HelpMeRick.com - Computer help for beginners - Castellini on Computers » Application Tips

How to print labels the EASY way! – Video Tip

Rick — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:35:11 +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.

How to password protect PDF files with Mac OS X – Notes

Rick — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 02:42:48 +0000

A client today had a need to learn how to password protect PDF files on their iMac and MacBook Air. With OS X, the process is quite easy…here it is: Related posts: Creating documents in Apple Pages – Notes Email of the Week – 007 – Why choose a Mac? 2 laptop suggestions for college [...]

Changing views and backing up Family Tree Maker 2012 – Notes

Rick — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 01:57:28 +0000

Family Tree Maker 2012 makes a pretty big departure from earlier versions, so I made these notes for a client who was upgrading from a version that was at least 5-7 versions previous. The first part is how to change the view to a more workable tree view, and the second part of the notes [...]

Converting Microsoft Works to Microsoft Office – Notes

Rick — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:11:30 +0000

I created these notes for a customer who just moved to Windows 7 from Windows XP. He had many documents and spreadsheets saved from an old Microsoft Works (4.0) that we needed to convert to Microsoft Office since buying newer versions of Microsoft Works is not easy. Click here to view, save, or print the [...]

Steps for Scanning with HP Solution Center – Notes

Rick — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 04:36:42 +0000

I inserted a photo of the notes I created for a HP Scanner / All-in-One user today. Anyone using an HP scanning device with the HP Solution Center software will be able to use these notes to get the hang of using the scanner. You can also download the PDF version of these steps: Scanning [...]

Zoho Creator (database) – Video Tip

Rick — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 15:16:36 +0000

This my last installment in my Zoho.com tour, but far from the full capabilities of Zoho. So far I've introduced you to Zoho Writer (word processing application) and Zoho Sheet (spreadsheet application). For Part III in my series, I'm giving you a quick tour and demonstration/instruction on how to create a database with Zoho. Zoho has two database applications; one called Creator and the other called Database and Reports. I focused on the Creator application in my video tour.

Database programs offer the most flexibility and ease of use for collecting data on any subject from a book collection, to a club member address list, to tracking expenses for your home or business. Once you learn a few techniques with database design and creation, I'm willing to bet you will leave the lowly spreadsheet behind for gathering this type of data.

Zoho's database application provides, in my opinion, unparalleled ease of use AND power for both the beginner database user and the advanced user. I strongly encourage anyone ever remotely interested in database collection or anyone who hasn't been able to find the perfect data collection program to give Zoho Creator a try after watching my short video below.

Some of Zoho's database features include:

Convert spreadsheet data to database
Online, anywhere access
Easily build powerful database collection forms with drag and drop
Sophisticated form elements including drop down lists, radio buttons, check boxes, date pickers and more
Embed collection forms in your web page or blog
Query data
Export data to multiple formats
Use a powerful scripting language to enhance your database
and much more.

Watch the short video below to see how far online applications from Zoho.com can take you.

Creating Tables in Microsoft Word – Part II – Video Tip

Rick — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 13:40:15 +0000

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. The video takes a few minutes to load (may be too slow for dial-up), but the wait is worth the knowledge.

Creating Tables in Microsoft Word – Part I – Video Tip

Rick — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 13:35:54 +0000

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 S
Peach	Peach	Vitamin J
Blueberries	Blue	Vitamin B

No one task illustrates this better than making a list of information in column format (like the illustration on the left) If we try to use tabs to create a three column list in the middle of a document, we are quickly reduced to cursing or babbling incoherent words under our breath. Instead, if you take a few minutes to learn how to use tables in your word processor, you will be creating beautiful documents in record time. Trying to explain how to create a table in words is impossible, you need to see the steps in action which is why I provided you with a video tip. Click the "Read More" option below if the video hasn't already started to play for you. To repeat the video, simply push F5 on your keyboard or the refresh button in your browser.

Making Single Space the Default in Microsoft Word 2007 & 2010

Rick — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 17:07:12 +0000

For some unknown reason (to me), Microsoft has decided to make paragraph spacing in Word 2007, 2010 and Start Edition double-space by default. In all previous version of Word, you need to press the Enter key twice to double-space. When formatting street addresses, for example, a user typically wants them to be single spaced, but [...]

How to use CCleaner – Advanced Video Tip

Rick — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 15:14:13 +0000

I produced a video last week demonstrating how to use the basic functions of CCleaner. This week, I wanted to show some of the lesser known features of the CCleaner program. Like any add-on utility program, you must be very careful when using some of its advanced or custom functions. The same is true in [...]