Blog @ SmartCOOKIE & Co. | Let us take a bite off your plate. Live more. Stress less. http://smartcookieco.com/blog A virtual assistance firm that specializes in your "to do" list. Sat, 18 Jun 2011 05:29:02 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2 Computer shopping http://smartcookieco.com/blog/?p=566 http://smartcookieco.com/blog/?p=566#comments Wed, 15 Jun 2011 16:54:35 +0000 SmartCOOKIE Co. http://smartcookiesf.wordpress.com/?p=566 Continue reading →]]>
Often I hear from friends, “I need a basic computer, but I don’t have the money for something new.” I think the masses are not familiar with nitty gritty technology specifications; and therefore, are either scared to buy a new computer or, are unfamiliar with what to look for in a used one.

So, here’s a basic cheat sheet for you to refer to when shopping for a cheap laptop for yourself to use on the go, or for your kid to use for school or parent to use to make video calls to the grand kids.  Whoever it’s for, it should still be cheaper than a new iPod!

Should you need SmartCOOKIE & Co. to find such a computer for you, hire us today!

MINIMUM TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

  • Processor, Pentium M (or newer Intel Core processors, but AVOID Intel Celeron M processor – it’s too faulty)
  • Hard Drive, 60 GB (or more)
  • RAM Memory, DIMM DDR II, 2GB (or more. memory is SO cheap now that if you want to upgrade just make sure the hard drive slots are expandable, the user manual will tell you the maximum hard drive space you can add)
  • Built-in wireless networking card. 802.11b is okay, but if it has 802.11g, or 802.11n that’s even better
  • 1 Ethernet port
  • 2 USB ports (or more)
  • 1 headphone jack (or more)
  • Operating System: Windows XP Service Pack 2 or 3 or Vista (AVOID Windows 7 Starter edition operating software, it’s too limiting)

NICE TO HAVE, BUT NOT ESSENTIAL

  • 1 VGA port (to use external monitor would be nice)
  • 1 HDMI port would be quite fancy
  • 1 DVD+/-RW Drive, 8X (or faster)

BEST BRANDS

  • Dell
  • Toshiba
  • Asus
  • Sony
  • IBM

ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE

I recommend using AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition and download it online. It REALLY works great!

]]> http://smartcookieco.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=566 0 Ever thought about outsourcing every day tasks? http://smartcookieco.com/blog/?p=198 http://smartcookieco.com/blog/?p=198#comments Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:46:16 +0000 SmartCOOKIE Co. http://smartcookiesf.wordpress.com/?p=198 Continue reading →]]> Outsourcing Your Life.
Spending your own time on random tasks or wow-projects that someone else can do in record time not only creates more stress in your life, but it can seem silly when you compare the going rates of outsourcing such tasks. The Wall Street Journal article referenced above digs into this topic even further. Sometimes, it’s not the task itself that is the challenge, but the time it would take to find someone who would do the task and do it well.

That’s why here at smartCOOKIE we offer package plans where you’ve already bought our time, so why not use it to your full advantage and ask us to help you either accomplish your latest idea or to find someone who is more than capable.  Come on, give us your best shot!  We love breaking those tough cookies!

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