Great questions this week from Robin, Eileen, Sue, Jewel, Dennis, Gwen, Jack, Monica, Raymond, Jerry, Chris, Len, Barb, Dave, Amin, Sandra, BJ, and Sandra from Phoenix. In order, they asked about an AVG install problem related to a Microsoft download, repeating emails in Outlook, attaching photos to email, upgrading to AVG 9, problem with a web site designed in MS… Read More »Rick Answers his Email Videocast – 065
Google started as a college project 12 years ago, then as a startup search engine just 10 years ago. Today, Google owns more than 60% of all web search traffic and employs close to 22,000 employees worldwide.
You probably interact with Google via their search engine primarily. However, you are missing out on some truly great services that Google also provides in addition to their fast and accurate search engine.
In this article, I will share 7 of the many other services Google provides.
When you arrive at google.com, click the link that says News at the top of the page or you can directly visit news.google.com. Google News is an auto-generated news page that refreshes automatically every 5-10 minutes and displays headlines from more than 4500 news sources around the world. To me, it is the ultimate newspaper?unbiased and unfiltered. And even more helpful, starting a Read More »7 Google services you have never tried
Although I’ve been testing, using and writing about Windows 7 since last year, it has only been on the market 2 weeks. In those two weeks, I have setup 8 or 10 new machines already.
The setup is much faster than Vista, but I’m already getting that same ‘ol, same ‘ol feeling about it as I did with Windows Vista and Office 2007. I don’t doubt that Microsoft went back to the drawing board and tweaked and improved Windows, but overall it really is just Vista, done correctly. Plus the machines it is being released on are monsters: dual and quad core processors, 4, 6, and 8 GB of RAM and fast, capable video processors as well.
I really think the improvements in usability will be completely lost by the majority of average computer users. Pinning programs to the taskbar, jump lists, using the integrated search, file libraries, Home Groups, shaking and pushing Windows to screen edges will Read More »Early thoughts on Windows 7
AOL made millions of dollars for years because computer users are afraid to change their email addresses. All week long, I hear, “Oh, it’s too hard to change email addresses now.” Or, “It will take forever to change my email address with everyone.”
Come on folks…we’re using computers! You don’t have to fill out a change of address form and march it down to the postal office. You don’t have to send out a post card to every person you know. You don’t have to fill out a change of address for all your bills and utilities.
Changing email addresses is actually pretty painless and can be cathartic as well. In fact, think of it as going into the digital identity protection program. Here’s how to make it a smooth transitionRead More »Changing email addresses – It’s not that difficult
Should you carry health insurance? Should you carry car insurance? Should you save for retirement? Should you eat every day? Does a bear…. Well, hopefully you get the picture. The answer is a resounding YES!!
You should backup, and depending on your computer needs and usage your backups should occur frequently (sometimes daily). Many computer users equate backing up their computers with their mother’s giving them castor oil. It’s no fun, but a necessary evil. What is castor oil any way?
Things you should backup on your computer includeRead More »Should I backup?
This week questions arrived from Dan, Sue, Thomas, Stan, Eric, Terri, Jackelyn, Peggy, Cody, and Barb. In order they asked about an anti-brainscan hat (honestly), .data file extensions in Gmail, upgrading to Windows 7, optimizing computer startup, Internet monitoring software, identity theft phone number, free antivirus software, 32 vs. 64 bit Windows 7, missing desktop icons and unsending email. Here… Read More »Rick Answers his Email Videocast -064
After I created an interactive, customized map showing all of the wifi hotspots in Grand Junction, CO, many folks asked my how I did it. Since it is such a visual process, I put together this short instructional video to show you how you can create your own customized Google Map.
This tip conjures up some points from older tips, but needs to be reiterated. Follow these rules-of-thumb to keep your system clean and more importantly running smoothly.
Use these rules when deleting individual files:
looking ‘windows’ icons (see picture), do not delete it (again unless you created it).Use these rules when deleting programs or applications:
I’m always amazed at how surprised computer users become when they learn about a keyboard shortcut. A keyboard shortcut is a combination of keys that you press on your keyboard to perform a particular function. If you learn them and practice them, they can shave hours off of the tedious maneuvering of the mouse.
These are my favorite and most used computer keyboard shortcuts:
| Alt + TAB | Switch between Open Windows |
| Windows key + E | Open Internet Explorer |
| Windows key + M | Minimize all windows and show the desktop |
| Ctrl + C | Copy |
| Ctrl + V or Shift + Insert | Paste |
| Arrow keys | To scroll pages and place my cursor |
| TAB | Move between form fields (boxes) |
| F2 | Rename a file or folder |
| Ctrl + F | Usually on the web to search for a word on a page |
| Windows key + R | Open the Run Command |
Here are a couple more tips thatRead More »Share YOUR Favorite Keyboard Shortcuts
Most of us 40+ 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!
With word processing, the most efficient way to create a document is to Read More »Type first. Edit last.