts on obsolescence and the wired generation. (In no particular order:)

Can you multi-task the programs you really want to use?
Do you really need the additional speed?
Do your graphics, animation and/or other applications need a long time to load?
Can a simple upgrade do the work?
With laptop pricing down to $300, is it really a good idea for you to upgrade? These may or may not be 'full' machines, check them carefully. However, for general use, they are excellent.
With memory so inexpensive, will that make the life of your PC longer?

Only you can answer these questions, but for my money, upgrading has not resulted in any tangible results. Why?

With research, learning what your old PC needs (and will work!) can be a confusing, time consuming and daunting task.
Newer software programs may bog down your upgraded PC significantly.
New hardware will be under warranty.
Newer equipment will likely have some features that will be a nice surprise for you.
Machines of all sorts are becoming smaller and more efficient.

If you are at all interested in upgrading to Windows 7, this is the link to determine the compatibility for your hardware and software.

Finding out the price for the software was a little bit of a challenge. Funny how they manage to keep telling the virtues of the software, but giving the price is tricky. I did find the price, at Microsoft's site, it started at $119 and went up from there. Your price may vary (LOL, that is the usual statement, right?). I did notice that Best Buy is offering a 3 PC use software package for $149, but that may be a very short time offer.

You can review an 'overview' of some of the features here. I am not selling Windows 7, but I must say that upon release of previous versions, there were so many bugs that it was insane. This time, I have not heard about any bugs - - yet.

All things considered, it is usually prudent to go 'new' and recycle your machine. My "PC Tips and Tricks" has some excellent information on recycling/repurposing your equipment. That ebook has the best of the best tips and tricks and different than I am presenting to you in my blog. So many of these tips are impossible to find elsewhere.

PC Problems and Solutions

Not even the most experienced and excellent engineer can create the 'perfect' program. There are so many things that a programmer cannot foresee that it is important for issues with your computer to be brought to the attention of the manufacturer. To this end, nearly every provider has a way to 'talk' with them about your problem. In this discussion, I will show you how to get to Microsoft. In this case, they do not answer your issue specifically, but if they have been advised of the issue and found a solution, they will let you know.

To begin, you will go to the Start Button and select "Help and Support."

When you are in Help, type in "Problem Reports and Solutions."

A list will be returned to you, and you are going to select "Report problems and check for solutions automatically." Also, note that Microsoft has recommended - and I agree - that you need to check for updated information for this program. Even if you just got your PC this morning, it has had to be manufactured, sent to the retailer, and await your money. All that can be an undetermined amount of time. So, if your pc is new or more mature, download the updated information. I also recommend that you do this at least monthly, and do it now - - - I will wait - - -

OK, in this case, I am selecting the first option. Next I will be using the "Change Settings."

Notice that there is a new link called "Problem (s is missing, hmm. . .) caused by Windows." While you are here, check this one out as well. You may have a problem and not even know it. I have a friend that does a newsletter that does not get sent to her Hotmail clients. She only found out when she did some digging. Hotmail is nearly 10% of her newsletter and they never received a single word from her!

To complete the process, be sure that the "Check" option is selected.

What is in it for you? Well, you will automatically tell them you have a problem (when one actually occurs). If there is a solution, they give you a link to it. If there is no solution, your information is kept and if a solution comes available, you will hear from them. That could be a short or long time later, but the good news is that they are being more proactive with help and support. I can appreciate that a lot!

Best wishes to you and yours for a wonderful holiday season,

Pat