Since I’ve been featuring tips on file management this week, I thought I would demonstrate how to work with and customize the Mac OSX file management tool known as Finder. The finder is quite powerful as is, but sometimes having quicker access to tools you use often is helpful. Watch this short video to learn how to do just that.
Frequent visitors to this site know that I’m a huge fan of Gmail and recommend it and its web interface. However, every now and then Google introduces some features that perplex me. Some people may like the features, but it is nice to be able to disable them if you don’t use or like the feature. In today’s tip, I… Read More »Disable Gmail Web Clips and Important Markers – Video Tip
We featured this particular tip about a year ago, but it bears repeating. Also, I discovered a few additions.
The Windows Key (located between the Ctrl and Alt keys on your keyboard) allows you to push it and another key to gain quick access to some Windows utilities and programs. Here are the combos:
* Windows Key + F = Find
* Windows Key + E = Windows Explorer (my favorite)
* Windows Key + R = Run
* Windows Key + M = Minimize all open windows so that you can see your desktop again (Windows Key + D will do the same thing)
* Windows Key + C = Control Panel
* Windows Key + Pause/Break = System Properties
Every now and then, I like to bring up tips that appear elementary, but are seldom used. This week’s tip falls into that category.
In my travels, it astounds me how many computer users forget that more than one computer program can be run at a time. The trick is not necessarily running multiple programs, but keeping track of where they are.
If you are using a word processor, for example, and you want to check a reference on the Internet or some other program in your computer, don’t close the word processor. Instead, minimize it so that it appears on the taskbar and then start your other program.
This tip applies to Windows Vista and Windows 7, 8, and 10 users only. Since Microsoft opted to not include XP users in the upgrade path to Internet Explorer 9, you XP users can file this tip until you upgrade to your next computer (if you stay with Windows). If you chose or were automatically updated to Internet Explorer 9, you may… Read More »Enable your menus and toolbars in Internet Explorer 9 – Video Tip
I detest the phrase computer illiterate, but unfortunately hear it almost daily in my work. I think the better way for a computer user who feels inadequate around the technology and the terminology is to refer to themselves as time challenged. Since illiteracy can be thwarted with a healthy dose of education, that leaves making the time to obtain that education the… Read More »Must read article for ALL computer illiterate users
In January, this web site and my business will turn 13 years old. In that time, I have worked on thousands of computers ranging from the oldest DOS machines to the newest gaming and Mac monsters. My youngest client in that time has been 5 years old and my oldest was a 94 year old author writing a book for the first time on a PC. When your work in any field for a certain period of time, you start to spot patterns and consistencies.
After incubating the idea in my head for about six months, I want to share with you (and anyone you forward this article to) my opinion of how to use computer technology with the bare minimum of issues and cash. The following would be my advice to a computer user who truly wanted to follow my advice, no questions asked, based on my knowledge and experience.
Over the years, I try to instill in my readers, clients and folks who take my classes the importance of backing up important data. In addition to helping people recover lost data, I know roughly how a hard drive works, and it scares the heck out of me! Maybe watching this video I found on how a hard drive works… Read More »Best video I’ve seen on how a hard drive works
First look for a button or hot key combination that your laptop might provide to disable the trackpad or adjust its sensitivity…that will be the best method. However, if you cannot find or don’t have that option, these two downloads may help you type in more peace with your laptop: TouchFreeze TouchPadPal
Windows Vista and 7 have helped make networking computers a little easier, but there are still some idiosyncrasies that can be irritating. One of those is the default password required for sharing of printers or files. You can shut it off, thankfully. Here’s how: Click Start Type: Advanced Look for and click Manage Advanced Sharing Options Scroll down to the Password Protected… Read More »Troubleshooting Sharing Printers in Windows 7 or Vista – Video Tip