Yesterday, I was working on a project which required
the installation of a
licensed copy of Microsoft Office 365, on the new HP Windows 11 laptop
acquired over the holidays.
One of the subtasks involved creating an Excel spreadsheet, which once
completed, I wanted to print to an older Brother Monochrome Fax/Laser printer.
I plugged in the USB cable from the printer to the new Windows 11 system and
noticed it recognized the printer, however the print driver was unavailable.
Plug & Play was not available for either of my older printers while
connected to the new Windows 11 system. My older printers include a Brother
2820 Monochrome Fax/Laser Printer and one of two- Konica Minolta Magicolor 1600W Laser
Printers.
How did I resolve this dilemma?
I used the CD disc that came with the Konica Minolta Magicolor 1600W Laser
Printer to install the driver and for the Brother 2820 Monochrome Fax/Laser
Printer, I downloaded the driver for the Windows 7 platform.
The manufacturer, Brother claimed the Windows 10 operating system came with a built in
driver for the fax/laser printer, the reason I had no option but to download
the Windows 7 version. Windows 11 is so new (and probably the printer is so old),
Brother did not offer a Windows 11 download version for the printer.
Both drivers installed correctly on the Windows 11 laptop.
Why not purchase a color wireless laser printer? Do not use hardcopy print enough
to warrant a new printer, however did consider this printer.
Allow me to step back for a moment and discuss an old advertising
management resource aptly named BlogAds. Years ago, I used BlogAds to handle advertising for the blogs I maintained on qisoftware.com.
Today, I use any number of resources to handle advertising for all areas of
my sites, not just the blogs. Is this complicated? In my opinion, yes and I
understand why most businesses and bloggers use advertising management
services to handle their advertising needs.
Did I say complicated? Some of the advertising resources I use:
Header bidding for all areas of qisoftware.com (the only, of my sites accepted by
the service I use)
Google Adsense all sites and areas (reginathomas.studio was initially rejected earlier this year however
has since been accepted)
Google Ad Manager (also a requirement of the header bidding service I use)
Various affiliate marketing partnerships (I develop applications for my
affiliates using their API resources, e.g. Amazon's Product Adverting API,
CJ's API using GraphQL, and Best Buy's API)
Google Analytics
Social Media
Let's start with a less complicated advertising management effort. For
years I have been an Amazon Affiliate and I purchase a lot from Amazon.
That said, only recently have I started providing feedback in the form of
product reviews. So I decided to provide my Amazon customer profile link.
I research quite a bit, and try to provide feedback for the cost conscious
consumer. I also purchase a lot as a small business owner. It might be worth
your time to follow me as an Amazon customer. Does this assist with my
advertising efforts? Yes.
Another less complicated advertising management effort involves Google
Adsense and something called Brand Safety. I recently researched this area,
made some changes, and have noticed a slight increase in my Adsense revenue.
Now let's discuss a more complicated advertising management effort. Header
bidding. I started integrating header bidding into qisoftware.com site areas
in October 2018.
I continue to learn new things about online advertising management, and new
features are coming online daily. In 2018, when I first started using header
bidding, sellers.json and Floors were terms not used. If you decide to manage
advertising for your sites, you have to stay on top of the new technologies and features. Any number of variables can affect ad revenue.
This is not meant to be a tutorial. Recently, I have been tweaking a lot of
variables in all areas of my advertising game with some positive results. I have to
admit, it is rather complicated. That said, it may have been the route I chose
to integrate the features I wanted to experiment with for publisher advertising.
The real estate industry is heavily regulated by both State and Federal (to a lesser degree) guidelines and laws.
To assist with understanding the procedures and processes used by real estate brokers (coursework), I began delving into the many forms, agreements, statements, and contracts used by these professionals. Shown below, a directory listing of some of the forms I have collected to date.
While researching for my (real estate) course, I found other legal forms and agreements I wanted to add to my Microsoft Word template sets. The lower image in the diagram above, shows some of the other forms.
For some reason, I feel smarter having done this research, and wanted to provide a great resource for DIY research and creation of legal forms.
Should you retain a lawyer if you have questions? Yes. That said, some agreements are pretty straightforward and most services like eForms.com probably use lawyers and/or legal staff to help with the creation of the documents and services they offer.
In my case, I always want a lawyer to fax a copy of an agreement so I can study and research (without interruption) the document before further discussion or signatures- are added.
Yesterday morning, Sunday, I got up early, took a shower and made dessert (fruit tart discussed here).
Then I dressed (hair & makeup), and decided to enjoy Sunday morning driving around town. Some things I noticed...
Last week, because I am always researching new ways to generate revenue from my sites, I signed up for a new affiliate marketing program. Often, I try to develop new programs for use on WiredPages and this blog using affiliate API network resources. For example, see this link.
So yesterday, after returning from my drive, I sat around reviewing some of the affiliate merchant programs offered by ShareASale.com.
I also made a pizza and watched a movie, "Jennifer 8" on television. The illustration below shows the other side (see last post) of the main entry. Behind me on the right, is the closet and on the left, the hallway leading to the informal dining room off the kitchen (working on the smile, issue).
Then I went out to my gardens and took photos...
Came in, updated some of my stores, had dessert and went to bed around 9:00 pm.
Thought the new episode of Showtime's "Billions" was coming on last night, however research provided the new segment is scheduled for next Sunday. Think it is the season finale.
In recent years, I have started my holiday shopping in early Autumn and usually finish by the end of November. I think this trend began because I start researching for "the stores" around that time.
This year, I found a great deal on an item [Yunmai Digital Scale], I listed last year as a gift idea. I wanted to give it as a November birthday gift, however decided to give it early. My mother loves it, and so do I.
Other items in the same order...
I have been rather busy lately, with web site moves and software development projects (see WiredPages), so I have not done as much research for the stores as I normally do, however stay posted if you are looking for holiday gift ideas.
This year, my Mother's Birthday and Thanksgiving fell relatively close, so it seemed- if I was not planning for one celebration, I was planning for the other.
As usual, my brother-in-law provided the beautiful Poinsettias that will decorate the entry and fireplace this holiday season.
For her birthday, I gave my Mother a gift card and made her favorite brownies.
I seldom purchase gift cards, however this year she seemed interested in any number of items she found online at one of her favorite department stores, so I thought it a safe bet.
That said, I have been updating my stores with seasonal finds I want to add to my shopping cart instead of gift cards:
A death in the family took most of the family out of the area in early June. I did not attend the funeral. I have not been out much, instead working, catching a movie here or there and watching live tennis action.
Recent activities and plans:
Movie: The Accountant
Movie: Legend [2015]
Movie: Inferno
Movie: The Wizard of Lies
Upcoming: Starz "Power" Series [new season starts Sunday, June 25th @9:00 pm ET]
Revising Amazon Stores in anticipation of upcoming changes Amazon plans to make to the program. Updates to the new store formats are ongoing and several shopping categories were removed. The new shopping categories:
I have a little more work to do on the stores-- and new additions and deletions are constant. I also have three new domain registrations I plan to start work on.
In the coming months, for a change of scenery and project research, I may check in at the air conditioned mall [ArundelMills] & Live! Casino.
Over the coming months, Amazon plans to phase out the astore feature, so I am currently adding new pages to this blog that will incorporate most of the product links provided in the Amazon versions of the stores.
Currently the links for the Amazon versions of the stores are listed in the right upper sidebar. I will gradually replace the Amazon links with the page versions associated with this blog.
Listed below, demonstration links for the blog page versions of the stores [keep in mind I am currently working this project].
Coach is a brand long recognized for quality. Some of my Coach pieces are over twenty years old. The Coach classic handbag shown, was used almost everyday for over 10years.
Are you thinking of adding to your Coach collection, or maybe a gift for someone special?
Thinking about adding short videos to your blog posts to enhance your advertising optons or add more interest to your content?
The HTML5 <video ... > </video> tags make this easier than ever.
What you will need:
A camera that records video with at least 640x480 or 320x240 resolution in vivid color.
A camera tripod that extends to at least 50".
Video file conversion utility that exports MP4, WEBM and OGV; the 3 formats supported by the HTML5 video tag.
Optional: Video record utility for your tablet or PC.
Here is a short video I made with the camera tripod shown in the group of photos in the header graphics for this blog and my Canon PowerShot A590. [If I were really using this for advertising I would have re-shot the footage. Whip cream application is kind of messy. This just to give you an idea of how easy this is].
In my opinion, using a camera tripod to record video helps to make the results more professional in appearance. My Canon PowerShot A590 is not that lightweight [can topple a flimsy desktop camera tripod], however my lightweight aluminum tripod that extends to 59" easily supports the camera.
More info about my tripod:
Photos of my tripod extended...
I hate to admit this, but I just figured out what that little twirly thing on my tripod was for-- so I made this short video in case you need to know too.
Online, I love short interesting videos. I have worked with Java Applet Video features and Haxe code to create custom video players, however the HTML5 video tag used by today's browsers- is a more cost effective solution.
I loved the Anne Klein Brass Watch pictured below, from the moment I saw it. I added it to the "Things I Heart" store, and even though it has not been available for sometime now, I never removed it.
I did not purchase the watch when it was available [I tend to go for a plainer look for business and could not justify the purchase for casual wear]. That said, it is the inspiration for one of my latest purchases- the brass chain shown in the photos below.
You can find the brass bracelet here. I am very impressed with the quality of the chain- especially when taking into consideration the cost.
The Brass Bracelet is also listed in my "Brass" Amazon Store. All of the Amazon Stores I maintain:
Monday night my mother went out and upon returning came in with an armful of Birthday Gifts including this Edible Arrangement.
I have been snacking on this all week. I love toasting up a Hawaiian Sweet Roll, cutting off a hunk of cheese and dishing up a bowl of fruit for a great mid-afternoon snack.
Another idea... Grand Marnier, Whipping Cream and Powered Sugar. Found this recipe when I was looking for a fresh fruit sauce that was not chocolate. Sounds good to me-- however I love Grand Marnier. Let me know if you have tried this.
Speaking of gifts... Wednesday, before I found out I had to report for jury duty on Thursday [November 20th, 2014], I thought more about neat gift ideas for the Holidays.
One year for Christmas, a friend gave me this beautiful [glass] perfume atomizer.
I later found out the friend was actually an acquaintance of one my cousins. The things I have learned over the years, has often surprised me.
In any case, I have always loved the gift so I added a couple of choices to my Amazon Gift Ideas Store.
Other things I have been up to:
Jury Duty: November 20, 2014
Movie: Anatomy of Murder with James Stewart, Lee Remick
One of the things I wish I had done? Taken photographs while I was in Annapolis yesterday. I was so tired-- I could only notice how beautiful everything looked first thing in the morning.
Have you ever booted your Acer Netbook to a white screen? If this happens, plug in an external monitor [should be a standard 15 pin serial port on you device], ensure Windows has booted and use the following "hot keys" to toggle between the Netbook display and external monitor.
Keep in mind, attempting to use the hot key for an external monitor that is not connected will not work. I thought I could trick it and tried. Did not work. The monitor most be connected.
If you boot to a "white screen", you will not be able to see the options illustrated in the above image- however after correcting the problem-- simply click anywhere on your Windows Desktop with the right mouse button and select "Graphics Properties" from the popup menu.
I found, that when you toggle to the external monitor and then back to the Netbook-- the "white screen" error is corrected.
I have also noted ambient light problems associated with the built in video cameras on my mobile computers, so I think using an external USB video camera can extend the life of the display on your mobile computer [i.e., Netbook, MacBook].
I have provided buying options here-- for a Mac or Windows compatible video camera and an inexpensive external monitor.
News from Washington? Unsure what it means-- promises offered, promises broken-- trying to stay positive.
I started making homemade pies when I moved to my current Hanover, MD address. Before that, I was a young professional that lived alone, so I rarely cooked.
In my quest for perfect homemade pies, I purchased all of the tools I could find. Pie crust shields, pie plates and savers. Here are a few:
Here are two Covered Pie Dishes- I added to my Amazon Store.
The following Covered Pie Saver is similar to the Apple Pie Saver I have [shown in the first photo], however this one is slightly smaller in that it is 9" and the one I have is 10".
Earlier, I found a photo of a jar similar to the one in the entryway and discovered it's called a Ginger Jar.
Have no idea why I did not know that. I like the jar and wanted to add something similar to my Amazon Home Furnishings Category.
Here are two lamps I found using the search term "Ginger Jar".
Other examples of ginger jar items around the house:
My search yielded lots of great finds [ginger jar like items]-- and even some vases, but I like the covered jar pieces as shown in the photo above- because you can put them anywhere and do not have to worry about a floral arrangement.
Do they collect junk? Yes, in this house they do, however as you can see- they are covered.
I am not sure when she got it [nor where], but do think it is absolutely adorable.
I went in search of something similar to add to the ...Kitchen category of my Amazon Store. I really did not find a lot in the way of options- however these are close.
Have you ever seen this pattern? [Shown- Google Image search results]:
It is called MacKenzie-Childs. I especially loved the utensil holder. Search results.
I also liked the lamp on the left-- of the same brand.
This is what I have been up to this morning [searching for things I find while looking around], further checks to my Tumblr blog's template-- and an update post on Q's Wire.
What else have I been up to? If I had surveillance they would probably say complaining loudly about issues I feel I should not have.
A couple of months ago, the strap on my Classic Coach Bag ripped. The
bag is over 20 years old and I have carried it around almost everyday
for more than 10 years. I am sure the cobbler can repair it, I simply
have not had the opportunity to get over there.
This is why every time I see a Classic Coach bag-- I want to order a
new one. The other Coach bag I want? This one.
I found the bag above searching for one similar to the one I have.
Other things I have been up to?
Creating Social Media Icons for my Tumblr
Blog-- that I have since chosen not to use.
Creating a master template for my Tumblr
Blog. I like maintaining master copies of blog posts and
templates offline. This to insure-- my versions are my versions.
Adding blogroll code to my Tumblr
Blog [see the bottom of the page].
Updating the Celebrity
Blogger List. Have you ever noticed who the large
organizations follow on their Tumblr blogs?
Today, I was so busy insuring my new Tumblr template worked on the
older computers and browsers I own [running to the upstairs office]--
that I managed to burn a boiled egg. Everything is okay.. it only
smelled like I burnt something.
News from Washington? I wish it were clearer as to what they are
doing. Mostly not doing what they say they are going to do. That said,
I am not sure who is saying what.
I wish I could tell you I have been working on code issues [broken widgets and interfaces] as related to my sites. Every time I look at WiredPages, I want to get started on the fixes and updates I have planned for that site.
Instead, I have been working on design or data update issues-- as related to other online resources I maintain, including:
Generating site maps for qisoftware.com sub-domains. Google not crawling all areas of qisoftware.com. Trying to isolate the problem.
New Tumblr blog look:
Today, I also downloaded new icon sets:
Sorry, I cannot provide the link. I get a lot of traffic, no matter what is being reported by those counting.
I had several issues earlier this year [more than normal]- bad power cord, qisoftware.com went down for almost two whole days and trying to ignore the problems with my car-- so in the middle of all that, I neglected to post about my new watch. It was a late Christmas gift.
News from Washington? Sounds like some issues still remain. Hearing from those that may not understand- early on [late winter/spring 2012] I was given a lot of information. Why are you here, now? I have no loose ends. Do you?
Over the years, I was hesitant about entering the color laser printer market. Even though color laser printers have come down drastically, toner replacement seemed so expensive.
Before last Christmas, we had two monochrome laser printers and so many ink jet printers, I do not want to think about how to dispose of them. The problem- ink replacement also expensive and the ink tends to dry out.
So late last year, when my mother announced for the umpteenth time- her ink jet printer was not printing, I decided to look at color laser printing options again. I chose an inexpensive solution and so far, I am very pleased.
Because printer replacement supplies and a printer hub for multiple computer hookups were also purchased, I am not worried about her printing woes anytime soon.
The printer itself, prints in vibrant color and I am impressed. Photographs come out, about the same quality as with any color printer. This factor more dependent on the camera in use [my camera only 8 mega-pixels].
The illustration provided below, is a bit dark-- however in actuality, quite impressive.
I created the photo card on the right, using iPhoto [Mac software], saved it to PDF, which allowed me to print the file using a connected computer [in this case, my mother's HP notebook] and Adobe Reader.
Though none of my computers are directly connected to the new printer, I have lots of software that will support its features. Highlights for someone in business include:
Works well with most of my software including: iPhoto [cards and calendars], MS Professional Office Suite [including PowerPoint & Publisher].
Business productivity: flyers, presentations, charts, business reports
1200x600 DPI printing also provides [nice-enough] photographic reproduction dependent on the camera in use.
Check around and read reviews for the Konica Minolta Magicolor 1600W Laser Printer. I like this solution a lot for my mother's needs- and if I need color laser output, I no longer have to run to Staples.
I have started down-sizing my bag [shown in this blog's header photos], however to date, I have only destroyed two discs. This process is going to be long and slow.
Goals:
Note- I use storage media from days gone bye, like 3.5" diskettes. There were several reasons for this, which I will not bore you with here.
The links below show how to get similar devices/discs like those shown in the illustration for this post.
When finished my bag should contain a Macbook, Netbook, external harddrives, flashdrives and camera equipment and will be only a third of the size it is now.
Last week, because I am always researching new ways to generate revenue from my sites, I signed up for a new affiliate marketing program. Often, I try to develop new programs for use on WiredPages and this blog using affiliate API network resources. For example, see this link.
Comments
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I also liked the lamp on the left-- of the same brand.
-- The yellow drive shown in the photo is a Western Digital-- however is not a TB [TeraByte].
-- Photo showing both ScanDisc and Kingston brand flash drives.
