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Windows Key Shortcuts

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

Enable your menus and toolbars in Internet Explorer 9 – Video Tip

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

Must read article for ALL computer illiterate users

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

OpenOffice: The good, bad, and the great – A student’s perspective

  • Bri 
  • 5 min read

Special guest post by Bri Castellini When I got my first laptop, for my sixteenth birthday three and a half years ago, I needed a word processor. Because I got a MacBook, Microsoft Word didn’t really make a lot of sense (plus, it’s super expensive!), and so my dad HelpMeRick helped (hah) me make the switch to a free, open… Read More »OpenOffice: The good, bad, and the great – A student’s perspective

Troubleshooting Sharing Printers in Windows 7 or Vista – Video Tip

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

How to fix Microsoft Outlook email address lookup when composing email

Microsoft Outlook’s time is up…actually it has been up for many years. The interface gets worse and worse. The fact that very few of us work solely on one device makes it more irrelevant. And the fact that transferring of data gets more and more complex is absolutely unconscionable in this day and age of technology. Case in point: Today,… Read More »How to fix Microsoft Outlook email address lookup when composing email

5 Quick and Easy Steps to Spring Clean your PC

Spring has sprung and along with your other spring cleaning chores add these five computer cleaning techniques to keep your computer clean, cool, and happy.

  1. Desktops: Unplug all of your cables (label them if necessary) and take the tower outside. Open up the side (usually thumb screws or a latch on the back of the computer) and blow the dust out of the system with a can of compressed air. I recommend starting from the top and moving towards the bottom making sweeping motions from side to side. Pay particular attention to the vents on the case so your computer breathes well. Don’t over spray the fans as you might cause some damage to
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Burning CDs with Picasa for Linux

Unfortunately, Google has not updated Picasa for Linux in almost 18 months. However, it remains a solid product for Linux users who want to easily manage their photos. I’ve tried F-Spot, but it just doesn’t seem intuitive or robust enough for everyday use. Anyway, I was helping one of my many clients using Linux Mint as their only operating system,… Read More »Burning CDs with Picasa for Linux

9 Tweaks I perform for a new client’s computer

When I meet a client’s computer for the first time, I go through a little routine to check for problems, improve performance, and speed up boot times. You can do it to your own computer too.

  1. Use Task Manager to see how many processes are running and determine how much tweaking I have to do to startup.
  2. Use msconfig to streamline the startup process
  3. Install CCleaner to cleanup temporary files
  4. Check on the amount of RAM in the computer. If less than 1 GB for XP or less than 2 GB for Vista or 7, I recommend an upgrade.
  5. Pull up Crucial.com and run the memory scanner to determine what type of RAM and how much RAM can be added. Print out the results and add Crucial’s phone number.
  6. Talk about Read More »9 Tweaks I perform for a new client’s computer