Zoho Creator (database) – Video Tip

This is 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...

Learn Minesweeper & give Solitaire or FreeCel...

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 (click-and-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...

How to use multiple signatures in Gmail without ad...

This week I helped a client start the transition to Gmail from Microsoft Outlook. Turns out that although he used the same email address, he did have different signatures setup for various uses (personal, business, charity, etc). With Gmail, it is possible to setup a separate signature for different email addresses (which not many people do with Gmail), but not choose from different signatures. As I thought about his problem,...

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...

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...

If you read nothing else on my site…

I haven’t had much time to post new content on my site lately, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a TON of great tips that will save you time and money on the site. In fact, I made it even easier to find the tips that I think will give you the most bang for your browsing buck. If you look to the right of any page here on HelpMeRick.com, you will see a place to sign up for the free email newsletter...

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...

1-click access to your favorite websites – V...

Please DO NOT use the address bar as a repository to return to sites you use all the time…eventually they will get lost. The address bar history maintains a small amount of your recently visited site and can easily be wiped out via an update or disk cleaning and maintenance tools. Instead, use the Favorites (Internet Explorer) or Bookmarks (Firefox and every other browser). Favorites/Bookmarks are designed to save and...

HelpMeRick.com Podcast with Rick & Adam – 05-...

Super fast editing from Mr. Adam this week allows us to reveal a podcast with some cursing, incredible stories of horrible customer service, technician incompetence and more!! Listen and then leave your comments and questions below!! Podcast: Play in new window | Download

More on Fake Security Ads and Scareware

Trying to explain why and how fake security infiltrates my client’s computer is difficult. Instead of trying to explain it each and every time, which can be daunting, I am going to suggest this article as a reading assignment. If you use Microsoft Windows, and you want to minimize the possibility of becoming infected by this almost unstoppable force, you MUST read, digest and then put into practice the information found...