10 Skills EVERY computer user should have (or lear...

I originally posted this list in January 2007. However, through my keen observation skills, I discovered that all computer users have not yet read and digested this information. For this reason, I’m posting it again because I won’t stop working to educate computer users until every computer user knows these 10 skills. Computers have become almost a main stream household appliance. Whether you have been using a...

How to attach photos to Bresnan web based email &#...

Here are the notes that I created for a client who uses Bresnan’s web based email system and wanted to attach photos. Although the notes are for photos specifically, one can use the methodology to just as easily attach documents as well. ...

Scanning and Attaching Documents to Yahoo Email &#...

These notes were generated for a customer using an older HP All-in-one printer. He needed to learn how to scan documents, save them, then attach them to his Yahoo email. For folks learning how to scan or attach items to Yahoo email, these notes will help. ...

Do not open attachments from people YOU KNOW

Image via Wikipedia Yes, you read that correctly. Those of you who have followed this site and my show since its early days in the 90s know that I have always warned against opening attachments from people you know. Probably the most egregious security problem among emailers is the myth that opening email and attachments is safe as long it is from someone they know. I hear this statement at least five times per week...

Web mail…remember web mail

Believe it or not, there are still folks out there using dial-up Internet. As email attachments grow in size with full-size pictures and videos, even email can be difficult for dial-up users. Instead of battling slow connections and waiting for dozens (or hundreds) of emails to download, remember that all email services have a web based component. Go to your email providers web site, and look for a Login orWeb Mail option....

Save pictures from email – Video Tip

It’s been almost one year since I first posted this tip. We have many new visitors this year, and not enough of you are heading my advice yet on this subject, so I’m posting it again. Please believe me when I tell you that this tip alone can save you countless dollars, time, and tears! Through my travels, I have noticed that many computer users save emails with pictures because they are unsure of how to save...

How much would you pay for a “simple” ...

This will be our poll question in the newsletter tomorrow, but I wanted to give you time to consider the question. Like Rick, I am constantly on a mission to make computers easier to use. I don't believe it is necessary to upgrade computers every few years if the system you are using now is working well. I hate (strong word, but accurate) the direction Microsoft has taken with Windows. Most people never use all of the...

I’ve heard you say that before

Imagine for a moment (you won't have to stretch very far) that your son or daughter comes home past curfew and you say something like, "I told you to be home by midnight." In reply your kid says, "I know I heard you say that." Imagine for a moment that you are an engineer who builds bridges. One day a bridge that you design collapses. You confront the builders only to find that they used half of the...

Backup – What, Where, When, and How – ...

It doesn?t take long to back up your files, but it does take discipline.  Just like getting the oil changed in our cars regularly to maintain its health, it is imperative that a good backup program be put in place for you computer creations. Follow these simple rules for backing up your files and you will be able to face any computer calamity: Save your files in a common folder or directory like My Document or Work Make...

Faster Internet does not equal faster computer

A common misconception I run across often is that getting a faster Internet connection will make the computer faster. The Internet is just one of many functions a computer performs. Whether you connect via a phone line, DSL, or cable has absolutely NO bearing on how quickly the computer boots up or opens a particular program. A faster Internet connection will allow you to receive large email attachments faster, surf the web...

Can’t read forwarded message attachments in ...

One of our callers today, Jeff, couldn't get forwarded emails to open if they were attachments. We believe this method may work to rectify the situation: Use the following steps to use the Clear Cache button in Outlook: 1. On the Tools menu, click Options, and then click the Other tab. 2. Click Advanced Options. 3. In the Advanced Options box, click Custom Forms. 4. In the Custom Forms box, click Manage Forms. 5. In the...

Sorting the Mail – Video Tip

Wouldn't it be nice if you could sort your email by the date it was received or by the name of the sender? If you use Microsoft Outlook Express (or Outlook), Mozilla Thurnderbird, or most other email systems), you can quickly sort all of your mail. AOL finally added this feature for its members just last year. As an added bonus, this tip will work with any computer or operating system.   To sort the mail: Click ONE...

Dial-up users: Are you tired of waiting for email ...

I have been utilizing this tip much more lately as dial-up users get pummeled with email containing pictures that haven't been resized and an endless parade of forward spam with large attachments from friends and family with high speed connections. For every one megabyte of space an attachment contains, it takes 5-8 minutes for a dial-up user to download it. Many joke emails, slide shows or movies being passed around...

How to send an email attachment

We have a few program specific tips on our website about how to send email attachments. Each step is broken down step-by-step.  I am writing this more as a general guide for emailing attachments. I have seen a few mistakes lately that have caused problems for first-time attachment senders. Here are a few tips to help you avoid problems. 1. If you are emailing photos and you use Outlook, Outlook Express or gmail, download...

Don’t apologize for being “stupid̶...

Three of my clients today were digital beginners. Each of these three clients apologized for being "stupid." They explained that computers are new to them and they aren't smart enough to learn. As a teacher and computer guy, I kind of get tired of hearing this. Keep in mind that this comes from a guy who had, "potential for higher achievement," on almost every report card he ever received. It...