Helpful Tips on OCR, Image Optimization, PDF Password Removal and Computer Software Updating Tools
John Vrooman | November 8, 2017
Have you ever tried copying text from a document where the document’s “text” is a graphic (and because of this, the document’s text cannot be selected, cut and/or pasted)? If you have experienced this, you know how frustrating it can be. Fortunately, a possible solution to this problem exists and it involves using OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology. Basically, what “OCR” technology can do is recognize text within pictures and graphics files and convert it into actual editable text. The following link will lead you to a web page where you’ll have the opportunity to identify, visit and test out some online OCR services…
http://linkbun.ch/05iip
Image Optimization
In last month’s column, I addressed the topic of optimizing/compressing files that are in the .PDF file format. In this month’s column, I wish to direct you to a web page that identifies quite a few image optimization tools. Most people in most circumstances don’t like to receive messages with large file attachments, nor do they typically like to download large files from websites or web-based file hosting services. Please visit the following link and explore the many image optimization resources that are listed on the web page…
www.tinyurl.com/yd4no5u4
How To Remove Passwords From .PDF Documents
Have you ever password protected a PDF file and then forgotten the password? If so, you know that’s a headache. Fortunately, there are several tools available that can help you to regain access to password protected PDF files. The following web page discusses the topic of removing passwords from protected PDF documents. The page also provides links to several tools/services that can be utilized to help with the .PDF file password removal/bypass process…
www.tinyurl.com/y92cdr26
Keep Your Software Up To Date
One of the best ways to keep you and your computer safe from online malware and attacks is to keep your installed software programs up to date. Computer software is typically kept up to date through periodic updates (a.k.a. “patches”). Many software programs provide a way for their programs to check for new software versions. The following link will lead you to a web page that will display a short list of links to a few products that specialize in helping (Windows) computer users find software updates to many popular (and less popular) software programs… http://linkbun.ch/05ij7
Google Maps Tips
Google Maps keeps improving. However, staying on top of all the new developments over time can be challenging. Fortunately, there are people out there who for one reason or another write articles, blog posts, etc. on various topics and share their efforts. Steve Anderson is an insurance professional who recently authored an article titled “Google Maps Secrets: How to Get Around Faster Using These 8 Tips.” If you haven’t been staying on top of the latest Google Maps developments, I would encourage you to review the above-mentioned article as it will help to bring you up to date. Here’s a courtesy link to help get you going…
http://tinyurl.com/yc5d6x8r
Troubleshooting Microsoft Windows 10 Fall Creators Update
Microsoft released its latest Windows 10 operating system update known as the Fall Creators Update back in Mid-October 2017. Overall, most people who have received it through Windows 10’s built-in “Windows Update” service have been able to get through the update process without any problems. Unfortunately, for some people, problems can and do sometimes arise during the update process. The following link will take you to a WindowsCentral.com article that identifies and provides solutions to quite a few of the more common problems that some people are encountering with the upgrade. If your Windows 10 computer has not yet been upgraded, you may want to scan the article to see if there may be some things that you can/should do before you upgrade. Hopefully, you aren’t one who needs any of the information that’s provided in the article, but if you are, you may be able to fix an upgrade related issue on your own and in the process also save yourself some time, frustration and maybe even some money by not having to go to a repair shop…
www.tinyurl.com/y9mhbtmy
If you have comments, suggestions, tips, questions or just want to say “Hi”, you are invited to contact me at john@johnvrooman.com. I always enjoy hearing from you!
John Vrooman keeps an eye out for cool new hardware, software, apps, gadgets; SaaS solutions; social media developments, trends as well as personal/SMB productivity and related solutions. He gathers information for his column from a diverse range of resources and he enjoys sharing his discoveries with others. He has been authoring this column since August 2000 and welcomes feedback from his readers.