Castellini on Computers - Computer help for beginners » word processing

Type first. Edit last.

Rick — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 21:20:01 +0000

Most of us learned how to type letters and documents using a typewriter. Word processing reigns as then new king of document creation and most typewriters are relegated to attics, back rooms and antique shops. However, the majority of computer users use their word processors (MS Word, Word Perfect, etc) like a typewriter. The first rule to remember when using a word processor is to forget your typewriting rules. When we sat down to our typewriters to create a document (whether a simple letter to Mom or a 100 page novelette), we had to have a clear picture in our head of what the document should look like. Otherwise, crumpled typing paper dominated our floors!

Printing Error Messages*

Rick — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:27:04 +0000

NOTE: This tip is an off-shoot of our Print Screen tip that you also want to read. We all have computer mishaps and end up having to call for help. One of the first questions the helper (tech support) always asks is, ?What was the message you received?? Most of the time, in our frustration, we failed to write down the content of the message. Here is a tip that will bypass the writing altogether and allow you to answer that first question from your digital helper. When an error occurs follow these steps:

Creating Tables in Microsoft Word – Part II – Video Tip

Rick — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 02:40:15 +0000

In Part I of my "Creating Tables" tip, I discussed what a table was, how to create them, and some basics on how to customize them. In Part II of the tip, I discuss how to use reverse text, cell coloring, sorting, formulas and create a form all with tables. The video takes a few minutes to load (may be too slow for dial-up), but the wait is worth the knowledge.

Creating Tables in Microsoft Word – Part I – Video Tip

Rick — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 02:35:54 +0000

Since many of us in the post 35 year old set learned how to type and create documents with a typewriter, we tend to try and use computer word processors like a typewriter. The two technologies couldn't be further apart from each other and other than touch typing, we need to throw out almost all our knowledge of document creation from those days.

FRUIT	COLOR	VITAMINS
Apple	Red or Green	Vitamin S
Peach	Peach	Vitamin J
Blueberries	Blue	Vitamin B

No one task illustrates this better than making a list of information in column format (like the illustration on the left) If we try to use tabs to create a three column list in the middle of a document, we are quickly reduced to cursing or babbling incoherent words under our breath. Instead, if you take a few minutes to learn how to use tables in your word processor, you will be creating beautiful documents in record time. Trying to explain how to create a table in words is impossible, you need to see the steps in action which is why I provided you with a video tip. Click the "Read More" option below if the video hasn't already started to play for you. To repeat the video, simply push F5 on your keyboard or the refresh button in your browser.

Use keyboard shortcuts to save time editing text – Video Tip

Rick — Wed, 13 May 2009 08:01:41 +0000

When you open an existing Microsoft Word document, Word places the insertion point at the beginning of the document by default. However, if you would like to move the cursor to the location it was in when you were last working on the document, simply press Shift + F5 on your keyboard. When you use press Shift + F5, Word performs the Go Back command, which moves the insertion point from its current location to the last location in which a modification, such as typing, deleting or formatting text, was made. Some other helpful Word cursor keyboard movements include: * Press Home to get to the beginning of a line

Don’t buy a new computer yet

Rick — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 21:14:00 +0000

2009 is upon us and computer prices are incredibly low, but if you can wait a year to buy a new computer, I would highly recommend it. Why? Microsoft plans on releasing the next version of Windows either late in 2009 or early in 2010. All indications point to the earlier release since Microsoft is anxious to bury Vista.

Thwarted by online poker

Rick — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 22:02:53 +0000

Today marked my second Linux/Ubuntu casualty in almost 2 dozen attempts. As I've learned more about Ubuntu the past couple of years, I carefully selected clients who would have little problems dealing with a non-Microsoft operating system. You may have read my take on Ubuntu usage for the average computer user before, but here it is again to setup the rest of the story: I believe that any computer users who uses only email, word processing, Internet, digital photography, and maybe a solitaire or mahjong like game can function perfectly and happily in Ubuntu. Those who need proprietary Windows programs or like to buy and try out different types of software will not do well with Ubuntu.

What do you really do with your computer?

Rick — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 22:38:36 +0000

In my travels, it seems that most home computer users primarily use email. I would love to see 100-200 comments attached to this short article so you can tell me what you use your computer for from day-to-day. You don't have to be statistically accurate or detailed, I'm just curious and this topic is too broad and detailed for a poll. Here's how I use my main computer: Internet (web browsing, pay bills, web site maintenance, etc) - 60% Email - 15% Instructional videos - 10% Word Processing - 8% Desktop publishing (creating newsletters, flyers, calendars, etc) - 2% Skype video calls - 1% Digital Photography (including ordering, editing, and downloading photos) - 1% Games - .33% Other - 2.67% YOUR TURN! Leave a comment and share what you use your primary computer for on average. Thanks!

Microsoft Word’s AutoComplete and AutoCorrect Functions – Video Tip

Rick — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 20:21:29 +0000

If you use Microsoft Word, you may notice that at the end of a letter, if you start typing 'Sin', a little yellow box flashes up with 'Sincerely' in it. Likewise, if you start a letter with 'To whom', the box flashes at you with 'To whom it may concern'.

These little yellow boxes are part of Word's Auto-Complete and Auto Format functions. Microsoft Word tries to guess what you are going to type next and flashes suggestions to you. If the suggestion is correct and you press Enter on your keyboard, Word quickly enters the word or phrase in your document.You also notice it when you mistype the as hte and Word corrects it for you.

5 Reasons why YOU should be moving to the cloud

Rick — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:56:56 +0000

Over the past two or there years, I have written many articles about Web 2.0 or cloud computing. Cloud computing means that you work with programs and/or data that are not installed or saved on your computer. Instead, the programs and/or data live on an Internet connected computer (server) somewhere else in the world. These computers provide security via the password and user name that you choose. Five reason come immediately to mind on why you should start moving your data and computing power to the cloud.

1. Although more powerful than ever before, computers have become more unreliable than ever.

In particular, Windows computers require more expertise to keep them safe, updated, and problem free than at any time in the short history of home computers. Macintosh and Linux operating systems certainly require less technical expertise from the security standpoint, but still rely on desktop applications to create, save and edit data. Web based (cloud) applications provide plenty of power and flexibility for the vast majority of computer users while also presenting a simpler interface.

2. You already spend 90% of your time in the cloud already.

Non-business computer users spend the majority of their computer time