None of these tricks I’m listing below are rocket science and some of you probably know how to do all of them, some of you none of them, and some of you have probably heard vague mention of them but have shown no interest in actually determining what they are. Which is totally fine. But have a look anyway because these tips and tricks may come in handy some day.

1. Create a compressed a zip folder. Zip folders reduce the size of your files and the space they take up on your computer. And they make it much easier to send files over e-mail because they upload in half the time. It’s especially useful for pictures. All you have to do is right click on the folder, select send to, and then select compressed zip folder. It’s the same for a Mac, you’re just selecting “compress” instead of send to after you’ve selected the folders. Easy and efficient.

2. Back up your files. Backing up your files is essential. Especially once you get to college and you’re working on projects over long periods of time. If you back up that semester long assignment and your computer breaks down two days before it’s due, then you won’t majorly freak out have lost everything. If you have the money I suggest backing your stuff up on a flash drive or an external hardrive.  If not you can back up for free online. 

3. Crop and/or edit your photos. Necessary for fixing red eye, adjusting size and embracing the black and white photo. People get really fancy with this when they use programs like Photoshop and whatnot. But for me it’s simpler and cheaper to just use a free, online resource. Like picnik. No instructions needed. I promise.

4. Attach a file to an e-mail. It seems simple but a lot of people still don’t know how to do this. All you have to do is open the e-mail, click the “attach a file” button, browse your files until you find the right one the same way you would browse them to open a document, select the file, and done. Or you could download Google Chrome and get a g-mail account. Because they now allow the dragging and dropping of files. It’s fabulous. 

5. Save a document as a pdf.  It makes your resumes and your cover letters printable and more professional and it’s nowhere near as complicated as it sounds. All you have to do is select file, then save as, then click the drop down by file format and select pdf. And you’re done.

Our generation has been called a lot of things over the years, and not all of them have been particularly flattering. But I think we can all agree that we are the generation that thrives on technology. They call us the “thumb generation” because we’re always texting or typing, and that’s not really something we can argue with. We are the age of the internet, the cell phone, and the iPad. We are the age of all things digital.

Just think of all the technological developments that there have been since our parents were college seniors. For one thing, if you were a college girl when you mom was a college girl you wouldn’t be reading a blog. You wouldn’t even know what a blog is. You wouldn’t even have cordless phones, never mind a cell phone, AND you’d be using a typewriter to write your final papers. And none of it would have seemed the least bit weird to you. But it seems weird to us. But you know what, all the stuff that we do now may eventually seem outdated to our children some day.

Like what, you say? Why I’m so glad you asked…

Post-grad life is a lot about taking two steps forward only to take a step back. Some days, you feel like you’re ahead of whatever curve you’ve set for yourself and then other days, you feel like you’re falling behind. Although you have a lot more freedom and responsibility than life as a college student, the constant evolution of figuring out what to do next and what’s right is never ending.

Example: Two months ago, I scored what I considered to be my dream internship. I was meeting and interviewing celebrities, hanging out at some of the fanciest Hollywood locations, rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous at LA parties, frequenting red carpet events, and finding out celebrity gossip before the masses. And now, well … I decided this isn’t for me. There I go again. Two steps forward, and now that I quit, I feel like I’m one step back again. When can a girl get ahead?

In college, I feel like everything was a constant one-up. You know, where you out-do yourself and then you’re like “Damn! Look at what I accomplished.” Post-grad is more of a sporadic line graph that goes all over the place, where you have highs and lows and they fluctuate more than Lady Gaga’s outfits. While I like to think that all of this yo-yoing will get me to where I want to be, it can feel a little frustrating.

Why did I quit though? Well, after a month on, I simply knew that it wasn’t for me. Looking back to my sophomore or junior year college self, that kind of internship had me written all over it. Now? … Not so much. Although I enjoyed my time and experiences (so much of it was hands-on, which is rare at internships), I just knew that it wasn’t the best for me … especially since it was unpaid.

Unlike college, there are a lot more expenses that come your way on the post-grad journey. For example: Student loan repayment (can I just tell you that I cried over this for days when I got my first loan repayment bill?), law school admissions fees (do you even know how expensive this is? I don’t even want to talk about it), and so many other random things that happen (like for example, my computer just died….and I spent over $400 to be told that by Geek Squad…ouch). It’s just not practical to spend my time interning for no pay, especially since 90% of my time was spent sitting in my car in LA traffic. So, while I wanted to keep interning … it’s just not practical. Quitting felt like one of those forced break-ups. I wanted it, but at the same time, not so much.

So now I’m back at square one, trying to figure out just what it is I should be doing.

So much for post-grad stability, right?

If you haven’t dated a nerd yet in college, you should really give it a spin. We’re generally intelligent, motivated to treat you like a princess, and can fix your computer to boot. That said, we do have our fair share of surprising quirks that you should be prepared for. As a happy boyfriend of one year and editor of a blog that supports digitizing textbooks and carrying around portable computer monitors, I feel uniquely qualified to offer up a few tips to break in your new favorite nerd.

1. Try to understand when he whips it out in public.

His laptop, I mean. Or smartphone, if you’re lucky. Either way, most nerds I’ve come across share the common physiological need to access the answer to any lingering question, at all times. Deciding what to get for dinner, and don’t know what bulgogi is? Before you even lift your eyes from the menu your boyfriend will probably have his internet-connected device of choice out on the table to look it up for you. While I’m inclined to say that this behavior enhances conversation by providing valuable information, I realize that many would disagree. If the gadgets coming out a little too often, don’t be afraid to lay down the law and declare an internet-free zone.

2. Start a playful fanboy argument

iPhone or Android? Mac or PC? Xbox or Playstation? I promise you that your nerd has VERY strong opinions about some of these timeless debates, and it shouldn’t take too long to pick up on his tastes. If he’s an iPhone lover like myself, make some passing comment about going to the Verizon store to buy a Droid, then sit back and enjoy as he reconciles his affection for you with his irrepressible nerd rage. After he steps off his soapbox, tell him that his well-informed and impassioned argument changed your mind. This will make his MONTH.

3. Let him fix your computer, even if you can do it yourself

We nerds aren’t exactly famous for toned bodies or intimidating demeanors. We aren’t going to sweep you off your feet by throwing winning touchdowns or scaring away the creepy guys that hit on you at parties. Weird as it sounds, reinstalling your corrupt OS or adding more RAM to your laptop is our chance to feel like your protector. So next time you run into computer issues, hand the reigns over to your nerd and give him the chance to play knight in shining honor.

4. Find websites you can both love, and surf them together

Your nerd probably spends a good part of his free time browsing the web and scrolling through his favorite RSS feeds. You can make yourself part of this sacred ritual by finding some general interest or comedy sites that you both enjoy, and turn it into a couple’s activity. Any nerd would love nothing more than to curl up in bed with a laptop and a girlfriend to browse 9gag, Cyanide and Happiness, or TFLN.

5. Share your passions with him, no matter what they are

There are lots of different kinds of nerds, but the one thing they all share is a strong passion for something.  Your relationship isn’t going to last if you can’t open up to him about the most important things in your life.  Don’t worry if it doesn’t make sense or doesn’t seem to mesh with him; my girlfriend’s passion is becoming a vet, and I don’t really like dogs, but I love it about her anyway.  Nerds usually aren’t too picky, but one thing we won’t put up with is a girl who doesn’t really seem to care about anything.  It could be baking, hiking, neuroscience, underwater basket weaving, South American beaches, or EU politics; it really doesn’t matter.  We just respect the hell out of the fact that you care about something.

Beware, your mother is on now Facebook. You don’t believe me? Well, CNN has the proof. They are reporting that women over 55 are the fastest growing group on Facebook. That’s right, your mother is sending you a friend request at this very moment.

Maybe you’re part of that lucky minority who hasn’t received that email yet, the email that will crush your boundaries and make you curse the social network’s very existence. That may be true, but your mom may still be just a click away from invading your personal Facebook space.  Studies show that “there are now about 1.5 million female users older than 55 on the site — roughly a 550 percent increase over six months ago.”

Unfortunately, my mother is among this statistic.

We became Facebook “friends” about a month ago and let me tell you, my world has never been the same since. At first, I thought our new virtual relationship could be fun. Maybe it would free up some of my cell phone minutes, make her feel more included and “hip.” Maybe I could leave her fun messages on her wall and tag her in embarrassing photos. Well… it’s not so fun. Not so fun at all.

If your mom has yet to find you on Facebook, here’s what you have to look forward to:

She will:

Write on your wall and sign it, “Love, Mom.”
Get confused and ask for your help. Again and again.
Sign up for applications and send you drinks and presents and puppies.
Question who people are, what they said and what it means.
Comment on inappropriate pictures, most likely by criticizing you.
Start conversations with “I was on Facebook and …”
Know what you’re doing and when you’re doing it.
Friend your friends.

Beware, Facebook is not mom-friendly. You will get frustrated, irritated, and embarrassed, so talk her out of it while you still can. If it’s too late for you, her new-found obsession should only last a few weeks. Laugh it off an start sharing war stories. Remember, we’re all in this together.

And let us tell ya; with CC on your side, geek has never looked so chic.]

So you’re running around trying to find the best deals on EVERYTHING while getting everyone (and yourself!) exactly what they want. But are you really getting the best deal possible? Or are you just getting the best deal right now? Before you drop a pretty penny on that new flat screen maybe you should look into the future some.

TV

The best time to get a new one of these bad boys isn’t actually the holiday season. Although they are big sellers around Christmas, that’s not when the best price drops happen. A better time to buy one of these bad boys is before the Super Bowl. So wait a month or so and you might be able to snag a better deal.

Cell Phone

Cell phones are strange things. The holiday season is a good time to buy because the different companies do run special promotions on different phones and plans. However, you shouldn’t feel pressed to buy now in this case only because they turn obsolete in a matter of months. So even though you might get a good deal, it might make more sense to wait until your contract is up and upgrade then. Unless you absolutely have to have the new Blackberry.

Games!

Hands down, the best time to buy games is during the holiday season. Companies run so many different deals and bundles on them that it’s insane not to grab em all! After Christmas the sale tags are coming off and you’re paying full price. Take advantage now.

Computer

Computers go on sale twice a year: before school starts and before Christmas. So right now is a great time to buy. You can get pretty much anything you are looking for in a computer. Whether you want to go top of the line or bare minimum, you’ll be able to save a few bucks this holiday season.

In a recent study done by Angelo Tremblay at his lab at the Universite Laval in Quebec, it was found that those performing mental tasks like trying to solve problems (e.g. Calculus 111), while working at a computer stimulated their appetite so much that they tended to eat more calories than their bodies actually burned while performing the task.

The psychological logic for the rise in appetite?  According to the study, mental work “destabilizes” our levels of insulin and glucose, which in turn stimulates the appetite.

Is this why after a weekend of total dedication to homework, I suddenly find I’ve depleted me and my roommate’s entire snack supply?

According to Tremblay’s study, participants consumed far more calories after performing a mental task like reading for a class than relaxing for the same amount of time. In addition, they concluded that time spent surfing the Internet, as well as instant messaging, may very well be a significant factor in the obesity epidemic amongst college students.

So studying is really to blame for the freshman 15?

The study was done on fourteen 20-30 year olds in good health with no eating disorders over a course of two months. Since the studying-induced weight gain seems to affect college-aged women the most, it proves that women tend to eat more because of stress than men.

Let us know your opinion!  Do you believe “thinking” while eating has ever caused you to eat more?

I have had my iPhone for almost a year now. I love it. I love how bright the screen is, I love how much it can do and I love having everything I need in the palm of my hand. In fact, I also love my MacBook. I am an Apple girl to the core (no pun intended…I am NOT in the mood for jokes right now).

At least, I was until this morning. All week everyone has been talking about 2 things: the new (faster, cheaper, better) iPhone and all the new applications that would be available for both iPhones. Being a current user, I didn’t care much about the new phone (except for the fact that it is FASTER, CHEAPER and BETTER…thankyouverymuch), but I couldn’t wait to get my hands on some of the fun new things I’d be able to download.

So, I woke up this morning, plugged in my phone and installed the new updates. As it was all loading up and getting ready I shopped the new App Store and planned what I was going to buy. Crosswords! Blackjack! So many fun games!

But wait. That wasn’t going to happen for me. No, because my phone got JACKED UP. Completely wiped. Unable to be recognized by my computer. Totally. un-useable.

I had a brief meltdown that included tears, a donut (you owe me a dollar) and a lot of profanity before I composed myself enough to get to the nearest Apple store for some Genius help. And, of course, that was a bust too. Because there were 4,000 people in line trying to buy the new iPhone and, OF COURSE, no one was able to do tech support today.

One nice man helped me – thank you, Aaron – but even he couldn’t do much because there are too many new people using iTunes so now the entire server is down. Tell me, Steve, how do you think this makes your current customers feel?!

I get that you want to sell phones, but how about helping the people who ALREADY OWN THEM? Or, maybe, getting iTunes up to par with the amount of people that will be signing on today so this bullsh*t doesn’t happen to paying customers.

I have no phone. I cannot text, I cannot call, and I cannot check my stock quotes hourly like I am used to. I hate the new iPhone. I hate all the people who are buying the new iPhone and ruining my day. Take care of this, or you will be losing a very loyal Mac customer.

Thanks for nothing, Steve.

–Anti-Mac

So you’re ready to meet the man of your dreams…all you need to do is find him. But you’ve been hanging out at the bars every Friday and Saturday night, been attending all of your business classes, and you’ve even been hanging out at your school’s football, baseball, and track practices daily. This whole trying to find a boy thing is getting tiring, isn’t it?

Well ladies, don’t fear; because as usual, Cosmo is here to tell you how to find the man of your dreams. And they’re telling us that we need to stop going to the bars and frat houses and we need to start hanging out at our local Apple store.

Cosmo explains that not only is the store filled with tons of smart hotties but, “The vibe at the stores is conducive to man meeting…”

I mean, I guess it makes some sense. You do have smart, cute men hanging out at the store checking out the latest computers and gadgets. So yes, the men are there, but do they really want to be bothered by us? I’m not so sure.

I’m trying to figure out the exact tactic I would use upon entering the Apple store and scoping out a tech-cutie. Do I sneak up behind him as he’s checking his e-mail? Or do I play dumb and ask him questions about what a gigabyte is or how to burn a CD? Maybe I ask him to list the positives and negatives of the iPhone. Or, if all else fails, I can “accidentally” drop an iPod in front of him and seductively bend down to pick it up and get his attention.

Let’s be honest with ourselves here. Sure the Apple store is filled with hotties, but these hotties are on a mission: to test out and purchase some technology. Not to pick you up. No matter how beautiful and fabulous of a girl you are, there’s no way you can be as pretty as a brand new MacBook.

It’s back to the bars for me.

I am embarrassed to admit this, but I spent a good portion of yesterday refreshing numerous technology blogs as Steve Jobs gave his keynote speech at the annual MacWorld. Please don’t judge me.

It is just that since acquiring my iPhone, I have grown more and more obsessed with Apple products. They are so white. And shiny. And pretty. Oh, and I also wanted to see if Mr. Jobs had addressed my personal iPhone issue of searching through contacts on the phone…which he did not. So, if you happen to know Steve Jobs personally, please let him know that I am still waiting.

Anyways, besides the awesome news that iTunes will now be offering movie rentals – perfect to download to your iPod video/classic/touch/iPhone/laptop for long plane rides – the Mac Daddy introduced his brand new baby: The MacBook Air.

This thing is like the Nicole Richie of laptops. Super duper skinny. And oh so chic.

Just watch the demonstration. This laptop fits in a manila envelope. An envelope! Imagine how much easier it would be to tote this thing around – to the library, to class, on a roadtrip. The MacBook Air is super light, ultra fast and so completely awesome looking. Just think of the guys you will attract writing a paper on this at the ‘Bucks. Reason enough to fork over the $1,800 (ouch!) for it.

The price tag is probably the only problem this little guy has. But, if your family is anything like mine and you haven’t yet celebrated Christmas/Hanukkah (we are doing it this weekend), I think this would be the perfect item to put on your list. I did, but my mom just laughed at me and said something about me paying for my own stuff and blah blah blah.

Maybe next year? Mom? …Bueller?