This post is not outdated and kept for historical purposes only. Please visit this link for updated information on how NOT to buy Microsoft Office. Despite what big box store sales people try to sell you, don’t buy a copy of Microsoft Office. On all new commercial computers today, manufacturers install a trial version of Microsoft Office AND a copy… Read More »Don’t buy Microsoft Office when you buy a new computer
Pictured below are two sets of instructions I put together today for a new Windows 7 user who uses the MSN browser and email. He was frustrated at the learning curve and asked for help…here are the results. I hope these instructions help others as well because the steps can be generalized for AOL browser users, Windows Live Mail users,… Read More »How to transfer photos to a Windows 7 computer and email them – Notes
Have you ever wondered how to get your picture files to open directly in your image editing program? Read on to learn how to get your files to open where you want them to when you double-click on them. For example, by default JPEG picture files open with Microsoft Internet Explorer. Maybe you want it to open with Adobe Photo Deluxe. Here’s how:
Adding to my new ongoing series of daily how-tos I write for clients is this one about registering the Free Avast Antivirus I now recommend. Occasionally the registration servers are not working when I install the program for a client, so I created these instructions for her to follow when the servers come back online. This should also help those… Read More »How to register for your Avast Free Antivirus License – Notes
We featured this particular tip about a year ago, but it bears repeating. Also, I discovered a few additions.
The Windows Key (located between the Ctrl and Alt keys on 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
* 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 same thing)
* Windows Key + C = Control Panel
* Windows Key + Pause/Break = System Properties
This tip applies to Windows Vista and Windows 7, 8, and 10 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… Read More »Enable your menus and toolbars in Internet Explorer 9 – Video Tip
First look for a button or hot key combination that your laptop might provide to disable the trackpad or adjust its sensitivity…that will be the best method. However, if you cannot find or don’t have that option, these two downloads may help you type in more peace with your laptop: TouchFreeze TouchPadPal
Windows Vista and 7 have helped make networking computers a little easier, but there are still some idiosyncrasies that can be irritating. One of those is the default password required for sharing of printers or files. You can shut it off, thankfully. Here’s how: Click Start Type: Advanced Look for and click Manage Advanced Sharing Options Scroll down to the Password Protected… Read More »Troubleshooting Sharing Printers in Windows 7 or Vista – Video Tip
I try to continually test and analyze what is available in the world of computers for my clients and web site visitors. Security tops the list of the testing, reading, and studying I do. Recently, AVG released yet another upgrade, and more bulk. As of today, I no longer recommend that users use AVG Antivirus. My current recommendations are as… Read More »How to download, install, and configure Avast Antivirus – Video Tip
I write about Internet security frequently because I see too many breaches of Internet security every single day. And by Internet security, I’m referring to keeping your computer free of spyware, fake security software and other annoying, time consuming, and expensive ailments that can strike your computer. THESE TYPES OF INFECTIONS ARE PREVENTABLE. First, I need to exempt Mac and… Read More »7 Internet Security Tips to Save You Time & Money