Castellini on Computers - Computer help for beginners » Computer User Group

How to print labels the EASY way! – Video Tip

Rick — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:54:11 +0000

I know I'm late for this year's Christmas season, but you can learn and start using this tip TODAY to make next year's Christmas card mailings a breeze. Too many computer users have no idea what a database is, how to use it, and how to merge it with another program to create labels. Since printing mailing labels is only a once per year activity for many of you, learning how to do it again every single year requires too much time and frustration.

Do everything online…for free!

Rick — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:43:34 +0000

Some people believe that I drink too much Web 2.0 Kool Aid. That’s ok though because I love drinking it! Web 2.0 refers to computing on the web versus your desktop. Instead of installing an application and then starting it from your desktop, you head to a web site instead. If you use HotMail (MSN email), [...]

Please note change in GJ Computer Users Group time

Rick — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 21:34:26 +0000

At last month’s meeting, I discussed that I was asked to change our time and/or day of meeting to make room for a realtor group that needed the room at our time. Pat Teck worked it out so that we are able to keep our same day…second Wednesday of every month. However, our new start time [...]

The Castellini Approach to Internet Security

Rick — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:18:44 +0000

The Castellini Approach to Internet Security

This past week I saw way too many people who aren't taking advantage of the free information we give out on the show and the web site. Their computers were suffocating from a preventable disease...viruses and spyware. Yes, preventable, almost 100%. And fighting the war on our home computer security front does not have to be costly or time consuming.

We talk about this subject quite a bit on the program and the web site because of its rapid growth worldwide. In today's tip, I am providing you with links to information that we have on this site that has been up for months to years that contain the essential information about protecting your computer.

Computer Boot Camp – June 2009

Rick — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 11:02:46 +0000

The most common piece of feedback I receive about my monthly computer users group goes something like this; “I love coming to the meetings, but I don’t understand most of what you say.” Or, “Almost all of the information is over my head.” I dedicate today’s meeting to all you folks who want to learn (and [...]

Social Networking Basics – User Group Presentation

Rick — Thu, 14 May 2009 03:41:27 +0000

Adam Cochran covered for me today at the GJ Computer Users Group and talked about social networking. Following are the notes for his presentation plus a slide show presentation with additional information about social networking: Social Networks are website that help people with common interests of backgrounds keep in touch. The big 3 social networks are Facebook, [...]

10 Skills EVERY computer user should have (or learn)

Rick — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 03:50:54 +0000

I originally posted this list in January 2007. However, through my keen observation skills, I discovered that all computer users have not yet read and digested this information. For this reason, I'm posting it again because I won't stop working to educate computer users until every computer user knows these 10 skills.

Computers have become almost a main stream household appliance. Whether you have been using a computer for fifteen years or one, these skills should be second nature:

Cut, Copy, Paste
Print just what you want (word processing, email, web)
Backup your address book
Select (highlight) text or files
Properly uninstall unwanted programs
Burn a CD
Download files from the Internet
Use MSCONFIG ; Another MSCONFIG tip
Search the Internet
Attach Files to an email

#11: Learn how to best utilize HelpMeRick.com

If you already know how to do these skills, please pass this article along to someone who doesn't...help me help other computer users.

Gmail guide for beginners – 3 Videos – Video Tip

Rick — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 09:54:08 +0000

This week's video tip is a HelpMeRick.com first...it involves 3 videos to cover the topic of Gmail. Directly above each video below, I give a short synopsis of the videos contents. The more I use it, the more impressed I am with Gmail. If you currently use Gmail, don't be afraid to watch these videos as you might pick up a tip or two yourself.

Google offers a good Help section covering their email system, and you can find it by clicking here. My short video series here are meant to just get you started quickly and give you the highlights of this email system.

Digital Photography Basics – February 2009

Rick — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 22:25:55 +0000

Adam Cochran ran our Digital Photography Special Interest Group (DPSIG) for almost six years and all that great information he shared during that time is archived here at HelpMeRick.com. Make sure to use that information.

In today's class we covered the basics about digital photography divided into three quick, hard hitting segments:

Netbooks – What are they really designed to do and for whom?

Rick — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 07:53:07 +0000

Today, I demo'd the original EeePC from Asus and the new Dell Mini 9. These Netbooks and all the others on the market from nearly a dozen companies have the following characteristics in common: