ce magazine january 2021 issue

1

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Big Poppa
Outside Sources On This Month issue
ehistory / Larry Gormley / Lifehack / Larry Alton
Intermountain Healthcare / Allison Bell / CNET
David Nield
Vol 4 January 2021 issue 1
6 Hey Pete! 40 ways to fix your PC
before you call an expert
19 CE MAGAZINE LINKS TABLET
20 Biz Cards Board
21 COVID-19: Outdoor winter
activities you can safely enjoy
this season
26 10 Must-Read Tech Sites to Stay
Updated
37 Something to enlighten you up
CE Magazine® is part of OtherSide Ministries © all rights reserved
Front Cover
“Walk-way through the woods and curious squirrel”
artwork and fonts by Peter Nadal
Original Computer-Ease logo ©
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Welcome to Pete’s Desk and if this is your 1 st time reading CE Magazine we
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known him over 40 some odd years. He brings to st issue to 2021 our current issue.
the table a wealth of experience in
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running right, what do you do? On “Hey Pete!” this month is an article that shows
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Block” by NewsUSA and frankly it has sparked my curiosity on the subject, I will
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4

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5

Covid 19 has all of us staying home and I get a lot of calls asking “how
can I fix my Computer without a tech” CNET has a great article just click
on the blue under lined cnet for more info.
40 ways to fix your PC before you call an expert
Windows can be scary place if you're no computer expert and your PC goes wrong,
but most glitches can be solved by following these tips.
David Nield Sept. 21, 2012 9:45 a.m. PT
If you know what a USB port looks like, chances are you're regularly called upon as
the 'IT Expert' by friends and family whenever a computer goes bust or a window
mysteriously disappears.
6

Below are some of the most useful tips I've gathered over many years of
troubleshooting PCs and despairing at the number of browser toolbars unsuspecting
pensioners install. And no, I'm not going to come around to "take a look". Work
your way through all of these first...
General problems
1. Be Google smart
Google can be a huge help when it comes to specific error codes and very detailed
problems. It's less useful for "my PC is running slowly" queries. Include as much
detail as you can, putting "+" before keywords that must be matched and "-" before
keywords to exclude.
2. System Restore
Windows' built-in roll-back feature will undo recent changes to the registry and
hardware and software setup of your computer, without affecting your personal files
and holiday photos. It's a good place to start if something has very recently gone
wrong. You'll find System Restore via Control Panel.
3. Safe Mode
Tap F8 during boot-up to access the boot menu. Choose Safe Mode to launch a
special stripped-down version of Windows that keeps drivers and background
utilities to a minimum and looks like it's straight out of 1995. Safe Mode can be
used to uninstall programs or devices, or run fixes, if you can't get into Windows
normally.
4. Overheating
If your PC crashes at seemingly random times -- in other words, there's no
particular software program or hardware device that prompts it -- it's possible that
your computer or laptop is overheating. Invest in another fan or a laptop cooler if
you think this may be the cause.
5. On-demand scans
A whole bundle of problems are caused by viruses and spyware, from slow
performance to unexplained reboots. It goes without saying that you should keep
your anti-virus and anti-spyware tools right up to date, but you might want to run an
on-demand scanner as well to get another opinion -- Spybot Search & Destroy and
Microsoft's own Safety Scanner are two good choices that won't interfere with your
existing security tools.
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6. Background noise
Sluggish performance that degrades over time can be due to more and more
programs deciding they'd like to run in the background. Open Task Manager (rightclick
on the taskbar) to see what's actually using up the RAM and CPU time on
your PC -- if any of the entries under Processes and Services don't make much
sense, run a quick Google search for details of what they are.
7. Selective startup
If you find any superfluous entries in Task Manager, chances are they're being
launched with Windows. Scour the Startup folder on the Start menu to find and
remove anything you don't really need all of the time. For more control over the
Windows startup process, type "msconfig" into the Start menu search box and hit
Enter -- the subsequent dialog lets you make detailed changes to which services and
tools can launch automatically at the same time as the operating system.
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You might be surprised at how many services start up with Windows.
8. Restoring files
When Windows deletes a file, it doesn't move the 1s and 0s, it simply removes the
references to them and marks the disk space as free. Unless you've overwritten the
file with something else, you might be able to get it back -- Recuva is one of the
best and most straightforward free tools for the task.
9. Windows won't start
Windows comes with various systems recovery options (besides Safe Mode) that
you can use if the operating system won't boot. Tap F8 when booting and choose
'Last Known Good Configuration' to revert back to the settings in place when
Windows last launched. Another trick you can try is to unplug all non-essential
peripherals -- sometimes a badly configured device will cause the startup process to
hang.
10. Motherboard beeps
If your PC gets so far and no further, and you find it beeps at you and shuts down
before Windows even starts loading, the problem is at a lower level. Motherboards
will alert you to what's gone wrong by the number of beeps -- check the user
manual to find out what they mean, or look for a digital copy on the manufacturer's
website.
11. No power
If the PC or laptop doesn't get going at all, either you're in the middle of a power
cut, your power cable is faulty, or the power supply unit/battery is bust. See if you
can source a cheap spare cable or battery first, as a PSU replacement will cost
significantly more.
12. Forums
If you do have to turn to the web, locate the developer or manufacturer's official
support forums before you turn to Google. You may find there's a particular fix
available or advice from other users. For smaller freeware programs, you may even
find posts from the developer.
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13. Ask Microsoft
It turns out Microsoft does know a thing or two about their own systems -- it offers
an automated Fixit tool, which will try and detect what's going wrong and then do
something about it.
The Microsoft Fixit site offers a number of simple troubleshooting wizards.
14. Registry cleaning
The labyrinthine settings file that is the Windows registry can cause errors, program
crashes and system restarts if something has gone wrong deep within it. There are
plenty of third-party tools that will scan it for problems for you, though not all of
them are trustworthy -- Glary Registry Repair is one of the ones you can depend on
10

(though as with any advanced tweaking tool, use at your own risk -- you do back
up, right?).
15. Re-install Windows
This is the scorched earth policy -- but it's not as drastic as you might think. Many
PCs and laptops come with recovery discs or a recovery partition on the hard drive
that you can use to return your computer to the state it was in when it arrived from
the factory. Of course, it goes without saying that you'll need to install your
software again and you'll lose all your personal data, so you'll need copies of your
important files (photos, university essays etc). This process is set to be made even
easier in Windows 8.
Hardware problems
16. Test on another computer
Use another computer to test your malfunctioning mouse/camera/printer, or just
another USB port, to help you work out where the fault lies. If the problem
vanishes, it's not the device itself that's to blame.
17. New drivers
Head to the manufacturer's website and hunt down the latest drivers and/or
firmware for your device -- installing these updates will replace damaged files, add
the latest bug fixes and improve compatibility with other hardware and software.
18. Old drivers
Windows and devices themselves sometimes install new drivers without asking and
these occasionally cause problems. To roll back to a previous version, find the
hardware in question in Device Manager, right-click and choose Properties and
open the Driver tab.
19. Uninstall drivers
Staying in Device Manager -- there's an Uninstall option that will remove all traces
of the hardware in question from your system. Reboot and reattach the device to
launch the installation process from scratch, which may resolve your issue.
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Update, roll back and uninstall drivers from Device Manager.
20. Test the memory
It's not easy to tell when your memory is failing you and it doesn't happen often --
intermittent system instability and software crashes are the usual signs. A decent
memory diagnostics tester like MemTest86+ can help by scanning the installed
modules and alerting you to any potential issues.
21. Test the hard drive
Modern hard drives have something known as SMART (Self Monitoring And
Reporting Technology) built into them. It's a standardised technology the disks use
to report their status and general health back to Windows. Plenty of free
applications can read and report this SMART data -- HDD Health is one example,
which also supports SSD drives -- and they will display warning signs if you need
to buy a replacement drive in the near future.
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22. Windows disk checking
Windows has its own disk-checking tool that looks for problems on your installed
hard drives -- right-click on a drive in Windows Explorer, choose Properties and
then the Tools tab to find it.
23. Screen issues
Problems with the display can be caused by the graphics card, the monitor itself or
the connecting cable (if you're not using a laptop). Using a spare cable (if available)
or switching to on-board graphics (again, if available) can help you work out
exactly which link in the chain is the one going wrong. If your monitor or screen is
found to be faulty, there's not much you can do except dig out the warranty or pay a
visit to the local repair shop.
24. Open her up
You don't have to be a PC-building expert to take a peek under the case -- just make
sure you ground yourself to remove any static electricity first, and unplug the
computer from the mains. Check for loose connections and screws or an excessive
build-up of dust (a can of compressed air can help here). Laptops are less easy to
poke around in, but some do allow access to the memory and hard drive, so you can
check these connections. You may find more guidance from the manufacturer's
website or the supplied documentation.
25. Backup
Unfortunately, there are times when there's just nothing you can do, and you have to
accept that your hard drive or power supply unit is kaput. It's vital that you have
backups of your important files and folders, and there's no shortage of services
willing to help out -- Google Drive, SkyDrive, Dropbox and Backblaze, to name
just a few.
Software problems
26. Updates
Has the program you're struggling with made an update available? Perhaps to
support new hardware or operating system features? It's worth checking via the
developer's website or the built-in update tool that most software has, though the
majority of updates now install automatically.
27. Re-install
If problems persist, strip out all traces of the program in question using a third-party
13

uninstaller -- Revo Uninstaller will do the job for free -- then start the installation
process again from scratch with a fresh download or the original discs. Why? It
ensures any corrupt or damaged files are replaced and all of the software's settings
are reset.
28. Plug-ins
Bear in mind that the problem may not lie with the software itself but with one of
the program's plug-ins or extensions -- try disabling these add-ons one by one to see
if the issue is resolved.
Plug-ins and add-ons are at the root of a lot of software problems.
29. Clean up
Many applications will create caches of temporary files that can occasionally
interfere with program behavior -- look for an option that will wipe these files.
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CCleaner is a handy third-party freeware utility that cleans up temporary files for
many different applications.
30. Conflicting programs
Is the troublesome application having problems because of another program on the
system? This can be particularly common with security tools that try and do the
same thing at the same time. Try temporarily disabling other programs that might
be causing interference.
Internet problems
31. Find the fault
First step: find where the problem is. Check if you can connect to the web on other
computers and devices. Ideally plug a laptop into the router directly and run the
router's built-in testing diagnostics -- your ISP may be experiencing issues. If there's
only one PC that can't get online, there's likely to be a problem with its network
adaptor or settings.
32. Adaptor problems
If you suspect the adaptor is to blame (a wireless USB dongle, for example), check
the hardware tips above. Try updating the adaptor's driver, uninstalling and
reinstalling, or simply plugging it in another USB port.
33. Update firmware
It's possible there's a firmware update for the router that you're using, though some
ISPs frown on users taking this much control over their network setup. The best
place to start looking is the customer forums for your ISP, where you should find
details of which free router you've been lumbered with and how you can update its
firmware.
34. Reboots all round
The reboot process is something of a troubleshooting cliché, but that's because it
often works -- turn the router off for 30-60 seconds to re-establish the connection
and reset the router. Reboot your PC for good measure to attempt to connect again.
15

35. Change channels
Routers typically share the same frequency as other devices, like microwaves and
baby monitors, which can slow down your connection -- either move other wireless
devices away, or change the channel used by your router (see the router settings for
help with doing this).
Switching to a different router channel could fix slow broadband speeds.
36. Is it down?
If you're having issues with a particular site, look it up on
www.downforeveryoneorjustme.com -- the problem may not be at your end. Note
that if something large scale suffers a failure -- like Amazon's S3 storage -- it can
affect many different sites and services at once.
37. Network management
Delve into the Network and Sharing Centre in Windows to make sure there aren't
multiple programs trying to manage your wireless connection. Laptop
16

manufacturers will often bundle their own network management software with their
machines, which is fine as long as these applications aren't trying to work
concurrently with Windows' own utilities.
38. Browser woes
Switching to an alternative browser is a simple way to test if your Internet-related
problems are being caused by your favorite browser. If the browser is to blame, try
some of the software tips I mentioned earlier, and take a long hard look at the plugins
and extensions.
39. Firewall settings
Firewalls can be temperamental and might be blocking the site, service or program
you're trying to use. Consult the incoming and outgoing settings when you've found
them (if you're using the Windows Firewall, head to Control Panel). If you're
struggling to get online with a particular game or networking tool, you might find
instructions for allowing firewall access in the supplied documentation.
Some networking tools and games will need special firewall permissions.
17

40. View connections
Head into the Network and Sharing Centre to make sure your PC is trying to
connect using the right connection (wireless versus wired, for example). While all
of this should configure itself automatically, rogue programs or security tools can
make changes they shouldn't. There are also some troubleshooters built into the
Network and Sharing Centre, which are surprisingly useful.
In the event you have tried and you still can figure out the
problem then do call our tech dept at:
Computer-Ease @ 219-379-2719
Or
At our Facebook Inbox
https://www.facebook.com/Computerease89/inbox
18

CE MAGAZINE LINKS TABLET
40 Winter Activities For the Family in 2020
Winter Activities
7 Ways to Cope When You’re Cooped
Up During Winter COVID-19 Lockdown
Winter Break During COVID-19:How to
Keep Kids Entertained on Holiday Staycation
Things to do in January in these covid times
Google search
19

20

Patient Stories and Blog
COVID-19: Outdoor winter
activities you can safely enjoy this
season
Allison Bell Dec 30, 2020
Tired of being cooped up indoors all year? Just because the cold winter months are
setting in, that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the great outdoors.
With COVID-19 still at large, it is more important than ever to take care of your
physical and mental health. While concerts, parties, and other indoor events might
be on hold for now, here are some fun outdoor activities you can safely enjoy this
winter.
21

Skiing
The pandemic may have canceled a lot of things this year, but it can’t keep skiers
from enjoying the Greatest Snow on Earth. Many resorts in Utah are open, with
guidelines in place for keeping everyone safe from COVID-19. If you’re wondering
what new precautions are in place, here’s what you should know before you hit the
slopes.
Face coverings are required. All 15 Utah ski areas will require face
coverings that align with CDC recommendations when social distancing isn’t
possible. This applies to both outdoor and indoor spaces, except when eating
or drinking.
Practice social distancing. Lift queues, ticket queues, ski and snowboard
lessons, employee spaces, and food outlets will all encourage appropriate
spacing to allow social distancing between parties.
Ski resorts will be cleaning and disinfecting regularly. High-touch
surfaces, such as bathrooms, restaurants, dining facilities, ticket offices, and
rental shops will all be cleaned and disinfected following CDC guidelines.
Operating plans may change. To optimize safety, Utah ski areas may review
and change their operating plans to comply with local regulations.
For more information, visit SkiUtah.com.
Hiking and snowshoeing
You don’t have to be a skier to enjoy the snowy mountain ranges. Utah provides plenty of
opportunities for hikers to explore the winter terrain with its waterfalls, rivers, peaks, and
wildlife. But the key to enjoying your hiking adventure is being prepared with the proper gear,
snacks, and necessary equipment.
For a list of the best winter hikes in Utah – including safety tips – click here.
Some Utah ski resorts have designated snowshoeing trails that are family-friendly and good for
beginners. Nordic Centers are available at the following resorts:
Cherry Peak Resort
Sundance Mountain Resort
Solitude Mountain Resort
Alta Ski Area
Snowbasin Resort
Park City Mountain
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Walking
Want a low-risk outdoor activity that will keep the COVID blues at bay?
It doesn’t get any easier -- or more refreshing – than taking a brisk walk outside. You don’t
need special equipment or a lot of extra time to enjoy a stroll around the block. Whether you’re
walking the dog or enjoying a brisk walk with the family, this simple exercise could give you
the endorphin boost you need. Just be sure to dress warm and watch out for icy roadways.
Tips for safely enjoying outdoor activities
Remember that protecting yourself from the elements is just as important as
protecting yourself from COVID-19. Now that you’ve got a good list of ideas for
staying active this winter, here are some safety tips to keep in mind as you venture
out into the cold.
Be avalanche aware. If your plans include venturing into the snowy
mountains, make sure you’re aware of potential avalanche hazards.
Avalanches kill 150 people worldwide each year, and in most cases
they’re triggered by human activity. While there are tips to protect
yourself in the event of an avalanche, the best way to stay safe is to
avoid them altogether. To learn more, visit the Utah Avalanche Center.
Prevent frostbite and hypothermia. Knowing the symptoms of
frostbite and hypothermia is important since many people are numb
(literally) to their onset. Red and painful skin, numbness, shivering,
exhaustion, confusion, slurred speech, and memory loss are all warning
signs. If someone’s temperature falls below 95 degrees, the CDC
recommends seeking medical attention immediately.
Dress appropriately. Since your body loses heat faster than you can
produce it in the cold weather, make sure you dress appropriately. Wear
a hat, boots, gloves, and layers of loose-fitting, water-resistant clothing.
Pay special attention to vulnerable areas for frostbite, such as the nose,
ears, toes, cheeks, chin, and fingers. If your plans include high-cardio
exercises like running, follow these guidelines.
Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids is just as important during the
winter season as it is in the summertime. Since the cold air is dryer, it’s
easier to become dehydrated. If you plan to exercise for an hour or more,
Active recommends replenishing your fluids as well as your electrolytes
23

and carbohydrates. Since Utah is at a higher elevation, this is especially
important.
Use sunblock. Yes, even in the wintertime, you need to protect your
skin. In Utah, the UV exposure risk increases due to higher elevation
and poor air quality in the winter. To stay safe, avoid sun exposure
during the peak hours (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), use broad spectrum SPF 30
sunscreen daily (even on cloudy and snowy days), and make sure your
skin and eyes are covered up.
Monitor weather conditions. Always check the weather forecast before
heading out for your winter run, hike, or snowshoeing excursion.
Inclement weather may force you to alter your plans, but it’ll be better
than getting stranded on a mountaintop in the middle of a snowstorm.
Tell someone where you’re going. Outdoor winter adventures are fun,
but the risks may be higher, depending on the activity you choose. A
good rule-of-thumb for safety is to always tell someone where you’re
going and when you plan to return -- especially if you’re heading into a
remote area, such as the mountains.
Looking for a different way to exercise?
If you’re not a fan of the cold, there are plenty of exercises you can do safely at
home -- even in the era of COVID-19.
Intermountain Healthcare offers a variety of on-demand exercise resources that you
can enjoy anytime, at your own pace, and in the comfort of your own home. From
yoga classes to cardio workouts and strength training, you’ll find something to fit
your preferences. (There’s even a 7-minute workout option, if your time is limited.)
Whether you choose the outdoors or a virtual workout program, remember that
doing any form of exercise is better than doing nothing. Every active minute counts.
Here’s to a happy and healthy start for the New Year!
24

Related posts
5 fun winter activities for the whole family
3 things to consider for cold weather running
Encouraging outdoor play when it’s cold
COVID 19 Mental Wellness, Physical Wellness Last Updated: 12/29/2020
For more info click- HERE
CE Magazine public service
25

TECHNOLOGY
10 Must-Read Tech Sites to Stay Updated
Larry Alton Business Consultant Read full Profile
Are you looking for the most credible voices in technology news? The rise of online
publications and blogs has resulted in a flood of information regarding computers,
mobile gadgets, software and operating systems. It can be difficult, however, to
know which websites you can trust. Here are some of the most trusted websites;
these will help you keep up with the constant flow of technological updates.
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1. Arstechnica.com
First on the list is Ars Technica, simply because of the date of inception. This site
has been around for nearly two decades, a very substantial amount of time. The
publication, now owned by Conde Nast, is a go-to for both tech professionals and
hobbyists. Ars Technica features a wide range of news and editorials, delving into
business, legal ramifications, security, and other consumer interests.
The dialogue isn’t a one-way street, either. Readers can interact with one another by
checking out the Ars Technica forums, which allow for discussions on hardware
modifications, operations systems, software and gaming. Ars Technica’s operations
are funded primarily by online advertising and it has been a paid subscription
service since 2001.
Interestingly, the website generated much controversy in 2009 when they prevented
users who had installed advertisement blocking software from viewing the site.
While this stirred some negative reactions, the site continues to be a trusted
resource today.
27

2. Techcrunch.com
Second on the list is TechCrunch, thanks to the website’s more than 50,000 active
contributors. If you want to get the scoop on technology startups, then TechCrunch
is the news source for you. This publication highlights the business side of tech
innovation, covering major acquisitions, funding sources, and product launches.
You can browse news based on brand names, such as Google, Apple, or Twitter.
You can also sift through news and reviews by tuning into different category
channels like Enterprise, Startups, or Mobile.
One of the most compelling sections of Tech Crunch is Crunch Base, a vast
database of technology companies and startups. Each Crunch Base profile includes
financial details for each company, including funding received, headquarters
locations, and the names of the founders.
In 2011, the company was accused of ethical violations and the founder, Michael
Arrington, left the company. Fortunately, the company was able to bounce back,
and still provides great technological updates for consumers.
28

3. Engadget.com
Engadget makes number three on our list, because it’s a great multilingual
resource. Impressively, this resource has been helping people make
informed tech purchasing decisions since 2004. It’s no surprise that the
collection of blogs on Engadget have had such success, since it was created
by a co-founder of Gizmodo, Peter Rojas.
Interestingly, the editorial team involved in steering Engadget to fame has
moved on to pursue several other successful endeavors. For example, former
Engadget editor-in-chief, Joshua Topolsky, went on to create The Verge,
followed by an editorial role at Bloomberg.
29

4. Thenextweb.com
The Next Web makes the next spot on our list, because of their more than 6.5
million unique monthly visitors. This site is constantly looking at the newest
gadgets, web app updates, and service features. Get the head start you need on the
latest tech updates, and if you are looking to make a new gadget purchase, check
out The Next Web first. They will let you know if something better is coming out
shortly!
Unlike many other tech websites, The Next Web has been able to avoid controversy
and continues to thrive drama-free today.
30

5. Wired.com
We love this website because it came from a popular magazine! Coming in at
number five on our list, this website split from Wired Magazine in 1990, when it
was purchased by Conde Nast Publishing.
This publication deals with the popular culture surrounding technology. If you’re
looking for an engaging, yet casual read, this website is for you. Wired features
entertainment, opinion, business, and security news regarding electronics of all
kinds. Furthermore, if you’re interested in an old-school paper and ink experience,
you can still buy a copy of Wired magazine on newsstands.
31

6. Tomshardware.com
Tom’s Hardware makes the next spot on our list of trustworthy websites,
because it’s been around since 1996. If you’re looking for a site that can help
with projects, then check this one out. Tom’s Hardware features a unique
“build your own” section, where you can learn how to build your own
computer.
Anyone who’s replaced a computer part or built a PC will tell you how
difficult it is to track reviews, part upgrades, and the latest sales.
Furthermore, seasoned hardware tinkerers are faced with a dizzying array of
components to choose from.
Fortunately, Tom’s Hardware helps you cut through the noise and get sound
advice on computer parts, from tower cases to motherboards. As stated
32

above, this is the ultimate resource if you’re thinking about building a
computer, particularly for gaming.
7. Cnet.com
Next on the list is CNET, because we like their region-specific and languagespecific
editions. Early consumers loved CNET because of their enormous library
of freeware and software reviews, available through the CNET download section.
This publication has been around since 1994, and owned by The CBS Corporation
since 2008. Reviews make up the majority of content on CNET, helping consumers
choose the best hardware, software, and tech services.
Remember Limewire? CNET has been accused of having a part in the controversial
music sharing program, but a lawsuit from 2011 has yet to go anywhere.
33

8. 9to5Mac.com
Number eight on the list is 9 to 5 Mac, solely because it was founded only seven
short years ago. The website is very impressive, however, and covers more than just
Apple products. They provide information on thousands of accessories that are
compatible with the Mac OS X and iOS platforms.
This platform is considered one of the most reliable sources for Apple-relevant
news, and its founding team has been in featured in Business Insider.
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9. Gizmodo.com
Coming in towards the end of our list because it was founded just a little over a
decade ago, Gizmodo is a prime example of how powerful crowd sourced
information and blogging can be. This publication is part of the Gawker Media
network, a family of blogs that includes Lifehacker, Deadspin, and Jezebel.
These blogs are all powered by Kinja, which enables any user, including readers, to
contribute to the discussion with their very own blog posts. This blurs the line
between bloggers and readers, encouraging more people to contribute their voices
to the news feed.
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10. NewYorkTimes.com
Lastly, we have Bits: The Business of Technology from the New York Times. This
newspaper is a leading resource for various information; so it’s no surprise that this
long-standing publication has created a blog dedicated to technology!
Bits gathers information from every corner of the Internet, and NY Times writers
weigh in on new product launches, tech conventions, and upcoming gadget
developments. With so many active contributors, and such an impressive host, it’s
no wonder why Bits needed to make our list of the top tech websites.
You want to see more on this article then click on
10 Must-Read Tech Sites to Stay Update
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Something to enlighten you up
The Greatest Inventions in the Past 1000 Years
Larry Gormley
During the technology feeding frenzy of the late 1990s many experts declared the Internet one
of the most important inventions since the Industrial Revolution. However, after the happenings
of the past few years that perspective has changed. While the Internet and the World Wide Web
have certainly impacted the lives of many millions of people it is certainly not the greatest
invention of the past millennium, in fact it might not even make the the top ten.
As Robert J. Gordon writes, "Internet surfing may be fun, but it represents a far smaller
increment in the standard of living than achieved by the extension of day into night achieved by
electric light, the revolution in factory efficiency achieved by the electric motor, the flexibility
and freedom achieved by the automobile, the saving of time and shrinking of the globe achieved
by the airplane, the new materials achieved by the chemical industry, the first sense of live twoway
communication achieved by the telephone, the arrival of live news and entertainment into
the family parlor achieved by radio and then television, and the enormous improvements in life
expectancy, health, and comfort achieved by urban sanitation and indoor plumbing." What are
the greatest inventions of the past 1000 years? If we use as the prime criteria 'improving the
standard of living', the author presents (with temerity) the following top 10 list:
The Greatest Inventions In The Past 1000 Years
Invention Year Inventor Notes
1 Printing Press 1450 Johannes Gutenberg allowed literacy to greatly expand
2 Electric Light 1879 Thomas Edison powered countless social changes
3 Automobile 1885 Karl Benz increased personal mobility and freedom
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4 Telephone 1876 Alexander Graham Bell spread communication across wide areas
5
Radio and
Television
1895 &
1926
Guglielmo Marconi & John
Baird
made the world smaller
6 Vaccination 1796 Edward Jenner protected people from disease
7 Computer 1939 John Atanasoff, et al.
transformed business world; predecessor to the
Internet
8 Airplane 1903 Orville and Wilbur Wright allowed people and products to quickly move
9
Gas powered
tractor
1892 John Froelich started agricultural mechanization
10 Anesthesia 1844 Horace Wells provided a great leap forward for medicine
Sources:
Edge Foundation, Inc., "What Is The Most Important Invention In The Past Two Thousand
Years?" http://www.edge.org/documents/Invention.html
Gordon, Robert J. Does the "New Economy" Measure up to the Great Inventions of the Past?
NBER Working Paper No.w7833 Issued in August 2000
Greatest Engineering Achievements of the Twentieth Century National Academy of
Engineering http://www.greatachievements.org/
Platt, Richard. Smithsonian Visual Timeline of Inventions. New York: Dorling Kindersley,
1994.
Themes
18th Century 19th Century 20th Century inventions Technology
This item was created by a contributor to eHistory prior to its affiliation with The Ohio State University. As
such, it has not been reviewed for accuracy by the University and does not necessarily adhere to the
University's scholarly standards.
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