Keep your Mac running clean & fast

Macintosh computers run remarkably quick and smooth when you first buy and set them up. However, over time, like any computer, they can begin to feel somewhat sluggish. To keep your Apple Macintosh computer running quick and smooth, try these hints: Leave your computer on overnight at least once every week or two. The Macintosh Operating System (which is based on Unix) will run maintenance and cleanup tasks in the wee hours...

Apple Macintosh Expose Shortcuts – Video Tip

Windows users making the switch to an Apple might miss the Show Desktop icon from Windows that minimizes all Windows and displays the desktop. By default, Mac systems have a function enabled called Expose corners that lets users quickly display the desktop by just moving the mouse to the lower right corner. In today’s short video tip, I explain how to enable the other corners of your Mac screen to perform a function...

Microsoft Plans to Open Retail Stores

No time frame or number of stores planned were released in Microsoft’s press release this week, but Microsoft did say they planned to open their stores close to existing Apple stores. Ex-management staffers from WalMart and Sam’s Club will be heading up this new direction for Microsoft. You can read more details at the Daily Tech web site: DailyTech – Microsoft Retail Stores to Open Near Apple Stores. ...

Great Demand for Apple’s 13″ MacBook P...

As sales of Windows based computers slow down, Apple continues to gain market share. Their revamped laptop line appears to be the leader in Apple computer sales. With increased memory, video power and a new SD slot, there is a lot to like. Read the full article below. AppleInsider | Demand for Apple’s 13″ MacBook Pro may be outpacing supply. ...

7 Tech items I would take to college

I graduated from college almost 10 years before computers started being a main stream college accessory. I would love to be a student again not only because I enjoy learning, but I would love to have access to the technologies today’s students use every day. The most advanced piece of tech I used in college was the HP 41 CV programmable calculator with the magnetic card strip reader attachment. I loved that calculator,...

My iPhone applications after 10 months

From 1997 through August of 2008, I used only Palm based handheld organizers then the Visor Phone, Palm Treo 300, Treo 600, and Treo 755p.  I purchased an iPhone in August of 2008 because the iPhone proved itself in its short year of existence to be a valuable product, added the ability to allow third party applications, and gained access to the faster cellular networks. With very few exceptions, I couldn’t be happier...

Email of the Week – 006

QUESTION Name: Kathy From: Grand Junction OS: Windows XP ———————- When I go into different web sites I get this message: ERROR A runtime error has occurred? Line 30 ERROR: Object required Yes No This occurs quite frequently can you tell me why and what I can do about it? ANSWER This error is usually due to some programming and setting problems in Internet Explorer. You can...

Easy Envelopes for Mac users

If you own an Apple computer running the Macintosh operating system, you will love this free application. You can’t print envelopes any easier with any computer or program. EasyEnvelopes | Ambrosia Software, Inc..

Does the Operating System matter any more?

I tweeted the question yesterday on whether the computer operating system (OS) really matters any more. The response from the Twitter community was less than overwhelming so I want to pose the same question to you, the HelpMeRick.com community. My contention is that more and more computer functions get done in a web browser. I rarely use any other computer program other than my browser these days. I don’t print much, I...

Make reading the web easier than ever – Vide...

Although we now have 19″ and larger monitors on most new desktop computers, the text seems to shrink. Why is that? It has to do with screen resolution (how much information can be displayed). Screen resolutions on today’s monitors are up to 3X that of monitors we used just 6-8 years ago. We can see a lot more information, but often the text is too small to view for some computer users. Never fear. Using this...

2 laptop suggestions for college students

Millions of high schoolers will be graduating soon and will be leaving for their respective campuses (campii?) at the end of the summer. These students will more than likely go to college with a computer…probably a laptop. I would like to suggest two possible laptops ideas for these students. Both of my ideas involve good systems that will allow college kids to word process, chat, email, listen to music, watch...

U.S. Soldiers’ New Weapon: an iPod

Growing up I watched cartoons on Saturday morning like many other children in the 60s and 70s. I enjoyed watching the School House Rock intermissions almost more than the cartoons. One of those lessons stated that knowledge is power. I took that to heart and never forgot the phrase and now the military is putting that phrase to more direct use as well. This interesting Newsweek article describes how the military is using the...

How to add a web application to the iPhone home sc...

Popular demand (among new iPhone users) prompted me to add this quick, yet helpful iPhone tip. Don’t worry non-iPhone users…there is a tip for you at the end of the article…keep reading or skip to the end! To add a web page or application you frequently use to your iPhone home screen: Start Safari Navigate to the page you want to add Tap the Add Bookmark button at the bottom of the screen (+ sign) Tap Add...

Have your Mac start a program when you start the c...

If you are a Mac user and want a program to start automatically, follow these steps: Click the Apple from the upper left hand corner Click System Preferences Click Accounts in the System section Click your user name Click the Login Items button. Click the “Add (+)” button underneath the listed items Find the program you want to automatically start at bootup, and double-click it Close all your open windows ...

Customizing your iPhone home screen – Video ...

This is a pretty specific tip for a relatively new device, but with WalMart now carrying iPhones more and more people will want and need to learn how to take advantage of their investment. The iPhone is a wonderful little tool…IF you learn how to use it and make it work for you. One of the first things you can do with any piece of technology is customize it to fit your needs. With the iPhone, learning to customize the...