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:

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

With all the traveling done during the holidays, your computer is bound to be taken hostage by friends and family wanting to check their email or play a game or two. Unlike the TV, a computer can be victimized, unintentionally, by all this attention. When everyone returns home, you may not recognize your computer or have problems with the way it runs.
]]> http://helpmerick.com/holiday-computer-madness.htm/feed 5 http://helpmerick.com/give-solitaire-or-freecell-a-break-video-tip.htm http://helpmerick.com/give-solitaire-or-freecell-a-break-video-tip.htm#comments Tue, 27 Sep 2011 14:42:34 +0000 Rick http://helpmerick.com/wordpr/?p=291

Solitaire seems to be a game that is synonymous with computers. Microsoft planted the game in Windows not only for entertainment, but also for new computer users to learn mouse skills (drag, double-click, etc). Some computer users have branched out to FreeCell and like it better than Solitaire.

However, have you tried playing Minesweeper?

Minesweeper appears difficult upon first look. And yes, it does require some brain power, but isn't that partially the purpose of our computers...to use our brains? If you do like a challenge and using logic and something different than clicking on cards or sitting in front of a TV, give Minesweeper a try.

The object of the game is to avoid the 'mines'. You do this by first making a random guess and clicking one time on the board. If you are lucky, you didn't hit a mine. Now you have to use the clues the game gives you to figure out where the other ones lie. The clues come in the form of a number (usually 1-5). The number indicates how many mines border that particular square. One hint to commit to memory is that one square (if it isn't along the edge), borders eight other squares. Keep that in mind and like FreeCell, every game is winnable. (see the video below for a video lesson on this fun game.)

Give it a try. My best time so far on the beginner level is 29 seconds and 326 seconds on intermediate level. Call us up and let us know what your best times are, leave a comment here, but most of all have fun!

]]> http://helpmerick.com/give-solitaire-or-freecell-a-break-video-tip.htm/feed 5 http://helpmerick.com/easy-file-management-video-tip.htm http://helpmerick.com/easy-file-management-video-tip.htm#comments Fri, 09 Sep 2011 15:59:11 +0000 Rick http://helpmerick.com/wordpr/?p=281 You can easily delete and rename files from within almost any computer program. 

To delete a file or folder:

1. Click  File from the menu of any program
2. Click  Open
3. In the window that pops up, click ONCE on any document you want to delete
4. Push Delete on your keyboard.  Repeat as many times as you would like.

In my travels, it astounds me how many computer users forget that more than one computer program can be run at a time. The trick is not necessarily running multiple programs, but keeping track of where they are.

If you are using a word processor, for example, and you want to check a reference on the Internet or some other program in your computer, don't close the word processor. Instead, minimize it so that it appears on the taskbar and then start your other program.

In January, this web site and my business will turn 13 years old. In that time, I have worked on thousands of computers ranging from the oldest DOS machines to the newest gaming and Mac monsters. My youngest client in that time has been 5 years old and my oldest was a 94 year old author writing a book for the first time on a PC. When your work in any field for a certain period of time, you start to spot patterns and consistencies.

After incubating the idea in my head for about six months, I want to share with you (and anyone you forward this article to) my opinion of how to use computer technology with the bare minimum of issues and cash. The following would be my advice to a computer user who truly wanted to follow my advice, no questions asked, based on my knowledge and experience.

1. Buy a mid-range laptop costing no more than $600. Immediately install Ubuntu Linux on the laptop and allow Ubuntu to completely erase the drive's contents (Windows and a ton of trial ware) as it installs. Ubuntu will provide you a top notch Office productivity package (word processor, spreadsheet, presentation manager, etc), tons of games, CD/DVD burning, secure, fast Internet browsing with Firefox, photo management and editing software, and more for no cost. Ubuntu also does not require]]> http://helpmerick.com/ricks-guide-to-trouble-free-computing.htm/feed 17 http://helpmerick.com/5-quick-and-easy-steps-to-spring-clean-your-pc.htm http://helpmerick.com/5-quick-and-easy-steps-to-spring-clean-your-pc.htm#comments Wed, 20 Apr 2011 01:53:46 +0000 Rick http://helpmerick.com/wordpr/?p=2065

   Spring has sprung and along with your other spring cleaning chores add these five computer cleaning techniques to keep your computer clean, cool, and happy.

   1. Desktops: Unplug all of your cables (label them if necessary) and take the tower outside. Open up the side (usually thumb screws or a latch on the back of the computer) and blow the dust out of the system with a can of compressed air. I recommend starting from the top and moving towards the bottom making sweeping motions from side to side. Pay particular attention to the vents on the case so your computer breathes well. Don't over spray the fans as you might cause some damage to]]> http://helpmerick.com/5-quick-and-easy-steps-to-spring-clean-your-pc.htm/feed 4 http://helpmerick.com/9-tweaks-to-increase-computer-performance.htm http://helpmerick.com/9-tweaks-to-increase-computer-performance.htm#comments Tue, 05 Apr 2011 18:15:31 +0000 Rick http://helpmerick.com/?p=3450 When I meet a client’s computer for the first time, I go through a little routine to check for problems, improve performance, and speed up boot times. You can do it to your own computer too. Use Task Manager to see how many processes are running and determine how much tweaking I have to do [...]]]> http://helpmerick.com/9-tweaks-to-increase-computer-performance.htm/feed 7