Acer 5920 Laptop Audio Feedback Problem Solved!

Since yesterday, whenever I closed my laptop lid there was an audio feedback squeal that drove me nuts. It also sounded like the microphone was open for recording, which I didn't understand since I've never used the mic for anything. Laptop is Acer 5920 and runs Microsoft Vista. I solved the problem by going to Control Panel, under Hardware and Sounds I clicked on Manage Audio Devices, selected Recording from the Sound Menu, clicked on Properties, and selected Levels (general, levels, enchancements, advanced tabs). On the Level Screen it says Microphone and Microphone Boost (+20 dB). I slid the ruler over to 0 on the Microphone Boost ruler. Problem solved! Take that laptop! I've no idea what changed the settings.

Argh! Credit Card Fraud!!! Medical bills!!!!

When I checked my Chase Credit Card (Disney Reward Card) bill to pay it on Wednesday, there were several charges that I didn't recognize from elimit.com, elimite.com, besthelp blah, blah, blah. I'm freaked out. I called the credit card and reported it. They canceled the account and are sending me a new card, which should be here in about 5 days they said. I may just call them back up after I get the new card and cancel my account. I know Chase has had problems with having their information stolen. I never use that card for anything really. I only charge my Internet provider fee to the card and that is cause my other credit card (US Bank) was being replaced (I'd lost the card--I found it eventually in a book that I had been reading. I was using it as a bookmark. Is embarrassed). My US Bank card is WorldPerks and I like the airline miles it offers so I use it more. It's also more useful for temporary big payments (well, that I used to be able to afford before I quit my lab job to be a grad assistant) since my credit limit is larger than Chase (only $1,000--I couldn't even pay my tuition with it when I still could pay out of pocket for my grad classes). 

( CC fraud & Medical Bills cont...... )

Google Chrome is Awesome, Typing of the Dead, & Grad School Hell

I really like Google Chrome. It's better than Firefox in that I don't constantly get Not Responding messages, which freeze up my computer for as long as 2 minutes) and it loads webpages much, much faster. I hadn't realized until I played with Chrome yesterday how  much the the NR message and long loading times for Blackboard (online class system) were affecting me I think half of my dislike for my classes (past and present) has been browser frustration since they are online classes for the most part. I feel relieved and happier now. Still not completely happy with them but I am much, much happier. It's possible to use delicious buttons with Chrome. I wish Chrome would open up previous webpages you've visited after you've shut it down like Firefox allows you. I don't know how I missed the option before but I found it. Awesome!  I also wish Chrome was more customizable--I like Firefox's AdBlock, etc. Does anyone actually click on those damn ads? I don't unless I'm trying to help support a website/cause (click here and we'll donate money to feed the hungry, etc.). I've never bought anything off those sites I've clicked through. It still loads the webpages with ads faster than Firefox though. The interface just feels so floaty and lightweight to me. I can see more of my screen, which enables me to see more of the webpages that I visit. It's awesome. 

Typing of the Dead, which is an improve your typing program, is awesome. I may be fast but my accuracy isn't always the greatest so I found this and downloaded it. It's totally awesome. When you type a letter or word, you fire a bullet, which hits a zombie and eventually kills it. It's a zombie killing game that teaches you to type the QWERTY keyboard. It lets you explore and has levels. Too bad it doesn't teach DVORAK, which I understand is easier on the hands/less risk of carpal tunnel and which I want to learn since my hands start to hurt after typing for while. Decisions, decisions. Try to learn DVORAK (which I'll be slow & inaccurate with at first) or improve my QWERTY accuracy and keep my typing speed. 

( Come with me to grad school hell........ )