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This is your Tech Talk Tip for Tuesday October 31, 2017

Today’s discussion is for Windows users or for those of you who may know a Windows user. You see, Windows suffers from a common complaint. It tends to slow down over time. It doesn’t self-optimize.

While Windows has gotten better over the years, I deal with unhappy clients daily who come to me asking what I can do to help them. They seek a Tune-Up and I’ve found a solution for them. While I offer custom clean-ups and remote room-service for clients around the world, I’m always in search of tools that not only make my job easier and more efficient, but tools that my clients can use on their own for self-maintenance. If you’d like to know more, stay tuned as I review a product from one of my affiliates who has provided an outrageous offer that I can pass on to you today.

The product that I’m reviewing is the latest release from iolo technologies – System Mechanic Pro 17. It has been a popular product for 18-years and every version seems to get better. PC Magazine, NetworkWorld, Laptop Magazine, C-Net have all chosen System Mechanic as their Editor’s Choice – multiple times. I use it personally and you know I never endorse a product or service that I can’t stand behind and support. My reputation is too important to me to simply recommend something because of a referral fee. As a matter of fact, if I can’t justify using anything I recommend myself, you won’t find it on my website. Now that I’ve gotten that piece of business out of the way, let me tell you why I like System Mechanic Pro 17. #1 It is easy to install and use. #2- It is comprehensive and packs a number of tools into one nicely organized suite. #3- It does what it says it will do.

System Mechanic Pro 17 Keeps your Hard drive clean and error-free. It Automatically deletes junk files left behind by untidy programs, system freezes, and sudden restarts. It Easily fixes hundreds of errors involving the hard drive, system components, installed software, hardware, and more.

It Tunes your PC automatically
Using its Patented ActiveCare® technology, it runs in the background, fixing and optimizing your PC during periods of inactivity. It never interrupts with schedulers or messages, and stops the instant your system needs resources for other tasks.

It Boosts PC and internet performance
You’ll find that it Improves Windows startup, your internet connection speed, and download times.

It helps to Protect your system
It helps to Automatically repair Windows security flaws that leave you vulnerable to hackers and identity thieves.

Before I get a bit more into the detail of how the product works, I want to let you know that it routinely lists for $69.95
iolo technologies came to me and gave me an exclusive limited time offer with a coupon code. Make a note of this please. The coupon code is ASKAVIE. You’ll want to use the System Mechanic Pro 17 banner link on my askavie software page in my Boutique menu at askavie.com By using that link with the coupon code, you will save 70% off the annual subscription price resulting in a download price of only $20.98. Know that the usual discount is just 29%.

Get a massive 70% off either System Mechanic 17, or System Mechanic 17 Pro. Coupon code: ASKAVIE

You can buy this on the retail shelves in your favorite store – Walmart, BestBuy Stapes, OfficeMax, Costco, Frys, Office Depot, Target. They all have it. Just not at a price like this.
So hopefully, I don’t need to hard sell you on this, that’s not my goal. If you need a solution that will help you do what a professional cleanup will do for a fraction of the price, you should seriously consider this amazing offer.

Now please let me describe the menu of options that you’ll find once you download and install System Mechanic Pro 17.

First, what’s New in Version 17:
There is a new super definition database of over 40,000 programs and processes that helps empower System Mechanic to identify and classify the newest apps, tasks and services that tax the Windows Operating system by running in the background constantly without your knowledge.

iolo labs benchmark testing has found that after installing and optimizing with System Mechanic, startup times decreased an average of nearly 90%. This was due to its ability to identify bloatware at startup and allowing the user to choose whether they wish to turn it off. Software tends to hog even the fastest processors. Programmers tend to add more of these unwanted apps and processes to their software which isn’t necessary and simply slows down the startup process. Turning it off adds valuable time back to the boot process. By eliminating these uneeded programs from running at startup, it frees up RAM, CPU, Graphics chips and hard drive to perform the more valuable operations which results in faster performance for the user.

System Mechanic Pro 17 has a new continuous real time update capability to constantly update this definition database and keep on top of the ever changing app population.

The interface which I’ll cover in a moment has been redesigned to be easier to use than ever. There is even a performance impact index that shows how certain programs affect overall performance so you can choose which ones to keep and which to disable. What I like is the User sourcing that is done to reflect what percentage of users disable certain programs and which don’t, to help guide you in making your choices. Once you get hands on the software, you’ll see how easy it is to decide with this thumbs up and thumbs down approach. Because your subscription to System Mechanic Pro 17 allows for updating, many significant enhancements are slated to be coming soon and will automatically be offered and added throughout your subscription period.

So, the System Mechanic download size is a bit over 100MB. It’s a relatively quick install and upon launch you’ll find a Dashboard which offers Recommendations, A History of actions taken, and a PC Status. Tapping the PC Staus menu offers up info on your Hard Drive Space, System Memory, Startup Programs, and Running Programs,

The menu on the left panel offers up a Toolbox, Active Care, LiveBoost and Security options.

The Toolbox includes options to Clean, Speed Up, Protect, Recover, and Manage. Each of these categories has subcategories. For example the Clean category includes the All-in-One PC Cleanup which is the All-in-one tool to clean out junk files, registry issues, private data and more. Internet Cleanup removes internet junk files, private browsing data and more. Windows Cleanup removes windows junk files, broken shortcuts and more. Registry Cleanup cleans out and repairs registry problems and an Advanced Uninstaller thoroughly removes installed programs. The Speed Up category has a NetBooster which Optimizes Basic internet settings, restores internet settings as necessary and customizes advance internet settings. Speed Up also includes a Disk Defragmenter, a Program Accelerator, a Memory Mechanic and the Startup Optimizer. Protect offers a System Shield which scans the entire system for malware with configuration options. A Drive Scrubber which can secrely wipe all data from a drive so if you are donating a computer to a cause, your valuable data won’t go with it. It can create a bootable USB to wipe the system drive. There is a Security Optimizer which Fixes Windows security vulnerabilities, a Privacy shield which can disable personal data, wi-fi and bandwidth sharing and an Incinerator that installs on the desktop and acts like a shredder for unwanted files. Recover will help to search and recover accidentally deleted files. The system troubleshooter finds solutions to fix common computer problems. System Restore will undo recent system changes.

The Manage option offers a Super Control panel that will help you customize advance Windows settings.

Active Care performs Automatic PC Maintenance while you are away from your PC. It can automatically analyze your system and repair problems. So, you can set the program and forget it or get your hands dirty and control all of the features yourself, your choice.  If you already use a Security solution, you can disable the built-in optional security that comes with System Mechanic Pro 17 and it will monitor your current Anti-Malware product. That’s what I do. I use Webroot Secure Anywhere and while Webroot is friendly with other security products, it’s not a good idea to have more than one running in memory at a time.

I can tell you even more about the product, however my goal today was simply to give you a good overview of the comprehensive nature of System Mechanic Pro 17 and suggest that from my Professional Point of view, it is great choice if you are in the market for a tune-up package like this. I have always installed the free version of CCleaner for my clients. It offers a small fraction of the cleanup capability of System Mechanic Pro 17. I haven’t found a similar product with the value it packs under one easy to use umbrella.

Remember to use coupon code “ASKAVIE” at checkout to gain our full 70% discount. If you need assistance with the purchase or installation or at anytime, just let me know. Get a massive 70% off either System Mechanic 17, or System Mechanic 17 Pro. Coupon code: ASKAVIE

You’ll likely have follow-up questions about this or any other tech topic on your mind.
I invite you to reach out so that we may continue the conversation together. As always, I’ll be offering up my tech talk tips and Av-servations as I do daily on my station at anchor.fm/aSKaVIE. For an archive of all my previous Tech Talk Tips please visit www.techtalktips.com

For Anchor. FM, iTunes, Google Play, the Amazon Echo Platform and more, I’m Avie Uniglicht – Your Tech Concierge, and you can connect with me at my website at www.aSKaVIE.com . I hope you have a great week.

Now more than ever before, we, you and me, have access to numerous venues where we can share our message as a broadcaster. Yes! Live Streaming via Periscope, Facebook Live, YouTube Live, just to name a few, and easy to use Public Radio and Podcasting apps such as Anchor. FM, have eliminated the barriers to entry for even the novice broadcaster. There has just been one challenge for many — getting noticed and grabbing listeners. Because of the number of interested broadcasters vying for the attention of time starved listeners, and truly a lack of a comprehensive index for folks to easily be found, it has been and continues to be an effort to gain exposure.

There is great value for young and old to participate in this growing medium. Because of my involvement over the years in training new broadcasters and live streamers on the technical aspects of things, I wanted to provide a way to not only educate, but to promote and create a supportive organization that could bring both experienced and novice broadcasters together in a Collaborative setting. Recently, I had a brain storm. Have you ever had an idea that gave birth to something that you just couldn’t stop thinking about? Well, occasionally, I let my imagination run wild when such ideas hit me. To address this challenge, I’ve started an organization called Broadcasters United™.

I wanted to build a global resource for the broadcasting community. Broadcasters United™ offers members the opportunity to explore, share, and learn from the diverse backgrounds, interests, and experience of others in the group. As an incubator for ideas, a source of Masterminds for current and future projects, a global directory for members, and the possibility for potential collaborative options, the value of this organization is expansive. Organizations seeking access to specific types of broadcasters will also find a diverse pool of experienced individuals who may wish to participate in this arena.

This is for users of existing broadcasting platforms and individuals with an interest in learning how to participate in these mediums. Media Hosts, Vendors, Educational Resources, Supporters and Sponsors are all welcome to contribute to the effort. The nature of this organization spans many demographics from young participants to mature and seasoned broadcasters. Language, Income, National Origin and Current Location is no barrier to entry. Podcasters, Live Streamers, You Tubers, Traditional Broadcasters (i.e.. Radio, Television), and others engaged in similar mediums that share an interest in modern mass communication are all welcome.

Broadcasters United™ objective is to be a consortium of unique voices who utilize the latest in digital Streaming, Podcasting, Radio, TV and yet to be discovered mediums to share their message Worldwide. Our objective is to provide a venue where contributors can collaborate, train, learn, and share their wisdom with other members.
I believe that “One Voice Can Change the World.” Collaborative efforts can amplify that voice. United, through clear communication and the combined efforts and support of members, each voice can and will be heard.

We’ll be formally launching this group soon and our Membership Directory is currently accepting new accounts. Membership is currently free and will be supported via Patreon donations. All interested members will initially meet in a Closed Facebook Group via www.BroadcastersUnited.com If you know someone who might be a good candidate for membership, please share this with them.
I invite you to reach out so that we may continue the conversation together. As always, I’ll be offering up my tech talk tips and Av-servations as I do daily on my station at anchor.fm/aSKaVIE. For an archive of all my previous Tech Talk Tips please visit www.techtalktips.com

For Anchor. FM, iTunes, Google Play, the Amazon Echo Platform and more, I’m Avie Uniglicht — Your Tech Concierge, and you can connect with me at my website at www.aSKaVIE.com .

“Where’s Your Data?”

📂📁 Easy way to Organize your Files📁📂

We all create it, yet how do we manage it?…

“Where’s your data?” You create it, you store it, hopefully, you’ve taken my advice and backed it up – yet I’ve found through my years of work with individuals, companies, and professionals – this question often remains. From e-mail storage, to pictures, to music, to important proposals, accounting files and databases, many USE their information on a daily basis, but ask them where it actually RESIDES on their digital devices or servers, and you’ll get a blank stare and a shoulder shrug. The most important component of their digital world is often a mystery.   Without knowing WHERE it is, it is difficult to manage it. So what do YOU do?

Your Tech Concierge™ advises that to manage your data, you must first establish a structure to organize your personally created files so that you can easily store and retrieve them. Knowing WHERE you store and place your files is the first step in the data management cycle. The “WHERE” includes the physical storage location which might be your local hard drive, a USB storage device, a Network Attached Storage device, a Server, or a Cloud storage host. In addition to the physical device, the location where you save your data on that device is important for easy access. That leads us to Step 2 of the cycle.

Step 2 in the data management cycle is establishing the “HOW?” Individual needs tend to dictate the “HOW?”, yet initially, for most of us, mimicking a Paper-Style organization strategy helps us to easily visualize a workable system of cabinets, drawers, folders and files. Picturing a storage location as a “cabinet” and within that “cabinet” having “drawers” or what we call “directories”, and within those “directories” having defined “folders” and within those our individual files, we build an easily manageable structure to work within. As an example of this approach, you might have a location or “Cabinet” on your “WHERE (the storage device)” named “Filing Cabinet”. “Filing Cabinet” would be a primary storage location for all of your related “files”.  Within that “Filing Cabinet”, you create 26 drawers or “folders” named “A” thru “Z”. Within each “drawer folder”, you would structure your hanging file folders by Company Name, Client Name, or Subject – alphabetically. And within each “Hanging File Folder” you would place “Manilla Folders” by subject, and lastly, saving the related subject files inside. Pictures are worth a thousand words:

Being diligent and systematic about where and how you store your data will help you quickly locate it when you need it, move it and transfer it as needed and also help you more effectively organize your backup strategies. This approach works on both Windows and Mac platforms as well as any storage medium. For the readers of this article, I’d very much appreciate the opportunity to answer your specific “Data Management” questions and help you with implementation concerns. Please send me your comments and I’ll be certain to post your remarks in a future article.

If you’d like to download the File Cabinet .zip file template that I use, Click Here and Save the the File Cabinet to your PC or Mac . Extract the .zip file in your documents directory or directory of choice and it’s ready to go!

This is 17th in a series of aSKaVIE articles devoted to your productivity, digital privacy and protection. In future articles, you can look forward to tips and tricks that you can use to make sense out of your digital investments as well as reviews of new and exciting things that will likely provide value to your home and business. I invite you to write me with your questions and feedback. We’ll also be helping and inspiring others by answering your questions and that’s what makes my job so much fun! So stay tuned. Please send your questions to questions@askavie.com.

About Avie Uniglicht: For over 30-years, Avie Uniglicht – “Your Tech Concierge™” has provided technology support and solutions to entrepreneurs who don’t have time to worry about the details. Specializing in “White-Glove Remote Room-Service,” Avie’s concept of giving you, his client, virtual “house calls” is cited regularly as invaluable and many of Avie’s clients say they couldn’t live without him on speed dial. Avie graduated Summa Cum Laude from Temple University with a BS in Business Administration. A former auditor for Price Waterhouse and past President of Ace Computer Center Inc., he is also the author of the e-Book, “Your Personal Computer Driver’s License.” Avie’s extensive business background and strong experience in accounting enhances his natural talent for helping his clients see the bigger picture regarding their business. “Your Tech Concierge” helps clients evaluate strategy so that together, they create an action plan with the end in mind. For more information or to “Ask Avie,” please call him at (888)-374-3712, and visit www.askavie.com.