Lisa Hendrickson is the owner of Call That Girl. She is an Outlook Expert and Microsoft 365 Consultant.
So you’re looking to buy a new computer, but unsure which to buy?
Laptop vs. Desktop computer
They used to say, the laptop was only good for those that travel, but those days are long gone! Welcome to the new world of “in house” traveling!
Now you can take the computer to your kitchen, deck, bedroom and basement! No more sitting at the computer desk.
My recommendation? You will need to purchase a wireless router. The Linksys or Belkins seem to be the most popular.
What kind of laptop should you buy? Any basic laptop these days has wireless capabilities and if you are a basic user, there is no need to spend $1200 anymore. I am recommending to users buying a 2nd computer to look at the Acer. The lowest end model is running around $400 at Microcenter (with about $30 in memory upgrade needed to run Vista)…a deal you really can’t beat!
For more information on buying a 2nd computer and wireless set up, contact me at info@callthatgirl.biz or call for a consultation. 612-865-4475
Many of my clients have purchased new laptops that has Vista preloaded on it. Many of you have software that is not up to speed with Vista. Should you downgrade or try to get your software up to speed?
Here are my thoughts…
I have been using Vista since last January. Yes, Vista is buggy and does things that really bother me. I am also a technician and can fix my own problems (and enjoy trying to fix those problems:). You the customer…can usually only get so far until you decide it’s not worth using Vista.
First thing you may want to consider is making a list of problems are you experiencing since the upgrade to Vista. Some problems are just “configuration issues” that I can assist with. Some problems are seriously the Vista operating system and you may need to go back to XP if your work depends on it.
Second thing is check to make sure that your software is Vista ready. Even though it installs (usually you will get an error during installation that tells you if it’s not Vista ready) it may need to be updated on the company website. Check with the software company website and verify. You also may need what is called “a patch” to make it work on Vista. You can also google the issue and see if others on the net are experiencing the same issues.
Third thing is Call That Girl (612-865-4475) for a phone consultation. I do offer short conversations for free to give you an idea if you should consider staying on Vista or downgrading back to XP. If a home visit is required, we can discuss that. I can also assist via the phone if need be.
Please post comments or questions about Vista! thanks and…
Have a good Wed!
Lisa
Hello to all my new blog readers!
I sent out an “Icontact” message to many of my Women Expo visitors this morning. I am excited to start blogging and giving out as much information as I can in regards to computing and internet. Please do not hesitate to ask questions!
Today has been a busy day for me, I did some work on my icontact newsletter and started up a Linkedin women’s group (Women in Computing). As well, getting ready to run a few errands later and it’s SNOWING! YAY! I love the snow so much. I don’t like the bitter cold (like the cold weekend of the expo….that was really cold!).
Happy Monday to you all, enjoy your week.
Lisa
Myspace and Mykids
Do you know what your kids are up to online? Many parents today let their children have free reign on the computer and the internet. I know it’s very hard to watch your kids every minute they are online, but there are things you can do to keep them safe!
Have an in home internet safety course given by Call That Girl.
We will review personal information issues
We will review how much time children are online
We will set up chat sessions reviews
We will review websites they have been to
We will do an internet search for information that may have been given out already
We will remove their administrative rights from the computer
We will create a family myspace page and add your children’s pages to the family page
Instruction on how to use myspace and facebook in age appropriate manners
How to avoid downloading games that bring spyware
How loading the computer with spy ware can be unsafe for you and your family
…And most important to you and the family budget, a computer loaded with downloaded games and spyware can slow down your internet connection, and require a cleaning more often than necessary.
Most kids today are using myspace.com and facebook.com regularly. Many children are “safe” users and know not to give out personal information, but many kids are posting VERY personal information and photos. This information should not be given out. Children sometimes don’t know what they are doing and how it can affect not only them, but their friends and families.
We have all heard the stories about information on the internet coming to haunt folks in real life.
The internet is real life! Protect your family now!
As I’ve been spending the last 5 months starting up my business full-time, I have been told many times over to blog. I kinda winced and said “I hate reading blogs”. Blogging was the last thing I really wanted to do.
Then…a business associate told me that he blogs and he said it was a good advertising technique, so here that girl blogs now.
Stay tuned for more fun blogs to come!
Lisa
Bio sheet!
Call That Girl (CTG) is owned and operated by Lisa Hendrickson, and around the metro area Lisa is affectionately referred to as “the IT girl” or “that computer girl”, hence the snappy website: www.callthatgirl.biz . Given that Information Technology is a male-dominated industry, Lisa and Call That Girl offers a new approach to everyday computer woes.
CTG originated in Minneapolis, 2003 as an at home computer repair company focused on supporting women users. CTG was a sole proprietorship in the summer of 2004, and while working at the Mayo Clinic, Lisa found that physicians also needed her computer expertise in their home offices. Lisa has been working ever since supporting a variety of industries, including: Universities, Military Networks, and Research and Development, but she has never forgotten the Call
That Girl dream. Lisa and CTG aspire to support women and home based businesses on a level that far exceeds the competition, never compromising value and repair.
“I love troubleshooting and helping the customer. I will only work in positions where customer focus is #1. I also believe that teaching is a certain aspect of computer repair. Clients need to be informed of not only their choices of service but to learn how they can avoid repeat calls for future repair”, states Hendrickson.
Running CTG is an around the clock job, but Lisa still enjoys non- technical hobbies such as vintage shopping and collecting, traveling and shooting pool. She also volunteers at Resource INC, a community support service for those coming out of drug rehabilitation, welfare and veteran status. In addition, Lisa works to provide technical advisement for children’s health organization, Camp Get-A-Well-A.
Her goals for herself reflect her efforts at CTG, to make a difference in people’s lives and to help others while sharing her talents and passion.
