Customizing Apple’s Mac OSX Finder Tool R...

Since I’ve been featuring tips on file management this week, I thought I would demonstrate how to work with and customize the Mac OSX file management tool known as Finder. The finder is quite powerful as is, but sometimes having quicker access to tools you use often is helpful. Watch this short video to learn how to do just that.

How to print the contents of any folder in Windows...

Microsoft provides a set of instructions for adding the ability to print the contents of a folder in Windows XP or Vista, but the instructions will be over the head of many computer users. Years ago, I found and added a free folder print utility called FolderPrint to my web site. In all those years, however, I never provided a clear set of instructions on how to utilize that helpful little tool…until now. You can...

Easy File Management – Video Tip

You can easily delete and rename files from within almost any computer program. To delete a file or folder: Click  File from the menu of any program Click  Open In the window that pops up, click ONCE on any document you want to delete Push Delete on your keyboard.  Repeat as many times as you would like.   To rename a file or folder: Click File from the menu of any program Click  Open Click ONCE on the file you...

Disable Gmail Web Clips and Important Markers R...

Frequent visitors to this site know that I’m a huge fan of Gmail and recommend it and its web interface. However, every now and then Google introduces some features that perplex me. Some people may like the features, but it is nice to be able to disable them if you don’t use or like the feature. In today’s tip, I explain how to disable the web clips advertising bar at the top of the list of messages and also...

3 Basic Tips for new Macintosh Users – Video...

I continue to see a surge in new Apple computer owners…and, in my opinion, justifiably so. This week’s tip focuses on skills that new Macintosh users will need to know in order to feel comfortable with their new Apple Computer. In this video tip, I give new Mac users some important information about how to use the Macintosh HD (hard drive)icon, the Dock (which launches programs and documents), and a primmer on...

Windows Key Shortcuts

The Windows Key (usually located between the Ctrl and Alt keys on either side of your keyboard) allows you to push it and another key to gain quick access to some Windows utilities and programs. Here are the combos: Windows Key + F = Find/Search Windows Key + E = Windows Explorer (my favorite) Windows Key + R = Run Windows Key + M = Minimize all open windows so that you can see your desktop again (Windows Key + D will do the...

Remember to Minimize

Every now and then, I like to bring up tips that appear elementary, but are seldom used. This week’s tip falls into that category. In my travels, it surprises me how many computer users forget that more than one computer program can be run at the same 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...

Read Newspapers Online

I enjoy walking to get my newspaper each morning and reading it at the breakfast table. However, I also enjoy reading my old hometown newspaper and a paper I used to read in college. The Internet makes it possible to read a large majority of newspapers from around the world. If you know the name of your newspaper, the first thing to try is: Click ONE time in the Address bar of your browser (long white box at the top of the...

Avoiding the Mysterious Duplication of Files ̵...

Today’s quick tip is a video tip explaining why files seem to duplicate themselves, and what you can do to avoid and correct the problem. I receive desperate calls about this phenomenon many times per month, and it as always, the computer isn’t doing anything wrong or on its own…it’s all about the mouse. Take a look:   The video (under 3 minutes) contains audio as well so turn up your...

Print Anything You See on Your Screen – Vide...

Many times a computer user may need the ability to print what they see on the screen, but can’t access a Print command.  Using the underutilized Print Screen button on the keyboard can rectify this situation. The Print Screen button is usually located just to the right of your F keys and above the Insert, Home, Delete key section. In the ol’ days of DOS, pushing this button would indeed send a paper flying out of...

Facebook vs. Google+

For those three of you who haven’t been keeping up with Google’s recent launch, Google+ is the newest in a long line of social networking websites. Like Myspace and Facebook before it, Google+ allows you to add “friends” to your network, share pictures, and meet new people. And while Myspace has fallen into oblivion since 2006, Facebook is, in my opinion, still superior to the newest kid on the social...

Enable your menus and toolbars in Internet Explore...

This tip applies to Windows Vista and Windows 7 users only. Since Microsoft opted to not include XP users in the upgrade path to Internet Explorer 9, you XP users can file this tip until you upgrade to your next computer (if you stay with Windows). If you chose or were automatically updated to Internet Explorer 9, you may be like many of my clients who are not happy with the minimalist layout (similar to that of Google...

Must read article for ALL computer illiterate user...

I detest the phrase computer illiterate, but unfortunately hear it almost daily in my work. I think the better way for a computer user who feels inadequate around the technology and the terminology is to refer to themselves as time challenged. Since illiteracy can be thwarted with a healthy dose of education, that leaves making the time to obtain that education the stumbling block. However, I used that too often uttered...

Rick’s guide to trouble free computing

In January, this web site and my business turned 16 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...

Best video I’ve seen on how a hard drive wor...

Over the years, I try to instill in my readers, clients and folks who take my classes the importance of backing up important data. In addition to helping people recover lost data, I know roughly how a hard drive works, and it scares the heck out of me! Maybe watching this video I found on how a hard drive works and just how much has to go right in order for your data to survive, will help you understand the importance of...