Cloud computing – Ubiquitous, Powerful, and ...

Cloud computing definition: Using a web site (app) to perform computing functions like word processing, spreadsheets, video and image editing, financial management and more. Ten years ago we used the web as a resource to find information. For productivity work, we installed programs that lived on our computers as did the data. If we had extra computers or needed to have access to that information on a different computer, it...

This does not have to happen to you

One of my main goals here at HelpMeRick.com is to help make computers and technology a usable, productive tool for ALL computer/tech users. The information contained within these digital walls does just that…providing you read and practice the tips. I often stand on my backup soap box here on the web site as well as with my clients and on my radio show. The backup soap box makes a frequent appearance with me because so...

How good are your passwords?

And you have more than one password right? If you don’t, you should…seriously…good security starts with good passwords that you change regularly. Today, I came across a site that will demonstrate how weak or strong your password based on the average time it would take to crack your password. It will either scare the heck out of you or it will make you feel good about your choice of passwords. The site is:...

Control + F

One of my daily visits brought me to a growing business today. As I waited to work on one of the employee’s computers, I noticed that she spent a good 10-15 seconds scrolling through a medium size spreadsheet looking for a particular entry. I then asked if I could give her a quick tip on how to search through her spreadsheet faster using Ctrl+F on her keyboard. She said, “sure”. When you push Ctrl+F in a...

Creating Tables in Microsoft Word – Part II ...

In Part I of my “Creating Tables” tip, I discussed what a table was, how to create them, and some basics on how to customize them. In Part II of the tip, I discuss how to use reverse text, cell coloring, sorting, formulas and create a form all with tables.

Creating Tables in Microsoft Word – Part I &...

Since many of us in the post-35 year old set learned how to type and create documents with a typewriter, we tend to try and use computer word processors like a typewriter. The two technologies couldn’t be further apart from each other and other than touch typing, we need to throw out almost all our knowledge of document creation from those days. FRUIT COLOR VITAMINS Apple Red or Green Vitamin...

Getting the most of searching the web and using Br...

We had a great class today and talked about many aspects of searching the web safely and efficiently. The videos below cover the material we discussed in class including some answers to questions we talked about during the class as well relating to changing your home page, working with title bar, the new Gmail compose screen and more. How to use Tabs in your...

The Castellini Approach to Internet Security ̵...

EDITORS NOTE:   I originally posted this article in 2007. A lot has changed in 6 years, so I’ve updated the article with new information and links. Please heed the information here to save you time, money and frustration and pass along to your friends and family! This past week I saw way too many people who are not taking advantage of the free information we give out on the show and the web site. Their computers were...

How to find your FREE iPhone or iPad User Guide &#...

If you own an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch from Apple, they have provided you a complete and free user guide right on your device. To find it, just launch the Safari web browser, tap the bookmarks icon, then swipe to the bottom of the list to find the guide. Apple also provides a free PDF download version of their device manuals you can save to your computer and print yourself or take to a copy shop and have them print and...

Microsoft’s new Outlook.com for MSN and Hotm...

Microsoft announced today that all of their MSN and Hotmail users will be automatically transitioned to the new Outlook.com format over the next couple of months. It has been an option to upgrade to the new system for about six months, but will be permanent and automatic soon. You will not lose or have to change your email address. Your existing email and contacts will also make the transfer over to the new system with no...

Google Earth & Internet Maps

Google acquired a CIA funded mapping and satellite company in 2004 and released Google Earth less than a year later. Most images that make up Google Earth are 1-3 years old and taken from a variety of public and private satellite imaging systems. Google Earth imagery is not live and has never been live. Google offers Google Earth for free to any computer user running Windows, Mac OS X, or Linux. Smartphone users can also...

How to View and Edit Photos with your iPad or iPho...

With the last major software update to iPhone and iPad, Apple added some basic yet helpful tools to touch up your photos. This short video explains how to use those tools to crop, make changes to light and color, remove red eye (if you are still using the flash), and rotate your photos. Enjoy and share!

How to take a great picture with your new iPhone o...

Throughout my week, I help many people learn about their new (and sometimes not so new) iPhones or iPads. These devices are truly every bit as remarkable as the hoopla that surrounds them. Learning how to use their built-in features well can greatly increase their utility for those who choose to buy them. Today’s, tip focuses on the camera. With just a little practice and knowing how to use the tools built-in to these...

How to use tabs in your browser – Video Tip

One of the biggest additions to the new Internet Explorer is ‘tabbed browsing’. An unbelievable feature that you will wonder how you did without once you start using it. Tabbed browsing was first introduced by the lesser known Opera browser, and brought fully to life with Firefox. Tabbed browsing allows you to open multiple Internet windows without cluttering your taskbar and makes them easy to find with easy to...

1-click access to your favorite websites – V...

Please DO NOT use the address bar as a repository to return to sites you use all the time…eventually they will get lost. The address bar history maintains a small amount of your recently visited site and can easily be wiped out via an update or disk cleaning and maintenance tools. Instead, use the Favorites (Internet Explorer) or Bookmarks (Firefox and every other browser). Favorites/Bookmarks are designed to save and...