Simple step-by-step computer help for beginners - Castellini on Computers

Hardware Tips — 2 comments
09
Apr 10

Lots of RAM upgrades lately

photo credit: Josh [unemployed IT dude

The past six months or so, I have performed at least 4 RAM upgrades per week. RAM is the temporary memory that gives our computers the best chance to perform at optimum speeds. I am doing more of them because folks are electing to hold on to their older computers instead of buying a new one. With the RAM upgrade and some other optimization, most folks can get another 2 or more years out of an existing computer.

When I get a call from a computer user telling me that their computer is slow, it usually needs one or all of these three adjustments:

RAM upgrade
Startup optimization (other articles on this topic)
Less problematic (and free) antivirus/security software like AVG or Microsoft Security Essentials

You can do Continue reading: Lots of RAM upgrades lately

How to fix a row or column in any spreadsheet – Video Tip

I don’t use spreadsheets too often, but I do help folks learn how to use them somewhat frequently. Many long-time spreadsheet users overlook this simple technique to fix a row(s) and/or column(s). Why would you want to fix a row or column? The video demonstrates the why behind this tip quite well, but by learning to fix a row or column, you can scroll through a long spreadsheet without losing track of the row or column headings. This technique becomes a necessary Continue reading: How to fix a row or column in any spreadsheet – Video Tip

Riding Shotgun with Rick / Videocasts — 4 comments
28
Mar 10

Rick Answers His Email – Episode 076 – Videocast

This week Rita, Jim, and Ted asked questions and paid to have them answered. They asked about online backup, Outlook problems in Windows 7, and printing problems in Continue reading: Rick Answers His Email – Episode 076 – Videocast

Podcast — No comments
19
Mar 10

Computer Help Show Podcast – 03-17-10

Woo hoo! Another episode of Rick and Adam doing their thing on the radio! Adam brought in his daughter, Beth, this month, and although she was quiet, she keeps Adam from cursing on public radio. Have a listen, spread the word, and tune in next month (Wednesday, April 21)!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Riding Shotgun with Rick — 14 comments
14
Mar 10

Windows 7 – 4 month report

Technically, I’ve been using Windows 7 (in beta and final form) for more than a year, but for today’s discussion I want to review what I’ve seen with it since its public release in October. Since then, I have helped many computer users setup their new Windows 7 laptops, desktop, and netbooks (probably around 125-150 new systems in total). I also helped around a dozen or so computer users upgrade from XP or Vista to Windows 7.

After this hands on experience, I’ve started to see some trends about Windows 7 that I like and some that I don’t like. Maybe some of this information will help you with the purchase of your next system.

Windows 7 is Vista done right (in the speed department)

On the surface, many computer users familiar with Windows Vista will think they are simply looking at Windows Vista. And overall, they would be right. Except for the small user interface changes with the Start menu, taskbar changes, system tray overhaul, and the way you can interact with open Windows, Windows 7 looks and feels like Vista. Under the hood, however, is where Microsoft Continue reading: Windows 7 – 4 month report

Computer User Group / Internet Tips — 4 comments
10
Mar 10

Create Your OWN Personalized Newspaper Online – Video Tip

In this month’s group, we talked about and demonstrated how to set up a web page that can be personalized. I like to use a customized web page (portal) as my home page (first page that shows up when I start my browser). We looked at the Yahoo portal (My Yahoo) and the newer Google customized home page.

Both services require that you register and setup a user name and password. Once you register, you can customize your page to include weather information, stock portfolios, sports news and scores, news from industries or topics that you choose, comics, and even content from other web pages. Both services are free and give you the flexibility to add, subtract and edit any type of data that you choose.

After you sign in, first look for the “X” in the upper right hand corner of each content box. Continue reading: Create Your OWN Personalized Newspaper Online – Video Tip

Internet Tips — 7 comments
25
Feb 10

Measure the distance of your walk, run, bike with Google Maps – Video Tip

I’ve been meaning to share this great tool with you for a few years and somehow kept forgetting to do so. The Gmaps Pedometer is an easy to use tool that a runner put together using Google Maps to be able to quickly map out distances on city streets. The creator did a remarkable job of preserving the simplicity of Google while marrying it with a useful set of tools for exercise folks and tourists. I didn’t mention it in the video, but if you are touring a foreign city and want to know why your dogs are so tired at the end of the day, pull up Gmap Pedometer to see how far you walked! It works for any city in the world.

So whether you are a runner, walker, biker, or Continue reading: Measure the distance of your walk, run, bike with Google Maps – Video Tip

Riding Shotgun with Rick / Videocasts — 4 comments
24
Feb 10

Rick Answers His Email – Episode 075

Harold (who was first because he paid a dollar), Alan, Patsy, Ceil, Rickenstien, Doris, Verlyn, Laurel, John, Richard, Jim, Tom, and Pat.

They asked questions about Gmail’s chat window, Excel, JAVA, printer problem with no details, inserting video into PowerPoint, saving photos from email, getting contacts off of iPhone to another phone, how to delete email without opening it, opening existing Word & Excel files in Ubuntu, removing browser toolbars, GoToMyPC.com security issues, Hotmail question in Firefox, and how to remove personal information Continue reading: Rick Answers His Email – Episode 075

Internet Tips / Windows Tips — 3 comments
19
Feb 10

7 Internet Security Tips to Save You Time & Money

photo credit: maistora

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 Linux (Ubuntu) users from reading this article since they are almost entirely immune from these problems. Of course, if you are a Mac or Linux user and want to read on simply to gloat at how secure and easy your computing life is…feel free.

Back to my Windows readers. I don’t use all caps often, but I do want to reiterate that by educating yourself, you can avoid the costly and time consuming problems associated with malware infections. It is also important to know that there is not a security product on the market that can Continue reading: 7 Internet Security Tips to Save You Time & Money