A beginners’ guide to Facebook

Although I am not a fan of Facebook and don’t use it much myself, I realize that many of you either do use it, want to use it, or asked to use it.  There are some great resources that give good step-by-step instructions on how to get started with and use Facebook. Since I am not an expert and didn’t want to create a fictitious account (against the rules, yeah right), I am listing the best resources I could find...

Learn how to use the Printer Friendly option ̵...

Last year, I wrote an article and made a how-to video focusing on how to print your web based email in an easier to read and fit format that also saves, time and money. At the end of that video, I briefly talked about the printer friendly format available from many sites on the web that will reformat what you are reading into a more paper and ink friendly format. In today’s tip, I focus on the printer friendly aspect of...

Practice smarter browsing to avoid malware –...

It seems that spyware, adware and other malware that doesn’t quite fall in the category of a virus grows by the day. Unfortunately, even the best protected computers and computer users can get hit by these sneaky destruction machines by tricking us (social engineering) to thinking we are either using, viewing or downloading something other than it is. In order to fight back, we need to be smarter Internet citizens in...

How good are your passwords?

And you have more than one password right? If you don’t, you should…seriously…good security starts with good passwords that you change regularly. Today, I came across a site that will demonstrate how weak or strong your password based on the average time it would take to crack your password. It will either scare the heck out of you or it will make you feel good about your choice of passwords. The site is:...

Castellini on Computers Podcast with Rick & A...

Today’s show went a little long as well since we had an interview with the founder and CEO of  iTag.com Lance Parker. We started out the show with some really terrible music talk, but quickly got into our tech talk. Click Play or Download and see what you think! Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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...

Print only what you want – Multi-tip

How many times do you curse at your printer when you print a joke from email or some web page information and get two or more extra sheets of paper with useless information? Follow this tip and experience printing bliss from email or Internet and your word processor too! On the web, Select the text (by clicking and dragging with your mouse) that you would like to print Click File and Print from the menus (don’t click...

Save Money on Computer Repair Bills

It’s no secret that I am a computer consultant/trainer/troubleshooter. So, why would I potentially take food out of my own hand by writing this tip? Three reasons: I like to help people and share knowledge I dislike troubleshooting messes that could have prevented and I enjoy teaching people how to get the most out of their computers instead of being frustrated and constantly battling or worrying about the...

Extricating Spyware

Article updated: July 2010 In 2004, spyware/adware became the #1 threat to personal computers. For a definition of spyware, visit Webopedia. Getting rid of spyware has reached a point that it takes an expert, or a lot of persistence, to really get rid of it totally. Following is a list of steps that we frequently take to completely restore a compromised computer. Depending on the level of problems, we may omit some steps,...

7 ways to become a more efficient web user –...

This is a reintroduction and retitling of a previous video/tip because of a copyright infringement complaint fromFranklin Covey. Hopefully, the new title and verbiage will satisfy their legal staff. All week long I help computer users of all ages and experience levels. Too often, I see that many computer users (beginners and experienced alike) do not utilize or know about some basic web browsing skills that will speed their...

Become a web surfing pro!

At this month’s computer user group meeting, I used many of the articles, tips and videos I have written over the years to highlight how any computer user can start making quicker and better use of the Internet. Before I delve into specifics on this topic, watching and reading this tip title 7 ways to become a better web surfer, will yield you the greatest benefit if you read nothing else on this page. Do it! Now! First...

How to save time & money when printing email ...

The web and email were not meant to be printable items, but we love to print many things we receive via email or the web. In this tip, I’m going to teach you how to use less paper and ink when printing AND get better looking printouts for things you do want to print. If you combine this new tip with my Print Preview tip, my print what you want tip,  and learn how to use your printer’s draft mode (if available),...

Computer Help Show Podcast 04-21-10

Calls were down this month, but we more than made up for it with some great high tech banter on topics including Norton’s pathetic antivirus, the iPad, the lost and found iPhone prototype, new grad laptop recommendations, and much more!! If you missed the live show, you can catch us next month…the live show will be Wednesday, May 19 from Noon-1pm Mountain Time! Podcast: Play in new window | Download

How to type in your password correctly the FIRST t...

We use passwords to log into web sites continuously through the day. Your passwords should be long and complicated, but that makes them tough to type in accurately on the first try (since password fields are masked with dots or asterisks). Or, if you are using a netbook or mobile phone, the combination of a small keyboard and longer passwords can be extremely tricky. Save yourself some time and energy by using the power of...

7 Internet Security Tips to Save You Time & M...

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...