Castellini on Computers - Computer help for beginners » navigate

White House Web Site: Open For Questions

Rick — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 03:37:08 +0000

No matter your party affiliation or political leanings, this site offers a major opportunity for Americans to talk with each other on a government web site. Whether or not the questions are taken seriously and read by our public servants remains to be seen, but it offers an incredibly easy method of asking, rating, and [...]

Welcome to the new HelpMeRick.com!

Rick — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 04:11:19 +0000

I need to clean up a few rough edges over the next few days, but the site is far enough along that I moved over to it today. I redesigned the site for a few reasons: Make it easier to navigate (cleaner), Make it easier for you to interact with the site via comments, RSS and search. Make [...]

AVG .bin error

Rick — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 01:11:24 +0000

Sunday morning update 8/17/08: Grisosft has already corrected the .bin problem and the panic is over. You can RIGHT click your AVG icon by your clock and click Check for Updates, then update on the screen that appears and all will be well again. This was a perfect example demonstrating that when something goes awry with your computer, the best thing to do is to remain calm and patient. The problem will get resolved automatically much of the time. If you start monkeying around with settings and changing and reinstalling programs, the problem will only get worse.

Yet another feature yanked from the NEW Microsoft Office 2007

Rick — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:05:07 +0000

While working with a small business client today, they asked how to insert a picture into a Word document from their scanner. "Oh, that's an easy one", I said to myself. Then I realized they were using the new Office 2007.

In all previous versions of Microsoft Word and other word processor worth their weight, you follow these steps to insert a picture from

Cut, Copy and Paste! – Video Tip

Rick — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 21:30:06 +0000

These techniques should be standard tools for any computer user. However, many computer users find these techniques elusive.

The ability to move (cut) or copy information from one computer program to another sets you free to do so much more with your computer. Cut, Copy and Paste function by temporarily storing the information, cut or copied, into a temporary holding spot of memory known as the clipboard (Click here for the Webopedia definition).

The information held in the clipboard stays there and is available to Paste until either the computer is restarted or another item is cut or copied. Make special note of this fact when using the "Cut" command, because if you cut or copy another item before pasting the first item, the first one is lost.

Before choosing Cut or Copy, the computer needs to know what you want to cut or copy. This is done by using the mouse to

Microsoft Excel tip that will change your life – Video Tip

Rick — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 21:27:21 +0000

If this tip doesn't change your life, it can change your cube mates life or someone's life who uses Excel a lot.

This short (4 minute) video demonstrates the power of knowing how to quickly navigate around a spreadsheet without using the vertical or horizontal scroll bars.

Even if you don't use Excel, watch the video...it is like a magic show you might see in Las Vegas.

3 Reasons NOT to use Registry Cleaners

Rick — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 23:23:45 +0000

I know that downloading can be fun and pop-ups can be enticing. But when it comes to most system utilities (programs supposedly designed to help your computer), just say "NO!" One of the worst add-on utilities you can get is the so-called "registry cleaner". First, let me try to define the registry. Starting with Windows 95 and all versions of Windows since then, Microsoft has employed a large and complex database that tracks all hardware, software, user settings, drivers, and more for our computer. This "database" of information controls everything we do with our computers from the installation of software, customization of the desktop and more importantly how all the programs we use interact with each other and with Windows.

Microsoft Outlook not saving password any longer

Rick — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 13:39:51 +0000

I found this answer at this site: Optimizing your PC So, I haven't tried it or had to use it, but the process seems plausible.

In some cases Outlook doesn't save your password, even if you enable the option to save the password. This error is caused by a malfunctioning of the Protected Storage Space from Windows. To solve this problem, run the registry editor and navigate to the key HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Protected Storage System Provider. You will find a key with a long name starting with S-1-5-21 which you have to delete (probably it's save to create a back-up of this key by File, Export). In most cases the problem is solved and next time the passwords will be saved. Be carefull: by doing this you will lose all stored passwords. Read the back-up page how to recover these passwords.

Basic Ubuntu Navigation – Video Tip

Rick — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 17:38:24 +0000

One more day left in our first annual "Ubuntu Week", and I have another great tip for all of us Ubuntu beginners. In Ubuntu, there is no "Start" button like Windows. Instead, I think the Ubuntu creators came up with a more elegant and intuitive format for accessing programs we use, navigating our saved files, networks and operating system options and preferences.

Watch the video below for a video and audio tour of Ubuntu's navigation options.

Another post from Ubuntu

Rick — Wed, 02 May 2007 22:12:19 +0000

I have been so busy lately, that I haven't had much of a chance to play around with my Ubuntu Linux (alternative to Windows) machine. Last night, I updated to the latest version of Ubuntu Linux 7.04 for free. Compare that to the minimum of $179 you would pay for the basic version of Vista. I was motivated to do the update not only because I promised I would learn more about Linux, but also because Dell released a story yesterday announcing their plans to sell Linux laptops and desktops computer starting this summer. It seems that Microsoft keeps getting hit day-after-day. Where will they be in 5 years? They certainly don't have the stature today that they had 5 years ago.