Whether you have electronic items that work or are in need of major repair, you can recycle or donate them. While some places refurbish the electronic items and resell them at low cost to needy individuals or organizations, others will recycle the parts. No matter what type of electronic item you have, there typically is a place to recycle it.

If you have any of the following items, consider recycling or donating them – computer, laptop, printer, fax machine, copier, PDA, cellular phone, keyboard, cords, cables, telephone, batteries (chargeable and non-chargeable). If you are not sure where to recycle in your area, go to 1800recycling.com.

Places that take electronic items:

Team Children - collected, repaired, and distributed over 9,000 low cost refurbished computers to families, schools and organizations.

Staples - Will take computers, monitors, and printers for $10 per item. If it is a Dell it is free

Office Depot – Fill the tech recycling box (Small $5, Medium $10, and Large $15 weight limit also) with as many acceptable electronic items. Acceptable items

Best Buy - Takes just about anything electronic, including TVs, DVD players, computer monitors, cell phones and more. You can bring in up to two items a day, per household, and most things are absolutely free. However, there is a $10 charge for TVs 32″ and under, CRTs, monitors and laptops — but they’ll give you a $10 Best Buy gift card to offset that cost.

All Bright Ideas – has a weeklong recycling event every two to three months. Takes just about any electronic item including batteries. They have a year round drop off for batteries (household and rechargeable but must be leak-free).

 Go green!

Does time just fly by when you are on the computer? Does your time on the computer end up being less productive than you’d like it to be?  The likely culprit is the Internet. If you’re the type that easily gets caught up in reading the latest news and celebrity headline stories, here is a quick fix:

Make those irresistible headlines disappear! After all, if you can’t see them, you can’t and won’t be tempted to click on them. All you need to do is change the settings for your Internet Browser’s default home page. If this sounds complicated, don’t worry, it’s really simple to do.

First, you’ll need to decide if you want your Internet browser to open up to a blank page (no website) or a home page of a website that you use often, or would like to use. If you are choosing a web site, you must be careful to choose one that will not waste your time. I would recommend choosing one that has no reading material. But if you must, perhaps you can find one with quick, simple and beneficial tips. My recommendation, of course, would be http://www.dianealbright.com/blog, but if a blog causes you to waste too much time or has no immediate benefit, avoid it.  

Next, you’ll need to make changes to your Internet browser’s defaults or settings. I’ll take you through the steps for Internet Explorer (if you do not have the latest version of Internet Explorer, you may need to update it):

1. Open Internet Explorer (you probably already have it open if you are reading this).

2. Select Tools (normally on the far right, at the top).

3. Select Internet Options.

4. Select the General tab at the top.

5. Fill in the box at the top under Home. (See photo below) Enter the web address beginning with http:// and then enter the address. You may enter multiple addresses, but they each must be entered on a separate line. If you enter more than one web address, each individual web site will open up under a new tab on Internet Explorer. If you prefer that Internet Explorer does not open up to any web sites, remove the web address and leave the area blank.

6. Once the web addresses have been removed or entered, click OK to save the changes. The next time you open up Internet Explorer the changes should take effect.

Diane

A laser wireless mouse (as opposed to a non-laser mouse) is quicker, smoother, and oh so much better than a regular mouse. The laser mouse glides right along with such precision. I feel in love with Microsoft’s wireless laser mouse two years ago. I was so thrilled with the difference that this mouse made, I bought this type of mouse for every computer I had at home and work.

Then, a few months ago I ordered a new laptop and much to my surprise feel in love with yet a faster mouse. This mouse is wired, something I am normally opposed to. But, my Toshiba wired laser mouse is really the ultimate for me. It moves faster than any other mouse I have used and oh it glides so smoothly. It is a tiny little mouse so it is very lightweight. I was apprehensive about purchasing a small mouse, but now I wouldn’t purchase anything but a small mouse. The larger mice now seem clunky and hard to move.

If you are at all like me and have a passion for saving time, consider switching your mouse and donating your old one to a school or charity. I truly believe I save time when using my small laser mouse. In most cases I think the smaller the better, but I’ll let you be the judge!

Diane

Have you ever tried to go online but the page doesn’t load? Then you scratch your head wondering if it’s the site or your Internet service. Perhaps you have even gone as far as unplugging and re-plugging cables into your modem or router. But again, you scratch your head wondering if your Internet is working.

There is an easy trick to immediately know if your Internet is working. Keep in mind this simple trick that I discovered wasn’t designed to be “tell me if my Internet is working.”  You’ll actually find it providing a multitude of benefits.

All you have to do is download the Weather Channel Desktop to your computer – it’s free. Once you download it (and select your city) your city’s current outside temperature will appear on your desktop toolbar.

Wa-la! If a temperature appears, your Internet is working. If there is not a temperature, your Internet is not working.  So while you’re on the floor unplugging and re-plugging in your cables, and the temperature or forecast suddenly appears on the screen, you’ve got your Internet working again. Here’s what mine looks like…

Just one thing – don’t wait until your Internet service isn’t working to download the Weather Channel. If it’s not working, you can’t download it. Instead, download it today!

Diane