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Basic Programming

One caller today, John, was looking for a basic programming application to teach his grand daughter computer programming. We found this site that has a free basic program available for download.

Myron, from Ontario, wrote in and suggested the following:

The father may wish to check out Python as a modern alternative. It has a simple syntax and encourages good programming habits. One can get into Object Oriented Programming as well as traditional Procedural programming styles. It has been ported to just about every operating system there is!

http://www.python.org/

DSL Reports

DSL Reports is a great web site for testing your Internet speed and tweaking Windows settings to take better advantage of your high speed connection.

Can’t read forwarded message attachments in Outlook

One of our callers today, Jeff, couldn't get forwarded emails to open if they were attachments. We believe this method may work to rectify the situation:

Use the following steps to use the Clear Cache button in Outlook:
1. On the Tools menu, click Options, and then click the Other tab.
2. Click Advanced Options.
3. In the Advanced Options box, click Custom Forms.
4. In the Custom Forms box, click Manage Forms.
5. In the Forms Manager box, click Clear Cache. 

Copy Shortcut for a program to other Windows’ Users

Caller, Marvin, needed to have a program he installed in his user account be available to his wife and daughter. Here's the solution:

1. Make sure that when installing a program if the program gives you the option to install to just you or all users, choose All Users.

2.  IF, that doesn't bring up the icon to the other users, RIGHT click and choose Copy on the program's icon, then Click My Computer, double-click "Shared Documents", Click Edit –> Paste. Now you can log into each of the other users, and copy that shortcut to the desktops of the other users who need access to the program. 

Turn off file sharing when connecting to wireless while travelling

Disable unprotected File Sharing on Windows XP Home

If you use Windows XP Home Edition, then you should avoid sharing files over the campus network and make sure that file sharing is disabled on your computer. NOTE: File sharing is enabled by default when Windows XP Home is installed onto your computer. Since Windows XP Home does not support password-protected file sharing, any person or virus will be able to access your computer without your knowledge if file sharing is enabled. Follow the instructions below to disable unprotected file sharing.

Getting the Mail Button back in IE7 – Revised VIDEO TIP

When you upgrade to IE7 you will notice a total change in the interface. One of the big changes is a lack of menu bar and many of the old buttons.

If you are in the habit of clicking on the little envelope in Internet Explorer to get into your email, you will quickly see that the little envelope is gone.

Here's how to get it back:

1. Right-click on the bar where the buttons should be

2. Choose Customize Command Bar

3. Click Add or Remove Commands

4. In the window that comes up, choose Mail on the left side and click the Add button

5. You will see the Mail button move to the right side. Click on it and click the Move Up botton to place it at the top of the list.

Microsoft Uninstaller Cleanup Utility

When you have a program that won't unstall, read through this page , install the program it links to and follow the directions.

This program removes all of the install information from the Windows registry. From this point you should reinstall the program and then unstall it the normal way.

How to get into Safe Mode when F8 doesn’t work

Some computers will refuse to go into safe mode no matter how quickly you press F8.

If you are using Windows XP, here is how to force your computer to boot up with the safe mode prompt:

  1. Go to START->RUN
  2. Type 'msconfig' into the box (without the quote marks)
  3. Click on the BOOT.INI tab
  4. Check the little box that says /SAFEBOOT
  5. Click Apply and OK
  6. Restart your computer.

To get your computer to stop booting up with the options menu, just repeat this process and uncheck the /SAFEBOOT option