Your one stop troubleshooting spot

In the almost 14 years that I have devoted to helping computer users, I have discovered a few computing standards: Many computer problems can be solved by simply restarting the computer. In the event of a mouse, keyboard, monitor, sound, printer or Internet problem, always triple check your cables to make sure everything is plugged in securely. Much to the dismay of computer users, almost all problems were caused in...

Choose how many recently opened files show in Micr...

In almost any program where you can create, save, and edit documents, clicking the File menu (or the Office orb in Office 2007) shows a list of your most recently used documents for that program. With Microsoft Office, you can control exactly how many recent documents are shown. With Microsoft Office 2003 applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc) and all versions prior, you control this option by following these steps in...

Windows XP reset loop reboots after installing Ser...

I had another big frustration today. Unfortunately I reformated one computer before I found the fix, but it saved me a lot of time on the next computer that had the same problem. Some Windows XP machines with AMD processors get caught in a reset loop after installing Service Pack 3. After running this little command, the problem goes away. There are also a few other tips that resolve this problem caused by other issues,...

Windows was unable to find a certificate to log yo...

I looked all over the Internet for a long time to find this answer. Once I discovered it, I decided to post it here on HMR so that everyone can have it. The problem arises in Windows XP while trying to connect to a secured network, often on a D-link router. While trying to connect a new computer wirelessly, an error comes up stating that “Windows was unable to find a certificate to log you onto the network (Network name...

Can your email be read like Sarah Palin’s?

Not likely. In the Sarah Palin case, her Yahoo email account was not hacked…her password was hacked. That means the hackers guessed Sarah Palin’s password (maybe it was hockeymom). Seriously, it could have been that easy. More likely, however, the hackers used sophisticated programs that were used to crack the password. The number one defense you possess to safeguard your email, bank account, or any other online...

Simple wireless password security

Thankfully, more and more home computer users are securing their wireless networks. Most newer wireless routers offer to automate the whole process which works pretty well. However, if you are wanting a little more control, I recommend the following advice for setting up a wireless router: First, make sure that you change the router configuration password. For example, you can log into any Linksys router by knowing that you...

The Magical Title Bar – Video Tip

The title bar is the long (usually blue) bar at the top of each program. The title bar contains three familiar buttons on the right; the minimize button (little bar), the maximize or resize button (middle button) and the often used "X" button to close a program. On the left side of the title bar is a small icon in the far left corner that matches that of the program. The name of the current file (or...

Dr.Pic Online Photo Editing and Batch Resizing

Earlier this week, I posted a story about Web 2.0. Just today, I found another Web 2.0 application that works extremely well. It’s called Dr.Pic and offers online basic photo editing and touch up in a fast and intuitive layout. In addition to the nice editing and touch-up tools offered by Dr. Pic, they offer a fantastic batch (multiple) image resizing utility. Like all Web 2.0 applications, a high speed Internet...

Google Earth – The Dime Tour – Video T...

If you have high speed Internet and haven’t tried Google Earth, give it a try. Even if you aren’t a geography buff, you will find Google Earth to be a fascinating resource to try out. Google Earth is another free product from Google that combines their excellent searching skills with a fully interactive globe. You can search for street addresses, points of interest, historical locations and then layer on other...

Google Chrome Overview – Video Tip

Last week, Google released their own web browser, Chrome, to compete with Microsoft’s Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox. Many of you have asked my opinion and wondered what it all means. In a nutshell, I think that any competition is good competition. And with a name like Google behind the project, that adds even more fuel to the fire. Google Chrome is fast, easy on the eyes, but offers few features that...

Google is on fire – New beta release of Pica...

How can you not get with Google? Here is a company that makes strategic acquisitions, encourages their employees to reach for the stars and challenge themselves and the status quo, and never rests on their considerable laurels. Today, they have done it again. This time with the release of the beta version Picasa 3. PIcasa 3 offers some great new features that help you share your photos easier, organize them easier, fix some...

Internet Explorer 7 – Tabbed Browsing –...

I posted this article nearly 2 years ago, but with the release of Google’s Chrome browser yesterday, I thought it was appropriate to bring this important tip back to the forefront again. Also, read my tip on the new Firefox 3 browser released earlier this summer. I have downloaded and tried out the new Google Chrome browser and look for a video and more comment about it coming up soon.  Windows XP users will all...

Backup your digital photos with iPhoto – Vid...

Macintosh users take digital photos too. And they also need to make sure their photos are backed up safely. Thankfully, the bright men and women at Apple computers have built in a great picture management software called iPhoto. Within iPhoto, you will find a straight forward method of backing up your photos. Here’s how: 1. Start iPhoto 2. Hold down the Command key on your keyboard and select which folders,...

Vista can run faster if you…

I just finished my normal Sunday morning routine of breakfast with the Sunday paper. I always peruse the Sunday high tech ads to keep tabs on prices. Computer prices continue to drop (and I still think manufacturers are getting a kick back from Microsoft) to help spur sluggish sales. However, the past few weeks, I picked up on another trend; increased RAM. In this week’s big 4 ads (Office Depot, Office Max, Circuit...

AVG stumbles again

Admittedly, Grisoft has not had a great summer with the roll out of their newest product, AVG 8. They tried to force the upgrade on users a little too quickly with quick deadlines. However, almost five months after the release of the new version, I still find users who haven’t upgraded yet, but Grisoft is still updating the older version. The installation of the new version included some new features that are designed...